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Ren - Shades of Grey

By: Mygypsy



'The mongrel shouldn't be allowed to get away with it!' Ren thought angrily as he got onto his bike. He kicked the motor to life and eased the Triumph out of the shed and headed down the road. He was aware of someone not to far behind him on their bike as he sped along but he was not in the mood to slow down and let whoever it was catch up with him.

The powerful bike ate up the road easily until he could see the lights of a town up ahead. Deciding he needed more distance behind him he kept riding and headed for the next town along the highway. As the worst of his temper cooled he eased back on the throttle and reduced speed to allow the rider behind him to come along side, a quick glance told him it was his best mate Brad. 

As they approached the town Ren took the lead and headed for a quiet pub at the far end of town. He led the way around the back of the pub and rode back to the main street to park in front of the pub so his bike would be in full view from the doorway. He took his helmet and driving gloves off as he stepped up onto the sidewalk and paused in front of the doorway.. He waited several seconds for Brad to catch up to him and then the two men walked into the pub.

They made their way to the poolroom out the back of the pub and looked around with interest. It was a Friday night and there was a local pool competition that was held weekly in the pub. Both men made their way to where a man was taking names and a twenty-dollar entry fee and entered the competition.

"I'm gonna get a cold one, want one?" Brad asked Ren.

"Make mine a bourbon and coke." Ren said as he looked around the room to get the layout of the place. There were three pool tables in the back half of the room, several small tables scattered across the front of the room and long benches placed around the side and back walls. A jukebox stood to one side and Ren walked over to check out the music selection on it. Seeing it had a few songs on it he didn't mind he decided he might play a song or two later.

"One bourbon and coke as ordered." Brad said handing him a cold can and giving the jukebox an uninterested glance.

"There's some real talent out in the bar. A couple of brunettes." Brad said after taking a deep drink of his rum and coke.

When Ren didn't reply Brad knew his friend had his mind elsewhere.

The guy who had been taking entries for the pool competition announced that entries had closed and the first round draw would be done so the comp could start. Names were drawn out of a plastic bucket and soon the first two games were under way and the names of players were written onto a blackboard to show who played against who. 

Brad found himself playing against a pimply-faced teenager, who looked barely old enough to be allowed in the pub. The teenager was busy trying to impress a girl dressed in a top that showed most of her stomach; jeans that looked as if they had been painted on and boots with six inch high heels.

Brad gave her an appreciative look as he walked past her.

"Looking good tonight." He whispered near her ear as he passed her.

"My name's Brad. What's yours?"

The girl blushed a bright red and giggled nervously as she flashed him a quick look. She couldn't help noticing that her boyfriend looked unimpressive across the pool table compared to the tall well-built biker clad in leather. She noted that Brad had broad shoulders that filled out his jacket giving the impression of muscle while his waist was trim and his hips lean; his thick hair was dark with a slight wave, one lock falling over his forehead James Dean style. He was quite handsome with dark eyes, a rugged face and a smile that flashed white teeth.

"Tania!" Her boyfriend snapped jealously, annoyed that she was clearly admiring the big biker.

Tania hurried around the table to stand behind her boyfriend. Brad winked at her across the table and she blushed once again. Tania glanced at the second biker who stood near the wall at one end of the table watching as his friend played his game of pool. He had blonde hair, short at the front over his forehead and shaved just above his ears. The top and back was long and pulled back in a ponytail at the back. She realised he was watching her and she blushed deeply as she looked away coyly. When she glanced back he was watching her with an amused half smile framed by a neatly trimmed goatee. His unusually clear green eyes had a twinkle of humour in them.

'Oh my gosh!' Tania thought as she realised that he looked like a blonde version of Colin Farrell, the star of the movie The Recruit. The blonde guy had a presence that drew her eye. He was definitely one of the most handsome and sexy men she had ever seen.

Tania realised she had been staring when he raised one eyebrow and tilted his head to the side in silent inquiry. She turned away in embarrassment and moved back to sit down on the bench behind her. She kept her attention on the game in front of her and realised that the biker playing against her boyfriend was a much better pool player than her boyfriend. She glanced across at his friend and saw he had a preoccupied look with faint frown lines between his eyebrows as if something was troubling him deeply, she looked away and curled her hands into fists in her lap as she suppressed the urge to walk over to him and smooth the lines away. 

"Damn he's a good player!" Tania's boyfriend exclaimed when he came to sit beside her after loosing the game.

Brad walked over to where Ren stood watching the game at the other two tables.

"Your shout." Brad told him.

"Same again?" Ren asked with a quick glance.

"Yeah, and check to see if they are still doing the counter lunches." Brad told him.

Ren headed out to the main bar. He smiled at the woman behind the bar who took his drinks order and watched her chatting to an old guy who was clearly a well-known regular. When she returned with his drinks she smiled apologetically.

"Sorry I took so long but .."

"No need to explain. I aint the only customer in here." Ren said with a grin.

"So just the drinks?" she asked.

Ren glanced down at the name embroidered on her bar shirt.

"Any chance that the lunches are still going Jody? That is your name isn't it?" Ren asked with his sexy half smile.

"Yes, that's me, Jody. And lunches are available for another half hour. What would you like?" Jody asked handing him a laminated menu.

"I'm Gabriel Renford, Renagade or Ren to my friends. And can I have two steak sandwiches with chips. One medium rare, one well done." Ren decided after a quick glance at the lunch menu.

"Anyone ever tell you that you look like Colin Farrell?" Jody asked with a cheeky grin knowing it was probably something he heard regularly.

"Oh maybe a time or two." Ren treated her to his sexy half smile as he handed over money to pay for the drinks and food.

Jody laughed as she made change.

"I'll be out the back in the poolroom." Ren said as he turned to leave.

"Good luck!" Jody called after him.

In the poolroom Ren found he still had a bit of a wait before his game would be on, so he and Brad settled at one of the small tables to wait for their meals.

"Think I might hang around town for a day or two, chill out some." Brad said.

Ren glanced his way but remained silent. Brad was well aware of what was eating at his friend causing the brooding look and preoccupied air. Ren was worrying about the girlfriend of one of their friends and the way their friend was mistreating her.

"The girl with the kid I played looks like she might like some action." Brad remarked.

Ren glanced across where the girl sat with a group of other teenagers. She was sneaking glances towards him and Brad every so often.

"She looks a bit on the young side to what I like." Ren said.

Brad was just about to make a remark about age not stopping Ren before but decided not.

"So they still doing lunches or do we got to go hunting a feed?" Brad asked.

"I ordered us steak sandwiches and chips. That ok by you?"

"As long as it's food." Brad agreed then turned his head to watch as three of the girls at the back of the room got up and headed towards the main bar in a group. He waited until they drew level with the table before letting out a long low wolf-whistle of appreciation as the girls walked by. One of them, a red head paused to look at both men. She ran bold eyes over them and gave them a saucy grin before following her friends. Soft giggles could be heard as they disappeared out of sight.

"Looks like this food arrived just in time to keep you two distracted." Jody said as she walked to the table carrying two large plates of food. 

"The well done one here thanks." Ren said as he moved his chair back to give her room to pass Brad his plate. "By any chance is that you down for the last game in the first round?" Ren asked as her thigh brushed his as she passed Brad his plate of food.

"Yes, sure is. My shift ends in about twenty minutes." Jody confirmed then added with a smile. "If you're lucky I might let you buy me a drink."

Brad laughed softly as he glanced at his friend.

"I'm Brad by the way."

"Jody."

"Yeah, might buy you a drink or two." Ren agreed as he smiled, Jody wasn't overly attractive and her body was average but she had an open and friendly smile with a charming way to her. Ren saw past the plain exterior to the attractiveness beneath.

"I'll see you later then." Jody agreed before heading back to the main bar.

"Hmm, she certainly has a bit more class then those young skinny pieces." Brad commented.

"Shut up and let me eat before I have to play." Ren said as he reached for the thick steak and salad sandwich.

When Ren was called to play his game he found his competition a guy about his own age of 32 who was a good pool player. Ren's opponent won the toss to break and sunk a ball off the break, Ren watched as his opponent set about sinking as many balls as possible. Finally with only one ball left before the eight ball he missed his shot and Ren got to have a go.

"That was some good shooting." Ren remarked as he stepped past him to study the lay of the balls. He took his time lining up the first shot and then set about sinking his balls one after the other with precise shots, soon only his opponent's ball and the eight ball was left and Ren sank the eight ball easily.

"Shit man, you're hot today!" his opponent said as he shook his hand.

Ren walked over to where Brad was talking to the redhead that had eyed them off earlier.

"Another round?" Ren asked.

"Yeah, sure." Brad glanced his way briefly not turning his attention away from what the girl was saying.

Ren headed out to the bar a second time.. This time Jody wasn't to be seen but the guy behind the bar quickly got his drinks.

Ren wandered back into the poolroom and sat down a little way from where Brad was flirting with the girl. He watched the games being played and noticed that one of the players, a woman was darn good.

"Hey there. I must nearly be up." Jody said as she walked up to the organiser of the competition. He turned around with a smile and they chatted for several minutes before Jody wandered over to where Ren was watching another player.

"That's Mike. He generally wins when he's entered in the comp." Jody said quietly.

"He aint bad." Ren said as he glanced at her and gave a faint nod.

Jody laughed softly at him and perched herself on the edge of the table. Ren looked her over noting that she had changed into comfortable jeans and a tight t-shirt that hugged her small breasts closely.

"So are you a local girl?" Ren asked.

"Born and raised just out of town. What about you? Moved here recently?" Jody asked curiously.

"Just passing through."

"Oh okay." Jody said trying not to sound disappointed.

Ren turned his head to look at her as he caught the faint trace of wistfulness in her voice.

"Looks like I got a game of pool to play!" Jody said brightly as she bounded to her feet, sent Ren a bright smile and headed off towards the table where the game of pool had just finished.

Ren lent back in his chair and watched as the game got under way. Both Jody and her opponent were good players but Ren's eyes were on Jody as she moved around the table energetically. He couldn't avoid noticing that she seemed to be well known amongst most of the players and seemed to be quite popular. He smiled to himself as she stopped with her back to his table and lent forward to make a shot giving him a good view of her nicely rounded butt. He shifted slightly in his chair as his body showed it's interest in the view he had been offered. He was pleased when Jody made a tricky shot to sink the eight ball and win the game, and he gave her a wide smile as she walked towards him with a pleased smile.

"Nice shot to sink that eight ball." Ren commented as she sat in the chair beside him.

"Thanks, I wasn't too sure I could make it." Jody admitted.

"I'm just glad you got to stick around." Ren said as he looked at her meeting her eyes and then lowering his gaze to travel over her legs before meeting her eyes once again. Jody met his eyes boldly and settled back in her chair comfortably before turning her attention back to the pool tables.

They continued to watch the games as the afternoon crept on. Brad played again and went through to the next round as did Ren but Jody lost her game and came back to sit beside Ren. The late afternoon seemed to progress almost as fast as the games went and it was just on dark when the two semi finals were to be played. Brad against Cheryl, the red head Ren had noticed was a good player earlier, and Ren against Mike.

"How about a kiss for luck?" Ren asked as he got to his feet. Jody smiled and stood to kiss him lightly on the cheek. Ren gave a frustrated growl, caught the back of her head in one hand and pulled her close to kiss her on the mouth, his tongue plunging into her mouth to taste her.

"Wow." Jody said softly as she watched Ren walk over to his game. 

Jody watched as Ren won the game easily and returned to sit with her. Several minutes later Cheryl beat Brad.

"Tough luck mate." Ren said as Brad walked over to the table to join them.

"Win some, lose some." Brad said, unworried.

"Looks like I get to play with you." Cheryl said suggestively as she walked over to where Ren, Brad and Jody were sitting.

"Well here's to a good game of pool." Ren said smoothly as he got to his feet, he paused to look down at Jody.

"Don't I get a good luck kiss this time?" He asked.

"Sure, why not." Jody said as she got to her feet. She slipped her arms around his neck and plastered her body against his as she kissed him. Boldly she thrust her tongue into his mouth and when he returned the caress she sucked on his tongue for a moment before pulling back reluctantly.

Ren gave her his sexy half smile before heading towards the table.

"Thought we were going to have to toss a bucket of water on you two." Cheryl said with a good-natured smile.

Ren laughed and gave a shrug.

"Okay, who calls?" The comp organiser asked as he stepped forward with a coin.

"Ladies first," Ren said with a grin.

"Tails." Cheryl called.

They both watched as the coin arced upwards before falling end over end to be caught in an out stretched hand and slapped onto the edge of the pool table. The comp organiser lifted his hand to show heads.

"Looks like you get to break. Best two out of three games. Good luck to you both." The comp organiser said.

Ren moved around to take the first shot. He took his time and sunk a small numbered ball straight away. Shot after shot he sunk balls until he had only the eight ball left, he lined up his shot and sunk it easily. He immediately began setting the balls up once again for another game. Once he was done he looked at Cheryl and motioned at the table.

"Your turn to break I believe." Ren said with a smile.

"Thank you kind sir." Cheryl said saucily as she swaggered to the table.

Ren watched as she took the first shot sinking two balls. Steadily she continued but missed when she had three balls left. Ren moved forward and easily repeated his earlier run of shots to win the game.

"Congratulations." Cheryl said as she shook his hand. 

Ren inclined his head with a faint smile.

"Just my lucky day." He said.

The comp organiser came over and handed out the prize money. Ren shoved his money in one of his pockets without bothering to count it or put it in his wallet. He turned away and headed back to where Jody sat chatting to Brad. Brad got to his feet and slapped Ren on the shoulder with a wide grin.

"You're a lucky bastard today." Brad said.

Ren smiled but didn't comment as he sat back down to finish his drink. He tossed the empty can into a nearby bin and turned his head to look at Jody.

"How about I buy some drinks, we go grab some food and we go find some place quiet?" Ren asked.

"Sounds like a great idea. But I want to make a phone call first." Jody said.

"While you do that how about I go get the drinks. What do you prefer?" Ren asked.

"Bundy and coke." Jody said as she got to her feet. 

She headed to the office to make a quick call and was back before Ren returned with the box of drinks he bought. 

"Ren, I called a friend who shares the house with me who is interested if your friend wants to come along." Jody said quietly as he walked up to her.

Ren looked at her in surprise and then glanced over at Brad where he was chatting to yet another girl.

"Back in a sec." Ren said and walked over to Brad. He quietly explained the situation and smiled as Brad nodded quickly then said his farewells to the girl he had been chatting to.

Outside Ren and Brad assured Jody that they were able to ride their bikes and followed her back to her house where they parked their bikes on the back lawn and met Jody at the back door where she was waiting with her friend.

"This is Tessa. These are Ren and .. " her voice trailed off as she realised she didn't know the huge biker's name.

"Bradley but me mates call me Brad." Brad cut in with a friendly smile.

"Why don't you two head inside while Jody and I go grab some food?" Ren suggested.

"Good idea. We can go in my car." Jody said as she fished her keys out of her pocket.

"Pizza fine with everyone?" Ren asked.

The others answered in the affirmative and Jody and Ren headed to Jody's car. 

They returned quickly with several pizzas and everyone sat in the lounge room as they ate and washed the food down with cold cans of their preferred drink.

Tessa lured Brad away to her room leaving Ren and Jody sitting on the lounge with an empty pizza box between them and nearly empty cans of drink.

"I'll just chuck the rubbish in the kitchen and then we can watch a movie or we can go to my room." Jody said.

"What? I been a bad bad boy and your going to send me to your room?" Ren asked with a grin.

"Something like that." Jody agreed.

Ren pulled her to him and fitted his lips over hers. She tasted faintly of pizza sauce and Bundy rum as he kissed her slowly. She opened her mouth beneath his lips and Ren took his time deepening the kiss, enjoying the softness of her lips.

"Mmmm." Jody murmured in disappointment as he broke off the kiss.

"How about we go find a bed?" Ren asked.

"I'll just grab a fresh drink, you want one too?" Jody asked as she climbed to her feet and gathered the empty pizza boxes then took several steps towards the kitchen.

"I'll give you a hand," Ren said as he followed her. His hand consisted of waiting for her to put the empty boxes on the table before pinning her against the front of the fridge and lowering his head to kiss her once again.

"Got any ice in this thing?" Ren asked as he raised his head.

It took Jody several seconds to gather her wits and realise what he had asked.


Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 02



For the information of readers, this story runs concurrently with part of my Stolen series. But this is Ren's side of the story. I hope to take his story past the end of Stolen and tell how his life goes for a while.

* * * * * * * * * *


Ren neatly folded a change of clothes and packed them into the leather saddlebag that could be attached to his bike. He double-checked that he had his wallet then picked up the saddlebag and headed for the front door.

"You off somewhere?" Brad asked as he looked over his shoulder from where he was making himself a sandwich.

"Going to go see Jody." Ren said.

"Good for you!" Brad grinned.

"Why don't you come along and visit Tessa?" Ren asked.

"Tessa is a nice chick but she ain't really what I'm looking for. Besides I might stick around and make sure Hawk keeps his temper to himself." Brad said seriously.

Ren hesitated as he thought of the situation between Hawk and his young girlfriend; he glanced at Brad with a frown. 

"If things get bad there give me a yell. I type of plan on being away a couple of days." Ren told Brad.

Ren turned and continued on his way out of the house, he had several things he wanted to do and it took him nearly twenty minutes before he was able to ride away from the house. 

The ride ahead of him was about four hours long but he was looking forward to the time alone. He was the undisputed leader of the group he had just left, a position he had never sort but had somehow fell into naturally. Most of the men were good guys in general and there had never been any real problems until just recently when Hawk had gotten himself a girlfriend.

Ren was aware that most of the other men were like him and did not care for the way Hawk treated the girl he called Sky but their relationship was his business and until recently no-one had said much to Hawk. Although just a few days earlier Ren had broken his own rule of minding his own business and had had words with Hawk over his treatment of his girlfriend Sky. He had been happy to note that he was not the only one in their group sick of Hawk's abusive treatment of Sky.

As the kilometres rolled away under the wheels of his bike Ren found himself relaxing and enjoying the ride. Thinking of Jody he knew his time away would be enjoyable and he was glad he was taking the time to visit her. He had only met her close on ten days ago when he had ridden off from the group needing time to chill out. At the time he had been looking for a quite bar and minimal company but he had found a pool competition and Jody instead.

A smile came to his face as he thought of Jody. Unless you looked at her and studied her features one at a time she was an average lady with average looks, but when one looked closer they noticed certain things. For instance the sparkle in her eyes that told of a lively nature, the smile that lit her face making it a thing of beauty. 

Ren was able to forget his worries as he rode the powerful bike handling it with ease, it was a pleasant day for a ride and the road was fortunately in good order. Traffic was light and no problem as he rode enjoying the break by himself.

When Ren finally reached his destination he parked his bike in front of the pub and removed his saddlebags to carry them into the pub under his arm. He walked to the backroom where the pool tables were and approached the bar. 

Ren stood at the bar watching as Jody served the customers at the other end of the bar, she was laughing and chatting as she pulled their beers and made change when they paid for their drinks.

Jody turned from serving two of the regular customers and glanced along the bar, she was surprised to see Ren standing there with his cheeky grin. He had told her he would be back but when he had not turned up for the weekly pool competition the previous week she had thought his remark had been an empty promise. Slowly she made her way down to where he stood, she didn't want to seem too eager to see him.

"Yes, what would you like today?" Jody asked in her usual friendly manner.

"A Tooheys New thanks." Ren replied then asked, "How have you been?"

"Pretty good thanks, your self?" Jody replied as she expertly pulled the beer.

"Oh can't complain, never does no good and no one listens." Ren said easily.

"Well then you're obviously mixing with the wrong crowd." Jody told him.

Ren noticed Jody was slightly stand offish and wondered if it was because he had taken so long to return or if it was because she had become interested in someone else.

"What time do you finish your shift or do you have someone coming to pick you up when you finish?" Ren asked.

Jody was silent as she studied him for a few moments. "I finish at eight tonight." She finally answered.

Ren glanced at his watch, it was only just passed four-thirty. Some one called to Jody from the other end of the bar and she turned away to go and serve them. Ren took his beer and belongings and sat at a table not far from the bar, he leant back and took his time enjoying his drink and relaxing.

When he was finished his drink he got to his feet and carried his glass to the bar, Jody saw him and walked over to him once again.

"Another one?" She asked.

"No. I think I might go look around town. Mind if I come back about a quarter to eight?" He asked.

"Tessa should be home by now. Why don't you go around there and wait for me?" Jody suggested.

"Can do." Ren said as he gave her his slow and sexy grin.

Jody watched as Ren left the bar room, collecting his leather packs from the table as he went. She smiled to herself as she thought of the night to come. Man was tonight looking good!

* * * * *

Jody opened her front door and walked into the house to the most mouth-watering smell she could remember in a long time. When she walked into the kitchen she found Ren standing at the stove stirring something in a pot, he looked over his shoulder and grinned at her.

"I hope Tessa wasn't mistaken when she told me you like Italian pasta." Ren said.

"I think I've died and gone to heaven!" Jody exclaimed as she came to stand beside him as she drew in a deep breath of the aroma coming from the pot.

"Wait until you taste it." Ren said with a grin, glad his thought to cook a meal for her was approved of.

"Is it nearly ready or do I have time to take a quick shower?" Jody asked.

"Tessa told me you like to wash the smell of work off you first thing when you get home so I timed this so you have about fifteen minutes." Ren told her.

"You wonderful wonderful man! I'll make sure I don't hold the meal up." Jody promised as she hurried off towards the bathroom.

True to her word Jody was finished in the shower and back in the kitchen when the meal was ready to dish up. Tessa joined them and the three helped themselves to large servings of the delicious pasta and sauce.

"Where did you learn to cook such heavenly ambrosia?" Jody asked.

"I type of just picked it up." Ren replied. He didn't tell her he had studied to become a chef in the family business and had helped expand the modest family restaurant into three high-class prosperous establishments. He had inherited the businesses when his parents had both died in a car crash and now he was well off enough to travel at his leisure and spend his time however he wanted. He did periodically visit his different restaurants and check on them but he had good reliable men working for him and knew it was safe to be away for extended periods of time.

"Don't tell me you're a one pot wonder! Although with a meal this good I can excuse you." Jody said with a laugh.

"I can do enough to get by." Ren understated his abilities.

"Well I might love you both and leave you. Don't wait up for me I'm off to a party." Tessa said as she placed her empty plate in the sink and headed out.

Ren knew she was disappointed that Brad had not returned, she had asked after him when Ren had turned up and had tried to make light of it when she found out he wasn't there.

Ren got to his feet and placed his empty plate on the sink, he turned around and walked to Jody where she was finishing her food. Settling himself into the chair beside her he waited patiently as she used a piece of bread to wipe up the last of the sauce before popping the bread into her mouth.

"Mmmm I never though a vegetable pasta could taste so good." Jody sighed, "I always thought meat had to be in the sauce."

Ren chuckled softly and leant close to kiss her softly on the lips, Jody turned in her seat to kiss him properly before breaking off the kiss.

"I don't mean to disappoint you big boy but just now is not the best time for this." Jody said as she sat back reluctantly.

Ren said nothing as he continued to watch her.

"I have my period." Jody told him with a wry expression and a grimace.

"We don't have to have sex if you don't feel up to it." Ren said with an understanding grin. "The sex was great but so was the company."

"You cooked so I'll wash up." Jody stated as she climbed to her feet, picked her plate up and headed towards the sink.

Ren watched as Jody quickly set up to wash up the dishes and used pots, when she began placing the washed cutlery in the rack to dry Ren got to his feet and grabbed a tea towel. 

"Go sit down, it'll only take me a minute to do this." Jody said with a frown as she tried to grab the tea towel from Ren's hand.

"The two of us will get it done so much faster so that we can go and watch the movie Tessa mentioned you wanted to see." Ren told her firmly.

Jody frowned but turned back to the washing up.

When the washing up was done, dried and put away Jody and Ren settled themselves in on the lounge to watch the movie Ren had hired for the night. The movie had barely started when Ren glanced at Jody and to his amusement saw that she had fallen asleep against his side. He stopped the movie, used the remote control to turn off the tv and picked Jody up in his arms to carry her to her room.

Jody didn't wake as he stripped her out of her clothes leaving only her lacy undies on. He eased the covers over her still form before turning out the light and shedding his clothes to join her.

As Ren put his arms around her he realised he had visited her not for the sex but for the uncomplicated company he had known she would provide. With a sigh of contentment he gathered her close against his chest and closed his eyes.

* * * * *

Jody woke to the comforting warmth of a hard male body spooned against her back. Remembering the surprise arrival of Ren the day before she smiled to herself as she closed her eyes contentedly. The arm that curved over her side to rest it's hand against her stomach moved slightly and Jody opened her eyes and glanced back over her shoulder to find Ren watching her with a contented smile.

"Good morning sleeping beauty." Ren said softly.

"Good morning sexy." Jody said as she rolled over to face him. "I'm feeling much better this morning, if you'd like..." Jody broke off letting him finish the suggestion in his mind.

"Would you be offended if I said let's just lay here like this?" Ren asked sounding very contented.

"Actually that sounds like a marvellous idea." Jody said finding that it was indeed a welcome suggestion.

After a while Jody drifted back off to sleep and Ren could no longer deny the need to go to the toilet. He climbed out of bed careful not to disturb Jody, grabbed her thick terry-towelling bathrobe and headed to the toilet as he pulled the robe on.

When Ren returned he tossed the robe on the chair beside the bed and climbed back into bed and eased close to Jody once again. As a sense of peace washed over him he realised he had come to visit Jody not only hoping to get relief from the strong sexual frustration he was suffering but also to enjoy her uncomplicated presence.

He closed his eyes as Jody's closeness washed over him acting like a balm on raw exposed emotions he refused to acknowledge or name. As he drifted off to sleep Jody's presence kept at bay the image of a sad blue eyes and a feeling of powerless fury.

When Jody woke over an hour later she stretched lazily and glanced back over her shoulder to find Ren watching her from sleepy eyes.

"What will we do today?" Jody asked. "Laze in bed all day?"

"Your day off or something?" Ren asked.

"I have two days off." Jody told him.

"Let's have breakfast. Work out if it's easiest to pack lunch or stop somewhere on the way and spend the day riding around on my bike." Ren offered.

"Where do you plan on heading?" Jody asked as she rolled to face him.

"Wherever takes your fancy." Ren said with an engaging grin.

"We could always just ride and see where we end up." Jody suggested and snuggled up against his chest.

Ren made a sound of agreement as he cuddled her close and buried his face in the wonderful fresh smell of her hair. She smelt sweet and spicy and not at all like fear he realised with a start, angrily he pushed aside the thoughts as he sought her mouth with his.

The kiss was slow and leisurely as he explored her warm welcoming mouth. When he ended the kiss Jody gave a soft sigh of pleasure and he squeezed her slightly for a moment before reaching for his watch beside the bed.

"What time is it?" Jody asked as she sat up and swung her legs over the edge of the bed as she reached for her bathrobe.

"Nearly half past nine. Best part of the morning gone." Ren said with a laugh in his voice.

"Don't tell me your one of them people who get up with the birds!" Jody groaned as she tied the belt of her robe.

"A lot of the time I am." Ren said as he came around the bed, caught Jody in his arms and made loud noises as he kissed the side of her neck.

Jody laughed and turned in his arms to push playfully against his chest.

"Behave yourself woman or I'll have to drag you away for the day on my bike." Ren laughed down at her.

Jody eased from his arms and headed for the bathroom, a shower was first on the agenda then breakfast.

* * * * *

Ren and Jody stood on a ridge top over looking the valley of a deer farm they were visiting, in the valley below them over a hundred deer were standing in groups catching the last of the evening sun before bedding down in the trees for the night. Ren felt Jody shiver from the late evening breeze. He stepped behind her, unzipped his jacket and opened it before wrapping the sides around Jody as he pulled her back into his arms.

Jody sighed softly as she felt Ren's warmth envelope her as he folded her in his jacket with him, she leant her head back on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

"Hmm, that feels wonderful." Jody said softly.

"Warm enough?" Ren asked.

"I am now. But we had better be heading back if we want to be home before it gets too late." Jody said as she pulled away from him regretfully.

Ren shrugged out of his jacket and put it around Jody's shoulder, he held it while she slipped her arms into the overlong sleeves.

"But you'll get cold." Jody protested as Ren zipped the front of the jacket up.

"I'll survive until we get back to your car and you can get your other jacket on." Ren told her.

They headed down the track at a quick walk and were soon were they had left Jody's car at lunchtime. Ren quickly got Jody's jacket out so she could put it on and then slipped into his jacket.

"Do you want to drive or do you want me to drive?" Ren asked Jody.

"Might be best if I drive, I know the way. Unless having a woman drive threatens your masculinity." Jody teased.

Ren laughed as he caught her to him and dropped a quick kiss on her lips before climbing into the passenger seat of the car.

"Well I for one am having pizza for tea tonight. With loads and loads of cheese." Jody announced when she had been driving for a while.

"How about I get us several beers to go with it?" Ren asked.

"That sounds divine. I even have a movie at home you'll enjoy." Jody told him.

"What it's got lots of sex and nude girls?" Ren asked with a chuckle.

"No. Lots of preaching, hell and brim fire." Jody said with a laugh.

Ren watched Jody for a moment as she laughed, her joy of living was easy to see and her laughter tumbled forth easily. She was definitely a joy to be around. Hating to break the mood but knowing he had to tell her some time Ren took a deep breath.

"I'm heading off tomorrow morning." Ren said quietly.

"You know where I live." Jody said lightly.

"Yeah I surely do, and I'll be back to visit for sure." Ren told her.

Jody glanced across at him with a satisfied look before turning her attention back to the road. They continued to talk throughout the drive back to Jody's place, stopping to grab pizza and beer.

Back at the house they sat on the lounge watching an action movie while they ate the pizza and enjoyed several beers each. Jody finally leant close and nibbled on Ren's ear, Ren turned his head to watch her for several seconds before kissing her on the lips.

"Do you want to join me in the shower?" Jody asked as she smoothed a hand over his chest.

"Sounds like a great idea." Ren said as he cupped one breast in a hand, his thumb brushing back and forth over her nipple.

"Come on then!" Jody demanded as she climbed to her feet and headed for the bathroom.

Ren paused long enough to turn off the movie before following her.

In the bathroom Jody had already stripped off and was adjusting the water temperature before stepping under the shower spray. She glanced over her shoulder at Ren with a grin before moving under the stream of water.

Ren quickly shed his clothes and stepped into the shower to join Jody, he pulled her against his body and began kissing the side of her neck.

Jody turned to face him and glanced down at his arousal standing up against his stomach before smiling up into his face. She went down onto her knees and took hold of his rigid cock and began to pump her hand up and down his shaft. She continued to do this for several minutes until Ren lifted her back onto her feet and kissed her deeply.

"I take it you don't give blow jobs." Ren said against her mouth between kisses.

Jody pulled away for several seconds to gather her senses and think clearly.

"It's one thing I don't like doing." Jody admitted as she looked up into his face to see his reaction.

"Whatever your comfortable with." Ren said before he began to work his way down her neck towards her breasts.

Jody reached between them to fist his cock and resume pumping it by hand.

"Keep that up and I'll be finished before we even start." Ren growled against her breast.

"Well stop playing around! I'm ready!" Jody demanded as she tried to push his head away from her breast.

Ren allowed her to push him away slightly and he reached down between her thighs to feel her pussy for himself. 

Jody whimpered and squirmed as he fingered her slit for several seconds before he placed both hands on her waist and picked her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist and reached between them with one hand as he slowly lowered her onto his cock.

Ren gritted his teeth as he felt her slick tight walls slowly engulf his rigid shaft, he moved so she was against the wall and began pumping his hips against hers.

"I'm not gonna last long." Ren warned as he felt his release start to tighten his balls.

"Good." Jody groaned against his neck where she had buried her face to avoid the stream of water.

Ren shifted his hold to her rounded bottom and tried to slow their movements so he could last longer but Jody had different plans as she tightened her legs.

"Oh shit! Shit I'm coming!" Jody gasped.

Ren felt the ripples of her internal muscles as she bucked against him. It was too much for his control and his orgasm exploded up from his balls, along his shaft and poured into her body deep with in her love channel.

Ren groaned as he braced his legs to stay on his feet, slowly he eased from Jody's body and lowered her feet to the shower floor. After several minutes they both rinsed off amid kisses and much touching. Ren turned the water off and they both reached for towels. Ren quickly dried himself and wrapped the towel around his waist before reaching for Jody and lifting her into his arms.




Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 02



"I think it's time we went to bed." He told her as he carried her from the room.



Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 03



This chapter runs concurrently with Stolen. I have tried to show more of Ren's side of the story, what he was thinking and feeling.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ren was in the kitchen enjoying a cup of coffee, he had returned to the house several days earlier. He had arrived late at night to the sounds of Hawk mistreating his girlfriend and unable to stand by silently once again Ren had intervened and stopped the physical violence.

"Found something out in the shed you might be interested in." Brad told Ren as he walked into the kitchen.

"What is it?" Ren asked as he got to his feet.

"Come have a look for yourself." Brad said as he headed back outside.

Ren followed him shaking his head with a grin. Obviously Brad was excited over what he had found.

In the largest shed Brad had been sorting through discarded items and Ren looked at what he had uncovered in one back corner. A large trailer that could be attached to the back of a motorbike sat in the corner with a broken axle.

"It shouldn't take much to fix it up." Ren said studying the trailer.

The two men began discussing the repairs needed on the trailer and the best way to go about them. Ren had long finished his coffee before they ended their discussion and Brad had pulled the trailer out of the corner and into the middle of the floor.

"I'm going to go get myself a cold drink. I'll take your cup back if you like or you want to head back inside?" Brad offered.

"At the moment I've had all I can take of the whole situation with Hawk and Sky." Ren said with a deep sigh as he held the cup out.

"Be back shortly." Brad said as he took the cup and headed back towards the house.

Ren turned his attention back to the various things packed away in the back of the shed. With a little bit of exploring he found an old claw footed bathtub that had been retired to the shed for no obvious reason.

"Ren! Renegade! There's some real trouble brewing!" Brad exclaimed as he rushed into the shed.

"If Hawk is belting Sky again I'm gonna.."

"No, he's turned Seth loose on her." Brad said angrily.

"The bastard!" Ren swore and hurried from the shed to break into a run as he headed for the house.

Jake and Hawk were walking to their bikes as Ren neared the house. A chill of horror ran down Ren's back as he heard Sky start screaming and he grabbed Hawk by the front of his jacket pushing him backwards towards the house.

"Get in there and call Seth off her!" Ren ordered as Brad passed them.

"She belongs to me! I can do what I choose with her!" Hawk growled but Ren saw the fear in the younger man's face.

Realising Hawk wasn't about to co-operate Ren pushed him aside roughly and followed Brad quickly. He caught up with him outside the room Hawk, Jake and Sky had been using. Inside it he could hear Sky screaming with pain and terror, her voice high and desperate.

"The door's locked!" Brad exclaimed as he rattled the handle and tried to force the door open with his shoulder.

"Move!" Ren ordered. 

Brad stepped aside and Ren kicked the door hard beside the keyhole. There was the sound of wood splintering and the door opened slightly before returning to where it had been. Ren dropped one shoulder and charged the door; he ignored the pain as the door refused to move more then an inch or two. Suddenly the door swung open under the strength of his pressure and he half staggered into the room.

Ren wasn't prepared for the sight of Seth moving between Sky's thighs while his friends held her legs wide apart. He felt his rage boil up inside of him and then his hands had hold of Seth and he pulled him off of Sky and the bed in one strong heave. Seth staggered to catch his balance as his feet touched the floor and then he crashed out the doorway backwards as Ren's fist met his face.

Ren saw movement out of the corner of his eye and turned as Zane took a swing at him. He barely felt the fist that caught the side of his jaw and knocked his head to the side before he closed in on Zane with short cruel jabs that landed hard on the other mans ribs.

Ren was barely aware of his friends in the room or Brad at his side as he ordered Seth and his two friends from the room. They stopped and faced him in the lounge room with Jake and Hawk. The image of Sky pinned beneath Seth's large body was fresh in Ren's mind and the rage it had caused still boiled just below the surface.

"Get your stuff and get the hell away from here!" Ren ordered. 

Seth pressed the back of one hand to the tender skin around one eye and glanced at the back when he took his hand away. He then slowly worked his jaw, which was stiff from the second punch Ren had landed.

"I'm not finished with that blonde, I'll leave when I've had my fill." Seth said aggressively as he eyed the smaller man. 

"If you want to be able to walk away you'll leave now." Ren snarled as he rolled his shoulders and took a step towards Seth.

Seth backed up a step at the rage in Ren's eyes, he realised that Ren would resume his physical aggression without much provocation. An uneasy feeling that made the hair stand on end on the back of his head warned Seth that if he was in a fight with Ren in his present state he was sure to loose.

"We'll leave." Seth conceded.

"What the hell were you thinking turning them loose on Sky?" Ren demanded of Hawk.

There was silence for several moments.

"Damn you answer me! What the hell did you think you were doing? Or didn't you think!" Ren demanded of Hawk.

"She belongs to me! What I do with her is none of your god-damned business!" Hawk said angrily.

Ren fought to control his temper as Jake began arguing with Hawk.

"I am still waiting to hear why the hell you interfered. What was going on had nothing to do with you." Seth said to Ren.

"Anything that may bring the police down on us here sure as hell is my business!" Ren snapped.

"If you must know it was a try before I buy," Seth said curtly.

Ren turned cold eyes on Hawk.

"Did you forget you gave me first chance to buy her?" Ren asked in an ominously quiet tone.

"You said you'd be interested in buying her, but I didn't promise anything." Hawk said darkly.

There was silence as Ren glared at Hawk. The younger man looked away first. He turned his attention to Sky and stalked over to where she sat huddled in the chair.

"Get up and go get clothes on!" He snapped.

"You've got the problem with me, don't start on her!" Ren warned in a dangerously soft voice.

Hawk grabbed Sky by the wrist and pulled her to her feet. She clutched a blanket against her chest one handed and was forced to follow Hawk as he dragged her from the room.

Ren watched Hawk drag Sky from the room then turned his attention back to the three men in front of him.

"I want you packed and gone within half an hour, I think I speak for everyone else on that." Ren said and there were murmurs of agreement from Brad and several others.

Seth, Zane and Roy headed towards the room where they had spent the night while Ren and Brad followed them to make sure they were packing.

Ren watched them for a few minutes before heading towards the room where Hawk was with Sky. Ren was determined to fix the problem of Hawk's treatment of Sky for once and for all.

Hawk was watching Sky angrily but turned his attention to Ren as he stopped in the doorway.

"Take her out to the lounge then we go outside and sort things out while she curls up on one of the chairs." Ren ordered.

"You heard him get to the lounge room!" Hawk snapped.

Ren saw Sky grimace with pain as she headed for the door; concerned for her he stopped her when she would have passed him. He tried to ignore it when she recoiled from him slightly.

"Are you okay Blondie?" Ren asked gently.

Sky didn't answer as she stood there woodenly. Finally Ren stepped aside and let her pass.

Ren paused in the doorway of the lounge room on his way past and looked in at Sky. She sat with her face averted from Brent and Matty who were the only others in the room.

"Matt, can you get Sky some paracetamol and a glass of water. Sky if you want anything else just let Matt know okay." Ren said then headed outside.

Hawk was waiting out the front of the house; he turned to face Ren angrily as he came out of the house.

"Sky belongs to me! I am getting sick of you butting in telling me how to treat her!" Hawk said angrily.

Ren grabbed Hawk by the front of his shirt and slammed him back against the front of the house. He moved so he was nearly nose-to-nose with the younger man.

"From here on I do not want to hear you yell at Sky! You will not hit her or miss treat her in any way! You will not take her against her will! Or I will break you into pieces! Got it?" Ren demanded. For a moment Ren thought Hawk might argue with him then he saw the fear Hawk was trying to hide.

"So we clear on that? Or do I have to show you that I will make you hurt every bit as much as you make her hurt?" Ren demanded.

"I hear what your saying." Hawk said grudgingly.

Ren released his hold on the younger man and stepped away from him. Ren turned and headed back inside, he passed Brad just inside the doorway and realised that his friend had been close at hand incase Jake had followed them outside. Ren halted in the kitchen and took the time to get himself a cold drink of water to give himself more time to calm down. He turned his head to watch Hawk walk through the room.

"Sky still in the lounge room?" Ren asked Brad after a few minutes.

"As far as I know." Brad replied and fell into step behind Ren as he headed for the lounge room. Brad knew Ren would want to reassure himself that Sky was okay.

Ren saw Sky glance his way as he entered the lounge room but she looked away quickly. He walked over towards her chair and she sent another frightened glance his way, he felt his anger start to rise again and forced it down as he squatted beside her chair. He reached out to take the thawed icepack away from her face and Sky cowered away from him as if he had hit her.

"Hey Blondie, Seth, Roy and Zane are leaving, they can't hurt you anymore," Ren told her softly.

"My name is not Blondie." Sky said faintly.

"No, your name isn't Blondie but you are a blonde." Ren teased her trying to tease her into a happier mood.

Sky didn't look his way. When he reached out a second time to brush her hair back she cowered away from him.

