Darker – Chapter 16

Universal Pictures owns all rights of Fifty Shades of Grey and Pitch Perfect…I only own the idea of this twisted mash-up of an alternate universe love story.

Warning! Chapters may include graphic sexual situations (BDSM) which may not be suitable for everyone. Reviews and comments are always welcome. Thank you for reading.

Last time on Darker…

If I survived this attack, Jesse would have some explaining to do. With my head pounding from the trauma I'd already endured, I became listless and lost the ability to fight back. Knowing my life had taken a radical change for the worst, I closed my eyes and braced myself for the inevitable.

Today would not be a good day after all...

And now...

It all happened so fast...

One minute I was on the ground about to become a receptacle for this monster's junk and the next I was on his back, strangling him with the black wires that bound my wrists together. With my subconscious screaming at me to resist, I'd gained enough strength to not only fight him off, I was squeezing the life out of him.

Gasping for air, Keegan tried to shake me off but I hung on like a cowboy on a bucking bull as he grabbed for the line that cut off his oxygen supply. Hurling himself forward, I fell off, but not before I clawed the crap out of his face. I'm not sure what came over me but I saw rage and wanted to hurt him...badly.

Using my elbows as leverage I was able to get to my feet and kicked upward, making direct contact with his chin, then stomped down on his groin repeatedly, making him shriek in agony as he curled himself into a fetal position.

Looking through the soundproof glass I saw security guards entering the studio with Destiny leading the way. With my hands still tethered I reached for the door just as it opened, and saw him. With a look of shock in his eyes, Jesse extended his arms around me.

"Where is he?" Jesse asked calmly as he slowly removed his suit jacket and draped it over my shoulders. Thumbing his whereabouts to the ground behind me Keegan continued to whimper like a pathetic fool while cradling his bruised ego. "Cover yourself and wait here."

It was like watching a motion picture as Jesse lifted Keegan by his blood stained shirt and brought him to his feet. Proceeding to land several gut punches that lifted him off the ground Jesse finished him off with closed fists to his already bloodied face. Holding his hands up in defeat, the piece of shit had, had enough and surrendered himself to security.

"If you ever go anywhere near her again, I'll fucking kill you!" Jesse threatened through gritted teeth as Don held him back. "Get him the fuck out of here!"

I hadn't realized it, but the police arrived and were making the arrest. Who called them? I wondered then looked over at Destiny who was struggling with her own emotions as she glared at Keegan whose hands were now cuffed from behind and being taken away.

When one of the uniformed men directed their attention to me it was at that moment time slowed down and I lost the ability of speech. With my lips refusing to move I started to feel dizzy, and with my body temperature dropping I began to tremble.

"She's going into shock." I heard someone say as my hands were finally freed. With my adrenalin rush leaving me, my head throbbed so badly I became disoriented. Feeling a bit off center I grabbed Jesse's arm to stabilize myself, then watched my world fade away.

It was dark when I came to. Sitting in the back of the SUV Jesse was holding me close to him while my body continued to shake. "Hey...you're back." His voice was soft as he side swept my hair out of my face. "Are you okay?"

Acknowledging him with a nod I gave a wary smile and found my voice. "My head is killing me." It came out as a slur as I rubbed my temple. "Are we going home?"

Shaking his head, Jesse pressed his lips to my forehead. "No baby, Don's taking us to Cedars, mother is meeting us in the ER. We're just almost there."

"You called her?" I pulled away, sighing in annoyance. "Why?"

"She was already on duty. She's an MD, remember?"

"Jesse, I don't want her or anyone else seeing me like this."

"I know, baby but this is what she does." He stopped himself to take a deep breath as he caressed my cheek. "She'll take care of you the way she took care of me."

Understanding where Jesse was coming from the image of a battered child suffering from shock and malnutrition came to mind. Closing my eyes at the thought I glanced down at my discombobulated self and realized he was right. I was assaulted, a victim like that child, and in need of medical attention.

Becoming more aware of my state of dress I took note of my twisted and bunched up skirt, a blouse with popped buttons and a bra that had been cut apart. I was commando and remembered the horrible fate of my G-string that had been ripped off from the beginning and was now stuffed into one of the suit jacket pockets.

"Jesse, how did I get this way?"

"What?" He was surprised at my inquiry. "You don't remember?"

