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Velvet Roses Ch. 01

By: virgofemme



*Once again, I really do apologize for the sequel of Tattoo of Love. Please forgive me, guys!I'll probably get back to it eventually, but right now i'm giving my full attention to this story.

I do promise that I will continue to post chapters of this new story though, so you guys don't have to worry about me leaving you hanging. Well, here it is...and I hope you'll enjoy this first chapter. :)* 



Releasing a heavy sigh, Jeneda Larkson took another glance at her watch. Twenty minutes had elapsed and yet the stage of the university lecture hall was *still* empty. Where was this guest speaker, and just what excuse did he have for making such a late appearance? It was surprising she'd even lasted this long, considering that patience wasn't one of her strongest traits. 

Pulling the collar of her leather blazer closer around her neck, she did her best to ward off the icy draft which was coming from the vent above her. Then, remembering that she had some gum in her pocket, she retrieved it. She didn't know why, but for some reason the chewing motion kept her warm. 

After popping a stick of wintergreen into her mouth, she started to slip the package of gum back into her pocket, yet a tap on her shoulder halted her movement. Glancing to her right, she saw that her best friend, Luna, was holding her palm out. After passing a stick of gum her way, Jeneda pocketed the package, then took another glance at her watch. 

"Got a hot date?" 

The sound of her friend's voice caught Jeneda's attention, and she threw a glance her way. Luna had dark brown curly hair with honey blonde highlights, cocoa brown skin, and almond shaped eyes. Clad in an oversized, off the shoulder sweater and a pair of jeans, she gave Jeneda a little smile. 

"I wish," Jeneda said. "It'd certainly be a whole lot more interesting than sitting in this lecture hall, freezing my butt off." She chewed her gum faster. 

"Relax, he'll probably show up soon."

"I'll give him five more minutes, then I'm heading home. I've got a sculpture to work on, not to mention I'm starving."

"Leave, and you'll be sorry. I'm telling you, this guy is anything but boring."

"Oh yeah? What's so interesting about him?" Grabbing a flyer from off her lap, she allowed her eyes to rove across the bold, large words of the heading. "Gonzo City: Passing through the end, on the way to the beginning," she spoke aloud. Then she read the smaller print, italicized text below. "A discussion with Dane Trenton about his stimulating graphic novel series." 

Turning her head to glance at Luna, she saw that her face was illuminated by the light of her cell phone, which she was using to key in a text. "Great title, huh? I just love the sound of it."

"Really?" Jeneda asked. "I think it sounds like a hipster art show."

A faint smile curled Luna's crimson lips, and she lightly shook her head. "Dane Trenton is most definitely not a hipster." Then she added, "Not that there's anything wrong with that." 

"Of course not. I'm just saying, it sounds kinda pretentious."

"He's not that, either. You'll see."

Certain that the guest speaker wasn't going to show anytime soon, Jeneda retrieved her car keys from the pocket of her jacket, then slouched down in her seat. She was ready to bail, but knowing that Luna would be disappointed in her departure, she decided to give it another few minutes. 

The chattering voices in the lecture hall suddenly subsided as a short, squat man with wire rimmed glasses and gray hair took to the stage, coming to a stop behind a podium. Recognizing the man as her former professor, Jeneda watched as he grabbed hold of a microphone, then began to speak.

"This afternoon we have the extraordinary pleasure of being graced with the presence of a creative superstar. His graphic novel series, titled, Gonzo City, is continually growing in popularity, and has a striking visual imagery which has earned him a legion of hardcore fans. While his immense talent is clearly God given, it was honed right here at this very institution. The Artist's Academy of San Francisco is not only honored, but also privileged to have this successful alumni as our guest speaker." He gave pause, then cleared his throat and continued. "And now after much waiting, and no doubt plenty of anticipation, I bring to the stage, Dane Trenton."

An eruption of clapping filled the lecture hall, and a tall, lanky figure walked onto the stage. Dressed in a blue green velvet blazer, a gray dress shirt, and a pair of black jeans, Dane Trenton made quite a striking vision. 

Initially, it was his outfit that caught Jeneda's attention, but as her eyes came to rest on his face, she found herself instantly taken by his slim, sharp features. 

Blessed with thick, shiny black hair, Dane's locks reached shoulder length and had luscious waves which made Jeneda long to run her fingers through it. 

His dark, hooded eyes suggested he was of Asian ancestry, yet something about the rest of his features made her guess that he was also mixed with white. His cheekbones jutted beneath his pale skin, and there was a small tuft of hair beneath his lips, along with a light goatee.

A feast for the eyes if there ever was one, Dane had the coloring and bone structure of a vampire. Transfixed by the sight of this beautiful man, Jeneda watched as he took hold of the microphone. Then she eagerly waited for him to speak.

"First off, I'd like to thank you all for showing up," he said in a silky, deep voice. "It's a pleasure being back at The Artist's Academy, and I really am very humbled to see so many of these seats filled."

Instead of standing behind the podium, Dane stood in the middle of the stage with one hand casually stuffed into the pocket of his jeans. 

"Some of you may be familiar with my first graphic novel. It's a little project I did some years ago, called Odd Souls..." 

Before he could even finish speaking, shouts and hollers came from a large portion of the audience, to which he offered a humble little smile, then tilted his head down. 

His shaggy locks flopped into his face as a result, partially obscuring his features. Once the enthusiastic noisemakers quieted down, Dane looked back up. He did a little head toss to remove the hair from his eyes, then continued. 

"I honestly never expected more than a handful of people outside of my family to read Odd Souls, so you can probably imagine how blown away I was when I found out there were actual fans out there. Then I started making enough money to quit my day job, and let me tell you, there's no sweeter feeling in this world than getting paid to do what you love." 

As he continued to speak, Jeneda listened raptly. Transfixed, she was unable to look away for even a split second. It wasn't just his gorgeous face, but also his voice, and the way he moved. 

She noticed that every so often, he would caress his goatee. He also had this way of running his fingers through his hair, and each time he did it, she felt a little zing of arousal go through her. 

He was damn alluring to say the least, and his mystique reeled her in. Yet despite his magnetic beauty, there was something else about him, something odd and interesting that made her long to know more about him. Sitting only four rows from the stage, she had a great view of him. Yet still, she was eager to get an even closer look. 

Half an hour elapsed before Dane allowed the audience, which consisted of both current students and alumni, to ask questions. Most of the inquiries were about how he'd gotten his start in the business, and where he got his ideas from. 

There were far more questions than Dane had time to answer, so after the sixth person asked their question, he brought the Q and A session to an end. He then thanked the lecture hall of students for coming to hear him speak, and let everyone know that anyone who was interested could stick around for a meet and greet. 

This resulted in an excited chattering of voices, followed by a huge throng of people making a rush for the stage. No sooner had Jeneda risen to her feet, did Luna grab her by the hand, pulling her down the aisle so they could join the assemblage of students. If she had to guess, Jeneda would say there were about forty people surrounding Dane, yet due to his tall stature, his head was still visible. 

Some of the faculty members, who were standing around observing the madness, eventually organized the everyone into a single line. One by one, each of Dane's fans got their chance to shake hands and chat with him. 

Those who had brought along personal copies of his graphic novel had them signed. Some even whipped out their cell phones and took pictures with him, while others gushed embarrassingly, as if he were of royal status. 

Judging from his popularity, Jeneda guessed that to the bulk of his fans, he was a divine-like being, and although she found it humorous how dazed they seemed in his presence, she couldn't really blame them. 

He had this energy about him that was akin to a rockstar, and although he wasn't in the business of playing music, he still had groupies. 

More than half the people waiting in line were women, and Jeneda couldn't help noticing that each and every one of them shamelessly flirted with him. 

Unsurprisingly, Dane seemed to very much be enjoying the attention, and as Jeneda watched on, she realized he was doing quite a bit of flirting of his own. She guessed that Luna noticed it as well, because she gently nudged Jeneda, then spoke a few words. 

"Those college girls are *so* pathetic. Look at them. They have no shame!"

"It's not only the younger girls. Women our age are flirting with him, as well."

"Our age?" Luna emphasized the words to show her discontent with the way Jeneda had stated it. "You make it sound like we're ancient."

"Compared to all these twenty-something's, we are."

"You're thirty-one and I'm thirty-three."

"Yep."

"That's not old."

"I never said it was."

Luna crossed her arms in front of her chest, then cocked her head slightly, as if in deep thought. "You think he sleeps with his fans?"

"I don't know, maybe. Why?"

"Cause I'd totally love to do him."

A smile crept onto Jeneda's lips. "You and every other chick in here. Take a number."

"Seems like you wouldn't mind taking one, either."

This caused Jeneda to turn her head and offer Luna a lingering glance. The look Jeneda received in return seemed to silently convey that Luna was all too aware of her attraction to Dane. Yet this still didn't stop Jeneda from trying to play it cool.

"I'll admit he's drop dead gorgeous, but I am not about to throw myself at him."

"You can still flirt, though."

"Yeah, I guess. But what's the point? He's probably used to women falling all over him, so that wouldn't really set me apart, would it?"

Luna broke into a broad smile. "Check you out. Sounds like you're setting up a little game plan."

"I am not. I just don't see any reason to feed this guy's ego."

She gave a little shrug and replied, "Suit yourself." Then she retrieved a copy of Gonzo City from her large purse. 

Taking a glance at the cover of the graphic novel, Jeneda saw that it depicted a futuristic looking city with thin, tall glass buildings set against the backdrop of a gloomy looking sky.

Large neon signs and billboards provided a sharp contrast to the dark cityscape, but for the most part, the city had quite a dystopian look to it. Curious to see the contents of the book, she decided to ask Luna for a peek.

"Mind if I take a look?"

"Nope. Take your time, I think you'll enjoy it." Luna gently placed the graphic novel in Jeneda's hand, as if it were made of gold, rather than just glossy paper.

Flipping through the pages, Jeneda noticed that the panels of the graphic novel featured characters who were decked out in leather pants, vinyl clubwear, and knee high, platform boots.

Many had neon colored, punky looking hairstyles and multiple piercings. Cyberpunk style, she thought as she admired the striking illustrations. Overall, the graphic novel had quite a cool look to it, and Jeneda found herself bowled over by Dane's incredible artistic skills. 

So engrossed in the high tech universe of Gonzo City, Jeneda failed to realize that she and Luna had nearly reached the front of the line. A gentle elbowing from Luna, however, brought Jeneda back to the present moment. 

"So, what do you think?" Luna asked.

"Pretty cool. Does this guy just illustrate, or he writes as well?"

"Writes, illustrates...he does it all."

"Wow. Very impressive." She gave the book back to Luna.

"I know, isn't he amazing? I would love to have even *half* the talent that he has."

"What are you talking about? You're a great illustrator." 

"Oh yeah? Then why haven't I gotten hired at a comic publishing house, yet?" 

"Keep trying, Luna. Don't give up."

"Oh believe me, I won't. I did not take out thousands of dollars in student loans and bust my butt for four years in a fancy ass art school just so I could work low paying freelance jobs."

"Those freelance gigs pay your rent, don't they?"

"Yeah, but It's not what I went to school for." 

"I understand your frustration, but you've gotta keep at it. You're gonna get that dream job eventually."

"I sure hope so. Cause I'm really getting tired of eating hot pockets and Ramen noodles."

The mention of food caused Jeneda's stomach to grumble, and Luna took notice.

"Speaking of food, you wanna get some pizza after we leave here?"

"Yeah, but let's go to Bimbo's. Sal's skimps on tomato sauce."

"Bimbo's it is," said Luna.

After nearly fifteen minutes of waiting, Jeneda and Luna were now only one person away from meeting Dane Trenton. Unconsciously, Jeneda smoothed a palm over her sleek black hair, which was cut into a choppy bob. Her bangs, which were side swept, gave her an alluring look and accented the shape of her oval face. 

Now afforded the opportunity to be in closer proximity to Dane, Jeneda realized that he was even more devastatingly handsome up close. Since he was busily engaged in conversation with the woman standing in front her, Jeneda took the opportunity to get in a good, long stare.

The first thing she focused on was his shoulder length hair. It was inky black with an incredible shine, and she just couldn't stop admiring the loose waves in it. It was a bit unruly, as if he'd been out in the wind and it'd gotten blown around a bit, but she liked that. It only made her want to run her fingers through it even more. 

She guessed that the female fan he was talking to said something amusing, because he laughed, then tilted his head downward so he could focus his attention on the book he was autographing. 

Once that was done, he handed the book back to the woman, and after giving him a flirtatious hair flip and smile, she walked off. Now resting his eyes on Jeneda and Luna, he gave them a smile, welcoming them forward. 

"I just want to say, I'm a huge fan," Luna unabashedly gushed. "You're an amazing illustrator, and I just love Gonzo City. I have every book in the series." 

"Well thank you for your support. I appreciate each and every one of my fans. You guys really are amazing." He smiled broadly, undoubtedly causing Luna to melt in the process.

She smiled back, then bit her lip. Having been friends with Luna for nearly six years, Jeneda knew that when it came to lip biting, it meant that Luna was nervous. Which was quite amusing, considering that she was usually very outgoing and extremely chatty, even with random strangers on the street.

Casting a brief glance toward the graphic novel in Luna's hand, Dane asked, "Did you want me to sign that?"

"Oh, right. I forgot all about it." She bashfully smiled, then handed it over.

"What's your name?" Dane asked.

"Luna."

"Luna...that means moon, doesn't it?" 

"Yep. The night I was born, there was a big, full one, so that's how I got the name."

"I see. Well, it's a very lovely name." 

"Thank you." Luna accepted her signed copy of Gonzo City from him, then tucked a curly lock behind her ear.

"You're very welcome. Thanks for being a fan," he said in his deep, sexy voice.

"My pleasure."

Jeneda didn't even have to glance at Luna to tell that she was bursting with happiness. She could feel it coming off her in waves, and it was clear to see that Luna would be having some very sweet dreams later that night. 

Turning his gaze on Jeneda, Dane spoke to her. "And what about you?" 

"What about me?" 

"Do you have a book you'd like me to sign?"

"No. I'm just tagging along with my friend."

"Oh." A look of slight disappointment crossed his face. "Have you read Gonzo City?"

"Nope. I'm not much of a comic book person."

An amused look crossed his face. "It's not a comic book. It's a graphic novel."

"Same difference."

"Actually, It's not. Comic books are usually thin, with paper covers, and cater to the younger crowd. Graphic novels are thicker and have more mature content. Hence the word, graphic." 

"I see. Well I'm certainly happy to have learned the difference." Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

A maddening smirk played at his lips, yet she could see a change in his eyes. He probably hadn't expected her to do anything more than just stare stupidly at him after he'd finished his riveting explanation, and he certainly hadn't expected her to respond the way that she did, so now he was trying to make her feel uncomfortable the best way he knew how-with that penetrating stare. 

As he studied her, she studied him. It was far too easy to get lost in those dark, hooded eyes of his, and as she held his gaze, she found herself wondering how old he was. Yet as soon as the thought came into her head, she admonished herself. 

What did it matter how old he was? Not only was he pretentious, but also a hardcore flirt, so why would she ever give him the time of day? While he was certainly great to look at, he most likely wouldn't make very good boyfriend material. 

Suddenly becoming worried that he could somehow figure out what she was thinking, she quickly averted her gaze. 

She felt silly even considering that he had the power to read her mind, yet something about his eyes made her wonder if he was one of those people who could adeptly read others. It certainly wouldn't surprise her if he was. Jeneda cleared her throat, then looked at her watch, silently signaling to Luna that she was ready to go. 

"Well, thanks for signing my book." Luna gave Dane a smile in parting.

"No problem." Then turning his attention to Jeneda, he said, "If you ever get a chance, check out Gonzo City. I think you'd enjoy it." 

"She already has, and she loved it."

Luna's quick response caused Jeneda to throw a look of dissatisfaction her way. Then she glanced at Dane, and saw that he seemed to be equally surprised. 

"Oh really?" He asked Luna, and after receiving a nod in response, he looked at Jeneda. 

So you liked it?" He asked. 

"I didn't really get a chance to read the whole thing. I just flipped through it."

"But you did enjoy it?"

"Yeah, it was alright," Jeneda said. 

"She's probably too shy to tell you this, but she used the words, 'wow, cool, and very impressive,' to describe your work. 

Suddenly feeling the urge to duck tape Luna's big mouth shut, Jeneda narrowed her eyes at her. Yet aware that Jeneda was giving her a dirty look, Luna avoided eye contact, choosing instead to look at Dane. 

"Is that true?" Dane kept his gaze focused on Jeneda.

"Yes," she reluctantly said. "I thought it was pretty interesting."

The corners of his lips tugged into a pleased smile. "Cool. I'm glad to hear it."

She nodded, then said, "Yeah, well, it was nice meeting you." Then she turned on her heel and headed down the steps of the stage. 


Velvet Roses Ch. 01



She heard Luna say goodbye to Dane, then there was the sound of her footsteps as she followed behind Jeneda. Once she'd reached her side, Luna gave her a funny look.

"What's with you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Why did you just leave like that?"

Jeneda shrugged. "I don't know. How was I supposed to leave?" 

"Okay, what's going on? Why are you acting so weird?"

"I'm not."

"Yes you are. So what's the deal?"

After exiting the lecture hall, they made their way out of the building, then started across the lush, park-like college campus, walking hastily side by side. 

"You embarrassed me." Jeneda asked.

"What are you talking about? All I did was tell the guy that you liked his graphic novel." Then she added, "By the way, why were you holding back your opinion of his work?"

"Because I didn't feel like sharing it."

"Why not?"

"I'm sure he already knows how talented he is. He doesn't need the ego stroke."

"You make it seem like he's full of himself."

Jeneda's lack of response said more than any words could.

"Wait, you don't actually think Dane Trenton's an egomaniac, do you?"

"I wouldn't go so far as to say that, but he's definitely pretentious."

"He is not." The tone of voice she used made it seem as if Jeneda had just insulted her, rather than Dane. 

"In my opinion, he is." The nippy weather caused Jeneda to stuff her hands in her pocket, and she sniffed.

"How?"

The lamp posts which lined the path they were walking along emitted a soft golden light, and as Jeneda turned her head to look at her friend, she saw that Luna's face had a soft glow to it.

"That explanation he gave of the difference between comics and graphic novels was kind of ridiculous, don't you think?"

"No. I thought he explained it very well."

"But the way he said it..." As her voice trailed off, she shook her head in annoyance. "He tried to make it seem as if the concept of graphic novels was way over my head. Which is totally ridiculous, because It's not as if they're super complicated or anything."

"I think you're blowing this out of proportion, Jeneda. I don't remember him acting that way at all."

"Well I do." She was silent for a moment, then said, "And to think, I was actually attracted to him."

"I knew it. You do like him." A big smile crossed Luna's face.

"No, I don't. Not anymore."

"Come on, Jeneda. It wasn't that big of a deal."

"I didn't like the way he talked to me."

"He wasn't rude to you." Receiving nothing except silence in return, she added, "Okay, so maybe his whole explanation of comics versus graphic novels was a little pompous. But he's still a nice guy." 

"Yeah, well, I still think he was annoying." Having reached the parking lot, she headed in the direction of her car.

"He really got under your skin, didn't he?"

"I guess you can say he did."

Upon reaching her Jeep Cherokee, Jeneda unlocked the driver's door, climbed inside, then leaned over to pop up the lock of the passenger's side. Once Luna was inside, Jeneda started up the engine. 

"Love or hate him, you have to admit he's pretty infatuating," Luna said.

"I'm tired of talking about him. Let's change the subject, okay?" She turned the radio on to emphasize her statement.

Yet no sooner had the words left her mouth, did she realize that the harder she tried to stop thinking of him, the more persistent the image of his face in her mind became. He'd infiltrated her mind, and she had a pretty good feeling it wouldn't be easy to shake him loose.

* * * *

A week had passed since Jeneda and Luna had attended Adrian Trenton's speaking engagement, yet the memory of him hadn't faded a bit. Like an itch that wouldn't go away, he just kept creeping back into Jeneda's mind. She hated to admit it, but the man had left a lasting impression on her. 

Everytime she caught herself thinking about him, she inwardly scolded herself. Yet no matter how hard she tried, she unfailingly found herself once again reliving the experience of meeting him. 

She didn't know why, because he'd done nothing short of irk her, but she supposed that when one had such a magnetic presence as he did, it was almost impossible to fight the attraction. 

While the better part of her Saturday morning had been spent working on a commissioned sculpture, she'd decided to spend the afternoon attending a comic book convention with Luna. 

She wasn't the biggest fan of comics, but after five straight hours of molding a massive lump of clay into the shape of a huge face, she'd found it necessary to take a break from working on her art piece, and have a fun little outing. 

The comic book convention was being held at a huge exhibition center in the downtown area of San Francisco, and as Jeneda and Luna approached the building, they saw a ridiculously long line of comic book enthusiasts stretched all the way down the block and around the building. Jeneda blinked once, then twice, before realizing that her eyes truly weren't deceiving her. 

"You have got to be kidding me," she said as they made their way down the sidewalk and toward the end of the line. 

"Don't worry, it shouldn't take long to get inside," said Luna. "I've been coming to this convention for three years now, and I've never had to wait longer than twenty minutes."

"You say that like it's a short amount of time."

"It is, considering the amount of people that are here." 

After walking for what seemed like a mile, they reached the end of the line and took their spot behind a tall girl clad in an Aeon Flux costume. They chatted about various topics while waiting, as well as checked out the various costumes that the other attendees were wearing. 

Once they finally made it inside the convention center, they headed to the ticket booth, where they had to wait in another line. After they finally got their printout tickets scanned, they were each given a wristband, then allowed to join the rest of the comic aficionados. 

After nearly half an hour of waiting in line, both women were eager to explore, and they excitedly strolled through the multi-level structure. Packed with throngs of devotees, the building was buzzing with activity. 

Jeneda got a kick out of looking at the people who were dressed up in costumes, and even though she didn't know the majority of characters that people were dressed up as, she could still appreciate the creativity and effort that went into it.

"So, where to first?" Luna asked.

"I don't know. I'm kinda overwhelmed here." Visually stimulated, Jeneda took in her surroundings, staring in wide eyed wonder at the eclectic mix of people milling around her. 

"Well, we could head to the second floor. That's where all the booths are, and they also have a stage where you can check out celebrity speakers."

"You lead the way, and I'll follow."

They took the escalator up to the second level, then made their way into the exhibit hall, where tons of booths were set up selling everything from comic books, graphic novels, T-shirts, toys, games, and autographed memorabilia. 

A large stage was set up toward the rear of the exhibit hall, and a large screen was placed above it, offering the people who couldn't get close enough, a chance to view the panel of celebrities who were currently being interviewed. 

"So, what do you think?" Luna asked.

"Well, It's definitely interesting." No sooner had the words left her mouth, did a very convincing Joker cosplayer walk past them. So impressed by his makeup and costume, Jeneda turned her head to get a good look at him, to which he in response, gave her a devious smile.

"It's a lot more enjoyable than I thought it would be," she added.

"See? I knew you'd like it." 

They worked their way through the horde of people, walking through the rows of booths and occasionally stopping when something caught their eye. Then suddenly, Luna made a hasty beeline to a booth that was located a few feet away.

Jeneda followed behind her, and upon reaching the Doctor Who booth that had attracted Luna's attention, she glanced at the wares that were on display. She'd seen the show on TV once before, but didn't really have much of an idea of what it was all about. Glancing at Luna, Jeneda noticed that she was holding a package of action figures which were made to look like characters of the program. 

"Don't you already have some of these?" Jeneda was certain that she'd seen the mini replica figures on a display shelf in Luna's apartment.

"These are different. They're part of the micro-universe."

"Oh, okay." 

"Oh yes, I found it!" 

"What is that?" Jeneda asked as she watched Luna pick up an odd looking character figurine, which as far as she could tell, was some sort of a tank-like object.

"Dalek."

"Who?"

"*Dalek*." The tone of voice that Luna used seemed to convey that Jeneda was silly for even asking. 

"Okay. And just what exactly is Dalek?"

"They're a race of extraterrestrial mutants."

"It looks more like a robot to me."

"They're cyborgs."

"Same thing."

"Cyborgs are *not* the same as robots. There's a distinct difference."

Jeneda was curious to ask Luna just what that difference was, but knowing all too well how long winded she could become when discussing these sorts of subjects, she decided instead to just remain quiet. 

While Luna was geeking out over the Doctor Who merchandise, Jeneda allowed her eyes to wander over the banners of the various booths. One in particular caught her eye, and proclaimed the booth below it as belonging to 'Acid Burn Comics.' 

Her gaze then lowered, and as she saw who was sitting behind the table in the stand, she felt her heart rate quicken. It was Dane. His head was bowed slightly, and his hair hung in his face, partially obscuring it, but she had no doubt that it was him. 

The long, wavy black hair and pale skin was the first thing she noticed, then her gaze drifted to his jacket. He was wearing another velvet blazer, except this one of a rich, dark crimson color. 

The shirt he wore beneath it was faded black, and even from where she stood, she noticed that there was a pendant hanging around his neck. It was silver, and in the shape of a sword. 

Feeling an irresistible urge to go over to where he sat, she said a quick, "be right back,' to Luna, who was so thoroughly engrossed in the Doctor Who memorabilia, that she hardly took notice at all. Then Jeneda made her way over to the booth where Dane was located. Upon reaching it, saw that there were a few people waiting to have their books signed, so she took her place in line behind them. 

After a few minutes of waiting, she reached the front of the line, and as he caught sight of her, an expression of astonishment crossed his face. For a few short moments, they both remained silent, simply staring at one another. Then he finally spoke.

"Hi."

"Hello."

"Funny running into you here," he said. "I thought you weren't a comic book person."

"I'm not."

"Then why did you attend?"

"My friend Luna wanted to come, so I decided to join her."

"Oh, I see." He gazed thoughtfully at her for a moment before continuing to talk. "So are you enjoying yourself?"

"Yeah, It's pretty cool. Better than I expected."

"What did you expect?"

She lightly shrugged. "I wasn't sure, exactly. I guess I just figured that it would be boring."

"It's nice to be wrong, isn't it?"

"Well that depends on the situation. Sometimes it is, but other times It's not."

He smiled. "I guess you're right about that."

A small pile of books on the table garnered her attention, so she grabbed one of them and began flipping through it.

"You just browsing, or do you have a serious interest in reading it?"

Glancing up from the pages, she asked, "Am I not allowed a preview?"

"Of course you are. I was just curious, that's all."

Having lost interest, she closed the book and set it back on the pile. "Nevermind. It's not all that interesting anyhow."

"That's not what Luna said."

"What?" A puzzled look came over her face.

"Last week when I was guest speaking at the University, Luna told me how much you liked Gonzo City."

Unable to deny that she had indeed been impressed with his graphic novel, all she could do was stare. He responded with a maddening smirk. Seeing how pleased he was with himself, she decided she'd had enough of being in his presence, and prepared to deliver some witty comeback. 

Yet frustratingly, she was unable to think of anything, so she just awkwardly stood there. He met her gaze steadily for a few moments before trailing his eyes downward. They came to land on her chest, and as he unabashedly allowed his gaze to linger, she felt a warmth envelop her entire body.

"What's the J for?"

"The J?" There was a look of puzzlement on her face.

"Yes, your necklace is in the shape of a J."

She glanced down at it, as if seeing it for the very first time. "It stands for Jeneda."

"Jeneda. He spoke the word slowly, as if tasting it. "That name fits you perfectly. I like it."

"Thank you."

"What does your necklace stand for?" She gestured to his chest.

"It doesn't stand for anything." He briefly paused before adding, "It's a Samurai Sword."

"Oh, cool." 

"Are you into them?"

"Not particularly. But I have always admired the craftsmanship of Japanese swords."

"They really are exquisite, aren't they?" 

"Yes, they are."

"I collect them."

"Really?" She asked.

"Yep." 

"That's cool. How long have you been doing that?" 

"Since I was eighteen."

"And how old are you now?"

"Guess."

"I don't know. Thirty, thirty-one."

"I look that old to you?"

Simultaneously surprised and insulted by his response, she gave him a look of shock. "Thirty one is not old."

"Ahh, so that's how old you are." His lips stretched into a smile.

"How sneaky of you. You did that on purpose."

"Yes, I did."

"Why not just come out and ask me how old I was?"

"That wouldn't have been very fun, now would it?"

She narrowed her eyes, giving him her best withering stare. 

"Does that look usually work on people?" He asked.

"Actually, it does."

"Really? Well, I've gotta say it wasn't very intimidating. It was, however, quite sexy."

Her brows rose, and for the second time during the past few minutes, she felt her body grow warm. Before she could reply to him, a pretty Latina dressed in a black vinyl bustier and a mini red and black tutu approached the booth. 

Her hair had metallic blue streaks in it, she was wearing a pair of gothic knee high platform boots. As she came to a stop in front of the table, Dane rested his gaze on her. 

"Nice costume," he said.

"Thank you." She smiled, then slid a copy of his graphic novel across the table. "Would you mind signing this for me?"

"It would be my pleasure." He flipped back the cover of the book, then scribbled his signature inside. Once he was finished, he handed the book to her. "I've noticed a couple of girls today dressed up as Elva, but you're the best looking one by far."

No sooner had he spoke the words, did Jeneda feel a pang of jealousy. Yet as soon as the green eyed monster reared its ugly head, she did her best to push it back down. 

"Thanks!" The female fan's face brightened. "Elva is my favorite character in Gonzo City. I'm so glad you created her." 

"I appreciate hearing that. Thank you for your support."

"It's my honor." She flirtatiously bit her lip, then said, "Hey, red and black. We match." She gestured to her tutu skirt, then pointed to his jacket and shirt. 

"We certainly do."

As she grinned, her dimples made an appearance. "Are you currently working on any new projects?" 

"I am. But I prefer not to discuss works in progress."

"Hey, that's cool. I can respect that." Then she stuck her hand out and said, "My name's Milena."

Taking her hand in his, he lightly shook it. "Nice to meet you, Milena." 

"You too." Stealing a glance at Jeneda, she offered a weak smile, and received one back in return. Then she looked back at Dane. "Well, it was awesome meeting you, and thank you so much for signing my book."

"You're welcome. Take care."

"You too," she said, then made her way back into the throng of comic book convention attendees. 

"Must be nice having hard core fans," Jeneda said.

"Yeah, I guess. But then again, there are different levels of fandom, so I guess you could say It's a mixture of good and bad."

"How bad?"

"Well, there's the devoted, and then there's the obsessive. Let's just say that the latter leaves little to be desired."

Her curiosity piqued, she hoped he would elaborate and share some stories, but he didn't seem interested in speaking any further about the situation. 

Then suddenly he did something that she didn't expect. He retrieved one of his graphic novels from the small pile on the table, signed the inside of it, and then slid it across the table to her. 

"Why don't you take a copy home with you?"

"Really? I didn't know you were giving them away for free."

"I'm not. I'm offering it as a gift to you."

"Oh." She gave a brief pause, then asked, "Why?"

"Why not?"

She didn't have any response to give him, so she picked the book up. "Well thanks, that's very nice of you."

"No problem. I hope you'll enjoy it."

As he looked at her, she looked back at him, losing herself in his dark, hooded eyes. She wondered what secrets were hidden behind them, and also found herself wondering if he stared this intensely at everyone. 

She supposed that he did, as he just seemed to be that type of person. Yet still, she'd like to think that this moment they were sharing was somewhat unique. 

His brazen gaze certainly did have a weight and muscularity, and she suddenly felt as if she were standing stark naked before him. Without speaking a word, he was clearly sending the message that he was feeling her emotionally, and through his deep, powerful stare, he was forcing her to drop her guard and completely open up. 

The sexual tension between them was palpable, and so engaged in the intense experience, she failed to notice that someone was coming up behind her. 

A tap on her shoulder snapped her out of Dane's hypnotizing gaze, and glancing over her shoulder, she caught sight of Luna, who was walking alongside a man of medium height clad in a fedora, black vest and a pair of gray jeans. 

"Look who I found," she said to Jeneda.

Recognizing the stylishly dressed man as a good friend of Luna's, she offered him a smile. "Hey Ethan, what's up?" 

"Not much, just hanging out. It looks like Luna finally converted you." He came to a stop in front of her, then placed a hand on her shoulder in camaraderie. "It's good to finally have you as one of us."

Before Jeneda could even speak a work, Luna suddenly intoned, "One of us! One of us!" 

Ethan broke into a smile. "Gooble-gobble, gooble-gobble."

Their weird behavior brought a chuckle to Jeneda's lips. "You guys are so nutty." 

"Yeah. But that's why you love us." Ethan looped his arm around her shoulder, and as he caught sight of Dane, a look of surprise crossed his face. "Oh, hi."

"Hello," Dane said.

"Just so you know, we were quoting a movie. We aren't crazy or anything."

"Oh, I get the reference," Dane said with a smile. "It's from Freaks. Excellent movie."

"It is indeed. I'm Ethan, by the way."

"Dane."

"I know who you are. I'm a huge fan of Gonzo City."

"Thank you. I appreciate your support."

Luna stepped closer to the booth where Dane was sitting. "Hi. I don't know if you remember me, but I saw you speak at the Art Academy."

"Of course I remember. It's nice to see you again, Luna."

Clearly delighted that Dane was able to recall her name, the corners of Luna's lips tugged upward. A woman with long blonde and pink dreads came up behind Dane from inside of the booth, then bent down to speak in his ear. Dane nodded in response to the message she was giving him, then accepted a cell phone from her hand. 




Velvet Roses Ch. 01



"If you'll excuse me, I need to take this phone call. Janeda and Luna, it was great seeing you again. And it was nice to meet you, Ethan." Although he was addressing the three of them, Dane's eyes were primarily focused on Jeneda.

Both Ethan and Luna said some amicable words in parting, and Jeneda offered him a nod, them smiled. Dane returned it with one of his own, then brought the phone up to his ear and spoke into the receiver. It wasn't until the trio turned their backs to him and walked away, that Ethan spoke. 

"He is *so* gorgeous."

"Tell me about it," Luna said.

Choosing to say nothing, Jeneda purposely stared intently at a cosplayer who was dressed up in a Wonder Woman costume. 

"Well?" Luna expectantly asked.

"Well, what?" Now staring straight ahead, she focused her attention on the large screen above the main stage, where an actor from a classic superhero TV show was currently being interviewed.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" Luna asked.

"I didn't know I was supposed to."

Although she wasn't looking right at her, Jeneda could feel Luna giving her a long, thoughtful look. She tried her best to just ignore it, yet knowing that Luna wouldn't stop until she responded, Jeneda finally made eye contact with her.

"What? Why are you staring at me?" 

"You *really* like him, don't you?"

"What?"

"You heard me."

"Well obviously he's a good looking guy, but It's not like I have a crush or anything." She lightly shook her head, as if to affirm her statement.

"Just confess," Ethan said. "You are definitely into him." 

She lightly sighed. "You guys aren't going to let this go, are you?"

"Not until you fess up," Luna said.

"Yeah?" Jeneda asked. "Well don't hold your breath."



Velvet Roses Ch. 02



*Thank you all for continuing to read, vote, and provide feedback. I hope you'll enjoy this chapter.*



After four hours of browsing booths, attending panels, checking out film screenings, and watching cosplay contests, the threesome went to a burger stand to gorge themselves on greasy food. Once their bellies were full, they said their goodbyes, then headed home. 

Ethan left in his own car, heading out to the Castro district where he lived, while Jeneda and Luna shared a car ride to Cole Valley, the neighborhood where they both resided. 

A small, quaint neighborhood located within walking distance of Haight Ashbury, Cole Valley was largely populated by families and young professionals. Most of the businesses in the neighborhood were mom-and-pop stores, and there was an eclectic mix of restaurants, nick knack stores, and cozy cafes. 

Cole Valley had a distinct character that was all its own, and it's laid back atmosphere was the reason why Jeneda considered it the perfect place to live. 

After Luna dropped her off in front of her residence, Jeneda thanked her for the ride, then made her way to the front entrance. The apartment where she lived was four stories and had bay windows and a fire escape that was attached to the outside of the building. 

After entering the lobby and taking the elevator to the fourth floor, she reached her apartment door. Once inside, she threw her keys on the entryway table, then slipped out of her belted waist coat. She took a quick shower, and after slipping into her pajamas, she went into the kitchen and put the kettle on. 

Once she had a cup of Chai tea in hand, she headed for the living room, retrieving the copy of Dane's graphic novel before settling onto the window seat. She sipped the spicy and sweet beverage while reading, and within a short amount of time, she was fully immersed in the dystopian world of Gonzo City. 

The graphic novel featured a well-written plot that was centered around a group of twenty-something's who were trying to overthrow the government's totalitarian surveillance technology. 

When they weren't hard at work trying to buck the status quo, the characters spent their time engaging in all sorts of debauchery-which included having sex with numerous partners, driving fast, sleek cars, engaging in high speed chases from the police, and exploring virtual reality fantasy worlds. 

Each page that she read left her hungering for more, and as she reached the end of the graphic novel, she found herself wishing that it had been longer. Now that she'd read the first book in the series, she was definitely interested in reading the follow ups, and could hardly wait to see what happened in the next installment. 

Glancing once again at the first page in the book, she allowed her eyes to rove across his signature. It was small, yet stylish, and so fancy that it was illegible. She remembered reading somewhere that signatures told a lot about an individual's personality, and wondered what his small script revealed about his character. 

While she was admiring his signature, she caught sight of something written beneath it. She didn't know how she'd failed to notice it before, but it seemed that he'd printed some numbers beneath his name. As she realized it was his phone number, she felt her heart quicken. 

She hadn't expected this, and was definitely surprised. Staring at the numbers, she tried to decide if she should call him right away, or wait a few days. Having never been one to play games, she decided there wasn't any reason to wait, and after retrieving her cell phone, she dialed his number. 

The line rang six times, then his voice mail picked up. She left a short message, providing him with a number to call her back, then hung up the phone. 

Still reclining on the window seat, she turned her attention to the view beyond the window. From where her apartment was located, Jeneda was able to see Tank Hill, a 650-foot high park which offered a panoramic view of downtown San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. 

As was customary everytime she focused her attention on Tank Hill, she felt a wave of sadness, along with a deep longing to relive a time which was long gone. The nostalgic memories that drifted through her mind were achingly bittersweet, and as she continued staring out the window at the hilltop park in the distance, she felt a strong pull towards it. 

As if on auto pilot, she headed for her bedroom to change, and after slipping into a pair of jeans and a sweater, she donned a pair of sneakers. After securing the belt around her waist coat and wrapping a scarf around her neck, she grabbed her car keys and left the apartment.

The drive didn't took less than five minutes, and after parking her Jeep, she made her way along a dark path that led up an overgrown hill. 

Although she'd made the climb countless times before, it still took quite a bit of effort to propel herself upward, due to the strong, blustery wind which was seemingly intent on halting her progress. 

The view from the top was nothing short of stunning, and as she glanced down at the city which stretched out below her, she found herself overcome with emotion. 

Aside from the sound of the wind whipping in her ears, it was quite and peaceful, and she was afforded an enthralling view of San Francisco's historic landmarks. Tank Hill was one of her favorite spots in the city, and its hidden location gave her the privacy to be alone with her thoughts.

Gazing out at the twinkling city lights, Jeneda recalled the times she had shared with her brother Riley on this very same hill. For six years straight, they'd made a monthly habit of coming to Tank Hill to hang out, reflecting on life and discussing their hopes and goals for the future. They'd always been close, but it seemed that spending time on the bluff together had further strengthened their sibling bond. 

Now, as she reflected on the current state of their relationship, she was saddened by how much It'd changed. Two years ago, while en route to work, Riley had been thrown off his bicycle by an SUV. 

He hadn't been wearing a helmet so the damage had been significant, and after spending months in the hospital in a barely conscious state, the choice had been made by Jeneda's parents to have Riley transferred to a nursing home. 

Jeneda and Riley's father was a trucker who spent the majority of his time on the road, and their mother, Monica, had moved to Key West five years ago, following her marriage to a retired lawyer. Jeneda occasionally conversed with her from time to time, but ever since Riley's tragic accident, Monica hadn't put forth a whole lot of effort in reaching out to her children. 

Although her mother had never admitted it, Jeneda knew that she just couldn't cope with Riley being brain damaged, and as a result, used distance as an excuse for not calling on a regular basis to inquire about him. 

It pained Jeneda to know that her mother was so apathetic, but she guessed that was the only way she knew how to deal with such a heartbreaking situation. With both parents basically out of the picture, the bulk of the emotional load was resting on Jeneda's shoulders. 

Unable to stand the idea of her brother spending the rest of his life in an assisted living facility, Jeneda had tried countless times to have Riley come live with her. Yet much to her disappointment, the staff at the facility had informed her that in order to receive proper treatment, it was imperative that Riley be tended to twenty-four seven in a skilled nursing home. 

Now twenty-six years old, the once vibrant and outgoing Riley had been reduced to living life in a minimally conscious state. Although she knew that it wasn't her fault, not a day went by that Jeneda didn't feel guilty for having the ability to continue living a normal life, while Riley was reduced to a depressing existence.

A young man like him surrounded by people who were decades older was just unnatural, and it literally made her heart ache to know that he would never be the same again. Releasing a heavy sigh, she gazed in the direction of Mission Hill, thinking about how strange and unpredictable life could be. 

Due to the strong emotions associated with Tank Hill, it pained her to continue visiting the spot, but she just couldn't bring herself to stop doing it. Jeneda supposed she had a masochistic side that reveled in torturing herself with memories of what used to be, because she could see no other explanation for continuing to come up here. 

Looking at the shimmering city lights below, she thought of just how lonely life could sometimes be. Sure she had great friends who were like a second family, and she did lead a fairly social life, so she was anything but a loner. Yet nothing could replace the connection you had with someone who was related by blood. 

The almost non-existent relationship she had with her parents, coupled with the fact that her brother was permanently brain damaged was a reality she desperately wished could be altered. But since it couldn't, all she could do was get through life the best way she knew how. With a dauntless attitude and positivity. 

This wasn't to say that she didn't get into her moods, because she certainly wasn't a Sally Sunshine. But she'd like to think that she was successfully navigating her way through life without allowing her emotions to get the best of her. 

Jeneda's fingers had grown numb from the chilly weather, and the cold, brisk wind was beginning to sting her cheeks, so she guessed it would be a good idea to be making her way back home. But before she did, she had to check on something. There was a hollow tree located near the edge of the hill, and after walking over to it, she stuck her hand into the semi-enclosed cavity, then felt around. 

The hollow was fairly shallow, so it didn't take long before she found what she was looking for, and as her fingers bumped against a hard, smooth object, she cupped it in her palm and removed it from the tree hole. The object she held in her hands was a small stone, and as she ran her thumb over the surface of it, she felt indentations.

"Believe." 

As soon as she spoke the words, the wind stole them away, carrying them off to nowhere in particular. Still holding the stone in her hand, she gave it a long, firm squeeze. She liked to think that whenever she did that, Riley was somehow able to sense that she was visiting their special spot. 

The logical side of Jeneda told her how ridiculous that was, and that it was silly to even entertain such an idea. Yet there was also a voice inside her that told her it was possible. 

Still cupping the stone in her palm, she returned it to the sunken chamber in the tree, yet instead of promptly releasing it, she held onto it for awhile longer. An image of her brother suddenly flashed through her mind, and she sadly remembered the last time she'd gone to visit him at the nursing home. 

As was customary whenever visiting hours were over, she gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek, then told him that she loved him. This usually brought a faint smile to his lips, but during her last visit, he'd had a heartbreaking reaction. One single tear had slid slowly down his cheek, and a look of great sorrow had filled his eyes. 

The sight of it had made her feel as if a knife had ripped through her heart, and the guilt had been gut wrenching. She'd nearly cried right there in front of Riley's eyes, yet not wanting to upset him any further, she'd held back the tears. 

Later, after arriving home, she'd let loose, releasing the emotions which were pent up inside her. She'd wept off and on for nearly ten minutes before getting a nasty headache, then after taking a couple of pills, she'd fallen into a restless sleep. 

That single tear he'd shed, she would never forget it. Not as long as she lived. She shook the thought from her mind, and after giving the stone in her palm one last firm squeeze, she released it. Then she began her descent down the hill.

* * * *

Standing on a ladder in her art studio, Jeneda cast a critical eye on the eight-foot sculpture she was working on. A small sigh passed her lips as she studied it, and after a few solid moments of contemplative silence, she realized that something wasn't right. She didn't know what it was, but something was definitely off with the art piece.

Suffering from a stiff neck and needing a caffeine fix, she climbed down off the ladder, then made a beeline for the coffee pot which was placed on top of a mini fridge. 

It was just past six a.m. and for the past hour, she'd been laboring on the three dimensional art piece, which had been commissioned by a symphony hall located in the Civic Center area of San Francisco. 

Formed from a monumental pile of clay, the sculpture was of a giant, androgynous face. She'd purposely sculpted it so that it was tilted to one side, adding to the unusual look of it. 

Having already finished sculpting all of the facial features, the eyebrows were the last thing she had to complete. Yet something about the way they entire sculpture looked just didn't sit right with her. 

With a mug of black coffee in hand, she turned to face the sculpture and analyzed it from afar. She cocked her head to the right, then left, trying to figure out just what was irking her. She stared long and hard before finally realizing just what was bothering her-one of the eyebrows was slightly higher than the other. 

She gulped the remainder of her coffee down, then headed for the ladder. Once she reached it, she climbed upward until she was eye level with the top of her sculpture, then she got busy.

As was customary whenever she was sculpting, she went into a creative trance, working methodically and with painstaking attention to detail. So engrossed in her work, the sound of her cell phone ringing startled her, and as she cast a glance towards it, she found herself filled to the brim with annoyance.

She usually made a point of putting it in silent mode before starting work on her projects, but for some reason, this time she'd failed to do so. The last thing she felt like doing was allowing this intrusion to break her flow, but since her concentration had already been broken, she figured she may as well just answer the phone. 

After climbing down the ladder, she wiped her clay covered hands off with a damp washcloth. Then she retrieved her mobile phone from a wooden stool and answered it. 

"Hello?" She spoke in an irritated voice. 

"Jeneda?"

Her pulse rate quickened at the sound of the deep, masculine voice. 

"Yes?" 

"Hi, It's Dane."

"Oh hey, how are you?"

"Good. And you?"

"I'm doing alright."

"I didn't catch you at a bad time, did I?"

"No, not at all." 

"Good. I got your voicemail last night and I gave you a call you back, but you didn't answer, so I figured you'd gone to sleep."

"Yeah, I turned in a bit earlier than usual, so that's why I missed your call."

"No problem. So what are you getting up to today?"

"Right now I'm at my art studio working on a sculpture. As for my plans later on, I'm not quite sure just yet."

"A sculpture, huh? You do that professionally, or just as a hobby?"

"Professionally."

"How cool. So I'm guessing that's what you got your degree in at the Artist's Academy."

"Yep." Suddenly realizing just how many years had elapsed since leaving college, she said, "Wow, that was a long time ago." 

"Was it?"

"Yeah, It's been seven years since I graduated."

"It's been eight for me."

"So you were a year ahead of me."

"Yep."

"So I'm just wondering...since you were there for three of the four years that I attended, do you remember seeing me around at all?"

"Sure do."

"Really? Because I don't remember you at all."

He lightly chuckled. "That doesn't surprise me a bit."

"What do you mean by that?" 

"Well first off, my hair was short back then, so I looked a bit different. And second, I pretty much kept to myself. I kinda made a habit of trying to go unnoticed, which seemed to work out pretty well, because whenever I talk to other alumni, they have no memory of me whatsoever."

"You must have done a really good job of blending in."

"Well that's just the thing. I didn't blend at all. I was what some would say, a bit antisocial."

"You, antisocial? But you seem so outgoing, and when you gave the talk at the college, people were swarming around you." 

"Yeah, well I guess I have the meds to thank for that." 

"You take medication?"

"Yeah, for social anxiety."

"Wow."

"Why wow? Is that a problem?"

"No, I'm just surprised to hear that you of all people suffer from social anxiety. I never would have guessed."

"I've had problems being around other people since I was a kid, but I didn't get diagnosed with social phobia until right before graduating college."

"So for all those years you had to just put up with it?"

"Pretty much."

"That couldn't have been too enjoyable."

"It was a pretty hellish existence."

"I can imagine." Then realizing that she had absolutely no idea what it was like having to deal with such a disorder, she quickly added, "Actually, no I can't."

He gave a sound of amusement. "I appreciate you saying that, because It's so true. Only those who have experienced it firsthand can begin to comprehend just how much it cripples your life."

"Sorry you have to deal with that. I once knew someone who was afflicted by it, and from what they told me, you get this weird sinking feeling in your stomach, and sweaty palms."

"Those are pretty common symptoms, but it varies with each person. For example, I do get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach, but I've never gotten sweaty palms. My heart starts beating really fast, though, and my throat feels like it's going to close up."

"How horrible."

"Yeah, It's not too fun at all. But luckily I don't have to go through that anymore. Ever since I started taking medication, those feelings have pretty much gone away."

"Well that's good to hear. I'm glad you don't have to suffer anymore."

"So am I." He allowed a moment of silence to pass before posing a question. "So what about you?"

"I don't know...what about me?"

"I've let you in on a less than stellar trait of mine, so now it's your turn."

"Hmm. Well, let me think."

A chuckle passed his lips. "You can't take time to think about it. That's cheating." 

"How?"

"It's like you're trying to choose the least worst of those things you don't like about yourself. Open up and just share one of them with me." 

"Alright. I can be restless."

"Restless...could you elaborate a bit?"

"I'm an energetic person. I like change, and I can't stand monotonous routines."

"I see. Well that's not entirely terrible, is it?"

"No, I suppose not. But some people can be put off by it." 

"Give me an example."

"Well, I've been in a few relationships where the other person felt as if I was being flighty. I've also been called detached." 

"Your ex-boyfriends said that to you?"

"Yep."

"Hmm." There was silence for a few moments, as if he were contemplating what she'd said. "I guess we've got something in common then, because before I started taking my meds, people used to always tell me how disconnected I was."

"Some of my ex's have told me that as well."

"I guess we're both a little off-kilter, then."

Her lips curled into a smile. "That's a nice way of putting it."

"The way I see it, everyone's a little screwed up in one way or another. There is no such thing as normal."

"I'll agree with that."

They fell into a comfortable silence, during which Jeneda heard the squawk of what she guessed to be some sort of a wild bird come from Dane's end of the line.

"What was that?" She curiously asked.

"One of my neighbors has a rooster."




Velvet Roses Ch. 02



"Seriously?"

"Yep. 

"How funny."

"Not at six a.m., it isn't."

She laughed. 

"So you think I could come over some time and check out that sculpture?" He asked.

"I think that could be arranged."

"Is right now too soon?"

She gave herself a moment to think before answering. "No, I guess not."

"You sure? Because if you're too busy, I can always drop by another time." 

"I'm not that busy. Just come by, and we'll hang out for a bit."

"Cool. Let me just grab a pen so I can write down the address."

She heard some movement on his end of the connection, then once he came back onto the line, she provided him with directions on how to get to her studio. After saying their goodbyes, she hung up the phone, feeling a little buzz of excitement as she eagerly awaited his arrival.

* * * *

"So, what do you think?" Eager to hear his opinion of her creation, Jeneda glanced at Dane, trying to read his expression.

He stared silently at the monumental face sculpture for a bit longer before saying, "It's interesting. A bit eerie, yet peaceful. I like it. He cocked his head to the left, then asked, "What's your reasoning behind tilting it like that?"

"To make people think. Plus, I've always been drawn to things that are off balance."

He averted his attention from the sculpture for a moment to offer her an inquisitive look. 

"Really."

"Yes."

A faint smile curved his lips. "Interesting." Then he looked back the art piece.

"So how long does it take you to finish a project of this magnitude?"

"Depends on the amount of detail involved. But this one in particular took me three weeks."

"That's a considerable amount of time. You must have excellent patience." He clasped his hands behind his back, then walked closer so he could check out the detail up close. "Is this a commissioned piece?"

"Yep."

"Who's the client?"

"San Francisco Symphony." 

He glanced over his shoulder at her, then said, "Impressive."

She humbly smiled. "I sure hope they like it."

"Of course they will, It's amazing."

"You really think so?"

"Yes, I do. I mean look at it." Holding his hands out in front of him, he gestured towards the art piece. 

It wasn't that she was in doubt of her talent, because she knew she was skilled, but whenever Jeneda finished a new sculpture, she always felt slightly anxious. After pouring all of her energy and devotion into creating such a large piece of public art, it was naturally her hope that it would be received with positive feedback. The sound of Dane's voice broke Jeneda out of her thoughts. 

"Have you picked out a name for it yet?"

"Actually, I haven't. But now that you bring it up, I guess I should get busy on that." With a thoughtful look on her face, she stared at it. Then after a few moments had passed, a title for the sculpture suddenly popped into her head. "Off-kilter."

"Hmm," he said thoughtfully, a slight smile playing at his lips. "I used that word to describe the two of us, didn't I?"

"Yep. I think it perfectly fits the sculpture."

"It does." 

Suddenly realizing that she hadn't offered him any refreshment, she averted her attention from the statue, then said, "I'm sorry, I didn't even offer you anything to drink. Are you thirsty?" 

"Yeah, I could go for something."

She walked over to the mini fridge which was located in the corner of the room, then squatted down and opened the door. "I've got soda and water."

"I'll take a bottle of water."

She retrieved two from the fridge, and after handing him one, she twisted the cap off her own bottle and took a sip. Jeneda watched as he sauntered casually around the room, taking in his surroundings with an almost wondrous look on his face. 

"It's very white in here," he said.

Realizing that he was referring to the hueless walls of her art studio, she offered a response. "That's how I like it. I prefer sculpting in an open, airy space."

Dane nodded in response, then said, "It's nice, I like it." 

His attention was then captured by a sculpture that was sitting on a small table located a few feet from where he was standing. Upon reaching it, he studied it closely. 

Standing twelve inches high, the sculpture was a bust of a man, and was created entirely from jigsaw puzzle pieces. Yet instead of the interlocking pieces being made from cardboard, they were formed from clay. While some of the pieces locked perfectly together, most were uneven and crooked, giving the piece of art a somewhat strange look.

Dane stared at it in silence, gazing with such intensity that it almost appeared as if he were in a trance. Then finally, he spoke.

"This is quite unusual. Did you have somebody pose for this, or did it come strictly from your imagination?"

"My brother posed for it."

"Interesting. The pieces not fitting together...is that meant to illustrate his imperfections?"

"I guess that's one way of putting it. What I was really hoping to depict was his altered mental state." 

"Altered in what way?" Curiosity was evident in his voice.

"He's brain damaged." 

"Oh." At a loss for words, Dane stood awkwardly next to her. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"Yeah, well..." 

Now it was her turn to be rendered speechless, as thinking or taking about her brother's tragic situation inevitably made her emotional. She could tell that he wanted to inquire more about it, but perhaps noticing the sad look in her eyes, along with the way she'd suddenly clammed up, resulted in him staying quiet. 

Eager to change the subject, Jeneda said, "I read Gonzo City last night."

"Oh yeah? How'd you like it?" 

"I thought it was really good. Cool storyline, fantastic illustrations, expertly drawn sex scenes...overall it was a very enjoyable experience."

A smirk crossed his lips. "So you liked the sex scenes, huh?"

"I liked *all* of the scenes. Not just the sexual ones."

"But you made a point of mentioning the erotic ones."

"I was just trying to be funny. It's not like I fixated on them, or anything."

"Uh-huh, sure you didn't. I bet those pages are dog eared for later enjoyment."

She playfully hit him on the shoulder with her water bottle. "You're such a perv."

"You're right, I am," he said with a little smile.

They shared a long, deep gaze, allowing their eyes to convey what their lips didn't. So mesmerized by his slim, sharp features and dark, hooded eyes, she became lost in a daze. 

Then suddenly, without her even realizing it, he closed the space between them. Placing a palm to her cheek, he tenderly caressed it. 

"I'm ridiculously attracted to you. You know that, right?"

"Are you?"

"You know I am."

And she did. She could feel the heat radiating from his body, mingling with her own. Then there was the sensation of his fingers against her lips, languidly tracing the curve of them. 

Her belly fluttered in response, and as he leaned down closer towards her, Jeneda felt a warm glow surge through her body. Unconsciously she tilted her chin upward, anticipating his kiss. 

Dane's lips met hers gently, breath ghosting against her lips. His hot tongue slid into her mouth, and as her own wet appendage bumped against his, she swore she felt a sensation that was akin to an electric current.

Gripping her by the waist, he pulled her flush against his body. She wrapped her arms around his neck, then languidly threaded her fingers into his wavy locks. His hair felt just as luscious and soft as she'd imagined, and as their kiss deepened, his hold on her waist tightened even further. 

He broke the oral embrace to grace her neck with passionate kisses, and as he lightly nipped at her flesh, she uttered a heady moan. The feel of his mouth against her skin was intoxicating, and as his denim covered erection pressed against her own nether regions, a slight moan escaped her lips. 

"Dane." Her breath came out as barely a whisper, fingers continuing to rake through his thick, dark hair. 

By the time he pulled his lips away from her neck they were both breathing heavily. Cupping her face in his palms, he stared into her eyes, allowing them to shift from her nose to lips, then cheekbones before once again gazing into her orbs. 

The way he intently studied her made her wonder what he was thinking, and as the silence stretched on, the sexual tension between them heightened. 

"Hang out with me tonight," he said. 

"And do what?"

"I was thinking we could take a stroll on Baker Beach. Unless there's something else you'd rather do."

"No, I like your idea. Let's do that."

"Cool. I'll swing by and pick you up around seven."

"Sounds good."

Clasping hands, they walked to the door, and upon reaching it, he pulled her in for another kiss. His lips felt warm and soft against hers, gentle yet firm. The kiss ended far too soon for her liking, but the anticipation of what was to come later that evening caused her body to tingle with excitement.

He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, then said, "I'll give you a call before I leave and get the directions to your place."

"Okay. Talk to you then." 

"Later." 

He turned and walked out the door, and after closing it behind him she made her way toward the statue, a slight smile creasing her lips. 

* * * *

Baker Beach was a half mile stretch of sand located below the rugged cliffs of the Presidio, which was positioned just southwest of Sea Cliff, an affluent neighborhood. 

To the northeast of the sandy area was a captivating view of the Golden Gate Bridge, and although Jeneda had visited the stunning beach before, she never failed to appreciate the breathtaking views that it offered. 

Contentedly full from a dinner of fish and chips, Jeneda and Dane strolled along the smooth sand. Bundled up in warm coats, they walked hand in hand, gazing at the gorgeous view in front of them. 

As was customary for San Francisco during most of the year, the weather was quite nippy and windy. And although a mist hung heavy in the air, the couple's enjoyment of the present moment wasn't diminished at all. Preferring to enjoy the stroll in silence, they spoke no words, allowing the stillness surrounding them to only be broken by the crash of waves. 

Staring in admiration at the Golden Gate Bridge, Jeneda found herself moved by just how beautiful it was. The lights along the iconic structure were lit up and seemed to twinkle from a distance, and to gaze at such a spectacular span made her realize how fortunate she was to reside in a city with such an amazing history. 

The sheer size of the suspension bridge was nothing short of impressive, and although a layer of fog partially obscured her view, she didn't mind. In fact, it only added to the magical aura.

Having walked the length of the beach, they came to a stop, and as he looped an arm around her waist, she cuddled up against him. Having been single for so long, it felt good be held by a man again, and although their bodies were separated by layers of garments, she felt a familiar heat begin to stir in her belly. 

The level of her horniness surprised even herself, yet realizing that It'd been seven long months since her last sexual encounter, she realized that it really wasn't all that surprising. 

Adjusting to a sexless existence after four years of a committed relationship was no easy feat, especially for someone like her, who possessed a high libido. 

She guessed that Dane had picked up on the energy she was transmitting, because she felt him shift his body, positioning himself so that they stood hip to hip. She looked up at him, and no sooner had their eyes locked, did he claim her lips with a slow, sensual kiss. 

Savoring the sensation of his warm, wet mouth, she emitted a little moan, matching the provocative movements of his tongue. It didn't take long before they were lost in each other, and as the kiss became deeper, she arched her back, pressing herself more firmly against his body. After a lengthy kiss, their lips finally parted and he spoke a few words. 

"You taste like pineapple."

"Do I?"

He nodded, then slipped his fingers through her hair. "What do I taste like?"

"Apples, and something else I couldn't quite identify."

He chuckled. "I guess we're both a bit fruity, then."

Her lips pulled into a crooked smile. "Yeah, I guess we are."

Glancing in the direction of the Golden Gate Bridge, Dane offered it a languid stare. Jeneda gazed at it as well, and couldn't help noticing how the lights from the bridge reflected on the surface of the water, causing it to shimmer. 

"Beautiful, Isn't it?" She asked.

"Sure is. First time I've ever come out here with anyone else."

"Same here."

He looked at her, then said, "Looks like It's a first for the both of us." Then he added, "Only one of many, I hope."

She smiled. Well we had our first kiss today, and that went well, so I think we're off to a pretty good start."

"I'd have to agree with you on that." He gave a brief pause, then said, "I wonder what our next first will be?"

"I don't know. Guess we'll just have to wait and see."

"Anticipation....It's a wonderful feeling, Isn't it?"

"It certainly is."

A biting gust of wind sent a shiver through Jeneda's body, and taking note of her discomfort, Dane enveloped her in his arms, holding her tightly against him. "Cold?"

She nodded, then sniffed. "A bit."

He zipped her coat further up so that the collar fully protected her neck. "How about we get you some hot chocolate?"

"Yeah, that sounds good."

He slipped his hand into hers, then they set off in the direction of the parking lot. 

* * * *

Located in the center of North Beach, Café Trieste was an Italian coffeehouse with a charming, cozy atmosphere. Set up in the 1950's by an Italian immigrant family, the tiny establishment was the oldest coffeehouse in San Francisco. 

Black and white photographs of famous patrons, ranging from famous Beat poets, writers and opera singers adorned the walls, and an old jukebox which played Italian folk music was tucked into one of the corners. Even at half past ten on a Thursday evening, the atmosphere was nice and lively, and unlike corporate run coffee shops, Café Trieste had a welcoming, old school feel. 

Seated at a table which had a colorful mosaic pattern, Jeneda and Dane were cradling large mugs of hot chocolate, every so often stealing flirtatiously glances over the rims of their cups. 

Although enjoyable and incredibly romantic, their stroll along Baker Beach had been accompanied by blustery winds, and as a result, had left Jeneda seeking some way to warm her body back up. The rich, creamy beverage she was currently enjoying really hit the spot, and after taking another sip of the chocolaty liquid, she set her mug down. 

"So, I was wondering about your last name," she said. 

"Yeah?"

"Trenton. What kind of a name is that?"

"A made up one. My real last name is Leventhal."

"Why'd you change it?"

"Well for one reason, I figured that having a pen name would help me to maintain some sort of privacy. Plus, I just thought that Trenton had a catchier sound to it."

"I like Leventhal. I think it sounds nice."

"So do I. But it doesn't exactly conjure up an image of a hip graphic novelist, does it?"

"There's a requirement for graphic novelists to be hip? I thought the whole point of that fandom was to embrace your geekdom."

He lightly smiled. "It is. But still, a memorable name is good to have in this business." 

"I guess you're right about that."

"What's your last name?"

"Larkson."

"And what kind of a name is that?"

A look of amusement crossed her face as she realized that he was parroting her earlier question. "I'm not sure. I never really thought to look it up." 

"I like it. It sounds very musical. Plus it reminds me of the Lark bird."

"I like those birds. They have very pretty chirps."

"They certainly do." 

They simultaneously rose their mugs to their lips, all the while maintaining steady eye contact. After setting her mug back down, Jeneda spoke. 

"So judging by your name, I'm guessing you're Jewish."

"I am," he affirmatively said. "But Judaism isn't an ethnicity, It's a religion."

"I'm aware of that. But still, there are people who take it on as an identity."

"Well, yeah. But I just don't see the point of focusing on labels."

She lightly shrugged. "No big deal. I was just curious." 

Although he'd made a perfectly valid point, she couldn't help feeling a bit annoyed at his somewhat pretentious nature, and as a result, was promptly reminded of her first encounter with him at the University. 

Even then, he'd come off as a bit of a smart ass, and now that this side of him had once against made an appearance, she realized that it was just one of his personality quirks. Yet still, she couldn't help feeling a little annoyed. 

Turning her attention back to the present moment, she saw that he was gazing thoughtfully at her, and she began to wonder just what was on his mind. She took one sip of her hot cocoa, then two, before posing a question.

"What's your ethnicity?"

His lips tilted into a crooked smile as he said, "Take a guess."

"Well clearly I already know that you're Jewish, but I'm guessing you're also part Asian."

"My dad is Japanese." 

"Oh, interesting."

"Is it?"

"I think so."

He lightly chuckled. "Tell me about your parents. What are they like?"

"My mom is a real estate agent and lives in Key West with her second husband. And my dad is a truck driver. Besides seeing them on Christmas, I don't have much contact with them at all."

"Sorry to hear that."

She gave a little shrug. "It is what it is, I don't let it get me down."

Silence passed between them during which they both sipped their hot beverages. Then Dane spoke again. 

"The first time we met, what was your opinion of me?"

Surprised by his question, she stared at him. How coincidental that he would ask such a thing, especially since she'd just been recalling the first time they'd come into contact with one another. 

"Well, to be truthful, I thought you were pretentious."

A stunned look crossed his face. "Really...and how did you come to that conclusion?"

"You corrected my use of the term, "comic book." And then you made some smart comment about differentiating between comics and graphic novels."

"Oh, that. I was just having a little fun with you, seeing how you would respond. I wasn't trying to be a jerk, or anything."

"It's no big deal. It was just kinda annoying at the time."

"Yet here we are, so I'm guessing I must be incredibly irresistible." 

Although she knew he was saying it in a joking kind of way, it caused her to take on a thoughtful expression. "Well you have got this certain quality about you."

"What kind of a quality?"

"You're kind of mysterious. And you have this allure..." Her voice drifted off as she thought of a word she could use to further explain what she meant. 

"An allure..I like the sound of that." He paused to take a bite of his biscotti, then said, "As far as being mysterious, I'm not quite sure just how true that is, because I live a pretty basic life."

"I find that hard to believe," she flirtatiously said.

"It's true. Aside from working on my graphic novels, and interacting with fans at comic cons, I really don't do anything extraordinarily exciting. I'm a borderline hermit."

This brought a smile to her lips. "When I think of a hermit, you wouldn't be the first person that came to mind."

"Who would?"

She shrugged. "I dunno. Just not someone who looks like you."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

They settled into a comfortable silence, and after finishing the remainder of their hot chocolate, they left the coffeehouse and headed back to his car. When they got to Jeneda's apartment, Dane walked her to the front entrance, and after unlocking the door, Jeneda turned to face him. 




Velvet Roses Ch. 02



She felt herself melt as he sensually caressed her cheek with the pad of his thumb, and as he slowly moved in for a kiss, she tilted her chin upward. 

His lips felt warm and soft, and as his silky tongue probed her mouth, she released a husky moan. Deeply passionate, the kiss left her weak with desire, and just like a delicious appetizer, it whet her appetite for the main course.  

The oral embrace they shared left their lips moist and swollen, and as they pulled back to gaze at one another, each saw the reluctance that was in the other's eyes. 

As was customary whenever they kissed, Jeneda was left with a fierce craving for more, and for one impulsive moment, she almost invited him up to accompany her upstairs.

"I really like spending time with you," he said.

"I like spending time with you, too."

"Let's do this again soon, okay?"

She nodded, yet instead of pulling out of his embrace, she stayed put, intertwining her fingers in his soft, wavy locks. Somewhere along the way of staring into each other's eyes, they retreated from each other, and once she was inside the lobby with the glass door separating them, she offered Dane a wave goodbye. He gave her one of his own, then returned to his Toyota hybrid, which was double parked at the curb. 

Experiencing that rush of endorphins that came along with entering a new relationship, Jeneda made her way to the elevator, and upon reaching it, pressed the button to go up. 

*It's not a relationship yet, though*, she thought as the elevator beeped, alerting her of its arrival. They were just seeing each other, hanging out, testing the waters. 

She told herself this as the doors closed shut, and as the elevator moved upward, she came to the realization that she was moving into uncharted territory. The only question was, would she venture in deeper, or stick to the shallows?



Velvet Roses Ch. 03



*It's my hope that this chapter will give you more insight on who Jeneda and Dane are as individuals, so just to let you know, they won't be sharing any scenes until the next installment. 

As always, I'd like to thank everyone for your continued interest, and I hope you'll enjoy this chapter.*



It was just past six a.m., and Jeneda was standing on the fire escape with a steaming mug of coffee in hand. She was wearing little more than plaid pajama shorts and a thin white tank top, but the early morning chill didn't bother her a bit. In fact, it was invigorating. And that was just the thing she needed to get a start on her day. 

She was itching to get her sculpture over to the production facility so they could cast it in bronze, but before she did, she had to meet up with the client for whom the work had been commissioned. There were last minute details she needed to go over with them, and it was something that needed to be done in person. 

As her commissioned art piece came to mind, she couldn't help but be reminded of Dane. He was the one who'd inspired her to name it "off-kilter," and although it hadn't been his intention, he would forever be associated with the sculpture. She wasn't quite sure if that was good or bad, but she had to hand it to him. He certainly had a way of seeping into her thoughts.

Recalling the kiss they'd shared, she remembered how skilled he'd been with his tongue. This resulted in a familiar heat spreading between her thighs, and as she thought of his hot, wet mouth sealed against her own, a dull ache formed in her nether regions. 

She already knew he was a damn good kisser, but now she was eager to find out if that tongue of his would be just as talented at pleasing her nether regions. Sooner or later she would find out-no doubt about that. But in the meantime, her fantasies would have to do. 

She drank the rest of her coffee, then showered, and after pulling a cropped sweater over a gray tank top, she slipped into a pair of fitted black pants. 

She then slipped on a pair of well worn Doc Martens, and after grabbing her keys and purse, she was out the door. Her cell phone rang as she was exiting the lobby door, and after pressing the call answer button, she placed the receiver against her ear. 

"Hello?"

"Hi. Is this Ms. Larkson I'm speaking with?"

"Yes."

"This is Rachel Montgomery. I'm the head nursing supervisor here at St. Anne's convalescent home."

"Oh hi, Rachel. If this is about last month's bill, the check's already in the mail, and it should be arriving by tomorrow."

"Actually, I'm calling to let you know there's been an incident. And it seems that your brother was the victim."

"Wait a minute, what are you saying? What kind of an incident? And is he okay?" Her words came out rushed, jumbled. 

"He's fine. But I thought you should know that it appears as if he's been assaulted."

"Assaulted?" Her voice rose an octave, echoing loudly in the lobby, and after quickly exiting the entrance hall, she hastily made her way to her car. "I need to know what happened. Tell me everything."

"I think It'd be best if I told you in person. Are you available later this afternoon?"

"I'm available now," she firmly said, and as she reached her car, she unlocked the door, then got behind the wheel. "I'm on way, and when I get there, you'd better give me some answers. 

Without giving the nurse a chance to respond, Jeneda ended the call, and after starting up her car she hit the gas, accelerating quickly down the street.

* * * *

"Who's responsible for this? Tell me!" 

Standing in front of her debilitated brother, Jeneda eyed the dark, half dollar sized bruise on his left temple. Her body trembled with anger, and she turned her attention on the head nursing supervisor, fixing her with a long, hard glare. Visibly discomforted by the intense stare that Jeneda was giving her, the RN shifted her weight from one foot to the other. 

"According to a nurse who was nearby, it was one of our other young residents. His name is Harvey, and he suffers from schizophrenia. Apparently he was having a hallucination, and was convinced that your brother could hear his thoughts and was laughing at him."

Jeneda released a heavy sigh, then shook her head in dismay. "And how exactly did this happen? Did he just wander in, or what?"

"Harvey is your brother's roommate. Or at least he was, up until this morning."

"Wait a minute, I was just here four days ago, and Riley was sharing the room with someone else. An elderly gentleman named George. What happened to him?"

"George passed on three days ago. He'd been sick for some time and...," She gave brief pause, then cleared her throat, as if struggling to continue. "I'm sure you don't want to hear all that, so I'll just get right to the point. When George died, I knew that I had to find your brother a new roommate. And since Harvey's only a few years older that Riley, I figured it would be a good match." 

"Seriously?" Her voice was filled with disbelief. 

"Well yes, I thought it might be good for-"

Not giving a damn about whatever the nurse had to say, Jeneda cut her off mid-speech. "Why would you allow someone in Riley's condition to share a room with a schizophrenic? He can barely even speak, let alone defend himself!"

"Harvey's symptoms are successfully managed by medication. Yet unfortunately, it appears that he stopped taking his pills two days ago, and that's what led to his outburst."

"So what are you going to do to ensure this doesn't happen again?"

"We moved Harvey to a different room, so he will no longer have any contact with your brother."

"And you're completely certain that Harvey was the attacker?" Jeneda pinned the nurse with a heated look. 

"Yes, of course."

"How can you be sure? Did you see it happen?"

"No, I didn't. But the nurse who was on duty at the time saw it with her own eyes."

Jeneda averted her attention to look at her brother, who was lying in bed, and saw that he was watching her with a little smile on his face. He looked so helpless that it broke her heart, and although she couldn't understand the unintelligible noise he made, she knew that her presence brought him comfort and lifted his spirits. She reached a hand out to caress cheek, and as her palm made contact with his skin, his smile grew wider. 

Glancing back at the nursing supervisor, Jeneda noticed that she'd clasped her hands nervously in front of her, and it was clear to see from her body language that she was feeling uneasy. 

Jeneda was no mind reader, but she had a pretty good idea that the RN was nervous about the convalescent home getting sued. And while that wasn't necessarily Jeneda's intent, she sure did enjoy putting the fear into her. 

"Please accept my deepest apologies," the nurse said. "If there's anything at all I can do to make this better, just tell me, and I'm sure we can work it out." 

"You can start by installing surveillance cameras."

She hesitated before answering. "That is a good idea, but unfortunately we don't have the funds for it. Not only that, but installing a camera would be an invasion of privacy."

"*Whose* privacy? Because I think we both know that Riley could care less about such a thing."

"The privacy of the residents, as well as the staff."

"The staff doesn't need privacy. Their job is to take care of the patients and keep them safe, so why should it matter if they're under surveillance?"

"Being under continual observation would be stressful for our nurses. Not to mention make it difficult to recruit new employees."

"What about the residents and their families? Don't we matter too?"

"Of course you do. And I really do understand how strongly you feel about this, but it just isn't something that can be done. At least not right away."

Thoroughly frustrated, Jeneda blew out a heavy breath. She stared at the nurse for a few more moments, then said, "So basically what you're telling me is that you don't give a damn what happens to my brother."

The nurse's lips set into a thin, hard line, then after a few moments passed, she offered some words. "I understand your displeasure, but this isn't my fault, so please don't take it out on me." 

"It may not be your fault, but it is your responsibility to see that he's protected. Now are you willing to do that, or not?"

"Of course I am. But the point still stands that we cannot bear the expense to have cameras installed." 

"What if I pay for one and have it installed in his room. Would you allow that?"

"Well yes, I suppose that would be okay. But I'd still have to run it past management."

"You do that. And when you find out, let me know what the outcome is."

"Certainly, Ms. Larkson. Once again, I really am sorry that your brother was hurt, and I give you my word that it will not happen again." She gave brief pause, then said, "I'll give you some privacy now."

Once she'd left the room, Jeneda pulled up a seat next to Riley's bed, then sat down on it. 

"It's good to see you, sweetie." Taking his hand in hers, she offered it a gentle rub, then looked deeply into his eyes. "I want you to answer a question for me, okay?"

He gave a slow nod in response.

"Do you remember who hit you?" 

He stared at her, blinked a few times, then shook his head.

Since Riley had impaired memory, it came as no surprise to Jeneda that he wasn't able to recall who his attacker was. Yet she still couldn't help feeling deep disappointment. 

"Are you in any pain?"

He shook his head again, then let out a, "No." 

"Okay, that's good." 

She patted his hand, then reached into a shopping bag that she'd brought along with her. After retrieving a toy model of a Porsche, she held it up for him to see. At first it didn't seem as if he had much of a reaction to the sight of it, but after a few moments of blankly gazing at it, he emitted a little noise. 

Aside from saying yes or no, Riley was unable to verbally communicate. Yet despite the fact that he lacked the ability to carry on a conversation, Jeneda was still able to determine his emotional state. While his words may have been unintelligible, the tone that he used perfectly conveyed his mood.

"I saw this in the store today, and figured you would like it. You used to love Porsches." Her lips tugged upward as she recalled memories of times past, yet before she could get too deep into daydreaming, she brought herself back to the present moment. "I guess you still do love them. Once a Porsche guy, always a Porsche guy, right?" 

Riley gave no indication that he knew what she was talking about, only continued to look at her with a little smile on his lips. 

"This isn't just any ordinary car, though. It's gonna watch over you when I'm not here." She positioned the car on the bedside table with the bumper facing Riley's bed, then affectionately smoothed a palm over his head. "If anyone hurts you again, I'll have proof, and I'll make sure that they pay for it."

Although she knew it wasn't her fault that Riley had been assaulted, it still made her feel terribly guilty that she hadn't been able to defend him. It made her sick to her stomach that he'd had been subjected to physical harm, and she would be damned if it was going to happen again. 

En route to the nursing home, she'd stopped off at an electronics store and purchased a mini spy cam, then made a quick stop off at a toy shop to buy the model car. It had been her hope that the nursing home would cooperate and install surveillance equipment, yet anticipating their hesitancy toward it, she'd decided to take matters into her own hands. 

With the spy camera hidden in the model Porsche, it would secretly record everything that went on in Riley's room. Jeneda was well aware that she would be crossing some legal boundaries installing surveillance equipment on the sly, but she really couldn't give a damn. Her brother's well being was the most important thing to her, and when it came to protecting him, she would do everything in her power to ensure that he was safe. 

What would truly bring her peace of mind would be to have him move in with her, but her parent's strong resistance to the idea was the reason that Riley was fated to remain in a convalescent home. So here he was. Only twenty-six years old, brain damaged, and surrounded by dying people who were decades older than him. 

Sure, he was minimally conscious, but that didn't mean he was stupid. A part of him knew what was going on, and the fact that he was fated to live the rest of his years in an assisted living facility was incredibly depressing. She could think of few circumstances less dismal than his, and it put a lump in her throat to know he would never again be fully functional. 

Taking a glance at the clock on the wall, she was surprised to see that nearly an hour had passed since she'd first arrived. With only five minutes remaining before she was due to meet up with a client, it was obvious that she was going to be late. But she could care less, because Riley was most important.

She rose up from the chair she was sitting in, then leaned in to give him a kiss on the cheek. As she pulled away, she saw him gazing up into her eyes with a look of such innocence that it nearly brought her to tears. Yet knowing that she had to remain strong, she fought to keep from becoming emotional. 

"I love you, little brother. Never forget that, okay?"

She gently caressed his face, and after giving him a soft kiss on the cheek, she quickly made her way to the door. As she walked away from Riley, he emitted sorrowful sounds, and even after she'd crossed the threshold of his room, she could still hear him calling out to her. No words existed to describe how haunting the sound was, and the heaviness in her heart was nearly overwhelming.

Upon reaching the doors which led outside, Jeneda broke into a sprint across the parking lot, and no longer able to hold back, she burst into tears.

* * * *

Holding the katana in his hands, Dane unsheathed it slowly, gradually revealing more of the steel until it's curved, slender, single-edged blade was fully visible. Gazing admiringly at it, he noticed how the sword glimmered under the light. He also took note of the handle, which was made of wood and bound in silk cord. 

Exquisitely crafted with a traditional design, the Japanese sword was a thing of beauty. The mere sight of the weapon caused excitement to bubble in his stomach, and as he ran a finger lightly over the edge of the blade, he found that it was razor sharp. 

Enamored with the craftsmanship, Dane studied it intently, barely taking notice of the voice that called out to him.

"I have a couple other blades if you'd like to see them."

"No thanks, Kenichi. This is the one I want," Dane said, looking up to make eye contact with him. 

Seated in a throne-like armchair that was upholstered in red velvet, Kenichi offered him a little smile. Although in his mid-thirties, he could easily pass for a twenty-something. His medium length, razor cut hair had an edgy, jagged look, and enhanced his already prominent cheekbones. 

Clad in a black dress shirt with the first few buttons undone, and a pair of shiny silver, slim cut pants, his overall look was reminiscent of a Japanese popstar. And judging from the throne-like armchair he was seated in, it seemed that in his own mind, he was indeed a celebrity. 

"Excellent choice," Kenichi said. 

"How much do you want for it?" 

"I'm willing to let it go for 3500."

Turning his attention back on the sword, Dane gave it a long, hard stare, provoking Kenichi to once again speak. 

"If you're thinking about trying to talk me down, you can forget it. A sword of that quality is well worth the price."

Lifting his gaze to once again meet Kenichi's, Dane said, "Believe me, I know. Offering anything less than your asking price would be an insult to the craftsman." 

Dane resheathed the sword, and after retrieving some money from his wallet, he placed the bills on the coffee table, sliding it across the surface so that Kenichi could take it. 

After making sure it was the right amount, Kenichi put the bills into a small black container which looked like a jewelry box. Then glancing back at Dane, he began to speak. 

"So how many swords do you have now?"

"Including this one, fifteen." He then glanced at the wall directly behind Kenichi, allowing his eyes to rove languidly over each blade that was displayed on the wall. "Looks like you've added to your own collection since the last time I was here." 

"I took a trip to Japan last month and attended a sword show. The Dai Token Ichi. I'm sure you've heard of it."

"Of course, It's legendary." 

"It was. I strongly suggest you go someday."

"It's definitely on my to-do list."

Glancing back down at the katana, Dane admired its artistry. He could hardly wait to get back home so he could mount it on his apartment wall, but before he did, he would sit in silence with it. 

In his mind, Dane could already imagine himself perched on the edge of the couch in his living room, sliding a finger over the shiny blade as he gazed down at it. 

A sword like this deserved to be cherished, and he fully intended on doing just that. Having once again lost himself in the beauty of the sword, Dane's fixed stare was broken by the sound of Kenichi's voice.

"You see Cassie around lately?"

Cocking his eyebrow, Dane gave Kenichi a long, hard stare. "No. Why?"

He pulled his shoulders into a small shrug. "Just wondering."

"Have you seen her around?"

"Nope. That's why I was asking you."

"No, I haven't."

"Okay."

The two men maintained eye contact for a few more moments, and as the silence stretched on, tension rose between them. 

"Why are you asking about her?" Dane asked. 

"Does it matter?"

"Yes, it does. Has something happened?"

"I don't know, Dane. Has it?"

Dane had known Kenichi for nearly eight years, so he was used to his idiosyncrasies, but the way he was acting was more strange than usual. This put Dane on alert, and suddenly he felt an urgent need to discover just why Kenichi had brought up the subject of his ex-girlfriend. 

Dane gave him an odd look, then said, "Last I heard, she was still working for you."

"And who did you hear that from?"

"Adrian."

"I see. So I guess you do still keep in touch with the old gang, huh?" 

"Not really. I just happened to run into him, and somehow Cassie came up in conversation."

"Whatever happened with you and her, anyways?"

"I wanted to start a new life and go straight. She didn't. So obviously we grew apart."

"I guess what you really mean is, you're too good for her."

"Did I say that?"

"No. Not in so many words." He cocked his head slightly, as if studying Dane. "But I can tell by the way that you said it. 

"So I guess you're a mind reader now, huh?"

"Well as you know, I am a man of many talents." 

"Yeah. I guess you are." Although he felt like saying more, Dane left it at that.

"So, how's the graphic novel business?"

"Wonderful. My fan base is steadily increasing."

"Good to hear."

"I would ask you the same question, but from the looks of this penthouse apartment, I'm guessing you're doing pretty alright." 

Taking a moment to survey his surroundings, he allowed his eyes to rove across the expensive looking furniture before allowing them to rest on a high tech entertainment center. 

"When you're in a business like mine, the money comes fast and easy. But of course you already know that."

Dane met Kenichi's intent gaze with one of his own. "Yes, I suppose I do."

"Do you miss it?"

"Not at all."

"Really?" The expression on Kenichi's face conveyed that he was thoroughly perplexed by Dane's response. "But the money is so good."

"Maybe so, but It's not worth the life I was living." 




Velvet Roses Ch. 03



"Tons of cash, hot women, and the freedom to buy just about anything you want." In a voice dripping with sarcasm, he said, "You're right, it totally wasn't worth it." 

"I was a thief. There was no pride in that whatsoever."

"So now you're a moral, upstanding citizen, huh?" He lightly chuckled. "Well, as long as your conscience is at ease."

Their eyes locked into a heated stare, both silently willing the other to look away first. Yet neither was willing, and realizing that the moment could stretch on forever, Dane began to speak. 

"I should get on the road. I've got things to take care of."

"Of course," Kenichi said with a funny little smile on his lips. "I'll walk you to the door." 

Upon reaching the entryway, Kenichi opened the door so that Dane could exit. After Dane had stepped out into the hallway, Kenichi leaned casually against the doorframe, giving Dane an inquisitive look. 

"Before you go, satisfy my curiosity."

"Alright," Dane said. 

"You're living the straight life now. So why still associate with me?"

"Isn't it obvious? The quality of your swords exceed any other dealer I've ever gone to."

"But I'm a criminal, a thief," he said in a mocking kind of tone. "How do you know the swords in my inventory aren't stolen?"