Ren withdrew his hand and stood up. Something stirred in his stomach leaving a sour taste in his mouth. He could almost feel her pain and terror.

"No one is going to hurt you." Ren said softly wanting to reassure her.

Sky turned her head to look at Ren, her glare scathing. "Who's gonna stop them? You? You didn't stop Wilson hurting me! And Seth hurt me! Who was stopping them!?" Sky demanded then turned her head away as tears welled in her eyes.

Ren took a ragged breath. He had failed her. She had been dependant on him and he had failed her. He turned away and left the room without saying a word.

Outside he stood watching as Seth, Zane and Roy packed their gear onto their bikes. He noticed Seth sent him several nasty looks but he didn't respond to them well aware that Roy and Zane would back any move Seth made.

Ren heard someone come out of the house and approach him as Seth, Zane and Roy started their bikes.

"Are you still interested in Sky?" Hawk asked as they watched the three men ride away from the house.

"Why the hell wouldn't I be?" Ren asked coldly as he turned his head to look at Hawk.

"I decided I should give you first chance to buy her. Jake and I are thinking of moving on and we want to travel light." Hawk said.

"There was blood on the bed. How bad did Seth hurt her?" Ren asked suddenly wondering if Hawk was eager to get rid of her so he didn't have to take care of her injuries.

"There wasn't much blood so I didn't check." Hawk said defensively.

"The offer I made after Wilson got her still stands." Ren mentioned his previous offer to buy Sky nearly two weeks earlier.

Hawk nodded and held out his hand, Ren shook his hand.

"I can get the money to you tomorrow," Ren said.

"I'll meet you in town in the morning. We leave today. Sky can stay here." Hawk said then turned and headed inside.

Ren stood and listened to Hawk head inside. He knew that he would have a hard time with Sky for a while until she realised he was not about to hurt her every time he touched her.

Suddenly he remembered Jody. While he wanted Sky with an intensity that made his blood boil with desire. With Jody there was the calm companionship he found so irresistible. And the sex was good between them, boy it was good! Ren thought with a smile before he rubbed a hand over his face wondering what to do about his dilemma.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ren and Brad were headed for a town an hour and a half away from the house, Brad wanted to order in some part for the bike trailer he had found and was repairing. 

It had been four days since Ren had made the deal with Hawk to buy Sky off of him. Ren had been trying in that time to show Sky that he was not like Hawk but so far he had made little progress. He had no intention of keeping her with him against her will if she still resisted his attempts at friendliness after a week or two. But he did hope that she would quickly realise he was totally unlike Hawk and would not hurt her. Today he planned to get a cheap mobile phone so he could let her call her parents as a surprise for her, maybe then she would start to realise he wasn't out to hurt her.

As he came to the turn off that would take him to the town that Jody lived in he slowed down and came to a stop, Brad passed him then turned around and came back to him. Ren turned his bike off as Brad took off his helmet; Brad got the message and turned his bike off as well.

"I really need to go talk to Jody and let her know I won't be seeing her anymore." Ren told Brad.

"Yeah, so you want me to look out for Sky tonight or will you be back late this arvo?" Brad asked.

"I'll be back tonight. Jody is a nice person and I'm not going to mess her around." Ren said.

"I had her pegged as one of the good ones." Brad told him.

Ren restarted his bike and took the turn towards the town where Jody lived while Brad headed the way they had been going originally.

As he rode his bike he couldn't help thinking about Jody, already he was very fond of her and attached to her but the need to be with Sky was just as strong. He knew that if he had been so inclined he would be able to have both women but it went against all he believed in to two-time them. He was sad to have to break off his relationship with Jody but he felt it was the only option at this time. He didn't know if things would work out with Sky or if she would even want to stay with him but he had to wait to see what the future held.

Ren had been riding towards Jody's home town for nearly half an hour when he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket, he slowed down but the phone stopped ringing before he had halted his bike. Deciding to travel a little further before he stopped and checked who the missed call was from he rode another five miles to a rest stop before he slowed his bike and stopped it.

He took his phone out and checked it, seeing Matty's number he frowned and decided to ring him back and see what was wrong.

The call was brief and when Ren hung up he got on his bike and quickly headed back the way he had came.

Brad was waiting at the turn off for him; Matty had managed to contact Brad believing that the two of them were travelling together.

"What are you planning on doing?" Brad asked as Ren stopped beside him.

"See if I can find her. Find out why she ran away." Ren said.

"Think you'll find she ran away for the same reason she did when she ran away from Hawk..." Brad told him.

"But I don't treat her the way he did!" Ren exclaimed.

"No mate, you don't. But she was never given the choice to go with Hawk of her own accord. Are you planning to keep her against her will?" Brad asked.

"Of course not! I been hoping she would realise I don't want to hurt her..." Ren started to explain to Brad.

"So as far as she knows you intend to keep her the same as Hawk kept her." Brad cut in.

Ren looked away as he realised what his friend said was probably true, after all he had not sat down with Sky and explained to her that he did not believe he owned her.

"Sitting here is not going to find her." Ren snapped angry with himself. He restarted his bike and sped off on the ride towards the house.

The ride back to the house seemed to take forever when in reality they made better time then when they had left. Brad had picked up a couple of valves for bike tyres as Matty had asked.

"Tell me what happened. How did she get the keys to the vehicle?" Ren demanded as Matty and Brent met him as he parked his bike outside the house.

"Well we aren't too sure how she got the keys but she was supposed to hanging out washing when she snuck off to the shed and got in the van. Then she took off before we could get to her and stop her." Matty explained.

"What are you going to do?" Brent asked.

"Well first off everyone packs up and gets the hell out of here. She knows names so we will probably all be in a heap of trouble when she gets to the cops. Unless I can find her first and straighten out a few things." Ren said as he glanced around the others.

Brad stood not far from Ren as they watched the other men head inside to pack and leave the area.

"Want some company while you try to find her?" Brad asked.

Ren turned his head and looked at his long time friend.

"I'd like to see Sky is safe and happy just as much as you do." Brad told him.

Ren considered Brad's remark for a few seconds before giving a curt knod and heading inside to pack his own gear.



Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 04



The start of this story runs concurrently with the series Stolen and then carries on afterwards. It deals with Ren's thoughts and feelings when he has to say goodbye to Sky.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Ren lay on a sleeping bag spread out over a thick layer of straw, he was supposed to be trying to sleep but the feel of Sky's body pressed against his side was keeping him awake. As he lay there holding her against him his mind kept going over the events of the last night.

He could still remember his fear and horror when he had first seen the abandoned panel van on the side of the road. The drivers side panels had been smashed in by a sideswipe collision and he had searched the vehicle for any sign that Sky had been in the vehicle when it had been hit. There had been no sign of blood and Brad had found the leaked oil under the vehicle and they had concluded that the van might have been abandoned because the motor seized up.

Sky sighed in her sleep and snuggled closer, Ren began stroking her back soothingly with one hand. He wanted her to remain asleep so he could continue to hold her. Holding her eased the terrible ache that had started in his chest the moment Matty had told him she had ran away. 

Ren was still awake when Sky lifted her head and glanced at him before looking away quickly.

"Do you need to go to the toilet?" Ren asked her after she rested her head on his shoulder once more.

"Yes." Sky replied.

"We'll go for a walk then," Ren said quietly and Sky sat up.

Ren got to his feet and reached a hand down for Sky. She looked up at him and he could see her uncertainty and fear as he pulled her to her feet.

"Come on." Ren said. He didn't release her hand and Sky tugged at it as she followed him from the shed. Ren glanced over his shoulder at her and Sky glanced down towards her hand.

"I won't try to run away," Sky said softly.

"Maybe I just like holding your hand." Ren said, his voice gruff with suppressed emotion.

Outside Ren released her hand near a tree and moved several steps away to afford her some privacy as he tended to his own needs. 

Back inside the shed they washed their hands with a bottle of water out of the vehicle. 

"You hungry?" Ren asked.

"Yes." Sky answered.

"Hey Brad! We're going to eat." Ren called to his friend.

"Why did you run away?" Ren asked Sky evenly.

"I want to go home." Sky answered softly.

"Did I do something to upset you? Something to make you want to get away from me?" Ren asked. He wanted to know what he had done to make her want to get away.

"I want to be with my family." Sky said with a trace of desperation. 

"Are you scared of me Sky?" Ren asked.

"You bought me from Hawk! You're gonna ... you make me do things I don't want to!" Sky said as she moved several steps away from him uneasily.

"But I haven't forced you to do anything with me, have I?" Ren asked patiently even though he wanted to growl with frustration as she watched him fearfully.

"There's no way I can stop you touching me," Sky said uneasily and backed several steps further away from him.

"Sky, there hasn't been a night that I have laid beside you that I haven't wanted to fuck you. And there hasn't been once I acted on that except that night in the van and you wanted me to that night." Ren explained trying to show her she could trust him.

"You were doing things to me! You made me want you to!" Sky accused.

"That's the way making love works." Ren told her.

"You took advantage of me!" Sky accused.

"I only meant to comfort you because you were upset. Things kind of got out of hand from there."

She crossed her arms over her chest and hugged herself as she paced backwards and forwards. 

"Look come and eat. It's not much, just sandwiches and fruit with some soda but I know I am sure starved." Ren said as he got a bag out of the front of the vehicle.

Sky paused in her pacing to look at him.

Ren pulled out a wrapped sandwich and opened it. He held out a half towards Sky. "Cheese and tomato."

"Let me have a look at what's in the bag. I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!" Brad exclaimed as he walked towards them.

Sky turned to watch him warily, but he ignored her as he walked to the vehicle and helped himself to a packaged sandwich.

"Come on Sky. Come have something to eat," Ren coaxed.

Sky eyed him for nearly a minute then slowly walked over to take the piece of sandwich he was offering her. She bit into it hungrily and chewed it eagerly.

"Let's go and sit down to eat," Ren coaxed.

Ren walked over to the sleeping bag and sat down with his back against an old drum. He reached into the bag and helped himself to another sandwich. Sky approached cautiously and Ren patted the ground in between his thighs, Sky watched him for a few moments before sitting down between his knees. 

"Help yourself to more to eat." Ren told her as he leant forward to get another sandwich. He felt his chest press against her back as he delved into the bag again and she leaned back into his body. Gently Ren slipped his arm around her body just below her ribs and pulled her back to nestle against his chest. 

Ren leant forward and pressed a light kiss on the side of Sky's neck when Brad had left the shed. She flinched but turned her head slowly to look back over her shoulder at him. Ren moved his head forward to kiss her lips lightly; she tasted faintly of pickles and cheese.

Sky blinked dazedly as she turned back around and continued eating. She turned her head to watch as Ren got up and got them a drink each. She accepted the can he handed her. Ren sat down beside her and opened his can of drink so he could take a deep drink.

"Had enough to eat?" Ren asked.

"Yes thank you." Sky said as she opened her own drink.

Ren hooked his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to press a quick kiss on her forehead.

Sky looked at him startled and gave a shy smile as she lowered her gaze. Sky allowed him to cuddle her to his side. When he stretched out on his back once again Sky lay down beside him, rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes once again.

"You're not going to go to sleep on me there are you?" Ren asked when he noticed she had her eyes closed.

Sky murmured sleepily and Ren rolled towards her with a chuckle.

"Come on, wake up sleepy head." Ren growled as he nuzzled into her neck.

"That tickles!" Sky protested with a giggle.

Ren growled and made loud noises as he playfully blew raspberries against her neck.

Sky squealed and giggled as she wriggled against him. Ren raised his head and looked down at her. She lay on her back as she opened her eyes to look up at him. Ren studied her face as he slowly lowered his head. His lips met hers and he began to kiss her softly and lightly, Ren deepened the kiss as Sky's lips parted beneath his and she began to respond to him. He slid a hand down her side and cupped the top of her hip before running his hand across her back and pulling her hips against his.

She pressed against him and arched into his body. She moved his hand up to cup one aching breast and moaned with pleasure into his mouth as his fingers found her nipple through her top.

Ren moved his hand down impatiently and pushed it up under her top. Finding her bra he slid his hand around her back and unfastened her bra before pushing the cups from her breasts. He rolled one hard nipple between his fingers and she moaned into his mouth as she arched into his body. Ren thrust a leg between her thighs then trailed his lips down her throat and then to her breast to close over her nipple as he suckled strongly.

"Do you like that?" Ren asked trying to find out what bought her pleasure.

"That feels good," Sky admitted. Ren switched his attentions to her other breast.

Ren smoothed his hand over her stomach as he moved from one breast to the other then back again. He slid his hand down over her jeans to cup her crotch through the material and groaned against her breast as she pushed her hips against his hand. Ren rocked his palm against the moist heat he could feel through her jeans and Sky whimpered with pleasure as she clutched his head to her breast.

Ren suckled at her breast until she was whimpering in frustration as she pushed against his shoulders until he raised his head reluctantly. Sky reached down and pulled her top and bra up and off over her head before resting her hands on her jeans waistband.

Ren brushed her hands aside and unfastened her jeans. He kept eye contact as he slid his hand down her jeans and into her underwear. Sky gasped and opened her legs wider as his fingers found the slick folds of her womanhood. He slipped one finger into her wet passage and Sky moaned as he began to slowly finger fuck her, his thumb finding the hard nubbin of her clit.

"Ren!" Sky gasped as her hips moved beneath his hand.

"What sweetheart?" Ren murmured against her lips as he kissed her lightly.

Sky gasped and clutched at his shoulders, she ran a hand down his arm to his hand where he played between her thighs. Finally she slid her hand down the front of his body and caressed his hard length through his jeans. 

Ren buried his face against her neck as he groaned. He could feel her growing moisture beneath his fingers. He turned his head to nibble her earlobe and flicked his tongue into the shell of her ear.

"Please Ren! Please!" Sky whimpered as she moved against his body.

"What Blondie?" Ren asked his voice husky with passion.

"Please! It's not enough!" Sky whimpered as she moved against him desperately. 

Ren hesitated a moment then he pushed the jeans from her hips and legs before he pushed his jeans down baring his hips and moved between her splayed thighs. He lowered his head and kissed her hard; Sky wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him back hungrily.

Sky gasped and jerked away from his kiss as he slid deep into her slick passage. She was so wet he slid in full length with no resistance.

"That hurts!" Sky gasped startled even as pleasure began to replace the momentary pain.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Ren groaned as he forced himself to hold still. "Do you want me to stop? I'll stop if it you want."

Sky was unable to hold still and she began moving her hips beneath him. Realising Sky was enjoying it and he wasn't hurting her Ren began moving gently against her. He caught her lips in a hot tongue-thrusting kiss.

Ren forced himself to keep his movements gentle even though his body screamed for him to take her hard and fast. He was aware of the fact that her body was probably not healed properly and he didn't want to hurt her.

Ren felt the first flutters of her internal muscles as she pulled her legs up and hooked her heels behind his thighs and he began moving faster. She began making soft sounds of pleasure as she clutched his shoulders and moved desperately against him; she pressed her mouth against his shoulder and squealed with pleasure.

Ren slowed his movements to slow gentle thrusts, he could feel his own release close but he was determined to control it. Slowly his movements became stronger as Sky began moving with him once again. His movements increased in speed until he was thrusting against her hard as she moved eagerly against him. 

Ren felt his own orgasm swell in his balls and rush through his entire body until his release flowed out into Sky's soft warm body. When his breathing and heartbeat had returned to normal he gently eased from Sky's body.

Sky rolled away from Ren and curled up into a little ball. 

"Sky? Are you okay Blondie? I didn't hurt you did I?" Ren asked softly as he rolled her onto her back so he could see her face. The look of pain and desolation in her eyes warned him something was terribly wrong.

"Just leave me alone," Sky said miserably.

"Hey now Sky. What's the matter?" Ren asked softly in concern as he sat up to look at her with a worried frown.

"Leave me alone! I don't want to talk to you!" Sky said and tried to roll away as tears welled in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks.

"Come on Blondie. Everything will be okay." Ren said soothingly as he pulled her into his arms.

Sky struggled as she tried to escape his grasp but Ren pulled her into his arms easily. Finally she stopped fighting and glared into his face.

"Okay? Nothing will ever be okay for me again! I'm never going to see my family again! You're going to fuck me when ever you please and then you'll whore me out to who ever has the money!" Sky exclaimed heatedly before breaking down into harsh sobs.

His heart seemed to stop beating for an instant at her words before restarting at a tremendous pace.

"Whore you out? What the hell does that mean?" Ren demanded angrily in disbelief.

"Hawk told me how you get your money! How you'll sell me to men as a whore! I just want to go home!" Sky cried and attempted to pull away from him.

"Hawk told you?" Ren demanded tightly.

"Yes Hawk told me how you'd make lots of money off me!" Sky sobbed and twisted away from him.

Ren watched as Sky sobbed against the sleeping bag beneath her. Her accusations hurt but what hurt more was the fact that she clearly believed what Hawk had told her. Ren pulled his jeans up silently and got to his feet. He walked away from Sky not trusting himself to refrain from shaking some sense into her.

He wanted to reassure her that he was not going to sell her to other men, that there was no way he would let another man touch her. But he doubted that he could talk to her calmly at this time. The fact she believed Hawk, that she could believe what she had been told ... It hurt. Also there was a growing anger that she believed Hawk, after the way he had mistreated her while he himself had always treated her kindly.

Ren paced the edge of the shed until he calmed down enough to be able to talk to Sky without letting his anger show. He walked back over to where Sky lay on the sleeping bag. She turned her head to see who it was and sat up cautiously as she saw it was Ren.

"Sky, do you believe what Hawk said I would do with you?" Ren asked tightly.

Sky didn't answer; she didn't know what he wanted her to say so she remained silent.

Finally Ren groaned as he rubbed his hands over his face. He watched Sky's averted profile for several minutes until he accepted that she wasn't going to answer him. 

Ren could feel his control slipping so he turned and headed over to the vehicle. Why had Hawk told her those lies? Ren wondered. They were aimed at him, for some reason Hawk had wanted to come between them. And he was succeeding. Ren could think of no reason for Hawk to want to get at him through Sky.

* * * * *

"So help me God, I think I love you." Ren whispered softly to himself. Ren had made love to Sky for a second time that day and he had recognised the strange feelings whirling around inside him with a jolt. The knowledge was both terrifying and exhilarating at the same time.

Sky opened her eyes as what Ren said reached her ears. 

"What did you just say?" She asked quietly.

Ren was startled as he realised he had spoken aloud and not only was she awake, she had heard him. He had yet to come to terms with his newfound feelings and he knew she was nowhere near ready to hear the words.

"Nothing. It's not important." Ren muttered. "I was talking to myself."

Sky pulled away from him and reached for her clothes. 

"Sky?" Ren questioned her sudden withdrawal.

"You said you think you love me!" Sky exclaimed with disbelief as she got to her feet to pull her jeans on. "You don't know the meaning of the word Love! If you cared about me one little bit you wouldn't be treating me like you do. You're no better than Hawk! Your keeping me against my will and you never stopped him from hurting me!" Sky declared angrily as she pulled her jeans on and reached for her top.

Ren sat up and reached for his own jeans as anger boiled through him. "I know what I said and I meant what I said. And don't you ever compare me to Hawk again!" Ren told her angrily as he got to his feet.

Sky backed away out of reach as she regarded him cautiously. He picked up his shirt and shook it before pulling it on.

"If you cared about me in the least you wouldn't keep me against my will! And Hawk would never have said what he did unless that is what he believed you would do!" Sky accused.

"Right! I have had enough! You shut up about the shit Hawk told you here and now! Do not mention it ever again!" Ren roared angrily as he took a step towards her.

Sky back-pedalled hastily and eyed him fearfully. When he advanced with a hard look on his face she turned and ran for the opening of the shed.

Ren caught Sky before she made it halfway to outside the shed. She struggled as he turned her around in his arms to face him.

"I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!" Sky sobbed as she continued to struggle ineffectively.

"Shut the hell up!" Ren roared and Sky froze in his grasp. Slowly she lifted her eyes to look at his face and saw the rage in his eyes.

"I am going to let you go. You are going to go back and sit on the sleeping bag," Ren told her in a barely controlled tone and released her. Pain from her words making him want to lash out at someone, anyone but he refused to give in to the impulse.

Fearing the anger in his eyes Sky backed away several steps then turned and hurried to do as he had ordered. She kept flicking nervous glances his way as he paced between the vehicle and the outside sunlight.

Anger and pain vied for control of his mind as Sky's last words echoed in his head and in his heart. After several minutes Ren managed to control the emotions boiling within him and he walked over to where Sky sat watching nervously and squatted so that he was on eye level with her.

"How do I convince you I am not the bad guy here? What do I have to do to make you believe me when I say I won't hurt you?" Ren asked tightly. He feared what her answer would be.

"I just want to go home." Sky said as tears welled in her eyes.

Her voice sounded so broken hearted to Ren's ears as he closed his eyes and lowered his head. There was nothing for it he realised as something twisted painfully in his chest. In her eyes he would be continuing her abduction, taking over where Hawk had left off. Slowly he raised his head to look at her, her shoulders were shaking and tears ran down her cheeks as she cried silently, her face averted. And suddenly he realised that as much as he hurt from her telling him she hated him it hurt worse to see her pain and there was only one way to stop her hurting.

* * * * *

Ren watched as Sky climbed on the bus and made her way towards the rear of the bus. He saw her take a seat about three quarters of the way down the bus and look out the window as the bus began to pull away. He had the impression she raised a hand as if to wave but it was hard to see inside the bus as it gathered speed and pulled onto the highway.

Sky was gone. He had sent her home to her family. Something twisted painfully in his chest and tore free with a stab of white-hot pain as he realised he would probably never see her again. But at least she had the chance to be happy once again, and that was what really mattered to him.

Finally he turned to his bike and put on his helmet and gloves. Where did he go from here? 

He started his bike and turned onto the highway heading in the opposite direction to what the bus had taken. As he rode he tried to shut thoughts of Sky from his mind, he needed to put her behind him and get on with the here and now of living.

Three hours later he pulled into the parking lot of a small pub and got off his bike before heading inside. Before he got on with his life he intended to get filthy drunk.

Another two and a half hours and much bourbon and coke later Ren was feeling no pain as he looked at the world through the bottom of his glass and drained the last of his drink. He blinked as he lowered his glass trying to clear his blurry vision, he could have sworn he had seen Jody. But this was not the pub she worked in; it was up the other end of town, wasn't it?




Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 04



"Hey Gabe, what are you doing getting sloshed here?" Jody asked softly as she slipped onto the barstool beside him.

"How did ya know I was 'ere?" Ren slurred slightly as he struggled to focus on her face.

"I got a phone call." Jody said quietly.

A customer had recognised Ren from the pool competition not to long ago and knew that Jody was seeing him so when Ren had turned up and preceded to get drunk the guy who had recognised him told the owner of the pub that Ren was Jody's new boyfriend. The owner of the pub had rang Jody hoping she could come and collect Ren who was clearly too drunk to ride his bike.

"You ready to come home with me?" Jody asked quietly.

"Aint finish getting' drunk ye'. " Ren said as he signalled the bartender for another drink.

"I think you have had enough to drink." The bartender said as he refused to get another drink for Ren.

"Well can hi ge' a couple ta take wiff me?" Ren asked the bartender.

"Sorry no can do." The bartender said levelly.

Ren looked around the room and gave a shrug.

"Come on, come home with me." Jody urged quietly.

Ren got to his feet, swayed unsteadily for a moment before collecting himself then headed for the door at a steady walk.

Jody walked beside him ready to steady him if necessary.

Ren walked outside and stopped, he leant one hand against the wall as the cool night air hit him adding to the effects of the alcohol he had drunk. After several moments he straightened away from the wall and turned to head down the street towards a motel.

"My car is over here." Jody said as she took him by the arm and attempted to guide him towards her vehicle, he resisted and she stopped and looked at him enquiringly.

"Ya don' wan' me a' your place." Ren told her.

"Let me be the judge of that. Now come on with me." Jody coaxed with a smile.

Ren resisted for a moment and looked towards where his bike was parked around the side of the pub.

"Jason will keep an eye on your bike for you." Jody told Ren when he hesitated. Finally Ren let her lead him to her car and he got into the passenger seat. He was silent on the drive to her place but got out of the car at her urging at the house.

"Come on, inside with you and into bed." Jody said opening the front door.

Ren walked inside, he was noticeably more affected by the amount he had drunk now and he headed for the lounge room to sit on the lounge.

"No you don't!" Jody said with a laugh. "Your coming to bed."

"Ya don' want me in ya bed." Ren said as he grasped Jody's upper arms and looked into her face seriously.

Jody looked into his eyes; she could see that he was quite serious about what he had said.

"Okay then. You can sleep on the lounge tonight. It folds out into a bed." Jody told him as she stepped back.

Ren got to his feet and swayed drunkenly as he watched Jody fold the lounge out into a bed. He sat down on the edge of it and attempted to pull his boots off but only succeeded in nearly falling onto the floor face first.

"Here, let me help you." Jody told him as she brushed his hands aside and reached for his boot. She pulled his boots off easily and helped him swing his legs up onto the lounge.

"We gotta talk in tha mornin' " Ren said as he lay back and closed his eyes.

"I'll get you a pillow and blanket." Jody told him.

Ren murmured an unintelligible reply as she left the room to get the things.

When Jody returned Ren had rolled onto his side and was fast asleep, she placed the pillow on the empty space behind him and tossed the blanket over him ensuring he was covered up before moving around behind him and climbing under the blanket with him.

* * * * *

"Hey Jody, you'd better wake up or you'll be late for work." Tessa called from the lounge room doorway.

Jody woke with a start and lifted her head to look over at Tessa.

"It's five past nine." Tessa told her.

"Okay, thanks." Jody said as she felt Ren move in front of her. She had slept deeply cuddling him from behind all night. Jody sat up before swinging her legs off the side of the bed and getting to her feet. She glanced at Ren and saw he was rubbing a hand over his face sleepily.

"Could you handle some coffee with me?" Jody asked him.

"Coffee would be good." Ren said as he lowered his hand to look at Jody through narrowed eyes.

"Feeling seedy?" Jody asked unsympathetically.

"I'll survive. Could do with some more sleep though. I didn't sleep the night before last." He said as he sat up slowly.

"Well I'm having a shower then coffee before I head off to work." Jody told him. "Want to join me in the shower?" She asked with a grin.

"No. I'm still half pissed and we need to talk." Ren said as he got to his feet.

Jody regarded him silently for a moment before she nodded and headed for the bathroom by herself.

Ren went to the toilet then headed for the kitchen, he helped himself to a large mug of strong black coffee and sat at the table while he waited for Jody.

Jody's hair was still damp from the shower and she was dressed in her work clothes when she walked into the kitchen. She poured herself a cup of coffee and put some bread in the toaster before turning around to face Ren.

"Last night you said you wanted to talk to me today." She said between sips of hot coffee.

"I really don't want to get into it now. I need a clear head and several more hours of sleep before we talk." Ren said faintly apologetic.

"It sounds serious." Jody commented as she studied her coffee in her cup.

"I would feel better if I spoke to you about it after work." Ren told her.

"I work until four. You can stick around here today if that suits you or your can come back about four-thirty. Please yourself." Jody said as she looked up.

"I might stick around here and get some more sleep and a shower." Ren said as he rubbed a hand over the back of his neck.

"I'll see you when I get off work then." Jody said as she tipped the rest of her coffee down the sink, rinsed the cup and left without eating her toast.

Ren finished his coffee and headed for the shower. The water felt good on his aching head as he ducked his head under the stream of water before reaching for the soap.

* * * * *

Jody walked to her front door tiredly. It had been a hectic day at work with one of the bartenders off sick and two buses stopping at the pub during the period the counter lunches were served. She was reluctant to open the front door and go in to face whatever Gabe had to say to her sensing that it was something pretty important to him.

She found him in the kitchen drinking coffee and eating a steak sandwich.

"Good afternoon." Ren said as Jody came into the room.

"Hi." Jody noted that he certainly looked much better than he had that morning before she had left for work. She helped herself to a cup of coffee and sat down across the table from him.

Ren finished eating his sandwich before turning his full attention onto Jody.

"So is this where you tell me you're married slash gay slash have Aids or some such thing?" Jody asked flatly.

"None of those but not far off it." Ren said soberly. "You're a real nice person and I think I owe it to you to be up front about this. On the other hand I could say nothing of it and you might probably never hear anything about it but I believe I should be honest with you."

Jody watched him with an uneasy feeling.

"I'm not really sure where to start." Ren said after a few moments pause.

"Look if you want to stop seeing me just come right out and say it! Don't muck around and sugar coat it!" Jody snapped.

"I honestly don't know where I want things to go or if you will want me around after I say what I have to say." Ren said evenly.

"Well out with whatever it is and let me decide what I want!" Jody snapped uneasily.

"That friend of mine who wasn't treating his girlfriend right, well I stuck my nose in trying to get him to stop hitting her and make him treat her better ... a few days ago, they broke up and I was trying to help her out... anyway we ended up getting involved and I bought her a ticket home to her family. She's gone back home to her parents." Ren said as he picked at the breadcrumbs on the table in front of him.

"Define involved." Jody said tightly.

"We slept together, made love." Ren said with a level look.

"So you just fucked this sheila despite seeing me or doesn't whatever is between us count?" Jody demanded hurt and angry.

"I..." Ren started to explain.

"Or am I just a convenient fuck when you want a bit?" Jody demanded as she got to her feet.

"If you were just a stray bit or just convenient I wouldn't bother telling you. But you're a very special person that I think a lot of and I would like to continue seeing but I feel you deserve to know the truth." Ren told her sincerely.

"So what happened? You were busy playing hero and she was grateful?" Jody asked scornfully.

"No! Hell I don't know! It happened and I don't want to dissect what happened. It happened that I don't deny. I just believe you should know I turned to someone else while I was seeing you." Ren tried to explain.

"So are you finished with her? You going to keep seeing her?" Jody demanded.

"I doubt if I'll ever see her again. I know where she lives roughly. I could get in contact with her if I chose to. But I don't plan to." Ren said.

"Did you choose me over her or did she walk out on you?" Jody asked suddenly.

"I sent her home to her family." Ren said flatly.

Jody was silent as she studied him. Somehow she had the idea that he had given an answer that was not an answer. "I don't know what to think. You turned up in town here last night but you didn't come find me. You got plastered and now this bombshell."

"I didn't have to tell you. You probably would never have known about her but not to tell you was like lying." Ren said softly.

"Are you still friends with your mate? The one whose girlfriend you slept with?" Jody asked.

"No I don't consider him a friend any more. I should have done more to stop him hitting her right from the start. I told him he should treat her better than he did and it wasn't until he hit her with his belt I really done something." Ren said regretfully.

"Do you really think just saying 'hey, don't hit your girlfriend' is going to stop violence in a relationship? If anything it just sends it behind closed doors, out of sight. If it isn't already done when no-one else is around." Jody told him.

"You sound like you know a bit about abusive relationships." Ren commented.

"I grew up watching my parents." Jody explained.

"Where do we go from here?" Ren asked.

"Well you are here with me. Not with her at her parent's place. Does that say something about who you want to be with?" Jody asked.

Ren was silent as he thought about what Jody had said.

He was with her but he couldn't have very well taken Sky home, or could he have he wondered suddenly. No, he thought. He had had to let Sky go her own way. She needed to heal after all she had went through with Hawk.

"Yeah, I'm here with you. I didn't even come here consciously. I was just looking for a place to get pissed." Ren told her ruefully.

"I guess we wait and see where things take us." Jody said as she came around to sit beside him.

Ren reached out and put an arm around her shoulders and leant towards her to kiss her lightly on the lips.



Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 05



Thanks to all the readers who take the time to vote and leave a comment.Mygypsy.



Ren: Shades of Grey: 5

Brad watched as the vehicle towing the motorbike on a trailer stopped in front of the house and Ren got out of the driver's side door slowly. Brad watched for a few moments but he could see no sign of Sky in the vehicle and he looked at Ren as the other man walked towards him.

"Don't tell me she ran again," Brad said reluctantly. He liked Sky and enjoyed having her around.

" No," Ren said without explanation.

"Where is she?" Brad asked as Ren walked past him.

"I bought her a ticket home and put her on a bus. Now are you going to pack your stuff up so we can get out of here or are you staying here?" Ren asked abruptly.

Brad didn't answer as he turned and followed Ren into the house. He went to the room he had been using and set about packing his belongings. Brad had all his belongings packed within the hour and went in search of Ren. He found him sitting on the edge of the bare mattress in the room he had shared with Sky. He had the clothes he had bought Sky folded neatly beside him.

Hearing Brad in the doorway Ren got to his feet and turned his back on his friend as he brushed a hand across his face before reaching for his belongings.

Brad had noticed the glitter of tears on his friend's face before he turned away but said nothing as Ren turned with two boxes of processions.

"Shall we get out of here?" Ren asked as he brushed past Brad.

"Yeah, sure thing," Brad agreed and headed back to get his stuff.

Ten minutes and they left the house in the vehicle with the two bikes on the trailer behind them.

"How long ago did you send Sky back? This morning?" Brad asked.

"Three nights ago," Ren answered.

"Where the fuck were you? Or did you leave me hanging out to dry?" Brad demanded angrily as he wondered if the police were looking for them as he spoke.

"I rode around for nearly twenty hours, found a pub and got drunk. Woke up at Jody's. I was still half pissed so I slept on her couch last night and headed here this morning," Ren said tightly.

"You could have rung me! Let me know so I could clear out! Hell! I don't want to get the blame for the shit Hawk pulled!" Brad said angrily.

"Yeah, I should have rang you," Ren agreed. "But I had other things on my mind."

"Like getting your wick wet in Jody!" Brad snapped angrily.

"I did not get in bed with Jody! I sure as hell didn't fuck her even though she wanted it this morning!" Ren swore as he stepped on the brakes hard and the vehicle skidded to a stop. He turned his head to glare at Brad.

Brad stared at Ren silently for a few seconds before he shook his head. "You're gone on Sky!" Brad exclaimed, then hesitated a moment before asking curiously, "You break it off with Jody?"

"No I didn't break it off with her but I told her about making love to Sky. Not all the details just the general gist of things," Ren said looking away.

"You going to break it off with Jody or keep seeing her?" Brad asked.

"Damned if I know. I aint sure what I want or where I want to go at this stage," Ren admitted.

Brad wisely didn't say what he was thinking and that was that Ren wanted Sky and not Jody.

"So where are we heading?" Brad asked after the vehicle was moving once again.

"I plan on heading up around Albury for now," Ren answered.

They travelled in silence for nearly an hour before either of them said anything or reached for the radio.

"If you have to turn the bloody thing on, at least find some decent music," Ren snapped.

"How's that?" Brad asked when he tuned in to a station playing popular rock music.

Ren didn't answer but he left the radio on the station as he drove along. He had already decided that he would spend several months at the restaurant in Albury-Wodonga and live in the flat behind the restaurant. 

Brad didn't try to start a conversation as they travelled towards their destination. He had never seen Ren in such a strange mood and wondered how much of it was longing for Sky and how much of it was worry that they were all in the shit now because Sky was sure to head to the cops.

It was dark when Ren finally pulled into the driveway of the flat that attached onto the back of his restaurant. He turned the vehicle off and took the keys from the ignition to search for the key that would unlock the back door of the flat.

"How long you planning on staying here?" Brad asked as he got out of the vehicle and stretched lazily.

"Not totally sure at the moment but I might stay here until I figure out where the heck I go from here," Ren answered as he walked to the flat door and unlocked it.

Brad followed Ren into the flat. It was the third time he had been here and he knew the flat reasonably well. He headed straight for the laundry where the gas water heater was and soon had it turned on and heating water. When he got to the kitchen there was no sign of Ren but the door that connected through to the restaurant showed a faint seam of light around the edges. Guessing that Ren had headed through to check on his business and see about getting something to eat Brad quickly set the table then checked to see if the refrigerator was turned on.

Ren returned shortly and glanced at the table Brad had set waiting for food. "I got two specials cooking up for us," Ren said before heading back out towards the vehicle to begin bringing in his gear.

Brad watched Ren head for the master bedroom with the first load of his belongings. The room was large and fitted out with a lot of comfortable furnishings. Brad knew that the bedroom he would take for himself was just as comfortable but it did not have the view out over the city that the master bedroom had.

Both men had their belongings in the bedrooms before one of the chefs from the restaurant carried their food into the kitchen, placed it on the table and walked to the doorway into the rest of the flat to call, "Your food is here Mr Renford."

"Thanks mate!" Ren called back as he headed towards the kitchen.

Ren and Brad sat down to eat their meal. There was no conversation between the two men as both of them attacked the food hungrily.

"Bloody good tucker," Brad finally remarked as he pushed his empty plate aside.

"Yeah, good to see they're keeping the standard up," Ren agreed.

"That's one way to look at it I suppose," Brad said as he got up and began to check the cupboard for coffee.

"Just grab a couple of mugs and head out into the big kitchen. I couldn't be bothered drinking instant shit today," Ren said as he pushed his empty plate back from him.

"I'm not some piece of fluff you can order around old man," Brad said even as he was reaching for two mugs.

"Since when have I ever ordered a woman around?" Ren demanded angrily.

"You did a pretty good imitation with Sky." Brad said as he eyed his friend.

"You know as well as I do that if I had treated Sky the way she deserved to be treated Hawk would have nearly killed her figuring I was fucking her every chance I got! "Ren said hotly as he squared off with Brad looking ready to hit his friend.

"Go on, take a swing at me if it'll make you feel any better," Brad invited.

"Only thing that's going to make me feel better is making sure that Hawk knows what it feels like when someone bigger and stronger beats the crap out of him!," Ren snarled as he turned away.

Brad watched Ren walk from the room and shook his head with disbelief. Ren was never one to walk away from a fight if someone took a swing at him; but in the twenty-six or so years Brad had known Ren he had never seen his friend so ready to go looking for trouble.

* * * * *

Three days had passed and Ren had made some discreet phone calls in this time. He had managed to locate Hawk and Jake and what he had learnt from his contacts had greatly angered him. Hawk had been asking questions about where Ren had been going and whom he had been seeing before Hawk had turned Sky over to him. But more importantly Hawk seemed to be trying to keep tabs on where Ren was and if Sky was still with him.

Ren set about getting ready to go and visit Jody; he had decided that although he liked Jody he needed time alone to get past what he had felt for Sky. He considered Jody too nice of a person to be expected to wait around for him.

Brad had decided to accompany Ren on his trip to see Jody and had packed himself a couple of changes of clothes in case he found anything interesting and wanted to stay somewhere for a day or two.

The ride to the town where Jody lived was a pleasant one with the road free of weekday traffic; the two men took the time to stop for lunch at a little out of the way roadside dinner. They took their hamburgers and cold drinks outside to sit in the shade near their bikes as they ate and were still there as four bikes wheeled to a stop not far from them.

Ren and Brad watched as the bikes came to a halt. They both recognised Jake and Hawk's bikes immediately but were not familiar with the two other riders as they got off their bikes.

Ren tossed his barely eaten hamburger aside and got to his feet as he watched Hawk getting off his bike. He saw the grin on the younger man's face as he took his helmet off and looked toward where he and Brad now stood.

"What are you doing around these parts and where is Sky?" Hawk asked as he approached the two men.

Ren tossed his can of drink towards the garbage bin and took a step towards Hawk as he delivered two quick left handed jabs straight to his mouth.

Brad stepped forward watching Jake alertly as the other man moved forward with a curse.

"I'd advise you to keep the hell out of it if you want to be able to walk away from here," Brad said evenly as Jake glanced his way at his movement. "The boy has had this coming since we walked into that cabin some weeks back."

"It was none of Ren's business then and is none of his business now!" Jake snapped angrily as he eyed Brad.

"We should have stepped in there and then," Brad said softly.

"It was nothing to do with either of you," Jake growled.

"If that was the case then Hawk shouldn't have been telling a certain girl lies about Ren there," Brad said indicating Ren with a slight incline of his head. He could hear the solid thud of punches being landed and the grunts of pain and effort but he was too busy watching Jake and the man who had gotten off one of the other bikes to follow the fight.

"What's it about?" The woman who had gotten off the fourth bike asked.

"Hawk there liked mistreating his girlfriend, and then he fed her a heap of lies about Ren there," Brad said with barely a glance her way.

"Way I heard, Ren there was making time with Hawk's woman behind his back," the stranger with dark glasses covering his eyes that had ridden up with Hawk, Jake and the woman commented.

"Right! Break it up now or I am calling the police!" The owner of the roadside diner ordered as he hurried outside and stopped not too far from where Ren and Hawk were trading blows with Hawk clearly getting the worst of it.

The two men continued fighting without any sign either of them had heard the warning.

"Break it up!" The owner ordered again but it had no visible effect. He turned to where the three men and one woman were watching the fight. "You there! Stop your friends fighting or I'll call the police!"

Brad glanced his way without comment before turning his attention back to the fight. 

Jake went to take a step towards the combatants but Brad grabbed him by the upper arm and shook his head at him.

"That wouldn't be a smart move," Brad warned.

Jake tried to shrug Brad's hold off but Brad tightened his grip and Jake met his eyes warily.

"Right now Ren's beef is with Hawk but who knows when he will remember that you helped Hawk with the whole thing," Brad warned.

Jake went to jerk his arm away from Brad and Brad let go with a wicked grin. He watched as Jake took several cautious steps away from him.