Shaking my head slowly I rested against his shoulder and closed my eyes. I had no recollection of what had transpired to get me to this point, but had the feeling I would soon find out.

Cedar's Sinai - Los Angeles, CA

Pulling up to the ER entrance Jesse refused a wheelchair and carried me through the sliding glass doors. With my head buried in his chest I was temporarily blinded by the bright lights, then heard a familiar voice.

"Oh, my God! Jesse...bring her over here." His mother called us over. Being lowered onto a gurney I was covered with a thin white cloth. "What happened?"

"She was attacked." Letting out a sigh Jesse ran his fingers through his hair. "We're not sure but she may have been..." He couldn't bring himself to say it but I knew what he meant; we all did.

"Beca, we need to document what happened to you. Can you tell us?" Dr. Swanson asked. In a matter of seconds she'd gone from a concerned parent to professional health care provider.

"Um...I was working late when my boss tried to…" My hesitation was obvious, I was too scared and upset to admit any more. "I fought back and then I was like this."

"You don't remember what happened?"

"I hit my head and then my hands were tied." Presenting my red wrists to her I was becoming more emotional. "He was all over me but I don't know if he..."

"It's okay, you're safe now. We'll take care of you." Her voice was comforting as she looked between her son and I. Taking it all in she put on her professional face and called over one of her RN's. "Get someone down here from forensics immediately and have a rape kit started for Ms. Mitchell. She'll need a private room with a shower." She ordered calmly. "I'm sorry Beca, but we have to be sure."

"I know." Tears flooded my eyes as realization began to set in.

"Is there someone you need to call? Your parents perhaps?" She asked.

"No!" I responded quickly, sitting up. "I don't want anyone to know about this."

Trying to keep it together I laid back down, held my head between my hands and couldn't believe what had happened. Remembering what transpired a few years back at a party where I was accosted, this was different and much worse. Where Trevor was just a horny teenager looking to get laid, Keegan was not only known for hitting on his female interns, he admitted to wanting to hurt Jesse for some bad blood between them, and I was the perfect tool to carry out his plan. Turning my attention to my boyfriend, I had to ask.

"Keegan blamed you for ruining his life and wanted revenge for something that happened many years ago. What was he talking about?"

"I don't know, baby. I never met the man until that night at the bar."

"Well, he definitely knows you." I concluded. Jesse thought long and hard until something clicked. Looking like someone sucker punched him, he looked visibly nauseous. "What is it?"

Before he had the chance to answer, we were interrupted.

"I'm Detective Brady from L.A. Metro, Special Victim's Unit. " A black heavy set man in a light grey sports jacket announced as he entered the ER bay. "My apologies for interrupting however I've been assigned your case. Ms. Mitchell, may I ask you some questions?"

"Mr. Brady," Janet intervened, standing between us. "Beca has been through quite the ordeal and will be examined for the next few hours. Should she decide to press charges, her records will be turned over to you."

Giving Jesse's mother a look of gratitude I remained quiet as she spoke on my behalf.

"Fair enough." He responded, then turned towards Jesse. "Mr. Swanson, is there somewhere we can talk?"

Jesse looked to me as though he was seeking my approval. Giving him a quick nod I brought the thin blanket up to my neck as though it was a protective shield. I'd never seen Jesse so unsure of himself who appeared to be struggling with making any decisions. Looking to his mother for guidance she comforted him with a kiss to his cheek. "Go ahead, I'll stay with her."

Nodding slowly, Jesse turned on his heel and left with the detective without saying goodbye.

"Is he going to be okay?"

"Like you, he's pretty shaken up. Give him some time, Beca. He'll come around." She explained. "When forensics arrives I'll leave so they can start the examination. These tend to be very invasive so, you'll want your privacy."

"No! Please stay." I urged grabbing her forearm. "I don't want to be alone."

"Okay...I'll stay with you."

And she did...

Before beginning the exam I had to undergo a MRI scan of my head, then was delivered to a private room where I had to turn over my clothes for evidence and was given a disposable gown to change into.

After a series of questions about my family and medical history, my boyfriend's mother knew more about me than my own parents.

As forensics continued their interrogation the questions turned personal. To differentiate between Jesse's and Keegan's DNA I had to admit to having sex earlier that morning, disclose how many consensual partners I've had and if I was currently on birth control.

