tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82184367641045742352024-02-19T09:17:59.919-08:00This Left Feels RightSuper_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-74319922705343658212009-01-26T19:02:00.000-08:002011-05-23T16:48:20.676-07:00Epilogue<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyGLLV006Im5F0rrBGQYIMMBYbvK_W0KnctWrFzp5PPyRIsD0ObqiYN82n7XW6xbFXsYAFKJkO3LAoA4R_d1Sr9tvPdjZQRC7e1d9-UIRA5A-ekFwZIGl5lXF4Y7k44nSQnzc-T1itnVd/s1600-h/new-5+(1).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyGLLV006Im5F0rrBGQYIMMBYbvK_W0KnctWrFzp5PPyRIsD0ObqiYN82n7XW6xbFXsYAFKJkO3LAoA4R_d1Sr9tvPdjZQRC7e1d9-UIRA5A-ekFwZIGl5lXF4Y7k44nSQnzc-T1itnVd/s320/new-5+(1).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295804853655996962" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Are you sure you're ok with this?" Jon asked slipping a button through his jacket to cinch it at the waist as the car came to a stop. <br />
<br />
She smiled and took his hand bringing it to her lips, "more than ok Jon. We've been over this." <br />
<br />
"I know Jess, but this is as important to you as it to me, I just want to make sure we're doing it right. As this is it, no third time around. You hear?" his lips twitched in a smile as the driver opened the door behind him. <br />
<br />
"Wouldn't dream of it, and Jon?" she leaned up to look over his shoulder. "This isn't city hall." <br />
<br />
Jon stepped out of the car and held his hand out for her and looked around pretending to be confused. "No, you're right it's not." He smirked as she clasped his hand and lifted herself out of the car and dusted down the flowing chiffon fabric.<br />
<br />
The fresh salty air burned at her nostrils as she stood up straight. What was he up to? They'd agreed to keep this low key without much fuss. He took her hand again and tugged on her arm "Well come on then, but we're losing these" he said as he kicked off his own shoes before bending down and lifting each of her feet out of her white heeled sandals. Tossing them back into car he led her away and over the sand dunes. <br />
<br />
It had been close to two years to the day that Jason was sentenced to serve a small sentence in prison which closed the final chapter Jesse and his life. The house had been sold and she moved into the penthouse officially. The record was completed and the Lost Highway world tour had kicked into gear. Life had been crazy between travelling with Jon and keeping up with her fashion commitments but they’d managed it.<br />
<br />
The steep climb down towards the beach had her sinking hard into the sand, this was insane. Jon chuckled "Can't have that." He scooped her up in his arms as he took slow steps down. <br />
<br />
"Isn't this meant to happen afterwards?" she teased as she wrapped her arms around his neck. <br />
<br />
"So are other things but I think we're a bit late for that" he waggled his brows. <br />
<br />
"So what you're saying is that we won't need to worry about that tonight then?" she bit down on her bottom lip to hide the smile breaking out on her face. <br />
<br />
"Not traditional doesn't mean stupid Jess" he winked. "Hell no." <br />
<br />
She squinted through the sun across the deserted beach, where she could just make out three figures shadowed against the sun. "You arranged all this?"<br />
<br />
"Guilty" he said settling her down on the flat and taking her hands. He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The complicated looking twist that held her hair up still was firmly in place. He leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers. <br />
<br />
"Still time to change your mind" he grinned into the kiss. <br />
<br />
"Hell no" she repeated his own words and she let herself lean into his kiss. <br />
<br />
Getting married was something she wanted, they were both more than ready for it and survived two years with each other with ease, even through Jon's toughest touring schedule in years. <br />
<br />
"Hey – we haven't got all day here, I've got things to do." the jab of his best friend pulled them apart. <br />
<br />
Jon patted him on the arm "Good to see you man, thanks for coming" <br />
<br />
"Like I'd miss this. Gotta make sure you two actually do this. Long fuckin time overdue you know" he grinned at Jesse. <br />
<br />
Jesse smiled as she hugged her best friend Kia, "Hey you, glad you're here, you look amazing" she said as pulled Jesse back in arms length. The gown she was wearing in keeping with the theme was a simple white halter neck with a flowing skirt. <br />
<br />
Kia fingered the fabric "It turned out fabulous." Jesse had made the dress herself from silk chiffon. <br />
<br />
"Thanks hun, and you knew about this huh?" she asked waving around her. <br />
<br />
"Sure we did – when Jon suggested it, I knew you'd love it." She stood back with Richie and hooked her arm through his. Jesse couldn't help the smile, who would have thought that Richie and Kia would have become such a strong suited match.<br />
<br />
"Now have we got a wedding here or what?" Richie asked. <br />
<br />
"We sure have" Jon took her hand as they all stood in front of the celebrant. <br />
<br />
~~<br />
<br />
<br />
"So do I get the pleasure of the first dance with my new wife?" he grinned as he lifted her from the seat. <br />
<br />
"I'm not sure, I've already had offers" she teased taking a sip from her wine and placing it back down on the table. <br />
<br />
He cocked his eyebrow "Oh really? From whom?" he asked curiously as he wrapped his arms around her waist dragging her closer to him. Her scent of vanilla was one that he'd never get sick of as long as he lived. <br />
<br />
"Your brothers for one" she wrapped her arms around his neck pressing her forehead to his. <br />
<br />
He laughed as he dropped a kiss on her lips "Always want what Jonny has, typical" he teased. She began to sway to the music in the club and closed her eyes. His brother had organized a dinner with just close family and friends in his New Jersey Club that night. <br />
<br />
"You're part of that now you know? You're a Bongiovi, think you can handle it?" He moved his lips across her proud jaw line up to her forehead. <br />
<br />
"Well I've learned from the best" she winked. <br />
<br />
She sighed and rested her head against his shoulder just catching a glimpse of the flash of white gold from her ring finger. Sometimes it was still hard to believe she had such a different life than years ago with Jason. <br />
<br />
Jon was so different, Jason may have been a soldier of war but Jon was a soldier of something far greater. Her life. <br />
<br />
"This is it Jesse, I'm never going to let anything happen to you. It's just you and me now k?"<br />
<br />
She looked up knowing inside her this was where she was meant to be. She brushed the cinnamon hair from his face and nodded. "Just you and me."<br />
<br />
He tugged her closer as the music played and closed his eyes. She was here, she was safe. And she was his. <span style="font-style:italic;">Forever.</span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">You're the first one<br />
When things turn out bad<br />
You know I'll never be lonely<br />
You're my only one<br />
And I love the things<br />
I really love the things that you do<br />
You're my best friend<br />
</span><br />
<br />
The End. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Note from the Author: Thank you so much for taking the time to read this story and come on this journey with me, Jesse and Jon have been a part of my life for just under a year and this was hard to let it end, believe me. But it felt right, their story had been told and they were finally happy :) I have loved all the comments and feedback throughout this journey and am so pleased you've enjoyed it too. There is more fiction to come from me, if you haven't checked out Under the Influence please do so, and I'm working on a new idea as we speak :)<br />
<br />
*muah*Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-56704097878316597382009-01-18T16:23:00.000-08:002009-01-18T16:46:17.540-08:00One Hundred and Two<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46Cbr-YlTbpMJrtb3gK0u4j2gmwSyY1IPIo00KPl_Gtq_JXTn4md5hW1v7YuyO2kaHdQodqghECjSDC4MdhxZfl2ij3EvJC0ofBE4n27RyKVifUDCvu4C-d5kcbeEafRnWSD5E9GSmfpZ/s1600-h/jon268.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 168px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46Cbr-YlTbpMJrtb3gK0u4j2gmwSyY1IPIo00KPl_Gtq_JXTn4md5hW1v7YuyO2kaHdQodqghECjSDC4MdhxZfl2ij3EvJC0ofBE4n27RyKVifUDCvu4C-d5kcbeEafRnWSD5E9GSmfpZ/s320/jon268.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292798571190108626" /></a><br />Jon dug his fingertips into his arm as he sat overlooking the New York morning. The haze hung thick over the buildings that arrowed high into the air. She'd gone. Jesse was on her way to see the bastard that caused all this. He'd said he trusted her mind but honestly, he'd expected her to see sense. Maybe he didn't understand her as well as he thought he did. <br /> <br />Jon would have of loved to seen the bastard himself. Just to make sure they were going to slap him with a huge sentence to keep him rotting there. He deserved nothing less. If it had been Jesse taken and hurt, would she still feel this way? He'd doubt it. The worst thing was the fear of him always being there in her mind. Sure, you always remembered your first loves but fuck this wasn't love. He was a madman. He didn’t deserve the love or attention that Jesse was still prepared to give him. <br /><br />He could have stopped her if he’d wanted to. But what would of it achieved? Another screaming match? If it did close the issue once and for all then great. But he wasn’t convinced. <br /> <br />He huffed in disgust and gave up before padding back inside. He was going to brood until she got back. There was nothing else he could do about it. He spotted the pile of demos finally back from the recording company. Maybe he should listen to those. They had to finalise the record in a matter of weeks. He picked up his cell phone, his thum hovering over the send call button with her number displayed on the screen. Should she of respected his wishes? Was it really that much he’d asked for?<br /><br />“Dammit” he muttered dropping it back onto the couch. He wasn’t going to beg her not to do it. She had her own mind. That’s what he damn well loved about her. He just hoped in this instance, she’d make the right decision. <br /><br />~<br /><br />Jesse cranked the handbrake of the car and leaned back closing her eyes. What was she doing? Was she crazy?<br /><br />She gathered her things and entered the cream colored block building. It was nothing like the grey looking dungeons on television. It was pretty plain and ordinary. The reception area had you sign in and shown to a small waiting area. It was minimum security after all.<br /><br />“Jesse Adams, I’m here to see Jason Adams” she said quietly to the desk clerk. <br /><br />“Sure, just sign these and I’ll need to search your personal effects” the tall burly guard instructed her. Square would be the best way to describe him. His upper body was more like a fridge, mirroring his square jawed face.<br /><br />She signed the register and handed over her bag. The twitch in her arms had her hugging them around herself. <em>Jesus, stop it</em>. <em>Nothing to be nervous about. He is confined. He can’t hurt you. </em><br /><br />“That’s fine Ms Adams, just take a seat and we’ll let you know when he’s ready for you. We’ll have him in a room with a guard standing supervising if you’re comfortable with that. Its protocol” he explained picking up the handset to make a call. <br /><br />She nodded and took a seat. She still didn’t know what she wanted to say to him, the entire drive to the prison she’d rehearsed in her mind what she’d say to him.<br /><br /><strong>“Jason, why did you do this?”<br /><br />“Jason, why Jon?”<br /><br />“Jason, you’re not the man I married anymore…”</strong><br /><br />She buried her face in her hands, her heart was pounding hard against her chest she was sure it was going to explode. The look on Jon’s face when she left this morning came into view. He’d hardly said anything but the pain was etched all over his face. The small smile he gave her never quite reached his eyes and his kiss goodbye, had been a brush on the cheek. <br /><br />He wasn’t happy. He’d made that clear but the one thing they both had at the end of everything was the respect for each other. Had she chosen to forgive him over the mob incident? Even she wasn’t sure. <br /><br />Her mind flashed back to when Jason and her first bough the house, the giggles as he carried her across the threshold. Her hand clutched to her chest, as she struggled to keep her breathing even. They were in love then. There was a time she thought she’d never know anything else apart from his warmth and smile. Then he was gone. <br /><br />The next memory had her skin tingling. It was in the same house, but the warmth and the smiles were much bigger. The feel of his hands on her back, his fingertips grazing down her spine. Their cheeks pressed up against each other as he sang her his song in a slow dance. <br /><br /><em>Jon.</em><br /><br />The smile spread across her face, as did the days of lying in bed strewn between sheets making love until they were exhausted. He was like no other man she’d ever met. Even Jason when they were in their prime, he still wasn’t Jon. Jason was the protector of the country, where Jon was the protector of her heart.<br /><br />“Ms Adams?” she looked up as the guard came back in, “we’re ready for you,”<br /><br />She nodded standing and tucking her bag under her arm. She followed the man down the narrow corridor and stopped as they reached the door. <br /><br />“When you’re ready.” <br /><br />She looked through the small square glass window to the simple room, two chairs and a table….and a man she once knew sitting in an bright orange jumpsuit. Her breath caught in her throat at his appearance. He made a homeless person looked well cared for. The scruff on his chin, and the dark rings around his eyes shadowed his face. <br /><br />She clutched her chest as her heart broke. And then she felt nothing. Nothing for the man that sat there looking lost and heartbroken. <br /><br /><em>Nothing. </em><br /><br />“Miss?” the guard snapped her gaze up. <br /><br />“Uh, right” she curled her hand around the steel handle, except she couldn’t bring herself to open the door. The orange jumpsuit blurred as she fought to control her tears. She released the door handle and let her hand fall to her belly. The nerves twisting in knots. <br /><br />“No, I don’t need to go in anymore” she whispered. She turned away from the door, looking over her shoulder one more time at the man that was her past. <br /><br />“I know my way out thank you” she quickly paced down the corridor and pushed open the double doors to fresh air. She leaned back against the cold brick and breathed out. <br /><br />“Oh god” she brought her hand to her throat. She let one tear fall, and replaced it with a grin. It was over, she was free and she knew where she belonged with no questions asked. And no guilt. <br /><br />The click of her heels followed her back to the car. She needed to go home.