Right...quick note: as always thanks for the reviews! I had a bit of fun writing this chapter so I hope you find it enjoyable.
Without further ado...
"Alright boys – 'eres an easy one: Anne Boleyn died in what way?" Pete stared around his classroom, noticing all of the boys avoiding his gaze. He sighed slightly, "Jackie boy – tell us how did Ms Boleyn die?" he said arbitrarily calling on one of the boys.
The slightly chubby blonde boy looked up with a bored expression on his face, "Erm, venereal disease?" Pete nearly choked at his answer, while the rest of the class broke into a fit of laughter. Unbelievable, we just went over this, Pete thought in frustration wondering where the young boy had even heard of VD.
"What in God's name have you been teaching these boys, Mr. Dunham?" Pete breathed a sigh of relief at the voice of the angel that would serve to help end this miserable Monday. He turned to see Josie's small body framed in the large doorway of the classroom, grinning delightedly at him. He couldn't stop the smile that broke onto his face at the sight of her.
Various shouts resounded around the room and most of the boys rushed at Josie, vying for her attention before Pete even had a chance to respond, "Miss Murphy! Where ya been?"
"Did you drive 'ere in a tank?"
"Anne Boleyn died of VD that she got from her brother! Mr. Dunham taught us so."
Pete cringed as the boys stood exceedingly close to Josie, grabbing onto her hands and dragging her to the center of the room, shoving him out of the way as they went while they led her to a desk in the middle of the classroom. He rolled his eyes at the sight, they're like dogs in heat, he thought angrily before giving an internal laugh, God I 'ave a serious problem if I'm jealous of ten-year olds. He heaved a sigh of resignation, allowing the boys to crowd around her for a few minutes chattering on about everything under the sun.
Finally he shoved his way through the crowd of boys to rescue Josie, "Alright boys, back to yer seats. You lot promised to behave or else this is the last time Miss Murphy'll be allowed to visit."
He took her hand gently and pulled her up out of the desk, leading her to the front of the room as the boys fussed and moaned at being ordered back to their seats, "Threatening ten year old boys now, Dunham?" Josie whispered softly with a slight smirk.
"I have to if I want you to myself," he whispered back, "You're too bewitching for yer own good." Josie colored slightly at his words causing Pete to smirk down at her suggestively.
"Hey now, we're in front of a group of ten-year olds, could you at least attempt to not act like you're going to take me on the desk in front of them?" Josie whispered back as Pete blushed at the thought, inappropriate fantasies filling his head that he desperately tried to ignore, not an easy task when Josie was walking so close to him.
Pete turned to face the boys, leaning against the desk as Josie leapt nimbly to sit on top of it, crossing her legs as the boys stared up at her. She held their full attention easily, "Now boys, what have we been working on lately?" she asked lightly.
All twenty hands shot in the air and Josie looked around the room, "Hmm, how's about Tommy?" Pete's eyes widened in surprise, shocked that she still managed to remember all the boys names when he could barely keep them straight and he saw them daily.
Tommy blushed deeply under Josie's gaze and he lowered his eyes beneath his wire-rimmed glasses, speaking so softly Josie and Pete both leaned forward to hear him, "We've been learnin' about Henry the VIII, Miss, and all the ladies that fancied 'im."
Josie grinned as the rest of the boys eagerly started telling her all about the different wives and how King Henry was a 'fat bastard' as Jackie called him which promptly earned him a trip to the office. The final hour of the day passed quickly for Pete as the boys were so well behaved that he thought about recruiting Josie fulltime. Finally the bell rang shrilly and the boys leaped out of their desks, cheerily waving goodbye to both Pete and Josie forcing her to promise she'd come back soon.
As the last boy filed out Pete moved quickly towards Josie, who was still seated on the desk, fitting his body easily between her legs and burying his hands in her hair as he kissed her gently, "I've been dyin' to do that for the last hour," he whispered into her ear softly.
"Mm, well somehow I don't think the boys' parents would approve of that particular type of education being taught," Josie replied lightly and Pete licked his lips at the sight of her. It had only been a few hours since they'd been in bed but he couldn't help the desire coursing through his veins. He moved her scarf aside, grinning at the sight of her neck. He ran a finger along the marks smirking as she shuddered at his touch and he leaned down to place a tender kiss on the hollow of her neck when a loud bang on the door interrupted him.
