A/N: TW: Violent ideation, murder kink, necrophilia ideation. This is where stuff starts to get a little dark…

Yes, we're aware the alpha/beta/sigma/omega male theory has been debunked and that that behavior only applies to animals in captivity :) We couldn't think of more accurate-to-life phrasing that evoked the same feeling when editing.

xoxo

Chapter 7: Absolution

An annoying trilling woke Rebecca up the next day and she groaned as she slowly slid into awakening, forgetting for the moment that she hadn't slept alone, till she went to stretch and found that she couldn't move. Opening her eyes, she saw that she was all but wrapped up in Trent's arms, to the point where if she moved, she'd probably accidentally clock him. Tilting her head back slightly, she nuzzled into the crook of his neck and kissed him, whispering, "Good morning, Trent... Time to wake up..."

She had set the alarm for 7:00 a.m., figuring that gave her enough time to wake up fully, eat, head to the office to have a 'chat' with Nathaniel, and then head to the courthouse for Trent's trial. No way in hell would she miss that! But... she so didn't want to get out of bed! She felt so... warm, snuggly, and safe. But... later, later! She had to get moving.

Trent was one of those people who could wake instantly and be ready for anything in ten minutes or less. But today he, too, was reluctant to get out of bed. He did release her so they could both stretch and climb out of bed, and he said, "Good morning, beautiful. How did you sleep?"

Sitting up, and stretching, she smiled. "I slept perfectly, thanks, Babe. Like a rock, actually." She chuckled and looked back at him. "How did you sleep?"

"It was the best sleep I can remember," he responded sincerely.

Standing, running her hands through her hair, she walked over to his side of the bed and, smirking down at him, wrapped her arms lightly around his neck. She stood over him, running her fingers through the hairs at the back of his neck. "I didn't want to get up..." Her eyes were warm as she met and held his, allowing herself to feel whatever she was feeling at the moment, instead of fighting it. She felt SOMETHING for him, best she stop running from it. "I really don't want to leave, but the sooner I go, the sooner I can get back..." She bit her lip, leaned down, and claimed his lips in a passionate but gentle kiss. Though it wasn't exactly sex she was looking for, she wanted to feel connected to him for a few moments before they both had to go their own way.

He gave a soft moan of surprise and pleasure, letting his eyes fall closed as he lost himself in the kiss. One hand cupped the back of her head, and another went instinctively to her curvy hip. Best wake-up alarm ever, he thought happily.

She, too, lost herself, encouraged by Trent's reactions. Sliding slowly to push him back a bit onto the bed, she straddled his waist and wrapped herself around him as she held him close. His kiss filled her veins with fire, and his soft touch made her tremble as she whimpered against his lips. She could do this all day... and was, in fact, a little surprised to realize that's what she wanted... but somehow... she made herself pull back from him and tell herself to remember to breathe.

He loved how she took charge, and he was definitely 'ready'... for anything, as she pushed him back and wrapped herself round his body. They were both breathing heavily when she pulled back, and he felt a familiar sort of discomfort particular to men as she did. He agreed completely—he could have stayed in bed, making out, all day, and was gratified to see she felt the same way he did about having to cut this short. He leaned his cheek into her hand and smiled warmly at her. He was literally left speechless by that kiss.

"Ohhh... gods... Trent... " She rubbed her nose against his and sighed. "I don't want to go... but... I haaavveee to... " She dragged out her words like a sigh of frustration. "To be continued later, yes?" She reached up, cupped his cheek, and kissed him again, a quick but loving kiss, and smirked down at him. He was so freaking beautiful. The way he looked up at her made her heart stutter over itself.

"Now... I've got to go... or we will never get anything done today... and you can't miss your trial either..." So saying, she made herself move to stand and gave him the warmest smile he had ever seen. As she stood up, he reflexively grabbed a pillow to put in his lap; he was, above all, a gentleman still, despite the flaming heat spreading across his cheeks.

"You're so sexy though... damn," she giggled as she turned to go to the bathroom to freshen up. He waved in acknowledgement at her compliment, smiling a little tightly as he waited for his body to behave itself.

It took Rebecca all of five minutes to freshen up and dress for the day. She pulled on a dark-colored top that hugged her in all the right places, and a black skirt. She did her hair in two small side braids and put on just a tiny bit of makeup, smirking when she realized she didn't need any blush, as she was already red. She wasn't exactly sure what... that had been, but she had enjoyed it.