<br /><br /><em>Home. </em><br /><br />What a new concept that was that wasn’t her own house. It was time to move on, she needed to arrange more with her lawyers, have the house sold and the divorce proceedings well under way. <br /><br />When Jesse arrived back at the apartment, she let herself in. The double doors to the balcony were wide open, and the gentle strums of a guitar could be heard. She dropped her things and kicked off her shoes as she walked out. <br /><br />“Jon?” <br /><br />He looked up and his eyes widened “Jess, hey,” he flipped the guitar off his lap and leaned it against the balcony. “You’re back already?”<br /><br />“Yeah…” she looked out over the city and then back to him. <br /><br />“I’m sorry” she stroked the top of his head brushing the hair back from his face.<br /><br />He pulled her down onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her waist to brace her. “Don’t be. I behaved ridiculously. I can’t ever understand why you wanted to go but I realize I don’t have to. I just have to trust you.”<br /><br />She moved her arms around his neck and pressed her forehead against his holding his gaze. “Thank you. I didn’t go in Jon.”<br /><br />His eyebrow winged, “You didn’t? Why?”<br /><br />“I got there, I got to the damn door and saw him and then I just realized I didn’t need to do it. I didn’t want to see him. I thought I did, but I don’t.” she pressed her lips against his and closed her eyes. <br /><br />“Jess, I’m so proud of you.” His mouth closed on hers, drawing her closer. Her vanilla scent and sweet taste wrapping around him. His hands moved up to her face, as he opened her to him. <br /><br />He grazed his thumb across her jaw line. “You mean too much to me.” <br /><br />She nodded as she gave into his kiss. This is where she was meant to be. “Thank you” she whispered into his mouth. “For protecting me.”<br /><br />His eyes opened as he met her soft brown ones “I’d do it again Jess, you mean far too much to me now.” <br /><br />She cupped his cheek in her hand “As do you. And it’s time to move on. For good Jon, I want everything with you. The whole lot.” <br /><br />He chuckled, “You’re getting it anyway, whether you want it or not. I’m not taking no for an answer.”Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-35952906925647527252009-01-10T12:49:00.000-08:002009-01-10T13:02:53.045-08:00Chapter One Hundred and One<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsv8S5zIdp8TLiE_tAoMbiNcUFl3Tro85PExP5Ey7L9eqh25605TobUVAWOyPdOdc94LkmAy2qMtDq0IRBAVH6zBfwi8BVlDacl0q2-ORYnMrIQFWHjZatpPzytZGfh1fv8c2ZaLZrXy0/s1600-h/bonjovidetour897magazine4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsv8S5zIdp8TLiE_tAoMbiNcUFl3Tro85PExP5Ey7L9eqh25605TobUVAWOyPdOdc94LkmAy2qMtDq0IRBAVH6zBfwi8BVlDacl0q2-ORYnMrIQFWHjZatpPzytZGfh1fv8c2ZaLZrXy0/s320/bonjovidetour897magazine4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289770220885052562" /></a><br /><br />Jesse lay tucked into his side watching the steady rise and fall of his chest. The sheet that they’d used to cover themselves twisted around his body riding low on his belly just above the tuff of hair that trailed down. With the tips of her fingers she drew lazy circles over his ribs avoiding the dark purple patches which still littered his body. She was sated and she was content, but she wasn’t happy. It still grated a nerve with her and she tried to understand in herself if it was the idea of him in cahoots with the mob or that he did it behind her back. <br /><br />As her thumb grazed gently over his nipple his lips twitched and his eyes opened slowly, she felt him take a deep breath before he slowly stretched around her. <br /><br />“That’s a dangerous game to play Jess” he teased dropping a kiss on her forehead. His arm around her gripped her shoulder tighter as he slowly rolled onto his side with a small wince.<br /><br />“You ok?” her eyes flicked up watching the pain momentarily etch across his face before it softened again.<br /><br />He nodded “Just a bit tender” he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear “But it was worth it” his lips met hers, his tongue breaking past her lips and into her mouth. She accepted the kiss, her hand reaching for his cheek.<br /><br />“We need to talk” the color deepened in his eyes. She trailed her fingers down his arm and circled his wrist. “Firstly about distracting me with sex” the small smile twitched on her lips as his eyes stayed locked to hers. <br /><br />He managed a small smile “Now come on, we haven’t since- well since I got home and I’d missed you” <br /><br />She tapped her fingers across his chest “That’s not the first time you’ve done that either Jon” she tried to sound angry, but unsuccessfully. <br /><br />He nosed into her ear pushing his lips against her ear “Well I didn’t hear you complaining” his hand slipped under the sheet across her back and down to cup her ass. He tugged her in gently. <br /><br />She sighed and breathed in his scent “Would you use them again?” she asked against his skin. That’s what bugged her was whether this would happen again. She understood his need to protect his family and her but still it ate away deep inside her that he’d done this.<br /><br />Jon continued to stroke her hair as he carefully thought about his answer. Would he? He couldn’t guarantee he wouldn’t if the time called for it. “If you were in danger or my children, then yes I would Jess” Honesty won. There had been something that was bothering Jon, niggling away at the back of his mind. <br /><br />“Jess does it bother you more that I know them and did this, or that it was your ex-husband?” he asked.<br /><br />She snapped her head up to meet his gaze, he was serious? “Well of course it bothers me. I did once love the man”<br /><br />Jon nodded “Do you still love him?”<br /><br />Jesse felt a lump build in her throat. Of course she did, but nothing like the way she felt about Jon. Not even when Jason was normal. “Well I do still care about him” she admitted her stomach twisted in a small knot as she felt him stiffen around her. <br />“I see” was all that came from him. Jesse looked up and the vacant dull expression on his eyes that stared out into space.<br /><br />She shimmied herself to sit up, leaving him on his back against the bed. “There’s something I need to ask how you feel about” she smoothed down the sheets around them as the crimson glow of dusk settled into the room.<br /><br />He dropped his hands away from her and nodded “ What is it Jess?” she looked everywhere around the room before back to him. <br /><br />“I want to go and see him”<br /><br />Jon’s eyes widened and he felt the anger bubble inside him as he shot up from the bed growling as his body soon reminding him he was still fragile. “What? You can’t be fucking serious?” he asked.<br /><br />“Jon I need to know. I need to l know what the hell happened to him, why he did this to you. To us” she’d been thinking about it for awhile. It was closure she needed. Her heart was broken and it would never recover from what he did to Jon. But she had to know. <br /><br />Jon raked his hand through his hair “Because he’s a fucking nut case Jesse, that’s why. What else do you expect him to say? He’s sorry and he still loves you and wants you back?” his tone was harsh but fuck he couldn’t help it. <br /><br />She pulled the sheet up around her body “No it’s not what I expect. I want to know why he felt compelled to beat you into the ground”<br /><br />Jon stepped out of bed and tugged his jeans on “Because he went crazy in his prison of war camp Jess, then he came home and his wife had moved on with some other guy” he fastened the button fly “So he didn’t like that so he tried to do what most military minded people think “Eliminate the problem. There, save yourself a visit” he snatched his t-shirt off the floor and pulled it over his head. <br /><br />“Jon, please—you don’t understand” but he held up his hand. <br /><br />“Look Jess I can’t stop you doing anything. I’d never do that to you. You’ve got your own mind. But I fail to understand what it’s going to achieve than bring you more heartache” why she would even consider this? Jesus. Jason didn’t need anyone’s sympathy right now. Especially not hers. <br /><br />Jesse sighed “I need closure” she reached for her robe and wound it around her body and fastened the knot. <br /><br />“He’s a criminal Jess” Jon leaned against the doorframe.<br /><br />She cocked her hand on her hip “Oh right and the guys you called in a favor from are all just good abiding citizens of the law now are they?” She arched a brow. If he wanted to challenge her, she’d challenge him right back. <br /><br />He snorted “Are you going to throw this back in my face every time we argue? Just so I know”<br /><br />She went to march right past him but stopped when she reached him “No I’m not but I can’t believe how contradicting you’re being Jon. It’s never the same rules for everyone else is it?” she carried on up to the kitchen where they were meant to be having a late dinner.<br /><br />The fire in her eyes made him think twice about what he was going to reply as she stormed off. He pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath before following her up there. He slid onto a seat at the breakfast bar and watched her throw the packet of fresh pasta from the fridge out to the bench.<br /><br />He flattened his palm on the counter top and sighed “Look I’m sorry. I hate this shit Jess. This bastard has caused us to do nothing but fight ever since he’s been back in your life and I hate arguing with you”<br /><br />She dumped the handful of tomatoes down on the granite surface and turned to him, he was right. They did seem to argue about Jason a lot. “I hate arguing with you too Jon but you can’t tell me how to feel about this”<br /><br />He slammed his hand down “Jess. I never fucking did. I hate what he’s doing to you even though he’s behind bars” he hopped off the chair and walked around to her and took her hands in his. “He was going to kill me Jess, unless I gave you up and let him have you. So you’ll have to excuse me for not wanting to throw him a damn party”<br /><br />She broke his gaze and her head fell to the floor, the black and white tiles started to blur into one as she shook her head. God was she being selfish here? “Have you ever loved someone so much and watched them change and become someone you wonder how you ever loved them in the first place?” she pulled one of her hands away and wiped her cheek with the back of her hand. “A man you used to make love to, think the world of. And he turns into something completely different?” she asked looking up to meet his gaze.<br /><br />The pain in her eyes made his belly twist in knots. “No I haven’t” he said quietly. He used the knuckle of his index finger and lightly brushed her cheek “You can’t blame yourself for this and I know deep down inside of you. You still do”<br />She sniffed as he pulled her in closer to his heat “I can’t help it” was all she could say. <br /><br />Jon cupped her head and pressed a kiss to the top of it “I love you Jess, and I respect you in every way. I can’t stop you from going down to see him. But I won’t pretend to be happy about it. Just think before you do, what you really want to achieve from it and ask yourself is it worth the heartache you want to put yourself through? And you if do that and your answer is still yes. I won’t stop you” he held her tight letting his arms wrap around her shoulders. He then pulled away and walked back into the lounge leaving her there alone.Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-50711329903572583052008-12-17T11:29:00.000-08:002008-12-17T11:36:55.080-08:00One-Hundred<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EZQMSSWMIgIpi0qmEBj0XB0dARnEZ7oHBnyePOjsEI2620Sl3kn8dcfMRXwnZO20jCZuGGiUXb0gnwOh0Gx85sdEnFjEOm1EWvlB3bce_dYlX-QOwbZ200A9ibobqUSr9uuahJwEwsyK/s1600-h/tongue-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EZQMSSWMIgIpi0qmEBj0XB0dARnEZ7oHBnyePOjsEI2620Sl3kn8dcfMRXwnZO20jCZuGGiUXb0gnwOh0Gx85sdEnFjEOm1EWvlB3bce_dYlX-QOwbZ200A9ibobqUSr9uuahJwEwsyK/s320/tongue-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280845127335050818" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />Just a quick note - One hundred? Yikes... never thought I'd see it this far. So thank you so much for YOU the readers making it possible and keeping me motivated, you truly have no idea how much it means to me :) so Enjoy!<br /></span><br /><br /> <br />Jesse cranked the handbrake on and killed the ignition. She leaned back pressing into the headrest and sighed. She was back. Time to go and face him. She'd been in completely a different world driving home and that was obvious when she'd nearly rear ended a Volvo. As much as she wanted to be angry, yell and scream at him she knew she'd just have to hear him out. <br /> <br />Locking the car and adjusting her coat she found her way back to the double doors of the apartment, she jammed her key in the door and opened it walking through to the living area. Jon was lying asleep on the couch, alone. Carol must have gone as there was no sign of anyone. <br /> <br />She stood for a few seconds, just watching him, his hand was strewn across his belly and his head turned to face her. His eyes still closed, with the stray tuffs of cinnamon framing his face. He looked so peaceful, and harmless. Not like the rough mob man she was painting in her head. <br /> <br />She placed her keys and purse down on the table quietly and thought about making some coffee and organizing some dinner when a small groan came from the couch. <br />His eyes were cracking open as he saw her he went to sit up.