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Between The Walls

By: TheLastNavigator



Preface: Some Years ago......

"Okay I want........Allen."

Nine year old Louise Wellington stood arms crossed and kicking the dirt as pudgy faced Timothy Cades high fived an equally pudgy faced Allen Lowell. Allen waddled over after being picked for kickball before her, again. Louise felt like crying but of course she wouldn't, had she done so she would lose all hopes of not being picked last. 

The numbers of eager faced children dwindled as more individuals were dissevered between the two opposing teams. The players within the two groups mimicked the usual pattern excluding a few swaps and replacements. 

"Today is the day, I can feel it!" Louise turned to look behind her, running her tongue over the empty space in her gums that once held a back molar, "Please, please, please." Fingers crossed and soul willing Louise stood eyeing Jonathan Gallo, trying to send a message between their minds.

"Pick me Johnny," she knew he couldn't hear her, but she hoped he could feel her. 

Eleven year old Jonathan Gallo wiped the sweat from his brow looking at the group in front of him. He realized that the only good player left was Louise, hell she was a better player than most of the guys already on his team but still, she was a girl!

"Uh I'll take Toad." Johnny averted his gaze away from the small black girl standing 10 paces in front of him, he noticed that her jaw had dropped open but did not want to see anymore. 

Louise was infuriated! She whipped her head to her left and glared at the skinny white boy next to her, he was squinting his face, trying to stop his obviously too large a pair of glasses from sliding down the bridge of his freckled nose. She only partly heard Timothy snicker and call over the boy next to her. Immediately her shoulders slumped and she began to toe a small rock on the ground in front of her, the next moments she knew like routine:

Johnny would build the tension before calling out her name, then she would mosey over grumbling, he'd pat her on the back and give her his signature toothy smile and shrug. Then when no one was within ear shot Johnny would lean down and whisper that she was a better player than all the boys out there, excluding himself of course. 

It was clockwork and she had the rhythm down long ago, being a girl, a black girl at that she had grown accustomed to being picked last as well as picked on. Luckily for her she had a strong father, one who had taught her to fight and stand up for herself. Between her Father teaching her how to hit from the left side and her summer stays with rowdy southern cousins she had grown into quite the fighter, it was her temper that got her into trouble. Louise had a quick tongue with licks that hurt; she knew how to bring people to their knees even at a young age.

She slowly trotted over to Johnny to receive her usual pep talk. 

"Yeah Johnny you take Louise, you know you like her," Timothy stood laughing, "kiss here Johnny, go on!"

"Shut up Timmy!" Louise made a step toward him, "I mean it."

Timothy glared at her venomously, "Or what ugly, you gonna get your boyfriend to fight me?" 

"No stupid I'll kick your ass myself," Louise moved closer to him even though she was smaller she knew she could take him. 

"Oh yeah? You and what army," his friends laughed behind him. 

Johnny shifted uncomfortably, he hated Timothy with his fat face and pot belly that always peeked from beneath his shirt when he raised his arms. He stood watching the feisty little black girl before him, she was tough no question. He had seen her with her dad a few times at one of the local boxing gyms; her dad was a coach he remembered. 

Timothy continued to tease the small girl in front of him, "I'm bigger then you, and I'm a boy I'd kick your ass. Why don't you run home and play with your dolls or something."

"You think because you're a boy your better than me? Everybody in the yard knows you couldn't catch a ball with two gloves and Velcro!" 

"Well you're still an ugly tomboy! Look at your stupid shirt, the Green Lantern? He sucks! Just like you!"

Louise was seeing red; his insults against her were not anything, but harsh words against Hal Jordon was blasphemy! 

Timothy stopped laughing as soon as Louise's fist connected with his face, blood spurted from his nose before he could clasp both of his chubby hands to it. His nursing was interrupted when Louise's next solid blow landed on his bulging stomach. He fell to his knees shouting obscenities while the other boys rallied around laughing. One or two of his cronies helped him off the field.

"Run home Timmy!" Johnny was laughing so hard he had to clutch his stomach. He glanced at Louise who was watching Timothy run away; no doubt she was weighing the option of chasing after him. 

"Chicken," Louise whispered to herself before Johnny slipped his arm around her shoulder.

"Hey Lou you showed his fat ass," his eyes twinkled lightheartedly, "you should give me a few pointers." He was shadow boxing now, trying to look goofy.

"I could maybe do that," Louise adjusted the brim of her baseball cap; her head was reeling from Johnny's compliments.

"No objection here Firecracker, I don't want to meet those brutal fists," he stopped her walking with both of his hands, "Firecracker, you like that right?"

"Firecracker Louise?" She looked up at him with a scrunched face.

"No No, you're Lou "Firecracker" Wellington," Johnny corrected with pride, "Hey that could be your boxing name, and I'll be your manager."

Johnny felt a strange tickle in his stomach when her big brown orbs lit up in her face, he liked that she was happy—he wanted to make her happy.

His head said 'MY GIRL' ferociously, he scared himself a bit but then he looked down at Louise and he felt better. She had a goofy smile on her face and he could see the excitement seeping from her.

Louise was still chatting excitedly about training and boxing when they walked of the field, Johnny and her. The kickball game was long forgotten.

Chapter 1:

"Please Lou," Johnny's blue eyes pleading with her; his bottom lip was poking out, "PLEASE!"

"Jonathan Gallo you have 3 minutes to vacate my shop before I--get off of me!" 

"Lou louuuu," this was his second phase of his attack, "it'll only be for a little bit, I need you! C'mon!"

"Johnny."

"Lou, the boys have been asking—"

"Do NOT try and pull that card. I know your 'boys' have nothing to do with this, you just want some protection from that girl you've been dodging," interrupted Louise while pointing a batter covered spoon at his chest. 

She turned and focused on the Banana Crème tart she had been working on in her shops kitchen. Johnny slid behind her and wrapped his arm around her thin waist, he brought his chin down several inches to rest on her shoulder. 

"It's not my fault darling," Johnny reached around taking her small face in one had to get her to look at him, "I am irresistible." He squeezed her tighter.

"Oh please," he was humming in her ear now, "Fine! Fine I'll go if you stop that fucking terrible tune in my ear!" She was never any match for his charms.

Johnny grabbed the spoon from her hand and threw it in the sink before he spun her around to pick her up in a bear hug. She was 5'2 on a good day, he was 6'0 on a bad one; she liked that he made her feel small. 

Louise was placed back on her feet as soon as Johnny started to talk about dress shopping and some other things he was going to drag her around for. She enjoyed these little episodes of rapid thought Johnny seemed to have, they allotted her time to examine him.

Jonathan was a Gallo which by some ordained power meant he was fated to be one of the most beautiful specimens she was ever to lay eyes on. She'd grown up alongside him acting as his right hand man following the day on the kickball field. So over the years she'd had the pleasure of seeing him leave and return from family vacations tanner, fitter, and taller. He had worn his black tresses long in high school giving himself that bad boy look, his hair was shorter now, though when unkempt the front would fall into his eyes boyishly. With his long eyelashes and cupid bow upper lip he had no problem with the girls in school. His blue eyes were his weapon, when he turned those on you whether in lust of anger you had no choice but to pay attention. 

She loved his smiles though, every single one of them, his eyes be dammed because when he turned his grin in her direction her breath still caught in her throat as it had when she was a nine year old. His body was heavenly but anyone could have a beautiful body, so that was just a plus. 

"I'm thinking green?"

"Huh," Louise was snapped out of her thoughts by Johnny's incessant banter about the dinner party she was going to accompany him too. 

"Your dress," he said flatly clearly upset she was not enjoying the topic at hand as much as him, "we are going to go buy your dress for Saturday."

"I have enough dresses that you've bought me—that I've only worn once I might add. Stop wasting money on me please," she immediately regretted it because his whole demeanor changed.

"Louise Joyce Wellington," he noticed her cringe at the use of her full name, 'good' he thought.

"It's not 'wasting' money if you enjoy it, and I do enjoying showering you with gifts and a second thing—

"Okay okay, Lawyer Johnny shut the fuck up," she didn't want to hear this rant again, "we can go to the mall later, but I will pick out the dress. Everything you pick for me is too—

"Girly?" He laughed

"Get out! I need to finish this tart before the lunch rush", she stated while pushing him out of the kitchen, "some of us have to work. You remember what that is?"

Johnny snorted and moved around her to the other side of the marble countertop island she was working on. Grabbing a banana slice he stood trying to look pensive. 

'Here it comes' she thought.

"Riddle me this Lou, you were one of the toughest tomboys I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. So--" Johnny popped the slice into his mouth chuckling at Lou with her eyebrow cocked and her hands on her sexy hips, "how the hell did you end up baking sweets for a living?" 

Extending her arm forward Louise popped him soundly on the side of his head, he stood shocked but ducked out of the way before she could hit him again. 

She responded to his laughter with a stern 'out' while pointing him to the door. He placed a small kiss on her cheek before swiping another banana slice and darting for the door.

Louise laughed quietly to herself and glanced at the clock: 11:46am

She finished up in the kitchen as quickly as possible while still keeping details in mind, her customers expected the quality she was famous for. 

Before long she finished 3 batches of Banana Crème Tarts and was just finishing the caramelized slices when she heard the bell chime alerting her of a new customer. 