"I don't." Dane held up the sword in his hand, then continued to speak. "But for a katana this beautiful, It's a possibility I'm willing to accept."

One corner of Kenichi's mouth tugged upward. "The only thing more powerful than beauty is money."

"You're wrong," Dane said. "It's love."

"Love is fleeting, illusory."

"No. Infatuation is." 

"A hopeless romantic," Kenichi said with a bitter edge to his voice. "How sweet."

"Yeah, well I gotta have something to stand for."

Kenichi smirked in response, then offered some parting words. "Enjoy your sword."

"I most definitely will," Dane said with a nod. Then he turned and headed down the hallway, sauntering casually toward the elevators with katana in hand. 

* * * *

"So, how'd your meeting with the client go?" 

Scanning the display of silver jewelry in the antique shop, Jeneda briefly averted her attention from a pair of diamond shaped earrings to glance at Luna, who was trying on a pair of orange frame Ray-bans.

"Went well," Jeneda said. 

"Cool. So what's the next step?"

"It'll be cast in bronze, then delivered to San Francisco Symphony." 

"Nice. When will it be on display?"

"Four, maybe five days tops." 

Catching sight of a cameo choker, Jeneda picked it up and held it against her throat, then glanced at herself in a small mirror which hung on the wall. 

"We'll have to go out and celebrate. Let's have dinner first, then go to the Q-bar," Luna said.

"Why the Q-bar?"

"Hot men, great music, and two for one drinks. Need I say more?" Ethan asked as he sidled up next to Jeneda. 

Clad in a well-cut blazer, brightly colored geometric patterned shirt, and a pair of black jeans, Ethan exuded a slightly sweet, fresh scent that cut through the mildewy smell in the antique shop. 

"You smell good," Jeneda said. "What type of cologne are you wearing?" 

"Light Blue."

"Mmm, smells yummy."

"Thanks. Hopefully my date tonight shares the same opinion."

"You have a date?" Jeneda and Luna spoke simultaneously, causing Ethan to cock an eyebrow in response.

"Yes I have a date. Don't sound so surprised, guys. What am I, a mutant or something?"

"Of course not," Jeneda said. "It's just you haven't dated for a long time now." 

"It hasn't been that long. Only a few months."

"Which is eons for you," Luna said. 

"So what is this guy like?" Jeneda asked. "Give us the details."

"He's the nerdy type."

"Nerdy?" Luna asked.

"Yeah, he's kinda off-beat. Wears Buddy Holly glasses, converse sneakers, suspenders,...you know, stuff like that." Spotting a small ceramic owl statue, he picked it up to have a closer look.

"Suspenders?" Glancing at Ethan, Luna cocked an eyebrow. "You're joking, right?" 

He rolled his eyes in response, then said, "When I say suspenders, I'm not talking about the kind Steve Urkel wore. They're the thin, stylish type."

"Oh. Well thank goodness for that," Luna sarcastically said.

"What's he do for a living?" Jeneda asked.

"He's an architect."

"Nice." As Luna's eyes came to rest on a pair of silk gloves, she picked one up, then slid it onto her left hand. "Where'd you guys meet?"

"Orphan Andy's. He was sitting at the table right across from me, but the whole time we were there, we didn't speak. It wasn't until I finished breakfast and went outside that he caught up to me. And that's when he asked for my phone number."

"How cute, he sounds shy."

"He is. I'm gonna coax him outta that shell, though."

"Yeah, I bet you will." A faint smirk touched Luna's lips.

Ethan playfully rolled his eyes. "That is *not* what I meant."

"Uh-huh, sure."

Throwing a glance Jeneda's way, Ethan saw that she was studying an enameled candlestick. Perhaps wondering the reason behind her sudden silence, he playfully bumped her hip with his, then asked a question.

"You doing okay? You're kinda quiet."

"I'm fine."

Although she gave an affirmative answer, Jeneda really wasn't fine at all. Her mind had once again wandered to Riley, and although she knew it did no good to obsessively think about his dismal situation, she couldn't help but wonder if he was safe. 

Ever since she'd left the nursing home that morning, she'd been trying very hard to keep from thinking about the bruise on his temple, yet it seemed that the harder she tried to stop thinking, the more persistent the mental images became. 

The change in Jeneda's body language didn't go unnoticed by her friends, and offering her looks of concern, both Ethan and Luna did their best to eradicate the dark cloud that seemed to be hanging over her head. 

Looping her arm around Jeneda's shoulder, Luna gave a suggestion. "Let's get out of this stuffy antique shop and go get some lunch."

"Okay. Where do you wanna go?"

"You pick a spot."

"We could go to that Ramen place."

"Good idea. I could really go for some Miso soup. 

Holding a brass, syringe-like object in his hands, Ethan offered it an inquisitive gaze, then held it up for Luna and Jeneda to see. "What's this?"

"An enema injector," Luna said.

Ethan hastily put it down, causing Jeneda to give a humorous snort in the process. A wide grin creased Luna's face, then she led the way to the front door, with Jeneda and Ethan trailing behind her. "Come on, you jokers."

"Wait a minute, how did you know that was an enema injector?" Ethan asked Luna.

"I saw it in a magazine once."

"Uh-huh, sure you did. I always knew you were a freak."

Continuing to the door, Luna laughed in response. "Whatever."

"Before we go to the restaurant, I'm gonna need to make a pit stop at the drugstore," Ethan said.

"What for?" Jeneda asked.

Gazing down at his hands with an expression of disgust, he said, "Hand sanitizer."

* * * *

As the fog rolled in, Dane stood on the eastern waterfront of San Francisco, gazing out at the view which stretched beyond Pier 7. It was nearing evening, and as the sky gradually darkened, the last bits of the pinkish-purple sunset disappeared. 

He didn't like being here. In fact, there was nothing he hated more, but haunted by past events, he found himself unwillingly drawn to this same spot. Seven months had passed since that horrible night, yet the recollection of it hadn't faded in the least. 

The details were imbedded in his brain, and despite his attempts to erase it from his mind, it seemed he was forever fated to live with the guilt. 

The salty, fishy scent of the pier invaded his nostrils, and as night descended, the air grew colder. Glancing down into the deep body of water below him, Dane saw that it was inky black, and as it lightly churned, it made soft slapping noises against the pier. 

He eyed the dark water suspiciously, scanning the surface of it to see if there was anything floating around. Common sense told him that it was impossible, yet still he found himself peering expectantly into the bay, fully expecting at any moment for the body to bob accusingly to the surface. 

The body. 

As the words reverberated in his head, he felt a chill dance along his spine. Seven months had elapsed since that fateful night, yet the memories were as sharp as broken glass.

He would never forget the loud splash the corpse had made upon contact with the water, nor could he ever erase from his mind the image of the dead man sinking like a stone, disappearing into the freezing cold waters of the San Francisco Bay. 

It had all been so quick and easy, that Dane still found himself wondering if he'd actually gotten away with it. Clearly he was walking free, but he couldn't help sometimes wondering if his dark secret would someday be found out. Continuing to look down into the water below the pier, he found himself wondering how long a body took to decompose. 

He knew it would last longer in water than it did on ground, but surely it couldn't still be intact seven months later. Most likely the flesh had already been eaten away, leaving only the skeleton remaining. Yet even if that were true, that still didn't mean he was in the clear. 

He took in a deep breath, and after slowly releasing it, it clouded in front of him. The winter coat he had on provided a sufficient barrier against the cold weather, yet as protected as he was from the external elements, he was completely vulnerable to his tormented thoughts. 

Leaning his weight against the railing of the pier, he gazed off into the distance. Then he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, and after slowly letting it out, he once again lifted his lids. 

He was trying very hard to push away the negative thoughts, but it was no use, because escape wasn't an option. This was his punishment, and he was going to take it like a man. 

The sky had now grown dark, and as he gazed at the lit up Bay Bridge, he found himself thinking of Cassie, his ex-girlfriend. Ever since leaving Kenichi's apartment earlier that day, he'd found himself unable to stop wondering about her current whereabouts. 

Apart from one other individual, she was the only living person who knew what had gone down that night. For this reason alone, he would always feel some sort of connection to her, and although he no longer had any emotional ties to his ex-lover, he did still care about her welfare. 

When he'd first met her two years ago, they'd both been under the employ of Kenichi, who had been, and still was, leading a highly organized crime ring. 

Along with a team of five other people, they had engaged in a number of cargo theft heists. The goods they'd stolen had been numerous, and ranged from pharmaceuticals and high-tech equipment, to designer handbags. 

Still in college at the time, Dane had been suffering from unmedicated social anxiety, and due to his awkwardness around other people, found that gaining employment in a traditional job was pretty much impossible. This led him to searching for alternative ways of making money, and before very long, found himself entrenched in a life of crime.

He'd promised himself to leave his corrupt occupation behind as soon as he acquired a decent stash of savings, but the flow of easy money had been difficult to walk away from. So like a fool, he'd continued along the same path. 

After nearly being arrested during a botched heist, Dane made a concrete decision to go straight, and had left the criminal life behind. Only six months later, he'd launched a career as a graphic novelist, and the rest was, as they say, history.

Two years had now passed since he'd been living the straight life, and although he was ashamed of the fact that he used to make his living by ripping people off, he did learn some very valuable lessons. One was to never let greed rule his life, and two, to not profit by causing someone else pain. 

He wished he could erase his past, undo all of those heinous and immoral acts he'd committed, but of course that wasn't possible. The past was set in stone, and that was all there was to it. 

As his thoughts turned to the earlier part of the day, Dane recalled the conversation he'd had with Kenichi, and found that one particular portion of their dialogue still reverberated in his head. 

*You see Cassie around lately?*

It still seemed strange to Dane that Kenichi had brought her up, especially considering that he hadn't spoken to her in longer than six months. He had a feeling that Kenichi had purposely brought Cassie up in hopes of planting a seed of worry in his mind, but what would be the purpose behind that? 

Clearly he didn't know, but now that she was on his mind, he was going to satiate his curiosity and give her a call. 

After retrieving her number from his list of contacts, he pressed the cell phone against his ear, then impatiently waited as the line rang. He counted six times before she picked up, speaking in that slightly husky voice that he remembered so well. 

"Hello?"

"Hi, Cassie."

"Dane?"

"Yeah."

"Oh wow, it is you. What's up, how have you been?"

"I'm doing okay." He allowed a moment to pass before continuing. "This will probably sound weird, but I'm just calling to see if you're alright." 

"I've been better, but considering the circumstances, I guess I'm doing pretty well. Why, what did you hear?"

"Nothing specific. I ran into Kenichi today, and he asked me if I'd seen you around."

"Really?"

"Yeah." A moment of silence passed while he waited for her to give a response, but when she didn't, he continued to speak. "Are you still working for him?"

"No. I quit a few days ago."

"For good?"

"Yes, for good."

"And what did he say when you told him you were quitting?"

"I didn't tell him. I just packed up all my stuff and left."

"What do you mean, packed up?" 

"I left his apartment, moved."

"You and Kenichi were living together?"

"Yeah, we'd been dating for the past few months."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah. He didn't tell you?"

"No. He didn't mention it at all."

"Oh."

An awkward pause stretched between them before Dane spoke. "So that's why he was asking about you."

"You didn't tell him anything, did you?"

"No. What would I tell him?"

"I don't know."

Dane watched the fog continue to roll in off the bay, and as a strong gust of wind came along, it whipped his hair around his face.

"If there's one piece of advice I could give you, It's to be careful," he said.

"Of what?"

He remained silent, knowing without a doubt that she was already well aware of what he was alluding to.

"What, you think he's gonna like, kill me or something?"

"I didn't say that. I only told you to be careful."

"I will," she said, then added, "Where are you right now?"

"Why?" 

"I'm just curious."

There was a moment of hesitation, during which Dane was uncertain if he should keep his location concealed. Yet realizing that his apprehension was unnecessary, he divulged his whereabouts.

"Pier 7."

"Please tell me you're joking." 

His lack of words told her that he wasn't.

"I thought you said you were never going back there."

"I tried to stay away," he said. "I really did. But for some reason I just can't."

"You hang out there regularly?"

"I don't hang out, I just stop by."

"To do what, have a picnic?" She asked with biting sarcasm.

"I don't come here because I want to," he angrily spat out. "It's something I have to do. It's a compulsion."

"A compulsion?" She faintly scoffed, then said, "What are you, stupid or something?"

"Yeah, just insult me. That's real good." 

"Well what do you want me to say? That it's a good idea to revisit the place where you committed a crime?" 

He remained silent, lips drawn into a tight line.

"Look, I just think It's a bad idea to hang around that place." Then in a lowered voice, she asked, "Doesn't being there give you the creeps?"

"Of course. It makes me sick to my stomach."

"Then stop torturing yourself and stay away." Her voice had taken on a serious, almost scolding tone. 

"Don't you think I've tried?"

She exhaled deeply through her nose. "Everytime you go there, you're taking a chance at getting caught."

"Nobody knows what happened except for me, you and Marla."

"We can't know that for sure." 

No words were spoken as they both gave thought to the subject at hand. With only streetlamps to illuminate the pier which Dane was standing on, he was otherwise surrounded by darkness, and although he felt no fear, he suddenly began to feel quite vulnerable. Turning his body so that his back faced the water, Dane narrowed his eyes, staring into the foggy night. 

The wooden floorboards of the pier creaked below him as he took a few steps forward, but the heavy mist rendered him unable to make out what lay ahead on the boardwalk. 

Having always been the sensitive type, he sensed a change in the energy around him, and began to wonder if he wasn't as alone as he'd thought he was. 

"Hello, Dane? You still there?"

The sound of Cassie's voice reminded him that he was in the middle of a conversation, and breaking his intent gaze on the foggy darkness that lay ahead of him, he focused his eyes on one of the glowing streetlamps.

"Yeah, I'm here." He slid his fingers through his tousled hair then said, "I gotta get off the phone now."

"Why?"

"I just do. Take care, okay?"

"You too," she said before quickly adding, "Dane?"

"Yeah?"

"You wanna meet up sometime? Maybe get a cup of coffee or something?"

"I don't think that'd be such a good idea."

"Why not?"

"Well, to be truthful, I'm kinda seeing someone."

"Of course you are. I should have known."

"Why of course?"

"You're gorgeous. Not to mention a great fuck." 

"Stop."

"Stop what?" Cassie asked.

"Complimenting me. I don't want you doing that."

"Why not?"

"I just don't, okay?" 

"Alright, fine."

"I'm getting off the phone now."

"Wait, before you hang up, I wanna ask you something."

"Yeah?" He impatiently asked.

"How have you been doing, honestly?"

Dane felt his body tense, and swallowing back the lump in his throat, he offered a reply. "Not great, but not horrible, either. I'm just sorta in-between. The anxiety meds help a lot, though.

"Are you still having those nightmares?"

"Not as often as before, but every now and again, I'll have one."

"What about Marla? Have you seen her around at all?"

"Nope. Not since that night." 

"Okay."

"Anyways, I really need to go, so I'm gonna get off the phone."

"Alright. Thanks for checking up on me."

"No problem."

"Goodbye, Cassie."

"Bye, Dane."

He slipped the phone back into his pocket, then sauntered down the pier in the direction of the parking lot. Still feeling as if there was some presence in the midst, he utilized each of his five senses to their fullest potential. 

He didn't like being watched, and found himself wondering why his observer refused to show himself, rather than hide in the fog like a coward. 

Perhaps they were seeing if he picked up on their energy, or maybe they were just uncertain of whether or not to attack him. 

All too aware that the frightened made for easy targets, he didn't want to encourage the malevolent force that was hanging around, so he silently sent out the signal that he was not to be intimidated. 

Although he suffered from social anxiety disorder, that certainly didn't make him the slightest bit weak, and if it came down to it, he knew he could sufficiently defend himself. 

Continuing along his way, he walked at a relaxed, yet steady pace, wanting to put distance between him and this hidden watcher. Then suddenly, as if on cue, tingles danced along the back of his neck, confirming his already solid suspicions. 




Velvet Roses Ch. 03



Heeding the response of his body, he quickened his stride, yet with each step that he took, he got the feeling that he wasn't eluding danger, yet somehow moving closer toward it.



Velvet Roses Ch. 04



*This chapter is longer than I expected it to be, and originally I thought of splitting it up into two, but there wasn't any way of doing that without leaving you guys on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I decided to just post the whole thing. Anyways, I hope you guys will enjoy this latest installment. And as always, thank you so very much for continuing to comment and vote on the story. *




The sound of Jeneda's ringtone woke her from sleep, and after reaching out to grab her cell phone from the bedside table, she hit the call answer button and pressed the receiver against her ear. 

"Hello?" She said in a sleep-fogged voice. 

"Morning, junebug."

"Hey Dad, what's up?"

"Just calling to see how my baby is. How are things?"

"Not so good." She sat up in bed so that her back was against the headboard, then lightly yawned. "Did you get my message?"

"Yeah, I just checked my voicemail this morning. What's going on?"

"I went to visit Riley yesterday, and I noticed he had a bruise on his face. I think he's being abused."

"Someone hit Riley?"

"Yes."

"Who was it?"

"From what the nurse told me, it was his roommate. Apparently he's a schizophrenic."

"Wait a minute, since when is Riley sharing a room with a schizophrenic? I thought he was rooming with that old guy, George."

"He was, but George died."

"They didn't mention he was getting a new roommate. Why didn't they call me?"

"That's exactly what I'd like to know."

"This is completely ridiculous," he said in a voice thick with disgust, then added, "What is it with these people?"

"They're incompetent. I tried to tell you and mom that, but you wouldn't listen to me."

"You can't blame me for this, Jeneda." His voice had deepened.

"I'm not. All I'm saying is that I had a bad feeling about that place from the very beginning."

"Yeah, I know. I remember you telling us that."

A lingering silence settled between them, during which Jeneda focused her attention on a bonsai tree that was sitting on the bedside table. Having inherited stubbornness from her father, she was just as hesitant to break the stillness as he was, yet knowing that they couldn't stay quiet forever, she offered some words. 

"I think It'd be best if we got Riley out of there."

"Of course, there's no other option. I'll call your mother today and let her know that we need to find him a new nursing home."

"Actually, I was hoping he could come stay with me."

A sigh of exasperation passed her father's lips. "No, Jeneda. That isn't possible, and you know it."

"Why not?"

"You already know why not. We've been over this several times."

"You think I won't be able to handle him, I get that. But can't we at least give it a try?"

"No."

"Just for a few weeks. And if it doesn't work out, then we can take him to a nursing home."

"No. Neither me or your mother is comfortable with that idea, so just stop bringing it up."

"I don't understand why you guys are so against it. I couldn't possibly do a worse job than St. Anne's has done."

"Listen, you don't have any medical training whatsoever, so what makes you think you could take care of someone in Riley's condition?"

"What if I hired a private nurse? Then would you let him stay with me?"

"No."

Thoroughly frustrated, Jeneda threw the covers off her and swung her legs over the side of the bed. After rising to her feet, she briskly made her way to the closet. "It really hurts me that you guys have such little faith in me."

"This isn't about us not trusting you, Jeneda, so stop being so dramatic. It's about what's best for Riley, and that's twenty-four seven professional care."

Having retrieved a black turtleneck and a pair of slim cut black pants from a hanger in the closet, she tossed them onto the bed. "Well can I at least have a part in deciding where his new nursing home will be?"

"We'll talk it over, okay?"

"Alright." 

"So, I was hoping we could meet up for lunch today. Are you busy this afternoon?

"I've got an appointment at an art gallery downtown at one, but after that I'm pretty much free."

"How about we meet up around two p.m. at Farmer Brown?"

"Yeah, that sounds good."

"Great. See you then, junebug."

"Later, dad."

Jeneda tossed her phone on the bed, and after stripping out of her nightclothes she headed for the bathroom, already looking forward to the hot shower she would take.

* * * *

Located on the cusp of Union Square and the Tenderloin, Farmer Brown was a neo-soul food restaurant that served Southern dishes with a San Francisco twist. 

Currently populated with a mostly young crowd, the 75-seat interior was carefully designed to replicate an industrial look, giving the overall atmosphere a big-city feeling, rather than a countrified one. In fact, the only farmhouse touches were the non matching thrift shop silverware and dishcloth napkins, but it made no difference to Jeneda, because the food was delicious. 

Having just consumed a plate of chicken and sausage jambalaya, Jeneda pushed her plate away, then rubbed her stomach in appreciation. Perhaps taking note of the satisfied expression on her face, her father smiled.

"Looks like that really hit the spot."

"Like you wouldn't believe." Then she added, "I think I'm going into a food coma."

"Guess that means you don't have any room for dessert."

"Just give me a few minutes, I'll make room for it."

He gave a light chuckle in response, and as a petite, curvy waitress approached the table to collect their empty plates, she offered Jeneda's father a friendly smile. 

"So what'll it be, Gary? You having the usual for dessert?"

He nodded. "With an extra scoop of ice cream, please."

"No problem." She then turned her gaze on Jeneda and asked, "What about you, honey?"

"I'll have whatever he's having, minus the extra scoop of ice cream."

She smiled, and after stacking up their dirty plates, she said, "Be right back with those slices of pecan pie." 

As soon as the waitress was gone, Gary's expression became more serious, and clasping his hands on the table in front of him, he offered Jeneda an uneasy look. Noting the change in her father's body language, she couldn't help feeling a little apprehensive, and steeled herself for what was to come.

"I talked to your mother a few hours ago, and she's on board with transferring Riley to a different nursing home."

"Okay." Giving pause, she waited for him to continue, but as he remained silent she once again spoke. "That's good, right?"

"Yeah, It's good. The only thing is, she wants to live closer to him, so she'll be moving him out of state."

Astonished into silence, she blinked, struggling to process the words that he'd spoken. Lost in a kind of a daze, she barely even noticed as the waitress sat their saucers of pie on the table. Finally, after a long stretch of silence, she once again found her voice.

"Mom's moving him out of state?"

"Yeah. She found this great facility in Key West. And It's only a few blocks from her house, so she'll be able to visit him as often as she likes."

"Okay. Well that sounds great and everything, but why does he have to move so far away? Why can't he just stay here in San Francisco?"

"I think she feels guilty about hardly coming to visit, and probably figures It'd be a good idea if she was closer to him."

Uncertain of how to respond, she glanced out the window, looking yet not really seeing what lay beyond the glass. 

"I'm sorry, junebug. I know this is all very sudden."

"No, It's fine," she quickly said before adding, "It'll be good for the both of them. They've been apart for too long." 

Perhaps seeing that she was trying to downplay her disappointment, Gary's features softened. "You can always go visit him."

"Yeah, but how often will I get to do that? He'll be all the way across the country."

"Just set aside a weekend every few months and make the trip out there. Your mom's been talking about how much she misses you anyway, so It'll give you two a chance to catch up."

"It has been a long time since we've seen each other." She absentmindedly played with her fork, then said, "Have you guys picked out a date for his departure?"

"Next Saturday at eight p.m."

"Wow. That soon, huh?"

"No need to procrastinate. Especially knowing what we do about St. Anne's standard of care."

"Yeah, I guess that's a good idea." 

Neither seemed quite certain of what else to say, so they sat in awkward silence, eyes cast downward so they wouldn't have to make eye contact. Then, clearing his throat, Gary picked up his fork and began to eat his dessert. Noticing that Jeneda wasn't touching hers, he gestured toward it.

"You might wanna get a start on that pie, junebug. Your ice cream's melting."

Offering it an uninterested glance, she picked up her fork and stuck it into the pie, then took a small bite. It smelled delicious and was nice and warm, as if It'd been freshly baked, yet as it hit her tastebuds, she found herself wondering how something so sweet could taste so bitter.

* * * *

Gentle patters of rain fell from the sky, making the pavement slick with rain. Walking hand in hand, Jeneda and Dane continued along their way through the streets of the SOMA district, or as it was commonly referred to-South of Market. 

Due to a lack of parking spots, they were forced to park halfway down the block from their destination, yet despite this inconvenience, they were fully enjoying the moment. The fresh, clean scent of the rain was pleasant, and the sensation of the raindrops against their skin was refreshing. 

They spoke only occasionally, choosing to enjoy each others company with little more than the sound of their soles hitting the wet pavement. With no umbrella to shield them, their hair had become damp and their jackets were moist, yet neither seemed particularly concerned. Then again, why would they? 

This was the thought that came into Jeneda's head as they continued along their way, and she found herself curiously eyeing each building that they passed. The neighborhood surrounding them was largely industrial, with a patchwork of warehouses, furniture showrooms, nightclubs, residential hotels, and loft apartments. 

Although dot com money had revitalized large portions of the district, south of market still contained some pretty gritty areas where residents seemed to oppose, rather than accept gentrification. The area they were currently traveling through was a perfect example of this, and exuded an offbeat, grungy atmosphere.

Judging from what she already knew about Dane's personality, she guessed that was part of the appeal, and realized that the slightly dicey, industrial neighborhood was a pretty perfect fit for someone like him. 

As they approached a run down looking warehouse, Dane pulled her along by the hand, leading her closer toward it. Offering it a wary look, Jeneda noticed that it seemed to be abandoned, and was not only dingy, but also quite shady looking. 

Of course she was aware that Dane was anything but an ordinary guy, so it probably shouldn't have come as too much of a surprise that he lived in such a place. Yet she still found it hard to believe that he would reside in a building with such a dismal looking façade. Making no attempt at all to hide the astonishment in her voice, she posed a question.

"This is where you live?" 

Giving her a funny little smile, Dane said, "Yes. Why do you look so surprised?"

Although she knew exactly why, she still offered a little shrug. "I don't know. It just seems so...unlivable."

He gave a light chuckle. "I know it looks a little rough around the edges, but I promise, it's perfectly safe."

Upon reaching the building, Dane yanked back a rusty looking according gate that served as a barrier to the freight elevator, and after allowing Jeneda to enter first, he followed behind her. 

He slammed the gate shut behind them, then pushed the button which would take them to the second floor. As the elevator came to a stop, it gave a little jerk, and after pulling the gate open, they stepped out into his warehouse apartment.

The outside of the building had led Jeneda to expect that the interior would be less than inviting, yet she was relieved to find that Dane's apartment wasn't as terrible as she'd expected. 

Although the mid-sized warehouse had been converted into a living space, it was still brimming with authentic industrial elements. Concrete walls and floors provided a raw, utilitarian look, and exposed steel beams added to the unfinished style of the residence. 

Except for a closed in area which appeared to be a bathroom, Dane's living quarters were completely open, void of any walls and doors. 

Directly in the center of the room was a king sized bed which sat on a platform. Soft and comfortable looking, it was cast in a soft glow of pale moonlight which filtered through the large skylights above. 

Noticing that it was the focal point of the room, Jeneda couldn't help wondering if the bed had been purposely positioned there to catch the eye of female visitors. Dane didn't necessarily seem like the playboy type, but then again he did garner a fair amount of attention from women, so she guessed it was a possibility.

As was usual whenever she visited a person's apartment for the first time, she found herself visually stimulated, and her eyes darted around as she took in everything around her. 

The converted warehouse didn't have the sleekness of a high-end, big city loft, and it certainly wasn't chic in any way, yet it did have a charm all of its own. Aside from a few essential pieces of furniture, the apartment was sparsely outfitted, with just enough possessions to make the space feel lived in. 

"So, what do you think?" Dane asked. "Does it still seem unlivable?"

Her lips curled into a gentle smile. "It's nicer than I thought it would be." 

A pair of Gothic arched windows captured her attention, and finding herself impressed by the dramatic look of them, she walked closer so she could check out the detail. 

"Can I get you something to drink?" Dane asked.

Jeneda lightly sniffed, then shoved her hands into her pockets before responding. "Tea would be nice." 

"I hope you like Earl Grey, because that's all I have."

"I'm not picky. Whatever you've got, I'll drink," she called out over her shoulder.

While Dane made himself busy preparing their beverage, Jeneda looked out of the grimy panes of the arched windows, which offered her little more than a view of a gritty back alley. From somewhere off in the distance she heard blaring police sirens, which gradually grew louder until she heard the sound of tires screeching to a halt. 

Guessing that the police car had come to a stop in front of Dane's building, Jeneda angled her neck to try and see further down the alley, yet found herself unable. 

She could, however, see the flashing police car lights as they reflected against the brick alley wall. Then she heard the unmistakable sound of running footsteps, which she guessed was the police in pursuit of the suspect. 

Curious as to what was going on, she turned to glance at Dane, who was walking out of the kitchen and heading towards her with two mugs in hand. Upon reaching her, he handed her a cup of tea, then 

took a glance out the window.

Standing beside him, she asked, "I wonder what's going on?" 

He offered a little shrug. "Who knows. There's always something happening in this neighborhood."

"This is a regular occurrence?"

"Pretty much." 

The rain beat a steady rhythm against the windows, and as a draft of cold air sent a chill through Jeneda's body, she shifted her attention, searching for the source of it. Catching sight of a hole in one of the window panes, she fixed her eyes upon it, which in turn caused Dane to follow her gaze. 

"There's a hole in your window," Jeneda said.

The opening was only around the size of a dime but as the wind blew through, it created a faint, eerie whistling noise. 

"I know. It was there when I moved in."

"And you still haven't fixed it?"

"Nope. It doesn't really bother me, so I figure why not just leave it?" 

She lightly shivered, and after taking another sip of her tea, she said, "No wonder it's so cold in here."

"Sorry about that." Wrapping an arm around her waist, Dane pulled her up against him so that he could share his body heat with her. "I don't have the materials to fix it right now, but if you want I can cover it up with something."

Jeneda gave a nod, then said, "That'd be nice."

He turned from the window and walked off to another part of the room, and after retrieving what he needed, he once again joined her side. Noticing that he had a rubber, bullet shaped object in his hand, she decided to inquire about it.

"What's that?" 

"An earplug. It's just about the shape of the hole, so it should do the job." 

He stretched his arm upward so he could slide the earplug into the dime sized opening, and one it was snugly in place, the whistling noise came to a stop. 

"Better?" He asked.

"Yes, thank you."

He affectionately rubbed his palm against her back, then took a sip of his tea.

With only the patter of rain to fill the silence between them, Jeneda gave Dane a long, curious stare.

"It doesn't bother you, living in a dangerous neighborhood like this?"

"It's not so bad, once you get used to it."

"It seems like you're doing pretty well with your graphic novels, though, so I'm guessing you can afford to move somewhere safer."

"Of course I can. I just don't want to."

"Why not?"

"Because I like it here. Plus I'm all settled in, so there's no reason to leave."

"Okay," she nonchalantly said, then took a sip of her hot beverage. 

"Does being here bother you?"

"No, not at all. I'm just a little surprised that you would live in this particular part of the city. 

"It's really not that terrible," he said. "There are way worse areas than south of market."

"Name one."

"The Tenderloin."

"Safety wise, it's pretty much on the same level as here, isn't it?" 

"Depends on the neighborhood you're in."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." She briefly paused before adding, "South Beach is a safe area, and only a few minutes away. You could move there."

"Why? It's full of yuppies."

The corners of her lips tugged into a smile, and she lightly shrugged. "Just a suggestion."

Dane took the empty mug from Jeneda's hands, then placed it, along with his own, on a beat up coffee table that was located a few feet away. After returning to where she stood, he brought his hand up to her face and lightly stroked the side of it with the pad of his thumb. 

"You have no reason to feel unsafe, you know," he said while looking deep into her eyes. "As long as you're with me, you'll be well protected."

"Yeah, I know," she softly replied. 

Soothed by the feel of his finger caressing her cheek, she emitted a low sigh, gazing deep into his nearly black eyes. It felt so good to be touched, and as he slid a fingertip over the fullness of her lips, she parted them, ready and eager to accept his kiss.

Clearly wishing to build her desire, he trailed his fingers along her jawline, applying a feather light touch that pleasantly tickled her. Then with excruciating slowness, he leaned in closer. 

Their lips came together in a soft, languid kiss before deepening into an urgent, hungry embrace. She marveled at the warmth of his mouth, bumping and sliding her tongue against his in a hot, wet dance. 

His hands came to rest on her hips, and as his tongue made sweeping, swirling motions inside her mouth, she felt a pulsing heat build between her thighs. 

Not breaking their intense lip lock for even a moment, Dane gently pushed her backward until her legs met with the edge of a green velour couch. No sooner had she fell back onto the soft cushions did he straddle her, covering the edge of her jaw with wet, hot kisses. 




Velvet Roses Ch. 04



The desirous look in his eyes drove her wild with anticipation, and as he slid a hand beneath her shirt, she released a soft sigh. 

His fingers ventured slowly upward, leaving delicious tingles in their wake, and as the tips of his digits brushed against her lace clad nipples, she gave a slight jolt. 

He rubbed his thumb against her right nipple a few times until it grew erect, then repeated the same move with her left peak. Now fully aroused, she pushed her chest towards him, longing for him to give her more pleasure. 

Much to her disappointment, however, Dane ceased his ministrations of her nipples, but as he leaned into to whisper in her ear, her frustration quickly transformed into delightful anticipation.

"Lift up a bit so I can take your shirt off."

Wasting not a second, she heeded his request, and after slipping her shirt off over her head, he tossed it aside. He promptly pulled down the cups of her bra, and as her bare breasts were exposed for his eyes, he lowered his mouth to capture one of her perky nipples. 

The velvety touch of his warm tongue caused her to arch into him, a soft gasp emitting from her mouth as he tenderly laved her swollen peak. 

She tangled her fingers in his hair, gently tugging on his thick, wavy locks as he relentlessly worked his tongue back and forth against the hard point of flesh. 

The sensation was sinfully delightful, and not wanting to neglect her other nipple, he allowed his thumb to graze over the swollen peak, instantly bringing it to near painful erection.

Apparently covetous of the attention her breasts were receiving, her clit began to throb-as if begging for the same consideration. 

She tried to ignore it and just enjoy the feel of his tongue against her breasts, but as the pulsating grew more intense, she came to the realization that satiating her all-consuming desire wasn't an option, but a necessity.

Grabbing hold of the hand that was massaging her right breast, Jeneda moved it downward and placed it against the warmth between her legs. Then she bucked her hips slightly forward, silently pleading for stimulation. 

This resulted in Dane diverting his attention from her breasts, and as he looked into her eyes, she could see a hint of surprise in them. 

"You want me to finger you, or..." His voice drifted off as he gave her a look that was both inquiring and hopeful. 

Saying nothing in response, she once again took his hand in hers, then brought it up to her mouth and lazily dragged her tongue along the tips of his fingers. Dane's eyes became clouded with lust, and his Adam's apple bobbed up and down as he lightly swallowed. 

"Oh, so that's what you want."

A faint smile curled her lips, and pressing her hand gently against his chest, she eased him off her. She then rose to her feet, and after slowly and seductively sliding her pants down, she pulled them off and tossed the fabric aside. 

Now clad only in her underwear, Dane was afforded the opportunity to gaze at her thighs, and he languidly swept his eyes up and down her legs, as if committing the sight to memory.

He leaned forward on the couch, and after coasting his palms along her silky smooth legs, he hooked his thumbs beneath the waistband of her panties, languidly pulling them down until they were off around her ankles. 

The sight of her bare sex made Dane visibly excited, and as Jeneda glanced downward, she saw the outline of an erection through the fabric of his pants. 

Shifting her eyes so that they once against met his, she saw a deep longing in them, and could tell that his craving was just as intense as hers was for him. Then, in a voice that seemed deeper than usual, he spoke.

"Sit down."

She unhesitantly heeded his request, and once she was seated comfortably on the couch, Dane got into position, kneeling down on the floor in front of her. Eagerly anticipating the feel of his tongue, she scooted forward to the edge of the couch, and after spreading her legs, she hooked them over his shoulders. 

With a hungry look in his eyes, he sandwiched his head between her legs, then gave her a few torturously slow licks up and down her weeping slit. 

"Mmm..." Burrowing her fingers in his hair, she thrust her hips forward, desperate to have him apply more pressure, yet simultaneously loving the way that he was teasing her. 

His languid ministrations filled her with insatiable need, yet as frustrating as it was, there was also something torturously enjoyable about being denied the very thing she so craved. There wasn't a doubt in her mind that he was building up to something spectacular, and the thrill of anticipation made her shiver. 

Only after he had her squirming beneath the heat of his tongue, did he finally dip it deep between her glistening folds. Jeneda moaned in response, and as he contentedly lapped at her slick, wet pussy, she dazedly stared down at him, in awe of his skillful oral manipulations.

The sheer eroticness of the moment caused heat to surge through her body, and as he relentlessly explored her tight sheath with his tongue, she released a long, low groan of ecstasy. 

After a few solid minutes of steadily eating her out, he directed his attention to her distended clit. The first lash of his tongue sent an electric current through her body, and as he massaged the sensitive bundle of nerves with his velvety appendage, her moans became more insistent. 

Although it felt incredible, she desperately longed for him to apply more pressure, and wouldn't be satisfied until she received a firm, rapid tonguing. This led her to salaciously grind her hips against his mouth, yet all too aware that a closed mouth didn't get fed, she opened her mouth and gave a throaty request.

"Harder...lick me harder." 

Her breathy words goaded him on, and without a moment of delay, he stiffened his tongue, pressing it more firmly against her sensitive nub. 

Jeneda's head lolled back in ecstasy, and grabbing a fistful of his hair, she bucked into his mouth, succumbing to his tongue as it relentlessly devoted itself to her pleasure. 

The sound of the rain against the windows mingled with her soft sighs and throaty moans, and as he pushed two fingers inside her slick, taut hole, her breathing grew erratic. 

While maintaining the rhythm of his tongue against her clit, he pumped his digits in and out of her hole, and after half a dozen thrusts, she let loose an uninhibited cry. Her muscles clenched as she came undone, and her thighs tightened around his head, locking it in place.

Reduced to a quivering mass, all she could do was weakly moan, helpless to his tongue as he licked her clean. It wasn't until her body had gone slack, that he finally halted the movement of his tongue, and after removing his head from between her thighs, he wiped his mouth off with the back of his hand, then rose up from the kneeling position and sat down beside her on the couch. 

Jeneda was still in a bit of daze, so she didn't really feel like doing much except bask in the moment, but the awkwardness of sitting bare assed on Dane's couch provoked her to retrieve her panties from the floor. After slipping them back on, she reached for her pants, but before she could pull them up, Dane posed a question. 

"Leave them off."

"Why? It's cold."

"Then get in bed and cuddle with me. That'll warm us up."

"I'd rather just hang out on the couch, if you don't mind."

Having clothed the lower half of her body, she was now pulling her turtleneck on. 

"I won't try and have sex with you, if that's what you're worried about." Then he quickly added, "Not that I wouldn't love to."

Her lack of response caused him to clear his throat, and he watched her with a curious gaze. "Did I do something wrong?"

"Of course not. Why?"

"Well for one thing, you're avoiding eye contact with me. And the way you're getting dressed...it's like you're embarrassed to have me see you."

She briefly turned her gaze on him. "Nothing could be further from the truth." 

"Then why are you acting weird?"

"I'm putting my clothes back on. What's so weird about that?"

He shook his head lightly, then said, "Nothing. Forget I said anything."

Realizing that her behavior was indeed coming across as strange, she took a seat on the edge of the couch, then turned her head to look at him.

"I'm sorry, I've just got a lot on my mind right now."

"Wanna talk about it?"

She hesitated for a moment, then leaned back on the couch and let out a little sigh. "Remember how I told you my brother is brain damaged?"

"Yeah."

"He's pretty much unable to do anything for himself, so he lives in a nursing home."

Dane remained quiet, waiting for her to continue.

"I'm pretty sure he's being abused, so my parents and I are having him transferred to another nursing home."

"That's horrible, I'm sorry to hear that. Do you know who did it?"

"The nursing supervisor says it was one of the other patients."

The tone of her voice conveyed disbelief, which in turn caused Dane to question her. "You don't think that's what really happened?"

"Nope."

"Hmm." His brow creased as he said, "Well, hopefully you guys can find a better place for him."

"My mom already has. It's all the way in Key West, though, which means I'll hardly ever get to see him."

The sad expression on her face resulted in Dane scooting closer to her, and taking her hand in his, he tenderly stroked it with the back of it with his thumb.

"This is really bothering you, isn't it?"

She nodded. "Ever since Riley's accident two years ago, I've been visiting him on a weekly basis." Averting her eyes toward the window, she stared blankly out of it, clearly deep in thought. "It's gonna be so weird not having him around anymore."

"Yeah, well, It'll just take some getting used to." Dane smoothed a palm over her hair, then said, "Give it some time, and you'll feel better about it."

She said nothing in return, only rested her head against his shoulder. A comfortable silence fell between them as they sat side by side, listening to the rain as it pelted against the glass of the arched windows. 

It was a comforting sound, and finding herself lulled by it, she snuggled closer against him, seeking to warm herself from the heat of his body. 

He looped an arm around her waist in response, then gave her a light kiss on the forehead. A contented murmur slipped from her lips as he did it, and resting a palm against his chest, she closed her eyes, immersing herself in the feel of his body against hers. 

* * * *

A loud crack of thunder roused Jeneda from sleep, and as she opened her eyes, she found herself surrounded by the dark. It took a moment for her to remember where she was, but as she gradually became aware of her surroundings, she called out softly.

"Dane?"

Her voice sounded tiny, almost unfamiliar, and after removing the throw blanket that had been covering her body, she got off the couch and rose to her feet. The concrete floor felt cold against her soles, and squinting her eyes, she scanned the dark room.

Except for the light of the moon that filtered dimly through the skylight, the area surrounding her was void of light, so it was difficult for her to make out anything more than vague shapes. 

Feeling an urgent need to empty her bladder, she began moving forward, moving slowly and with uncertainty. She wasn't entirely sure if the sectioned off area she'd noticed earlier was the bathroom, but since the rest of Dane's warehouse apartment was completely open and free of any walls, she figured that it had to be. 

Upon reaching the partitioned off area, she spotted a hanging light bulb, and after pulling on a string next to the bulb, dim lighting flooded the area surrounding her. 

As she'd expected, it was indeed a bathroom, and had a free standing bathtub, a deep, circular shaped wash basin, and a toilet. There were shelves on the wall to provide a place for toiletries to sit on, as well as a towel rack, but other than that, it was pretty basic looking. 

After relieving herself, she headed back into the main area of the apartment. Her eyes darted around the room, searching for signs of Dane, but as she realized that he still wasn't anywhere to be found, she was left feeling puzzled. 

Curious as to what time it was, she retrieved her cell phone from her jeans, then pressed one of the keys to illuminate the screen. 

According to the time on her mobile, it was half past midnight, which made her even more curious about where he'd gone off to. What reason would he have for taking off in the middle of the night, especially in cold, rainy weather? 

As if to enhance her feeling of worry, thunder rumbled menacingly in the distance, causing the panes of the windows to vibrate in the process. 

Spotting the outline of a lamp on the coffee table, Jeneda made her way toward it, and as she reached it, she clicked the switch a few times. 

As the lamp flickered to life, it bathed the room in soft light, and after taking a seat on the couch, she realized that there was a note on the coffee table. Lifting the piece of paper up, she read the small script.

*Just stepped out for a moment. I'll be back in a bit.*

Instead of giving her insight as to his whereabouts, the note only managed to further arouse her curiosity. She was truly bewildered as to why he'd left her alone like this, and as she sat there pondering the possible reasons behind his disappearance, she came to the realization that she didn't know who Dane really was. 

Sure she knew his name, occupation, and a few general facts, but she didn't know a whole lot else about him. He was still quite mysterious to her, and although she was certain that he was a nice, decent guy, she still had yet to delve beyond the outermost layers of his personality. 

This led her to think about the erotic encounter they'd shared earlier, and she came to realization that although they had a great connection, they were still essentially strangers.

*You don't even know when his birthday is.*

"No, I don't. And so what?" She said aloud to herself.

She knew her inner voice was trying to shame her, but she wouldn't allow it to. She was an adult, and perfectly within her rights to engage in sexual activities, so why *should* she feel bad about it? If her body was craving for sexual release, she was going to see that her needs were met.

As she sat there thinking about her and Dane's intimate encounter, she caught the distant noise of the freight elevator gate as it was pulled open, then there came the sound of footsteps approaching the apartment. 

She rose to her feet so that she could meet him as he came in, and as he crossed the threshold and entered the room, she saw that he was soaking wet. 

"Oh, you're up. I thought you would still be sleeping."

"I woke up fifteen minutes ago," she said. "Where were you?"

He held a medium sized paper bag up, which was just as wet as he was, and partially torn. "I got us a little treat.

"A treat? That's what you went out for at midnight?"

"Yeah."

He said it nonchalantly, as if it were perfectly normal to go out in the dead of night while a thunderstorm was taking place. 

"Well, what is it?"

She tried to peer into the bag, but he moved it away from her before she got the chance. 

"Hold on, I'll show you. Just be patient." His lips tugged into a crooked little smile. 

Now more curious than ever, she followed him into the kitchen, where he sat the paper bag on the counter. After lifting out two styrafoam containers, he popped open the lids, and the tantalizing scent of freshly cooked food filled the air around them. 

Training her eyes on the contents of the Styrofoam boxes, Jeneda saw that one of them contained a small stack of chocolate chip pancakes and scrambled eggs, while the other one held a cheeseburger and fries. 

"Dinner *and* breakfast?" She asked with amusement in her voice.

"Yeah, I thought we could each eat a bit of both. That is unless you'd rather just have one meal to yourself."

"Well, I've never eaten both breakfast and dinner at the same time before, but it does smell really good, so I'm up for it."

"Cool. I also got us a milkshake to share." 

He handed a styrofoam cup to her, then grabbed both of the food containers and led the way to his bed. Upon reaching it, he set the food down on an old, antique looking trunk that served as a bedside table, then he began stripping out of his rain soaked clothes. 

Taking a seat on the bed, she unabashedly watched him undress, feeling her level of arousal grow as he took his coat off, then peeled off his shirt and tossed it onto the floor. 

He then undid the zipper on his pants, and as he pulled them down off his legs, a familiar sensation began to build in her loins. Perhaps mistaking the raising of her eyebrows as disapproval, Dane spoke some words of reassurance. 

"Don't worry, I'm not getting naked."

"Oh, I'm not worried."

Her response brought a smile to his lips, and after throwing his pinstriped pants in a pile with his other clothes, he climbed onto the bed. 

Now clad in only his boxer briefs, he rested his back against the headboard, then casually crossed his arms behind his head. She didn't know why, but the sight of his arm pit hair only furthered her arousal, and she found herself slightly transfixed by it. 

"You don't look very comfortable in those clothes," he said. "Why don't you take something off?"

The corners of her mouth tugged upward, and after standing up from the bed, she began to strip down. Knowing that he was eager to see more skin, she slowly took her clothes off, gradually revealing more of her body until she was down to her panties and bra. 

Then she grabbed the take out containers, and after passing one to him, she joined him on the bed. As he took a bite of the cheeseburger, she dug into the pancakes, enjoying the rich sweetness of the syrup.

They ate contentedly, sampling a bit of this and a bit of that from each other's food containers. They even fed each other a couple of fries, then once their bellies were full, Dane took the empty containers and sat them on the trunk. He then grabbed the Styrofoam cup which had the milkshake in it and offered her first sip. 

She shook her head, then patted her stomach. "Too full." 

"It's really good. Just try a little."

Seeing how eager he was to have her sample it, she wrapped her lips around the straw, then had a taste. It was smooth, creamy, and tasted like pumpkin, and after taking a few generous swallows, she handed the cup back to him.

"That's a *damn good* milkshake."

"Told you." He took a few sips, then said, "I wish they were available year round, but they only serve them during October."

She licked her lips, then said, "Well, It's definitely tasty."

"Not as tasty as you, though."

His wanton statement sent a zing of desire through her loins, and staring into his eyes with a deep look of longing, she coasted a hand slowly up and down his chest. She didn't need to speak a work to convey her sexual arousal, and having lost his interest in the milkshake, Dane leaned over the side of the bed and set the cup on the trunk.

With both hands now free, he placed one on her thigh, coasting it toward the heat between her legs. "I wanna taste you again."

"Yeah?" She huskily asked.

"Yeah." 

His eyes locked into hers, and as his fingers made contact with the moist fabric of her panties, he began teasingly sliding his thumb up and down her lace clad slit.

"You like the way I use my tongue on you?" He asked. 

"You know I do." 

Her breath quickened from the sensation of his finger caressing her pussy, and as he pressed his digit more firmly against it, she emitted a little moan. Their faces gradually moved closer until their lips met, and as they engaged in a deep, passionate kiss, Jeneda langorously slid her fingers through his damp locks.




Velvet Roses Ch. 04



Their lips made a wet noise as they parted, and as Jeneda gazed at his face, she noticed from the corner of her eye that he had a small cut on the side of his forehead. She guessed that It'd been concealed by hair, because she hadn't noticed it before at all, and found herself curious as to how he'd gotten it. 

"How'd you get that cut on your forehead?"

"What cut?" 

Gingerly touching the space directly next to it, she said," This one. It's right here, close to your eyebrow. 

He brought his hand up to the spot she'd pointed out, then removed it and glanced at his finger, which had a spot of blood on it. 

"Must be from that tree outside, the one with the low hanging branches. I usually duck down, but for some reason I forgot tonight."

"And you didn't feel yourself bleeding?"

"Nope." He reached up to feel the spot again, then said, "I'm hardly bleeding at all."

Eyeing the small cut with a mixture of concern and suspicion, she couldn't help wondering if there was more to the explanation he'd given her, yet not wanting to come across as untrusting, she decided to keep quiet and not question him any further. 

"If you've got a first aid kit, I could put some peroxide on it."

"No thanks."

"How about a kiss to make it feel better?" 

A small smile touched his lips. "Yeah, that'd be nice." 

She leaned in and tenderly pressed her lips to his forehead, then placing her palms on either side of his face, she stared deep into his eyes, mirroring his look of adoration. 

Rain pounded above them on the skylight, and as they traded light kisses and affectionately brushed noses, a booming clap of thunder rattled the windows. 

Having always been impressed by the power of thunderstorms, Jeneda directed her attention to the skylight above, just in time to see a flash of lightning dance across the sky. She then looked back at Dane, and as he gently caressed the side of her face, she gave a contented murmur. 

"I love the sound of thunder," she said. 

"Yeah, It's nice." 

"What's your favorite sound?

"You moaning."

She smiled then grabbed his hand and held it in hers. "Okay, what's your second favorite sound?"

A little, "hmmm," came from his mouth as he thought it over, then he gave his answer. "Silence."

"Silence..." She gave pause, then lightly nodded her head in agreement. "Good answer." 

Still stroking her hair, he stared wordlessly at her with his dark, captivating eyes.

"So I guess you're not ever having children, huh?" She asked.

"Probably not." He then added, "But then again, you never know what the future will bring."

"If you do, how many do you want?"

"Oh, I don't know...as many as you can pop out."

"Oh really? And what makes you think I'd be willing to bear your seed?"

"You'll fall in love with me someday. Madly and hopelessly in love," he said with exaggerated enthusiasm. 

She cracked a grin, lightly shaking her head at him. "You're funny." 

"You think I'm joking, but I'm serious. Just wait, you'll see."

"Uh-huh, sure." 

"Okay. Don't say I didn't warn you."

Although he had a touch of a smile on his lips, she got the feeling that he was only half joking, and although his confidence was unwavering, he didn't come across as egotistical in the slightest. 

Their connection was deepening quicker than she'd expected, and even though this did please her, she couldn't help feeling a bit nervous as well. Every relationship came with demands, and aside from her brother, Riley, she hadn't ever devoted much attention or time to any other man in her life. 

Absentmindedly trailing a finger along Dane's goatee, she pondered how far she should take things with him, and how much of herself she should reveal.

"When's your birthday?" She asked.

"October fifth. What's yours?"

"May twenty-ninth."

"Gemini, right?"

She nodded. "And you are?"

"Libra."

"I don't know anything about astrology," she said. "Are we compatible?"

"We just ate takeout food in our underwear. If that's not a connection, I don't know what is."

"I guess you're right about that." Brushing a finger lightly over his lips, she said, "It's only our second date, and I already got you into bed. Are you this easy with all the girls?"

"Naw. I made an exception for you, cause you're so cute."

"Mhmm, sure. I bet you say that to all the women you date."

"Nope, just you," he murmured in her ear, giving it a gentle nibble before placing a few wet kisses along her neck. 

A pleased sigh escaped her lips, and as his mouth brushed over the cups of her bra, she arched into him, then placed her hand on his cock. It stiffened even further beneath her touch, and maneuvering herself so that she was straddling him, she pushed his back against the mattress. 

Now sitting on top of him with her thighs on either side of his hips, she gazed seductively down at him. Clearly surprised by the feral look in her eyes, a curious expression came onto his face, and his brows lifted. 

She caressed his chest, smoothing her palms along the smooth, hard surface before trailing light kisses along his torso. 

He released contented little murmurs as she did it, and as her mouth reached the waistband of his boxer briefs, she hooked her thumbs underneath them, then slowly tugged them down. After pulling the fabric off around his ankles, she turned her gaze back on his manhood. 

Swollen, hard, and weeping copious amounts of pre cum, it pointed stiffly in the air, demanding prompt attention. She wrapped a palm around the base of his cock, and positioning her lips next to his rigid length, she allowed the tip of her tongue to lightly graze the glistening slit. 

Moaning softly in response, he fisted his hands in her hair, anticipating the moment when she would take him into her mouth. Fully aware of how eager he was, Jeneda allowed her tongue to continue working its magic, swirling it around the mushroom shaped head a few times, before flicking it back and forth. 

She then wrapped her lips around his cock, and as she slowly sunk him into her mouth, he gently bucked his hips, then let out a strangled groan. His sound of pleasure coaxed her on, and she began bobbing her head up and down his slick hardness. 

She worked her mouth over him slowly at first, allowing the seal of her lips to languidly slide along the velvety flesh of his stiff penis. Then gradually she built up to a steady rhythm, sucking him off with increasing enthusiasm until she had him wriggling in ecstasy beneath her.

She could tell from the way his belly was contracting that the pressure inside him was continuously building, and although she wasn't looking upward, she could feel his eyes on her, intently watching her every move. This only increased her arousal, and keeping her lips wrapped tightly around him, she took him in even deeper. 

This earned her a husky moan, and sensing he was close to release, she bobbed her head faster, tirelessly urging him toward climax. The lustful sounds he made created a pulsing sensation between her thighs, and as he tightened his grip on her hair, she knew he'd reached the point of no return. 

His body stiffened, hips arching into her, and no sooner had she removed his erection from her mouth, did he reach his release. He came hard, eliciting a low, drawn out groan as he spurted his seed over her neck. 

Keeping a palm wrapped around his length, she pumped him vigorously, milking spurt after spurt of milky fluid from his penis. Only after he had nothing left to give, did she halt the motion of her hand, then released her hold on his softening penis. 

Jeneda leaned over to grab a few napkins from the trunk, and after wiping her neck and the upper part of her chest clean, she reclined beside him. Dane pressed his lips to hers in a sweet, tender kiss, then wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer against his body. Then with a deep sigh of contentment, he gazed up at the skylight. 

The rain continued to beat against the windows panes, coming faster, harder, and louder than before, and although it was no longer a soft pattering sound, Jeneda still found herself comforted by it.

Yet despite this feeling of contentment, she couldn't help shivering from the drafty interior of the warehouse apartment, and as her body trembled against his, Dane took notice.

"Cold?" 

She nodded, then nuzzled closer to him. "It's freezing in here."

"Sorry about that. Let me get us a blanket." 

He got out of bed, and after retrieving a cover from inside the trunk, he spread it over her body. 

"Better?" He asked.

"Mmm, much," she contentedly said.

"Good. How about I make us some tea?"

"That'd be nice."

He tenderly pulled the blanket up around her neck, then smoothed a palm over her hair before heading off to the kitchen. Appeased by the extra warmth, she snuggled beneath it, listening to the comforting clinking sounds of spoons against mugs, and the clicking of the stove pilot as he went about preparing their hot beverages. 

As she was lying in bed, her eyes roved the area that was surrounding her, and as they came to rest on a drafting table in the corner of the room, she noticed there were a number of papers strewn across the surface of it.

Her curiosity piqued, she got out of bed with the blanket wrapped tightly around her body, then padded softly against the cold cement floor. As she reached the drafting table, she took a seat on the stool, and after flicking the table lamp on, she picked up one of the pieces of sketch paper. 

Realizing that it was a rough draft for one of Dane's graphic novels, she studied the drawing with great interest, allowing her eyes to examine the details in each of the panels. 

Seeing it in its raw form made her feel kind of privileged, and she couldn't help but admire how well drawn and imaginative the sketch was. Another few moments passed before Dane joined her at the drafting table, and as he held out a steaming mug, she accepted it from him. After taking a sip, she turned her attention back to the sketches, then picked one up so that she could have a closer look at it. 

"These are really good," she said.

"Think so?" 

"Yeah, I do." She briefly paused to take another swallow of her tea before adding, "You really are very talented."

Dane looped an arm around her waist, and placing his chin in the crook of her shoulder, he whispered against her neck. 

"You don't have to flatter me, you know. If you want me to pleasure you again, all you have to do is ask for it."

He ran his palm sensually across the lower part of her belly, causing Jeneda's vaginal muscles to clench involuntarily. 

"No, seriously. I meant it," she thickly said, trying her best to push through the fog of arousal. I love the way you draw. It's so unique."

"Thank you love, I appreciate that."

A few moments passed during which they both gazed at the sketches, then Jeneda posed a question.

"Where do you get your ideas from?"

"I don't know. They just come to me."

Not surprised in the least by his cryptic response, she pushed him for a more thorough answer.

"Well yeah, I know that. But I was hoping for a breakdown of your creative process."

"Words and images come to me, I scribble them down, then I start building on them from there."

"Where do you get your inspiration from?"

"A lot of it is from real life. But sometimes the ideas just come from out of the blue. Usually when I'm driving, or sometimes when I'm reading or just sitting in silence."

"Interesting." 

She thumbed through the sketches for a few seconds before spotting a page that had already been colored in. Judging from the big, bold letters, it appeared to be the title page, and unable to resist, she spoke it aloud. 

"Gonzo City, Volume Three: Unearthed Secrets."

Her eyes then shifted to the drawing, which depicted a tall, lanky man in a black trench coat walking through a moonlit cemetery. The way that the character had been sketched allowed the reader to only see him from behind, and thus left his face obscured, yet his slumped shoulders and the way his head was hung low, led her to the assumption that he was in despair. 

The artwork was hauntingly beautiful, and judging from the look of it, she assumed that the story would be a bit dark, yet thoroughly engaging. 

"Interesting title," she said. "Seems like this guy on the cover is a bit of a tortured soul."

"He is."

Jeneda expected Dane to say more and provide her with more insight on the character, but the silence that followed conveyed his disinterest in speaking any further about it. Figuring that he just didn't want to spoil the story for her, she decided not to speak any further about it, and swiveled around on the stool so that she was facing him.

"So, how many secrets do you have?" She asked.

Dane hesitated a moment, took a sip of his tea, then finally gave her a response. "Too many to count."

"Oh really?" She cocked a brow and looked him deep in the eyes before continuing. "What I wouldn't give to get inside your head and see what was going on in there."

His lips pulled into a small, humorless smile. "I can promise you, it wouldn't be a very pleasant experience."

He took another swallow of his beverage, then turned his body so that he was facing the windows which were adjacent to his drafting table. The way his body had suddenly gone rigid, told her that his secrets ran deeper than she could ever imagine, and thoroughly intrigued by this hidden side of him, she began to wonder what sort of classified information he was keeping locked away. 

"I think most people have unpleasant thoughts running through their heads from time to time. It's part of what makes us human."

Still looking out of the window, he took another sip of his tea, then quietly said, "Yeah. I guess so." 

Noticing that he was refusing to make eye contact with her, she stood up from the stool, walked a few paces, then positioned herself directly in front of him. She allowed her back to lean against the oversized windows behind her, and as she gazed up at his face, she noticed he was still looking out of the window. 

The tiny crease between his eyes conveyed that he was deep in thought, and not wanting to intrude upon his moment of reflection, she stood there studying him in silence. A few moments passed before he shifted his dark, hooded eyes, and as they locked into hers, she saw there was a bit of weariness in them. 

She brought her hand up to his face, and placing her palm against his cheek, she softly caressed it. Her soft, sensual touch made him close his eyes and emit a pleasant murmur, then grabbing her hand in his, he brought it to his lips and gave it a tender kiss. 

"An enigma. That's what you are," she softly said.

He gave her a long, deep, thoughtful look, then cradling her face in his hands, he said some words of his own.

"Kimi no koto sukide tamaranai."

Before she could even ask what the words meant, he planted a brief, tender kiss on her mouth, then continued to speak in Japanese.

"Kerei da."

"What are you saying?" She asked with a smile.

His lips curved upward in response, but instead of interpreting, he just kept on talking.

"Kimi ni muchuu."

"Come on, tell me." 

Clearly enjoying every second of his little tease, he placed a few kisses along the edge of her jawbone, then looking her straight in the eyes, he said, "You are beautiful, I am passionate about you, I adore you."

"That sounds very romantic, but how do I know you weren't actually talking dirty to me?"

"If I was talking dirty, you would know it." 

His eyes took on a lustful glow, and she felt his hips press against hers suggestively.

If you want me to talk dirty to you, I can," he huskily said. "But I usually save it for more intimate moments." He slipped a hand beneath the blanket that was wrapped around her body, then allowed his palm to rest against her bare hip. "Kisu shite."

"Translation?"

"Kiss me."

She didn't waste a minute heeding his request, and placing her palms on the back of his head, she guided his mouth to hers, then crushed her lips fiercely against his own. The blanket that was wrapped around her body fell to the floor, and as they shared a hot, wet, open mouthed kiss, a loud crack of thunder resounded through the air. 

The lamp on Dane's drafting desk flickered and then went out, leaving them in darkness. Yet all they did was continue to devour each others lips, and for that moment they were safe in each others arms, shielded from the cold and darkness that surrounded them.



Velvet Roses Ch. 05



*This chapter is going to be short, but I will be submitting the next installment very soon, so you can expect for Chapter 6 to be posted by the end of the week. 

Thank you all for hanging in there with me, and I hope you guys enjoy this update.* 

*

The next morning, Jeneda awoke early, and as she heard light snores coming from the space on the bed beside her, she rolled over onto her side and gazed at Dane's sleeping form. From the way he was breathing, it seemed that he was snoozing pretty deeply, and after placing a feather light kiss on his lips, she carefully slipped out of bed. 

Having spent hours lying next to Dane's warm body beneath a nice, thick blanket, she'd forgotten just how chilly the apartment was. Clad in only a pair of panties, she hurriedly retrieved her clothes from the ground, then put them on. 

She then headed for the kitchen to see if he had any coffee, and after discovering a can of instant, she filled a tea kettle with water and put it on to boil. While waiting for the water to get hot, she emptied her bladder, then washed her face with some cold water. 

The pot had just begun to whistle when she got back to the stove, and after retrieving two mugs from the cabinet, she scooped some coffee into them and then filled them with hot water. With both cups in hand, she took them over to the area where the bed was located, then sat them down on the trunk. 

"Why are you up so early? Come back to bed."

The sound of Dane's drowsy voice caused her to shift her attention toward him, and she saw that he was burrowed beneath the covers, looking at her with half mast eyes. 

"No time to sleep in. I've got things to take care of."

"At six a.m?"

"Yep." She took a seat on the edge of the bed.

"Like what?"

"I've got a client coming by my studio later this afternoon to check out some of my sculptures, and I need to finish preparing before they arrive."

She held out his cup of coffee, and after positioning himself so that his back was against the headboard, he grabbed the mug from her. 

"You always wake up this early?" He asked. 

"Yeah, I'm a morning person."

"I never understood morning people. They're always so bouncy and chirpy." 

"Bouncy?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah. Chipper, bubbly..." He paused to take a long, leisurely sip of his coffee before continuing. "I've met a lot of morning people, and they've all been incredibly smug."

"Oh, thanks," she sarcastically said.

"I didn't say you were. Just most of the ones I've come across."

"How were they smug?"

"They just acted like they were superior, as if getting up a few hours earlier really makes that much of a difference."

"Well, actually it does. You waste half the day in bed, and you'll be a lot less productive."

"I disagree. A person can wake up late in the morning, and still get everything done that they need to."

"Yeah, but it takes them longer to do it. Not to mention, why would you want to waste your time sleeping when you could be out getting things done?"

"Because next to sex, sleep is the best thing there is."

"Sleep is a luxury. Not everyone has the option of lazing around in bed all day."

This brought a faint smile to his lips, and with a light shake of his head, he said, "See? That's exactly what I'm talking about. Morning people are so self-righteous."

"I am not."

"Yes, you are."

"Well at least I'm not pretentious."

"There you go, using that word to describe me again."

"I call them as I see them."

A chuckle escaped his lips, and after leaning over to set his coffee mug on the trunk, he sat behind Jeneda, then wrapped his arms around her waist and spoke against her neck. "So if I'm pretentious, then why do you hang out with me?"

"Because you're cute, that's why."

"Surely I must have more to offer besides my looks."

Purposely remaining quiet, she languidly sipped her coffee, allowing silence to grow between them.

"Oh, I see. So that's how it is, huh?" He asked with a smile evident in his voice.

She lightly laughed, then said, "I'm only joking. You've got a lot to offer."

"Like what?"

"You're creative, intelligent, have a good sense of humor..." Not wanting to pump his ego too much, she allowed her voice to drift off.

"What about good in bed?" 

He slid his hand beneath her shirt, then sensually traced a finger along her belly button. This caused her stomach to flex in response, and she tilted her head back so that she could look into his eyes.

"Mmm, you do have a gifted tongue."

"I'm talented at using another appendage, as well."

"Is that right?"

"Yes, it is. Come back to bed, and I'll be more than happy to prove it."

A wanton murmur passed her lips as he brushed his mouth against her neck, then peppered a few soft, tender kisses along the length of it. 

"I really would love to..." Her voice had become breathy, barely more than a whisper.

"Then let's get you out of these clothes and back under the covers."

"...but I can't." 

"Sure you can."

The hand beneath her shirt was slowly moving upward, fingers skimming against bare flesh until they met with the softness of her breasts. 

"No bra?" 

The surprise in his voice caused her lips to curl into a small smile, and as he rolled one of her nipples between his thumb and index finger, she emitted a soft moan, then arched her back against him. 

"No need for one," she huskily said. "I'm just gonna go home and take a shower."

"Why not take a bath with me, instead?"

"Because then I'll never get anything done." Mustering all of her willpower, she pulled away from him and rose to her feet. Then she slipped into her waistcoat and made a beeline for the door. "I gotta go. Call you later, okay?"

"Wait, I'll walk you to the elevator." 

He followed behind her, and as they reached the lift, she pulled back the gate, then stepped onto it.

"Don't I even get a goodbye kiss?" He asked.

She affectionately ran a finger along his chin, then leaned in to press her lips against his. He wrapped his arms around her waist, and as he pulled her flush against his body, she deepened the oral embrace. By the time they pulled apart for air, they were both breathing quicker, and each had a look of lust in their eyes. 

"Just stay with me for a bit longer," he said. "Please?"

The puppy dog look he gave her almost made her cave in, but knowing that it would throw off her schedule for the day, she reluctantly stepped back from him. 

"Sorry, but I can't."

"Okay. No worries."

His eyes penetrated hers with such deep intensity that she couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy, and she briefly averted her gaze before allowing herself to look back at him. 

"I really should go," she said. 

He nodded, then cupped her cheeks in his hands and gave her a soft, brief kiss. Then he pulled away and said, "See you later."

"Yep, take care."

She closed the accordion gate, and as she pressed the button on the control panel, the birdcage elevator began to descend. Dane watched her and she watched him, keeping her eyes plastered on his nude, sinewy frame. Even once he was completely out of sight, the image of him remained in her mind. 

Jeneda still didn't know a whole lot about who Dane was, but that was part of what kept her so intrigued. There was something undeniably enigmatic about him, and although she was eager to learn more, she also felt hesitant to ask too many questions, out of fear of ruining his mystique. 

The elevator gave a slight jerk as it reached the ground floor, and after pulling back the gate, she stepped off, her body thrumming in delicious anticipation for the moment when she would once again see him.

* * * *

*Marla's dead.*

Seeing, yet not believing the anonymous text message he'd received, Dane stared dazedly at the screen of his cell phone. Shock had rendered him motionless, and a heavy feeling settled into his chest as he reread the dreadful words.

Although he still had yet to discover the details regarding her death, he knew without a doubt that she had been murdered. Surely this had to be about retribution, because it was too much of a coincidence for her to turn up dead only seven months after that horrible night. 

Somebody out there knew what had happened, and taking Marla's life had been their way of sending the message that they knew about the incident on the pier. Had there been a witness, or had Marla or Cassie revealed the details of that evening to someone else? 

And why would this person wait seven months to kill Marla? That was the question that was truly stumping him. Dane exhaled deeply through his nostrils, and as he recalled the events of that night, an image of the man he'd killed came into his mind. 

He didn't know the dead guy's name, but he remembered very well what he'd looked like. He'd seemed to be in his fifties, had been slightly heavyset with brown eyes, and had a salt and pepper beard. 

Dane even recalled the hat the guy had been wearing. It'd been a baseball cap, and had the words, 'Proud Italian American,' emblazoned across the front of it.

Thinking back to that night, Dane found himself deeply regretting having ever gotten involved in the criminal life, and realized that becoming a professional thief had undoubtedly been the most brilliantly stupid decision he'd ever made. 

Of course he was on a different career path now, but that still didn't erase his shameful past, nor did it change the fact that he'd disposed of a man's body.

Only seven months ago, Dane had been part of a cargo theft ring, and along with Marla, had robbed a truck carrying high-priced electronics. While Dane quickly unloaded the back of the semi, Marla held the driver at gunpoint, making sure that he didn't try to drive away or escape while Dane was unloading the goods.

Dane still didn't understand how It'd happened, but somehow Marla had gotten into an argument with the driver. Yelling ensued, and a few moments later, a gunshot went off. 

Upon reaching the cab of the truck, Dane saw that the driver was slumped in his seat, bleeding profusely from a gaping hole in the side of his head. 

In a blind panic, both he and Marla pulled the man's body out of the truck, then carried it over to their getaway car. After loading the man's corpse into the trunk of the vehicle, Dane drove to the pier, and that was where he'd disposed of the body. 

Dane had tried numerous times to ease his conscience by telling himself that the situation had been no fault of his own, but deep in his heart, he knew he'd played a part in the man's demise. While he may not have pulled the trigger, he did dispose of the body, and that alone was a crime in itself. 

*Marla's Dead*

As he read the text again, a chill ran down his spine, and he felt a hard knot form deep in his stomach. Clearly this situation went even deeper than Dane had expected, and although his intent that fateful evening had been to cover up the trucker's death, it was now clear that everything he'd done had been in vain. 

Someone else out there had discovered his dark secret, and now, after seven months of mental anguish, he would be forced to confront this situation head on. He broke out in a cold sweat, and his fingers moved like lightning over the keypad as he searched through the phone's address book for Cassie's number. Upon locating it, he pushed the send button, then waited anxiously for her to pick up. She barely had time to say hello before he spoke hurriedly into the receiver.

"I need to meet up with you."

"Why? What's going on?"

"I can't go into details about it over the phone, but it involves Marla."

"Is she okay?"

His lack of words provided the answer.

Cassie gave a sharp intake of breath, then spoke in a trembling voice. "She's dead, isn't she?"

"Where can we meet? I need to see you right away."

"My apartment."

"You still live in the same place?"

"Yep."

"Alright. I'm on my way right now."

"Okay. See you soon."

He hurriedly got dressed, and after grabbing his car keys, he was out the door and on his way.

* * * *

It had been quite some time since Dane had last been in Cassie's apartment, but to his surprise, he found that everything was pretty much the same as he'd remembered it. The coffee table was still cluttered with unlit candles, and the same Woodstock concert posters adorned the living room walls. 

She even had the same flowering cactus sitting on a stand next to her computer desk, and as his eyes came to rest on it, he came to the realization that Cassie was a lot like the prickly plant. She was uniquely beautiful and tough, but if you tried to get too close, you'd get hurt. 

The squeaky sound of the kitchen door swinging open caused Dane to look to his left, and he noticed Cassie entering with two cups in hand. With jet black hair and striking blue eyes, Cassie slightly resembled the actress Fairuza Balk, and just like the starlet, Cassie exuded a vibe that warned even the most intimidating of strangers not to mess with her. After passing a cup of coffee to Dane, she sat down on the couch beside him, then tucked one of her legs beneath her. 

"Alright, so tell me again what the text message said."

"Marla's dead."

"That's it, nothing else?"

"Nope." He took a small sip of his beverage, then set the mug down. 

"That's definitely creepy." She glanced toward the window for a few moments before once again looking at Dane. "I say we call Marla and see if she's still alive."

"I already did call her."

"Did anyone answer?"

"Nope."

"Well maybe she was just busy, and couldn't answer the phone."

"She's dead, Cassie. I know she is."

She blew out a heavy breath, then said, "What are you going to do?"

He shrugged. "What can I do? I don't know who sent that message, and even if I did, It's not like I'd know where to find them." He then added, "And besides, It's not like I have reasons for revenge."

"Marla didn't deserve to die."

"No she didn't, but neither did that man she killed."

"That was a mistake, and you know it."

"Of course I do. But that doesn't change the fact that it happened."

A few moments of silence passed between them, during which faint music from the apartment next door could be heard seeping through the thin walls. 

"Do you know where Marla lived?"

"No, she never told me."

"You ever tell her where you live?"

"Nope."

"Good." She briefly paused before saying, "Clearly this person who sent the text message knows what happened that night. But what I don't understand, is why they would wait seven months to kill Marla."

He shrugged. "That's exactly what I've been trying to figure out." Dane leaned his elbows on his knees, then rested his head in his hands. "This situation is so thoroughly fucked up."

"Yeah, I know." Perhaps seeing how distraught he was, she rubbed his shoulder sympathetically. "I'm here for you. You know that, right? You need anything at all, just let me know."

"Thanks for the offer, Cass, but I want you to stay out of this. It's my problem, and I'll handle it."

He could feel her staring at him, but not wanting to make eye contact, he kept his head buried in his hands.

"I'm gonna help you track down the person who sent that text message," she firmly said.

"Didn't I just tell you to stay out of this?" 

He'd lifted his head from his hands, and was now staring her directly in the eye. The expression on his face was stern and serious, yet the look that Cassie gave him was just as fierce.

"I don't give a damn what you said, I'm still doing it."

"Alright, fine. Try all you want, but the text was sent anonymously, so you're gonna have a hell of a time figuring it out."

"Clearly you've forgotten how skilled I am at that sort of thing."

"You're right. How could I ever underestimate the hacking skills of Phreaker X?" He asked with a faint smirk on his lips.

"Tease me all you want, but you know how good I am."

"Yeah, I do." 

His smirk disappeared, and as his face became creased with worry, the mood between them once again grew serious.

"If you need a place to stay, you can always crash here," Cassie said. 

Dane's brow furrowed. "Why would I need a place to stay? I have an apartment, remember?"

"Whoever sent that text message has your number. Which means It's only a matter of time before he tracks you down."

"Not likely. I have a San Luis Obispo area code, remember?"

"Oh, that's right. Well at least he can't use that to find out where you live."

"Maybe he already knows."

His words hung heavy in the air, and as Cassie's eyes met his own, he could tell by the expression on her face that she was deeply disturbed by the thought.

"Even more of a reason to stay away from your apartment. Just pack some stuff and come stay here with me."

Dane shook his head, and in a firm voice he said, "Nope, I'm not running away from this."

"Just for a little while. Then once we figure out who this guy is, we'll have a better idea of how to handle this situation."

"I said no. And by the way, there is no 'we.' I don't want you getting involved, understand?" 

"Then what are you gonna do? Just sit back and wait for him to hunt you down?"

He wants to come after me, let him." Dane's eyes took on a hard glint, and his jaw tensed.

Cassie placed her mug on the coffee table, then gave him a serious look. "You want this guy to find you, don't you? You think you deserve to die."

"Yeah, that's exactly it," Dane said in a voice laced with sarcasm. "I've got a death wish."

Cassie scooted closer to Dane, then gently grabbed hold of his chin and maneuvered his head so that he was looking her in the eyes. "Listen to me, Dane. You have no reason to hold yourself responsible for what happened that night. Marla was the one who killed that trucker, not you."

"But I helped her dispose of the body."

"If you hadn't, you'd probably be in prison right now." 

"At least I would have a clear conscience."

"You'd also be getting raped on a daily basis. Would that have been worth it?"

He said nothing in return, only turned his head and focused his attention on the wall, staring at it with a tortured expression on his face. 

"You got trapped in a bad situation, and you panicked. Most people would have probably done the same." 

Directing his gaze back to her, he said, "No, I don't think they would."

"Damnit, Dane, stop torturing yourself, and get over this."

"I dumped a man's body in the pier. That isn't the kind of thing you get over. It stays with you, for life."

"You did what you had to do. If you'd left the body in the truck, both you and Marla would have been in a shitload of trouble. Not only for killing the guy, but also for robbing him."

She grabbed a pack of cigarettes off the coffee table, retrieved two, then offered him one. 

"No thanks, I quit two months ago."

"You sure? You look like you could really use one."

"I said no." Dane's voice had risen a notch, and his body grew rigid with irritation as he stared her down.

"Well excuse me for asking. Just thought it might help you relax," she said.

After lighting her cigarette, she deeply inhaled, then puffed out the smoke and rested her back against the couch. The smoke curled in tendrils next to Dane's face, and as the scent entered his nostrils, he found himself desperately craving one. 

Eyeing the pack of cigarettes, he tried to resist the urge to pick them up, but as curls of smoke continued to float past him, he realized he was fighting a losing battle.

"What the hell, maybe I will have one."

He slid a cigarette out of the pack, and after lighting it up, he took a deep drag. As he exhaled, he watched the smoke swirl around him in a dance, then let out a small sigh. 

Turning her head to glance at Dane, Cassie asked, "Feel better?"

"No, actually I feel worse."




Velvet Roses Ch. 05



He was deeply disappointed in himself and felt weak for giving into temptation, but he badly needed something to take the edge off his anxiety. 

With a faraway look in her eyes, Cassie blew out a puff of smoke, then said, "Whoever this sicko is, he can't hide from us. Give me a day, and I'll trace that text message." 

"No," he firmly said. "I do not want you getting involved, so just stay out of this."

"I don't give a damn what you say. I'm doing it anyways."

Before he could say a word in response, Cassie grabbed their mugs from the coffee table, then rose to her feet and headed out of the living room. 

Dane followed closely behind her, and as they entered the kitchen, he watched her place the mugs into the dishwasher. She then tried to walk past him so she could go back into the living room, but Dane blocked her path.

"Get out of my way," she said.

"No." 

She tried to squeeze past him and go out the door, but he sidestepped to block her from evading him. 

"I can handle this on my own." His dark eyes blazed into her icy blue ones as he continued to speak. "I don't want your help, and I don't need it."

"Then why did you come over here today? What was the purpose?"

Although he knew full well what the answer was, he hesitated, not wanting to admit that he still felt some sort of connection to her. 

"Because I needed someone to talk to."

"Exactly. I'm the only person who understands what you're going through, so why wouldn't you want me to help you?"

"Because It's dangerous. And if he finds out you're involved, he'll come after you."

"I'm only tracing a text message. It's not like I'm gonna go on a stake out, or try and follow him around or anything. I'm not stupid, you know." 

"I didn't say you were."

"So just chill and let me do this. Okay?"

He exhaled deeply through his nose, then reluctantly gave a response. "Fine. But after you dig up this information on him, you're no longer involved. That means no matter what happens, I handle this on my own." 

"Okay."

Knowing how headstrong Cassie was, he knew she would continue to do whatever she wanted, regardless of what he told her. This only enhanced the anxiety he felt, and now, more than ever, he realized how crucial it was that he rapidly put an end to the dangerous situation. 

"I don't want this guy coming after you, Cassie. So *please* do as I say. Alright?"

His eyes implored her to heed his request, yet instead of agreeing, she placed her hands on his chest, then slowly ran her palms down it. Her eyes took on that predatory look he knew so well, and she didn't need to speak a word for him to understand just what was on her mind. 

To say he wasn't tempted by Cassie's advances would be a bold faced lie, because she was definitely alluring, but he knew if he caved in and slept with her, he'd deeply regret it. 

Besides, he had another woman in his life now, and although they weren't yet at the point of officially being a couple, he'd like to think they were on their way to becoming one.

Grabbing Cassie's hands in his, Dane gently removed them from his chest, then without saying a word, he turned on his heel and headed out of the kitchen. Cassie followed behind him, and as he reached the door, she gave him a look of disappointment.

"You leaving already?"

"Yep, I've got things to take care of."

"Alright. Well be safe, okay?"

He nodded and opened the door, yet before he could leave, she spoke once again. 

"Dane?"

He turned to face her, casting his eyes on her worried face.

"I'll see you again soon, right?"

He nodded and gave a weak smile, then without a word in parting he turned and crossed the threshold, heading out of the door.



Velvet Roses Ch. 06



*Sorry for the late update. I know I told you guys this would be posted by late last week, but this took some time to write. So, I hope you all will forgive me! As you will see, this is a pretty long chapter, so I probably won't post a new one for another few weeks. 

As always, thank you so much for the votes, comments, and taking the time to read. I hope you enjoy this chapter.*

*

Inhabited primarily by a gay and lesbian population, the Castro district was a vibrant area filled with niche bookstores, interesting café's, quirky shops, and a wide variety of bars. 

On this particular night, the sidewalks were filled with costume-clad people, and as Jeneda, Luna and Ethan wove their way through the throng of individuals, they chatted amiably. 

Having just attended a Halloween party, the threesome were trying to decide on a place to eat. While Jeneda was in the mood for Indian, both Luna and Ethan were deadset on greasy diner food. 

Yet in the end, they all decided to get Chinese. After seating themselves in a corner booth, the trio gave their orders to the waitress, then fell into conversation. 

"So what's the update on you and Dane?" Luna asked.

"We're still talking."

"Only talking, or more?"

A smile slowly spread across Jeneda's face as she said, "Things are progressing."

"Have you seen it yet?" Ethan suddenly blurted out.

"Seen what?" Jeneda asked.

"You know what." The grin on Luna's face couldn't get any bigger.

Knowing they were desperate to hear the answer, Jeneda hesitated a moment before answering. "Yeah, I've seen it."

"I knew it!" Clearly brimming with excitement to hear the details, Luna shifted in her seat. "So you've had sex with him."

"Nope. Just fooled around."

"And what exactly did this fooling around consist of?"

"Kissing, touching..." She paused to clear her throat before continuing. "And other stuff."

"You gave him a blowjob?"

No sooner had the words left Ethan's mouth, did the waitress appear with their food, and after setting their plates down on the table, she gave Ethan a little smirk, then headed off to another part of the restaurant so she could tend to the other customers. After sharing a snicker, the trio picked up their chopsticks, then dug into their plates of noodles.

"You did, didn't you?" Ethan asked around a mouthful of food.

Choosing to remain quiet, Jeneda only gave him a sly little smile.

"Well, well, well, you certainly have been a busy girl, haven't you?"

Luna's words caused Jeneda's lips to tug further upward, but before she could say anything in return, Ethan spoke.

"Is he circumcised?" 

"Yes, why?"

Looking wistfully into the distance, he gave his response. "Just trying to imagine it in my head."

Jeneda released a snort of laughter, then shook her head in amusement. 

"Is he a good kisser?" Luna's voice was rife with curiosity.

"Better than good, he's fantastic."

"I figured he would be. He just has that look about him."

Jeneda could hear the envy in Luna's voice, and as she studied both of her friend's faces, she could tell just by looking at them that they were ardently waiting for her to spill more details. 

Yet finding it far too enjoyable to just sit back and let them ask questions, she remained quiet and munched contentedly on a BBQ chicken skewer. 

"So what's Dane really like?" Idly stirring a straw in her soda, Luna gave Jeneda an inquisitive look. "He seems so mysterious." 

"He is. That's part of what I like about him. "

"How old is he?"

"Not sure."

"You never asked?"

"Yeah, I did. But instead of answering, he asked me how old I thought he was. I guessed him to be around thirty or thirty-one, but he never confirmed it."

"Hmmm, so what do you know about him, then?"

"I know he collects swords. And he also speaks Japanese."

"Nice. And what else?"

"He has social anxiety."

"Really? Wow, I never would have guessed."

"I know, right? Apparently he takes medication, so I guess that pretty much controls it."

Luna scooped an ice cube out of her glass, then popped it in her mouth and began to crunch on it. "So he collects swords, speaks Japanese, and has social anxiety. Besides that, what else do you know about him?"

"Not a whole lot."

She cocked an eyebrow. "It's been nearly two weeks since you two first met, and that's all you know?"

"Yep." Feeling uneasy beneath the weight of Luna's stare, Jeneda averted her eyes and took another sip of her beverage. Yet after several moments of silence, she found herself unable to keep from meeting her friend's gaze. "What? Why are you looking at me that way?"

"I'm just a little surprised that you don't know more about him. I mean, I understand he's a mysterious guy and all, but how are you two supposed to build a relationship if you don't ask more questions?"

"It's only been a couple of weeks. We're still feeling each other out."

"I get that. And I'm not trying to tell you what to do, but I think It'd be a good idea if you slowed things down a little. Get to know him better before you go all the way."

"Yeah, okay." Although her words were affirmative, it was clear to see by the expression on her face that she was pretty much disregarding Luna's advice.

"I'm serious, Jeneda. Take your time, and don't rush into things."

"I disagree," said Ethan. "I think if she really likes him, and things feel right, then she should go for it." 

