Chapter 16

Graverobber took another gulp of his drink and watched as Shilo danced with Jillian. She looked so happy and carefree. He couldn't help but smile, he loved seeing her like that. Shilo had a tough life to say in the least so to see her smile and having a good time was something within itself. He remembered the first time he heard her truly laugh. It had been a cloudy day and they went out to buy groceries. On the way home it had started to rain. Shilo had stopped and dropped the bag onto the concrete floor and walked into the sidewalk, allowing her hair and clothes to be drenched. Graverobber looked at her inquisitively as she looked up to the sky. He asked her if she was okay, then she looked at him and smiled warmly. "It's beautiful!" she exclaimed as she began to laugh and twirl around. That was when he realized that he truly liked her. She was so innocent that she had an appreciation for something as simple as the rain. As he recalled this memory he continued to watch her. This definitely wasn't her scene but she seemed to be enjoying herself nonetheless. He couldn't fathom the terrible feeling that the alcohol couldn't fix. The part of him that felt guilty wanted to tell her the truth but the other part of him that was a bit of coward believed that telling her would only make things worse. Goddammit, he just wasn't the type a guy who committed, not to a woman anyway. There was something about Shilo though, that made him want to to try. He should tell her. Relationships are built on honesty and trust. Right? He should tell her...eventually. Just not now, he decided. Let her be happy.

"Will the voice of GeneCo take the stage? Ana Rosette to the stage."

"Guess we better go now. " said Jillian "You know what to do right, Shilo?"

Shilo nodded. "Yes. While you guys head backstage and get ready, I head to front, listen to Amber give her speech, and then I introduce the band."

"Right. Let's go then." Shilo and David nodded as they headed toward the stage. "Ladies and gentleman, please turn your attention to the center of the room" spoke the robotic voice. People turned their heads and moved forward with anticipation. A man dressed in black helped Shilo onto the stage and she stood behind Amber and her brothers. She felt uncomfortable standing in between Luigi and Pavi and inwardly cringed as Pavi flashed her a creepy grin. The audience broke into applause as Amber stood in front of the microphone.

"Thank you, everyone! Its great to see you all here tonight. How is everyone enjoying the evening?" Amber smiled as the audience cheered. The one thing that Amber did like about these events was that they now consisted of a younger crowd. Back when her father was CEO his so called parties were full of old people who mostly wanted to talk and listen to Mag's boring old opera music. One useful thing about Jillian was that she was the one who attracted the younger crowd. Of course Amber failed to realized that Blind Mag attracted all ages all well but no matter, that was in past. She was now in charge of GeneCo's future. "As you all know, all funds are going to the Zydrate Support Network and donations are encouraged. Before the performance, a word from Miss Shilo Wallace." Shilo gulped and stepped toward the microphone, raising her brow at Amber as she gave her a playful smirk.

Shilo cleared her throat and scanned the audience for Graverobber. She tried not to look disappointed when she couldn't find but then saw him standing near the corner of the stage, giving her a small wave and smiled. She sighed in relief and smiled back. "Thank you. I hope you're all having a great time tonight. Now, I would like to introduce my good friend and co-songwriter, the voice of GeneCo, Ana Rosette!"

With that the music started and the audience cheered as the stage began to turn, revealing Jillian and the band. "Hello, Sanitarium Island! How are you doing tonight? This is our new single "Walking with Strangers"!"

The DJ began playing the music as soon as the performance was over and Jillian grabbed David's hand as the band took a bow. The audience continued to cheer as the stage turned back again. Shilo greeted Jillian with a hug as she stepped off stage. "You guys were amazing!"

"Thanks, we couldn't have done it without you."

"Nice job up there, ladies." said the sound technician. Jillian nodded and thanked him.

A gentern then approached and tapped Jillian on the shoulder. "Excuse me, Miss Rosette but Miss Sweet would like to a word with you in private." Jillian's eyes averted to the side where Amber was talking to a journalist. "Does she now? Okay then." She turned back to Shilo. "I'll catch up with you later okay?"

"No problem, I'm gonna go find Graves."

Jillian nodded and followed the gentern, giving David a meaningful look as she walked by him. He nodded in understanding and she smiled at him, trying to fight the sick feeling rising in her stomach. She knew exactly where she was heading and she hated it.