When she was done, she went to the kitchen, made them both a quick cup of coffee, and grabbed a piece of fruit off the counter. As soon as she vacated the bathroom, Trent went in to brush his teeth and shave, then back to his room to change into a sage green turtleneck that brought out his eyes, and a pair of slacks.

"Trent... I'll be back soon... " Rebecca called out as she tilted back enough to peek in her bedroom. She didn't see him. "9:00 a.m., right?"

He called back, "Yes, 9:00 a.m.!" as he looked for his favorite belt.

"Alright, I will see you there," she answered as she grabbed up her purse, phone, and car keys. "I'm heading out now... I love you!"

Every time she said she loved him, it sent a thrill through him. He didn't think he would ever get used to it. "I love you," he said, peeking out of his bedroom just in time to see her leave.

She thought about waiting to give him a goodbye kiss, and giggled as she walked out, knowing that that probably wouldn't be the smartest idea just yet... later.

She had such a cute little giggle, Trent thought. He ate a quick yogurt for breakfast before meeting up with his lawyer. They discussed the case briefly before driving to the courthouse together.

xoxo

The drive to the office didn't take long, but as soon as she walked in, everyone looked up and stared. Slowly, things came to a stop as she walked with purpose towards Nathaniel's office, but she paused a moment to smile and nod at Paula, saying she would call her. Opening the door to Nathaniel's office, she took great pleasure in seeing him pale as she walked in and smirked at him.

"It has come to my attention that I have a few vacation days saved up, Nathaniel. So I am here to tell you that I am going to have to take them. You understand." She gave him the flattest smile she had as she tucked her purse back on her shoulder. "Paid days, no less, if I remember correctly."

She smiled and turned to walk out. That felt... so good!

"Great," Nathaniel said coolly. "See you in court. Oh, you've forgotten? Paula, Tim, George, Maya, and I have all been subpoenaed in your boyfriend's hearing this morning."

Rebecca froze in her step at hearing Nathaniel's voice as she left the office. She turned to glare at him, giving him her most sincere but frightening smile. "Yes... I remember. I will see you all there then. Ta!" Gosh... this just got even more 'fun', didn't it?

Nathaniel nodded.

Stopping to talk to Paula for a bit, Rebecca caught her up on how she was and what she was up to, leaving out the trial for now. She suggested that Paula come over sometime and they could properly talk. One rule though... she had to be civil to Trent.

"Do I have to be nice to him?" Paula asked, wincing.

"Yes, Paula. Or at least civil, when you both are around me. I get you don't like him, and I am not asking you to... just... be civil when I am around you both. I love you, but I also love him, so I won't be choosing."

Paula was a bit shocked to hear those words of love flow so easily from Rebecca's mouth, but she agreed. Rebecca was her friend, and friends stuck together. She supposed she could manage being civil to Trent when Rebecca was around.

Rebecca winked at Paula and headed out. Smiling, and feeling lighter than she had in days, Rebecca headed to the courthouse, arriving just a few minutes early.

xoxo

When she got to the courthouse, Trent and his lawyer were already conferring outside the courtroom. Trent's lawyer was about an inch or two shorter than Trent; slim— reedy, even— with a delicate, foxlike face; and short, curly, sandy-blond hair. He wore square spectacles and a nicely-cut grey suit, but he looked barely older than seventeen. Rebecca was confused; was Trent having a law student defend him? Was he that confident, or had breaking his skull twice affected his brain? (Although, if he was still a student, he was a damn well-informed one; she recalled their phone conversation.) And was it her imagination, or was there something strangely intimate about the way this boy was resting his hand on Trent's arm?

Trent beamed at her as she approached, completely oblivious to her train of thought.

"Rebecca, this is my lawyer, Sebastian Freedman," he said, his voice infused with tenderness and affection. "Sebastian, you remember Rebecca?"

What an odd thing to say. Was it just because Trent talked about her a lot? The boy smiled tightly at her and she shook his hand uneasily.

"Of course," the boy said, his voice even warmer and richer in person, slightly more baritone than tenor. "How could I forget. I hear you two are dating now. Congratulations." But despite the pleasant sound of his voice, there was something cool and distant about the way he said it, or was she just imagining it?