"Oi you two get caught shagging on the desk by anyone else you'll be out of a job mate," Paddy shouted loudly, laughing as Pete leapt away from Josie as though burned and she quickly tried to rearrange her mussed up hair and the scarf to ensure nothing could be seen.
Paddy stood in the doorway, green eyes shining at the sight of the two of them, "Ah thank fuck you took this miserable sod back Joze, he was so depressin' to be around I felt like I'd just been dumped."
Josie smiled and jumped off the desk, hurrying over to give Paddy a hug. He swept her into his arms, spinning her around and around. He held on a bit too long for Pete's liking and he cleared his throat loudly, "Unhand my girlfriend, ya bloody mick – yer worse than the boys were."
Paddy relinquished his hold on Josie and Pete pulled her possessively into the crook of his arm, "Seriously babe, why don't you just piss on me? Then no other man would ever come near me," she said in a slightly disgruntled tone.
Pete flushed considerably while Paddy laughed loudly, pinching Pete's cheek and patting his face roughly, "She's right ya know. Though I doubt even the smell of you doin' that would keep the hoard of men jostling for yer place."
Josie punched Paddy in the stomach lightly, "You boys are gonna give me a big head, the only one who wants me so bad is Dunham here."
Paddy snorted at her words, "Jaysus Joze, yer lucky yer cute cause you certainly aint that bright…ow!" he cried out at the smack Pete had just laid on his face, "What the fuck was that for?"
"Mr. O'Callaghan! Mr. Dunham! How many times will I have to speak to you boys about your language and conduct?" Ms Reed glared at the two men until she spotted Josie hidden behind Pete's large frame. Her eyes lit up at the sight of her and she held her arms open towards her, "Oh Miss Murphy! How good to see you. How have you been dear? I do wish I could steal you from the museum. You might be able to control these boys if you were teachin' here."
Josie grinned back at the older woman, "Not bloody likely Miss, they're impossible – you're a saint for even hiring them," she replied moving out into the hallway to chat with her while the two boys stared after her in amazement.
"Un-fuckin-believable," Paddy said, dropping his voice low, "Is there anyone that isn't absolutely in love with that girl?"
Pete stared in wonder at Josie as she threw her head back in laughter at whatever Ms. Reed had just said to her, "She is amazin'. Even the wicked witch loves 'er."
"And yer a twat for almost throwin' her away, yer damn lucky no one snatched her up in that time," Pete growled in response, resisting the urge to punch his friend square in the face. The worst part being he knew it was true and there was no argument he could make to the contrary.
The two men continued to stare at Josie and a few minutes later she wrapped up the conversation, rejoining them in Pete's classroom. She immediately stepped into Pete's waiting arms, wrapping her arm around his waist, "Feed me please, I'm starving."
He stared down in her big brown eyes, snorting as she tried to pull a puppy dog face complete with a big pout, "Yer pathetic but adorable nonetheless. Thought you were grabbin' a bite with Emma?"
Josie's face darkened slightly causing Pete to glance down at her in confusion. He rubbed her back soothingly, "You ok love?"
"Hm?" she asked distractedly, "Fine, just fine babe. Emma snacked all day so she didn't want any lunch," turning away from him quickly she turned towards Paddy, "Paddycakes – you comin' with us?" He gave her a grin and pulled her into his side, messing her hair up much to her chagrin.
"And miss out on a date with my favorite Yankee-Irish thinga-ma-jig? Iiii don't think so lady," Paddy said as Josie laughed up at him.
"Peteee," Josie whined, "Your idiot co-worker just called me a thinga-ma-jig, defend my honor," she said goofily as she pointed at Paddy, "Beat him senseless, now!"
Pete laughed loudly, sweeping her up into his arms bridal style as she squealed lightly, "There'll be no beating this afternoon – let's get some food in you." He walked out of the classroom, grabbing her coat and bag as he continued to march down the hallway, holding tight to Josie while Paddy walked alongside them.