As Janet bore witness to the inquiry I answered as truthfully as possible, revealing that I'd only become sexually active recently and lost my V card to her son.

Hearing me being so candid about my limited experience, Dr. Swanson turned away to shield her emotions. Giving her hand a slight squeeze she turned back around and gave me the warmest of smiles. Without saying a word, I nodded to let her know I was alright.

The next part of the exam was even more demeaning. With having lapsed memory I had to undergo a full body examination which included being screened under UV lights and swabbed for biological collection. I was literally poked and prodded in every which way possible and then photographed to complete the file.

When it was over Janet handed me a set of light blue scrubs and waited in the room while I showered. Standing under hot water I fought back tears as bits and pieces of the assault flashed like strobe lights. Scrubbing the monster's grime off my body made me feel better however the horrific images were permanently engraved in my memory. Stepping out of the small stall I towel dried and combed through my wet hair then changed into the scrubs I was given.

When I stepped back into the room, Jesse had returned and was in deep discussion with his mother who held a file in her hand.

Walking over to me Jesse extended his arms around my waist and pulled me close. "I'm so sorry, baby. I'm sorry for everything." I was relieved to see him snapped out of his funk but was too distracted by what was in that folder.

Pushing him away my only focus was the results; nothing else mattered. I needed to know what that monster did to me.

"Is that mine?" I asked, pointing at the clipboard in her hand. Taking deep breaths I finally got the nerve to ask the million dollar question. "Was I raped?"

"Beca...please have a seat." Jesse brought us over to a small vinyl sofa and sat down next to me. Holding my hand we waited for his mom to go over the results. "Some of this won't be easy to hear."

"Okay...I'm listening." And braced myself for the worst. "What does it say?"

"Your injuries and forensic evidence are consistent with someone who's been sexually assaulted." She began to summarize the findings from the report. "Your attacker's DNA was found in blood, pubic hair, saliva and semen samples taken from various sites on your body." She paused as I groaned in despair. "However, there was no forced penile entry or ejaculatory discharge."

Letting out a breath I didn't realize I was holding, I'd never been so relieved. "I wasn't raped." I whispered to myself as more tears threatened. "I'm okay."

"Yes baby." Bringing me into his arms, Jesse held me tight and pressed his lips to mine. "Had you not fought him off..."

I cut him off with another kiss and was elated to know that Jesse was still my one and only. The relief I felt was immense. According to the results I wouldn't have to worry about STDs or pregnancy. Just like what happened years ago at Barden, I wasn't raped in the traditional sense but I definitely wasn't unscathed by this ordeal.

Clearing her throat to get our attention, Janet had more news to deliver. "There's more." She flipped through more pages as we separated. "Your MRI results showed no cranial bleeding however, you do have a minor concussion which explains why you blacked out. With bed rest and close monitoring for the next twenty-four hours and then a follow-up with a neurologist, you'll be good as new. And since there's no reason to keep you overnight I'm going to get you discharged."

"Um...in a few days I'm supposed to be in Copenhagen for Worlds. Can I still fly with a concussion?"

"I don't see why not, it's only minor but I'll consult with neuro before you leave."

Knock! Knock! Knock!

As the curtain was drawn Jesse's shrink appeared. "Did someone say neuro consult?"

"Dr. Moss...thank you for coming." Jesse rose to his feet and shook the good doctor's hand. "We just got her results. She wasn't raped."

Redirecting his attention to me, the psychiatrist gave a look of concern and shook his head while I lowered my eyes. "Well, maybe not of the body…" He mumbled to himself. "Beca, I hope you don't mind but Jesse called and told me what happened." He paused. "I'm here in an official capacity so whatever is discussed here, stays here."

"It's fine."

"Roger, it's good to see you again." Janet chimed in letting him kiss her on the cheek. "I'm sure you have a lot to talk about so I'll get her discharge started."

"Wait!" Getting to my feet I walked over to Jesse's mom and extended my arms around her neck. Hugging me back I clung on to her a little bit longer as I wanted to show her my appreciation. "Thank you." And whispered for her ears only.

"Sweetheart, I would do anything for my children, and you're no exception. I'm honored that you trusted me and can see why my son is so enamoured with you." She paused to hook a loose tendril of hair behind my ear spike. "Just promise me that you won't blame yourself for what happened today, and that you'll talk to someone."