"Yes," Rebecca said. "It's been amazing. Trent is..."

"Perfect?" Sebastian supplied, as his cool teal eyes raked her over appraisingly, almost as if to imply that she certainly wasn't.

Rebecca folded her arms. "So, how did you—what firm did you engage him from, again?" she asked Trent, pointing between them.

Trent's grin broadened. "His legal firm represents my tech firm," he said. "I engaged him the second I went into business for myself."

That didn't tell her what she wanted to know. "Okay, but how did you two meet?"

"We grew up together," the boy responded, squeezing Trent's arm. Rebecca cut her eyes to his hand. Misunderstanding her expression, the boy clarified, "We've known each other since second grade. Duck's my best friend."

Rebecca blinked, clearly confused.

"He calls me his duck," Trent explained helpfully.

"It's derivative of his last name. Maddock, my duck."

"Oh, okay. Paula— my best friend— calls me Cookie," Rebecca said, the lightness in her voice belying the distrust she felt towards this man who still looked like a teenage boy.

"That makes sense," Sebastian nodded. "You look like you eat a lot of cookies. Although, personally, I would have gone with Miss Brunch."

Trent tsked and pulled his arm out of Sebastian's grasp. "Be nice," he scolded.

Sebastian looked wounded for a split second before he composed himself. "Of course. My apologies. I've heard so much about you, sometimes I forget we aren't friends already." His smile would have been charming if Rebecca hadn't detected a slight sharkish quality to it.

Trent excused himself to use the restroom. The instant he was gone, that smile disappeared, leaving Sebastian looking cold and suspicious.

"I've done a lot for my client over the years," Sebastian said idly. "He's been my best friend for as long as I can remember. As you can imagine, I'm very... protective of him." He stepped closer to Rebecca and lowered his voice, tucking an errant curl behind her ear. "Part of my skillset includes making people disappear when they inconvenience my client or fail to meet his needs. I like to make myself useful, and I'm proactive about anticipating those needs."

She stepped back, glaring at him. "If you're so close, then isn't you representing him a conflict of interest?"

That sharkish smile again. "Are you afraid I won't get him off, or that I will?"

Whoa. Her eyes widened.

"You're not even a little bit nervous about shacking up with him now that he's no longer trussed-up and helpless?" Sebastian continued, apparently oblivious to his own innuendo. "From falling off the roof?"

She scowled at him. "As he told you, that was accidental," she hissed. "I was trying to stop him from hurting— Oh, hi, Nathaniel!" She waved to her ex with exaggerated cheer. He grimaced and gave a slight, awkward wave back, then tutted and rolled his eyes as Trent returned from the bathroom to join his girlfriend and best friend.

Something charged passed between Nathaniel Plimpton III and Sebastian Freedman the first time they laid eyes on each other. The look in Freedman's large teal eyes implied he knew Nathaniel inside and out, an uncomfortable but highly intriguing thought, and something must have shown on his face because the other lawyer winked briefly at him before heading into the courtroom with Trent, one slim hand at Trent's broad, argyle-covered back.

Nathaniel felt something stir, inconveniently, as he followed them in, George at his heels as always— for moral support, he claimed.

George had noticed the tension between Trent's lawyer and Rebecca. Part of him was pleased to see someone not automatically falling all over themselves when meeting the pretty time bomb, but the way that man looked at his Nathaniel raised his hackles. And the man had ignored George completely, as most people did unless they wanted something from him, but George had noticed him. Absurdly youthful appearance, expensive and well-tailored suit, clearly very friendly with Trent. Not to mention his every movement was as gentle and graceful as that of a ballerina— no, not a danseur, and yes, George knew the difference, having taken dance classes himself at a younger age.

This Freedman clearly took pride in looking beautiful and delicate, which was uncommon for a man their age. The way he sized Rebecca up, the expression on his face that showed he found her wanting, as though she wasn't good enough for Trent; the way he had gotten in her personal space and (obviously) threatened her... Yet if he had feelings for Trent, why had he looked at Nathaniel that way? George wondered, just a little bit possessively. Obviously, Trent wasn't single, so had Freedman been hoping Nathaniel was? Did he have any way of knowing for sure? George hoped not.

xoxo

Sebastian Freedman was an excellent lawyer. He covered all his bases, and that meant subpoenaing everyone at Nathaniel's party who had known Rebecca; the EMT, Rufus, who had fished Trent out of Nathaniel's pool and resuscitated him; and the medical staff who had been on duty the night Trent had woken up from his coma.