"That's exactly how I feel," said Jeneda. "Why should I allow myself to be boxed in by dating rules that were invented by other people? It's kind of ridiculous, when you think about it."

"Those rules exist for a reason," Luna said. "They're there to set boundaries, let people know how far they can go."

"That may be what they're designed to do, but humans are unpredictable. When it really comes down to it, they'll do what they want, regardless of any guidelines."

"Maybe so, but I still think they're good to follow. If you give it up too soon, guys won't respect you." 

"So basically I should be condemned for doing the same thing that men do. Yeah, that makes perfect sense." 

"Hey, I don't make the rules," said Luna.

They finished the rest of their meal in silence, then after they'd had their fill, they slouched in their seats, allowing the food in their stomachs to settle.

"So now what?" Luna asked.

"We could go to the Q-bar," said Ethan. 

"I'm not in the mood for a club. Why don't we go to your place instead, and watch the Elvira marathon?"

"Oh yeah, I forgot all about that. It starts at midnight, right?"

"Yep. Which leaves us an hour to get to your place."

"Sounds like a plan."

They all scooted out of the booth, and as they headed for the front of the restaurant, Ethan made a suggestion. "I was thinking we could pick up some ice cream on the way. What do you guys think?"

"Sounds good," said Luna. "I could really go for some mint chocolate chip."

"I'm in the mood for double chocolate chunk. What about you, Jeneda?"

"Actually, I'm kinda tired, so I think I'll just head home."

Having reached the door, they all stepped outside, then paused to talk on the sidewalk.

"Already?" Luna asked. "But It's only eleven, and It's Halloween night."

"I can't help being tired."

With a crooked smile on his lips, Ethan said, "Come on, Jeneda. It's us you're talking to here. You can tell us the truth." 

Feeling embarrassed at how easily she'd been found out, Jeneda briefly averted her gaze from his before once again making eye contact. 

"Alright, so maybe I'm not going straight home."

A look of disappointment crossed Luna's face. "I knew it. She's ditching us for Dane."

"I am not ditching you."

"Yes, you are. But whatever, It's cool. I hope you have fun." She then turned her head, purposely focusing her attention on the Halloween-goers who were passing by.

Jeneda's brow slightly furrowed, and she glanced at Ethan, but all he did was give a light shrug in response. 

"Well anyways, I had a great time. Thanks for inviting me to the party, Ethan." 

"No problem. Glad you had fun." He pulled Jeneda into a hug, then said, "Enjoy the rest of your night. And the next time we see each other, I expect a *full* update." 

"Okay." She smiled, then directed her gaze at Luna, who was standing with her arms crossed over her chest. "You aren't seriously mad at me, are you?" Continuing to stare at her, Luna didn't say a word. This led Jeneda to wonder if she was even more upset than she appeared to be, but after a few solid moments of a serious, straight-faced expression, Luna's face finally softened. 

"Of course not. But I am disappointed. You didn't have to lie to us, you know."

"I'm sorry, but I knew if I told you I was going to see him, you'd try and lay a guilt trip on me."

"That really wasn't my intention. It just makes us feel kinda crappy when you ditch us."

"I wish you would stop using that word, because that's not what I'm doing. We've been hanging out since six, and it's now almost eleven. That's five hours, Luna. And besides, I seem to remember you deserting me and Ethan quite a bit, back when you first started going out with Jason."

"I guess you've got a point there. Sorry for being a brat."

"No worries." 

"So anyways, I guess I'll let you go now. Have a good time, okay? And remember what I told you."

"Yeah, I will."

They hugged, and after pulling away, they each walked off in opposite directions, heading to their respective cars.

* * * *

The dimply lit interior of the hallway echoed with the sound of knocks, and as the door to Dane's apartment pulled open, Jeneda was met with the sight of an unfamiliar man. 

His eyes were dark brown and highlighted by black eyeliner, and his razor cut hair was worn in a jagged, edgy cut. Clearly surprised by the presence of this stranger, Jeneda blinked at him, allowing herself a moment to take in his appearance. Then finally, she spoke.

"Hi."

"Hello." 

"Is Dane here?"

"Not at the moment. He should be back pretty soon, though. Why don't you come in and wait for him?"

The stranger pulled the door wider, inviting her to enter. Uncertain of whether or not she should go in, Jeneda hesitated, peering past where he stood and into the apartment. 

"There's no need to be afraid of me," he said. "I'm not a serial killer, you know."

"But if you were, you'd definitely warn me, right?"

He lightly chuckled, then leaned against the door frame and crossed his arms in front of his chest. 

"Suit yourself. Just thought you'd be more comfortable inside."

"Thanks for the offer, but I'll be fine out here."

A faint smile curled his lips as he inquisitively eyed her, and for a few moments she stared right back, taking note of his black leather pants and red, button up shirt. Yet eventually she found herself needing to look away, and instead focused her attention on the peeling paint of the hallway walls. 

Silence stretched between them, and although Jeneda knew that barely a minute had passed since she'd first arrived, she felt as if it were taking an eternity for Dane to show up.

"So where is he, exactly?" She asked.

"He went down to his car to get something. He'll be right back."

With a look of slight suspicion on her face, she nodded, then once again broke eye contact and glanced down at her leather boots. She could feel the stranger watching her, and knew he was trying to engage her attention, but not wanting to encourage any conversation between them, she kept her eyes focused downward.

A few moments passed before she heard a rustling noise, and finding herself unable to resist, she looked over at him and saw that he was retrieving a pack of cigarettes from his jacket. Noticing that she was watching him, he leaned forward and held out the pack of cigarettes to offer her one, but she declined with a shake of her head.

"No thank you." 

He lit up his cigarette and took a drag, then blew out a cloud of smoke. "What's your name?"

"Jeneda. And you are?"

"Kenichi."

"How do you know Dane?" 

"We're old friends." He flicked his cigarette, then took a puff before adding, "We used to do business together."

"Oh really? What type of business are you in?"

This brought a small smile to his lips, and after briefly averting his eyes, he once again met her gaze. "I work in the cargo shipping industry."

"Doing what, exactly?"

"I acquire and transport goods, then sell them to various clients." 

Jeneda gave a slow nod, then looked off into the distance, as if contemplating what he'd said. "Interesting....Dane never told me he was in that line of work."

"Dane's a pretty guarded guy. He doesn't really like bringing up the past. And besides, he's moved onto bigger and better things."

Jeneda couldn't help but notice the sarcastic tone in Kenichi's voice, and found herself wondering what circumstances had led to Dane no longer doing business with him. 

She didn't have much time to contemplate it, however, because the creaking and groaning noise of the birdcage elevator moving upward caused her to turn her head and glance toward it. 

As it reached the level she and Kenichi were on, she caught sight of Dane through the holes of the ornate metal frame, and as his eyes met hers, they widened. Puzzled by the look of worry on his face, Jeneda gave him a questioning look, anxiously watching as he yanked the accordion gate aside, then stepped off the lift.

"Hey," she said with a little smile. 

"Hi. What are you doing here?"

Dismayed by his lack of excitement at seeing her, she drew her lips into a straight line, then gave a response. "I thought it might be nice to stop by and see you. Am I here at a bad time?" No sooner had the words left her mouth, did she notice he was carrying a black duffel bag, and finding herself curious as to its contents, she gestured towards it. "What's in the bag?"

He briefly looked down at it before saying, "Just a few items I picked up." 

Then without another word, he brushed past Kenichi and headed into the apartment. Kenichi tossed his cigarette on the floor, and after stamping it out with the heel of his boot, he followed behind Dane. Jeneda was the last to enter, and after closing the door behind her, she headed over to where Dane stood.

"Do you not want me here?"

"Of course I do. I just wasn't expecting to see you."

He set the duffel bag on the floor, then took off his jacket and tossed it on the bed.

"Are you sure? Because it seems like I'm in the way." Glancing at Kenichi, she saw that his eyes were fixed unwaveringly on them. This led her to the assumption that he had no intentions on departing, and realizing that she and Dane would have zero privacy, she decided it would be best if she just left and went home. 

"It's obvious you're busy, so I'll just leave. See you later."

Jeneda started to walk away from Dane, but before she could get very far, he grabbed her by the hand and pulled her up against him. 

"Stay. I want you here." Placing his hands firmly on her hips, he gazed deep into her eyes.

Jeneda could tell that he wanted to kiss her, and she badly wanted to feel his lips against hers, but with Kenichi silently observing, it made it impossible for them to give into their desires. 

Perhaps realizing that their spectator was impeding their ability to be intimate with one another, Dane threw a glance Kenichi's way, then briefly rested his eyes once again upon Jeneda. 

"Just give me a minute and I'll get rid of him."

She nodded in response, then watched as he headed over to where Kenichi stood. As the two men conversed, Kenichi took several lingering glances at the duffel bag on the floor, and as he gestured toward it, Dane turned his head to offer it a brief look. They then said a few more words to one another, and after giving a nod, Kenichi turned and walked out the door.

Dane sauntered back over to where Jeneda stood, and after wrapping an arm around her waist, he tilted her chin up with his finger, then pressed his lips to hers. 

His mouth was warm and his tongue was dominating, sliding ever so seductively against hers as he deepened the kiss. She brought her hands up to cradle his face, then allowed her thumbs to softly caress the sharp angles of his cheekbones. 

Although the kiss was already all-consuming, she still found herself hungering for more, and she threaded her fingers into his hair, moaning softly as she stroked his lush, wavy locks. Then suddenly the kiss ended, and as he stared into her eyes, she noticed a somber expression had fallen across his face. 

"You look so sad." Sliding a palm against his cheek, she gave him a look of concern. "What's wrong?"

"Just personal issues. Nothing you need to concern yourself with."

Yet despite the words he spoke, she knew there was reason for her to worry. Not only was he was holding her very tightly, as if afraid she might slip away, but he was studying her intently, as if committing her features to memory. 

Something was definitely up, and although he wasn't cluing her in as to what it was, she could tell by his body language that something was weighing him down. Suddenly remembering the black duffel bag he'd been carrying earlier, she cast a glance toward it, then looking him straight in the eyes, she posed a question. 

"What's in that bag?"

As she looked up at him, he looked down at her, and although his height should have given him the upper hand in their stare down, she somehow still seemed able to match the intensity of his stare. Besides the sound of tree branches scraping against the windows, the room was quiet, and both continued to unblinkingly gaze at each other. 

Finally after what seemed like forever, Dane broke his frozen pose and reluctantly walked over to the bag. After setting it on the bed, he slowly unzipped it, then allowing his eyes to meet hers, he silently invited her to see what was within. 

She opened the duffel bag wider and peered inside, yet to her surprise, all that she saw was a laptop. Realizing that her suspicions had been unfounded, she began to feel guilty, but as she spotted something silver in the corner of the duffel bag, she found herself curious as to what it was. She reached inside, and after grasping the object in her hand, she pulled it out. 

"What's this for?" 

Jeneda held a switchblade up in front of her, and as she lifted her eyes to meet his, she saw his lips draw into a tight line. She then pressed the little button on the handle, and the knife came out with a pop, glinting ominously in the dim light. The blade was thick and looked wickedly sharp, and as she held it in her hand, she began to wonder if It'd ever been used. 

"It's a collectible," he said. 

She studied him for a few moments, then with an inquisitive tone, she asked, "You don't use it for protection?"

"If I have to, I will."

He held his palm out so that she could hand him the weapon, and after retracting the blade, she placed the switchblade in his hand.

"Show me your other knives."

Dane lifted his brows, then after a moment of hesitation, he spoke. "My other knives?" "Yeah. You said it's a collectible, so I'm guessing you have others."

He slipped the switchblade into the pocket of his pants, then with a faint smile on his lips, he said, "Follow me, and I'll show you."

She did, and as they reached a wall that had a display of swords, Jeneda gazed admiringly at them. Although she didn't count them, she guessed there must have been at least fifteen blades mounted on the wall. 

Some were enclosed in sheaths which were elaborately carved with pictures of Japanese culture, while others had lacquered cases which were polished to a perfect shine. 

The craftsmanship of the swords was impressive to say the least, and focusing her attention on a katana that had a handle in the shape of a dragon head, she reached out to touch it.




Velvet Roses Ch. 06



"Beautiful, isn't it?" Dane asked.

She nodded, trailing a finger along the intricately carved scales of the creature's head. It really was a thing of beauty, and curious as to how it would feel in her hands, she opened her mouth to ask Dane if she could take it down off the wall. Yet before she could speak a word, he removed the sword from its display mount, then offered it for her to hold. 

"You read my mind," she said, then wrapped her palm around the katana handle. 

"Everyone that comes over here wants to hold this one. But only certain people are afforded the privilege."

"So I'm one of the chosen ones, huh?" A small smile crossed her lips. "You're making me feel special."

"That's because you are." 

Lifting her gaze to meet his, she saw that he was watching her with his dark eyes. Something about the way he looked at her sparked insatiable desire within her, and she felt her body tingle in response. 

Turning her attention back to the sword, she slowly unsheathed it, gradually revealing the blade until it was completely uncovered. After setting the scabbard gently on the floor, she held the blade at eye level, marveling at the incredible shine. 

The weapon was heavier than she'd expected it to be, but she liked the way that it felt in her hands. It made her feel powerful, not to mention a little badass. She felt the warmth of Dane's body as he positioned himself behind her, and placing his hand on top of hers, he demonstrated how to properly grasp the sword. 

"In order to get good range of motion, you have to hold it like this." 

He manipulated her fingers so that they were in the correct position, then moved her hand so that the blade was at an obtuse angle. 

"How's that feel?" He asked.

"Heavy."

"That's because you're clutching it too tight. Relax your hands, and bend your elbow a little." 

Heeding his advice, she allowed her grip to loosen slightly, and found that it did in fact cause the katana to feel lighter. 

"How about now?" asked Dane.

"Feels better. Definitely not as heavy."

"Good. Now that you know how to hold a sword, how about I teach you some moves?" 

"Sure, I'm up for it." 

Dane grabbed a sword from off the wall, and after unsheathing it, he positioned himself so that he was standing a few feet away from her.

"First thing I'll teach you is the downward strike. Watch closely, then copy what I do." 

Dane moved his right foot forward, then lifted his sword so that it was parallel to the ground. 

"Step forward, then cut to the heart level." He repeated the move a few times while reiterating instructions, then gestured to Jeneda. "Now you try."

She brought her foot forward just as he'd done, then lifted her sword upward and thrust toward his chest, yet to her dismay, Dane promptly admonished her. 

"You're doing it all wrong. The tip of the sword is supposed to be at heart level."

"It is at heart level."

"No, it's pointing toward my balls."

Snorting in amusement, she directed her gaze downward and saw that the blade of her katana was indeed directed at his crotch. 

"Good move if that's what you're aiming for, but the upward strike is meant to go through the heart," he said. 

Jeneda rose her sword so that it was parallel to the ground, then lifted her gaze so that it met his, silently seeking his approval. 

"Good. Now starting from the beginning, show me how to properly do it."

She repeated the move, this time directing the point of the katana so that it was aimed directly at his heart.

"Very good. Nice form."

Giving a pleased smile in response to his words, she awaited further instruction.

"Now I want you to attack me."

"Attack you?" 

"Yeah," he said. "Just come at me with the sword, as if you're attempting to strike me."

Making certain to leave plenty of distance between her sword and his body, she gingerly thrust her katana toward his heart. 

"Come on, you can do better than that," he chided.

Spurred on by his words, she aggressively swiped her sword in a diagonal motion, yet before the tip of her weapon could even reach heart level, Dane blocked her move. 

The clanging sound of steel against steel filled the air as their swords connected, clashing so fiercely that Jeneda nearly lost hold of her weapon. 

Yet just before it could slip from her palm, she tightened her grip, allowing her to retain hold of it. Impressed by his lightning quick reflexes, Jeneda lifted her brows, receiving a faint smile from him in response.

"In order to block your opponent, you've gotta be quick. Always one step ahead, or else they'll gain the upper hand."

She nodded, then pulled her sword back so that it was no longer touching his. 

"Come at me again, and I'll show you once more," he said.

She did, and once again their katanas clanged noisily, yet this time she kept a firm hold on the handle of her weapon. 

"You see how I did that?" He asked.

She nodded in response, and after they'd both pulled their swords back, Dane rose his katana high over his head.

"Now I'll attack, and you block." He gave brief pause, then asked, "Ready?"

She barely even had time to nod before he brought his sword down in a swift and aggressive manner, causing her to panic in the process. 

Completely thrown off guard and filled with adrenaline, she brought her weapon upward in hopes that it would clash against his. 

Yet to her disappointment, the blade of her katana completely missed Dane's, leaving her fully open to his downward strike. 

Before his sword could hit her, Dane brought it to a halt, then giving her a stern look, he said, "You weren't even close to blocking me."

"I'm only a beginner, Dane, give me a break."

Jeneda was hoping that her sharpened tone of voice would send a loud, clear message that she wasn't to be badgered, yet to her surprise, the words she spoke resulted in his lips tugging upward.

"You're angry," he said. "That's good."

"What are you taking about? I'm not angry. Maybe a little annoyed, but definitely not angry."

"Alright then, annoyed."

"And since when is being angry good?" 

A full blown smirk had now spread across his lips. "Normally it's not. But I just find it interesting to see this other side of you." 

"Well It's good to know you're entertained," she sarcastically said.

A light chuckle passed his lips. "It wasn't my intent to seriously upset you. But in order to become skilled at something, one must be passionate about it."

"So that's why you're being so hard on me. I thought you were being a dick, just for the sake of it."

He grinned. "You'd be a good sword fighter. I can tell."

"You think so?"

"Yep. Like any beginner, your technique isn't all that great, but you've got pretty decent form. Plus you've got a little spunk in you."

They maintained eye contact for several long moments before Jeneda felt a flutter of excitement in her belly, followed by a heat in her loins. She didn't know what it was about sparring with him, but it brought out a feral side of her, and in turn, caused her to crave sexual fulfillment. 

She didn't have to be a mind reader to know that Dane was feeling a similar way, and knowing how adept he was at sensing the energy of others, she switched her focus to the sword in her hands, then got into a blocking stance.

"Let's go again," she said, while slightly raising her sword.

Her words caused Dane's eyes to dance with amusement, and he lifted his katana and got into a stance. She watched his hands closely, waiting for him to make the first move, and as he swung his sword in a short, clipped arc, Jeneda quickly maneuvered her own katana so that it would block his strike.

Their weapons clanged noisily as they met, the sound reverberating through the room. For a few moments, they did nothing except stare into each other's eyes, each waiting for the other to attempt another strike. 

Then suddenly, with a quick twist of his wrist, Dane jerked his sword upward, maneuvering it aggressively against Jeneda's own katana. The force of his blade against her own caused the weapon to fly out of her hands, and it landed against the ground with a thud. 

In what seemed like a split second, he gently pressed the tip of the sword between her breasts, forcing her to move backward until her posterior bumped against the wall. 

Then adjusting the position of the weapon, he placed the flat of the blade firmly against her chest, pinning her to the wall. 

"Now what do you do? How do you defend yourself?" 

Wishing like hell that she could slap the maddening smirk off his face, she stared fiercely back at him, simultaneously in awe and agitated by the effortlessness with which he'd been able to disarm her. 

"Knee you in the balls."

His smirk deepened. "That might work, but if this were a real fight, I'd have already slit your throat open."

"Lovely," she said in a sarcastic tone of voice. "Don't look so damn smug, though. You're fighting a girl, so I wouldn't be so proud of myself if I were you."

This drew a loud chuckle from his lips and he said, "So what you're saying is, a female could never effectively protect herself in a sword fight against a male."

"Not an unskilled one," she shot back. "But if I was properly trained like you, I'd probably kick your butt."

This time he released a full blown laugh. "You're so damn cute. I love sparring with you."

"Yeah, I can tell," she said. 

He removed his sword from her chest, and after setting it aside, he said, "I think we've had enough sword fighting for the day. Let's do something else."

Knowing full well just what was on his mind, she flirtatiously asked, "Got any ideas?"

"Yeah, I got a few." 

Biting his lip, he looked her up and down, his eyes darkening with desire. Then taking a few steps forward, he closed the distance between them and pulled her against his lean, hard body. 

Pressing his forehead against hers, he gazed deep into her eyes, then weaved his fingers through the strands of her hair. Their lips were only inches from touching, and as he lightly brushed his mouth against hers, she lowered her lids to half mast. 

He ran the pad of his thumb against her cheekbone, then pressing his lips softly to hers, he slipped his tongue into her mouth. The kiss they shared was slow and passionate, tongues dancing intimately as each allowed their hands to explore each others body. 

His fingers weaved into her hair, angling her head so he was able to kiss her even deeper, and as their oral embrace intensified, she gave a little moan. 

Lost in the taste and feel of his mouth, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her crotch against his arousal, sending a clear signal that her body yearned for his attention. 

With not a doubt remaining as to what she desired, Dane pulled back from the kiss and took her by the hand, leading the way to the bed. 

They'd barely reached it before his hands were all over her body, pawing her with an urgency which caused her heart rate to quicken. 

She felt his palms coast along the sensitive skin of her inner thighs before moving up to cup her fleshy backside, and as he gave each cheek a gentle squeeze, she tipped her chin back, enticing him to capture her lips. 

The kiss they shared was hot and wet, their lips moving slowly as they savored the taste of each other's mouth. 

Restless and impatient, their fingers fumbled with buttons and zippers, gradually removing each article of clothing until they were stripped down to their underwear. 

With nothing more than the thin material of their undergarments between them, Jeneda became acutely aware of the heat that was radiating from his body. She also couldn't help noticing that a look of hunger had come into his eyes, and as his fingers found their way to the front clasp of her bra, the fabric parted, exposing her firm breasts.

Dane stared covetously at them for a moment before dipping his fingers beneath the waistband of her panties, and after guiding the fabric down her legs, he pushed her back onto the bed. 

Her heart quickened as he climbed on top of her and she parted her legs, feeling her inner muscles clench in response to the sight of his steely erection. 

The mere thought of him filling her pussy with it caused a familiar ache to build in her core, and as he positioned himself between her thighs, she gently bucked against him. His lips quirked in response to her eagerness, then maneuvering his head so that his lips were against her neck, he began trailing kisses down the length of it. 

Upon reaching her breasts, he slowly dragged the tip of his tongue over her left nipple, flicked it a few times, then captured it in his mouth and greedily suckled it. Then he turned his attention to her other breast, and after licking, sucking, and fondling it to erection, he brought his mouth to meet hers. 

Their lips fused, tongues tangling and thrusting with an almost desperate need, and as he shifted his hips against hers, she knew that the moment of penetration was steadily nearing. As the anticipation built, every nerve in her body came alive, and the kiss they were sharing became hotter and wetter. 

Forced to break apart by the need for oxygen, they locked gazes. Several moments passed while they simply stared at one another, speaking no words as they languorously ran their hands along each other's naked bodies. 

As his palm coasted along the swell of her breasts, her fingers traced the line of his cheekbone, and she found herself struck by the beauty of his face. 

It wasn't just his jet black hair and pale skin, but also his hooded eyes that entranced her. There was something behind them that greatly intrigued her, and she sensed there was a dark and dangerous side to him. Nothing too extreme she was sure, but just a bit untamed.

This only increased her arousal for him, and placing her hands on his back, she slowly glided her palms down the length of it. As she lay there beneath his warm body, she couldn't help thinking about how just a few weeks earlier they'd been perfect strangers, and now here they were, stretched out nude on his bed. 

While his body was lean and sleekly muscled, hers was soft and womanly, and the contrast of his pale skin against her darker hue was visually arresting.

Although they were eagerly anticipating the moment when their bodies would merge, they were perfectly content to kiss, caress and stare into each other's eyes, knowing that the buildup would only heighten the sensations that they felt. 

Completely oblivious to anything but him, she relished the feel of his breath against her skin, loving the way it slightly tickled her flesh as he placed gentle kisses on her neck. She also enjoyed the sensation of his hand as it followed the hills and dips of her body, and as his fingers made contact with the slick moisture between her thighs, a small gasp escaped her throat. 

Using the pad of his index finger, he traced the line of her weeping slit a few times before slowly pushing his digit inside her slick, tight passage. His eyes didn't stray from hers for even a moment, and as his long finger probed her tight, slick pussy, she arched her back, tangling her fingers in his soft hair.

"Dane." 

His name came out as a whisper, and a lustful whimper passed her lips as he removed his fingers from her silky passage, then shifted his body on top of her. This gave her the chance to feel his hot, firm penis against her thigh, and she knew from the feral look in his eyes, that he'd reached the pinnacle of arousal. 

Resting on one elbow, he wrapped a hand around his cock, then guided himself into her opening with a slow, deep thrust. A husky groan passed her lips, and as he began to pump inside her, she held onto his firm butt, rocking her hips in time with his thrusts. 

Clearly wanting to relish every minute, he lightly rolled his hips, gradually building the pace as she moaned and writhed beneath him. His mouth hovered hotly over her lips, and as he looked down at her, she gazed up at him, losing herself in his intoxicating stare.

His lips brushed lightly against hers before he trailed the tip of his tongue along one of her swollen pads. Then tenderly, he probed her mouth with his tongue, skillfully manipulating its movement so that it matched his slow, sensual thrusts. 

Melded as one, their bodies moved in a rhythmic swaying motion, hips rolling with urgent need as carnal moans filled the space around them. 

The heat between them steadily increased, resulting in a light sheen of sweat on their bodies that only further enhanced the delicious friction of skin against skin. 

His gentle, tender thrusts were steadily becoming faster and more possessive, and with each buck of his hips, the mattress creaked beneath them, mingling with the sounds of their lovemaking.

Each rhythmic push sank him deeper into her, and as he continuously impaled her soft, pliant body, her cries grew louder. 

His voice slid over her skin like satin as he urged her on, whispering erotic words in her ear as she clutched desperately at his hips. 

The sensation of his deep voice vibrating against her skin, combined with the feeling of his stiff shaft pumping feverishly inside her became too intense for her to handle, and with a ragged cry, she came undone.

Jeneda's body quaked violently with the force of her orgasm, her muscles creating a vice grip around him that milked his thick shaft. 

Not slowing his ministrations for even a moment, he mercilessly plunged his cock in and out of her taut hole. Helpless to do anything except lay boneless beneath him, she weakly whimpered, digging her nails into his shoulders as he picked up speed. 

He allowed himself a few more hard thrusts and then climaxed, releasing a low, drawn out groan as he pumped her full of his seed.

Completely spent and drained of his fluids, his body went limp and he collapsed uselessly on the mattress beside her. 

Although her sexual appetite had been completely satiated, Jeneda couldn't help but feel aroused at the sight of him sweaty and panting, and she languidly ran a palm along his glistening chest. A contented murmur passed his lips, and taking her hand in his, he placed a soft kiss to the inside of her wrist. 

They lay quietly face to face, her fingers idly tracing the lean muscles of his chest as his hand lovingly stroked her bare arm. They were at a loss for words, but for different reasons. 

Jeneda was silent because she was simply enjoying the moment for what it was-the aftermath of a very intimate moment during which they'd pleasured and enjoyed each others bodies. In addition, she was also coming to the realization that she was no longer just smitten, but actually beginning to feel an emotional attachment to him.

She didn't know what was going through Dane's mind, but as she looked into his eyes, she saw they were filled with sadness, and was suddenly reminded of the somber mood he'd been in upon arriving to his apartment. 

Their mock sword fight and the passionate experience they'd just shared had caused her to forget all about the worries which seemed to be weighing so heavily on him. But now that they were laying in silence with nothing to distract them, she was once again faced with reality, and she knew the time had come to ask him some questions. 

"Something's bothering you, isn't it?"

As the words left her mouth, his expression grew serious, and he briefly shifted his eyes downward. Then allowing his gaze to once against meet hers, he spoke.

"Yes, but I can't talk about it, so please don't ask me any more questions."

"Come on Dane, don't brush this off. Talk to me. Tell me what's going on."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"Because It's complicated."

"You think I won't understand?"

He said nothing, only stared deep into her eyes. 

"Well, I guess that gives me my answer," she disappointedly said.




Velvet Roses Ch. 06



"It's not that I don't want to tell you."

"No, of course not. You just won't."

"I can't."

"Right. You're forced to keep it a secret." 

Silence filled the space between them as they stared at one another, then after a long moment passed, he spoke.

"I'm really not a secretive person..." His voice trailed off, as if struggling to find the words, then after a few moments, he continued to speak. "This isn't me. It's not who I am."

"So who are you, then?" Her eyes bored into his, as if hoping that through the power of her stare, she could force him to reveal what was hidden.

Now it was his turn to be quiet, and as silence spun between them, Jeneda realized that she wasn't going to receive an answer. She also couldn't help noticing that his face had darkened, and as he rolled onto his back and stared up at the skylight, she came to understand that whatever situation he was going through was more serious than she could have imagined.

Stillness surrounded them, and as Jeneda studied Dane, she noticed the way the moonlight illuminated his angular face. Laying motionless, he closed his eyes, as though seeking some answer from within. Then he allowed them to flutter open, and after releasing a shallow sigh, he dryly swallowed. 

While his pale body seemed to almost blend in with the bed sheets, his inky hair created a sharp contrast against the white pillow. His chest rose and fell with slow, deliberate breaths, and although he appeared fairly calm, she knew he was anything but.

Being kept in the dark as to his situation was definitely disconcerting, but she knew that any attempts to get him to open up would be a fruitless endeavor. So rather than press him for more information, she decided instead to just let it go. 

"Forget I said anything, okay? Your personal life is none of my business, so I won't ask you any more questions."

He turned his head to look at her, and as his eyes met hers, she saw worry cross his face. 

"This doesn't have to change things between us." His tone was beseeching, as if making an appeal. "We can still be close." 

He took her hand in his, then tenderly kissed her knuckles. The expectant look on his face made it seem as if he was waiting for her response, but after an extended stretch of silence, it became clear that she wasn't going to. 

He moved his hand to her face and ran his thumb along her cheekbone, then turning onto his side so they were once again eye to eye, he leaned in to give her a soft, tender peck. She kissed him back, and after their mouths pulled apart, she rested her palm on his chest. A chill pervaded the air as they lay in bed together, and feeling goose bumps rise along her skin, she snuggled in closer to him. His hand came up to caress her bare arm, and noting that it was prickled with gooseflesh, he ran his palm briskly along the surface of her skin. "Cold?" 

"A little," she softly replied.

He grabbed a blanket that was folded at the foot of the bed, and after spreading it out over her body, he slid beneath it and nestled against her. Still lying face to face, their legs entwined, and reveling in the warm cocoon they'd created, she released a contented murmur. 

Made of velvet, the throw blanket that covered their bodies was smooth and felt luxurious against her naked skin. It was such an enjoyable sensation that she began to wonder why she didn't have a velvet blanket of her own, and she made a mental note to go shopping for one as soon as she had the chance. 

As she lay there in bed gazing into Dane's eyes, a thought suddenly passed through her head and a faint smile curled her lips, which in turn caused the corners of Dane's mouth to quirk. 

"What's funny?"

"The first time I saw you, you were wearing this green velvet blazer. Then when I saw you again at comic con, you were wearing another one, except it was red. And now I find out you have a velvet blanket. How many velvet things do you own?"

His smile deepened. "Aside from the jackets and blanket, nothing. I wouldn't mind adding to my collection, though."

"So what made you become such a velvet enthusiast?"

Slowly sliding a palm along the curve of her waist, he allowed his fingers to lazily drag against her silky skin. "It's soft, beautiful, sexy...now that I think of it, It's a lot like you."

She smiled. "You just know all the right things to say, don't you?"

"It's true, though. And you know it."

They fell into silence, and as she slipped her fingers through the waves of his hair, he closed his eyes and sighed in contentment. 

Except for the sound of tree branches scraping against the windows, stillness pervaded the apartment, and for several long minutes they simply lay in placid contentment. 

As Dane's breaths grew shallow, Jeneda became certain that he was falling asleep, so she slid her fingers out of his locks and gave him a feather light kiss. Yet the moment she pulled away from him, his eyes fluttered opened and he softly spoke. 

"How are things with your brother?"

"Okay. Why do you ask?" 

"Just wondering." He reached out to gingerly trace a finger along the multiple studs in her ear. "Are your parents still moving him to Key West?"

She nodded. "He's leaving this weekend."

"That soon, huh?" 

"Yep. Just three more days, and he'll be leaving."

Making no attempt to hide her disappointment, she pressed her lips tightly together and stared off into the distance. He didn't know how to respond, and she was preoccupied with her thoughts, so a long, awkward pause passed between them. Then after several moments of silence, he spoke.

"What time is his plane leaving?"

"At ten on Sunday morning. I'm supposed to be driving him, my dad and my mom to the airport, but I've been having some issues with my car, so I guess I'll have to get a rental."

"Your dad doesn't have a car?"

"Nope."

"What about your mom?"

"She lives in Key West. The only reason she's coming out here, is so she can accompany Riley on the plane."

"Oh."

With her brother's departure looming, she realized it could be months before she saw him again, and although she knew he would be closer to her mother, she couldn't help feeling a little sick at the thought of him being so far away.

No sooner did her chest tighten, did a lump begin to form in her throat. She also felt her eyes becoming moist, yet before any tears could well up, she quickly shifted her gaze from Dane's and turned onto her back. Then focusing her attention on the skylight, she willed herself to rein in her emotions. 

Crying wasn't an option, especially not in front of Dane. It would only make her seem weak, not to mention create an unbelievably awkward moment. So instead of allowing the tears to fall, she bit down on her tongue and forced away the sadness.

As Dane grabbed her hand and laced his fingers through hers, she was brought back to the present moment, and sensing he had something to say, she turned her head and looked at him. 

"I know we haven't been dating very long, and I don't know how into this idea you would be, but instead of renting a car, why don't you let me drive you guys to the airport?"

"Thanks for the offer, but I think It'd be better if I just rented a car."

"Oh, okay." 

Clearly disappointed, he shifted his gaze, then let go of her hand and crossed his arms behind his head. 

"I really do appreciate the offer," she said. "But It'd be kind of awkward having you with us." 

It seemed to her that he winced a little from her words, and realizing that she may have unintentionally offended him, she made an attempt to smooth things over.

"I didn't mean that the way it sounded. It's just that everyone will be emotional, and it you're gonna meet my family, I don't want it to be that way. You know what I mean?" 

He nodded, then said, "It's cool, you don't have to explain. It's a family thing, and I wouldn't fit in." As if to reassure her, he lightly kissed the tip of her nose. "I just want you to know that I'm here for you."

"Thanks. I appreciate that."

Jeneda let out a yawn, then curled into his side and rested her head on his chest. She felt safe and warm against his masculine body, and as he pressed his lips to the top of her head, a contented murmur passed her lips. 

It'd been a long, eventful day, and their passionate lovemaking had only added to her exhaustion, so it didn't take long at all for her to reach the brink of slumber. Yet before she could go over the edge, a rattling noise whisked her back to full consciousness.

Curious as to the source of the noise, she glanced up at Dane and she saw that he was holding a bottle of pills, and after taking off the cap, he shook a few into the palm of his hand. He swallowed them dry, and after tucking the pill container beneath his pillow, he emitted a relaxed sigh. 

"What are those pills for?" She asked.

"Sleeping medication."

"Do you have insomnia?"

"Not exactly."

"Then why do you take them?"

"Sometimes I just have trouble sleeping."

"Do you use them every night?"

"Pretty much. Why? Does it bother you?"

"No, not really. I'm just a little worried about you."

"Don't be, I'm fine." As if to reassure her, he soothingly ran a thumb across her cheek, then said, "Really, I'm okay."

Her brows slightly knitted as she said, "I don't remember you taking them the last time I slept over."

"That's because you were already asleep."

"Oh."

Before she could say anything else, he captured her lips in a soft kiss, then looking deep into her eyes, he softly spoke to her.

"Stop worrying, and go to sleep, spunky."

"Spunky?"

"Yes, it's a term of endearment."

She snorted in response. "It sounds like a dog's name."

"Well, you are my little pet." 

He nuzzled his nose against hers, which in turn caused a soft smile to pass her lips.

"How'd you come up with spunky?"

"When I saw how feisty you were with that sword, that's the first thing that came to my mind."

"So I guess this means I'll have to come up with a nickname for you, huh?"

"If you want. Don't feel like you have to, though." 

Although it was impossible to hold her any closer, he tightened his arm around her, and as they lay there wrapped in each other's embrace, they allowed sleep to claim them, drifting off to a place where their worries were nonexistent. 

* * * *

Having spent the better half of the morning feeding their sexual appetites, Dane and Jeneda were standing outside the door to her apartment, indulging in a kiss that was deliciously carnal and wonderfully wet. 

While their tongues engaged in a lustful dance, their hands greedily roamed each other's bodies, grabbing and caressing soft, fleshy areas, as well as harder, unyielding ones. 

Soft moans filled the air around them, and although they could have gone on kissing for a whole lot longer, the need to replenish their oxygen forced their mouths apart. 

Still craving the feel of her flesh against his lips, Dane leaned in to tenderly kiss her neck, then lifted his head and offered a long, heady gaze. 

"I need you."

His lips were so close to hers, that she could feel his breath as he spoke, and as he grinded his hardness against her, she elicited a breathy noise.

"You already had me twice this morning."

"So let's make it three."

Biting her lip, she offered him a desirous gaze, noting the way his lips were flushed from all the kissing they'd done. She also noticed the way his hair hung sexily in his face, partially obscuring his left eye. 

This only enhanced her already lascivious mood, and after turning to face the door, she quickly unlocked it, then walked inside. He waited a few seconds before crossing the threshold, eyeing her with those sensually dark eyes of his. Then with a faint smile on his lips he entered. 

"So this is what your apartment looks like." 

His eyes darted around the living room, flitting from the bay windows, to an s-shaped coffee table which was made out of glass, before coming to rest on a CD rack on the wall. As he walked closer towards it, she followed him, and upon reaching it, he gazed interestedly at it.

"You still collect CD's?" A faint smile touched his lips as he asked the question.

"Yep. Call me old fashioned, but nothing beats having the physical album." 

He lightly nodded before saying, "I agree."

Scanning the titles of the various CD spines, he perused her music collection, which included bands such as The Cure, Depeche Mode, and the Cocteau Twins. Then after a few moments of silently examining the discs, he spoke.

"Looks like you've got a pretty decent collection here." 

"Only decent?" She asked.

"Okay, better than decent. You've got good taste."

This brought a smile to her lips, and after returning it with one of his own, Dane casually sauntered towards a purple sofa with black pillows. After taking a seat, he looked curiously at an open scrapbook that sat on the coffee table, and after picking it up, he began to flip through it. 

Sitting down beside him, she watching as he scanned each page, and as he pointed out a picture of her as a baby, she heard him emit a light chuckle. 

"You were quite the exhibitionist, weren't you?"

The photo he'd pointed out was a yellowing snapshot of her at three years of age, and had been taken in the backyard of the house where'd she grown up. Clad in nothing more than a pair of pink sunglasses, she was posed with her hands on hips, looking into the camera with a giant smile. 

"I'm surprised I even had the sunglasses on. According to my parents, one of my favorite things to do around that time was run around the house naked." 

His smile deepened, and as he turned the page, he said, "You sure were an adorable little thing."

"Thanks."

As he flipped through the pages of the memory book, she watched on in silence, only speaking when he offered the occasional comment or posed questions. 

They were only two pages away from reaching the end of the scrapbook, when suddenly Dane stopped turning the pages, and figuring that he might be wondering as to the story behind the photograph he was studying, she offered some info. 

"That was taken eight years ago, at my college graduation."

She was about to give additional commentary, but as she glanced up at his face, she noticed there was a strange look on it. To say he appeared shocked, would be a gross understatement, and although he was normally pale, it now appeared as if he'd suddenly become nearly translucent. 

Her eyes darted back to the scrapbook, and seeing that his fingers were trembling as he held the edges of the book, she grew alarmed. Yet before she could speak a word, he broke the silence. 

"Who's this man standing next to you?" 

"My dad's best friend, Vincent. Why?"

"Just curious."

It was more than that, though. She could tell from the way his body grown rigid that something about the picture had him deeply distressed, and although she'd looked at the photo dozens of times, she gave herself a moment to really study it, trying to see if there was anything odd or startling about it. 

Taken on her college graduation day, the photo was of her and Vincent posing side by side They both had broad smiles on their face, and while she was in a cap and gown, he was dressed casually in a pair of jeans, a black button up shirt, and a trucker's cap. 

His silver streaked hair was slicked back from his head, and his lips were stretched into a proud smile. Noting the small teddy bear and bouquet of flowers in her hand, Jeneda recalled how Vincent had given them to her as a congratulations gift. 

The snapshot had been taken eight years ago, yet the memory of that day was still fresh in her mind, and as she stared at the picture, she found herself wondering why Dane seemed so spooked by it. 

As far as she could tell, everything about it was completely normal. There weren't any strange looking people in the background, nor was there anything off-putting in the slightest, so she was at a total loss as to why he had such an odd reaction to this particular photograph. 

Completely puzzled, she redirected her gaze to his face, and saw he was still staring obsessively at it, almost as if he were in a trance-like state.

"Dane, you're scaring me. What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

He'd answered a bit too abruptly for her liking, and she also noticed that his voice had wavered, as if he were scared. But of what? A *photo*? The idea was completely ridiculous and didn't make an ounce of sense. 

"Something *is* wrong. Tell me." She said it firmly, as if to convey that he didn't have an option.

"This hat your dad's friend is wearing..." 

As his voice drifted off, she looked at the photo for reference, and saw that the hat in question was a baseball cap and had the words, 'Proud Italian American' emblazoned across the front of it.

"Yeah? What about it?"

"It looks familiar to me. Did he wear it often?"

"I don't know, I only saw Vincent five, maybe six times a month. He was a trucker, like my dad, so they were both on the road a lot."

"Oh." 

His Adam's apple bobbed up and down a few times, as if he were struggling to swallow something back, and for a moment she began to wonder if he was going to be sick.

"Are you sure you're okay? If you want, I can get you a glass of water."

"I'm fine. I just started taking this new anti-anxiety medication, so I think I'm having a reaction to it."

"But just ten minutes ago, you were fine."

"Yeah, I know. It happens out of the blue, I can't control it."

She gave him a long, hard look, then glanced back at the picture. 

"It seems like this photo triggered something inside you. Is there something about it you don't like? Maybe it brought up a bad memory."

"What?" His brows knitted as he hurriedly added, "No, of course not. Why would it?" 

"I don't know. I'm just trying to figure out what's going on with you."

"I already told you, It's these new meds I'm taking."

Taken aback by his sharp tone of voice, she gave him a strange look before saying, "Okay. Just thought I'd ask."

They both turned their attention back on the photo, and after a short moment of silence, Dane posed a question.

"So this guy is your dad's best friend?"

"He used to be."

"What happened? They had a fight?"

"Nope." Releasing a sad little sigh, she absentmindedly smoothed the peeling edges of the protective film that covered the photo. "About seven months ago, Vincent disappeared. No warning, no explanation, he just vanished."

"I'm sorry," he mumbled.

"Yeah, so am I. He was like a second father to me." 

Dane shifted uneasily in his seat, and after clearing his throat, he spoke. 

"You don't know whether he's alive or dead?"

She shook her head. "Last time I saw him was eight months ago. My dad told me his last sighting of Vincent was at a truck stop in Oakland on the night he disappeared. They chatted for a bit, then Vincent took off to deliver the merchandise he was carrying in his rig. Apparently he never made it, though, because they found his truck stranded miles away from the pier where he was scheduled to deliver."

Silence stretched between them for a long moment, during which Jeneda glanced at Dane, and saw he was still staring at the photo with a strange intensity. Baffled by both his behavior and uncharacteristic quietness, she looked fixedly at him, studying his expression.

A dark look had come over his face, and his mouth was set in a grim line. His breathing had become shallow, and she also couldn't help noticing the way he kept nervously swallowing, as if there was something in his throat that he was struggling to get out. 

It was odd to say the least, and as they sat there in complete stillness, she realized that the air had become charged with tension. 

"So the police never found out what happened?" Dane suddenly asked. "There wasn't any evidence at all?"




Velvet Roses Ch. 06



"There was some blood in the cab of his truck, but they couldn't be certain as to what exactly happened. They did notice that some of the merchandise he was supposed to deliver was missing, though, so they figure he was probably robbed, then killed." 

Dane's reply was simply an unintelligible grunt, and with deeply knitted brows, he turned his gaze upon her.

"What do you think happened?"

"Vincent wasn't the type of guy to just take off without telling anyone."

In other words, she knew he was probably dead, but she couldn't bring herself to come out and say it. The thought alone caused her stomach to knot, and as her vision became blurry, she quickly averted her eyes from Dane's, then glanced back down at the scrapbook.

"I really liked Vincent. I miss him a lot," she said in a wavering voice.

A tear slid from the corner of her eye, yet before it could make it all the way down her cheek, she hurriedly wiped it away, then took the scrapbook from Dane's hands and closed it. She sat it back on the table, then in a voice thick with emotion, she spoke.

"I'm sorry. I know It's a total buzzkill to see me crying."

"Don't apologize. You have no reason to."

He pulled her into a light embrace, then slid a palm soothingly across her cheek. As she looked into his eyes, she was certain they were filled with guilt, yet for what reason, she couldn't understand. And although he was holding her in his arms, he seemed strangely distant, as if he was disconnected from the moment. 

Overly emotional, and wanting to ease her emotional pain, she pressed her body tightly against his and wrapped her arms around his neck. Then in a soft voice, she made a breathy request.

"Make love to me."

She leaned in to kiss him, then pushed her tongue hotly into his mouth, yet instead of returning her eagerness, he kept his lips motionless. This resulted in her pulling back from the oral embrace, and as she searched his eyes, she saw there was deep anguish in them. 

"What's wrong? I thought you wanted to have sex." 

"I did."

"But now you don't?"

He shifted his eyes downward before allowing them to drift toward the scrapbook. She followed his gaze and looked at the book as well, then after a few seconds passed, she quizzically looked back at him. 

An eerie silence hung thickly between them, and after a brief moment of somberly gazing into her eyes, he finally spoke.

"I'm sorry, I can't be here right now."

He released her from his embrace, then quickly rose to his feet. Too surprised to respond instantly, she watched as he headed for the door. It wasn't until his hand was on the knob, that she was spurred into action, and upon reaching the entryway, her eyes searched his face hungrily. 

"What's going on?" She asked. "Why are you being so weird?"

"I'll explain later." 

He turned away from her and tried to open the door, but as she grabbed onto his arm, his movement was halted.

"No, you tell me what's going on," she firmly said. "I deserve to know." 

Dane released a slow breath through his nose, and after giving her a long, intent stare, he pulled her into his arms. Instead of melting against him, Jeneda's body went rigid, and her lips pressed together in a firm, straight line. Thoroughly frustrated and aggravated by his secretiveness, she looked up at him with knitted brows.

"I'm sorry, pet. I can't," he said. "At least not right now." He then dipped his head down to give her a gentle, tender kiss, and after pulling back, he softly whispered against her lips. "Please forgive me."

Then with a tortured look on his face, he turned his back to her and headed out the door. She stared after him as he walked down the hall, and as he rounded the corner to go toward the elevators, she saw him take one last glance her way. 

Then he was gone, and feeling as if she'd just taken a knife to the heart, she gazed sadly down the empty hallway, left to wonder how everything had changed so quickly.



Velvet Roses Ch. 07



*Sorry for the long wait on this chapter, but I do hope you'll enjoy. Thanks for continuing to read, vote and comment!* 

Dane's eyes popped open, his heart thumping in his chest. A sticky film of sweat covered his body, causing the bed sheets to cling against his skin. 

He blinked once, then twice, to allow his eyes a moment to adjust to the dark room, then hastily grabbed his cell phone from the space on the mattress beside him. His finger trembled as he pressed a button on the keypad, and as the display screen lit up, adrenaline coursed through his body. 

Upon discovering that he'd received no text messages, he blew out a heavy breath of air, then rested his head against the pillow and allowed his muscles to relax. 

He'd had plenty of terrible nightmares in the past seven months, but this one in particular had been especially disturbing. It had been so real, and although he knew the bad dream was a result of his guilty conscience, he couldn't help but be spooked by the fact that this nightmare could actually come to pass. 

From beyond the windows, he could hear the wind rattling through the trees, and although it normally would have been a comforting sound, he currently found himself unsettled by it. 

Focusing his eyes on the arched windows in front of him, he couldn't help noticing that they resembled eyes, and he began to feel as if they were somehow able to see inside his soul. The longer he focused on them, the more dreadful he felt, and he knew without a doubt that he was on the verge of some unspeakably adverse experience. 

Still on edge from his nightmare, he was struggling to erase the words that were burned in his brain. He didn't want to think about them, but it seemed as if they were intent on haunting him.

Jeneda's dead

The thought of it alone caused him stomach to cramp with anxiety, and as he recalled the details of the nightmare, he was again struck by how real It'd seemed. 

*But it wasn't. It was nothing more than a nightmare, a reflection of your troubled inner state. Jeneda's okay. She's still alive.*

Yet even after reassuring himself, he still felt incredibly unnerved. So much, in fact, that he grabbed his phone, and after dialing Jeneda's number, he anxiously waited for her to pick up. Three rings passed before she did, and as her voice came through the receiver, he felt an incredible sense of relief wash over him. 

"Hello?"

"Hey."

"Hi. What's going on?"

"Not much, just thought I'd call to see how you were doing."

"I'm fine. How are you?"

"Alright."

"Are you really, or are you just saying that?"

He let a moment of silence pass before responding. "To be truthful, I'm actually feeling pretty lousy. And I'm calling to let you know that I'm sorry about earlier today." He gave pause for her to answer, but when she didn't, he continued to speak. "I know you're wondering why I acted the way I did. And you definitely deserve an explanation."

"But you're not going to give me one, right?"

"I will. Just not right now."

A heavy sigh of exasperation passed her lips. "No, of course not. You're going to keep putting it off, and hope that I'll forget."

"That's not true. I *am* going to tell you. It's just not the sort of thing that can be said over the phone."

"Then why didn't you tell me earlier today when you were at my apartment?"

"Because I knew if I did, that it would hurt you. And the last thing I want, is to cause you any pain."

"Is this about you not wanting to see me anymore? Because if it is, I can assure you I'll get over it."

"No, of course not. I don't know how you could even think that."

"Well, considering you won't tell me anything about this situation, I'm kinda left to just blindly guess."

"That's not what this is about. I love hanging out with you, and I definitely want us to continue seeing each other."

"Do you really?" She skeptically asked.

"Yes, of course."

"Then act like it." 

Having received the message loud and clear, Dane felt a pang in his heart from her words, and fell into a grave silence before giving his response. 

"If you're free tomorrow evening, I can come over and we can talk then."

"What's wrong with tonight?" She asked.

"I'm busy. I've got stuff to do."

"What kind of stuff?"

"Just things I need to take care of."

The stillness that followed his words was loaded with tension, and as the noiselessness stretched between them, Dane anxiously waited for her to say something. 

"Fine, tomorrow evening," she finally said. "You can come by around six, but please don't be late, because I'm meeting my friends for dinner at seven."

"No problem. I'll be there on time."

"Goodbye, Dane."

"Bye."

Several moments after the call ended, Dane lay there in a kind of daze, staring blankly at the screen of his cell phone. Then finally he released his mobile from his hand and focused his eyes on the darkness beyond the windows. 

For nearly eight months, he'd been waiting for the hammer to fall, and now, after overwhelming uncertainty and apprehension, he would have to atone for his sins. 

No longer would he be able to keep his dark secret concealed, and once he came clean to Jeneda about who he really was, and the part he'd played in Vincent's death, she would surely want nothing to do with him. 

He was like a second father to me.

As Dane recalled the words that Jeneda had spoken earlier that day, he felt a pressure build in his chest, and his already tense body became taut as a bowstring. 

He could still remember the look of anguish that had crossed her face as she'd said it, and would never forget the single tear that had slipped from the corner of her eye. That in itself had been enough to consume him with guilt, and knowing he'd played a part in causing her grief filled him with self-abhorrence. 

He was nothing more than a coward, a pathetic individual who had chosen to forgo confessing his immoral actions, and instead had completely wimped out, leaving the woman he adored completely in the dark as to what was going on. What kind of a man did that? Surely not the type who deserved to be with Jeneda, so it was fitting punishment that he would lose her.

Unable to stop himself, he unwillingly imagined the reaction she would have as he confessed his grisly past. Clearly Vincent had meant a lot to her, so she'd obviously be deeply anguished, but what really made him sick about this whole thing was the certainty that she wouldn't ever again be able to stand the sight of him. 

No longer would he be a man in her eyes, but a monster; an abomination who would incite outrage and disgust. Yet did he not deserve all that was coming to him? 

He'd not only assisted in robbing Vincent, but had also willfully contributed in covering up his death by dumping his body in the bay. He could try all he wanted to excuse his actions, to say he'd been a victim of circumstance, but he knew in his heart that there was no defense for what he'd done. He'd sinned terribly, and now the time had come for him to pay the penalty. 

The sheer immensity of the situation caused his stomach to roil, and as he came to the realization that he'd already lost Jeneda, his throat filled with nastiness. 

Soon, she would hate him, and once she ejected him from her life, he would never again have the pleasure of feeling her soft, sweet smelling body against his, nor would he be able to kiss her, or run his fingers through her soft hair. 

She wouldn't ever again smile or laugh in his presence, and instead of fondly remembering the intimate times they'd shared, she'd only regard him with loathing. 

There was no him and her anymore. Only a memory of what had been. And although they weren't yet officially broken up, he already craved her touch and felt a desperate need to hold her in his arms, just one last time, before everything changed. Ready or not, the tides were turning, and soon the dynamics of their relationship would be drastically altered. 

Trapped in a real life nightmare, he was completely powerless to stop what was already happening, and as he realized just how damned he truly was, an all-consuming anxiety swept through his body. 

His heart beat wildly in his chest and his throat constricted, and as his body broke out in a cold sweat, he threw back the covers and scrambled out of bed. 

No sooner did his feet touch the floor, did he hastily make his way to the kitchen, and after retrieving a variety of medicine bottles from the cabinet, he began to uncap them. 

His hands shook in the process, and in his rush to shake the pills out of their containers, he ended up spilling the majority of the tablets on the counter. 

Blue, green, yellow, pink...the capsules resembled little more than a blur of colors and shapes, but when one was suffering from a panic attack, it made little difference which was which. After hastily popping three of the tablets in his mouth, he filled a glass with tap water, then took a generous sip. 

Due to the dry pain in the back of his throat, swallowing the pills proved to be a bit of a challenge, but after taking several long, hard gulps, he was finally able to wash down the medication. 

Feeling as if he might blackout, he gripped the counter for support, trying his best to steady himself so that his knees wouldn't buckle under his weight. 

His heart thrummed painfully, and he still felt as if he was suffocating, but the numbness in his face and hands was beginning to subside, so he knew he was gradually regaining control.

Each minute that passed felt like an eternity, yet eventually his pulse began to slow, and as his breathing became more regulated, he grabbed a paper towel from the holder next to the stove, then wiped the sweat from his face. 

He then walked over to his drafting table, and after taking a seat on the stool, he flipped on the small lamp. For a few moments he just sat there staring at the sheets of paper strewn across the surface of the desk, then after some time passed, he began to ink in the outline of one of the illustrations. 

Still feeling a little jittery, his hands slightly shook as he ran the fine point Sharpie over the sheet of paper. But as he gradually got into the creative zone, he found that the tense, nervous energy he'd been suffering from was gradually transformed to one of energized focus. 

Fully immersed in the moment, he sat bent over the drafting table, locks of hair partially obscuring his keen eyes as his long, slender fingers deftly maneuvered the pen over paper. Everything flowed smoothly, effortlessly, as if he were a vessel through which a greater force was working. 

He no longer felt any apprehension, nor was he obsessively worrying about the events to come. For this moment in time, he was alleviated from his emotional troubles, temporarily immersed in a world of his own creation. 

An hour passed before the movement of his hand halted, and as his eyes scanned the various panels he'd inked in, he found himself thoroughly satisfied with the work he'd done. He was also aware that the rush of exhilaration he'd been experiencing for the past sixty minutes was beginning to fade away, and that soon he'd be back in that dark place. 

He let out a heavy sigh then briefly closed his eyes, and as his thoughts turned to the events of the past few days, he began to think of Marla. There wasn't a doubt within him that she was truly dead, but what he couldn't figure out was who it was that had sent the text message, and just what exactly they were planning to do next.

He supposed they could already be stalking him, and were delaying their moment of attack in order to amplify his fear, but he had a feeling that whoever his pursuer was, they hadn't yet been able to determine where he lived. 

If that was so, then how much time remained before they did? This led him to the realization that he was leaving himself completely open and vulnerable, and as he recalled the nightmare he'd had, grim words suddenly echoed through his mind. 

Jeneda's dead

This caused his skin to prickle, and the hairs along the back of his neck stood on end. He then walked over to his bed, and upon reaching it, grabbed his cell phone from off the mattress and dialed Cassie's number. The line rang three times before she picked up. 

"Hello?"

"Hi."

"Hey, how are you?"

"I'm okay. And you?"

"Doing alright. I was just about to call you, actually." There was a brief pause, followed by a sipping noise. "It took me four days to do it, but I was finally able to trace that text message."

"What'd you find out?"

"Whoever sent you that text, was probably located somewhere around Bodie."

"Bodie...that's a ghost town, Isn't it?"

"Yep. Nothing there but a decaying historic park."

"How long of a drive would you say it is from San Francisco?"

"Around eleven hours. Why?"

"Just wondering." 

A moment of silence followed as he ruminated over the possible reasons why a person would travel so far just to send a text message. Clearly they wanted to ensure that they retained their anonymity, but surely there were plenty of other remote areas in Northern California that were a lot closer than Bodie. So why pick such a far out place?

"You say they were *probably* located around Bodie. You aren't completely sure?"

"Nope. I'm thinking they probably sent you that text from an area where there were few radio masts, such as a wasteland or desert," she said. "Possibly even an unpopulated countryside. Bodie was probably just the closet spot to them that had a transmission tower."

"So they purposely picked an uninhabited spot, that way their location couldn't be pinpointed."

"Exactly."

"They couldn't have driven all the way out there just to send the text, though. They must have been there for a specific reason." Then suddenly it hit him- an unpopulated area...a chilling text message proclaiming Marla's death... "He dumped her body there."

A chill ran down his spine as he said it, and his mouth became dry.

"That hadn't even crossed my mind," said Cassie. "You're probably right."

Feeling a sudden wave of dizziness, Dane took a seat on the bed. Then slowly raking his fingers through his hair, he emitted a soft, nasal sigh. A moment passed during which neither of them spoke a word, then Cassie's voice came through the receiver. 

"Did you know anything about Marla's personal life? Was she close to her family at all, or did she have any close friends?"

"I don't know, she never really talked about that kind of stuff. Whenever we pulled jobs together, we didn't go into detail about our personal lives, we just did what we had to do, then got the hell out of there. You remember how it was." He then quickly added, "Why do you ask?"

"I thought I remembered her mentioning that she lived with someone. But I can't remember if it was just a roommate, or someone she had a close relationship with, like a boyfriend."

Dane's silence encouraged her to continue.

"If it was someone she was close to, then they're probably wondering what happened to her."

"What are you trying to say? That we should seek out this person, and let them know what happened?"

"No, of course not."

"Then why bring it up?"

"I don't know. I just feel bad about this whole situation, and I know that if someone I cared about went missing, I'd wanna know what happened."

"Listen Cassie, I feel just as bad about Marla's death as you do, but neither of us can speak a word about this to anyone. It's far too risky."

"I know that."

"And besides, even if we did know who to contact, and were in the position to tell them what happened, would you really wanna give them that kind of news?"

"Of course I wouldn't *want* to, but It'd be the decent thing to do. And at least It'd give them some closure."

"What about that trucker whose body I dumped in the bay? You think his friends or family got any closure?"

"No."

"Then why would this situation with Marla be any different?"

"Because we actually knew who she was. She wasn't just a stranger." 

"So that makes her death more important?"

"That's not what I said, and you know it."

There was a tenseness in the silence that followed, and as both remained quiet, the sound of their breaths became the only noise to fill the stillness. Then finally, Dane offered some words.

"That guy Marla shot probably had plenty of people who cared about him, too. Maybe even a wife and kids, but they'll never know what happened to him, or have any sort of peace of mind. You think that's fair to them?" 

"What the hell, Dane. It's not like Marla killed that man on purpose. You said yourself that it was an accident, so why are you acting as if she was some evil person? She may not have been an angel, but she certainly didn't deserve to be murdered, either."

"I never said she did."

"Then what exactly *are* you trying to say, because you're acting really weird about this. It's like you don't even care that she's dead."

"Of course I care, I just don't see the point in getting emotionally wrapped up in her death. And for you to try and make me feel guilty, is a pretty shitty thing to do. It's not my fault, so stop trying to make me feel bad about it." Dane's voice had risen a few octaves, and as he finished his statement, he realized that his body had grown tense. 

"Whoa, chill out," said Cassie. "I'm not trying to make you feel guilty, okay?"

He said nothing in return, only took a few deep breaths and tried to ease his agitation. 

"Look, I know you're under a lot of stress right now, but that doesn't make it right for you to take out your frustrations on me. And I sure as hell don't appreciate getting yelled at."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to raise my voice at you." 

"I know you didn't. You're just going through a lot right now."

"That's still no excuse. This is my problem, not anyone else's." Still sitting on the edge of the bed, he rose to his feet, then slowly walked over to the window. Upon reaching it, he glanced out at the view beyond, focusing on the nearly full moon. 

"I'm here for you in any way you need," Cassie said. "You know that, right?"

"Yes, of course. But I have to deal with this on my own, so after tonight, you may not hear from me for awhile."

"What does that mean?"

"It means I have things to take care of, and that staying in communication with you is no longer an option."

"So you're cutting me off."

"I have to. It's for your own safety."

"No."

His brows furrowed slightly. "No, what?"

"I won't allow you to push me away. If you don't want me getting involved, that's fine. But we need to stay in contact with each other."

Dane gave a heavy sigh, then in a voice that conveyed his limited patience, he said, "Damnit, why must you always be so stubborn? Can't you just please do as I say and stay out of this?"

"I could, but I'm not going to."

"Don't be stupid. This isn't worth losing your life over."

"This is my decision, so you're just going to have to accept that."

His lips drew into a hard, thin line, and he tightly clutched the phone. Thoroughly frustrated, he did his best to rein in his emotions, and reminded himself that if he'd never told Cassie about this whole situation in the first place, she would never have gotten involved. 

There was a sick feeling in his stomach as he considered the prospect of something grim happening to her, yet before anymore unpleasant emotions could arise, he quickly pushed the negative thoughts away.

"Fine, do what you want. I just hope you're prepared for the consequences."

"I am. You know that," she said.

Knowing it was useless to try and dissuade her any further, he decided that now would be a good time to end the call. 

"I have to get off the phone now."

"Okay. I guess we'll talk later, then."

He gave no response.




Velvet Roses Ch. 07



"Or, maybe not." She briefly paused before continuing. "Take care of yourself, alright?"

"Yeah, you too."

"Bye, Dane."

"Goodbye."

After pressing the call end button, he turned on his heel and walked over to the bed. He bent down so that his knees were touching the floor, and after sliding a duffel bag from out beneath the bed, he unzipped it and stuck his hand inside. 

He let his fingers roam until they slipped inside a hidden pocket, and upon locating the cold, steel object, he enclosed his palm around it, then pulled it out. Sleek and black, the handgun was compact but powerful, and designed for concealment.

As Dane stared at it, he was reminded of his criminal past, and briefly recalled the numerous risky situations he'd been involved in. Yet despite that fact, he hadn't ever had occasion to actually shoot anyone. He had, however, been trained to hold and fire one, so he was completely secure in his ability to handle the pistol.

Until a few days ago, the only weapons he'd owned had been his collection of katanas, but after contacting Kenichi and informing him of his need for a different kind of weapon, Dane had procured the gun. 

In addition, he'd also gotten the switchblade, and although he knew that a firearm would do a lot more damage, he was also aware that a knife would could come in handy during close quarter fighting.

Having been trained at a young age in the art of Japanese swordsmanship, Dane was far more comfortable with wielding a katana. Yet since it wasn't very practical to defend oneself with a sword when the opposition would be yielding a gun, he knew that a pistol would be the best defense.

Dane stood up from his crouching position, and after getting into the proper stance, he held the gun out in front of him, then aimed it towards a point in the distance. 

Knowing that sight alignment and trigger squeeze were the most important factors to success in shooting, he made a mental note to sharpen his skills. He also knew it was imperative that he get used to holding the weapon, and after lowering the gun, he tested its weight, then offered it a lingering gaze.

It certainly wouldn't hurt for him to visit a shooting range and brush up on his skills, but if the time came for him to use the gun before getting any practice in, he knew without a doubt that he could properly defend himself.

Bending down so he was one again level with the duffel bag, he slipped the gun back inside the hidden pocket, yet just before releasing the steel from his hands, he suddenly changed his mind and pulled the gun back out. 

Dane rose to his feet, and after kicking the duffel bag beneath the bed, he set the weapon on an antique trunk which served as a makeshift bedside table. 

He then took a seat on the edge of the mattress, and after retrieving a bottle of sleeping pills from beneath his pillow, he shook out two, then added a third for good measure. 

After eight months of taking two sleeping pills on a nightly basis, his body had grown accustomed to the dosage, and he was now at the point where he was forced to up his intake. 

After popping them into his mouth, he took a swig from a bottle of water on the trunk, then reclined in bed, sighing deeply as he rested his head against the pillow. Fixing his gaze on the gun, he stared at it resentfully, hating its cold, callous presence. 

His attention then shifted to the bottle of sleeping medication, and he began to wonder if he would ever be able to break his dependency to pills. Judging by his increasingly bad mental state, he knew that chances were slim, yet still there was a sliver of hope within him.

Releasing another heavy sigh, he shifted his eyes back and forth between the pill bottle and the gun, wondering how he'd managed to become so trapped. Life wasn't meant to be lived like this, and he knew that something drastic had to happen, and soon, because living such an existence was rotting him from the inside out. 

Dane's lids gradually grew heavier, and as his thoughts turned to Jeneda, he gave a dry swallow. Tomorrow was the day of truth; the day when he would finally come clean and confess his past. It was also the day he would lose her, and although Dane knew in his heart that he didn't deserve her, he still couldn't help grieving the end of their relationship. 

The end. No redemption, no forgiveness, no turning back. She was no longer his.

A dull ache formed in Dane's chest as a result of his thoughts, yet due to the effectiveness of the sleeping medication, he soon found himself on the edge of slumber. 

*The end...no turning back...*

These were the last words that echoed in his mind, and as his eyes drifted closed he finally found reprieve, gratefully sinking into unconsciousness. 

* * * *

For the sixth time in the past half hour, Jeneda glanced at the clock on the wall, and as she realized it was already six thirty p.m., she blew out a heavy breath, then got up from the couch and walked over to the living room window. 

She didn't know what was taking Dane so long to arrive, but if he didn't show up within the next five minutes, she was going to leave. Luna and Ethan were expecting her to meet up with them for dinner at seven, and the last thing she wanted was to keep them waiting. 

Glancing at her cell phone, she contemplated giving Dane another call, but since he hadn't answered the last two times she'd tried to reach him, she figured there was no point. Wherever he was, he clearly didn't wish to be reached, so why waste her time?

Taking another glance at the clock, she realized that wasting time was exactly what she was currently doing, and having reached the point where she was no longer willing to wait any longer, she grabbed her keys and purse, then headed for the door. 

Her hand had just touched the knob when she heard the sound of her door buzzer, and after clicking the button on the intercom, she spoke into the speaker.

"Yes?" She asked curtly. 

"It's me. Sorry I'm late."

"What took you so long?"

"Had to take care of a few things on the way."

Thoroughly annoyed by his late arrival, she briefly thought of refusing him entry and telling him to show up another time, but her curiosity regarding his recent strange behavior was overwhelming her. So instead of sending him away, she pressed the button on the intercom and buzzed him inside. 

A few minutes later there was a knock on her door, and as she opened it, she saw Dane standing in front of her with a dejected expression. His eyes were filled with such sadness it almost hurt to look at him, and as she opened the door wider, he entered. She gestured for him to take a seat on the couch, and after sitting down beside him, she stared expectantly at him.

Moments passed and still no words were exchanged between them, yet their eyes remained intensely locked. Then suddenly Dane reached out and tenderly cupped her face in his palm. She felt him trace patterns on her cheek with his thumb, then he moved in closer and pressed his lips to hers in a sweet, lingering kiss. 

Still upset with him for showing up late, she willed herself to move away, but the feel of his lips against hers was far too pleasurable. So despite her best efforts not to, she allowed her mouth to remain sealed against his. Once he pulled away, she watched him with a puzzled look, then offered some words. 

"What's going on? I invited you over here to talk, not so we could make out."

"I know."

"Then why'd you kiss me?"

"Because It's the last chance I'll get."

A small crease appeared between her brows. "What do you mean, the last chance?"

"After you hear what I have to say, you're going to hate me. Which means I'll probably never see you again."

"You're not making any sense. Would you please just tell me what's going on?" There was an edge to her voice, and with each second that passed, she grew more antsy. 

"There are some things in my past, stuff I've done that I'm not very proud of..."

Remaining silent, Jeneda stared deep into his eyes, anxiously waiting for him to continue. She didn't know why he was so reluctant to just come right out and say what he needed to, but the way he was dancing around this whole issue was thoroughly aggravating. 

Ever since yesterday afternoon, she'd been in a state of suspense, and had now reached her threshold of patience. Then suddenly, when she was certain she could take no more waiting, he finally spoke. 

"I used to be a criminal."

The way he'd just blurted it out caught her completely off guard, and at a loss for words, she blinked. Her eyes scanned his face diligently, as if she were suddenly seeing him for the first time, then once she finally found her voice, she posed a question.

"What kind of a criminal? What type of crimes did you commit?"

"Cargo theft. I robbed trucks and warehouses, mostly. But sometimes I also took merchandise from ships down at the docks."

"Ever shoot or kill anyone?"

"No."

Knowing there was no easier way to detect a liar, Jeneda gave him a long, hard gaze, waiting to see if he rapidly blinked or averted eye contact. He didn't, and after a few more moments of looking fixedly at him, she spoke. 

"You say you used to be a criminal. Does that mean you're completely done with living that kind of life, or is there a chance you'll get back into it?"

"I quit eight months ago, and I'm definitely not going back to it. I'm done with it, for good."

"Ever been arrested or spent time in prison?"

"No, I haven't."

"Why didn't you tell me this when we first started dating?"

"Because I knew if I did, you probably wouldn't want to see me again."

"You still should have told me."

"I know, it was wrong of me not to, and I'm sorry about that." 

Needing a moment to digest this new information, Jeneda briefly averted her eyes and rested them on the coffee table. She didn't know what to say and wasn't entirely sure just how she should feel about this. 

On one hand, she felt upset that he'd kept this a secret from her during all these weeks they'd been dating, but on the other hand, she was relieved that he hadn't done anything too terrible, such as murder or committing other acts of violence. 

Yet still, was he not an ex-thief? And had he not ripped off countless hard working people? She didn't like the idea of anyone being cheated, and now that she knew Dane had been involved in such a ruthless profession, she was definitely seeing him in a new light. 

He'd stolen from people, and although he claimed to never have caused anyone bodily harm, he'd certainly given them mental and financial distress. 

Allowing her eyes to once again rest on him, she thought about the strange behavior he'd displayed during his last visit to her apartment, and found herself wondering if there wasn't more to his confession of being a criminal. 

Taking note of his body language, she noticed that his shoulders were hunched, and every now and again his Adam's Apple would bob up and down. This gave her reason to believe that he was feeling uneasy, and as she looked back into his eyes, she immediately knew that something was weighing heavily on his mind.

"There's something else you're not telling me, Isn't there?" She asked.

His gaze lowered momentarily before he looked back up at her, then in a low voice, he began to talk.

"I'm not really sure how to say this..." He nervously ran his fingers through his disheveled hair, then blew out a shaky breath. "But I did something really bad, something you'll probably never forgive me for."

Dane appeared unsettled, almost afraid, and as he scooted to the edge of the couch, his body grew rigid. Seeing him in such a state of extreme emotional distress only increased the anxiety that Jeneda felt, and as she waited in dreaded anticipation, she got the unshakable feeling that they were on the verge of some huge shift in their relationship. 

Every second that passed only heightened the intensity, and as Dane stared directly into her eyes, Jeneda steeled herself, waiting with bated breath for him to speak. 

"Your dad's friend, Vincent..."

"Yes, what about him?" The mere mention of his name caused Jeneda's chest to tighten, and as a look of guilt crossed Dane's face, she felt her heart quicken with unnerving expectancy. 

"I was involved in his disappearance. I not only assisted in robbing him, but I also helped cover up his death. The reason his body was never found is because I dumped it in the bay." 

Feeling as if she'd just taken a punch to the chest, Jeneda found herself struggling to breathe. A wave of nausea promptly overtook her, followed by the sensation of her heart sinking deep into the pit of her gut, and as she stared in wide-eyed horror at Dane, she felt a chill sweep through her body. 

"Oh my God." 

Her voice cracked with grief, and as she gaped in disbelief at him, he gazed back at her with an expression of deep sadness and shame. Then seemingly unable to hold her gaze any longer, he lowered his head, allowing his hair to partially obscure his face. 

Although she knew in her heart that her ears hadn't betrayed her, she still couldn't help but hope that she'd somehow heard him wrong. Dane involved in Vincent's disappearance? It just didn't seem possible, and although she'd been aware that her lover was keeping some secret from her, she'd certainly never expected that it would turn out to be so massively disturbing. This had to be a nightmare, because things like this just didn't happen in real life; at least not to her. 

Stunned into silence, she glowered intently at him, feeling shock and heartbreak and hate and disgust all at once. 

This man she cared for, the one whom she'd kissed and made love to, and invited into her heart, was nothing more than a coward and a fraud, and although he hadn't technically made any false statements to her, he had purposely withheld information, and in Jeneda's book, that was just as good as a lie. 

Both enraged and heartbroken, she was struggling to comprehend the despairing reality of her current situation, and found herself in desperate need of some answers. Noting that Dane's eyes were still averted, Jeneda continued to fix him with a withering stare, then finally she spoke to him in a cold tone of voice. 

"Look at me." A cold fire burned in her eyes as she said it, and as he lifted his gaze to meet hers, anger flashed across her features. "Why did you kill him?" 

"I didn't. It wasn't me."

"Liar! I know it was you. You're a murderer!" 

"I didn't do it, Jeneda. "I *swear*. You have to believe me."

"Why should I believe you? You kept this a secret from me, so how do I know you're not lying?" 

"Because I have no reason to. I have nothing to gain from it."

Her brown eyes flashed with anger, and with a fierce scowl on her face, she stared him down. Guilt and anguish was evident on his face, and as her eyes roved over his features, she could tell that he was torn up inside. Yet even despite this fact, she didn't feel a shred of sympathy for him. 

Looking straight into her eyes, Dane said, "I'm telling you the truth. I didn't kill Vincent."

"Then who did?"

"It was my partner, but she didn't mean to. It was an accident." 

"No," she shook her head slowly, then added, "I don't believe that."

"She didn't mean for it to happen, the gun went off by mistake and-"

"Shut up, I don't wanna hear anymore of your bullshit excuses!" She snapped, her body shaking with anger. "Guns don't just go off by themselves, people pull the trigger. So don't give me that 'it was an accident' crap."

"It wasn't on purpose. Neither of use intended for it to happen."

"You robbed a man at gunpoint. What the hell did you think was going to happen?" She vehemently asked. 

"We only did it as a precaution, just in case something went wrong and he didn't cooperate. It was a scare tactic, nothing more."

"The gun was loaded, you knew there was a possibility that someone would get shot."

"Yes, of course I knew. But I never thought it would happen. It's just one of those things you never plan on, a stupid, tragic mistake." 

"Would you stop calling it a mistake? He was murdered!" She shot him an icy glare, then shook her head in dismay. "You went into the situation knowing that a person could be killed, yet you still did it anyways. You robbed an innocent man, then dumped his body like trash. And instead of doing the right thing and alerting the police, you kept it a secret. So don't you dare sit there acting like you're sorry."

"I know what I did was terrible, and if I could take it back, I would. I don't deserve to be alive, I know that," he said in a quavering voice. "I did a horrible thing." A choking sound came from his throat, and after giving a hard swallow, he sorrowfully said, "Oh God, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me."

Astonished that he was even bold enough to ask, she sneered at him, then with a hard glint in her eyes, she said, "You don't deserve forgiveness. You're disgusting...soulless."

He winced at her stinging words, and a look of pure anguish etched into his features. His eyes moistened and his throat visibly constricted, yet despite the signs that he was on the verge of breaking down, not one tear was shed. 

All too aware of the effect that her acidic words had upon him, she couldn't help feeling a sliver of guilt for the deep heartbreak they'd caused him. But as she reminded herself of the terrible thing he'd done, she quickly found herself once again loathing him.

"You're right, I don't deserve your forgiveness." His voice came out husky and raw with unrepressed emotion. "I committed a terrible crime, and I should suffer for it." 

He bowed his head and his hair fell forward into his face, obscuring his features from view. A short moment of silence followed, then he solemnly said, "If you want to turn me into the police, I'll cooperate. Just tell me what you want, and I'll do it." 

Jeneda felt a deep ache in her gut in response to his words, and for a brief second, she almost felt pity for him. But then logic intervened, and a voice within reminded her of where her loyalties lay. Why should she feel pity or compassion for a man who'd assisted in covering up Vincent's death? 

Not only that, but once he'd found out her relation to Vincent, he'd chosen to keep quiet, rather than come clean and disclose what he knew. Was that they type of man who deserved sympathy? Clearly not, so for her to feel the slightest bit of affection towards him wasn't only illogical, but also downright disrespectful to Vincent's memory.

Vincent hadn't even had a proper burial, nor had his family or friends ever had the chance to properly heal. Her own emotional wounds were still quite raw, and for the first couple of months after his disappearance, she'd driven herself crazy wondering what had happened to him. Now she knew, and as she unwillingly imagined Vincent's dead body floating in the bay, she felt her stomach churn. 

Still in shock that Dane had been involved in Vincent's tragic demise, she directed her gaze towards him and focused her eyes on his hands, which were clasped together. 

A shiver danced up her spine as she realized that just seven months prior, he'd used those very same hands to commit a heinous crime, and as the memory of their last intimate encounter came to mind, she came to the realization that he'd touched every inch of skin on her body. 

She used to love to love those hands, and had gained much pleasure from the way they'd moved across her body. Yet now as she stared at them, she could only think of death, and saw them as nothing more than callous instruments which had assisted in a monstrous act. 

How many times had she allowed him to touch her with those hands? Over the span of a month, she guessed countless times. Yet had she known then that they'd once touched Vincent's corpse, she never would have allowed Dane to lay a finger on her. 




Velvet Roses Ch. 07



*Vincent's corpse*

The words echoed cruelly in her mind like a sickening sonata that refused to end, and feeling as if she might throw up, she quickly clamped a hand over her mouth, then scrambled off the couch. 

In her haste to reach the bathroom, she tripped over the edge of a throw rug, and as her body hit the floor, a faint cry tore from her lips.

Dane promptly came to her aid, placing a hand tenderly on her back as he bent down beside her, yet instead of feeling comforted, Jeneda was thoroughly repulsed, not to mention completely angered that he even had the nerve to make physical contact with her. 

"Don't you touch me!" Her eyes burned with hate, and with a swift movement, she rose to her feet, then slowly backed away, not allowing her eyes to stray from his for even a second. It wasn't until she bumped up against the door that she finally came to a stop, and after clumsily fumbling with the lock, she opened the door, then gave him wide berth to exit.

"Get out." 

He hesitated, his eyes seeming to implore her as he stood dejectedly before her. Then slowly he made his way for the door. Just before reaching the threshold he halted, turned around, then took a step toward her. 

She took two steps back in response, and with hard cold, eyes, she glowered, silently warning him to keep his distance. Clearly heartbroken, he gazed at her sadly. Then in a voice thick with despair, he spoke.

"I know I don't deserve you, I never did. But I want you to know that you were the best thing in my life." 

Her heart beat a little quicker in response to his words, and for a split second she felt herself soften. His eyes pleaded with her to let him back into her life, to allow him the chance to make things right, and she'd be a liar if she denied feeling tempted. 

But just as quickly as she began to yield, she felt her anger return, and hating herself for her moment of weakness, she once again stiffened her body.

"You're dead to me now, I don't ever want to see you again. Now get the hell out of here, before I call the police." Her eyes narrowed as she said this, and after opening the door even wider, she shot him a fiery glare. 

Heeding her request, he sorrowfully turned away from her. He snuck one last forlorn glance at her before crossing the threshold, then once he'd exited, she slammed the door behind him. For a few minutes she was helpless to do anything except just stand there, staring blankly at the couch where just minutes before they'd been sitting side by side. 

Then she hastily made her way toward the bathroom, and after lifting the toilet top, she sunk to her knees and dry heaved. Her stomach contracted painfully, intent on dispelling the contents, but she had little more than a smoothie and water to offer, so she found herself expelling little more than a thin stream of liquid. 

Once her stomach had nothing more to eject, she flushed the toilet, then shakily rose to her feet. She splashed some cold water on her face, then brushed her teeth, and after reaching her bedroom, she immediately stripped out her clothes. She pulled on an oversized T-shirt, then got into bed and buried herself beneath the covers.

It was far earlier than her normal bedtime, and she wasn't the least bit sleepy, but right now she desperately needed the warmth and comfort of her bed. 

She'd barely found refuge beneath the sheets and heavy blanket before the sound of her ringtone filled the room, and after reluctantly grabbing her cell from the bedside table, she glanced at the display screen. 

Expecting it to be Dane, she was surprised to find that it was Luna calling, and briefly contemplated whether or not she should answer the phone. Having forgotten all about the dinner date they'd planned, she knew that the decent thing to do would be to pick up and tell her that she wasn't going to show up. Yet despite the fact that her thumb was hovering above the call answer button, she just couldn't bring herself to push it. 

She lacked the energy or desire to do anything except just lay in bed, and she certainly couldn't handle any questions from Luna regarding her failure to show up at the restaurant, so instead of answering her mobile, she set it back down on the table next to her bed. 

No phone calls, no visits, no outside world; she just needed to be left alone. This horrible pain was threatening to rip her wide open, and right now she was helpless to do anything except wallow in it. 

*Why?*

This was the thought that suddenly ran through her head, and as the word reverberated in her mind, she felt the knot in her stomach tighten even further. 

Why did she ever have to meet him?

Why had he done such a terrible thing?

Why did Vincent have to cross his path?

Why hadn't he done the right thing and told the police?

Why had she allowed him into her heart?

Why did she have to care so deeply for him? 

Like a broken record, the why's just kept on coming, and as her mind bombarded her various questions, she found herself sinking further down the spiral of hopelessness. 

Now that she knew Dane's horrible secret, her life would never again be the same. She had a decision to make, and regardless of the path she chose, she'd end up emotionally scarred. 

If she turned Dane in, Vincent would finally have justice and his family and friends could rest easier knowing that those who were responsible had finally been punished. But would turning Dane into the police actually make things right? If Dane was telling the truth about his partner being guilty of shooting Vincent, then Dane wasn't the person who deserved to go down for Vincent's death. 

Yet even despite this, hadn't Dane also played a part in Vincent's demise? And had he not disposed of Vincent's body, when he could have just come clean to the cops and confessed what had happened? She didn't know what type of a sentence one could get for committing such a crime, but she knew there would definitely be some type of punishment. Most likely he'd go to prison, and once that happened, his life would undoubtedly be ruined.

*At least he still has a life. Vincent is dead.*

No sooner did this thought pass through her mind did she feel a deep pang of guilt, and her heart seemed to grow even heavier than before. 

Send Dane to prison or keep the truth behind Vincent's death a secret?

If she chose to keep quiet, she'd be betraying the man who had known her since birth; the man who hadn't just been her father's best friend, but a close one of hers as well. Since elementary school, Vincent had attended every one of her graduations, and not one of her birthdays had passed without her receiving a gift from him. He'd been a good, kind man, and certainly hadn't deserved such a sad demise. 

If she chose not to expose Dane's secret, that would mean she'd be forced to forever carry it around with her. It'd probably rot her from the inside out, not to mention the guilt would most likely drive her crazy. Nothing was worth that, and she knew in her heart that she'd never be able to live with herself, so what was she to do?

This was a decision which was truly life changing, and never before had she felt so utterly overwhelmed. Her heart was torn between two different men, and although she cared about each in an entirely different way, they both held a special place in her heart.

She felt trapped, and which each passing second, the walls seemed to be closing in even more. She was also terribly confused, and uncertain about what she was feeling. Hate, sadness, disgust, shock, disappointment, guilt...it was a clusterfuck of emotions, and she was being pulled in every direction. 

Then suddenly, the tears came, and as hot, salty liquid spilt from her eyes, she buried her face in the pillow and sobbed. She cried not only for the loss of Vincent, but also for the death of her relationship with Dane. She cried until her chest ached and her throat burned, then finally, when she had no tears left to give, her sobs quieted down. 

Her pillow was damp with tears, and her head hurt from weeping so heavily, but she hardly took notice. Too exhausted to care, she curled up into the fetal position, and somewhere along the way, she finally drifted off into a fitful sleep. 



Velvet Roses Ch. 08



*Once again, sorry for the long wait between chapters, but I had a heck of a time getting a few of these scenes written. Anyways,thank you all for your continued interest, votes, and comments. :)* 

*

At just past daybreak on Saturday morning, Jeneda awoke, yet instead of getting out of bed and starting her day, she chose instead to remain cocooned in the sheets. She hadn't even been awake for a minute, and already she wished that she were once again sleeping. 