Pete finally set her down when they reached outdoors, gripping her hand in his as he led the way towards the Greek place across the way from the school. Pete let Paddy and Josie catch up, preferring to enjoy listening to their playful banter instead of participate. Paddy gave her a lot of shit but Josie easily gave it right back and hearing the two of them happily chatter away thrilled him. With Paddy he never had to worry about Josie because there was no danger of the GSE to contend with.
Lunch passed quickly, Josie gulping down glasses of wine while forcing the boys to take shots of Ouzo as a celebration of their reunion. Every so often Pete noticed Josie get a strange glint in her eye and she seemed slightly on edge. Normally a day at the museum spent with Emma calmed her down. Pete watched her carefully, wondering just what she was hiding. There was something off about her and he was going to get to the bottom of it.
A few hours later Pete and Josie were strolling hand in hand towards the Abbey having left Paddy after their marathon lunch with Josie stumbling ever so slightly, "Yer sucha light weight, love." Pete said with a smile as he pulled her close to him, kissing her temple lightly.
"Bugger off Dunham, so sorry I'm not a big hefty drinkin' Fleet man." She said, slurring her words ever so slightly.
"Thank God for small miracles Joze, cause you'd have to be about a few stone heavier and about a foot taller to be an elite drinker," he said.
Josie grinned up at him, "Soo I'd basically have to be the size of Swill?"
He laughed at her words, "Just about. And the last thing I want is a Swill sized lady friend."
She arched an eyebrow at him, "Hmm, I'll have to make sure you're not eyein' Swill in any creepy way tonight – I mighta put the thought into your head."
Pete frowned, poking her in her side sharply, "You doubtin' me already Murphy?"
A shadow passed over her face and was gone so quick he could've imagined it, "Course not, Dunham," she managed to smile brightly at him.
He pulled her hand, stopping her and forcing her to face him, "Something's wrong with you." He stated, not even bothering to phrase it as a question. Pete could read her better than he could read the boys he'd grown up with.
Josie's eyes narrowed slightly at him and Pete gulped, forgetting how her mood swung wildly when she had a bit of drink in her. He'd thought her brother Ronan was a volatile drunk until she'd gotten fully pissed at the Abbey's New Year's party which ended with him just narrowly avoiding being struck by a champagne glass that she'd thrown at his head after an argument over English football versus American football.
"Oh really? And what's that?" she questioned, her jaw set tensely.
"Josie relax," he rubbed her arms softly, "I'm just sayin' you seem upset about something."
She relaxed slightly, dropping the angry face, "I'm just tired is all – haven't had much sleep as of late, especially after Saturday night," she said distracting him easily when he thought of how they'd been making up for the past two weeks apart.
"I know what yer tryin' to do," Pete groaned as he leaned in to kiss her roughly, moaning when she pulled her body against his.
"I've not a clue what you're talking about," she said as she met the force of his lips, running her tongue along Pete's lips.
He broke away from her after a few minutes, panting for air as wonders never ceased to amaze him how her kiss still managed to leave him breathless after almost a year together, "Yer the devil in high heels, you are. But I'll figure it out eventually love," he said tapping her nose lightly, "Promise."
Josie heaved a sigh, relinquishing her tight grip on him, "I wish you wouldn't." she said seriously and Pete felt his heart pound at her tone wondering just what was running through her head.
"Don't you trust me?" Josie stared up into his blue eyes, feeling her heart break at the look.
"Of course I do idiot," she said, turning away from him and clasping his hand tightly in hers as she dragged him down the final block towards the Abbey, "I'll tell you eventually but…you've got to let me work this out of my own first."
Josie bit her lip nervously, knowing how Pete was when it came to her. Impatient didn't even begin to define it. Finally, he sighed, rubbing his hand through his hair in frustration and forcing her to stop once more, "Fine Joze, but promise you'll tell me – when you're ready that is?"
He held his pinky up to her and the grin that finally danced across her face made him sigh in relief as she linked fingers with him, "I love you Pete." She whispered, standing on tiptoe to press her lips to his, "I promise."
"Good enough for me," he kissed her once more before dragging her close to him and pulling her into the Abbey.
Josie allowed Pete to lead her through the throng of people crowded in the Abbey, holding tight to his hand as he shoved his way through, "Is there a reason there are so many people here on a Monday?" she shouted over the noise while Pete simply responded with a look that implied she should know by now there wasn't a slow day at the Abbey, most especially not during football season.