His argument was as follows:

Trent had been working legally at Nathaniel's party as a waiter, specifically, the turkey carver. He had been standing behind Nathaniel, holding his carving knife, and Rebecca had misread the situation, panicked, and pushed Trent away from Nathaniel. Trent had fallen off the roof and landed in Nathaniel's pool, surviving but heavily injured and comatose. The night he had woken up from his coma, he had been visited by Paula Proctor, who had harassed and terrorized him into giving a false confession to get Rebecca out of jail, which she was only in because she refused to accept the judge's decision to let her off.

He called everyone to the stand one by one. Rufus the EMT confirmed Trent had fallen into the pool, heavily injured, and been unresponsive. Tim and Maya confirmed that Rebecca had indeed pushed Trent away from Nathaniel and expressed relief when Maya had told her Trent was still alive. George confirmed that Trent had been working at Nathaniel's party legally as a waiter and had indeed been given the role of turkey carver. He also added that Rebecca was known for being erratic and hare-brained, but probably wouldn't hurt a fly.

Sitting in her seat, Rebecca watched as one by one, people were questioned about that night, a night she wished she could just forget. But it seemed that things were going well, though she had blushed a few times at hearing what was said, and mostly about her. Whatever it took to get Trent off, she'd do: sit through the entire world calling her nuts, if it worked. She was there to support him because she loved him.

Now it was time to call Rebecca and Paula. After some quick deliberation, Mr. Freedman chose to call Rebecca first.

It came as a surprise to her when, out of nowhere, she heard her name being called. Trent had told her that he wouldn't need her to testify. What was happening?! She made her way up to the stand though, back straight, and looked only at Mr. Freedman as he questioned her, trying not to show her panic at being called.

"Ms. Bunch," Mr. Freedman greeted her warmly, all traces of disapproval gone from his bearing. "I'd just like to confirm a couple of things with you. Firstly, did you intend to cause harm to my client the night of his accident?"

"No," she answered honestly, her eyes flicking quickly between Trent and his lawyer. "I didn't."

Mr. Freedman acknowledged her response with an affable nod. "Good. And can you confirm whether you consider yourself to be on good or bad terms with my client?"

That one was easy. "Good terms. He lives with me now." She felt, though, as if she couldn't breathe. This was much harder than she thought it would be. "I actually visited him every day at the hospital while he recovered once I was freed from jail. We have been living together ever since he was well enough to come home."

Damn, that felt good to say. She hoped that put a few barbs into certain people there.

"Good," said Mr. Freedman again. "Speaking of your time in jail, did you go to jail voluntarily or did the judge find you guilty?"

Rebecca nearly froze. She had to take a second to really remember to breathe before she answered. "I went voluntarily... against the better judgment of the Judge, my defense lawyer, and the prosecutor." She swallowed and made herself continue. "Because I felt so guilty about the idea that I had hurt someone." It was true: she had felt guilty she had hurt someone... two someones, actually, but they didn't need to know that.

Mr. Freedman nodded his satisfaction. "Well, I think we can all agree that we are glad you eventually chose to leave," he said pleasantly. "You may step down."

Rebecca nodded and stood, making her way back to her seat. She sat down and sighed deeply. That didn't go so badly.

"The next witness I would like to call is Ms. Paula Proctor."

Paula looked up as her name was called. She walked towards the stand, took a seat, and swore her oath.

"Ms. Proctor, the hospital staff has already confirmed that you went to visit my client the day he woke up from his coma. Can you tell us a little bit more about how that visit went?"

"I had gone to see if what I heard was true, as I didn't believe for one second that Trent was in a real coma. Rebecca was in jail and was dead set on staying there. I knew Trent believed he loved Rebecca and getting a confession from him would see my friend freed." She said so matter-of-factly. She had only been trying to help a friend, so she hadn't seen the error of her ways till later, when Rebecca had actually been mad at her for it.

"And how would you say you went about, ah, finding this truth?" Mr. Freedman asked coolly. He knew Trent well enough to notice that under the man's poised demeanor, he was fighting back some rather unpleasant memories. Trent had the good sense not to outright glare at Paula, but Mr. Freedman could sense the temptation.