Not out of tiredness, but because she didn't want the thoughts to come. With consciousness came memory, and she didn't want to remember. It would only lead to her thinking about *him*, and once he began to occupy her thoughts, she'd feel the pain all over again. 

Except for a sliver of light that seeped through the crack in the curtains, the bedroom was dim, and although she was safe and warm in her bed, the pervading silence and sense of loneliness that she felt left her feeling vulnerable.

There was a dull ache low in her abdomen, and her body felt heavy, as if her bones were made of lead. Her head ached from all the crying she'd done the previous night, and her nose was stuffy. Consumed by sadness, she was helpless to do anything except lay motionless, staring blankly at the wall. In her mind, she kept seeing Dane's face, and the heartbreaking words he'd spoken echoed in her head. 

"I helped cover up his death...."

"....reason his body was never found is because I dumped it in the bay."

"It was just one of those things you never plan on, a stupid, tragic mistake."

Like a knife to the heart, the memory of his confession caused her body to react as if she were experiencing the moment all over again. The words clung to her like oil, filling her with disgust and rage and heart wrenching sadness. 

An unsettled feeling spread through her stomach as she pondered her future, and knowing that serious decisions were looming only made her all the more apprehensive. 

Hoping to relieve the unbearable heaviness in her chest, she took a deep breath, then shakily let it out. Glancing at the clock on her bedside tale, she saw that it was nearing seven a.m., and willed herself to get out of bed. Her body, however, seemed intent on staying put, so she remained immobile. 

Minutes ticked on and she remained frozen in place, drifting in an endless sea of thoughts and images. Then when it became too much for her to handle, she shut her eyes wearily, and emitted a little sigh. Thoroughly exhausted and drained to the core, she felt herself slipping into unconsciousness, and as sleep claimed her, she released a drowsy murmur. 

She woke to the sound of a familiar voice calling her name, and as her lids fluttered open, she saw that both Luna and Ethan were standing next to the bed, gazing down at her bedridden form with concern in their eyes. 

For a few moments, Jeneda was certain that she was dreaming, but after blinking a few times and realizing that she was indeed in the waking world, she let out a groggy moan, then grumpily questioned them. 

"What're you doing here, and how'd you get in?" 

"We have keys to your apartment, remember?" Luna held them up for Jeneda to see, then took a seat on the edge of the bed. "You look terrible, are you sick?"

"No, I'm not sick."

"Then what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

Luna's brows furrowed as she studied Jeneda. "Your face is all puffy and your eyes are red, so if you aren't sick, that means you've been crying. What happened?"

"Nothing happened."

"Then why are you still in bed?"

"I'm tired."

Luna briefly glanced at the radio alarm clock before giving her response. "But It's almost noon, and you never sleep in past six a.m. How can you still be tired?"

"I didn't get much sleep last night."

"Why not?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Ethan suddenly piped up. "She was with Dane."

Continuing to watch Jeneda with a worried look in her eyes, Luna said, "Speaking of Dane, thanks for blowing us off last night. You could have at least let us know you weren't going to show up."

"Sorry about that. I really was planning to come..."

"But then Dane came over, so naturally you chose him over us."

"I was with Dane, but not for the reason you think."

Luna and Ethan exchanged a glance, and then Luna once again spoke. "What do you mean?"

Knowing she couldn't fully reveal what had happened, Jeneda hesitated a moment before offering a curt response. "I invited him over to talk, and that's it. Nothing else happened."

"Sounds serious," said Luna. "What did you guys talk about?" 

"It's kinda personal. I can't really go into it."

For a long moment, both Luna and Ethan stared at Jeneda. She could tell by the looks on their faces that they were willing her to spill the beans, but it was going to take more than an intimidating stare down to make her speak any further. So instead of talking, she simply returned their gazes. Finally, after what seemed like an endless moment of stillness, Luna broke the silence.

"We've been friends for more than a decade. How can you not feel comfortable talking to us?"

"It's not that I don't feel comfortable. It's just complicated." 

"How? In what way?"

She gave a little sigh, sat up in bed, and then rested her back against the headboard. She then shifted her eyes towards Ethan, and after looking at him for a brief moment, she allowed her gaze to once again rest on Luna. 

Knowing her friends as well as she did, Jeneda knew that they would relentlessly press her until she gave up the information. So in an effort to appease them, she began to recount the events of the previous evening. 

They listened intently as she told them about Dane's criminal past, and how heartbroken she'd been that he'd chosen to keep it a secret during the whole time they were dating. She also told them how he'd seemed increasingly troubled during the days leading up to his confession, and how she suspected that something very serious was going on in his personal life. What she didn't tell them, however, was how Dane had been involved in Vincent's death, and how he'd been instrumental in disposing of his body. 

She couldn't help feeling shame about omitting such pertinent information, but there was something within her that felt unsettled about disclosing the grisly details of her ex-lover's past. She longed to tell them, and knew that failing to reveal such a big secret would only create distance between her, Luna and Ethan, but she just couldn't bring herself to.

It wasn't out of fear that her friends would contact the police, but rather the certainty that they would wonder why she hadn't yet informed anyone, and that would only lead to her feeling even more guilt-ridden. 

As she finished telling the story, both Luna and Ethan stared at her in silent, stunned amazement. Then finally, Luna spoke. 

"Wow, I never would have guessed he'd been involved in something like that."

"And the fact that he kept it a secret..." Ethan shook his head in dismay.

"It pretty much makes him a liar," said Luna.

"I don't think it makes him a liar...," retorted Ethan.

"I do."

"He just withheld information." 

"Same difference." Clearly upset about the whole situation, Luna directed her attention back to Jeneda. "You dumped him, right?" Her eyes seem to plead for an affirmative answer.

Jeneda nodded her head, then averted her gaze and swallowed back the growing lump in her throat.

"Good. Because you deserve better."

"So that's it? You're not gonna give him another another chance?"

Whipping her head in Ethan's direction, Luna asked, "Why should she? If he kept this a secret, who knows what else he hasn't told her?"

"I just think she should think it over. I mean, I understand that he kept this part of himself hidden, but It's in his past, and he didn't kill or hurt anyone, so basically he's still a good guy."

"He robbed people, Ethan. The last time I checked, that isn't the definition of a good guy."

"But he changed his life around, and now he has a legitimate career."

"Once a criminal, always a criminal." 

"Can you guys stop talking about this like I'm not in the room?" Jeneda suddenly blurted out. "I'm sitting right here, I can speak for myself."

"You're right, that's rude of us. Sorry," Luna softly said. 

"It's okay. I know you guys mean well, I just really don't wanna talk about this anymore."

"Then we won't." Ethan headed to her closet, and upon reaching it, opened the slatted doors, then began to look through the garments on the various hangers.

"What are you doing?" Jeneda asked.

"Picking out your clothes for the day."

"Why? I'm not going out."

"Yes you are. We're treating you to lunch."

Taking a cue from Ethan, Luna got up from the bed. Then she walked over to the window and drew back the curtains, allowing the afternoon light to stream in. 

"I'm not going out you guys, so you can just stop," said Jeneda.

They both ignored her, and as Ethan retrieved a pair of slim cut jeans and a black scoop neck shirt from the closet, Luna approached the side of the bed where Jeneda was sitting.

"You're getting out of that bed."

"No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are. We're not allowing you to lay here all day feeling sorry for yourself."

"What if I refuse?"

"You see this bottle of water?" She grabbed a jug off the bedside table, then said, "If you don't get up in the next ten seconds, I'll dump it over your head."

"You wouldn't dare." 

"Try me."

Not wanting to test Luna, nor risk having her pressed hair frizzed out, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and rose to her feet. Then with an irritated look on her face, she stared directly into Luna's eyes.

"Fine, I'm up. Are you happy?"

"No, I'm not." Perhaps seeing the pain in her friend's eyes, Luna gave her a look of deep sympathy. "And I know you aren't, either. That's why we're here."

"Yeah. Well thanks."

"Anytime." Luna gave her a weak smile.

Jeneda tried to return it, but found herself unable, so she simply gave a little nod. Then with reluctance, she headed off to take a shower. 

* * * *

It had been years since Dane had passed through the Tenderloin, but it was just as seedy as he'd remembered. Populated with drug dealers, addicts, prostitutes and mentally unstable street people, it was one of the last districts in San Francisco's continually expanding gentrification trend. 

Earning its name from the days when policeman were given higher pay to work its hazardous streets, thus allowing them to afford better cuts of meat, the Tenderloin consisted of gritty, squalid blocks. 

Catching sight of a colorful neon sign which proclaimed the establishment beneath it as 'The Clover Room,' he pulled into the parking lot, then cut the engine. Upon reaching the door of the bar, he pulled it open, then slipped inside. 

The dim interior stank of cigarettes and alcohol, and as he took in his surroundings, he noticed that the establishment was full of all sorts of unsavory looking people. He briefly considered having a seat at the bar, but as his eyes landed on an empty booth in the back, he made a beeline for it. 

He could feel the patrons intently eyeing him as he walked past their tables, but he paid them no mind, only continued along his way. 

Once he reached the curved booth, he took a seat, resting his back against the tufted leather. A waitress with raven black hair and olive skin promptly approached his table, and after jotting down his order of a rum and coke, she sashayed off to the bar. 

Glancing around at his surroundings, Dane noticed that the establishment was just as he'd remembered. The rich red walls, dark wood interior, and dim lighting hearkened back to its past life as a speakeasy during Prohibition, and it seemed that the establishment was striving to retain the ambience of a classy lounge, but due to the sleazy patrons who frequented it, the bar had more of a sordid atmosphere. 

It had been eight months since his last visit, and he really didn't have the faintest clue why he'd picked here out of all the other bars in the city, but he supposed it was because he didn't know where else to go. 

That and the fact that ever since Marla's death a week ago, he seemed to be gradually slipping back into his old bad habits. First, he'd revived his cigarette addiction, and now he'd started revisiting his old haunts; places he knew he'd be better off staying away from. So why exactly had he come back to such a dump?

As he pondered the answer, the waitress arrived with his drink. After setting it down on a napkin, she offered him a flirtatious smile, then turned on her heel and headed off to another table. He knew the look she'd given him, and was aware that it had been a signal to let him know that she was interested, but he was in no state of mind to make an advance. 

Still emotionally wounded, all he could think about was Jeneda, and although he knew that reconciliation was impossible, it didn't stop him from obsessively thinking up ways to win her back. He didn't just want her, he *needed* her. He physically ached to be with her again, and the thought of living life without her made him sick to his stomach. 

The ice cubes clinked as he brought the glass of alcohol to his lips, and after taking a generous sip, he set his drink back down. Despite the knowledge that his thoughts were taking him to a place of torment, Dane willingly allowed himself to be drawn in. He'd always been a bit of an emotional masochist, and as his mind began to concoct images, his chest tightened. 

Now that he and Jeneda were no longer together, he knew it was only a matter of time before she met someone else, and once that happened, she would eventually end up in a physical relationship with them. His heart rate quickened at the thought, and as he imagined some faceless man touching and kissing his ex-lover on her most private places, his hand clenched into a fist. 

So lost in his thoughts, he barely took notice of the fact that his nails were digging into his palm, and as the images grew more vivid, he tightly closed his eyes and did his best to force the bad thoughts out. 

Not long after he shut his lids, did he sense someone in his presence, and as his eyes popped open, he caught sight of the waitress standing next to his table. 

"Were you praying or sleeping?" 

Thrown off by her sudden appearance, he hesitated before giving his response. "Neither."

"Then what were you doing?"

"Thinking."

"You always think with your eyes closed?"

"Sometimes I do, and sometimes I don't. Depends on what kind of mood I'm in."

Her brow slightly crinkled and she gave him a funny little smile. Then she placed her tray on the table and sat down across from him.

Making no attempt to conceal his annoyance, Dane asked, "Shouldn't you be working?"

"I'm on break." She then quickly added, "I'm sorry. I should have asked before sitting down. You probably wanna be alone, so I won't bother you." 

She grabbed her serving tray and made a move to stand up, but before she could, Dane halted her with a question. 

"Where'd you get that bracelet?"

Glancing down at her wrist, she curiously studied the mermaid cameo bracelet, as if seeing it for the first time. Then finally she gave a response. "It was a gift."

"From who?"

"Why do you wanna know?"

"Just curious."

"One of my regulars gave it to me."

"What's his name?"

"How'd you know it was a he?"

"Lucky guess. Now tell me who he is."

"You ask a lot of questions." 

"I'm an inquisitive guy."

"I can see that." She gave brief pause before asking, "Why are you so interested in my bracelet?"

"I knew someone who had one just like it, and I think it may have been hers."

"So what are you saying, that it was stolen?"

"Possibly."

She gave him a long hard stare, which he returned. Then after a few moments passed, Dane offered some words.

"Check the inside of the bracelet to see if there's an inscription."

She heeded his suggestion, and as she stared at the underside of the wrist jewelry, her eyes grew wide. "Well I'll be damned, you're right. The cheap bastard, he said he bought it just for me."

"M.J.," he said. 

"What?"

"Aren't those the initials carved inside the bracelet?"

"Yeah, but how'd you know?"

"I told you. It used to be my friend's."

The look she gave him conveyed her curiosity, and after briefly casting her gaze on the bracelet, she handed it to him. "Here. Since it belongs to your friend, it only seems right that she should get it back."

He took the bracelet from her, and although he knew it was impossible to return it to Marla, he still offered his gratitude. "Thanks, I appreciate it."

"No problem."

"So this guy who gave it to you. What's his name?"

"Why? Are you planning on going after him?"

"I just wanna ask him a few questions, that's all."

His tone, however, belied his words, and with a hint of darkness in his eyes, he willed the waitress to tell him. 

"Normally I wouldn't give out personal information, but since he gave me a recycled gift, I guess he's got it coming to him." She leaned across the table a little so that the distance between them was lessened, then spoke in a lowered voice. "His name's Liam."

"You know his last name?"

"No, but he comes in here all the time. I'd say at least four days a week."

Dane nodded, took a sip of his drink and then asked, "What does he look like?"

"He has stringy brown hair, dark eyes, a goatee, pockmarked face..." She briefly glanced off into the distance, as if trying to recall more details. 

"He ever come in here with a girl?"

"Yeah, a few."

"What did they look like?" 

"Some redheads, a few brunettes. I don't think he really had a type."

"No blondes?"

"Nope." She allowed a moment to pass before questioning him. "Excuse me for being nosy, but why are you looking for Liam? Did he do something wrong?"

"He might have, I can't be for certain yet."

"Well if he did, and you catch up to him, please don't let him know that I gave you information."

"Don't worry, I won't." He finished the last of his drink, and after retrieving a twenty dollar bill from his pocket, he placed it on her serving tray. "There's your tip. Thanks for helping me out. Take care." He then scooted out of the booth.

"Wait, you didn't even tell me what your name is."

"No, I didn't," he said simply. 

"Right. I guess you can't say." A downcast look came into her eyes before she added, "Well anyways, I'm Vada."

Dane shook her extended hand, then said, "Nice meeting you."

"Nice to meet you too. Will you be around again?"

"I don't know, maybe." He lightly shrugged.

"Okay. Well if you do catch up with Liam, be careful. He's a little unbalanced."

He nodded then said, "I will. Later."

"Bye."

Dane turned and headed for the door, and leaving just as he'd arrived, he kept his gaze focused directly ahead, pretending not to notice that all eyes in the bar were watching him.

* * * *

Jeneda didn't just dislike airports, she hated them. It wasn't just the anxious anticipation of seeing someone off, but the uncertainty of when she and the departee would once again be reunited. 

That particular someone who had just boarded the plane was Riley, and as she recalled the sight of him exiting the visitor's lounge and being wheeled towards the baggage screening area, she felt her heart clinch. 

After a five of dreading her brother's imminent departure, it was now final. He was really gone, and no longer would he just be just a drive away, but rather a plane ride. Thousands of miles would soon stand between them, and although she knew that his move was for the best, she couldn't help feeling disappointment. Saying goodbye was never easy, and the loss and separation that went along with it left her feeling deeply melancholic. 




Velvet Roses Ch. 08



Now, as she exited the automatic doors which led away from the lobby of the airport, she found that her body was weighed down with sadness. Her father, who strolled alongside her, must have picked up on the energy she was emitting, because he looped an arm around her shoulder and gave her a comforting squeeze. 

Unable to make eye contact with him, she kept her eyes focused ahead, and as they reached the parking garage, he led the way towards his rental car. Once they were seated inside, he put the car into drive and they took off. Both seemed to be lost in their own thoughts, so for a few minutes, only silence passed between them. Then finally Gary spoke.

"They have this great Sunday buffet at this little restaurant not too far from my apartment. If you're you hungry, we could stop by." "No thanks. I'm kinda tired, so if you don't mind, could you just take me home?"

"Sure, no problem."

Catching sight of the green highway sign, he veered onto the ramp, then accelerated to match the speed of the other vehicles. As the car continued along the freeway, Jeneda noticed from out of the corner of her eye that her father kept taking brief glances at her, and although she knew he did it out of concern, she couldn't help feeling annoyed. 

She felt uncomfortable, as if she were under a microscope, and it seemed to her that he was expectantly waiting for her to break down in tears right in front of him. They'd been on the highway for nearly ten minutes before she finally decided to address him, and in a voice which was more wavery than firm, she spoke.

"I'm fine, dad." 

"No you're not. I can see that you're hurting."

She said nothing, only focused on the road.

"So, tell me what's happening with you. Are you still dating that guy?"

"What guy?" Knowing exactly who he was talking about, she feigned ignorance.

"The one you told me about. The comic book artist."

"Oh, him. We broke up."

"That was fast. You only met a month ago, right?"

"Yeah."

"What happened?"

"It just didn't work out."

"That's too bad. From the way you described him, he sounded nice."

"Yeah, well, sometimes people aren't who they seem to be." 

"Uh oh, what did he do?"

"I don't wanna talk about it," she said firmly.

"Okay, no problem."

Perhaps sensing his daughter's edginess, Gary halted his inquisition, and for the next few minutes, they both kept silent. It wasn't until he steered the car towards the exit ramp that Jeneda's voice cut through the quiet, and in a puzzled tone, she questioned her father. 

"Why are we getting off the freeway? I thought you were taking me home."

"I was. But since Adrian's is on the way, I thought we would stop off for a visit."

"Why?" The mere thought of Vincent's son sent a twinge of anxiety through her, and with a hint of nervousness in her voice she said, "I thought he was overseas. When did he get back home?"

"A few weeks ago."

"He wasn't due back for another few months. What happened?"

Gary hesitated a moment, then in a solemn voice he spoke. "Please forgive me for not telling you this sooner, but Stefania died."

"What? No way, you have got to be kidding me. Stefania's dead?" 

"Yes."

"And you're just telling me *now*?" 

"I knew you were already going through a lot emotionally, so I figured It'd be best to wait until this whole situation with Riley calmed down."

"Well I appreciate your concern, but you still should have told me."

"I know, I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I knew it would break your heart."

Jeneda blew out a heavy sigh, then in a wavery voice she asked, "How did it happen?" 

"She committed suicide."

"But she was so religious. Why would she commit suicide?" 

"You remember how she was after Vincent's death, don't you?"

Allowing her thoughts to drift to the last time she'd seen Vincent's wife, Jeneda recalled how closed off and reclusive she'd been. Normally a happy and easygoing person, Stefania had become increasingly reclusive, and had not only lost an alarming amount of weight, but had also developed a drinking habit. 

Her downward spiral had been saddening to say the least, and although it had been obvious that she would never again be the same carefree person, Jeneda had certainly never expected that she would take her own life. Her heart constricted as she thought of Stefania's untimely demise, and the sorrow she already felt seemed to grow even deeper. 

"Of course I remember," Jeneda said. "She was inconsolable, nobody could get through to her."

"Yeah, well Vincent was the love of her life, so I guess it isn't all that surprising that she lost the will to live."

Jeneda shook her head in dismay, then in a sorrowful voice she said, "Poor Adrian. Not only did he lose his biological parents, but his adopted ones as well. It's like he's an orphan all over again."

"I know, I really feel bad for him." Somber silence fell between them for a few moments, then in a voice which conveyed his dejected emotional state, Gary added, "Anyways, I thought it would be nice to check in on him and make sure he's doing okay. Plus, I think it would be good for you two to catch up."

"Most definitely. The last time we saw each other was at Vincent's remembrance service." 

"That long, huh?"

She nodded.

"You two used to be so close when you were kids. Always joined at the hip, getting into all sorts of trouble..." His voice drifted off and a faint smile curled his lips.

"Yeah, we did had some fun times together," she wistfully said.

They only had to travel ten blocks before arriving at Adrian's residence, and after pulling up next to the curb, Gary put the car in park and they both got out of the vehicle.

Located in a neighborhood called North Beach, which was alternatively known as Little Italy, the home Adrian resided in was a well-kept, pistachio colored row house. Passed down from generation to generation, the home had been previously owned by his parents, but upon Vincent's death, it had been bequeathed to his sons.

Over the past two decades, Jeneda had accompanied her father to Vincent's house countless times, so it was definitely a place that held a lot of happy memories for her. Yet as she now made her way up to the front door, she found herself deeply saddened by the realization that life had changed so drastically, and that those lighthearted days were a thing of the past. 

As they reached the door, Gary knocked, and after a brief moment of waiting, the door opened. Having expected Adrian to be the one who answered, Jeneda was surprised to find that his grandmother, Sofia, was standing before them. At barely five feet, she was miniscule, but what she lacked in height, she made up for in width.

As her soft, brown eyes came to rest on Jeneda, her lips peeled back, exposing pearly white dentures, and with joyful enthusiasm, she pulled her into a hug. As the plump woman's arms encircled her, Jeneda instantly felt the tension inside her dissipate, and as they parted from the embrace, she gave the older woman a warm smile. 

"Jeneda, what a wonderful surprise," Sophia said. "How have you been? I've missed you so much."

"I've been okay. And you?"

"Not too great. Still missing my Vincent terribly, and now with Stefania gone, it makes things even harder, but I'm taking it a day at a time."

A look of sadness crossed her face before she gave Jeneda's father a long hug, and after ushering them inside, she closed the door behind them. She then led them into the kitchen, where a steaming pot was bubbling on the stove, and with a wave of her arm, she invited them to be seated. 

"Sit down, relax," Sophia said, then with her distinctive waddle, she headed over to the fridge where she retrieved a bottle of juice. "Cranberry okay?"

Both Jeneda and Gary nodded, and after pouring them each a glass, Sophia handed them to her guests. She then poked her head around the kitchen doorframe, and in a voice which belied her small stature, she called out to her grandson.

"Adrian....Gary and Jenjen are here."

Jeneda's lips curled upward at the sound of her childhood nickname, and as the creaking of the hardwood floors announced his approach, she directed her eyes towards the kitchen doorway.

Clad in a pair of jeans and a white ribbed tank top which showed off his muscular arms, Adrian Copani had a military buzz cut and blueish gray eyes. His dogtags jangled faintly as he entered the room, and as his gaze met Jeneda's, he gave her a smile. She returned it with one of her own, and after rising to her feet, she allowed him to pull her into a hug. 

"It's great to see you," he said as they parted.

"Nice to see you, too."

Adrian then acknowledged Jeneda's father with a nod and smile before saying, "As always, It's good to see you, Gary. How are things?"

"I'm hanging in there. How about you?"

"Doing okay."

As Jeneda sat down, so did Adrian, taking a seat directly across from her. Allowing herself a moment to study his face, she noted that there were dark circles under his eyes, and could tell from the way he sat in the chair that he was feeling weary. 

This led her to guess that he hadn't gotten much sleep the previous night, and was suddenly reminded that he wasn't just enduring the grief of one death, but two.

"My dad told me that Stefania passed away," Jeneda said. "I'm really sorry about that. She was a lovely woman, and I'll miss her dearly."

"Thank you for your sympathy. I appreciate that."

"Sorry for not giving my condolences sooner. My dad just told me today, so I barely found out."

"No problem. Gary told me that you guys decided to transfer Riley to a nursing home out of state, so I completely understand why he didn't tell you about my mom dying. You already had enough on your plate, and he didn't want to burden you any further."

A moment of silence fell between them, during which the only sounds were the banging of silverware against pots as Sophia tended to the food that was on the stove. Then Adrian's voice broke through the stillness. 

"So, what's been going on with you?"

"Oh you know, same old stuff," Jeneda curtly said before taking a sip of her drink. 

"Something new must have happened since the last time I saw you." He watched her curiously, waiting for her to set the cup back down before posing a question. "No developments at all? It's been six months since we last saw each other."

"The San Francisco Symphony commissioned her to do a sculpture for them," Gary proudly piped up. "Tell him about that, junebug."

"Really? Wow, that's very impressive. Check you out, you're hitting the big time now." 

"It's not that huge of a deal," she said as the corners of her lips tugged into a sheepish smile. 

"Of course it is, no need to be modest. That's quite an accomplishment, and you should be proud of yourself."

"Yeah, I guess." She shrugged lightly, then added, "So, how is it being back on home soil?"

"It's always good to be back in the states, I just wish it wasn't because of my mother's death." He lowered his gaze, absentmindedly rubbing at a spot on the surface of the table before once again looking into Jeneda's eyes. "To tell you the truth, I'm kinda going crazy here. I don't know what to do with myself."

"Why not hang out with Daniel? You're both going through a rough time right now, so why not support one another?"

"Daniel's locked up. He got arrested a month ago."

"For what?"

"Don't know, don't care. All I know is he's back in."

"Wow, I'm sorry to hear that."

"Why? He deserves to be there."

"Adrian."

"What? He does. The guy's a waste of space. He's had plenty of opportunities to make something of himself, but after all these years he still hasn't amounted to anything. Dad even got him a job as a dispatcher with the company he used to work for. You wanna know how long he lasted?"

Jeneda gave a light shrug.

"A month."

"Well maybe he just never got the hang of it."

"No, that isn't it. He's just lazy. The last time he was out of jail, all he did was lay around the house all day, smoking pot and wasting his inheritance money on cheap women and alcohol. Not to mention, he didn't even come to dad's remembrance service." 

"Of course he didn't show up, he was in jail."

"Exactly. Every time he gets out, he goes right back in." His lips curled in disgust, and in a voice filled with loathing, he said, "What a loser."

"Hey, come on, Adrian," Jeneda said. "I know he's been in some trouble, but he's still your brother."

"No he's not. We don't even share the same bloodline. I'm adopted, remember?"

"But Vincent raised you as his own son. And although I can't speak for him, I'm sure he'd want you guys to finally make peace and come together."

"I've tried, many times. But Daniel has always made it very clear that he never considered me as part of the family. Ever since we were kids, he's made me feel bad about being adopted."

"It's probably just out of insecurity. Before you came along, he was the only child."

"Yeah, well he's had years to get over it." As if to convey his annoyance, he shook his head lightly, then in a haughty tone of voice he said, "It's not my fault Dad liked me better."

Exchanging a glance with her father, Jeneda saw from the look on his face that he was feeling just as uncomfortable as she was. It seemed that Adrian picked up on the awkwardness of the moment, as well, because he cleared his throat, then gave them both a weak smile. 

"Sorry, guess I got a little carried away. You guys are staying for lunch, right?"

"Actually, I kinda need to get back home." As if to emphasize her words, Jeneda glanced at her watch.

"Already? But we've barely been here half an hour," said her father. "And you know how much I love Sophia's cooking."

"You're not leaving until you eat," Sophia said, giving Jeneda an almost stern look before directing her eyes back to the pots on the stove. 

"Plus we came here together," said Gary. "You can't leave without me, so it looks like you're stuck here with us."

"I could drive her home," Adrian suddenly said, and locking his eyes with hers, he added, "If you'd like."

The truth was that she'd wouldn't, as she knew without a doubt that the car ride to her apartment would be nothing less than completely awkward. But if she refused, it would come across as rude, so there was really nothing she could do but accept his offer. 

"Sure, why not?"

"Cool. Let me just get my keys and phone, and we'll be on our way." 

While he went off in search of his personal items, Jeneda gave both Sofia and her father a goodbye hug, then walked with them to the front door. 

They'd just reached the entryway when Adrian descended the foyer stairs, and after opening the door for Jeneda, he followed her outside. Now clad in a hooded sweatshirt with the Raider's logo on it, he led the way to his sporty Mazda, and after strapping themselves in, Adrian started up the car and they took off. 

They spent the first few minutes of the car ride engaged in small talk, catching up on the various events in their lives since the last time they'd seen one another. Then gradually, their conversation steered towards more personal topics, and as Adrian's mood became more flirtatious, Jeneda found herself feeling uneasy. "So, how's your love life? Do you have a boyfriend?"

"Nope. Do you have a girlfriend?"

"Not right now. I just got out a messy relationship, so I'm enjoying the single life. Plus, I'm not really in the state of mind to date right now." 

"Yeah, I'm kinda in the same boat." No sooner had the words left her mouth, did she realize that they came off sounding insensitive, and she quickly added, "Not that I'm comparing my brother moving out of state to you losing both of your parents."

"It's cool, I understand what you meant." There was a brief lull before he offered some more words. "I figured the reason you were single, was because you still haven't found anyone who kisses as good as I do."

Her lips curved upward and she lightly shook her head in amusement before saying, "Just as modest as ever, aren't you, Adrian?"

"I'm only joking, of course." He cracked a smile before asking, "It was a pretty good kiss though, wasn't it?"

"Yeah, it was nice. For a first kiss."

"Try not to sound too enthused."

His sarcasm resulted in a wide grin. "We were thirteen. What do you want me to say? That nobody else has ever compared?"

"Yes, that's exactly what I want to hear."

They both chuckled, and as the car pulled onto the freeway, Jeneda noticed that there was a pair of mini boxing gloves hanging from the rearview mirror. She didn't know how she'd failed to notice them before, but as her eyes came to rest on them, she reached out to cradle them in her palm. 

"Those were my dad's," Adrian said. "They used to hang in his truck."

"Oh yeah?"

He nodded. "It was one of the mementos the police gave me." 

She couldn't help noticing the way his voice had become thick with emotion, and a twinge of sadness swept through her as she felt his mood shift to one of somberness. It seemed to her that the right thing to do would be to offer some words of sympathy, but Jeneda didn't have a clue as to what she should say, so she chose to remain quiet. 

A long moment passed before Adrian broke the silence, and as he began to speak, Jeneda directed her gaze toward him.

"This will probably sound crazy, but sometimes it feels like he's riding around with me."

"You can feel his spirit?"

"Oh yeah, most definitely. I have no doubt at all that he watches over the whole family." A faint smile crossed his lips as he said, "He probably watches over you, too."

"You think?"

"Of course, you were like a daughter to him. Dad loved you like you were one of his own."

Her heart tugged guiltily at his words, and averting her eyes from Adrian, she purposely focused them on the view beyond the window. "I loved him, too. Vincent was a wonderful person." 

"The best."

Adrian's voice was filled with such admiration, that it only made Jeneda feel worse, and as she continued to gaze out the window, she began to wonder just how long she would manage to keep Dane's secret, and if by doing so, she wouldn't slowly be driven to madness.

"Not a day goes by that I don't find myself wondering why it happened." Adrian said. 

Already filled with shame at her inability to divulge the information she knew, Jeneda fell silent, looking at the stretch of highway that lay out before them. 

"What makes a person do something like that?" He paused a moment, as if to reflect on his own question, and then continued. "Why not just rob him and let him go? Why did they have to murder him?"

Struck with self-loathing, Jeneda gazed at down her hands, fidgeting them nervously in her lap. 

"He didn't deserve to die. He was a good, hard working man, just trying to live his life. He never hurt anyone." 

His voice had steadily grown louder, and his fingers were wrapped around the steering wheel so tightly that his knuckles had gone white. 

"It seems like living an honest life doesn't count for shit these days. You try and do good, be a responsible citizen, but what good does it do? This is a sick world we live in," he said bitterly before shaking his head in disgust. "An innocent man was shot to death, and his killer is out there roaming the streets. How fucked up is that?"

Although the question was clearly rhetorical, Jeneda couldn't help feeling as if she should offer some answer to convey her sympathy towards him. But what exactly could she say in response? 

The energy in the car was so thick with hostility that it was nearly overwhelming, and although she knew he had every right in the world to be pissed off, she found herself eagerly awaiting the moment when they would arrive at her apartment. 

It wasn't until they exited the freeway and came to a stop at a light that Adrian glanced her way, and as his eyes locked into hers, she saw they were filled with pain.




Velvet Roses Ch. 08



"I never even got to say goodbye," he said. "All of a sudden, he was just gone."

His arm was resting on the center console, so she rested her hand on top of his and gave it a brief rub, then said, "Yeah, I know. You never got proper closure."

"I don't need closure." As the light turned green, he pulled his hand away from hers and placed it back on the steering wheel, then hit the gas. "Closure won't bring my dad back, and it certainly won't undo Stefania's suicide."

"You're right, it won't. But it may help you to heal." 

"No it won't." He said it firmly, with a definite tone of anger. "And even if it would, how the hell would I find closure? We couldn't even have a proper funeral for my dad, because his body was never found. All we had to put in the casket was a damn picture."

She could feel the anger radiating off him, and as he offered her a brief glance, she saw there was a deep crease between his brows. Once again at a loss for words, she realized there wasn't much else she could say, so she chose to remain quiet. So did he, and for the remainder of their drive, they sat in tense silence. 

When they finally arrived at her apartment, Jeneda took off her seatbelt, then turned her head to offer Adrian a goodbye, but before she could even get a word out, he spoke. 

"Sorry for the way I acted earlier. Between my dad's death, and Stefania's suicide, I've been going through a really rough time. I didn't mean to take my anger out on you."

"It's okay, you don't have to apologize."

"Yes, I do. Ever since dad died, you've been there for me, and you've been nothing but sweet and supportive. I never thanked you for that, and I want you to know that I really appreciate it. 

"No need to thank me, Adrian. That's what I'm here for."

He gave her a little smile, then with a thoughtful look on his face, he posed a question. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

"I don't know. Ever since we were back at my house, you seemed kinda distant and closed off. Is something bothering you?"

"No, I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Okay." He paused for a moment, then said, "If you're not busy, I was thinking we could meet up later this week. Maybe get a cup of coffee and talk some more?"

"Uh, yeah, that'd be nice," she hesitantly said before retrieving her apartment keys from her purse. 

"As friends, of course. I'm not trying to pressure you into a date."

"Why, what's wrong with me?" She asked in a joking tone of voice. 

He cracked a smile. "Absolutely nothing." His bluish gray eyes locked into hers for a long, lingering moment before coming to rest on her lips. Then once again lifting his gaze, he said, "Anyways, I know you've got stuff to do, so I'll let you go. Take care, okay Jenjen?"

"You too. Later, Adrian." 

She slipped the strap of her purse over her shoulder, then reached for the car door handle, but before she could open it, she suddenly paused. 

Clad in a pair of gray jeans, a graphic t-shirt, and a black velvet blazer, Dane was descending the steps which led up to the lobby entrance of Jeneda's apartment. His raven black hair, which was a direct contrast to his pale skin, flopped in his eyes, partially obscuring them from view, yet even from where she sat in the car, Jeneda could tell there was deep sadness within them. 

As her eyes came to rest on the sharp, angular lines of his handsome face, Jeneda felt her pulse quicken, followed by a tug on her heart, which in turn caused her to feel self-loathing for the reaction of her body. 

Dane had just reached the bottom step when he suddenly looked up, and upon spotting the yellow Mazda that Jeneda was sitting in, he froze. 

As he stared at her, she stared at him, then after offering Adrian a brief, yet intent gaze, Dane walked off, his shoulders slumped dejectedly as he made his way down the sidewalk. 

"Who was that?" Adrian asked.

"Just somebody I used to know." She nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before saying, "Well, see you later." Then she opened the car door.

"Wait." He placed a hand on her shoulder to keep her from exiting the vehicle. "What's the story with you and this guy? Were you two a couple?"

"Yes, very briefly."

"So I'm guessing he came here to try and get back with you."

"Probably, but it doesn't matter to me, because I'm not giving him a second chance. What he did was unforgivable."

"It was that bad, huh?"

She nodded, then quickly averted her eyes so he wouldn't see the tears welling up in them. 

"I knew there was something about him I didn't like. Why don't I wait here until you get upstairs? Then once you're in your apartment, you can give me a call and let me know you got inside safely."

"I'll be fine, Adrian. Really. He's not going to try anything."

"How do you know?"

"I just do. Please leave, okay? There's no need to worry."

No sooner had the words left her mouth, did she spot Dane's Toyota Prius halfway down the block. After pulling away from the curb, it made a U-turn, then slowly headed down the street towards them. 

As his car passed Adrian's, Dane shot him a withering glare, then he accelerated, rolling right through a stop sign as he made a quick turn. 

"That guy's definitely a weirdo," said Adrian. "And I don't like the way he was eyeballing me."

"Yeah, well he's gone now. So you don't have to worry anymore." She got out of the car, then bent down a little so she could say some words in parting. "Thanks for driving me home. Take care, and I'll talk to you later, okay?"

"Alright. It was good seeing you again."

"Yeah, it was good seeing you, too."

She gave him a little smile, then shut the passenger side door and headed toward the steps of her apartment building, her breath making a small cloud in front of her as she blew out the trapped breath that had been pent up in her chest. 

* * * *

The caged elevator emitted a creaky groan as it jerked to a stop, and after yanking back the accordion gate, Dane stepped off the lift. As he reached his apartment, he spotted something shiny and silver sitting in front of the door, and curious as to what it was, he squatted to have a closer look. 

Upon realizing that it was a silver pendant in the shape of a J, he instantly recognized it as belonging to Jeneda. Having seen her wear it countless times, he knew that it was one of her favorite pieces of jewelry, and puzzled as to what it was doing in front of his door, he knitted his brows. 

Catching sight of a piece of notepad paper tucked between the bottom of the door and threshold, he picked it up and unfolded it, then read the scribbled words. 

Give me what's mine, and I won't go after her

His throat grew tight, so he gave a hard swallow, and as he reread the note, his mouth went dry. Caught in a kind of trance-like state, Dane continued to stare fixedly at the piece of paper, and as the menacing words echoed in his head, his stomach twisted into a knot. 

Obviously the note was meant to scare him, and it had indeed sent a chill up his spine, but what he couldn't understand was what they meant by 'give me what's mine.' For a moment he remained perplexed, wondering just what it was they thought that he had. Then suddenly, it dawned on him. 

The night that Vincent had been shot, Dane had unloaded several large boxes from the back of the trucker's semi-trailer. From what Dane could remember, the boxes had contained high priced electronics, and most likely had been worth quite a lot of cash. 

But due to the fact that their heist had been halted by Vincent's accidental death, Dane had never gotten around to removing more than half a dozen boxes from the big rig. 

Taking a moment to ponder the approximate worth of what he had stolen, Dane came to the conclusion that the electronics he'd fenced couldn't have been worth more than five or six hundred dollars, if that. 

Petty money, considering that the entire load in the truck would have fetched tens of thousands of dollars, so why would someone be eager to recoup such a measly sum?

Clearly they wouldn't, unless there was something particularly special about those stereo systems he'd stolen. Furrowing his brow, Dane wracked his brain, trying to figure out why someone would be so desperate to recoup half a dozen boxes of electronics.  

Having lived the life of a criminal, he'd seen a lot of crazy stuff, and knew that people could be very creative when figuring out ways to smuggle items into the country. He also knew the incredible lengths that one would go to when bringing items over the border illegally, and that if somebody got hurt or killed in the process, it was of no concern to them. 

Marla's death was a perfect example of this, and the fact that he himself was now being hunted down only furthered his conviction than the electronics were nothing more than a smoke screen. 

So it was now clear that this person who was after him wasn't avenging Vincent's death, but was set upon getting back whatever it was that he had hidden in that truck. Surely that had to be it, because what other logical explanation was there? 

Thinking back to that fateful night, he realized that nearly eight months had now elapsed, and he found himself wondering why it had taken this person so long to come after him and Marla. 

Had this stalker simply been biding his time, hoping to lull them into a false sense of security, or had he simply been unable to track them down? Whatever the case, this person was now after him, and it was clear from the way he was dragging things out that he was enjoying the hunt. 

Dane directed his attention back to the pendant in his palm, and as he came to the realization that Jeneda's path had crossed with this deranged stalker's, his blood ran cold. 

How had they managed to get hold of her necklace? Had they broken into her apartment and retrieved it that way, or had they managed to come into direct contact with her?

Barely an hour had passed since he'd seen her in front of her apartment, sitting in that horrid yellow car with that douchey looking guy, so he knew that she had made it home, but that still didn't mean that she was currently safe. 

After driving away, he'd circled the block and parked far away enough so that he wouldn't be spotted, and had observed the mustard colored Mazda from a distance. 

It'd made him feel like a complete stalker, not to mention disgustingly pathetic, but he hadn't been able to help himself. He needed to make sure that she was okay, and seeing her in a parked car with a strange man had driven him crazy with jealousy.

He hadn't taken his eyes off that car until Jeneda had gotten out, and only after watching her walk up the steps and pass through the lobby doors, had he driven away and headed for his apartment.

Now here he was, staring sadly at her J shaped pendant, wondering if she was still okay, and hoping like hell that she was. Whoever had been in possession of her pendant was clearly sending him a message, letting him know that the stakes were being raised, and if he didn't return whatever it was they were seeking, Jeneda would be next to die. 

The thought alone caused his heart to hammer painfully in his chest, the thump, thump of it reverberating loudly in his ears, and as he came to realization that she was already deeply ensnared in this insanity, he became filled with self-contempt.

No, not his Jeneda. He wouldn't let it happen. He'd rather die than let someone harm her. 

Inwardly chastising himself for not having been more careful while dating her, Dane let out a long, heavy sigh, then raked his fingers through his hair. If something happened to her, he would never forgive himself, and would certainly be driven to insanity as a result.

*You'd deserve it*, his inner voice mocked him. 

The words were utterly harsh, yet were they not true? Perhaps insanity would be just punishment, as his deplorable actions had undoubtedly caused more than a few people to suffer unneedlessly. Everything that was happening to him now was a result of his own moronic decisions, and like it or not, her life was now in his hands. 

Sick to his stomach at the thought of both his and Jeneda's personal space being invaded, he knew that it was crucial for him to track this person down, and that until he did, he was putting her life at risk. He slipped her pendant into the pocket of his blazer, then rose to his feet and opened the door. 

Instead of immediately walking in, he paused at the threshold, feeling out the energy before venturing forward, then once he was inside he closed and locked the door and headed to his drafting table. 

After turning on the small lamp, he took a moment to study the messy, nearly chicken scratch script. He didn't know just what exactly what he was doing, or what he hoped to discover from analyzing the writing, but it just felt like the right thing to do, so he did it. 

As he was staring at the note, he noticed there were indentations on the paper, and realizing that it had been made by the pressure of a pen on the proceeding page, Dane grabbed a pencil from the holder on his desk, then rubbed it over the impression. 

As he shaded the spot where the indentation was, an address was slowly revealed, and once it was completely visible, Dane threw the pencil aside, then made quick steps towards the door. 

Just before opening it, he paused to check on the gun that was tucked into the waistband of his pants, and after assuring that it was tightly in place, he slipped his hand into the pocket of his blazer, allowing his fingers to roam until they found purchase with his switchblade. 

Properly armed and primed to go, he reached for the doorknob, and after closing the door behind him, he headed for his destination.



Velvet Roses Ch. 09



*I know I probably sound like a broken record, but once again, I would like to thank you all for your continuing support. This chapter, like the last, was sort of a bitch to write, but I finally managed to get it completed, so here it is! I do hope you'll enjoy it.* 

Situated directly across from a medium sized lot with patchy grass known as Needle Park, the East Oakland Greyhound bus station seemed to be a hangout for lost souls, degenerates, and those who were down on their luck. 

Sauntering casually through the depot, Dane surveyed his surroundings, not allowing his eyes to linger on any particular person for more than a few seconds. He wasn't exactly certain who he should be looking for, nor did he even know if the person he was seeking was present, but the address on the pad of paper had compelled him to check this place out, so here he was.

Give me what's mine, and I won't go after her

Ever since he'd read the note, he hadn't been able to get those words out of his head, and found himself perplexed as to just what exactly the anonymous note-writer was so desperate to get back. Cash, drugs, jewelry? He was at a complete loss, but he knew he had to figure it out quick, because Jeneda's life depended on it. 

Continuing to scan the room, he allowed his eyes to rove over the various people who were situated uncomfortably in the hard plastic seats-a worn out looking mother holding a bawling toddler, an androgynous, pierced teenager with a studded black leather jacket, a long haired man wearing a T-shirt with the words "Native Pride" printed across the front of it-none of them looked suspicious in any way, so he directed his eyes elsewhere. 

Wanting to blend in, he glanced at the timetable board behind the check-in counter, then in a false show of impatience, he looked at his watch. 

He took a seat in one of the chairs, and after removing the mysterious note from his blazer pocket, he took out his cell phone and dialed in the phone number that was printed on the piece of paper. Then keeping the phone concealed in his hand, he pinned his eyes on the rows of seats located directly across from him.

Almost instantaneously, he heard a shrill ringing come from somewhere on the other side of the waiting room, and realizing that it was emitting from a payphone next to the bathrooms, Dane focused his gaze upon it. 

A few moments passed before he noticed a bald headed man with a gold hoop in his left ear walk up to the public payphone, and after lifting the receiver from the hook, he pressed it against his ear.

Just to confirm, Dane glanced down at the mobile in his hand, and seeing that the outbound call he'd made had indeed been picked up, he pressed the end call button, then slipped the phone back into the pocket of his blazer. 

Keeping his eyes keenly fixed on the bald man, Dane watched as he removed the phone from his ear, gave it a suspicious look, and then slammed it back into its cradle. He then darted his eyes around the room, and after quickly glancing at his watch, he made a beeline for the door. 

Dane inconspicuously watched from his seat in the corner of the room as the man exited the bus depot, then he rose to his feet and followed him out the door. 

He got outside just in time to see the man disappear around the side of the Greyhound station, and with hasty steps, Dane trailed behind him. 

He'd just barely rounded the corner of the building when something inside of him told him to brace himself, but by that time, it was already too late.

A flash of silver was the only warning Dane had before a blade was jabbed towards his stomach, but before it could embed itself in his flesh, he grabbed hold of the other man's wrist, giving it a sharp twist so that the knife fell from his hands. 

A grunt of anguish emitted from his opponent's mouth, and wasting not a second, Dane smashed his fist into the other man's nose. 

The force of it temporarily stunned the bald man, causing him to stumble backwards, and as a thin stream of blood trickled out, he wiped it away with the back of his hand. Clearly infuriated, he narrowed his eyes, then like a bull in a blind rage, he charged Dane. 

Having been trained from a young age in the art of sword fighting, Dane had always been taught to anticipate his opponent's next move, and noticing that his adversary was balling his left hand into a fist, Dane readied himself to block the punch. 

Just as Dane had predicted, his opponent threw a left hook, but before it could connect with his chin, Dane dodged it, then threw a punch of his own, landing it on the underside of the man's chin. 

Rather than deter, this only seemed to spur Dane's adversary on, and with lightning speed, the bald man counterpunched, landing it square against Dane's jaw.

The devastating force of it caused Dane's head to snap backwards, and before he could recover from the hit, his adversary delivered a swift, forceful kick to the midsection. 

This knocked the wind right out of Dane, causing him to fall to the ground, and no sooner had his body met concrete, was the bald man upon him, straddling Dane so that he was pinned to the ground. 

Upon realizing that Dane had a gun tucked into the waistband of his pants, the man quickly disarmed him and slipped the handgun into the pocket of his bomber jacket. Then he roughly grasped a handful of Dane's hair and pressed a razor sharp knife against his throat.

"Who sent you?" He asked through clenched teeth, a faint Irish accent lacing his words.

"Nobody."

"Tell me the truth, or I'll cut your throat." 

The bald man increased the pressure of the blade against Dane's windpipe, and as it bit into his skin, he forced back a hiss of pain.

"I am telling the truth. Nobody sent me," Dane spat out.

"Then why are you following me?"

"Why are *you* following me?"

The man glared at him for a long moment before saying, "You've got a debt to settle, and I suggest you pay up soon. Slade doesn't take kindly to people who cheat him."

"I've cheated nobody."

His lips peeled back into a crooked smile, revealing the glint of a gold tooth. "Yeah, that's what they all say."

"Tell me where to find him."

A humorless chuckle escaped the Irishman's lips. "You're kidding, right? You think I got a death wish?" 

"It wasn't a request." Dane stared hard into the other man's eyes. 

"For a guy with a knife against his throat, you sure do make a lot of demands. You got balls, kid. I'll give you that."

"What is it you people want? Why are you after me?"

"You know why. You and that little friend of yours stole something that belongs to Slade. He didn't appreciate that very much, and now he wants it back. If you're smart, you'll return it quick."

"Those stereo's I fenced were only worth six hundred. If you want me to pay you back, I will."

"It's not the stereos we're after, It's the four pounds of cocaine that was stashed inside."

"I don't know anything about that."

"Of course not." 

"I'm telling the truth."

"Marla told us she split the bags of coke with you. We already found out where she stashed hers, so where are you keeping your half hidden?"

"Marla told you I was in on this?"

"Yeah. She squealed just before Slade gutted her."

"She was lying. I had nothing to do with it."

The Irishman heaved an exasperated sigh, then said, "Looks like we'll have to do you the same way we did Marla." His lips peeled back into a devilish grin as he added, "Torture you nice and slow until you finally give in and confess."

"Marla took those drugs on her own. Kill me if you want, but that still won't help you find what you're looking for."

"You're right, it won't." He shifted the knife so that the point of it was pressing against Dane's Adam's apple, then with a gleam in his eyes, he asked, "Have you ever watched someone you love die?" 

He said nothing in return, only glowered up at his adversary.

"I'm willing to bet you haven't, but with the way things are going, it looks like you'll get the chance."

Dane's gut knotted at the prospect, and as he gave a nervous swallow, the tip of his adversary's knife knicked his throat.

"That girlfriend of yours...Jeneda." 

As her name passed the bald man's lips, Dane felt his stomach churn, and his body grew rigid.

"Do you really wanna call Slade's bluff and see if he'll go after her? Because I can assure you, he's definitely got some plans for her."

Dane could feel the anger building inside of him, his chest rising and falling rapidly as his lips formed into a fierce scowl. 

"Come to think of it, I've got a few plans for her, myself." He flashed a wolfish grin before saying, "I think I'll pay her another visit, except this time, I'll make sure and stop by when she's at home."

"You lay a hand on her..." He said through gritted teeth. 

"And what? You gonna play hero and come to her rescue, pretty boy?" A maniacal giggle escaped his lips. "How about I give you a makeover? Carve your face up like a Halloween pumpkin? I bet that little girlfriend of yours would get a real kick out it." 

He removed the knife from Dane's throat, then placing it against his face, he slid the edge of it along his jaw, drawing blood in the process. Not wanting to give his rival the satisfaction of hearing him cry out in pain, Dane clenched his teeth, squirming underneath the other man as he tried to buck his hips upward and throw him off. 

His opponent, however, wasn't to be budged, and as he lifted the knife from Dane's face, he cocked his head slightly, admiring his handiwork. 

"Not bad, for a warm up." He then twirled the knife in his hands, and with macabre eagerness, he said, "I'm really gonna enjoy this." 

Dane could tell from the look in the Irishman's eyes that this time he would do a lot more damage, and realizing he was on the verge of being tortured, Dane knew he had to quickly put his adversary out of commission. 

His hands clawed at the ground, searching desperately for a weapon of any kind, and as his fingers found purchase against a syringe, he tightly gripped it in his hand. Then in one swift, fluid moment, he brought his arm up, and channeling every bit of his strength, he stabbed it into the arm of his rival. 

A pained grunt tore from the bald man's lips, and as he directed his gaze to the filthy syringe sticking out of his bicep, his eyes bugged and his face contorted in sheer horror.

"Son of a bitch, you stuck me!" He grabbed at the syringe, frantically trying to pull it out of his bicep.

Taking advantage of the Irishman's distraction, Dane knocked the knife out of his hand, then retrieved the gun that was in the pocket of his bomber jacket. He then shoved his adversary off him and quickly rose to his feet. 

With a rageful scowl marring his handsome features, Dane aimed the gun at the man on the ground. Matching his rival's expression of blind fury, the Irishman yelled, spittle flying from his mouth in a rabid craze.

"Your days are fucking numbered, shitbag! When Slade finds out what you've done, he'll butcher your ass!"

"I think you overestimate the value of your life." Staring down at the Irishman in revulsion, he added, "You're nothing more than a thug, a useless goon." With the flick of his thumb, Dane turned the safety off, then aiming down the barrel of his gun, he said, "Tell me where to find Slade." 

"Go fuck yourself!" His lips curled into a sneer, eyes burning with hate.

Shifting the muzzle of the gun so that it was no longer pointing at the Irishman's head, Dane directed it at one of his kneecaps, then pulled the trigger. A gunshot broke the silence, and as the bullet sunk into flesh, the bald headed man howled, his face twisting into a pained grimace.

"Tell me where to find him, and I'll let you keep the left one," Dane said.

"Fuck you, shitbag!" Pain laced his voice as he snarled through clenched teeth. "You're dead, and so is that little bitch! Slade's gonna torch her ass!"

Dane couldn't pull the trigger fast enough, and as a second bullet was discharged, it imbedded itself into the bald man's left kneecap. He bellowed, squirming on the ground in pain, and as a stream of obscenities tore from his mouth, Dane turned on his heel and quickly walked away. Yet upon noticing that a small group of unsavory looking people had gathered around to watch, he halted. 

As they stared at him, he stared right back, then fixing them with a hard, unwavering gaze, he made his way forward. As their eyes fell on the gun he was holding, they parted, making space for him to walk through unimpeded. 

Even once his back was to them, he could tell that they were still watching him, but he didn't care, only rounded the corner of the building, then briskly strode down the sidewalk. 

Blood seeped from the cut on his jaw, the crimson color providing a vivid contrast against his pale skin, and as he passed a woman with a young boy in tow, he noticed her pull the kid tightly against her.

Suddenly feeling as if he were a fugitive on the loose, Dane walked even quicker, and upon reaching his car, he quickly got inside and turned the key in the ignition. Then he slammed on the gas, tires squealing as he sped off down the street. 

* * * *

The neon sign of 'The Clover Room' bar reflected off of Dane's windshield, and as he took another drag of his cigarette, he shifted his gaze to the dashboard clock and saw that it was nearly eleven p.m.

For the past two hours he'd been staking the place out, observing each and every person that walked in and out of the dive bar. His eyes had roved across countless faces, hoping to catch sight of the one that he was searching for, yet to his disappointment, he still had yet to spot the man that he was seeking. Dane reached into his pocket, and upon retrieval of a mermaid cameo bracelet, he offered it a lingering gaze. 

The bracelet had once been Marla's, but now, almost two weeks after her death, it had somehow found its way into the hands of a stranger. 

That said stranger was a waitress named Vada who worked at The Clover Room, and during a conversation with her, Dane had been informed that this very same bracelet he was now holding had been gifted to Vada by a regular- someone who patronized The Clover Room on a weekly basis.

He had a description and a name, now all he needed was to talk to this guy in person, and as he saw a man with stringy brown hair and a lean frame enter the bar, Dane knew he'd found the guy he was looking for. 

After getting out of his car, Dane tossed his cigarette on the ground, then made his way towards the drinking establishment. Once inside, he quickly scanned the room, and as he spotted the tall, spindly man, he made a beeline for the area where he was seated. 

Dane slid into the booth casually, as if they were old friends, rather than perfect strangers, and as the limp haired man set eyes on him, a look of puzzlement crossed his pockmarked face. 

"Who the fuck are you?" He asked Dane.

Offering no response, Dane simply set the cameo bracelet down on the table between them. As the man looked at the bracelet, he nervously swallowed, then lifting his gaze to meet Dane's, he cleared his throat.

"If this is about me talking to Vada, I didn't know she had a boyfriend. I only gave that bracelet to her, because I thought she was single."

"This isn't about Vada, it's about Marla."

"Who?"

"Marla, the dead woman." He briefly paused before asking, "So who killed her? Was it you, or Slade?"

"Hey, you got the wrong man. I didn't kill anybody. And I don't know who the hell Slade is."

"Then how'd you get the bracelet?"

"I bought it at a pawn shop."

"Which one?"

"A place called Jake's. It's not too far from here, right off of Ellis and Market."

"How long ago did you buy it?"

"Six, maybe seven days ago. Why?"

Dane remained silent, and after slipping the bracelet into the pocket of his blazer, he scooted out of the booth and rose to his feet. Then, without another word, he headed for the door.

* * * *

Located on a grimy block which was home to a number of seedy establishments, Jake's Pawn Shop was housed in a brick building with a flashing red neon sign which read, 'Buy, sell, pawn.' An accordion security gate was pulled across the frosted glass of the front door, and the store hours window decal proclaimed that the shop had closed fifteen minutes ago, but Dane could tell from the light shining within that somebody was still inside.

Determined to speak to the owner of the pawn shop, Dane rapped on the gate, causing it to rattle in the process, and as he heard the sound of footsteps approaching the door, he drew himself up to his full height. 

"Get lost, we're closed," a male voice called from within. 

Unwilling to accept this statement, Dane knocked on the gate again. A few seconds passed before Dane heard the sound of a lock being unengaged, and as the front door pulled open an inch, the barrel of a gun peeked out to greet Dane. 

"I said we're closed. Now piss off." 

"I need to speak to you about an item that was bought from here. It's very important."

"No returns. You buy it, you keep it," he gruffly said. "Now get outta here before I put a hole in your head."

The barrel of the gun disappeared and the door slammed shut. Dane stood there for a moment, watching through the glass display window as a short, portly man walked behind the counter and over to a cash register. 

The man didn't seem to notice that Dane was still there, or if he did, he certainly didn't give any indication, so Dane headed to the rear of the pawn shop. He took his gun out of the waistband of his pants, then allowing his back to rest against the brick alley wall, he waited.

Half an hour passed before he heard the pawn shop owner approach the back door, and no sooner had the husky man stepped outside, did Dane press a gun against the side of his head. 

"Jake, right?"

A hurried nod served as validation.

"All I ask for is a minute of your time. Surely you can spare me that." 

"Fine, whatever. Come in."

Jake led the way with Dane tagging behind, and keeping the gun aimed at Jake's head, Dane watched him closely. As they reached the counter, Jake took his place behind it, and as Dane set Marla's bracelet on the countertop, Jake gazed down at it.

"So what's the deal, you wanna return this?"

"I wanna know who brought it here."

"I don't remember."

Dane couldn't help noticing how quickly Jake had responded, and casting a suspicious eye on him, Dane posed a question.

"You sure about that?"

"Yes I'm sure, why wouldn't I be?"

The nervous lilt to Jake's voice told Dane that he was definitely lying.

"You're covering up for someone. Who is it?"

Now visibly nervous, he briefly averted his eyes before saying, "I have a responsibility to my customers. I can't just give out that kinda information."

"Can't or won't?" Still pointing the gun at the pawn shop owner's head, Dane said, "You either live or die, It's your choice."

"Gage. That's the guy you want."

"What's he look like?" 

"Medium height, dark hair, brown eyes. Has a face like a rat."

Dane lifted an eyebrow. "A rat?"

"Yeah. Big ears, huge teeth, beady eyes..." 

"Where can I find him?"

"No fucking way. I tell you where he hangs out, and he'll kill me."

"Clearly I pose the bigger threat right now." Dane pressed the barrel more firmly against Jake's head, then cocked the gun, causing him to visibly tense in the process.

"He hangs out at this club called The Asylum, spends a lot of time with this guy named Mick. A.J.'s another one of his pals, they all practically live there."

"Where's this place located?" Dane asked. 

"It's right off of Jones Street."

Dane stared him down for a few more minutes, searching his eyes for any signs of lying, then pulled the gun away from his head and slipped Marla's bracelet into his blazer pocket.




Velvet Roses Ch. 09



"Thanks for your help," he said, and gesturing to Jake's hand, which was resting on a pistol that was hidden behind the counter, he added,"You can take your hand off that gun now." 

Then without another word, he was on his way, cold air enveloping him as he exited the rear door and stepped out into the night.

* * * *

Strobe lights illuminated the dimly lit nightclub, and as the pounding electronic beats of Depeche Mode's 'New Dress' blared from the speakers, Dane made his way across the dance floor. A hub for those with a fondness for gothic and industrial dance music, The Asylum was packed with bodies adorned in fetish casual wear and goth clothing.

It proved nearly impossible for Dane to wedge his way between the throng of sweaty people, but after bumping shoulders and squeezing past countless clientele, he finally made his way to the other side of the dance club. As he reached the bar, he took a seat on one of the stools, then impatiently waited for the bartender to approach him. 

With the club so densely populated, nearly five minutes passed before the bartender did, and as he arrived to take Dane's order, he asked, "What can I get you?"

"I'm looking for a guy named Gage. Is he here?" 

A shake of the head was followed by gruffly spoken words. "Can't help you."

The bartender walked away, heading off towards the opposite end of the counter. Now certain without a doubt that Gage was indeed present, Dane turned around on the stool, then slowly took in his surroundings. 

The club was dimly lit, making it difficult for him to see the faces of the clubgoers, but as the strobe lights illuminated the various people on the dancefloor, it gave him a brief window of opportunity to check out their features. With his eyes so intently pinned on the nightclub patrons, Dane didn't even take notice of the person who sat on the stool next to him. That was, until they spoke. 

"You're new here, aren't you?" 

Averting his gaze from the dance floor, Dane allowed his eyes to rest on a brunette female with a Bettie Page hairstyle and a bull ring piercing. "What gave it away?" 

His sarcasm brought a smile to her ruby lips. "I can always spot the curiosity seekers a mile away." She gave brief pause before saying, "I'm Victoria. And you are?"

"Nameless."

She quirked an eyebrow. "The mysterious type. I like that." 

Uncertain of how to respond, he remained quiet, allowing his eyes to drift back to the dancing clubgoers. 

"You're not much of a talker, are you?" Victoria asked.

"I'm here to observe."

"Only to observe?" The flirtatious tone in her voice was accompanied by a seductive look.

"I'm looking for someone. He's a regular here."

"He?" She asked in a voice laced with disappointment. A few moments of silence passed as she gazed curiously at him, then in a hopeful voice she asked, "Do you swing both ways, or are you only interested in men?"

"That's not what I meant," he firmly stated.

"Oh." She visibly brightened. "So this guy you're looking for. What's his name?"

"Gage. You know him?"

"Yeah, I do. He hangs out here all the time."

"Is he here tonight?" Dane asked.

"I haven't seen him around yet, but if he is here, he'd mostly likely be on the second floor."

Glancing upwards, Dane noticed that there was indeed a second level, and after spotting a flight of industrial looking steel stairs a few feet away from the bar, he rose to his feet, then gave Victoria a little nod. 

"I think I'll check out the second floor, and see if I can find Gage. Thanks for your help."

"Sure, no problem. Later, sexy." She winked, then swiveled around on her stool and signaled the bartender for another drink.

Dane turned and made his way to the stairs, and upon reaching the second level, he surveyed the area around him. While the first floor consisted of a dance floor and a bar, the second level was a lounge area. 

The walls were painted royal blue, and black sconces hung on the wall, casting dim light throughout the room. High back leather sofas were placed against the walls, and a dozen small circular tables surrounded by plum colored velvet chairs were strategically placed in the middle of the lounge area. 

As he walked further into the room, he eyed the various patrons, and they eyed him right back. Some of them sat on the sofas groping each other and making out, while others hung out by the bar, which was tufted and made of black leather. 

Others were clustered in groups, sipping their drinks and flirting, yet nearly every person that Dane passed emitted a strange sort of energy, seeming to size him up as he made his way through the room.

He continued on, and as he spotted a hallway lined with half a dozen glass-enclosed cubicles, he headed directly for them. As he walked past the enclosures, he saw they were occupied by couples who were partaking in a number of intimate acts, and feeling as if he were some sort of a pervert, Dane only allowed his eyes to rest briefly on each erotically engaged twosome. 

Being surrounded by so many enamored couples only made him ache more for Jeneda, and he was certainly in no mood to watch complete strangers fondle and caress one another, but he was on a mission to find Gage, and wouldn't leave the club until he did. 

No sooner had that thought gone through his mind, did he zero in on a rat-faced man inside one of the glass-enclosed cubicles, and as Dane recalled the description that the pawn shop owner had given him, he undoubtedly knew that this rodent-faced person was Gage.

Seated on a black leather loveseat next to a woman with a shaved head and multiple face piercings, Gage had a hypodermic needle in his hand, and after tapping up a vein in the woman's thin arm, he sunk the needle into it. 

So engrossed in shooting her up, Gage didn't even notice that Dane was observing him, and as his pierced companion fell into a drug-induced stupor, Gage began to kiss her, while simultaneously feeling her up. 

Thoroughly disgusted, Dane pulled open the door to the glass cubicle and entered, then with a sneer on his lips, he spoke. 

"Real classy, Gage. You do this with every girl you meet?"

Gage startled at the sound of Dane's voice, dropping the needle from his hand in the process, and with a sneer on his lips he asked, "Who are you? And how the fuck do you know my name?"

Offering no response, Dane retrieved Marla's bracelet from his pocket, then held it up for Gage to see. "Look familiar?"

"Yeah, I gave it to a waitress at The Clover Room. You her boyfriend or something?"

"Nope."

"Then who are you?"

Choosing to ignore the question, Dane fixed the other man with a hard look. "I'm looking for a guy named Slade. You know where I can find him?"

"Nope."

With a few hasty steps, Dane closed the distance between them. Then grabbing the collar of Gage's shirt, he twisted it in his hand, causing the fabric to bunch up against his neck. Gage's face turned red as a result, and as Dane gazed into his beady eyes, he saw that they had widened in surprise. 

"I want the truth. Now tell me where he is."

Gage averted his eyes, seeming to contemplate whether or not he should divulge the information. Then with swift, adept movement, he withdrew a knife from a slot on his belt buckle. 

Gage jabbed the wickedly sharp blade towards Dane's stomach, but before it could sink in, Dane caught his wrist, halting it from moving any further.

Possessing a fair amount of arm strength, Gage fought back, baring his teeth as he struggled to overpower Dane and thrust the knife into his gut. Dane, however, wasn't to be defeated, and mustering every bit of his forearm strength, he pushed harder against Gage, causing his opponent's hand to slam against the armrest of the loveseat. 

Dane swiftly disarmed Gage, then using the knife that his opponent had tried to wield against him, Dane nailed his hand to the arm of the couch.

Gage howled, squirming in agony as his face turned bright red, eyes bugging as he looked at his own pierced hand. 

"Once more chance to tell the truth," Dane said. "Where's Slade?" 

"Fuck off!" He spat. 

Still holding the handle of the knife, Dane sunk the blade into the hilt, immobilizing Gage's hand even further. Gage yelped in response, jaw clenching, hard eyes burning with intense hate. Dane matched his opponent's wrathful expression, then in a voice that was deeper than usual, he spoke through clenched teeth.

"Tell me where to find him."

"Or what, you're gonna kill me?" A wheezing laugh escaped his lips. "You don't have the guts."

"Why would I waste my time killing you?" Dane asked as he stared coldly into Gage's eyes. "Slade's the one I want."

"Well you know what they say," a voice suddenly said from behind Dane. "You knock long and loud enough, somebody's bound to answer." 

He didn't even have time to turn around before he was struck in the back of the head with the butt of a gun, and as a faint grunt fell from his lips, he slumped to the ground unconscious. 

* * * *

The stench of garbage, cohabitating with an odor which could only be described as rotten eggs and wet dog, brought Dane back to consciousness, and as his lids slowly opened, his eyes came to rest on a blur of unidentifiable shapes and colors. 

He blinked a few times to clear his hazy vision, and as he came to the realization that he was laying facedown in a puddle of scummy water, he lifted himself up from the ground and shifted to a kneeling position. 

After wiping the slime from his cheek, he elicited a small groan, then slowly and unsteadily he got to his feet. His head throbbed with every beat of his pulse, and as he gingerly rubbed the side of his head, he found that a small lump had risen. 

Taking in his surroundings, he saw that he was standing in a dingy alley, surrounded by graffitied dumpsters, empty liquor bottles, and soiled, discarded furniture. Wind shuffled litter into corners, and as a cold chill blew past him, Dane found himself wondering why he'd been dumped in a random alleyway. But as the pounding beats of industrial music emitted from the building behind him, Dane realized that he was located in the alleyway behind The Asylum. 

This thought had barely gone through his head when he noticed the vague outline of a person standing just a few feet away from him, and no sooner had Dane discovered that he wasn't alone, did a tall man step out of the shadows. 

The man's spiky, platinum blonde hair was a stark contrast to his dark clothing, which included black pants, and a leather coat, and as he walked closer to Dane, the heels of his shoes crunched against the alley debris beneath his feet.

Rather than come to a stop right in front of Dane, the man in black chose to circle him, as if he were the shark and Dane was his prey. 

Not allowing his gaze to stray for even a second, Dane locked his eyes into the stranger's blue orbs. After circling Dane a few times, the blonde haired man finally came to a stop in front of him. Face to face, the two men engaged in a heated eyelock, and as Dane glowered hatefully at him, he knew without a doubt that the man standing before him was none other than Slade. 

"So, we finally meet." The corners of the blonde's lips quirked slightly, but his eyes remained dead and cold, void of any emotion. "Word on the street is, you've been eager to meet me." 

"I thought it was only fair, considering you've invaded my life."

A devious smile crossed his lips, followed by a light chuckle. "Interesting choice of words." 

From somewhere further down the alley came the sound of a bottle breaking, but neither Dane nor Slade broke eye contact. If anything, the tense energy between them only seemed to elevate, and although they still had yet to draw a weapon, their body language suggested that they were on the verge of a violent altercation. 

"People who are indebted to me over don't usually seek me out," Slade said. "So I'm guessing you must either be incredibly stupid or just crazy." He stared long and hard into Dane's eyes before adding, "You don't seem stupid, so you must fall into the latter category." 

"The reason I sought you out isn't because I'm crazy. It's because I have nothing to fear." 

A look of amusement crossed Slade's face. "Brave, but foolish. A dangerous combination indeed." His vacant eyes seemed to study Dane, as if sizing him up. "An associate of mine told me that you wounded one of my men. Blew his kneecaps right off."

Dane said nothing, only continued to stare at Slade.

"I hear he was also stabbed with a dirty needle. So along with being paralyzed, he's now got an infectious disease." 

"An occupational hazard." Dane's voice was flat and devoid of emotion. "It comes with the territory."

A smirk curled Slade's lips and he gave a little shrug. "Brody's only one of many, so It's no huge loss. But I'm curious...you had the chance to kill him, and yet you chose to let him live. Why?"

"Killing him would have served no purpose, except to put him out of his misery. Why would I have done that?"

"You're right. Death would have been far too kind." He gave brief pause before asking, How *did* you find Brody, by the way?"

"How do you think I found him?"

A long moment of silence passed while Slade seemed to thoughtfully contemplate Dane's question, then finally he spoke. "Love makes you do stupid things, doesn't it?"

"Love had nothing to do with it. I was acting on my own accord."

"Surely that note I left you had something to do with you going after Brody. You know I've been watching your girlfriend, and you don't like that." 

Dane's face remained deadpan, his eyes burning with hate as he wordlessly stared at the blonde man's face.

"You must have very strong feelings for her," Slade said.

All too aware that he was being baited, Dane remained silent, trying his best to keep a stone-faced expression.

"She's quite a lovely woman. It'd be a real shame if something happened to her."

Dane's pulse quickened at the mention of harm coming to Jeneda, and a murderous glint came into his eyes. "Leave her out of this. She's not a part of it, and never was."

"Oh, she's definitely a part of it." He stared Dane down for a few moments, then in a menacing voice he said, "I don't like it when people violate my turf."

"That's funny, because I don't like it when people violate mine, either."

"You come into my club and attack one of men, then think you can just walk right out without being noticed?" A faint scoff passed his lips. "Only a fool would do that." 

"Just tell me what you want so we can settle this. I don't have the drugs, but I can get you cash. Give me a price, and I'll pay it."

"I'm not after money."

Dane's brows furrowed. "Then what are you after?"

"I've got a job for you. It's fairly simple, but requires a certain type of person to pull it off. Someone who possesses a specific type of knowledge."

"Not interested." 

"I didn't ask if you were interested. Nor did I mention that it was mandatory."

A long silence filled the space between them, during which the far-off wailing of a siren could be heard. Knowing full well that he didn't have a choice in the matter, Dane clenched his jaw in frustration, sighing deeply through his nostrils as he waited for Slade to continue speaking. 

"There's a company called Invotech based here in San Francisco. They design and manufacture computer chips, and have an inventory worth billions of dollars. I already have a team of my men working out the details of a robbery. Your job will be to bypass the security system and get us in undetected."

"What makes you think I'll be able to pull that off?" Dane asked.

"From what I've heard, you're quite skilled at that sort of thing." 

Curious as to just who had supplied Slade with this information, Dane contemplated asking, but there was another question in particular that he was currently seeking an answer to. 

"And that's all I'll be required to do? Just slip your guys past the alarm system and that's it, the debt's paid off?" The expression on Dane's face conveyed disbelief. "There's gotta be more to it. Something you're not telling me."

"Invotech has a sophisticated alarm system, as well as buzzers and television cameras at every entrance. Not to mention a command room with at least two guards. Getting my men inside without detection will be anything but simple."

Having robbed numerous warehouses during the span of time he'd spent as a professional criminal, Dane was all too aware of just how laborious neutralizing a security system could be, especially when the alarm system in question was part of a microchip firm with a net worth in the billions.

This led him to realize that it wasn't just a small time robbery he was getting involved in, but something more serious, with higher stakes. And the higher the risk that was taken, then more grave the consequences would be. 

As this thought passed through his mind, Dane knew chances were slim to none that he would come out of the situation unscathed, and was even more certain that if he didn't end up dead, he would most likely be put in jail. 

Losing his life was one thing, but the thought of being arrested caused a wave of anxiety to sweep through him, and knowing that he didn't have much of a choice in the matter only furthered his feelings of uneasiness. 

Yet as terrible as he felt about being forced back into the criminal life, he knew it was a necessity, and that any hesitation or refusal on his part would result in Slade going after Jeneda. Therefore, the only option he had was to go through with the heist, and to deal with the ensuing consequences, no matter how horrible they might be. 

"Fine, I'll do it. But if this is going to be done right, I'll need a bit of time. At least a few weeks, so I can analyze the security system and decide the best way to neutralize it."

Slade's icy blue eyes stared into Dane's nearly black ones for a long moment, then in a voice which conveyed how serious he was, he spoke. "I'll give you three weeks. You try to back out or evade me, and I'll recover your debt through any means necessary."

"I said I would do it, didn't I? Three weeks, and I'll be ready."

Slade nodded, and with a hint of a smile on his lips, he said, "You do a good job, and I may just consider hiring you. I'm always expanding my team of men." 

"I'd never work for you." A sneer curled Dane's lips as he spoke. "You're scum. You prey on the innocent, threatening the lives of those who are connected with people who are indebted to you." 

"You're right, I'm a horrible person." Slade's voice was thick with sarcasm. "But at least I've made peace with who I am. You're fighting against your true nature." 

As Dane stared into Slade's eyes, he noticed that they had grown darker, and suddenly found himself wondering if there wasn't some truth to the words that the blonde man had spoken. His doubt, however, remained concealed, and with a feverish scowl, he spoke.

"I'm nothing like you."

"We're closer than you realize. You're just too damn blind to see it."

"You destroy lives...kill people for money."

"You stuck a man with a filthy needle. Then you shot him in the knees and paralyzed him." 

"I did that out of necessity, not enjoyment. It was a matter of life and death."

"Of course." Slade's lips curled slowly into a wicked smile and a faint gleam came into his dead eyes. "But did you not feel a sense of satisfaction from doing it? Surely you must have." He peered long, hard and deep into Dane's tormented eyes, as if willing him to tell the truth. 

"I did what I had to do. It's done, and I'm not sorry about it."

"And why should you be? He had it coming, right?" 

The two men maintained a deadlocked stare, Slade's icy blue eyes staring into Dane's nearly black ones. Then finally Dane broke his gaze, and without another word, he turned away from Slade and began to walk out of the alley. He only made it a few feet before Slade's voice caused him to halt his steps, and with his back still facing the other man, Dane listened. 




Velvet Roses Ch. 09



"Just remember, I have eyes and ears all over this city. Screw me over, and you'll both reap the consequences."

*Both*

As the word echoed in his mind, Dane's body tensed and his heart tightened. His hands fisted at his sides, and he could feel dread creeping into his gut. But before it could weigh him down he continued on, his boots splashing in puddles of water as he made his way out of the dank alley.

* * * *

A bitter wind blew past Dane, cutting straight through the barrier of his clothing and ruffling his hair, yet so engrossed in the sight of the building before him, he hardly took notice of the nippy weather. 

Following his meeting with Slade in the alleyway, Dane had driven to Jeneda's, and for the past five minutes, he'd been standing outside of her apartment building, gazing up at the third floor where she lived. 

Although her curtains were drawn, he could tell from the light shining through them that she was still awake. He could also make out her silhouette, and as he stood there staring wistfully at her window, he came to the realization that she wasn't alone.  

Along with the unmistakable outline of Jeneda's body, there were also two other silhouettes. This led him to wonder just who these other two people were, and as the minutes passed by, he found that his eagerness to know was nearly overwhelming. 

Despite the fact that he knew Jeneda wanted nothing to do with him, and would undoubtedly deny him entrance to her residence, he was still strongly tempted to make a go for it anyway, and as his eyes landed on the call box next to the building entrance, he found himself wondering if it wasn't at least worth a try. 

A few more minutes elapsed before he retrieved his cell phone from his pocket, and after dialing in her number, he positioned his thumb over the 'send' button, yet instead of pressing it, he stared anxiously at the display screen. 

Several seconds passed before he finally put the call through, yet to his disappointment, his call was diverted straight to voicemail. No surprise there, considering she was thoroughly disgusted by him, but it still stung like hell to know that she wasn't even willing to let his calls to come through. 

He'd just slipped the phone back into his pocket when the lobby door to Jeneda's apartment opened, and as he caught sight of two people exiting, he instantly recognized them as Jeneda's friends. The last time he'd seen them had been nearly a month ago at the comic book convention, but that memorable day was firmly implanted in his memory, so he knew who they were. 

As they descended the steps of Jeneda's apartment building, Dane turned his back to them, then leaned against his car, feigning a casual air in hopes that they wouldn't notice him.

Preoccupied with amiable conversation, neither Ethan nor Luna took note of his presence, and as they sauntered down the sidewalk in the opposite direction, Dane felt the tenseness in his body dissipate. 

He already felt like a stalker, and was all too aware of just how pathetically creepy he'd become, so the last thing he needed was for her friends to bear witness to his sad display. 

It wasn't until he heard the sound of an engine starting up, followed by their car driving off, that Dane glanced back up at Jeneda's window, and upon noticing that the living room light had been turned off, he headed towards the building, making a beeline for the fire escape. 

He made his way swiftly upward, gripping the cold steel ladder tightly as he took the steps two at a time, and as he reached the landing where her windows were located, he lowered himself to a squatting position. 

He then retrieved a small piece of notepad paper from his blazer pocket, as well as a single red rose. He placed them both on her windowsill, and after casting a lingering glance at her blind-covered bedroom window, he rose to his feet and made his way back down the fire escape.



Velvet Roses Ch. 10



*As you can see, this will be a long chapter. Thought about splitting it up into two, but I figured it wouldn't be the best idea to leave you all hanging on an unnecessary cliffhanger, so I just left it as is. Anyways, thanks for your continued interest, and I hope you'll enjoy!* 

Mornings used to be special to Jeneda. They used to represent a fresh start, a chance for new opportunities, and a sense of optimism. But now, as she lay on her back staring up at the bedroom ceiling, she found herself weighed down with immeasurable dread. 

In the next five hours, she was set to meet up with Adrian for coffee, and although their get-together would most likely only consist of no more than casual chit chat, she still couldn't help but feel deeply uneasy about it. 

Thinking back to the last time that she'd seen him, she recalled how awkward she'd felt in his presence, and how guilt had consumed her, seeming to eat away at her very soul. Only a few days had passed since Adrian had driven her home, but thoughts of the time they'd spent together was still heavily on her mind. 

Besides experiencing her first kiss with him, she'd also confided in Adrian numerous times throughout her angst-filled teenage years. Adrian had been there for her emotionally when Riley had fallen victim to a hit and run driver, and he'd also given her much needed advice whenever she'd been faced with life changing decisions. 

He was someone she trusted completely, and although they'd steadily seen less of each other for the past few years, the value she placed on their friendship hadn't lessened a bit. 

Although it was early morning and she had plenty to do, Jeneda found herself less than enthused about the day ahead of her, and after throwing the covers off her body, she lazily lifted herself from the reclining position and threw her legs over the side of the mattress. 

She picked up her cell phone from the bedside table, and as she pressed a button to illuminate the display screen, she saw that it was ten minutes past six a.m. She also caught sight of an envelope icon, and after pressing a button to open the text, she read the message. 

~Check your fire escape~

Her eyes drifted to the sender's number, and as she saw that it was from Dane, her heart did a little flip. Chiding herself for the reaction of her body, she got to her feet, and after exiting her bedroom she headed for the living room window, which gave her access to the fire escape. 

Upon reaching the window, she opened it, and as her eyes came to rest on the windowsill, she saw that there was a single red rose, along with a small piece of notepad paper. She picked them both up, and after setting the rose aside, she began to read the handwritten message that Dane had left her.

~I know I don't deserve you, but I need you in my life. It hurts being apart from you, and the thought of never being with you again makes me sick. Give me another chance and I promise I'll make things right. I'm so sorry for what I did. Please forgive me.~

-Dane

She reread the note a few times before folding it up, and before she could change her mind, she ripped up the piece of paper, then tossed the small pieces out onto the fire escape. Then without a second thought, she threw the rose outside as well. 

After closing the window and locking it, she gazed out at the torn pieces of paper that were scattered across the slats of the fire escape. A few of the pieces were carried along by the wind, and as they drifted lazily in the air, she watched on with a bleak expression.

While a part of her had received a sense of satisfaction at destroying the note that Dane had written, she also couldn't deny feeling sorrow, and although she hated to admit it, her heart ached terribly for him. Yet at the same time, she also felt disgust-not only for Dane, but herself. 

Logically speaking, she should have felt nothing except hate towards her ex-lover, and yet it seemed that her affection for him was still deeply-rooted. This made her very unsettled, and although she understood that her heart had a mind of its own, she couldn't help feeling as if she were betraying Vincent. 

What Dane had done was unforgivable, not to mention completely heartless, and he certainly didn't deserve even a shred of her sympathy, so why was she still allowing him to occupy her thoughts?

*Because you can't help it. You want him back and you know it, so why play ignorant?*

"But I don't want him back."

Yet even as she spoke aloud, she knew that the words were a lie. Deep in her heart, a part of her did long to be with him again, but the moral obligation that she felt towards Vincent and his family kept her from doing so. 

Carrying Dane's secret around was emotionally destroying her, and she knew that if she did give in and allow him back into her life, the guilt that she felt would only be heightened, so clearly it was impossible for them to ever again be a couple. 

As this thought passed through her mind, Jeneda glanced at the rose on the fire escape, and realized that what had been designed as a romantic gesture on his part was really nothing more than a ploy, a pathetic attempt to lure her back into his web. He wanted her to continue thinking of him, and although he knew that she was unwilling to get back together with him, he was clearly thinking up ways to keep contact with her.

Ever since he'd confessed four days ago, she'd been trying her hardest to put him out of her mind, yet despite her best efforts, he just kept invading her thoughts. And now, with the rose and note that he'd left, it appeared he was stepping things up a notch by infringing on her personal space.

But she wasn't going to let him back into her life. No matter how many roses or love notes he wrote her, she was staying firm on her decision. Things were over between them, and no matter how many attempts he made to reconcile, she wasn't allowing him back in. 

Yet as she turned away from the window and headed back to her bedroom, she knew he was still there, residing deep within her heart. 

* * * *

"Ugh, this coffee is terrible," Jeneda said. "Tastes like mud."

"How do you know what mud tastes like?" Adrian asked.

"I don't. I'm just guessing."

A light chuckle passed his lips before he said, "Come to think of it, you do know what it tastes like."

"I've never eaten mud."

"Yes you have."

"When?"

"We made mud cakes as kids. Don't you remember?"

"I remember *you* making mud cakes, and then tricking me into eating one. I didn't do it voluntarily."

Vincent snickered. "I can't help it if you were gullible."

"I was only seven, of course I was gullible." She took a sip of her coffee, then said, "Now that I think of it, you picked on me a lot back then."

"Of course I did. That's what boys do when they have a crush on a girl."

"I thought boys hated girls at that age."

"I didn't."

"Doesn't surprise me. You always were a bit of a romeo."

"In other words, you're calling me a player."

"I think of you as more of a ladies man."

"Oh yeah?"

"Most definitely."

"Yet somehow, after all these years, you've managed to evade my charms. Why is that?"

"Well for one thing, you never officially made a serious move on me. And we were always more like brother and sister than anything else."

"I gave you your first kiss. Would a brother do that to his sister?"

Her face grew warm at the memory and as her lips curled into a smile, she tipped the mug of coffee to her lips.

"And suddenly she grows silent," Adrian teased.