<br /> <br />"Jess?" <br /> <br />"Hey, just stay there Hun... I'm just going to get some coffee and I'll be right back." She walked to the couch and pressed her hand against his shoulder when he ignored her. "Just stay. I'm not going anywhere k?" she said softly. <br /> <br />He nodded, his eyes still full of sleep "Ok"<br /> <br />He watched her walk to the kitchen, thank god she was home. That was a good sign right? He'd get time to explain why he did it and what an idiot he was. And pray like hell she'd forgive him. <br /> <br />Jesse made two cups of coffee took a deep breath walking slowly back into the living area. She placed them both down carefully on the table. Jon was still lying with his feet up on the arm of the couch. <br /> <br />"I'm glad your back Jess" he said running his fingers down her arm as she perched herself on the side of the couch. "You are back aren't you?" he asked his eyes fixing on hers and the creases in his forehead deepening. <br /> <br />She nodded "Of course I'm back". The bruising around his face was still a shadow of what had been. She dragged her finger down his cheek slowly. "This could of all been avoided Jon" she said quietly. <br /> <br />Her brown sad eyes hit him hard. Of course it could have been avoided but he was ok right? A few bruises, a cracked rib. It would all heal. "I'm sorry Jess, I made a terrible mistake not telling you" he wrapped his fingers around hers and brought her hand to his lips. <br /> <br />She blinked away the tears that pricked at the corners of her eyes and nodded. "I don't know if I'm angrier that you did it, or more angry you know how to do it? The mob Jon? I mean hell?" the crack in her voice escaped. <br /> <br />He pulled himself up slowly with no protest from her. "Come here" he said patting the space beside him on the couch. <br /> <br />She nodded sliding into it beside him. His arm pulled her close pushing her cheek into his shoulder. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the heavy smell of soap mixed in with male wishing that it was just this without all the complications. It could be.<br /> <span style="font-style:italic;"><br />If she let it.</span> <br /><br />His fingers ran down her arm as she curled into him and came to rest at the small of her back. He kissed the top of her head and buried his nose into her hair. Always silky and smelled like the jasmine shampoo she used. He felt her settle against him with a soft moan.<br /> <br />He brushed away her hair as his lips connected with her ear "Jesse, I did it to protect you… I can't lose you…ever…the very thought of it has me twisting on the inside" his teeth nibbled on the lobe tugging on in gently. "You're mine to protect"<br /><br />Tilting back her head, her neck exposed to him he trailed kisses down the arch of her. "Mine" he breathed again. <br /> <br />How did he do this to her? His warm touch that took almost everything away. Every time. No, she couldn't let it happen again. She snapped her head up and pushed him away slowly. <br /> <br />"Not till we've talked" her eyes fell to his lips. Maybe just one kiss….. She leaned forward and let him press his against hers. His tongue lifted under her upper lip before plunging right in. Her hands slid up his neck and into his hair grabbing and wanting.<br /> <br />The moan that left her mouth vibrated into his as his hand hooked under her shirt and up across her skin. If she didn't stop it shortly she knew it wouldn't at all. She'd missed him, missed his heat so much. <br /> <br />Her lips left his and kissed along his jaw, disappearing down his neck scraping her teeth across his Adam's apple. The growl in his throat vibrated against her mouth as she fingered the opening of his shirt desperate to feel the warmth against his skin. <br /> <br />"Jess….." it came out more like a hiss as he pulled her top right off over her head. <br /> <br />His lips found hers again, hungrier this time he lost his hands in her hair as the taste of her consumed him. <br /> <br />Her heart raced against her chest, she had to stop him. "Jon" she managed between a kisses "we need to talk….." her skin was aching for his touch, it had been too long.<br /> <br />"I need you Jess…. "He slid his lips down across her shoulder nosing the strap of her bra off. "Talk…." The kisses burned her skin lower over the soft curve of her breast. "Later…."<br /> <br />Her hands knotted through his hair tugging as the tip of his tongue circled the tip of her breast. "Shit" she muttered as the pleasure began to wash away anything else.<br />His mouth scooped her nipple right in and sucked gently as she fell back against the cushions. <br /> <br />The smell and taste of her skin was driving him wild. It had been too long, god he'd missed this. This is what kept the hope and determination alive when he was held by Jason. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">This moment right here. </span><br /> <br />He tugged the other half of the bra down to pop her breasts free of the lace. One hand clutched the small of her back as he drank from her. His movements were slow and deliberate and kept the pain at bay as he changed to her other breast, nipping and teasing his way to her orgasm. <br /> <br />"I need you" was all she could manage. His hot mouth was destroying her piece by piece. He laid her right down before shrugging out of his shirt and reaching for her jeans tugging them down her legs. <br /> <br />He devoured her belly up his mouth searching, biting its way up over her ribs. He wanted every part of her. <br /> <br />The room was blurring in front of her eyes as he licked, bit and sucked his way over her torso and back up over her breasts. Teeth scraped up her neck before he swallowed her breath. <br /> <br />Her arms wound around smoothing over the blades in his back before she gripped his skin. He'd found the center of her. Her breathing hitched as his fingers slid under the scrap of lace and teased down her slit before sliding in.<br /><br />"Oh god" she cried arching her body off the couch into his. Her world became focused on just one thing. Him. The way his chin dragged across her skin and the way his hands brushed against her knowing how to kill her. Oh god had she missed this. <br /> <br />He bit down on her bottom lip and smiled into the kiss as his fingers pumped her spiraling any thoughts of being gentle and slow far from his mind. His cock was thrumming and desperate to be inside her. <br /> <br />She reached down and found the heavy buckle of his jeans un-threading his belt between the hot kisses he was still lathing on her. The belt hit the floor with a clunk as she found his zip springing his cock right into her hands. <br /><br />Massaging him slowly she circled her thumb around the tip and stroked along the shaft with her fingers. <br /> <br />"Fuck" he mumbled onto her lips thrusting downwards giving her more access to her hands. Her touch was something he'd missed. People often argued sex was sex. But with Jesse, god was it different. She knew exactly what buttons to push. His eyes crossed as the pad of thumb pressed against his sac gently. <br /> <br />"Fuck I've missed you" he growled knowing he wouldn't take the torture much longer. <br /> <br />"Me too" she kissed his nose as he shook out of his jeans.<br /> <br />"Are you ok?" she asked still wary he was very much bruised. <br /> <br />He didn't even answer her as he lifted his leg up over his shoulder as he pushed forward sliding right into her. He braced himself over her with his hands sinking into the couch on either side of her as he continued to drill. <br /> <br />She closed her eyes as he took her to their place. The one where no one could touch them. There were no ex-husbands and no stupid arguments there. <span style="font-style:italic;">Just them.</span> <br /> <br />Her hands splayed across his back as she reached up nipping at his chin, urging for more. She searched and he gave. Rolling her hips into her deeper he groaned. The tightness he felt right there nearly had him. This woman did things to him without even trying.<br /><br />"Jon" she moaned, feeling her body start to tremble and her arms shake as she held onto him. <br /><br />The overwhelming desire to plunge into her and complete them both was there but he held back just easing in and taking his time. His head dipped and his lips slid down her neck reaching her breast as he nipped and took while his movements continued. <br /><br />Her mouth desperate to find his again as her tongue plunged in. “More, I need more” she pleaded as her hips pressed back in time with his. <br /><br />He shifted her scooping his hands under her shoulders pulling her in closer “Jess, I’ve missed you so much” his mouth scraped across her jaw till he pressed a kiss at her forehead. His movements quickened, the sweat sliding between both of their bodies as he was reaching his point.<br /><br />“Please...now” her breath caught in her throat as she tightened around him, the lust and passion towards him almost becoming too much to handle. The air around them was growing thick with their moisture and the sounds of skin to skin slapping echoed through the room.<br /><br />He looked down at her, sweat beading down her temples and her cheeks flushed with their sex. Her dark hair strewn across the cushions as he pressed his body closer into hers. He groaned feeling her hard nipples against his chest. “Christ”.<br /><br />“Oh god Jon.... Jon....” her body began to shake under him as she gave it to it all.<br /><br />The explosion of light blinded her eyes as she cried out, her toes curling into the upholstery of the couch.<br /><br />His balls clenched and he followed suit spilling deep into her, the throaty shout leaving his mouth. “Yes...” Her eyes locked with his as they both rode through it. <br /><br />It had been too long. <span style="font-style:italic;">Far too long</span>.<br /><br />He swept back the hair from her face, plastered there by sweat and pressed his lips on hers. “God, I love you” <br /><br />She fluttered her eyes and ran her hands down his arms as she kissed him back. “Ditto” she was exhausted. Thoughts of talking had long passed. All she wanted to do was curl up and sleep. <br /><br />“Bed?” he asked “We’ll have a late dinner...I haven’t finished with you yet” his lopsided boyish grin made her laugh. <br /><br />“Bed” she agreed.Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-41849052254027193802008-12-14T16:24:00.000-08:002008-12-14T16:34:49.539-08:00Chapter Ninety-Nine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBaaPpWXeKsALEonwAbaZkiBCyanb0TKDoourWb4lTQwgXz3FqSBvnqxkDLmjBJpvrQtsr_Ek2BW7WeSJ8DIxw00Ud7ZR5WzfOuEKa-uLb969ybxohrgTYzqUySqxk4BfcaZJD2JvAtQl/s1600-h/JBJTD.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 195px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBaaPpWXeKsALEonwAbaZkiBCyanb0TKDoourWb4lTQwgXz3FqSBvnqxkDLmjBJpvrQtsr_Ek2BW7WeSJ8DIxw00Ud7ZR5WzfOuEKa-uLb969ybxohrgTYzqUySqxk4BfcaZJD2JvAtQl/s320/JBJTD.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279806318626948258" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Jesse drove downtown through the bustle of afternoon traffic. Her eyes were focused on the whizzing cars in front of her but her mind was somewhere else. Gripping the steering wheel harder she wondered, was this the right thing? Running off to your fiancés ex-wife? She of all people would know him the way Jesse was trying to still wrap her head around.<br /><br />“Dammit” she swore slamming on her breaks as the flash of a red range rover cut in front of her. She rested her head on the wheel for a second, why did you have to go and do this Jon? Why?<br /><br />A blast of a car horn snapped her attention back and made her press down on the gas again as traffic started to move. She curled her fingers around the wheel tighter as she pulled into the street where Raphael’s’ was.<br /><br />Was she really being unreasonable here? He did it to protect her and his family. What more could she possibly ask for? But to have someone actually beat him up? She shook the small shiver that crept down her back away. <br /><br />Her cell phone shrilled back into life, five seconds away from turning it off she saw her best friend’s name flash on the digital display so she flipped it open and tucked it quickly under her ear.<br /><br />“Hi Kia” <br /><br />“Hey Jess, where are you? Jon just called to see if I’d heard from you and when I asked why he just said that you’d left in a hurry. What’s happened?”<br /><br />She let a deep sigh out “We’ve had a fight, kind of big one” she said simply. <br /><br />“Jess, where are you? He’s really worried. Did you want to meet?” <br /><br />The skyline blurred again as she desperately bit back tears “I’m just going for a drive. I needed space. He shouldn’t be worried” She couldn’t tell Kia where she was going. She’d think Jess was crazy.<br /><br />“Jess you’re killing me here, what’s going on? He wouldn’t tell me. He didn’t hurt you did he?” the panic rising in her friends voice.<br /><br />“No Kia, he didn’t hurt me…physically anyway” she murmured. God, she couldn’t even bring herself to say it. <br /><br />“JESSE ADAMS, tell me what the hell is going on” Kia blasted. <br /><br />She pulled into a parking space and jammed on the handbrake. “He called goons on Jason Kia. That’s what caused Jason to take him and do what he did to Jon” she grabbed her purse and coat and opened the door to the car.<br /><br />“What? Why did he do that? Goons? Like Mob goons?” <br /><br />“Yes Kia, mob goons” she snapped. <br /><br />“Holy shit! You can’t be serious…. Well did he say why?” she asked. <br /><br />“Because I didn’t press charges, so he took it upon himself to make sure that Jason didn’t come after me or his family. Protection” she bit her lip. That part still got her. He went that far to protect the ones he loved. She should be overjoyed he loved her so much. But right now, she couldn’t.<br /><br />“Oh god, Jess I’m so sorry. Does he have a whole history with the mob or something? He doesn’t do dodgy dealings with them?”<br /><br />Jesse’s eyes widened, she hadn’t thought of that. How did he even come to know this sort of company? God knows what sort of company he was keeping away from her? Her mind spiralled into a thousand thoughts when a figure waved her down. Dorothea.<br /><br />“Kia, I’ve got to go I’m just driving for a bit and need to clear my head. I’m fine, I’ll call you back” he snapped the phone shut and turned it off slipping it into her purse.<br /><br />She walked up to Dot who opened the door for her “Hi Dorothea, thanks for coming” she said as both of the woman entered the bar. They took a corner booth, Dot shrugged out of her fur collared coat. <br /><br />“Jesse, I’ve got to say I was surprised to get your call” she pulled out her cigarettes “You mind?” she asked as the waiter came to take their orders.<br /><br />“No it’s fine, I’ve got half of mind to take one myself but I won’t. I’ll have a Jack Daniels and cola” she told the waiter.<br /><br />Dot chuckled and ordered a glass of white wine “The hard stuff at this hour of the day? Ok what’s happened” she asked flicking her lighter into life. <br /><br />Jesse waited till the waiter had left and pressed her hands flat on the table. Her arms still shook a little as she tried to regain composure. “I just don’t know what to do or think…” she stuttered blowing out a deep breath. <br /><br />“Honey, what’s he done to get you all shook up like this?” she asked concerned. <br /><br />The waiter soon returned placing the drinks down in front of them. Jesse took a deep swig letting the coppery liquid burn to her belly. She ran her finger around the rim of the glass “You remember my ex-husband, the one that beat Jon up…well it turns out he might have been provoked…by Jon” she finished. <br /><br />Dot flicked her ash and took a deep drag “Provoked? How so?”