"I will."

As Dr. Swanson left the room Jesse brought me back over to the small couch as his therapist pulled up a chair in front of us.

"Beca, I was asked here because Jesse feels responsible for what happened to you; he needs to tell you something." Looking over at my boyfriend, he was staring down at his hands that rested in his lap. Could this be one of his dark secrets that was supposed to send me running for the hills? Making myself comfortable I sat back and crossed one leg over the other as Dr. Moss played buffer between us. "Jesse, tell her what you told me earlier."

After a brief pause Jesse took a deep breath and began to speak.

"Because of my irresponsible actions, a young boy is no longer with us." He opened, looking up and locking eyes with me. He appeared to be struggling to get the words out but was encouraged by his shrink to continue on. "I bullied a classmate so badly, he committed suicide. That boy was the younger sibling of Mike Keegan, your former boss. Joseph Keegan somehow got a hold of a handgun...and blew his brains out. From what I just discovered in the police report, Mike was the one who found him and ended up in a psychiatric facility."

"Oh, my God." Was all I could say as an overwhelming rush of nausea hit. Placing my hand over my mouth I thought I was going to hurl. Taking a couple of deep breaths I regained my composure. "When was this?" I choked out.

"Approximately thirteen years ago. I was fourteen and he was only twelve."

"What happened afterwards?"

"As an adolescent I was expelled immediately, and with the best legal defense money could buy, my parents kept me out of the juvenile detention center and had my file sealed.

"You didn't know he had a brother?"

"No, for all we knew Joseph was an only child. He was a short, mixed race, chubby kid with buck teeth that was beat up and teased repeatedly by my group of thugs, and I was the fucking ring leader."

Exchanging looks with Dr. Moss I could see he was watching intently for my reaction and waiting for my response.

Shaking my head, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Jesse was blaming himself for my attack for something that transpired when he was a teenager. "It's not your fault." I finally said. Reaching for Jesse's hand I did my best to talk some sense into him. "Kids can be cruel and don't realize what their actions could cause. At the same time you were dealing with your own demons."

"I couldn't have said it better myself." Dr. Moss agreed with me. "This is what I've been trying to get through to you for years."

"Well, you're both wrong!" Jesse's voice rose to a higher octave as he stood up and walked away from us. "Because of me that kid is dead and my girlfriend was nearly raped!"

"No Jesse, we're not wrong. It was unfortunate that Joseph took his own life, but like his brother, he acted on his own. Just like you didn't pull that trigger, you didn't force that asshole to come after me!"

"How can you say that after what you've been through?" He paused with a sigh. "Had you not fought him off…" His voice trailed off as his temper rose.

"But he didn't! Jesse, it wasn't your fault. If anything I should've listened to you more carefully. I'm the fucking idiot for putting myself at risk."

"Stop saying that!" His voice carried, getting the attention of a passing RN . "You didn't ask for any of this!"

"No, I didn't...and neither did you."

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"WHAT!?" We both yelled out and turned as the privacy curtain was drawn.

Detective Brady was back.

"How's the patient?" He asked with a pleasant disposition while Jesse and I continued to glare at each other. "Have any decisions been made?"

"Yes, that I'm going home and forgetting this day ever happened."

"You can't do that." Jesse said softly. "That son of a bitch needs to stopped."

"I agree, but I'm just one person. Those other interns kept quiet for a reason."

"Yeah...because that fucker was blackmailing them!"

"What're you talking about?"

"Your friend Destiny, she came forward and told us everything. She's willing to testify if you are."

"I don't know about any of this. What if it gets out?" My head was pounding again as I considered the possibilities. "Can we please just go home and put this behind us?"

"Ms. Mitchell, if I may." Detective Brady spoke up. "With the type of evidence we have against your attacker, you won't even need to testify. Heck, you won't even have to show up in court."

"What do you mean by type of evidence?"

"Detective, she doesn't know about that." Jesse sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "We haven't told her."

"Tell me what?" I asked, looking between both men. "Jesse?"

Letting out a deep breath, he came clean with the truth. "Your attack was recorded. It's all on tape." He paused as I gasped. "Your friend switched on the mic before she left to get help."