"Why do you keep bringing up that kiss? We were thirteen when it happened, not to mention totally goofy and unexperienced." 

"*You* were unexperienced. I wasn't."

Her body grew warmer, and as he stared deep into her eyes, she averted her gaze from his and looked down into her coffee cup.

"You're blushing," he said with a smile.

"Am I?"

"Yep."

She took another sip of her coffee before allowing her eyes to once again meet his, then gesturing to his dessert, she asked, "How's that apple tart?"

He chuckled softly. "Changing the subject on me, huh? Okay, that's cool." He took the last few bites of his pastry before pushing the saucer away.

"So, what are you doing for the rest of the day?" She asked.

"I've got a couple of projects to do around the house. Then after that's finished, I'm going to visit Daniel."

"That's good. I'm glad you're making an effort to go see him."

"I'm not doing it because I want to. Grandma Sophia is forcing me."

"Well It's still good that you're going. Do you know when his release date is yet?"

He lightly shrugged. "Not sure. Don't really care, either."

Jeneda couldn't help feeling a bit of disgust at Adrian's apathy, and although she made an attempt to conceal her disapproval, the expression on her face blatantly conveyed her inner thoughts.

"Okay, what's that look for?" Adrian asked.

"I think you're being too hard on him."

"Listen Jeneda, Daniel's in jail for a reason. He's done everything from selling drugs to stealing cars, and when he gets back out, you'd better believe he's going right back to doing the things he did before getting locked up. He doesn't even make an attempt to straighten up, he just keeps doing the same stupid shit, over and over again."

"I know he has problems, I get that. But turning your back on him isn't going to make things any better. If anything, It'll probably just make him feel more alone."

"He's not alone, he's got plenty of friends."

"Yeah, but they're probably all criminals. He needs to talk to someone who's doing something with their life, someone like you."

Adrian's face visibly softened at Jeneda's remark. "You really think I'd be a good influence on him?"

"Yes, I do. And I'm not just saying that to flatter you. I really mean it."

"Well thanks, I appreciate that. But even if I did try to build a relationship with him, he'd probably just blow me off. Daniel hates the military, and refuses to associate with anyone who's a part of it."

"Just give it another try. And if he still insists on keeping his distance, then at least you know you made an effort."

"Yeah, I guess. I don't know, I'll think about." He took a sip of his coffee, then asked, "So this guy you used to date. Has he shown up at your apartment again?"

"Nope." The lie slipped effortlessly from her lips, and staring him straight in the eyes, she added, "He hasn't been back since."

"That's good. Hopefully he stays away."

"Yeah, hopefully."

"If you don't mind me asking, why did you two break up?"

"It's a long story," she curtly said. "I don't really feel like going into it."

"No problem, I understand. I recently went through a breakup as well, so I know how difficult it can be."

A moment of silence passed between them, during which they both sipped their hot beverages, then with a thoughtful look on his face, Adrian posed a question.

"Do you still have feelings for him?"

She hesitated, unsure if she should admit the truth, then realizing that her silence spoke volumes, she finally gave her response. "Yeah, I do."

"I can tell."

"Am I that transparent?"

His lips quirked into a faint smile. "Yes, but that's not necessarily a bad thing." He studied her for a few more moments before saying, "He deserved to lose you. You were too good for him."

Her brows lifted, and an inquisitive expression crossed her face.

"Obviously you were," Adrian said. "Otherwise you would still be with him, right?"

She nodded, allowing her gaze to drift to a painting on the opposite wall. It took the sound of Adrian's voice to bring her attention back to him, and as she looked into his bluish gray eyes, she noticed that he was giving her a serious look. 

"I don't know what he did, but if he screwed up once, chances are he'll screw up again. Don't give him another chance. It'll only bring you more pain." 

"I won't." Her voice had grown husky with emotion. "I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I did."

This caused Adrian to regard her with an expression of intense curiosity, and locking his gaze with hers, he said, "You wouldn't be able to live with yourself? That sounds pretty serious."

She gave no response, only stared nervously back at him.

"What did he do, Jeneda? Tell me."

"I can't," she said with a shake of her head. 

"Why not?"

"I just can't." 

Her voice had wavered slightly, and she could feel her body tensing up. She felt stupid and careless for her slip of the tongue, and as Adrian continued to watch her, a sick feeling began to form in the pit of her stomach. 

"I can't tell you, okay?" She reiterated. "So please stop looking at me like that." 

"Like what?"

"You're giving me a weird look."

"I'm concerned. How else am I supposed to look?" He paused to let her respond, but when it became apparent that she wasn't going to, he spoke again. "If you're in some kind of trouble, you can tell me. I'm here for you, Jeneda. In any way you need."

"I'm not in any trouble. I'm fine."

"It doesn't seem like it."

"Well I am. So please stop questioning me about him."

They sat there for awhile in silence, and as Adrian continued to intently study her, Jeneda did her best to avoid meeting his eyes. 

"Did he hit you?" Adrian asked. "Is that why you broke it off with him?"

"No. He never touched me."

Adrian's face took on a contemplative look. "Did he involve you in something? Force you to do things against your will?"

"No."

"Then what?"

"I already told you, I can't talk about it." She retrieved her cell phone from her purse, and after glancing at the screen, she scooted her chair back and rose to her feet. "I have an appointment in the next half hour, so I better get going."

"Wait, I'll walk you outside." 

Adrian got to his feet as well, following behind her as she headed for the door. Once they were outside, Jeneda walked to her car in the lot behind the coffee house, and after pressing a button on her key fob, she opened the driver's door. Instead of immediately sliding behind the wheel, she turned to face Adrian, and as her eyes met his, she saw they were filled with confusion. 

"Sorry I couldn't stay longer, but I've got stuff to do," she said.

"Yeah, I know."

"Thanks for the coffee."

"No problem. I hope we can do it again soon."

He pulled her into a hug, wrapping his muscled arms tightly around her smaller form. Her body, which was still tense, relaxed slightly with his touch, and as they broke apart from each other, he gave her a weak smile. 

"Sorry for being so persistent," he said. "I'm just worried about you, and I wanna make sure that you're okay." 

"You don't have to apologize. I know it came from a place of caring."

He stuffed his hands into the pockets of his cargo pants, and with a hopeful look on his face, he said, "We'll have to do this again sometime. That is if you're up for it."

"Yeah, maybe."

He lightly chuckled. "I don't blame you if you don't want to hang out again. I know I can be a bit overbearing sometimes."

"You did nothing wrong, Adrian. If there's anyone at fault here, It's me. So please don't blame yourself."

"Well if you do wanna talk, I'm always available. So don't be a stranger, okay?"

She nodded. "Take care of yourself."

"You too. Later, Jeneda."

She slipped behind the wheel, and after giving him a wave, she closed the door. Then she started up her car and drove off. 

Just before she pulled out of the parking lot, she stole a glance in her rearview mirror, and as her eyes landed on Adrian, she saw that he was still standing in the same place, watching pensively as she drove away. 

* * * *

Invotech computer chip company was located in a large warehouse along the Embarcadero, and for the past half hour, Dane had been staking the building out. 

Rather than drive his own car, he'd chosen to get a rental with tinted windows, and knowing it was imperative that he remain inconspicuous, he'd made the decision to park in an abandoned lot directly across from the warehouse. He'd also banded his hair back into a ponytail, and had even donned a baseball cap to further disguise his identity. 

Before beginning his surveillance, Dane had driven through the neighborhood to get a feel for his surroundings, and had also passed by the front and sides of Invotech's building to see where the exits were located. 

After getting a close up look at the warehouse, Dane had driven across the street to an abandoned lot, and now here he was, scribbling notes on a yellow legal pad that rested on his lap. 

So far he just had general information about the exterior of the building, and therefore didn't have much of anything to assist him in planning out how he would defeat the company's security system. But as his cell phone vibrated in his jacket pocket, he knew that the person he'd been eagerly waiting to receive a call from had finally managed to contact him. After retrieving his mobile, he pressed it against his ear, then spoke into the receiver. 

"Cassie?"

"Hey, Dane. Sorry it took so long for me to call you back, but figuring out the IP address to Invotech's security system was more difficult that I thought. Not to mention their firewall was a bitch to bypass. Anyways, you got a pen and piece of paper handy?"

"Yep." 

As she gave him the information, he jotted it down, filling nearly the entire page with his small script. Then after she spoke the last few words, he gave his thanks.

"I really appreciate this. You're doing me a huge favor."

"No problem. I'm happy I could help." She gave brief pause before posing a question. "So if you don't mind me asking, why did you decide to go back to work for Kenichi? I thought you were going straight."

"I did, and I'm not pulling this job for Kenichi. It's for an acquaintance of mine."

"Who?"

"Come on, Cassie. You know I can't tell you that."

"Is he one of Kenichi's rivals? Because if he is, I strongly suggest that you reconsider."

"Not that I know of, but even if he is, I could care less. I have bigger things to worry about, remember?"

"Yeah, that's right. I guess Kenichi is the least of your troubles." The sound of a whistling kettle came from her end of the line, and as it gradually tapered off, Cassie continued to speak. "By the way, have you been able to track down the person who sent that text message?"

"Yes."

"No shit! When did this happen?"

"Just yesterday."

"So did he actually confess to killing Marla, or what?"

"Not in so many words, but I know he's the guy."

"Well who is he, and was he related to that guy Marla killed?"

"No, he Isn't. And that's all I'm going to say."

"Well what does he want from you? Money?"

"Nope."

"Really? I'd have thought he'd try to blackmail you."

"No, he's got other plans."

"What kind of plans?"

Knowing he'd already said too much, Dane remained silent, which in turn only caused Cassie to piece things together.

"Please tell me you aren't pulling a job for this guy," she said in a voice laced with dread. "Tell me I'm wrong, and that you're doing this for someone else."

He remained wordless.

"You can't be serious! If you go through with this, something bad is going to happen."

"And why do you say that?"

"Because the guy is crazy, that's why. If he killed Marla, what the hell do you think he's going to do to you?"

"Worse things could happen." 

"Really? What would possibly be worse than you losing your life?"

He swallowed hard, then shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I have to get off the phone."

"No, you're not ending this conversation," she firmly said. "I spent half my afternoon hacking into a security system for you. I risked my ass to get you sensitive information, so you owe me. You are *not* getting off the phone until I say so."

"What do you want from me, Cassie?" He asked in a voice laden with frustration. "It's not just my life that's on the line here, but someone else's. I can only tell you so much."




Velvet Roses Ch. 10



"Who is she?"

"How do you know It's a she?"

"I'm not stupid, Dane, so please don't insult my intelligence."

"My ex-girlfriend."

"Are you still in contact with her?"

"No." 

"But you're willing to die for her." 

"When did I say that?"

"You know there's a chance this guy could kill you, but instead of being worried about your own life, all you can think about is saving hers."

"Well yeah, but I'd feel the same way about anyone that I love."

"You *love* her?" "I meant I care for her."

"You said love."

"Look Cassie, I don't have time for this right now. So knock it off, and stop being so damn jealous."

"This is the way you talk to me after I do you a favor? You're a dick. Don't ever call me again."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get angry with you. I'm just under a lot of pressure right now."

"That still doesn't give you the right to treat me like dirt. And I don't appreciate being used."

"I said I was sorry. And I'm not using you."

"Yes you are."

"No, I'm not. You're my friend, and I care about you."

"You're just saying that."

"Honestly, Cassie. I really do still consider you as my friend." 

She fell silent, and as both remained mute, the stillness between them became almost deafening. Then finally, Cassie's voice drifted from the other end of the line. 

"I still consider you a friend, too. And just so you know, I'm not jealous. I'm just worried about you, that's all."

"Well don't be. I can handle myself."

"Yeah, I know. Anyways stay safe, and keep in touch, okay?"

"Alright. Talk to you later, Cassie."

"Bye."

He pressed the end call button, then turning his attention to the yellow legal pad on his lap, he studied the information that had just been relayed to him by Cassie. 

6 CCTV security cameras-(1) near the front door, (1) in shipping and receiving,(2) at dock loading area, and (2) perimeter cameras along the edges. Fuse box wired into buildings power. Cameras night vision enabled. Motion sensors-when activated will alert security guards.

Control Room-several surveillance monitors, 9-1-1 response equipment, radio and communications head-end equipment. Most likely two guards in control room, possibly more. 

Security managed over a VPN server with a private IP network. Combination of both active and non-active monitoring. 

Allowing his eyes to drift to the notes he'd made about the exterior of the building, Dane allowed himself a moment to read what he'd written. 

Sixteen large windows

Double doors in the front

(2) dock loading areas in back with large drive-in roll up doors -blind cameras here first, then access interior of building through the heating units on the roof. once inside, blind camera in shipping and receiving, then locate control room. Cut power supply to CCTV cameras and disable telephone system. 

So far it seemed like he had a pretty solid plan on how to efficiently bypass Invotech's security system, but there was still more work to be done. First off, he would need to find lasers that were powerful enough to overwhelm the lens of the CCTV's. In addition he would also need a gunscope, as well as a few other key items. 

After purchasing the equipment, he would need to figure out the best place to stand so that he could effectively shoot the laser. Judging from the past jobs he'd pulled, he would need to be standing at least 40 feet away in order to completely disable the camera, and he would also need to make sure that his aim was completely accurate. It'd been some time since he'd last done something like this, so he would definitely need to brush up on his skills.

Dane flipped to a fresh sheet on the legal pad, and after taking a lingering glance at the warehouse across the street, he began to make a sketch. The tip of the pen scratched faintly against the paper as he rendered the drawing, and after sketching the front view of the building, he utilized his memory to create a portrayal of the backside.

He made sure to add every detail he could think of, including the position of the CCTV cameras, security lights, and any other feature of the warehouse that would aid him in thoroughly planning the robbery. What seemed the most trivial of details often turned out to be far more important than he ever could have imagined, so he made certain to render a sketch that most closely resembled the real-life building. 

Once he was satisfied with his drawing, he took a moment to study it, glancing back and forth between his sketch and the actual warehouse across the street. Then he set the pad down on the passenger's seat and retrieved a pack of cigarettes from the pocket of his jacket. 

With every day that passed, it seemed that his addiction only grew stronger, and although he longed for the days before his relapse, he knew it would take some time before he would have the strength to once again kick his bad habit. 

As he sat there smoking, his gaze drifted to his reflection in the rearview mirror, and as he glanced at his face, he suddenly felt as if he were looking at a stranger. 

There was little light left in his eyes, and such deep sadness within them, that he found it difficult to maintain eye contact with himself. He also noticed that they had taken on a bit of a hard glint, and as he caught sight of a scar along his jaw, he was reminded of Brody, the Irishman who had ruthlessly cut him. 

As his mind replayed images, Dane relived his brutal fight with Brody, and tormentedly recalled the terrible things that he'd done. Not only had he stabbed a man with a dirty needle, but he'd also blown his kneecaps off, undoubtedly paralyzing him in the process. 

As this thought ran through his head, he felt a wave of nausea come over him, and as bile rose in his throat, he quickly rolled his window down, then stuck his head out so he could take a breath of fresh air. 

Who was he and how had he become this person? The answer to this question eluded him, but it seemed that his inner voice knew just the right words to bring him some peace of mind.

It was a necessary evil. You know that.

And he did. Yet still he couldn't help wondering just how much good It'd done. Slade undoubtedly had an endless number of lackeys at his disposal, so immobilizing one goon probably hadn't made even a dent in his overall manpower.

*It sent a strong message, though.* 

Perhaps, but the fact still remained that Jeneda's life was in danger, and until this thing with Slade was settled, he would continuously be on edge. 

Glancing at the clock on the dashboard, he saw that it was nearing two p.m., which meant that only an hour remained before he met up with his publisher. Contract negotiations were never fun, but it was something that needed to be done, and would actually be a welcome escape from the endless nightmare that his life had become. 

Never before had he felt so powerless in his life, but even now, in the midst of turmoil, he was determined to make things right again. And as he drove off down the street, he made a promise to himself that no matter what, he wouldn't be broken. 

* * * *

"Is it just me, or does cereal taste so much better late at night?" Ethan asked before spooning more Cinnamon Toast Crunch into his mouth.

"It's not just you," said Jeneda. "It really does taste better."

"I think it's a psychological thing," Luna piped in. "You know it's supposed to be for breakfast, so when you eat it later in the day, it kinda makes you feel like you're breaking the rules."

"So basically what you're saying is, it makes you feel like a rebel," Ethan said.

"Yeah, it kinda does."

Ethan let out a humorous snort, then shared a smile with Jeneda before grabbing the remote control and flipping through the channels. 

Seated on a queen-sized bed, the threesome were hanging out in Ethan's bedroom, enjoying a late night snack as they watched TV on his medium-sized flat screen. Upon finding an episode of the Twilight Zone, he halted his channel surfing, and the three friends focused their attention on the screen, crunching loudly as they watched.

"This is one of my favorite episodes," Luna said. Then directing her gaze at Ethan she asked, "If you had a genie, and were granted one wish, what would you wish for?"

"Five more wishes."

"Smart. What about you, Jeneda?"

"Hmm, I don't know." A thoughtful look crossed her face as she thought it over. "I guess I'd wish for lasting happiness, because it never seems to stick around for very long. At least not for me."

Luna exchanged a look with Ethan, then once again resting her attention on Jeneda, she posed a question. 

"You still miss him, don't you?"

Jeneda nodded, absentmindedly nudging the last few squares of cereal that were floating in her bowl of milk. Luna set her dish down on the bedside table, then scooted closer to Jeneda so that she could loop a reassuring arm around her shoulder.

"I know it hurts right now, but things will get better. Just be glad that he showed you who he really was, because if you'd stayed in that relationship any longer, you could have ended up getting a lot more hurt."

"Has he called or come by since you broke it off with him?" Ethan asked.

"Yeah. When I woke up this morning, I found a note and a rose sitting on my living room windowsill. So I guess he climbed up the fire escape and left it while I slept."

"Oh my gosh, that's so romantic," Ethan said. "I'd love it if someone did that for me."

"Oh please," Luna said. "That's not romantic, it's lame. If he truly wants to win her back, he's gonna have to try harder than that."

"Well I think It's nice." Ethan's firm voice asserted his opinion. "And at least it shows he's thinking of her."

Offering no response to Ethan, Luna directed her gaze back at Jeneda. "So are you thinking of taking him back?"

Her shoulders pulled into a faint shrug. "I don't know." She then quickly added, "I mean no, of course I'm not. I can't. Not after what he did."

"Okay, wait a minute," Luna said. "From what you told us about his criminal past, he didn't kill or hurt anyone, so just what exactly did he do?"

"I told you what he did. He was part of a crime ring that broke into warehouses down at the docks."

"Yeah, I know that. But the way you just worded it right now made it seem as if he was involved in something a lot worse."

"I don't know what you mean, Luna." A light shake of the head emphasized her statement.

"Yes, you do. There's something you're not telling us."

The expectant look on Luna's face caused Jeneda to avert her eyes, and as she focused her gaze on the wall behind the TV, she did her best to come up with some words which would repair her unintentional utterance. 

"All I meant was that now that I know his past, it makes it hard for me to see him the same way."

"Come on, Jeneda," Ethan said. "We know something's up. Tell us."

A harsh sigh left Jeneda's mouth. "Guys, please don't do this to me. I'm already under a lot of pressure as it is, and I really can't take anymore."

"What kind of pressure?" Luna's brows crinkled in concern. 

"The kind that weighs me down and makes me wonder if I'll ever be happy again. I'm forced to choose between being with the man that I love, or doing the right thing. Does that answer your question?"

The threesome sat wordlessly for a long moment, and as each was left to think their own thoughts, Jeneda pulled her legs up against her chest and rested her chin on her knees. 

The TV droned on, but nobody listened or watched, and as Ethan and Luna stole glances at Jeneda, she only focused her attention more intently on the wall in front of her. 

"Wow, I didn't know it was *that* heavy," Luna finally said.

"Yeah, well that's why I don't feel comfortable sharing it with you guys. Because if I did, then you'd probably feel obligated to do something. Or you'd try to pressure me into making a decision, and then I would be even more stressed out." She gave brief pause before continuing. "And I can only handle so much." 

Her voice had wavered with the last few words, and as Ethan rubbed a palm against her knee in a gesture of sympathy, Jeneda rested her head against his shoulder. 

"I'm sorry I can't tell you guys, I really am. But bringing you two into it would only complicate things. And I'm already confused enough as it is."

Concern etched Luna's features. "Jeneda, It's okay. You don't have to say anything else. You obviously have a good reason for not wanting to tell us, so don't feel bad about it." 

"I agree with Luna," Ethan said. "You're clearly torn up about this, so we aren't going to give you a hard time. Just relax and know that we're here for you."

The tenseness in Jeneda's body instantly dissipated, and as Luna clasped palms with her, Jeneda gave her hand a light squeeze. "Thank you for not being mad at me. You're such good friends."

"Hey, no need to thank us," Luna said. "Friends are supposed to support each other."

They settled into a comfortable silence, watching an episode of I Dream of Jeannie as they reclined on the bed. The heat from their bodies added to the already cozy atmosphere of Ethan's bedroom, and as the sugary cereal in their bellies worked its way through their systems, they drifted off into a pleasant sleep. 

* * * *

After climbing the last step on the fire escape ladder, Dane stepped onto the deck outside of Jeneda's living room window, and as he caught sight of a rose lying on the metal walkway, he bent down to pick it up. 

He gazed sadly at the flower, his shoulders sagging with disappointment, and as he came to the harsh realization that Jeneda was still unwilling to forgive him, his heart constricted painfully. 

Of course he'd known there would be a chance that she would still be unwilling to forgive him, but nevertheless it stung badly to know that his attempt at rekindling their love had proven unsuccessful. 

From his peripheral vision, he caught sight of a torn piece of paper lying on the metal grating of the deck, and as he picked it up, he realized with sadness that it was a remnant of the note he'd written to Jeneda.

rgive me.

This was all that remained of his message to her, and if there had been a shred of hope still residing within him, the torn up note had thoroughly obliterated it. She'd rejected him-made it undoubtedly clear that getting back together was impossible, and just like the shredded message, his heart was torn to shreds. 

It felt as if his throat was tightening with each passing second, and although he gave several hard swallows, it seemed as if the lump in his windpipe was intent on staying put. Directing his attention back to the rose in his hand, he gazed dismally at it for a few moments, then after setting it down on the metal grating, he retrieved two items from his inside coat pocket. 

Along with a note, he also held a white rose, and although he knew that all roses were beautiful, it seemed as if this one in particular was especially stunning. 

He supposed it was probably because he was used to seeing red ones, so the lack of color made him appreciate it more. But as he took a moment to really study it, he noticed that the petals were perfectly spread open, and seemed to reflect the moonlight that was casting its beam on the fire escape. 

He also couldn't help but feel that the white rose had a virginal quality to it, and although Jeneda was unquestionably the most sensual woman he'd ever met, there was also something a bit innocent about her, and that made him all the more certain that a white rose was perfect for her. 

He ran his thumb along the creamy white petals of the rose a few times before setting it down next to the crimson one, and as he offered them a lingering gaze, he couldn't help but admire the striking contrast. Roses may have been cliché when it came to romantic gestures, and he certainly knew that Jeneda was deserving of more, but there was no doubt that these flowers would catch her eye.

Still holding the note in his hand, he placed it beneath the two roses, then glanced at Jeneda's dark living room window. There wasn't any light shining from beyond her bedroom window either, and although it was already five minutes past midnight, he was pretty certain that she wasn't sleeping. 

Something told him that she wasn't at home, and although it was his hope that she was hanging out with her friends, he found himself wondering if she wasn't in the company of a man.

He felt his jaw clench, and as his mind flashed back to the last day he'd seen her, he was reminded of the man who had been in her presence. The memory was still sharp, and he would never forget the anger and jealousy he'd felt upon seeing her in a car with a strange man.

Even now, as he squatted on Jeneda's fire escape, he could vividly remember the features of the guy's face, and recalled how his hair has been cut into a buzz cut style. He guessed that was good indication that the stranger was a military man, and although he knew absolutely nothing about the guy, Dane already felt a strong dislike towards him. Whoever the man was, Dane didn't want him around Jeneda, and although he knew she was no longer his, he couldn't help but remain protective of her.

Casting another gaze at her windows, Dane found himself longing to know what she was up to, and desperately hoped that she was safe, and in the company of her friends. 

He rose to his feet, then glancing down from the deck of the fire escape, he trained his eyes on the street below him. From what he could see, there weren't any approaching cars, nor was there anyone walking along the street, and as the chilly night air tousled his locks, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. 

He had to stop this; had to quite worrying and wondering and driving himself crazy with thoughts of her. She hated him and was clearly doing her best to move on with her life, so why couldn't he do the same? 

*Because she is your life. You have nothing else to live for.*

His eyes popped open in response to his inner voice, and before he even knew what he doing, he spoke aloud.

"That's not true, I have my art. That's what keeps me going."

*But would you die for your art?*

His inner voice seemed to snidely ask the question, and as he stood there gazing down at the quiet street, he took a moment to contemplate the question. 

Having already created a decent body of work, his art's existence wasn't dependent on whether or not he continued to live. If he died tomorrow, the graphic novels he'd already created would surely live on, allowing generations to come to enjoy what he'd brought into being. 

Jeneda's existence, however, was currently dependant upon the things that he did, so if this situation he was in led to his untimely death, then clearly that was the way it had to be. It was his fault that she was involved in the first place, so whatever it took to make things right, he was prepared to do it. 

Not to mention that she was made of flesh and bone, so why wouldn't he be willing to give his life for her? It made him feel scared and vulnerable to acknowledge that he'd fallen so hard for her, but the reality was that she truly was in possession of his heart. 

Dane took one last glance down the street, then cast a hopeful look at the two roses lying on the metal deck, and after releasing a soft nasal sigh, he made his way down the rungs of the fire escape ladder. 

Upon reaching ground level, he headed for his car, and although the street was quiet and still, he couldn't help feeling as if a pair of eyes were watching him. Where they were located he didn't know, but if there was one thing he was certain of, it was that hostile energy was being sent his way. 

Even as he slid behind the wheel of his car, Dane still got the oppressive feeling of being observed, and after putting the car in drive, he took off into the night, knowing all too well that he wasn't eluding a thing. 




Velvet Roses Ch. 10



* * * *

At just past seven a.m. the next morning, Jeneda entered her apartment, and after slipping out of her shoes and tossing her jacket onto the couch, she made her way to the bedroom. She only took a few steps forward, however, before she suddenly halted her progress, and directing her gaze to the living room window, she found herself wondering if Dane had paid her another late night visit. 

Jeneda pushed the curtains aside, and after seeing that there was a white rose placed next to the red one that he'd given her the previous night, she climbed out onto the metal deck of the fire escape. 

As she glanced down at the white rose, she couldn't help but admire its pale, almost cream color, and although she tried her best to resist from doing it, she reached down to pick up the flower. 

Positioning the rose next to her nose, she took a sniff, relishing its exquisite fragrance. Then she lightly ran the petals over her lips, enjoying the velvety feel of them. 

So lost in indulging her senses with the fragrance and texture of the beautiful flower, Jeneda forgot that she was supposed to be mad, and as her heart softened, she found herself wondering if she should forgive Dane.

She didn't have long to ponder the thought before the sound of her ringtone beckoned her back inside, and after retrieving it from the inside of her jacket pocket, she pressed the receiver against her ear. 

"Hello?"

"Hi, is this Jeneda?"

Not recognizing the voice on the other end of the line, she hesitantly answered. "Yes. Who's this?"

"My name's Cassie. I'm a friend of Dane's."

"Okay. What is this about?"

"I know I shouldn't be calling, and I'm sure he's gonna be really pissed off that I did, but I have to know this." She gave pause, as if to reconsider, then blurted out her question. "Why did you break up with him?"

"I don't think that's any of your business. And how do you know it was me who broke things off?"

"Because he's heartbroken."

"And why should I care? I'm hurting a lot more than he is right now."

"I highly doubt that."

"Oh really? And what makes you so certain?" 

"Because I know Dane. He wouldn't go through all of this unless he really cared for someone."

"Go through what?" 

"He's risking his life for you."

"What are you talking about?" 

"He's in a lot of trouble right now. And I've got a pretty good feeling It's because he's trying to protect you."

"Look, I don't know what he told you, but whatever he's involved in is due to his own bad decisions. I am *not*the cause of his problems."

"You may not be the cause of them, but he's still risking his ass for you."

"How?"

"You mean you don't know?"

"Clearly I don't, otherwise I wouldn't be asking. Now what's going on?"

"It's not for me to tell. All I can say is, if he goes through with this whole thing, he'll either land up dead or in jail."

"What thing? What are you talking about?" Her voice had risen, and worry laced her tone. 

"You wanna know, ask him. I just called to let you know that this man is willing to sacrifice himself for you, and that It'd probably be a good idea for you to start appreciating him before he's gone."

"You're just trying to scare me. He put you up to this, didn't he? He knows I won't answer his calls, so he got you to contact me for him." 

"He knows nothing about this. I'm doing it on my own."

"Then how did you get my phone number?"

"I have my ways," she simply said.

Jeneda fell silent, as if brooding over Cassie's statement. Then in a voice which conveyed her irritation, she spoke. "Whatever went down between me and Dane is our business. I broke up with him for a very good reason, and I am *not* forgiving him, so you can just tell him to give up.

"Alright, have it your way. I only did this because I care about him and can't stand to see him heartbroken. But now that I know you're such a heartless bitch, I'll let him know he's wasting his time."

"Great. Maybe now he'll finally stop bothering me."

"Yeah, whatever. You just lost the best thing in your life, you stupid girl."

Before Jeneda could utter another word, Cassie hung up on her. For a few moments Jeneda did nothing except stand stupidly in the middle of the room. Then angrily, she tossed the phone toward the couch, yet instead of meeting its target, it fell noisily to the hardwood floor. 

Too riled up to care, Jeneda went back out through the window and onto the fire escape, and after retrieving the note that Dane had left, she read it.

~I miss you. I need you. You're all I want, and I think of you all the time. You can keep pushing me away, but I won't give up on us. We're meant to be together and you know it.~

That last bit was what really got her, and although she was reluctant to admit it, she knew that it was true. The tug on her heart told her so, and the way her eyes were repeatedly drawn to the last sentence only confirmed that something within her resonated with the words. 

Perhaps they *were* meant to be together, but even if that was so, how long could an ill-fated relationship like theirs last? If what Cassie had told her about Dane ending up dead or in jail was true, then their time together would be short. So what would be the point of getting back together with him if it would only lead to further emotional suffering? Still holding the white rose in her hand, she offered it a lingering glance, then bent down and placed it beside the red one. 

Having already endured more than her share of sorrow, Jeneda knew that she couldn't take anymore heartbreak, so clearly her only decision was to make it clear that this thing between them was truly over. 

After reading the note one last time, she crumpled it up and left it next to the roses. Then she went back into her apartment and shut the window behind her, trying her best to ignore the raw feeling that seared in her stomach. 

* * * *

Jeneda woke to a nearly dark room that was illuminated only by the light of the TV, and after lifting her head from the couch pillow, she reached out to grab her cell phone from the coffee table in front of her, then pushed a button to illuminate the screen. 

Surprised to find that it was well after eleven p.m., she got up from the couch and shuffled into her bedroom. She stripped out of her clothes and took a shower, then slipped into a floral print nightgown that reached just above the knee. 

The day had been long, and although she was exhausted from doing revision after revision on a sculpture than had been commissioned by a demanding and very wealthy client, she still chose to put off going to sleep. As if pulled by an invisible string, she was drawn to check the fire escape, and after parting the curtains to have a look, she eagerly glanced outside.

To her disappointment, nothing had changed since earlier that morning, and as her eyes came to rest on the two roses that lay on the metal slats, she noticed that the crumpled up note was still in the same place beside them. Clearly this meant Dane hadn't yet shown up, and although she was trying her best to pretend as if she didn't care, the truth was that she did. 

Ever since her conversation with Cassie earlier that day, she'd found herself wondering what kind of trouble Dane was in, and couldn't help but be in an almost constant state of anxiety. 

According to Cassie, he was currently involved in some sort of dangerous situation, and although Jeneda was aware that not knowing was often better than being enlightened, she still longed to find out what he was entangled in.

The minutes ticked on but still he remained absent, and as she sat there on the window seat glancing out at the empty fire escape, she found herself steadily becoming more nervous. Her stomach was beginning to cramp and her palms were getting sweaty, and as an unshakeable feeling of dread suddenly came over her, she became certain that something terrible had happened to her ex-lover. 

Taking another glance at the display screen of her cell phone, she saw that it was just after midnight, and as she continued to anxiously wait, she felt her gut tighten even further. Ten minutes turned into twenty, and as it drew closer to half past twelve, she emitted an impatient sigh. 

Past the point of worry, she was now fearing the worst, and realizing that she needed something to help soothe her nerves, she headed for the kitchen so that she could make some tea. After putting the kettle on and retrieving a mug from the cabinet, she contemplated calling Dane, and even dialed in his number, yet instead of pressing the call send button, she only allowed her thumb to hover above it.

Why she kept herself from doing it, she didn't exactly know, but she supposed it was partially out of uncertainty of what she would say to him. If she admitted that she'd been worried, he would surely see it as her wanting to get back with him, and while that was true, she knew it wasn't the best idea. So rather than putting the call through, she pressed the cancel button, then poured her cup of tea.

Upon returning to the window seat, she sipped her beverage, and as the faint noise of someone climbing up the fire escape ladder reached her ears, Jeneda gazed out into the darkness. Only a few moments passed before Dane came into sight, and as she rested her eyes on his tall, darkly-clad form, she felt her pulse quicken a little. 

Not wanting him to know that she was at the window, Jeneda pushed the curtains together, allowing only a small crack so that she could watch him unobserved. With only a dim lamp on in her bedroom, the front of the apartment was nearly dark, so this only added to the optimum opportunity she had to observe him without being noticed.

With eyes keenly fixed on Dane, Jeneda watched, observing as he kneeled down to pick up the flowers that were laying on the deck. Holding the roses so that they were level with his eyes, he studied them intently, then with a clear look of disappointment on his face, he set them back down. 

His eyes then drifted to the note that Jeneda had balled up, and after picking it up and smoothing it out, he tucked it beneath the roses. For a long moment he remained motionless, kneeling with his head hung and shoulders slumped. His long black hair obscured his face, so she wasn't able to see the expression on it, but his body language clearly conveyed defeat. 

After a few moments of being in this position, he reached into his pocket and pulled something out, yet due to the fact that it was dark outside, she wasn't able to make out the object in his palm. Directing her eyes to his face, was surprised to see that he'd closed his eyes, and still holding the object in his palm, he closed his hand into a fist.

Thoroughly intrigued by his meditative-like state, she watched him intently, curious as to not only what he held in his hand, but also what had led him to suddenly close his eyes. Jeneda didn't have long to ponder this, however, because the sound of her landline ringing suddenly cut through the stillness in her apartment. 

She jumped at the sound of it, then directed an annoyed glance to the bedroom where the phone was located, but instead of going to answer it, she remained put. Once again peeking through the crack in the curtain, she allowed her attention to rest on Dane, and as she saw that his eyes were open and fixed upon the window, her heartbeat quickened.

As she looked at him, he looked at her, and their orbs locked into an impenetrable gaze. Darkly beautiful and hooded, his eyes seemed to hold a number of mysteries, and she was suddenly reminded of the power that they held. 

Nearly a minute passed before she opened the curtain wider, baring her silhouetted form for his eyes, and as his gaze briefly dipped to take in her lingerie clad body, she felt pleasant tingles coil in her lower belly. 

She watched as he slowly rose to his feet, and with a look in his eyes which was akin to a starved man eyeing a gourmet buffet, he wordlessly implored her to invite him in. 

Although they were separated by glass, she swore she could feel the heat of his body, and as she watched him watch her, she was filled with an insatiable need to feel his body against hers. 

In what seemed like barely a second, she'd unlocked the window and opened it, allowing the cool night air to drift inside. Then keeping her eyes fixed intently on him, she took a few steps backward, sending the signal that he was welcomed inside. 

He moved quickly toward the window, and after climbing inside, he took her in his arms, grasping her tightly about the hips as he gave her a passionate, lingering kiss. 

She returned his oral embrace with identical enthusiasm, marveling at the warmth of his mouth as she bumped and slid her tongue against his in a hot, wet dance.

Her fingers tangled into the waves of his hair, and as his hands slid down to caress the curves of her ass, she let loose a heated moan. Their kiss was hot and feverish, filled with intense need, and although they would have gladly continued on, the need to take in air forced them apart. 

"I missed you so much," Dane breathlessly said.

"Missed you too."

He tenderly kissed her forehead, then cradling her face in his palms, he offered her a loving gaze. It had only been a week and a half since she'd last seen Dane, but it felt like much longer, and taking the opportunity to study his face, she allowed herself a moment to drink in his handsome features. 

Her eyes roved from his nearly black eyes to his jutting cheekbones before coming to rest on the strong line of his jaw, and allowing her hand to rest against his cheek, she gently stroked it.

His lips curled slowly into a little smile, which in turn encouraged her own mouth to tug upwards as well, and curious as to what he found amusing, she inquired.

"What's funny?"

"Nothing." He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her flush against his body. "I'm just so happy to see you. Almost seems like a dream, me standing here with you."

"Well It's not a dream." Her eyes drifted to his lips, and as she snaked her arms around his neck, he leaned in even closer. "But if it was, I wouldn't let you out of it until you gave me what I needed."

This brought another smile to his lips, and as she pressed her heated center against his, he emitted a low groan. Their lips came together in a soft, languid kiss before deepening, and as Jeneda's lips parted to allow him better access, Dane slid his tongue hungrily into her mouth. 

His kiss inflamed her with passion, and as his hands slipped beneath the bottom of her nightie, her breathing grew heavier. Moving his hands to the pulsing heat between her legs, he allowed his thumb to caress her swollen clit, moving it in small, lazy circles that increasingly grew tighter. 

This coaxed a heated moan from Jeneda's lips, and as he allowed his other hand to palm her left breast, she arched her back and pressed her crotch more forcefully against him. 

"Dane," she moaned, nearly overwhelmed by the heat between her thighs. "I need you."

More than happy to fulfill her request, he withdrew his hand from beneath her nightie, then gazing deep into her eyes, he huskily spoke. 

"Then take me to your bedroom."

Clasping her palm with his, she led him to the back of the apartment, and as they reached the edge of her bed, he slipped the straps of her nightgown off her shoulders. 

The silky material slipped off her body to reveal soft, firm breasts that were capped by dark nipples, and a pair of sheer bikini panties that sat low on her hips. He slid them down her legs so that they fell around her feet, then gently pushed her back onto the bed. 

His hands worked quickly to remove his clothing, tossing aside his coat and sweater before kicking off his boots and unbuttoning his black jeans. With each article of clothing that was shed, Jeneda felt her arousal heighten even further, and as he stripped out of his boxer briefs, she lowered her gaze to his erection. 

Thick and firm, it jutted proudly from between his legs, and although he still had yet to push it inside her, her vaginal muscles clenched in anticipation. Just the thought of him thrusting into her caused a pulse to beat heavily between her thighs, and as she lifted her gaze to meet his, she saw that a feral gleam had come into his eyes. 

He climbed onto the bed, spreading her legs open to rest on either side of his hips so that he could position his body on top of hers, and as his hard cock pressed against her overheated sex, her breathing quickened.

She was ready and waiting for him to penetrate her, yet instead of immediately pacifying his lover, Dane took a moment to indulge in some breastplay. Dragging his tongue lazily over the swell of her breast, he allowed it to slowly circle her areola before flicking it back and forth against her puffy nipple. 

The warm, wet sensation caused her peaks to stiffen even further, and as he began to greedily suckle them, she arched her back and let loose a carnal moan. 

Her hands tangled into his thick hair, hips thrusting upward in an effort to create friction against his steely length, and as he suddenly thrust two long fingers into her slippery heat, she uttered a throaty moan. 

His digits moved slowly and sensually, caressing her taut, warm hole as his skilled tongue continuously toyed her erect bud. She was so aroused that wet, sloppy noises accompanied the movement of his fingers, and as the scent of her sex filled the room, she bucked her hips and moaned his name.

"Dane...." she cried out, her eyes beseeching, and as he removed his fingers from her slick passage, she whimpered at the loss. 

She didn't have long to mourn the absence of them however, because he promptly guided his cock towards her tight, hot entrance, and as his rock hard shaft pushed in to the hilt, she emitted a cry of sheer pleasure. 

She moaned at the feel of him stretching her, and as he braced himself on his forearms and began a steady rhythm, she wrapped her arms around his neck. He pushed in and out slowly, carefully controlling the rolling of his hips so that her arousal steadily built. 

With his face hovering just inches above hers, Jeneda was able to gaze deep into his eyes, and as he continued to thrust into her velvety softness, she matched his movements with her grinding hips. 

Dane's lips moved closer until they pressed against hers, and as he claimed her mouth with a wet, lustful kiss, she allowed the tip of her tongue to dance erotically against his. As their kiss grew more passionate, so did their lovemaking, and it didn't take long before she was shifting restlessly beneath his attentions. 

Driven on by her throaty whimpers, he gradually built up the pace, putting more force behind each of his thrusts. The mattress rocked beneath them, causing the bedframe to knock against the wall, and as his breaths came quicker, so did hers. 

She threw her head back, exposing her neck to his mouth, and burying his face in the crook of it, he gently licked, then sucked over the pulse in her throat. 

The heat from their bodies filled the room, and as he repeatedly prodded her tight, wet pussy, she dug her fingers into his back, his name tumbling from her lips like an erotic mantra. She felt herself get tighter around him, and as his thrusts became more demanding, his ragged moans mingled with her desperate cries. 

As he pumped harder and deeper, she clutched at his shoulders, loving the way he pinned her feminine body effortlessly beneath his strong, masculine one. 

Her moans of ecstasy were continually becoming louder, and wanting to feel his muscles flex as he worked himself inside of her, she tenderly palmed his slender, well-toned ass. 

Lost in the velvety heat of her warm vessel, Dane tirelessly thrust in and out, his breath hot and moist against her cheek. His eyes were half mast and clouded with pleasure, and with each impassioned cry that she gave, he only seemed to become more stimulated. 




Velvet Roses Ch. 10



Flesh to flesh, they rocked together fluidly, and as his strokes became less gentle, she clutched him tighter. No longer in the mood for sweet, romantic lovemaking, he was now driving into her with frantic, choppy movements, and with each thrust that he gave, her moans became more frequent. 

His roughness only strengthened her arousal, and as the tension in her body became too much to endure, she released an uninhibited cry of satisfaction. 

Her body shuddered from the force of her climax, and as her muscles contracted and released in an effortless rhythm, it triggered Dane's own release. 

Dane's body jerked in an uncontrollable spasm, and with a sharp grunt he ejaculated, shooting his seed deep into her. He bucked a few more times against his lover before falling beside her on the bed, and after a few moments of panting against her neck, he pulled her against his sweaty body. 

His lips pressed to hers in an achingly tender kiss, and as their mouths parted he pushed a few locks away from her damp forehead. 

"Mmm, you're incredible," she said in a breathy voice before placing a soft kiss to his bare chest. 

He released a pleasure sigh, then sliding his fingers into her hair, he began to lovingly stroke it. Still basking in a pleasure-induced haze, they spent a few minutes in contented silence. Then lacing his fingers with hers, Dane stared deep into her eyes. 

"Thank you," he said.

"For what?" 

"For forgiving me, for not giving up on us and offering me another chance."

For a moment she was quiet, then after briefly averting her gaze, she allowed her voice to break the stillness. 

"I still don't know how to feel about this." 

As she fell silent he gave a little nod, and his hand held hers a little tighter. 

"Vincent was a special person in my life, and I do feel as if I'm betraying him by getting back together with you." With her emotions still raw, Jeneda found it difficult to discuss the deceased trucker, so she had to take a few breaths to keep from becoming overwhelmed. "What you did was wrong, and I'm definitely not okay with it, but giving you up isn't going to bring back Vincent."

Silence settled between them but Dane could tell that she wasn't yet finished so he patiently waited, watching her with an intent gaze. 

"I don't know how long It'll take before this guilt goes away," she said with an air of sadness, then remembering her predicament she added to her statement. "It probably never will, and I guess that's the price I'll have to pay for accepting you back into my life. But I've already fallen in love with you, so there's really no other choice for me to make."

She lowered her gaze, casting it on their clasped hands, but as Dane gingerly lifted her chin with the tip of his finger, she was forced to meet his eyes. 

"Are you really in love with me?"

She nodded, and as Dane's lips tugged upward, he moved his palm to her face, caressing her cheek with the pad of his thumb. He leaned in closer until his lips brushed softly against hers, then claimed her mouth with a slow, sensual kiss.

"I'm in love with you too," he said as their lips parted. "I wanted to tell you in the last note that I gave you, but I was afraid it would freak you out, so I decided against it."

"You said we were meant to be together, though." A faint smile touched her lips as she spoke. "You didn't think that would freak me out?"

"I figured I would take my chances."

She nuzzled against his chest, and as he wrapped his arms around her smaller body, she breathed in his musky scent. She felt safe and secure in his embrace, and although she was still wrestling with heavy emotions, she knew that her decision to rekindle their relationship had not been a mistake.

That wasn't to say that she was excusing his criminal past, nor was she playing ignorant to the fact that he'd committed a terrible crime, because she knew it had resulted in hurting a lot of people-namely those were very close to her heart. But she knew he was trying to repent for his sins, so in her eyes, he was deserving of another chance. 

What seemed so wrong had never felt so right, and perhaps it was this dichotomy that made their relationship so intoxicating. Yet as exhilarating as it felt to be with Dane, she also felt uncertain, and was well aware that the actions of his dark past could come back to haunt him. 

As this thought ran through her mind, she was reminded of the conversation that she'd had with Cassie, and found herself desperate to find out just what was going on with him. 

"A friend of yours called me earlier today."

As Jeneda's voice cut through the silence, Dane made eye contact with her, and with worry lacing his voice, he posed a question. 

"What friend?"

"She said her name was Cassie." 

His eyes widened. "Are you serious?" 

"Yeah. So who is she?"

"My ex-girlfriend."

"Oh." She briefly paused before adding, "I figured she was, because she obviously cares a lot about you."

He blew out an exasperated breath, then shook his head in disappointment. "I can't believe she did that. She had no right to call you." Clearly upset, his body grew tense, and with an edge to his voice he rhetorically asked, "What the hell is her problem?"

"I don't think she did it to stir up trouble."

"Of course she did."

"No, really. I'm pretty sure she didn't. From what I could tell, she actually seemed pretty okay. And the weird thing is, it seemed as if she was trying to get us back together."

"What?"

"Yeah I know. Strange, huh? But It's the truth."

Thoroughly intrigued, he looked deep into her eyes. "And just what did she say that makes you think that?"

"Well, she started off by asking why I broke up with you. Then she told me how heartbroken you were."

"What else?"

"She also told me you were in a lot of trouble, and that if you went any further with this situation you're involved in, you'll either land up dead or in jail." She gazed long and hard at him before continuing. "So what's the deal, what's going on with you?"

For a long moment he stared unblinking at her, then once again taking hold of her hand, he began to explain his predicament.

"You know that girl I was with on the night of Vincent's death? The one who accidently shot him?"

"Yeah."

"Well apparently that truck we were robbing was full of bags of cocaine."

"Vincent wasn't involved," she angrily said. "He was an honest man, he would never do something like that."

"Of course he wasn't. I'm sure he had nothing to do with it. I wasn't trying to accuse him of anything, honey." He soothingly stroked her hair, then said, "I only mentioned it to say that he was a blind courier. Meaning that the dealers stashed it without his knowledge." 

"Go on," she said. 

Well anyways, I guess Marla found out that there were drugs hidden in the truck, and ended up stealing a few bags for herself. She must have done it while I was dumping Vincent's body, because I knew nothing about it." No sooner had he spoken these words did Jeneda loosen her hold on his hand, and as resentment flashed in her eyes, he promptly apologized. "I'm sorry, that sounded really insensitive. I shouldn't have said it like that."

Although she knew that he hadn't meant any disrespect towards Vincent, she still couldn't help but feel a little agitated, and in a curt tone, she said, "Just finish telling the story, okay?"

He shifted his grip so that he held her hand tighter, and with regretful eyes, he hesitantly continued on. "Whoever this guy is that planted the drugs found out what Marla did, and he ended up killing her." 

"Oh my gosh, are you serious?" A sudden coldness hit her at the core, and as she stared into Dane's eyes, a dreadful realization washed over her. "So now he's after you." 

Dane nodded. "He thinks I was involved in helping Marla steal the drugs, and in order to pay off my debt, I'm being forced to assist in a robbery he's planning."

"But why?" She asked in a tone that was rife with panic. "Wouldn't it make more sense for him to have you pay him back instead?" 

"I guess he figures he'll yield more profit by having me help him pull this job."

"Well what are you robbing, a bank?"

"No, a semiconductor company. They design and manufacture computer chips."

"And you're actually going through with this?"

"I have to. This isn't a choice, I'm being forced into it."

"No," she firmly said. "I'm not letting you do it."

"What do you mean, no? I just told you that It's something I have no control over."

"I don't want you to go through with this. I feel bad about it."

"I have to do it, Jeneda." 

"What if you get caught, or hurt, or killed? Then what?"

"I won't get caught. I've pulled plenty of jobs like this before, so I know what I'm doing."

"What about being hurt or killed?"

"That isn't a possibility."

"What do you mean It's not a possibility?" Her voice had risen, becoming almost hysterical. "You aren't immortal, and when you go into situations like these, bad things happen."

"So what you're saying is, I should expect something to go wrong. I should just give in and wait for the shit to fall, because clearly It's going to." 

"Realistically speaking it probably will. I know it, and so do you, so why are you even pretending?"

"Because I'm trying to stay positive. I'm trying to believe that everything will turn out okay, and that you and I have a future, and if I start thinking that I'm going to fail at pulling this off, then I may as well just give up right now."

She fell silent, reflecting on the words he had just spoken, and although it was difficult for her to admit, she knew that he'd spoken the truth. A heavy feeling came into her stomach, and as she came to the realization that he was stuck between two equally unpleasant alternatives, distress overwhelmed her. 

"Why is this happening to us?" She sadly asked. "Why can't we just enjoy each other and be happy?" 

As she nestled closer against him, he took her in the protective circle of his arms, smoothing a palm over her hair before tenderly kissing the top of her head.

"I don't know, baby. But I'm not losing you again," he swore. "Whatever it takes to keep this guy away from you, I'm gonna do it." 

Shifting her head so that she could make eye contact with him, she asked, "You mean he's after me, too?"

"In a way, yes. He's using you as leverage to make sure that I do what he wants."

"But how do you know this Isn't a trick? That he won't just decide to come after me anyways?"

"He's not coming after you," Dane quickly said in a rough, low voice. "I'll keep you safe, you have my word."

As he uttered the statement, she noticed that a dangerous flash had entered his eyes, and for a moment, she'd caught a glimpse of something untamed, just barely suppressed below the surface. Yet as quickly as it'd appeared, it vanished, and his body once again softened against hers. 

Settling her head against his chest, Jeneda coasted her fingers over his bare skin, reveling in the smoothness of it. Then allowing her palm to rest just above his heart, she let it comfort her with its steady rhythm. 

For awhile they lay there with only the sound of their soft breathing to break the stillness. Then in a soft voice which was barely audible, Jeneda uttered some words. 

"I don't want to lose you."

Dane cupped her face in his broad palm, then softly coaxed her chin upward so that they were looking into each others eyes.

"Do you trust me?" He asked.

"Yes." 

"No, I mean do you *really* trust me?"

As his eyes searched hers, she gazed back at him with just as much intensity. Then with absolute certainty she gave her response. "I do."

Dane took her hand in his and gently kissed the back of it. Then locking his dark eyes with hers, he murmured an oath.

"Then you know that I'm yours, and nothing's going to change that." 

And with unyielding certainty, she knew that he meant it. 



Velvet Roses Ch. 11



**So just to let you all know, this chapter will be quite dark and angsty. Now I'm sure you guys are probably thinking-okay...so what else is new??-but I still thought I would give a warning. A fair level of violence, included Attempted sexual assault will be included in this chapter.** 

*

Jeneda woke to the feel of something silky being dragged along her torso, and as it languorously continued its way up towards her chest, she opened her eyes. 

"Afternoon, Spunky." 

The feel of a warm breath against her cheek brought her attention to her lover's smiling face, and as her eyes shifted to the rose he held in his hand, she saw that he was caressing her body with the crimson petals. 

"Hey," she drowsily said, and as his lips pressed to hers, she eagerly returned his kiss.

As they parted from the oral embrace, her attention shifted back to the flower in his hand, and as he lazily dragged the petals against her left nipple, she arched her back and released a soft moan. 

He gave her left breast the same attention, grazing her peak with the velvety edges of the rose until it pebbled from the stimulation. Then languorously, he slid the flower downward so that it drifted along her stomach. 

Her abdomen flexed from the sensation of the satiny petals against her bare skin, and as he brushed the rose sensually against the tender flesh between her legs, she turned onto her side and murmured, stretching her body in a luxurious arc. 

This sensual movement didn't go unnoticed by Dane, and in one swift, smooth motion, he was on top of her, pressing soft, wet kisses against her neck as the tip of his erection prodded eagerly between her legs. 

"Mmm, still a little sore," she softly said, yet despite her words, she involuntarily bumped her hips against his.

Noting the contrast between her statement and the movement of her body, Dane lifted his eyebrows, then gave her a little smile. 

"It's a good kind of pain."

"Ahh, I see." His smile widened. "We were quite active last night, weren't we?"

"That's because you couldn't keep your hands off of me."

"Correction. *You* couldn't keep your hands off me."

She grinned, then looped her arms around his neck. "I don't wanna do anything today except hang out in bed with you."

"Sex, food and sleep. Sounds like a perfect day to me."

He leaned in, closing the distance between them, and as his soft, flat tongue explored the depths of her warm mouth, she moaned, drowning in the kiss. The parting of their lips was accompanied by a luscious wet pop, and as she gazed at him, she saw that there was a question in his eyes.

"What?" She asked. 

He slid off of her and positioned himself so that he was laying beside her body, then looking her straight in the eyes, he said, "I wanted to ask you this last night, but I never really got the chance, so I guess I will now."

She waited for him to continue.

"You remember that day I was outside your apartment and saw you sitting with some guy in his car?"

"Yes."

"Who was he?"

A moment of hesitation preceded her words. "He's a friend."

"Where do you know him from?"

"Does it matter?"

"I'm just curious."

She really didn't want to tell him, but knowing that being secretive would only drive them apart, she decided to just come out with it.

"He's Vincent's son."

Stunned into silence, he blinked a few times before finally finding his voice. "Oh. Are you two really close?"

"We grew up together, so he's basically like a second brother to me."

"I see." He fell silent and averted his eyes, seeming to contemplate the words that she'd spoken. Then directing his attention back to her, he asked another question. "So I'm guessing he doesn't know what I did."

"No, of course not. The only thing I told him is that you're my ex-boyfriend."

"Ex?" His eyes filled with disappointment. 

"I mean you *were* my ex. Obviously we're back together now, but at the time we were still broken up."

He nodded. "Look, I know this is tough for you, and it probably makes you feel really weird keeping this huge secret from him..."

"It's more than that," she interjected. "I feel horribly guilty, too. Like I'm betraying him. Now that I think of it, I'm betraying the entire family. His brother, his grandma, his aunts and uncles, not to mention my dad. If he found out, it would destroy him." 

The thought alone filled her with uneasiness and she rolled over onto her back, staring up at the ceiling. Dane blew out a heavy sigh, and for a moment they both lay there without saying a word. Then finally the silence was broken by the sound of his voice.

"If you wanted to tell Vincent's son...I mean if you ever decide that this is too much for you to handle, you know I won't be upset at you, right?"

She turned her head to look at him. "I'm not telling him."

"But if you wanted to-"

"No, It's not going to happen," she firmly said.

He scooted closer to her, wrapping his arm around her waist, then locking his eyes with hers, he spoke. "You're too good for me. I really don't deserve you."

"Yes you do."

"I don't."

She tangled her fingers into his soft hair. "You told me last night that you were mine, and that nothing would ever change that."

He nodded and said, "I did."

"Then stop talking like this. We're together for a reason, and what's done is already done, so stop persecuting yourself."

"That's easier said than done." 

"Maybe so, but you deserve good things as well. Everyone does."

"You're wonderful." He placed a gentle kiss on each of her eyelids, then in a voice filled with excitement, he said, "I have something I want to give you."

He leaned over the edge of the mattress, flashing his cute little butt in the process, and after retrieving something from the pocket of his coat, he settled back onto the bed, resting his back against the headboard. 

Jeneda shifted from a reclining position and sat up, tucking her legs beneath her as she anxiously waited to see what he held in his hand. His palm opened to reveal two silver rings looped through black cord. Both were engraved with an identical symbol, and as Jeneda's gaze lingered on them, she fell into stunned silence. 

"They're devotion rings," Dane softly said. He picked up the cord that held the woman's band, allowing it to dangle in front of her eyes. "The symbol on it is the Kanji character for loyalty." 

"What's Kanji?" 

"One of the three scripts used in the Japanese language." He slipped the necklace over her head, then looped the black cord holding the man's ring around his own neck. 

He took both of her hands in his, and gazing into her deep brown eyes, he spoke. "You've sacrificed a lot for me. Kept my secrets, endured unnecessary pain..." 

As his voice drifted off, he briefly lowered his eyes, as if merely speaking the words filled him with sadness. Then allowing his attention to rest back on her, he continued. 

"You're risking your relationship with your family and friends, and even though you say you're doing it because you want to, I still can't help feeling guilty about it." He gave brief pause, swallowing thickly before continuing. "You've done all of this so selflessly, without me even asking you to. And I want you to know that I really appreciate it."

"I know you do, Dane."

He lifted his large palm to caress her cheek, then allowed his thumb to stroke the pad of her lips. 

"You inspire me," he said.

"To do what?"

"To become a better person."

Reveling in his sensual touch, she stared back at him, her gaze lowering to rest on his lips, and as she leaned in closer, so did he. The oral embrace they shared was soft and languid, tongues sliding against each other in a sensual caress. He gently pushed her onto her back, and as he positioned his lean body on top of hers, she arched toward him in delicious anticipation. 

Their kiss deepened, and as his hand slid sinuously along the tender flesh of her inner thigh, their lips moved together with increasing urgency, as if the kiss they shared would be their last. 

* * * *

Cold prickled Jeneda's skin, raising the hairs on her partially exposed arms and legs, and as she glanced at her digital alarm clock through sleep blurred eyes, she saw that it was nearly seven p.m. Seeking the warmth of her lover's body, she rolled over onto her side and reached out to pull him closer, but to her disappointment there was nothing but an empty space next to her.

Her eyes then drifted to the half empty pizza box that sat on the bedside table, and she was reminded of the meal that she and Dane had shared earlier that afternoon. She pushed the tangled sheets off her body then got out of bed, and after slipping into her silk robe, she exited the bedroom. 

The faint scent of cigarette smoke drifted into her nostrils as she headed for the living room, and as she saw that the window was halfway open, she poked her head out and glanced out onto the fire escape. 

Since his back was facing her, Dane was oblivious to the fact that Jeneda was watching him, and as he continued to look out on the street below, puffs of cigarette smoke swirled past his face. 

"Dane?"

His shoulders jumped slightly, and as he turned to face her, she saw that guilt was written all over his features. 

"Oh, hi. Sorry if I woke you. Guess I should have gone downstairs to smoke."

"It's okay." She lifted the window higher, and after climbing out, she sat on the ledge with her feet resting against the metal deck. "You smoke?" Though it was clearly a rhetorical question, she still sought an answer from him. 

"Occasionally. I'm gonna quit, though."

"Promise?" She asked in a tone that was more filled with worry than bossiness. 

He put the cigarette out with the heel of his boot and nudged it over the side of the metal walkway so that it fell to the ground below. Then he stepped closer so that he could slip his hands around her waist, and looking her straight in the eyes, he gave an oath. 

"Promise."

He tilted her chin up in preparation for a kiss, but just before his lips touched hers, he suddenly pulled away.

"What's wrong?" She asked.

"I stink of cigarettes."

"It's okay, I don't mind."

"Really?"

"Yeah. A little nicotine breath won't kill me, will it?"

She grabbed him playfully by the collar of his sweater, pulling him down to her level so that his mouth was only inches from hers, and as his tongue glided along her bottom lip, she gasped at the warm sensation and closed her eyes.

Their lips moved achingly slow, tongues tangling provocatively, and as he expertly probed her warm cavern she groaned, losing herself in the wet heat of his mouth. It took the sudden stillness of Dane's lips for Jeneda to realize that something was wrong, and as she broke the kiss to look into his eyes, she noticed a tall, ski mask clad figure standing directly behind him. 

"Well, ain't this romantic?" The unwelcome observer said in a dark, gravelly voice. 

Jeneda's orbs widened in horror as she realized he was pressing a gun against Dane's head, and she opened her mouth to scream, but it was promptly cut off as a gloved hand clamped over her mouth. 

Before she could even process what was happening, she was yanked backwards through the window, and as a strong hand snaked around her waist, she was forcibly pulled back into her apartment. 

Wriggling fiercely against her faceless captor, she utilized every bit of force to squirm out of his grasp, but his inhuman strength kept her bound tightly against him. 

Desperate to free herself, she bit hard into the leather of his glove, but this only resulted in her captor clamping his hand over her mouth even tighter.

As helpless as a ragdoll in the hands of an unruly child, Jeneda was half-dragged towards her bedroom, and upon arrival, she was flung onto the bed. Her body bounced from the impact as she landed face down, yet despite her disorientation from being so roughly handled, she still made a go at escaping. 

Filled with panic, she scrambled clumsily across the bed, but before she could reach the edge, a hand gripped her by the neck, slamming her flat against her back. 

Unable to let out more than a surprised squeak, she stared fearfully up at her captor, but with the room still dark, and the intruder wearing a hooded sweatshirt, she was unable to make out his face. Yet neither of these things mattered, because as he spoke, his identity was revealed.

"You lied to me, bitch. You betrayed my family."

Although his hand was still wrapped around her neck, it didn't stop her from trying to speak, but all that came out was a strange croaking noise. This only seemed to infuriate him more, because he tightened his grip, then spat out some more words.

"You must think I'm really stupid, huh? You really thought I wouldn't find out what your boyfriend did?"

His larger frame straddled hers, pinning her against the mattress as he retrieved a coil of rope from the pocket of his sweatshirt. He yanked her arms painfully above her head, then bound her wrists to the headboard with the speed and agility afforded him by years of service in the military. 

She cried out as he did it, wincing as the fibers from the rope cut into her flesh, then gazing at his hooded face, she pleaded with him in a shaky voice.

"Adrian, please. I never meant to hurt anyone, that wasn't my intention."

"Shut up! Lying won't get you out of this."

Having effectively immobilized her, he got off the bed, then switched on the bedside lamp. He then bent down and retrieved a combat knife that was tucked in his boot, and after setting it well out of her reach on the end of the bed, he reached into the pocket of his sweatshirt. 

Along with a roll of duct tape, he also pulled out a handgun, and after setting them next to the bowie knife he'd brought along, he poked his head out of the bedroom and yelled.

"Hey, Daniel!" 

"Yeah?" Came a gravelly voice from the front of the apartment. 

"What the fuck is taking so long? Hurry up and get that piece of shit in here so we can do this."

"I'll be right there."

Adrian turned back around to face Jeneda, then walked closer to her. He came to a stop on the side of the bed where she was sitting, and as he looked down at her with a murderous glare, she shifted nervously on the bed, struggling helplessly against the rope that tightly secured her wrists to the headboard. 

"I thought you said Daniel was in prison."

"He was just released a few days ago. Got out early for good behavior." A nasty sneer curled his lips. "I guess you can imagine how surprised my baby brother was when I filled him in on the latest events."

A nervous swallow preceded Jeneda's words. "Someone told you about this. Who was it?"

"No one told me."

"Then how did you find out?" 

"You leave your window open at night, and people tend to overhear things."

"So you were spying on me."

"You're damn right I was," he sharply retorted. "I heard everything your boyfriend said, and I know exactly what he did."

"Then you know that he didn't kill Vincent, and that the whole situation wasn't his fault."

"You think that makes a difference to me?" His eyes glinted with fury and his jaw tightened. "He's a filthy piece of scum that dumped my dad's body like garbage."

She said nothing in return, only looked away in shame as he continued to speak.

"You fucking whore," he spat. 

The venomous word caused Jeneda to turn her attention back on Adrian, her eyes narrowing to slits as she stared him down.

"Yeah, that's right. I called you a whore, because that's what you are." A brief pause followed his words. "My father treated you like his own daughter, and how do you respect his memory? By fucking the guy that assisted in his murder." 

"I knew nothing about it when I first met Dane. He didn't tell me until we were already a couple."

"And yet you still continued to see him, knowing full well what he'd done."

Filled with shame, she hung her head, feeling sadness and fear and remorse all at the same time. "I'm not proud of myself, and I know it was wrong of me not to tell you, but I never meant to hurt anyone. I swear." 

"No, of course you didn't. You just hoped that we would never find out."

Rendered speechless, she focused her eyes on the wall, and as silence stretched on, she felt her body tense under his stare. She could feel his energy enveloping her, so intense it was nearly stifling, and although she wasn't looking directly at him, she could tell that his hands were fisted at his sides. 

Her stomach was cramped with tension, and with each breath she took, her breathing grew more uneven. She was almost too scared to even speak, but there was a question she was seeking an answer to, so she asked him in a quavering tone.

"How did you get inside my apartment?" 

"You father gave me a key a few months ago. He wanted me to have it in case of emergencies, so I could look in on you." His eyes were hard and glinted with fury. "Speaking of your father, does he know about your dirty little secret?"

"No, I haven't told him." 

"Yeah, I figured you didn't. Guess I'm gonna have to be the one to give him the news." 

Turning her attention back on him, she said, "Please don't, It'll break his heart."

"No shit It'll break his heart." His voice had risen even higher. "But he still deserves to know, doesn't he? Or would you rather just continue lying to him, allowing him to believe you're his good little girl?"

"I never lied, I just didn't tell him."

"You're right, it was wrong of me to call you a liar." Adrian's words were rife with sarcasm. "You just *neglected* to give him the information that would solve his best friend's murder case."

"I didn't know how to tell him. I knew it would destroy him, and-" 

"No, don't you lie. Don't you dare fucking lie!" His voice held a warning, and he stepped even closer to the bed, looming over her smaller form. "You didn't keep the truth from your dad out of concern for his feelings. You did it to protect your boyfriend."

Spittle flew from his mouth, landing on her cheek, and as she stared up at his glowering face, she saw that it had reddened with anger. Never before had she been in the presence of someone so filled with rage, and although she knew he had every right in the world to be angry with her, it still scared her like hell seeing this other side of him. 

Yet despite her frightened state, she knew that she needed to explain herself, and as she opened her mouth to speak, words tumbled hurriedly from her lips.

"Yes, I wanted to protect Dane, I admit it. But don't you think I felt bad about it? I felt horrible, and disgusting, and like the world's biggest liar, and I knew I was betraying you all, but I never meant to hurt anyone."

"Bullshit! You had the chance to do the right thing, but instead of looking out for *us*, who are supposed to be your family, you chose instead to protect a stranger." 

"I was caught in an impossible situation," she said in a hysterical, almost pleading voice. "I was scared and confused and I didn't know what to do."

Although the words she'd spoken came straight from her heart, they sounded lame and phony to her ears, and she was left feeling even worse than before she'd said them. 

"You didn't know what to do?" A harsh scoff passed Adrian's lips. "What about turning him in? Didn't that ever cross your mind?"

"It did, but I couldn't bring myself to go through with it."

"That's right, because you were protecting him, and clearly he's the most important thing to you," Adrian said. "Well I hope you enjoyed your last night together, because he's gonna pay for all the pain and suffering he caused my family." His bluish gray eyes went even colder as he added, "And so are you."

He pulled a dirty rag out of the pocket of his hooded sweatshirt, then stuffed it into her mouth, effectively gagging her. The taste was nauseating-oily and sharply pungent like gasoline, and as the harsh scent entered her nostrils, she gave into several dry heaves. 




Velvet Roses Ch. 11



She had little time, however, to dwell on the involuntarily contractions of her stomach, because sounds of a violent struggle emitted from the living room. Raised voices were followed by the sound of shattering glass, then there was the unmistakable thud of a heavy object hitting the floor. 

Soon after, Jeneda heard the sound of heavy footsteps traveling down the hallway, and directing her attention towards the approaching steps, she anxiously waited. 

As Adrian's brother entered the bedroom, Jeneda saw that he was dragging a chair behind him, to which Dane was bound by rope. His arms were tied behind him and his ankles were secured to the legs of the chair, and a strip of duct tape had been placed over his mouth. 

As Dane's eyes met Jeneda's, she saw they were clouded with sadness, and although he was incapable of speaking, she knew exactly what he was communicating to her. 

I failed you.

Jeneda wished she could tell him that he hadn't, that they were just the victims of fucked up circumstances, but of course she was unable. Directing her gaze at Adrian's brother, she saw that his eyes were trained intently on her, and as he slowly approached the bed, she unconsciously shrank back. 

Wearing dark jeans, a fitted white t-shirt, and a black bomber jacket, Daniel stood around five foot ten. Just like his brother, he had olive toned skin and a muscular build, but that was where the similarities ended. 

While Adrian wore his hair in a military buzz cut, Daniel had his fashioned into a pomade style that was clearly modeled after Elvis. His eyes, which were brown, had dark circles beneath them, and as he came to a stop next to the bed where Jeneda was seated, she slowly lifted her head to meet his gaze.

"Hello, Jeneda. It's nice to see you again." 

He smiled but his eyes remained shadowed, and as he stood there looming over her smaller form, she couldn't help noticing that he was more powerfully built than the last time she'd seen him. Clearly his repeat visits to prison had hardened him in more ways than one, and as his mouth set in a grim, straight line, a murderous iciness came into his eyes.

All Jeneda saw was the blur of his hand as it sailed through the air, and as he delivered a fierce backhand to her face, she yelped out in pain. The sting that resulted was indescribable, and as a stabbing sensation radiated from her left eye to the back of her head, she gave a muffled whimper. 

From behind the duct tape, Dane loudly protested, fiercely struggling against the ropes that bound him to the chair he was sitting in. The sound of his anguished grunts caused Daniel to look over at him, and with a devious smile on his lips, he spoke a few words. 

"Oh don't worry. You'll get your turn, too."

Daniel then directed his attention back to Jeneda, and brutally fisting a handful of her hair, her craned her head upward so that she was forced to look into his eyes. 

"You may as well have just spit on my father's grave," he sneered. "It would have hurt him a whole lot less." 

Still recovering from the blow that he'd dealt her, she blinked back the tears that had welled up, struggling to focus out of her injured eye. It seemed to her that Daniel was possessed by madness because his body was trembling with rage, and for a moment she became certain he was going to hit her again. 

Yet instead of assaulting her with his fists, he leaned in closer to her, his beer scented breath falling hotly against her cheek as he whispered.

"Just remember, you *chose* this."

The words were harsh but true and as she gave an anxious swallow, forcing back the bitter saliva that had collected in the base of her throat. Daniel released her from his grip, then turned to face Dane who was glowering intensely at him. His chest rose and fell with each heavy breath that he took, and his eyes were narrowed to slits. Daniel returned his withering look, then shrugged out of his jacket and threw it on the floor. 

Turning his attention to his brother, Daniel asked, "So what's the plan? We beat the shit out of him first, then knife him, right?

"Knife, shoot, throw him off the fire escape- I don't care how we do it, I just want the fucker dead."

"Unless you have a silencer on that gun, shooting will attract attention. Fire escape's a bad idea, too. By the time we make it down there, somebody will have spotted him. They see us walking out of the building, where do you think fingers will point?" 

"Alright, so we stab him. Can we just get on with this?" Adrian took off his sweatshirt to reveal a racerback tank that clung to his muscled upper body, then began to crack his knuckles. 

Dane's eyes shifted between the two brothers who stood in front of him, and as Daniel stepped forward, Dane straightened his shoulders, as if to brace himself. 

Daniel reared his fist back and aiming it straight for Dane's nose, he landed a solid punch. Dane's head snapped back sharply, the force of it visibly stunning him, and as Adrian followed up with a powerful blow to his jaw, a meaty smack resounded, turning Jeneda's stomach.

Another punch was thrown, but this time by Daniel, who slammed his fist into Dane's left eye. Adrian's knuckles slammed into Dane's right one, resulting in a pained grunt from Dane's obstructed mouth. 

The next punch collided squarely with Dane's jaw and his face snapped to the right, but as Daniel hammered his fist against the opposite side of Dane's face, his head whipped back in the other direction. 

Blow after blow, the brothers continued taking turns, brutally pummeling, punching, and smashing their fists into Dane's face. 

Helpless to do anything except watch on in horror, Jeneda struggled desperately against her restraints. The ropes bit into her wrists as she did it, but the pain was inconsequential.

Grunts from punches thrown and landed, dull thuds of flesh pounding flesh, and the cruel words that Daniel and Adrian hurled at Dane were far more afflictive to her than any physical discomfort. Yet despite her best efforts to get free, the ropes only seemed to tighten. 

Unable to stand the sight of her lover being used as a human punching bag, Jeneda turned her head and squeezed her eyes shut. Yet instead of relieving her emotional torment, it only increased it. With loss of sight came heightened hearing, and with every blow that Dane received, she flinched. 

An endless expanse of time seemed to pass before the violent noises abated, and as she peeked her eyes open to take a cautious glance, she saw both Adrian and Daniel gazing her way. 

While Daniel had a smirk on his lips, Adrian's mouth was set in a straight, thin line, and as her attention drifted downward, she saw that his fists were still clenched. 

Her eyes then drifted to Dane, who was sitting slumped in the chair with his chin tilted to the ground. His hair obscured his features, so she wasn't able to get a good look at his face, but she could tell from his labored breathing that he was in agony.  

Wanting to show off the damage his fists had created, Daniel grabbed a handful of Dane's hair, then harshly yanked his head up. A shriek tore from Jeneda's throat, audible even behind the gag, and as she gaped at her lover's pummeled face, Daniel's lips twisted into a wicked smile.

Blood trickled from Dane's nostrils down to his duck taped mouth, and his eyes, which were so swollen they had narrowed to slits, seemed to barely focus on her. His jaw and cheekbones were mottled with angry red marks, and his chest rose and fell harshly, as if he was struggling to breathe.

An anguished cry broke through the dirty rag that was stuffed in Jeneda's mouth, and utterly horrified by the sight of Dane's bloody and battered face, she turned her head away and gave into tears. Clearly pleased with Jeneda's reaction, Daniel emitted a light chuckle. 

Although Jeneda's eyes were trained elsewhere, her peripheral vision allowed her to notice that Daniel had turned his attention back on Dane. He was thoughtfully eyeing Dane's torso, as if struggling to decide where to hit first, then lashing out with unrestrained fury, he landed a powerful punch to his gut. 

Dane doubled over, winded and gasping violently behind his gag. The sound made Jeneda's stomach twist into knots, and as Adrian and Daniel began to viciously pummel her lover's head and body, she shut her eyes tightly. 

As the beating continued, she cried out behind her gag, begging for Adrian and Daniel to stop. But of course her wish went unheeded and she silently wept, shoulders shaking as hot tears squeezed their way past her closed lids. 

It seemed that the brothers were channeling every shred of energy into their punches, because the sickening sound of flesh pounding flesh grew louder by the second. 

As Dane's muffled groans rose in volume, Jeneda's urge to vomit became nearly overwhelming. She gave a hard swallow to force back the bile that threatened to rise, but this only seemed to encourage it. 

Blow after blow, the brothers tirelessly continued on, and she found herself wondering if she'd somehow crossed over into another plane of existence, because if purgatory existed on earth, then her bedroom was the current location. 

The sounds of fists pounding skin eventually lessened, and as they finally tapered off, Jeneda came to the realization that she was whimpering uncontrollably. 

Her body was curled into a tight ball, and her cheek was pressed flat against a slat on the headboard. She opened one eye tentatively, then another, before slowly turning her head. 

Adrian and Daniel were breathing heavily, shoulders heaving from their exertions as they stared silently at their captive's bruised and bloodied form. 

Dane, who sat slouched in the chair before them, was making disgruntled noises behind his gag. His head lolled to one side, and his left cheek and jaw was smeared with the blood that trickled from his broken nose, but his eyes were still open. 

Thoroughly distressed, yet unable to tear her gaze away, Jeneda stared at Dane with wide, distraught eyes. He stared right back with a curiously blank look on his face, then blinked his eyes several times, as if struggling to focus. 

His attention was promptly averted as Adrian ripped off the duct tape that was covering his mouth, then jerking him forward by the collar of his sweater, Adrian questioned him in a threatening voice. 

"Where did you dump his body?"

Although he was looking straight at Adrian, Dane seemed to not really see him, and he elicited a pained groaned. Then, in a tone that was unmistakably hostile, he uttered a few words.

"What did he say?" Asked Daniel.

"I don't know," Adrian said. "Sounds like Japanese." 

As if to confirm, Dane spoke again. But this time he spat out the words, baring his teeth as he did it. "Kusu o taberu na."

"Speak English, you fucker." Adrian said. "Or we'll knock your teeth in." As if to reinforce his statement, he lifted his fist and aimed it towards Dane's mouth. 

"Break his fingers instead," said Daniel. "That'll get him talking."

"*You* break his fingers."

"Alright, I will," said Daniel, and he bent down behind the chair that Dane was sitting in. 

A sickening snap resounded through the air, followed by another, and Dane howled in anguish, then gagged before he bowed over and vomited up a thin stream of bile. 

The horrifying display caused Jeneda's stomach to clench, and her stomach roiled violently. Her fingers throbbed painfully, as if she were somehow sharing her lover's physical suffering, and her vision blurred with tears. 

She'd never felt so disgusted in her life, and although she knew she didn't have a chance in hell of stopping Dane's torture, she still fought viciously against the ropes that held her captive. 

"Come on you little pussy, don't pass out now," Daniel cruelly taunted as Dane's body grew limp. "Take it like a man!" 

Still slumped over in the chair, Dane's head was hung low, nearly touching his knees. His hair obscured his face, so his expression was hidden, but the shuddering of his body told Jeneda that he was in unimaginable pain.

Adrian watched on with an unreadable expression, then turned away and walked towards the end of the bed, where he picked up the bowie knife that was sitting on the bedspread. "That's enough, you can stop now." 

"What do you mean I can stop? I only broke two of his fingers." Disappointment spread across Daniel's face.

"I want him kept conscious." Adrian unsheathed the blade of the knife in his hand, then ran his finger along the sharp edge of it.

"Why? We're just gonna stab him anyways."

"Exactly. So let's just get this done and get outta here."

Daniel sighed with irritation, glanced at Dane, and then finally acquiesced. "Alright, let's finish him." 

A spike of sheer panic shot through Jeneda at the sound of Daniel's words, but before the brothers could execute their plan, a ringtone sounded, commanding the attention of Adrian, who was reaching into the pocket of his jeans. 

He glanced at the display screen of his cell phone, and upon noting the caller, he said, "I need to take this."

"You gotta be kidding me." 

"It's an important call. I'll only be a minute."

Daniel blew out a deep breath, then said, "Fine, but make it quick."

Adrian closed the bedroom door behind him as he exited, and as Daniel was left to stand there alone, he gazed in silence at Dane's battered, raggedly breathing form. He directed his attention to a roll of duct tape on the edge of the bed, and after tearing off a piece, he sealed Dane's mouth closed. 

Daniel turned to face Jeneda, and the moment his eyes met hers, she instantly knew what he was thinking. He slowly approached her with a leering gaze and she shrank back, curling her legs beneath her as she pressed herself against the headboard. It seemed that Dane also sensed what Daniel was planning, because he lifted his head and stared intently at his captor. 

Upon reaching the side of the bed, Daniel allowed his eyes to wander over her robe-clad form. Jeneda's stomach curdled under his lecherous stare, and as the bed dipped beneath his weight, she recoiled even further, pressing her body so tightly against the headboard that the metal rungs dug into her back.

Daniel's close proximity to Jeneda elicited muffled bellows from Dane's duct taped mouth, and he struggled fiercely against the ropes that immobilized his arms and legs. 

Clearly gratified by the sound of Dane's protests, Daniel looked over his shoulder to give him a devious smile. "Struggle all you want, but you won't get free. So why don't you just sit back and enjoy the show?" 

Spatters of Dane's blood marred Daniel's fitted white T-shirt, and as she realized it was from the brutal beating he'd given Dane, a wave of nausea assaulted her. 

With both their mouths restrained, Dane and Jeneda only had their eyes to communicate, but that was more than enough for them to wordlessly convey their thoughts. 

Brimming with anguish, Dane's eyes conveyed shame, self loathing, and most of all, failure. Hers were just as sorrowful as his, but there was also a spark of defiance in them, and as Daniel pulled her legs out from beneath her, she decided then and there that she wasn't going down without a fight. 

Gripping a knee in each hand, he roughly spread her legs apart, then quickly undid his button and zipper. He grinned at her the entire time, as if internally laughing at some joke that only he was aware of, then slid his jeans off his hips. 

Dane shouted behind the gag, nostrils flaring as his body shook with anger. The tendons in his arms bulged as he struggled against his restraints, and the chair he was sitting in nearly tipped over from his violent exertions. 

This brought a chuckle to Daniel's lips and he turned his head to look at Dane. "Simmer down there, boy. You aren't getting free of those ropes, so you may as well just give up." He then gazed back at Jeneda, and sliding his boxers down to expose himself, he said, "Now try not to make too much too much noise. We don't want him getting jealous, do we?"

Her stomach turned at the sight of his erection, and allowing anger to fuel her, she aimed a vicious kick straight for his crotch. 

The ball of her foot connected solidly and he cried out in pain, grasping his balls as he sputtered and gasped for air. Taking advantage of his weakened form, she followed up with a kick to the gut.

The solid wall of muscle that was his stomach proved a formidable shield against her strike, and rather than deter, it only made him all the more angry. Still clutching his crotch, he cursed beneath his breath, and as a feral growl escaped his lips, she saw his eyes flash with rage.

"Filthy bitch!" he spat.

His face was red with anger, and before she had time to process what was happening, he'd wrapped his fingers around her neck and bashed her head against the headboard. 

Rendered dizzy from the blow, she was helpless to do anything except lay defenseless beneath him. Dane's muffled objections grew louder, and as Daniel pinned her legs against the mattress, she screamed behind the gag, struggling wildly against the ropes that held her captive. 

Then suddenly, a booming voice called out.

"What the hell are you doing?"

The sound of Adrian's voice caused Daniel to halt his ministrations, and he glanced over his shoulder to give his brother an annoyed look.

"What the fuck does it look like?"

"Get off of her. *Right now*."

"Why?"

"Because I said so." Adrian's tone demanded obedience.

"What's your problem? I thought you wanted to punish her?"

"Not like this. Raping was never part of the plan."

"It is now." 

"I'm not fucking around with you, Daniel." He stepped closer to the bed. "I said get off her."

"Fuck you," he sneered.

Adrian made a quick lunge for his brother, and upon grasping the collar of his T-shirt, he yanked him off the bed. Daniel landed on the floor with a hard thud, and before he could recover, Adrian straddled him, pinning him down by the shoulders.

"I will *not* allow you to do this, understand me?" He asked through clenched teeth.

"Have you forgotten what this cunt did? She betrayed us, Adrian. She fucked over our entire family."

"That still doesn't make it right for us to rape her."

"Oh, but it makes it right for us to kill *him*, huh?" Daniel pointed at Dane, who was watching them with an intent gaze.

"It's different with him, and you know it."

"The only thing I know is that you're going soft. What the hell is it with you and this broad? Why are you protecting her all of a sudden?" His eyes narrowed with suspicion.

Offering no response, Adrian released Daniel from his hold, got to his feet, then turned away from his brother.

"Answer the question, Adrian," Daniel said as he lifted himself up, then pulled up his pants and zipped them.

"I don't have to explain a damn thing, so shut your trap."

"No, tell me."

With a quick turn on his heel, Adrian charged at Daniel, and with a strong push against his chest, slammed him against the wall. "I said shut your fucking trap!"

"You little punk. Who the hell do you think you're talking to?"

"A piece of shit ex-con who gets his rocks off raping women."

With an animalistic growl, Daniel forcefully pushed Adrian away, then brought his hands up to chin level and got into a boxing stance. "You wanna go up against me? Come on."

"You're challenging me to a fight? Here?" He looked around incredulously. "You gotta be fucking kidding me."

Forgoing words in favor of fists, Daniel swung a punch at Adrian, landing it square on his jaw. Adrian countered his brother's strike with a fist to the nose, then quickly followed up with one to the gut. This only spurred Daniel on, and he delivered a hard left hook squarely on Adrian's chin, knocking him off his feet.




Velvet Roses Ch. 11



The minute he hit the ground, Daniel straddled him. He reached into his back pocket and retrieved a switchblade, and as the knife sprung free, he pressed it against his brother's throat.

"From now on, we're doing things my way," Daniel said, his teeth bared like a dog with rabies. "I don't take orders from no one, especially not you."

"Are you nuts? Get off me, Daniel."

"Apologize first."

"I said get off me, you fucking nutcase!"

Rather than acquiesce, Daniel pressed the knife more firmly against Adrian's windpipe, and as a thin line of blood seeped from the shallow cut, Adrian gritted his teeth against the pain.

"Apologize." Daniel angled the point of the knife against Adrian's Adam's apple. "Say you're sorry or I'll cut you right open." 