Pete tightened his grip on her hand as they finally made it through to their usual back table seeing Swill, Dave, Matt, Ike, Ned, Keith and Bovver camped out there. At the sight of Bovver Josie felt her stomach twist in anger and she bit her lip to stop herself from launching into him right there. To his credit Bovver met her infuriated look with one of utter disdain which only served to anger her even further.
Josie glanced up at Pete to see the looks on both his girlfriend and best mate's faces hadn't passed unnoticed. He shot a warning glare at Bovver before looking down at Josie in confusion. It was well known she was no fan of Bovver but she always tried to play the bigger person and was exceedingly nice to him to the point of excessive. The complete 180 of her attitude put Pete on high alert, wondering just what had occurred for her sudden change. He thought quickly, trying to remember any recent encounters eventually shrugging it off and figuring it must relate to how gleeful Bovver had been to hear of their short-lived breakup.
"Aye aye boys," Pete yelled to the group, wrapping a protective arm around Josie as he took an empty seat and pulled her onto his lap. The majority of the boys returned the sentiment with Swill drunkenly rubbing the top of Josie's head playfully as she swatted his hands away from her hair. She stuck her tongue out at him while giving him the finger at the same time causing the collected boys to break into laughter.
Josie moved up to the bar to grab pints for her and Pete before they settled in for a few hours of socializing with the GSE. She realized just how much she'd missed hanging with all the boys as well as Pete versus the more subdued visits she'd had with Ike, Swill and Dave over the past weeks. Every so often she'd notice Pete staring at her thoughtfully throughout the night, trying to suss out whatever she was thinking. The look made her nervous and she knew she'd have to act quickly with Bovver or else she'd break down and tell Pete everything.
A few hours into the night she got her chance. Josie had been nursing pints so as to have a semi-clear head when she talked to Bovver. She glanced around the room just in time to see him disappear into the bathroom. She quickly leapt off Pete's lap to follow him. She was stopped when Pete grabbed onto her hand, "Where you goin' babe?"
"Bathroom," she replied quickly, avoiding his gaze before pulling her hand free from his grip to hurry to catch Bovver. She dodged the crowd easily, weaving through until she reached the short hallway away from the main bar where the toilets were located. Josie stood in front the gents taking a deep breath and praying she'd find Bovver alone.
Luck was with her.
Bovver was standing at the sink, washing his hands and he gave a startled look at the loud bang of the door hitting the wall but as soon as he caught sight of her his eyes narrowed in rage, "Da fuck you want? This is the boys room Yank, piss off."
"I don't think so Bov," she said, slamming the door shut and locking it so no one could interrupt her, "See – I'm right where I need to be. In the Abbey. With Pete. And I'd like to remind you of that tiny little fact: that I am with Pete – permanently."
Bovver sneered back at her, a reply on the tip of his tongue that she cut off quickly, "Ran into a friend of yours today…Liam. Name ring a bell?" At her words, his face paled considerably and he took a nervous step back from her, "He seems to think a debt is owed to him for a little job he pulled for you."
Bovver recovered quickly, face falling back into a casual disgust, "Never 'eard of 'im." He said, taking a long drag of his cigarette before blowing the smoke directly in Josie's face.
Determinedly she stepped closer to him, ignoring the acrid smell that invaded her nostrils and caused her eyes to water slightly, "Now now that's not gonna fly Bov," she said in a false playful tone, "You listen and you listen real close – I warned you months ago that what I do with Pete has nothing to do with you," she jabbed a finger into his chest roughly, "But you couldn't leave it alone, could you?
"I'm only going to say this One. More. Time – you stay the fuck out of my life. I find out you're trying to sabotage my relationship with Pete I will destroy you, mark my words. That man – your supposed best mate – is my life now and you threaten it again you better make yourself scarce because you do not want to see what I'm capable of."
Josie stood toe to toe with Bovver, glaring angrily into his eyes, breathing heavily with her anger when he grabbed her arm tightly, "Just what is it you think you could do to hurt me, Yank?"
"I'll tell Pete just exactly what it is you've done," she smiled sweetly up at him, enjoying the way his face paled again, a fearful shadow passing over his face, "And if you aren't scared of me you sure as fuck are gonna be scared of him because whether you like it or not – I'm here to stay."