It was something I never considered. Earlier that evening I cut a track for Snoop Dogg's Christmas album and never imagined that same technology would be used to record the assault. "I want to hear it."

"No baby...you don't!"

"You already listened to it, didn't you?" I asked then watched Jesse give a painfully slow nod.

"Trust me when I say this, you don't want to hear it."

"You're right I don't, but If I'm going to make an informed decision, I need to know what that fucker did to me."

With apprehension Jesse acknowledged the detective with a nod as he reached inside his breast pocket, pulled out a digital device and began the playback. With Janet returning to the room, she sat on my left as Jesse sat on my right to lend their support while I took in the audio. Reliving parts of the attack, I looked up and fought back tears as I became more furious by the second.

After hearing the painful truth I learned that most of the atrocities done to me occurred after I hit my head and while I was out cold. It was only a matter of minutes however with Keegan's self-incriminating commentary and disgusting sound effects, he made it quite clear what was happening, and I'd never felt so violated. The attack on my body was far worse than I initially thought as I crossed my arms over my chest and squeezed my thighs together. Dr. Moss's remark about being raped of the mind was spot on; this was something I would have to come to terms with and eventually find harmony within myself. With the playback being over, we sat in silence until I finally spoke.

"I want him prosecuted!" I seethed. "I don't care what it takes. Throw every fucking book at him!" Consoling me, Jesse pulled me into his arms as I finally fell apart.

"Consider it done." The detective spoke softly and handed over a form for my signed consent to release my records. After a few minutes I was somewhat composed, sat upright and accepted a pen. Wiping my eyes with the back of my hand I signed on the dotted line so the police can do their thing. "Don't you worry, little lady. That son of a bitch is going down. There's two things prisoners don't like, and that's child molesters and rapists. That son of a bitch will get what he deserves."

"Brady...we need discretion on this. Not a word to the press."

"Mr. Swanson, you've got my word, this will not get out."

"Thank you Detective. I would really appreciate that. Dr. Moss, thank you for coming out."

"You're very welcome. Please let me know if or when you would like to schedule an appointment. I have the feeling you have a lot to get off your chest, but if you feel more comfortable, I can refer you to a female therapist who specializes in trauma."

"Thank you...I'll let you know."

As the two men left, a wheelchair was delivered to my room. Rolling my eyes, I begrudgingly sat down as the metal steps were extended for my feet.

"Let's go home." Jesse said as he and his mother wheeled me out.

Later that evening…

After spending five plus hours in the hospital I was released around midnight. Not letting my sock covered feet touch the ground Jesse carried me from the car, to the elevator and finally into the penthouse where he gently lowered me onto our bed. Removing his suit jacket from around me Jesse brought over a silk nightgown and gently helped me out of the scrubs.

For the first time since we started sleeping together I was self conscious of my body and didn't want to be touched. Noticing all of the new scrapes and bruises forming on my skin, Jesse sighed and searched my eyes for any indication that he was making me feel uncomfortable.

"They'll go away." I whispered as Jesse kissed my reddened wrists. "But not before the Bella's see them, and how the hell am I going to hide this shiner?" After being backhanded by Keegan, my cheekbone was throbbing and already turning colors. "This is going to look great on stage."

Ignoring my sarcasm Jesse applied a soft kiss to my newly formed bruise. Wincing slightly I closed my eyes and let Jesse dote over me. I'd never seen him so tender as he handled me like a fragile porcelain doll.

"My mother couldn't say enough about you." He gushed. "She said you're the bravest woman she's ever met."

"Yeah? Well I don't feel so brave."

"That son of a bitch was twice your size and you managed to not only fight him off, you beat the shit out of him."

"Honestly, I felt rage and didn't know what I was doing."

"Finding you like that, I wanted to kill him with my bare hands."

"Get in line."

"And then listening to that tape was the most painful thing I've ever heard."

"I know, I saw your face." Holding his head between my hands I pressed my lips to his. "I'm not going to lie to you, I'm pretty fucked up right now. I don't know when I'll be able to…"

"Shh...it's not all about sex."

"And this is coming from you?" I teased. "Who are you and what have you don't with…"

Cutting me off with a kiss I wrapped my arms around his neck and brought him closer. After a while we pulled apart and gazed at one another.