"That's it! I'm calling the police!" The owner shouted as he saw the hostility between Brad and Jake as well as Ren and Hawk. The owner turned and hurried back inside his diner.

"You'd better hurry and finish it up Ren," Brad called and Ren glanced his way for a second but made no effort to end the systematic belting he was handing out to Hawk.

Hawk wobbled as he stepped back out of range of Ren's punches in an effort to get a momentary respite from the painful blows that Ren was landing. His face and ribs hurt from the powerful blows Ren had dealt.

Ren followed Hawk mercilessly as the younger man tried to get respite. Ren could see that Hawk was looking for an escape from the beating he was receiving.

"It's no... fun when... someone bigger an' stronger.. hits you is it?" Ren demanded as he landed a series of hard blows to Hawk's ribs despite his attempts to block the blows.

"How's it feel...to be helpless?" Ren panted as he moved closer to deliver another hail of blows. He watched as Hawk back-pedalled quickly in an attempt to escape the worst of the blows.

Hawk felt his boot catch on something on the ground as he tried to move backwards and he windmilled his arms as he tried to catch his balance.

Ren saw Hawk fighting for his balance and stepped forward quickly to deliver several hard blows to his ribs and stomach, seeing Hawk start to fall he cocked his right hand and delivered a hard blow to the point of his jaw. Ren watched as Hawk's feet were unable to keep up with the speed of his body and Hawk fell onto his back even as his arms continued to windmill. Ren was breathing heavily as he stood over Hawk. He watched as Hawk sat up and wiped his mouth with the back of one hand and look at the blood smeared on it.

Remembering all the times he had heard Sky crying because Hawk was taking her by force, Ren drew one heavily booted foot back and let fly catching Hawk in the groin. He watched with satisfaction as Hawk fell over sideways clutching himself and dry retching with the pain. 

Ren glanced over to where Brad was physically restraining Jake and nodded at his friend. "Let the bastard go, I got some left for him if he wants it," Ren snarled. He watched as Brad let Jake go and Jake took several steps towards him but thought the wiser of it and halted with a wary look.

Brad watched as Jake stopped and glanced between Hawk and Ren then moved around to kneel at Hawk's side away from Ren. Brad saw the look that crossed Ren's face as he looked at Hawk again and he almost felt sorry for Hawk as Ren kicked him hard in the ribs.

"From now on keep your pet on a leash or I am going to kick his arse everytime I see him," Ren warned Jake angrily.

Jake glared up at Ren but made no comment.

Ren turned and walked away from where Hawk lay sprawled on the ground. He could already feel a number of bruises beginning to but he felt a profound sense of pleasure as he thought about how sore Hawk would be for the next few days. He smiled with satisfaction as he remembered how well aimed the kick between the thighs had been. 

He ignored the police car as it pulled into the parking lot and he continued to his bike. Brad opened a bottle of cold water and handed it to Ren. Ren took a mouthful of water and rinsed his mouth before spitting the water out onto the ground. He looked up as a police officer approached him and stopped not far from him.

"Would you like to tell me what that was all about?" The officer asked.

"Would you believe me if I said I don't like the breed of bike he rode up on?" Ren asked dryly.

"Name, date of birth and driver's licence...," the police officer said.

Brad stood by silently as Ren supplied the information. He wondered how long before the handcuffs would come out. He watched as the officer wrote down the information and gave Ren a warning about fighting in a public place. The officer told them he could arrest them but said that this time he would let them go with a warning as long as they moved on immediately.

Ren didn't say a word as he pulled his riding gloves and helmet on. His hands were painful but he ignored that as he kicked his bike to life and headed away from the roadside diner.

Near where Hawk was still sitting on the ground still clutching his groin, the two who had arrived with Hawk and Jake were quick to get on their bikes and head out. The woman watched where Ren and Brad were fast disappearing with interest before turning her bike and following her boyfriend out onto the road.

* * * * *

Brad and Ren pulled into the parking lot of the hotel just outside of the town that Jody lived in. It was only mid afternoon but Ren was starting to feel the after effects of the fight he had had with Hawk. He got off his bike slowly and glanced towards Brad where he was already off his bike.

"How about we get rooms for the night, or even two?" Ren asked.

"I'll just go arrange it," Brad said seeing how stiffly Ren was moving. He headed off towards the small office and returned within five minutes with two keys one of which he handed to Ren. "We got rooms seven and eight."

Ren nodded his agreement as he took the key; he got his backpack from his bike and headed for the closest room. Inside the room he dropped his backpack on the double bed, dug a towel out of it and headed for the shower. Turning on the shower and quickly striping he was relieved to step beneath the stream of hot water and let it start soothing away his many aches and pains. He allowed himself a wry smile as he thought of how badly Hawk must be hurting and felt some satisfaction as he remembered the kick he had delivered to his groin. 

Finally Ren stepped from beneath the stream of warm water, turned it off and reached for the towel he had draped over the hand basin. He dried himself carefully mindful of the many bruises and studied his reflection in the motley surface of the mirror over the hand basin. He had the beginnings of a black eye, a split lip and numerous bruises on his ribs. As bad as he felt he knew that Hawk would be feeling much worse, he had landed a lot of hard punches on Hawk while blocking a lot that Hawk had thrown at him.

In by the bed he pulled on a clean shirt and clean jeans before carefully stretching out on the bed.

Ren had only been stretched out on the bed for a few minutes when there was a loud knocking on the door.

"Hey Ren, you feel like a feed?" Brad called from the other side of the door.

Ren got up off the bed stiffly and walked to the door to open it. Brad was waiting outside and he took in Ren's appearance with a faint nod.

"I was wondering how knocked about you were under the blood," Brad said.

"No where near as bad as Hawk is I'm betting," Ren said with satisfaction.

"No doubt in my mind about that," Brad said with a grin. "He won't be able to sit on his bike for a week or more."

"You were saying something about a feed?" Ren asked.

"I was just about to go get myself a feed and thought you might appreciate me grabbing you something as well," Brad told him.

"Yeah actually I could go a feed. I hardly ate any of that burger before Hawk showed up." Ren replied then turned to head back into the room to grab his riding gear.

"Why don't you stay here? I can get yours. I was thinking I'd get something from the Chinese takeaway in town," Brad said.

Ren halted and looked over his shoulder, "That'll do. Just grab me something easy. Beef and black bean sauce preferably."

"Will do, you can fix me up for it later. I can take your key so you don't have to get up to let me in with the food as well," Brad said as he walked over and picked up Ren's Key off the bed.

"Sounds like a plan," Ren agreed as he sat on the edge of the bed.

"Be back as soon as I can then," Brad said and headed out the door.

Ren watched the door close behind his friend then lay down on the bed and stared at the ceiling. He couldn't help wishing that he had taken his fists to Hawk the day he had found Hawk and Jake at the cabin with Sky and Hawk had admitted that he had kidnapped her.




Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 05



"Get over it! No use worrying about what you should have done," he told himself as the memory of Sky's scared and bruised face that first day haunted him. As Ren lay there he knew that he would never make peace with himself over not acting on Hawk's treatment of Sky. He controlled the urge to swear and punch something as he finally admitted to himself that by not doing anything to stop Hawk's treatment of Sky had been as good as condoning that treatment.

It was close to half an hour before Brad returned and let himself into Ren's room carrying a bag with take away food in it. He removed several containers from the bag before handing it to Ren, while Ren inspected what was left in the bag Brad pulled up a chair and sat on it propping his feet up on the end on the bed Ren was laying on.

"Those two from the roadside diner turned up in town," Brad remarked.

"Jake and Hawk?" Ren asked in a hard voice.

"No, the other two. The guy with the dark glasses and tatts is Rory; he's a cousin to Matty some how. The woman is his girlfriend Shantanaya or as she said 'Tanaya to her friends," Brad told him.

"Shantanaya? I'm sure I've heard that name before," Ren said then took a mouthful of food.

"From what I remember Brent said he went around with her for a while. He says she's a real wild one," Brad said and began eating his food.

There was no further conversation as the two men ate; both were hungry having tossed away their lunch before doing more than taking a mouthful or two. Ren finished his food and reached for a can of drink from the bag before glancing at Brad once again.

"This Shantanaya is a looker isn't she?" Ren asked.

"Oh yeah," Brad breathed with male appreciation. "Tall and slim but with nice full curves, and legs... hell they must go all the way up to her waist."

"Had a good look did you?" Ren asked with a grin.

"Yeah, she took her leather jacket off to go in and get take away from the Chinese shop while I was there... and I think the temperature went up about ten degrees." Brad chuckled to himself as he remembered looking over Shantanaya's body.

"Well I think I might try to catch some sleep. Probably be the only thing that'll make these bruises feel not so stiff." Ren said as he swirled the remains of his drink around the can.

"I grabbed some paracetamol while I was out, just in case," Brad said and pulled a box of tablets from his pocket and placed them on the bed up near Ren. Brad got to his feet, collected his empty containers and put them in the empty bag. "I'll see ya later," he said before leaving the room and shutting the door after himself.

Ren watched the door for a moment before reaching for the packet of painkillers; he got himself two and washed them down with the last of his drink before tossing the packet onto the bedside cabinet. He closed his eyes as he lay back and tried to get some sleep. Tomorrow he would face Jody and explain the situation between them to her. She was a great person but he knew she deserved better then waiting around for him to get over Sky. Especially when he wasn't sure of how long it would take and if he would even be interested in Jody afterwards.

* * * * * * *

I've put this note at the end of the chapter rather than the start so all the readers could read the story and not get a hint of it from the start.

I never said Ren was a hero, never said he was the bad guy. He is just human and he made some choices he has had to live with, granted he did not make the right choice at the right time BUT he does know he done wrong and he DOES feel bad about it.

The contents of this chapter was never planned, it just flowed from my fingertips to the keyboard. I guess all those comments got to me.



Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 06



Hi to all my readers.

I am sorry that this chapter has taken so long to

be posted but between family crisis' and real life priorities my writing has had to take a back seat.

Just to clarify a comment I made in an end note on the last chapter of this story, readers comments have not upset me it is just readers cant see inside my head and see future chapters as I can and I was wondering if I had gotten defensive on Ren's behalf.

Thanks to all those who comment. Feed back is invaluable. I will try to get future installmants on line as I can while dealing with real life issues.

# # # # # # # # # #

Ren woke and groaned as he rolled over, his ribs were sore and his face felt as if someone had stomped on it the previous day. Reluctantly he got out of bed knowing that until he got moving he would continue to feel stiff and sore. The first item on his order of the day was a hot shower and he headed to the small bathroom attached to his hotel room. The stream of water was only moderately hot but it still felt like heaven on his battered body as he stood beneath its spray.

When he walked out of the bathroom fifteen minutes later with only a towel wrapped around his waist he felt much better and set about getting into some clothes. Fully dressed he headed out the door and knocked on the door to the next room to see if Brad was up and about. A few minutes later Brad opened the door; he was clad only in a pair of jeans that sat low on his hips with the stud undone.

"I see your in the land of the living still," Brad muttered as he turned and headed back into his room.

"Hit one of the pubs last night?" Ren asked as he followed Brad into the room.

"Yeah, had a few beers with Rory and 'Tanaya. Rory's not a bad bloke when you get to talk to him." Brad commented as he reached for a shirt. A wet towel lay across the foot of his bed and Ren couldn't help noticing that the bed was a mass of tangled sheets and there was also the sound of the shower running.

"Meet up with Tessa did you?" Ren asked with a grin.

"She aint the only female in town." Brad said as he sat down and pulled his boots on.

Ren glanced towards the bathroom curiously as he heard the water stop running, a few moments later a red haired woman walked out wearing only a towel wrapped around her body.

"Hallo there, I'm Cheryl. Now I know you're in town I'm surprised you weren't at the pub with Jody." Cheryl remarked as she glanced at Ren.

"I'll wait outside." Ren told Brad and headed outside.

Cheryl watched him go and glanced at Brad, "Did I say the wrong thing? Your mate doesn't seem like his normal friendly self." She commented as she let the towel drop and reached for her clothes that were on the floor beside the bed.

"It's a long story." Brad said with a shrug. He watched Cheryl dress and grinned to himself as he felt his body react to the sight of her naked body. "What are you doing tonight?" he found himself asking.

"As good as last night was, I want to be able to walk normally tomorrow. And, big fellow that you are, I am mighty sore today as it is." Cheryl said with a rueful smile.

"No problem," Brad said taking the rejection easily. 

Cheryl smiled as she walked over and reached up to plant a soft kiss on his mouth. "You're a genuinely nice guy," she told him quietly. 

Brad patted her affectionately on the rear as he turned her towards the door, "Let's get going, I'm hungry." He told her.

Ren was leaning against the seat of his bike when Brad and Cheryl came out of the room, he turned and pulled his helmet and gloves on without waiting any longer.

"Looks like your friend is mighty hungry either that or he can't wait to see Jody." Cheryl commented as Brad put his helmet on. 

Brad shrugged as he reached for his gloves, he watched as Cheryl turned and walked towards her car where it was parked not too far away.

"Come on, I'm ready for a good feed!" Ren called to his friend before starting his bike. He turned his bike out of the parking lot and onto the main road into town, looking for somewhere that sold cooked breakfast as he went.

Brad parked his bike beside Ren's and followed him into the café as he took off his helmet. Ren was already at a table having ordered his food when Brad stepped up to the front counter and ordered. "I'll have scrambled eggs, toast and a pot of coffee thanks."

"Take a seat and I'll bring it over when it's ready." The waitress said with a friendly smile.

"Thanks." Brad said before walking over to join Ren at his table. "I don't know about you but I could drink a gallon of coffee this morning." He remarked to Ren.

Ren gave a soft snort of amusement and leant back in his chair as he turned his head to watch the early shoppers heading into a supermarket across the street. "Had a few brews last night did you?"

"A few but not enough to go over the limit. It's more the staying awake until nearly three this morning." Brad said with a satisfied grin.

"It's always feast or famine with you." Ren said with a chuckle.

"Yeah, maybe I should get myself a woman and settle down." Brad laughed then turned his head to watch as the waitress bought over a tray with two mugs, a jug of milk and two pots of coffee.

"There you go, you both look like you could do with a coffee while you wait." She said with a friendly smile as she placed a steaming mug in front of each man then put the milk and coffee pots in the middle of the table.

"That smells like the real deal." Ren remarked as he inhaled deeply.

"Freshly ground beans, and brewed fresh." The waitress said before hurrying back behind the counter to serve another customer.

"Ahhh, heaven." Brad groaned in appreciation as he sipped the steaming brew.

Ren grinned to himself as he added milk and sugar before sampling the coffee. When the food arrived both men began to eat hungrily and barely took any notice of when Jody walked into the café.

"Hallo Gabe," Jody said when she saw him.

Ren looked up and Jody caught sight of his battered face. "Hi Jody."

"What happened to you? Or should I ask who happened to you?" She asked in surprise.

"It's nothing." Ren dismissed her concern. "Are you working today?"

"I don't start until two this afternoon," Jody said as she pulled a chair out from the table and sat down with the two men. "Hi Brad."

"Hi Jody, how's it going?" Brad replied.

"Good. Gabe, would you like to come by home for a few hours?" Jody asked as she turned her attention back to Ren.

"How about I turn up in about half an hour?" Ren asked as he looked at her.

Sensing something serious was afoot Jody nodded and got to her feet. "I'll catch you later then."

"I'll see you shortly." Ren confirmed and watched as she walked from the café.

"You sound serious." Brad commented.

Ren didn't reply as he continued to finish his food, he pushed his empty plate aside and reached for his pot of coffee to refill his mug. 

It was close to half an hour before Ren finished his coffee, paid for his meal and walked outside to his bike. He was still pulling his gloves on when Brad walked to his bike.

"I'll be down at the pub around lunch time if you're finished by then." Brad told him.

"Okay." Was all Ren said before starting his bike and heading towards Jody's house.

Jody smiled nervously when Ren knocked on the door and she opened it, "Come on in." She invited as she moved to one side.

"Thanks," Ren said as he moved past her and into the lounge room. "Is Tessa home or are we alone?" he asked as he turned to face her.

"Tessa is at work." Jody replied and made her way to a chair to sit down facing Ren. "You were in a fight." It was a statement of fact not a question.

"Yeah, I gave the guy that had belted his girlfriend around a taste of what it felt like." Ren said evenly.

"Do you honestly think it done any good?" Jody demanded.

"It made me feel a hell of a lot better." Ren admitted.

"Why? Because it felt good to hit him or because she meant that much to you?" Jody asked suddenly.

Ren didn't reply as he stood rubbing his hands together slowly to ease the soreness in his knuckles; finally he lifted his head to look at Jody levelly.

"I think I'd best sit down so we can have a talk." Ren said and Jody realised he had been waiting for her to invite him to sit down.

"I get the feeling I am not going to like what you have to say." Jody said as she indicated the lounge behind him.

"I doubt it." Ren agreed as he sat down. He looked at his hands for several moments before looking up to meet her eyes. "You know I wanted some breathing space last time I was here..."

"Yes," Jody acknowledged.

"Since then I realised... it wouldn't be fair to let you hang around waiting for me." Ren paused for a moment as he looked down at his hands. "As much as I like you and respect you, I've realised that my feelings for... this other woman are much stronger than I first realised, and I can't be sure how long it'll take me to sort myself out. And if I'll even want a relationship no matter how casual when I'm through." Ren said gently as he could.

"So you don't want me waiting around for you." Jody said flatly.

"Jody, you're worth more than that. It's because I think so much of you I came to tell you that if you get a chance with someone else, take it. You deserve some one who is totally into you. At this stage I can't say I'll ever be seriously interested in anyone else." Ren said somewhat bluntly.

"So I'd be okay for a casual root, but don't expect anything more?" Jody asked tightly.

"You're purposely twisting what I am saying," Ren said "you're not okay as a casual fuck. You're way to good for me to treat you like that."

"Why aren't you with her?" Jody demanded suddenly.

"Because she doesn't want me. She doesn't want any man." Ren said levelly.

"You can't have her and you don't want me?" Jody said almost to herself.

"I think you deserve better than being second choice." Ren told her.

Jody nodded silently, the sheen of tears in her eyes. "I suppose I should thank you for being up front with me. You could have strung me along but you didn't."

"I respect you too much to do that." Ren told her.

"She doesn't know what she's giving up." Jody said softly.

Ren didn't answer her remark and waited for her to decide it was time for him to leave.

"Just because we're not... don't be a stranger if you're in town okay?" Jody said quietly.

"You can be sure I'll call by the pub and say hallo," Ren promised her then added, "I had better be going." Ren said getting to his feet.

"Okay," Jody said as she stood up, she hesitated a moment then walked up to Ren and slid her arms up his chest and pulled his head down to hers as she gave him a lingering kiss on the lips. "Just so you know what you're giving up." She whispered quietly when he turned away.

Ren heard her comment, knew he was meant to but he didn't react as he headed for the front door. He knew he was doing the right thing by Jody but he still felt like a heel.

Jody watched as Ren walked to his bike and pulled his helmet and gloves on before settling astride the big bike. She returned his wave and watched as he kicked the bike to life and headed away from the house.

"Who ever she is Gabe, she's a fool." Jody said softly and turned away as her tears began to fall.

* * * * *

Ren rode around town until he found Brad's bike parked outside a leatherwork shop. Leaving his bike not far from the shop he headed inside to see what was attracting Brad's attention inside the shop.

"Finished all ready?" Brad asked as Ren walked up beside him.

"Yeah," Ren replied. "What have you found? New tools or some good grade leather?" 

"I'm just looking at some finished pieces of work. Whoever done them has an interesting technique of embossing the designs into the leather." Brad said as he showed Ren a decorated leather wallet.

"You'd know better than me," Ren said as he looked at the wallet a moment before handing it back. "Do you want to stick around all day or move on?"

"You're not staying around to see Jody after work?" Brad asked as he looked at Ren with surprise.

"I'm not seeing her any more," Ren admitted.

Brad remained silent as he looked at the wallet he held then placed it back in the display stand. "Why don't we go see if we can stir up a bit of action in the next town over or something?" He finally asked when Ren remained silent.

"Why not." Ren agreed as the bell over the store door jingled and they both glanced at the entrance to see who had entered the store.

"Fucking hell." Brad growled when he saw Rory and 'Tanaya head towards the counter.

"Thought you said Rory was an okay bloke." Ren muttered.

"He is but she's trouble with a capital t. She came onto nearly every man but him last night at the pub." Brad said darkly.

"What? And left out you?" Ren asked with a grin knowing it was probably true.

Brad grunted but didn't reply as he made his way towards the door.

"Hey there Brad," Rory called as he spotted him.

"Hi, last night seems to have agreed with you." Brad remarked when he saw the grin on Rory's face.

Rory glanced at 'Tanaya and back at Brad, he was well aware of the tension between them. "Yes, last night was pretty good. Best part started after we left the pub." Rory said with a masculine chuckle of appreciation.

Brad glanced at 'Tanaya who was watching him, she blew him a kiss and he turned away angrily, muttering inaudibly.

Ren watched the interplay with interest, when he glanced towards Rory Ren couldn't help noticing that Rory was watching them with amusement.

"You looking at the leather work as well? They got the good stuff out the back." Rory said as he looked at the goods on display.

"You've seen it all?" Brad asked with interest.

"I check out everything that comes in with each shipment. I've picked up several nice pieces in the last few months." Rory told him.

'Tanaya made her way around the display to look Ren up and down openly, she smiled at him as she placed a hand on the point of his left shoulder. "You're not a dumb blonde I hope," 'Tanaya murmured in a sexy voice as she ran her hand down his jacket sleeve.

"It depends who you ask." Ren told her.

"Well at least you're not unfriendly like your mate there." 'Tanaya remarked as she moved towards Brad.

"Come on 'Tanaya, not everyone enjoys your games," Rory told her lightly.

'Tanaya pouted but walked back to Rory instead of teasing Brad further.

"You looking for something special in leather?" Brad asked.

"I'm after a pair of saddlebags to go on my bike but I want the paintwork pattern from my bike on the leather as well. So far I haven't been able to find a leather worker who is willing to do one-off pieces for individual customers." Rory explained.

"I'm going over to the tattoo parlour." 'Tanaya told Rory as she headed towards the door and out onto the street.

"I do leather work now and then, mind if I have a look at the paintjob on your bike?" Brad asked.

"Sure thing. It's out the front." Rory said as he led the way out to his bike.

Brad and Ren stood by the bike as Rory proudly showed off the intricate design painted on the petrol tank of his bike. Brad squatted on his heels as he studied the design and finally gave a nod before standing up and walking around to the other side of the bike to look at the design on that side.

"If I got some Polaroids of the design I'm sure I could do a pair of bags for the bike. I think I could even get stain to colour the leather similar to the design." Brad said after careful consideration.

"You reckon?" Rory asked hopefully.

"I'd be willing to give it a try." Brad said.

Ren left the two men to hash out the details of the bargain and climbed onto his bike, he was just about to kick it to life when 'Tanaya walked across the road and stood straddling the front wheel of his bike.

"Why don't you and your friend head back to our place with us?" Tanaya invited in a husky voice.

"I'm sorry but I'm just not interested." Ren told her evenly.

'Tanaya smiled and glanced across at Brad where he was still talking to Rory. "You may not be but perhaps your friend will be." She said with a quick glance at Ren.

"What does your man think about you playing the field?" Ren asked curiously.

"He knows I do and he doesn't mind. Sometimes he even joins in the fun." 'Tanaya said with a grin.

Ren shrugged and sat back on his bike and watched as 'Tanaya strolled towards Brad and Rory with measured swaying steps. Giving a faint shrug Ren started his bike and headed towards the hotel, another few hours' sleep suddenly appealed to him.

He bought himself a local newspaper at a small shop on the way and when he reached the hotel he settled back to read the paper and doze the day away.

It was late evening when Ren ventured out of the hotel room and glanced around for Brad's bike. Seeing it not too far away he knocked on the door of the room Brad was using and when he heard the distracted answer from inside he tried the door and found it unlocked. 

"Working on a design for some leatherwork?" Ren asked taking in the sight of pieces of paper scattered across the bed and the pencil Brad held.

"Yeah. Hey when will we be heading back to Albury? I sure could use a decent table to work at instead of on this bed." Brad commented as he looked up.

"You sure you want to go just yet? Seems to me like 'Tanaya has some definite ideas of what you could use a bed for." Ren grinned.

"I don't think she would be up for the games I have in mind for her." Brad said darkly.

"And here I was thinking you thought she was nothing but trouble." Ren laughed.

"The trouble is she's already attached to a guy. If I have anything to do with a woman she has to be single and unattached." Brad said dryly.

"Sky wasn't unattached." Ren pointed out suddenly serious.

Brad looked at his friend cautiously but made no comment as he looked away again. "So we hanging around or heading back to the restaurant?" Brad asked after a few minutes silence.

"We might as well head back, " Ren said then added as an after thought. "Unless there's a reason you want to stay around."

Brad put the pencil down and began collecting the pieces of paper carefully. "Let's go then."

Both men were ready to leave with in half an hour and were quick to get on their bikes and head off.

* * * * *

Three weeks later...

Brad was busily working on finishing the intricate stitching that held the leather saddle bag together when he heard his mobile phone beep it's notice he had received a text message. Knowing it was not from Rory who the bags were for, or from 'Tanaya who had become a regular visitor despite his protests he ignored the phone until he had completed the stitching. 

Putting the completed bag aside Brad stood up and stretched to ease his cramped muscles, he had spent the last three and a half hours concentrating on finishing the job. He was still admiring the completed work when he took his phone out and opened the message.

"Holy bloody hell!" Brad exclaimed as he reread the message to make sure he had read it correctly, "Hey Ren! You'd better come read this," he called as he turned and went looking for Ren, the leatherwork forgotten.

Ren was in the restaurant kitchen when Brad found him. Ren looked up inquiringly, Brad never came into the restaurant kitchen.

"I need to talk to you in the flat." Brad said then turned and headed back into the flat.

"What's the problem?" Ren asked as he walked into the flat shutting the connecting door behind him.

"Hey! Where were you's? I came in and couldn't find either of you." 'Tanaya said as she walked into the room.

"Read that!" Brad said handing his phone to Ren before walking over to 'Tanaya. "Would you mind disappearing for a while? We got something important going on." Brad said to her.




Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 06



"Has it got anything to do with two of your mates getting arrested last night?" 'Tanaya asked bluntly.

"Where did you hear that?" Ren demanded as he looked at her.

"I used to go out with Brent and we're still good friends. His brother called to let me know what had happened." 'Tanaya said " Would you know what the hell this Aiding and Abetting after the fact is about?" 

"Remember when I kicked Hawks butt for him? It was over his ex-girlfriend and how he..." Ren started to explain.

"Funny thing about that is there are rumours going around. Some claim Hawk kidnapped her, held her against her will." 'Tanaya said angrily.

"What?" Brad demanded angrily as he looked at 'Tanaya then glanced back at Ren.

"Yeah, he claimed him and Jake 'grabbed' her by mistake in the dark; at first I thought it was Hawk talking big... Then I saw how he treated her over the first few days." Ren admitted.

"Shit!" Brad swore angrily," I thought she just wanted to get away from him because he was a complete bastard to her!"

"Don't tell me you never wondered after she ran away the first time." Ren said dryly to Brad.

"Did you two hero's just stand by while he kept her prisoner?" 'Tanaya demanded in disbelief.

"By the time I realised he wasn't bullshitting about grabbing her in the dark it was several days later and I figured all the rest of us were likely to get the blame just as much as he would." Ren admitted levelly.

"We're in the shit too, the cops are asking about us as well as the others." Brad said as he grabbed his phone from his friend.

"We need to talk to a lawyer and fast." Ren said as he ran his hands through his hair.

"Why the hell didn't you tell me when you realised?" Brad demanded angrily.

"It was after Hawk and Jake came back after a few days away. After Wilson..." Ren let his voice trail off as he battled with his own feelings of guilt about all that had happened.

"You mean after I had...FUCK IT!!" Brad yelled angrily and looked around for something he could punch.

'Tanaya looked from Brad to Ren and back again, she couldn't follow all of their conversation but could understand enough to know that neither of them seemed very happy about how Hawk had treated this girl.

"I'm going to find a top lawyer to talk to." Ren announced at he walked over to the side cupboard and picked up the telephone book. 

Hesitantly 'Tanaya approached Brad, when he backed away and avoided her touch she indicated one of the lounge chairs. "Sit down and I'll give you a shoulder rub, you look like you really need to relax." She said softly.

"Relax! You expect me to relax!" Brad demanded angrily.

"Going off at me won't achieve anything." 'Tanaya murmured soothingly.

"I know." Brad growled but allowed her to steer him towards a chair and get him to sit down.

'Tanaya began kneading the large powerful muscles in his shoulders; she could feel the knots of tension beneath her fingers and tried to work them out of his muscles.

"Ahhh, I remember hearing of this law firm. They win a lot of their cases..." Ren murmured as he picked up the home phone and dialled the number.

As 'Tanaya worked on Brad's tense shoulders she listened to Ren's end of the conversation as he made an appointment for him and Brad to see a lawyer first thing in the morning. She felt the tension lessening in Brad's shoulders and wasn't sure if it was her massage or the fact he had the lawyers appointment lined up. 

"So what are we doing tonight?" 'Tanaya asked quietly.

"I've got a restaurant to run." Ren said as he watched the way 'Tanaya was running her hands soothingly over Brads shoulders.

"I've got some thinking to do." Brad said shrugging her hands off his shoulders.

"You might be better taking your mind off your problems." 'Tanaya said as she tried to run her hands over Brads shoulders once again but he shrugged them off irritably.

"Go and find your boyfriend and see if he'll scratch your itch. And tell him his leather bags are finished while you're at it." Brad said angrily as he got to his feet and moved away from her.

"Oh come on Big Fella, you know 'Tanaya can make you forget your worries for a while." 'Tanaya said seductively as she stepped up to him and ran her hands up his chest to rest her hands lightly on his shoulders while she pressed her body against his.

"Enough!" Brad yelled angrily as he pushed her away from him. "Leave!" he ordered.

'Tanaya watched him for a few seconds before deciding discretion was the better part of valour. She turned and headed for the door, "I'll tell Rory to come pick up the leatherwork first thing in the morning." 'Tanaya tossed back over her shoulder before slamming out of the door.

Ren glanced at Brad where he was angrily cleaning up his leatherworking tools. "She ain't going to stop until you fuck her." Ren told Brad.

"If I do it will be on my terms not hers!" Brad snapped then headed for his room.

Ren grinned as he shook his head then sobered as he remembered their dilemma; he glanced at the clock and saw that it was only half past three. It was going to be a long worrying night.

Both men spent the rest of the afternoon quietly by themselves, Rory arrived just before nine to collect and pay for his leatherwork. He didn't stay long and soon both Brad and Ren were trying to watch a program on tv to pass the time.

"What charges do you think they got lined up for us?" Brad asked stiffly.

"I hate to think. The lawyer is going to contact police and see what he can find out before our meeting tomorrow." Ren explained.

"Shit! Do you think they'll turn up here to arrest us?" Brad asked suddenly with an unsettled glance towards the main door of the flat.

"I honestly don't know." Ren admitted.

* * * * *

Brad and Ren were half an hour early when they turned up at the lawyer's office, it was in a large building and both men were relieved to note the extensive offices in the building. They were directed to one of the conference rooms to wait. A few minutes later two lawyers walked into the room and sat at the table across from Ren and Brad.

"Hallo, I am Graeme Walsh and this is my associate Ken Burke. You are?" Graeme introduced himself and his colleague.

"Gabriel Renford." Ren said with a nod.

"Bradley Stanton." Brad introduced himself.

"Okay, let's get straight down to business shall we" Ken said as he opened a file and took out a page of typed notes. "We contacted the police in Victoria yesterday afternoon and it seems there has been a number of arrests made regarding this case. A total of eight arrests and two outstanding warrants for you. The only charges against you two at present are one count each of Aiding and Abetting after the fact. Some of the charges others face include kidnapping, rape, and assault occasioning grievous bodily harm just to name a few.

The best move on your part would be to turn yourself in to police, show every intention of clearing this matter up. We are still endeavouring to contact the defence counsel of the others to find out how they have plead if they have entered a plea at this time..." Ken busily explained.

"I intend to plead guilty." Ren announced.

There was silence for several seconds then Ken cleared his throat noisily. "How about we get you two to tell us exactly what happened and we go from there."

The two lawyers sat at the table and listened as Ren and Brad recounted what had happened. Occasionally Graeme Walsh interrupted to clarify a point as he made notes with pen and paper, finally both Ren and Brad fell silent and the two lawyers looked over their notes for a few minutes.

"You say that this fellow, 'Hawk' told you that he had 'grabbed' this girl?" Graeme asked Ren.

"Yes but I didn't believe he meant it as in kidnapped or anything, he's a bit of a braggart, talks big trying to make himself look good." Ren explained.

There was silence for several more minutes then Graeme looked at both Brad and Ren seriously, "Turn yourself in. I would advise plead not guilty until we find out what the others are doing. If they are pleading not guilty then chances are your cases won't even make it to court. The police would have to prove she had been abducted to begin with."

"Where would we turn ourselves in?" Brad asked.

"You could do it here in town or travel to Brisbane where the investigations are being headed up and turn yourself in there." Ken replied.

"Would you be willing to travel to Brisbane to be our legal counsel?" Ren asked.

"Certainly. Our services would be expensive but we seldom loose a case, especially when our clients do as we say." Graeme informed them.

"Well I guess I'm heading to Brisbane. Do I call the police to arrange it or will you?" Ren asked.

"Better make the same arrangements for me too." Brad added.

"If you are sure that is what you want we can make the phone call here and now and make the arrangements with the police now." Graeme replied.



Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 07



Ren slowed the 4WD vehicle and eased it into a park by the curb outside the police station. Turning the vehicle off he glanced at Brad, who sat in the passenger seat, then in the rear-view mirror at 'Tanaya.

"Ready to do this?" Ren asked Brad quietly.

"The lawyers are meeting us here, that right?" Brad asked.

"Yeah. But we're an hour early because I forgot Queensland doesn't have daylight savings," Ren announced.

"It would be best if we just walked in and handed ourselves in and not chance waiting around, getting recognised and arrested. We can remain quiet until the lawyers arrive," Ren continued on.

"Well let's go then," Brad said soberly.

The three got out of the vehicle and Ren handed 'Tanaya the keys. They had already made prior arrangements that if they ended up having to wait in jail until a trial 'Tanaya would take the vehicle back to the restaurant where they had been staying and leave it parked in the garage.

"You guys sure you don't want to wait for the lawyers?" 'Tanaya asked in concern.

"Ren's right. We need to hand ourselves in so we don't get arrested," Brad said flatly then led the way towards the front entrance of the building.

Inside the building they took the lift to the third floor and Ren led the way to the front desk.

"I'm here to see Senior Detective Blake," Ren said asking for the officer they had been told would be waiting to speak to them.

"Down to the end of the hall on the right and ask for him at the desk in the large squad room on the left," the officer said.

Ren headed down the hallway towards the door of the squad room. He felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end and he figured it was because he was just about to turn himself in to the police. He glanced behind him to make sure Brad and 'Tanaya were following then pushed the door open and walked into the squad room to the front desk.

Feeling eyes on him he turned his head only to find himself looking into Sky's face across the room. Recognition lit her eyes and her lips parted softly, excitement shining in her eyes as she trembled. Ren turned from the desk, a smile curving his lips as he started towards her. 

It was so good to see her; he had missed her so much. Missed holding her in his arms of a night, missed waking up next to her of a morning. Not knowing how she was had been like a white-hot knife in his guts, cutting, burning, tearing something vital from his body.

"Saunders! Saunders get the hell out here now! Ashton! Blake! Franks! Jacobson! Here now!" Ren heard an authoritative voice shout and he heard a rush of movement towards him.

"Holy fucking shit!" Ren heard Brad swearing behind him as a figure emerged from the doorway behind Sky and grabbed her roughly from behind. 

A scream of terror burst from her as she began struggling as she was dragged backwards and eye contact was broken between them. "Let me go! Let me go! I don't want this! I don't want this! Let me go, just please let me go!" Sky screamed in terror as she reached one hand towards Ren.

The guy who held her was talking to her as she struggled against him but she didn't seem to be responding to him and he picked her up bodily to turn her towards the doorway.

"Get the fuck off her you mongrel!" Ren yelled as he saw Sky being manhandled.

Sky was sobbing almost hysterically as she turned towards Ren's voice. "Please let me go; why can't you just let me go?" she sobbed as she struggled against the arms holding her.

In that instant Ren realised that Sky was lost somewhere in her mind - somewhere where reality and memories merged into one nightmarish time.

"Sky! It's all right! I'm here to turn myself in. It'll be alright!" Ren yelled as he realised in her fear she was turning to him for protection like before.

A heavy weight hit him in the back and he found the floor rushing up to meet him as he began struggling to free himself. The urge to protect Sky stirred strongly. His arms were pulled back behind his back roughly and a knee pressed into his back between his shoulder blades cruelly.

"Get off them you bastards! Get off them!" 'Tanaya was screaming behind Ren.

He managed to lift his head momentarily; one glance showed him Sky was no longer in the room and he suddenly stopped struggling as he realised he was doing himself no favours.

"Relax, relax. Stop fighting," Someone was saying behind his head as he felt handcuffs click into place.

"Get off them! You bastards! Leave them be!" 'Tanaya was still screaming.

"Shantanaya! Stop it!" Brad yelled at her and she was instantly quieted.

"If we help you onto your feet will you remain calm and co-operate?" The voice behind Ren asked him.

"Yes," Ren replied, resigned to the fact he could not reach Sky.

"Okay, on the count of two. One, two..."

Ren was lifted by strong grips on his elbows until he could regain his feet. Steadying himself he glanced over his shoulder to see the two police officers that held his arms at his elbows. Beyond them he could see Brad prone on the floor, four officers around his large body, his hands cuffed behind his back.

"We'll take this one into interview room one," The officer to Ren's right said.

Ren found himself marched forcefully from the room to a secure room where a table had several chairs either side of it.

"Sit down," he was ordered as he was all but pushed into a chair.

Ren settled himself into the chair and waited for the next move. One officer left the room while the other moved to stand by the now closed door. Ren rolled his shoulders as he tried to ease the pain between his shoulder blades from the knee that had been planted in his back. After a few minutes the other officer returned with pen and paper and sat down opposite Ren.

"Which one are you? Renford or Stanton?" The officer asked.

"Gabriel Renford and I have a lawyer coming in to be here, so if you don't mind I will just wait until he gets here before I say anything further," Ren said evenly then asked, "How's Sky? Is she okay?"

"Sky?" The officer asked puzzled.

"Yeah, the blonde that your colleague manhandled out of the room," Ren answered tightly.

The two officers exchanged glances but didn't reply.

Ren bit back a curse and counselled himself to remain patient. Not ten minutes later the door opened and Graeme Walsh walked into the room. He moved to the table, placed his briefcase on the table and opened it before glancing towards Ren and then turning towards the officers.

"I require a moment alone with my client, thank you," Graeme said forcefully. "And kindly remove the handcuffs."

Ren was motionless while his handcuffs were removed and then he rubbed his wrists to remove the feel of the cold steel. He watched as the police left the room and then turned towards his lawyer.

"Not very smart coming here ahead of time and without legal representation," Graeme said evenly.

"Sky was here. She was very upset. I need to know she is okay now," Ren said hurriedly.

"Do you mean the young woman involved in this case?" Graeme asked.

"Yes. Can you find out how she is please?" Ren asked. "And Brad is somewhere in the station, is there someone with you to represent him?"

"Ken Burke is with Mr Stanton as we speak," Graeme hesitated a moment then turned and left the room.

After what seemed like an eternity for Ren, but in reality was only five minutes, Graeme returned and moved to his briefcase. 

"Miss Janetta Wilkinson is just fine. A bit shook up after coming face to face with you but just fine I am assured by the Senior Sargent of this department," Graeme informed Ren.

"Janetta, Janetta Wilkinson," Ren repeated quietly to himself.

"To bring you up to date on my research, the other defendants in this case are pleading not guilty, so it would be best that you do the same," Graeme advised.

"Best for whom?" Ren asked, "Best for me? Or easiest for you?"

"It is the word of one young woman against ten men," Graeme replied.

"I failed her by not stepping forward in the first place. I won't compound it now by denying what happened," Ren said firmly.

"Well, if you must," Graeme said as he concealed his admiration for Ren's continued stand.

"Yes I must," Ren told him.

"Okay, I have your prepared statement here for you to read, and then we can get this straightened out," Graeme said as he passed Ren several sheets of paper with typing on them. "Do you want me to go and have a word with my colleague so Mr Stanton is informed of how you are pleading?"

"No, it is up to Brad how he pleads but I don't see him doing anything but what's right," Ren said and reached for the document.

Ren set about reading the document while Graeme went to the door and told the police officers that Ren was ready to talk and handed them each copy of the prepared statement as they entered the room.

* * * * *

It had been a long four hours and Ren was hungry and had a headache from the tension. The police seemed reluctant to accept his prepared statement at first, but after they went over it thoroughly with Graeme and himself they actually seemed quite relieved to have it.

Ren wondered how Brad was getting on. Had his statement been accepted also? Was he too sitting in a room by himself hoping to be brought a meal and cup of coffee?