Paula actually squirmed in her seat, her eyes flickering to Rebecca's, who now knew the whole event, and answered, "I knocked on his cast, I clapped and waved my hands over him, and called him some bad names." She sighed, looked back at Mr. Freedman, and continued. "And when that didn't work, I threatened to call Princeton to have them take Trent's diploma away." Just hearing herself say all these things made her feel terrible, and she turned redder the more she talked. She had apologized to Rebecca for her actions, but never in a million years did she think she would feel the need to apologize to Trent.

Mr. Freedman did not commend or affirm Paula the way he had done with Rebecca. He simply continued, "Then when you and Ms. Bunch first became acquainted with my client in 2015, you were under the impression he had attended Princeton University?"

"No," she said simply, "I knew he went to Harvard, same as Rebecca." She sighed softly and continued, "I had looked up Harvard alums for her on Facebook. That is how I found him." That was all she said about that, as she saw no need to open that can of worms!

Mr. Freedman turned crisply to the judge. "No further questions, Your Honor," he said. "I was going to call Nathaniel Plimpton III to the stand, but I no longer see the need. The defense rests."

It was clear as day that Paula had deliberately harassed an ostensibly comatose patient and extracted a false confession under duress. It was equally clear that Rebecca had not, in fact, deliberately harmed Trent, and that Trent had not harmed Nathaniel in any way, deliberately or otherwise. Trent was free to go; Paula would pay a fine and serve a small amount of time for her transgressions.

"Actually, Your Honor," Trent piped up, standing. "If it's not too much trouble, would you mind if we spoke privately?"

Rebecca found herself breathing for the first time since she sat down in that courtroom, and she was so excited things had gone so well and that Trent was able to come home with her! Though, upon hearing what would happen to Paula, she frowned slightly as Trent requested to speak to the judge privately.

He and the judge went to her chambers, where Trent ever-so-sweetly explained that he understood where Paula was coming from. Yes, her visit had been agonizing and traumatic, but he, too, loved Rebecca and hadn't wanted her to remain in jail. Would it be permissible for him to ask if Paula could just do community service instead? Otherwise, she would risk being disbarred, and Rebecca had told him about Paula and herself volunteering free legal advice at the women's jail. It meant so much to them, and to the inmates, and he couldn't stand to think how devastated Rebecca would be if her best friend was disbarred, so could the judge please consider this alternative? He turned his boyish charm and wholesome demeanor all the way up past ten, smiling a sweet, dimpled smile at the judge.

She agreed and ordered Paula to do 72 hours of community service in lieu of jail time, and upon completion this would be stricken from her record.

When the judge re-read the order, Rebecca actually blinked in surprise, while Paula glared openly at Trent. The idea of being in that... man's debt infuriated her. Trent answered Paula's glare with the same innocent, wholesome smile he'd bathed the judge in.

She walked over to Rebecca and hugged her gently, while whispering in her ear. "I wish I had gone to jail. Damn! Now I owe that man... I hate the very idea!"

Rebecca smirked, rolled her eyes at her friend, and whispered back, "Remember, you promised to be civil."

Paula pulled back and sighed. "Yeah, yeah. I remember." She turned to Trent and really looked at him, as she nodded slightly. "Trent... thanks."

Trent answered with a cheery, "Anytime!" Never had a threat been made in such a chipper tone. He strode over to Rebecca and wrapped an arm around her waist possessively as Nathaniel walked over to them. Rebecca turned to Trent, sliding into his embrace.

Paula turned to leave with an exasperated sigh, only to pause when she caught the look on Nathaniel's face. This was NOT going to be good.

"Congratulations," said Nathaniel icily. "You and your boyfriend both got off. In public, no less. How positively indecent."

Trent just smiled his childlike smile at Nathaniel, pretending he didn't understand the double entendre.

Rebecca felt anger flare at the words she heard leave Nathaniel's mouth. Placing a gentle hand on Trent's chest, she stepped away from him for a moment and practically squared up to Nathaniel. That protective fire was back in her eyes, and she smirked a little at the man before her.

"What burns you the most, Nathaniel?" she said in a voice so soft that it came out as threatening, but charming all the same. "That I didn't choose you... or that I chose him?"