"I'm the man who loves you." Without saying anything more I kissed him back and raised my arms so he could lower the delicate material over my head. "I've never dealt with anything like this before so you'll have to let me know when you're ready."

"You'll be the first to know."

That night Jesse held me against him as I cried myself to sleep. My body may have survived the attack, however my mind was a different story. Replaying the events over and over again in my head, the horrific experience kept looping like some kind of warped movie. Freeing myself from Jesse's embrace I could no longer stand being in bed, put on my robe and slippers and left our room. Walking around the dark penthouse I glided my hand over the shiny surface of the piano then walked over to the floor to ceiling glass and looked out the window. Even at three in the morning the city of L.A. was bustling with activity as lights twinkled in the distant and the occasional aircraft flew by. Thinking about the conversation Jesse and I had before turning in, I'd made the decision to quit the internship at 'Residual Heat' and look for something else. With the painful memories in the recording booth, there was no way I could return to that place.

"I thought I heard someone stirring." Ms. Clark had entered the room and startled me. "I couldn't sleep either."

Acknowledging her with a nod I continued to stare outside.

"I'm going to make myself some Chamomile tea, would you care for some?"

Turning around to face her I nodded with a smile. "Sounds perfect."

Ms. Clark didn't look like her normal self. Her hair was down and she wore sweat bottoms and a t-shirt which was a complete departure from the uniform she wore during the day. Turning on a small light I took a seat on one of the soft leather sofas and motioned for her to join me. Placing a tray with our cups on the short glass table before us, we were quiet as we prepared our teas to our liking.

"I heard what happened." She admitted softly, breaking the silence. "I'm so sorry and I hope you don't mind that I know."

"It's okay."

"Are you going to be alright?" She asked, locking eyes with me.

"Well...I'm pretty banged up, but the bruises will eventually heal. The asshole looks a hundred times worse than me."

"I bet, but that's not what I meant."

Knowing exactly what she was asking I let out a sigh. "Honestly, I'm not sure." I admitted. "I'm pretty messed up inside."

Giving me a look of sympathy no more words were necessary.

As we sipped our drinks I decided to change the subject and find out more about the woman who worked for Jesse. "What's your first name?"

Giving me a warm smile she placed her cup on the table. "Christine."

"How long have you worked for Jesse?"

"It's been a few years now."

"So you pretty much know what goes on around here." She blushed at my comment which only supported my suspicions. She obviously knew about the playroom and what went on behind closed doors since she cleaned up afterwards. "I can imagine you've seen some pretty crazy stuff."

"Um...yes, I have." She admitted with a smirk. This time I blushed because she had to know I started out as one of his subs. "I've signed a NDA, so what happens under this roof stays here. But I will say that Mr. Swanson is a very passionate man with...specific tastes."

"That's one way of putting it."

We laughed at my remark as we sipped our hot beverages. "When you're not working, what do you do in your free time? Do you have any kids?"

"No kids yet, but I'm seeing someone." She paused to take a sip. "He lives here."

Thinking about what she was alluding to, it finally sank in. "You and Don?"

Nodding with a smile she finished her tea and returned her cup to the tray. "Yes, Donald and I have been together for a couple of years." She paused to gauge my reaction. "I figured Mr. Swanson would have told you that by now."

"Hmm...you would think so." That arrogant ass and his damn secrets. I thought to myself. "Guess I'll have that conversation with him another time."

We spoke a little more about Benji, Don and Jesse who apparently were best buds in college. After graduation Benji enlisted in the special forces while Don went into the private sector and became an expert in security. It would only made sense that a billionaire like Jesse be surrounded with skillful people he trusted.

Finishing off my tea, Christine took our cups to the kitchen and gave them a quick rinse. Before she returned Jesse came around the corner and caught me staring into space.

"There you are." He spoke softly and sat down next to me. "Are you okay?"

"No, I'm not." Shaking my head I fought back tears. "Every time I close my eyes, I see him. I can't sleep."

"Baby, this is normal for what you've been through." His soothing words put me at ease but I was still struggling with controlling my emotions. "Come back to bed and I'll give you one of my awesome massages."

Giving him a quick nod he helped me to my feet. After saying goodnight to Christine, Jesse escorted me back to our bedroom. As promised I laid on my stomach while Jesse applied the right amount to pressure to my aching muscles. It wasn't a sensual massage that would lead into anything more, instead it was a way for me to let go of some stress and learn to trust again. Within minutes I was relaxed enough and fell asleep.

