Twenty Two

He gave Shane a hard kick to his arm.

The billionaire laughed and rubbed. "Feisty, aren't you?"

"I told you to stop."

"And I told you why. I paid a good price for you."

"What kind of person pays five million dollars to have sex with someone against their will? What kind of organisation are you even running?"

Shane frowned. "You ask too many questions." He rolled off the bed and tied a handkerchief around Roman's mouth before headed for the door. "I'll come back when you're in a better mood."

Alone in the room, Roman's mind began to race. There was nothing in sight in front of him that he could use to his advantage to escape.

He had nothing on him, not even a phone except the second tracker in his boxers.

Knowing Dean, he'd probably be checking his app.

Unless Dwayne tried to deter him. Who knew what his traitorous cousin had told him.

He yanked at his cuffs even though it was hopeless. There was no way out for him. It was impossible to move.

His thoughts went back to the day before when Dean had sent him to work. It was the last time he would see Dean and he didn't even know that he was saying goodbye.

Dean decided to hell with it as he took out the can of Coke from the vending machine.

He didn't care if Roman thought he was being hard pressed. The auburn haired cop had every right to be worried. Sitting at his desk and taking out his cellphone, he switched on the tracking app. His eyes fell on Tracker 1 which stated his current location as Rosey's house.

That was odd.

Roman always finished work at six; the longest he had stretched was six thirty.

Tracker 2 was at No 5 Haydon Heights Hills.

Dean knew that neighborhood well. He had relatives who lived around the area. The whole community were top elites including that of Dean's family though his parents wanted their own privacy hence why they never bought a home there.

He grabbed his can of Coke and immediately left the station, heading for his car. He'd follow Tracker 2's location, he decided as he turned on the ignition and started to drive towards the location.

Why would Roman go to a house there? As far as he knew, the Wellington Hotel did not offer outdoor catering.

To ease himself, he switched on the radio. Bryan Adams was playing now and Dean felt an unexplained pain in his heart then.

Look into your heart – you will find

There's nothin' there to hide.

Take me as I am, take my life.

I would give it all, I would sacrifice.

Don't tell me it's not worth fightin' for

I can't help it, there's nothin' I want more

You know it's true:

Everything I do, I do it for you, oh, yeah.

He'd probably have to listen to Roman complain of how he was doing it again, being so stubborn. Maybe he ought to go on the internet and google ways to placate a loved one.

Upon finding the house, Dean strolled to the front gate and pressed the buzzer.

The gates opened and he walked into the pathway before he was greeted at the front door by a physically toned white haired man wearing just a white towel around his waist. Dean's heart rate increased. "Can I help you?" the man asked.

Dean cleared his throat. "Yeah I'm looking for Roman Reigns. He's about six feet three and Samoan… umm black hair…"

"I know who he is," the man interrupted. "He's resting after our…" He looked down at his towel. "Well you know."

The blue eyed man's heart dropped to his feet then.

Roman? And this man? How the hell did they even meet?

"Can I know who's asking for him?" the man continued. "I'd hate to wake him up."

Dean felt numb. He didn't know what to think. "It's okay," he said softly. "I'll just call him or something."

"Okay," the man replied with a smile. "See you."

The door was shut in front of Dean's face.

He felt like he couldn't breathe. Roman betraying him? After all his talk about loving him and wanting to take care of him and… Dean ran a hand through his hair in frustration. What had he done that was so bad that Roman decided he was not enough?

He knew he had to contemplate his next move. But he couldn't think. All he could hear was the sound of his heart breaking and see the future he had dreamt for them burning to the ground.

Love hurts.

Dean wished there and then he had never felt it. He was doing fine without it until he stepped into that cafe.

No.

Roman was not getting away scot free for this. He had strung him along like an idiot. He was going to get a piece of Dean's mind before they parted ways.

He took out the promise ring and knocked on the door.

The man answered it after a while. "Yes?"

Dean pushed past him, ignoring the man calling out to him. He grabbed the man. "Which room is he in?"

The man gulped. Dean knew he could be downright intimidating. "Second door on the right, second floor."