"Alright, fine. I'm sorry, okay?" he choked out. "Now get that knife off my throat." 

As if possessed by madness, Daniel's lips pulled back, nostrils flaring in fury, then finally he removed the blade from Adrian's throat and got to his feet.

"You better not talk to me like that ever again." Daniel's voice was low and dangerous, his stance threatening as he glowered down at his injured brother.

Blood trickled from the cut on Adrian's throat, and as he rose to his full height, his eyes narrowed to slits. "You're insane," he hissed. "You've completely lost your fucking mind."

Daniel took a step closer to Adrian. So close, that their noses nearly touched. "I could have done a lot worse, you little shit. Just remember that."

The expression on Adrian's face was one of homicidal intent, his jaw clenching repeatedly as a storm raged in his eyes. "This is over. We're done here." He turned on his heel and gathered his handgun and bowie knife from the edge of the bed, then retrieved his sweatshirt from the floor. But before he could exit the bedroom, Daniel called out to him.

"It's not over until I say It's over."

Adrian halted his steps, turned to face his brother, and then lifted the gun and aimed it straight at him. "We're leaving. Now. So get your shit and let's go."

This only drew a chuckle from Daniel's lips and he slowly sauntered towards Adrian, only coming to stop once the barrel of the gun was pressed against his chest. 

"Go on," he goaded. "Be a man for once and pull the trigger. Or are you too chicken shit to go through with it?" 

He said nothing in return, only stared Daniel down with hard, cold eyes. The contempt between the two brothers was so thick it hung in the air like a cloud, and as Jeneda waited with bated breath, she noticed Adrian's finger tighten on the trigger. 

The seconds which passed seemed like minutes, and the space around them brimmed with unnerving expectancy. Yet instead of heeding his brother's advice, Adrian lowered the gun, then turned and walked out of the bedroom. 

"Yeah, just what I thought, you pussy," Daniel called out after him.

The hardwood floor creaked as Adrian's heavy footsteps continued down the hallway, and for a few moments all Daniel did was stand there staring after his brother. Then suddenly, as if coming out of a trance, he jerked his head around to look at Jeneda. 

As he stared at her, she glared right back at him, and for a moment she was certain that he was going to make another attempt at violating her body, but as his eyes drifted to Dane, she noticed his grip tighten on the knife he was holding.

He took a step towards Dane, then another before coming to a stop right in front of him. Then in one swift motion, he delivered a stunning punch to his throat. 

The force of it caused Dane's head to violently snap back, and for a moment, he made no sound at all. Then a horrible wheezing noise suddenly erupted from his mouth, followed by a harsh, string of coughs that racked his body.

His shoulders heaved with every breath that he took and he squeezed his eyes shut, face tightening with pain. His body slumped back against the chair, and as the horrible wheezing noises turned into desperate gasps, Jeneda knew he was fighting to breathe. 

Daniel continued to watch on with morbid interest, studying Dane intently as his ragged breaths tapered off. Then with frightening suddenness, Dane's head lolled to the side and his body went completely slack.

Too stunned to do anything except stare wide eyed, Jeneda watched on in horror as Daniel turned nonchalantly away from Dane, and after casting one last rageful glare toward Jeneda, he picked up his jacket from the floor and casually ambled out of the bedroom.

A few seconds later there was a thump out on the fire escape, followed by the unmistakable sound of Daniel descending the metal ladder, and that was when an anguished wail tore from Jeneda's throat. It was a long, heart wrenching cry, lips quivering as she willed Dane to give her a sign that he was still alive. 

His head was lolled to one side, and blood trickled from his nose, providing a sharp contrast against his pale skin. His face was blank and his eyelids half mast- unseeing and void of even the slightest glimmer of recognition. 

He didn't appear to be blinking, but from what she could see, the rise and fall of his chest was very minimal. She also noticed that his pale complexion had become impossibly whiter, and as she stared at his lean, unmoving form, she suddenly became aware of the silence surrounding her.

The steady dripping of the leaky bathroom faucet was the only thing to cut through the stillness, and as the seconds ticked by, the sound became deafening. For some reason it made the hair on the back of her neck stand on end, and as she came to the realization that Dane was fading right before her very eyes, a spike of sheer panic raced through her body. 

Her heartbeat resonated in her ears, pounding so hard she could feel it in her throat, yet rather than be incapacitated by her emotions, she sprung into action.

Her eyes immediately darted to the bedside table beside her, and upon noticing that her cell phone was hidden beneath a pizza box, she leaned over, angling her body so that her nose bumped against the edge of the cardboard carton. She nudged the pizza box aside until it fell to the floor, and after gripping her cell phone with her teeth, she lifted it from the nightstand.

She moved carefully and slowly, but apparently she wasn't painstaking enough, because her cell phone managed to free itself from the captivity of her teeth and clatter noisily to the hardwood floor. 

As if to reinforce the hopelessness of the situation, the outer shell of the phone broke apart, and as the battery fell out, she was left to stare in dismay at the remains of her mobile. 

Her gaze shifted to Dane, and as she noticed that he was still unmoving and breathing weakly, her chest tightened painfully. Panic beckoned her and her vision was clouded with tears, but now wasn't the time to give up. 

Wild with hysteria, her eyes scanned the surface of the bedside table for anything that might aid her in removing her restraints. Keys, loose change, a stack of books, and a bottle of aspirin were among the useless items on the table, but as her attention came to rest on an envelope opener, a rush of hope swept through her. 

Imitating her earlier move, she leaned in closer to the nightstand, then angled her head so that she could capture the letter opener, but in her rush to grasp it between her teeth, she knocked off a glass of water, sending it shattering to the floor.

Rather than deter, it only spurred her on, and after some creative maneuvering she finally managed to grasp the letter opener with her mouth. After dropping it on the bed, she shifted her body so that she could nudge the object behind her with her toes, and as her fingers found purchase against the sharp edge of the knife-like object, she went to work at cutting her restraints. 

The envelope opener had a fairly sharp blade, but it still took a fair amount of time and effort to cut through the rope, and by the time she managed to slice through her restraints, blisters had formed on her fingertips. 

No sooner had her hands been released, did she hastily get out of bed, but the moment her feet touched the ground, a crunching noise cut through the air, followed by her shrill cry of pain.

In her rush to get to Dane, she'd completely forgotten about the glass that had shattered, and as a wickedly sharp piece sliced into the bottom of her right foot, she winced, but continued on.

The moment she reached Dane, she sank to her knees behind him, and as she saw that the thumb and index finger of his right hand were deformed and bent at a sickening angle, her stomach heaved.

She turned away, placing a hand over her mouth while she fought to control her stomach, and after taking a few deep breaths, she went to work at freeing him from his restraints.

As she hastily cut through the rope that bound his wrists and ankles, her vision clouded with hot tears, and after rising to her feet and sinking to her knees in front of him, she removed the duct tape that sealed his mouth. 

A barely audible whimper sounded from his lips, and as she looked into his badly swollen eyes, she saw him blink once, then twice before uttering some barely intelligible words. 

"Hospital..." The words came out as little more than a croak and he winced, as if the act of speaking pained him greatly. 

"Yes, of course. What am I thinking?" She hastily asked before grabbing her phone from the floor. "I'll get an ambulance right away." 

She hurriedly replaced the battery that had popped out, then quickly dialed 911. The call send button was never depressed, however, because Dane suddenly called out to her in a panic.

"*No*."

Jeneda whipped her head around to look at him, and as her eyes met his, she saw there was genuine worry in them. She also noticed that his bloodied lips were moving without sound, as if he were struggling to push out more words.

"Can't go." His face contorted into a grimace and he took a few swallows, shifting in his seat before forcing the next few words out. "No hospital."

"Why?" Her brows knitted tightly together. "Dane, this is serious. You *have* to go."

"No," he wheezed, then gave a harsh cough and spit up blood that had collected in his mouth. 

"Listen to me, Dane," Jeneda said as she tenderly cradled his battered face in her hands. "Going is*not* an option." Her words were razor sharp, her soft, feminine features hardening into an expression of deep concern. "I'm calling an ambulance and they're taking you to the hospital. You have no say in this."

She grabbed her phone, and after connecting with emergency services, she quickly gave them the information. After ending the call, she traced a hand ever so lightly over his hair, pushing back the disheveled strands that hung in his eyes, then stared up into his puffy face.

"Oh my God." 

Jeneda's voice wavered with emotion, her gaze roving from his eyes that were so puffy they were nearly shut, before lowering to his nose, which was broken and leaked copious amounts of blood that filled the air with a strong, coppery scent. Both sides of his face had bruises forming along the jaw, and his lips were swollen from being punched in the mouth. 

Her gaze them came to focus on his throat, and that was when she noticed that it was beginning to swell. It was clear to see that Dane was struggling to take in air, because his breathing was uneven, and his Adam's apple constantly bobbed up and down, as if he was trying to clear a blockage in his windpipe.

Although she knew it was a bad idea to traumatize herself any further, she still chose to lift his shirt, and upon seeing what lay underneath, she inhaled sharply, then clamped a hand over her mouth and whimpered into it. 

The bruises on his torso were more horrific than she could have ever imagined, scattered along his stomach and ribs, and as her eyes came to rest on one particularly angry red mark, she saw that it was actually in the shape of knuckles.

An electric jolt went through her heart at the sight of it, and unable to bear the sight of his battered torso, she pulled his sweater back down, then reached up to gingerly caress his cheek. 

"Oh babe, I'm so sorry." Fat tears tracked down her cheeks, and she sputtered faintly before blubbering, "They won't get away with this. We'll press charges, and-" Her voice suddenly halted as she realized that they couldn't press charges, and as the terrible reality of the situation hit her full force, her chest tightened with dread.

A sharp rapping at the front door cut through her dismal thoughts, and after rushing to the front door and opening it, the paramedics stepped in. What happened next was little more than a blur, and as they loaded Dane onto a stretcher and wheeled him out, his slitted eyes drifted close. 

* * * *

The hospital room smelled strongly of antiseptic, and the sound of voices calling out codes over the intercom drifted in from the hallway. The chair Jeneda sat in was located next to the bed Dane was reclining in, and as she placed a palm over the splinted fingers of his right hand, he emitted a faint murmur. 

His eyelashes fluttered, then his eyes slowly opened, and as he turned his head to look at Jeneda, she gave him a weak smile. A pained groan escaped his lips, and after swallowing dryly, he opened his mouth to speak.

"I told you no hospital."

"So what should I have done?" She asked. "Left you at home to suffer in pain?" Her tone came out sounding harsher than she'd expected, and reminding herself of the torture he'd been through, she once again softened. "I had to bring you, Dane. There's no way I could have taken care of you at home."

His eyes darted around the room, as if searching for some invisible threat. Then resting his gaze back on Jeneda, he said, "Take me home."

Although his voice came out as more of a murmur, his tone was firm and demanded obedience.

"I can't do that."

"Yes, you can. Now get me out of here."

"Sweetie, I don't think that's such a good idea. You should at least stay overnight so they can-"

"I'm not staying here!" Using his uninjured hand, he threw the covers back, then rolled onto his side and attempted to get onto his feet. 

"Dane, stop it. You haven't been discharged yet." 

She hurried around to the other side of bed and tried to stop him from getting up, but he only evaded her grasp, then pushed himself onto his feet. 

His face twisted in pain, grunts emitting from his mouth as he made slow, methodical steps toward a closet located next to the bathroom. 

Upon reaching it, he opened the door, then pulled his clothes out of a clear plastic bag. She watched in frustration as he stripped out of his hospital gown, and as he began to sluggishly dress himself, she offered her assistance.

"You shouldn't be doing this," she said as she helped him into his pants, then zipped and buttoned them up.

"I don't like hospitals, and I won't be forced to stay here." He lifted his arms so that he could pull his sweater on, and as Jeneda helped him into it, he groaned in pain.

She sighed deeply, and as concern etched her features, she spoke. "Alright, I'll get you out of here. But we're going to your apartment."

"No, take me to your place."

"Your apartment is safer. And besides, Adrian has a key to my place, so we can't go back there until I can get the locks changed."

"There are emergency locksmiths. We'll call one."

She bent down to help him into his boots, and after tying them, she pulled herself up to her full height and gingerly slung his arm around her shoulders. Then she slipped her hand around his waist and they slowly made their way to the door. 

"I really don't feel good about going back there," she said. "Especially not so soon."

"Just take me to your place. Please. I want to go to your apartment." 

As she looked up into his face, she saw that his eyes were pleading with her, and she nodded her head, then gave him a loving rub on the back. 

"Okay, we'll go to my place." 

He swayed as they continued forward, leaning slightly on her shorter frame, and as they exited the door and walked out into the hallway, a pixie haired nurse pushing a blood pressure monitor spotted them. As they walked closer towards her, she studied Dane's battered face, then came to a halt and blocked their path.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm going home," Dane said.

"Have you been officially discharged?"

"No."

"Then you aren't leaving," she sternly said. 

"You can't keep me here against my will."

She remained silent, as if considering his words, then turned on her heel and briskly headed back down the corridor. Dane and Jeneda exchanged a brief look before continuing forward, and as they made their way past the nurse's station and toward the elevators, they heard a voice call out after them.

They looked back over their shoulders to see a doctor with boyish good looks rushing towards them, and as he saw where they were headed, his mouth set in a straight, grim line. 

"I don't recall discharging you, Mr. Leventhal."

"That's because you didn't." Dane spoke firmly while staring straight into the physician's eyes.

"I strongly recommend that you remain in our care. At least for the night." 

"I'd rather go home."

"Need I remind you of the beating you endured?" He flipped back a page that was attached to his metal clipboard, then began to list Dane's injuries. "Two broken fingers, a cracked rib, a broken nose, extensive bruising to your torso, partial obstruction of the throat caused by a blow to the Adam's apple..." His voice drifted off and he gave Dane a serious look. "Please reconsider. These injuries aren't to be taken lightly."

"I appreciate your concern, doctor, but there's nothing you can say to keep me here."

The physician exhaled a heavy breath before saying, "Fine. Just know that there are risks involved with an unauthorized release, and that by doing so, you sign away our legal responsibility to you."

"I understand." 

"At least let me give you some take-home instructions." His eyes then shifted to Jeneda. "I assume you'll be taking care of him?"

She nodded. "He'll be staying with me until he gets better."

"Then you'll need to know how and when to change his dressings, as well as guidelines on how to bathe him." He gave brief pause, glancing back and forth between the two of them. Then in a tone which expressed reluctance, he said, "Just give me a minute, and I'll print out the instructions."

While the doctor headed off to the nurse's station, Jeneda gazed up into Dane's two swollen black eyes, and with a look of concern, she asked, "You sure you don't want to stay overnight?"

"Positive."

Her eyes shifted to his splinted nose before drifting to the marks that mottled his jaw, and as her gaze came to rest on the vicious looking bruise on his throat, she reached up to tenderly stroke it. 

As her thumb lightly grazed over his injured Adam's apple, Dane looked down into her eyes. His palm cupped her cheek with the same gentleness that she was giving him, and as they stood there staring into each other's eyes, an unspoken understanding passed between them. 

They were irrevocably linked now, and although what lay ahead was a complete mystery to the both of them, they knew that their paths had been entwined for a reason. As this thought ran through Jeneda's head, she was reminded of the last love note that Dane had left on her fire escape, and the words he'd written reverberated in her mind.

*We're meant to be together and you know it.*

Not having broken eye contact for even a second, Jeneda continued to gaze into his eyes, and as Dane craned down to kiss her, she whispered against his lips.

"You were right. We are meant to be together."

His brow cocked in surprise, followed his lips curling into a sad little smile. "But I'm a beast. How can you still love me?"




Velvet Roses Ch. 11



"You're no beast." Her palms cradled his face, thumbs softly stroking his impossibly high cheekbones. "You're beautiful, and you're mine, and I love you unconditionally."

He sighed faintly, as if relieved to hear the words, then leaned in closer, but before his lips could touch hers, the doctor returned.

"Sorry to interrupt," he said, although from the look on his face he was anything but regretful for intruding on their tender moment. "Hopefully these instructions will be of aid to you."

As he handed over the sheet, Jeneda gave it a quick once over, then looked back up at the doctor. "I'm sure it will be very helpful. Thanks, we appreciate it."

"Not a problem." He turned his attention to Dane, and with a thoughtful look on his face, he said, "I really wish you would reconsider. But the choice is yours to make, so I do hope you'll make a quick recovery."

"Thank you," Dane said.

"Well, I guess that's it, then. Goodbye."

He turned and walked away from them, leaving them to head for the elevators, and after reaching the first floor, Dane and Jeneda exited the hospital.

It was cold and brisk outside, but the heat from their closely pressed together bodies kept them warm, and as they made their way to her car, Jeneda found herself grateful to have Dane by her side.

Although she knew his decision to leave the hospital was less than wise, she was also happy that he was going home with her, and was comforted by the fact that they would be able to spend the night in the same bed. 

After helping Dane into the car, Jeneda climbed behind the wheel and took off. During the drive, Dane fell into a light sleep, so the sound of his soft breathing was the only thing to fill the silence between them. But every now again, when she went over a pothole or turned a corner just a little too fast, a light grunt of pain would pass his lips. 

By the time they reached her apartment, it was well after one a.m., and after rousing Dane, she helped him out of the car and up the steps toward her apartment. With him clutching the banister and tightly gripping her waist, it took some effort for them to reach the top, but finally they made it inside of the warm, well lit lobby.

They took the elevator up to her floor, and after unlocking the door and walking him into the bedroom, Dane collapsed on the bed. She turned the lamp on, then bent down to take his shoes off, and after shimmying his pants off his legs, she gingerly lifted his sweater over his head. 

With his torso now exposed for her, she found herself eyeing the dark purple bruises that covered his stomach, and as her gaze to rest on a tight bandage that held his ribs in place, an audible gasp escaped her lips. 

The gauzy material was partially stained with a dark brown color, and on certain other areas of the bandage, a gooey, yellowish substance appeared to be seeping through. 

It should have made her stomach turn, yet instead it only filled her with deep concern, and she suddenly found herself wishing that Dane had chosen to remain in the hospital overnight. Clearly she had no say in the matter, though, so she pulled the covers up over his body, then gently lifted his head and placed two pillows beneath it.

He murmured sleepily as she placed a kiss against his lips, and after soothingly running a palm over his hair, she walked out into the hallway and dialed 411. After getting the number for an emergency locksmith, she called them up and told them that she needed immediate service. 

Then she went back into her bedroom and after laying down next to Dane, she took his hand in her own and watched the rise and fall of his bare chest. He slept soundly, his long, dark lashes resting against his pale cheekbones, and his lips were parted slightly to release the gentle breaths he was taking. 

She longed to strip down to her underwear and slide beneath the covers with him, but she wouldn't be able to do that until the locks had been changed. So despite her intense need to lay skin to skin with her lover, she continued to watch him, silently keeping her silent vigil.



Velvet Roses Ch. 12



The next few days passed with Dane on bedrest, and with Jeneda to take care of him, he barely did anything for himself. All of his meals were prepared by her, and she also gave him bed baths, ran his errands, picked up necessary items from his apartment, and even picked up books for him from the library. 

Except for him using the bathroom and feeding himself, Jeneda took care of his every need. Used to being independent, Dane quickly grew tired of being confined to the bed, and by the second day of bedrest, he began taking walks around the apartment. By the third day, he was well enough to make it down to the lobby by himself, and although he did it without Jeneda's approval, he began taking strolls twice a day up and down the length of her block. 

Worried that Daniel and Adrian might be planning another attack, she tried to accompany him, but he refused. At first she felt a little hurt, and found herself wondering if he was getting tired of being around her. But then she realized that he probably needed to be alone with his thoughts, so she gave him space and respected his need for alone time.

Now five days into his recovery, Dane was nearly back to his old self. The bruises on his face had nearly faded, and apart from his two broken fingers and fractured nose, which was still healing, he was almost fully recovered. The previous four days had been somewhat taxing for several reasons, but now that the week was nearing its end, Jeneda felt nothing but grateful for Dane's speedy recovery. 

She was in the kitchen toasting waffles when Dane emerged from the bedroom, naked except for a towel which hung loosely around his waist. His hair was dripping wet and his body smell faintly of lavender shower gel. 

The smile on his lips told her that he was in a good mood, and as he sidled up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, she offered a greeting.

"Morning, honey." 

"Morning." He tenderly kissed her neck, then watched as she stacked waffles onto a large plate.

"You really are a late riser, aren't you? It's almost noon."

"In what time zone?" He asked. "Last time I checked, it was barely eleven o'clock."

"Close enough." 

He lightly chuckled, then released her to retrieve a carton of milk from the fridge. After pouring himself a glass, he took a generous sip, then leaned against the counter.

"How are you feeling?" she asked.

"Pretty good. That soreness around my ribs is gone, and when I swallow, I don't feel any pain.

Recalling the severe throat punch he'd received, she found herself appreciative that the damage hadn't been worse. "That's great news. Definitely glad to hear it."

Having finished loading the stack of waffles onto a plate, Jeneda set them on the kitchen table, along with two plates which held scrambled eggs. She then grabbed a bottle of syrup and a stick of butter from the fridge, and they both sat down to eat. 

Rather than drizzle his waffles with syrup, Dane drenched them, and after piling some scrambled eggs on top, he folded the dough-based cake in half and took a big, crunchy bite. Syrup oozed onto the plate as he did it, and unable to resist herself, she sarcastically commented on his soggy waffle sandwich. 

"Got enough syrup there?"

His eyes briefly met hers before he grabbed the syrup bottle, and after pouring some more onto his waffle and egg concoction, he took another bite.

"Okay, that's just gross."

He smiled, then noisily licked his fingers. "Actually it tastes delicious." He then held it out to her, coaxing her to partake in a sample. "You're welcome to take a bite."

"Yeah, thanks but no thanks," she said before lightly drizzling her waffles with syrup. 

Several moments passed before their contented sounds of munching was broken by words. 

"I was thinking it might be a good idea for me to go home today. I'm basically healed and can take care of myself now."

Her eyes filled with unease at his suggestion. "I'd rather you not."

"Why?"

"I don't like the idea of you being alone. Not after what Adrian and Daniel did to you."

"They beat me within an inch of my life. There really isn't a whole lot else can they do."

"They could kill you."

"Not gonna happen."

"Really. And what makes you so sure of yourself?"

"They had the chance to do it five days ago, but didn't go through with it."

"They would have, though, if they hadn't gotten into a fight."

"Maybe." He shrugged, finished the remainder of his sandwich, then washed it down with the rest of his milk." I can't stay cooped up in here forever, Jeneda. I need to get on with my life."

"Cooped up? You make it sound like I'm forcing you to be here."

"That's not what I meant, and you know it." He grabbed her hand, and looking deep into her eyes he said, "I'm damned lucky to have you. You've been amazing during all of this, and I'm really grateful for you taking care of me the past five days. But staying here any longer won't make things any easier for us."

Jeneda lowered her eyes, focusing them on the small squares in her waffles before looking back at him. "I know," she softly said. "But I like having you here with me."

"I like being here as well, but for the past five days, I haven't been able to do anything at all. You know that heist I'm supposed to pull?" 

"Yeah."

"I'm supposed to be planning things out, getting everything worked out so that it all goes smoothly. But ever since I got beat up, I haven't been able to work on those plans."

"You could always work on them here."

"No, I can't. I need to be in my apartment, on my own, and without any distractions."

His tone was firm and had an edge to it, and seeing how strongly he was opposed to her suggestion, she decided to just let things be.

"Fine. Forget I asked, okay?" 

She got up from the table, took her plate to the sink, and then rinsed it off. She was just putting it in the dish washer when he walked over to where she stood, then lifted her chin so that she was forced to look up at him.

"When I said distractions, I didn't mean it in a bad way. It's just that when I'm around you, I can't get anything done. You're all I can focus on, and then things that I should be doing don't get completed, and normally that wouldn't be such a bad thing."

She said nothing, only blinked and waited for him to continue.

"But this situation I'm in is pretty intense, and if I don't pull this heist off, things will get even worse." A flash of worry crossed his features. "Your life is already at stake, and the last thing I want is to give this guy an excuse to come after you." 

"I know." Resting her palm on his bare chest, she slid it upward until it reached his shoulders, then sifted her fingers through his hair. "But can't you stay just one more day?"

He lightly sighed, averted his eyes as if thinking it over, then turned his attention back on her. "Alright, but just one more day, alright? Tomorrow I go home."

Her lips tugged into a wide smile, and she looped her arms around his neck. He lowered his head so that their foreheads pressed together, and as their noses brushed, he spoke to her in a lowered voice. 

"You know I wouldn't leave you alone without any protection, right?"

Her brows slightly furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"I was going to wait until I left to do this, but I guess now's a good time as any."

He pulled away from her, leaving her to stand in the kitchen alone, then padded off to the bedroom. A few moments later he returned, and as she saw what he was holding in his hand, her heart beat a little faster.

"You have a gun?" She eyed the sleek, black, weapon warily.

"Yeah, it was in my coat pocket." 

"Wish I'd known that was here the night Adrian and Daniel paid us a visit."

"Even if you had, it wouldn't have done us much good. We were both tied up, remember?"

She nodded, and as he placed it in her hand, she lifted it, then pointed it toward the wall behind the fridge. "I've never used a gun before, so you'll have to walk me through this step by step."

"First off, you need to wrap you thumb around the other side."

Noting the incorrect position of her fingers, she did as he instructed. "Now what?"

"Wrap your second hand under your grip hand, then align your thumbs together." He gave pause so that she could do as he said, then continued to speak. "You finger shouldn't be anywhere the near the trigger, so take it off."

She moved her forefinger so that it rested along the side of the gun. "Now what?"

"Close only your left eye, then close only your right." He waited as she did it, then said, "When you left your right eye open, did the gun stay lined up with the object you're aiming towards?" 

"Yep."

"Then that's your dominant eye. Always keep it open while shooting."

"Okay. Now what about my stance?"

He gazed down to note the position of her feet, and after eyeing her locked elbows and knees, he offered some tips. "Your feet need to be shoulder length apart, and one foot should be slightly more forward than the other."

She adjusted her position, then asked, "Better?" 

"Yep. Now curl your body slightly forward and keep your arms in line with your shoulders." He watched as she did it, and once satisfied with her position, he said, "That's good. Now you have full and complete control over the muzzle." 

She maintained her stance for a few moments so that she could memorize it, and once she was completely certain that she had it down, she lowered the gun and turned to face him. "This will probably be more difficult when I'm actually trying to shoot someone."

"Of course. But let's just hope you'll never have to use it." Worry flashed through his eyes before he turned his gaze back on the gun. "You see that moveable button near your right thumb?"

She gave a nod in response.

"You slide it backward to release the safety, and move it forward to engage it back." 

There was a clicking noise as she disengaged the safety, then put it back in the locked position, and after giving the handgun a lingering gaze, she looked back at Dane. "Well, I guess I'm as prepared as I can possibly be."

"Yeah, I guess so." His eyes lowered to the weapon in her hand, and as he once again gazed back up at her, his eyes filled with distress. "I hate the fact that I even have to give you one, but at least now I won't have to worry about Daniel or Adrian coming after you again." 

"I'm not crazy about owning one either, but It'll definitely make me feel a whole lot safer."

He tried to give her a reassuring smile, but the corners of his lips only tugged slightly upward. Very gently, he leaned in to press a soft kiss against her lips, then pulled back to to look into her eyes. "What are you getting into today?"

"I have a meeting with a few clients this afternoon, then I'm going to my art studio."

"What time do you think you'll be home?"

"Five, maybe six."

"Let's order takeout tonight."

"Chinese?"

"Sure, whatever you want."

She smiled, and after pulling him down for a deep, wet kiss, she said, "I'll see you later tonight."

She made her way to front door, but before she could reach it, Dane suddenly called out to her.

"Jeneda?"

She turned to look back at him. "Yeah?"

His expression had turned melancholy, and after a long moment of hesitation, he finally spoke. "Be safe, okay?"

She nodded, knowing all too well that he'd meant to say more, and without another word she turned and exited the bedroom, heading for the front door.

* * * *

After a long, but productive day of meeting with clients and working on commissioned sculptures, Jeneda arrived home, and as she reached the door to her apartment, she pulled out her keys. 

It wasn't until she'd stepped across the threshold and set the grocery bags down that she sensed something was off, and a pang of dread hit her hard in the stomach as she noticed that the apartment was completely silent.

She quietly closed the door behind her, and standing completely still, listened for voices or any sounds of movement. Aside from the ticking of the clock on the kitchen wall, the apartment was deathly quiet, and as she slowly began to make her way down the hallway toward the bedroom, she reached for the gun in her purse.

Upon reaching the door to her bedroom, she eased it open. The first thing she saw was the empty bed, and as she noticed that Dane's clothes were no longer lying crumpled on the ground, a terrible feeling came over her. 

Despite the fact that she knew he wasn't there, she went to the bathroom and glanced inside, but found that it was also devoid of his presence. She turned and went back into the bedroom, and as she spotted a piece of notepad paper on the bedside table, she walked closer to have a look at it. 

She could tell from the messily written script that the note had been written in a hurry, and as she began to read the words, an unbearable heaviness settled in her chest. 

~Went out to run an important errand. I'll be back as soon as I can. Love you.

Dane~

As if expecting for more words to magically appear, Jeneda stared at the sheet of paper. It wasn't the first time that Dane had mysteriously taken off and left her with only a brief note in explanation. But the fact that he had done it when they'd made definite plans to order takeout and spend the evening together, made her wonder just what was going on. 

She began to wonder if the errand was connected to this man who was after him, and as she came to the realization that it most likely was, a sickness resonated in her gut.

~I'll be back as soon as I can.~

She found herself unable to stop rereading that part of the note, and each time she did, she felt her chest tighten even further. What exactly did he mean by 'I'll be back as soon as I can', and why hadn't he at least called to tell her? 

Leaving a note was more of a casual thing, something that one did when they made a quick run to the store, so the fact that he hadn't given her a phone call only reinforced that something was very wrong. 

Having never been the patient type, Jeneda already knew that she was unwilling to sit around and wait for Dane to return, so she left the bedroom and headed straight for the front door. 

She'd already taken the elevator down to the lobby and exited the building when she realized that she didn't even know where she was going, but that didn't stop her from climbing behind the wheel of her car and starting up the engine. 

Instead of taking off right away, she saw there for a few moments, just staring ahead while she tried to work out a plan. She already knew what kind of situation Dane was in, so it didn't make a whole lot of sense to entangle herself any further, but remaining at home would only drive her crazy. 

Uncertain of what else to do, she retrieved her phone from her purse, and after searching through the call history, she found the number she was looking for. 

She hit the call send button, then waited for the person on the other end of the line to pick up. It took four rings before they did, and after a moment of hesitation, Jeneda spoke into the receiver.

"Cassie?"

"Yeah, who's this?"

"Jeneda."

"Oh, hi."

"Hey." There was an awkward pause before she continued. "I'm calling about Dane. You wouldn't happen to know where he is, would you?"

"No, why would I?"

"I figured since you guys are friends, that he might have told you something."

"He hasn't called or come by, so I don't know anything more than you do."

"Oh, okay." Disappointment was clear in her voice. "Well if you do hear from him, could you give me a call?"

"Wherever Dane is right now, he clearly doesn't want you to know, so why are you even trying to find him?"

"Because I'm worried," she said, matching Cassie's sharp, irritated tone.

"I don't know where he is."

"Right. Well nevermind, then. Sorry to have bothered you." 

She pulled the phone away from her ear so that she could hang up, but the sound of Cassie's voice made her once again lift the receiver. 

"Yes?" Jeneda asked.

"I'm not trying to be a bitch or anything, but if I were you, I'd butt out and let him have his space."

"I don't think It's space he's after. He's in a lot of trouble."

"Even more reason why sticking your nose into it is a bad idea. If anything, It'll just make him more stressed out."

"I'm not just going to just sit at home worrying about him," Jeneda said. "I have to do something."

"Do what you like. It's just a word of advice."

"Yeah, well thanks anyways."

"Take my advice. If he wanted you to know where he was going, he would have told you."

Jeneda opened her mouth to respond, but before she could get a word out, Cassie hung up. Both annoyed and frustrated at being thwarted from speaking her mind, Jeneda tossed her phone aside. Then without a moment's hesitation, she put the car into gear and hit the gas, taking off down the street. 

* * * *

Not knowing where else to go, Jeneda found herself at Dane's apartment, and after nearly half an hour of waiting, she spotted him pull up to the curb, then get out of his vehicle and head for his apartment. 

Not wanting to be seen herself, Jeneda had parked half a block down from his residence, and had purposely situated her car so that it was concealed behind a large white van. 

An hour later, just shy of four p.m., Dane reemerged, carrying a black duffel bag that was much like the one that had been in his possession on the day that she'd last visited him. 

Instead of his usual velvet blazer, he was wearing a wool trench coat, and he'd also changed into fresh clothes, which consisted of a pair of black jeans and v-necked gray sweater. 

His shoulders were hunched slightly, but his stride was purposeful, and due to the drizzle that had begun to fall, his hair hung limply around his pale, solemn face. 

He looked completely miserable, and although he seemed to have an air of assurance about him, it was clear that he was less than reluctant to carry out whatever task he was set to do. 

After placing the duffel bag in the trunk of his Prius, Dane got into the driver's seat, then pulled away from the curb. Jeneda started up her own car and took off down the street as well, but despite her eagerness to tail him closely, she was careful to maintain an appropriate distance. 

After traveling half a mile, Dane turned onto the highway, and as he accelerated, so did she. Luckily for her, she was used to traveling at high speeds, so when the speedometer reached 75, she was able to still comfortably maneuver the car. 

Forty minutes into the drive, Dane switched lanes so that he could exit, and as he made his way down the ramp and onto the street, Jeneda continued to tail him. By this time, the sky had become gray with patches of blue, and what had previously been a light drizzle was now steady rain. 

No longer properly in the city, but on the outskirts of San Francisco, Jeneda found herself curious as to who Dane was meeting, and was more eager than ever to find out just what the purpose of this meeting was.

As she spotted a yellow light ahead, Jeneda noticed that the speed of Dane's car increased, so she accelerated to keep up, but was abruptly cut off by an aggressive driver in a monstrous pickup truck. She hit the brakes just in time to avoid rear ending the huge vehicle, then cursed loudly and slammed her palm against the horn. 

The driver of the truck stuck their hand out of the window and gave her the finger, then sailed right through the light, and she would have as well, but before she could enter the intersection it turned red, so she was forced to make a stop. 

Infuriated by the idiotic driver, Jeneda heaved a frustrated sigh and impatiently waited for the light to turn green. Once it did, she hit the gas and raced down the street, and after driving a block without seeing Dane's car anywhere in sight, she began to nervously wonder if she'd lost track of him.




Velvet Roses Ch. 12



Her fears were put to rest as she spotted his Prius making a turn down a one way street and she tailed behind him, but as she made the turn, she was dismayed to find that he was nowhere to be found. 

Thoroughly perplexed, she slowed her car, eyeing the dark turnoffs to see if she could spot his vehicle, but the lonely stretch of road she was traveling along was eerily empty. 

As she continued to drive forward, her uncertainty grew. She didn't understand how Dane could have disappeared so quickly, and the fact that it was such a small, barren road only made her all the more anxious. 

As the road twisted, she followed the curve, and upon noticing the red glow of taillights further up the road, she slowed to a crawl. Undoubtedly Dane's Prius, she watched through the rain-blurred windshield as the rear lights of the car turned off, and as her lover's tall, darkly-dressed figure got out of the car, she pulled off the road and parked next to a thicket of trees. 

Although her car was several yards away and mostly hidden by overgrown shrub, Jeneda still found herself worried about being discovered, and as she watched Dane open the trunk and take out the black duffel bag, her heart beat faster. 

It wasn't just the fact that she'd secretly followed him here to this out of the way place, but also the uncertainly of who he was meeting, and she began to wonder if her decision to tail him had been a bad idea. 

She briefly considered turning around and going back home, but as Dane closed the trunk and headed away from the car into a thicket of trees, she realized there was no point in turning back. The gun that Dane had given her was still in her purse, so she'd be armed if anyone attacked her, and of course she'd be prudent enough to keep her presence discreet. 

After slipping the handgun into the pocket of her belted waist coat, she pulled the hood over her head and exited the car. The rain came down hard, pelting her face as she walked briskly toward the thick vegetation that Dane had disappeared into. 

Upon reaching the woodsy area, she headed down a narrow path that was flanked by tall trees, and as she reached some old stone stairs that were carved into the earth, she began her descent. 

Covered in moss and rotting leaves, the weathered steps were slippery and steep, and after nearly losing her footing a few times, Jeneda forced herself to go slower. 

It wasn't until she was three steps shy of reaching the bottom that she caught sight of Dane fifteen yards ahead of her, and as he made his way toward an abandoned tunnel, she trailed behind him. 

The ground beneath her was carpeted with dead leaves and twigs, and the air was thick with a wet, earthy scent. Although the rain had lessened, it was still coming down as a steady drizzle, soaking through the hood of her coat. 

As Dane reached the mouth of the tunnel, she watched him walked inside, and only when he'd been completely enveloped by the darkness within, did she quicken her pace. By the time she reached the entrance, her pulse had quickened and her stomach twisted nervously, but without hesitation, she ventured into it. 

It was darker inside than she had expected, and as she went further in, the light of dusk became fainter. The stench of rot-which she hoped was nothing more than a dead animal-slammed into her, causing her to gag. The floor of the tunnel was littered with everything from junk food packages and plastic bags, to dirty needles and used condoms. 

The curved cement walls of the covered passageway bounced back the echo of Dane's footfalls, and as she quietly followed him, darkness further enveloped her. Now she could only make out the silhouette of Dane's lanky form, and as she continued walking, her unease grew stronger. 

Jeneda didn't know whether it was just the echo playing tricks on her, but it sounded as if someone was behind her. She stopped a few times to see if there was, but as far as she could tell, there wasn't. 

This didn't stop her from resting her hand on the gun that was hidden in her coat pocket, and as her palm wrapped around the cold steel of the weapon, her anxiety lessened. 

Just as she was beginning to feel more certain of herself, the toe of her shoe hit something hard and unyielding, and with a faint cry, she fell to the ground. 

She broke her fall with her hands, landing next to a pile of old books that were covered in animal droppings, but instead of instantly rising to her feet, she froze in place. 

The sound of echoing footsteps had halted, meaning that Dane had taken note of her presence, and as she gazed into the near-darkness ahead of her, she saw Dane slowly turn around. 

Since the tunnel was lacking light, she was only able to see the outline of his body, but she could tell from his defensive stance that he was prepared to find out what had created the sound. 

He took a step forward, then another, but before he could come any further, a voice from further in the tunnel called out to him. Dane turned his head and spoke a few words in response, and after taking one last look to where Jeneda was located, he turned and headed toward the sound of the voice. 

Heaving a sigh of relief, Jeneda lifted herself up, then carefully continued along her way. With each step that she took, the air around her grew colder, and as a rat scuttled across her shoe, she screamed internally.

The tunnel curved, and as she came upon a T-intersection, she noticed that the passageway branched off, giving her the choice to either turn left or right. Uncertain of which way to go, she allowed her ears to guide her, but with the echo that was present, it was difficult to tell if the voices she was hearing came from the right or left of her. 

With nothing more than gut instinct to go on, she turned right, and as she spotted two men standing just a few dozen paces from where she was located, she quickly pressed her back against the curved wall of the tunnel, then slowly edged her way toward a cubby- hole like cavity. Once she was concealed inside of it, she discreetly poked her head out, then watched. 

Thanks to a ventilation shaft, a stream of dim light shone down from the roof of the tunnel, illuminating the two figures that she saw. One of the men she was looking at was Dane, and the other was someone she had never seen before. 

He was fairly tall, nearly the same height as Dane, and his hair was so blonde it appeared almost white. He was dressed in dark slacks and a leather jacket, and as Dane bent down to unzip the duffel bag he'd brought along, the man lowered his gaze, watching on as he smoked a cigarette. 

Dane reached into the bag, and after retrieving a large handgun, he stood back up to his full height and handed it over to the blonde haired man, who threw his cigarette aside before accepting it. He examined the weapon, turning it over in his palm a few times before nodding his head in satisfaction. 

The blonde haired man and Dane spoke too low for Jeneda to hear, but it was clear to her that they were making some sort of a deal, and as the fair haired man squatted to look in the duffel bag, she continued to watch intently. 

Along with three other handguns which were more compact in size, he also pulled out several revolvers, and a few automatic rifles as well. Apart from being sickened by the sight of so many weapons, Jeneda found herself wondering what Dane was doing with so many of them. 

She didn't remain curious for long, however, because the blonde in the leather jacket got to his feet, then retrieved a thick wad of bills from his pocket. He handed them over to Dane, who slipped the cash in the back pocket of his jeans, and after zipping up the duffel bag and giving it to the blonde, the two men parted ways.

The fair-haired man took off one way, while Dane went the other, and as her lover strode right past her to make his way back out of the tunnel, Jeneda flattened her back, pushing herself further into the cubby-like cavity. Only once she was completely certain that it was safe, did she leave her hiding space, and with hurried, but careful steps, she headed back the way she had come. 

The tunnel seemed even darker than before, and in order to make sure she was on the right path, she was forced to slide her hand along the damp wall of the passageway. It was slimy to the touch and grime-encrusted, festering with coach roaches who skittered across her fingers. 

Each time she felt one of the bugs bump against her hand she nearly lost it, feeling the urge to yank her hand away. But with nearly pitch black surroundings, she desperately needed the wall of the tunnel to guide her. 

It seemed like an hour before she reached the mouth of the tunnel, and as she finally exited the hellish passageway, she deeply inhaled. Never before had she been so grateful to breathe fresh air, but her moment of appreciation quickly came to a halt as she was saw who was approaching her. 

She barely had time to think, let alone utter a word before Dane took hold of her hand, then forcibly pulled her towards a large, rotting oak. Upon reaching it, he pushed her back against the trunk of the tree, gently enough not to hurt her, but with enough power to express his displeasure. 

"What the hell are you doing here?" His expression was stony, lips pressed into a thin line, and his inky black hair was plastered to his face by the earlier rainfall.

"Why do you think I'm here?" She mirrored his annoyed expression. "All you left me with was a note. The least you could have done was call to tell me where you going." 

"This is none of your business," he loudly said. "You had no right to follow me."

"This could have been avoided if you'd just told me where you were going."

His brows lowered. "Do you have any idea what kind of danger you just put yourself in? You could have been killed."

With the darkness of night quickly overtaking dusk, the air was becoming colder, and from somewhere in the distance, there was a rustling in the foliage. Yet none of these things captured Jeneda's attention, because Dane's incensed expression was all she could focus on.

"I'm not stupid, I knew exactly what I was getting into."

"You know nothing." His voice had risen a notch, growing deeper in the process.

"You're right, I don't." 

This seemed to surprise Dane, because his frown lessened slightly, but before he could respond, Jeneda spoke again.

"Explain why you were carrying a duffel bag full of weapons, and tell me who that man was that you just met up with."

"His name is Slade, and he's a drug dealer, and the reason I was carrying a bag full of guns, is because I have a link to an arms dealer who sells weapons at a reduced price."

"This Slade guy...is he the one you're pulling the heist for?"

"Yes."

"And this person you know who's an arms dealer." She stared pointedly into his eyes. "Did you ever work for him?"

"Sometimes I made deliveries for him, but it wasn't a regular thing," he said before quickly adding, "And I'm not proud of myself, so you can stop giving me that look." 

"You never mentioned you did that." Her eyes slowly drifted across his features as if seeing him for the very first time. "When I asked you what you'd been involved in, you told me you'd only committed cargo theft."

"I didn't lie to you."

"No, you only omitted information," she said.

"Which is just as good as lying."

"Call it what you want, but I was not dishonest with you, and you know that. What I did in the past was entirely my decision, but what you just saw happen inside that tunnel was not of my own choice."

She knew it was true, but that didn't quell the uneasiness in the pit of her stomach. Nor did it ease the feeling of despair that had welled up inside of her. 

"I believe you, Dane, and I know you're going through a lot right now." Her voice shook, and as she looked up at his face, her eyes grew moist. "But you can't just leave me in the dark about things."

"I know, but I didn't want to worry you."

"You think me coming home to find out that you'd taken off wouldn't make me wonder?" She shook her head, then lightly scoffed. "Come on, Dane. You knew I'd freak out."

"Look, I know I didn't handle this situation well, but I'm doing the best that I can." He brought his hand up so that he could cup her cheek with his cold palm. "All that matters to me is that you're kept safe, and if that means I have to do a few bad things in order to make that happen, then I will."

Dane's nearly back eyes gazed deep into hers, and as he gingerly traced his thumb across her cheek, the tension in her body lessened. 

"Once I pull this job, things will be back to normal. This is only a temporary situation, not a permanent one."

She nodded, letting out a soft breath as he allowed the tips of his fingers to caress her neck, and as his eyes moved to her lips, she unconsciously tilted her chin upward. Their mouths connected softly at first, then pressed harder, and as his tongue explored the heat of her mouth, she sighed. 

Her hand drifted downward to rest on his crotch, and with less than a minute of manipulation, she had him hard and straining against his pants. 

So lost in a fog of lust, she barely took note of him untying the belt of her coat, but as he dipped his hands beneath her sweater, her nerve endings tingled to life. 

His cold fingers felt especially delicious against her nipples, and as he flicked her rigid peak with the pad of his thumb, she moaned. Her buds stood to attention, becoming hard almost instantaneously, and as he lifted her shirt and exposed her tits to the bitter fall wind, she pushed her chest forward in anticipation.

His lips puckered over her nipple, and as his warm, wet tongue glided across it, she gasped and ran her fingers through his hair. He sucked, then nibbled her erect bed before releasing it to play with the other. 

While sloppily tonguing her swollen left nipple, he manipulated her right one with the pads of his fingers, twisting and gently pulling on it until she was trembling beneath him. 

Then suddenly, and all too soon for liking, he released it from the warmth of his mouth. He leaned in close to her face so that his lips were touching her ear, and in a hot, seductive whisper, he made a declaration. 

"I want to fuck you." 

Besides the fact that they were utterly carnal words, his hushed tone of voice caused her vaginal muscles to clench, and the raw, masculine sexuality he exuded created a rush in her loins.

The pure lust in his eyes told her that she wanted him just as badly as he did her, and with a swift, fluid movement, he turned her around so that her back was facing his chest. 

He then looped his arms around her waist, undid the button and zipper on her jeans, and roughly tugged them, along with her underwear down to her ankles. 

He gripped her firmly by the waist, pulling on her hips so that her back was arched, and butt jutting towards his crotch. She heard the unmistakable sound of him pushing his pants down his hips, then a few seconds later she felt him prod her vaginal opening with the plump head of his cock. 

Barely a few seconds passed before she felt him push his stiffness inside her, and she whimpered at the stretch, poking her butt further out so he was able to penetrate her deeper. 

He filled her with every inch of himself, grunting as he sunk balls deep. Then, with a sudden jerk of his hips, he withdrew, then thrust forward again sharply. She cried out loudly, tightly clutching the tree in front of her as she struggled to remain upright. 

He started off with long, slow, torturous thrusts, taking time to build her desire before steadily increasing his pace. She groaned as he fucked her harder, sinking her nails into the wet bark of the tree. The position she was in caused his shaft to feel even thicker than usual, and with each passing moment, it seemed to swell even further.

As his hips met with the flesh of her ass, a rhythmic slapping noise filled the air, mixing with the squishing sounds of her soaking wet pussy. 

The noises were unbelievably erotic, and the air was heavy with the smell of their lust. Somewhere along the way, his fingers tangled into her hair, and with a pull on her strands, he forced her head to jerk backwards. 

"You like getting fucked hard?" His voice had taken on a deeper tone than usual, and was arousingly husky. 

Rendered speechless by his deep, intense thrusts, she could only moan in response, loving the way he so effortlessly asserted dominance over her. With one hand gripping her waist and the other fisting her locks, she was completely under his control, and although escape was the last thing on her mind, she knew she was helpless to do anything except stand there and get fucked. 

"I asked you a question." His voice had an edge to it and had risen an octave, demanding obedience.

"Yes, I love it." Her words came out breathless and raw. 

"You were made to be fucked by me," he rasped. "Your body exists solely for my pleasure."

Something akin to an electric current pulsed between her thighs, and she found herself surprised by just how strongly her body had responded to his possessive words. 

"Yes," she breathed with conviction. "Fuck me, use me, I'm yours to play with." 

This seemed to only turn Dane on more, because his breathing grew erratic, and he pumped even harder into her. Having sex with Dane was always intensely gratifying, but the spontaneity and excitement of screwing him in public was undoubtedly the most thrilling thing she'd ever experienced. 

It was apparent that Dane felt the same way she did, because his thrusts were rough and unforgiving, and with each forward push of his hips, her body was jolted forward.

Dane's grunts mingled with her wanton moans, and as he relentlessly pistoned into her, she found herself begging for release. The pleasure was so intense, it was nearly too much for her to handle, and she didn't know how much more of his relentlessly thrusting she could take. 

The sound of her moans became louder, her breath growing more ragged. His palm possessively cupped her round ass, fingers digging into the soft flesh as if he were seeking to brand her as his. 

He was primal. He was masculine. He was sex incarnate, and she was loving every minute of it. Every now and again she would feel a sting in her scalp as he fisted her hair tighter, but the pain was good in a kinky kind of way.

His dominance demanded compliance, and his animalistic nature had been unleashed, leaving no room for gentleness. His thrusts came faster and stronger, balls slapping against her clit as he tirelessly prodded her silky wetness. She reveled in his mastery over her body, surrendering completely to his powerful thrusts. 

A deceptive amount of strength was hidden beneath his long, lean body, leaving her with no option but to desperately claw at the tree in front of her. She clung to it like a life preserver, yet still it seemed as if her palms were intent on pulling free.  

Her lips parted, breath clouding in the cold air as she panted in ecstasy. His name fell from her lips repeatedly, as if she were reciting a spell, and as his thrusts became jerky, and increasingly shorter, waves of orgasmic pleasure flooded her being. 

Her muscles tightened, milking his plump cock, and with a rough grunt that came from deep in his throat, Dane reached his peak. His body spasmed, hips twitching uncontrollably as he climaxed. Then, with one last deliciously brutal push, he ejaculated.

She felt the gush of his semen as it entered her, and she accepted it gratefully, whimpering as her walls clenched even tighter. Once there was nothing left for Dane to give, he withdrew his softening penis, then released a contented moan. 

Wet and well used from Dane's feverish exertions, she was left to wonder how she would clean herself up, but as he began to gingerly wipe a tissue along her folds, she found her concerns abated. After wiping her clean of their combined fluids, he pulled up her panties and jeans, then rose to his feet and pulled her into his arms. 




Velvet Roses Ch. 12



Their lips met in a kiss that was gentle yet passionate, soft and warm and delightfully wet. As their mouths parted, they both let out a little satisfied moan, then stared into each other's eyes.

"Damn, that was good," she said. 

"Better than good, it was amazing."

"We've had a lot of incredible sex, but that definitely tops the list."

"I agree. But now that I know you're into fucking outdoors, this is only the beginning."

"Mmm, I'm already looking forward to next time." 

"So am I." He pressed his crotch against hers, then trailed his hands downward until they reached her ass. 

"I pick the next location, though."

"Just give me a time and place, and I'll be there." 

Their lips met for another kiss, but this time it wasn't so gentle. It was deep, thorough, open mouthed, and hungry, leaving them both dazed from the intensity of it. 

"By the way, that stuff I said about your body only existing for my pleasure..." 

"Yeah?" She asked.

"That was just a bit of power play. Our physical connection is only part of the reason I'm so into you. You know that, right?"

"Of course."

"Good." He gave her a tender peck, then said, "It's funny how things work out. I never would have imagined that tonight would end up like this."

"Neither would I. I guess It's a good thing I ended up following you, huh?"

"Yeah, but that doesn't excuse the fact that you put yourself in danger."

His brows creased, expression becoming stern, and feeling slightly miffed by his scolding, Jeneda lowered her gaze to his lips. Not knowing what else to do, she dragged her palm over his chest.

"I'm serious, Jeneda. You could have been killed."

"But I wasn't," she said while looking back up at him. "So why focus on what *could* have happened?"

He let out an exasperated sigh. "Promise me you won't do this again."

She hesitated, glancing beyond his shoulder for a brief moment before looking back into his eyes. 

"Alright, I promise. But swear to me that you'll stop being so secretive. If something's going on, then I want to know about it. No matter how bad it is."

"I swear, you have my word."

Cupping her face in his hands, Dane tenderly pressed his lips to her nose. He then crushed his mouth to hers in a sensual, slow kiss that was strong, yet still very gentle. 

Aside from being incredibly talented in bed, Dane was an amazing kisser. It was hard to believe that this very man, who was kissing her so soft and sweetly, was the same person who had just moments before had her bent over, crying in ecstasy as he roughly dominated her body.

He could be gentle and caring, or rough and domineering, and she loved that about him. She guessed that was why she found herself so addicted to him, and regardless of all the turmoil they'd had to endure, she knew he was the one she was meant to be with. 

Nearly a minute passed before their mouths parted, breaths ragged and clouding in the chilled air, and as she looked into his eyes, she saw they were filled with a kind of dark intensity that seemed to state: mine.

"And you're mine, too," she said.

His mouth quirked into a funny half-smile, and he affectionately slid his fingers through her damp hair. 

"You lead the way, and I'll follow you home?" She asked.

"Nope. Not home." 

Her brows creased together. "Then where?"

"Somewhere special, a place you'll really like." 

He then took her hand in his, and together they walked off into the night.



Velvet Roses Ch. 13



*Thank you all for your continued feedback, support, and votes.* 

Thirty minutes later, Dane and Jeneda arrived at their destination, and after getting out of their respective cars, they walked hand in hand up a hill that led towards the property. Dane hadn't given her any clue as to where they were going, so when she first caught sight of the residence they were approaching, she found herself at a loss for words.

Perched atop a hill that was accessible by broad stone stairs, was a cozy, wood shingled, Cape Cod style cottage. The lighthouse that was attached to it stood forty feet high, and was painted with blue and white nautical stripes. 

Beautifully restored, the unusual residence had somewhat of a modern facade, while still retaining its traditional charm and distinctive beauty. 

Although it was no longer raining, it was bitterly cold and windy, and as they continued journeying up the steep hill, waves crashed against the rocky coastline below them. 

Once they reached the top of the slope, they were afforded the opportunity to truly appreciate their surroundings, and took a moment to take in the panoramic view. 

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the cottage was nestled among rocky outcroppings. The beam of the lighthouse tower shone from above, illuminating the waters of the choppy coastline. There weren't any other buildings for miles around, so it was nice and secluded, and as Jeneda looked down at the coastline below, she noticed that the water's surface reflected the soft glow of the moon.

Overwhelmed by the beauty and tranquility of the place, Jeneda hardly noticed as Dane hugged her from behind, but as his lips pressed to the crook of her neck, she was broken from her daze. 

"This view is breathtaking," she said.

"It's even better from the lighthouse tower."

She gazed up at the towering structure, and as her eyes came to rest on the ever-searching beacon, she found herself mesmerized by it. "You mean we can hang out up there?"

"Of course. It's fully functional and completely safe." 

He grabbed her hand and led her up the porch steps toward the cottage, and as they reached the front door, he unlocked it, then gestured for her to go in. He followed behind her, switching on a light as he entered, and as the cottage was illuminated, Jeneda eyed the interior almost wondrously. 

The room they were standing in was outfitted with a blue and white striped sofa, two white, overstuffed armchairs, and a hand woven aqua and white throw rug. Keeping with the blue and white coastal theme, the kitchen, which was open and flowed from the living room, had white cabinets, and pale blue tiles bordered the entire length of the counter. 

In addition to the blue and white furnishings, there was also a ships wheel mounted above the fireplace in the living room, and several paintings depicting the sea were strategically placed on the walls. Overall, the interior design of the cottage put her at peace, and she couldn't help but admire how tastefully decorated it was.

"This place is amazing," she said. "Do you own it?"

"Nope, it belongs to my parents."

"Nice." 

She continued to look around, and as her eyes came to rest on an arched doorway located on the north-east wall of the cottage, she instantly knew that it had to lead into the lighthouse.

Noticing where she was looking, Dane gave her a little smile, then took her by the hand and led her towards it. The door creaked loudly as he opened it, as if attesting to the age of the structure, and Jeneda followed behind him as he ventured further in. 

The room they entered was den-like, and hexagonal in shape. A glass armoire which housed ships in a bottle was situated just left of a small window, and various family photos, which were all black and white and yellowing at the corners, graced the white walls. Situated next to an antique looking end table was a pale blue loveseat, and a rusty boat anchor was mounted on the wall behind it.

"My mother calls this the sitting room, but I think of it more as a glorified den," Dane said.

Jeneda lightly chuckled, then followed him up the staircase that led to the uppermost level of the lighthouse. The soles of their shoes clanked faintly against the steel stairs, and a salty scent, coupled with the unmistakable smell of the sea, drifted into her nostrils. 

The second level of the lighthouse consisted of a kitchen, and had a stove, small fridge, sink, and a microwave. A nautical compass was displayed on one of the seafoam green walls, and a lantern style light hung above the kitchen table. 

She had just enough time to take in the well-decorated cooking space before Dane escorted her further up the stairs, and as they reached the next floor, she saw that it was a bedroom. 

It was cozy and warm, and had a queen size bed, desk with a computer, a space heater, and a flat screen TV. There was also a small bathroom, and as she peeked inside it, she saw there was a claw foot tub.

"This place is incredible," she said as she came back into the bedroom. "How long have your parents owned it?"

"It's been in my mom's family for decades. It was passed down to her through my grandfather."

"Well it's a very nice place." She slipped out of her shoes and climbed onto the bed, then scooted toward the headboard so she could peer out the small, circular window that was located above it.

As the tip of her nose pressed against the cold glass, she squinted at the darkness beyond, and as the beam from the lighthouse tower swept across the ocean, she suddenly felt as if she were in a dream.

"This is so surreal." Her breath clouded as she spoke, fogging up the window.

She felt the mattress dip, followed by the sensation of Dane's hands around her waist, and she rested on her heels, pressing her back against his chest.

"What's surreal?" He asked.

"Me and you, here. Never in my life would I have imagined I'd spend the night in a lighthouse, let alone with someone with like you."

"Someone like me..." He softly chuckled. "Should I take that as a compliment?"

"Most definitely." 

He began to lightly kiss her neck and she sighed, reveling in the warmth that spread through her lower abdomen and as he undid the belt of her coat. "You're up for another round, huh?" 

"Actually, I was thinking we could get out of these wet clothes and take a bath together. But if you really want sex, I could be persuaded." 

She smiled, then tilted her head back so that she could look into his eyes. "Let's start with a bath and go from there."

"Okay." 

He gave her a peck on the lips, then scooted off the bed and began to undress himself. She followed suit, and once they were both naked, they headed for the bathroom. Once the tub was filled with water as hot as they could stand it, they both climbed in, positioning their bodies so that they were facing each other. 

Jeneda considered repositioning herself so that Dane could cradle her, but decided against it, so that they were able to maintain intimate eye contact while bathing. Dane took note of her distance, and with a seductive look in his eyes, he spoke. 

"You can come closer, I won't bite."

"I want to look into your eyes."

A moment of silence preceded his words. "What do you like about them?"

"They're dark, intense...you have a very penetrating stare." 

His lips curved faintly. "Is that good or bad?"

"Definitely good."

He lightly sighed and sank deeper into the water. "So I have to ask. Before me, have you ever had sex outdoors?"

"Never. What about you?"

"What you think?"

"I'm pretty certain you have." She paused, allowing him the chance to speak, but his silence persuaded her to continue. "Am I right?"

"Yes, you are."

"With how many women?"

"What does it matter?"

"I'm just curious."

"Three."

"Oh." As uninhibited as Dane was, she'd been expecting the number to be higher. "Okay."

"Does that bother you?" He asked.

"Why would it? Obviously neither of us are virgins, so..." Her voice trailed off, and she gave a light shrug. 

They sat in silence in for a moment, simply holding each other's gaze. Steam rose from the tub, creating a fog around them, and as stillness pervaded the air, Jeneda allowed her eyes to drift shut. She would have fallen asleep right there, but the sound of Dane's voice jolted her out of her sleepy haze. 

"Don't fall asleep on me yet. We still have the whole night ahead of us."

The seductive look he gave her sent pleasant shivers down her spine, and with a drowsy little smile, she sunk deeper into the water. "I won't, promise." Yet no sooner had the words left her mouth, did a thought suddenly go through her head, and she popped back up again. "Wait a minute, I can't stay here overnight. I have to meet up with my dad tomorrow morning."

"Your dad called? When did this happen?" 

"During the drive over here." 

"And he didn't tell you why he wants to see you?"

"No, but I do recall him saying the words, 'we need to have a talk,' which basically means serious business."

"So clearly he knows what I did."

"Yep. I guess Adrian made good on his promise to tell him."

Dane blew out a heavy breath, then raked his fingers through his hair. "Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse."

"Yeah, well..." her voice trailed off and she released a sigh of her own. "All we can do is just deal with it head on, and hope for the best."

He sadly looked at her. "There is no hoping for the best. Now that he knows what I did, he'll make you break up with me."

"He can't make me do anything. I'm a grown woman, not a teenager."

"What if he asks you to choose?"

"Choose what?"

"Between me and him."

"I really don't think he'll do that."

"But what if he does? I mean clearly he'll expect you to be loyal and end our relationship, and considering what I did, I guess I can't really blame him."

"He already knows that I'm fully aware of what you did, so what sense would it make for him to force me into breaking up with you?" 

"You're his daughter, and Vincent was his best friend. He'll want you to side with him."

"There are no sides," her voice had risen slightly. "What's done is done, and it can't be taken back, so what good would us breaking up do?"

"Look, I didn't mean to upset you," he said. "But let's be realistic here. Your dad probably feels really betrayed that you're choosing to stay with me."

"And he has every right to, but he'll get over it eventually."

"You really think so?" Dane stared fixedly at her.

To be honest, she didn't, but the possibility of her father holding a grudge against her for the remainder of his life was far too unpleasant for her to even consider. 

"Look, let's stop talking about this, okay?" She asked. "We'll deal with it when the time comes, but right now I just want to relax."

She grabbed the large bath sponge that was floating in the water, then squirted some shower gel on it and began vigorously soaping herself up. It wasn't until Dane leaned forward and took the sponge from her hand that she came back to the present moment, and as he looked deep into her eyes, she stared right back at him. 

"I'm not trying to hide out from your dad, but what do you think about rescheduling your meet-up with him, and spending the night here with me instead?"

"I could, but I really don't see the point of putting this off. We can't run away from our troubles."

"I know we can't, but we really need this weekend alone together. I brought you here because I thought It'd be good for us to get away from the city and unwind." 

She thought it over for a minute before responding. "We both do need to de-stress."

"So reschedule the meet up with him, and let's spend the next two days here." Pleading with puppy dog eyes, he added, "Please?"

The look on his face was too cute to resist, so she had no choice but to give in. "Okay, I'll reschedule." 

"Great." He smiled, gave her a tender peck, then got busy soaping her up.

Wanting to fully enjoy the experience of being bathed by her lover, Jeneda stretched her arms out along the side of the tub, then rested her neck against the cool porcelain. 

The sponge felt wonderful against her skin, and as he delicately ran it over each of her breasts, she contentedly sighed. The friction of the porous material provided her with a fantastic sensation, and as he repeatedly dragged the sponge over her steadily hardening nipples, she moaned. 

He took his time, making sure that every inch of her skin was covered with soapy bubbles before moving the sponge down her torso, and as it came into contact with her pussy, her vocal encouragement grew louder. 

With tender gentleness, he pulled her delicate folds apart, then ever so gently, washed the tender pink skin of her inner vaginal lips.

She arched her back, parting her legs to give him better access. Yet far too soon for her liking, he withdrew the sponge from between her legs and coasted it along her thighs instead. 

Deeply disappointed, she emitted a long, drawn out whimper, to which Dane only smiled. He was clearly enjoying teasing her, and it frustrated her to no end, but at the same time she was also getting off on it. There was something deliciously enjoyable about being denied the very thing she wanted, and the fact that he was holding off on pleasuring her only made her horniness increase. 

Dane took one of her feet in his hand, then ran the sponge along her soles and each of her toes before releasing her foot back into the water. He gave her other foot the same treatment, and after rinsing the sponge out in the tub full of water, he squirted out a new glob of shower gel and began to bathe his own body.

He didn't get very far before Jeneda grabbed the sponge from him, and after coaxing him to sink down into water and relax his back against the porcelain, she began to wash him. Her kneeling position provided him with a nice view of her upper body, and as she languidly ran the sponge along his shoulders and chest, her breasts gently swayed. 

Not averting his eyes for even a second, Dane gazed longingly at them, groaning ever so often as she continued to loving bathe him. By the time she reached his crotch, she was pleased to find that he was fully erect, and using a tender touch, she caressed him with the soft sponge. 

His breaths quickened, steadily becoming huskier, and before she knew it, she'd tossed the sponge aside and was jerking him off. 

The sounds he made only coaxed her on, and each up and down motion of her hand was accompanied by his breathy gasps. She manipulated him expertly, pumping his long, veined cock with short, rapid jerks, and as his moans grew more desperate, she knew he was close to climax.

Jeneda's hand was now little more than a blur, breasts jiggling with her vigorous movements. Her nipples jutted invitingly towards him, and undoubtedly appreciating the sight of them, he gazed lustfully at them through half lidded eyes. He even tried to lean forward a few times and take one of her pert buds into his mouth, but she purposely moved back to keep him from latching on.

The sound of splashing water mingled with his breathy groans, and as she palmed his cock even quicker, he violently bucked his hips against her hand. It only took a few more strokes before she pumped him to completion, and with a strangled cry of ecstasy, he came. 

A thick rope of semen shot from his penis, followed by another, and as the jerky movements of his hips finally halted, his body went slack and he let out a contented sigh. 

So absorbed by the look of pure ecstasy on his face, she took a few moments to simply watch him. His chest rose and fell with each labored breath that he took, dark hair partially obscuring his closed eyes. 

Completely at peace and thoroughly gratified, Dane was the epitome of bliss, and although she knew that the state he was in was fleeting, it was still good to see him completely relaxed and unstrung. She leaned in to kiss him, and as her lips brushed his, he murmured against them. 

"That was incredible."

"Glad you enjoyed," she softly said before their mouths sealed together, and as their lips moved in a lazy, sensuous rhythm, she twined her fingers into his hair.

So consumed by their deep, wet kiss, she was totally caught off guard by what happened next. 

"Ow!" The nipple twist he'd given her was more than a little rough, and as she looked down at her breasts, she saw that he was holding each of her swollen buds captive between his thumb and forefinger.

"That's for being a tease," he said.

"What are you talking about?"

"When you were jerking me off, I tried to suck your tits, but you wouldn't let me."

"Cry me a river. You've teased me plenty of times."

"When?"

"As of right now, I can't recall. But you've definitely done it before."

"If I did, it wasn't on purpose."

She lightheartedly scoffed and said, "Yeah, right."

"Your teasing was intentional and cruel." His eyes narrowed slightly and he gave both her nipples another pinch.

"Ouch!" She fixed him with a hard stare. "You are so full of it. You're only bringing up my teasing so that you have an excuse to torture my nipples."

"You love it, though. Don't you?" There was a wildness in his eyes, something a bit dark and unrestrained. 

"You're in a very kinky mood today," she said. "What's gotten into you?" 

"I've always been kinky, I've just never fully shown this side of myself before."

"Well I'm definitely not opposed to mixing things up, but if you don't let go of my nipples, you're going to twist them right off."

He lightly chuckled before releasing them from captivity, then gave each of her sore peaks a tender kiss. "Sorry if I was too rough. But they were there and pointing toward me, inviting me to play." 

"You're right, they were asking for it," she sarcastically said. "I can't lie, though. I do love it when your untamed side comes out." 

"I know you do." He eyed her nude body hungrily, and as she drained the tub, then climbed out and headed for the bedroom, he trailed behind her. 

As soon as they reached the edge of the bed, he pushed her onto the mattress. Then he climbed on top of her and began kissing her neck. His hot breath tickled her skin, causing it to tingle in delight, and as the heat of his breath ghosted against her left nipple she squirmed impatiently beneath him. 

He swirled his tongue around the tight bud, then captured it in his mouth, and very tenderly worked the muscles of his lips over it. He then dragged his tongue up and over the other nipple, ardently sucking it before heading southward. 

By the time his lips brushed against her lower stomach, she was already soaking wet, and without a moment's hesitation, parted her legs to give him full access. He dove in eagerly, and at the first touch of his wet tongue against her pussy, she arched her back.

She whimpered as he lightly ran his tongue along her slit, gliding it up and down a few times as he sampled her unique flavor. Then he parted her outer lips with his fingers, and snaked his velvety appendage against her tender, pink flesh.

He caressed her slowly at first, lightly sweeping his tongue from her vaginal entrance to just below her clit. He repeated this move a few times to build her frustration, and as he continuously avoided appeasing her, she let out a whimper, begging him to gratify her. 

Clearly enjoying the power he had over her body, Dane continued his tease for awhile longer. Then finally, when she was certain she could take no more, he yielded to her desires. 

Flattening his tongue, he allowed it to just barely graze the swollen nub of flesh, applying just enough pressure to feel good, yet not thoroughly satisfy her. It took half a dozen slow, torturously gentle licks before he increased the stimulation, and stiffening his tongue to a sharp point, he gently caressed her clit with the tip of it. 




Velvet Roses Ch. 13



A heady gasp escaped her lips in response, and as he continuously lashed the hard knot of flesh, her moans came more frequently. 

It didn't take long before he had her quivering beneath his erotic ministrations, and as he dipped his tongue into the slippery wetness between her legs, she cried out in approval. 

"Oh yes," she said, squirming at the silky touch of his tongue. "Lick me, Dane. Eat my pussy." 

Her fingers wound tightly into his soft hair, hips bucking wildly as he skillfully probed, licked, and tongued her moist center. The stimulation was almost too much to handle, and as he wriggled his wet appendage deeper into her hot, slick core, a throaty groan escaped her lips. 

With his mouth sealed to her succulent flesh, all she could was lay captive beneath him, submitting herself to the sweeping, swirling motions of his tongue. If that wasn't enough to drive her over the edge, every so often he would moan into her pussy, and each time he did, she was rewarded with a delicious vibration. 

Pleasure consumed her, and her eyes were dazed and half-lidded with lust. Her breathing was labored, head thrown back and lips pouty with arousal. 

The musky scent of her excitement permeated the air, and as he continued to lavish her with oral attention, she sighed, inwardly thanking her unbelievable luck that she had a man who so thoroughly enjoyed going down on her.

A man who ate pussy wasn't exactly a rare breed in her book, but one who possessed a restless tongue and limitless appetite for it, had indeed been a challenge to find. The guys she'd previous been with had lacked the patience and tenderness that made Dane such an incredible lover, and they certainly hadn't utilized any of the techniques that he was currently using on her. 

Overall, the men she'd dated in the past made it seem like a bothersome chore, but now that she knew what it was like to be properly eaten, she wouldn't ever again settle for anything less.

As if to emphasize just how much he was getting off on it, Dane doubled his efforts, increasing the pace of his tongue to a frenzied speed. Unable to resist from looking, Jeneda lifted her head up and stared down at him, listening to his soft groans as he lapped at her juicy center.

The sound of her moans soon overrode his own noises of pleasure, and as he allowed his tongue to drift up to her plump clit, she whimpered needily. He swirled it wetly around the tiny bud, then gently sucked it into his mouth. 

The soft suction of his oral cavity was soon accompanied by short, repetitive licks, and if that wasn't enough to drive her insane, his hands had wandered up to pinch and tug her nipples. 

Her breathing came quick and shaky, and her stomach muscles tightened, signaling the orgasm that had been steadily building for the past twenty minutes. Being earnestly eaten out while having her tits roughly fondled, was more stimulation that she could handle, and as his pointed little tongue continued to lash her stiff bud, she came unhinged. 

His name tumbled from her lips in a breathless murmur, and as a powerful orgasm ripped through her body, she gushed into his mouth. 

Dane gripped her thighs tightly to keep her firmly in place, and using a pressure which enhanced her already euphoric state, he licked the slippery wetness from her over-sensitive gash.

He didn't stop until she'd been thoroughly cleaned, and after pulling his head from between her thighs, he wiped his mouth off with the back of his hand. 

He moved up so that his body was hovering over her, then leaned in closer and captured her mouth, allowing her to taste the unique flavor of her pussy juices. Her essence was slightly spicy, and also a little sweet, and as he reclined on the mattress beside her, she rolled onto her side and rested her head against his chest. 

"You have an incredibly talented tongue."

"Thank you." A proud smile curved his lips. "I'd eat you all night long if you let me." 

"Mmm, I just might have to take you up on that offer." Already flush against him, she snuggled even closer. 

He looped an arm around her waist, and as the heat from their bodies mingled, their chests rose and fell in a perfect rhythm. As was customary whenever she was completely still, her mind began to wander, and she couldn't resist contemplating her relationship with Dane.

Their connection was special-no doubt about that, and their sexual chemistry was unbelievable, but the thought of existing in this seemingly endless state of uncertainty made her more than a little nervous. 

She'd like to think that the worst was behind them, but if not, how much more could they really endure? It seemed cruel that fate had been so vicious with them, and she began to wonder if things would ever settle down, but before her thoughts could overwhelm her, she banished them. 

All that mattered right now was that they were together, and for the next two days they were going to enjoy themselves; living freely and entirely in the moment. 

* * * *

It was five thirty a.m. when Jeneda was roused from sleep, and as she opened her eyes to see Dane standing beside her bed, she blinked a few times, them murmured a response. 

"What time is it?"

"Five thirty. Come upstairs and watch the sun rise with me."

"Upstairs?" She yawned, then snuggled deeper beneath the thick quilt. 

"Yeah. The view from the tower is unbelievable."

"Thirty more minutes. Then I'll get up."

"Aren't you supposed to be an early riser?"

"I wake up at six, not five thirty."

"Come on....," He paused, waiting for her to respond, yet only received silence. "Alright then, guess I'll have to make you."

She barely had a moment to process what was happening before he scooped her up in his arms, and with her swaddled in the blanket, he carried her up the stairs that led to the uppermost level. 

Once they reached the lighthouse tower, he set her on her feet, and as her eyes came to rest on the glass encasement that shielded them from the outdoors, she walked closer towards it. 

As Dane sidled up next to her, she welcomed him to snuggle beneath the quilt that surrounded her body, and after positioning himself so that he was standing behind her, he pulled the blanket securely around them. 

Having slept nude, they stood skin to skin, watching the upper edge of the sun peek above the eastern horizon. Except for the rhythmic sound of waves breaking against the coastline below, the silence surrounding them was filled only by their soft breathing.

The intense colors of the rising sun mingled with the soft hues of early morning, and light from the sunrise filtered through the glass of the tower, warming their faces as they watched on. 

Just as Dane had said, the view was spectacular, and definitely worth being featured on a postcard. Once the sun had fully risen, Jeneda and Dane made their descent down the narrow staircase, and upon returning to the bedroom, got back in bed to cuddle. Besides being nice and warm, Dane's body was pleasing to the touch, and it didn't take long before Jeneda's hands were sinuously roaming his frame.

Beginning at his smooth chest, she trailed her palm downward until it met with his flat abdomen, then continued further south until her fingers traced along his silky pubic hair. 

It seemed that her fingers had a mind of their own, because they effortlessly glided toward his testicles, and as she gently cupped one of his balls, the long, lean muscles of his body grew taut. Taking that as a signal to further her ministrations, she ducked her head beneath the quilt. 

The scent of his arousal engulfed her, permeating her nostrils with its male muskiness. His penis was thick and firm with the beginnings of an erection, and eager to please him, she darted her tongue out to taste him. 

Already dripping with need, the tip of his penis was oozing copious amounts of precum. It was slightly salty and felt slippery against her tongue, and finding his taste pleasant, she gently squeezed the sensitive head of his penis so that more of the clear fluid leaked out. 

The second lick she gave him inspired a carnal noise from deep in his throat, and goaded on by his vocal encouragement, she took him into her mouth. 

Clearly desiring to watch her in action, Dane threw the blanket off the bed, and although her eyes weren't focused on him, she knew without a doubt that he was intently watching her every move. 

Making sure to keep her lips tightly around him, she slowly sunk more of him into her. With each inch that she took, his breathing became heavier, and only when she found herself unable to take his cock any deeper, did she slide her mouth back up his length. 

His shaft was harder than steel, but smooth with a velvet-like texture, and as she began moving her mouth up and down his erection, he reached down to tunnel his fingers through her hair.

With every upstroke that she gave him, his moans grew more frequent, and it wasn't long before his fevered sighs turned into deep, throaty moans. As she sucked him off, he lightly rocked his hips, gently fucking the tight seal of her mouth. 

Having expected to maintain full control, Jeneda was surprised to find that Dane was becoming more dominant, and as his hips moved faster, wet suctioning noises came from her mouth. 

Her pussy grew wet at the noises they created, and clinging tightly to his hips, she gazed up at him from below. He stared right back at her, gasping and moaning as she manipulated her tongue against his hard dick. A slight crease formed between his brows, and his eyes became slitted. 

His cock was swelling, becoming plumper by the minute, and with a few more uncontrolled thrusts, he squirted a thick stream of cum into her mouth. Her throat opened and closed, swallowing all that he gave her, and only after he was completely empty, did she retract her mouth. 

Her jaws slightly ached from orally pleasuring him, and her scalp tingled slightly from him fisting it so tightly, but the pain was minimal, and of the good kind. 

Rendered boneless by his orgasm, Dane lay slack against the mattress. His chest rose and fell with each breath that he took, and his eyes were hazy with bliss. Finding it hard to tear her eyes away, she watched him for a few more moments, then reached a hand out to tenderly touch his face. 

He murmured, grabbing the back of her head to pull her in for a wet kiss. Her lips parted easily for him, and after allowing their tongues to mingle, they broke away with a faint sigh.

"I'm kinda worn out," Dane said. "How about we take a nap first, and then get some breakfast?" 

Surprisingly feeling a little drowsy herself, the idea of getting more sleep was definitely appealing. "I like that idea."

She picked up the quilt from the floor and pulled it over them. Then she cuddled against him and closed her eyes.

* * * *

It was four hours later when Jeneda and Dane woke, and after slipping into matching fluffy white robes, they made their way down to the kitchen. Although it was nearly eleven a.m., they were still in need of a caffeine fix, and after making themselves some coffee, as well as two bowls of Wheat Chex, they took a seat at the kitchen table. 

Focusing more on her coffee, rather than her cereal, Jeneda took several long sips. Remarkably rich and silky, it had a slightly chocolate flavor to it, and was by far the best coffee she'd ever tasted. It was so delicious that her bowl of cold cereal remained untouched.

"Where did you get this coffee?" Jeneda asked. "I've never tasted anything like it."

"I'm not sure, my mom is the one who buys it. I do know It's imported from Indonesia, though."

"It's *really* good." She finished the remainder that was in her cup, then got up to pour herself a refill. 

"It should be, it costs well over one hundred dollars a pound."

"Seriously?" 

He nodded. "It's one of the top ten most expensive coffees in the world."

"Wow." She rejoined him at the table, and after taking another sip of coffee, she gazed down into the mug of liquid. "And I thought Starbucks was expensive."

A faint smile touched his lips. "My mother appreciates the finer things in life."

While they were munching their cornflakes, a book on the table caught Jeneda's eye, and she picked it up to have a closer look. 

"You're into Poe?"

"Yep. He's one of my favorite authors."

In pristine condition, the leather-bound book she was holding contained a collection of stories and poems by Edgar Allen Poe, and was embossed with gold on its spine and cover. She cracked it open to look inside, and upon glancing at the title page, noticed a message that had been written in ink. 

"To Dane. Happy eighteenth birthday, and I look forward to seeing you soon. Love, Mom." 

"She sent that to me during my gap year in Japan," Dane said.

"You lived in Japan?" She casually flipped through the pages. "How was that?"

"Everything I'd hoped for and more."

"What were your favorite things about living there?"

"The food, the nightlife, the manga stores, the vending machines..." He raised his bowl to his lips, slurped the last of the milk, and then wiped his mouth off with the back of his hand. "I could go on, but I don't want to bore you." 

"No, keep going. I'd like to hear more."

"The temples are really nice, and so are the hot springs." He gazed off into the distance for a bit, as if trying to recall more things. "The electronic toilets are pretty cool, too." 

"Oh yeah, I've heard about those. They're basically high-tech bidets, right?"

"Pretty much."

"But you still use toilet paper, right?"

"You could, but there's really no point, because they wash, dry, and deodorize you." 

"Hmm. Still seems like It'd be good to wipe, though. I mean a stream of water can't get *everything*."

"You'd be surprised how powerful some of those water jets are."

She nearly choked on her coffee.

"I'm serious," Dane said. 

"Okay, I believe you."

"Of course you can't fully understand how amazing they are until you've tried one out yourself." 

"So what are you suggesting? That I go to Japan?"

"Nope, to my parents house."

"They have an electronic toilet?"

"Yep. Just got a new one installed last month."

A moment of silence preceded her words. "Is this your way of saying you want me to meet your parents?"

"What do you think?"

"I'd say yes."

"So how about it?"

"Sure." She blinked a few times, then said, "I'd love to."

"You seem very surprised."

"I am. We've barely been together two months."

"That's long enough, don't you think?"

"Yeah, I do." She smiled, and as he took her hand in his, their fingers laced together.

"We're not just dating anymore. We're solidly together now."

She nodded, and as his hot mouth pressed to hers, their lips moved slowly, with a deep tenderness. They parted from the embrace to stare at one another, and as was customary whenever she looked at him, Jeneda lost herself in his deep, black eyes. 

"I was thinking we could stop by to see my parents on our way home."

"How about next weekend?" She asked.

"What's wrong with today?"

"Well for one thing, I'll be wearing the same grungy clothes that I had on yesterday. And my hair is a mess." 

"We can throw your clothes in the wash," he said. "And as for your hair, it looks fine to me."

"Dane, come on. It looks terrible." She raked her fingers through her frizzy bob. "I can't meet them looking like this."

"My mom has a lot of hair products in her bathroom. She also has a flat iron and hot curlers, as well as a bunch of other stuff. Whatever you need, she's probably got it."

Seeing how adamant he was to continuing on with their plans, she realized there was no point in even trying to argue, so she gave in. "Well clearly you've got everything figured out, so I guess there's no point in me trying to put this off."

He smiled and grabbed her hand. "Don't worry. I'm sure they'll love you."

"How sure?"

"Eighty, eighty-five percent."

"Oh, thanks," she sarcastically said, then took her cup and bowl over to the sink. 

"I'm joking, of course." Now standing directly behind her, Dane wrapped his arms around her waist. "They will love you, I know it."

His breath tickled her skin as he leaned in, and as he gently kissed her neck, she smiled.

* * * *

An hour and a half later, and in their own respective cars, Jeneda and Dane were on the road, and following a 100- mile drive on the highway, they arrived in Seacliff.

A very wealthy neighborhood known for its Mediterranean mansions, Seacliff offered breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin headlands, and was in close proximity to a sheltered pocket of sand named China Beach. If one was left uncertain of just how exclusive the neighborhood was, two stone pillars marked the entrance to Seacliff, letting visitors know that this was a neighborhood separated from the rest of the city.

The twisting streets of the elite district added to the ambiance of the lush, green neighborhood, and as she continued to tail Dane, Jeneda found herself intently eyeballing each stately house that she passed. Seacliff wasn't terribly far from Noe Valley, the community where she lived, but it still seemed as if she'd been transported into an entirely different world. 

As Dane's Prius pulled up in front of an iron gate that surrounded a sprawling house, the barriers swung open, and Jeneda followed closely behind him in her own car. Now offered an unimpeded view of the residence, she saw that it was French Chateau style, with dramatic lime stone arches which led to a striking red door. 

The bushes that surrounded the property were pruned into a fancy spiral shape, and the trees were shaped like enormous balls. As Jeneda turned into the curved, cobblestone driveway, she noticed there was a large, three-tiered fountain, and that was when her stomach began doing flips. 

Although she hated to admit it, being surrounded by such luxury intimidated her, after exiting her vehicle and meeting up with Dane, he took her hand in his, then led her toward the mansion. 

"You're sweating." His brows rose, and a faint smile tilted his lips.

"Only a little."

"Relax. You're meeting my parents, not the royal family."

She nodded and focused her eyes on the entryway to the house.

"Is there a special meaning behind the red door?" She asked.

"That was my dad's idea. In Japanese folklore, red is the color for expelling demons and illness. It also represents vitality and power, as well as love and intimacy."

He purposely emphasized the latter part of his sentence, making eye contact with her while tenderly brushing his thumb against the back of her hand. It never failed to amaze her how effortlessly he made her swoon, and as they climbed the steps to the front door, her nervousness lessened somewhat. 

Dane rang the doorbell, and after a few moments of waiting, Jeneda heard the sound of footsteps approaching the door. It opened to reveal a tall, blonde woman in a cream-colored Chanel suit, and as her eyes came to rest on the couple before her, she studied them in stunned silence.

Jeneda stared right back, expectantly waiting for the woman to clutch the pearls that so elegantly graced her neck, but instead she only weakly smiled.

"Dane, what a surprise to see you." Then looking back at Jeneda, she asked, "And who is this?"

"My girlfriend, Jeneda."