She let the words hang in the air a moment as she lifted an eyebrow at him. "If I had to do it all over again, I would choose Trent. He has changed so much in the few months we have spent together, not that you would know, as you seem keen to be blind to things right in front of your face and act like a spoiled, rich brat." She shook her head, not wanting to argue with him at all, least of all in a public place. "So, keep your snotty comments to yourself." As she talked, she walked back over to Trent's side and wrapped her arm around his waist. "Because I'm not yours anymore... and I never will be."

She smiled fondly up at Trent. "Can we go now, Love?" she asked, knowing that such a word usage would infuriate Nathaniel. Good! She hoped he got the message. 'Mess with the ones I love, and I will destroy you!' Loud and clear, for all to see.

"Where to, babygirl?" Trent asked, turning all his energy back to the warmth and love between them. He was truly impressed by how she'd stood up to Nathaniel. He had known a thousand Nathaniels back at Harvard: spoiled little rich boys with parental issues who couldn't handle being told "no". He had no idea what Rebecca had once seen in Nathaniel and would never ask. In his mind's eye, he saw himself plunging that carving knife deep into Nathaniel's back, cutting into him like a tender rotisserie chicken. The thought excited him, both mentally and physically... almost as much as kissing Rebecca had excited him earlier that very day.

"Food first, then home? I'm starving." She could feel the tension radiating off both men in waves, and the sooner they left, the better. She trusted that Trent wouldn't act out or make a scene, as he wasn't one to do so, but Nathaniel... she didn't trust him as far as she could throw him. She also felt some other emotions flickering through Trent and wondered at them, but would ask later. Maybe. Or maybe they could simply finish what they started once they got home? That thought made her smile as she turned to leave, still within Trent's embrace.

"I am proud of you, Babe..." she said softly as they walked out together. "Though, I wasn't exactly expecting to be called. I think my heart stopped." She giggled up at him lovingly.

"I know, babygirl, but there wasn't time to brief you on Mr. Freedman's last-minute ideas. You did great up there! What are you in the mood for? Food-wise," he clarified as they walked out. He would need to settle down before considering the other thing.

"Aww... thanks, babe." She smirked as they walked out together. "How does Chinese sound? Simple. Fast. Filling." She knew she hadn't eaten breakfast this morning, and as it was a little before noon, she figured they both would be starving.

"Chinese sounds perfect," he said. He knew how to cook many Chinese dishes, his specialty being beef with bamboo shoots, but going out to lunch was something they hadn't done together yet and he wanted to experience it. Besides, all he had eaten today was a yogurt and he didn't have the patience to shop for bamboo on an empty stomach.

Nathaniel watched them go, nonplussed. Rebecca could say whatever she wanted to him, he told himself, he knew she had a thing for evil deep down, and that creature she was with definitely had evil vibes. He should have picked up on them when that 'mystery waiter' had pulled him aside to tell him condiments, for crying out loud, needed special approval. He had caught that look in Trent's eye just now, like Trent wanted to get him out of the way more permanently than Rebecca's little lecture, and he had noticed something else off about the man.

Once Trent and Rebecca made it to her car, her curiosity couldn't be contained anymore. After buckling up, she turned to Trent with a curious expression. "So... what was that back there? In the courtroom... with Nathaniel?" she asked as her brows furrowed slightly. She knew she had felt something other than tension from the situation coming off Trent as she stood by his side. She knew him so well that the slightest shift in energy, she could pick up on, and that wasn't just anger.

He slid into the car and waited till both doors were closed before answering Rebecca's question. Honesty, they had promised, and she had promised not to run away if he said something she didn't like. He fixed her with an intense gaze, his light green eyes blazing with a mixture of emotions. "If you really want to know..." He paused to let her decide if she wanted to hear this.

"Yeah..." She nodded as she looked at him. "Cause you were giving off subtle Alpha Male vibes in a slightly scary, but sexy as hell, way back there. I kinda liked it." She met his eyes as she spoke, so he could see that she spoke the truth. But the look he gave her had her tilting her head at him. Whatever he was to say, she would listen with an open mind and heart. She had promised.