He pushed him aside and ran up the stairs.

"Roman Reigns, you son of a bitch!" he shouted. "You fucking liar! Who the hell do you think you are? I wish I never met you. You really made a fool out of me. I hope you're happy. I never want to see you again!" He threw the ring at the door. "I fucking hate you!"

He was pretty sure he had more on his mind. He wanted to shake Roman and demand answers but he could not guarantee what would happen if he had confronted him face to face.

He tried to open the door but it was locked.

"Coward! Come outside and face me like a man!"

Still not a word.

Behind him, the man cleared his throat. "With all due respect, he's taking his nap or a shower. Come back later perhaps?"

"I'm not coming back at all!" Dean snapped. "Fuck it. You two deserve each other!"

"I didn't know he was seeing someone. Had I known… we connected so well him and I. Naturally I thought…"

Dean didn't want to hear anymore. He left the house, his faith in love shattered.

Roman knew he had to be smart.

After all, Bill had taught him well. He could hear Dean screaming at him, thinking that he had been cheated on.

He'd settle with Dean later.

First he had to get out of here.

Shane entered the room with a huge smile. Roman reminded himself to remain calm. "That's quite a temper he has," he remarked.

Roman rolled his eyes.

Shane removed his gag. "Are you in a better mood now?"

He nodded. "My arms are tired," he complained. "How am I supposed to make love to you while I'm handcuffed?"

Shane slowly smiled. "I like the attitude. Sure. I'll remove them."

"Thank you."

"But you'll have to kiss me first."

Roman grinned. "Gladly."

Shane leaned close to him and Roman jerked his body forward so that their lips could meet halfway.

He sucked on Shane's top lip before doing the same to his bottom one. That got the billionaire aroused and he excused himself to go to the bedside table.

Opening the drawer, he removed the key and unlocked both cuffs. "There," he said as Roman stood up. "Who's been a good boy?"

Roman smiled. "Me."

He clocked Shane on the face with as much might as he could muster and just when Shane staggered, Roman speared him straight into the wall.

That knocked the billionaire out.

He did it! He actually did the spear.

There was no time to rejoice. He quickly grab the cuffs and turned Shane over, snapping them over the billionaire's wrists.

Grabbing his clothes, he quickly dressed himself.

As he walked, his left foot stepped on something. Bending down, he saw it was the promise ring he had bought for Dean.

His boyfriend must have thrown it, he thought in dismay. He'd have it back on his fiery tempered boyfriend's finger again.

He'd make sure of it.

He put on his shoes before he ran into the hall. Upon seeing a car key on the table, he grabbed it before heading straight for the front door.

"Dean, what's wrong?" John asked when the auburn haired cop strolled into the station with a deadly glare. "Is it about Roman?"

Dean slammed the manila folder on his table, startling his partner.

"Okay… so it is about him. What happened?"

Dean frowned.

"Dean, arguments are bound to happen between couples. It's normal. But when two people love each other-"

"John," he said in a menacing tone, "don't ever talk to me about love. Don't quote it. Don't paraphrase it. Block me if you ever tweet about it."

His partner looked worried now. "Dean-"

"Not a word more."

"But why?"

Dean lost it then. "He's cheating on me!"

John looked surprised. "What? That's impossible, Dean. He-"

"I met the other guy! I fucking saw him greeting me at his house wearing nothing but a towel!" He kicked his desk. "Damn it!"

"I'm sorry, Dean," John apologised quietly. "I honestly did not see this coming."

The auburn haired cop hung his head down. "That's the problem. None of us did." He shook his head. "I'm clocking out early. I need a drink and a good fuck."

"Dean, why don't you go home and rest first?"

"I need to get rid of him from my mind, John!"

"But it doesn't work that way. It'll take you months."

Dolph approached him with caution then, slowly walking towards John and him. "Dean, there's someone to see you in the interrogation room."

He stalked towards the room without a reply to Dolph and entered it, slamming the door shut behind him.

A tired looking Roman had stopped in mid pace and was looking at him, guarded. The nerve of him showing up at the station.

He clenched his fists.

"Dean," Roman said slowly. "Please hear me out before you say a word."