The door of the room opened and Ren turned wary eyes towards it. Graeme entered carrying two steaming cups followed by the officer that had introduced himself as Blake. One cup was placed in front of Ren and he reached for it thankfully, the aroma of coffee thick in his senses.

"We will be holding you over night and you will be up in front of a judge first thing tomorrow morning," Blake said. "I'll tell you right now that the statements you and your friend have given us have helped immensely. A meal will be delivered for you shortly and once you finish that you will be taken to a cell that you'll have to share with your friend for the night."

"Fair enough," Ren commented.

"There is one thing though," Graeme said. "The brother of the victim wants to come and talk to you."

"Why?" Ren asked and sipped his coffee.

"I think he wants to ask a few questions and get some information to pass on to her counsellor to enable her to get the help she needs," Blake answered.

"What do you say?" Ren asked Graeme.

"Talk to him if you are so inclined. I can stay and offer advice," Graeme said quietly.

Ren studied his coffee cup for a few moments as he pondered the situation. Finally he raised his head and met Blake's gaze," Okay, I'll talk to him for a few minutes."

Ren seemingly turned his attention back to his coffee but he was aware of Blake leaving the room presumably to contact Sky's brother. 

"No, Janetta. I must remember her name is Janetta. Janetta Wilkinson." Ren told himself as he took a mouthful of coffee. He was surprised when the door to the room opened a mere few minutes later and a man who had a strong resemblance to Janetta followed Blake into the room.

"I'm told you're the one who bought Janey her ticket home." Janetta's brother Robby said tightly.

"Yeah," Ren agreed quietly.

"How long where you aware that she was there against her will before you did something about it?" Robby demanded angrily.

"Don't answer that," Graeme was quick to advise.

Robby turned his attention to Graeme for a few seconds before turning his gaze back to the handsome man sitting at the table.

"How long did you stand by and watch my sister suffer?" Robby demanded.

"Rob! Calm down." Blake said even as Graeme spoke.

"Don't answer that Mr Renford! I must insist you leave at once Mr Wilkinson!" Graeme said forcefully.

"I didn't just stand by and watch her suffer. I did as much as I could to try to protect her without giving the guy she was with any excuse to take his temper out on her," Ren said in a low voice.

"Mr Renford will not be answering any more questions!" Graeme said tightly with a hard glare for Ren.

"You can't tell me she acted like she wanted to be with that guy from the first time you saw them together!" Robby growled angrily as he moved to stare down at Ren.

Blake moved to get between Robby and the desk but Robby shouldered him aside easily.

"I didn't see past the bruise on her face!" Ren snarled as he stood up to stand toe to toe with Robby.

"That is enough! I must insist you leave now Mr Wilkinson!" Graeme declared forcefully and then turned to Blake, "I must insist that he be removed!"

"Come on Rob. It's best if you leave," Blake said as he took hold of Robby's upper arm.

Robby held eye contact with Ren for a few moments longer; he had seen the faint shadow of regret flicker in the other man's eyes before anger had taken over. Robby allowed himself to be ushered to the door. He paused just before leaving the room and looked back over his shoulder at the man who stood by the table where he had left him then headed from the room.

Ren sat back down and rubbed his hands tiredly over his face before turning his attention to what Graeme was saying.

"I must strongly advise you not to say anything else," Graeme was saying calmly.

"Yeah, yeah, okay. Is there any chance of seeing if that meal I was promised is close to coming?" Ren asked, "Would you have a smoke by any chance?"

"I'll go see about the food and while I'm at it I'll see if I can get you that smoke," Graeme said and headed for the door.

* * * * * 

Robby was fuming as he paced the squad room just down the hall from where the two men where being held after questioning. He regretted loosing control of his temper but the thought of his sister at the mercy of a man like the man he had been talking to had driven all thoughts of caution out of his head. He glanced at Blake where he was talking on a phone then he glanced back along the hallway to the rooms where the other man was being held. The sound of footsteps caught his attention and he turned his head to watch the lawyer of the blonde guy heading towards Blake.

The thought of going back and resuming his conversation with the blonde guy crossed his mind but he pushed it aside knowing that it would serve no purpose to ask more questions that he wasn't even sure he wanted the answers to.

Deciding to go back to the flats and call in at Adam's place Robby headed towards the exit with swift steps.

Outside the night air was crisp and Robby wasted no time in getting to his vehicle and driving away from the police station. There was nearly no traffic and he made good time to the flats where he parked his car behind Adam's and headed up the walkway.

"Coming!" The sound of Adam's answer could be heard faintly through the door when Robby knocked briskly.

Adam opened the door to find Robby waiting agitatedly on the front step; he moved aside and let Robby into the flat.

"How's Janey?" Robby asked as he walked into the main room.

"She's awake just now. I was making her a ham sandwich," Adam said as he headed back to the table where he had the makings for sandwiches laid out.

"I'm going to talk to her." Robby announced and headed into the bedroom. He paused in the doorway as he let his eyes adjust to the gloom and then walked to the side of the bed where he could see his sister lying under the doona. "Hey Janey."

Janey shifted slightly but didn't roll over to face him, "What do you want?" her voice sounded tired and drained.

"I just came by to see how you're doing," Robby said softly.

"Turning the light on," Adam warned from the doorway.

Robby saw Janey move slightly in the dark then the light came on with its harsh glare for the first few moments.

"You going to sit up and eat this?" Adam asked Janey as he made his way to his side of the bed; he reached over and sat the plate he carried on the bed near where she lay curled up nearly in a foetal position.

"I told you, I'm not hungry," Janey protested faintly.

"And I told you you have to eat something," Adam said firmly as he sat on his side of the bed and eased the doona down off of her shoulders.

Janey rolled over to face him and sat up slowly. She glanced at her brother for an instant before reaching for half of the sandwich.

Adam watched as she slowly nibbled at the sandwich. He knew by the way she continued to eat that she was hungry.

"Would you like a drink of chocolate milk?" Adam asked softly.

Janey nodded with a slight smile and watched as he got to his feet and headed for the kitchenette.

"It looks like Adam is taking good care of you," Robby said softly.

Janey paused in her eating to slant a look at him. "What are you working up to?" she asked abruptly.

"I'm just here to make sure you're okay after this afternoon," Robby told her gently.

Janey regarded him suspiciously for a moment then resumed eating. "As you can see I'm fine. Go away, leave me alone," Janey said before reaching for another piece of sandwich.

"You two aren't arguing are you?" Adam asked as he came back into the room carrying a glass of chocolate milk.

Janey took the glass of milk and washed her food down thirstily.

"No more than usual," Robby said quietly, "I had better head back to work. Adam can I have a quick word with you before I go?" Robby asked with a pointed look towards the other room.

"Yeah, sure. You right here for a moment Janey?" Adam asked softly.

"Yes," Janey said as she lay back down.

Adam pulled the covers up until she was comfortable and then followed Robby from the room. "What did you want?"

"Those two that came in this afternoon, they both are pleading guilty and had prepared statements that back up much of Janey's statement as well as giving the exact location of a house where she was held. Forensics is headed there tonight to look for evidence that may be there," Robby said softly so as not to be overheard by his sister in the next room.

Adam whistled softly in amazement and shook his head. "It's almost too good to be true," he said in surprise.

"If they stick to their statements it should blow their mates right out of the water," Robby said.

"Or they may change their plea when they hear what the others plead," Adam said uneasily.

"Blake was saying they know what the others are pleading but are going ahead with their statements from this afternoon," Robby told him.

"What are you two talking about?" Janey asked from the doorway.

Both men turned around startled. Adam hurried to her side and Robby frowned with worry when he noticed how pale she looked.

"You two are talking about Ren and Brad aren't you?" Janey demanded as she avoided Adam's attempt to put a hand on her shoulder.



Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 08



From here on I am combining Shattered Dreams and Ren: Shades of Grey. The story lines have come together and now I will put them together in the one story.

* * * * * * * * * *


"Blake was saying they know what the others are pleading but are going ahead with their statements from this afternoon," Robby told Adam.

"What are you two talking about?" Janey asked from the doorway.

Both men turned around startled. Adam hurried to her side and Robby frowned with worry when he noticed how pale she looked.

"You two are talking about Ren and Brad aren't you?" Janey demanded as she avoided Adam's attempt to put a hand on her shoulder. She looked from one to the other and frowned as she walked over to her brother.

"You look like you need to lie down," Robby told her gently.

"No. What I need is for you two to tell me exactly what is going on, not whisper behind my back and treat me like I'm too delicate to handle the truth," Janey said with a fierce glare at her brother.

Robby sighed heavily as he ran a hand through his hair and paused with the hand on top of his head. Slowly he lowered his arm placing it around his sister's shoulders. "Come sit down and we will have a talk with you," Robby said gently as he guided her to a seat. When she was sitting down he squatted in front of her and took both of her hands in his. He held her hands for a moment without saying a word before he looked up into her face.

Janey glanced from her brother's serious face to Adam who looked extremely worried. "What is it?" she asked with a feeling of dread.

"Well, now that all the men you identified have been arrested and charged there is some idea of how things will go with your case. Now that we know how they are pleading," Robby explained gently as if to a child.

"You will most likely have to go to court and give evidence against..." Adam began to explain but Janey cut in abruptly.

"They're saying they're not guilty! That they didn't do it! I don't believe you! Ren wouldn't do that to me! He wouldn't do that to me! He just wouldn't! And I don't believe Brad would either!" Janey shouted as she jumped to her feet jerking her hands away from her brother.

"Janey, Janey, calm down a moment," Robby said soothingly.

"You're lying!" Janey accused angrily as she faced him.

"Those two you mentioned are pleading guilty, but it's the others who are pleading not guilty," Adam broke in. "The ones who abducted you and the others who..." his voice trailed off as Janey flinched. 

Slowly she looked from Robby to Adam and back again. She shook her head but stopped as the room began to spin. "I knew Ren wouldn't do anything to hurt me..." Her voice trailed off as her eyes rolled back in her head and she collapsed. 

Janey was distantly aware of voices and activity around her, and then she felt a floating sensation. Gradually she became aware that she was lying on something soft and she recognised Robby and Adam's voices.

"Hey..." Her voice was weak and husky when she spoke.

"It's alright Janey. Adam is just getting a blanket to wrap around you and then we're taking you to the hospital to get you checked out," Robby said soothingly.

"What happened?" Janey asked as she managed to open her eyes. Everything was blurry and slightly out of focus.

"You passed out and hit your head when you fell. You scared the heck out of us," Robby said gently as he brushed the hair back off her face.

Janey winced and closed her eyes as she became aware of a throbbing headache; she raised one hand towards her head and found with shocked surprise that she was very weak.

"I've got the blanket," Adam said quietly.

Janey opened her eyes to try to see him but the room spun once again and her stomach turned over in revolt. She was aware of being lifted into a sitting position and then she felt the warmth of the blanket as it was wrapped around her shoulders.

"I'm going to pick you up and carry you to my car now," Adam told her softly.

"Hmm." Janey murmured and rested her head against his shoulder once he held her. The motion as she was carried out to the car made her stomach feel queasy and she grimaced as she was placed in the passenger seat of the car. "I think I'm going to be sick," she warned Adam as he leant over her to fasten her seatbelt. She felt something pressed into her hands and opened her eyes reluctantly to make out a bucket.

"I thought you looked a bit green," Robby said softly from nearby.

"Janey, I'm taking you to the hospital to get you checked out. Robby will follow us in his car." Adam said as he got behind the wheel of his car.

Janey didn't argue as Robby shut her door and Adam started the engine. Instead she closed her eyes as she rested her head back against the seat.

The drive to the hospital passed in a blur, her head ached while her throat felt as if it was on fire. When they reached the hospital the night air felt cold on her face as Adam opened the door and Janey began shivering. Adam picked her up in his arms and carried her into the Accident and Emergency entrance of the hospital. He sat her down in a chair while he went to the reception desk and spoke to a nurse on duty.

Adam held Janey's hand as they waited for the doctor to see Janey after she had had an x-ray to check for any head injuries from when she had collapsed. The radiologist had assured them that protective jacket the nurse had put on Janey would prevent harm to the developing baby.

The curtain surrounding the bed moved and the curtain was pulled it aside as the doctor walked into sight.

"Okay Miss Wilkinson. Good news, no sign of a skull fracture but you do have a severe concussion. Coupled with your high blood pressure, which I believe is from too much stress. Because those two can cause complications with your pregnancy, I must insist you stay at least over night for observation," the doctor told her firmly.

"Adam! Please! I want to go home with you!" Janey protested tearfully as she clutched at his hand.

"I'll stay with you until you go to sleep but I am not taking you back to the flat tonight," Adam said firmly. As much as he wanted Janey with him he was concerned for her health.

"I will prescribe a mild sedative that won't effect the growing baby and you will get a good night's sleep," The doctor said before leaving the examination cubicle.

"Adam, please!" Janey begged tearfully but Adam looked away from her.

"No Janey, you will stay overnight in hospital," Adam said firmly.

Janey pulled her hand from his and folded her arms across her ribs as she pulled her knees up towards her body.

Several minutes later a nurse came into the cubicle carrying an injection in a small tray and she gave Janey the injection without any protests from her. Ten minutes later Janey was moved to a room and settled into a hospital bed. Her eyelids drooped and she yawned sleepily as the injection started to take effect.

Adam watched as Janey slowly drifted off to sleep before getting to his feet and leaving the room. He would call in at the station and let Rob know how Janey was before going back to the flat, he decided as he reached the elevator.

Back in the room Janey slept deeply without troublesome dreams, she slept until the breakfast trolley woke her. She sat up and ate hungrily before the doctor came on rounds. 

Unsatisfied with her progress the doctor ordered another sedative so she would rest for the morning. This left leaving Janey upset because she wanted to go back to the flat where she was sure Adam would stay with her.

* * * * *

Ren paced the cell agitatedly. It was eight-thirty am and he had been awake since just before midnight. A feeling of unease had woken him and continued to linger throughout the early hours of the morning.

Brad sat on the edge of his bunk and watched Ren pacing. He frowned as his friend walked to the door of the cell and tried to see if anyone was in the corridor outside.

"Damn it!" Ren swore softly under his breath and resumed his pacing.

"What has gotten into you?" Brad asked.

Ren glanced his way distractedly but did not answer or interrupt his pacing.

The sound of footsteps had Ren approaching the door hopefully and watching anxiously as the sound of keys jangling at the door could be heard.

"Okay gentlemen, transportation to the Courthouse is here," One of the two officers out side the cell said.

Brad got to his feet and followed Ren from the cell. They moved along the corridor to a door where another officer waited. 

The officer opened the door, and outside a police van sat with the rear section open waiting for them to get in.

Ren climbed into the back of the vehicle silently and made room for Brad. Ren couldn't help noticing that even though they were now on their way to their court hearing, he still felt an unease that persisted and seemed to have nothing to do with the coming court appearance.

Fifteen minutes later the van pulled up at a large brick building and the two men were escorted inside to a small secure room to wait their turn in front of the judge. Their case was called first up and they were shepherded into the courtroom by the police officers that had accompanied them from the police station. 

Graeme Walsh and Ken Burke were waiting in the courtroom and Ren and Brad were soon sitting with them.

The judge listened as the charges against them were read out. Once the police prosecutor finished speaking the judge looked at Ren and Brad with a stern expression on his face.

Graeme then proceeded to launch into all the two men had done to cooperate with the police starting with them voluntarily handing themselves in. He then went on to explain how they had provided the police with statements clearly stating what had occurred and had even gone so far as to give directions to the house where the victim had been held against her will.

The police prosecutor intervened to say that due to the information the defendants had given, forensic evidence had been collected that investigators believed would help in the case against the other defendants.

When both Graeme and the police prosecutor had had their say the judge was silent for several minutes as he read the papers that had been handed to him. 

Finally he raised his head to look at Ren and Brad. "It would appear that you two are willing to co-operate and help with the investigation. While I have serious questions about your part in the crime I believe you do intend to appear before me and right this wrong. I therefore grant conditional bail. You are to report to police once a week, you are not to leave this city and under no circumstances are you to contact or attempt to contact the defendant," the Judge said sternly.

The police prosecutor stepped forward and had a quiet word with the Judge who then made some notes on the paper in front of him. 

Ren and Brad found themselves ushered out of the court into an office where preparations were being made for their release. The police prosecutor came in and had a quiet word with Graeme before talking to the office staff.

Graeme walked over to where Brad and Ren waited with Ken Burke and looked at the two men. "You two are extremely lucky you were granted bail. It would appear that the young lady involved collapsed last night due to the stress of yesterday's accidental sighting of you two and was taken to hospital," Graeme announced.

"Sky's in hospital?" Ren demanded worriedly.

Graeme frowned at him in warning, "Miss Wilkinson remember! And don't forget that the judge has ordered you not to contact nor attempt to contact her," he warned in a quiet tone.

Ren looked away angrily. He was sure that his uneasy feeling had something to do with this new information.

Three quarters of an hour later Brad and Ren were back at the police station collecting their personal belongings and waiting for 'Tanaya to arrive in the 4wd vehicle. Brad had called her from his mobile phone to let her know to come and pick them up at the station.

When 'Tanaya arrived both Brad and Ren were happy to leave the building and get under way. Brad was recounting what had happened in the courtroom to 'Tanaya while she drove.

"Stop somewhere I can get a phone book for Brisbane," Ren ordered abruptly.

"Ah, sure... no problem," 'Tanaya said slightly startled.

Brad groaned from the back seat and shook his head. "Don't tell me you're going to do what I'm thinking," he said with misgivings.

"Okay, I won't tell you," Ren said tightly.

"Shit! Damn! Fuck it all to hell! Don't stop for a phone book 'Tanaya. This idiot is going to track Sky down and go to whatever hospital she's in and see her," Brad said angrily.

'Tanaya glanced across at Ren and saw the truth in his face even though he continued to watch the road and not look at her. "Please Ren, don't do it. You'd be a fool to yourself if you did," she said softly.

Ren remained silent, not responding to her softly spoken plea. After nearly ten minutes 'Tanaya found a parking spot near a phone booth and pulled into it. Ren climbed from the vehicle silently and disappeared into the booth.

"You shouldn't have stopped," Brad said angrily. "Ren looses all rational sense when it comes to that girl!"

"He's in love with her," 'Tanaya said quietly.

"He is risking going back to jail. The judge ordered that we are not to contact her or try to contact her. Damn the idiot! I am not going with him to see her! I don't wish her ill but I am not in a hurry to spend time in a cell again," Brad said angrily.

"Have you never been in love Brad? Have you never cared about someone else so much that they come first and you come second?" 'Tanaya asked softly.

"I'd never be a fool to myself," Brad snapped.

'Tanaya turned in her seat so she could look him in the face. "Then I pity you Bradley Stanton," she said then turned back to face the road.

Brad looked at the back of her head puzzled. "Now what have I done? What is wrong with her anyway?" Brad wondered.

"Let's go," Ren said as he climbed back into the passenger seat, "Take us back to the hotel where you stayed last night and then I take the vehicle for a while."

"Stupid Idiot," Brad growled softly and Ren turned in his seat to face him. They exchanged fierce looks for a few minutes until Ren gave a snort of disgust and turned back towards the front.

Finally 'Tanaya pulled into a small but comfortable looking hotel and parked in front of the room where she spent the previous night. 

Brad climbed from the vehicle and moved towards a vending machine to get himself a can of coke.

'Tanaya paused to look at Ren for a couple of seconds once she had opened her door.

"You're wasting your time if you're going to ask me not to go or to reconsider," Ren warned tightly.

"Just try to be safe and not get caught okay? And just so you know, I understand why you have to check she is alright," 'Tanaya said softly before climbing out of the vehicle and heading towards Brad.

Ren watched her for several seconds and smiled to himself as he saw her walk up to Brad and slide her hands up over his chest and around his neck. "Maybe, just maybe, after spending the night in a cell Brad would let his guard down long enough for 'Tanaya to slip through," Ren thought as he moved around to the driver's seat.

It took two phone calls before Ren found out which hospital Janey was in and then he started the vehicle and headed off to go and check on her. Traffic was heavy and it took him half an hour before he reached the hospital and parked the vehicle.

Ren was nervous and wary as he made his way into the hospital. What if the police had someone watching for him? What if she had been discharged already?

The elevator doors opened and he stepped out into the ward he had been informed she was in. He made his way down the hallway glancing into rooms as he went looking for her. Finally he saw her in a room with a nurse shinning a light in one eye to check her eyes' reaction.

"Hi," The nurse greeted him with a smile as he walked into the room.

"Hi," Ren smiled back. "How is she doing?" he asked.

"She is sleeping off the latest sedative but there is no change in her blood pressure. Hopefully it will go down soon,." the nurse said as she moved aside so that Ren could approach the bed.

Ren looked down at Janey where she lay asleep in the hospital bed. He reached for a chair and sat down beside the bed. "Okay if I visit for a while?" he asked.

"Definitely, but I doubt she will wake for quite a while," the nurse said. She headed for the door none the wiser that Ren was not supposed to be there.

Ren studied Janey's pale face, the way her eyelashes rested against her cheeks and the way her lips were parted softly as she breathed. Unable to resist the temptation to touch her, he reached out to stroke the palm of one hand with his fingertips. Her hand closed around his fingers and with a soft sigh she drew it towards her until she hugged it against her cheek.

"Hey Blondie, I'm here. I'll keep you safe," Ren murmured softly as he reached out with his other hand to brush the hair back off of her face. He moved so that he was leaning on the bed and his head rested on the edge of the pillow not far from hers.

An hour later the same nurse came in to do Janey's observations. She smiled as she saw the affection the visitor was lavishing onto her patient. She was silent as she moved beside the bed and took Janey's pulse, temperature, and blood pressure and checked the reaction of her pupils to light. 

Ren watched as Janey stirred slightly but seemed to go back to sleep almost immediately.

"Wow, whatever you're doing keep right on doing it! Her blood pressure is nearly back to normal, and I don't have to tell you how important it is to her pregnancy to keep it that way," the nurse said. She didn't notice the shock on his face as she left to go and tend to her next patient. 

Ren studied Janey silently. Finally he reached out and brushed her fringe back off of her face once again. He saw the frown cross her face and her eyelashes move slightly before she opened her eyes slowly.

"Hey Blondie," Ren said soothingly.

Janey blinked sleepily before closing her eyes once again. "I thought I was dreaming," she whispered softly as she reached her hand towards him.

Ren slipped his hand around her fingers and she sighed softly as his thumb stroked the back of her fingers, "You're pregnant?"

"Hmmm," she murmured sleepily.

"Whose is it?" Ren asked softly.

"Don't know..." the rest of her words were lost in a yawn.

"It doesn't matter. It's your baby." Ren said softly as he leant forward to brush a kiss onto her forehead.

Janey opened her eyes tiredly to look at him with a smile, "Yeah, it's mine." She murmured almost inaudibly.

Ren looked into her eyes for several moments before he leaned forward and kissed her on the lips gently. He felt her sigh softly before she returned the light kiss. He lifted his head and watched as she drifted off to sleep once again. He longed to place his hand on her stomache, to see if her body held any evidence of the growing child. But with Janey asleep he had to settle for holding her hand and watching her face as she slept.

He was still sitting beside her bed holding her hand an hour later when the same nurse returned to take Janey's observations once again.

"How is she?" Ren asked anxiously when the nurse had taken her blood pressure.

"Her blood pressure has returned to normal. Must be the tender care you're lavishing on her," the nurse remarked. She noticed the way the blonde visitor looked at her patient and the way he held her hand as if he was holding something most precious.

Ren was silent as she finished checking Janey's progress and he barely looked away from Janey's face as the nurse left the room.

* * * * *

Adam stepped out of the elevator and walked along the hallway with long confident strides. He had cleared his afternoon in hopes that he could take Janey home or failing that, spend the time sitting with her.




Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 08



"Good afternoon. Your friend's still got her visitor," the nurse at the nurses' station said as he reached the desk.

Adam glanced back towards the doorway of Janey's room; he had passed it without a thought. His mind had been on the prospect of being able to take her back to his flat.

"Some patients have all the luck," the nurse thought as he turned away. "Two handsome men dancing attendance on her."

Adam came to an abrupt halt in the doorway of Janey's room as he recognised the man holding one limp hand and watching Janey sleep.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Adam demanded angrily, barely managing to keep his voice down.

The blonde guy looked up warily. He was obviously well aware that he should not be anywhere near Janey.

"I will thank you to keep your voice down!" The nurse said angrily as she walked towards Adam briskly.

Adam glanced towards her about to tell her to call security.

"Miss Wilkinson's blood pressure has returned to normal and she has been resting much more easily since her visitor arrived! If you are going to raise your voice I will be forced to ask you to leave," the nurse said forcefully.

"Janey's doing better?" Adam asked hopefully.

"Yes, and as I said she has been since her visitor there arrived," the nurse said as she brushed past Adam to check that Janey had not been disturbed.

"She's sound asleep," the blonde guy said softly as the nurse quickly checked Janey's blood pressure.

Adam hesitated in the doorway a moment then entered the room, ignoring the stern look the nurse sent him as she left the room. Adam watched as the other guy got to his feet uneasily. "Sit back down," Adam said grudgingly as he took a seat on the opposite side of the bed. "So is it true? Has Janey's blood pressure improved since you got here?" Adam demanded quietly.

"Yes, it's returned to normal. My name's Gabriel Renford by the way..."

"I know who you are," Adam snapped barely managing to keep his voice down.

Janey moaned softly and rolled onto her side, her back to Adam.

"It's alright, nothing to worry about," Ren crooned softly as he brushed her hair back off her face.

Adam felt something hot and hard twist in his chest as he watched the other man soothe Janey back into an undisturbed sleep.

Ren glanced at Adam uneasily then sat back down after soothing Janey. 

"Her brother will be here in about an hour. It would be smart if you were gone before then. He'd tear you apart for being in the same city as her," Adam said tightly.

Ren regarded the other man silently for a few moments then gave a brief nod. "Thanks for the warning." Ren recognised jealousy in the other mans eyes and realised that he had some kind of a relationship with Janey. 

Adam glanced down at Janey and noticed that she had her fingers curled around the hand of the other guy. He studied the way the guy was watching her, the way a faint smile came to his face when she moved his hand closer to her before he glanced warily up to meet his eyes.

"Janey said you tried to look out for her,' Adam said grudgingly.

"Yeah," Ren said almost bitterly, "too little too late."

"She didn't think it was fair that you and your mate got charged along with the bastard that took her," Adam said tightly. If not for the bond he could sense between Janey and the guy he could almost like him he realised.

Ren glanced up from his study of Janey's face and looked at Adam, "Why is the guy telling me this?" he wondered.

Janey rolled onto her back letting go of Ren's hand. She moved slightly and then settled again.

Adam watched Janey for a few seconds then met Ren's eyes across the bed. "It won't be long before she wakes up. You'd best leave before she does," he told him.

Ren realised with a jolt that the other man was jealous of him. Not only had he seemingly cured Janey's high blood pressure but he had also won her loyalty despite what she had endured. Ren looked down at Janey for a moment. One question demanded that he ask it. "How far along in the pregnancy is she?"

"It's mine!" Adam snapped immediately.

Ren nodded without looking up from Janey's face. He had hoped that there had been some slim chance, somehow...but that was a fools dream.

"It might be smart to get a move on to avoid any chance her brother catches wind you were here," Adam said quietly, obviously wanting him to leave.

Ren got to his feet slowly and eyed Janey for a moment. "I'll be here if you need me Blondie," he whispered softly then headed for the door. He paused in the doorway and looked back at Adam where he sat by her bed, "If it comes to her standing up in court and saying she told him no, it won't work. She won't be able to say it," Ren said quietly. 

"What do you mean by that?" Adam demanded coldly thinking it was some kind of a threat.

"The guy who kidnapped her, he taught her not to say the word no, no matter what. If she said it he hurt her, hurt her so bad she was too scared to say it," Ren said softly and glanced at Adam.

In that instant Adam recognised the depth of Ren's feelings for Janey, and he recognised the self loathing Ren felt for not stepping in and preventing what he knew she had gone through in being conditioned not to say no. Adam gave a slight nod of acknowledgement and watched as the other man turned and left the room.

Adam turned his attention back to Janey where she slept in the bed and reached out to clasp her hand. He felt her move her hand slightly then clasp her fingers around his hand for a second before letting go.

Twenty minutes later when Janey opened sleep blurred eyes the first person she saw was Adam. She frowned and looked around confused for a few seconds then glanced down where he held her hand.

"Hey Janey. You awake sweetheart?" Adam asked softly.

"Hmmm, yeah," Janey said softly then licked her dry lips. "Drink."

"You thirsty?" Adam asked softly as he released her hand and reached for the jug of water and a glass that sat on her bedside unit. He poured a glass of water and reached behind her supporting her shoulders as she tried to sit up to drink.

The water was cool and felt good on Janey's parched throat as she drank it slowly. When she was finished with the water Adam put the glass down and eased her back onto her pillow.

"That better?" he asked her quietly.

"Yes thank you. Have you been here long?" She asked softly as she pulled the covers up to her chin.

"For a good while," Adam said. 

Janey didn't say anything as she lay in the bed watching the ceiling fan rotate slowly. She had the dim sensation or maybe it was a memory?...that Ren had been with her, that he had been holding her hand and talking to her. "It must have been a dream," Janey thought after a few minutes of confusion. 

"The patient awake is she?" the nurse asked as she walked into the room with a smile. 

Adam was glad to see it was not the nurse who had been on when he had first arrived.

She moved around to the side of the bed and took Janey's vitals. "Any headache or blurred vision?" She asked as she took Janey's pulse.

"I feel fine, just a bit fuzzy in the head." Janey answered softly.

"A lingering effect of the sedative no doubt," the nurse said as she straightened the bedcovers. A sound in the doorway caught her attention and she looked across before turning back to her patient. "Looks like you got another visitor."

Janey turned her head towards the door expectantly but was disappointed when she saw it was her brother Robby.

"Well look who is awake. You were snoring like a locomotive this morning when I dropped in on you on my way home," Robby announced with a smile.

"I don't snore," Janey said indignantly then turned to Adam for conformation, "do I."

"Of course not," Adam said with a laugh.

Janey glanced towards the empty chair where the nurse had been standing and once again she had the faint impression that Ren had been there. Frowning she closed her eyes tightly for a few seconds and then opened them almost reluctantly.

"You alright?" Robby asked with concern watching her face as he sat on the chair.

Janey glanced at him and managed a half smile. "Guess I'm still half asleep." she said faintly.

"Janey's much better - everything's back to normal," Adam said with a smile at Janey.

"Good. I was starting to worry Mum and Dad were going to end up coming up here and kicking my rear. Oh and by the way I haven't told them you're in hospital. They would have only rushed up here to be with you and I though you would like a bit of space while you are in here," Robby explained to her.

"Smart move." Janey agreed with him.

"Any news on when you can leave here and head back to the flat?" Robby asked.

"I only just woke up so how could I be expected to know if I can escape this place?" Janey asked dryly.

"I might go see if I can find the doctor or learn something," Robby announced as he got to his feet.

Adam watched him leave the room before turning back to Janey. He saw how she was looking at the chair her brother had just vacated. It was almost as if she remembered the blonde guy being there earlier. Adam forced a smile onto his face as he cleared his throat.

"Did you say something?" Janey asked as she turned towards him dazedly.

"I hadn't realised just how much you mean to me until you ended up in here," Adam told her softly.

Janey looked at him uncertainly for a few seconds then smiled slightly. It was no avowal of love, and she could handle it.

Adam reached over and brushed a few stray hairs back behind her ear. He could have sworn he saw a dark shadow flicker across her face but then she smiled widely at him.

"Pretty dramatic tactics hey." She said with a laugh.

"Yes! And don't go scaring me like that again!" Adam said seriously.

Janey rolled onto her side facing him once again; she gripped his hand and closed her eyes. "Why doesn't holding his hand give me that safe feeling I had as I was waking up?" She wondered.

"You're not going to sleep on me again are you?" Adam asked softly.

"Just waking up properly," Janey said and then added to herself, "and trying to find that warm contented feeling again." 

The return of Robby to the room interrupted their conversation and Janey opened her eyes to glance at her brother.

"The doctor has just started his evening rounds and should be here with the half hour," Robby told them.

"Good cause I want to get out of here," Janey said.

"If the doctor lets you out of here you won't be doing anything strenuous," Adam said firmly.

"Does that mean you'll be doing all the work?" Janey whispered with a cheeky smile meant only for Adam. She watched as colour suffused his face and he sent an uncomfortable glance towards her brother to see if he had heard her whispered comment.



Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 09



Five men sat in the back of the prison van for transportation between jails. There was no conversation between any of them even though two of them knew each other well and had been close friends.

The vehicle went over several potholes and one of the men grunted angrily as the slight bumps were felt.

"Bloody bastards! Making a point of hitting every hole in the road are ya!" he yelled angrily even though he knew the guards in the front of the van couldn't hear him.

The handsome black haired guy at the front of the vehicle glanced towards him with an amused grin before looking out the small window once again.

A filthy un-kept drunk opened bleary eyes and glanced around before closing his eyes once again.

The oldest of the prisoners pulled a packet of smokes from his pocket and helped himself to one before offering the packet to the man beside him.

"Thanks mate." He said as he took one and put it between his lips before fishing a lighter out of his shirt pocket. He lit his own smoke then passed the lighter to the guy who had offered him a smoke.

"Not going to share?" The black haired guy asked with a charming smile.

The guy who had had the lighter in his pocket looked at the guy who had spoken with an angry look on his face. "Isn't enough I'm sharing this van with you?" he asked bitterly.

"Hey come on, it aint all my fault." He protested as he pushed his black hair back out of his blue eyes.

"Don't start that shit with me Hawk." The guy warned as he put his lighter away.

"Jake..." Hawk started.

"Shut the fuck up or I'll shut you up!" Jake snapped.

The other three men watched them warily. A fight in the enclosed space of the van would not be a pleasant thing.

Hawk looked away from Jake and turned his attention to the scenery outside the van. They were passing through a town or city and it was getting toward late afternoon; surely they would reach the overnight stop soon.

"Ah, Grafton. Great town." The guy beside Jake remarked as he looked out the window.

"It's about time! I'm getting sick of riding in this van," The guy who had sworn about the potholes said as he shifted in his seat.

"How far from here is Brisbane?" Jake asked curiously.

"Depends where abouts you heading," the guy beside him said.

"To the central courthouse day after tomorrow," Jake answered.

"About a six and a half hour drive in this thing. They'll probably send you tomorrow, hold you overnight at one of the stations and take you to court from there. I'm Todd by the way," Todd said.

"Jake."

The vehicle began to slow and it turned sharply. Shortly it came to a halt. The engine became silent and the five men turned their attention to the door they would exit the van through.

There was the sound of voices outside for a few minutes then the door was unlocked and opened.

"Alright! Everyone out. Do it orderly, no mucking around," a prison guard said as he stood in the doorway before moving aside so the men could do as they were told.

The five prisoners climbed from the van and stood in the bright sunshine for a few moments to let their eyes become accustomed to the light.

"Let's get a move on. You'll have a few minutes to settle into your cells before meal time," another guard said and led the way into a large brick building.

Jake walked along in the line the prisoners had formed; he looked around with faint interest as they walked through hallways and corridors.

"Hawkings, Lantry, wait in this room." The guard at the front of the line ordered indicating a room that had a wooden bench along one wall.

Jake and Hawk walked into the room and sat down on the bench. Jake sat as far away from Hawk as he could get without leaving the room.

The guard shut the door and locked it leaving the two men inside.

"Looks like we're in the shit, hey." Hawk commented to Jake but Jake ignored him.

Hawk was silent as he looked around the room. He couldn't understand why Jake no longer talked to him or have anything to do with him. He knew that it all went back to Sky somehow just as the trouble they were in at the moment did, but surely Jake wouldn't turn his back on him over a sheila.

"On your feet!" A tough looking guard ordered as he unlocked the door and walked into the room. "No time for dilly dallying! We don't like rapists here so watch your step! Get in the hallway now!"

Jake got to his feet and did as he was told quickly; he had no intention of giving a guard any cause for irritation. Behind him he could hear Hawk taking his time and the guard erupted into a torrent of swearing at Hawk. 

Hawk walked out of the cell trying to ignore the inventive flow of abuse the prison guard was directing at him. He suspected it was an attempt to anger him enough to talk back and let himself in for punishment.

"Get moving you two or you will miss out on your meal," The guard ordered gruffly.

Hawk and Jake soon found themselves in a small cell with the barred door locked behind them. Two guards stood outside the cell talking.

"You two will eat separate from most of the other prisoners. There are some in here who would rip you a new arsehole if they had the chance. Most of 'em in here don't like rapists or men who beat women." One of the guards sneered.

Jake sat down on the edge of one of the bunks without reacting to the taunts from the guards. After a few minutes the guards grew tired of baiting the two men and left the area.

"It's a real shit hole of a place," Hawk remarked.

There was no reply from Jake and Hawk began to pace the cell angrily. His steps were uneven and he limped slightly, the after effects of a kick to the groin he received from a one-time friend. He stopped at the cell door and tried to look along the corridor.

"When the hell do we get fed around here?" he yelled in demand. When he realised there would be no answer he turned and moved to the unoccupied bunk.

"Could we at least talk?" Hawk finally asked Jake.

"Are you stupid or something? Didn't I tell you after we were arrested and charged that I want nothing more to do with you?" Jake demanded angrily.

"Why? Because we get to spend a few days in jail? We'll be out as soon as the judge hears how Sky wanted to be with me and is just playing games because I got tired of her!" Hawk said calmly.

"You forget one thing Hawk," Jake growled as he got to his feet and moved to face Hawk. "I was there. I know exactly what we did to that poor girl and I am finding it awfully hard to live with myself. If I had known what a sick bastard you were going to be I would have refused to tolerate her being with you."

Hawk watched Jake turn away and moved to the bars of the door. Hawk realised there was nothing he could do or say to Jake at the present. he could only hope that a bit of time would turn his frame of mind around.

* * * * *

Janey lay curled up on her side. She was alone in the hospital room, both Adam and Robby having left. Robby went to work and Adam to do some laundry and get himself a meal before returning during visiting hours.

The doctor had seen Janey during his evening rounds and decided she should stay another night in hospital because of her concussion.

The need to go to the toilet finally disturbed Janey and she reached for the bedside buzzer. 

"Is something the matter?" the nurse asked when she came into the room in answer to the buzzer.

"I need to go to the toilet. Can I get up and go please?" Janey asked miserably.

"Let me just check doctor's notes, "the nurse said reaching for the clipboard on the foot of the bed. After a moment's consultation of the notes she smiled at Janey as she tucked the file back into its clip, "yes, you can get up."

Janey smiled with relief and pushed herself into a sitting position. She tossed the bed covers aside and reached for the dressing gown the nurse handed her. She was relieved to find she was steady on her feet as she pulled the dressing gown on and headed for the toilet attached to her private room.

"I'll just wait out here incase you need me, " the nurse told her as she opened the door so Janey could enter.

Janey shut the door then hurried to use the toilet. she froze in shock as she saw the streak of bright blood on the paper as she wiped herself.

"Please not my baby!" Janey sobbed as she hurried to pull her underwear up and open the door. "I'm bleeding!" Janey said to the nurse before covering her mouth with one hand and crying.

"Come on, back to bed with you," The nurse ordered as she helped the distraught girl to the bed. Once she had Janey back in bed she checked her watch for the time and retrieved Janey's medical notes.

"How much blood was there?" The nurse asked gently.

"I don't know...a streak of bright red on the toilet paper when I wiped myself." Janey answered between sobs.

"Any pain or contractions?" 

"I haven't noticed anything. What's happening?" Janey managed before burying her face in her hands to cry harshly.

"It might be nothing more than some spotting but I shall go and get your doctor to come back and see you. And I'll get one of the midwives to come have a chat with you and see how you are," The nurse announced before hurrying from the room.

Janey turned her face into her pillow and cried. She found herself wishing someone were here with her. Even Robby would be better than no one she thought as she slid both arms across her stomach to cuddle the precious spark she prayed she still carried within her.

The nurse returned a few minutes later with one of the midwives who chatted with Janey, calming her down and at the same time getting answers to questions. A machine was bought into the room and the nurse applied a cold gel to Janey's bare stomach before running a probe gently over her stomach.

The midwife smiled at Janey as a whooshing noise, not unlike that of a washing machine, could be heard coming from the machine.

"Hear that sound? That's your baby's heartbeat. Nice and steady, a good rate." The midwife said as she lifted the instrument off of Janey's stomach, turned off the machine and began to wipe the gel from Janey's skin.

"That was my baby's heartbeat?" Janey queried, her voice soft with wonder.

"Now you tell me if your stomach is tender anywhere." The midwife said and began to examine Janey's stomach, probing gently with her fingers to check the size of the womb.

Janey gave a slight gasp as the midwife's fingers found an uncomfortable spot on one side.

"Did that hurt? Are you sore there?" the midwife queried.

"It just... I don't know, was slightly uncomfortable for a second." Janey replied with a grimace. 

"So it's not sore now?"

"It's fine." Janey said and looked at the midwife uncomfortably, "What's wrong?"