There was nothing gentle or innocent about the expression on his face now. "I'm not attracted to your ex, but I get excited when I think about all the things I want to do to him," he said in a deadly whisper. "What I wouldn't give to carve him up like a Christmas goose and lick the blood from each and every slice. I'd like to see him on his knees before me, begging me to let him go, tears mingling with blood from shallow cuts on his face. The screams that would rip from his throat would be music to my ears. I'd love the feel of his soft hair between my fingers as I waterboarded him, and finally... if he crossed me one too many times... I would adore watching the life drain out of him as I filled his corpse with my essence, and then, I would want to watch the pigs on my farm back home feast on the meat from his carcass." He shivered with delight and arousal, then sighed happily.

Rebecca had absolutely no idea how to respond for a few moments. Listening to Trent describe in detail such an act was... well... she was kind of confused, actually. She knew she should be repulsed, but strangely, she wasn't, though it took her a few moments to respond... properly.

"Ohh, ok." She chuckled and smirked at Trent, reaching over to slip her hand into his. "So... murder kink, huh? That's a new one." She wanted him to know that she wasn't rejecting him for it, nor would she judge him on it. He didn't scare her. Not anymore. Not since they had really started to get to know each other. She knew how big a step this was for him. Opening up about something like this, a hidden fantasy, was a HUGE deal.

Trent breathed a sigh of relief as Rebecca held his hand. He wasn't a cruel person at heart, not really, but he disliked Nathaniel and similar guys with great intensity. His sweet, dimpled smile was back. "I'm sorry. Was that weird?" he asked gently.

"No. Not as weird as you may think, Trent." She gave his hand a light squeeze. "I kinda liked it, though, that vibe you gave off. Not gonna lie, that made me a little wet." She flushed deeply at her admission. Trent was a powerfully strong, well-built man. Just thinking about him possibly 'taking control', just once, made her extremely excited.

He blushed, all innocence once more, his lack of experience with sexuality showing plain on his face. He didn't know how to respond to her confession, he was so flustered, but it excited him, too. He vastly preferred the arousal of the woman he loved over torture-and-murder fantasies about an irritating man.

"Anyway, thanks for telling me, Love. That means a lot, that you are opening up to me more." She leaned over and kissed his cheek, knowing that to do anything else would start something they could not finish here. "So, hungry?" she giggled as she started the car.

"So hungry," he groaned thickly. Then he cleared his throat. "Choose somewhere for us," he said, "and give me a little while to calm down." GODS, he needed release— but not here, and not now. He had had blue balls before; he would just breathe through it.

Hearing the way he spoke, Rebecca flushed again. Dammit! She was half-tempted to just make it to go and take him back home! But they hadn't ever gone anywhere before, and waiting made it all the sweeter, didn't it? So, as she pulled the car out of the garage, she counted to a thousand softly in her head while they drove through town. It helped, keeping her mind clear and her insides quiet, but barely.

She spotted a little place she had frequented just off the road and pulled in behind it to park. It wasn't fancy or anything, just a little hole in the wall place, but she had loved the atmosphere and the food wasn't half bad, either.

"This place is really good. Might not look like much, but the portions are big and the price is small." She chuckled as she stepped out of the car and held her hand out to Trent.

Despite the long drive, Trent still needed a moment to compose himself before he felt comfortable exiting the car and taking Rebecca's hand. He gazed in wonder at the place she had chosen. He wouldn't have picked it out of its surroundings if he hadn't seen her eating here the very first day he'd come to town.

"I love it," he said sincerely. "The best Chinese food in the San Gabriel Valley."

They sat at a booth together and ate slowly, savoring every bite and every moment of each other's company. The ambience was nice, and it wasn't too crowded. He admitted to himself that he couldn't have picked a more romantic venue if he had tried, and romance was kind of his specialty.

He felt so joyful and blessed. Rebecca truly accepted him now, truly seemed to love him, even. A few months ago, if he had told her he had those kinds of thoughts about anyone, let alone someone she had dated, she would have gone running for the hills after insulting him six ways from Sunday. Now, she hadn't turned him away, thrown him out of her car, or out of her life. She had even been a little excited herself, if he wasn't mistaken. She had held his hand and kissed him, and that was amazing. He was over the moon! Being himself wasn't such a bad idea after all.

He hoped she knew that, regardless of his fantasies, he would never go through with it. Mr. Freedman had long ago advised him against causing actual bodily harm to any living person, not that he had needed the advice.

But he had to say, he, Trent, was one scary, scary, sexy man.