"Show time," Louise muttered as she walked out of her kitchen.

||

Jason Doyle eyed the small dessert shop across the street for a second time. Leaning back in his chair he returned his attention back to the beady eyed man seated across from him. He had agreed to meet Lenard Holloway after he was settled in his new condo about 8 blocks away from where they were now eating; it was some upscale restaurant with over-priced drinks that catered to primarily upper middle class individuals. He felt out of place.

Yes he made good money doing what he did but he didn't flaunt it, and he would never be caught in a place like this.

"I was a little wary hiring a private mercenary but these affairs need a certain type of finesse," Lenard took a sip from his scotch, "you understand."

Jason nodded allowing him to continue. He didn't like to waste words when details were still being provided. 

"You'll be coming in as a sort of consultant. The waters have become a bit murky in the underworld if you catch my drift. It's becoming difficult to distinguish loyalties with so many changing of hands." He took another swig before rattling the ice cube around the glass.

He continued, "Some of the lads are getting power hungry and Terry needs a pair of eyes and ears he can trust." 

Lenard meant Terry Birch, he was the boss of the city's criminal underworld. Of course there were several independent circles of smaller scale but nothing like the Birch territory. He had hooks in politicians as well as thugs, his power was indisputable—every so called criminal knew his name.

Jason had heard enough, "I understand."

A slimy smile crept onto Lenard's sullen face, "Fantastic," he lifted a hand signaling for another glass, "the boys will be wary of you at first so you'll have to infiltrate their defenses. They'll need to trust you're not just a hired gun keeping tabs."

"But that is exactly what I am," Jason interjected flatly.

Lenard's smile faded, "No J.D you are more than that, this is a service and favor to Terry Birch. Yes you are sniffing out a rat but that doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy yourself. You are going to be around these bastards for a long duration of time might as well make it entertaining."

He meant the perks of the criminal world, yes he was going to be knee deep in their mess but Lenard was urging him to roll around in the mud. 

The waiter set another glass in front of Lenard; he waited for him to leave before continuing. 

"Look, you'll need your head in this. Your one of Terry's men now, so act accordingly. You need to play the part not just read the lines understand? Terry doesn't need any snags in his plans or else you'll be staring down your own chamber J.D."

Jason narrowed his eyes as he listened through his growing impatience. 

Lenard examined Jason's attire, "those clothes need to go, Terry's group is a step up from the boys your use too—style is imperative."

Jason snorted, "Are we done?"

Lenard placed that slimy smile on again, "For now? Yes." He reached into the inside pocket of his suit jacket and placed a card on the table, "this is the number of our weapons man, he'll get you what you need."

Jason placed the card in his front pocket and Lenard continued, "There is address on the back of that for a get together in a few days, the boys have things to attend to when it's through."

Lenard stood up preparing to leave, "And J.D," he turned back, "The dinner is a formal occasion black or gray suit."

Jason nodded his understanding before Lenard turned on his heels and out of the restaurant. 

"Asshole," he placed a few bills down as a tip before walking out of the restaurant himself. 

He eyed the sweet shop again; the sign read 'Wellington's'. Jason caught a delicious wafting scent across the street and before he could realize was walking over. He had a sweet tooth that was aching for a fix.

Walking inside he was thoroughly surprised, the walls were a dark green and there were gray, black and blue accents scattered about. Portraits of several different boxers, film stars, authors and directors covered the walls. The shop was fairly busy so he grabbed a menu and waited. 

Finally he approached the register and a thin lanky girl gave him a flirtatious smile and asked what she could get for him. Jason smiled back, she was cute. 

"I'll take an order of beignets and a coffee."

"Oh the beignets will be a few minutes, I can go ask when they'll be ready."

Jason was a bit disappointed, "Yeah that'd be great."

The thin girl beamed and whipped around and through a door. She returned and told him it would be about 10 or 15minutes.

Jason nodded and turned away ignoring the girl's upset expression at his dismissal. He moved over and picked up a book from the wall library on the left side of the restaurant, a sign next to it read. 'Don't steal any of the books, their brothers and sisters will miss them.' He chuckled quietly.

Jason sat at one of the tables with a book he picked up and his coffee, he placed the number card the cashier had given him at the edge of the table. Taking a sip from his coffee he savored the rich flavor, this was a damn good cup, he took note. 

He was lost in his thoughts when he was snapped back by a plate of steaming pastries placed in front of him. 

"Sorry about the wait sir."

Jason looked up and tried to keep from gawking at the petite beauty in front of him. The woman standing before him was wearing a blue and white stripped apron tied tightly around her thin waist. He could tell that her hips flared out giving her a sexy hourglass shape. Her eyes were dark and almond shaped with long lashed. Her nose was like a small button with a small silver ring on the right side. Her lips were full with a cute pout that was too kissable. Her hair was short, a few inches below her ear and pulled back half up and half down, with her bangs tucked behind her ear he could see several silver hoops ascending up its curve. 

However, it was her skin that made him groan, it was a rich deep brown and flawless, he wanted to taste it and see if it was as sweet as the desserts she was selling. 

"It's no problem really," he gave her a reassuring smile. 

Jason had to clench his fist when she smiled in return; he wondered how she could be so cute and so sexy all at once.

"Would you like some more coffee?" He noticed how animated her eyes were when she spoke.

"Uh yes please."

She smiled again and turned to go grab the coffee pot giving him a great view off her backside. Her jeans hugged her ass perfectly and the visible part of her wife-beater hugged to her body setting off her curves.

She returned and poured his coffee, "Here you go, and again I'm sorry about the wait."

Jason assured her it was no problem and she turned to leave. He spent the next 20 minutes treating his taste buds to heaven; he had to stop himself from licking his plate of the powdered sugar. He kept stealing glances of the beautiful black woman as she came in and out of the kitchen to bring new desserts, help the girl at the register, and chat with people who seemed to be regulars. 

Jason felt a pang of jealousy as one man came in and gave her a hug; he didn't like to see other men touching her. He gathered she was the owner of the shop by the way she carried herself, he also gathered that they must have been short staffed from the expressions of annoyance that kept crossing her face as she looked at the clock. 

He downed the rest of his cup before standing up and walking up to the counter. The woman and the thin girl from earlier were talking when he walked up. The thin girl looked at him with hopeful eyes while the black woman turned around. Now that he was standing he could see that the woman was much shorter than him, he was about 6'1 so she had to be no taller than 5'3 if that,

She smiled again and Jason felt his stomach tighten, "Did you enjoy everything?"

Jason tried to play it cool, "Everything was delicious, really."

Jason cleared his throat when the thin girl suddenly spoke proudly, "Everything Lou creates is heavenly." 

So her name was Lou, Jason wondered what it was short for.

"Rachel stop," the woman called Lou laughed softly.

"Well it's true," Rachel added nudging Louise.

She laughed again; Jason looked at his watch and knew he had to be on his way.

"Okay well Ms. Uh—"

"Louise," she cut him off, "but Lou is fine."

He responded, "J.D."

He grabbed a business card before telling both women to have a lovely day; he tried to etch the picture of Lou's smile into his mind before he turned to leave.

Walking out into the midday sun he fingered the second card he'd acquired today and smiled. Lou was too damn delectable for her own good and he wasn't one to ignore a craving. 

Between The Walls Ch. 02



Louise stood examining herself in the dressing room mirror.

"Ugh," she blew out frustrated. Shopping was never something she really enjoyed but dress shopping was physically painful. She never really understood where her contempt for the activity came from, she laughed thinking of the disaster that had been prom dress shopping. A small smile touched her lips as she thought of her father trying to balance the multitude of garments after he had lured her to the shopping district by telling her they were going to pick up some things for the guys back at the ring.

"Papa," she closed her eyes trying to fight back tears, "I miss you."

Louise was pulled from her thoughts by knocking on the door, "Excuse me Miss? The gentlemen you were with uh Mr. Gallo, he asked me to bring you these pieces as well."

Louise swung the door open quickly, taking the dresses from the blonde and overly cheerful sales clerk. 

"Uh Thanks," she muttered trying hard to level her annoyance at the woman's bright red smile. Her mouth looked awkwardly large on her petite face, and with the hair bump at the crown of her head she looked like one of the bimbo's from her small collection of comics. 

Louise was about to shut the door when a thought struck her, "Oh and Ma'am."

The clerk's smile seemed to widen, "Can you please tell Mr. Gallo that if he tries to bring me anymore dresses I will murder him in his sleep." 

The clerk's eyes widened and she laughed nervously before turning back down the hall, her heels clicked after her. 

After closing the door Louise began to shift through the mountains of rhinestone and tulle when her eyes suddenly caught a flash of emerald. She let the other garments fall to the floor and held the dress up, it was beautiful she thought. 

She slipped it on and though she couldn't zip it up herself, she knew it fit perfectly. A triumphant grin formed on her face as she began placing the other dresses back on the hangers, she shook her head at the monstrosities that Johnny had picked out for her. She took in the hot pink dress that sat at the bottom of the pile, "what the fuck was he thinking?" 

When she walked back out into the main area she saw Johnny sitting nervously in an overly stuffed and no doubt overly priced arm chair. A glass of champagne was on the side table next to him, it looked untouched. 

"So," Johnny asked with eager eyes.