"No cause for alarm or worry as far as I can see. Sometimes women spot during pregnancy, which means small amounts of blood loss for no apparent reason. I'll have a chat with your doctor and get him to arrange some tests just to make sure," the midwife said as she covered Janey back up. She then took Janey's pulse and blood pressure before leaving the room.

Janey curled up on her side once more. She was unable to control the tears that streamed down her face and sobbed quietly into her pillow.

The doctor came into the room after nearly ten minutes and spared a smile for Janey who was clearly distressed. He read her notes and then examined her stomach before nodding to himself. He turned to the nurse who had come into the room with him and began talking quietly as they headed for the door.

"What's going on? Why aren't you telling me anything?" Janey demanded tearfully. "Someone ring my brother or Adam so one of them can come and sit with me!" she demanded before turning back to sob into her pillow once again.

A few minutes later an older nurse came into the room carrying a jug and a glass. She placed them on the bedside unit and turned to Janey who was still crying into her pillow.

"Enough of that. Come on let's get you sat up a bit so you can drink this water so you can have this ultrasound the doctor has ordered," The nurse ordered gently.

"Leave me alone...I just want Adam or Robby here!" Janey protested tearfully without looking at the nurse.

"Enough of that now. How can the doctor be expected to be able to tell you what's going on if you won't co-operate and have the tests he ordered done?" The nurse asked in a no nonsense tone as she began adjusting the head of the bed so it started to rise into a slightly higher position. "Now enough of feeling sorry for your self and drink this water so you can have the test. I will be back in few moments to take blood to send to the lab."

Janey found herself alone once more and she moved so she was reclining more comfortably. She reached for the glass of water that had been poured and sipped it before placing it back on the bedside unit.

When the nurse returned Janey had only taken a few sips of drink and the nurse tutted as she saw how little had been drank. The nurse was an older lady, somewhere near Janey's mother in age and it was clear she would tolerate no arguments as she picked up the glass and handed it to a reluctant Janey.

"Drink up. In the ultrasound you'll get to see your baby's image. I heard that the midwife found its heart-beat, always a good sign. Now be a good girl and finish this glass full." The nurse said in a stern yet gentle tone.

Janey found herself drinking the water even though she wasn't thirsty. She handed the empty glass back and nearly groaned when the nurse refilled it.

"Has anyone called my brother or my boyfriend?" Janey demanded unhappily.

"Just let me take this blood and then I will make sure someone has called them. If not I'll do it myself. How's that?" The nurse asked as she efficiently got Janey to take and drink the water without complaint.

"I want one of them with me," Janey said and nearly began crying once again.

"Just give me a moment to get this blood and then I will get straight onto it."

A minute later the nurse left the room after taking the blood and pouring another glass of water for Janey. She returned to the room five minutes later and was pleased to see that Janey had finished all of the water.

"I managed to reach your friend Adam. he will be here in about half an hour, which means he will be here in time for the ultrasound if you want him to go into the examination with you," The nurse said with a compassionate smile.

Janey managed a miserable smile but clearly her heart was not in it.

"Would you like me to turn on your tv so you can watch it until I come back to take you to your appointment?"

* * * * *

Janey watched the technician squirt gel onto her exposed stomach before running a probe through the gel, spreading it around Janey's stomach. 

The technician worked silently as he moved the hand held device across Janey's stomach. Every so often he would pause, hold the probe still and press one of many buttons on the console in front of him.

"Can you tell us anything?" Adam asked when there was no comment from the technician.

"Well I can tell Miss Wilkinson here that the foetus is growing in the womb not in a fallopian tube as the doctor had feared. How many weeks did you say you were?" He asked as he looked at Janey. 

"About twelve weeks or a little more I think. Is there something wrong with my baby?" She asked fearfully when he frowned slightly.

"Everything appears to be normal, although you're not quite as pregnant as you thought. Mind you it is very difficult to tell at this stage. Another ultrasound in four to six weeks will be able to give you a more accurate due date. The measurements point to you being ten weeks five days pregnant, give or take three days," The technician explained.

A sick feeling began to build in Janey's stomach as she mentally listed those who had had sex with her in the first two weeks she had been abducted. She felt Adam squeeze her hand gently and glanced at him. He was watching her closely.

"Is it possible for me to see the baby on that screen?" Janey asked.

"Wait a moment, I'll get a nice clear shot of the uterus and then turn the screen around so you can see," The technician said. Several moments later he clicked one of the buttons and then turned the screen slightly so that she could see it.

Janey stared at the screen hard, trying to see something that would give her some clue as to whose child she carried. As hard as it had been to think about Hawk possibly being the father of her child after what she had endured at his hands, it was far worse to know that she had to admit to the possibility that Wilson might be the father. The savagery and brutality she had endured from him still haunted her much more than Hawk's treatment of her did.

"I'm busting," Janey said suddenly and the technician gave an understanding smile.

"All finished. You can wipe that goo off your stomach and use the toilet just outside near the change cubical," He said as he wiped the probe off and hung it on a hook on the console.

Adam helped Janey sit up and climb down from the bed she had been lying on and followed her out to wait outside the toilet door for her. When she emerged from the toilet he motioned towards the wheelchair a nurse had used to bring her to the radiography department.

"I can walk," Janey said.

"No! You are sitting in that chair and letting me push you back to the ward. You are to take things easy just like the nurse told you," Adam said firmly.

Janey hesitated a moment before sitting in the wheelchair so that Adam could push her to the lift. "Don't think you can order me around," Janey muttered angrily.

"No but it's obvious I can push you around." Adam said with laughter in his voice.

Janey gave an annoyed groan but was unable to keep a smile from sneaking onto her face.

She had had her first glimpse of her child! And heard its heartbeat! Suddenly it didn't matter that Wilson could be the biological father because she would give it enough love for two parents.

"I really have to start giving serious consideration to names," Janey said out loud startling herself so that she jerked in the wheelchair.

"Hey, easy on there," Adam said soothingly. He halted the chair at the elevator and pressed the button. An elevator slid open immediately and he wheeled the chair into it and pressed the required floor button.

The doors slid closed and there was the slight hitch as the elevator began to move.

Adam moved around to stand beside the wheelchair and Janey looked at him quizzically as he squatted beside her.

"Janey, I know we haven't discussed this...but I have plans on still being around when this child comes into this world. If you need a name to go on the birth certificate, I'd be willing to sign it for you," Adam said softly.

"You...you mean that..." Janey began stunned.

"I mean that I would be willing to take responsibility for the child as if it was my own," Adam told her gently.

"Oh!" Janey said startled. Somehow as welcome as these words were they didn't seem like the ones she wanted to hear. She wasn't even sure what it was she wanted to hear.

"I'll leave you think about it," Adam said softly at the stunned look on her face.

The elevator stopped and the doors opened with a ping. Adam stood up and moved back behind the chair to push it from the elevator.

"Hey Blonde One," The sound of James voice as Adam pushed the wheelchair back into the hospital room Janey was in surprised them both and Janey gave a cry of delighted surprise.

"James! What are you doing here?" Janey asked as she stood up from the wheelchair to give her brother a hug. 

James returned the hug and held on for a few moments when she would have drawn away. "You know that's the first hug you've given me since you got back," He said lightly as he released her.

"Come on, in bed," Adam said as he pulled the covers back so she could climb in.




Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 09



James glanced at Adam as he took in the way the other man was behaving towards his sister. "So what's going on here?"

Janey glanced at James and saw the shrewd look in his eyes. He never seemed to miss a thing as far as she was concerned. "Adam... Adam is my boyfriend," Janey said lightly.

James glanced at Adam with raised brows.

"How did you know I was in here?" Janey asked.

"I went to see you and Rob at his flat, only to have to call him on his mobile and he told me you were in here. So what's wrong with you?" James asked lightly.

Janey felt Adam's hand take hold of hers, silently offering her support. She glanced up at Adam for a moment before looking back at her brother. "Adam, can I have a few minutes alone with James?"

"I'll be right outside the door if you need me," Adam said gently as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze before letting go of it.

"Why don't you go and get yourself a coffee or something," James said evenly.

"I won't be far," Adam said to Janey with a glance before walking from the room.

Janey was silent for nearly a minute as she looked down at the bedclothes that covered her while she searched for the right words to say to her brother. She looked up in surprise as a warm hand engulfed one of hers and James sat on the edge of her bed.

"Hey, you know you can tell me anything and I won't judge you," James said gently.

Janey looked up into her brother's face and suddenly the tears she managed to control prior to Adam's arrival an hour earlier filled her eyes and cascaded down her cheeks. She no longer had to be strong or brave as she reached for her older brother.

James folded Janey in his arms as she began crying, harsh sobs wracking her slender body.

"I'm pregnant... I don't know which one of them is the father... and now I'm bleeding... I'm so scared, so very scared." Janey managed when he tears ran dry several minutes later.

"Okay, so let's calm down and go over that piece by piece," James said gently as he reached for several tissues on the bedside unit. 

Gently he eased his sister away so he could wipe the tears from her cheeks and get her to blow her nose just as he always had when she was a small child and had hurt herself somehow.

"Okay, firstly you're pregnant?" James watched as Janey nodded confirmation, "How long have you known?"

"Since shortly after I got home," Janey said softly.

"So obviously you have decided you want this baby. As far as who the father is, he obviously was a dickhead or you would have been with him of your own free will... but this bleeding, do you know what is causing it?" James asked gently with concern.

"The doctor ordered some tests, but no one has said anything much," Janey said miserably.

"Okay, I'll go and see what I can find out in a minute. And it's all right to be scared. Heck from what I've heard a lot of women are scared when they find out that they are pregnant and are having their first child." James paused for a moment and lifted Janey's chin gently so he could see her face. "So would you mind if I introduced my self to myself to my niece or nephew?" he asked gently.

Janey gave a soft self-conscious laugh and sat back, she reached down to smooth her nightie and dressing gown over the slight fullness where the baby was within her body.

James placed a gentle hand on his sister's stomach and smiled as he imagined he could feel a small replica of his sister hit at his hand in annoyance. "Hey you in there, this is your Uncle James. You stop giving your mum such a hard time okay. I'm her big brother and the only one who can hassle her," James said gently and looked at Janey's happy face. He leant forward and kissed Janey on the forehead before removing his hand from her stomach. "I'll go see what I can find out about these tests and then I'll come back here and you can tell me about Adam and why he thinks he can hang around." James said jiggling both eyebrows comically before getting to his feet and leaving the room.

Shortly after James left the room Adam returned carrying a cup of coffee for himself and a mug of chocolate milk for Janey. He handed her her drink before sitting in the seat beside the bed once again.

"Your brother didn't give you a hard time did he?" Adam asked worriedly.

"James never gives me a hard time," Janey said and took a mouthful of her drink. she peered at Adam over the rim of the mug before smiling and drinking the flavoured milk. "But I must say I think he's about to give you a tough time."

"What?" Adam asked with a frown.

"Well, we are together. And James is protective of Caro and me." Janey answered easily.

"James is nothing," Adam shrugged it off. "Rob is the police officer."

Janey looked at Adam for a few moments then looked away.

"Have you given any thought to what I said in the elevator about the fact that I am very serious about our relationship, serious enough that I want this to be our baby?" Adam asked softly.

Janey looked down into her empty mug wordlessly. As heartening as his words had been somehow they weren't quite what she had hoped to hear. "Can we just take things one step at a time? See how things go?" Janey found herself asking.

"Sure, whatever you want." Adam was quick to reassure her. He didn't want to pressure her or make her feel stressed; he figured she had enough to deal with at the moment.

For the first time ever there was an uncomfortable silence between them that stretched on for several minutes until James walked back into the room accompanied by the midwife who had checked the heartbeat of the baby earlier.

"Your brother here informs me you are quite worried Miss Wilkinson. I contacted your doctor and I am free to tell you that according to the tests so far, your baby is not in distress. Everything appears normal and there are no visible signs to account for the spotting you are experiencing. Unexplained spotting is quite common in pregnancies and although somewhat of a concern at the time it can occur without any threat to the forming foetus," She explained gently.

"My baby's fine?" Janey asked quickly.

"The tests have shown no cause for worry," The midwife said evenly.

Janey nodded with a smile and relaxed back onto the bed. She was clearly much happier and calmer.

"Well I must get back to my work. You rest and relax young lady. In a few months that baby of yours will make an appearance and shall keep you busy."

Janey watched the midwife leave the room before turning her attention to her brother and smiled gratefully at him. "Thanks, I feel ever so much better now."

"Good, that's what I intended," James said, "So have you told your boyfriend here I intend to kick his arse for not telling me you were in hospital?" James asked as he seated himself on the edge of the bed once more.

"You won't do that James, your leg is too short," Janey said with a laugh.

"Ssshhh," James said with a mock frown, "don't let him hear that. Someone has to keep him in line for you."

Adam watched James as he turned to face him. He realised with a start that he had underestimated Janey's brother and that James would be much fiercer in the defence of his sister then Robby would.

"So exactly what is going on between you two?" James asked Adam with a level look.

"Adam and I are seeing each other," Janey said trying to prevent any trouble.

"Let him speak for himself Janetta. I'd like to hear how a police officer on a case ends up seeing the victim of a brutal crime." James said quietly.

"It's alright Janey, " Adam said soothingly when she glanced towards him worriedly. He turned his full attention to her brother before he resumed speaking.

"Well for a start, when I realised that I was attracted to Janey and how strong it was I had myself taken off the case. I used going to the beach as an excuse to drop in and see how Janey was doing and when she came to Brisbane for counselling, fate stepped in. Rob ended up on night shift with no notice and Janey needed a place to stay while he worked."

"And you just happened to offer your bed," James said dryly.

"James! It wasn't like that!" Janey snapped. She blushed when her brother glanced at her but she lifted her chin and refused to look away. "When I realised Adam was as interested in me as I am in him, well... I came onto him." Janey said stressing the way it had been.

James glanced at Adam with a closed look.

"I have never treated your sister with anything but the uttermost respect," Adam said evenly.

"Good! Janey deserves to be treated like the lady she is," James growled in warning.

"James! Stop it!" Janey protested.

* * * * *

Ren stopped in the corridor hospital not far from Janey's room. He had been intending to just peek in and check if she was asleep, and if she was he meant to sit with her for a while. If she were awake he would play it by ear. But as he had neared the door he had heard male voices and had paused to listen when he realised they were coming from Janey's room.

He recognised the voice of her new boyfriend but not the other voice. He had worked out from what was being said the voice belonged to a brother of Janey's, but not the one who was the cop. And as far as he could tell from trying to follow the conversation the new boyfriend and Janey had only recently got together.

Ren turned away and started towards the front of the hospital. The conversation he had over heard just created a heap of questions for him. The first and foremost being just how pregnant was Janey? And had she gotten pregnant before Brad had implanted the contraceptive device?

Outside the hospital Ren sat on a bench in the shadows cast by a tree. He watched the activity on the street as people hurried along in their cars in the fading light. His mind was in turmoil as he thought about Sky. He stopped himself with a jerk. it wasn't Sky, her name was Janey and he had better remember to use it if he ever spoke to her in the future.

It was dark before Ren roused himself and headed towards the hotel where he, Brad and 'Tanaya were booked in for the next few days. His lawyer Graeme Walsh had contacted him just over an hour earlier and had informed him that the other bikers who had been charged in regards to what had happened to Janey were on their way to a Brisbane police station and would appear in court in a special sitting on Saturday morning. 

Tonight was Thursday night and if Hawk got granted bail Ren intended to be on hand as a very non-friendly welcoming committee.



Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 10



My apologies to my readers for taking so long to post the next chapter of this story. But I have had a lot in real life to contend with including the joyful arrival of a grandson.

*********************

James and Robby made their way into the courtroom and sat on one of the benches provided for those who wished to watch the court proceedings. It was Saturday morning and the two men who had abducted their sister were due to appear shortly. 

James sat down and stretched his legs out in front of him. To a casual observer he appeared relaxed as he leant back in the seat; his legs stretched out before him and crossed at the ankles.

In comparison Robby sat beside him hunched forward and visibly tense as he clasped his hands in front of his knees. He turned his head to look to his left as he heard the heavy tread of a couple of people moving into one of the seats on the other side of the courtroom. 

Robby tensed and sat up straight as he recognised the tough looking blonde guy who he had seen after the guy had turned himself in at the main police station in central Brisbane. 

With the blonde guy was an immense brown haired man who looked vaguely familiar.

The court clerk spoke to the judge and Robby turned his head as the words caught his attention. At last! He would get to see the scum who had abducted his sister!

The two guys led in between two police officers looked inconspicuous enough. The first guy was actually quite handsome and looked unlike the sadistic bastard Janey had described. The second guy was average to look at, the type that got lost in a crowd.

"Who are?" James asked quietly beside Robby.

"They're the ones Janey identified as having abducted her. Greg Hawkings known to her as 'Hawk' and Jacob Lantry known to her as 'Jake'," Robby answered softly as he tried to listen to what the lawyer for the two men was saying to the judge.

"Considering the seriousness of the charges against the defendants and the new evidence that has come into light Your Honour, prosecution must ask that the defendants be reprimanded in custody and held over for trail." The police officer that was acting as public prosecutor said to the judge.

"What new evidence?" The lawyer representing the two men demanded, "I have no notification of this evidence or a copy of it."

Robby watched as several pages of notes where handed to the lawyer and he skimmed them quickly before turning to have a whispered conversation with the two men.

Robby and James watched as the black haired handsome man turned to look over his shoulder at the public gallery and glared angrily at the two men who were watching the scene being played out before them.

"He's lying!" The black haired guy, Hawk, yelled at the judge while his fellow defendant shook his head after a quick glance over his shoulder.

Robby listened with satisfaction as the judge ordered that the two men be held in custody while they awaited trail. He watched as they were taken from the courtroom and one seedy rat like man was brought in.

His appearance reminded Robby of vermin as he peered around almost furtively. He caught sight of the blonde guy across the room and blanched visibly as he looked at him with fear.

"Who's that?" James asked reminding Robby of his presence.

"Wilson James Brown, he has a long list of convictions for indecent assault, rape and attempted rape." Robby informed his brother knowing that James would be smart enough to guess what charges he faced.

James swore softly when he heard the prosecutor start speaking about the defendant's conviction history, stating that the charges against him were yet another lot of violent rape charges in a history of violent crimes.

"That one should be locked up and the keys thrown away." Robby commented when the judge had declared he would be held in custody to await trail.

James glanced at his brother beside him, Rob was visibly mad to see the men that were appearing before the judge. James himself was angry but he was also appeased to see the judge was putting them behind bars for the time being.

Another two men replaced the previous defendant and James watched as two men in the public gallery moved to the front rows. One man, definitely a lawyer by his expensive suit had joined them and this man entered the space on the courtroom floor where only the defendants, their lawyers and the police stood before the judge.

"Those two men up now are Andrew John Matthews and Steven Brent Winters. Janey identified them as Matty and Brent. She said they were nice to her," Robby informed James.

There was a brief consultation between the lawyer for the two defendants, the prosecutor and the lawyer who had just stepped forward in front of the judge's desk. 

The judge looked up and spoke quietly to one of the police officers and the officer walked to the public seating to usher the blonde guy to the judge's desk.

"Any idea of what's going on?" James asked quietly.

"That guy that was asked to approach the judge's desk is Gabriel Renford, Ren. He's on bail for charges in this case. He's supplied a statement that supports what Janey said when she gave her statement," Robby told him. "It looks like he's helping the prosecution. The guy he was sitting with is Bradley Stanton or Brad,"

James watched with interest as Ren returned to his seat in the public gallery and the judge started listening to the defending lawyer who was talking earnestly.

"They just got bail!" Robby hissed through his teeth angrily and James glanced his way. 

James looked across at Ren where he sat in the front row. As if he could feel unfriendly eyes on him he turned his head to meet James' glare levelly for several seconds before turning his gaze to the front once more.

"These are the last of the ones on charges," Robby said quietly as three men were ushered in to stand behind the defendants' desk. Two lawyers were with them as legal council. 

The largest of the three men was called to stand before the judge first, he was looking around the courtroom rather cockily with a smirk on his face.

"Seth Markham. He has convictions for assault, indecent assault and is a known pimp," Robby growled angrily.

James couldn't help but notice the sheer size of the guy, there were taller men present but this guy had immense bulk that was clearly well toned muscle.

The court clerk started to read out the charges against the three men but the large man laughed loudly.

"Your Honour the girl wanted to get fucked and wanted it rough, then afterwards she decided she had wanted to stop half way through. She sure as hell wasn't saying no at the time!" He called lewdly.

"It's true she sure as heck didn't say no." one of his companions laughed to the third man.

"That is enough! I will not have any further outbursts from the defendants'." The judge said loudly.

James heard Robby mutter, "Markham's cronies are Royce Johnston and Sebastian Zane." 

James turned his attention back to the front of the courtroom but was aware of Robby swearing quietly under his breath and muttering about the punishment that should be handed out to the men. James found himself silently agreeing when Robby muttered about the benefits of castration without the comfort of anaesthesia while the implements used were rusty barbed wire and a blunt spoon.

Finally the judge remanded the three defendants into custody and James and Robby watched as the three men where removed from the courtroom.

"Mr Gabriel Renford and Mr Bradley Stanton, will you approach the bench please?" The judge asked just as James was getting up to leave.

James glanced around to see the two men enter the courtroom floor and approach the judge's desk, their lawyer was right beside them as they halted in front of the desk.

"Mr Renford and Mr Stanton I must thank you for tendering the statements you have even though it could count against you." The judge said formally.

"Just trying to make up for not doing the right thing in the first place your Honour," Ren said.

James took one last look at the men standing at the Judge's desk and left the courtroom. Outside he paused in the shade of large trees as he tried to still the thoughts that tumbled around in his mind. He had not asked Janey anything about what had happened to her while she was away but between what Robby and Adam had let slip and the nightmares he had heard Janey wake screaming from he knew what she had endured had been brutal.

Now to see the men responsible was gut wrenching. Most of them were behind bars but some were still free to walk the streets with decent people.

Outside James took a deep breath and tried to clear his mind of the stench he imagined he had smelt in the courtroom. He stood in the shade of a large tree and looked around casually. A rather exotic looking woman in skin tight jeans and halter top sat on a bench not too far away and James was just about to wander over to her when she stood up and headed towards the courthouse with a relieved smile.

James felt his rage start to rise once again as he saw the blonde guy, Renford and his friend walk out of the courthouse followed by their lawyer and move to stand in the shade. Outrage that these men should be walking free tinted his vision red as he strode towards them, Renford had his back to him as he approached and James grabbed him by the shoulder and spun him around to face him.

"Why the hell hasn't the judge locked you up with the rest of the scum?" James demanded angrily as the two men faced him.

"Someone get security here!" The lawyer yelled.

"Because believe it or not we are trying to help her," Ren said as he met the gaze of the man who was clearly Janey's brother.

"Come on Ren, let's get out of here." Brad said as he took several steps away from the two men who were standing toe to toe.

"You would have helped her more if you had helped her get the hell away from those bastards!" James snapped.

'Tanaya shoved in between the two men pushing against James' chest with both hands and forcing him to back up several paces, "And just who do you think bought her the ticket to get home huh? Who put her on the bus and made sure there was no-one there to stop her huh?" 'Tanaya demanded punctuating each question with a hard shove to his chest making him back up several paces each time. 

Finally she shoved her face as close to his as she could and James grasped her by the upper arms intending to forcibly move her out of his way. 

She asked softly, "and who do you think literally pulled those gorillas off of her when they were set to rape her one after the other huh? Fuckin' Santa Claus?"

James froze for a second as he looked down into her face.

"Get your hands off of her!" Brad roared as he lunged forward and jerked 'Tanaya out of James' stunned grasp and forced her behind him as he faced James.

Ren moved up beside his friend putting himself between 'Tanaya and James. Neither man had to think about it, the protect behaviour came instinctively.

"Unlike some I don't get off mistreating women!" James snapped before turning and walking away.

* * * * *

Janey paused in putting away her clean washing as she heard the sound of a now familiar vehicle. She straightened with a smile and smoothed her top down over her breasts and the ever so slight swell of her stomach before heading out towards the front door.

"Adam's here." Marina said as she opened the front door.

"Oh good!" Janey exclaimed as she walked out onto the front porch to greet him.

"Janey!" Adam said enthusiastically as he swept her up in a huge hug.

Janey pulled away suddenly apprehensive as it occurred to her that she had not been expecting Adam until the following day. "I thought you were coming to visit tomorrow," She said cautiously.

Adam cleared his throat and gave a slight nod. "That had been the plan originally but a few things have changed,"

"What's changed?" Janey asked apprehensively.

"The Police Prosecutor wants you to meet with the defendants who are giving evidence against Greg Hawkings so it can be double and triple checked that the statements match. Also the prosecution wants to be sure you're able to handle the court proceedings without falling apart." Adam explained gently.

"I don't want to see any of them!" Janey exclaimed before turning and running into the house. She didn't stop until she reached her room and threw herself face down on her bed.

At first after learning Ren and Brad were out on bail she had begged and begged to be allowed to see them but Robby, Adam and James had continually told her she was better off not seeing them. 

Reoccurring nightmares had merged with the warnings against seeing the two men until reality had blurred and Janey couldn't be sure if she could trust Ren or Brad anymore.

"Janey? Can I come in?" Adam called softly through the door. He pressed his ear against the door but could hear no response. He glanced at Marina and Jim where they stood a few paces away before turning the handle and opening the door. When there was no protest from Janey he walked into her room and sat on the edge of her bed.

Janey felt her bed dip beneath added weight and glanced over her shoulder to see who it was before burying her face in the pillow once again.

"I know you don't want to see any of those men again but I'll be there," Adam said softly trying to reassure her.

"How can you know what I want when I'm not sure myself?" Janey wondered silently, "one moment I want to see Ren so desperately and the next I never want to see him again."

"Would it help if I was there too?" Marina asked softly from the doorway.

Jim stood behind his wife silently, he didn't offer to go as he knew he would have trouble looking into the faces of those involved in his daughter's abduction and not giving them the hiding they so rightly deserved.

"Maybe once you see them again, see they can't hurt you anymore they won't be as scarey." Marina said softly as she approached the bed.

Janey glanced towards her mother uncertainly and Marina smiled at her daughter reassuringly.

"I promise, if it is too much I will take you out of the room myself." Marina said softly.

Janey looked towards Adam uncertainly, "When will I have to see them?"

"The meeting is set-up for this afternoon at Byron Bay Police Station at two." Adam said gently.

"That's too soon!" Janey exclaimed as she sat up hurriedly, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and something else impossible to name.

"With the start of the trail in two days it has to be today. Tomorrow everyone will be busy." Adam explained.

"I'm not ready!" Janey protested as she looked towards her mother imploringly.

"Change into something nice and I'll take you into town for lunch and afterwards I'll go with you to the Police Station. I'll be with you the entire time." Adam told her firmly but gently.

"I'll be with you as well dear." Marina said reassuringly.

Adam turned towards Marina with a compassionate look on his face, "I am sure Janey would really appreciate your support but there may be some things discussed today that Janey may prefer you not to hear about."

Marina darted a quick look at Janey but she was looking down at her hands where they pleated the hem of her top nervously. Marina was well aware of the fact that Janey had yet to go into detail concerning what had happened to her.

"Well I think it's for Janey to say if she wants me to either go with her or stay here at home," Marina said after a few moments though, " Janey?"

"I want Mum with me." Janey whispered faintly knowing that Adam would prefer Marina stayed at home.

"I'll take Janey into town and we can have lunch and we'll meet you afterwards Adam. I'll go get changed." Marina announced as she turned from the doorway.

Janey glanced at Adam nervously but there was no sign of anger or annoyance on his face or in his manner as he sat on the edge of her bed without attempting to touch her.

When Adam was sure they were alone he smiled at Janey and reached out to brush the damp hair back off her face. "Hello Janey." he said softly before leaning forward and kissing her squarely on her lips.

Janey stiffened for a moment then closed her eyes and leant into his body as she responded to his kiss.

Adam groaned as he broke off the kiss reluctantly, "I had better let you get changed."

Janey watched as he left the room shutting the door behind him. She sat on the edge of the bed reluctantly and glanced at the wardrobe containing her clothes dejectedly. Adam would insist she attend this meeting, forcing her to go if necessary. Unhappily she got to her feet and moved to the door that hid her best clothes, well if she had to see any of them again she intended not to let them see how much she still feared them.

Half an hour later Janey was ready when her mother knocked on the door and opened it slightly.

"You certainly look nice," Marina said with a smile as she held out her hand to Janey as if she were a small child.

Needing the reassurance Janey took her hand and allowed herself to be led outside to where the family car waited. 

Adam was standing by his vehicle and smiled as he saw Janey, when she avoided his gaze he realised she was upset with him. Shrugging his disappointment off he got into his own vehicle as Marina and Janey got into the other car.

The ride into town was silent and when Marina stopped at a popular cafe Janey remained seated in the car even when Marina got out.

Marina hesitated as she looked at the car knowing that Janey would be very reluctant to get out, finally she gave a shrug and headed for the bakery next door to the cafe. When Marina returned to the car Janey was watching for anxiously.

"You left me alone!" Janey accused.

"Lesson number one for today, your actions have consequences and not necessarily ones you will be happy with," Marina said in a no nonsense tone of voice as she passed Janey a plastic bag of bakery goods before starting the car. "I don't intend to eat here. I'm going to one of the beaches and having a picnic. You can sit in the car and go hungry or you can sit on the grass with me, your choice."

At the beach Marina and Janey sat on the throw rug they kept in the car and ate the impromptu picnic. They feed the crusts of their sandwiches to the seagulls that came up onto the grass area above the sand and then washed their food down with favoured milk.

"We had better pack up and go meet Adam." Marina said with a quick glance at her watch. She began packing away the empty wrapping of their lunch and placed it in the plastic bag they had carried it in. Marina glanced at Janey where she sat looking out over the water and absently tearing a paper bag into tiny pieces.

"Quick! Clean up the mess you've made!" Marina said crisply.

Janey looked down at her hands startled to see the little pile of confetti like pieces she had made. Hurriedly she picked them up and put them into the bag her mother held.

"Ok, that's the last of it we might as well get going." Marina announced and headed towards the car knowing that Janey would follow rather than be left alone. Sometimes it was easier to leave Janey to be forced to follow if she didn't want to be left behind then to argue about going in the first place.

Janey hesitated a moment then got to her feet and followed her mother at a leisurely pace. Being left alone was slowly loosing it's terrifying connotations but still she was in no hurry to be left behind in a public place.

At the police station Adam was waiting out the front of the building when Marina drove up and parked in the space he indicated. He handed her a special pass to stick to the inside of her windscreen to avoid being towed away then he moved around to Janey's door.

Janey watched as Adam opened the door for her and offered his hand as she hesitated in her seat. Still angry with him for landing this meeting on her without time for her to prepare Janey ignored his hand as she got out of the car and looked around uneasily.




Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 10



So it had finally come to pass, she was about to face some of the ones she had feared while she had been abducted. Janey took a deep breath and glanced at her mother before taking several shaky steps towards the entrance of the station.

Marina moved to walk beside Janey as she entered the building and Adam guided them through the maze of corridors. He paused outside a closed door and glanced back at Janey with a worried frown as he opened it.

As the door opened Janey realised she was about to come face to face with Hawk, face to face with the truth of the memories of all she had endured at his hands.

"I can't do this!" Janey exclaimed as she backed away from the open door that she was watching terrified.

"You've come this far, you can't back out now." Adam said compassionately as he caught her and pulled her against his chest.

Janey buried her face against his chest so she didn't have to see the horror that awaited her in the room. She found herself being forced into the room as Adam walked forwards forcing her to walk backwards.

"I don't want to do this! I really don't want to do this!" Janey protested as she backed into the room. She struggled to get free of Adam's arms so she could flee the room.

Marina watched with her heart in her throat as she caught sight of her daughter's terrified face. She was just about to tell Adam to let Janey go when one of the men in the room got to his feet, his eyes on Adam and Janey.

"Well if it aint Blondie! Hey there Blondie!"

Janey froze in Adam's arms as the voice reached her. Ren! Ren was here! Then that meant if Hawk was there then there would be no way he could hurt her she realised as memories of Ren protecting her flooded back. Slowly she turned around to face the room unmindful of her tear streaked face. Her gaze darted around the room as she searched for the dreaded face.

Marina watched as Janey scanned each face and slowly relaxed, finaly she moved forward into the room several steps and Janey followed. Marina sat down in a chair indicated by one of the men in suits and she patted the seat beside her. As she watched Janey sit down she was aware that the blonde man who had spoken had not taken his eyes from her daughter.

Ren indicated a tray with cups, a large tea pot, milk and sugar. "Shall I play mother?" he asked as he picked up the teapot with ease and began to pour several cups of tea.

"My name's Gabriel Renford," Ren said with a quick glance towards Janey and her mother when none of the lawyers or officers present went to make introductions. He added sugar and milk to a cup of tea just the way he knew Janey liked it, gave it a quick stir and placed the cup on the table in front of her.

"There's no need for introductions." Adam said as he sat down beside Janey and took hold of her free hand.

"That rather large bloke is Brad Stanton, the guy over by the window is Brent Winters. He," Ren said as he handed Matty a cup of tea, "..is Andrew Matthews, Matty. This guy in the suit is Graeme Walsh, beside him is Ken Burke. The rest are police officers and so on." Ren said with a pleasant smile towards Marina and Janey.

Janey sat silently between Adam and her mother, she was mentally fitting the full names with those she knew the four men by.

Marina noticed Janey calming down more as Gabriel Renford spoke, he kept his voice low and soothing and made no quick moves. She also noticed that Adam almost bristled at the man and wondered at the depth of the animosity he displayed towards him.

"Hey Sky, your hair looks cute that way." Matty said with his usual friendly smile.

There was silence for a few moments then Graeme Walsh cleared his throat noisily, "Miss Wilkinson, the young lady's name is Miss Wilkinson."

Matty blushed brightly and looked away uncomfortably.

Janey glanced at Matty, then at Graeme Walsh and back at Matty. Matty who had been friendly towards her, sure he had flirted with her at times but it had never been more than just harmless flirting that Hawk had never taken seriously.

"It's okay, " Janey said startling herself, " I don't mind if they call me Sky."

"They can use your real name." Adam growled beside her.

Janey glanced at him uncomfortably; she couldn't understand why he was annoyed with her.

Ren watched the by play between Janey and the cop beside her. "Hell! Doesn't the guy realise Sky thinks his anger is directed at her?" Ren thought with a frown.

"Greg Hawkings introduced Miss Wilkinson as Sky to us, she might be able to tell us why he didn't use her proper name." Ren said quietly.

Janey glanced at Adam nervously but he was glowering at Ren, no longer showing any sign of anger towards her.

"Greg Hawkings? You mean Hawk?" Janey asked softly, hesitantly.

Ren gave a nod and an encouraging smile.

"He asked himself what he'd call me, I told him my name but he ignored me and said he'd call me Sky. Because of the colour of my eyes," Janey said faintly after a few moments as she remembered what had happened.

"Miss Wilkinson, did you know Greg Hawkings before he abducted you?" Graeme Walsh asked levelly.

Janey opened her mouth to say no but all the pain and humiliation Hawk had subjected her to for uttering the word flooded back and she turned her face away helplessly.

"Miss Wilkinson? Can you answer me." Graeme asked firmly.

Marina watched the emotions flickering across Janey's face. Fear, humiliation, pain, horror, until finally she couldn't stand to watch the mental torture she knew Janey must be going through.

"Ask my daughter some other question! Can't you see that one is tearing her up inside?" Marina demanded angrily as she put a protective arm around Janey's shoulders.

Ren gave a faint start and glanced across at Brad, he had thought Marina was Sky's older sister certainly not her mother as she didn't look old enough to have a teenage daughter.

Brad raised his eyebrows as he met Ren's gaze, he too had made the same assumption.

"Mrs Wilkinson, if you are going to interfere in this meeting I will be forced to ask to have you removed." Graeme Walsh said firmly.

"Mum!" Janey gasped as she pulled her hand free from Adam and grabbed her mother's hand in both hers.

"There will be no need for such drastic measures Mr Walsh. Mrs Wilkinson, let me explain. We have been advised that your daughter has been conditioned not to say the word no. Now I won't go into details but suffice to say she was tortured if she said the word, now she can not make herself say it even though she knows she is safe." The police prosecutor explained gently.

Marina looked at Janey shocked, gently she pulled one hand free to lift and cup the side of Janey's face. "Darling, remember no matter what you say or do can make me or your father love you less." She whispered to her daughter.

Janey raised tear-filled eyes to her mother's in acknowledgement for a few moments then lowered her face once more.

Ren watched Sky's mother whisper something to her and saw the wordless response, he saw her mother lift her head regally and look towards Graeme and the police prosecutor.

"Janey is ready to answer more questions now. Is it possible to phrase questions so she doesn't have to say no? Ask how or when or something?" Marina asked firmly.

Ren couldn't help but feel admiration for this woman who was so bravely and wisely helping her daughter face the memories that clearly still terrified her. It was easy to see where Sky had gotten both her beauty and spirit from.

"When did you first meet Greg Hawkings? The man you know as Hawk?" Graeme asked, he also had had the idea of framing the questions differently but had not been too sure of how which was why he had suggested the meeting today.

Janey glanced at him uncertainly for a second then looked away, she remained silent for a few long moments then took an audible deep breath.

"It was late, after dark, when my sister and I used the shower block at the caravan park in Coffs Harbour. Caro finished first and ran ahead to the caravan while I showered. When I left the shower block I was grabbed from behind, I couldn't scream, whoever it was had a hand over my mouth and I was dragged through the bush to a motorbike with a sidecar. I was forced into the sidecar with one man while another got on the bike and drove us some distance to a cabin in the middle of nowhere. I was taken inside and a light was turned on, there was two men. They said their names were Jake and Hawk..." Janey fell silent clearly struggling with her memories.

"Can you remember the date of the day you were abducted?" The police prosecutor asked gently.

"It was December 30th, two days after my birthday." Janey whispered.

"How old are you?" The police prosecutor asked.

"Eighteen... I turned eighteen," Janey whispered barely audible.

Marina could do nothing but hold Janey's hand as the police prosecutor and occasionally Graeme Walsh asked question after question. She watched helplessly as Janey shook and trembled and dissolved into tears as she told of how her virginity was brutally stolen from her.

Ren, Brad, Brent and Matty watched and listened silently as the story of what Janey endured in the day and a half before they had arrived at the cabin unfolded. Matty who was soft hearted had tears in his eyes as he listened and Brent silently wished for a shot at Hawk so he could belt some decency into him. Brad glanced at Ren several times to see how he was taking the horror story and finally as he heard how Sky had been forced to remain in the vehicle while they had been in town Brad stood up from where he had been sitting and slammed his fist down onto the table violently.

"Damn that fucking bastard to hell and back!" Brad roared in anger. A startled gasp made him look at Sky and her mother. Her mother was watching him with wide startled, wary eyes but Sky was sitting silently in her chair. He could see the tremors that racked her body, her shaking hands and her colourless face.

"There will be no more outbursts like that from any of you!" The police prosecutor commanded loudly.

Janey screamed as she jerked her hands free and clasped them over her ears in an attempt to shut out the angry noise. She was dimly aware of her mother and Adam talking to her from either side of her but it was finally Ren's soft voice from across the table she focused on when he began to talk to her gently.

"Sky, you'll be okay Little One, you'll be okay," Ren said reassuringly and watched as she lifted her head searching desperately for his eyes, " you're among friends here, even if Brad is pissed off, he's pissed off FOR you, not at you." 

Marina watched as Janey slowly calmed under the influence of the blonde man across the table, it was hard to equate this kind and gentle man as one who had stood by while her daughter had endured at the hands of her abductors.

"I can't offer to protect you but I can say I will sit right here and offer my support if you need it." Ren said softly.

Marina watched as Janey gave a faint nod and her mouth moved soundlessly for several seconds until she managed to form words.

"But you did offer to protect me Ren, when I really needed it... and you done your best to protect me...I know that now." Janey's words were barely audible.

Marina studied Ren with new eyes. This was the Ren Janey sometimes woke screaming for in the night! Marina didn't even want to think about the horrors that caused those screams of fear as she called his name but had the horrible feeling she would be hearing all about it at this meeting.

* * * * *

Janey sat with her parents behind the police prosecutor instead of sitting at the desk beside him. She was trembling visibly as she sat on the bench and glanced around the courtroom nervously.

It was the first morning of the trail for her case and already she was visibly exhausted and strained. 

Everyone stood as the judge entered the courtroom and sat at his bench, suddenly there was movement as proceedings started and two men were ushered in to sit with their lawyer on the other side of the court.

"Who are they?" Jim whispered.

"The one on the left is Greg Hawkings, the one on the right Jacob Lantry. They are the two charged with abducting Janey." Robby said from the row behind them.

Janey gave a startled gasp as she jerked in fright at the sound of her brother's voice.

"Sorry Janey, didn't mean to scare you." Robby said as he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

Janey glanced back over her shoulder to see Robby and Adam seated behind her, nervously she looked away and glanced over towards where she knew Hawk and Jake were now seated. Janey froze as her eyes met the icy cold blue gaze of Hawk. She sat almost paralysed as he slowly swept his gaze over her body before meeting her eyes once more with a knowing leer.

"...Janey...Janey..." Her mother's voice and the persistent firm patting on her hand pulled Janey's almost hypnotised stare away from Hawk.