With that she quickly kneed him in the bollocks, satisfied when he dropped to the floor writhing in pain as she whirled around to leave the bathroom. She felt her heart racing frantically, not bothering to give a backward glance as she hurried into the ladies room to calm herself down before returning to Pete.
Glancing in the mirror, Josie examined the way her hair was thrown wildly around and the color that painted her normally pale face. She splashed water over her face, noticing her hands were shaking slightly over the encounter. After a minute or two of taking deep breaths she finally felt she could avoid Pete determining something had happened and she hurried out of the bathroom anxious to be back with him before Bovver could get out there first. She smirked to herself realizing the blow to him would most likely leave him out of action for quite some time and she practically skipped back to Pete, bolstered by the thought that he'd definitely leave her and Pete alone now.
Pete searched the crowd impatiently, wondering where Josie had gotten to. She'd run off to the bathroom in a hurry and it'd been at least ten minutes since she'd disappeared. He tapped his foot anxiously knowing he was overreacting but he couldn't help it, when she wasn't around he just felt off like he'd lost the use of his right hand.
Suddenly he felt a pair of hands cover his eyes and the scent of apples filled his nose. He sighed in relief as she whispered, "Guess who?" in his ear and he shuddered slightly at the warm breath that tickled the back of his neck. He wrapped his hand around her wrist and pulled her quickly back into his lap, dipping her back as he nuzzled his nose with hers.
He kissed her lips softly before pulling away to stare down at her happy to see she seemed more at ease than she had earlier in the night, "Alright gorgeous?" he whispered with a smile.
Josie felt her heart rate quicken, staring into Pete's clear-blue eyes, "Never better."
"You ready to tell me what's runnin' thru that pretty little 'ead of yers?"
She heaved a deep sigh at his relentless pursuit, "You keep asking me I'll let it slip to the boys how you cried at the end of The Notebook."
Pete's eyes widened in horror, "I had somethin' in my eye! Dunham's don't cry," he stated stubbornly.
"Oh you cried like a baby and you know it. I think you even drunkenly mentioned how 'their love was so pure and a lifelong connection of the highest magnitude'" Josie said with a smirk, though the glint that appeared in Pete's eyes caused her to bite her lip nervously just when he started tickling her mercilessly.
She squealed loudly, attracting looks from others surrounding them that neither noticed, "Alright, alright – I submit! Dunham's are the toughest blokes out there."
"You know it," he kissed her nose lightly, "Wanna get outta 'ere love?" he said softly, wanting nothing more than to be in his flat with just her where they could play catch up. He missed knowing every little thing that had happened in her life. She was hands down his favorite person in the world to talk to, above his mates even.
Josie smirked up at him misunderstanding what he was thinking, "You're tryin' to kill me."
He laughed at what she was implying and his thoughts turned easily to having her back in his bed, "Maybe later – I was thinkin' more along the lines of grabbin' some take-out, camping out on the couch and watching a little Football Factory while you tell me every single, silly detail from the past two weeks?"
She arched an eyebrow, "Football Factory, Dunham?"
He backtracked quickly, "The Notebook?" he said, giving into her easily.
"Deal," she grinned, pressing a kiss to his lips, "After you have a little cry fest, then we can hit the bedroom."
"Cheeky slag," he murmured happily, pulling her up carefully. He threw her jacket at her as she grabbed her bag and he took her hand to lead her through the crowd. The boys shouted their goodbyes as the couple waved to them walking out into the cold, dark night.
"Fuck it's gotten chilly," he said wrapping an arm around Josie and pulling her tightly into his side, "Ya know what's funny?"
"What's that Pete," she said, shivering slightly which caused Pete to hold her tighter to him, rubbing his hand up and down her arm to warm her up.
"Nearly one full year ago I was a pathetic tosspot who didn't know what he was missin' out on. All I thought of life was drinkin' with the boys, football and my reputation with the GSE. Then this silly little Yank comes along and knocks me over, stealin' my soul in the process," Josie felt her stomach flutter with butterflies at his words, knowing she'd been the same – minus the boys and football of course.
"If I remember correctly, and I do – " she said giving him an appraising look, "You ran into me."