<br /><br />“He called on some friends, I never knew he had… to pay Jason a visit if you get what I mean” she said not making eye contact with her. <br /><br />Dot leaned back and held her cigarette up lace in her fingers “Ahhhh he’s still got those contacts huh?” she asked sympathetically. <br /><br />Jesse’s gaze shot up meeting hers “You know about all that? He told you?” she asked feeling the anger boil in her gut. Why hadn’t he trusted her enough?<br /><br />Dot shook her head “No, he never told me. I found some papers and things once in his study. Did some investigation and realized what he was doing” she picked up her wine and brought it to her lips. “It was when he had a problem with a crazy fan a few years ago now, he needed help to get them off his case and the police weren’t really all that interested so Jon took it in his own hands” <br /><br />“He had a fan beat up?” Jesse asked feeling the thud of her heart against her chest. <br /><br />“No, god no just had them check it out and apply a warning… you know slashed tires that sort of thing” Dot said gently. “I let it go, I figured he had to do it to feel safe. So I couldn’t blame him you know?” she asked. <br /><br />Jesse’s fingers curled around the glass, “I see, well you’re stronger than I would have been. I just feel….” hurt, sad that he’s like this? Betrayed?<br /><br />“You feel like now you don’t know him?” she asked.<br /><br />Jesse nodded rubbing her hand across her tummy. “Yeah, I guess that’s it. I mean I never thought he was capable of it”<br /><br />“Jess, I went through the same thoughts at the time I found all this out and believe me I was angry at first… especially since it’s not just me I had to think of. I have the kids to worry about as well. But then it dawned on me. He was doing all this for us and for the kids.” She swirled her wine around in her glass. “One thing about Jon is that if he doesn’t get what he wants … he will go and try and get it himself. At almost any cost” <br /><br />“I can see that now. He always wants to fix things and he was so angry when I wouldn’t press charges against Jason and I wanted to… I just…” she closed her eyes and sighed “God this is such a mess”<br /><br />Dot chuckled “So in this case Jon didn’t push you to do it. He respected your decision because he loves you. Doesn’t mean he had to accept the outcome. He obviously wanted to make sure of your safety and the kids. Jon will do anything for those closest to him… anything Jess so in a way you should feel glad he loves you that much to risk his creditably dealing with guys like that” Dot said. <br /><br />Jesse leaned back against the cool leather “God, you’re right and I know that’s why he did it. And the kids. He’d do anything for them but its just so hard coming to terms with it”<br /><br />“Take this advice, if you truly love him and I know you do. Accept that part of him. I know it doesn’t make it right but one thing about Jon is he doesn’t change all that often. It’s just who he is.” <br /><br />She was right. Jesse knew that even before she came here that it didn’t change how she felt about Jon at all. She covered her eyes with her hands “God I’ve made such a mess of all this haven’t I?”<br /><br />Dot chuckled “No you haven’t. You’ve reacted the way I would of, well should of”<br /><br />Jesse smiled “He is something else that’s for sure, do you ever miss him?” <br /><br />Dot nodded “Of course I do, it’s hard not having him around all the time for the kids but even when he toured he wasn’t around a lot. You’ll learn that when they tour next. Just a word of advice don’t let it go too long without seeing him. I doubt he’ll let you far after the mess of what happened when he toured last with us. As independent as Jon is, he needs to be needed and I just didn’t in the end” <br /><br />Jesse nodded. She was surprised how honest Dot was being with her. But she needed to hear it, and Dot must have known it. “I’m kind of like that too in a way... maybe that’s why we connected so well” <br /><br />Dot relit another cigarette and signalled to the waiter for two more drinks. “It must be, he loves you Jess. He made a point of telling us all when it came to you there was no negotiation you were in his life to stay” she added. <br /><br />“I know, he has been pretty great through everything even at the beginning when he knew how nervous I was to date again and he waited” she said recalling the earlier days. <br /><br />“Do you still love your husband?” Dot asked.<br /><br />Jesse caught the breath in her throat. She was caught a little off guard at that one. But shook her head “No, not like I love Jon” she admitted it finally to herself. “Of course there is always going to be that history, I guess like you and Jon… but that part of my life is over. It was over when they told me he died”<br /><br />“God yes, that must have been awful and awful still to realise he was actually alive this whole time. I can’t imagine what that was even like” she said. <br /><br />Jesse managed a small chuckle “God, no it was terrible. But you know Jon was so good and patient through the whole thing. I guess I need to try and understand now, it’s just hard”<br /><br />“You’ll make it through, I know I can tell. Jon’s different with you. He won’t make the mistakes that we both did when we were together” <br /><br />“You think so?” she asked hopefully. This was crazy; she was seeking advice from his ex-wife of all people. But somewhere inside her it just felt right.<br /><br />Dot finished the rest of her glass before setting it down “Go home and talk to him, he’ll be going crazy. Especially since he’s immobile right now it will be driving him insane he can’t just run after you”<br /><br />Jesse cringed “Yeah he tried that and didn’t get too far. He’s a hopeless patient”<br /><br />“Honey you’re preaching to the converted here, he’s a nightmare. Now go Jess, talk to him. Just tell him how you feel and he’ll tell you why he did it…”<br /><br />She laughed “God, yes I’m sure you’ve been through it all”<br /><br />As they stood Dot collected her coat “He’s worse than Romeo and Jakey when they’re sick combined” <br /><br />“God thanks, I’m in for a whole lot more fun” if we can work things out that is. <br /><br />“Thank you Dot, I know it was a weird thing for me to do but you really helped. I guess I just needed someone that had been there in the situation to ground me a little” she shrugged back into her coat and picked her purse and fished for her keys. She needed to go home and see him. Do exactly what Dot had told her and talk to him. Honestly.<br /><br />Dot smiled and gave her a quick hug “Your welcome, let us know if there’s anything we can do for you guys in the coming days. I know the boys are itching to see him again soon, take care Jesse” she went to walk out and stopped mid step. <br /><br />“And Jesse if you ever need to talk, you know just in general about anything or have a drink. Give me a call k?” <br /><br />Jesse smiled feeling tears prick at the corner of her eyes “Thanks I will Dorothea”<br /><br />She watched her leave and Jesse made her way back to the car. She strapped herself in and turned on her phone, and as expected it was flooded with missed calls and texts from Jon. <br /><br />It was time to go home.Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-57445570392325313922008-12-07T14:32:00.000-08:002008-12-07T14:44:34.682-08:00Ninety-Eight<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrmfGrAYis35iK4PePQZ5uP3Tw-ktRG_-8NfpGC1cJTNLmpEVNmIhdeUJx6cODIAbEDMO7zf5IflMs3KkSIE8xAbfubsk5NOiCFeklOh6SpmWeCpoIk3OMt2NZS1xBj7D_aq9Te2RVdaY/s1600-h/95-star.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrmfGrAYis35iK4PePQZ5uP3Tw-ktRG_-8NfpGC1cJTNLmpEVNmIhdeUJx6cODIAbEDMO7zf5IflMs3KkSIE8xAbfubsk5NOiCFeklOh6SpmWeCpoIk3OMt2NZS1xBj7D_aq9Te2RVdaY/s320/95-star.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277182237793673170" /></a><br /><br /><br />She'd walked in just in time to hear not only Carol suggest that she should be the one to blame for Jon's run in with Jason, but also that he’d taken things into his own hands and hired goons to “deal” with him? <span style="font-style:italic;">Who was this man?</span><br /><br />The ceramic mug thunked on the carpet and hot coffee spilled across the cream fibres. Her heart thumped in her throat, and her hands shook. She couldn't fucking believe it. He'd really been that stupid and never told her? And worse, was he ever going to?<br /><br />"Jess, shit" Jon went to lurch on instinct out of the chair but winced as the pain ripped through his chest "Fuck it" he swore sinking back down. "Jess" he said again beckoning her over to him. <br /><br />But she remained glued to the spot "You did what?" she asked calmly. Still aware of Carol in the room she wanted nothing less to lose it in front of her and have anymore displeased with her and Jon’s relationship.<br /><br />Carol raised a brow at Jon."Yes Jon you better tell us what you mean you did, set some guys? What guys?"<br /><br />He looked straight into the brown startled eyes, to find anger that he'd never seen before. His eyes fell to her hands which curled into tight balls. "Ma. Can I talk to Jesse alone?" he asked her. He had major explaining to do and the fire in her brown eyes told him it’d better be good.<br /><br />Carol looked surprised but nodded "Ok sure I'll just—" <br /><br />"Don't bother Carol, I just remembered somewhere I need to be" Jesse said not even picking up the mug that had fallen at her feet, she snatched her pursed and keys off the table.<br /><br />"Jesse please, don't go let me explain" Jon said, damn it why was he so stupid to let that one slip? Fuck. She was angry and her everlasting small shred of loyalty to that fucker was evident in her eyes. "I had to do something" he said.<br /><br />She threw her hands in the air and laughed "Why because I didn't lay charges against him? You went behind my back and got your "boys" to pay him a little visit? What are you Marlon Brando?" she asked.<br /><br />"Jess it was a stupid thing to do, obviously... I see that now. Fuck I paid for the mistake did I not?" he growled angrily his own fingers digging into the leather arm of the couch. He understood her anger, he did. He should have never done something so stupid and if he could make the decision again he wouldn’t. <br /><br />She blew her breath out and shook her head "I'm not sure if I'm angrier that you called the mob on him, or that you actually KNOW the mob. Maybe you're not the man that I thought you were" she spat. It just came out. Who was he? She spent years thinking she knew who Jason was, her husband but turned out she never knew him at all. And now, she was engaged to a man she again thought she knew. The diamond on her finger blurred in her vision as she fought to hide the emotion.<br /><br />Damn him being restricted he wanted to grab her and hold her against him to show her that he wasn't like the man she was making him sound like.<br /><br />"Jesse please don't say that, I had to protect you and the kids. What else could I do? What if he hadn't come after me? What if he'd gone after them or you? I would have never forgiven myself if anything happened to either of you" he said.<br /><br />"It still doesn't excuse what you did Jon…" she said quietly. She hated that Carol was here, she didn't want to discuss this in front of her. <br /><br />She grabbed her coat and tugged it on roughly. "I'm going out, I'm sure your mother can look after you" she said hurrying towards the door.<br /><br />Jon lurched himself out of the couch and grunted as the pain ripped through him. He clutched his middle as his mother cursed him.<br /><br />"Sit down Jon, for god's sake" she said settling him back on the couch. <br /> <br />"Jesse" he growled before taking a deep breath "Please stay, talk to me"<br /> <br />She turned back turning the door knob "I can't even look at you right now" she said before she exited and clicked the door behind her. She had no idea where she was going. Her hands soaked with the warm splashes falling from her eyes. <br /> <br />How could he do this? What sort of man did this? Not her Jon, so she thought. God damn him. She wrapped her arms around her body as the lift doors closed. Somewhere deep inside her she knew he'd done only what he thought was the best thing to do in the situation. He had to take control. That was Jon. <br /> <br />As the lift pinged on the ground floor, she had no idea where she was going. She just kept walking. Disappearing into the downtown Soho bustle, she jumped feeling her cell phone vibrate through her purse. She didn't even look. She knew it would be Jon. So she kept walking not knowing where she was headed. Just that she had to put some distance between her and Jon.<br /> <br />~<br /> <br />"Dammit" he raked his hand through his hair and slammed down his phone hearing her voicemail. It was never meant to be this way. She was never of meant to know. <br /> <br />Carol shook her head and sat back down next to him. "Oh Jon, what were you thinking trying to take things into your own hands. I know that you thought you were only doing what you needed to baby…but the mob? I thought you were past all that" she said. <br /> <br />His hands found his face "Mom, I just didn't know what else to do.I'm sorry I did but I still stand behind why I did it. I don't care what he did to me. Better me than her, or my children I’ll stand by that forever."<br /><br />"Why didn't you get her to press the charges? This all could have been avoided..."<br /><br />"Don't. I'm sick of hearing it. I respected her decision on that. I'm not blaming her for doing it. I do understand in a funny way why she didn’t. But now she has to understand where I am coming from. No one is wrong. Each person just did what they thought that was right" he leaned back and closed his eyes. <br /> <br />"And yes this was wrong" he admitted gently. Yes Jason lashed out at him because of what he did. He realized that now. <br /> <br />"Well she'll calm down Jonny, just give her time"<br /> <br />"God I hope so, I love her Ma. I’m used to having her around and I didn’t want to fuck it up” he popped his knuckles. <br /><br />Carol furrowed her brow and nodded “I can see that. I didn’t want to admit it but she’s a good woman. You know I still have reservations on you and Dorothea splitting but it’s not my business. But Jesse’s ok, and the kids do like her a lot”<br /><br />Jon smiled “Yeah they do, she’s been great with them through all this and I want to marry her as soon as the divorce is final. I didn’t see myself marrying so soon after all this but I want to as soon as everything is final”<br /><br />Carol nodded “That’s fair, and I am assuming under the circumstances her marriage would or could be annulled” <br /><br />He sighed “I have no idea but if she ever forgives me for what I’ve done. We’ll find out. I just want to move on from all this”<br /><br />Carol sat down next to her youngest son and took his hand “She loves you too much Jonny. A woman can see a woman in love too easily, and she loves you… a lot” she said.