Louise whisked past him and began speaking to the blonde clerk from before. Once she was certain that the girl understood she walked back over to Johnny who was standing with his mouth hanging open.

"Louise? Which dress did you choose?" 

"None of your business," she snapped playfully, "you'll see when you pick me up on Saturday."

"Louise," he drew out like a child.

"Johnny," she gasped back, mimicking his tone.

"Fine, have it your way then. And by the way Pink's picking you up on Saturday not me; I have to take care of some things before the dinner."

"Oh I've missed Pinky," she tried not to sound too excited. The truth was that of all the thugs Johnny ran around with Pink held a special place in her heart. Stephen Pinkerton or Pink as he went by was one of Johnny's oldest friends, next to her of course. Pink had taken on the role of big brother and protector when she moved back after her father died a couple of years ago. When Johnny was not around to work on her last nerve she could always count on Pink to pop into the shop for a few freebies. Pink was a big, black man, not fat just large and at 6'4 and 240 pounds he could eat a truck load of her sweets. Hell he'd eat her out of business if she didn't keep him out of the kitchen. 

Even though he looked threatening Pink was the biggest push over when it came to her, he was always teasing her about being Johnny's girl to push her buttons.

Johnny broke into her thoughts, "I swear sometimes I think you like him more than me. And would you stop calling him Pinky it's demeaning."

"Why? Are you jealous he gets a nickname?" She loved to tease Johnny; she could get under his skin like no one else. 

"No, but I'm sure he doesn't like you calling him 'Pinky' behind his back," he straightened his suit jacket.

Louise couldn't hold back her laughter, "Oh Johnny you should hear what I call you behind your back."

He cocked a brow, "Devilishly handsome?" 

"Oh please, you wish," she continued laughing.

"Or maybe incredibly charming," Lou felt like she was going to piss her pants giggling, "Or maybe 'the best fuck you've ever—OW!"

Louise smacked his chest through her giggles, "please don't flatter yourself." 

Johnny was referring to her graduation night when he drove her out to the coast and they'd drank almost an entire bottle of rum between the two of them. After a night swim they ended up cuddling beneath blankets in the back of his father's SUV, the rear door was open so they could see the stars and catch the warm evening air. She remembered she had been so nervous when he tentatively pressed his lips to hers. It hadn't been their first kiss but her head was spinning as if it had been. Louise remembered how full she felt, it was like her heart would burst from her chest; she was so young she had just turned 18 to his 21. She could still feel how warm he felt touching her and how gentle his fingers were. He had asked her, "Are you sure Lou?" She wasn't a virgin but for some reason when he touched her everything felt new and in that instant her nerves suddenly got the better of her. Louise had been confident up until that point, lost in the haze of liquid courage and his lustful blue eyes. However, when his fingers skimmed the waistband of her jeans she stilled beneath him, but then he asked her that question and she relaxed. She didn't give any answer instead she propped herself on her elbows and moved her head up kissing him tenderly. Nothing else needed to be said after that. 

That had been almost 7 years ago, their hormones had calmed down and her and Johnny were able to resume their usual friendship. Both knew that night was special but neither was willing to admit it, so they both laughed it off as a catastrophe that was fated to happen once in their lives. She'd never admit the heartbreak she felt when they agreed to put it behind them both. She was leaving to California in a couple of months for undergraduates; it didn't seem sensible for her to muck up her strongest friendship over one drunken night. So instead she buried her feelings and just tried to enjoy those last few months she had with her best friend before she'd start her own life. 

"You know I was the best you'd ever had."

"Well considering all I'd had up to that point was a few sweaty minutes with Kyle Rend I guess you're right. But he was definitely a cutie pie though."

"He had a stutter," Johnny added accusingly.

"Only when he was nervous," she defended, "and I said 'cutie pie' not 'stud muffin'." 

Johnny chuckled at her defensiveness, "Yeah, I am so sure."

"Whatever asshole, take me back to the shop. I left Rachel in charge of Simon and Kasey, and well Simon's an idiot." 

"Your wish is my command fair lady," Johnny started the engine before pulling of the parking lot.

||

Louise was all thumbs in the kitchen this afternoon; every time the bell rang she'd pop her head out hopefully but come up disappointed when she didn't see him, J.D that is.

"Get a hold of yourself girl," Louise chastised herself. Yes he was incredibly sexy, damn that, he was downright gorgeous. Tall and lean with the right amount of muscle from the way his white t-shirt had stretched over his chest beneath his leather jacket. She'd only spoken to him for five minutes but that was enough for her to notice those Greenish gray eyes and his incredible smile. She'd tried to play it cool on the outside but inside was a raging inferno that blazed brightest right between her thighs. Rachel had melted like a school girl when he left and chattered about how he couldn't take his eyes off of Louise. She had simply smiled at the girl's remarks but secretly she was reeling, she chalked it up to the dry spell she'd been having. 

That had been Monday, it was now Friday and Louise had to get her head on straight. She'd already allowed a soufflé to fall when she heard a voice similar to his Southern drawl but when she walked out she saw that it was just some older man with a receding hairline and beady eyes; he was all smiles when he saw her but for some reason that made her cringe.

By the time the midday rush had finished Louise had stopped her heart from fluttering every time the bell chimed. She and Rachel decided to turn the speakers up a bit louder when Prince's 'Little red corvette' began to play. Over the past year she'd grown really fond of Rachel and considered her to be one of her closets female friends, God knows she needed more. Rachel embraced Louise's strange streak and took interest when she would rant about some new book or comic issue. They had a strong bond; she had even jokingly given Rachel the nickname Thelma. 

Both of the women were laughing at one another as they danced and sang behind the counter, Louise covered in flour and Rachel with her recently dyed bright purple hair pulled up in a bandana. 

There were only 3 other people in the shop, all regulars. They laughed as the women jumped around; one old woman even gave a little shimmy when Louise pointed at her when the chorus came on.

Neither of the two heard the bell chime as J.D. walked through the door, Rachel was whipping a towel above her head and Louise was screeching, "Places where your horses run free!" into a whisk when she heard a man clear his throat.

She whipped around suddenly and had her face been lighter she would have been as bright as a tomato. 

"OH! Uh Hi," her hands began to shake as she placed the whisk onto the counter. She noticed the lopsided smirk he was sporting and grew even more self-conscious.

'Geez Louise,' she thought, 'way to show what a dork you are.'

"Little red corvette?" He asked simply, his eye brows lifting

"How much of that did you see," she placed both hands on her cheeks in embarrassment, "and hear?"

"Plenty; Prince should be worried he has some competition," Louise knew he was joking but he seemed tense when he spoke, like he was on high alert. However, she couldn't deny that his eyes seemed to smolder even through his demeanor.

"Oh sweet lord," she tried to play it cool, "well now that I've assaulted you with my singing skills what can I get for you?" 

"Just a coffee," he answered looking her directly in the eyes, she averted her gaze when the fire in her stomach started to move south.

"Just coffee, really," she was a little hurt that he didn't want any of her creations, "I just pulled some beignets out of the oven, didn't like the last batch, you ate them all."

"Do you always remember the orders of past customers, or am I just special" he asked playfully while crossing his arms over his chest; Louise had to bite her bottom lip to suppress a groan.

"No," she could play that game too, "do you always order your coffee from dessert shops? Especially when there's a café two doors down as well as a Starbucks around the corner?"

"Touché," he leaned onto the counter, "And Starbucks coffee is for stiffs in suits and teenagers on fixed gear bikes." 

Louise had to laugh at that, "Alright coffee it is."

After handing him his change she went to grab his drink

"Here you are," she pushed the coffee across the counter.

He picked up the cup and placed it to his full lips, Louise blurted out a warning, "Careful its hot!"

J.D paused before he took a large gulp and gave her a questioning look.

"Maybe not," she laughed nervously.

"Well Louise, as always it was a pleasure," he took another swig, "Damn that is good coffee." He gave her another heartbreaking smile before telling her he'd see her sometime soon.

He had walked over to put sugar in his cup and Louise was admiring his back side when Rachel hurriedly placed a small to-go bag in her hand.

"Rachel what is this."

"I'm tired of watching you mope around and fantasize about super heroes. I will not allow you to stand by and watch another gorgeous man who might I add is completely smitten with you walk out."

"But," Louise tried to rationalize.

"No buts, take this bag and catch him before he's gone." Louise stood shocked before Rachel smacked her back side and told her to get going. 

Lou hurried around the counter before she fully understood what she was doing; J.D had just walked out and was in front of her store's window when she caught up with him.

"Hey J.D wait," Louise knew she was out of her mind.

"Louise?" He didn't look surprised more amused than anything, "did I forget something?"

"Yes," she pushed the small bag into his chest, "they're beignets."

His eye brows rose again, "Why are you always raising your eyebrows at me?" She asked.

"Because your interesting," was his simple reply. 

She looked up at him through her eyelashes, "Well you looked hungry and my pop taught me to 'always feed a man who looks hungry, whether he asks or not,'" 

He chuckled at that and took the bag out of her small hands, "thank you."

They stood their looking at one another for a moment when Louise finally remembered her work, "I should get back but I just thought I'd bring you those, maybe make your day a little better."

"Your singing already did that," he chuckled at the embarrassment that was clearly evident on her face, "Have a nice day Louise."

She gave him a quick wave and goofy smile before she turned and she walked back to her shop's door; she slipped inside before she had a chance to embarrass herself further.