"Oh." The lift of her eyebrows was very faint, but still noticeable. "I've heard nothing about you having a girlfriend," she said to Dane. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I figured I'd give it some time. Didn't want to jinx anything, you know?"

"Yes, well..." Her voice drifted off, and as if suddenly realizing her bad manners, she swung the door wider. "Forgive me for being rude. Won't you two come in?" The skin around her eyes crinkled as she smiled, but her blue eyes remained less than warm. 




Velvet Roses Ch. 13



After closing the door behind them, Dane's mother stuck out her left hand, which was adorned with a large diamond ring. "My name is Katherine, but people call me Kitty."

Jeneda clasped hands with her, and after engaging in a brief handshake, Kitty hugged Dane. As they parted from the embrace, her brows slightly furrowed, and she reached up to touch her son's face.

"Something's different about your nose." She lightly traced the bridge of it with her pinkie, and as it passed over a slight bump, she gasped. "It's broken."

"It's no big deal. I was walking into a building, and someone was rushing out and they hit me with a door."

"Oh dear, when did this happen?"

"Six days ago."

"Oh, you poor thing." She affectionately smoothed a hand over his cheek. "Your beautiful face has been marred."

"Mother, I'm fine."

"No, you're not. They've ruined your perfect nose. It was so nice and straight, and now look at it."

"It doesn't look *that* bad," he said. "The bump is getting smaller everyday."

"What if it doesn't heal all the way?"

"Then I'll deal with it. Worse things could happen."

"If it doesn't go back to normal, we'll get you fixed up. Your father knows a surgeon who specializes in Rhinoplasty."

"Don't be ridiculous. I am "not* getting plastic surgery."

"Alright, alright, it was just a suggestion."

She halted her fussing over Dane, then led them into a formal living room. Paintings depicting Parisian streets graced the walls, and beyond two sets of arched French doors, was an immaculately maintained garden.

Kitty gestured for them to sit on a white chaise lounge, then took a seat across from them and crossed her legs. She then gestured to a maid who was polishing a cherry wood china cabinet, and as the freckled servant reached her, Kitty made a request.

"Susana, be a dear and tell Mr. Takahashi that his son is here for a visit."

"Certainly, Miss."

As the maid hurried off to another section of the house, silence pervaded the room, and Jeneda found herself irked by the fact that Kitty had failed to mention that Dane wasn't alone. Of course she already knew that Kitty didn't care for her very much, but that still didn't excuse the fact that she was disregarding her relationship with Dane. 

"I've missed you, darling," Kitty said to Dane. "It's been nearly a month since you came to see us."

"I've missed you as well, and Dad too. Sorry I haven't been around more, I've just been busy working on this new graphic novel."

"So you are still doing that."

"Of course, what else would I be doing?" 

"I don't know. Something more stable, that would yield you a higher income."

"I may not be rich and famous, but I'm not struggling to pay my bills, either. I do pretty alright, considering I'm still fairly new to the industry."

"I know you do, and your father and I are proud of what you've achieved, but you could do so much better." 

"I'm happy, and I'm not interested in doing anything else, so can you please just accept the fact that I'm not going to change careers?"

She lightly sighed. "I suppose. But you can't blame me for wanting the best for you."

"I already have the best." He grabbed Jeneda's hand and pulled it onto his lap, then stared pointedly at his mother.

Perhaps realizing that he was trying to shift the attention to Jeneda, Kitty shifted her eyes to her son's girlfriend. "And what do you do for a living, Jeneda?"

"I'm a sculptor."

"Really." She perked slightly, then asked, "What type of sculptures do you create?"

"Free-standing. I work with clay, mostly."

"Where did you train?"

"The Artist's Academy."

"The same school as Dane." Kitty diverted her attention to her son. "Is that where you two first met?"

"Yes, but we didn't know one another while we were in college. We met two months ago, at a lecture I was giving."

"Oh yes, you were a guest speaker." She briefly paused before asking, "So two months of dating, and no mention that you have a girlfriend?"

"I told you mother, I didn't want to jinx it," he said with slight irritation.

"Yes, I know. I'm just a little surprised, that's all." 

The maid arrived with a tray of tea and cream puffs, and after setting it on a marble coffee table, she lifted the teapot and poured liquid into four cups. Once she was finished, she clasped her hands in front of her apron, then addressed Kitty. 

"Mr. Takahashi will only be a minute longer. Will you need anything else, Miss?"

"No, we're quite alright. Thank you, Susana."

They each leaned forward to grab a cup of tea, then idly sipped it in silence. As they were enjoying their pastries and tea, Jeneda found herself sneaking a few looks at Dane's mother, and wasn't entirely surprised to find that Kitty was doing the same. 

Whenever their eyes met, Kitty would give her one of her half-assed smiles, and Jeneda would do the same. It got so uncomfortable that Jeneda began to hope her and Dane's visit would soon come to an end, but then Kitty finally broke the silence.

"I imagine being a sculptor is very interesting."

"It is, and I really enjoy it, but it can also be frustrating as well."

"How so?"

"I'm a bit of a perfectionist. So if one little thing seems off, I start over from scratch."

"I suppose you'd have to be very precise in a field like that."

"Most definitely. But it fits my personality, so It's a great fit for me."

"Have you had any notable clients?" 

"A few doctors, some high profiled lawyers."

"She just did a sculpture for the San Francisco Symphony," Dane piped up.

"Really." A look that could almost pass for admiration crossed Kitty's face. "Very impressive. I'll have to make a point in visiting soon, so I can see your work."

"You definitely should," Dane said. "She's very talented."

Jeneda couldn't lie. Having Dane boast about her felt incredibly good, and it was definitely gratifying to see the look of surprise on Kitty's face, but she was also a little embarrassed as well. 

"He's laying it on thick," Jeneda said. "I'm not *that* good."

"Nonsense." Kitty's cold blue eyes seemed just a little less frosty. "You must be quite skilled, if the San Francisco Symphony commissioned you."

The sound of approaching footsteps diverted Jeneda's attention to Dane's father, and as he came closer to where they were sitting, both Jeneda and Dane rose to their feet.

Undeniably handsome, he had the same jutting cheekbones as his son, as well as thick black hair that was cut short. Dressed in a pair of khakis, a polo shirt, and shiny brown loafers, he had a sharp, well put together look. The energy he exuded seemed to suggest that he was fairly easy going, and as he gave Jeneda a smile, she returned it. 

He came closer to the chaise lounge where Jeneda and Dane were sitting, and they both rose to greet him. Dane and his father hugged, and as Jeneda watched them engage in small talk, she noticed that Dane was noticeably taller than his father. Dane's skin was also a lot paler, but his facial features were very similar.

She felt Dane place his hand against the small of her back, and gently coaxing her closer to his father, he said, "This is my girlfriend, Jeneda. Jeneda, my father, Naohito."

"Nice to meet you, Jeneda." He offered his hand for her to shake.

"It's good to meet you, as well."

After parting from the handshake, Jeneda retook her seat on the chaise lounge with Dane, and Naohito sat in a chair directly next to his wife. He grabbed a cup of tea from the tray, took a lingering sip, and then set it back down before resting his eyes on Jeneda.

"So how long have you two been together?"

"Two months."

Naohito nodded, then helped himself to a cream puff. "I guess I should have known that Dane had a girlfriend. He hasn't been coming around very much, lately." 

Jeneda smiled. "Sorry if I've been keeping him from you, but you know how it is when you meet someone new. You want to spend all of your time with them."

"I remember how that is. When Kitty and I first started dating, we barely spent more than a day apart." He glanced at his wife, who looked back at him with great affection. "Come to think of it, not much has really changed. Twenty-five years of marriage, and we're still going strong."

"Twenty-five years is quite a stretch," Jeneda said. "I always find it so impressive when people stay married for that long."

"It wasn't such a rare thing when Kitty and I first got hitched. Back then, divorce was looked down on. People were forced to work things out, and come to a solution. But society's changed, and not many people are willing to put in the work anymore."

"It's because of liberals, you know," Kitty said. "They want the right to do anything and everything. Divorce, open borders, an increase in entitlement programs." She rolled her eyes, then took a sip of her tea. "And they want people like *us* to pay higher taxes." 

"Oh Kitty, enough with the liberal bashing. They aren't the catalyst for divorces, and never were. So let's get back on topic, okay?"

"But they certainly aren't helping things, either. If it were up to them, gays would have the right to marry." 

"And that would just be horrible, right?" Dane asked. "It shouldn't matter who marries who, as long as they love one another." 

"It's not that I'm against gays, darling. I have friends who are gay, so how could I dislike them?"

"Really," Dane said. "You have friends who are gay?"

Kitty nodded.

"Name one," Dane said.

"Marco."

"He's your hairstylist, mother. That doesn't count." 

"Alright you two, let's give it a rest and get back to the subject matter," Naohito said. "Let's keep things light."

"It was a perfectly friendly debate," Kitty said. "But I agree that we've gone off topic." She took a sip of her tea, then directed her gaze at her son, and as her eyes drifted lower, an expression of concern crossed her face. "What happened to your hand?"

"Oh, this?" Dane lifted his left hand, which had two splinted fingers. "You know that birdcage elevator at my apartment?"

"Of course," Kitty said. "How could I ever forget such a horrible, decrepit thing?"

"I was trying to close the gate, and ended up smashing my fingers pretty good."

"When did this happen?"

"Around four days ago."

"How strange. That's only two days after you broke your nose."

"Your nose is broken?" Naohito asked.

"Yeah, somebody hit me with a door. It's no big deal."

"I didn't even notice." He leaned in closer for a better look at his son, and after a few seconds of studying his nose, he said, "Oh yeah, now I see it. There's a bump right on the bridge."

"It'll heal, Dane said, then quickly changed the subject. "Jeneda and I spent yesterday night in the lighthouse."

"You took her to the lighthouse?" Kitty's jaw nearly dropped.

"Yes, I did. Why, is that a problem?"

"Of course not." The look on her face, however, told a very different story. "I'm just a little surprised, because you've never brought anyone there before. At least not to our knowledge."

"Jeneda was the first." He grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze, to which she returned. 

"Well good, I'm glad you took her there." Naohito smiled. "Did you enjoy your stay, Jeneda?" 

"Oh yeah, I had a fabulous time. It really is an amazing place."

"It's been in my family for more than forty years." Kitty spoke with an air of haughtiness, and she jutted her chin slightly forward in a display of pride. "It was passed down to me from my grandfather, who was the son of a lighthouse keeper."

"What an amazing inheritance," Jeneda said. "It must be nice to have something like that in your family for so many years."

"It is." She lifted the teapot and filled her cup with more tea, then took a small sip. "So, tell me about your family. What are they like?"

"My dad is a trucker, and my mom is an income tax preparer."

"I see. Do they live in San Francisco?"

"My dad does, but my mom lives in Key West."

"They're divorced?"

"Yes."

"Have either of them remarried?"

"My mom did, but my dad is single."

"Do you have any siblings?"

"One brother."

"Where does he live?"

"In Key West, with my mom."

"And why aren't you there with them?"

"I'm sorry?" Jeneda blinked.

A less than genuine smile crossed her lips. "What I meant was, with both your mother and brother living across the country, what made you choose to stay here?"

"I was born in San Francisco. I love it here, and couldn't see myself living anywhere else."

"The distance doesn't bother you?"

"Well of course I miss them, but we stay in touch through phone calls, and get together on holidays."

"So long as you keep that family bond. It's important to keep your loved ones as close as possible."

"I agree." 

A moment of silence preceded Kitty's next question.

"So, what first attracted you to my son?"

"I won't lie. He's gorgeous, and that's the first thing that drew me in."

For the first time since Jeneda arrived, Kitty's lips tugged into a genuine smile, and with a prideful look on her face, she said, "He's always been a head turner. Ever since he was a baby."

"It's not just his good looks, though," Jeneda said. "He's creative, intelligent, and fun to be around. He's got a great sense of style, as well."

"I'll admit he got his beauty from Kitty, but all of his other qualities, he inherited from me," Naohito said, and he gave Jeneda a playful wink.

"My father's being modest," Dane said. "He was quite the lady-killer back in the day."

"According to who?" Kitty asked.

"Dad. He's shared some stories with me over the years."

"Oh, really?" Kitty looked fixedly at her husband.

"It was before I met you, Kitty. So there's no reason to get jealous." 

"Who says I'm jealous?"

Purposely studying the teapot in front of him, Naohito opened the lid to look inside, then rose to his feet and lifted the tray it was sitting on. "Why don't I take this into the kitchen and get us a refill of tea?"

"Actually, Jeneda and I should be going."

"So soon?" Naohito asked. "But you've only been here for half an hour."

"I've got a meeting with my agent in the next few hours, and I'm sure Jeneda has stuff to do as well."

"Oh, okay." Naohito set the tray down, then along with Kitty, Dane and Jeneda, he headed for the door.

Upon reaching the entryway, they all said their goodbyes, and when it came time for Kitty and Jeneda to exchange pleasantries, they both put on their most amiable expressions. 

"It was nice meeting you, Jeneda." 

"Nice meeting you as well. I look forward to seeing you again soon." Her statement couldn't have been further from the truth, but it was the only thing Jeneda could think of to let Kitty know that she intended to remain a fixture in Dane's life.

"Mmm, yes. Take care." Kitty's half-assed smile made another appearance.

Jeneda and Dane then stepped outside, and after descending the stairs that led to the cobblestone driveway, they came to a halt. 

"So, what did you think?" Dane asked.

"Your dad is nice, but your mom doesn't really seem to like me."

"She seemed to warm up to you when I mentioned that you created a sculpture for the San Francisco Symphony."

"That's true. But I still get the feeling that she doesn't want me with you."

"Well even if she doesn't, It's not going to change anything. We're together, and we're happy, so that's all that matters, right?"

She nodded and he gave her a peck on the lips, then walked her to her car. 

"I'm sure you've got things to do, but if you have time, would you mind stopping by my place for a bit?"

"Any particular reason why?"

"Do you ever need an excuse to spend time at my apartment?" He reached a hand out to caress her cheek, then tenderly kissed the tip of her nose. "Actually, I just finished working on this new graphic novel, and I'd really like it if you gave me your opinion on it."

"Has anyone else seen it yet?"

"Nope, you'll be the first."

"Sure, why not?" She said. "It'd be an honor."

"Great. I'll lead the way home, and you follow."

She nodded, and after one last brief kiss, Dane headed for his car, which was parked directly in front of hers. 

After climbing behind the wheel, Jeneda started up her vehicle, and once Dane put his Prius into gear, she followed him out of the driveway and onto the main road. 

* * * *

Half an hour later, they arrived at Dane's apartment, and after taking the creaky birdcage elevator up to his loft, they stepped out into the hallway. And that was when they noticed the front door to his apartment was open. 

They only had time to exchange a brief look of panic before crossing the threshold, and as they stepped inside, two sets of eyes turned to look at them. 

"What's going on here?" Dane's eyes darted from one cop to the other before coming to land on his bed, which was occupied with a yellow legal pad, a baseball cap, a small pistol, and a high power laser pointer. 

"What are you doing with my stuff?" He stepped toward his bed, but his progress was quickly halted by a male cop with red hair and green eyes.

"Are you Dane Takahashi?" 

"Yes. Now tell me why you're here.

"We received a tip off that the person occupying this apartment is involved in criminal activities. This anonymous caller also informed us that you're part of a criminal ring, and are planning to rob Invotech Corporation, a computer chip company based in the waterfront district."

"You can't just enter my apartment without consent," Dane angrily said. "You need a warrant."

The cop retrieved a slip of paper from his pocket, then held it up for Dane to see. "We know you were casing Invotech last week. We found your notes, as well as a detailed sketch of both the front and back of the building. We located a pistol, and a high power laser pointer. We also have a witness who says they saw you parked in a car across from Invotech's building, and they correctly identified you, as well as the hat you were wearing that day." He motioned to his partner, who was a female officer with pasty skin, and she held up the baseball cap, which was enclosed in a large plastic evidence bag."

Looking quite pleased with himself, the red headed cop asked, "Do you wish to deny your involvement, or confess that you were planning a crime?" 

Dane didn't say a word, only blew out a heavy sigh and put his arms behind his back. The cop retrieved a pair of handcuffs, and positioning himself behind Dane, he slipped them over his wrists.

"Dane Takahashi, you're under arrest for planning the robbery of Invotech Corporation." You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to have an attorney present during questioning. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you before the questioning."

By this time, the female cop had gathered up all of the evidence bags, and with the red haired cop leading a handcuffed Dane out the front door, she followed behind them. Jeneda trailed after them, and once they reached ground level and stepped outside, the two officers guided Dane toward their squad car. 

Completely stunned, Jeneda had been left speechless, and was helpless to do anything except watch on in horror. But as the red haired cop pushed down on Dane's head and coaxed him into the back of the police car, Jeneda suddenly called out to Dane.

"Wait!" She threw her arms around his neck, then pressed her body flush to his, and after enveloping him in a lingering hug, she pulled back and looked into his eyes. "Do you want me to call someone? What can I do?"

"Nothing."

"What do you mean, nothing? I can't just let you to jail." Her voice cracked with emotion, throat tightening and eyes welling with tears. 

Dane looked back at her with sadness in his eyes, then in a voice tinged with emotion, he said, "I'll call you when I get the chance, okay?" He kissed one of her tear streaked cheeks, and then the other. "Don't cry." 




Velvet Roses Ch. 13



This only made the tears fall quicker, and she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, then leaned in to give him a deep, long kiss. His mouth pressed against Jeneda's with the same enthusiasm, lips crushing hers tenderly, yet with haste. Neither could care less that they had an audience, and as their oral embrace deepened, Jeneda lost herself in the comforting warmth of his mouth. 

"Alright, that's enough," the male cop grabbed Dane by the scruff of his neck, then forcibly pulled him away from Jeneda. 

"I love you." 

The words barely had time to leave Dane's lips before the red haired cop pushed him down into the back of the police car and slammed the door shut. Then he climbed into the driver's seat, and with sirens blaring, tore off down the street. 

"I love you, too," Jeneda whispered into the air as she stared dazedly down the street. 

Only once the police car was out of her sight, did she avert her eyes, and that was when she noticed that someone was watching her. Her eyes went wide as she recognized who it was, and as he noticed that she'd spotted him, his hard, cold eyes bored into hers.

Leaning casually against a black SUV was Adrian. He was dressed in a leather jacket with a built-in hooded sweatshirt, faded jeans, and a Raider's baseball cap that concealed his buzz cut. 

The look he gave her was firm and judgmental, and she guessed he expected her to be intimidated by the weight of it, yet instead of averting her eyes, she only stared harder. 

This seemed to goad him on because he narrowed his eyes and pulled his mouth into a straight line. Then slowly, his lips tugged into a self-satisfied smile. She watched as he opened the driver's door, got inside, and drove off down the street. 

That should have provoked Jeneda to head back to Dane's apartment, yet instead all she did was remain frozen in place, too numb to feel anything except the raw heartache that tore her apart. 



Velvet Roses Ch. 14



*I hope you guys this enjoy this chapter, and thanks for your continued interest!*



It was the ringing of her landline that woke Jeneda from her nap, and hoping that Dane was the caller, she reached out to lift the receiver, then placed it against her ear.

"Hello?"

"We need to have a serious talk, Jeneda." 

Recognizing the cold, stern voice as her fathers, Jeneda sat up in bed, then switched on the bedside table lamp. "Hello, Dad."

"Hello? Is that all you have to say to me?" 

A sick feeling formed in the pit of her stomach, and she nervously bit her lip. "I'm sorry, dad, I really am. Please don't be angry with me." 

Gary released a heavy breath before falling deathly silent, then let loose some angry words.

"Are you truly sorry, Jeneda? Or are you just saying that?"

"I really am. "I screwed up bigtime by not telling you, I know that," she lamely said. "But I never meant for you to find out like this."

"You didn't want me to find out at all." 

"Well, no I didn't. But I knew that eventually I'd have to come clean. I was just working up to it."

"Right," he said. "I guess you were also working up to telling Adrian and Daniel."

Uncertain of what to say, all she could do was remain silent, and stare dumbly at the wall in front of her. 

"What's going on with you, Jeneda? Why would you betray us like this?"

She shook her head slowly, then in a slightly shaky voice, said, "I don't know."

"Yes, you do." His already baritone voice seemed to become even deeper. "I want an answer, and I damn well deserve one, so start talking." 

"Because I was scared, and I knew how you'd react," she blurted out.

"And you wanted to keep seeing Dane, so you figured that not telling me at all would be the best way of going about that."

"Actually I didn't want to keep seeing him. When he told me what he'd done, I was disgusted and angry and couldn't stand the sight of him. So I broke up with him and told him to stay away."

"But eventually you made up with him."

"Yes."

"Why?" His voice had risen, causing her shoulders to jump slightly. "You knew what he'd done, so why would you get back together with him?"

"Because I love him."

"Love?" He spat the word out, as if merely speaking it had left a bitter taste in his mouth. "Please tell me you just didn't just say that."

"I know it sounds wrong, but It's true. I can't lie to you about my feelings, Dad. Dane is my boyfriend, and I love him."

"I thought you had sense, Jeneda. You've never been the foolish type."

Too disgraced to say anything at all, Jeneda hung her head, focusing her attention on the floral pattern of her pajama bottoms. 

"I don't blame Adrian and Daniel for what they did to him," he said. "In fact, I'm glad."

"Daniel tried to rape me. I guess you're glad about that as well."

"What?" Gary fell into stunned silence, then in a softened tone, he said, "Adrian didn't mention that."

"They also tied me up as well. I guess he didn't tell you that, either."

"No, he didn't, and I do not agree with them doing that. And as far as Daniel trying to rape you, I sure as hell am going to deal with him." His voice had risen with the latter half of his sentence. "But Dane got what he deserved, and I am *not* the slightest bit sorry for them beating him up."

"What if they'd gone through with killing him? Would you also think that was justly deserved?" Jeneda asked.

"Watch your tone with me, young lady. If anyone should be angry here, It's me." His voice was sharp as a whip, and the tone of his voice dared her to challenge him.

Having effectively been put back in her place, she visibly shrunk, and in a voice that was shaky with emotion, she said, "I'm sorry dad, I meant no disrespect, but I'm really going through a lot here."

"You think you know pain?" He snorted, then said, "At least Dane is still alive. I lost my best friend. Not only that, but I recently found out that his death was connected to my daughter's new boyfriend. And instead of doing the right thing and turning him in, you chose to keep it a secret. Why would you do that? What could ever possess you to betray Vincent like this?"

Gary's bellows were so intense that Jeneda could feel the vibration of his voice through the receiver, and with each passing moment, the shame she felt increased. 

Never in her life had her father been so furious with her, and as she came to the realization that their relationship had been irrevocably damaged, the emotions which had been steadily building within her became too much to handle. 

Tears stung her eyes, and her body began to shake. Then suddenly, before she even realized what was happening, she began to cry. "I'm sorry, dad," she blubbered. "I know what I did was horrible, but please forgive me." 

"We're family, Jeneda. I'm supposed to come first."

"I know, dad. I messed up, and I'm sorry. I should have just come clean with you, but I knew you'd be devastated, and I-"

"Stop. Just *stop*." 

The words he spoke were sharp, digging into her like a knife, but what he said next destroyed her even further. 

"The more you talk, the more angry I get, so I have to get off the phone. I don't want to see your face or talk to you, so don't call or stop by."

"Dad, *please*. Her voice shook, and a thick lump formed in her throat. "I know I can't take back what I did, but I truly am very deeply sorry."

"Your sorry's mean nothing to me. I'm disgusted and ashamed of you, and I don't even know who you are anymore. You're a stranger to me."

Her heart tore at the pain in his voice, and she opened her mouth to give a response, but before she could, he spoke again.

"I hope he was worth it, Jeneda. I really do." 

The line went dead as he hung up, and even after the off-hook tone signaled that the connection had been lost, she continued to hold the receiver in her hand. 

For a few moments, all she did was stare down at it, as if expecting her father to come back on the line. Then finally she placed the receiver back in its cradle, and after twenty solid minutes of being alone with her thoughts, she picked the phone back up and dialed Luna's number. To her relief, it only rang twice before Luna picked up, and with a trembling voice, Jeneda spoke. 

"Please come over. I don't want to be alone right now, and I really need someone to talk to."

"Jeneda, what's wrong? You sound terrible."

"Everything's wrong, my life is completely screwed." She drew in a deep breath, then shakily let it out before adding, "I don't know what to do, Luna."

"Just hang tight, I'm on my way," Luna said, and without another word, she ended the call. 

Jeneda hung up as well, then drew her knees to her chest and tightly hugged them.

* * * *

"Wow." An extended silence followed Luna's words, and staring intently at Jeneda, she asked, "So what are you going to do?" 

"Are you going to stay with Dane, or break up with him?" Ethan took a sip from his mug, then leaned slightly forward in anticipation of her answer.

For the past half hour, Jeneda had been updating Luna and Ethan on her unfortunate turn of events, and they were now both fully aware not only of Dane's involvement in Vincent's death, but the brutal physical attack that Adrian and Daniel had carried out, as well as Dane being arrested. 

Now seated at Jeneda's kitchen table with mugs of tea in hand, Ethan and Luna waited for her to give a response. Uncertain of how to answer Luna's question, Jeneda left it hanging in the air. But she didn't allow a moment of hesitation in responding to Ethan's inquiry.

"I'm staying with him."

"Really?" Luna asked. "But he's in jail, and probably not getting out anytime soon."

"I'm not turning my back on him. I love him, and I'm sticking with him."

"I know you're emotionally invested, but you have to be smart about this. Because of Dane, you're now estranged from your father, not to mention that Adrian and Daniel are still pissed off, and could come after you again. And now you're deciding to keep this relationship going while he's in jail?" She shook her head, and with brows furrowed in puzzlement, she asked, "Is he really worth all of this?"

"Yes, he is. And I'd really appreciate it if you'd stop being so damn judgmental."

"I'm *worried*, Jeneda. You don't have to agree with me, but I have to voice my opinion. And if I think you're being a dumb ass, then I'm going to come out and say it."

"So now I'm stupid?"

"Your choices are stupid."

"Then that's what you should have said."

"Luna wasn't trying to insult you, Jeneda." Ethan gently placed his hand on Jeneda's arm. "She's just concerned, that's all. And probably worried that you're getting yourself in deeper."

"Things are as bad as they could possibly get. Dane and I have come this far, and stuck it out this long, so what would be the point of breaking up?"

"You need to distance yourself from him," Luna said. "You deserve a good life, and It's clear that he can't give you one, so It's time to move on. Be smart, and end this."

"I don't want to end it. I've put my time and energy into this relationship, and I'm not just going to dump him."

Luna made a sound of disgust, then slammed her mug down on the table. "You asked me to come over and talk with you. Now do you want my help, or not?"

"I never asked for your help, and I don't want advice, either. I just want you to be here and support me."

"How can I do that, when you knowingly keep making bad decisions?"

"You're my friend. You're supposed to be there for me, regardless of your personal opinion."

"No. I don't support self-destructive behavior, and I can't just sit back and watch you fuck up your life. It's a drain on me, and I'm not going to do it. And if that means you don't want to be my friend anymore, then so be it."

"I'm not asking you to condone my decisions, and I don't want you to shoulder my burden. Just be a friend to me, Luna. That's all I'm asking." 

Luna crossed her arms, breathed deeply through her nose, and stared intently at Jeneda. "Think about the road you're heading down. Besides phone calls, heavily monitored visits, and letters, you won't have any contact. And he's going to expect you to remain faithful to him."

"And I will, so that won't be an issue for me."

"What if he gets a long sentence?"

"I've gone years without sex before. It's not that big of a deal," Jeneda firmly said."

"Think about the changes he'll go through. When he gets out, he won't be the same man he was before. Not to mention, he'll probably contract all sorts of STD's while he's in there."

Although Jeneda hated to admit it, she knew Luna was speaking the truth, and a raw feeling seared in her stomach.

"Do you really want to be that woman with a locked up man?" Luna asked. "Will you be able to handle not having someone kiss you goodnight, take you out to dinner, or give you emotional and physical attention? Because if you're honestly okay with everything I just mentioned, then I wish you good luck, because It'll be a hell of a challenge."

Her friend's words definitely gave Jeneda a lot to think about, and although she'd already been aware of the difficulties which would arise, Luna had also brought up a few additional concerns that hadn't even crossed her mind. But her decision was solidly made. 

"I know I've got a lot to figure out, and clearly It's going to take a toll on our relationship," Jeneda said. "But I'm sticking with Dane."

Luna shrugged, as if to convey nonchalance, but her face conveyed disappointment. "Suit yourself." She then grabbed her mug, rose to her feet, and headed for the kitchen. 

Once she was out of hearing range, Ethan said, "She's not really upset with you. You know that, right?" 

Jeneda nodded, then absentmindedly traced the rim of her cup. "It's just she can be so judgmental."

"It comes from a caring place. She's afraid for you, that's all."

"There's no need for her to be. I can take care of myself."

"Just a week ago, Adrian tied you up, and Daniel almost raped you. And Dane was here when they did it." The look Ethan gave her only strengthened his words. "Now Dane's in jail, you're all alone, and more vulnerable than before. "I'm sorry, but I really don't think you're in the position to protect yourself."

"I have a gun, Ethan. Dane gave it me a few days ago."

"What?"

"I own a gun."

"You're joking, right?" He blinked a few times before adding, "Please tell me you aren't serious."

"Weren't you just mentioning how I was a woman living alone, with no way to defend myself?"

"Yes, but that doesn't mean I want you to own a firearm."

"Then what do you suggest, because clearly I'm short on options, here."

It seemed that Ethan was uncertain of how to answer, because a long moment of silence foreshadowed his words. "Alright, so maybe a gun isn't such a bad idea. But do you know how to handle it?"

She nodded. "Dane taught me, so I'm not entirely clueless."

"But have you actually practiced shooting it?"

"No. But if it came down to it, I know I could."

Ethan gave her a long, hard look, as if doubting her words, but before he could voice his concern, the sound of footsteps alerted them that Luna was approaching. 

"Please don't tell Luna," Jeneda said. "She'll freak."

"I won't. You have my word."

With a refill of tea in hand, Luna retook her seat, and after taking a long sip of the beverage, she glanced at Jeneda. "What did you guys talk about while I was gone?"

"The same thing we talked about before you left."

Luna shifted her gaze to Ethan, who only nibbled on a Milano cookie. It was clear from the expression on Luna's face that she sensed they weren't being completely truthful with her, but instead of making an issue out of it, she only sat back in her chair and took another sip of the hot liquid. 

"So Jeneda, I was thinking it might be good for me to stay here with you. Not forever, but just for a little while."

"Why?"

"I don't like the idea of you being alone."

"I doubt Adrian and Daniel will come after me again."

"What about that other guy? The one that Dane was going to pull the heist for?"

"Slade?" She shook her head, then said, "I'm not worried about him, either."

"Why not?"

"Why should I be? I already have enough things on my mind, as it is."

"But Isn't Dane still indebted to him? That was the whole reason he was forced into planning the robbery, right?"

"Yeah."

"Well now that Dane is in jail, this Slade guy is really free to come after you. He might even try to use you to settle Dane's debt."

"And you think moving here with me is going to discourage him?" 

"Forget I asked." 

Luna got to her feet, walked to the door, and grabbed her jacket from the coat rack. Ethan exchanged a glance with Jeneda, then made his way to the door and put on his pea coat. Jeneda barely had time to reach the threshold before Luna opened the door, but before she could go any further, Jeneda gently grabbed her arm.

"You don't have to leave."

"I want to."

"It's not that I don't want you to move in with me," Jeneda said. "I just don't think It'd be the best idea."

"You're right, being alone is better."

"If something happened to you while you were here, I'd never be able to forgive myself."

"It's okay. I understand, and I'm not angry with you."

"Promise?"

Her expression softened, and her lips tugged into a soft smile. "Yeah."

The two women hugged, and after parting, Ethan pulled Jeneda into his own embrace.  

"Be safe, and keep us updated, okay?"

"I will." 

Jeneda felt the tickle of Ethan's breath as he positioned his lips next to her ear, and in a whisper, he said two words.

"Stay strong."

She nodded, then watched as he crossed the threshold and followed Luna out of the apartment. 

* * * *

The feel of wet clay beneath her hands provided Jeneda with a calming effect, and as she manipulated the huge block of clay into the shape of a female in a seductive pose, the knot in her stomach began to untwist. 

Ever since Dane had been arrested six hours ago, her nerves had been on edge, but now that she was in her art studio, with hands and arms covered in clay, she was beginning to feel just a little less sorrowful.

Nothing had more of a tranquilizing effect on her than creating sculptures, and as she maneuvered her fingers against the squishy, earthy material, she found that her troubles were pushed to the back of her mind. 

It took the ringing of her cell phone to break her trance-like state, and after wiping her hands off with a damp washcloth, she retrieved her mobile from a stool. 

"Hello?"

"This is a collect call from an inmate at San Francisco County Jail," a muffled recording relayed. "Press one to accept, or two to deny the charges."

Jeneda pressed the number on her keypad to accept, and after a few seconds of silence, Dane's voice came onto the line.

"Hey, baby."

"Hi, sweetie. How's it going?"

"Better, now that I'm talking to you." He gave brief pause before continuing. "Sorry it took me so long to call you, but it took awhile for me to get through the booking process."

"It's okay, I'm just glad to hear from you."

"I'm so sorry about the way things turned out. You seeing me get arrested had to be the most unromantic thing ever."

"Hey, It's alright. It's not like either of us was expecting that to happen."

"No, It's not alright. Ever since you started dating me, It's been one thing after another. And now, just when things were starting to get a little better, this happens." He blew out a heavy breath, then said, "I haven't been much of a boyfriend to you at all."

"You've done the best that you can, considering your situation," Jeneda said. "Don't beat yourself up for things that were out of your control."

"I know I shouldn't, but I can't help it." He exhaled deeply through his nose. "Listen, I don't know how long It'll be before I go to trial, but I'm gonna need you to take care of some things for me."

"You're not posting bail?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"I deserve to be here, Jeneda. I committed a crime."

"You were forced into it, Dane. You don't deserve to be jailed."

"Yes, I *do*. I'm paying for what I did."

Although he didn't go into detail, Jeneda could tell by the tone of his voice that he was referring to Vincent's death, and as she came to the realization that a prison sentence was inevitable for him, a sickness spread in the pit of her stomach. 

Her legs buckled, and she slowly sank to her knees on the cold cement floor. Her breathing came quicker, and she reached up to cradle her forehead in her hands.

"Jeneda?" Dane's voice was laced with concern.

"I'm here."

"What's wrong? Why aren't you talking?"

"I'm sorry, I'm just a little shocked. I thought you were going to fight this."

"I can't fight it. I'm here for a reason, and you know that."

"So you're just going to accept whatever sentence they give you?"

"I never said I wasn't getting an attorney. I'm just not posting bail."

"So where does this leave us?"

"I want you to continue being my girlfriend, Jeneda, but this isn't my decision to make. The choice is in your hands."

Still stunned, she waited a few moments before speaking, then in a voice husky with emotion, she said, "I'm not giving up on you, Dane. We've been through too much to just throw our relationship away."

"So you'll wait for me?"

"I've given my heart to you, how could I not?"

Dane blew out a deep breath, and in a voice that conveyed relief, he said, "You don't know how good that makes me feel."

"I'm not just saying it, I really mean it."

"Yeah, I know you do, babe." Yet as quickly as his spirits lifted, he once again fell into a distressed state. "I don't know how I'm gonna get through this. I already miss you so much."

"I miss you, too."




Velvet Roses Ch. 14



"I can still smell you on me. The scent of your fabric softener is in my clothes." 

Wondering if he'd left remnants of his odor in her own garments, she lifted her shirt and sniffed it. "I can smell you, too."

"What do I smell like?"

"Clean, and natural. It's very comforting."

"I can't wait to see you."

"Do you know when they'll let me visit?"

"I'm not sure yet. But as soon as I find out, I'll let you know."

"Okay." 

"Do you still have the keys to my apartment?"

"Yep. They're in my pocket."

"I know you have your own place, but you're free to hang out there anytime."

"I'd like that."

"And if It's not too much trouble, could you take care of my financial affairs? I have royalty checks coming in every month that need to be deposited in the bank."

"No problem. I can take care of that."

"I'm sure more things will come to me later, but for right now, that's all I can think of." His end of the line fell silent, then with sadness in his voice, he said, "Looks like my fifteen minutes are almost up, so I guess we better say our goodbyes."

The words he spoke caused tears to well up in her eyes, and her voice wavered as she responded. "When will I hear from you again?"

"I have daily phone privileges, so I'll give you a call tomorrow."

"Alright. I love you, and talk to you soon."

"I love you, too. Bye."

Jeneda set her phone aside, then stared blankly at the wall in front of her. Ever since Dane had confessed his involvement in Vincent's death, she'd known that Dane's past would eventually catch up to him. Subconsciously, she'd been mentally preparing herself for something like this to happen, but now that it actually had, she found that it felt even worse than she could have imagined. 

She was left feeling nervous, vulnerable, and uncertain of the future, and although Dane was still alive, it felt as though she were grieving for him. 

She didn't know whether a few minutes, or several passed before she came back to the present moment, but as her palms once again made contact with the smooth, slick clay, she found herself slipping into a world of her own; one where she was fully in control and unreachable by reality.

* * * *

Several days passed before Jeneda received a visitor application from the jail, and after hurriedly filling it out and posting it back to the detention facility, she waited with anticipation for an affirmative response. 

It took a week and a half before she received a large yellow envelope from the Department of Corrections, and after ripping it open, she discovered that she'd been approved, and was now granted the opportunity to schedule a visit with Dane. 

She had also been provided with rules about visiting, as well as what to expect upon her arrival. In addition, they also included an address where she could send Dane letters, as well as a list of things she could and could not include if she chose to send care packages. 

Along with being appreciative at finally being given the chance to see her lover in person, she also felt deep sadness. Seeing Dane's inmate number printed next to his mailing address only cemented the fact that he was now officially a prisoner, and her chest tightened with longing.

He still had yet to go to trial, so she didn't know how long of a sentence he would get, but she was hoping it wouldn't be too harsh. The thought of years passing by with him stuck behind bars was unsettling to say the least, and deep down inside, she had a feeling that his sentence would be anything but light.  

The days leading up to her visit with Dane were accompanied by nervous anticipation, and as Thursday finally arrived, she made the trip out to the county jail. 

The sweater she wore was fitted and had a scoop neck, and was paired with her favorite jeans, which were dark blue and slim cut. She'd kept her makeup simple, choosing to only apply mascara, a dab of eyeshadow to highlight her freshly tweezed brows, and some lip gloss. 

She pulled into the visitor lot with twenty minutes to spare, and after going through the X-ray and being pat down, she handed over her driver's license. 

She'd brought along a bag of items for Dane, so she made sure to hand those over to the guard as well, and after inspecting them one by one, he placed the bag into a holding area behind the counter. She was then escorted directly to the visitor's room.

Reminiscent of the crime dramas that she'd seen on TV, the room was divided by a Plexiglass wall, which had cubicles on either side. The clear partition had several small circular holes drilled into the center of it, which led Jeneda to assume it would allow her and Dane to hear each other as they spoke.

She took a seat and fidgeted nervously with the coin purse she'd brought along, and as a beefy guard escorted Dane into the room, her heart quickened. 

It'd been two long weeks since she'd last seen her lover, and as she took in his lanky form, she couldn't help noticing the slight changes in his appearance. 

The dark shadows beneath his eyes suggested that he was exhausted, and the harsh, unflattering lighting gave his skin a yellow, jaundiced tint. Although he'd always been slim, it seemed he was more lean than usual, and she found herself wondering just what he was subsisting on.

As soon as Dane's eyes met hers he immediately became more enlivened, and a wide smile spread across his face.

He took a seat across from her, and as their eyes locked, they took a moment to stare at each other. His eyes searched her face intently, as if committing each contour to his memory, and she mirrored him, matching his intent gaze. 

"Jeneda." He whispered it softly, as if he were hardly able to believe that she was really there.

"Hey, It's good to see you."

"It's *great* to see you." Joy lit up his eyes. "I've been missing you so badly."

"I miss you, too. And I think of you all the time."

"Not as much as I think of you. Hearing your voice everyday is the only thing keeping me sane. I was so excited about you visiting, I hardly sleep at all last night."

His elation over her coming to see him made Jeneda feel wonderful, and yet it also broke her heart that it was all he had to look forward to. Hoping to cheer him up, she decided to mention the items she'd brought along for him. 

"I got those sketchbooks you wanted. I also brought a few pens and some pencils. And I picked up those paperbacks you mentioned, as well as a money order."

"I didn't ask you to get me a money order."

"I know you didn't. It's a gift."

"You're my girl. You shouldn't be spending money on me."

"You're already calling me collect, Dane. So one way or another, It's going to happen."

"I'm reimbursing you for those phone calls. You are using my debit card to draw money out of my checking account like I told you, right?"

"Yeah."

"So there's no reason to spend your money on me."

"I purchased everything else with funds from your account. But the money order is something I bought on my own."

"Why?"

"Because I wanted to. Now shut up, and accept the gift."

A crooked smile played on his lips. "I always did love your feistiness."

She returned his smile, but as quickly as it appeared, it was gone. "So, I have to ask. When I first scheduled this visit, they told me I would be meeting you in the unrestricted visiting room. So why are we here?" She tapped lightly on the glass partition. 

"I'd rather not go into it if you don't mind."

"Why? What happened?"

"I had an incident."

"What kind?"

He grew silent, as if struggling to figure out how to respond, then in a lowered voice, he said, "I had a conflict with another inmate."

Her stomach twisted at the word 'conflict.' "What does that mean?"

"It means I had an altercation, and was put on punishment for it."

"You got into a fight?"

"I wouldn't call it a fight." He lowered his eyes from hers, as if she would somehow use the power of her gaze to gain access to his thoughts.

"Did someone attack you?"

"Do I look like I was attacked?"

"No," she hesitantly said. "But you could be hiding bruises on your body, so I can't be for certain." 

Dane exhaled slowly, then in a voice that conveyed his uneasiness, he said, "I really don't want to talk about this."

"Alright, then we wont." A brief pause followed her words. "Have you spoken to your parents yet?"

"Yes."

"How did they take the news?"

"Not good at all. My dad practically disowned me for bringing shame on the family, but my mother was more saddened than anything else." He winced at the memory, and after briefly lowering his eyes, he continued. "But they hired a lawyer for me. He's pretty high-powered, and is a good friend of my dad's, and says he'll be able to negotiate a lesser sentence."

"That's good." For the first time in weeks, hope sprung in her heart. "Does your lawyer have any idea how much time you'll have to serve?" 

"He said anywhere from three to five years. But he's certain he can get the sentence cut in half."

"So best case scenario, you'll serve a year and a half."

"Not too bad, considering it could have been five."

"That's still a long time to be apart."

"Yeah, but let's just be grateful it Isn't worse."

She nodded. "So what do you do to keep yourself busy in here?

"Exercise, read, play chess..." His voice drifted off and he gave a light shrug. "Not a whole lot, really. But now that you've brought me some sketchbooks, I'll be able to work on my graphic novel." He briefly paused before posing a question. "So tell me about you. How are things on your end?"

"Okay. Right now I'm working on a figurative sculpture. It's pretty detailed, so it takes up a lot of my time. Which is good, because it keeps me from thinking about other things."

"Like me."

"That's not what I meant, Dane." She shifted uneasily. "It's not that I'm trying to forget you. I just don't like imagining you in jail."

"I'm doing okay, you know. You don't have to worry about me."

"I know I don't, but I can't help it." Her eyes shifted to his gray jail uniform, coming to rest on his inmate number that was printed in bold black letters before looking back up at his face. "I hate seeing you behind this glass. And I hate that your identity has been reduced to a number."

"I don't like it much either, but It's nobody's fault that I'm here, but my own. I did this to myself."

Heaving a sigh of frustration, she found herself wondering how Dane could be so accepting of his predicament. Of course she was aware that he was powerless to change the situation, and she certainly didn't want to see him upset, but his almost placid attitude was concerning. 

She wasn't used to this side of Dane, and found herself wanting a bit more of a reaction out of him, but then realized that if he could accept the fate that had been dealt to him, why couldn't she?

This thought had just gone through her head when she saw one of the guards approach Dane, and after informing him that his time was up, Dane nodded. He placed his palm against the glass partition, then positioned his fingertips so that they were pressed into the small holes that were drilled into it. 

She imitated his gesture, and as the tips of her digits made contact with his, she felt something akin to an electric current. Judging by the look on Dane's face, she knew that he'd felt it as well, and although they were just barely touching one another, it was undoubtedly one of the most intimate moments they'd ever shared.

Their goodbyes came out as little more than a whisper, then suddenly Dane was no longer sitting across from her, but being led away by the guard. She watched as her lover was  

guided towards a door, and just before exiting the visitation area, he looked back at her one last time. And then he was gone.

* * * *

The barred door clanged shut behind Dane as he entered his cell, and after sinking down onto a steel bed frame with a lumpy, sagging mattress, he took a moment to examine his surroundings.

No longer in county lockup, Dane was now officially an inmate at San Quentin State Prison. After spending two weeks in the county jail, his case had finally gone to trial, and after two days of jury deliberation, he'd been sentenced to seven months in prison. 

Nearly a week had elapsed since he'd been transferred to San Quentin, but when one was confined in a place where dignity and privacy were nonexistent, seven days seemed more like a month. 

Enclosed by four white cinderblock walls, his cell consisted of a steel bed frame that was bolted to the wall. A stinking toilet fashioned out of stainless steel was located directly next to a sink, and a small reading table was built into the corner of another wall.

Having just consumed a dinner that was hardly fit for human consumption, Dane's stomach was feeling a little unsettled, so he sank down on the lumpy, sagging mattress, then retrieved the small pile of mail that was located at the foot of his bed. 

The sounds of muttering and swearing drifted from the cell located directly next to his, and from somewhere in the distance, he could hear the unnerving sounds of some unfortunate soul becoming someone's bitch. Dane tried to tune it out, but as the distressing noises became louder, he realized it was all he could focus on. 

Already ill from the greasy slop he had eaten for dinner, Dane was further sickened by the sounds of prison rape, and quickly reached for his earphones which were attached to his small AM/FM radio. 

After plugging his ears up with the buds, he switched the radio on, then turned up the volume until the disturbing noise had been effectively eradicated. 

Now able to focus his attention on the mail, Dane grabbed the first letter on the stack, and as he took note of the addressee, he hurriedly tore it open. As was customary whenever he received a letter from Jeneda, he pressed his nose against the sheet of lined paper, and with a deep inhale, took in the scent of her perfume. 

It was soft and sweet, just as she was, and yet there was also something deliciously sexy about it. The smell of her perfume made him happy, and also a little horny, and as he closed his eyes and imagined the curves of her gorgeous body, a wistful groan escaped his throat. His eyes opened once again to focus on her spidery handwriting, and with excitement, he began to read the letter. 

Along with mentioning how she was counting the days until his release, Jeneda updated him on the latest events in her life, and also included details that pertained to his financial affairs. 

Since she was fully in charge of paying his bills, as well as her own, plus keeping up with her work schedule, she was left with little downtime, but her letter assured him that she was thankful to be busy. She also mentioned that she regularly spent a few nights a week at his apartment, and declared that she always slept better in his bed, as opposed to her own. 

It wasn't until she admitted to masturbating in his bed that Dane received a sudden rush of blood between his legs, and as she began to describe in detail just how she got herself off, his cock twitched. As the letter continued on, her words became progressively dirtier, and within a few short minutes, he had a full blown erection.

By the time he reached the end of the letter, his breathing had quickened, and although he longed to relieve himself, he fought the urge to do so. Only once the lights went out and he was laying in complete darkness, did Dane ever touch himself. So despite the painful throbbing of his cock, he ignored his hard-on. 

Along with a letter, Jeneda had also included a picture of herself, and for several long moments, Dane gazed longingly at it. The photograph was full length, and showed Jeneda in a off the shoulder sweater, fitted black skirt that reached mid-thigh, and a pair of tall leather boots. 

Still gazing intently at the picture, Dane found his eyes repeatedly drawn to her sexy legs, and couldn't help noticing how well the boots showcased them. 

Judging from the background, the photo had been taken at some social event, and as he realized that other men had been within sniffing distance of her, jealousy coursed through his veins. 

The fact that they'd been afforded the pleasure of eyeing her in such a tantalizing outfit only made him all the more envious, and he began to wonder just how many men had tried to chat her up. 

The idea alone made him sick to his stomach, but before his imagination could get the best of him, he pushed the thought away. He grabbed a roll of tape from a shoebox beneath the frame of his mattress, and after tearing off a few pieces, affixed the picture of Jeneda to the wall next to his bed. 

The next letter in the stack was from Cassie, and after opening the sealed flap, he pulled out a folded piece of paper. She started off by telling him that she'd driven out to visit him the prior weekend, but had been turned away because she wasn't on his approved visitor list. She also let him know that he was free to call her whenever he wanted, and also mentioned she would be happy to send him magazines or crossword puzzles through the mail. 

It wasn't until the very end of the letter that she declared how much she missed him, and hoped they could keep in close touch while he was in jail. In closing, she told him that she looked forward to visiting him, and after signing the letter off with a, 'hope to see you soon,' she'd signed her name. 

Although a part of him had hoped he would hear from Cassie, he hadn't expected her to actually reach out and contact him. He wasn't currently on speaking terms with his father, so aside from his mother and Jeneda, there really wasn't anyone else who wrote or called him, and although he and Cassie were no more than casual friends, it was nice to know that she cared enough to maintain their friendship.

He refolded the letter and slid back it back into its envelope, and after setting it aside, retrieved the next piece of mail from the stack. 

It wasn't just the gold color of the envelope that got his attention, but the lack of a return address, and after breaking the seal and unfolding a piece of stationary, he began to read. 

To his surprise, the letter was from one of his fans, and along with mentioning that she still supported him, she also let him know that she would be more than happy to send him care packages. Along with gushing about his talent, she also confessed an intense sexual attraction to him, and wanted to know if he was currently seeking a girlfriend. Of course he wasn't, but that didn't stop him from checking out the photo she'd provided. 

The snapshot was of a woman with sandy blonde hair, perhaps in her mid to late twenties, dressed in a white, see-through tank top and a pair of cut off jean shorts. There was something in her eyes that seemed to suggest she was a little spacey, but overall she was quite attractive. 

Dane didn't have X-ray vision, but then again he didn't really need it. Her provocative clothing left little to the imagination, and judging from the playful smile on her face, it was clear that her intention had been to incite lust in him. 

Mission accomplished, Dane thought, but there was no way in hell he was going to write her back. Indulging in a bit of visual stimulation, however, was an entirely different story, and after allowing his eyes to linger on the picture for a few more seconds, he stuffed it, along with the letter back into the envelope. 

The next four pieces of mail were also from female fans, and included photographs just as the first letter had. One of his admirers had even proposed marriage to him, and another expressed a wish for him to impregnate her. 

Along with being surprised, he was also a little disturbed by the attention, and found himself wondering how word of his arrest had reached his fans. His popularity as a graphic novelist was steadily growing, but he was nowhere near being famous, so it was beyond him how these women had discovered what was going on in his personal life. And since they'd somehow managed to find out about his incarceration, how were they not aware that he had a girlfriend?




Velvet Roses Ch. 14



Maybe they are.

No sooner had the thought gone through his head, did he feel a twinge of uneasiness, and hoped like hell that Jeneda would be able to retain her privacy. The last thing he needed was some unbalanced female trying to attack her, especially with all the turmoil she'd already suffered through. 

With a slight shake of his head, he placed the fan mail and Cassie's letter in the shoebox beneath his bed. Then he kicked off his shoes and swung his legs up onto the stained mattress. 

Since his AM/FM radio was issuing nothing but static, Dane removed his headphones, and as he did, was thankful to find that the sounds of non-consensual sexual activity had finally died down. This gave him the chance to re-read Jeneda's letter in peace, but before he could indulge himself, a deep voice called out to him.

"Hey, you over there."

Dane looked up to see a bald Hispanic man with a barreled chest and a neck as thick as a telephone pole staring right at him. His powerfully built arms were covered in crudely drawn tattoos, and the hard stare he gave Dane was nothing less than intimidating. It was probably meant to test Dane's confidence, but never one to back down from a challenge, Dane only glared back with matched intensity. 

"What?" Dane irritably asked.

"How long you in for?"

"Seven months."

"Yeah? And how old are you?"

"Thirty-one."

"No shit, you look younger."

Dane said nothing in return, only averted his attention to the letter in his hand.

"Hey boy, I ain't done speaking with you yet."

Dane looked back up, and as his gaze locked with the other prisoner's, he narrowed his eyes.

"You looking for a daddy?"

"No," Dane firmly said. 

"You need protection, I got your back."

Knowing all too well that sexual favors would be required in exchange, Dane quickly declined the offer.

"Not interested." 

"So you'd rather get your ass beat?"

"I can take care of myself."

A harsh chuckle preceded the other man's words. "Yeah right, kid. You know what the booty bandits do to guys like you in here?" He paused, as if to give Dane the chance to speak, but when he didn't, the bald man continued. "They make you their punk. Their female. Their sissy boy." 

Dane knew the man was trying to instill fear in him, and a feeling of sickness had begun to build in his stomach, but the stony expression on his face kept his inner feelings well concealed.

"They'll sell your ass to every guy in the cell block," he said. "You wanna be a sex slave?"

The man gazed at Dane eagerly, as if expecting him to accept the offer of protection, but before Dane could once again refuse the man's proposition, sounds of a violent altercation drifted from somewhere down the hall. 

Loud curses, coupled with the meaty sounds of flesh beating flesh ripped through the air. Encouraging yells came from the crowd of onlookers, and as the bellows grew louder, Dane noticed five guards armed with nightsticks rush past his cell. 

Not really wanting to see, yet too curious not to look, Dane got up and peered between the iron bars of his enclosure. The crowd of onlooking prisoners was so thick that Dane couldn't even tell who was fighting, but he could hear the shouting and grunting of those involved in the altercation. 

With each passing second, the crowd appeared to be growing more excited, but as the guards descended upon them, the orange-clad prisoners retreated. With nightsticks in hand, the correctional officers began viciously clubbing them, and within a few short minutes, had effectively gained control of the chaotic cell block. 

While three of the guards guided the remaining onlookers back to their cells, the other two correctional officers pulled apart the fighting inmates. Then grabbing them each by their collar, they escorted the bloodied men further down the hall. 

Dane didn't have to guess as to where they were going, because he'd already heard about 'the hole,' and after returning to his bed and stretching out on it, he rolled over onto his side. His eyes came to rest on the dirty wall beside him, and as he focused on the photo that was taped to its surface, he let out a pensive sigh. 

Three long weeks had passed since he'd last held Jeneda in his arms, and as he imagined her living life on the outside without him, a pang of longing settled in his chest. 

It only took a few minutes for the longing to transform into frustration, and as his frustration grew into anger, his jaw unconsciously tightened. 

It was because of his own stupidity that he was currently living in this miserable, stinking shithole, and as he continued to stare desirously at Jeneda's picture, he inwardly cursed himself.

At this very moment, the woman he loved-the only one who had ever completely captured his heart, was alone and vulnerable to various men who walked freely in the outside world. The thought alone drove him crazy with jealously, and as he imagined another man being afforded the pleasure of making love to her, he began breathing heavily through his nose. 

Realizing that he was on the verge on a panic attack, Dane took a few deep breaths, and as his heart rate began to slow, he said a few assuring words to himself. 

"She's mine," he whispered beneath his breath. "She loves me, and she'll remain faithful. I know she will."

He nervously raked his fingers through his hair, then rolled over onto his back and stared up at the ceiling. He could have stared blankly up at it for an indefinite amount of time, but as the lights went out and everything went pitch black, he closed his eyes.

Less than a minute passed before an image of Jeneda came into his head, and as he imagined her laying spread eagle on the bed in his apartment, his hand slipped beneath the waistband of his tenting pants. In his mind, Jeneda pleaded desperately for his cock, and as he envisioned himself sinking deep into her warm, wet pussy, he began jacking himself off.

"Mine," Dane moaned out huskily, and as he quickly stroked his steely erection, he lost himself in the pleasure of his touch; and in thoughts of her silken heat tightly sheathing his swollen flesh.



Velvet Roses Ch. 15



*Hope you guys like long chapters, because this one is pretty lengthy. And just to let you guys know, I have been thinking about writing a sequel to this story. This is still just a MAYBE, though, as I haven't made a definite decision on whether or not I will. I also have another story that I am already outlining, so this is why I say it's still uncertain.

There is just so much that I would like to include in this story, but will not be able to, because as it is, It's already well over 300 pages. Once you read this chapter, you will see that Dane and Jeneda's relationship is expanding, and there are new experiences/oppty's on the horizon. So, I just wanna know..would you guys even be interested in a sequel?? Leave a comment, and let me know. Thanks for your support. You guys are awesome!* 

*

Set against the background of a chilled out techno beat, the smoky vocals of a female singer flowed from the art gallery's sound system. At half past seven on a Friday evening, Jeneda was weaving her way through a crowd of art enthusiasts, and after procuring a glass of wine from one of the bow tied servers, she made her way to a row of photographs that were on display. 

Each image that she passed was afforded a thoughtful gaze, but as one in particular caught her eye, she stopped to study it. Taken in a Texas prison, the photo was of an inmate sitting in his cell. Barely large enough to fit the bed, toilet, and sink that was housed within, the jail cell was dank and depressing. 

The prisoner's shoulders were hunched and his head was slightly bowed, so his facial features were partially obscured, but it was clear from his body language that he was weighed down by misery. Just looking at the photograph filled Jeneda with uneasiness, and as she imagined Dane sitting in his own tiny cell, a wave of sadness washed over her. 

Her eyes then drifted to a display of confiscated prison weapons that were housed behind glass, and as she leaned in to take a closer look, a voice from behind her suddenly spoke. 

"Kinda makes you wonder what Dane's going through in there, doesn't it?" 

Jeneda turned to face the person who spoke, and as her eyes came to rest on an olive toned man, her body instantly stiffened. Having forgone his usual casual attire for a pair of dark gray slacks and a white button up shirt that clung to his muscular torso, Adrian gazed down at her. 

His eyes unabashedly drifted over her outfit for the evening, which consisted of a black blazer layered over a printed tee, a wrap skirt that reached mid-thigh, and peep toe pumps. 

After what he'd done to her and Dane, she found it hard to believe that he even had the nerve to eyeball her in such a way, and it took every bit of willpower she had to not throw her glass of wine in his face.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

"Isn't it obvious? I'm here to appreciate the photographs." He paused to take a sip of his wine, then said, "I was disappointed to hear that Dane only got seven months, but knowing he'll get pounded up the ass on a daily basis eases my frustration."

"You're disgusting." A sneer tugged at her lips and she started to walk away from him, but he grabbed her by the arm.

"Come on, you know it's true. Pretty boys like him are always well-received in prison."

"Let go of my arm."

"He's been locked up for two months now, right?" A light chuckle escaped his lips. "No doubt about it. He's *definitely* someone's girlfriend."

The last few words had barely left his mouth before she threw her wine in his face, and for a moment he just stood there in shock. Then he nonchalantly wiped his face off with the back of his hand.

"You're angry." Adrian's eyes danced with amusement, and his lips quirked into a smile.

"Let go of my arm." She spoke through clenched teeth, eyes glinting with fury as she stared him down.

Adrian relented, and after releasing her from his hold, his expression went stony. "You know I could have let Daniel rape you, right?"

"What does that have to do with anything?" She snapped.

"I'm not the bad guy, Jeneda. I'm just a person who wanted to set things straight."

"And tying me up and beating Dane half to death accomplished that goal, did it?"

"No, but him going to prison did." 

"Well congratulations. I'm very happy for you." She started to walk away, but the sound of his voice halted her progress. 

"My father was a good man, Jeneda. He deserved better."

She turned to face him. "You're right, he did. He was a wonderful human being and never should have died, but Dane wasn't the one who pulled the trigger."

"Unbelievable," Adrian said. "You're still making excuses for him."

"I am not."

"Yes, you are."

"I never said that Dane shouldn't be held accountable for his actions. But what you and Daniel did to him was totally undeserved."

"Yeah? Well my dad didn't deserve to be dumped in the bay like trash."

"Look Adrian, I'm not going to stand here and fight about this, okay? I came to this art exhibit to have a relaxing evening, not to be harassed." 

She walked a few paces to the next photograph that was hanging on the wall, then rested her attention on it. The feel of Adrian's gaze, however, kept her from focusing on the image, and as she shifted her eyes to him, she noticed that he was indeed watching her very intently. 

"What?" She asked in a voice rife with irritation.

"Don't you wonder why I stopped Daniel from raping you?"

"No, I don't. Nor do I care."

"Really?"

Her silence affirmed her words.

"I did it because I care about you."

She scoffed. "Yeah, right. You've made it pretty clear that you hate my guts."

"I don't hate you, Jeneda." He briefly paused, as if thinking over his words before saying, "I don't like you, but I don't hate you, either."

"What does that mean?"

"It means you don't have to like someone in order to have feelings toward them."

"Well if you do have feelings for me, you have a funny way of showing it."

"I only tied you up so that you wouldn't try and call for help," he said. "But I never physically hurt you, and you know that."

"So what do you want, a pat on the back? You crossed the line, Adrian."

"I'm not sorry for what I did...," he said before quickly adding, "to him."

"Did I ask you to be?" Her hard, cold eyes bored into his, and her face became hot. "What do you want from me, Adrian? What is this all about?"

"What is what all about?"

"This. You here, talking to me."

"What do you think It's about?" His gaze pierced hers.

She allowed a moment of silence for thought, then said, "You already got your revenge on Dane, so there's no point in continuing on with this. And just so you know, I am *not* going to be a pawn in this little game you're planning."

"What are you talking about?"

"Oh please, It's so obvious. Clearly you're pretending to still have feelings towards me, so that I let my guard down and start trusting you again."

"Is that what you think this is about?"

"That's the plan, Isn't it?" Because nothing would destroy Dane more than knowing that I slept with you while he was in prison."

"You think I'm trying to get you into bed? You're way off base. Not even close."

"It's not going to work, Adrian. So you can just give up right now."

"I have no ulterior motives, Jeneda."

"Then why did you mention that you still have feelings for me?"

"I don't know." He blinked a few times, then said, "I guess I'm tired of being angry, and just want to settle this thing between us."

"Things will never be like they used to, and I'm not going to forgive you."

"I don't want your forgiveness, and I definitely don't need it."

"Then what do you want? Because as far as I'm concerned, there's no reason for us to even be carrying on this conversation."

He merely stood there staring at her, not saying anything. Then finally he opened his mouth and spoke. "All I want is to know why you're still with Dane. Because I'm having a really hard time figuring out how you could be with someone like him." 

"I've already discussed this with you, but since you seem to have forgotten, I'll tell you again. When you're in love with someone, you overlook their defects. You accept them for who they are. And that's why I'm with him."

"I see. Well I guess that answers my question," Adrian said, and without another word, he turned and walked away.

She watched as he made his way to the other side of the room, and only once she was certain he wasn't coming back, did she re-direct her attention back to the photographs on the wall. Yet instead of concentrating on the images before her, she only stared unseeing at them.

* * * *

Glaring overhead lights woke Dane from a restless sleep, and as his gaze focused on the cinderblock wall next to his bed, his eyes drifted across the words that were graffitied there.

Chomo's get killed. Frankie is a commissary fuck-boy. Bam Bam '74.

Just another day in the shithole, Dane thought, and after rolling over onto his other side, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and rose to his feet. Along with the guards yelling out names and orders, the sound of inmates talking and shouting across the cell block soon filled the air, and as the noise droned on, Dane emptied his bladder, then brushed his teeth.

Now four months into his sentence, Dane had somewhat conditioned himself to the incessant din of prison noise, and was able to mostly tune it out. He had also reluctantly adjusted to the highly regimented schedule that was forced upon him, and although the daily monotony of prison had taken a psychological toll on him, he hadn't allowed himself to be broken. 

During the past 121 days of his incarceration, he'd started working in the laundry room, and when he wasn't spending his time doing that, he worked on his graphic novels, read, played chess, listened to the radio, and spent time in the library. 

So far, the only person he'd befriended was a Native American man named Henry Two Crows, who stood six foot three and had expansive shoulders and powerful biceps. Dane didn't know what crime Henry had committed to be imprisoned, but he did know that Henry was an enrolled member of the Blackfeet nation, and was six years into serving his seven year sentence.

Aside from being a superb chess player, Henry knew the ins and outs of prison life, and had been instrumental in providing Dane with all sorts of information regarding inmate etiquette. Henry was also a black market dealer, which meant that he supplied the prisoners with items which couldn't be purchased at the commissary. 

Cigarettes, illegal drugs, and weapons were only a few of the articles that Henry could smuggle in, and due to his connections, he was favored by many of the other inmates. 

Unfortunately for Dane, his friendship with Henry did nothing to deter those who were intent on harming him, and on more than occasion, Dane had been jumped by two particular prisoners. He'd tried both times to put up the best fight he could, but the men who attacked him were built like NFL linebackers, so the odds had been against him from the start. 

If the beating hadn't been enough to exacerbate his hellish existence, the week he spent in solitary confinement surely had, and after spending time in the 'hole,' Dane was certain that no worse fate existed than being put in isolation. 

Of course the random strip searches, fatal stabbings, and riots were no cakewalk either, but at least he got to interact with other people and spend time outside in the exercise yard.

With a bar of soap in hand and a towel around his waist, Dane headed for the showers, and as the water sprayed down on him, he began to wash his body. He did it hastily, keeping his eyes planted on the tile wall in front of him, and after shampooing his hair, he turned off the water and headed back to his cell.

He slipped into a fresh pair of underwear and a white T-shirt, then clothed himself in his prison issued jumpsuit. He then put on his canvas shoes and slicked his hair back into a ponytail, and after making his way to the cafeteria, got a tray and received his breakfast. 

Along with being lumpy and gray, the oatmeal had tiny worms in it, so Dane was restricted to a small carton of milk, runny eggs, and a hard piece of toast. He was just swallowing the last of his slimy eggs when someone took a seat across from him, and as he glanced up, he saw that it was Henry Two Crows.

"They're substituting mealworms for raisins again, eh?" Henry asked as he gestured to Dane's oatmeal. 

A faint smile touched Dane's lips. "They sad thing is, these worms probably have more protein than those fake eggs they serve us." 

"They're not so bad once you get used to them."

"You've gotta be joking," Dane said. "This crap isn't fit for human consumption."

"I grew up on a reservation, so I'm used to eating low quality food. You think the chow here is bad, you should see the commodity food they gave us to eat on the rez." He scooped some eggs onto his toast, then took a big bite. "Fruits and vegetables were a rarity. White flour, sugar, and lard were our staples."

"Sounds a lot like prison," Dane said.

"Well, reservations were originally set up as prison camps." Henry's large hand dwarfed the small milk carton as he took a swig from it, and after setting it down, he asked, "Is your girl coming to see you today?"

"Nope. We won't be seeing each other for another two weeks."

"Seems like she used to visit you every weekend. Is everything okay with you two?"

Dane nodded. "She's in Key West visiting family."

"Must be hard knowing It'll be awhile before you see her again."

"Yeah, but she deserves a break. She's been under a lot of stress worrying about me, so It'll be good for her to get away."

"What about that other girl who used to visit you? You still friends with her?"

"Oh, you mean my ex-girlfriend, Cassie. Yeah, we're still friends."

"Well maybe you could get her to come out for a few visits. Might make the time go quicker until Jeneda comes back."

"Yeah, maybe. Just not sure if I feel like dealing with her right now."

"I can understand that. She's your ex-girlfriend so you probably wanna keep your distance."

"It's not that I think she wants me back or anything, but I just kinda feel weird having her drive out here to see me. Aside from my mother and Jeneda, she's the only other woman on my visitation list."

"Does Jeneda know that Cassie comes to visit you?"

"Yeah."

"And she's okay with it?"

"Yep."

"So there's no reason to feel guilty," Henry said before taking a bite of his toast. "What about your parents? Are they coming to see you anytime soon?"

"My mom is the only one who comes to visit me. As far as my dad is concerned, I barely exist."

"He's still mad at you, huh?"

"Yep. Can't say I blame him, though. I was living a double life, so I'm probably like a stranger to him now." 

"I wouldn't worry too much. He'll come around, eventually."

"Guess all I can do is hope for the best." Dane absentmindedly traced a finger along the gang graffiti scratched into the stainless steel table. "What about your family? How have they been?"

"My mom and dad sent me a letter a few days ago. Everything is good back home in Montana."

"And your girlfriend?"

"She's doing well."

"What about your son?"

"He's turning eight in three weeks."

"Wow. Well I know It's early, but I wish him a happy birthday."

"Thanks" he said with a large grin. But just as quickly as it had appeared, it vanished. "It breaks my heart knowing I'll miss yet another one of his birthdays."

"You're up for parole next week. Maybe you'll be approved."

"Been up for parole several times in the past three years, and they always deny me."

"Did they give you a reason?"

"They say my likelihood to re-offend is too great, but I know that's bullshit." His lips drew into a hard, thin line and his square jaw flexed. "It's because I refuse to cut my hair."

Worn in a long braid that reached mid-back, Henry's hair was jet black and silky. It hadn't ever crossed Dane's mind before, but now that Henry had mentioned his long locks, Dane suddenly realized that aside from him and Henry, all of the other prisoners on his cell block had their hair cut short. 

He'd never thought about any repercussions as a result of opting out of a haircut, but now that the subject had been brought up, he couldn't help feeling sympathy for Henry.

"That's messed up," Dane said. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"Even if I did cut my hair, I'm sure they'd come up with another reason to deny me." A faraway look came into his eyes and he crushed the empty carton of milk in his sizable palm. "Those sadistic bastards."

"I'm sorry, Henry. I really am."

As if broken from a trance, Henry suddenly blinked, then gave a little nod in response to Dane's words. "My son will be nine years old when I get out of prison, so I've missed most of his childhood. But at least I'll get to see him grow into a man." 

"I sure hope the time goes fast for you."

"Thanks. And you only have three months left, so you'll be outta here in no time."

"I'm counting the days," Dane said.

Henry leaned in closer, and in a lowered voice he said, "Just be careful not to let anyone else know your release date. Especially not the lifers."

Henry didn't have to elaborate, as Dane had already heard stories about inmates who were serving longer sentences picking fights with those who had an earlier release date. The last thing Dane wanted was to catch a new charge while serving his current sentence, so just as Henry had advised, he would keep his mouth shut. 

"I won't say a word about it," Dane said, and as he stood up from the table, so did Henry.

The two men dumped the trash from their plastic trays, and after exiting the cafeteria, said their goodbyes and headed to their respective jobs.

* * * *

The cool blue water rippled around Jeneda's body as she swam to the edge of the kidney shaped pool, and as her fingertips came in contact with the slick tile of the wall, she lifted herself up and out of the water. 

The concrete surrounding the pool had heated up considerably during her swim, so she had to do a half-hop, half-walk to the wooden deck that was shaded by a large canopy. As she stood there drying off, her thoughts drifted to Dane, and she began to wonder what he was currently doing. 

Oh, probably any number of things, said a voice in her head. He could be getting shived, or beat up, or possibly even raped. No sooner had the nasty little voice in her head planted that thought in her mind, did she flash back to two months ago. She recalled the art exhibit she'd attended in downtown San Francisco, and although she would have preferred not to, Adrian's mocking words rang through her head.

"... no doubt about it. He's *definitely* someone's girlfriend."

Her stomach turned at the thought of another prisoner violating Dane's body, and although she knew that his incarceration wasn't her fault, she still felt a twinge of guilt for having gone on vacation to Key West, while he remained miserable and locked up in prison. 

"How was your swim?"

Jeneda turned her head in the direction of the voice, and as her eyes came to rest on her mother, Monica, she weakly smiled. "Wonderful. I could have spent all day in there."

"My personal record is three hours."

"You always were a good swimmer," Jeneda said as she began to dry herself off.

"I have to do something to keep my girlish figure, don't I?"

Jeneda's smile widened, her eyes briefly roving over her mother's long, cinnamon colored legs before once again coming to rest on her deep set eyes. At forty-nine years old, Monica's body was well-maintained-curvy yet leanly muscular, and her curly hair was worn in a slicked back bun. 

"Something smells good," Jeneda said. "What are you cooking?"




Velvet Roses Ch. 15



"Lemon squares. Come inside and I'll cut you a piece."

Jeneda had finished drying off her body, so she followed her mother into the house, and after pouring themselves each a glass of iced tea, they sat down to indulge in the lemony treat.

"So, we haven't had a chance to really sit down and talk since you arrived in Key West," Monica said between bites of her dessert. "How are things in San Francisco?"

"Okay, I guess."

"Only okay?" 

"Things aren't great right now." The ice cubes in her glass clinked as she took a sip. "To be truthful, my life is a mess."

"Yeah, I know. Your father told me about this person you're involved with. Daniel, right?" 

"Dane."

"I hear he's caused quite a bit of trouble."

"He has a shady past, but he's worked hard to overcome it. He's a good guy, just a little flawed."

"A little?" Monica rose an eyebrow. "Your father told me what he did."

"Alright, so he's done some questionable things. But he's still a good man."

"Then why is he in jail?"

"Just because he's in prison, that doesn't mean he's a bad person."

"I didn't say that. But clearly he committed some type of crime to end up in there."

Jeneda averted her eyes to her dessert, then sliced off a piece with her fork.

"If you don't tell me, I'll just ask your father," Monica said. "So you may as well come out with it."

"It's a long story."

"We have time." She briefly looked at the clock on the wall before adding, "We still have half an hour before going to visit Riley, so start talking."

"He was forced into planning a robbery."

"By who?"

"Some guy. I don't know who he is, but Dane told me he's a drug dealer."

"So along with being a thief, he's also an addict." She let out a soft, humorless laugh, then said, "Wonderful." 

"He's not an addict."

"Then why was he hanging around with a drug dealer?"

"He wasn't. This guy was after him, because of something that someone else did."

"Baby, come on. This guy is playing you for a fool."

"He is not." Jeneda's voice has risen, and she dropped her fork, causing it to clang against the saucer in the process. "You know nothing about who he is as a person, and you definitely don't know anything about our relationship."

"You're right, I don't. That's why I wanted to sit down and have this talk with you."

"Then let me talk, and stop acting as if you know everything."

"Watch your tone of voice, young lady," Monica sternly said. "I will not have you yelling at me."

The two women engaged in a heated stare down that lasted several moments, then finally Jeneda lowered her gaze. 

"I'm sorry, mom, but I'm just tired of people acting as if I'm some kind of idiot for being with him."

"I don't think you're an idiot, Jeneda. But it scares me to know you're being manipulated by some man."

"I'm not being manipulated."

Monica placed down her fork, and with a sigh of exasperation, began rubbing the bridge of her nose. 

Look, I know how this sounds, mom, but he's not as bad as you think. Sure he's done some questionable things, and dumping Vincent's body was a horrible thing to do-"

"Not horrible, evil," Monica interjected. "How can you even stand to be around him? Vincent was like a father to you."

"I know that. You think I've forgotten what a wonderful man he was?"

"No, I don't. But I do think you're downplaying what Dane has done to lessen your guilt."

"I'm not downplaying anything, and just so you know, I didn't instantly forgive him. It was a process, and I didn't make the decision lightly."

"There are plenty of free men," she angrily said. "Why do you have to date a convict?"

"Because I love him, that's why. And I'm not going to throw away what we have just because he's in prison. Dane is a good man, and I'm staying with him."

"Alright, fine. It's your life, do what you want." She scooted her chair back, then rose up from the table and collected their saucers, which still had their partially eaten lemon bars.

Jeneda got to her feet as well, then followed her mother to the kitchen sink. "Please don't be upset with me." She placed her hand on Monica's shoulder, then lightly rubbed it.

"I'm not upset." Her back was turned to Jeneda, and her voice was thick with emotion. "I just don't like this guy you're with."

"You haven't even met him yet."

"And I don't want to."

"Mom, come on. At least give him the opportunity to meet you in person."

She said nothing, her posture tense as she stared out the window.

"Please?" Jeneda pleaded in a soft voice.

Monica took in a deep breath, then slowly let it out of her nose. Her body became less tense, and as she turned to face Jeneda, her face softened just a bit. 

"You really love this man, don't you?"

"More than anyone else I've ever been with."

She nodded sadly. "Then I'll try my best to get to know him. When he gets out prison, bring him out here to meet me."

Jeneda pulled her into a hug, and after a long moment of embracing, the two women pulled away and smiled at one another.

"You ready to go see your brother?" Monica asked.

"I've been looking forward to it all day," Jeneda said. Then pulling her by the hand, she led her mother to the door.

* * * *

For the past four days, San Quentin State Prison had been on lockdown. No mail was delivered during this time, and phone calls weren't allowed. Visitors were banned from coming to see the inmates, and instead of eating in the cafeteria, meals were delivered in brown lunch bags. 

Rubbery bologna sandwiches, a few tough prunes, and a carton of milk were the preferred menu items, but with Dane's appetite nearly nonexistent, the food he was given went mostly untouched. With showers restricted to every three days, the cell block stunk of unwashed flesh, so the last thing on Dane's mind was ingesting any food. 

Thankfully he had a few blank sketchpads and plenty of writing instruments at his disposal, so he kept himself busy by working on graphic novels. 

When his hand cramped up from hours of drawing, he killed the time by doing crossword puzzles, and at least twice a day, re-read the letters that Jeneda had sent him.

Judging by the steady, monotonous hollering that echoed along the corridor of the cellblock, the other prisoners didn't have much to keep them busy at all, and although Dane tried his best to tune them out, it sometimes proved impossible to do so.

Dane hadn't been informed directly as to the cause of lockdown, but through snatches of conversation that were shouted back and forth between the inmate's cells, he'd been able to deduce that a guard had been killed. By whom, he wasn't sure, but he had heard the name 'Mad Dog' being mentioned more than a few times. 

Having spent the majority of the afternoon creating rough sketches of his graphic novel, Dane decided to take a break from drawing and reached under his bed to retrieve the shoebox where he kept all of his received mail. 

Once he had the most recent letter from Jeneda in hand, he unfolded the sheet of paper and began to read. He'd read it nearly half a dozen times, so he nearly memorized it word for word, but her script was so graceful and feminine looking, that he couldn't help but read it once again. 

Dear Dane, 

How are things? I hope everything is well, and that you're safe and doing okay. As usual, I'm missing you terribly, so I thought I would write a letter and update you on what's going on. For the next two weeks, I'll be visiting my mom and brother in Key West, so I won't be able to come see you. Hope you aren't too disappointed. 

You got a few royalty checks in the mail yesterday, so I deposited them in your checking account. You also received a call from your agent. He said a Japanese Publisher contacted him, and is interested in obtaining foreign rights to Odd Souls. But he needs your okay on it before the deal can go through. He seemed excited about it, so I'm guessing this will be really good for your career. So proud of you!!

I think of you all the time and wonder what you're doing. I know you're going through a lot in there, and just want you to know that I miss you tons and can't wait to have you back home. 

I miss the sound of your voice, the feel of your warm body next to mine, and I miss kissing you and having you hold me in your arms. And yes, I miss the sex too, but most of all, being able to touch you and look into your eyes. 

I hardly spend time at my apartment anymore. Just stop by every now and again to make sure that everything is okay. Being in your loft makes me feel closer to you, so I've made it my second home. And even though you haven't slept in your bed for six months now, I can still smell you on the pillowcases. I know it sounds gross, but I haven't washed them since you've been gone. If I did, It'd be harder to pretend that you were in bed with me.

By the way, I'm sending you a care package, so you should be receiving it within the next few days. I included some shampoo, a couple bars of soap, a few books, and some of those coffee candies you like.

I'm counting the days until your release, and as soon as I return home from Key West, I'll come out to see you. Until we talk again, take care sweetie, and be safe.

With all my love,

Jeneda

Dane brought the letter up to his nose, then deeply inhaled the sweet scent of her perfume before folding up the paper and slipping it back into the envelope. Then he rose to his feet and paced back and forth in his small cell.

He did it partially out of restlessness, but mostly out of excitement. Selling foreign language rights to a Japanese publisher was definitely good news, and would give his career a considerable boost. Not to mention the graphic novel market was huge in Japan, so he undoubtedly stood to make a sizable amount of cash. 

The mere thought of his graphic novels being translated and distributed overseas filled him with anticipation, and now, more than ever, he couldn't wait to be released from prison. 

But even his excitement over this new opportunity still couldn't match the enthusiasm he felt at being reunited with Jeneda. It was hard to believe that 151 days had gone by since they'd last seen one another, but at the same time, the six months he'd served so far felt more like a year. 

He sat back down on the bed, then positioned himself so that he was reclining. With arms crossed behind his head, he allowed his eyes to drift to the photos of Jeneda that he'd taped to the wall. In every one of the snapshots she'd sent, Jeneda was clad in either a dress or skirt that showed off her long, shapely legs. 

Dane wasn't sure if he'd ever told her how much he loved those long, gorgeous legs of hers, but he damn sure was going to as soon as he got out of jail. He couldn't wait to have them wrapped tightly around his waist, and the mere thought of her warm body beneath his was enough to send a rush of blood to his nether regions. 

"Just one more month," he whispered. "Four weeks, that's nothing."

But something inside of him told him that the next thirty days would be the longest month of his life.

* * * *

After five hours cramped on an airplane filled to capacity, Jeneda wanted nothing more than to collapse in bed and fall asleep. But she wouldn't feel completely at ease until she gave her face and body a thorough washing, so she dropped her travel bags in the doorway of Dane's loft and made a beeline for the bathroom. 

She emptied her bladder first, then brushed her teeth and washed her face. She took a long, hot shower, and after changing into a fresh pair of underwear and a pajama tank top, she headed to bed. 

The mattress was incredibly soft, and as her cheek came to rest against one of the fluffy pillows, she contentedly murmured. She snuggled beneath the covers, cocooning herself in their warmth, and as slumber beckoned, her body went boneless. 

In the last few minutes before sleep took her, Jeneda found herself reminiscing about her time in Key West, and she remembered how good It'd felt to see her brother, Riley, again. It had been nearly six months since he'd made the move to Key West, but somehow the time seemed longer than that. 

In the days leading up to her trip, a part of her had wondered if he'd even remember who she was, but her worries had been put to the rest the moment she walked into his room at the convalescent home.

She'd never forget the huge grin that had spread across his face, and she fondly recalled how wonderful It'd felt to hug him again. Of course he hadn't been able to hug her back, but it made no difference, because his love for her was very apparent. 

During her two week stay in Key West, she'd made a point to visit Riley on a daily basis, and although he still wasn't able to hold a proper conversation with her, he had managed to speak a handful of intelligible words. 

As far as his vocabulary went, it was still at an elementary level, but there was no mistaking that he'd made a definite improvement. Ever since his bicycle accident two years ago, Riley had been unable to emit anything except incomprehensible speech, so the fact that he was now speaking actual words gave her immense hope. 

Although she knew that chances were slim, she couldn't help wondering if he'd also regain use of his motor skills. The mere possibility of it caused her heart to swell with happiness, yet before her elation could grow any further, she reminded herself that he still had plenty of hurdles to overcome. And yet still she found herself rejoicing in the progress that he had made, and was already looking forward to her next visit with him.

She pressed her head deeper into the pillow, and as an image of Dane came into her head, her heart quickened. Only two weeks remained before his release from prison, and words couldn't describe the excitement that she felt. 

She'd already purchased brand new lingerie, and had also splurged on expensive champagne. She also had a dinner menu all planned out, and had created a list of his favorite foods so she could pick them up from the market on the day before his release. 

Jeneda was already in a state of hysterical elation, so she was at a loss as to how she would get through the next fourteen days. But she guessed the best way of passing time would be to pour herself into her work. 

She'd spend her days in her art studio, working on commissioned sculptures, and when evenings rolled around, she'd hang out with Luna and Ethan. 

Just keep busy and he'll be home in no time, she said to herself, and as her thoughts drifted off, her lids closed and sleep overtook her.

* * * *

It was just after ten thirty on a foggy June morning when Jeneda arrived at San Quentin State Prison, and after parking her car in the designated pick-up location, she opened the door and got out.

Although it was summer, the weather was bleak and chilly, which was pretty typical for this time of year in the Bay Area. But if the past few days were anything to go by, the fog would burn off by noon, and once that happened, the sun would come out. 

She leaned against her car with arms folded against her black leather jacket, staring expectantly at the iron gates which served as a barrier to the sprawling prison. As she eyeballed the imposing facility, she tried to imagine what daily life had been like for Dane. 

She'd questioned him many times about his day to day experiences, but he'd given her very few details. She supposed he'd done it to protect her and keep her from worrying about him, but his unwillingness to communicate about it had only made her wonder more. 

During his incarceration, Jeneda had done a bit of research on the prison to try and find out more about its history, and had even joined a forum that was dedicated to girlfriends and wives of imprisoned men. 

What she'd read on the forum was sometimes quite shocking, and more than a few times, she read things that made her downright scared. But the website had also given her the chance to converse with other women who were in the same situation that she was, and as a result, helped to put her a little more at ease about Dane's incarceration. 

Now, as she stood here waiting for Dane to walk through the iron gates, she found herself incredibly grateful that he'd finally reached the end of his imprisonment. Soon they would be face to face, and free to hug and kiss all they wanted, without some guard eyeballing them and watching their every move. 

Jeneda was so excited she would hardly stand still, and as she anxiously waited for him to appear, she found herself wondering if he had had changed at all. 