Jerking back to reality from the fear filled past Janey tore her gaze from Hawks and looked down at her own feet as she shuddered and shaked.

"I don't think I can do this, I don't think I can do this," Janey started muttering over and over to herself as she wrapped her arms across her stomach and began to rock slightly in her seat. She was dimly aware of her father wrapping an arm around her and pulling her firmly against his side to stop her rocking. She heard the whispered enquiry from the police prosecutor in front of her and she managed to lift her head to glance around. Her eyes made contact with the gentle gaze of the grey haired man behind the large bench in the front of the room and she felt her face burn as humiliation coloured it brightly.

Janey bowed her head as she felt tears fill her eyes; this ordeal was going to harder than she had ever imagined it would be. It would probably even be harder than living the events had been.

Voices ebbed and flowed around her as the trail got under way. With her emotions finally under control Janey slowly raised her head and glanced at the scene before her. The police prosecutor was walking the floor in front of the Judge talking about how the case would be proved with both physical evidence and testimony. When he sat down one of the lawyers who were sitting with Hawk and Jake got to his feet and began talking.

Janey tensed in her seat as the woman described the case as the vindictive actions of an ex-lover. Janey darted a startled glance at Hawk to find him watching her closely, she became aware of a hand on her shoulder and she glanced over her shoulder to find it was Adam offering his support.

Adam squeezed Janey's shoulder gently to let her know he was on her side, he felt her tense slightly and glanced the way she was looking. He saw that Greg Hawkings was watching the byplay between him and Janey with a sneer and when he raised met the other man's gaze across the room Hawkings raised one eyebrow before turning away with a smirk.

Janey sat motionlessly through the morning's session of court and when lunch break was called she was so stiff from sitting still so long she was barely able to move.

Marina led her daughter out of the courthouse to the family car and stopped to glance at her husband, "What are we going to do for lunch?" she asked.

"We can grab something from one of the take-away shops and eat in the park just down the road," Robby said as he came over to stand beside his mother and Janey. "would that suit you Janey?"

Janey shrugged and stood there staring down at her feet.

"Why don't I take Janey to the park so we can pick a nice spot while someone goes get lunch?" Adam asked quietly.

* * * * *

Janey lay on her side watching the tv set in the motel room. Adam had decided to get a motel for the weekend in the town of Lismore where the court case was being heard. The motel was on the outskirts of town only a kilometre from a man made lake.

The sound of the door being opened made Janey look over her shoulder uneasily but it was just Adam returning from a quick trip to the vending machine near the office.

"Okay, I got essential supplies. Chocolate milk, coke, chocolate, chips and beer." Adam announced.

Janey sat up and reached for a packet of chips eagerly, she had been barely able to eat during the last previous day while she had attended court and now she was ravenous.

"I wish we had pizza or something, I'm starving!" Janey said tearing the packet open and reaching for a handful of chips.

"We could do a run into town and I can get us something to eat." Adam offered.

Janey considered this for a moment, she really didn't want to go anywhere but her hunger won out. Hurriedly she folded the packet shut, slid her legs off the edge of the bed and got to her feet.

Adam led the way out of the room locking it securely behind them, at the car Janey settled herself in the passenger seat and forced a smile as he climbed behind the wheel.

"Pizza? Hamburgers? Chicken? Fish and chips?" Adam recited as he eased the car out onto the highway.

"What about Chinese-takeaway?" Janey asked hopefully.

"Chinese it is then," Adam agreed happy to have Janey interested in anything other than laying around miserably.

At the Chinese restaurant Janey was quick to follow him from the car as Adam got out to go and order their food. He slid an arm around her waist and opened the door of the restaurant, he felt Janey tense as they entered the shop and he looked around to see what had disturbed her.

'Tanaya looked from Matty and Brent where they had stopped on their way out of the restaurant to the couple in the doorway. She recognised the pretty blonde from the several times she had seen her since the day at the Brisbane police station when Ren and Brad had turned themselves in.

"We got every right to come here just the same as anyone else!" 'Tanaya said as she approached the couple.

Adam felt Janey press closer to his side as the exotic looking beauty approached. He glanced at Janey then at the two men behind the woman.

"I'm not saying you're not allowed here. I just hope you don't go upsetting Janey." Adam said with a pointed glance toward Janey who was wringing her hands nervously.

"We're just on our way out." Brent said gruffly as he walked past them followed by Matty. 

'Tanaya hesitated for several seconds as she eyed Janey who was clearly very nervous, " I hope you're coping with everything that's going down okay." 'Tanaya said quietly before walking past Adam without a glance at him.



Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 11



Janey watched the scenery go by as Adam drove the short distance to the caravan park. There was a swimming pool there and Adam had phoned the caravan park to see if they could go there to use the pool. It was an unseasonably hot humid evening in April and they intended to enjoy the chance to cool off in the pool.

"I don't know why we couldn't have walked," Janey said as Adam parked his car in the shade of a tree.

"As I explained, you'll be tired and glad of the ride back to the hotel in a few hours," Adam said firmly.

"A little bit of exercise won't hurt me," Janey muttered to herself.

"You have a full day of court tomorrow and probably for the rest of the week. I am not letting you tire yourself today when I can prevent it easily," Adam told her.

"Thanks for reminding me," Janey muttered under her breath but not loud enough for Adam to hear and possibly take exception to.

"You said something?" Adam asked having heard her murmur but not the content of what she had said.

"It's nothing." Janey grumbled as she pointedly ignored his outstretched hand as she got out of the car.

Adam watched her get out of the vehicle and move away to the back of the car before stopping and glancing back at him. He was getting used to her abrupt changes of mood but he still found it hard to argue with her as she refused to say anything that gave a chance for a difference of opinion.

"It looks like we aren't the only ones feeling the heat today," Janey said with a glance towards the pool where some people were either in the water or lounging around on towels in the shade.

"Are you okay with so many people being there? We could find somewhere else to go," Adam told her.

Janey hesitated a minute or so as she regarded the people in the pool before turning towards Adam with a faint small, "I'm sure I can handle it, I'll be alright,"

Adam heard the faint uncertainty in her voice but he knew that during the day she was much better coping with strangers than of a night. "Ok, lets go get wet then!" He said brightly.

Janey followed him to an unoccupied shady spot and watched as he spread out the picnic blanket he had bought with them on the ground then spread his towel out on half of it. She put aside her bottle of iced water before spreading her towel out beside his. 

"Come on," Adam said as he caught her hand and led her towards the pool. 

They stopped just inside the fence and stripped down to their swimmers, Adam wore a pair of board shorts and Janey wore a one piece suit.

Janey watched as Adam dived into the pool and surfaced before she sat on the edge of the pool to ease herself into the water. The water in the concrete pool was heated by the sun and was comfortable with the chill taken off it but not heated enough to loose it's refreshing qualities.

Adam watched Janey as she swum a few strokes before diving beneath the surface to touch the bottom of the pool before surfacing. He watched as she smoothed her wet hair back off of her face and smiled at him, moisture glittering on her eyelashes. 

Half an hour later they headed to where their towels awaited them in the shade and sat down. Janey had a drink before putting the bottle aside and lying back on her towel with a sigh. Adam turned his head to look at her where she lay beside him but she had her eyes shut so he stretched out on his towel without a word.

"I don't believe this! What are you's doing here? This is harassment!"

The angry female voice bought Janey fully awake as she opened her eyes and sat up. Adam was climbing to his feet beside her to face the woman who had spoken to her in the Chinese food shop the night before. The woman was wearing a brief bikini and carrying a towel.

"What are you's doing here? We're staying here! You know well and good two of the guys are not allowed anywhere near her and you come here! That is harassment!" 'Tanaya stormed angrily.

"I don't know what you're talking about! Calm down and talk some sense!" Adam snapped.

Janey looked around alertly, "By guys does that mean Ren and Brad or is it just Matty and Brent?" Janey wondered as she got to her feet. 

About twenty yards away all four men where standing in board shorts with towels hung over their shoulders. When Ren met her gaze Janey turned away after a few moments and reached for her drink nervously, she was aware of Adam talking to the woman and turned towards them.

"Surely it won't matter if they use the pool too," Janey said as she moved to Adam's side.

Adam paused mid sentence and looked at Janey thoughtfully, "We might as well go and leave them to it, after all they are staying here apparently," Adam said motioning towards the office of the caravan park.

Janey glanced over at the four men but Brad and Ren were already heading away from the pool area.

"Hey you two! Get your butts back here!" 'Tanaya yelled after them.

"Forget it 'Tanaya, it aint worth the hassle," Brent told her before both he and Matty turned to follow Ren and Brad.

Janey watched the four men walking away from her, "It's not fair," she thought, "there's no reason we all can't use the pool." "Don't go! Stay and have a swim!" Janey called after them.

"Look I'm sure you mean well Miss Wilkinson but if the cops catch Brad or Ren within fifty yards of you they will haul their arse off to jail so fast it's not funny. Your cop boyfriend should know that." 'Tanaya said tightly

Janey turned her head to look at 'Tanaya for a moment then turned back towards the four men. "It's not fair!" Janey said unhappily before moving back to her towel.

'Tanaya watched her move back to where she had been sitting. As Janey turned away 'Tanaya saw the slight swell of her stomach, the faint tracing of blue veins above the low-cut neckline and the dark shadows of her nipples beneath the patterned material.

"Adam I want to leave." Janey sat as she picked her towel and drink up.

"You don't have to leave," 'Tanaya said surprising herself, "we'll keep away from here, let you relax in peace."

Janey gave 'Tanaya a sad smile before walking away towards Adam's car.

Adam turned to follow Janey, hesitated a moment then glanced back at 'Tanaya. "For what it's worth we didn't know you lot were staying here."

'Tanaya gave a rather un-lady like snort before hurrying after the four men.

* * * * *

Janey and Adam lay in the double bed, the night was unseasonably hot and humid. Janey glanced over her shoulder at Adam where he lay sleeping behind her. They had been kissing, cuddling and engaged in foreplay earlier but Janey had remained slightly reluctant and Adam had backed off with his advances and told her he was happy just to hold her.

Feeling the urge to go to the toilet Janey eased out from beneath Adam's arm, paused for a moment to make sure she had not disturbed him and then padded silently to the small ensuite attached to the room.

Hot humid air was blowing lightly through the small window above the sink and Janey paused there as she washed her hands.

Distant sounds came on the breeze as it drifted into the room. Janey could hear the heavy sultry beat of music and the murmur of distant voices and occasionally an individual voice could be heard above the noise.

She splashed cool water on her face and patted the moisture down her throat as she tried to ease the heat from her skin. She sighed in defeat as the hot air immediately evaporated the moisture from her skin with barely any effect.

Janey paused in the doorway between the bedroom and the ensuite as she stood looking at Adam. He was soundly asleep thanks to the three beers he had enjoyed after they had eaten and occasionally a soft snore escaped him as he lay on his back.

Picking up the cotton shirt she had worn that day Janey walked to the door, she hesitated for several seconds as she held the door handle before turning the key and opening the door.

The breeze offered a cooler touch outside and Janey wandered to the edge of the light that fell from a dim light bulb above the door. Outside she could hear the music and distant voices more clearly. She seemed to stop breathing for a few moments as she strained to listen to the sounds that came from the not to far distant caravan park.

Could she hear familiar voices? Was that masculine laughter and was it whom she thought it was?

Janey turned her head to look back towards the open doorway before turning back towards the direction of the caravan park yearningly. She stood motionless for nearly five minutes before turning and walking back into the hotel room.

"Adam? Adam?" She whispered softly.

Adam murmured beneath his breath as he rolled towards the centre of the bed and hooked one arm over the lump of bedclothes that they had both pushed to the centre of the bed. He didn't realise that it was not Janey he was cuddling as he settled back into a deep sleep.

Janey hesitated for several minutes before quickly changing into a cool top and pulling on some comfortable shorts. She placed Adam's mobile phone on the bedside unit near his head before she tucked her own mobile phone into her shirt pocket.

Janey slipped her feet into her sandals and stood in the open doorway as she glanced nervously between the darkness beyond the light and then back at Adam where he lay asleep in the bed.

Finally after several deep breathes she pulled the key from the lock, stepped outside and locked the door behind her. She stood just outside the door for several seconds taking deep breaths before taking several faltering steps towards the darkness.

A few steps beyond the light Janey pulled her mobile phone from her pocket and held it tightly as she took faltering step after faltering steps. Every step held it's own individual terror, grass rustling in the breeze or the crunch of gravel beneath her own feet.

Janey could feel her heart thumping wildly in her chest and hear the blood rushing in her ears as she forced herself ever closer to the light and noise that surrounded the caravan park. The lure of Ren's presence preventing her turning and fleeing back towards Adam as fast as her legs could carry her.

As Janey reached the entry road to the caravan park her chest hurt from the frantic beating of her heart and her breath was catching tightly in her throat. She forced her trembling legs to carry her towards where the music and voices seemed to emulate from on the other side of the swimming pool surround.

Pausing beside the pool fence Janey took hold of it in one hand as she tried to steady her trembling legs and slow her racing heart. She could make out the silhouettes of people near a large caravan and was sure she recognised the large shape of Brad as she took several shaky steps towards them.

'Tanaya was coming out of the annex of a caravan with a fresh can of sprite and a packet of chips when the faint movement just at the very edge of the light caught her attention. She was shocked as she saw Janey standing in the shadows clearly looking for someone. 'Tanaya looked around for the cop boyfriend and when she realised that Janey was alone she glanced down where Brent, Matty and Ren were sitting back in chairs relaxing and listening to the radio. Brad was checking through the ice filled esky for another beer beneath the bright glare of the light from a light pole.

"Renagade, I think you got a visitor. Just stand up easy like and have a look over by the pool." 'Tanaya said softly as she took another step down out of the caravan.

Thinking it would be the woman in the red bikini who had been showing interest all even he stood up and glanced towards the swimming pool casually.

Catching sight of Ren as he stood up Janey took several unsteady steps into the light, her heartbeat sounding loudly in her ears.

Ren felt his heart skip a beat then start a rapid tattoo as he recognised Janey. Her face was so pale it was nearly colourless; the only colour it contained was the red of her bottom lip with faint teeth marks in it that attested to her biting it.

Her entire body was trembling slightly with the force of the tremors that were going through her. One white knuckled hand held a mobile phone and both her feet were bare.

"Hey Blondie, what are you doing here?" Ren asked softly as he took several steps towards her.

A strange sound escaped her then Janey was throwing her self at Ren and into his arms.

"Hey! Steady on there!" Ren exclaimed as he enfolded her in his arms. He buried his face in the fragrant cloud of her hair as he felt her shuddering against him.

"I done it! I done it!" Janey exclaimed, her voice muffled as she buried her face against his chest.

"What did you do?" Ren asked softly after several minutes when he tried to ease her away from his chest.

"There's no sign of her boyfriend," Brad said from close by and Janey turned her face slightly to look his way.

"I walked here by myself. Adam was asleep when I left," Janey said faintly.

"Why didn't you wear shoes?" Ren asked as he scooped her up into his arms and carried her over to the chair he had been sitting in. He sat her in the chair pulling her arms from around his neck and turned his attention to her feet to check for injuries.

"I had sandals on when I left," Janey said puzzled. She glanced around at the others slightly uneasily but was comforted by the presence of Ren.

"Is the copper going to turn up?" 'Tanaya demanded as she pushed to the front.

Janey glanced her way uneasily then looked to Ren for reassurance.

"You do realise your boyfriend will be pissed off if he wakes up and your not there, not to mention he will also probably he pretty worried as well." Ren said calmly.

Janey chewed her bottom lip agitatedly and raised one hand to it as she realised it was tender.

"So you made it over here all by yourself," Ren murmured quietly.

Janey glanced towards him uncertainly and saw the pride in his eyes. She blushed self consciously and lowered her head for a few seconds before looking up once again.

"I done it all by myself," Janey said whisper soft with a shy smile as Ren attempted to brush her short fringe back behind her ear.

"Big deal! She walked here by herself! Now the fucking cops will turn up!" Brent said angrily.

Ren remained squatting in front of Janey as he turned his head to look at Brent. "Sky...I mean Janey walked here by herself and it obviously is something for her to feel proud about. Walking around in the dark by herself," Ren said tightly.

Janey glanced self-consciously at 'Tanaya and the three men who were gathered around her and Ren, she swallowed nervously and glanced at Ren as he stood up on front of her. "I've been scared of the dark since... since they... grabbed me..." Janey said uneasily and looked down at her hand holding her mobile phone.

"Who wants another beer?" Brad asked as he turned back towards the esky, " if the cops are going to arrest me I want to be pissed as a fart!" he announced as he pulled a can of beer from the ice and opened it before taking a long drink

Janey glanced towards Brad, he had a grin on his face as he moved to sit in the chair beside her.

"So are you going to get drunk as well tonight?" Brad asked.

"I don't drink." Janey said softly faintly uncertain of what to make of him.

"What? Not even going to have one drink with some friends?" Brad asked, he had clearly had a few drinks already.

"Drinking's not good for the baby when a woman is pregnant," 'Tanaya announced with a hard look at Janey.

Janey gave a gasp of surprise, both arms folding protectively over her stomach as she looked towards 'Tanaya but the other woman was looking down at her own feet.

"What you ended up getting caught out did ya 'Tanay'?" Brad asked with a trace of amusement in his voice. He was too drunk to process information properly.

"Not bloody likely with 'Tanaya, and I don't think she was talking about herself." Brent said quietly as he turned speculative eyes Janey's way.

"I'm confused, who's pregnant?" Matty asked looking from Brent to 'Tanaya and back again.

"Take a minute to think about everything that has happened in the last four or five months," Ren advised as he helped himself to a beer.

Matty studied Brent and 'Tanaya for several seconds before glancing at Ren where he was taking a drink from his newly opened can of beer. Something about the dark brooding look on Ren's face made him remember hearing screams and pleading in the dark.

"Do you mean...? Hell no you gotta be shitting me! I put that implant in myself! I'm sure I done it properly!... unless it was already too late..." Brad said as he got to his feet and moved forward to turn around and face Janey. He looked down at her where she sat silently her head bowed and both her arms hugging her stomach, her feet tucked back under the chair. He passed his can of beer to the nearest person without really noticing who it was before squatting down in front of Janey.

"You got any idea of whose it is Sweetie?" Brad asked softly as he placed his hands on her knees.

Janey drew in a sharp breath and clamped her knees together hard but Brad ran one hand lightly up one leg before moving his hand to cup her lower stomach gently. She gasped and grabbed his large wrist with both hands but he easily kept his hand resting on her stomach lightly.

Janey glanced towards him uncertainly as she felt his hand resting on the small fullness that hid her growing child. She was unsure of what to do or say as she glanced up to meet his gaze while his hand rested on her stomach. She couldn't help noticing that although he had already indulged in a few drinks he was now suddenly and clearly sober.

She felt his hand slide around to her side and then he was gathering her into a hug. A rather large, warm, soft embrace that had her feeling safe and protected.

"If you need any help let me know, or even if you just need someone to talk to," Brad said gently as he stroked the back of her head.

Slowly absorbing the comfort of his embrace Janey unfolded her arms from across her stomach to slip them up his chest and around his shoulders as she rested her cheek in the crook of his neck.

Brad released Janey and sat back on his heels, he rocked unsteadily for a few seconds before he stood up.

"Where's me beer?" he demanded gruffly as he turned away.

Janey glanced at 'Tanaya uncomfortably for a second as 'Tanaya handed Brad his beer, "How did you know?"

"You're starting to show and things like the way you folded your arms over your stomach are a give away," 'Tanaya said quietly.

Janey glanced away then glanced towards Ren uneasily. Suddenly she realised that he had not seemed surprised by 'Tanayas' announcement or her own admission that confirmed the fact. In fact he had told Matty to think about things that had occurred in the last few months.

"You knew!" Janey said with accusation to Ren when he glanced her way.

"Yeah, I was at the hospital remember," Ren said dryly.

Janey looked away as the enormity of it engulfed her. "I did not imagine that Ren had been by my side! The snatches of dreams of him sitting by the bed, holding my hand and talking to me had not been dreams at all! And that feeling of being safe..."

Ren watched Janey as she looked away from him. "Surely she had know I had been at the hospital!... or did the boyfriend make her believe it had been a dream? Some kind of drug induced delusion?"

"Where's your boyfriend? Is he going to turn up here suddenly?" Brad demanded.

Ren looked at his friend mildly surprised; he had just had that thought himself.

Janey looked at Brad uneasily as she shrugged faintly, "Adam was asleep when I left, he didn't notice me get out of bed," Janey admitted then bit her bottom lip worriedly. "Why did I just tell them that? I shouldn't have let them know that no-one knows I'm here." 

'Tanaya studied Janey quietly, she could see the younger woman's uncertainty growing, "So did you decide earlier you wanted to visit the guys or was it something you decided on the spur of the moment?" 'Tanaya asked with a friendly smile.




Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 11



Janey darted a nervous glance her way very much aware that she was sitting in the middle of the group with practically no chance at a dash for escape if it was necessary. She shrugged uneasily and looked away avoiding eye contact with anyone.

'Tanaya caught Ren's attention and gave a slight motion towards the caravan with her head before walking into the annex. She walked to the back of the annex and turned to watch as Ren made his way towards her.

"Something wrong Shantanaya?" Ren asked expecting her to tell him to send Janey back to her boyfriend.

"The poor kid out there is scared, I think deep down she knows she can trust you lot, especially you but there's a little voice in her head screaming 'run run'. If you want her to stick around for a while fair enough, but try to make her less scared if you can." 'Tanaya said softly.

Ren looked at 'Tanaya surprised, his usually sharp mind was slowed slightly by alcohol and he had just been starting to reach the same conclusion himself.

"And yes I think you're an idiot to let her remain here but personally I think she is as much gone on you as you are on her." 'Tanaya said abruptly before heading back outside.

'Tanaya caught the nervous glance Janey directed her way as she came out of the annex and smothered a sigh of annoyance. 

"Hey, do you want a drink of some kind since none of these galoots have gotten you something to drink? I'm pretty sure there's a bottle of fruit juice somewhere." 'Tanaya said as she began rummaging around in the esky. Finally she found a small bottle of orange juice and handed it to Janey; she glanced significantly at the mobile phone Janey still held tightly in one hand.

Janey glanced down at her hand surprised to find she was still grasping the phone.

"So are you going to use that phone or you going to put it away?" 'Tanaya asked.

Janey stared at the phone for a few seconds before clipping it onto the waistband of her shorts.

"So is the boyfriend going to turn up?" Brad repeated his earlier question as he watched her take the plastic bottle of juice from 'Tanaya.

"I don't believe he'll wake up." Janey said whisper soft.

"Bet she tired him out so he'll sleep well!" Matty said with a hoot of laughter.

"Hey! Watch your mouth around Janey if you don't want me to shut it for you!" Ren snapped angrily.

"She'll need to get used to it so calm down Renegade," 'Tanaya said and slapped Ren hard on the back between his shoulder blades.

"Oi!" Ren growled as he turned around to face 'Tanaya.

Janey watched the by play between them nervously not sure what to expect.

"Feeling a wee bit grouchy are we?" 'Tanaya asked with a saucy grin and moved close with a sultry sway of her hips and purred throatily, "'Tanaya knows how to fix what ails ye,"

A sound very close to a rumbling growl came from Brad as he watched 'Tanaya run her hands up Ren's chest to rest on his shoulders.

Ren glanced Brad's way before turning his attention fully onto 'Tanaya.

"Ease up there, we don't want no fights." Ren said softly so that only 'Tanaya could hear his words.

'Tanaya smiled cheekily up at Ren but then removed her hands from his shoulders and wondered over to where Brent was watching her with amusement.

Ren shook his head with a rueful smile and carried a folding camp chair over near Janey. He sat on it beside her and gave her a faint smile. "So how long do you think you can stay?"

Janey looked away from his mesmerising green eyes as she felt a wave of heat ripple over her body. Her nipples tightened and puckered while a languid heat started to build low in her stomach. She licked her suddenly dry lips as she tried to think of a reply, but as always with Ren she found it much easier to just feel instead of think. 

"Not as long as I want to but it'll be long enough," That sultry voice thick with promise was her voice Janey realised with a start. She glanced at Ren nervously, her gaze flicking across him without making eye contact. This is why I'm here; I want to be with Ren. Spend time with him; I've felt the need ever since I first saw him earlier in the week. Janey realised with a start

Ren wasn't sure if it was the alcohol or his own need that put the innuendo in Janey's words, but noticing her unease he reached out and held her free hand squeezing gently to reassure her. When Janey glanced his way he let go of her hand and placed his hand on her leg just above her knee.

Janey felt a hot wave of excitement ripple through her body from where Ren's hand rested lightly on her leg above her knee.

Without being aware of what he was doing Ren began rubbing his thumb backwards and forwards on the outside of Janey's leg. Absently he stopped that to begin tracing circles on the inside of her leg with his fingertips, barely brushing her soft skin with his fingers.

Janey licked her soundly dry lips and caught his hand stopping his caresses as she glanced towards him nervously.

Ren looked at Janey as she covered his hand with hers. Her eyes were dark with arousal and she ran her tongue over her bottom lip nervously. He watched the tip of her tongue, feeling his arousal jerk at the sight of the tip of her tongue. Unable to resist he leant towards her and covered her lips with his.

There was nothing gentle or tentative in the way he claimed her lips and explored her mouth. It was pure male aggression as he reclaimed the territory he had explored thoroughly some months earlier.

A soft sigh of surrender came from Janey as she closed her eyes and surrendered to Ren's masterful kiss.

Ren groaned into her mouth as he caught her face in both of his hands and turned her head slightly to access her mouth at the angle he preferred.

The sound of Matty hooting and wolf-whistling rudely broke into Ren's concentration and he pulled himself away from Janey's soft compliant lips. He saw the startled surprise and self consciousness in her eyes as she focused on him.

With a muttered curse Ren was on his feet and had Matty by the front of his t-shirt giving a slight shake. "Shut the fuck up!" Ren growled aggressively.

"Ease up! You were almost eating Sky in front of us!" Brad said as he grabbed Ren by the upper arms and pulled him away from Matty only to have Ren turn to face him aggressively.

Ren glanced across at Janey where she sat with one hand raised to her mouth, her fingertips barely touching her softly swollen lips. He hesitated before moving away from Brad in jerky movements. What had he been thinking to kiss Janey like that in front of the others?

Ren turned towards Janey and she got to her feet watching him anxiously, suddenly angry with himself he strode towards the door of the caravan intending to be by himself for a few minutes to get control over himself once more.

"Ren?"

Janey's soft confused voice halted Ren with his foot on the bottom step; he looked over his shoulder at her to find her watching him. Her eyes were still dark with desire and her lips softly parted as she breathed. Ren felt the length of his hardened arousal jerk as she flicked her tongue nervously over her bottom lip and took a step towards him.

"Come near me at the moment and I will take you in here; strip you naked and fuck you! I won't be gentle and I won't be making sure you enjoy yourself. It'll be all about me getting laid!" Ren growled in warning before storming into the caravan and slamming the door after himself.

Janey stood were she was as she watched Ren disappear inside the caravan. Her breasts felt swollen and achy while a hot moist ache seemed to fill her lower stomach. She glanced towards the others where they stood silently before walking towards the caravan door nervously.

"He meant what he said." Brad warned as he approached her. He placed one large hand on her shoulder and cupped the delicate feeling bones in his large hand.

Meaning to comfort her Brad slipped his arms around her and held her gently, one large hand splayed across her stomach over the swell of her womb.

"I'll be okay, he won't hurt me. Ren won't hurt me." Janey said almost in a whisper.

"He meant what he said about having sex with you." Brad warned softly.

Janey felt the warmth of embarrassment rise up her face as she looked away and moved away from Brad. She took a deep breath as she opened the door of the caravan; hesitated a moment then stepped inside closing the door after her.

She found Ren sitting on the end of a large three-quarters bed; he turned his head to look at her without moving. Slowly Janey reached up to pull her top off over her head before shimming out of her shorts and knickers to stand before him naked.

Ren's eyed turned black with desire as he got to his feet slowly, he walked the few steps to Janey and took her in his arms gently before burying his face in her hair.

"I'll be gentle." He whispered before kissing her hungrily.



Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 12



Ren heard the door of the caravan shut and light footsteps move through the van towards him.

"Damn! Doesn't 'Tanaya realise I just want to be left alone?" Ren wondered angrily.

Reluctantly he turned his head to look at the intruder into his small cramped corner of the caravan. He was shocked and surprised to see Janey standing there. He felt his desire return stronger than ever as he gazed at the outline of her body where it could be seen through her clothes because of the soft light behind her and the absence of any light where he sat.

He sensed her nervousness as she silently pulled her top off over her head. She hesitated for a moment before her hands moved to her hips; her body moved sensuously as her shorts were worked down over her hips and thighs before falling to the floor.

Ren felt something deep inside himself wrench painfully as he got to his feet. It was more than his physical desire for her; something in him needed her on so many different levels. 

Without being aware of moving he found himself gathering her into his arms. Gently he held her and buried his face in her hair. 

"Is it fear that makes her tremble in my arms?'" He wondered, and then whispered softly, "I'll be gentle, I promise."

Ren felt her lips part beneath his and he slid his tongue between her lips to caress her inner mouth the way he remembered she liked. He could taste popcorn as he kissed her and he gathered her closer, deeply aware of her bare skin beneath his hands.

He wasn't sure if her murmur was one of desire or if it was his own need that made it sound that way. The sound vibrated threw him as she whimpered against his mouth. 

Hungrily Ren trailed quick light kisses across her cheek before nibbling and sucking at the side of her neck below her ear. He felt her hands move up his chest to grasp at his shoulders and he lifted his head to look down at her for a moment. Her head was tilted back and to one side allowing him easy access to her throat, her eyes closed and lips softly parted.

The force of his desire had him lowering his head to kiss her hard as he edged her back towards the bed he had been sitting on. She gasped into his mouth and clutched at his shoulders, determinedly he lowered her onto the bed covering her body with his.

He rocked his hips against the cradle of her thighs and swallowed her whimpers as he continued to kiss her. He felt her wriggle beneath him and then she was twinning her legs around his thighs as she pressed herself against him.

He reached down between them; she was slick beneath his fingers as he found the opening of her passage. He closed his mind to the possibility that it could be from her having sex with her boyfriend before leaving him and slid a finger inside her as gently as his urgent need allowed him.

Ren felt the inner walls of her moist passage throb around his fingers as he began to move his hand to bring her pleasure. She whimpered and twisted beneath him as he stroked and explored with his fingers.

He felt her fingernails digging into the back of his shoulders as he swallowed her whimpers and moans. Well aware of the fact she was now an almost mindless bundle of frustration and desire he freed his rock hard erection from his jeans and guided himself to the centre of her being.

Janey gasped as he entered her with one long steady thrust, she moaned with pleasure and lifted her legs to hook her feet in the small of his back. 

Ren lowered his head with a groan of desire and kissed her hard as he began to move eagerly. Forgotten was his promise to be gentle as instinct took control of his body and he moved in strong swift thrusts. He caught her hands as she clutched at his arms and raised her hands above her head as he laced his fingers through hers.

Ren felt Janey moving urgently beneath him and he increased the speed of his thrusts as he felt the first tensing of her inner muscles. The spasms of her climax triggered his own orgasm and he broke off kissing her to throw his head back with a throaty groan as he came hard deep within her.

Slowly Ren eased his frantic pace until he was barely moving within her body as the last of her orgasm milked the cum from his cock. He realised he was still hard when Janey sighed and relaxed beneath him, her breathing starting to return to normal.

Ren paused for a few moments as he lay on Janey's soft body, still joined with her in the most intimate of ways. Even though he had cum his lust was not sated and he moved slightly to keep the stimulation going. He felt Janey arch beneath him and move her hips experimentally as she felt the remaining evidence of his arousal.

He kissed her hard feeling her lips part beneath his and her tongue welcoming the aggressive thrusts of his. He caught her soft moan and began moving as her response continued.

The tight walls of her passage gripped his cock and it felt as if her body was trying to pull him deeper as his movements became more aggressive. Her soft whimpers became more constant and Ren tried to control himself but his lust was too strong and he gave up fighting himself and gave over to his pleasure.

Ren pulled his lips from Janey's and lifted his head slightly as he increased his frantic pace.

"Ooohhh, hhhmmmmm.." Janey hummed as she gasped for breath.

Ren felt the tingling sensation and tightening of his balls that heralded the beginnings his second orgasm. He released Janey's hands and gasped her shoulders to pull her down hard against his erection as his orgasm washed over him in strong waves.

"Ren! Oohh Ren, Rennnn!" Janey's voice rose as she clutched at the sheet beneath him and everything faded into the background for a few long moments as Ren was only aware of Janey's body beneath and around his.

Slowly Ren's senses returned to him and he eased his weight up onto his arms as he lifted himself off of Janey. He heard her whimper softly as he slid free from her body and he stretched out on his side beside her to take her in his arms.

"I didn't hurt you did I?" Ren asked worriedly.

Janey groaned and rolled towards him to bury her face in the hollow of his neck. "You can hurt me like that any time you like," She said against his neck.

"What did you say?" Ren asked with a smile in his voice as he rolled her beneath him once again. He was careful to support his weight on his elbows and knees and not put any weight on her lower body.

"Nothing." Janey murmured shyly as she turned her face away from his.

"Good was it?" Ren asked pleased with himself as he pressed kisses to her forehead and cheek, any place on her face he could reach.

"Yes," Janey whispered against his mouth as he brushed his lips over hers lightly teasing her.

"My woman's pleased is she?" Ren asked proudly. 

He felt Janey tense beneath him and turn her face away as he went to kiss her. When he tried to capture her lips she began wriggling beneath him fighting him.

"What's wrong?" Ren asked worriedly as he rolled off of her.

"I'm not your woman!" Janey denied as she scrambled off of the bed and hurried to her clothes to pull them on.

Ren felt anger grow with in him as she denied what was between them. "So you'll just go running back to lover boy now? What happened? Didn't he satisfy you tonight?" Ren demanded lashing out in his pain.

Janey froze as she looked back at him over her shoulder for a moment before stumbling towards the door blindly. 

Ren hurried to straighten his jeans and re zip them as Janey stumbled from the caravan. He had regretted his words even as he had spat them out at her in anger.

"Sky! Wait!" He called after her as he hurried through the dark interior of the van. He cursed softly under his breath as his alcohol-affected senses slowed him down negotiating the steps.

"My name's not Sky! My name's not Sky!" Janey screamed at him from several feet away. She took several steps backwards away from him as he stepped down from the bottom step.

"I'm sorry, I'm a bit drunk, I forgot for a second," Ren said softly.

"I'm not your woman...! " Janey's words halted as she saw the anger grow in his face.

"What's lover boy going to say when you go back there smelling of another man? or will he just look the other way? I know I sure as hell wouldn't if you were my woman!" Ren snarled.

As if on cue Janey's phone beeped shrilly where it sat forgotten on the chair she had been sitting on earlier.

Janey looked towards it startled and swallowed uneasily as she realised it could only be Adam calling her at this time of night. He must have woken and discovered her gone.

"Aren't you going to answer it? Or don't you want him to know you're here?" Ren demanded angrily.

Janey remained silent as she watched Ren nervously, she darted several nervous glances towards her phone but made no attempt to go to it.

"Any bet it won't be long before the cop boyfriend turns up here," Brent said annoyed.

Janey glanced his way uneasily then looked at her mobile phone where it sat silently on the chair. Uncertainly she moved towards it and when no one attempted to stop her or interfere in anyway she hurried to pick it up. Just the feel of the phone in her hand boosted her confidence and she glanced down at the screen. The phone vibrated in her hand and she dropped it with a startled gasp as it beeped shrilly.

"Why don't you answer it? Don't let any of us prevent you," Ren said with a touch of sarcasm.

Janey looked at him for several long moments before looking down at her phone where it moved slightly with each ring. The phone fell silent and Janey picked it up uneasily; she looked at the number displayed on the screen and knew it was indeed Adam who was trying to reach her.

Ren stood looking at Janey not sure of what to make of what had happened. "Why didn't she answer the phone?" He wondered perplexed.

"You'd better head back to where ever you were before you came here. We don't need the cop coming here," 'Tanaya said firmly.

Janey glanced at Ren uncertainly; his calling her his woman had scared her. He didn't own her; no one could own her! She would never let anyone have that power over her the way Hawk had.

"I'm not your woman, you don't own me," Janey said faintly, fear audible in her voice.

Ren sighed deeply as her words sunk in; he took a deep breath and shook his head slightly. "I didn't mean it like that Blondie. I forgot for a few moments... it was almost like you were my girl, ... my girlfriend." Ren explained as he saw the spark of unease his words were causing.

Janey's phone began emitting its shrill demand once again and Janey closed her eyes as she refused to answer it.

"You know how I feel about you don't you Blondie?" Ren asked softly as he approached her slowly.

Janey opened her eyes almost reluctantly to look at him. She gave her head a faint shake as she realised what the words were he meant, then froze as she realised what she had done.

Ren stopped within touching distance and slowly raised a hand to brush the tips of his fingers against her cheek. "My feelings haven't changed," he told her very softly, "I still love you."

Janey watched as his lips moved closer and then allowed her eyes to close as he brushed them across her mouth lightly.

Ren felt her lips tremble beneath his as he brushed light kisses across her mouth. He nibbled softly at her bottom lip and she opened her lips slightly to allow him access to the sweet recesses of her mouth.

When Ren finally raised his head Janey was breathing heavily and her mobile phone was silent. He brushed his fingertips lightly across her bottom lip and smiled as the tip of her tongue darted out to flick across the pad of his thumb.

"I'll walk you most of the way back if you like," Ren said whisper soft.

Janey opened her eyes to look at him startled, became aware once more of her surroundings and took several steps back away from him. "That wouldn't be a good idea," Janey denied faintly. Her mobile came to life once more but this time it played a popular song from the year before and Janey looked down at it for a few moments before pressing a button and raising it to an ear. 

"Yeah hallo James, what do you want?" Janey turned away from Ren and walked a few feet as she spoke. "I'm okay, don't worry.... He called you did he? ... I'll be back there in a little while ... I'm fine ... by myself ... yeah, alone ... there's isn't any need ... don't worry about it ... James! Everything's fine! Really! See you in half an hour then!" Janey argued over the phone before ending the call and turning to face Ren uneasily.

"I gotta go. Adam has called the cavalry, as in one of my brothers..." Janey forced a strained smile and glanced over her shoulder towards the pathway she had taken to get there.

Ren nodded silently, he didn't know what to say. He didn't want her to return to Adam but knew there was no way he could keep her there with him.

"Please, don't let him touch you tonight, not after ..." Ren fell silent and looked away uncomfortably. Letting Janey return to another man was really cutting deep into his self-control.

Janey looked away, she knew what Ren had meant to say but wisely left unsaid. It only underlined her own reluctance to return to the room she had been sharing with Adam.

"I gotta go," Janey said faintly and turned away. 

The noises of the night were loud in her ears as she walked into the dark but they couldn't drown out the loud beating of her heart in her chest as she walked further away from Ren and the light.

Once again her phone began beeping and this time she answered it glad of the voice she knew would be on the other end even in the dark.

"Janey! Where are you?" Adam demanded, his voice tight with worry.

"I couldn't sleep ... I went ... for a walk, sat down ... and lost track of time ..." Janey stammered uneasily.

"Janey, are you okay Darling?" Adam asked with concern hearing the fear thick in her voice.

"Keep talking to me! Please keep talking to me!" Janey blurted in a rush of fear as she stumbled along the path in the dark.

Somehow the moon and starlight didn't seem as bright and friendly as it had when she had left the motel room in search of Ren. Finally Janey broke into a stumbling run halfway back to the motel and arrived a few minutes later out of breath and shaking badly.

Adam folded her in his arms and held her for several minutes before taking her mobile off of her and ending the call. Gently he guided her back inside the room and sat her on the edge of the bed while he retrieved tissues to wipe her face. Once she was calm he went into the bathroom, got a wet face cloth and returned to wipe her face.

"It's okay Janey. You're here with me now." Adam soothed as he cleaned her tearstained face. He hesitated as he noticed her bottom lip was softly swollen and when he met her eyes she looked away avoiding his gaze.

The sound of a vehicle parking in front of the motel room diverted his attention for the moment and Adam went to the door to check and see if it was James and Robby. He opened the door as they got out of the car and moved aside so they could walk into the room.

"Janey seems fine. She got back five minutes or more ago," Adam said as he shut the door behind them.

"Where were you? Why didn't you answer your phone when Adam was trying to call you?" James demanded as he squatted beside the bed so that he was on the same level as Janey.

Janey looked down at her hands where they twisted nervously in her lap. She didn't look up when she heard her brother move uncomfortably.

Robby was the first to notice the whisker burn on one cheek and on her collarbone. He pushed James aside roughly to move to the side of the bed and reach down and grasp Janey's chin to make her turn her head so he could see better. Robby glanced at Adam and saw the tight look on his face as he too saw the marks on Janey's skin.

"How could you?" Adam demanded angrily.

Janey glanced his way nervously but remained silent. She had known she would have to have this conversation with him sooner or later but she certainly did not want it to be in front of either of her brothers. Nervously she got to her feet and moved away from the three men.