Rachel appeared suddenly, "Looks like someone's going to get some soon. OW OW!"

"Oh shut it," she responded playfully. She wouldn't admit it but she hoped Rachel was right.

||

"Johnny I'm hanging up now," Louise grumbled into the phone, she had been napping when Johnny called to remind her of the dinner party that night.

She registered the annoyance in Johnny's tone and felt a small pang of guilt; she should have started getting ready an hour ago but her bed looked so comfortable. It was too convenient that she lived in the studio above her own shop.

"Alright I got it, Pink will be here at 8 o' clock, okay I'll see you tonight, bye." She tossed the phone aside and burrowed back beneath her covers. She knew she had to get up and shower and figure out what she was going to do with her hair, but she didn't want to. 

Groaning Louise swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stretched, she winced slightly from the few knots in her back. "I need a massage." She rubbed out the places she could reach, imagining they were J.D's hands; she closed her eyes and sighed. 

Glancing at the clock she realized she needed to shower if she didn't want to keep pink waiting, stripping down she walked into the shower and turned on the hot water.

Twenty minutes later she was out and standing in front of the mirror examining her body. She evaluated her faults like most women do, running her fingers through her short black hair one more time she turned to go find underwear

Around 7:30 Louise was putting on the final touches, she had never been expert with make up so she did what she could. Looking in the mirror she had to admit she looked pretty good, her dark eyes were set off by the mascara and a small amount of eye liner, she had also recently had her eyebrows done. Turning to the side she ran her hands over her breasts and stomach smoothing out the green dress.

She'd fallen in love with the dress as soon as she'd seen it; it was a dark emerald color and came to about mid-thigh, on someone taller it would look a little scandalous but she felt it showed a sexy and reasonable amount of leg. She settled on dark flesh colored rounded pumps, she knew she'd end up tripping in them but she loved feeling like she was tall and glamorous instead of short and cute. She draped a long silver chain around her neck and changed a few of the many rings in her ears to silver studs. 

Louise finished putting on her lip gloss just when she heard her buzzer, "There's pinky."

She buzzed him in and opened her front door as soon as she heard his knock. 

"Hey Pink!" 

Pink smiled, his bright white teeth contrasting with his dark skin, "Hey sweetheart, I've missed you."


"Aw your too kind, would you mind zipping me up," Louise turned around quickly. When he finished she spun back and gave him a hug. 

"You ready to go, Johnny will be at there in about an hour; he had to meet with Lenard," Pink turned back to Louise, "Come on don't make that face."

"I'm sorry but I don't like that man, he's a slimy bastard," Louise responded holding up her arms and shrugging.

"Yeah he is a bit of a prick," Pink chuckled, "and a bastard. Now go grab your coat."

"Why are you rushing me? Keep it up and you won't get your gift."

"Gift?" 

Louise walked into the kitchen and grabbed the little bow tied box containing a red velvet cup cake, they were Pink's favorite.

"Here you are," Louise handed him the box beaming.

Pink opened the little package and laughed, "Thanks LouLou, can I eat it now?"

Louise began cracking up, "Sure I won't tell anyone; I'll just go grab my jacket." She turned to leave and returned a moment later. Pink had already devoured the poor cupcake. She covered her mouth to stifle her laughter.

"What," he asked giving her a sheepish look.

"Nothing," she replied, "Let's go before you raid the kitchen."

||

Johnny stood looking at Lenard and Terry, he was a little agitated with the new addition to his crew of criminals. This Jason Doyle was going to cramp his style, but he figured he'd better get used to him being around. There was something a little unsettling about the man though, the way he carried himself maybe?

Johnny glanced at the man standing in the corner; he had his hands in his pockets as he leaned against the wall. Occasionally during the conversation he would shift and Johnny would catch his gaze in the dim light of Terry's office.

"This dinner gives you boys an opportunity to get to know one another," Terry stated coolly, "Jason's father was an old friend of mine and I'm doing him a favor since he had to relocate." Johnny noticed the man called J.D stiffened at Terry's remark. 'What's his problem he thought?'

"Do you understand me Johnny?"

"Yes Sir," he gave his attention back Terry who was seated behind his large mahogany desk. 

"Good," he sneered, "Where's Pink? He should be here for this too."

"He's picking someone up for me," Johnny tried to sound nonchalant about it; he never liked to draw attention to Louise. Terry liked collecting women, and he had been eyeing Louise for a while now. 

"Would that someone happen to be that little piece of chocolate pussy I always see you with," asked Lenard, he was standing a few feet from Johnny smoking a cigar. Johnny tensed at his comment.

"Lenard you know I have a lot of respect for you, but if you refer to her outside of her name again I will have to hurt you."

Lenard's eyes narrowed, "What did you just say to me you little shit?"

"You heard me," Johnny stepped closer.

"Alright Johnny calm down, and Lenard shut your mouth," Terry said standing and buttoning his jacket, "you talk too fucking much sometimes, show some respect for Johnny's lady friend."

Johnny didn't like the tone Terry put on his name, but he was thankful for his interjection. 

Terry clapped his hands together, "alright boys that's all, go downstairs I'll be there in a few minutes. Lenard you stay here."

Johnny walked out behind Stryker and was followed by Frank, the other boys were already downstairs.

"Jason, would you stay behind a minute," Johnny wondered what Terry wanted with him but shrugged it off. He knew Louise was waiting downstairs and he wanted to get to her before one of the dogs that were hanging around did.




Between The Walls Ch. 02



Johnny scanned the dining hall for Louise, it wasn't hard to spot Pink since he stood a head above most of the people in the room, Louise was next to him. He was taken aback, how she always managed to look like such a little sexy vixen without doing anything amazed him. 

She looked so small next to Pink, it was adorable. She was laughing at something he was saying and Johnny felt a twinge of jealousy, he knew he had nothing to worry about because it was just Pink but it still got to him. Johnny stood still, not wanting to miss this opportunity to admire her from afar, she was wearing one of the dresses he picked out for her, and he knew she would choose that one. 'Damn,' he thought to himself, the way the dress was hugging her curves and that smile she was sporting was making his cock twitch. 'Calm yourself,' he thought to himself. Johnny was fully aware of his attraction to Louise, always had been but he tried to keep it under check; they'd decided a long time ago to keep things friendly. 

That had been years ago when he was a stupid kid and didn't realize the woman she was going to grow into. There were still many nights when he'd lay awake in bed and chastise his actions while wishing she was there next to him. She was his girl, and though she didn't realize the magnitude of that statement Johnny always hoped that her crush on him would ignite again, because his for her had never went out.

Johnny finally started to head over and felt his heart beat faster when he met her eyes; she gave him a breathtaking smile before throwing him a silly face. He adored how her eyes would light up when seeing him. 

"Hey stranger," she gave him a sultry look, "Like my dress?"

"Hello yourself beautiful," replied Johnny giving her a kiss on the cheek, "and yes I do, you look lovely. I hope I haven't kept you waiting to long."

"Yes you have," she laughed sipping her champagne, "But you can make it up to me with a dance."

"Of course doll face," Johnny slipped his arm around her lithe waist, "should I get you another drink first?"

"Why yes please," Louise placed her hand on Johnny's chest and moved closer to him. He could tell she was a bit tipsy but the attention he was getting caused him to overlook that minor detail. 

Johnny grabbed her hand and pulled her along with him, "Wait Johnny, I thought you were getting me a drink?"

"I am, but I'd like your company, Pink's had you the whole night up until this point. I want to be with my best friend now." Johnny threw her a puppy dog face and knew then she was at his mercy.

"Okay, I guess that's fair," He could hear the smile in her voice.

Both headed to the bar, Johnny pulling Louise along, "A scotch on ice and another glass of champagne please." Johnny let go of Louise's hand to grab the drinks, when he turned around however he saw her gazing in the direction of the hall's entrance with curiosity.

"Lou what are you looking at?" 

"Huh? Oh I thought I saw someone I knew," she laughed it off while fanning her face, "clearly I'm had one too many."

Johnny chuckled handing her the champagne flute before slipping his arm back around her waist, "One can never have too many glasses of champagne." He threw her a dashing smile. 

"Shut up," she slurred a bit through her laughter.

"Care to join me on the terrace before our dance?" He released her waist and held out his hand.

Louise fluttered her eyelashes, "Why I would love to," she placed her hand in his. 

The two walked out together hand in hand, Louise was oblivious and rattling on, but Johnny felt eyes boring into his back, he just couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching them.

||

"I haven't seen you here before," J.D. was snapped out of his concentration by a rather attractive blonde standing in front of him.

"I'm sorry what," he asked again, not really caring for an answer. He just wanted the woman talking his ear off to go away. He looked back around and realized that Louise and that Gallo fellow had disappeared outside.

"I said I haven't seen you around before," J.D. noticed that she looked kind of like a cat with a permanent grin. Her breath smelled like vodka, he was immediately turned off. 

"I just moved into the city," he responded in a clipped tone.

"I knew I heard an accent," she purred while rubbing his arm, "I could show you around sometime if you like."

J.D noticed how she pushed her tits out into his face, "Would you excuse me a moment." He took his arm back and headed in the direction of the terrace, leaving the blonde standing with her mouth hanging open.