"Oh I've heard enough," Dean countered.

"Dean-"

"That's Detective Ambrose to you now."

Roman winced at his tone. "No. You're still mine, Dean. I did nothing wrong."

"Like hell you didn't-"

"Dean Jonathan Ambrose, I will tie you down to a chair and freaking gag you if that'll be what it takes to make you listen. So sit down and shut up." Then he added softly, "Please."

He knew he should not let Roman get away with what he has just said but a huge part of him wanted to hear what the Samoan man had to say.

"What, Roman?" he said as he sat down. "What do you want from me?"

"Your love," the raven haired man replied simply.

Dean glared at him. "You had it and then you threw it away."

Roman reached into his pocket and took out the promise ring. "You did too."

"You must be out of your mind if you think I'd keep that ring after discovering your fucking affair."

"Except that I wasn't having an affair. Dean, we've been betrayed. I was sold last night."

His eyes widened immediately. "What?"

"Dwayne's in on the whole deal… unfortunately so is Rosey."

"What the hell?! Dwayne? Your cousin? Don't tell me he did it for the money too."

Roman's slow nod threw him off guard. "He admitted as much. Dean, he's been seeing Zack behind both John and your back for years."

He rubbed his temples slowly, eyes on the floor now. Zack's unfaithfulness ran deep. And Roman…

His eyes fell on his boyfriend.

Roman was here.

But how?

"How did you manage to escape?" he asked, his voice barely audible.

"I tricked him into thinking I wanted him and when he unlocked the cuffs, I clocked him before I speared him." Roman sounded excited and Dean couldn't help but feel proud of him. "He was knocked out. Don't worry though; I cuffed him so he can't escape."

"So you heard everything I was yelling at you."

"Yeah. I couldn't answer you because I was gagged. I wanted to reply you so badly but he had handcuffed me to the bed." Roman looked saddened. "Dwayne had knocked me out with chloroform. I don't remember anything about the auction."

Dean nodded and stood up. "I'm going to need you to write your statement. John and I will get some guys and head back there. I'll get Dolph to hand you the form."

He was about to leave the room when Roman called out to him, holding up the ring. "You forgot this."

Dean gazed at him, slightly shaking his head. "Save it for someone who's worthy of receiving your love."

He closed the door behind him, feeling all kinds of sadness.

Dean and John discussed on making the arrests. In the end, John said he'd head to the mansion with several cops while Dean would go to Rosey's house with Dolph.

As he drove, his thoughts wandered to Roman.

There was no way they could be together after what happened. Dean didn't deserve Roman's love.

He had been too busy yelling at him while he was handcuffed in the room. He was a horrible boyfriend. No wonder everyone left him.

Roman deserved someone who would cherish him and treat him like a precious diamond.

"Your boyfriend is a looker," Dolph said.

"He's not my boyfriend," Dean replied.

"You guys aren't together? Wow Brennan is going to be on the moon hearing that."

Dean said nothing.

When he reached Rosey's house, he wasted no time in knocking on his front door. When the door swung open, Dean pushed him on the floor.

Rosey was too slow for the auburn haired cop and it didn't take long for him to be handcuffed.

"I have rights!" the traitorous brother of the only man Dean had ever loved yelled.

"You do," Dean agreed. "You have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions. Anything you say may be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to consult an attorney before speaking to the police and to have an attorney present during questioning now or in the future. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?"

"No. My lawyer will hear about this!"

Dean shrugged and pulled him up. "You can call him down at the station."

"You're not good enough for Roman! You're-"

"Shut up!" Dolph snapped.

He was placed in the backseat of the car. Dean closed the door behind, locking it. After all some of Roman's things may still be in there and as of now, the house was under police investigation.

With Rosey and that man who bought Roman being brought into their custody, perhaps Roman could sleep easy tonight.

Roman watched Dean talk to Mark through the open blinds from far as he sat in the physical examination office of the police station. The nurse had put cream on his bruises and did bodily swabs before leaving him alone.

A cop - Brennan something - came in and asked him some questions regarding his statement. Roman gave him as much as information as he could, all the while wondering why it wasn't Dean in there with him.