<br /><br />“Thanks Ma. I appreciate it”<br /><br />~<br /><br />Jesse had been walking for an hour or so and when she looped back to the apartment she stood at the entrance on the street and looked up at the looming building. She was still far too angry to go in. All the scenarios had gone into her head on her walk but still came with the final result which was that he’d paid someone in the mob to beat up her ex-husband. Crazy or not, it was still wrong.<br /><br />She kneaded her fingers into her arms, god what do I do? Maybe the one person that knew Jon would be able to help her see sense though this. His ex-wife. <br /><br />She walked into the underground parking lot and flipped open her phone dialling Dorothea. The number still there from where Jon was in hospital. <br /><br />“Jesse?” she asked surprised.<br /><br />“Hi Dorothea, sorry to ring you. I just don’t know who else to talk to. You’re probably the last person that wants to hear about this but I need your advice. On something that’s happened” she nervously explained finding her keys and jamming open her door. <br /><br />“What’s he done?” she asked seriously.<br /><br />“Can I meet you somewhere?”<br /><br />“I’m still in the city. How about I meet you a Raphael’s in thirty minutes, we’ll get a drink and talk”<br /><br />“I know where it is, I’ll see you soon” she closed her phone, This was nuts. His ex? But just on her brief encounters with Dorothea she knew if anyone understood the way his mind worked it was her. And Jesse needed to understand him. She didn’t want to lose him over this.Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-77555421484923731032008-11-19T19:46:00.000-08:002008-11-19T20:06:55.123-08:00Ninety-Seven<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0Y0SQU3IcYVH6aHXn9tQoGDNFwYyvec94fD5qDZsMH6iHPjVXgGj7FfffosgzvlLys1vApsHdbxqhxoijuzw_DyF6mrM7WPVf9w6Mw7GFBkZcNgWCPJiu1DBxBcgfCl3rn84eoJwLNUI/s1600-h/01Vamp-crouch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0Y0SQU3IcYVH6aHXn9tQoGDNFwYyvec94fD5qDZsMH6iHPjVXgGj7FfffosgzvlLys1vApsHdbxqhxoijuzw_DyF6mrM7WPVf9w6Mw7GFBkZcNgWCPJiu1DBxBcgfCl3rn84eoJwLNUI/s320/01Vamp-crouch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270581878907522354" /></a><br /><br /> <br />Jesse stepped out of the shower and tucked the towel around her before piling her hair on the top of her head and slapping some moisturizer on her face. They'd been home a few hours. Jon had taken up residence on the couch, watched a movie, read a book and checked his emails. So far so good for the patient. <br /> <br />She fastened her watched to her wrist, it was just about dinner time and she needed to get on with it. Dot was bringing the kids around for a short visit after dinner. The phone shrilled through the apartment it had gone nearly nonstop since Jon had been home. Jon must have picked it up as it stopped ringing by the time she'd flown through to the bedroom to answer it. She pulled on her jeans and a tight v-neck before padding out to the living area. She raised an eyebrow at the empty couch and looked around.<br /> <br />"Jon?" she asked. The only reply she got was a curse and a thud from the kitchen. <br /><br />She rolled her eyes and made her way to the kitchen and stood with her arms crossed at the sight. <br /> <br />"What are you doing?" <br /> <br />Jon looked up with half of the coffee pot the lid on the ground beside him which he couldn't bend down and collect from the tenderness still in his ribs. <br /> <br />"Making coffee?" he asked with a sheepish grin.<br /> <br />Jesse scooped the lid up off the ground "You shouldn't be, go and sit back down" she said sternly struggling to keep the small grin sliding on her lips. She wanted to be mad but hell, it was him.<br /> <br />"It's just coffee, not rocket science Jess" he said, here it comes. Those damn big blue puppy dog eyes that she had to ignore for the next few weeks. <br /> <br />"Sit down and I'll make you a coffee, who was on the phone?" she asked seeing the cordless lying on the bench beside where he was the standing.<br /> <br />"The police, they just wanted to let us know, Jason's prelim hearing in on Friday, I'll call my lawyer tomorrow to arrange our case" he nodded as he scuffed slowly from the kitchen. <br /> <br />She nodded "Ok sounds good, are they still holding him downtown?" she asked.<br /><br />Jon reached behind his head and scratched his neck "He's out on bail. Seems his parents have paid it, he's staying with them." He hoped she wouldn't freak out too much. Jon wasn't exactly thrilled about the prospect that he was out but he had security at the apartment and would arrange if Jesse went out she would have someone with her at all times. <br /> <br />"Ok" she said quietly. She grabbed the canister of coffee and scooped some into the filter. <br /> <br />"Hey, he won't get near us ok" Jon said coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her carefully. "You're not leaving my sight and you're my personal nurse remember?" his nose nuzzled into the line of her neck. The familiar scent of Vanilla and honey was fresh off her. <br /> <br />"I know. I wish I had a chance to ask him why he did this Jon" she said clicking the machine into place and slotting the pot on the element. She just wanted to know why he did this, what the hell had gone so wrong? Had the real Jason lost out completely? <br /> <br />"Because he's fuckin crazy. That's why Jess. You don't need to worry about him anymore. I know deep down you still do. I get that. But seriously did he worry about you? He wanted to hurt me to get to you? That's not love Jess, that's mad delusional behaviour you understand that right?" he asked kissing her neck gently.<br /> <br />"Of course I do Jon, it doesn't make it any easier to accept but you're right" she conceded. She grasped his hands around her middle and squeezed them. <br /> <br />"Good, now bring me my coffee woman" he teased before releasing her and going back to the couch. <br /> <br />Jesse chuckled and reached for two mugs. Jon was right. But why did this little thing inside her niggle away? Did she need closure? Did she need to tell him that he was dead to her and she'd never forgive him for what he did and almost did? Maybe she did need to just let it go. <br /> <br />She carried them back through carefully placing them down on the table in front of him before sitting on the couch next to him and pulling her knees up to her chest. She rested the cup on her knees and watched him. <br /> <br />"What?" he asked curiously. Sometimes he couldn't believe that he had been lucky enough to meet Jess so soon after Dot. The way they were so comfortable with each other now, he knew that he was meant to be with her for the rest of his life. It surprised him but really one thing that the incident with Jason had made him realize is he didn't want to be without her.<span style="font-style:italic;"> Ever. </span><br /> <br />"Nothing, just looking" she teased sipping her coffee "and deciding what I want for dinner. What do you feel like?" <br /> <br />He leaned back, wincing a little as he stretched "I don't mind baby, make just order take out, that way you don't have to leave the couch and can stay here right with me" he said with a sloppy grin. <br /> <br />"Yeah you'd like that wouldn't you? Does sound tempting though. Maybe I'll order Chinese" she said reaching over for the other phone. "Then we'll be done before the kids get here" <br /> <br />He reached over and trailed a finger up her jeans to her knee "Maybe even time for something else" he grinned.<br /> <br />She snorted "Like we'd even be able to do that… you'll be in too much pain darling" she said hitting the speed dial for the takeout place. She ordered the usual what Jon and her had and then hung up.<br /> <br />"Aw now come on we can at least try" he said tugging her by the end over to him. She moved and slid in beside him reaching up to kiss him on the lips. <br /> <br />"I've missed you Jess" he said letting her rest against his body, his hands rode down her v-neck and his fingers inched up the hem. <br /> <br />"You know I've missed you too but Jon, come on you'll injure yourself" her breath warm on his mouth. <br /> <br />"What do you think I am? Acrobatic?" he laughed, his palms were heavy against her skin. Just being with her, close to her was driving him all kinds of freakin crazy again. His cock twitched in his pants. <span style="font-style:italic;">Thank fuck that's not broken.</span><br /> <br />She fell into him, moaning when his hands brushed against the lace on the underside of her breast. His thumb scraped out and over her nipple.<br /> <br />"Say no to me Jess, I'll pull away if you can say no" his eyes danced with a delicious darkness that she knew well. <span style="font-style:italic;">He had her. Damn it.</span> <br /> <br />She wrapped her hand around his neck, teasing the loose locks at his nape with her fingers drawing him closer, she needed more. She wanted more. He was back. Her Jon just as he was. He still smelled like deep spice and tasted like rich coffee. "Jon" she breathed, trying not to give in but it was a lost cause. <br /> <br />"See what you do to me?" he asked pulling her hand down to his tight denim. She cupped him lightly forcing the moan from his mouth to vibrate in her own. She wasn't really sure what to do next, she couldn't push him down on his back… and he couldn't push forward. <br /> <br />She pulled away "Jon, we can't do this, you're going to get hurt" he didn't release his grip under her breast. <br /> <br />"Do I look like I'm in pain Jess?" he asked letting his mouth slide down her neck. She inhaled sharply and clutched his head with her hand, letting her fingers splay through his cinnamon hair.<br /> <br />"No" she managed as the warm breath on her neck made he tingle right down to her toes. <br /> <br />"Do I look like I want to stop?" he whispered shifting his attention back up her neck, across her chin resting finally at her lips. He tugged her full bottom lip into his mouth dragging his teeth across it. <br /> <br />She was one second away from reaching for his fly when the buzz of the door brought them back to life. She glanced at her watch; it was too early for Dot. <br /> <br />"Dammit" he swore.<br /><br />"Who would have got past security?" she asked slipping off the couch. Only Jon's family had been given clearance, or Richie and Kia. <br /> <br />"I don't know but they deserve to be maimed" he grumbled.<br /> <br />"What?" Jesse laughed raising her brow back at him swinging open the door. <span style="font-style:italic;">Men.</span><br /> <br />Carol Bongiovi was standing there clutching her handbag under her arm dressed in her white Versace pant-suit. She managed a crinkled smile "Hi Jesse, how's the patient doing?"<br /> <br />"As expected, a little restless after only six hours of being home" she said motioning for her to come in. <br /> <br />"Mom? What are you doing here?" Jon asked. Sometimes he wondered how it was his family had impeccable timing. <br /> <br />"What? Can't a Mom come and see her son unannounced?" she teased giving him a kiss and sitting down next to him. <br /> <br />"Tea?" Jesse called already half way to the kitchen.<br /> <br />"That would be wonderful, thank you" she said crossing her legs "So how are you? Jesse taking good care of you?" she asked. <br /> <br />Jon smiled "What sort of question is that?" <br /><br />“I’m pleased to hear it, you’re looking much better than yesterday, Matt and Tony send their love. They’ll try to ring tonight”<br /><br />“Thanks Ma, god what a nightmare. Let’s just hope the nutcase is locked away for a long time” Jon said leaning back closing his eyes.<br /><br />Carol looked towards the kitchen “You know that this could have been all avoided if she’d laid charges in the first place”<br /><br />Jon rolled his eyes, trust his mother. “Yes Mom, and Jesse is well aware of that. This is not her fault. Jason was obviously highly strung” <span style="font-style:italic;">and I didn’t make it any better by setting Big Tony onto him. </span><br /><br />“Well I’m sorry Jon it’s true. This all could have been avoided and you wouldn’t be sitting here looking like an advertising campaign for violent crime” she said. <br /><br />“Mom” Jon warned, Christ this was the last thing Jesse needed to hear right now. But it was his mother never one to hold back her opinion. “Jesse isn’t the one to blame here. If anything it’s me, I’m to blame”<br /><br />Carol raised an eyebrow at him “How the hell so? I know you like fixing things Jon but that is a ridiculous thing to even suggest” she said. <br /><br />He was never going to get any peace this way, and damn if he’d have her think that Jesse was to blame here. “I set some guys onto Jason a week or so back. I tried to make this all go away the wrong way, that’s how I tried to fix it Mom, so you can stop blaming her”<br /><br />Carol was about to answer when a clunk came from the other side of the room and Jesse stood with her jaw wide open and her eyes wide “What?” she asked dumbfounded.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Oh shit.</span>Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-52501100184020141032008-11-19T13:08:00.000-08:002008-11-19T19:46:09.152-08:00Sorrrrrry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMXNouodUp3p65tGBNOxix2UKNIIEL71ue5NA7zWlE4RXu32FaS6WLvpvtLlO2aB09ou99Ku_dBXkhm9ar1F4LEnEdjznjwfoaJgzPs1q9Cwmtg0NBnBBef7fF0ipmpFMB5eCdOqrAiOp/s1600-h/LH-BW-SkullPropped-08PhillyStyleMag.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMXNouodUp3p65tGBNOxix2UKNIIEL71ue5NA7zWlE4RXu32FaS6WLvpvtLlO2aB09ou99Ku_dBXkhm9ar1F4LEnEdjznjwfoaJgzPs1q9Cwmtg0NBnBBef7fF0ipmpFMB5eCdOqrAiOp/s320/LH-BW-SkullPropped-08PhillyStyleMag.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270479211222652322" /></a><br /><br />Thanks so much for the comments/emails for the new chapters, November has been one of those months work-wise etc and working on the Novel November Project that is taking alot out of me :) But be rest assured that Jesse & Jon are still firmly in my mind and will be back shortly, I'm hoping a chapter will be done TONIGHT so thanks so much for your patience and continued support, it always means the most. So just to let you know I haven't forgotten or neglecting my girl, lol ;)<br /><br />Ohh and I finally started my own HOME page <a href="http://a-little-bit-of-soul.blogspot.com/ ">A Little Bit of Soul</a><br /><br />Check it out, I will post updates and other assorted ramblings there if you are ever interested. :)<br /><br /><br />*muah*<br />TSuper_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-24825554823265877472008-11-06T17:24:00.000-08:002008-11-06T17:37:53.724-08:00Ninety-Six<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5AhCRC2UNarM8-THle4Rd7G2kk5NkJFaiUdXFUelxJ0AGwcy2g-zOEYXvggfRvTSyyUgk2Dor3l_JVIhsaECP1L04520SiwJyMytXYcm7N0KiV8CXAFx0s91Q-RrKm3FM3OFkuSfu46e/s1600-h/97closeupintense.