He reached the terrace and looked around, there were a few people out enjoying the warm night air, but he didn't see her. J.D decided to walk back and check inside. Walking in he spotted her on the dance floor, she was laughing and spinning in the arms of Johnny. He recalled how defensive he got when Lenard had spoken out against a woman he was bringing tonight, was it her he thought. 

J.D. couldn't believe that she was actually involved with that kid; true Johnny was probably in his late 20's or so but to his 32 it felt like an age gap. He tightened his grip around his glass as he watched Johnny twirl Lou around, he had to look away when he lifted her up and she threw her head back laughing. He barely knew the woman but he felt territorial, clearly if she was involved with Johnny it was his place to step off but he didn't see himself making that choice very easily.

He had been watching for a few minutes when Johnny spun her in a way that turned her in his direction, she gave him a curious look; he felt his stomach tighten a bit. For the rest of the song she kept turning her head in his direction, he didn't look away. The song ended and he gave her a smile before she turned around to say something to Johnny, J.D took this opportunity to slip back onto the terrace. 

He stood with his arms on the railing when he heard faint footsteps behind him, "J.D?"

J.D. smiled to himself before turning around, " Louise."

"What are you doing here," she sounded a little out of breath, he liked it. Her voice sounded throaty, he wondered is that how she would sound writhing beneath him, scratching his back and calling his name. 

"I work with some of the men here."

"Oh," she cocked an eyebrow, "You mean Terry Birch?"

"Now it's my turn to be surprised," he answered slyly, "so I take it you are well acquainted with the criminal underground of this city? What do you hold burglar bake sales or something?"

She laughed at that, he decided that her laughter was his new favorite sound. He watched the amusement play across her face. 

"Cute but no, I know Johnny," she gestured inside with her head, "We've been friends since we were kids. I know the boys too and they know me, it's kind of funny actually."

"Hilarious." He didn't really know why he was being an ass.

"Maybe it's not that funny to you," she shrugged her shoulders unfazed. He was a little surprised; this girl was trouble he could tell. 

He watched her carefully as she walked slowly over to him, she placed her arms on the cement railing, J.D. admired how smooth her dark skin looked; the skyline lights were casting a soft glow on her face.

"Not too many stars tonight," J.D took in the disappointment in her statement, but let her continue, "from this high up you'd think we'd have a fantastic view."

Louise turned her head looking at him, her gaze was curious and J.D. wanted to know what was going through her head. "I don't know much about stars," he said in a matter of fact tone.

"Well what do you know about," her lips spread into a sweet smile and her words slurred slightly, "you just came blowing through like a whirlwind with that sexy southern accent of yours, who are you?"

"Did you just call me sexy?" He was avoiding her questions.

"I said your accent was sexy, so get off that high horse cowboy," she nudged his arm playfully, "but your avoiding my question, what are you all about?"

"I could ask you the same thing," he said seriously, "I meant it when I said you interest me."

He noticed her slight intake of breath, especially how it caused her chest to swell slightly.

"I'm really not that interesting," she looked back over the skyline and her expression became pensive.

"Louise," she turned to look at him, "You—

"Lou what are you doing out here," J.D and Louise both turned to face an annoyed looking Jonny standing in the doorway, "I've been looking everywhere for you." 

"Oh Johnny you worry too much," she started to walk over wobbling slightly. She made it another step before she lost her footing and tripped. J.D. reached out to catch her before she could hit the ground, he slipped his arm around her waist and she looked up at him. He stared back forcing the intensity of his attraction to her to come through. Johnny was there instantly pulling her towards him.

"Are you alright sweetheart," Johnny asked with concern etched in his face. 

"Oh I'm fine, you know how clumsy I am," she smoothed out her dress, "damn I spilled my champagne."

"I think you've had enough to drink Louise," Johnny countered sounded more like a big brother.

"I'm not a child you know," she took her arm back and made another step but wobbled a bit and both mean grabbed hold of her "Okay yeah," she gave a sheepish look, "you're probably right; I think I'll go to the ladies room," she started to walk off a little unsteady but turned back, "Johnny are you coming?" 

"Yeah I'm right behind you."

"Okay, and J.D., wait shit, I don't know your actual name."

"It's Jason, Jason Doyle."

"Well Jason Doyle it was a pleasure," her words were running together, J.D thought it was adorable, "I hope you'll pop into the shop sometime soon."

"I'm sure you'll see me around."

"I had better," she gave him a slight smile before turning to Johnny who had been standing silently as she and J.D spoke, "come along Mr. Gallo." Louise walked ahead through the doors, Johnny turned giving J.D. a hard look.

"J.D. your new around here so I'm willing to let this go," Johnny paused choosing his words carefully, "but when it comes to Louise you can look all you'd like, but don't start to entertain any ideas."

J.D. snickered, "Goodnight Johnny."

"And the same for you J.D," he turned and walked through the glass doors.

J.D. looked back out over the skyline and tried to calm himself down. He didn't give a fuck what Jonathan Gallo thought. He recalled the feeling of Louise's warm body when he was holding her a few minutes ago and how he could feel her breath and heartbeat quicken. 'MINE' he thought, and even Johnny wasn't going to stand in the way of that.



Between The Walls Ch. 03



Sunlight poured into Louise's bedroom filling it with brightness, Louise groaned. Her head was killing her from the night before, 'too much champagne,' she thought. 

Rolling over she pulled the covers above her head in an attempt to block out the sunlight. She didn't have to go into the shop since it was Sunday, so there really was no reason to get out of bed. Since she had no responsibilities Louise closed her eyes and drifted back to sleep.

She had just started to welcome the sensation of falling when a knock on her front door pulled her back, at first she tried to ignore the annoyance but it continued. Letting out a slew of curses Louise flung the comforter off and stormed down the hall, she just about took the door off its hinges when she ripped it open angrily, "What?!"

Johnny stood in front of her all smiles, "Hey babe." Pushing past her he walked into the kitchen. 

"God damn It Johnny it's too early in the morning for me to have to put up with you," pinching the bridge of her nose Louise sighed frustrated.

"It's almost 10 o'clock Lou, and if I'm such a task to deal with then maybe I won't--," Johnny looked up to see Louise headed back down her hallway, "where are you going?"

"Me?" She turned to him briefly, "I'm going back to bed." And with that she trotted back to her bedroom; Johnny was right on her heels. Louise ignored him as she slipped back beneath her covers, she knew a storm was coming and she was hoping that her comforter would offer a bit of coverage. 

"Don't walk away from me when I'm speaking to you," Louise kept her eyes shut trying to block him out. "Get up."

Louise knew that he was getting angry because she was ignoring him but at that point she did not care. Who did he think he was barging into her apartment like this. She'd given him a spare key to the downstairs door in case of emergencies and from that smile he was sporting at her door she gathered there was no eminent danger approaching.

"Louise," she could hear his footsteps coming towards her, "Louise I'll only ask once more; get up." She chose to keep ignoring him which also meant ignoring his temper. Suddenly the comforter was ripped off of her and Johnny was grabbing her ankles. He pulled her down the length of the bed, Louise flailed her legs erratically breaking his hold. She kicked at him before flipping onto her knees to crawl away but Johnny was fast to grab her ankles. Before she could start up again he had her flipped back over and  pinned beneath him.  

"Get off me asshole," Louise panted, trying to buck him off; he was larger and stronger and her efforts proved useless. A few moments later she stopped fighting and looked up into Johnny's face, though his hair was a slightly mussed he wore a smug expression.

"I'll get off once you agree to act like a reasonable adult," Louise gave him her best 'fuck you' face before trying to buck him off again, "Lou you need to stop moving like that or else you and I are going to be in a compromising situation." 

"We already are in a compromising situation you prick, now get of me!"

Johnny rearranged his hands so that he could cover her mouth and still hold her wrists together, "Stop moving," he growled. Had Johnny not been covering her mouth she would have protested but instead she calmed down so he could speak.

"Good girl," he removed his hand from her mouth and replaced it on her wrists, "Now when I let you up you are going to take that cute little ass of yours and get dressed so we can go eat. I do not want to hear any objections or arguments little one." Louise sneered at his last comment but shook her head in agreement; she knew there was no way she was going to get out of it so she decided to cut her losses.

Johnny bent down slowly and placed a small kiss on her cheek before releasing her wrists. After letting go he attempted to duck his head because he knew what was coming. Just like clockwork Louise smacked him sound on the back of his head before punching him in the chest, he rolled over moaning in mock pain. Louise ignored him and walked into the bathroom to get ready. 

Twenty minutes later she was dressed and walking into the living room, Johnny was lounging on her couch, "Up now!" she ordered. Johnny smiled as he got up lazily. 

"You give me shit for wanting to sleep in and now you're taking your sweet fucking time," she was still annoyed.

"Get over it," was Johnny's simple answer as he headed towards the door. 

"I cannot stand you sometimes," she hated when he acted like an autocratic asshole. 

"I know," Johnny gave her another small peck on the cheek before opening the door for her, "Shall we?" 

Louise tried to keep up her irritated façade but decided to let it go when he gave her his signature toothy grin. She could never stay angry with Johnny even if he was a brute, "ugh let's go."