By morning I woke up exhausted and watched Jesse get ready for work. With the sedatives I was prescribed I was drowsy and found it difficult to get out of bed, let alone wake up. Dragging my ass out of bed I shuffled over to our ensuite bath and dared to look in the mirror. The swelling below my eye had gone down however the bruise turned purple; there would be no way of completely covering it up.

"Here...try using this." Jesse entered the bathroom and kissed the back of my neck. "You're new friend thought you could use it."

"Thanks." I responded, accepting and opening up the concealer. Gently applying it to my shiner I watched the injury disappear. "Why didn't you tell me that Christine and Don were a thing?" I asked dabbing the excess makeup from my skin.

"You never asked." He teased. Turning my face he wanted to observe my handy work. "Not bad, you can hardly see it."

"Yeah...it'll have to work. Remind me to thank her later on."

"So, what are your plans today?"

"I still need to get to the condo and pick up our uniforms so I'll have Benji take me over this afternoon."

"Sounds like a plan. Care to meet for lunch?"

"Oh shit!" I blurted out. "I totally forgot."

"What is it?"

"I made plans with Luke today."

"So cancel them."

"No...I've been putting him off all week, and I promised to see him before I left for Copenhagen. If it's alright with you I'll just meet him at the condo and then he and I will grab a bite to eat afterwards."

"It's fine baby, but you need to take it easy. Remember what the doctor said about your concussion?" He paused. "Lots of rest and NO EXCITEMENT!"

"Yes Sir!" Giving him a mock salute Jesse chuckled. "You know what? I'm starving." Having skipped dinner last night my stomach was growling up a storm.

"You're volunteering to eat? Just how hard did you hit your head?"

"Shut up."

Sitting down to breakfast with Jesse I managed to demolish a three egg omelet filled with everything including the kitchen sink, several slices of straightened bacon, crispy hash browns and a buttered up English muffin. We discussed the future of 'Residual Heat' under the leadership of JS Enterprises and I was urged to consider my career and not make any hasty decisions about ending my internship. Soon after our little talk I bid Jesse farewell with a passionate kiss and watched him and Don disappear into the elevator.

After speaking with Human Resources I agreed to stay on after taking some time off. To my surprise Detective Brady didn't waste any time and already had a search warrant for Keegan's belongings and personnel file. Knowing what transpired on premises, Capitol fully cooperated with authorities and promised to hold my position until I was ready to return.

Later that morning I showered and dressed in my newly purchased skinny jeans, tank top and button down plaid. I felt more like myself but still frazzled by recent events. With my hair blown dry I decided to wear it down and applied black eyeliner and enough makeup to hide the bruise; I was ready for my lunch date with Luke.

Chloe Beale's Residence - Los Angeles, CA

With Benji escorting me to Chloe's condo, I inserted my key into the lock and felt the deadbolt retract. Jiggling the handle, the door unexpectedly swung open as an arm reached out and pulled me inside, then quickly slammed shut on Benji.

"Becky, who the bloody fuck is this?"

Holy shit!

Ghost Girl was back and not only did she break into the place, she'd taken up residence there and was fully armed. Luke must have gotten there early and was let in by the crazy bitch, thinking it was me. With a handgun held to his temple, his hands were tied behind him as he was seated in one of Chloe's newly purchased dining room chairs. Where he became her unwilling prisoner, I was now her captive audience.

"Let him go, Kayla. It's me you want."

With a smile reaching her eyes she cocked the pistol and began to squeeze the trigger. "This is for taking the only man I ever loved away from me…"

"NO!" I yelled and dropped everything. I literally went into shock as I saw panic in my friend's bright blue eyes. With my hands held up, I surrendered myself. "I'll do anything you want, just don't hurt him." The more I begged the more amused she became.

Evil bitch!

After being nearly raped less than twenty-four hours before, seeing one of my best friends about to get their head blown off had become the icing on the cake. At this point it didn't matter what Kayla did to me, I couldn't just stand there and do nothing; I couldn't let Luke die.

A/N: This was another tough chapter to write and of course, another cliffhanger. Thank you for reading along and feel free to let me know your thoughts of the story so far and what you think is going to happen.