The gentern lead her to an empty sound check room that was located to the back of the large venue. The area was completely secluded which made Jillian quite nervous. She already knew what was to come but why did it have to be tonight? The gentern left her to face her doom as she shut the door and headed back to the party. Jillian crossed her arms and sighed.

"I know you're in here, Pavi. You may as well come out and get it over with."

"Quite sassy tonight, aren't you?" he said as he stepped out from the corner, holding a glass and offering it to her. "Want some?"

"No, thanks." she said. As if she would take a drink from him. It was probably spiked with something to knock her out. "Is there any specific reason why you sent one of the members of your little fan club to bring me in here?"

"Right to the point, huh? Okay then. Let's talk."

Jillian gulped as he set his glass down on the desk and made his way toward her. He stopped to eye her up and down. "So tell me, mia cara, are you enjoying yourself?"

"I was." she said curtly.

"I see, and do you think Shilo is having a nice time?"

"She seems to be." she answered, wondering where he was going with this.

"And your boyfriend, is he enjoying himself?"

"I guess so." she said automatically then immediately covered her mouth in realization. "I mean-I"

Pavi tilted his head waiting for her response.

"I-I meant that. What boyfriend? I don't have-"

Pavi smirked as he reached into his coat and took out the picture Amber gave him. Jillian's eyes widened in horror. She was in trouble now. "Did you really think, that you would be able to keep this from me?"

Jillian muttered something under her breath and looked away.

"What was that, mia cara?"

"You can't tell me who I can and cannot date." she spoke up.

With a great speed Pavi pinned her against the wall and looked her the eye. "Oh, can't I?" He gave her a menacing grin that made her shiver. "Didn't I tell you that if that boy touched you again that he would pay?"

"Pavi, please-"

He tightened his grip on her wrists. "Did I not make it very clear that you are mine?"

"You don't own me." she stated.

"Then why, pray tell, did you try and hide this from me?"

"Because-"

"Because you knew what would happen."

Jillian nodded. Pavi laughed. "You must have some kind of death wish for that boy don't you?"

"No, but sometimes I do for myself if only to get away from you." she muttered.

Pavi glared at her. "Is that so?" He reached into his pocket again and took out his scalpel, holding underneath her chin. Jillian's eyes widened in fear. "You know very well that I could make that happen. You should consider yourself lucky, bella. Most women have survived no more than a night with me. You on the other hand have lived on for years. Though if you truly wish to die I could kill you in an instant."

"Why don't you just do it and get it over with already then?" she questioned, still shaking in fear.

"If your pretty face weren't attached to that pretty little body of yours, I would have long ago. Its probably the same reason why that boy is even with you."

"What are you saying?"

"Come now, mia cara. You don't believe that boy actually cares about you, do you?"

"Yes, I do."

"He doesn't even know who you really are."

"And you do?"

Pavi pressed the scalpel a bit harder against her neck, drawing a small trickle if blood. His eyes narrowed. "I know you better than anyone here. In this entire city."

Jillian turned her head shook it in protest.

"Fine then. That boy has made his grave."

"No! Leave him alone!"

"Why should I?"

"He doesn't deserve it. Don't punish him because you're angry at me. Please don't hurt him. I'm begging you." she whimpered, choking back the tears.

Pavi loosened his grip a bit but continued to glare at him. "Look at me, Jillian."

Jillian slowly turned her head and stared back at him. "You really value his life that much?" he asked. She nodded. Pavi sighed and released her and began to think as she rubbed her wrists and wondered what he was planning. "Very well." he said. "I'm going to give you one more chance. Just one."

"What do you want?" she asked, dreading the answer.

"I want you to go back in there, and break up with him, right now."

"But-"

"If you don't, consider your little boyfriend a dead man. Either you break his heart or I break his neck. Well?"

Jillian squeezed her eyes shut and tears streamed down her face. She quickly nodded. "Good." he said.

She was about to leave when he grabbed her wrists and pulled her back. "Not so fast. You didn't think I was going to let you get away so easily did you?"

"No." she admitted. It was worth a try though.