Johnny laughed quietly behind her knowing he'd won the round.

||

J.D stood in his bedroom toweling himself off, he had just gotten out of the shower after a morning run. After slipping on a pair of jeans he walked out into his living room. Before having a chance to sit down he heard the quiet vibrations of his cell phone on the counter top, "what now?" he asked of no one in particular. Grabbing his iphone he saw that he had a received text from Lenard: Meeting with Terry at 4 tomorrow, do not be late. 

J.D growled and tossed his phone on the couch, he was starting to get a little annoyed of this lap dog shit that Lenard was springing on him. Yes, Lenard and Terry were his meal ticket for the next year but that did not mean he would allow them to tug him around on a leash for that time period. As he stood contemplating his current employment Louise's face popped into his head. Seeing her last night was definitely a surprise, he was used to women hanging around the criminals he often dealt with but Lou seemed different. He had noticed the way she interacted with all of Terry's men; she seemed to be Wendy among the lost boys.

He turned around and headed to his bedroom to find a shirt, the digital clock on his bedside table read 10:26; still early enough for a cup of coffee in J.D's book. 

When J.D arrived at Wellington's he noticed there seemed to be a slight difference in the store's atmosphere; it looked dead. No customers sat inside, and the faint music that usually crept out beneath the doors was absent. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a door being opened; he looked over and recognized Louise's purple haired employee. He recalled that she had been the one dancing alongside Louise to prince's 'little red corvette.' She seemed to be grabbing a sign perched on the window; he continued watching as she started to head back to the store's entrance. J.D started towards her calling out as he drew nearer, "Excuse me Ma'am." The purple haired woman turned and instantly donned a wide and knowing smile. 

"Hi there," she moved the sign so she could carry it beneath one arm, "can I help you with something?"

"Well Ma'am,"

"Rachel,"

"Well Rachel I was actually looking for Louise, any chance she's working today." 

"Oh, nope sorry, she doesn't usually come in on Sundays, it's her 'day off' as she likes to put it. We actually open at 8 and close at 11am on Sundays; we only serve breakfast specials really," she looked up with canvasing eyes.

"Alright, well here," he pulled his wallet from his back pocket and plucked out his business card," this is my cell phone number. Will you give this to her and ask her to call me?" She extended her arm out slowly and grabbed the card smiling. She looked like a school girl asked to pass on a Valentine's Day note. 

"Thanks," J.D gave her a sweet smile; he hoped maybe she would divulge a bit more information on Lou's whereabouts. 

"Oh no problem," she smiled back briefly before squinting her eyes up at him. Her eyebrows furrowed and she looked to be having an internal conflict. She turned her gaze toward the street, shook her head and muttered 'she's going to kill me' before she addressed J.D again.

"Look, I know Lou's going to hack me into little bits 'cause I did this but—here do you have a pen? I'm going to give you cell number," J.D pulled out his phone and took down the number with a small feeling of triumph rising in his chest.


||

Johnny sat peering onto Louise plate trying to decide what he was going to snag next when Louise looked up and gave him dangerous, "Boy, if you reach your fork over onto my plate one more time I'm going to cut your fingers off." He chuckled at that. 

A quiet buzz sounded from Louise's phone and small vibrations rattled her spoon slightly, Johnny watched as she looked at the screen. With her gaze lowered he took the opportunity to freely study her face; unimaginably gorgeous he thought.

He noticed how the wind gently fluttered her short hair, a style which he disliked on most women aside from her. As he watched a small smile spread on Louise's lips, "good news?" he asked innocently. 

"Huh? Oh no just someone random texted me," she answered sounding slightly dazed; she shook her head and muttered, "It was just, I don't know weird." He could tell she was being vague purposely. 

Johnny peered at her for a second too long trying to read her face, "Interesting."

"What," she snapped.

"Nothing," he answered quickly before extending his arm toward Louise's plate, she smacked his hand back. "OW!"

"Serves you right, you're such an animal." 

Johnny growled in response and Louise raised an eyebrow, "not cute."

"You love it." He whispered.

She smiled and rolled her eyes, "So what's been going on with you, anything new?" 

"Nothing much has changed in the last 14 hours since I saw you last, well actually," Johnny put his finger to his chin appearing to be deep in thought, "nope, pretty much the same."

"I'm so sure, I know you boys were up to some shenanigans last night, do tell." She countered before putting a strawberry to her lips. 

"C'mon Lou you know I can't go into details about work," Johnny said seriously.

"Look Johnny I'm not an idiot okay, don't try and fool yourself into thinking I don't t know all about the naughty things you get into."

Johnny quirked one eyebrow and pulled his lips into an amused smirk, leaning back he crossed his arms, " Oh you don't say? Please enlighten me."

"Don't antagonize me Jonathan. And I'm serious, I mean I may not know all of the intimate details—but I do know you don't always play by the rules," Louise stated confidently.

"Louise you know the things I allow you to know, look, just drop it, I'm serious. This detective act is getting really old, and I don't need you bothering pink like before." Louise looked up quickly in surprise; Johnny rolled his eyes.

"Of course he told me, Jesus Lou," he leaned forward and lowered his voice slightly, "Stop messing around in things that you don't have any business being in. Some of the things I deal with are complicated." He paused looking her straight in the eye, "These are my affairs, not yours. These men are dangerous, and the people they associate with are too. They would not hesitate to hurt you if they thought you were meddling in things that you shouldn't. Unless you're with me, Pink, or Frank, pretend you are ignorant of my business undertakings, alright?" 

Louise shifted uncomfortably, trying to distance herself from Johnny's scolding. She remained silent as she fingered her fork slightly. .

"I am serious Louise, do you understand me?" 

Louise looked up, acknowledging the urgency in his tone, "Yes," her voice was small.

"You know this is for your own good, you mean everything to me. You're my best friend." 

She had to smile at that, reaching across the table she grabbed his hand, "and you're mine too," she paused," Johnny, I didn't mean to upset you, I'm sorry."

"I'm not upset, I just worry. I don't know what I would do if something ever happened to you; how could I live with myself knowing it was because of me Lou? Just please, for both our sakes, try and take care of yourself."

"I will."

Johnny relaxed, feeling grateful, "Thank you sweetheart." 

||

J.D sat mindlessly staring at his television screen which was currently displaying reruns of a recent football game. He was trying to keep his mind off the text message he had sent to Louise about an hour prior. He was starting to get nervous; what if she thought it was creepy that he had acquired her number without her permission, let alone knowledge. 

"Fuck," he muttered beneath his breath before walking into the decent sized kitchen. Grabbing a beer he downed have the bottle in a few gulps, this girl was fucking with his nerves—before the novel feeling was welcoming and warm but now it was becoming a nuisance, what was this hold. He barely knew Louise and yet after only a few encounters she was successfully transforming him into an unsure teenage boy. 

Standing in the middle of the kitchen with a half empty bottle and perplexing though, J.D heard his phone ringing. His hopes fell just as quickly as they had sprung up when he seeing Lenard's name on the caller id. He wasn't in the mood, so he let it ring to voicemail. It starting ringing again and again he ignored it. He knew he was going to catch shit for it but did not really care at the moment, the phone vibrated until it haphazardly was situated at the edge of the counter. He just continued to stare at it lost in an annoyed stupor.

He tilted the bottle back, bringing its contents down to the dregs when the phone started vibrating again. He caught it before it could fall to the floor, he didn't think to look at who the caller was when he answered harshly, "What!?"

The voice on the other end was not the sniveling voice of Lenard as he expected, instead it was a female's voice laced with confusion. "Oh I'm sorry I must have the wrong number, I was calling for J.D-uh Jason doyle?"

"Louise?" J.D asked, a pang of guilt hit him for yelling.

"Yeah, Hi, I got your text earlier and I figured I'd give you a call."

"Ha, that was probably a little forward huh? I'm really sorry, I hope you're not angry I—"

"Oh no of course not," she laughed, "actually it just the opposite, it was nice surprise."

"I was a little worried you might think I was crazy or something," J.D mentally kicked himself, where had all of his game gone, "your friend, the one with the purple hair, was nice enough to give me your number."

"Rachel? Yeah she loves to meddle around in my personal life, you'd swear she was the town match maker or something" her voice trails off in what J.D can only assume is embarrassment.

There is a momentary pause, short enough not to be considered awkward. Suddenly J.D is tripping over his words while trying to seem suave, "Well the reason I wanted to talk to you was to see if maybe you'd like to grab dinner tonight?" He knows he sounds a bit nervous, but he can't really help it. 

There's another pause and J.D grows more nervous and tries to back pedal, "I'm sorry, I know it's really short notice; I'm sure you're busy. I didn't mean to bother you," he stops when hears her soft laughter. 

"We haven't even gone out yet, and you are already regretting asking me out," she teases through her laughter.

"Right, shit I'm sorry," he replies embarrassed.

"Stop apologizing so much," she responds sweetly.

"oh sorry, I mean shit sorry," he realizes he sounds like an idiot.

Louise is laughing harder now, "it's ok really, and I'm not busy tonight, you know—if that offer still stands." 

"Of course it does."

The rest of the conversation is used to plan going over details for the night, when J.D hangs up he feels like he could conquer anything. However, his elation is quickly deflated as Lenard calls his phone once again. "Back to work," J.D mutters

||

Johnny stands looking over the pool table trying to decide what his next move is going to be. Pink stands behind him amused, "c'mon man, while we're still young."