The Samoan chef wanted nothing more than to hold his boyfriend in his arms. From what Dean had said before he left for the arrest, it was as if they were done.

If Roman had anything to say about it, they were far from it.

Dean was probably beating himself about what he had yelled at the mansion.

After answering the questions, Brennan asked him if he needed the station to arrange for him to see a counselor.

Roman shook his head. "No. But can you let Dean know I'm done?"

The dark haired cop nodded his head. "Sure, I'll let him know. He's busy with Captain Calaway."

Roman hoped he would be done soon.

"Ummm…" Brennan said, "this is probably not the best time but I heard you're single. And I was wondering if you'd like to grab some coffee sometime this week?"

Roman was stunned. "You heard I was what?" he asked. "From whom?"

"Dolph. Dean said you weren't his boyfriend."

Roman frowned. "He said that?"

"Yeah. I'll go get Dean. Let me know about that coffee."

He left Roman staring at the wall in frustration.

"I'll get John to interrogate him," Captain Calaway asked.

Dean shook his head. "No," he declined. "I'll do it. I want to know how he got Roman and the contacts he had to be able to find Zack and the auction. Then I'm making my arrest."

"Tell me what you need and I'll get it for you."

"What I really want is him and me in a building with no way out. We can finish it to the end there."

"That's suicide, Dean. And we have procedures in place."

Dean shook his head. "Procedures? With all due respect, Captain, procedures be damned. Zack broke the rules so clearly he doesn't care too much about them either."

"But you do. Despite your sometimes unorthodox methods, you care about the rules."

"Well now I don't."

There was a knock on the door. "Come in," Captain announced.

Brennan stuck his head in. "Ummm Roman is done with the examination and questioning."

The Captain nodded. "Why don't you go see Roman?" he suggested to Dean. "I'll get John to talk to the guy."

"But-" Dean protested.

"I insist. Right now, I suggest that you tend to Roman first. John can fill you in later."

He sighed and left the office and headed for the examination room. Roman was sipping water from a styrofoam cup when he entered the room. "Are you okay?" he asked, closing the door behind him before shutting the blinds.

"Yeah I am," Roman replied. "I'm kind of immune to things like that now."

"It's the shock. Once it wears out, you'll feel the-"

"That's not it. You know what I'm shocked about? That I'm not your boyfriend anymore."

The Samoan man sounded like he was controlling his anger. "Roman-"

"I wasn't aware we had broken up. Dean, you didn't do anything wrong. You couldn't have known any better with what you saw in front of you."

Dean shook his head. "You're better off without me. You'll see for yourself."

Roman lost it then. "You don't know that, Dean! I'm beside myself wondering why you don't want me anymore until I realised that you're putting yourself down again. The way you had when you thought Zack was dead. I love you, damn it. You're mine and I'm yours and that's the way it will always be. Got it?"

The auburn haired cop stared at the raven haired man in astonishment. Roman's assertiveness was something that was going to get used to but Dean felt a sense of pride seeing him this way.

"Roman-"

Anything he wanted to say next was lost when Roman's lips covered over his. Dean tried to push him away but his boyfriend held him tight, refusing to let him go.

He squirmed but that only made Roman's hold tighter, still determined he was to get the cop to reciprocate.

Dean gave up, wounding his arms around Roman's neck and started kissing him back just as fiercely.

Roman seemed to be telling him through his kisses how much he loved him and Dean responded back with equal fervor.

They pulled apart about the same time and stared at one another. Without saying a word, Roman took his hand and placed the promise ring through his finger again.

Dean reeled him in and kissed him again.

Outside the room, John gave a high five to both Brennan and Dolph. "Good idea on saying Brennan was "interested" in him," he said. "And Brennan, good call on asking him out."

"They belong together," Brennan replied. "Anyone can see that. Even Roman. He seemed frustrated after I told him what Dean had said."

"Well, hopefully Dean sees it now too. Come on. Beer's on me."

A/N Dean's confrontation with Zack is up next. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Thank you for your favorite/follows/reviews. I appreciate more than you know :-)