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5AhCRC2UNarM8-THle4Rd7G2kk5NkJFaiUdXFUelxJ0AGwcy2g-zOEYXvggfRvTSyyUgk2Dor3l_JVIhsaECP1L04520SiwJyMytXYcm7N0KiV8CXAFx0s91Q-RrKm3FM3OFkuSfu46e/s320/97closeupintense.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265723821087129106" /></a><br /><br /><br />Two days later Jesse was locking up the apartment to go and pick Jon up from hospital. He was coming home today earlier, on strict instructions to take it easy for a couple of weeks. She knew for the man that could never keep still, this was going to be a task and a half for her. Dot and Carol had arrived and surprisingly been supportive to her and grateful that she was there for the kids when it had happened. She’d left them to take the kids to see Jon and now the kids were back living at home. <br /><br />She’s scooped her keys and cell into her purse when the rap at the door stirred her from her thoughts. She shrugged into her woollen coat and unlinked the door. To her surprise Dot was standing there clutching her handbag under her shoulder.<br /><br />“Hi Jesse” she smiled.<br /><br />“Hi Dot, I wasn’t expecting you. I was just on my way to collect Jon” she said checking her watch. She still had plenty of time. <br /><br />“I know, I’ve just dropped the kids off at school and was in the area and thought I’d pop in. “I won’t stay, you’ll be wanting to get to see Jon there was just something I wanted to say. That has to be said” <br /><br />Jesse stood back on her heels “Sure, what is it?” she asked cautiously not being able to read the serious look that was so often on the woman’s face. <br /><br />“I just wanted to say, thank you for what you did for the kids, when this all happened. They haven’t stopped talking about you and both and Carol are so grateful someone like you was around when this happened. Especially for my younger boys, they’ve never had to deal with this sort of thing happening to their father before” she explained rubbing her thumb over her leather arm strap.<br /><br />Jesse relaxed her shoulders “God, don’t be silly. I was glad whatever I could do got them through it. I was in so much shock myself I had to put them first, I realized that”. <br /><br />Dot nodded and then smiled. “I know, it can’t have been easy for you. I’m not going to pry but is that whole business with your ex, taken care of?”<br /><br />The question wasn’t callous, more like the question a concerned mother would ask to be aware of all the risks to her children. Jesse quickly nodded “He’s in custody and Jon’s laid charges against him and so have I. He won’t be getting out anytime soon I can’t imagine. He’s a sick man” she added. <br /><br />“That’s good to hear, and for what it’s worth I’m sorry you had to go through it all. And if you and Jon need anything in the next few weeks, just let me know. The kids will be busting to see him every moment they can, but I’ll keep visits restricted so he can rest.” <br /><br />She laughed imagining already Romeo and Jake all over poor Jon. “It’s ok Dot, he’ll want to see his kids. I know he will and I won’t stop that. Hopefully if anything, things like that will keep his mind off anything work related, as he has to rest” She knew it was a tall order for him. But she’d try and help anyway that she could. <br /><br />Dot snorted “Good luck to you honey. I’ve known the man for years and never once succeeded without coming into nearly blows with him”<br /><br />Jesse motioned for her to walk with her out, closing the door behind them she pressed the lift button. “God I know, he’s going to drive me insane. Men are bad enough at being patients but Jon? Well he’s a special breed all by himself right?” she turned to ask her.<br /><br />“Uh huh, you can say that again. Just don’t give in. He’ll push you and he’ll probably want to make you pull your hair out. But just remember, he’s just no good doing nothing. Never has been. Not even as a young man” they both walked into the lift and waited for the doors to close.<br /><br />“I’ll remember that” she was looking forward to having him home though. Somewhere she knew he was safe. It still hadn’t been determined what would happen to Jason. She’d not seen him. She’d given some thought to going and see him, call it stupid but she needed some form of closure on the subject. She no longer loved him and after what he did to Jon she couldn’t care all that much for him. But there was something still tugging on those heart strings inside of her for him.<br /><br />Once out in the lobby she turned to Dot “Thanks for coming Dot, I’m glad you did. And get the kids to call tonight. He’d love to hear from them. If you want to bring them over that’s ok too, Anytime. I mean that” she said reaching out and touching her arm. <br /><br />Dot smiled “You know, when we first met something deep inside me wanted me to hate you. Not because of that fact you’d moved on with Jon. It was the way he looks at you. He never in the whole time we were together, looked at me like he looks at you Jesse.”<br /><br />Jesse was taken a back; did she really just say that? “Well thank you Dot. I’m sure it’s just different though. People could say the same thing about Jason. I think that when its love second time around it’s different because you appreciate it more. Knowing how much it hurt to lose it the first time.”<br /><br />Dot nodded “I think you’re right. He loves you Jess, and I still care about him so do me a favour and look after him” <br /><br />Jesse grinned “I know that, and I love him. More than he probably knows”<br /><br />“Take care Jess, we’ll talk later. Give my love to Jon” and with that she was gone. <br /><br />Jesse couldn’t help but let the smile break over her face. She knew it took a lot for a woman like Dot to openly admit that. Everything was going to be ok. She rubbed her finger around her ring and sighed. She would do anything to make sure Jon recovered and got the rest he needed. Anything. She’d already arranged for the two weeks off work. She’d be working from home keeping in the habit of emails and phone calls, working on pieces in between. But she was confident George could take care of things for her at the office sufficiently.<br /><br />The drive uptown to the hospital was quick and soon she was clicking her heels along the bland corridors happy to know she wouldn’t be coming back here for what would hopefully be a long time.<br /><br />She tapped her knuckles against the door before striding in. Jon was sitting up, dressed with his legs hanging over the bed. “Hey gorgeous” she gave him a gentle kiss on the forehead. Rubbing her thumb lightly down his cheek she whispered. “You’re looking a lot better” some of the bruising had already started to go down. He still looked like Jake and Romeo had attacked him with a red and purple marker set but it was am improvement. <br /><br />“Hey Jess, I’m feeling so much better and can I tell you I’m so fuckin’ glad I’m going home” he leaned forward and stroked her lips with his tongue before kissing her. He pulled her by the waist in close to him in-between his legs as the kiss deepened.<br /><br />“I know you are baby, hospitals are the pits and I’m so glad you’re coming home too. Time for me to dust off that nurse’s outfit” she said with a gleam in her eye. His eyebrow quirked and the smirk set against his lips.<br /><br />“You have one on those?” he asked gliding his hands down to cup her ass through the denim of her jeans before he slipped his hands in her back pockets.<br /><br />“I’m not telling. You’ll just have to wait and see” she winked “And be a good boy”<br /><br />He rolled his eyes and laughed “I’m always good”<br /><br />“Sure you are” she hooked her thumbs inside the collar of his v-neck feeling the soft cashmere on her skin. One last kiss and she pulled away “So are you all ready to go?” she asked. <br /><br />“Yep – I’ve been given the all clear. Have to come back in a week for a check up but I’m more than read to go” he attempted to shift off the bed but she stopped him.<br /><br />“Let’s get you a wheelchair” <br /><br />“Hell no, I can manage” he tried to push against her hands on his shoulders but winced when he tried as a small tinge of pain shot up his sternum.<br /><br />“See? This is what I mean Jon, I’m getting an orderly to get us a chair, now don’t move” she said, her eyes growing flat and serious.<br /><br />He gritted his teeth and mumbled something that was inaudible.<br /><br />“What?” she asked him crossing her arms.<br /><br />He sighed “Nothing just get the orderly” he snapped. <br /><br />She bit back a chuckle. Good god, it was going to be a long two weeks. She found an orderly and soon they had Jon in a chair and she was on her way to the car with him. He’d pulled on a cap and slipped on some sunglasses to ensure that he’d go unnoticed as media had already been tipped off that he was leaving the hospital today.<br /><br />Once she had he strapped in the car she clicked in her own seat belt and plugged her key in. He looked so miserable, his eyes were dull and his whole body just sagged. He was a little broken so it was expected but she longed to see her Jon, in the way she loved and the way she knew he loved. Full of life and full of confidence. <br /><br />She reached out and grabbed his hand “It’s going to be ok” she gave it a small squeeze. <br /><br />He looked across at her and lifted her hand to his lips pressing a kiss against it. “I know Jess, it’s just going to take me a bit to get used to it. I’m going to be an asshole some days. You know that don’t you?” his lips curled into a small smile.<br /><br />She managed a small chuckle “Oh I know, believe me. I’m prepared” she said remembering the conversation with Dot earlier. She’d do whatever it took to get him back to his normal self. <em>Anything.</em>Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-65147714866704565152008-10-25T18:39:00.000-07:002008-10-25T18:55:38.509-07:00Ninety-Five<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqfMRojgJf-4FjHvdC54v5IdyA-1D3HMWHD4WGMoY0kZi_IXX6tyxn41R_hlYmPZKEDM0IHmSgb3mKam20us9vGh1sqHHvwWAqCqnAWheBGfdrPjp0-7nQLxRP_J2G4EsJ-4kH5GDpqg6/s1600-h/TLFR.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqfMRojgJf-4FjHvdC54v5IdyA-1D3HMWHD4WGMoY0kZi_IXX6tyxn41R_hlYmPZKEDM0IHmSgb3mKam20us9vGh1sqHHvwWAqCqnAWheBGfdrPjp0-7nQLxRP_J2G4EsJ-4kH5GDpqg6/s320/TLFR.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261273537178615810" /></a><br /><br /><br />The bed shaking and her hand being lifted caused Jesse to stir the following morning, her eyes opening to big bright blue eyes of a boy’s face that was just inches from hers. “Morning Romeo” she chuckled stretching out her arms and poking him playfully in the side of his ribs. He squealed and erupted into giggles rolling on the bed.<br /><br />She glanced over at Jake who was stirring and to the clock that sat behind him on the oak bedside table, it was after eight in the morning! Shit, she sat up and felt around for her cell phone which had slipped under the pillow in the night. Flipping it open she saw she had one missed call, a text and a voicemail. She’d missed them contacting her? Shit. She sat up clutching her stomach which had taken a dive-bomb. <br /><br /><strong>HE IS AWAKE. HIS USUAL SMARTASS SELF. RING ME IN MORNING. RICH.</strong><br /><br />She sighed clutching her phone against her chest, thank god. “Daddy’s awake” she said to the boys happily as she hit Richie’s number to connect. <br /><br />“Hey Jesse, I’m just on my way home to you. Thought I’d come and relieve you so you could go and see the boy” his deep rich voice chuckled in her ear.<br /><br />“So he’s ok really? God I must have missed the call, I fell asleep last night. I have no idea how” she said scratching her head surprised she slept so well at all from the worry that had been eating her alive.<br /><br />“Yep, sure is a little sore but that is to be expected right. But he’s himself and worried about you” <br /><br />Jesse smiled feeling tears prick at the corners of her eyes “He’s worried about me? Only Jon” she sighed. Here he was lying in a hospital bed, battered and bruised and he was worried about her? <em>God bless his soul.</em><br /><br />She hung up from Richie and organised the two youngest some breakfast. While they sat happily in front of the TV with their cereal she walked down to see Steph and Jesse to tell them the good news. <br /><br />“I want to come” Steph said seriously folding her arms. <br /><br />“Me too” Jesse chimed in standing right beside his sister.<br /><br />Jess held her hands up “Ok, I’ll go first though and Jon’s Mom will be here later this morning so you can come and relieve me so I can get back to the boys ok?” she asked. She needed to check with Jon first, not quite comfortable enough on making that decision without consultation and Carol had already suggested that’s what they do. <br /><br />“OK” Steph grumbled. <br /><br />Jess patted their shoulders “I know it’s hard but you guys need to get some food and cleaned up its going to be a big day with your mom and Grandma coming back”. Truth is she desperately wanted to see Jon by herself to find out what the hell happened to him, as she knew for a fact he wouldn’t talk so blatantly in front of the kids about it. <br /><br />Fifteen minutes later Richie was home and she’d had a quick shower, slipped on some jeans and one of his soul football t-shirts leaving her hair hanging loosely around her shoulders. Squirting on some perfume she grabbed her things and was given a list of things by the kids to tell their dad that she squeezed in her pocket before making her way to the hospital. Her thoughts were frenzied as she drove trying to keep her mind on the road. She had no idea what had happened to Jason, assuming that he was in police custody by now. <br /><br />She parked and quickly raced through the hospital, the click of her heels echoing loudly on the lino floors. Finally she was there, signing in at ICU she rushed to his door. He’d been moved to the far end of the corridor in a more private room. She stood at the doorway, him unaware of her. He was lying with his eyes closed, she breathed a sigh of relief to see the ventilator gone and the heart monitor was off. She still couldn’t bear how battered and bruised his body looked, but realized she’d have to suck it up as healing would be a slow process. <br /><br />“What are you doing just standing there, I don’t bite?” a voice knocked her out of her thoughts and two familiar blue eyes pierced her gaze. <br /><br />She smiled and walked in “Hey” she said standing at the edge of the bed, wiping his brow gently with her forefinger. “It’s so good to see you” she whispered leaning down and kissing him lightly against the lips. <br /><br />“You too baby, you have no idea” he lifted his hand and scraped his thumb across her cheek. “Or I figure that I must be dead if there’s an angel standing right here in my room” he whispered. <br /><br />She laughed shaking her head “Good to see you can still roll out those lines”<br />He frowned when she went to pull the chair behind her up, and patted the side of his bed “Sit here Jess”<br /><br />She nodded and slid onto the side of the bed dangling her legs over the side, clasping his hand in-between hers taking a deep breath. “I’m so unbelievably sorry” she said tightening her grasp on his hand.