"Look perfection is not something you just rush into," Johnny says while realigning his cue stick for what has to be the umpteenth time, "just relax Pink and watch the master work." 

"Listen cracka' you ain't no Master," pink retorts jokingly. Johnny laughs before sinking two stripes in the corner pocket, "yeah if you say so."

"You listenin' to this fool Stryker? He thinks he's hot shit," Stryker grunts a response of amusement, "See Johnny-boy even the German thinks you're full of shit."

"Ah I'm hurt Stryke, I thought we had something special," Stryker sips his beer and shrugs nonchalantly, "Sorry John-John." 

Johnny looks between both of them before lining up his stick for another shot, as he's pulling back Frank comes up with a second round of beer, "Alright Boys!"

Johnny misses the shot and turns glaring at Frank, "God Dammit Frank!" 

"What the fuck did I do?" He asks before Pink and Stryker burst out laughing.

"Nice shot 'Masta'," Pink laughs out carrying on the joke as he lines up for his shot, sinking it easily.

"Fuck you," Johnny quips. 

"Frank you're a fucking jinx." 

Frank grins in response," happy to be of service 'Masta'." All the boys laugh at that.

Stryker and Pink pick up the next game, "So what'd you think of that cat, uh J.D was it?" Frank chimes in.

"Yeah. He seems cool, it's weird how Terry just pulled him out of his ass. aye, didn't Lenard say Terry knew the kid's family," Pink offers without looking up from the table.

"yeah I think that's what he said, he's alright. I was talking to him a bit before," adds Stryker.

"Oh yeah? Have a nice little chat did ya, sounds like you've got a little boy crush there Stryke, anything I should be worried about?" Johnny jokes. 

"Don't need to be worried about me, but wasn't he chatting up your little Lou after the meeting," Stryker responds good naturedly not noticing Johnny's grip tightening around his beer glass. 

Stryker continued, "I mean it seemed like they knew each other you know? You think they know each other from some place?" He asked looking toward Johnny.

"I don't fucking know, it's not like I keep tabs on every person that Louise comes in contact with man." Johnny retorted harshly.

"Fuck man, I was just asking a God damn question, no need to get all bitchy. Seems like someone is a little territorial," Stryker laughed taking a long gulp of his beer, "I mean you can't blame the dude for trying Lou is a fucking babe. Seriously that ass, if I could get my hand on her."

"What the fuck did you just say?" Johnny snapped his head toward his arrogant German friend. Even though he and Stryker had been through a lot, he wouldn't hesitate to kick his teeth in. "Seriously Stryke, you might want to be careful fucking around with that shit."

"Johnny, cool it. You know he's just trying to get a rise out of you," Frank offered, always playing the part as the peace keeper.

"Whatever, fuck the both of you," Johnny stated coolly before heading toward the bar.

Pink spoke next as Johnny disappeared around the corner, "why do you always have to do that shit man? You never open your fucking mouth, but when you do you are always pulling some shit."

"That boy is just sensitive, he knows he crazy about that fucking broad. It's time he faced the facts and stop acting like a fuckin' Mieze."

Pink stepped forward," albeit that may be true, it's still not you're fucking place to push his buttons like that man, let him work his own shit out—

Frank laughed and steppd between the brawny black man and the lean German, "that's enough of this Dr. Phil shit. We're here to play pool. Pink go get John-john and Stryke shut the fuck up cause it's your shot." 

Stryker shrugged, "Whatever," before turning toward the table.

Pink took that opportunity to go find Johnny. Sure enough he was sitting at the bar, two doubles in and calling the bartender over for a third. He slid in next to his Italian friend and ordered a shot of what he was having.




Between The Walls Ch. 03



Johnny could sense his best friends' presence next to him but refused to look at him. He kept his gaze trained on the wall in front of him, examining the shelves lined with an array of different liquors. Pink cleared his throat, but Johnny held out. The bartender set another double in front of him and he immediately downed it before acknowledging Pink with a hard glare. 

"What man?"

Pink took a moment to choose his words carefully, "Not to sound like a douche, but why are you over here sulking like a bitch, dude?"

"Fuck off," Johnny quipped before signaling the bartender again.

Pink waved him off and turned to Johnny, "Listen man, you are letting this shit get to you before it has even become something. This J.D character is just some fucking dude, Why are you acting like you are about to hand Louise off in marriage. Seriously man, you are the one who chose to have things the way are. I'm not trying to be a fucking ass but you need to get a grip. YOU are the one who said you didn't want to complicate things. Are you gonna act like a lil' butt hurt ass nigga everytime some dude looks at Lou? Get the fuck off your high horse and either step up or—"

"I don't need to hear this shit man," Johnny answered loudly before getting up, "Fuck you, fuck them, and fuck that J.D mother fucker. I thought we were friends' man how can you just sit there throwing this shit at me!" Johnny knew he sounded ridiculous, "I'm not fucking jealous dude, I'm just sick of those mother fuckers actin' like they know anything about the friendship that Louise and I have. Emphasis on the friendship man!"

Pink downed his double before turning to his friend, "call it what you want dude, but you are the one who needs to saddle up or shut the fuck up. If you really believe what you are saying then you need to calm the fuck down and let the girl be. If you really care about her you'll let her live her fuckin' life."

Johnny wiped his face and exhaled loudly, "this shit has gotten way to heavy dude, fuck it. I'm over it. You guys are making a big ordeal over some shit," he stumbled slightly. "I'm gonna go take a leak, I'll meet you are the table man."

Pink stood and threw some bills on the counter top, "alright man, whatever you say."

Johnny was already on his way to the men's room when Pinky added his last comment. He rushed through the door and relieved himself of his past few shots. After washing up he looked at himself in the mirror. His blue eye blazing as he watched the man before him. After splashing some cold water on his face he turned away from his reflection and put his hands behind his head. 

"Fuck."

||

Louse was applying a thin layer of eyeliner, trying to perfect the cat like shape that was in style when she heard a knock at her front door.

"Johnny," she huffed.

She half jogged and half tripped her way to the threshold of her apartment.

She almost melted when she swung the door open, taking in Johnny always impeccably handsome face, "hey babe," she cooed, "what brings you here."

Johnny threw her one of his signature smiles and held up a bag of what could only be Thai food, "thought you'd be hungry."

Louise's smile faded into a grimace, "oh Johnny, that's sweet but I was just headed out in a bit for dinner." She tried to play it cool but she knew Johnny would eventually catch on to her.

"Dinner?"

"Yeah, I've got a dinner date you know? Nothing special just food and conversation."

"Oh yeah? With who?"

Louise was a little irritated, because she knew that Johnny would interrogate her until he had all the answers. He always had to know everything about every dude that entered her life. When she was younger she thought that it was really sweet, but as the years passed she just found it annoying. She couldn't comprehend why who she decided to spend her time with affected him so much, but after a while she just allowed him to poke his nose where it didn't belong.

"That guy J.D."

Johnny visibly stiffened before clearing his throat," oh right. Well I guess this was a bit of a waste," he said holding the bag up slightly.

Louise could tell he was annoyed but tried to act as if she didn't notice, "I'm sorry John, if you would have called then I would have tried to reschedule." She was lying through her teeth and she knew that he knew it.

"It's cool Lou, don't even worry about it, just , well never mind." 

"What? Just," she stopped midsentence when she noticed the hardening of his gaze, "look thank you, but we can always eat tomorrow, it's not like I'm going anywhere."

Johnny just shrugged, "seriously it's cool, just look-- have fun alright."

"Johnny."

"Lou, c'mon it's not that big of a deal, it's just Thai food, we can eat later. Have fun on your date."

"Well what are you going to do?"

"I don't know, maybe hit up Jennifer," he said with a cheeky grin. Lou didn't notice how he tried to hide his emotions, or maybe she had just learned how to ignore them.

Either way she couldn't hide the harshness in her reply, "So you are just going to give away my meal then?"

"Looks like it."

"Fine, whatever," Lou was more irritated than she normally would have been.

"Is there a problem or something, I mean you just said you had plans."

"Yeah I do John," she crossed her arms and gave him a stern gaze," look I really need to finish getting ready."

"Okay, cool. I'll call you tomorrow then."

"Okay do what you want, obviously that is what you always intend to do."

Johnny just stared at her, he almost wanted to laugh. If he really did what he wanted she'd be naked writhing beneath him while calling his name. "Yeah I guess so, I'll call you later okay?"

"Fine Johnny."

He looked at her again trying to lighten the tension," don't be so hard Lou," he kissed her quickly on the cheek," have fun alright and I'll uh call you tomorrow."

Lou gave him a half-hearted smile before placing her hand on the door, "whatever you say Johnny-boy." They held each other's gaze momentarily, each not knowing what to say,

"Night Lou."

"G'night Johnny," he turned to leave and Lou had an urge to stop him. To say she was sorry, even though she didn't know why. She watched his retreating figure before stepping back into heR apartment and closing the door. 'What the fuck,' she thought. How did Johnny ruin her night before it had even started?

||

J.D was all nerves as he walked towards Louise's shop, which he learned was also her living space. He held the flowers he had bought earlier in his hand feeling like a complete idiot. 

What was he thinking he questioned himself, he was starting up a relationship with a girl that he knew was out of his league. What would she do when she caught wind of what he was really up too. He was into some shady maneuvers with dangerous people. It didn't really matter that she seemed involved somehow with Johnny, the kid seemed like a straight shooter, if you could have such a thing in his line of work. 