"What am I missing here?" James asked suspiciously.

"Those god-damned bastards are over at the caravan park! Apparently they are staying there!" Adam said angrily as he glared at Janey.

"Who ...?" James asked.

"The bastards that abducted Janey! That's who!" Robby cut in angrily as he stalked several steps then turned to look at his sister once more. 

Janey glanced his way nervously without meeting his eyes then glanced towards Adam and James uneasily.

"Did you have sex with them?" Adam demanded angrily. He saw the guilty start Janey gave before she moved away a few more steps and felt his stomach turn over before a sinking feeling set in.

"Don't tell me you went near them, Janetta!" Robby said angrily. Without thinking Robby stalked over to his sister and grabbed her by the upper arms and gave her a brief shake before demanding, "Well did one of them contact you? Ask you or tell you to go over there?"

"Please don't hurt me!" Janey begged as she struggled in his grasp.

Shocked by his own actions Robby let go of Janey as James rushed to their side and pushed him away from her.

"Leave her alone. Don't think I'll let you get away with bullying her," James warned as he watched Janey huddle in the corner. With Robby moving away from them James turned his attention onto Janey in full.

"Hey Blonde One, it's okay. Come sit down hey? Or do you want to go back to the motel where Rob and I are staying? I'm sure I could get a room for you if that's what you want," James said in a gentle voice.

Janey glanced towards Adam uncertainly but looked away hurriedly at his angry look.

"Janey and I have a few things to straighten out before she goes anywhere," Adam said tightly.

"Not tonight. Give things a few hours to calm down a bit." James said with a worried glance towards Janey.

"It was that blonde bastard wasn't it?" Adam demanded angrily. He saw the way Janey gave a startled jerk as she turned away and took several steps towards the door.

"What were you going to do? Sneak back here and crawl into bed with me and pretend like you hadn't been over there opening your legs for him?" Adam demanded angrily.

Janey glanced his way nervously and saw the pain in his eyes. She looked away hurriedly as she felt tears well in her eyes and confusion rise up inside of her.

"You watch what you say to Janey or I'll shut your mouth for you!" James warned Adam tightly.

Her brother's reaction bought back Ren's words to Matty earlier that night and once again Janey was struck by how similar to her family he was at times.

"What the hell would you do if it was your girlfriend sneaking off to be with some other guy?" Adam demanded angrily.

"You have to keep away from them Janey. Their sort will not hesitate to use you in any way possible to try to keep out of jail or avoid a conviction! Hell! I wouldn't be surprised if that blonde guy, Renford, was smart enough to try to sucker you in with crap like how he is actually your friend or maybe even say he loves you or some shit like that!" Robby snapped angrily. 

He stopped when he saw the surprised start Janey gave and shook his head in disbelief. "He's said something already hasn't he? What was it? That he really actually cares about you?" Robby watched Janey closely for any reactions. " Or maybe he has said he loves you?"

Janey couldn't stop herself glancing at Robby and she saw the anger and disbelief flash across his face.

"That bastard is filling your head with lies isn't he? He's playing on the fact he knows you feel a lot of gratitude towards him! All he is doing is trying to suck you in so that you tell the judge how he was nice to you! Renford is only looking out for Numero Uno! He knows he stands a good chance of being put behind bars for a long time if things go the right way! He doesn't care a shit about you! He's looking out for himself!" Robby said angrily.




Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 12



Janey shook her head as what her brother was say made perfect sense. She felt the tears leak from her eyes and the sob rise in her throat as she swallowed desperately. "Ren wouldn't do that to me!" Janey sobbed in denial as she remembered Ren telling her he still loved her.

Janey looked at Adam but he looked away angry and hurt. Slowly she slid down the wall until she was a sobbing heap on the floor. She pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them.

Adam couldn't not look at Janey as he heard her sobbing softly. She was hugging her legs to her chest as she rocked back and forth. Her obvious pain touched a cord deep within him and he gave a loud sigh as he moved to sit down beside her.

"Leave us alone," Adam told James and Robby without looking at them as he took Janey into his arms and held her gently. He laid his cheek against her hair and held her as she cried, her body shaking with the force of her sobs. 

"Just go away and leave Janey with me," Adam said when neither of her brothers moved or said anything.

After a few minutes James looked at Robby and Robby motioned towards the door. They both left the motel room. Outside James hesitated at the vehicle as he looked back at the closed door.

"Do you think she went over there of her own free will or did one of them tell her to go over there?" James asked.

"I don't know but I think some of the boys down at the station in town would be interested in finding out. After all Renford is out on bail under strict instructions to stay away from Janey." Robby said tightly.

"How does that work if she were to go near him? Not the other way around?" James asked.

"Then it's all fucked to hell and back. Considering how the bastard is buttering his own bread with his statement and how it helps the case I doubt the judge will be in too big of a hurry to lock him up." Robby said angrily.

"I say we go pay him a visit," James said as he got into the passenger seat.

"And have him crying harassment?" Robby said bitterly as he buckled his seat belt.

Inside the hotel room Adam turned his head towards the door as he heard the vehicle start up in front of the room before the sounds of it moving receded into the distance. He felt Janey shift slightly in his arms and pulled her closer so that she rested against his chest comfortably.

"We need to talk about what's happened," Adam said firmly as he tilted his head to look at her down turned face.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Janey sobbed and buried her face in her hands. Had she just ruined what she had with Adam? She wondered. She knew she needed to put the past behind her and somehow make a life for herself and the child she carried.

"Did Ren ever really care about me?" Janey wondered as the tears started afresh.

"Come on, you need to stop crying. It's not doing you any good." Adam said as he released her, got to his feet and then reached down to gently urge her to her feet. "How about you have a cool shower? It'll make you feel better," He said softly and thought silently, "And wash that guys touch from you." 

Adam guided Janey into the en-suite and turned her to face him, "Do you need any help?" He asked gently.

"I'll be right," Janey said without moving.

Adam sighed heavily and reached for her top, gently he eased it off over her head. "Did he do this earlier?" Unbidden the thought came to his mind.

Janey noticed Adam grit his teeth, the skin around his mouth turning white.

Adam unfastened the draw string waist of her shorts and let them fall to the floor before sliding his fingers under the sides of her knickers and pushing them off her hips. He turned away from her and started the shower, taking care to adjust the temperature of the water to just warm.

Janey stepped beneath the flow of water and stood with her arms crossed over her breasts for a few moments.

Seeing her immobility Adam stripped his shorts off with a silent curse and joined her beneath the spray of the water. "Come on, I'll give you a quick wash." He said gruffly as he reached for the soap.

Janey bit her bottom lip and swallowed the protest she wanted to make as Adam lathered his hands before placing the soap aside and reaching for her shoulders. Each stroke of his hands felt wrong as he soaped her back before turning her to face him. Janey turned her face aside as his soapy hands brushed places Ren had touched. It felt as if he was washing away all traces of what she had shared with Ren.

Janey was aware of Adam breathing heavily beside her as he rinsed the last of the soapsuds from her skin. She bit her lip to prevent herself telling him that it felt like a violation of her feelings as he reached around her to turn the water off.

Gently Adam guided Janey from the shower recess and reached for a towel to wrap around her before wrapping a towel around his own hips. He followed as she walked to the bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed. Adam went around to the other side of the bed, dried himself briskly and lay down on his back and looked at her where she sat motionless.

"You need to lie down and try to get some sleep," Adam told her as he reached for her shoulder to encourage her to lie down.

Janey allowed him to pull her down to lie on her side of the bed. She felt drained and exhausted and when Adam moved closer she didn't protest when he slipped an arm around her waist and cuddled her close. The warmth of his breath brushed against the sensitive skin on the side of her neck as he lay behind her holding her. His arm tightened and he buried his face against the back of her neck.

"I got a hell of a fright when I woke up to find you gone," Adam told her.

"Sorry," Janey said numbly. She didn't know what to say to him, didn't know how she could ever explain how she had felt.

"I was scared for you," Adam whispered as he pulled her back against him. 

Janey felt his arousal press against the small of her back and swallowed her protest as he pressed against her. She felt his hand tug at the front of her towel briefly then his hand found her bare skin and moved up to cup her breast. Soundlessly she allowed him to roll her onto her back and she focused her gaze on the corner of the ceiling as he lowered his head to trail kisses across her collarbone.

"Please, don't let him touch you tonight, not after ..." The words echoed in her head and she bit down on her lip until she tasted blood as she controlled her urge to ask him to stop.

Adam moved up to turn Janey's face towards him and caught her lips in a kiss as he slid a thigh between hers. He felt her tense up then push against his chest as he tried to deepen the kiss.

"Please don't..." Janey's voice was thick with tears, "I feel dirty."

"I'm sorry you had to learn about those kind of people the hard way. I don't hold what you did tonight against you. It wasn't your fault, you didn't realise. They've played you for a fool all along," Adam told her gently as he allowed her to roll away from him.

"It's not him ... It's you, this ... that makes me feel dirty. It's as if what you're doing is soiling what happened with me and Ren. With him it was something beautiful, he made me feel whole, undamaged." Janey thought as she buried her face in her pillow. 

She could feel Adam stroking her back in what he thought was a soothing way but it only made her feel like moving further away from him. After a while she felt the bed move as he rolled onto his back and shortly afterwards he began to snore softly.

Sleep was slow to come to Janey and when it did her dreams were filled with images of Ren laughing and talking with his friends. She stepped out of the shadows but he didn't look her way. When she called out to him he turned to look at her but it was Hawk's face she saw not Ren's.

Adam woke to Janey's whimpers as she cried in her sleep. He gathered her in his arms and turned her so she was using his chest as a pillow and began to stroke her back in long soothing strokes. The feel of her naked body against his reawakened his desire and unable or unwilling to prevent himself he began caressing her body.

Her breasts felt warm and softly firm as he cupped one and lowered his head to take the puckered nipple in his mouth. Janey gasped and arched into his body in her sleep and Adam took advantage of the chance to roll her partly beneath him as he trailed his lips up her neck to claim her mouth. 

Janey woke from her dream of Ren's gentle hands caressing her to the sound of Adam's voice as he whispered in her ear telling how beautiful she was. One hand was between her thighs, his fingers toying with her clit to arouse her as he nibbled at the side of her neck.

"I want to make love with you," Adam said as he moved fully over her body and claimed her lips hungrily.

"So help me God, I think I love you." 

Janey returned his kiss trying to drive the remembered words and voice that were haunting her from her mind. 

"My feelings haven't changed, I still love you."

Janey felt Adam move as he pushed her legs further part and then he was reaching between them to guide himself into her slick passage.

"Adam's my future. I have to think of what's best for the baby and me." Janey told herself as she felt Adam slide his cock into her passage easily. "Adam's not as large as HIM, it feels ... different. I can still think. All I could do with HIM was feel."

Janey tried to turn her mind off as Adam moved over her eagerly. The sex felt good, it was pleasurable but ... but it wasn't mind blowing and earth shattering she realised with a start.

Suddenly Janey wanted Adam to stop but she didn't know how to ask him, didn't know how to tell him. Unable to do anything else she continued to participate in the physical act even though a part of her mind had separated itself from her body.

* * * * *

The morning was overcast and cloudy as Janey walked with Adam up the front footpath of the courthouse. Her family was already waiting near the front door of the courthouse as she and Adam reached the steps. Janey glanced up at her family but didn't look beyond them to see at the far end of one side of the veranda where Ren, Brad, Brent and Matty standing with 'Tanaya.

Ren watched as Janey walked with the cop boyfriend to the foot of the stairs. He couldn't help noticing how pale she was or the dark bruise like shadows under her eyes. He noticed the way the guy with her took hold of her arm and helped her up the steps. It was hard to control the urge to roar with rage and jealousy as he saw the other man wrap an arm around Janey's shoulders and pull her close so she could rest her head against his shoulder.

Shortly the court clerk came to the door and Janey and her family were ushered inside the building. Ren was left to stand outside in the gloomy morning waiting with the others until they were called one by one.

"Didn't Walsh say Hawk is being put on the stand this morning to answer a few questions?" Brent asked.

"I wish I could be in the courtroom to hear what that bastard has to say for himself," Ren said tightly.

"I notice that she's still all lovey-dovey with the cop," 'Tanaya said quietly.

Ren sent her a dark look but said nothing. It was bad enough he knew it was so but to have someone else voice the fact was tough.

"Sky looked sick," Matty said, surprised that no one else seemed to have noticed.

"I'm going to see if I can go sit in the courtroom." 'Tanaya announced suddenly, she reached out and gave Brad's hand a quick squeeze before heading for the main entry.

"I see 'Tanaya finally wore you down," Brent said to Brad with a grin.

"You didn't seem to have a problem with any of the other dozen or more guys she's slept with." Brad said tightly.

"Look if you believe 'Tanaya' has been that free with her favours then you're a bigger fool than I thought," Brent said before turning his back on Brad.

Brad glared at his friend for a few minutes, decided it wasn't worth getting into an argument about and turned his attention to where people were entering the courthouse.

'Tanaya stayed in the public gallery of the courtroom until the court broke for lunch before she returned to the others outside. All four men turned to look towards her for some clue as to what was going on in the courtroom.

"Let's get out of here. They're on lunch break." 'Tanaya said as she motioned for the men to move off the veranda and down towards the vehicle they had arrived at the building in.

"How is Janey holding up?" Ren asked as soon as they were away from other people.

"I couldn't see her face when Hawk was on the stand and she didn't seem to react to what he said. But he's playing the jilted boyfriend to the hilt and claiming she went with him of her own free will," 'Tanaya said.

"Always knew that was what he'd do," Ren muttered angrily. He paused before getting into the vehicle and looked around to see if he could get a glimpse of Janey but there was no sign of her or her family.

* * * * *

Janey sat at the table in the restaurant without touching the food on the plate before her. Her mother kept sending worried looks her way and was now watching her with a frown.

"Are you going to eat some of that Janey?" Marina asked with concern.

"I don't feel well and the smell makes me feel sick," Janey said faintly referring to the spicy food in front of her.

"Would you like some toast and a cup of tea?" Marina asked before glancing around to see where the waitress was.

"You should have said something before I ordered," Adam chided her gently.

Janey glanced his way with a controlled expression then looked away without speaking. She didn't point out to him that he had not consulted her on what she wanted to eat; he had just ordered some foods he knew she liked.

"I'll just have some water," Janey said softly and turned her head towards the window that looked out onto the busy street.

"I'll get you some toast and a cup of tea. You need to eat to keep your strength up," Adam said softly but firmly.

Janey made no protest as Adam called the waitress over and ordered the food for her.

Marina watched Janey with concern noting her pale colouring and the exhaustion showing clearly in her eyes. She looked towards the doorway in relief when her husband and sons entered followed closely by Caro.

"Finding a park took some doing." Robby stated as he pulled out a chair for his sister before sitting down. Jim sat beside his wife and James sat opposite Janey.

"The curry looks good." James commented on the plate of food in front of Janey.

"Excuse me," Janey said as she got to her feet hurriedly and headed for the ladies toilets. She barely made it into one of the cubicles before the contents of her stomach came rushing up and she was sick. When her stomach finally stopped heaving she flushed the toilet and went to the sink where she could wash her face and rinse her mouth out.

"Janey? You okay?" Marina asked as she walked into the small room.

Janey looked towards her mother but didn't move from where she was leaning against the washbasin with her head lowered. "I'll be fine in a few minutes," She said and rinsed her mouth out again.

"You were sick?" Marina asked gently as she retrieved a tissue from her handbag and handed it to Janey.

"I'll be fine," Janey said as she looked in the small mirror above the washbasin and blotted the beads of perspiration from her forehead.

"I know Adam just thought he was being thoughtful but he really should have asked you what you felt like eating before ordering your lunch." Marina said.

Janey didn't comment as she fought the urge to rest her forehead on the cool surface of the mirror and close her eyes. She also fought the urge to cry because HE wasn't there to offer her comfort. Finally Janey turned away from the mirror with an audible sigh and headed back out towards the table with her mother by her side.

Marina removed the plate of food from in front of Janey as her daughter sat down and moved it aside, she was pleased to note that a cup of herbal tea had arrived while they had been away and she saw how Janey reached for it thankfully.

Across the table James studied his youngest sister between mouthfuls of food. After leaving the hotel where Adam and Janey were staying the previous night he had started talking to Robby about whether or not the relationship between their little sister and Adam was a good thing.

Robby had told him that Adam had an excellent reputation and had handled the entire situation between him and Janey in a surprisingly sensible manner considering that he had worked on the case at the beginning.

Still, after the events of the previous night James couldn't help but wonder if Adam was the right man for his little sister. Surely if things were good between them Janey would not have walked away from that hotel room to another man. He noted the exhaustion in her face and the tension around her mouth. Had they argued after he and Robby had left the previous night? Or had Janey been simply unable to sleep?

"I bet you would eat an ice cream," James said as he noticed Janey only drinking the herbal tea.

Janey looked up at her brother startled. Surprisingly the idea of ice cream appealed to her lot. The cold dessert would feel wonderful on her throat after being sick, she managed a lopsided smile at him.

"That would be nice, but I want vanilla." Janey said.

"I'm sure I can get you some ice cream here," Adam said reaching out to cover one of her hands with his.

Janey glanced down at her hand and then into his face. She looked away uneasily before he could read anything from her expression.

"No, I'm taking the Blonde One here around the corner to the ice cream shop." James said without a glance at Adam. He didn't miss the quick flash of relief on his sister's face before it disappeared. "Well now is as good a time as any to go get that ice cream,"

Janey got to her feet relieved to get away from the crowd of her family for the time being. She loved them dearly but at the moment she just wanted some space.

Out on the street James fell into step beside his sister as they strolled at a leisurely pace in the direction of the ice cream shop they had seen the previous week.

"I thought you looked like you could really use some breathing space from Adam," James said quietly as they paused at the curb before crossing a busy street.

Startled by her brother's observation she glanced towards him quickly before turning her attention back to where she was walking.

"Are there problems between you and Adam after last night?" James asked gently.

"Things are ..." She hesitated while she searched for the right word," awkward,"

"Most guys get upset if their girlfriend does what you did," James said gently.

Janey stopped and James kept going for several steps before he realised she had halted; he turned around and went back to her.

"If you're just going to lecture me about what I did then I want to go back to the café!" Janey said abruptly.

"I'm just worried about you. Come on; let's go get that ice cream. I can chat on the way. No lecture, I promise." James said gently. He couldn't help noticing the way she eyed him distrustfully before finally falling into step with him once more.

"After we left last night I got to thinking; you're usually a good judge of character and I thought that maybe the guy you went to see ... it was just one guy ..." James stopped talking at Janey's angry snort.

"There were four guys and another woman there but if what you're asking is if I had sex with all the guys then the answer is no!" Janey hissed angrily.

"Okay so I opened my mouth before I knew exactly what I was going to ask, but I didn't think you went and slept with all of them." James muttered before resuming. "Your judgement may not necessarily be off, okay? I don't know the guy but he may not be all bad, even if he did nothing while ..." 




Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 12



Janey didn't reply. She was too confused by her own thoughts and feelings.

They were sitting in the ice cream shop at one of the small tables eating their ice creams before Janey spoke again.

"You don't know any of them but last night you were convinced they only think of themselves." Janey said with a glance at her brother, "In fact there are a lot of things they have in common with you, Robby and Dad."

James stopped eating to watch his sister for a few moments. "Like what?"

"Stuff. Little things, like Ren doesn't like any of them swearing where I can hear it or near me. They are respectful in a lot of little ways," Janey said faintly.

"But they stand by and do nothing while their mate abducts some girl and rapes her, holds her against her will," James snapped in a low voice.

Janey looked around self-consciously but no one seemed to have noticed their conversation. " They weren't there at first, and two of them stopped him hurting me when they could," She said very quietly.

James studied her face for several moments before resuming eating his ice cream, he realised that his sister actually believed what she was saying. Maybe he would be smart to try to get to know these people for himself before he decided what they were like.

* * * * *

Hawk sat one end of the bench seat, his plate of food in one hand and fork in the other. As he ate he thought of Sky; he had watched her earlier while he had been questioned in the courtroom. Her fear had still been there and it had made him hard just watching, but he had also seen something like hatred in her eyes as well.

He was in big trouble and he knew it. With that bastard Renegade taking her side ( Hell Ren probably was just doing it to score brownie points with Sky.) He'd had his eye on her from the moment he first saw her and he had made no effort to hide the fact. And some how he had managed to turn the others against him; he'd done that even while he had been scheming to get Sky.

There was no way around it, Hawk decided as he ate the last of the food then placed the plate and fork on the bench beside him. He glanced at Jake where he stood on the other side of the cell with his back to him still eating. Renegade had cost him his relationship with Jake and Sky who could have made him much more money than Ren had handed over to him for her. Not only that, Seth Markham was mad at him and Hawk knew full well that Markham would be out for revenge. Definitely not a nice thought.

Hawk lent back as he fished his nearly empty packet of cigarettes out of his pocket, put one in his mouth and reached for his lighter.

"It'll be a long sentence," Hawk thought as he blew the smoke towards the ceiling, "there's no other way around it. Shame though, she was a good fuck especially when she fought me."

"Food's pretty crap hey?" Hawk said trying to make conversation with Jake but the other man stood there with his back to him ignoring him.

Shortly a police officer came to the cell to collect the plates and cutlery. Hawk walked to the door and handed his plate to the officer, glanced quickly both ways along the hallway then threw a hard right to the man's temple.

Jake watched in disbelief as the policeman crumpled in a soundless heap and Hawk bent down over the man, pulling at his weapon belt roughly.

"What the hell are you doing?" Jake asked as Hawk pulled the gun free from the holster.

Hawk looked at his one time lover with a rueful grin, "Sky can't testify if she's dead. I'm going away either way so it might as well be for the big one. Besides, I owe Renegade one he won't forget."

Jake stared at Hawk not believing what he was hearing. "You do know they'll shoot you when they see that gun."

"I'm in for it either way. Coming?" Hawk asked as he stepped out into the hallway cautiously.

"No, I'll do my time." Jake said as he backed away from the front of the cell.

Hawk shrugged and moved as silently as he could down the hallway.

Once Hawk was out of sight Jake hurried to the police officer and shook him gently, "Come man, wake up! You hear me? Wake up!"

The police officer stirred groggily and Jake pulled him into a sitting position and lent him against the wall before slapping his face lightly. The officer came around with a start and automatically reached for his gun on seeing Jake so close.

"You got to get up man! Hawk took your gun and he's going after the girl. He said the dead don't tell no tales," Jake said as he forcibly pulled the officer to his feet.

"Step back into the cell!" The officer snapped as he felt groggily for his gun.

Jake held both hands shoulder high as he backed way from the man, "Hawk has your gun and he's going after the girl. He intends to kill her," Jake told him clearly.

The officer looked around and then reached for the door. He hesitated for a moment as he looked either way down the hallway. "Which way did he go?"

"To your right. He'll be looking for a way out." Jake said as he moved back until he could sit on the bench.

The officer shut the door behind him locking it and hurried down the hallway towards the nearest phone.



Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 13 Extended



While I appreciate ALL of the feed back I decided to post this version as I also felt the chapter lacked something. Many thanks to the loyal readers who have followed this story for their comments.

I am currently working on a story line for Brad but it will be his story and I must warn that any appearances of Janey and Ren will be GUEST appearances only.

MYGYPSY

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

James watched as Janey carefully scraped the last of her ice cream from around the plate. She had really enjoyed the ice cream he thought with a smile. He felt his mobile vibrate in his hip pocket but with a glance at his watch ignored it. They still had another quarter of an hour before they had to head back to the courthouse.

"Had enough ice cream?" James asked as Janey lowered one hand to her stomach.

"It'll do for now. Maybe I can have more later?" She asked hopefully as she rubbed her hand over her stomach.

"Everything okay?" James asked with a nod at her hand where it still soothed her stomach.

"What? Oh! Yes, it just felt as if there was an ant crawling on my skin or something." Janey said with a shrug. She glanced around the shop with interest.

* * * * *

Hawk moved between the cars in the car park as he made his way along the river bank, he realised he needed somewhere he could stop and get his bearings.

The brief encounter with the police officer as he had stepped outside the brick building that housed the police cells had shaken him for a few moments. The feel of the recoil from the gun was still a shock, he couldn't remember firing at the officer. But he had heard the shot and felt the recoil against his wrist as he saw the man fall.

He had planned on going after Sky but now all he wanted was to get clear.

The thought of Jake still sitting in the cell ate at his stomach like acid and a sick feeling rose in his throat. 

"None of this was Jake's fault," Hawk muttered to himself, "I'm the one who wanted a woman." It had taken Hawk two days to talk him into helping him in the first place.

The sounds of a siren drew his attention and he quickly moved to one of the trees that provided shade on the outer edges of the car park. He stood beside the tree where he hoped he would blend into the shadows and not stick out like a bump on a log.

He watched in relief as the police vehicle sped along the street adjacent to the car park without turning in. Soon it was out of sight and Hawk looked around the surrounding area uneasily.

If Ren had kept a proper eye on Sky she would never have gotten away to go to the cops. His friends in the gang would never have turned against him and Jake wouldn't be sitting in jail.

"It had been Ren who started the trouble," Hawk thought with a frown, "he had gotten soft when he taken a liking to Sky. The bitch was to blame for everything!"

For a few moments he looked across the park beside the car park and at the shops beyond. Was she over there in one of those shops strutting around with her new boyfriend?

Were the police still looking for him?

They'd expect him to run and hide wouldn't they? Not walk around shops in broad daylight ... Maybe hiding in plain sight was the smartest thing Hawk thought as he made sure the gun was hidden in his waistband.

* * * * *

James frowned in annoyance as he felt his phone begin to vibrate once again and reached for it. He snapped it open and held it up to his ear, "Yeah, what do you want?" he demanded gruffly.

"Where are you?" Robby demanded on the other end of the phone.

"We're at the ice cream shop, just finished two large sundaes," James answered his brother's' abrupt tone.

"Get away from any windows and the door, anywhere you might be seen from the street," Robby started.

"What the hell are you talking about?" James asked sternly.

"I just got word that Hawkings, one of the ones who abducted Janey, has escaped custody, got his hands on a gun and is planning on hunting Janey. He shot an officer on his way out of the holding cells at the police station. Get Janey to the back of the shop where she's not easily visible from the street," Robby warned.

"Will do, we'll be waiting for you." James said as he got to his feet hurriedly as he looked out the window scanning the street.

"What's going on?" Janey asked at the intense look on her brother's face.

"Come on, you need to come with me." James said firmly as he took hold of her by the upper arm.

Janey froze; she had an uneasy feeling rising in her stomach at the tone of his voice. "James?"

"Janey, you need to move," James said levelly trying not to alarm her.

"What's going on?" Janey asked suspiciously.

Realising it was best to be honest with Janey and let her know what they may be facing he took a deep breath, "Hawkings has escaped custody. He has a gun, has shot a policeman and is looking for you." James said as gently as possible.

He watched as every vestige of colour left his sister's face. She got to her feet woodenly and allowed him to lead her to the back of the shop away from the windows.

The minutes ticked by with agonising slowness as they waited quietly in the dim interior of the shop. James could feel slight tremors quaking through Janey as he kept his hand on her back between her shoulder blades in silent support. 

* * * * *

Hawk hurried along the sidewalk ignoring the people who brushed past him as he kept a look out for Sky or any of the others who had been with her in the courtroom that morning.

He kept hoping he would find her with the new boyfriend, rumour had it he was a cop. He'd teach the little bitch to crawl into bed with some other guy.

It was bad enough she had let Ren fuck her while he had owned her. But that bastard would claim he had given him permission to fuck his slut. 

The wail of a police siren had Hawk turning to a shop window and hunching his shoulders as they sped past. He watched the reflection of the vehicle until it was out of sight before he turned and hurried across the street. Maybe he would be smarter to get out of sight for the moment.

"Damn I wish Jake was with me! Jake would know what to do!" Hawk though worriedly as he headed down towards the road sign that said "Riverside Carpark".

* * * * *

After what seemed like an immeasurable length of time both Robby and Adam came hurrying into the shop. Robby had his mobile phone to his ear and was listening intently.

Adam hurried over to where James and Janey stood in a back corner of the shop. He went to embrace Janey but she flinched away from him with a haunted look in her eyes.

"You okay Janey Darling?" Adam asked quietly.

Janey didn't utter a word as she moved closer to James who put an arm around her shoulders.

"What do we do now?" James asked.

Robby raised one hand for silence as he listened intently to who ever was speaking to him on the mobile, "...okay, keep me updated." Robby said before hanging up the phone. He turned his attention to James and Janey; it wrenched his heart to see how pale she was. The only colour in her face was the blue of her eyes but there was not much of that visible as her pupils were overly dilated.

"Hey sis, how you doing?" Robby asked gently.

Janey turned her face towards him blankly but did not respond any further. Robby realised Janey was trembling and in all probability needed James support to stay on her feet.

"They think they have Hawkings cornered down near the bridge in the park. He headed the wrong way looking," Robby said quietly as he looked around for a chair for his sister to sit on.

Grabbing an empty chair from one of the tables he sat it beside Janey and patted the seat. "Would you like to sit down Janey?" he asked quietly.

A visible tremor went through Janey and she clung to James. James gently steered her to sit on the chair and then stayed close so she could keep a hold of his arm.

Janey was aware of her heartbeat loud in her ears as she sat in the chair. All other noise seemed to be filtering through deep water barely reaching her as she sat alone in her terror. An overwhelming sense of hopelessness enveloped her sending her spiralling ever down wards. Time lost all meaning as she became lost in the surreal world of mind numbing terror.

She was dimly aware of Robby squatting in front of her and talking to her but the sounds that managed to filter through the rush of blood in her ears made no sense. When she was urged to her feet and guided towards the door of the shop a sense of impending doom had her breath catching in her throat.

As Janey stepped out onto the street a weight seemed to settle on her chest making breathing impossible. Her throat hurt and felt dry as dust as she struggled to get air to her starving lungs. She was dimly aware of her legs buckling beneath her as her vision darkened and bright specks of light floated before her eyes. The distant tangle of voices tried to filter into her brain but Janey's mind had endured all it could handle.

The knowledge that she was where death could find her was too much; she had so much to live for... the baby... Adam ... their future... Ren? Stressed beyond her ability to cope Janey's mind took control and she slipped into unconsciousness.

* * * * *

Hawk cursed his luck as he pressed his back against the concrete bridge pillar while he tried to get out of sight of the police car that was driving along the dirt road of the riverbank park. Fearing he had been seen he pulled the handgun from his waistband and checked where the car was.

Glass shattered as the first shot hit the driver's side rear window and the car fishtailed as it accelerated rapidly on the gravel road.

"Damn!" Hawk swore as he pressed his back against the concrete pillar once more. Hurriedly he checked where the car was, seeing it was out of sight he sprinted for the tall reeds that grew along the riverbank.

It was hot and humid in the reeds as he walked through them trying to remain out of sight. There was no breeze as he crouched motionless as he heard the faint sounds of vehicles pulling to hurried stops.

He wiped his forehead on his upper arm as he gripped the gun nervously in both hands.

"Where the hell are you Jake? And why did you have to take her side over me?" Hawk muttered almost incoherently.

Jake was gone, he'd turned against him. Damn he loved him! His life had been hell until he'd met Jake and learnt to love another human being.

He only dimly remembered his father, the drunken rages and iron fists. He had disappeared from his life when he was about five. His mother had been around longer; a small fragile creature whose only pleasure in life had been her son, the image of his father. 

Hawk grimaced with distaste as he pushed her from his mind. 

He didn't want to remember how needy she had been, or how she had started climbing into his bed when he had been nearly eleven. Her tears, her begging, the feelings of shame and self disgust as he grew older. He had known what had happened between them hadn't been natural but he had been unable to stop her.

"Hawkings! We know you're in there! Come out with your hands in the air where we can see them!" The voice was loud and tinny; it startled Hawk who fell onto his haunches on the muddy ground.

"Get fucked you bastards!" Hawk yelled back.

He could feel his heart racing and almost taste the bitter taste of fear in his mouth.

"The officer you shot will live! It's not too late for you to give yourself up!"

"Go to hell!" Hawk yelled then began to try to back away from where the voice was coming from. 

There was no way he intended to let them catch him until he had dealt with Sky. She was no better then his bitch of a mother! 

"There is no escape, we have you surrounded,"

Hawk paused as he caught a glimpse of movement through the reeds. He held still and watched the same spot for several moments. 

A feeling of hopelessness washed over him as he realised what he was seeing. A cop was almost hidden behind a concrete park bench.

A feeling of outrage washed over him, why were they persecuting him? That little blonde bitch had started all the trouble!

Hawk crawled backwards until there was a thick screen of reeds between him and the open ground. He tried to swallow but his throat so too dry and he laughed a nervous laugh instead.

"Where's Sky? I want to talk to her!" Hawk yelled.

"Give yourself up and we'll see what we can do!"

"Get her here now! Or I start shooting!" Hawk yelled angrily.

"Okay, okay! I'll see if we can locate her!"

Out of sight at four police cars several officers were huddled in a group.

"Our officers on the bridge can see a shadow of him in the reeds, I say try for a non fatal shot so we can capture the bastard!" A Sargent wearing a bulletproof vest said.

"We need to end this without gunfire if we can," The senior Sargent said quietly.

Static came over a hand held radio and then the buzz of voices as two different officers called in.

"He's moving again!" The senior Sargent said tightly.

"If he gets to the river bank there's a small boat shed he can hide in. He'd give us a hard time getting him out of there." A constable said.

"We need to get him out," the Sargent muttered.

"Use non lethal force if necessary, we can't allow him to get away." The senior Sargent said reluctantly.

"Where's Sky? I want to talk to her!" Hawk yelled once again. There was no immediate answer from the police and Hawk jumped when he heard a slight rustle in the reeds not far from him. He felt the gun buck in his grasp and realised he had fired it once again.

Fearing he had given away his position he jumped to his feet and ran towards the riverbank.

Maybe if he jumped in the water the current would be strong enough to carry him out of sight.

Someone hit Hawk hard in the back of the shoulder and he tumbled headlong into the clearing by a small shed. He rolled onto his back bringing the gun around looking for whoever had tackled him. Something hit him solidly in his chest smashing him back against the ground.

Hawk gasped and struggled to breath, he couldn't understand why he couldn't seem to get air into his lungs. He felt his chest with both hands and stared dumbly at the blood that covered them as he lifted them from his chest.

He heard the distant thud of footsteps and looked around dazedly, where was he?

A dark garbed form came into view, Hawk couldn't make out the features but he knew Jake would come help him find his way out of where ever he was.

Someone was leaning heavily on his chest and Hawk coughed. People were all around and someone was yelling but it made no sense to Hawk as the sunlight started to fade and he was unable to make out who was there in the gloom.

"Jake?" Hawk murmured as darkness descended.

* * * * *

Ren turned his head momentarily distracted by the scream of an ambulance siren as the vehicle sped past the small sandwich bar. He felt tense and uneasy; the un ending waiting was getting to him. 

Earlier there had been the wail of police sirens and then not much later an ambulance. Was there always so much going on in this town?

"Are you going to eat or sit there looking like a thunder cloud?" 'Tanaya asked for the fourth time.

"Are you going to keep harping at me?" Ren asked tightly.

"Just because you're in a bad mood don't mean you can take it out on the rest of us," Brad warned.

"Well it's nearly time to get back to the courthouse so he had better eat or go without." 'Tanaya said calmly.

Ren glanced at his watch and saw that they really needed to start walking back towards the courthouse.

"Good! There yous are!" Graeme Walsh panted as he rushed to the two tables that had been pushed together.

He took several deep breaths to try to regain his breath. "You need to come with me back to the courthouse right now!" Graeme ordered.

"Why the hurry?" 'Tanaya asked curiously.

"Hawkings has escaped custody, grabbed a gun, shot an officer and went after the girl. There's been shots fired and ..." Graeme started to explain.

Ren lunged to his feet as his world tilted on its' axis and threatened to topple. He grabbed Graeme by the shirtfront and slammed him against the wall of the shop. He could hear the blood rushing in his ears and his heart pounding painfully in his chest.

"Where is Sky?" Ren demanded urgently.

"I heard she's been taken to the hospit........."

Ren released him mid sentence and thrust him from him; he turned to rush out the door.

Brad grabbed Ren around the body pinning his arms to his sides. Brad meant to prevent Ren doing anything stupid and getting himself into trouble. The police would be all over the hospital.

Ren bucked in his grasp and got one arm free to slam an elbow back into Brad's solar plexus. Brad lost his breath in a gust but hung onto Ren determinedly; he didn't want his best friend running headlong into trouble.

"Get off me!" Ren roared in anger as he shrugged Brad off like a twig.

"For gods sake stay here!" 'Brad grunted but Ren was already out the door of the shop.

"Don't be a fool!" 'Tanaya shouted after him worriedly as she moved to Brad's side as he tried to straighten up after the blow to the stomach.

Outside Ren sprinted for his vehicle, he fumbled with the key in the lock in his haste before he got the door open and then he was climbing into the vehicle and starting the engine without bothering with the seatbelt.

Tyres screamed as he gunned the vehicle out of the park, his mind in turmoil. An unfamiliar feeling of terror sat in his stomach and he fought to keep it under control as he sped towards the hospital.

Sky, Janey ... his Blondie; whatever she wanted to call herself, she had to be all right ... she had to; he couldn't bear it if she wasn't. He didn't want to think the worst but fear kept the thought at the back of his mind; who knew how far the boy would go? 

Ren halted the vehicle in the emergency ambulance bay, tyres screaming in protest at the rapid change of pace. He barely paused long enough to turn the engine off before tumbling from the drivers seat and heading into the emergency entrance at a run; keys still in the ignition.

"Where is she? Sky, no Janey Wilkinson..." Ren demanded of the receptionist before turning away frantically, "... I'll find her myself!" 

He raced into the emergency waiting room and glanced around looking for some sign of where Janey was. He spotted her boyfriend talking to one of the nurses and ran across the room.

"Where is she?" Ren demanded as he grabbed Adam by the shoulder and jerked him around to face him.

Adam came around fast; startled by the fact Ren was even there.

"Call hospital security! Get the police here as well! Now...!" Adam could hear Robby shouting, the rest of what he was saying lost as Ren grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him.

"Where is she? Is she alive? For Gods sake is she alive?" Ren's voice broke on the last question and Adam realised how much the man really cared for Janey by the look of terror in his eyes.

"Call hospital security!" Robby yelled again as he grabbed Ren around the throat and lower ribs from behind, trying to restrain him.

Instinctively Ren reached back over his shoulders and grabbed whoever had a hold on him; he twisted to the side and sent his assailant flying over his head and shoulders with one violent tug.

Robby hit the floor hard on his back, knocking the air out of his lungs. Behind Renford he could see James and their father rushing to help as he tried to suck in a breath. Without thought his hands reached for the new Tazar gun he had been issued with for the duration of the trial.

He had failed Janey once by not making his colleagues take her disappearance seriously when she had first vanished. But there was no way he was going to fail her a second time; this bastard was not going to reach her to do heavens only knew what to his little sister!




Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 13 Extended



He would not stand by and wait for security to arrive while his sister's life was endangered and probably ended. 

Renford looked demented Robby thought as he raised the gun and fired; waited for a brief second and pulled the trigger sending the electric shock through him. He watched as Renford was instantly knocked to his knees and couldn't believe it as the bastard tried to get to his feet once again.

Fearing for his sisters' safety and that of everyone around Robby pulled the trigger a second time and held it until Renford fell to the floor unconscious.

'Where's . . . security?" Robby demanded breathlessly and took a painful breath.

* * * * *

The pungent odour of disinfectant was the first thing Janey became aware of. She opened her eyes reluctantly to see a white ceiling above her as she became aware of the weight of some kind of covering.

"Janey! You're awake, thank goodness," Marina said as she saw her daughter move.

"Where am I?" Janey asked huskily, her throat dry and rough. She turned her head to look at her mother and then tried to sit up when she saw the bottle of water on the unit next to the bed.

"You're at the hospital. You had an anxiety attack and passed out. The doctor has given you a mild sedative but you can go as soon as they've checked your blood pressure and pulse once you're awake." Marina said quietly as she handed Janey the bottled water.

Janey froze as she remembered the terror of hearing that Hawk had escaped, "Where's Robby and Adam?" she demanded worriedly.

"They're down at the police station," Marina said patting Janey's hand as she realised what was probably going through her mind, " but there's no reason to worry. They have caught the fellow that escaped and have him in custody once again." Marina tried to reassure her.

Janey's hands were shaking that badly that she had to pass the bottle of water to Marina to open.

Marina watched as Janey took a deep drink before looking around impatiently.

"Where's the doctor or nurses? I want to get out of here," Janey said anxiously.

"I'll just go and let them know you're awake." Marina said as she got up out of the chair she had been sitting in. She pushed aside the curtain that surrounded the bed and hurried off to find a nurse.

Janey moved into a sitting position and sat on the bed with her legs crossed in yoga position. Once again she felt the disconcerting sensation of something crawling beneath her skin and rubbed at her stomach unconsciously. She was drinking more water when her mother returned with both a nurse and a doctor.

The doctor took in the way she was rubbing her stomach absently as he approached, "Are you having pain?" he asked.

Janey looked at him blankly.