<br /><br />Jon’s heart fell at the guilt that clouded her eyes “Hey now. None of that Jess ok? This was no one’s fault except his” his eyes searched her brown ones to give him the agreement he needed from her. <br /><br />“But if I’d-“<br /><br />Jon brought his finger to her lips “No Jess, I won’t hear of it. Don’t go there. I won’t allow you to” God she was riddled in guilt, the way her shoulders slumped forward he’d never seen it before. If anything this was his fault, he SET Big Tony onto Jason and probably angered the bastard further. <br /><br />“I’m ok, just a few broken ribs and bruises...I’ve been worried about you and it seems rightly so. I knew you’d beat yourself up over this Jess. I won’t have any more of it, ok?” he asked. He dragged his finger down her cheek before bringing her hand to his lips.<br /><br />She nodded “I’m just so glad to see you awake, the kids and I have been so worried” <br />“How are they?” he asked wincing as he tried to shift up the bed.<br /><br />She smiled shifting his pillows for him “Unbelievable, in some ways what kept my sanity over the last few hours, the boys have been adorable. And Steph and Jesse have been very brave. They wanted to come but your mother said she’d bring them in, and I didn’t know if you would want them in here” she explained.<br /><br />“Steph and Jesse would have been ok, but Mom can bring them in. She wanted to come up immediately huh?” he asked cringing knowing what fussing he was in for.<br /><br />Jesse laughed “Yes, couldn’t have her boy all injured on his own you know, and Dot is coming back early as well” <br /><br />He pinched the bridge of his nose “Yeah Rich told me that and she’s not going to be happy as she’d been looking forward to that vacation for a long time”<br /><br />“Come on Jon like you could help it, and we didn’t know ...” Jesse paused meeting his gaze “If you would wake up ok” she finished. “What happened?” she had to ask it had been bugging her from the beginning. <br /><br />He let a low whistle out when he exhaled “Well he knocked me out on my way into the studio and I woke up tied to the chair, he’d thrown me around a bit...... and you can guess the rest” Jon said absently looking straight ahead.<br /><br />“Tell me” she said holding his hand tighter.<br /><br />“Jess, there is nothing to tell he bet the living shit out of me, and wanted me to stay away from you. I said no, fuck you and it went in that cycle” he snapped unintentionally. He cursed himself when he watched her stiffen.<br /><br />“Sorry. I didn’t mean to snap Jess. I just would rather forget about it until I have to relive the whole story to the police”<br /><br />She nodded, she understood. He was still angry with Jason that was easy to see. “I know, I just wish this hadn’t happened....you’ve got the album and everything coming up” she said worried how this would affect his schedule. <br /><br />“Eh, it can wait. It will just be a couple of day’s bed rest” he said confidently. She rolled her eyes.<br /><br />“It’ll be more than a couple of days Jon, it will be weeks” it was going to kill him. The man that never sat still would have to be bed ridden for a couple of weeks while his body healed. <br /><br />His eyes grew wide “Uh, no I won’t need that long” <br /><br />She grinned “It’ll be ok; I’ll be there for you.... every step of the way I’ll take time off to look after you”<br /><br />“Jess, you’re meant to be going to Milan you’ve got your career to worry about here, I won’t allow it” he said for the second time in minutes.<br /><br />“You’ve got no say in that one, for better or worse right? That’s what I agreed to when I accepted your proposal” she stated. He wasn’t the only one that could play hardball here. “I’ll forgive myself if YOU let me look after you, do we have a deal?” she asked holding out her hand, her lips poised.<br /><br />Jon closed his eyes, god she was just like him in the worst way. “You drive a hard bargain woman” he shook her hand. “Doesn’t mean I have to like it” Fuck this was going to be hell. Weeks of doing nothing? If he thought about this logically he could work out how to run the album launch preparations from home somehow... yeah... that would do it. <br /><br />Jesse already could see his eyes calculating ways to work from home. She knew him too well, and she’d sure as shit be the one to make sure he kept to his end of the deal.Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-32655076452905473192008-10-18T15:15:00.001-07:002008-10-18T15:21:18.904-07:00Ninety-Four<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEL5TtGa8cAFxvPneypZlluJpWqUxaEvXw366aM-5qjW9oOAz6GjhBDBAe_T12sOseZpHlAWdTbnCLFBVRpSElX46ZQRHp19fMlIlyF_2AmGEUF6N9Iu53BZYBNODxJMd0GmO0lPMWESbR/s1600-h/TLFR4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEL5TtGa8cAFxvPneypZlluJpWqUxaEvXw366aM-5qjW9oOAz6GjhBDBAe_T12sOseZpHlAWdTbnCLFBVRpSElX46ZQRHp19fMlIlyF_2AmGEUF6N9Iu53BZYBNODxJMd0GmO0lPMWESbR/s320/TLFR4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258621344803691314" /></a><br /><br /> <br />After Kia left Jess, Stephanie and Jesse watched a movie for a little while. She couldn't even tell you what the movie was if you asked. Her mind kept drifting in and out of best and worst case scenarios and all the things she wanted to tell Jon. That she should of told Jon. Why was it we always waited for these moments in our lives to really tell people how much they meant to us? How much seeing them everyday was worth going to bed that night just so we could get up and see them all over again. He had become that and more to her in just months. It took her years to really fall deeply in love with Jason, and Jesse knew she was already there with Jon. Deeper if that was at all possible.<br /> <br />"Can you ring Uncle Richie?" a voice snapped her back to reality. Stephanie was looking up at her from where the three of them had nestled into the couch. The credits were rolling on the TV. <br /> <br />"Sure sweetie, I'll ring and then we all better get some rest ok?" she asked leaning forward to collect her cell phone where only until recently had it been cradled against her chest. She stood and stretched her legs, her head was heavy and she knew she needed sleep but god knows how that was even going to happen tonight. <br /> <br />The line rang a couple of times until a sleepy voice spoke "Hey Jess" Richie croaked. <br /><br />"Hi Rich, Just thought I'd ring before we all go to bed for the night. How's he doing?" she asked twisting her fingers at the hem of her sweater.<br /> <br />"He's ok, we had a little moment before, his breathing became a little complicated but they've drained his lung and he's doing fine now" the words stung her like a bee-sting. I should have been there. <br /> <br />"Thank goodness for that and no other changes? Has he come around at all?" she asked. Even though Richie said he'd call she still had to ask. <br /> <br />"No, no change there but he is sedated Jess, so it's not really expected till the morning, how are the kids doing?" he asked. <br /> <br />"Good as can be expected, Carol and Dot will be here tomorrow" she said.<br /> <br />"Great, well as much as that seems daunting it will be good for you to have more of us around and for the kids" Richie said. Jesse knew it was true she'd only met Carol and Dot just the once but at least this time they had all the same vested interest here. Jon's wellbeing and support to the kids. <br /> <br />"I know, ok Rich I better get these two off to bed and myself but ring me if anything changes, anything" she reiterated.<br /> <br />"Promise try and get some sleep Darlin, Jon needs you too ok?" he asked. <br /> <br />"I will" the hung up and again she turned around and smiled at the kids "Right, he's fine they had to clear some of his lung out so he could breathe easier but he's doing ok" she said still gripping her phone tightly. Just get them to bed and them yourself alone in the bedroom. She could feel it coming, the pressure starting to crack and the tears threatening to burst. "Now how about we all try and get some sleep ok?" she asked gently.<br /> <br />Thirty minutes she had the kids all in bed and the apartment was heavy in silence. She had a long hot shower trying to make herself relax, but every time she closed her eyes all she saw was Jon's battered body covered in bruises and plastic. Wrapping herself in a towel she dried herself off and reached for one of his Patriots t-shirts slipping it over her head. Still alive with the scent of him, she curled herself on the bed, too scared to even venture over to the side where he should be right now. It seemed bigger, emptier the space where he'd lay. <br /> <br />White cotton blurred as the tears finally fell and the sobs wracked her body. Her fingers gripped the pillow covering her face so that the noise would be muffled. Bringing her knees into her chest she tried to keep it under control but looked up when she felt the bed move. To her surprise Jake and Romeo were climbing up there bed. <br /><br />She quickly wiped her tears away and sat up "What's wrong boys?" she asked watching Jake pull his brother up onto the bed with a little effort.<br /> <br />"We heard you cry…..why are you sad?" Romeo asked crawling closer to her. <br /> <br />"Just tired boys, it's been a long day and sometimes when grownups are tired they cry" she said straightening herself, trying to force the tears back. Romeo curled into her.<br /> <br />"When I cry Daddy gives me a hug" his ting hands wrapped barely around her waist but she held his head against her chest while Jake rolled into them both. <br /> <br />"Don't worry Jesse, Daddy's strong. He's superman" he said quietly. <br /> <br /> "I know he is. I just miss him that's all" she said quietly taking in the scent of sweet children's shampoo. She wrapped her arms around further to envelope Jakey into the hug that she extended out to him. The comfort of the kids was enough to make her relax, these are the ones she had to be strong for.<br /><br />"Everything ok?" Steph was standing in the doorway in her striped night shirt. <br />Jesse smiled "We're ok now, the boys just heard me crying and came to see me, we're good now" she smiled. <br /><br />"Did you want a drink or anything?" she asked bunching her hand into the material around her hip.<br /><br />"I'm fine Steph, it's just been a long day. We do need to get some sleep or we'll be no good to your father right?" she managed a small laugh. <br /><br />"Right, ok night Jess. Behave Jake and Romeo" she wagged her finger at them with a grin. <br /><br />She eventually fell asleep with the two boys, focused on the happy memories of what the future had to bring for them both. It just had to.<br />~<br /><br />The bright light hit him hard, his eyes creeping open then promptly slamming shut at the rude intrusion of daylight. God, the pain. His whole body fell like it'd been dropped from a great height. Then it all came rushing back to him. Popping his eyes open he soon adjusted to the bland white of the room. <br /><br />"Jess?" he croaked, the one person he needed to know if they were ok. He couldn't smell that vanilla blend that always went with her. Instead the room just smelled like that fresh sterile clean smell everyone associated with hospitals. <br /><br />“Jon, it’s me Rich you’re in hospital” the head of his best friend finally came into view.<br /><br />Jon winced before opening his eyes again “Really? I had no idea” Richie laughed and patted his arm.<br /><br />“Shit so good to hear you again. We were worried for a minute you were brain damaged or something” he grinned.<br /><br />“Well I feel like I’ve been hit by a fucking train and ...” he reached to his chest “a little hard to breath” each time he exhaled it felt so tight.<br /><br />Richie leaned over and hit the nurse call button “I’ll get the nurse to come and check you over”<br /><br />Jan sank back into the pillows closing his eyes “Where’s Jess, please to god tell me she’s safe from that maniac” he managed. The images floated through his mind, the deranged madman still in his face. <br /><br />“She’s fine, worried sick but she’s got the kids tonight in the apartment. Your Mom and Dot are coming up tomorrow” he explained.<br /><br />Oh god, just what he needed. “Oh god, they didn’t need to. Dot will be pissed about cutting her vacation short” he muttered. <br /><br />“Don’t be stupid Jon, you are injured and she needs to be here for the kids. Jesse can’t take care of them and you all at the same time.” He frowned.<br /><br />“I don’t need taken care of, I’ll be fine” he panted, reaching up and tried to shift his body upright but cried out in pain. “Jesus Christ” he swore, his whole body was burning but with a different sort of fire.<br /><br />The door clicked open and a heavy set nurse can scuffling in “Now there Mr Bongiovi, we don’t need you doing that, you’ve got some cracked ribs there that will be a little tender still” she explained fussing over him to lye back down. “Take some deep breaths”<br /><br />“Dammit” he swore as she moved the mask back over his mouth, he did as he was told and his breathing evened out again. <br /><br />“Good, now if you promise not to move again like that I’ll change you over to the lighter tube” she said uncoiling the clear plastic green tubing and adjusting it across his face just under his nose so the little points directed into his nostrils.<br />“Do we have a deal?” she asked him.<br /><br />He nodded god, this was going to be a nightmare he was the type of person that never kept still and this? Fuck it was going to kill him. “Deal” he managed.<br /><br />Richie looked at his watch, “I need to call Jesse and tell her you’re awake, its three am do you think I should still call?” he asked Jon.<br /><br />“Just text her, then it’s there if she’s asleep she can stay that way. I can imagine how worried she is” he said. She’d have to be beside herself knowing that her ex-husband was with him, surely now she would see what exactly he was capable of. And finally Jon would be able to press the damn charges against him himself.Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-84619741187761931292008-10-12T22:08:00.000-07:002008-10-12T22:24:23.539-07:00Ninety-Three<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9CaN2dCoX6yINgtcnkh6c7GOGNIKrvJ5F0dhcFolFXxuMN8RG7sJVKo6XLmrUokzdeqGajtKt_SqUUg6MrpKsaopWyoUEqb7Zvic44Ikk6-NPFns4cFVmofK_3YOvxHRMJfDHD3KOnIF/s1600-h/TDJon44.