Lookswise, she expected him to still be as gorgeous as ever, but she was concerned about the psychological effects of his captivity. While seven months wasn't exactly that long of a stretch in prison, it certainly wasn't a cakewalk, either, and she was curious if he would have to readjust. 

She didn't have long to ponder this thought, because the iron gates that led to the prison entrance parted. The moment she caught sight of Dane, Jeneda felt the urge to run toward him, yet at the same time, it seemed as if her feet were rooted to the ground. 

After seven long months, it was hard to believe he was really free again, and as her eyes locked with his, Dane broke into a mad grin. She did as well, and when he finally reached her, they came together in a hug so fierce, that Jeneda almost lost her footing. 

For a long moment, they just stood there holding one another, as if afraid to let go for even one second. Then they slightly pulled back so that they were face to face. Dane cradled her cheeks in his palm, then drew her into a passionate kiss. 

His mouth was hot and his lips were soft, moving against hers with undeniable urgency. She looped her arms around his neck, pulling him even tighter against her body, and as their oral embrace deepened even further, she released a heated moan. 

It was a desperate, hot, and sensual kiss, and if not for the fact that they were both eager to get home, they would have remained locked together. 

Their lips parted wetly, yet instead of immediately getting into the car, they stood there for a few more moments, looking wondrously into each other's eyes.

"This is really happening," he breathlessly said. "It's real. I'm not dreaming, right?"

"Want me to pinch you?" A crooked smile graced her lips.

"I want you to do a number of things to me, but pinching Isn't one of them."

Her grin widened, and after sharing with one last peck, they both got into the car. As soon as they pulled away and merged onto the road, Dane blew out a heavy breath and relaxed in his seat.

"Damn It's good to be out of that place."

"And It's great to have you coming home with me. I missed you so bad."

"Missed you too, baby." He stretched out a hand and rested it against her jean clad thigh. "I thought of you all the time."

"So did I. And every night when I went to bed, I hugged a pillow just so I could pretend that you were sleeping next to me."

"I would have done the same, but I didn't have a pillow."

"You never got the one that I sent you?"

"I did, but the day after I received it, it got ruined."

"How?"

"Some guard peed all over it. And it was just my luck that I didn't find out until I put my head on it."

"Oh my gosh, that's awful. How did you find out that it was a guard?"

"One of the other inmates told me the next day."

"Well what the hell was the matter with him?" She angrily asked. "Why would he do something like that?"

"Because he could. A lot of those people who work in there are pretty messed up."

"So they do stuff just because they know that they can get away with it."

"Pretty much."

"That's disgusting. I'm sorry you had to go through that, babe," she sadly said. 

"You don't have to be sorry. It's my own fault I ended up there in the first place."




Velvet Roses Ch. 15



"But you still didn't deserve that kind of treatment."

"Yeah, well..." His voice drifted off as he glanced out of the window. "Let's not talk about stuff that happened in prison, okay? I'm out now, and I just wanna look to the future."

"Of course, I won't bring it up again." 

The drive from the prison was scenic, offering stunning ocean views that were postcard-worthy, and as the car made its way gracefully along the twisting, cliff-hugging highway, Jeneda and Dane fell into silence. 

Jeneda had a million questions, and also wanted to bring him up to date on his financial affairs, but sensing he was having a moment with his thoughts, she decided it would be best to let him break the silence first. 

"Thanks for all the packages you sent me."

"No need to thank me," she said. "I was more than happy to."

"And I loved those pictures you mailed me."

"I took them especially for you."

"I know you did. And I couldn't help noticing you were wearing a sexy skirt or dress in every one of them." 

Her lips tugged upward. "I thought you might appreciate that."

"I most definitely did." He slid his hand further up her thigh, then gave it a gentle squeeze. "By the way, have I ever told you that you have the hottest pair of legs I've ever seen?"

"No, you haven't."

"Well you do." His palm was now caressing her thigh.

"You keep touching me like that, and I might drive right off this cliff."

"We'd die together, though. That'd be kinda romantic, huh?"

She briefly took her eyes off the road to give him a funny little half smile. "I suppose it would, in a morbid kind of way."

They briefly grew quiet, as if to contemplate the thought before Dane's voice cut through the air.

"I appreciate you sticking by me, Jeneda. You know that, right?"

"Yeah, I do."

"I know it was probably stressful for you...waiting all those months and not having anyone to be there for you emotionally."

"I had Luna and Ethan."

"Good, I'm glad to hear." 

"They were very supportive. Well at least Ethan was. Luna is still kinda on the fence about you."

"Can't say I blame her. Ever since you got with me, you've been going through all kinds of hell."

"Don't be so hard on yourself. We've had some good times, as well."

"You're right, we have." He reached out to tenderly sweep a lock of hair away from her face, then tucked it behind her ear. "You're wonderful. I don't know what I'd do without you."

She smiled, and as he placed his hand back on her thigh, she drove a little faster. "I have a nice dinner planned for us tonight. I also stocked your cabinets with your favorite snack foods, and got a couple packs of those lime sodas you like."

"I appreciate you going through all the trouble, honey, but the only thing I'm interested in dining on is between your legs."

"Mmm." Her center throbbed at the thought of his head buried between her thighs, and in a lust filled voice, she said, "I've really missed you talking dirty to me."

"Well I'm just going to have to make up for it, won't I?" He moved his hand so that his fingers were resting against the spot between her legs, and as he stroked his thumb against her denim clad pussy, she let out a sigh that sounded more like a moan.

She pressed her foot pressed more firmly on the accelerator, and the car sped along, closing the distance even quicker than before. 

* * * *

The drive home only took half an hour but it seemed like much longer, and no sooner had they arrived at Dane's apartment, did they begin shedding clothes. 

While she pulled her shirt up over her head, he quickly undid the buckle on his belt, and after unzipping his jeans, he tugged them down his legs and kicked them off his ankles. His shirt was next to go, and after tossing it aside, he gripped Jeneda by the hips and guided her towards the bed. 

As they reached it, she fell back onto the mattress, and he climbed on top of her. Their mouths met in a bruising kiss, lips moving feverishly as their tongues tangled hotly. 

He grinded his hips against hers, allowing her to feel his rock hard penis, and as she reached down to cup his arousal, he moaned, then bucked into her hand.

Desperate to have him inside her, she slipped her fingers beneath the waistband of his boxer briefs, but before she could slide them down, he drew back from the kiss, then placed his hand lightly on hers.

"What's wrong?" Her lip poked out slightly in disappointment.

"I should take a shower first."

"You didn't take one before they released you?"

"I did, but it wasn't very thorough. I was in a rush to leave, so I just did a basic rubdown."

Jeneda was beyond eager to have him right then and there, but he had just been sprung from prison, so she supposed it would be best if he did shower before they had sex. 

"Alright," she reluctantly said. "But don't take too long, okay?"

He nodded, and after giving her a deep, tender kiss, he headed for the bathroom. She lay back on one of the fluffy pillows and waited impatiently for his return, and as a few minutes grew into twenty, her sexual frustration mounted. 

She seriously considered going to the bathroom to see what was taking him so long, but then she heard the sound of his approaching footsteps. Her vaginal muscles clenched in anticipation, and as he reached the edge of the bed, she gazed up at him. 

For a few moments he just stood there, feasting his dark, sensual eyes on her lingerie-clad body. She stared right back at him with the same hunger, and as her eyes drifted over his lean, nude body, she noticed that his deltoids had become more defined. 

His abdomen, which was had always been flat, had a hint of muscles rippling beneath it, and his hard, V-shaped torso called attention to his engorged erection.

She'd always loved his sleek, lanky body, so she was happy that he hadn't put on too much muscle, but she also couldn't help but admire the slight changes in his physical appearance. 

With a carnal gleam in his eyes, Dane slowly climbed onto the bed. Her legs parted in anticipation, and as he positioned himself on top of her smaller form, her breath began to quicken. It'd been so long since they'd last been together like this, that she was quivering with excitement.

"I've missed you so much," he whispered against her plump lips before drawing her into a tender kiss. 

"Missed you more," she said as they pulled back for air, and she licked her lips, savoring the sweet taste of spearmint mouthwash that lingered on her lips. "You taste good." 

"I brushed my teeth twice and used lots of mouthwash."

She smiled, then reached up to thread her fingers through his damp hair, which smelled pleasantly of shampoo. "Did you also wash your hair twice?"

"No, but I did use twice the recommended amount."

A grin split her face. "You're so cute."

"And you're beautiful." 

He gently trailed kisses along her neck and collarbone, and as his lips ventured lower to the valley of her cleavage, she arched her back. 

He licked a hot trail along the tops of her round breasts, then lightly bit her nipples through the delicate, lacy pattern of her bra. 

She moaned, watching with rapt attention as he undid the clasp, and as her breasts were revealed, he sucked one of her nipples into his mouth. 

She sighed, fisting his hair as he worked her swollen bud with his hot tongue, and after releasing it with a wet pop, he lavished her other hardened point with the same attention. 

His calloused palm slide sensually along her inner thigh, and as his fingers brushed against her silken folds, she slightly jolted. 

He slowly dipped a finger into her slick pussy, then another before thrusting them in and out. With each pump of his digits, she became wetter, gushing around his long, sensual fingers as he deftly manipulated her. 

In no time at all she was aching with frustration, and from the untamed look that came into Dane's eyes, she could see that he'd reached breaking point as well. But one last thing stood in their way before they could fully give into their carnal pleasures.

"Before we go any further, I need to mention something."

"Okay." Dane withdrew his fingers from her wetness, and in a voice coated with worry, he asked, "What is it?" 

"I hate to bring this up, but I think It'd be best if we used a condom."

A look of pure hurt crossed his features, and for a moment he did nothing except stare in silence at her. Then, in a soft voice he said, "Alright. If that's what you want, then we can use one."

"Not trying to imply anything, I just think It'd be best if we played it safe. At least until you can get tested." 

"No need to explain. The last thing I want is for you to feel uncomfortable, so if you want me to wear a condom, I will."

"Thanks for not being upset." She gave him a little smile, then pulled him in for a brief peck. "And just so you know, I didn't have sex with anyone while you were in prison, but I'll still get checked out as well. That way you know I'm clean, too."

"I know you are, Jeneda. I trust you."

"I trust you, too. It's just I heard there's a lot of sexually transmitted diseases going around in prison, and-"

"Babe, It's fine," he interjected. "I understand your concern, so you have no reason to feel bad about this, okay?" 

She nodded, then reached beneath the pillow that her head was laying on, and after retrieving the foil-wrapped object, she tore it open. He adjusted his body so that she could slip the condom over his penis, and once he was sheathed, he positioned himself between her legs.

Her body flooded with excitement, and as he looked down at her, she gazed up at him, losing herself in his hooded eyes. 

His gaze never left hers as he guided his thick, hard cock to her entrance, and with a slow, gentle push, he inched into her juicy center. 

She whimpered at the sensation of him stretching her wide, and only once he was half way in, did he thrust balls deep. They cried out together at the euphoric sensation, and as he began to pump into her, she gasped, lightly raking her nails down his back. 

"Dane," His name left her lips in a husky whisper, eyes locking with his as he pinned her down with the weight of his body. 

His thrusts were slow and gentle, hips moving in a rhythmic swaying motion. As his body made love to her, so did his eyes, penetrating hers with a sensual intensity. 

The hard lines of his masculine build pressed against the soft contours of her body, and as they continuously rocked in perfect time, their bellies became slick with perspiration. 

She allowed her hands to glide across his smooth, hairless chest, then ran them along his shoulders before trailing her fingers along the back of his neck. Her digits tunneled through his soft, wavy hair, and fisting it loosely in her hands, she pulled him in closer. 

Their lips brushed tenderly before engaging in a wet, open-mouthed kiss, and as his thrusts became more aggressive, she moaned into his mouth. 

Needing to feel him deeper, Jeneda wrapped her legs around his waist, then lightly grinded her body against his. Along with allowing him to sink in further, the change in position caused her pussy to tighten around him, and he groaned at her snugness. 

"Anata o aishite imasu," he whispered softly against her ear, then gently bit her neck before uttering some more words in Japanese. "Watashi no isshoo no koibito."

She didn't have a clue as to what he was saying, but that didn't stop her nipples from tightening, nor did it keep her from arching her back and rolling her hips quicker against his. 

It was amazing how strongly her body reacted to just a few love words in Japanese, and she moaned as he lustfully glided his tongue along her bottom lip. 

His slow, gentle strokes were rapidly becoming harsher, and as he relentlessly elicited heavenly sensations from her body, she held on tight, anchoring herself to his shoulders. 

His hips moved feverishly, so she knew his release was imminent, and as his cock swelled, her pussy clamped tighter. 

His body tensed, and an expression of intense pleasure crossed his features. He groaned huskily against her neck, pumping harder, deeper, and faster than before. Jeneda was certain he was going to cum right then and there, but suddenly and without any warning, he withdrew his length. 

Her pussy clenched repeatedly at the lack of him filling her, but before she had time to protest, he grasped her by the hips and flipped her over. 

He manipulated her effortlessly, adjusting her body so that she was ready to receive him from behind, and with one powerful thrust, he burrowed his thick, hard cock into her. It didn't take long before he worked up a nice, steady rhythm, and soon he pistoning in and out of her as if his life depended on it. 

As much as she enjoyed slow, gentle lovemaking, she also took great pleasure in being taken rough. Nothing turned her on more than having him fuck her from behind, and she cried out in pure ecstasy from the sensation of him continuously drilling her with his thick, hard cock.

The smell of sex hung thick in the air, mingling with the heat from their bodies. Each slamming thrust was accompanied by the sound of skin smacking skin, and soon the apartment was filled with the salacious sounds of their vigorous fucking. 

"Wanna cum on your ass," Dane said huskily, then in a beseeching tone he asked, "Can I?"

Rendered nearly senseless by Dane's frenzied thrusts, she barely managed an unintelligible mumble, and while it wasn't exactly understandable, it was clear by her soft groans and light pants that she was anything but opposed. 

Her moans picked up in volume as Dane repeatedly hit her sweet spot, and her vaginal muscles tightened, further sucking him in. Then, with a few more hard pounds of his cock, she let out an involuntarily cry of pleasure. 

Her fingers avidly sought the pillow in front of her, and she dug her nails deep into its cushiony surface. Tremors of ecstasy coursed through her body, reducing her to nothing more than a quivering mass of flesh, and as Dane kept up his frantic pace, she moaned thickly, clutching the pillow even tighter.

It only took a few more vigorous thrusts before Dane pulled out, then she heard the sound of him taking the condom off, followed by the smack-smack-smack of him furiously jacking off. Then with a long, low grunt, he shot a thick, hot rope of cum onto her round ass. 

"Oh shit, Jeneda, yes," he moaned as spurt after spurt landed on her rear end.

The feel of it splattering against her backside brought about a second climax, and although it was less intense than the first one, it still caused her body to spasm. 

Dane gripped her left hip tightly, digging his fingers into her soft flesh, and as he continued to coat her backside with his gooey ejaculate, she cried out lustfully. 

He seemed to have an endless supply of cum, but she guessed it wasn't all that surprising, considering It'd been seven long months since they'd last had sex. 

It wasn't until he'd squirted out the list bit of semen that her vaginal muscles stopped clenching, and as he released a contented sigh, she knew for certain that he'd fully unloaded. 

She could feel his sperm sliding down her butt and along the back of her legs, and there was also a sizeable glob coasting between her ass cheeks. Knowing that it would quickly trail down to her pussy, she slightly shifted, angling her body so that the slippery fluid veered off its path. 

"Babe, could you get me a paper towel?" She anxiously asked. "I'm kinda messy here." 

Dane was still breathing hard from his physical exertions, so it took a moment for him to catch his breath. "Sorry, honey," he said in a slightly hoarse voice. 

The bed dipped as he got off it, then he hurried to the kitchen. It only took him a few short moments to return, and after retrieving a paper towel, he wiped her butt off, then carefully removed the wad of cum that was tricking down the valley of her butt. Once he'd wiped off all of the creamy fluid, Jeneda relaxed on the bed, and Dane curled up against her side. 

He reached up to brush her hair back from her face, then captured her lips in a soft, sweet kiss before pulling back to look deep into her eyes.

"I love you."

"Love you more," she said.

A small smile crept across his face. "That's impossible."

"Is it?"

The corners of his mouth only tugged higher, and he draped a pale arm over the curve of her waist. "Good thing I jacked off in the shower, otherwise I would have come a lot sooner."

"Mmm. Glad you did." She tenderly kissed his sweaty chest, then nuzzled up closer against him. "It's so good to have you home." 

"And It's great to be here."

"When you were in prison, I missed cuddling in bed the most. What about you?"

"Falling asleep and waking up with you in my arms."

Her heart melted at his words, and she reached up to trace a finger along the sharp curve of his cheekbone. "It was so lonely without you here. But sleeping in your bed did make me feel closer to you."

"I'm glad." His hands languidly wove their way through her hair. "I never did ask about your trip to Key West. How was it?"

"Great. I had a wonderful time."

"Did you get to spend a lot of time with Riley?"

"I visited him everyday." Her lips pulled into a smile, and in an upbeat voice, she said, "He's made quite a bit of progress."

"Really?"

"Yep. He's able to clearly speak some words now, and even though he hasn't regained use of his motor skills, I think there's a good chance of it happening."

"That's fantastic news, babe."

"I'm probably being too optimistic by saying this, but I'm really hoping he'll be able to walk again." Her eyes lit up at the thought, and excitement welled within her. "I know It'll take a lot of work and time, but it could happen. The doctor never said it was impossible, just that there was a low chance."

"Well if he regained his speech, why shouldn't he be able to walk again someday?" Dane tightened his arm around her waist, then gave her a loving peck on the forehead. "I hope things only continue to get better for him, honey. I really do."

This brought a smile to Jeneda's lips, and she rested her head in the crook of his neck. He buried his face in her hair, inhaling the fragrance of it, and for a long moment, they lay in contented silence. 

"What about your mom, how's she doing?"

"Great."

"Did you tell her about me being in prison?"

"Yes."

It seemed that Dane had picked up on her curt tone, because he adjusted his head so that he was able to look into her eyes. She looked right back at him, meeting his expectant gaze, yet instead of elaborating, she only remained quiet. 

"And what did she say?"

"She wasn't exactly thrilled, but I explained your situation, and told her you were forced into doing it." A brief pause preceded her next words. "It didn't win you any sympathy, but I did manage to talk her into meeting you."

"Sounds like I have my work cut out for me." 

She couldn't help but smile at how cute he looked when worried, and brought her fingers up to smooth the crease that had formed between his brows. 

"I wouldn't worry too much about it. My mom Isn't the type to stay upset for very long. And besides, you're good looking and charming, so you know she'll end up liking you."

"I don't know anything," he doubtfully said. "But I do hope she'll be able to forgive my past and give me a fair chance."

"I'm sure she will, hon." She lazily traced a finger along his lips, and as he gave it a playful nip with his teeth, she faintly giggled.

"So I've been meaning to ask you," Dane said, and a serious look came onto his face. "Have you seen Daniel or Adrian around lately?"

"I haven't seen Daniel at all, but I ran into Adrian about five months ago."

"Really?" Dane's brow furrowed. "I don't remember you telling me that."




Velvet Roses Ch. 15



"That's because I never mentioned it."

"Why not?" 

"Because I didn't want you to worry."

"You still should have told me." His tone of voice was almost scolding. "Where did you see him?"

"At an art exhibit downtown."

"And what happened? He didn't try to mess with you, did he?"

"No. But he did have quite a bit of fun mocking you for being in prison."

"No surprise there." He let out a deep, long breath. "Have you seen him again since?"

"Nope."

"That's good. Hopefully he stays away, but if he doesn't, let me know."

She nodded, and as a thought came into her head, her expression became stony. "This thing with you and Slade. What's going to happen?"

He lightly shrugged. "I'm not sure, but I've already decided I'm not going to wait until he contacts me."

"So what are you saying?" 

"I'm going to pay off the debt."

"No, Dane. I don't want you dealing with him anymore." She said it firmly, and with more than a touch of sternness. 

"I'm not going to pull a job for him, if that's what you're thinking."

"That still doesn't change my opinion." Her eyes had grown hard. "You get mixed up with him again, and I'll leave you. I swear I will." 

The truth was that she wouldn't ever do such a thing, but she was hoping that her threat would put the fear in him. 

"You can't be serious. His voice filled with unease, and he looked into her eyes searchingly. "You don't really mean that."

"Do I?" Her gaze didn't falter. 

"After all we've been through, you would just turn your back on me?" 

She said nothing, only averted her eyes and stared off into the distance. He sighed deeply, and after rolling onto his back, stared up at the skylight. 

For a long moment, they both lay there in stillness, but when the tension became too much for her to handle, Jeneda turned her attention back on him. 

He was uncannily quiet, his expression so somber that it literally made her heart ache, and knowing that the last thing she wanted was for them to be driven apart, she reached out to lay her hand against his chest. 

"Of course I won't leave you," she softly said before adding, "You know how much I love you. I'm just really scared, and don't want you to end up back in prison, or dead."

He slipped his fingers through hers, then slowly turned back onto his side and gazed deep into her eyes. "I'm not going to. You have my word."

Of course she knew that the situation was entirely out of their control, but something in Dane's eyes told her that this time things would be different; that somehow he'd manage to settle the debt and get Slade off his back, once and for all. And yet still, she couldn't ignore the sick feeling that had formed in the pit of her stomach.

"This is the last time you'll contact him. After this, you won't ever deal with him, understand?" 

"You have my promise." He reinforced his vow with a kiss to her hand.

She nestled closer against his warm body, and as he enveloped her in his arms, she sighed contentedly. It didn't take long before her lids grew heavy, and she expected that Dane would become drowsy as well, yet everytime she peeked her eyes open to check on him, she saw that his gaze was still faithfully trained on her. 

"I'll still be here when you wake up, I promise," she said with a faint smile curling her lips.

He lightly chuckled, then gently caressed her cheek with the pad of his thumb. "I'd be lost without you. You know that, right?"

"I feel the same way, love." She pressed her lips to his in a long, adoring kiss, and after pulling back from the tender embrace, she rested a palm against his chest. Then with a sleepy little murmur, she allowed her eyes to drift close. 

* * * *

By the time Dane woke from his nap, Jeneda had just finished lighting the candles on the dinner table, and was preparing to retrieve the champagne, which was chilling in the refrigerator. 

Since the fridge was packed with food, the only place left to store it was in the vegetable crisper, so she bent down to pull it out of the drawer. 

It wasn't until she felt Dane's hands settle on her waist, that she realized he was in the kitchen, and with the bottle of champagne in hand, she turned to face him. 

"Hey, you."

"Hey, yourself," he said, then leaned down to share a deliciously slow, sensual kiss with her.

Noting that he was dressed in a pair of faded black jeans and a vintage Nine Inch Nails T-shirt, she asked, "How long have you been awake?"

"A couple minutes." He gave a lazy stretch, then asked, "What time is it?" 

"Five thirty."

"P.M.?"

"Yes, P.M., silly."

"I lose track of time when we're together." Still holding her by the hips, he gently backed her up until her she bumped against the counter, then coasted his palm along the dip of her waist before sliding it around to cup her ass. "You look great."

"Thanks."

He brought his other hand up so that it was level with her chest, and as he began to toy with the strap of her halter top, her pulse quickened. The look he was giving her was purely predatory, and the desire in his eyes was plain to see as he allowed his gaze to drift southward.

"You're wearing a skirt. I like that."

A wide grin split her face, and she nearly blushed, causing him to chuckle in the process. His eyes drifted to the stove, and noticing the variety of pots and skillets on the burners, he inquired about their contents.

"Smells great in here. What's for dinner?"

"Kobe steak with garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed vegetables. And for dessert, cheesecake." 

"Wow. His gaze drifted down to the bottle in her hand, and upon noting the label, he said, "Champagne, too? You really went all out."

"It's been seven months since you were last at home, so I had to do something special." She set the bottle of alcohol in a bucket that was filled with ice, then carried it to the kitchen table. 

He followed behind her, and as they reached the candlelit table, she gestured for him to take a seat. 

"Jeneda, this is wonderful," he said as he noticed the crystal champagne flutes and ornate silverware that she had set out for them to eat with. "But you didn't have to go to this much trouble. I would have been happy with just a burger and fries."

"You deserve better than that," she said with a smile. "We both do, considering all that we've gone through." The champagne made a loud pop as she uncorked it, and after filling their glasses halfway, she set the bottle in the bucket of ice. "So, since we didn't get to spend Christmas together, I figured tonight would be a good time to exchange gifts."

"I wasn't expecting anything from you, but I appreciate you thinking of me." 

"Of course. You think I would let you go empty handed?" She asked with a smile. "Your gift was too big to wrap, though, so I have it hidden away until after dessert."

"Too big to wrap? That sounds expensive." A look of disapproval crossed his face. "I would have been just as happy with something simple and low-priced."

"Simple is boring," she said. "And it wasn't that expensive. But a considerable amount of time and planning did go into me figuring out what to get you." 

He watched her thoughtfully for a moment, then taking her hand in his, he offered it a gentle squeeze. "Well whatever it is, I'm sure I'll love it."

"You'd better." Her tone was playful and flirtatious.

"Or else?" Grasping her by the hips, he coaxed her closer to the chair he was sitting in.

She rested her hands on the back of the chair, then positioned her palms so that they were on either side of his head and leaned over him so that he was given a full view of her cleavage. "Or else I'll make you pay for hurting my feelings."

"I see." He gazed down to admire her full breasts, and a carnal groan issued from deep in his throat. "Will this punishment involve you typing me up and having your dirty way with me?" 

"Of course. Already got the rope, handcuffs, and lube all ready," she seductively said.

"Do you really?" 

A chuckle passed her lips, and she lightly shook her head at the look of astonishment on his face. "I was joking, Dane. Your gullibility is adorable, though."

"Damn, you're cruel," he said with more than a hint of disappointment.

She laughed harder, then went into the kitchen to fix their plates. Once that was done, she brought the dishes to the table, and after setting them down, turned her attention to Dane, who was kneeling next to his bed and reaching beneath it. 

He pulled out a sizeable, box-shaped object that was covered in green wrapping paper, and after lifting it up in his arms, he brought it over to the dining room table.

"My Christmas gift was underneath the bed all this time?" Jeneda asked in disbelief.

"Yep. I'm surprised you didn't find it," he said before quickly adding, "Or did you?" He raised his brow slightly and gave her a sideways glance.

"No, I didn't. I'm just surprised to know that for all these months, I was sleeping right on top of it."

A soft chuckle passed his lips as he placed the gift down next to the table, then he sat down in his chair and hungrily eyed the food. "This looks delicious."

"Hope it tastes as good as it looks. I never cooked Kobe steak before, so I'm not sure if it came out alright." 

Clearly eager to give her an opinion, Dane picked up his utensils, and after slicing through the succulent meat, stuffed a large cube of steak into his mouth. 

She mirrored his actions, and after taking a few chews, was pleased to find that the meat was juicy and flavorful.

"Mmm." He sliced off another portion, and after popping it into his mouth, he said, "It's perfect, babe. Best steak I've ever eaten."

She basked in the compliment, and as they continued to fill their bellies, the sound of cutlery clinking against plates became the only sound in the loft. Once they'd finished their dinner, Jeneda brought out dessert, and they eagerly tucked into generous slices of cheesecake. 

They devoured the cake in no time at all, and after rising to her feet and lifting her fork and saucer, she walked around to Dane's side of the table so that she could collect his dirty dishes. 

"Dinner was delicious, honey," he said. Thank you so much."

"You're very welcome." She leaned in to give him a peck on the lips, then headed into the kitchen and loaded the forks and saucers into the dishwasher. 

Once that was done, she rejoined Dane at the table. But instead of sitting down, she took him by the hand and coaxed him to his feet.

"Follow me, and I'll show you your present."

He did, and after walking several paces into the area that served as the living room, she gestured toward a towering object that was concealed by a white sheet. Then slowly, she pulled off the sheet and presented the object to Dane. 

"Wow." His brows lifted, and with an unreadable look on his face, he gave the object a long, thoughtful look. 

Standing seven foot tall and fashioned out of stainless steel, the sculpture was of a Japanese sword, and was situated on a black marble base. 

The three dimensional art object gleamed beautifully under the track lighting of the loft, and as Dane reached a hand out to glide a finger along the curve of the immaculately sculpted blade, Jeneda watched with bated breath. 

Certain that a statuesque metal sculpture would perfectly complement Dane's sizable loft, Jeneda had purposely designed it to be imposing, yet awe-inspiring. And judging from the look on Dane's face, it had just that effect. 

She didn't say a word to him, only allowed him to stare on in silence. Then finally, after what seemed like an inconceivably long amount of time, he finally spoke. 

"You created a sculpture for me?" He shook his head, as if unable to believe that what he was looking at was real, and in a voice laden with emotion, he said, "This is incredible, Jeneda. You didn't have to do this."

"I know I didn't," she said. "I wanted to. And besides, pouring myself into this project was on of the things that kept me sane while you were in prison." "You sculpted this while I was in prison?" His brows furrowed, and he said, "But I thought you said this was my Christmas gift."

"It is."

"I got arrested two weeks before Christmas."

"Yeah, and originally I'd been planning to give you something else. I mean we'd only been going out for two months once Christmas rolled around, so obviously this would have been a little extravagant for having just met. But then you got arrested, and as the months passed by and our bond grew even stronger, I knew that I wanted to give you something more. Something that came from my heart."

He let out a low sigh, then ran his hands through his hair, and as his eyes drifted from the sculpted katana to lock with hers, she saw that they were moist. "You're unbelievable, you know that?"

She smiled, then grabbed his hand and slipped her fingers through his. "I'll take that as a sign that you like it."

"I love it. This is the most incredible gift that I've ever received." He gazed up in adoration at the sculpture for a few more moments, then positioned his body so they were standing face to face. "Thank you, Jeneda. It's beautiful." 

"You're welcome, sweetie." She leaned in for a short, sweet peck, but when she tried to pull away, Dane cradled the back of her head and kept her lips sealed to his. 

Although they'd kissed countless times, it seemed that this time was especially tender, and soon she was entirely lost in the feel of his lips and warm tongue. 

The kiss was delicate, yet overwhelming, and she melted against him effortlessly. As the kiss came to an end, he pulled back only slightly, just enough for her to look into his lust darkened eyes. Then, he softly spoke to her.

"Thank you, again. There aren't any words to describe how much I appreciate you doing this for me."

"It was my pleasure, baby." 

Still holding her hand, he led her over to the dining room table, and after placing the gift that he'd bought for her on its surface, he looked at her eagerly.

"I'm afraid my gift isn't anywhere near as spectacular as yours, but I do hope you'll like it."

She tore into the present immediately, and after stripping the wrapping paper away, smiled broadly at the sight before her.

"You bought me a record player?" She smoothed her hands over the smooth, black case, then opened it to reveal a turntable. 

"I know you're all about the old school," Dane said, "but just so you know, this record player is USB enabled, which means you can convert your records into CD's."

"This is fantastic, I love it. Thank you so much. I've been wanting one of these for ages!" The happiness in her eyes was unmistakable, and she hugged him tightly, then gave him a kiss. 

"You're welcome. But that's not all that I got you." He pulled out a flat, square shaped package from behind his back, then handed it over to her. "You probably already know what it is, just by the feel of it."

And she did. She already knew they were records even before she removed the wrapping paper, but it would still be a surprise, because she didn't know who the artists would be. 

Once the last bit of paper had been removed, her eyes widened at the record that was revealed, and with reverence lacing her voice, she spoke.

"Are you serious?" She stared in amazement at the first record before checking out the second and third ones. "I've been searching for these Depeche Mode albums everywhere. They're super rare. How did you find them?"

Her excitement brought a smile to his lips. "I'm good at locating hard to find things."

"But how did you know that I was looking for these exact records?"

"Luna and Ethan told me."

"But when? How did you get in touch with them?"

"I called them."

"Well I know that. But how did you get their phone number?"

"I went through your list of cell phone contacts."

She glanced up at Dane to see him giving her a little smirk, and although she would normally have considered his act an invasion of privacy, clearly she had no grounds to be upset.

"I must have been asleep, because I hardly ever leave my phone unattended."

"You were *solidly* asleep," he said. "That tends to happen after a night of sex with me." 

She rolled her eyes lightheartedly. "You are so full of yourself." 

He chuckled, then gestured to the records. "I figured those might be a nice addition to your already extensive collection."

"Are you kidding me? They're amazing. Thank you so much, sweetie."

"You're very welcomed. But I have another gift for you." This time he retrieved an envelope from the back pocket of his jeans. 

"What? Dane, come on," she said with a giant smile. "This is too much."

"Says the woman who created a seven-foot-tall sculpture of a Katana sword."

She giggled at his playful tone, then excitedly grabbed the envelope from his hand. She nearly tore it in half trying to break the seal, and after removing the contents, her eyes widened at the slip of paper in her hand. 

"A plane ticket to Japan?"

"I'm taking a trip there in three months, and I want you to go with me."

"Dane, this is amazing. I don't know what to say."

"How about yes?"

"Yes, okay, I'd love to come with you."

The look of astonishment on her face brought a smile to his lips, and he pulled her into his arms, then gazed down at her with excitement in his eyes. "I was hoping you'd say that." 

"You actually thought I would have turned you down?" She saw his lips curve into a little smile, and with eagerness in her voice, she asked, "Not that it matters or anything, but why are we taking this trip to Japan?"

"A Japanese publisher wants to buy foreign rights to one of my graphic novels, and my agent thinks it would be a good idea for me to go out there and meet them in person."

"I remember getting a call from your agent about that, but I never knew that he was planning for you to actually travel out there."

"Neither did I. I just barely found out that the trip was happening a few weeks ago."

"Is your publisher paying our way, or is this coming out of your pocket?"

"They're paying my travel expenses, but I bought your plane ticket with my own money."

"How? You just got out of jail earlier today." 

"I had a friend help me out."

"Cassie?"

"No, somebody else."

"Kenichi."

"Yes, but before you give me that look, I only contacted him out of absolute necessity. I wanted to have the ticket all ready once I got out of jail, so you could see it with your own eyes and know that I'm serious about you coming with me."

"Sweetie, It's fine. I'm not upset with you," she said, and draped her arms around his neck. "So, three months from now, huh? That means we'll leave in September."

"Yep. So if you need to get a passport, now would be a good time to do it."

"I already have one, but I'm wondering if I'll need to put a hold on my mail, or make arrangements for my friends to check in on my apartment while I'm gone."

"We'll be in Japan for a month, so requesting a hold mail service would be a good idea." 

She nodded, then gazing off into the distance, she said, "I'll need to get electrical adaptors and converters, plus plenty of hair supplies, because I know they won't have what I need. I also need to check with my health insurance company to see if I can get overseas coverage, and I don't know a word of Japanese, so you'll have to teach me."

"Babe, we have plenty of time, he said with a smile. "So you don't have to figure all of this stuff out right away."

"I know, just making a mental checklist."

He rested his forehead against hers, then allowed his dark eyes to meet hers. "Let's just relax and enjoy the rest of the evening, okay? No mental checklist, no planning, just you and me, in bed, enjoying each others bodies."

His right hand left her hip to slide beneath the hem of her skirt, and as he coasted his palm sinuously along the swell of her backside, she let out an involuntary whimper. 




Velvet Roses Ch. 15



"You have such a delicious ass." His voice came out breathy and strained, and knowing that she craved more, he pressed his crotch firmly against hers. 

She swallowed thickly at the heat of his erection, and as his cock twitched against the juncture of her thighs, she let out a soft groan. 

With one hand against her waist, and the other cupping her bottom, he effortlessly lifted her up. She wrapped her legs tightly around him, and as he carried her to the bed, she kept her eyes fixed unwaveringly on his.

The moment they reached the bed, he gently placed her on it, and after stripping down to reveal his pale, lean body, his hands worked eagerly to remove her clothing. Once she was completely nude, he grabbed a condom from the bedside table, and after sheathing his swollen penis, he gently spread her legs, then mounted her naked form. 

Her body arched to him earnestly, as if begging to be pleasured, and as moonlight shone from the skylight above, their bodies tangled and they drifted into ecstasy.



Velvet Roses Ch. 16



*So, this is it. The last chapter of Velvet Roses. I want to thank everyone for reading, and also thanks to those who commented and voted on the story. The positive feedback that I've received was more than I ever expected, and it truly pleases me to know that you all have been entertained by my writing.

Oh, and in case anyone is wondering, I have decided to go ahead and write a sequel. The supportive comments I received in the last chapter encouraged me to go ahead with my plan to write a follow-up, so Dane and Jeneda's story will be continuing. 

I can't say just yet when I'll be posting the sequel, but I'm planning to write at least a couple of chapters before submitting the first installment, that way I can ensure that the story has a good flow and is completely ready to be viewed. So, give me a few weeks, and check back then. 

Once again, Thank You All so very much for sticking with me and investing your time in this story. Words cannot describe how appreciative I am of your support!! 

x virgofemme*



The uncharacteristic silence was the first thing that struck Dane as he woke from sleep that evening, and after blinking a few times to bring his surroundings into focus, momentary disorientation followed. There was plenty of space around him, and he didn't have that tight, closed in feeling of being trapped in a jail cell.

Then slowly it came to him. He wasn't in prison, but at home, and the soft, rhythmic sounds of breathing came from Jeneda, who was curled up next to him with her hand resting against his chest. 

No words existed to describe the relief that he felt, and although her body was already pressed flush against his, he tightened his arms around her, pulling her even closer. She murmured drowsily and shifted her leg so that it was slung over his, then nestled her face against his throat.

Dane angled his head so that he could look at the bedside clock, and after seeing that it was a quarter past eleven p.m., he contentedly sighed. It had been a long time since he'd had such a deep, peaceful sleep, and although he more than welcomed the blissful silence of his apartment, it seemed almost foreign to him. 

After seven long months of constant prison noise, the absence of any sound at all was almost deafening, and yet at the same time it was completely serene. Never before had he felt so blissfully content, and although he felt the need to empty his bladder, he found himself reluctant to leave Jeneda's side.

Still holding her tightly in his arms, he gazed down in wonder at her face. His eyes roved from her closed eyelids and thick lashes, down to her pouty lips, which were slightly parted. Her face was smooth and slack with sleep, and her hair, which had grown out of the bob style and now reached just below her shoulders, was rumpled and tangled against the pillow. It still didn't seem real, his being free and in the company of his lover again, and for the countless time that day, he got the feeling of being in a dream. 

Minutes passed and he continued to lay there, staring down at Jeneda's face as she peacefully slept. He could have remained in bed with her forever, perfectly appeased to listen to the gentle inhale and exhales of her steady breathing, but the sound of his cell phone ringing suddenly cut through the air. 

It sounded harsh and shrill to his ears, and he quickly reached out to grab it, cursing himself in the process for not putting it into silent mode. After retrieving his mobile, he clicked the button on the side to stop it from ringing, then glanced at the display screen to see who was calling. 

A feeling of dread came over him as he realized it was Slade, and although he briefly considered turning off his phone, he knew that evasion was ultimately impossible. 

With careful slowness, he disentangled himself from Jeneda's sleeping form, then slipped out of bed and padded to the bathroom, which was the only walled-in area of his loft. Once there, he shut the door behind him, then pressed the call answer button and put the phone against his ear. 

"Hello?"

"Good evening, Dane," a smooth, deep voice said. "I didn't wake you, did I?"

He exhaled deeply through his nose, brows crinkling in aggravation. "Just tell me what you want, and let's get this over with."

"But we haven't even had a chance to catch up." Faux amicability laced his voice. "So, tell me. How's it feel to be a free man again?"

"Like you give a fuck," Dane said sharply. "It's because of you that I was even arrested.

"Wrong." Slade's voice turned grave and serious. "You were stupid and didn't cover your tracks properly. That's why you were arrested."

Dane gritted his teeth and tried to remain calm, but he was already growing hot with anger, and his body had tensed with anxiety. "Tell me how much I owe you, and I'll deliver the money tonight."

"Twenty grand. And make sure they're unmarked bills."

"I need a location." 

"My club, The Asylum. You remember where It's located, don't you?"

"I remember." 

"When you arrive, tell the bartender on the first floor that you're here to see me, and he'll escort you to my office on the third level." 

"I'll be there in half an hour."

"Wonderful," Slade said. "See you then."

No sooner did the line go dead, did Dane dial Kenichi's number, and after only a few rings, Kenichi picked up.

"Hello?"

"I need a favor," Dane said. 

"What kind of favor?"

"You know that guy I told you about? The one that killed Marla."

"Yeah, Slade. I know all about him. We've done business before."

"I'm meeting up with him in half an hour, and need to bring a sizable amount of cash with me. Only thing is, I'm a little short."

"How much?"

"Twenty thousand. The thing is, I have the money in the bank, but I can't get to it right away."

"Of course. It's too late to go in and make a withdrawal." 

"Right. So you'll only be out of the cash until tomorrow, when I can go to the bank and pull the funds from my account."

"Alright, Tell me where to meet you and I'll be there."

"A club called The Asylum. It's in the Tenderloin district, right off of Jones Street."

"I know where that is," Kenichi said. "I'll be there in thirty minutes." 

"Thanks, Kenichi. See you then."

Dane placed his cell phone down on the top of the toilet tank, then turned on the tap and splashed his face with cold water. He patted himself dry with a washcloth, then ran his fingers through his hair a few times, and after grabbing his phone, he left the bathroom and headed back to his sleeping area. 

As he reached the bed, he saw that Jeneda was awake, and was sitting up in bed with her back against the headboard. The look she gave him spoke volumes, and she didn't need to speak a word for him to know that she was deeply disappointed.

"You're going to meet Slade, aren't you?" She asked.

"Yes." He grabbed his underwear from the floor and put them on, then slipped into his pants. 

"How long will you be gone?"

"Not certain, but I'll be back as soon as possible."

She sighed deeply and watched him pull his T-shirt over his head, then put on a pair of socks and boots before grabbing his car keys from the bedside table. The bed dipped as he sat down on it, and he leaned in close so that he could take her in his arms. 

"I'll be back before you know it."

There was sadness in her eyes as she looked at him, and with her lower lip quivering, she begged, "Promise me you'll be back. Give me your word."

"I promise. You have my word."

She cupped his face in her small hands, and after staring at him for several long moments, she leaned in for a kiss. Their lips brushed tenderly before melding in a passionate embrace, and although neither of them wanted to entertain the idea of him not returning, they both knew that there was a real possibility. 

Perhaps it was this thought that caused their lips to move with such reckless abandon, and Dane heard her softly moan as his tongue probed the sweetness of her mouth. It wasn't until they breathlessly parted that he saw her face crease with trepidation, and stricken with guilt for having to leave her in the middle of the night, he looked at her with moistened eyes. 

"Keep the bed warm for me," he said, and kissed her once more before abandoning her side. 

He was certain he'd seen a gleam of tears in her eyes, but before his distress could sink in any further, he headed out the door, leaving her in bed alone with the promise of his return. 

* * * *

It was just before midnight when Dane pulled into the parking lot of The Asylum, and as he got out of his car and took a look around, he spotted Kenichi leaning against his own vehicle on the other side of the lot. 

Dane clicked the lock button on his key fob, and as it beeped in confirmation, he headed over to where Kenichi stood. His shoes crunched against the gravel as he walked, and as he came to a stop in front of his former colleague, he noticed with disappointment that his hands were empty. 

"I thought you were bringing the money," Dane said.

"It's in the trunk." Kenichi said it nonchalantly, as if their impending meeting with Slade wasn't a matter of life and death, but some lighthearted affair.

"Are you going to get it out?"

"Nope. I brought it along just in case, but I doubt we'll be needing it."

"Why not?" He peered intently at Kenichi.

"Because I'm going to make Slade a deal so generous, he won't be able to resist. And if he accepts my proposition, which he will, you won't have to pay him a dime."

Dane's brows furrowed, and with inquisitiveness lacing his words, he asked, "What could you possibly offer Slade that would make him erase my debt?" 

"I have confidential information about those computer chips he stole from Invotech. And once he finds out what I know and realizes that I can use this information against him, he'll more than likely do whatever it takes to smooth things over with me."

"So this is a vendetta. You have bad history with Slade, and you're going to fuck him over."

A sly smile tugged at Kenichi's lips, yet instead of giving a reply, he only started walking across the parking lot. 

Dane fell into step beside him, and with distress in his voice, he said, "I'm already in deep enough as it is, so if you're going to burn him, then I can't be a part of this. I have a girlfriend to keep safe, and nothing is worth putting her life on the line."

"Don't worry, he won't dare come after you."

"Why not? Once he sees I'm connected with you, he'll think we're in on this together."

"Maybe he will, but he won't be able to do a damn thing about it. Trust me."

"If this comes back to bite me in the ass, you'll pay for it, Kenichi, I swear."

"I already told you, everything will work out fine. So just be cool, okay?" 

But Dane couldn't be cool, and he was trying very hard to maintain a state of non-panic. He wasn't just on edge about his lack of control over the situation, but overwhelmingly furious at Kenichi for putting him in a compromising position. For a moment he considered backing out of the meeting with Slade altogether, but he knew that would only heighten this clusterfuck of a situation. 

As they stepped into the darkly lit nightclub, the state-of-the-art sound system pumped out synth-laden music at deafening decibels. Flashing strobe lights pumped in time to the heavy industrial beats, and in no time at all Kenichi and Dane were enveloped by throngs of PVC clad people. It took quite a bit of effort to fight their way through the crowded, smoky club, but finally they reached the bar. 

"What can I get you boys?" A female bartender with cherry red hair asked.

"We're here to see Slade."

She lightly nodded, then gave a signal to a solidly built bouncer standing next to the entrance of the club, and after coming over to where they stood, he led them over to a flight of metal stairs. 

With him leading the way, Kenichi and Dane headed up to the third level, and after walking down a long hallway, they reached a black door. The meaty bouncer knocked one, then twice, and after a few seconds of waiting, the door opened to reveal a stocky, Nordic-looking man with a powerful build that radiated strength. 

His eyes drifted from the bouncer to rest on Kenichi and Dane, and after giving them both a long, hard glare, he pulled the door wider. A leather chest holster was strapped to his broad chest, and after slipping a large gun back inside of it, he gestured for Dane and Kenichi to enter. 

The long, mahogany table he led them toward was situated in the middle of the room, and sitting at the head of it was Slade. His all black attire provided a sharp contrast to his spiky, platinum blonde hair, and as Dane's gaze came to rest on Slade, his eyes immediately hardened. 

But the blonde haired man didn't notice the look that Dane had given him, because his attention was firmly planted on Kenichi. It wasn't until both Dane and Kenichi had been seated for several moments that Slade finally broke his silence, and with clear displeasure on his face, he addressed Kenichi. 

"I wasn't aware that you two knew each other." His gaze ping-ponged between the two men in front of him a few times before once again coming to settle on Kenichi. 

"We go way back," Kenichi said, and he retrieved a carton of cigarettes from the pocket of his leather jacket. 

"I see." As Kenichi held the carton of cigarettes out to Slade, he waved them away, then watched as Kenichi lit one for himself. "So what's the deal? Why did you two come together?"

As Slade's eyes came to rest on him, Dane matched his callous gaze. "We have a proposition to offer you."

A humorless chuckle passed Slade's lips, and he leaned back in his chair, then crossed his legs horizontally so that his ankle was resting on his knee. "A proposition? Since when did this become a negotiation?"

"That heist you pulled at Invotech didn't go quite as smoothly as you would have liked, did it?" Kenichi asked.

"How do you know about that?" Slade asked.

"These men who work for you...," He paused to glace at Slade's three henchmen, who were all at the ready and standing next to the door with their hands on their guns. "They aren't as loyal as you think."

"You're trying to play me," he said. "Trying to get into my head."

"Am I? Kenichi took a long drag on his cigarette. "Or are you just too scared to admit that it could be true?"

Slade seemed to contemplate what had been said, and after allowing his eyes to rove suspiciously over each of his hired men, he retrained his gaze on Kenichi. "I'm not in the mood for games, so get to the point, and do it fast." 

"Those computer chips you stole from Invotech's warehouse," Kenichi said. "I'm interested in working out a deal to buy them from you."

"Is this what you came here for?" He lightly scoffed, then said, "We stole those chips seven months ago. That's old news."

"But you still have them in your possession, right?" Kenichi asked.

"Of course. You don't fence high-value goods like computer chips right away. You let months go by, then unload them."

"But that's not why you've waited seven months. Those chips you're trying to sell have serial numbers etched onto them, which makes it twice as difficult for you to fence them. Not to mention, one of your men killed a guard during the Invotech heist, and we both know that when a homicide is involved, not many fences want to be involved with the goods that were stolen." 

"I fail to see what any of that has to do with Dane paying me off," Slade said. 

"Keep listening, and you'll find out."

Slade stared unblinking at Kenichi, but didn't say a word. 

"You need a good, solid connection," Kenichi continued. "Someone you can trust."

"And what makes you think I'd put my faith in you?" 

"Because you have no other options. If you did, those chips would have been sold a long time ago."

Slade averted his gaze to Dane, who only looked right back at him, and then resting his eyes back on Kenichi he said, "I'm listening."

"I have connections to a person enforcement, and if we cut him into the deal, he might be willing to look the other way and keep those chips from being traced back to you."

"And you can guarantee this?"

"Yes, I can." 

Slade looked hard into the other man's eyes, and after a long moment of contemplation he asked, "What kind of a deal are we taking here?"

"I'll pay sixty percent of their market value."

"Sixty." Slade's brows rose with clear interest. "The going rate is usually fifty. Why such a generous offer?"

"Dane is indebted to you, right?"

"Yes."

"Forgive the money he owes you, and we have a deal."

"Why?" His brows drew together. "What is he promising you in order for you to do a favor like this for him?"

"He isn't promising me anything. I just don't like seeing my friends get screwed over. "Especially not by someone like you."

"You know, I think It's real cute how close you two are." An amused smile crossed Slade's features, but just as soon as it had shown up, his face suddenly darkened. "But the debt still stands."

"He just offered you sixty percent of those chips market value," Dane said. "Who else is going to offer you a deal like that?" 

"I don't trust him." His eyes narrowed to slits before he added, "And I don't trust you, either."

"This Isn't about trust, It's about doing what's smart," Kenichi said. "And if you have any sense at all, you'll accept my deal and sell those chips to me for the price that I offered."

"What if I refuse?"

"I know where those chips are located, and as I mentioned before, I have connections to a person enforcement."

"You're threatening to rat me out?" He snorted before angrily saying, "You can't actually be stupid enough to burn me." 

"There's no honor among thieves. You should know that better than anyone else." In an act of disrespect, Kenichi stubbed his cigarette out on the mahogany table, then with a glare of hatred, he said, "And besides, It's only fair play, considering that you've ripped me off on several occasions." 

"So this is retribution for those cases I took from your warehouse." He gazed off into the distance as if recalling earlier events, then turned his attention back on Kenichi. "Well as you said, there's no honor among thieves...." 

"Those cases contained rare artifacts worth nearly a million dollars."

"Yes, I know. That's precisely why I took them."

Kenichi's jaw tensed and his eyes burned with hate. "The deal I've offered you is more than generous. Now are you going to accept it, or will I have to disclose the location of those stolen computer chips?"

Slade stared intently at Kenichi, as if trying to read his thoughts. His eyes were hard and there was a stubborn set to his jaw. It couldn't have been any more obvious that he was hedging, trying his best to think of some way of evading Kenichi's ultimatum. 

But he knew he'd hit a wall, and after sighing deeply through his nose, he poured himself a drink, then consumed it with one gulp, as if to symbolize that he was swallowing his pride. He wiped his mouth off with the back of his hand, and fixing his cold blue eyes on Kenichi, he acquiesced. 

"Fine, I'll sell you the chips."

"And what about Dane's debt? That's part of the deal, too."

Momentary silence followed while Slade shot Dane a harsh look, and after a few moments of the two men engaging in a hostile stare down, Slade finally responded.

"It's absolved. He no longer owes me any money."

"Very good," Kenichi said, and he rose to his feet, then pulled a fat envelope out of the inside pocket of his leather jacket before tossing it on the table. "That should cover half the cost of those chips. You'll get the remaining amount once they're delivered to me."

Dane rose to his feet as well, and along with Kenichi, made his way to the door where Slade's henchmen were standing guard. But they only made it a few steps before Kenichi suddenly halted, then turned to once again face Slade. 




Velvet Roses Ch. 16



"And just so we're clear, if you back out of this deal in any way at all, our agreement will be voided."

"Yes, of course," Slade said. "You win, I lose, point taken. Now run along and fuck off, won't you?"

A hint of a smile touched Kenichi's lips. "Pleasure doing business with you too, Slade."

Slade's henchmen parted to allow them access through the door, and once they'd made their way downstairs and exited the club, they walked across the parking lot to where their cars were located. They reached Dane's Prius first, and after hitting the button his key fob to unlock the doors, he turned to face Kenichi. 

"Thank you doesn't cover my appreciation for what you did, Kenichi."

"No big deal. You've saved my ass a couple of times yourself, remember?"

Dane did, and his mind briefly flashed back to all of the heists he'd pulled for Kenichi. More than a few had involved nearly being captured by the police, and on several occasions, he'd even been detained. 

But not once had Dane ever given up Kenichi's names or whereabouts, and although he'd been uncertain at the time if Kenichi would show him the same loyalty, it had now been proven to him that his acts of allegiance hadn't gone in vain. 

"Anyways, I'm gonna get out of here," Kenichi said. "Take care of yourself, okay?"

"Yeah, you too."

The two men exchanged a handshake before parting ways, and as Kenichi headed to his car, Dane slid behind the wheel of his own vehicle. And with thoughts of Jeneda waiting at home in bed for him, he put his car into gear and sped off out of the parking lot. 

* * * *

Having just spent the day running their own respective errands, Dane and Jeneda chose to meet up at a French Café called La Boulange for a late lunch. Three weeks had passed since Dane's release from jail, and while the giddy happiness of once again being together had worn off somewhat, they were still enjoying that feeling of 'newness' that came along with the beginning of a relationship. 

And yet, although it felt as if they hadn't been a couple for very long, nine months had elapsed since they'd first met one another. Of course seven of those months had been spent apart while Dane was in jail, but that had only strengthened their bond to each other. 

And now, as they sat at a table eating club sandwiches in a busy café in the neighborhood of Pacific Heights, they found themselves focusing only on the present.

"So, how did things go with your parents?" Jeneda asked before taking a generous bite of her sandwich. 

"Good. As always, my mom was glad to see me, and my dad was actually friendly this time, so I think he's pretty much over being upset."

"That's great. Glad to hear he's forgiven you."

"Speaking of dad's, what about yours? Has there been any progress at all?"

She lightly shook her head. "Nope. He's still ignoring my calls, and when I send emails they go unanswered."

"Sorry to hear." 

Her shoulders pulled into a light shrug. "Yeah, well...it is what is it." 

For a long moment Dane just stared at her, as if trying to read her thoughts. But as moments passed and she remained quiet, he seemed to sense that she wasn't going to open up on her own.

"If you want to talk about it, I'm here for you. You know that, right?"

She nodded, but kept her eyes focused on her plate of food. 

"And even if you don't feel comfortable opening up to me and need some space and time alone, I'm okay with that, too." He reached out to take her hand in his, then lightly stroked the back of it with his thumb. "It's because of me that he's even mad at you, so the last thing I would be is offended if you ever wanted to spend a few days without me around."

"Alienating myself from you Isn't going to help things, so the last thing I want is to push you away."

"Okay." He smiled weakly, then brought her hand up to his lips and gently kissed it. "Just thought I'd let you know." 

He unlaced his fingers from hers to finish the rest of his sandwich, and for the next few minutes, they ate with only the chattering of the other patrons to fill the quiet space between them. 

Soon, the only food remaining on their plates were crusts of bread and a few stray French fries, and it was only then that Jeneda finally broke the lull in their conversation.

"If my father chooses to stay angry at me, then that's just something I'll have to deal with. But it definitely hurts to know that he's cut me out of his life." She fiddled absentmindedly with the straw in her iced tea while Dane eagerly waited for her to continue. "At first I thought it would just be temporary...something he would eventually get over, but It's been nearly eight months since we last spoke."

"Has he been in touch with your mom at all?"

"They talk every now and again."

"And has she shared their conversations with you?"

"Yeah, a bit." She paused for a moment to collect her emotions. "She says that he's still really hurt, but that he wants to forgive me...."

"So there's hope." Dane's face brightened. 

"...but that he just doesn't know how to go about doing that, and as long as I'm with you, he doesn't think he can be a part of my life."

"Oh." His face dropped, and his Adam's apple bobbed as he gave a dry swallow. "So clearly It's me that's keeping you two from reconciling."

"Yes, but there's no reason to feel guilty about it. If he wants to disown me, then let him. It won't stop me from living my life, and it definitely won't keep me from being happy with you." 

Dane reached across the table to grab her hand, and as he laced his fingers through hers, she was certain that she saw his eyes grow moist. 

"I'll always love my father," she continued, "and I'll never give up hope of him forgiving me. But at this point, the ball is in his court so there's really not a whole lot I can do."

Dane lightly nodded, and with a look which conveyed how sorry he was for her, he said, "Things will work out for you two, Jeneda. They'll have to, eventually."

"Will they?" Her tone of voice made it clear that she was doubtful, and her eyes peered questioningly into Dane's, as if he could give her the answer she was seeking.

He only smiled sadly in return, then cradled her chin with his fingertips and leaned in closer so that the distance was closed between them. Their mouths met in a kiss that was soft and gentle, and although it lasted for only a brief moment, it was just what Jeneda needed to chase the lingering feelings of sorrow away. As their lips detached, she was left wanting more, but the depth of her lover's eyes only seemed to heighten the tenderness of the moment. 

"You ready to go?" Dane softly asked. 

Jeneda nodded and they both rose to their feet. She grabbed her leather handbag from beside the chair, and after slinging it over her shoulder, she slipped her fingers through his. Then together they walked hand in hand out of the café. 

* * * *

The Gothic cathedral stretched 247 feet into the cloudless evening sky, looming over Dane and Jeneda as they ascended the wide flight of steps that led to its interior. Situated on top of San Francisco's Nob Hill, the church was a stunning imitation of Notre Dame. 

From the regal double towers that contained English bells, to the intricate sculptural details that made up the façade, the steel and concrete sanctuary was nothing less than an artistic and architectural marvel. 

The sun had set long ago, leaving the night sky a deep shade of blue, and at twenty minutes past eight, the weather was characteristically windy, yet pleasantly balmy. Jeneda's attire for the evening was a pair of slim cut black jeans, tall leather boots, and a fitted plum sweater that tastefully accentuated her curves. 

Dressed in all black except for a dark red velvet blazer, Dane made a handsome vision, and although Jeneda had looked at him countless times that evening, she couldn't help but steal another admiring glance at him. He returned her gaze with one of equal adoration, and as they reached the 16-foot bronze double doors that led into the cathedral, he pushed them open and gestured for her to enter. 

From the very first moment that she stepped across the threshold, Jeneda was struck by the extraordinary beauty of the Neo-Gothic interior, and as her eyes swept up to take in the 90-foot vaulted ceilings, her breath was literally taken away.

It wasn't just the colorful stained glass windows and sweeping archways, but also the domed ceilings and tall, thin pillars that made her feel as if she'd been transported to a European country. 

The faint scent of lemon furniture polish hung in the air, along with the smell of burning candles, and as she noticed the countless rows of wooden pews that stretched before them, it suddenly struck her that she and Dane were the only two people in sight. 

Intrigued by the complete absence of parishoners, she stole a glance at Dane as if to silently question him, but all he did was give her a little smile.

As they continued to walk forward, their soft footsteps reverberated off the walls. The white marble floors gleamed like polished ice beneath their feet, reflecting the soft light that shone from above, and as her eyes came to rest on a candle-lit altar, she headed straight toward it. 

Dane followed beside her, and as they came to a stop in front of the elevated structure, they both gazed in silent reverence at it. 

Dozens of candles surrounded the altar, which was decorated with tiny statues of important religious figures, as well as small crucifixes, and half a dozen tea lights. 

The soft glow of the candles only enhanced the ethereal atmosphere of the magnificent church, and threw dancing shadows against the smooth stone walls. 

It wasn't until she felt Dane grab her hand that she was broken from her spell-like daze, and as he laced his fingers through hers, she turned her head to look at him.

"This place is amazing." Her voice had taken on a light, breathy quality, and there was a sparkle in her eyes. "All this time I've been living in San Francisco, and not once have I ever thought to come here." 

A light smile touched his lips, and he gently stroked his thumb against the back of her hand. "It's kind of a hidden jewel. I like to come here sometimes, when I feel uncertain or a little lost."

This proclamation caused Jeneda to look intently at him, and she felt something inside of her respond to his willingness to expose the vulnerable side of himself. 

"When we were broken up, I came here nearly every weekend." His averted his attention back to the candles on the altar, and his eyes took on a faraway look as he recalled the past. "I'll never forget how desperate and hopeless I was. It was a terrible feeling, not having you in my life." 

Sensing he would say more, she remained quiet, admiring the way that the candles illuminated the sharp angles of his porcelain face.

"Most evenings I just roamed the streets, trying to take my mind off things, and eventually I ended up here." A faint smile crossed his lips as if he were recalling something funny, and as he looked back into her eyes, she met his gaze. "I used to show up so regularly that the priest actually knew me by name."

Jeneda smiled, and as he continued his story, she listened on. 

"Anyways, we ended up befriending each other, and it turns out that he's actually a childhood friend of my father's."

"Wow, I guess it really is a small world, huh?" Jeneda asked.

"Yep." He tugged lightly on her hand to coax her away from the altar, then led her to another area of the church. 

They walked in silence, allowing their eyes to rove across murals which depicted a diversity of figures from haloed saints, to archangels. Except for the sound of their shoes against the marble floor, a tranquil quietness surrounded them, and if not for her intense curiosity, Jeneda would have chosen to remain quiet.

"So, not that it matters or anything..." she began, and as Dane turned his head to look at her, she continued to speak. "But I thought I remembered you saying that you weren't religious." 

"I'm not, but you don't really have to be in order to appreciate how remarkable this place is." 

"That's true," she softly said, and as Dane continued to gently lead her by the hand, she followed beside him. "Just out of curiosity, how exactly are we allowed to roam around in here without any supervision?"

"Just because you don't see anyone else around, that doesn't mean we're alone," he simply said. 

"But It's nearly ten p.m. What cathedral stays open this late?"

"None that I know of, but as I told you before, I'm friends with the priest, and he's agreed to do this favor for me."

"I see. Well that was nice of him." A thoughtful look came onto her face, but she didn't say another word. 

They spent the next few minutes admiring the opulent stained glass windows and beautiful sculptures, and only once they'd had their visual fill, did they exit the sanctuary and head back out into the night. 

The temperature had dropped a few degrees during the forty minutes they'd been inside, but the weather was still fairly mild, so instead of heading back to the car, they chose to take a stroll through the cathedral's garden.

It was beautifully maintained, with an abundance of delicate looking flowers and colorful plants. A curving stone walkway was illuminated by lamp posts which were hexagonal in shape, and reminiscent of the Victorian-era. 

Ornamental trees were placed in strategic locations to enhance the quaintness of the garden, and the fragrance of jasmine and honeysuckle perfumed the surrounding air. Walking hand in hand, Dane and Jeneda leisurely ambled through the immaculately kept grounds, eyeing the vine-covered trellises and cast iron garden benches. 

Stone gargoyles perched atop deep fountain basins added a dramatic accent to the garden, as well as soothing sounds of gently flowing water. As an arched foot bridge came into sight, Jeneda instantly found herself drawn towards it, and with a gentle tug on Dane's hand, she led the way towards it.

The wooden planks of the small bridge creaked slightly beneath their weight, yet instead of continuing along to the other side of the garden, they both stopped in the middle of the bridge to gaze at the moonlight that reflected off the surface of the pond. 

An inner tranquility pervaded Jeneda's entire being, and as she continued to drink in the stunning sight before her, she felt Dane wrap his arms around her waist. Gently, he brushed her hair over her shoulder. 

Then there was the delicious sensation of his soft lips pressing against her neck. A breathy noise emitted from her mouth, and as she tilted her chin upward to offer him a kiss, he eagerly leaned in to taste her full lips. 

Their mouths moved slowly and sensually, savoring every moment of the oral embrace. It didn't take long before Jeneda's mind became foggy, and soon, everything else around her became insignificant. 

All she could focus on was Dane, and the way his lips moved against hers with such passionate intensity. Her hands moved upward to tangle in his wavy hair, and as their kiss intensified, she moaned into his mouth. 

It wasn't until they pulled apart that she was finally able to catch her breath, but before she even had a moment to snap out of her lust induced haze, Dane had taken her hand in his and began pulling her along behind him.

Once they were off the bridge, he led her down a stone pathway that was adorned on either side by flowering lavender. Then they carefully walked across a row of stepping stones that traversed a shallow pond. It seemed that with each step they took, Dane's eagerness increased, and as they continued along the winding garden path, Jeneda began to wonder just how far they were going to walk. 

The thought had just barely gone through her mind when she spotted a free-standing, roofed structure, and as she realized that it was a white lattice gazebo covered in blooming red roses, her brows lifted in surprise. 

Along with the flowers which adorned it, the gazebo was also covered in fairy lights, which sparkled and cast a warm, romantic glow. Stunned by the sight of the beautifully decorated structure, Jeneda walked tentatively towards it, as if afraid that it would somehow vanish into thin air. 

From the corner of her eye she could see Dane intently studying her reaction, and as she turned her head to look at him, his lips curved into a soft smile.

"So, what do you think?" He asked in eager expectation.

"Dane, this is beautiful." 

She slowly climbed the steps of the octagon shaped structure, and as she realized there were red and white candles encircling the center of the gazebo, she came to a complete stop. The next thing she noticed was the bottle of champagne that was resting in a bucket of ice, and that was when she suddenly realized that this had all been planned out. 

"What is this all about?" She curiously asked. "Why did you really bring me out here?"

"Take a guess." Dane's eyes sparkled with excitement. 

"I don't know," she softly said.

"I think you do."

Her eyes drifted from Dane's face back to the bottle of champagne, then to the candles before roving upward to gaze at the fairy lights and roses that ensconced the gazebo.

"This was all planned out. You had this gazebo specially decorated for tonight."

"Yes, I did," he said matter-of-factly. "I only get one shot at doing this, so I had to make sure that it was absolutely perfect."

She barely had time to process what was happening before he retrieved a small velvet box from the pocket of his blazer, then he bent down on one knee in front of her. 

Jeneda's heart quickened and her breath caught in her throat, and as he slowly opened the lid of the small box, she saw there was a sparking engagement ring inside. Her hand flew to her chest and she drew in a quick breath, and in wide-eyed astonishment, she stared down at it. 

The ring was fashioned from twists of white gold that flowed into a stunning round diamond, which was not only exquisitely cut, but also astonishingly clear. Jeneda hadn't seen many diamonds in her life, but even she knew that the nearly pure white gemstone was virtually flawless. 

Still rendered breathless by the surreal moment, she found herself struggling to catch her breath, and as Dane gazed adoringly up at her, she waited for him to speak. 

"You're the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. The one who's stood by me and accepted me for who I am. I absolutely adore you, and can't imagine ever being without you." He swallowed nervously, then briefly paused before asking, "Jeneda Larkson, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

"Yes." She nodded slowly, then in a voice that wavered with emotion, she said, "Yes, I'll be your wife.

Dane carefully took the ring from the box, then took her hand in his and slipped the band on her finger. Her eyes became moist and her vision blurred, and as he lifted her hand to his lips and placed a kiss just above the ring on her finger, a single tear fell from her eye.

Dane rose to his feet, and holding her firmly by the hips, sealed his mouth to hers in a deliciously languid, juicy kiss. 

She returned the oral embrace with heated passion, and as his palms came to rest against the small of her back, she moaned softly into his mouth. Then wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him even closer. 

Neither wanted to pull away, but both were aware that their current location wasn't the proper place to fully indulge their desires, so with great reluctance, they pulled apart.

"I didn't expect you to cry." Dane gave her a little smile, then gingerly wiped the single tear from her cheek before gracing the tip of her nose with a gentle kiss. "But I'm guessing that's a sign I made you happy."

"I'm more than happy, I'm thrilled."




Velvet Roses Ch. 16



"Good, I'm glad to hear. I always want you to be happy, so knowing I've accomplished that makes me feel real good."

Jeneda's gaze drifted to the ice bucket on the floor of the gazebo, and curious as to what brand of champagne Dane had purchased, she bent down to look at the label. "A vintage bottle of Dom Perignon? Wow, this must have cost a fortune."

"It was a present. I've been saving it for a special occasion." He lifted the bottle of champagne out of the ice bucket, then popped it open and filled two crystal champagne flutes. He handed one of the glasses to Jeneda, and as she took a sip, he eagerly waited for her opinion. "So, what do you think?" He asked once she'd finished sampling the bubbly beverage.

"I think it makes that champagne I bought for your welcome home dinner seem like watered down sparkling wine."

He lightly chuckled, then took a sip from his glass before giving his own feedback. "It is pretty tasty, Isn't it?"

"Best champagne I've ever had." She lifted the flute to her lips and had another drink before saying, "You better be careful."

"Why?"

"Introducing me to all this high class stuff... sooner or later I might become terribly spoiled." 

"Oh yeah?" A smile crossed his lips. "Well thanks for the warning, but I think I'll take my chances." Then, with a predatory look on his face, he inched closer to Jeneda, so that his face hovered just above hers. "But if you do become spoiled, I'll have to spank that rotten behavior right out of you. You know that right?" He gazed down unblinking at her, as if he was serious about enforcing the words he'd just spoken.

It was her absolute hope that he would make good on his threat, because nothing excited her more than seeing his dominant side unleashed. Just the thought of him being a little rough and kinky with her was enough to fill her with deep and urgent longing, and mirroring his sensual gaze, she spoke some words of her own.

"You make a promise like that, you better be certain you'll follow up on it."

"Oh, I'm certain," he said in a low, smooth voice, then leaning in so that his lips brushed her ear, he seductively whispered, "I can be a very thorough disciplinarian."

Never before had she been so turned on, and having reached the pinnacle of arousal, she was now more than ready for him to take her home and satiate her unbridled lust. 

"I think I've had enough champagne," she curtly said. "Why don't we cork the bottle and continue this celebration at home?"

"Fantastic idea."

They extinguished all of the candles in record time, and after switching off the fairy lights, the newly engaged couple clasped hands and descended the stairs that led away from the gazebo. 

* * * *

The weather was unusually warm for a July day in San Francisco, and so gloriously sunny that Dane and Jeneda had chosen to take a drive along the stretch of rugged coastline that bordered the neighborhood of Sea Cliff. Renowned for its multi-million dollar homes and stunning ocean views, Sea Cliff was one of San Francisco's more exclusive neighborhoods. 

It was also the location where Dane's parents resided, and as he drove along the winding road that led to their house, the fluttering in Jeneda's belly grew stronger. 

The intense excitement that she felt was almost overwhelming, and she was looking forward to the moment when she and Dane would announce their engagement to Dane's parents.

Dane's father, Naohito, had warmly accepted her as Dane's girlfriend, but his mother, Kitty, didn't like Jeneda very much at all. This was a fact that had been proven beyond any doubt, so when she found out that Jeneda was indeed going to be a permanent fixture in her son's life, it would undeniably leave her feeling stung. 

It made her feel a tad bit sadistic to admit it, but Jeneda was eagerly anticipating the look on Kitty's face. More than likely, she had been expecting Dane and Jeneda's relationship to be nothing more than a short-lived fling. 

But Jeneda had known it was more serious than that, and although she'd never expected Dane to propose, she had always been aware that what they shared was a very deep and special bond. 

She and Dane had been through hell and back together, and deserved every bit of good that was coming to them, so nothing was going to dampen their elated moods. Jeneda supposed there was a possibility that Kitty might try and stop Dane from marrying from her, but that was something she would worry about later. 

Right now things were wonderful, and as she gazed out of the open passenger window, she found herself marveling at the endless expanse of blue sky. Such brilliantly clear days were a rarity in a city that was famous for its fog, and she deeply inhaled the crisp, ocean air that was carried along by the breeze. 

Dane's window was also rolled down, and as the wind whipped around him, strands of his hair blew around his face. With the weather so mild, he'd chosen to wear a fitted white T-shirt, and although it was simple in design, it perfectly flaunted his sculpted biceps and flat abdomen. 

As Jeneda's eyes roved lower, her eyes were drawn to his crotch, and she shamelessly admired the way his jeans hugged his male anatomy. It took the feel of Dane's gaze to make her realize that he was watching her as well, and as she looked up at his face, she noticed that a faint smile had crossed his lips. 

"See something you like?" He asked.

Her lips tugged upward, yet instead of responding, she only lowered her eyes once more, then took a languid drink from her giant Slurpee cup. He chuckled softly, then turned his attention back on the road. But within a few short seconds, he'd placed his palm on her thigh. 

It didn't take long before he'd slipped his hand beneath her hibiscus flower print sundress, and as his palm glided slowly along one of her thighs, she parted her legs slightly. 

His eyes didn't stray from the road for even a moment, but then again they didn't need to. He knew every inch of her body, and the sound of her breathy sighs were an excellent indicator of whether or not he was headed in the right direction. 

Electrified by his touch, she bit her lip and arched her back, impatiently awaiting the moment when he would finally touch the soft flesh between her thighs. 

The wait was excruciating, but finally his fingers found purchase against her moist panties, which clung tightly to her heated slit like a second skin.

"You're wet." He smirked, still keeping his eyes on the road as he slipped two fingers beneath the barrier of her underwear. "Do I excite you that much?"

"Yes." Her words came out as little more than a whisper, body quivering as he began lightly tracing circles over her highly sensitized clit. 

"Touch me," he softly said. "Feel my cock and see how hard I am for you."

Heeding his request, she reached out to place her palm on his tented pants, then gently squeezed the prominent bulge. 

"Take it out," he instructed.

Unhesitatingly, she unzipped his pants and pulled out his distended shaft, then started to pump him using slow, languid strokes. 

"Mmmm...," he moaned, gripping the steering wheel tighter as she quickened the pace of her hand.

Between her jerking him off, and him playing with her pussy, she couldn't decide where to look, so she allowed her eyes to dart back and forth between their respective crotches. 

She was just contemplating how far they could take this whole moment, when Dane suddenly pulled off the road and skidded to a halt at an empty rest area. It happened so abruptly that Jeneda barely noticed him take off his safety belt, but as he scooted his seat back to create more distance between him and the steering wheel, she realized what he was planning. 

Having lost interest in her Slurpee, she set it in the cup holder near the stick shift, then undid her seatbelt. She reached beneath her dress and lifted her hips and removed her panties. Then, with Dane grasping her tightly by the waist, she was pulled out of her seat and over to the driver's side, where she positioned herself over his lap. 

He quickly untied the straps of her halter sundress, then tugged the fabric down so that her breasts were exposed, and clasping her by the hips, he guided her down onto his exceptionally hard cock. 

They groaned in perfect unison at the sensation of him stretching her tight, eager pussy, and only once she could take him in no further, did she begin to bounce up and down in a sensual, rhythmic motion. As she vigorously rode him, Dane muttered incoherent obscenities, meeting every roll of her hips with harsh, unforgiving thrusts. 

His large hands swept upwards to cup her jiggling breasts, and as he slowly circled his tongue around one of her tender nipples, he gave the other one a light pinch, then rolled it between his thumb and forefinger before greedily sucking it into his hot, wet mouth. His teeth lightly grazed the pebbled peak, then nipped it just hard enough to elicit a cry of pleasure from her. 

Eager for release, Jeneda rode him harder and deeper, and as he brought his hands around to roughly cradle her ass, she increased the tempo of her hips. 

The tense expression on his face told her that he was nearing orgasm, and as his panting grew more erratic, she manipulated her vaginal muscles so that they gripped him even tighter. 

A long, guttural moan passed his lips, and with his hands still tightly cupping her ass cheeks, he repeatedly pounded up into her sopping wet pussy. 

The driver's seat shook with the force of their fucking, and as he pummeled her at an increasingly frenzied rhythm, her breathy moans turned into desperate cries of pleasure.

Her eyes didn't unlock from his for even a moment, and driven on by the intensity of their impassioned coupling, she threw her head back, exposing her throat to him. Dane reached up to coast his palm along the length of it, then slipped his long fingers into her hair. 

His sharp, rhythmic thrusts made her cry out for more, and yet at the same time she was aching for release. But like a sex-starved animal, Dane just kept on fucking her. His hips bucked wildly as he pushed up into her moist, warm heat, and as she writhed in pleasure above him, he reached up to roughly fondle her tits. 

The sensation of him pinching and pulling her ultra sensitive nipples was too much for her to handle, and as a low, desperate moan tore from her throat, warm spurts of wetness gushed from her well stretched pussy. 

Dane's increasingly jerky thrusts indicated that he was right behind her, and with a few more thrusts and a primal grunt of gratification, he pumped her full of cum.

She cried out softly, savoring the feel of his twitching cock, and as her pussy clenched involuntarily, he groaned in response, then pumped up into her one last time. Once his hips finally stilled, he let loose a deep sigh of satisfaction, and as Jeneda leaned in to kiss him, he greedily accepted her lips. 

It wasn't until they parted from the oral embrace, that Jeneda realized there was a smirk on his lips, and curious as to the reason behind it, she quirked an eyebrow.

"You're insatiable," he said.

"Look who's talking." She brought her hand up to sift her fingers through his hair, which was sexily tousled from their drive along the windy, coastal highway.

"You're even hornier than I am."

"Funny you should say that, because I seem to remember that you were the one with restless fingers."

"I won't deny that, but you started this whole thing by staring at my crotch."

Her lips tugged into a grin, but she said nothing in return.

"You're a very naughty girl," he darkly purred, and his eyes briefly lowered to her still exposed breasts before once again coming to rest on her face. "Riding me topless by the side of the road...," His voice trailed off and he lightly shook his head with a little smile, as if he still didn't fully believe that the brazen moment they'd just shared had actually happened. "What would you have done if we'd gotten caught?" 

"What would *you* have done?" She countered.

"Told them to get lost."

"And what if it had been a cop?"

"Then I guess we would have been screwed."

Jeneda lightly chuckled, and after giving him a light peck on the lips, lifted herself off his softening cock. Then with as much grace as she could muster, she climbed back into the passenger's seat.

"It'd probably be a good idea if we freshened up before going to see your parents." Jeneda pulled up the top of her halter dress, and after tying the strings around her neck, she put her panties back on.

"Why? You actually think they'll be able to tell that we stopped for a quickie before coming to see them?" 

"Uh, yeah," she said matter-of-factly before opening the glove compartment and rifling through it. "They don't have to be bloodhounds to smell the sex on us."

Dane pulled up his pants and buttoned them, then retrieved a small can of body spray from the compartment on the drivers side door and sprayed some over his clothes. "Well they usually have bathrooms at these rest stops, so I guess we could clean up in there." 

Having procured a packet of Kleenex tissues and some sanitary wipes, Jeneda closed the glove box. Then both she and Dane got out of the car and headed over to a small, concrete building located a few feet away.

While she went into the women's side of the bathroom, he went into the men's, and after freshening themselves up, they returned to the car. Once they were seated and ready to hit the road, Dane started up the engine and put it in gear. 

They traveled along the scenic route for a few more miles before the coastal highway ended, gradually transforming into a street that led them into a pristinely clean neighborhood.

They rode along in comfortable silence, gazing out at the meticulously manicured lawns that seemed to stretch endlessly in front of stunning mansions. Dane's right hand held Jeneda's the entire time he was driving, and as the distance to his parents house lessened, the excitement they felt became palpable.

"So, any thoughts as to where you might want to get married?" Dane asked.

"I haven't really thought it over yet. We only got engaged yesterday evening," she said with a little smile."

"Yeah, I know. But I just thought you might have a special spot in mind."

"Someplace small and private would be good. I don't want a large wedding, so a huge venue is definitely out."

"I'd rather have a small wedding as well," Dane said. "But just to give you a warning, my mother is all about doing things in a big way, so I'm pretty sure she'll try to lock us into having some over the top, fancy ceremony."

"I don't know about that," she said. "Seems to me, she'd rather I not be in your life at all, so I can only imagine how she'll react to our engagement." 

"I told you, she'll come around," he said. "Just give her some time, and she'll get used to us being together."

Silence passed between them, during which they looked out at the passing scenery. Yet even though Jeneda was eyeing the eclectic mix of houses that they passed, she found that her mind was far too preoccupied to fully appreciate their beauty. She looked away from the window, and training her eyes on Dane, she prepared to ask a question that had been on her mind for many months.

"Dane?"

"Yeah?"

"Why do you think she hates me so much?"

Rather than respond right away, Dane seemed to mull it over. Then in a voice that was a bit uncertain, he said, "I don't think she hates you." He paused, as if searching for the right words before continuing on. "She just hasn't had a chance to really get to know you yet." 

"I'd like for her to, but I don't know how to go about doing that."

"Well, maybe you two could go out for lunch one day."

"Yeah, maybe." A thoughtful look came onto her face as she imagined how an outing like that would go, and although she knew it would most likely be awkward as hell, she didn't think it would be such a bad idea, either.

"Or you could always invite her to your studio so that she can check out the current sculptures you're working on."

"That's a fantastic suggestion, but do you really think she'd be interested in doing that?"

"I don't see why not. Remember how impressed she was when I told her that the San Francisco Symphony commissioned you to create a sculpture for the front of their building?"

"Yeah."

"Well, there you go," he excitedly said. "You create art, and she loves to look at it. You two can definitely bond over that."

Thinking back to her introduction to Dane's mother, Jeneda recalled the icy reception she'd received. Kitty hadn't just been unwelcoming, but seemed to starkly disapprove of her being with Dane, so she'd been undoubtful that she and Dane's mother would ever become the slightest bit friendly. 

But now that Dane had offered a suggestion for them to break the ice, she found herself wondering if they could build somewhat of a civil relationship. And although she knew she was getting ahead of herself, she also began to entertain the possibility of them actually growing to like one another. 

Kitty had, after all, given birth to the man that she was in love with, so if Jeneda found nothing else likeable about the woman, she at least had to admire her for that. 

Yet barely a few moments after these thoughts passed through her mind, she realized that befriending Dane's mother was nothing more than hopeful thinking. She and Kitty were like oil and water, and perhaps they could eventually put aside their differences and stand being in each other's presence, but them building a cozy little friendship was clearly a fantasy that would never come to pass. 

She guessed she must have been thinking pretty hard, because she suddenly sensed that Dane was looking at her, and as she turned her attention on him, she saw that he was.

"You're serious about this," he said. "You really do want to get to know my mother, don't you?"

"Yes, I do. I know it will take some time, and I'm pretty doubtful that she even feels the same way, but I really don't want things to be strained between us forever. Especially now that you and I will be getting married."

"I completely understand." He glanced back at the road for a bit, and as they came to a stoplight, he took the opportunity to get in a nice, long glance at her face. "The fact that you're even willing to make an effort really means a lot to me." Still holding her hand in his, he stroked his thumb over the back of it and gazed deep into her eyes. 

She gave him a little smile, and as his eyes filled with adoration, so did hers. Their faces slowly inched closer until their noses lightly brushed, then their mouth pressed together in a kiss that was gentle, yet full of unrestrained passion. 

Just like every other intimate moment they'd shared, they effortlessly lost themselves in each other, and if not for several obnoxious honks that sounded from the car behind them, their lips would have remained firmly affixed. 

Clearly displeased by the anxious driver behind them, Dane cast an annoyed glance at the rearview mirror before stepping on the gas and continuing down the street.

It didn't take long before they pulled up in front of a large iron gate, and as the barriers swung open, Dane drove through, then turned into a curved, cobblestone driveway. They came to a stop directly behind a sleek Bentley with a pearl white finish and tinted windows, and although Jeneda wasn't much of a car aficionado, she had to admit that it was quite a stunning vehicle. 

It wasn't until she and Dane got out of his Prius that she was afforded a closer look at the luxury sedan, and as her eyes drifted to the license plate, she saw that it was personalized to spell out, KTYBNTLY.

"Nice, Isn't it?" Dane asked as he sidled up next to Jeneda. "My dad bought it as a twenty-fifth anniversary present for my mother."




Velvet Roses Ch. 16



"Wow, that's quite a milestone. I wonder what their secret is?"

"Dad says that there's no such thing as a perfect marriage, only perfect moments. And that there's no quicker way to destroying a relationship than holding resentments."

"Good advice. What does your mom say?" 

"That you have to give more than you get. She doesn't believe that a marriage should be fifty-fifty, but sixty-forty."

"Interesting. Well It's nice to know that they're enjoying a long, happy marriage."

"Hopefully It'll rub off on us, huh?" He grabbed her from behind so that his arms were looped around her waist, then placed a tender kiss against the side of her neck." 

"I sure hope so." Using the shiny windows of the Bentley as a mirror, she brushed her fingers through her hair a few times to neaten it up. "But then again, we have been through hell together, so I think It's safe to say that we're pretty well prepared to deal with whatever crosses our path."

"Good point," he said, and as he watched her primp in the rear window of the luxury sedan, a gentle smile crossed his lips. "By the way, you look absolutely gorgeous, so you can stop checking out your reflection in the car."

Jeneda gave a little smirk in response to his words, then turned away from the Bentley so that she and Dane were face to face. 

"Well, I guess It's about that time," Dane said.

Jeneda nodded, and the fluttering in her belly suddenly became stronger.

"You ready to announce our engagement?" He held out his palm in a gesture for her to accept his hand. 

"I sure am." Jeneda took hold of his palm and intertwined her fingers with his. 

Then together they climbed up the stairs and toward the double doors of the mansion.