He tried to get a hold of himself as he walked the few blocks that separated him from his ebony goddess, 'get a hold of yourself man, you've been with plenty of women. Stop acting like a fuckin' teenager.' 

He was about a block from her place and was dangerously close to calling her up and cancelling plans. 'Fuck,' he thought about is history with women and how things always seemed to come crashing down in a blaze of dramatic glory. 'maybe things will be different, maybe I can be different,' he highly doubted it, but with Louise he was willing to try. 

As he reached the sweet shop, he did as instructed and walked around the outer edge to the side door and rang the doorbell. He heard a crackle and Louise's familiar voice poured through the intercom. 

"Who is it?" she chimed.

"J.D."

"Oh. I'll buzz you up," he heard the twang of the buzzer alerting him that he was permitted inside. With slight hesitation he pulled the door and stepped into a dark corridor that ascended into stairs. "Here we go," he said out loud to no one in particular. He wondered when he had turned into such a pansy. 

He reached the top of the stairs and found the only other door that was not a custodial closet. Rapping on it lightly, he waited for it to open.

He wasn't kept waiting long, Louise opened the door and was sight of heaven in all of its glory. 

She was wearing a red mini dress with quarter length sleeves and nude heels. The dress had synched at the waist accentuating her sexy curves. Her short hair seemed a little fuller, and he noticed the dark make-up on her top eyelids. The dress was about mid-thigh, but still left much to the imagination. Her breasts looked delicious, they spilled out slightly from the heart shaped neck line and the long silver chain that donned a silver stone completed everything. Her eyes shined like black onyx as she greeted him.

Her voice was throaty with excitement when she slightly cooed in greeting, "Hey."

"Hey yourself, wow, you look incredible."

She looked down, and he noticed her long eyelashes grazed her high cheekbones; she was so damn adorable while being so fucking sexy all at once. He wasn't sure if he would make it through dinner. 

"Thank you." She whispered, "do you want to come in, I'm almost ready."

He laughed at that, "you aren't ready? What else could you possibly do to make yourself look any more spectacular?"

She laughed at that, the sound was whimsical and J.D thought he might fall through the doorway rather than walking in. 

"Well I need to grab my purse and jacket, so make yourself comfortable."

"Will do," he answered before remembering the flowers. "These are for you by the way."

"Oh," she laughed out, "I was wondering who they were for. You were holding onto them so tightly I thought they might belong to some other girl."

"No sweetie," he offered in his southern twang, "they're all for you", he extended his hand out giving her the bouquet.

"Thank you," she answered sweetly.

She held onto the flowers taking in a deep breath, before taking them to the kitchen to be placed into a vase, "I'll be right back."

J.D took this opportunity to take in his surroundings. He could tell that Louise had all kinds of interests. She was defiantly a new breed of woman. Her place was decorated in with a minimalist style that had been engulfed with slight clutter. He could tell that she was not one for extravagant throw pillows and name brands. Her living room held artwork, books and a collection of comic books and sci-fi memorabilia. But it reflected this haphazard line between art student and geek. He admired the way the neutral tones of her apartment played alongside one another. As he was examining things he noticed a picture of what had to be a young Louise standing next to her father, they were in a boxing ring and she was wearing gloves and sporting cornrows at a young age. He had to laugh at her toothy grin and the attractive older black man beside her.

There was no woman in the picture, in fact the only photograph of a woman resembling Louise was a single frame at the edge of a coffee table. It had to be her mother, they sported the same grin. The older woman was sitting in a bench with a sunhat on and laughing at the camera, she looked thin, much too thin to be healthy. The dark circles under her eye could have meant anything, but through the tiredness she seemed to be glowing for the camera, he wondered what had happened to her.

Next J.D found another framed photo of what could only be a teenage Louise standing next a dashing Jonathan Gallow. She was in a royal blue prom dress and Johnny in a tuxedo. She was bent over laughing at the camera and Johnny held her around the waist trying to keep his composure. J.D couldn't help the jealousy that rose throughout his chest. 'so they had been friends for a long time.' 

Johnny seemed to play the part of the suave older young man, Louise looked very innocent and gripped his hand around her waist in the picture; something had obviously set off her laughter. He wondered what had brought them together in the first place. They stood together beneath a tree and the longer J.D looked at the picture the more his anger grew. He was still staring at the picture when Louise came into the living room.

"Ready?" Louise asked stepping in the common area, J.D turned around and is expression took her breath away. His eyes were dark with desire, which sent a fiery trail to the core of her stomach. Keeping her composure she waited for his answer.

"Yes ma'am," he answered after exaiming her again.

"Alright cowboy," Louise laughed out, "am I an old woman suddenly?"

"Defiantly not, you're still a sexy little thang."

"Whatever cowboy, let's go."

||

They arrived at the upscale sushi restaurant about a quarter to 9, J.D jumped out of the car to open Louise's door.

"Thank you," she said cheerfully.

The two walked into the restaurant together, it was dimly lit with high top tables in the middle and booths situated around the edges. A DJ was playing some of the newest mixes with old school beats added in. Louise smiled, she liked the place from the get go.

"I hope you like sushi?"

"Ofcourse, I would think with you being from the south and all you'd prefer your fish fried," she offered jokingly.

"Despite common misconceptions us Southerners are dignified and such, and I've been all around the world missy, I've got some refined tastes."

"My apologies," she laughed again.

One of the few attractive hostesses showed them to their seats, she was wearing all black with bright red lipstick, she had a large bow tied in her hair with a scarf and was a few inches taller than Louise. Lou sized her up but looking over at J.D and noticing that his eyes were trained only on her put her at ease.

J.D ordered them a round of hot sake and Louise studied the menu, she placed it down and looked up to find J.D staring at her from the top of his menu.

"Why do you stare at me like that, I feel like you are going to bore a hole right through me," 

J.D laughed, " I'm sorry, I don't mean to stare its just that I'm happy you decided to come out with me is all. You know with, well I won't mix business with pleasure."

Louise was a little taken aback by how upfront J.D was with his line of work, usually Johnny kept it on a need to know basis. She found it to be a little exciting; she tried to delve a little deeper, "So what is it exactly that you do."

J.D quipped an eyebrow and immediately caught wind that Jonathan didn't keep Louise completely in the loop, he figured it wasn't his place to bring her into it. "Some things here and there, but like I said I'm not one to mix business with pleasure."

He noticed that her eyes turn quizzically and her face fell slightly, he wanted to laugh slightly at how cute she looked, but he didn't want to scare her off going into how he lives a life with guns blazing and lots of people ended up hurt, if not dead. 

"Well that doesn't seem fair," she tried a new angle, " you know all about the shop I run. Everything is out in the open."

J.D laughed at that, " oh really? For all I know you could be running pastries across the border, better yet I'm sure you have a little sweatshop going in your basement."

Louise almost spit out her sake at that, " you need to quit it." Taking a sip of water she calmed her laughter and realized how hungry she was. Just then the server came and they placed their orders. 

The evening moved a long quickly after that. Mostly it was Louise laughing at things that J.D would say. He had a serious air about him but she figured that when he was in a comfortable setting he was able to open up more. He did stay away from real personal talk, and quickly changed the subject when she asked about his childhood and family. A lot of the time he was asking her questions, it seemed he would be able to write a book about all the things she spilled.

They were in the middle of talking about her father when the check came.

"It was just me and my dad growing up. My mom died of Kidney complications when I was 7. I don't have any brothers or sisters, so it was just us two."

J.D listened intently as he slipped his card into the check book, "so he was the one that would take you to the boxing ring?"

"Yeah, he owned it, its where me and Johnny spent a lot of our time as kids. Mostly it was me kicking his ass, but my dad taught me everything he knew. He had a few champion fighters train there. He was great, I really loved him," she trailed off sadly at the last part and J.D didn't feel comfortable with pushing the issue. 

Louise pick up her small sake shot glass and raised it in toast, "Here is to an amazing night."

J.D looked her deep in the eye, "and many more to come." Louise noticed his eyes darken again and she felt that same shiver go through her spine, she downed the shot and laughed, "One sake bomb before we go!"

"Fine," J.D gave in

||

When the two finally arrived at Louise's place it was 20 past midnight and Louise was a happy drunk.

"What is it with you Southerners, feeding girls drinks all night," she hiccupped and playfully added, "you asked for this."

J.D just smiled amused as she attempted to navigated her steps, "I'm starting to think you may have a drinking problem Lou."

Louise turned and feigned shock, "I'll have you know I only drank because you made me nervous," she stopped to open her door, "you just appear and my words just start to falter, so I had to build a little liquid courage in order to-" 

J.D was right behind her when se turned around, he placed one hand above her head on the door and with the other he slowly slipped the keys from her hands. Louise breathed in sallow breaths becoming intoxicated even more by his earthy smell. He was all man, he didn't even need cologne. Louise gulped audibly and looked up into his smoldering eyes 

"I make you nervous?" He asked playfully, as he unlocked the door and opened it slowly behind her. 

"yes I mean-"

She didn't have time to finish her sentence before his lips were on hers. She didn't even try to resist. She pulled him toward her through the door way and he shut it behind them. 

||