"Lucky for me," he answered seriously, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, "I was lookin' for you, ya know that?"
Josie's mouth dropped in surprise, "Looking for me? How come?" she questioned, remembering the first day they'd met and not recalling any hint of him being interested.
Pete stared down at her as they walked, gazing in wonder at the way her cheeks were colored from the cold and the sparkle in her eyes that always seemed to shine just for him, "Aw Jesus Joze, I've wanted you since the minute I saw you – I thought it was pretty obvious. I remember distinctly plotting just how to get you alone so I could ask you out. Even then I had to fight Paddy off from you."
She grinned up at him, "How come you never told me this before?"
"As I said, I thought it was obvious. You were meant for me," he said seriously, wondering how she could be so clueless to his intents.
"God I love you Dunham," she said with a laugh, "Who'dve thought I could take down the big bad leader of the GSE and that he had a sensitive side under that rough exterior to boot."
He squeezed her tight, seeing the door of his apartment come into view, "And who'dve thought you'd be attracted to a bad boy."
"Bad boy?" she raised an eyebrow, "When I met you, you were at a museum chasin' ten year olds around – not exactly the most frightening of blokes I'd encountered in Jolly Old."
"Oi, I'm one tough bastard," he said gruffly, nipping her earlobe lightly, "Now hurry it up – its brass monkeys out 'ere."
"Yes massah sir," she said in a shoddy Southern accent that caused Pete to give a slight laugh at her before dragging her though the door of his flat. They walked up the stairs silently, Josie feeling happier than she had in a long time, adrenaline still running through her veins after her encounter with Bovver, knowing the threat of Pete finding out about what he'd done would be sufficient for him to leave the two of them alone. Now she could just enjoy her life with Pete without a worry in the world.
…At least that's what she thought and hoped for.
That fuckin' cunt, was the only thought that Bovver had rolling around in his head as he lay on the filthy bathroom floor of the Abbey. He had severely underestimated this particular Yank. He'd had her figured for the girl that would run right to her boyfriend and tattle but the little bitch had completely surprised him by handling it on her own.
I am going to make her pay, he thought bitterly. He knew that Pete was better off without her, it was just a matter of showing him that she wasn't the sweet little angel that Pete thought she was. He put her on a pedestal and it was about time someone knocked her down to size.
So his first plan worked only temporarily. He knew Liam was a gamble and he'd been shocked when it worked immediately. It was clear now that he had to change tactics.
So apparently Pete thought the reward was greater than the risk of Josie getting hurt, Bovver thought angrily. How the hell do I get rid of her now?
Bovver swallowed hard, finally pulling himself up from the floor, holding on the sink for support. He wasn't proud of what he was planning on doing and there were times he thought about just giving up on Pete as a lost cause. If he was honest with himself he knew how happy Pete was with Josie but truth be told he much preferred the womanizing, slightly discontented Pete that existed prior to the arrival of Josie.
Just then the door swung open to reveal Dave, "Alright mate?" and just like that a light bulb when on in Bovver's head – similar to that of the Grinch that stole Christmas when he decided to, well, steal Christmas. Dave so very obviously had a thing for Josie that it was pathetic. He mooned over her like a lovesick puppy and it seemed the only one unaware of this was Josie.
But Pete – oh there was no way Pete hadn't noticed. And he was jealous to the point of insanity. He watched his bird like a hawk and there was no way Dave's feelings had escaped his notice. All Bovver had to do now was continually press the point of Josie and Dave and soon enough Pete would start to doubt Josie's feelings. He'd already seen firsthand Pete's envy when it came to any other man Josie spoke to and there wasn't a shadow of a doubt in Bovver's mind that this plan would work on a more permanent basis.
In no time at all Pete would see her for the slag she really was. In the back of his head a small bit of conscience tried to ask what would happen to the GSE if Pete and Dave weren't mates but Bovver quickly silenced this thought, concentrating solely on the main task of getting back at Josie.
He grinned back at Dave, "Never betta bruv," and he gingerly walked towards the door, wincing in pain as he moved which only served as further motivation to ruin Josie's life even more.
Ugh, Bovvver! Just ruining lives as per usual. Anyways, things are starting to come together...
Hope you enjoyed & reviews are always appreciated so so much!