"I think you need a reminder of who you're dealing with, bella." he said, as he pinned her against the wall again and slowly pulled up the skirt of her dress. Jillian kept her eyes closed, hoping it would be quick. When he finished, he left her to sink to the floor and bury her head in hands. She couldn't believe she had allowed herself to sink so low. Now she was dragging along David into as well. She had to break his heart as well as her own. She stood and wiped the tears away. She had to be strong.

When Jillian headed back inside the hall where the party was, she saw David talking with the other band members and he turned and smiled at her. She smiled back, feeling overwhelmingly guilty for what she was about to do.

"Hey, gorgeous. Missed you earlier." he greeted.

"Hey, sorry. I had some..business to attend to."

"Its okay no need to explain. Shilo told me. GeneCo keeps us all busy. You're here now and that's what matters."

Jillian smiled weakly. "Listen, David. There's something I need to talk to you about."

"What's wrong?" he said, sensing the tenseness in her voice.

"Maybe we should go somewhere a little private." she said.

"Okay." he said, beginning to worry. She led him outside into the garden area and sat down on a bench. Her head hanging low.

"Jillian, what's the matter?" he asked, grabbing her hand.

She looked up at him with a frown. "David, I really care about you."

"And I care about you too."

"I know you do. Which is why its so hard to-"

She stopped when she heard the music stopped and the audience gasped. She and David turned her heads.

"What's going on?" she asked and stepped from the bench to check. Whatever it was, it had delayed her from hurting David, and she felt relieved. He followed her and her eyes widened in shock as a scene unfolded that no one had expected.

Luigi was grabbing Graverobber by the shirt collar and glaring at him. "What did you do to my sister?" he yelled.

"I didn't do anything!" he protested.

"Stop it! What are you doing?" demanded Shilo, trying to push Luigi away and stepping in front of Graverobber.

"Luigi please calm down!" said Amber, trying her best to look innocent.

"That guy totally violated you! You expect me to just stand here?"

"He didn't violate me, brother. It was my choice." she said truthfully.

"W-what? What's going on?" asked Shilo. She turned to Graverobber and demanded an explanation.

Graveroober gulped. "Shilo, I-"

"Oh, you didn't know?" said Amber.

Shilo turned and glared at her. "Didn't know what?" she hissed.

"The other night, he and I spent the night together. He professed his love to me." Amber declared.

"What?" shouted Graveobber. "You're crazy. I don't love you!"

The crowd gasped and Amber faked a look of shock. Then crocodile tears formed in her eyes. "So you're saying that it meant absolutely nothing to you?"

Graverobber was at a lost for words and Shilo looked back at him. "What the hell is she taking about? Did you sleep with her?"

"I-I-"

"Tell her, Graverobber! Tell her how you took advantage of me!"

"I didn't take advantage of anyone! You even said it was your choice!" The crowd gasped again and Shilo's eyes widened.

"So its true, then?" she asked, her fists clenching.

"No, Shilo. I-"

Tears welled in Shilo's eyes and Graverobber sighed. "Yes." he admitted.

"I see." she said, lowering her head. Graverobber moved toward her and tried to put his hand on her shoulder but she jerked away. "It didn't mean anything, Shilo." he said. She slapped him hard across the face. Angry tears flowed down her face. "Fuck you!" she yelled. "You lied to me! I never want to see you again!"

Shilo began storming off and Jillian looked at David. He nodded in understanding. She rushed toward to Shilo's side. Graverobber pushed through the crowd and followed them.

"Shilo, please! Let me explain!"

Jillian turned and glared at him. "Get away from her, you pig! You've done enough already." She placed an arm around Shilo and led her outside as the crowd watched. Graverobber's shoulders dropped and he left too, the crowd booing after him. They were too caught up in the drama to see the look of triumph on Amber's face. Pavi walked over to her and Luigi.

"Nice work, brothers." she smirked.

"You couldn't have waited for me?" Pavi asked.

"You were taking too long." she said. "Did you resolve your little conflict?" Pavi looked over at David who had a troubled look on his face. "I believe I did." he smiled.

"Good." said Amber. "Then our work here is done."

Drama, drama, drama. Poor Shilo. Stay tuned and let me know what you think!