"You are rubbing your stomach. Are you in pain?" he asked again.

"Oh, nothing like that. I just keep feeling as if ants or something are crawling beneath my skin," Janey said startled.

The doctor moved to the side of the bed and reached out to lay the palm of his hand gently against Janey's lower abdomen, "The sensation is right here?"

"Yes," Janey began to worry when the doctor immediately knew where the sensation was.

"Ah, then you are feeling the first movements of your baby, that is good. The child is active. Now let me take your pulse while the nurse does your blood pressure," The doctor said in a bright cheerful voice.

Janey sat there startled, one hand covering the area where she had been feeling the sensation. She glanced towards her mother and saw the understanding smile on her face. "The baby! It's moving, I can feel it moving! It feels so real now!" Janey thought excitedly.

"All is good. Blood pressure and pulse normal. Now I understand your mother told you I am willing to let you go. Did she tell you that you have no reason to worry? The police shot the criminal and he died at the scene." The doctor said to her.

Janey looked at her mother stunned.

"I only knew he had been recaptured," Marina said equally startled.

Janey sat there not sure what to think or feel. She felt no sorrow Hawk was dead only relief that he would not be coming after her nor would she have to face him in court. A tiny part of her felt joy he had died for surely he had only gotten what he so rightly deserved. Suddenly Janey felt guilt for the fact she held no sorrow and she hung her head with shame.

"You may go now, but I must insist on your resting for the remainder of the day. And here is a telephone number for if you feel you need to talk to someone about your experience. What you have experienced is very traumatic," The doctor said.

Janey glanced at him and felt she was seeing him clearly for the first time. He was only about in his late twenties and perhaps of Philippines nationality. Numbly Janey took the card he held out to her and let the nurse help her to stand on the floor. She followed her mother from the curtained off area of the Emergency room where she had been and out into the waiting room.

Jim rose from the seat he had been occupying and hurried forward when his wife and daughter came out into the waiting room. 

"James and Caro have gone back to our hotel. James got a phone call, court has been adjourned until morning." He told them. "Janey, you will come with us for now. Adam can come around to see you later."

Janey was relieved to have her father take control. It was so much easier than deciding what she was to do herself. She followed her parents from the hospital to find the day outside a mild sunny afternoon; the ride back to where her parents where staying was short and once onside Janey was only too happy to lay down and curl up on a bed.

Marina soon got some sandwiches for Janey, which she bought to her on a small tray and sat it on the bed along side of her.

"You need to eat to keep your strength up for yourself and the baby." Marina said gently.

Janey rolled over to face her mother. She didn't have the strength to argue so she reached for a piece of sandwich and nibbled on it. Her mother sat by her until she had eaten half of the food, and when Marina saw Janey's eyelids grow heavy she pulled a light blanket over her daughter and left taking the unfinished food with her.

Janey was still asleep when Robby and Adam returned to the hotel. Adam immediately went to check on Janey despite her mothers' protests that she was sleeping and best left be. He didn't wake her just stood inside the doorway for a few moments watching her sleep before going back to the room where the others were.

"Janey still asleep?" James asked quietly.

"Yeah," Adam answered distractedly.

"Well it may be just as well, she'll probably just get upset when she hears that that bastard Renford has been locked up for trying to get to her at the hospital." Robby said annoyed.

"Why would she be upset? I'd have thought she would feel relieved that he was behind bars," Jim said confused.

"Apparently him and his mate have been trying to convince Janey they are her friends and never meant her any harm," James said tightly.

"Surely Janey isn't falling for that clap trap!" Jim exclaimed his voice rising angrily.

Marina glanced towards the room where Janey was sleeping, deciding to shut the door to minimise the chances of her being woken by the conversation Marina walked to the door to shut it.

"Mum?" Janey's voice was husky with sleep.

"Go back to sleep Janey," Marina soothed gently before easing the door closed.

"Don't lock me in!" Janey cried out in fright as she climbed out off the bed hurriedly and rushed to the door pulling it open even as Marina went to open it slightly.

"Hey Janey, feeling better?" Adam asked as he walked over to her to put his arm around her shoulders. 

Janey tensed beneath his touch for a few moments then began to relax.

"Want to come sit down?" Adam asked even as he guided her towards a chair.

Janey sat down knowing it was useless to protest, especially as both her brothers were there as well. "For some reason they seemed to think I'm too delicate to do anything as hard as stand for a few minutes." Janey though with annoyance.

"You don't have to worry about that fellow who turned up at the hospital. He's been locked up." Jim told his daughter believing she would be relieved to hear it.

Janey looked at her two brothers and Adam, as a sinking feeling began in her stomach, surely not.... "Who does Dad mean?" Janey asked uneasily.

"Renford tried to get in to see you," Adam said gently. He saw a flicker of something deep within her eyes before she turned her head away. Had it been pain?

Janey looked away and stared into the corner for a few seconds before glancing back at Adam reluctantly and giving a slight nod. "Okay," was all she said, she was learning that some things she could not fight.

"Has anyone told you what happened to Hawkings?" Adam asked gently.

Janey nodded, was silent for a few seconds and then said, "The doctor explained I was safe."

"What do you want to do this afternoon? Spend time with your family?" Adam asked softly.

"Can we go see a movie or something? I don't want to be cooped up," Janey said suddenly surprising herself.

"Ahhh, sure. Which movie do you want to see?" Adam asked surprised.

"What movies are on?" Janey asked

"I think we got a local newspaper laying around here somewhere. It might have that in it," James said as he glanced around looking for the paper. A short search found the paper and showed that it did indeed have movie listings for the local cinema in it. Janey chose a picture she had actually been wanting to see and hoped it would occupy her mind.

Marina picked up her purse and when Jim looked at her she walked to her husband's side and pressed a light kiss to his cheek, "I'm going out for a while, there's something I want to do." 

Marina walked out the door of the hotel and made her way to where the car was parked, she hesitated a moment before turning from the car. It was only a short walk where she wanted to go and she decided that the air might hopefully clear her head and help her decide what she was going to say when she got there.

A few minutes later she paused outside the door of the police station before pushing it open and walking inside.

At the front desk she recognised the lawyer that had been present at the police station in Byron Bay, with him was one of the men who would be facing court as well as an unusually beautiful woman who looked like an exotic mixture of Asian and perhaps Hawaiian as well as white blood.

"May I help you Ma'am?" A female officer said as she stepped up to the long desk.

"I'd like to see Mr Gabriel Renford please," Marina said. 

"I'm sorry but Mr Renford is giving the officers with him a lot of trouble at the moment and he won't be receiving any visitors," the female officer firmly.

"Please, I believe if I have a few words with him he would calm down and co-operate," Marina said with a glance towards the lawyer who had turned to face her.

"You're Mrs Wilkinson aren't you, Janetta Wilkinson's mother," The lawyer said with certainty as he took a step towards her.

"Yes I am," Marina confirmed.

"How is your daughter? I believe if I can convey this to Mr Renford he'll calm down." Graeme said hopefully.

"That's why I'm here. I saw the way he looked at Janey at Byron Bay and when I heard what was happening at the hospital earlier while I was in with Janey, I knew he needed to know she is okay." Marina said with confidence. She heard the sigh of relief from the large man with the lawyer and knew she had been right; these people did care about her daughter, maybe as much as she seemed to care about them.

* * * * *

Ren looked up in anger as he heard the door of the interview room open. They had him chained down with handcuffs and restraints like a dog and no one would tell him how Sky was no matter how much he demanded to know.

He felt sure he was hallucinating as he saw her mother walk into the room followed by two officers. He pulled against the handcuffs and restraints that held his arms to the table in front of him before kicking the legs of the table in frustration.

"Why won't someone tell me how Sky is?" Ren yelled in anger.

"Janey is okay, she will be fine." Marina said in a gentle voice. She watched as relief flooded his face.

"Hawk hasn't hurt her has he?" Ren asked desperately.

"Janey is fine, badly scared and shaken but fine." Marina answered him.

She watched as he closed his eyes and nodded wordlessly. Slowly he opened his eyes and Marina saw the horror and pain in them.

"I was afraid she was gone, afraid I had completely lost her," Ren said, his voice tight and husky.

"You have lost her completely, you did when she managed to get away and find her way home!" one of the officers broke in.

"I let her go! I sent her home! It was what she wanted, what she needed! She might not have been with me but I knew she was safe and happy and THAT WAS ALL I WANTED YOU DUMB FUCK!" Ren yelled at the officer as he struggled against the restraints once again.

Marina found herself ushered from the room as the police officer apologised profusely. She allowed herself to be guided from the room. It was obvious to her that Gabriel Renford had needed to know that Janey was okay.

* * * * *

It was well after dark before Ren was put in a small overnight holding cell. He looked through the bars at Jake where he lay on a bunk in a cell opposite. The officer who had finally released him from the restraints when he had finally calmed down had told him of Hawks death. Ren had also been told that Jake had not been informed of it as yet as he had been talking with a lawyer.

"Hey Jake! You awake man?" Ren called across the narrow corridor. He saw Jake stir and lift his head to look around. "Hey Jake, over here."

"That you Ren?" Jake asked as he sat on the edge of the bunk.

"Yeah, it's me," Ren confirmed.

"Hell man, what are you doing in here?" Jake asked as he got to his feet and approached the door across from Ren.

"Coolin' my heel," Ren said quietly. He took a deep breath and looked down at the floor of the corridor between them as he tried to think of how he was going to tell Jake what he had to tell him.

Jake watched as Ren raised his head to look him in the face, he had a very solemn expression and seemed pained as he opened his mouth to speak.

"I know they haven't told you yet but I think you need to know. Hawk got out of here ..." Ren started.

"Yeah I know, stupid bastard hit a cop and grabbed his gun. Obviously they haven't caught him yet, they haven't bought him back." Jake said uneasily.

"... They won't be bringing him back, the stupid idiot apparently started shooting and they shot him. He died." Ren said quietly. He had never had a problem with Jake, had always gotten along with him.

"The fucking idiot! I told him it would happen!" Jake swore as he turned away, tears blurring his vision. He went still as he remembered Hawk saying he was going after Sky. 

"He didn't hurt Sky did he?" Jake asked tightly.

"No mate, apparently she's okay," Ren said quietly. 

He watched as Jake walked to the far wall of the cell and sat down on the bunk, placed his elbows on his knees and buried his face in his hands.

Ren turned and went to the bunk he would be using for the night; across the corridor he could hear faint sounds of crying.

* * * * *

The clouds had parted to allow the weak morning sun to shine even though no warmth came with the light. Shadows danced on the path as Janey walked up towards the steps to the courthouse with her parents. She darted a nervous glance around and spotted Brad standing with Brent and Matty in a patch of sunlight near the courthouse veranda. She couldn't help noting even with the one quick glance that they seemed subdued. "Was it Hawks' death? Or was it the fact that Ren was now in jail?"

Janey paused at the bottom of the steps before taking a deep breath and starting up them. 'Tanaya came around the side of the building carrying two cans of coke presumably from the vending machine around the one side of the building. 'Tanaya gave her filthy look as she passed.

"Bitch!"

Janey almost missed the next step as she heard the hissed word. She halted for a moment with the vague thought of turning to face the other woman but her father caught her by the elbow and urged her forward.

"What was that about?" Marina asked as she glanced behind her with a confused frown.

Janey remained silent as she reached the top of the steps. A guard on the door let them in and they were directed into the courtroom.

Nerves twisted in Janey's stomach and she felt the faint sensation of her child moving as she sat down behind the police prosecutor. He turned around to look at her and looked over his glasses at her.

"After yesterday's events the Judge has decided it would be best if the rest of the proceedings be held in a closed court which means no public are allowed in. Your parents will be allowed in though." The officer said, "Your siblings and boyfriend aren't allowed in. I'm sorry."

He seemed anything but sorry Janey thought as he turned back towards the front of the courtroom. There was the usual movement as the Judge was ushered into the courtroom and seated himself; he shuffled through his papers looking at them before lifting his gaze to those before him. 

There was a brief pause and Janey watched as Jake and Ren were led into the room; she couldn't help noticing they both looked subdued. There was noise behind her in the back of the room and she looked over her shoulder to see Brad, Brent and Matty being let into the courtroom. She watched as all five men were directed into seats behind the defending attorney's desk. She noted that the lawyer who had been with the police prosecutor previously was now with Brad and Ren.

The Judge raised his head slowly and studied the five men in front of him; the lawyer who had been with Jake all along got to his feet and cleared his throat.

"Your Honour, my client Mr Jacob Lantry wishes to change his plea your Honour. He wishes to plead guilty to all charges."

Janey looked at Jake startled. She felt a hand squeeze her shoulder from behind and knew her parents were offering her their support.

"So I see," The Judge commented as he looked over a paper in front of him, "I also see that yesterday when your former co-defendant escaped custody you had the chance to escape as well but chose to remain in your cell and alert police to what he intended to do." The Judge fell silent as he looked at Jake.

His lawyer nudged Jake to his feet and he nodded to the Judge, "Yes Your Honour. I felt it was best I take my punishment. I'm guilty of what I am charged with," Jake said solemnly, "what I done was wrong, I knew it at the time but I done it anyway. The best I can do is own up to my actions and take the consequences like a man."

The Judge frowned as he looked down at the paper once more. "Abduction, several counts of rape, assault with intent to do harm, unlawful imprisonment, depravation of freedom. These are serious crimes; until your companion escaped yesterday you seemed to have no remorse for what you had done. And yet even before he was surrounded you were giving police your statement of what had been done to the victim ... I'm afraid it is too little too late for my likings. I sentence you to fifteen years jail with a non-parole period of five years." 

Janey watched as Jake stood there motionless. Part of her wanted to protest that it had been Hawk who was the main instigator but another part kept reminding her that Jake had held her down so that Hawk could have his way with her that first night.

The Judge turned his attention to the other four men who sat in their seats, "Andrew John Matthews and Steven Brent Winters." He said as he read from another sheet of paper.




Ren - Shades of Grey Ch. 13 Extended



Brent and Matty got to their feet and stood before the Judge and Janey could see Matty moving nervously. 

The Judge sat silently watching the two men for a few long moments before clearing his throat noisily, "I see you two claim to have had no knowledge that Miss Wilkinson was being held against her will," the Judge noted.

"No ... Your Honour. As far as we knew she was Hawk's girlfriend," Brent said quietly.

"You are pleading guilty but under extenuating circumstances; that you were unaware of the true situation. I find you guilty and sentence you both to a two year good behaviour bond plus two hundred hours of community service each." The Judge said as he made a note on the piece of paper and placed it aside.

"That's not fair!" Janey exclaimed with shock, "They never did a thing!"

The Judge lifted his head to study Janey for a second.

"That would appear so. When you were struck, they did nothing. When you were raped of a night and begged for mercy, they did nothing. When you tried to escape and were dragged back only to be lashed with a belt and then raped within full sight of all those present, they did nothing." The Judge turned his attention back to Brent and Matty, "Domestic violence is against the law and yet when you witnessed it you looked the other way."

The Judge took an angry breath as he paused to glare at the two men through narrowed eyes for several moments. When he spoke once again his voice had taken on a hard tone. "As far as I am concerned, to fail to report a crime is to condone it! By doing nothing you are just as guilty of committing the crime in my eyes! Be thankful you're not spending time behind bars!"

Janey watched as the two men resumed their seats before turning to look over her shoulder at her mother horrified. Marina met her daughter's eyes with compassion and reached out to lay a hand over Janey's hand where it sat on the back of her seat.

"Bradley Stanton," The Judge read from a paper in front of him.

"Oh god! What is he going to do to Brad?" Janey thought frantically as she turned her head to watch Brad get to his feet.

"Mr Stanton you are a trained Paramedic are you not?" The Judge demanded.

"Yes Your Honour, I am." Brad said quietly.

"Did you ever render medical assistance to Miss Wilkinson?" The Judge demanded harshly.

"No Your Honour. If I had tried to help her, Hawk would have used it as a chance to do worse next time," Brad said in a strong voice.

Janey realised that whatever his punishment he would face it without complaint. She felt her tears start to fall on the inside where they would not shame him.

"I do not want a long winded answer! Excuses don't wash in my courtroom! Answer either Yes, or No. " The Judge snapped tightly as if he was fast losing patience. 

"Yes, Your Honour."

"Did you implant a contraceptive device upon request by Mr Hawkings?"

"Yes, Your Honour."

"Did you co hearse Miss Wilkinson into having sex with you?" The Judges voice had taken on a sharp edge to it.

Brad glanced at Janey for a second, regret clear on his face. "Yes, Your Honour."

"By both your own admission and in your statement you heard the way Mr Hawkings treated Miss Wilkinson and yet you gave her no choice but to have sex with you, not once but twice!" The Judge seemed to struggle to control his outrage as he shuffled papers on his desk, sorted through them and began to make notes on one.

"I am showing you the same amount of leniency as the amount of compassion you showed the victim, none! I sentence you to two years jail, with not less then twelve months to be served. On release you shall have a two-year Good Behaviour bond placed on you. Let's see if some time to contemplate your behaviour has results. Sit down! I am sick of looking at you!"

Janey bowed her head and squeezed her eyes shut tight as her tears threatened to overflow. "It's not fair! Brad was gentle with me! If he hadn't taken the time to show me it could bring pleasure I don't think I would have survived what happened to me afterwards. At least I knew it could be something to enjoy!" Janey thought painfully.

"Gabriel Renford!"

Janey looked up as the Judge called Ren's name and he got to his feet. "I'm sorry Ren, so sorry. If not for you ... you sent me home and this is how I repay you?"

"Were you aware that Miss Wilkinson was with Mr Hawkings against her will?" The Judge asked levelly.

"Hawkings said as much but I didn't believe him." Ren admitted.

"So you were told she had been ... what was the word? ... oh yeah, snatched. But you didn't believe it? Was she happy?" The Judge asked.

"She had a bruise on her face and seemed scared," Ren admitted.

"Why didn't you do something then?" Janey wondered silently.

"And you admit to having sex with Miss Wilkinson, what once? Twice?" The Judge asked.

"That's a dirty word for something that was so beautiful," Janey thought as misery tightened her chest.

"Four times."

The Judge was silent as he watched Ren for a few moments but Ren refused to look down or look away. "And while you were having sex with her did she do or say anything?"

"Sky kept ... I mean Janey, she kept saying she just wanted to go home," Ren admitted.

"So you knew Miss Wilkinson was there against her will. And you had sex with her against her will; when all she wanted to do was go home." The Judge stated.

Ren hesitated a moment, "Yes Your Honour." He admitted.

The Judge began making notes on the paper before him. "I find that you were aware of the fact Miss Wilkinson had been abducted..."

"I didn't believe Hawkings at first. He was always talking things up into more than they were to make him look more of a man than he was. He was a braggart." Ren stated firmly.

"Oh so you only decided he was telling the truth later?" The Judge asked as he looked up with seeming interest.

"Several days later," Ren confirmed.

"Before you had carnal knowledge of Miss Wilkinson?"

Ren remained silent not answering, after a few moments the Judge continued seemingly not needing an answer from Ren.

"I see here you also admit to having purchased Miss Wilkinson from Mr Hawkings," The Judge said ominously quiet.

"Hawkings wanted to get rid of her. If I hadn't given him the money I don't know what he would have done with her." Ren said tightly.

" 'Buying' Miss Wilkinson provided you with access to her when ever you chose." The Judge said evenly. "You could do what you liked when you liked,"

"It wasn't like that," Ren said between gritted teeth.

"No it wasn't like that, he never pushed me past where I felt comfortable with what he was doing," Janey realised as she looked down at her hands for a second. "Why do I have to realise this now?"

"But you did have intercourse with her after the fact, when she would have believed she had no recourse except to let you do what you wanted." The Judge stated looking at the paper in front of him.

Ren remained silent but was unable to stop himself glancing towards Janey where she sat looking at him with a pained expression on her face. 

He could only wonder "Was that what she thought? Is that how she felt?" 

Ren turned his head so that he faced the Judge once more. He remembered how she had resisted him at first before finally giving in.

"And once you 'bought' Miss Wilkinson did you immediately make plans to return her to her family?" The Judge asked with what sounded like mild interest.

"No Your Honour." Ren said after a few minutes hesitation then finished off his thoughts silently "I wanted to give her time to heal mentally and physically; so she could go back with her head held high and not feel shame for what was done to her."

"I find you guilty of all charges. Not only did you leave a young woman at the mercy of a man who you knew had kidnapped her you later had sex with her undoubtedly against her will. And when you had the means to get her home to her parents you failed to do this immediately." The Judge said levelly as he looked at Ren. " And what was Miss Wilkinson to think yesterday when you turned up at the hospital while Mr Hawkings was running around goodness only knew where? You do remember me issuing an order that you were not to approach Miss Wilkinson or contact her in anyway?"

"I only thought to..." Ren began tightly.

"Thought? You thought? It occurs to me that you did not think at all!" The Judge snapped dryly. "For breaking the court issued order ... I sentence you to twelve months imprisonment. For aiding and abetting after the fact of abduction I sentence you to three years imprisonment with no less than eighteen months to be served. You admit to the fact of being aware the victim had been abducted and yet at no time did you try to right the circumstances. Hence I declare that these sentences will be served one AFTER the other so you have more time to consider your actions. On release a two-year Good Behaviour Bond shall be place on you."

Janey watched in stunned silence as the Judge finished writing on the paper in front of him, she got to her feet shakily and cleared her throat. "But they were my friends! They helped me!" Janey protested in a faint voice.

The Judge turned his head to look at Janey compassionately. 

"Young Lady, I hope you get counselling to help you recover from your ordeal. I also note that you made contact with them while they were under a court order not to approach or contact you. Do you have any idea of the danger you placed yourself and your unborn child in?" He paused while he took in the sight of her standing there before him. 

"I also need to address the matter of paternity don't I; I am issuing court orders for the taking of DNA samples from all those you have named as having had intercourse with you. Hopefully DNA testing will tell you the identity of the father of your child."

The Judge paused as he turned his head to look at the men where they sat; he shook his head and moved his pen between his fingers. "I am also making a court order that maintenance be paid by the natural father. And I order that he gives up all paternal rights to the child. There will be no access, no visitation rights and no contact. Any and all contact is to be at the sole discretion of the mother. It is with my experience as a Judge that I feel none of the men present have the slightest to offer a child."

Janey almost collapsed onto her seat as she sat down. Dimly she heard the Judge saying the case was finished and the charges against the other defendants would be heard in two days. Numbly Janey turned her head and watched as police moved over to where Brad and Ren had stood; she watched as handcuffs were placed on their wrists.

" You seem to think making a statement and admitting your transgressions will automatically save you. While your statements have helped the case tremendously, they in no way make up for the fact that both of you failed to act and help the victim. I believe that while you intended to help the victim by making the statements you also made the statements to save your own hide. I took this conclusion into account while sentencing and though I did not impose the maximum penalty neither of you have gotten off lightly either." The Judge said levelly as he looked at Ren and Brad.

Janey glanced towards the Judge, a cold feeling growing within her. Woodenly she stumbled to her feet and turned towards her parents blindly. 

Some thing deep inside her ached and burnt for Brad and Ren, they didn't deserve this. Sure, they had made mistakes but they were only human after all! 

Unable to fight everyone else's opinion Janey allowed her chin to lower and the tears to seep from beneath her lashes. Unable to cope with the situation her mind shut itself to any further thoughts and her body switched to autopilot.

She was unaware of the police prosecutor gently guiding her through the small gateway into the public gallery where her parents waited.

The sound of footsteps on the thick carpeting roused her for a few moments and she tried to turn for a last glimpse of Ren and Brad but her father had his arm around her shoulders and he began guiding her towards the exit door.

The sun outside was bright and Janey ducked her head as the sun glared into her eyes. She managed to walk down the steps before her legs threatened to buckle under her and she was forced to sit on the bottom step. She was aware of Adam and her brothers crowding around and even noticed Caro with them but she was unable to focus on the conversation.

A sick feeling started to grow in her stomach and she realised with some alarm that she going to be ill. She managed to get to her feet as she looked around frantically for somewhere to be sick.

Marina saw Janey's colourless face and realised immediately what was wrong. She guided her over to a garbage can and stood by as her daughter was violently sick. When she was finally finished she handed Janey a tissue and waited while Janey caught her breath.

"I want to go home," Janey said hoarsely as she looked at her mother.

Marina turned to look at Adam, "Are you working today?" she asked.

"No, I got this week off to be with Janey," Adam said as he came up beside Janey and gently placed a hand in the small of her back.

"Don't touch me, I don't want you to touch me. I want Ren." Janey thought miserably as she flinched beneath his hand.

"I think it best if Janey went home now and you bought her back on Thursday morning," Marina said.

"That sounds like an excellent idea," Adam said as he looked at Janey for a moment. 

Janey found herself led gently out to Adam's car and gently urged into the front seat. She leant her head back against the headrest and closed her eyes as tiredness overwhelmed her.

"The fucking little bitch! I hate her! I really hate her!"

Janey opened her eyes and looked towards the courthouse as she heard 'Tanaya shouting. She could see her standing with Brent and Matty and Brent had her by the upper arm as she struggled to get free. Janey had no doubt that 'Tanaya would come to the car and give her a piece of her mind if she got the chance. Adam seemed to think so as well as he quickly closed her door and moved around the car to get in the drivers seat.

Suddenly Janey wished 'Tanaya had been able to reach the car. Janey wanted to tell her how sorry she was that Ren and Brad were being put in jail. 

* * * * *

Janey sat on the back steps of her parent's house; she had a light throw rug wrapped around her shoulders. She heard the door behind her open and footsteps sound as someone moved onto the veranda behind her.

"I should have known I would find you out here," James said quietly as he sat on the step beside his sister. "I don't think you've said two words since we got home."

"I've got nothing to say," Janey glanced at her brother for an instant before looking out across the lawn once more. 

"I don't know if there is anything I can do or say, Blonde One," James said softly.

"Don't call me that! Don't call me that ever again!" Janey snapped tearfully.

"Once the next court case is over where do you go from there?" James asked.

Janey shrugged without saying anything.

"Are you going to go to counselling like the old man is saying you should?" James asked quietly.

"If I refuse to go they'll say it's because ... my thoughts were twisted by... " Janey looked down at her hands, tears threatened to flow but she fought them back. "If I don't go they'll always be harping on about it."

"Mum wouldn't harp on about it," James tried to reassure her gently.

"But Adam would," Janey said in an almost whisper.

"You're happy with Adam?" James asked softly.

"Happy? What is happy? I'm not unhappy with him but ... I'm not sure about anything anymore. Not sure of what I want only what I don't want." Janey said quietly. "And I don't want Adam touching me anymore, but I don't know if I am strong enough to do it alone yet,"

"Are you sure you should be with Adam? Is that what's right for you?" James asked quietly, "Is that what you want?"

"He makes me feel safe. He has this strength about him," Janey said quietly.

James regarded his sister silently, "Is feeling safe enough for you? Or do you want more? I get the feeling you found something else you want more somewhere you can't go back to," 

"Mum's dishing up steamed pudding and hot custard," James said trying to distract his sister from whatever thoughts may be drifting through her mind.

"I'm not really hungry," Janey said quietly.

James couldn't help but notice she seemed to want to be left to sit there silently.

"Okay then. I'm heading back inside but if you want to go somewhere or to the beach but don't want Adam with you, let me know." James said as he got to his feet. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something greatly wrong with the relationship between the two of them.

Janey looked at him startled. It wasn't she didn't want Adam's company. Just that his company was...tiring and she was so tired as it was.

James headed back inside. He knew everyone was worried about Janey after the strain of the day at court but they were all giving her some space. Adam looked at him hopefully when he walked into the main lounge room but James could do nothing more than shake his head.

"How is Janey?" Adam asked.

"She just wants to be left alone at the moment. Probably feeling a bit shell shocked to look at her." James said

Adam glanced out the way James had come from but made no move to go out there. When everyone had arrived back at the house from Lismore Janey had made it clear she wanted to be left to her own devices.

"Rob, do you think Janey would like to go out on a date? We missed doing those type of things in our relationship," Adam said turning to his friend.

"Yeah, she might like that." Robby said after a moments thought.

"I'll go see what she says," Adam muttered and headed for the back veranda.

He found Janey standing by the back fence looking out towards the ocean where the breeze was coming from.

"Hey beautiful, enjoying the sun are you?" Adam asked as he walked up to her.

"I can smell the salt in the air. The last of the summer's warmth is around today." Janey said faintly. She wished he would go away and leave her be.

Adam turned into the slight breeze and took a deep breath; he could smell the tang of sea that Janey had been talking about. He turned back to her with a slightly sheepish expression on his face.

"I was wondering if maybe you would like to go out with me on a date. We could go catch a movie, go for a walk on the beach or even go for ice cream. What ever you feel comfortable with." Adam said solemnly.

Janey turned her head to look at him startled by his remark.

"That is if I got things right and you're interested in maybe going out with me." Adam said quietly.

Janey blinked at him startled for several seconds before the warm tide of embarrassment washed over her face; she looked away as she tried to absorb what was happening. 

"Are you asking me out?" Janey finally asked after a few embarrassed moments.

"Yeah," Adam grinned when she glanced his way. "I was hoping that after what happened the other night maybe we could start over, take things slowly this time..."

Feeling slightly flustered and Janey brushed her fringe back out of her eyes as she darted another glance his way. "I'd like that," she said with a soft smile.

"What would you like to do and possibly when?" Adam asked, "Since it's our first date you can have the choice of where we go and what we do."

"How about a walk along the beach? I'll have to be home for tea." Janey said and then smiled shyly, "Maybe you'd like to stay for tea?"

Adam smiled, Janey seemed happy to treat it as if it was the start of their relationship. Maybe he could give Janey the fun of young romance like she deserved.




Ren - Shades of Grey



"Yeah, sure. I'll just grab a glass and get some for you." Jody said.

"Make it a large glass full." Ren said as he released her.

Ren took the two cans of drink while Jody carried the glass of ice as she lead the way into her room. Ren pushed the door shut behind them and followed her over to the bed. He put the drinks on the bedside unit then began to undress. Jody glanced at him, sat down to remove her joggers and unfastened her jeans. She pushed them from her hips and stood wearing only her panties and t-shirt.

Ren sat on the edge of the bed to remove his riding boots but Jody moved to kneel at his feet and remove his boots for him. He smiled down at her bent head as she worked on his second boot.

"Looks like you know what you're doing." Ren remarked.

"Yeah." Jody admitted without offering more information.

With his second boot removed Jody stood up and glanced toward the light switch.

"Light on or off?" She asked.

"I prefer it on but whatever suits you." Ren said.

Jody smiled widely and climbed onto the bed to kneel astride his lap. She lent forward to kiss him lightly and teasingly on the lips several times. Ren reached up and pulled her down onto his lap so she could feel his rigid arousal through their clothing. 

"Hmm." Jody moaned against his mouth as she finally began to kiss him properly.

His lips were firm but gentle and when his tongue slid between her lips she sighed with pleasure as he kissed her with surprising skill. He seemed to find erotic zones inside her mouth she had never known existed and teased them to life before he finally raised his head.

He rolled her beneath him and moved them onto the bed behind where he had been smoothly.

"Time to loose the shirt," he said in a husky tone as he helped her sit up so he could ease the shirt off over her head. Tossing the shirt aside he resumed kissing her and rested one hand on the side of her waist, he began moving his fingers in small circles as he gradually worked his way up to cup one breast in his hand. He rolled her nipple between his thumb and forefinger, catching her moans as he continued to kiss her. Feeling the nipple pebble into a hard little bud he raised his head to look down at her.

"You'll like this." He said. Jody gasped and flinched as he circled her nipple with the small chip of ice he had reached for.

"That's cold!" Jody gasped.

Ren chuckled softly then quickly lowered his head to take the chilled peak into his mouth.

Jody gasped and arched her body into his as pleasure shot through her like an arrow from her breast to her pussy. Each movement of his lips caused a pull from her breast to her pussy.

"Damn that's good!" Jody gasped.

Ren chuckled and retrieved another piece of ice to give her other breast the same treatment.

"Oh shit!" Jody wriggled and gasped at the flood of pleasure caused by the contrast in temperature as his warm mouth suckled at her breast.

Ren chuckled, a sound of sheer masculine pleasure as he raised his head and reached for another piece of ice.

"Oh!" Jody gasped as he circled one nipple then the other with it before running the fast melting ice down between her breasts to circle her navel. His lips followed the trail of the ice and Jody wriggled as his tongue circled her navel before darting in for a second.

"Oh shit! Where did you learn that trick?" Jody gasped as he raised his head.

"Around."

"You got too many clothes on!" Jody said as she reached for his jeans and found them undone. She began to push them from his hips eagerly.

Ren braced his feet against the mattress and lifted his hips so his jeans and jocks slid off easily. He smiled at Jody's exclamation of delight as she uncovered his rock hard erection.

"Hmm, a big one." Jody said happily.

"Not that big, only average." Ren brushed her remark aside as he began peeling her panties off.

Jody linked her arms behind his neck and kissed him, thrusting her tongue into his mouth as she lay back and pulled his body down onto hers. She groaned in disappointment as he lifted his head but then held her breath in anticipation as he reached for another piece of ice.

"Oh shit that feels good!" Jody exclaimed as the warmth of his mouth replaced the chill of the ice on her breast, she groaned with growing frustration as he gave the over breast the same treatment.

"Oh shit! Oh shit! Oh shit!" Jody chanted breathlessly as his chilled fingers slid between her wet folds to find her clit. Jody gasped and began moving her hips immediately as he rolled her engorged clit between his fingers.

"Now please!" Jody begged as she pulled at his shoulders.

Ren raised his head, letting the nipple he had been sucking pop from his mouth. He looked down into Jody's face and saw the bright flush of passion on her cheeks and her dilated pupils. He moved up to kiss her sliding his tongue into her mouth and then thrusting it in and out in imitation of what he intended to do to her body.

Jody moaned and sighed as Ren kissed her. She ran her hands over his broad muscular shoulders and down his arms before moving her hands to his ribs and sliding her hands down to his hips; pulling him against herself as much as possible in a silent plea.

Ren moved up and over Jody, pushing her thighs further apart and reaching between their bodies to find her wet folds. He slid two fingers into her passage and found her clit with his thumb as he teased her. Jody whimpered and moaned with pleasure as she pumped her hips against his hand. She felt the first tightening of an approaching orgasm then he withdrew his hand and she turned her head aside to protest.

"Oh fuck!" She exclaimed as he slid home in one smooth long stroke. She arched up against him as she clutched at his hips then he was moving in long slow strokes.

"Hard and fast! Fuck me hard and fast!" Jody demanded as her body fought for release. 

Ren raised his head so he could make eye contact before he began to thrust into her hard and fast as she had demanded. Jody kept her eyes on the intense look on his face as he hammered into her body. She felt the muscles in her stomach tighten and knew she wasn't far from coming.

"Fuck me harder!" She demanded.

Ren grunted softly as he complied with her demands, he felt his own release start to gather and then her inner muscles clenched as she came with a scream. Ren clenched his teeth as her orgasm sent him over the edge and he spilled his release deep within her, he closed his eyes as he lowered his forehead to the pillow beside her.

"How about we have those drinks now?" Jody asked quietly after a little while.

"Sorry, I must be heavy." Ren said even though he had been supporting most of his upper body weight with his arms. He eased off her body and moved to sit beside her with his back to the headboard.

Jody sat up ignoring the mix of cum that immediately began to come from her pussy. she pulled the sheet up to her waist before handing Ren his can of drink and the glass of nearly melted ice.

"It wasn't meant for my drink." Ren said with one raised eyebrow.

"I umm, type of worked that out." Jody said with a soft laugh as she placed the glass back on the bedside unit.

"That was an interesting and effective trick." Jody smiled and took a sip of her drink.

"Thought you might appreciate it," Ren said evenly.

"So what bought you to these parts?" Jody asked curiously.

"Needed to blow off some steam," Ren said noncommittally.

"You can blow off steam with me anytime you like." Jody said as she put one hand on his thigh and slid her hand up towards his groin. She glanced at his face and caught the shadow of some emotion flicker across his face.

"Bartenders are good listeners you know. We have to have a degree in one on one listening before we can apply for a position." Jody said lightly.

"I really don't want to talk about it," Ren said.

"Well the offer still stands. Talking can be just as good as getting it out in black and white. Makes it all so much clearer." Jody said lightly with a shrug.

"Sometimes there is no black and white. Just shades of grey, only the tones differ." Ren said as he put his can down beside the bed then reached for Jody's can. She watched silently as he took the can and placed it beside his then turned back to pull the sheet off of her. He moved down the bed to kneel between her knees and reached up to grasp her by the hips and pull her down onto her back.

"What are you doing?" Jody asked even as she spread her thighs wide as he used his fingers to open her outer fold.

"Having dessert." Ren said before moving into position and lowering his head.

Jody gasped softly and moaned in pleasure as his tongue flicked lightly over her wet opening and circled her clit, she reached above her head, took a firm grasp on the head board and a deep breath as his lips covered her clit and he sucked it into his mouth.

"Oh fuck! Oh Fuck!" Jody exclaimed as two of his fingers found her pussy and slid in. He moved them experimentally and she gasped as he found that magical spot inside and began to stroke it.

He alternated licking and sucking her clit as his fingers stroked her g-spot and soon Jody was moaning loudly as she began pushing her twat at his face.

"I'm gonna cum! I'm gonna cum! I ... oh shit!" Jody screamed as she climaxed again.

Ren raised his head when Jody finally stopped moving and licked her juices from his lips as he looked at her. Jody smiled limp with pleasure and her eyes widened as Ren moved up over her body and kissed her, thrusting his tongue into her mouth as he pressed his hips against hers.

"I don't think I can again." Jody said tiredly.

Ren reached between them and his fingers found her folds once again. Jody gasped as his movements started the pleasure all over again.

"On second thought . . " Jody said and reached up to pull his head down to hers in a hot kiss.

Ren grasped himself and guided his rigid cock to her wet opening, rubbing the glands of his cock up and down over her opening. Jody moaned in pleasure beneath him and began to move her hips in rhythm to his movements. He continued to arouse and tease her until her hands slid down his back to grasp at his hips as she tried to get closer. Ren stopped kissing her to raise his head and watch her face as he entered her slightly before withdrawing then thrusting in a little further.

"Fuck yeah!" Jody exclaimed as he continued to deepen his thrusts until he was finally in to his balls.

Ren kept his movements unhurried as he thrust into her slick pussy. He could feel her inner walls grasping at him and trying to pull him deeper with each stroke but he was in no hurry and kept to the gentle pace, pausing every now and then to change his movements from thrusts to rolling his hips around in a circle. Each time he rolled his hips Jody gasped and clutched at his shoulders as she pressed her hips hard against his.

"Stop teasing me and fuck me hard!" Jody finally demanded as she bucked her hips against his, desperate to come again.

Ren lifted his head to look down into Jody's face for a second before he began to move once again. This time his movements were long and smooth as he gradually increase his speed.

Jody gasped as she felt his cock moving in and nearly out of her pussy, each thrust fed the hunger but left her craving more, she whimpered and squealed her encouragement before reaching up to press her mouth against his hungrily.

Ren kissed her hard as he felt the tingle and tightening that heralded the approach of his climax. He reached down to pull her knees up higher until he felt the heels of her feet brush against the sides of his hips as he pounded into her.

"I'm cuming! I'm cuming!" Jody arched her head back as wave after wave of pleasure swamped her senses, she was dimly aware of Ren groaning something as he thrust into her body hard then she felt the flow of his release.

Ren rolled off of Jody's body and lay on his back with one arm flung across his eyes. His body was replete but his mind still whirled and it was those thoughts he sought to stop as he got out of bed and glanced down at Jody.

"Want a fresh drink?" he asked as he headed towards the door.

"No thanks," Jody said with a yawn. "You won't be long will you?" she asked sleepily.

"Just got to use the bathroom. Where is it by the way?" Ren asked.

"Down the end of the hallway, the door on the right." Jody yawned once again then closed her eyes as Ren turned out the light on his way out of the room. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Tessa, Ren and Jody were already in the kitchen eating breakfast when Brad finally made his way to the kitchen the next morning. He nodded briefly then set about getting himself some coffee. He leant against the kitchen bench as he sipped at the hot brew. 

"What time you planning on heading off?" Brad asked Ren.

Ren glanced at Jody beside him and she gave him a smile.

"I'm staying here for a few days, so if you guys are ready to move on before I turn up just give me a quick call would you." Ren said to his friend.

Brad looked thoughtful as he nodded.

"Can do. Well I had better head off I got to go straighten out the trouble back at the house." Brad said after draining his cup of coffee.

"Trouble?" Jody asked curiously.

"Yeah, a friend of ours needs to treat his girlfriend decently." Brad explained.

"A lot more decently." Ren agreed.

Ren got to his feet and followed Brad out to their bikes. He stood beside his own bike as Brad put on his gloves and jacket then straddled his bike.

"See you in a few days then," Brad said.

"If . ." Ren stopped unable to mention the girl who his thoughts were on.

"If you're needed I'll call you. But I'll look out for her while you're away." Brad said.

Ren nodded silently and watched as his friend put on his helmet and kicked his bike to life. When he had disappeared from view Ren headed back inside. He was going to enjoy the next few days he thought to himself. He liked Jody as a person and she was energetic and willing in bed. What more could he want?