Chapter 6

It had been a week since Lauren was mugged. Although she was still terrified, she knew that she had to get on with her life or it would haunt her forever. It didn't stop the nightmares that occurred. Joey was woken abruptly from his sleep, Lauren was tossing and turning in her sleep, her body restless as she fought with the demons in her dream. Joey knew he couldn't wake her up, but he tried to soothe her, cuddling closer to her body hoping she would settle. It wasn't till she started screaming that he realised how severe her fears were.

"Shh baby it's okay I'm here" he whispered trying to keep quite not to wake the rest of the Brannings.

Lauren's body jolted awake, she found herself dripping with sweat, crying uncontrollably. Luckily her rock, Joey was right next to her giving her all the support she needed. He wiped the tears that rolled down her cheeks, kissing her forehead he laid her down next to him. His arms wrapping securely around her waist.

"I'm safe with you" she whispered to him, grateful he was there

"You always will be" he replied, holding her closer as they both went back to sleep.

At work Lauren had been growing in leaps and bounds. She had produced some outstanding work with she shared the joy with her friend Kelly. Kelly had become a strong friend for Lauren. They went out to bars after work, Lauren invited Kelly to meet the family including Joey. She made a positive impact on everyone. Finally a friend that her family actually like.

Lauren was packing up her belongings to head home after a long day.
"Lauren, why don't we head to that club near yours?" Kelly asked

"Yeah that sounds good, shall I round some of my friends up?" Lauren replied as they headed for a taxi rank

"Yeah get Joey and that out" Kelly shouted as she waved off Lauren, "Text me".

Lauren rang round everyone arranging the night out.

"Babe? Were going to R&R tonight your coming right" Lauren shouted up the stairs to Joey who had just come out the shower

"Yeah course babe, I'll get ready" he replied rushing into the bathroom to do his hair

Lauren was all ready go, she decided on wearing her favourite outfit, a short black bodycon dress with a low V cut showing her perfect cleavage. She curled her hair leaving a few loose curls, a small amount of red lipstick and her black stilettos.

"Wow, you look hot" Joey eyed her from head to toe, taking her hand and making their way to the club.

"Kelly is going to meet us here babe, I may try and set her up with someone" Lauren shouted over the loud club music.

Joey wasn't sure what to make of Kelly. She seemed nice enough, but there was something about her, the way she looked at Joey whenever Lauren brought her round. He tried to brush it off as being friendly, trying to get to know her friends boyfriend better, but deep down he knew that look, he had experience it from so many girls, it became uncomfortable.

Lauren had dragged Joey onto the dance floor. Although he hated dancing, with Lauren it was different. She was so sexy when she danced he didn't mind as long as everyone else knew she was with him. He wrapped his arms firmly around her waist and she danced into his body, swaying to the music, knowing full well she was rubbing up against his bulge. This made his hold on her tightens, making her giggle as he whispered into her ear.

"KELLY" Lauren shouted moving away from Joey's body and dragging him with her to meet Kelly.

"Hey honey" Kelly greeted her, "Joey nice to see you" focusing her attention to him

"Yeah hi" he replied pulling Lauren tightly against his side, his hand placed on her hip, he was making a statement and making sure it got noticed, as Kelly's eyes flicked down to his hand positioning.

Lauren didn't even notice Joey's coldness towards Kelly as they continued to chat away, before moving to the dance floor. Joey decided to stay at the bar, occasionally turning his attention to Lauren and engaging in conversation with Fatboy and Tyler.

Kelly kept fixating on Joey, she knew Lauren hadn't noticed and even if she had she wasn't bothered with her.

"I'm going to the loo" Lauren motioned towards to toilet blowing a kiss in Joey's direction.

Kelly decided this was a perfect opportunity now Lauren was out the way.

"Hi" she whispered in his ear leaning on his broad shoulders

"Oh hi" Joey shifted uncomfortably

"I've seen you looking at me, I know" she continued leaning closer to him

"Not quite sure what you mean Kelly" Joey noticed her closeness

"I know you like me it's been obvious" she replied before diving in towards Joey's lips and kissing him.

Joey wasn't sure what to do with himself, he felt sick and angry at the same time.

"Get off me, what do you think you're playing at" he shouted above the music pushing her away from him.

Kelly stood in disbelief, angry that he had rejected her

Lauren had returned from the toilet, walking over to where everyone was stood. She noticed Joey looking uncomfortable, she began to walk over to him but Kelly stepped in front of her.

"Babe, I don't know how to say this, but Joey tried to kiss me" she lied, a small smirk appearing on her face

"What?" Lauren looked like she had been kicked in the stomach

"He kissed me, I had to push him away" she carried on with her innocent routine

Lauren became breathless as her eyes locked with Joey's, he knew instantly something was wrong as he pushed through the crowd towards her.

"Baby, what's happened?" placing his arms on her shoulders looking into her brown eyes that began welling with tears.

"I know what just happened, you better explain and fast" she said almost silently under her breath, Joey looked into her eyes, he could sense her fear, her insecurities rising to the surface.

Joey began to explain to Lauren that Kelly had made a move on him, then it clicked it all made sense. The reason why Kelly always wanted to come to Laurens, why she suggested Joey always going where they went. Of course, Joey was the best looking guy around but she thought their friendship was real and that was what hurt Lauren more than anything.

"Bitch" Lauren muttered under her breath to Joey making him chuckle as he kissed her cheek.

Lauren pushed past Joey and headed towards Kelly who was nursing a drink at the bar.

"Hey have you spoken to him, you know I told him no" keeping up her version of events. Lauren knew Joey would never cheat on her, she trusted him more than she trusted herself.

"Listen up you scheming little bitch, you think you can befriend me to get closer to my boyfriend, wrong, I am no mug and I certainly am not a fool. I trust Joey more than anything, you're a disgusting liar and we are done" as Lauren finished her speech she picked up the drink Kelly had just ordered and tipped it on her head leaving a speechless Kelly wiping it from her eyes.

"Bitch" Lauren shouted before taking Joeys hand and leaving the club. He couldn't believe what he just saw, this sexy, feisty Lauren Branning was back and she certainly wasn't taking any prisoners.