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9CaN2dCoX6yINgtcnkh6c7GOGNIKrvJ5F0dhcFolFXxuMN8RG7sJVKo6XLmrUokzdeqGajtKt_SqUUg6MrpKsaopWyoUEqb7Zvic44Ikk6-NPFns4cFVmofK_3YOvxHRMJfDHD3KOnIF/s320/TDJon44.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256501289364910610" /></a><br /><br /><br />Jesse clicked the ignition off and pressed her head against the steering wheel. She had no idea how she made it home, the roads had been a blur through the tears she couldn’t keep in. But right now it was time to pull it together for those four kids in there waiting for her. Unlatching her belt she leant across to the glove compartment and found her spare makeup bag honing out the compact to tidy her face up. <em>God look you, you’re a mess. They need you, you have to do this</em>. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes to centre herself. Clutching her bag she slammed the door shut and took the lift up to Jon’s floor. <em>Here we go.</em><br /><br />The lift doors pinged open into the foyer where she was met by Stephanie who launched herself into her arms “How is he?” she asked. Jesse cupped her hand around her head and held her close. The comfort of his children was paramount to her in this moment.<br /><br />“He’s ok Steph...he’s unconscious from the head injuries but the doctor is quietly confident he’ll be ok” she whispered. How the hell did she tell them there was a chance of brain damage? Maybe she didn’t just at the moment, it was a small chance. Small, <em>just have to remember that</em>. <br /><br />“Come on inside honey and we’ll talk” she said leading them both into the apartment. Kia was sitting surrounded by the kids in the living room.<br /><br />“She heard the bell” Kia explained as Stephanie sat down on the couch. Every time somebody hit Jon’s floor in the lift and turned the key, the bell would ring the apartment to notify someone coming up to the floor.<br /><br />“It’s ok, hey guys how you doing? Kia keeping you entertained?” she asked plopping herself down on the couch next to Romeo. <br /><br />“We watched Blue’s Clues” he said nodding proudly crawling across her knees. <br /><br />“Lucky!, thanks Kia for watching them” Jesse said gratefully. <br /><br />“You’re welcome Jess, they were fine” <br /><br />“How’s Dad?” Jesse sat up eagerly propping his elbows on his knee.<br /><br />She smiled, rubbing her chest at the picture still embedded in her mind of Jon’s still body lying on the hospital bed. “Well, doctor said that he’s going to be ok. He’s unconscious at the moment because he had a blow to his head. He’s got some bruising and cracked ribs but they think he’ll make a full recovery” she shimmied Romeo across her lap and tucked him beside her on the couch. <br /><br />“So he will wake up?” Jesse asked her worried.<br /><br />“Yes he will, they...” she trailed off. God, she wasn’t built for this. How did she tell them? Tears that pricked at the corners of her eyes she forced back into submission. Swallowing the huge lump that had began to form in her throat she continued. “With any head injuries there is risk of damage right? In your dad’s case it’s minimal but yes there is a tiny risk something could be damaged” she let her breath whistled out from her throat. <br /><br />“Can we see him?” Steph asked her immediately. What did she do? Say yes? Say no? She wasn’t prepared for any of this as Jon and her had never discussed this sort of thing in detail. You just didn’t.<br /><br />“I don’t know Steph if it’s a good idea, but I’m going to ring your Grandma shortly so I’ll check with her ok? Maybe we should wait until tomorrow to see how he is” she said. Steph nodded, her eyes falling to the floor. <br /><br />“Hey...” Jesse reached out and grabbed her hand “It’s going to be ok, I promise. You all above anyone know your father. He’s strong, determined and doesn’t give up anything easily. We’ll get through this ok...I promise” she squeezed her hand until she looked back up at her. Jon’s blue eyes shone back at her with an uncertainty but she still managing a small smile.<br /><br />“Ok”<br /><br />“Is Daddy sick?” Romeo’s tiny voice asked from beside her. His tiny hand grasping at her sleeve.<br /><br />“He is buddy, but he’s in the right place to get fixed up. The doctors are taking good care of him and Uncle Richie is there right with him. I think Mommy is coming home soon too but I’m ringing Grandma first to find out” she explained. She checked her watch it was way past the younger boy’s bedtime so she needed to get them into bed. <br /><br />“How about you and Jake come with me and get changed for bed and I’ll read you both a story ok?” she asked getting up and holding her hand out. <br /><br />“Storyyy!” Romeo and Jake both eagerly got up and clasped her hands. <br /><br />“Can I ring Grandma while you do that?” Stephanie asked. <br /><br />Jesse nodded “Of course Steph, tell her I’ll explain everything when I get there but you can tell her what I told you” she said disappearing with the boys. Twenty minutes later they were asleep after teeth were brushed, Jake had found his favourite red pyjamas and the story was read. She stopped by at the kitchen smelling the rich aroma of coffee.<br /><br />As soon as Jesse walked in she was handed a cup “You have no idea how much I need this, probably something stronger” she said taking a long sip and closing her eyes at the warm nutty comfort it offered. <br /><br />“How are you holding up?” she asked gently rubbing her arm.<br /><br />“I’m doing ok, I have to right? For them and partially I feel so responsible for this” she said sadly feeling her eyes start to mist again. <br /><br />“Hey, no you won’t” Kia scowled “I won’t allow you to go there Jesse Adams. This is in no way your fault ok?” she asked. Jesse nodded still concentrating on the broken tile in the corner of the floor.<br /><br />“Jess, come on don’t play that game. Jon wouldn’t blame you and did you hurt him? Was it you that did this to him? No.” Kia took Jesse’s cup from her and placed it on the kitchen counter and wrapped her arms around her. Jesse squinted her eyes shut desperate to fight the tears and held on tight. <br /><br />“You’re only doing this because you love him so damn much woman. It’s a hell of a shock ok?” she said vigorously rubbing her back. <br /><br />“I know but if I’d just pressed the charges when he wanted me to...” she whispered.<br /> <br />“He still would of probably done it Jess, Jason’s mind is not all there right now. We know that. You can’t do this to yourself ok. It won’t help Jon or those kids now so what’s the point?” She pulled back and brushed back Jesse’s hair “Huh?”<br /><br />Kia was right. But it didn’t make it any easier right now. “I know, I’m just so worried about him... if anything happens to him...” she wiped her cheeks with the heel of her hand “I love him damn too much to see it happen”<br /><br />“Honey, of course you are worried. You’re allowed to be but we’re talking about your Jon here right? The man that that would do anything for those kids and anything for you. He’s going to be fine Jess I know it” she said. <br /><br />“Thank you” she said managing a small smile before Steph interrupted them. <br /><br />“She wants to talk to you” she held out the silver cordless handset to her. <br /><br />“Thanks honey, Hi Carol” she said pressing it to her ear. <br /><br />“Jesse hi, how is he doing? More importantly how are you doing?” Jesse smiled at the genuine concern in her voice. It was nice to know when it counted family did as well.<br /><br />“He’s ok Carol, Stephanie told you everything right?” she asked.<br /><br />“Yes, she did. So how much chance does he have of being brain damaged?” she asked seriously. <br /><br />“Its minor, twenty percent like with all head injuries. The scans the doctors have done of his back and head are all clear. Just his ribs are a little cracked and he’s quite badly bruised” she explained turning to face the window. <br /><br />“Good god, well Jesse I’m on the first flight out tomorrow morning and I rang Dot, and she’s coming back tomorrow as well for the kids.” She rattled off times and places but Jesse’s mind was already overloaded to take it all in. She knew Carol would just come as soon as she was there.<br /><br />“Thanks Carol I appreciate it and so will Jon. Did Steph talk to you about seeing him?” she asked quietly.<br /><br />“Yes she did, and that’s what I wanted to ask. How bad does he look?”<br /><br />Jesse paused feeling her throat grow tight. “Awful” she managed to squeak out. “Carol he looks awful. The Doctor said it looks worse than it is, but he’s all bruised... “She closed her eyes “Plastic... So much plastic” she whispered. <br /><br />“Ok” Carol said trying to keep it together “We’ll wait to see how he’s doing tomorrow but if she has to go, Jesse and Steph can come with me tomorrow how does that sound?” she asked. <br /><br />“Thanks that would be great. Unless anything changes but I can call if it does” she said. She finally clicked the off button a few minutes later receiving a much needed pep talk from Carol who sang her strong son’s praises also.<br /><br />“Tomorrow Steph, it’s late now and we all need to get some sleep or we really will be no good to him right?” she asked stroking her blond hair out of her face.<br /><br />“Yeah I guess so. I don’t know if I can sleep yet though” she said honestly. <br /><br />Jesse sighed “I know the feeling, what do you say I make some hot chocolate and we have those and some cookies and watch some mindless trash for half an hour or so, the three of us” she suggested. <br /><br />“I’d like that” Steph replied heading back to the living area. <br /><br />“Ok well I’m going to go and see Rich, he’ll need some food and coffee” Kia said grabbing her coat and purse.<br /><br />“Yes do, tell him he’s a saint and tell him Dot and Carol will be here tomorrow. And tell him...”<br /><br />“To ring you if anything changes?” Kia cut her off and grinned.<br /><br />“Yes, god. Thank you both again. This reminds me of Jason all over again” she said as they met in a hug. <br /><br />Kia pulled away and buttoned up her coat “Number one, Jon isn’t dead. Number two, he’s ten times the man Jason was. So this is different” she said tugging on her woollen cap. <br /><br />“You’re right...again” she rolled her eyes laughing as they said goodbye. He was going to be alright. He just had to be, she wouldn’t stand for anything else.Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-79607319108932852072008-10-09T15:11:00.000-07:002008-10-09T15:43:00.338-07:00Ninety-Two<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDkM5Deh1eui0a3TxaEBjsSHZj5wabALTrecNyZui0YyjN6QVAs0px_xJBcM-7WGb0i-Bqut_mJxf-TD__seqWmr7yJqGjICofB8-U112THNre-k18Dss1_dJG6-04auqW-gecce1WDu8/s1600-h/JonCarmelA.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDkM5Deh1eui0a3TxaEBjsSHZj5wabALTrecNyZui0YyjN6QVAs0px_xJBcM-7WGb0i-Bqut_mJxf-TD__seqWmr7yJqGjICofB8-U112THNre-k18Dss1_dJG6-04auqW-gecce1WDu8/s320/JonCarmelA.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255283422441445298" /></a><br /><br /><embed name="MYsPLAYER.com" src="http://www.MYsPLAYER.com/alienskin.swf?audio1=http://files1.mailboxdrive.com/mp3s/n/nzgoddess@gmail.com/827039.mp3&track1=Lifehouse &end=1&autoplay=OFF&shuffle=OFF&color=000000&textcolor=FFFFFF" quality="high" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="62" width="200"></embed><br /> <br /><br /><br />Jesse couldn’t even remember the drive to the hospital, sitting silently with her hands clasping her knees. Still living in hope she’d wake up and this would all be just a dream. The crank of the handbrake pulled her back to earth with the plain white building they’d parked in front towering over her. Clutching her chest, she felt her heart sink. <br /><br />“Hey, it’s going to be ok…now come on, let’s go see the boy” Richie said squeezing her knee gently.<br /><br />Closing her eyes she took a deep breath, letting her hands relax and pinged open the door. The walk down the long white corridor was a blur despite nurses bustling past and doctor’s muttering scrutinizing clipboards as they went about their business. All oblivious to the woman walking the lonely walk of heartbreak. <br /><br />She waited holding her hands on her arms as Richie asked at the desk where they could find him. After a few disagreements and heated words with the reception clerk he came back over.<br /><br />“Can’t say that the security is bad in here, Jesus Christ” rubbing his forehead he held out his hand. <br /><br />“He’s in ICU, come on Darlin” he took her hand and led her slowly towards the lift. Once inside she sank against the wall gripping the bar behind to stop her legs from giving way completely. He was in ICU, <em>oh god it was bad. And it was all her fault.</em><br /><br />Mazes of corridors and people blended in to one until she was standing in the doorway of the room. Two hands on her shoulders gave her the support she would need to open the door and walk right in there but her hand stilled on the knob. Her heart hammered wildly in her chest as she snicked the door and slowly pushed it open like it weighed a hundred pounds.<br /><br /><em>And there he was.</em><br /><br />Tubes coming from his mouth and arms, the shrill beeping of a heart monitor and the low hiss of the ventilator was all she could hear.<br /><br />Her hand flew to her mouth as she gasped “Oh Jon” was all she could manage. The man that could move mountains and fight through storms was motionless. She blinked away the room as it became blurry.<br /><br />His upper body a kaleidoscope of purple and blues, and the soft lines of his face curved around the cuts and gapes littered across his skin. She pulled away from Richie’s grasp steadying herself on the cold steel bar at the edge of his bed. <em>What has he done to you? Jesus Chris. Oh Jon, my beautiful Jon.</em><br /><br />His chest rose and fell steadily through the help of the plastic tubes, god so much plastic. Picking up his hand she slid slowly down into the chair Richie had pulled across for her. She brought it to her cheek and closed her eyes, desperate to feel any sign of life inside of him. “I’m so sorry baby” she whispered letting the tears free fall, biting back the sobs that threatened to avalanche from her throat. <br /><br />The warmth of his hand offered her little comfort. What was wrong with him? <em>God, please wake up baby. Please. </em><br /><br />“Jess” Richie’s low voice whispered “The doctor’s here” she opened her eyes and laid down his hand carefully, patting it down delicately as if it would break.<br /><br />She turned to look up to a middle aged man standing next to Richie, who only reached his shoulder standing with a clipboard. <br /><br />“Jesse? I’m Dr. Ross. And before we start, it looks worse than it actually is. Most of this is a precaution until Jon comes around…” he began adjusting the thick black rimmed glasses on his nose.<br /><br />“What’s the damage Doc?” Richie asked. <em>Thank God for Richie</em>, Jesse doubted she was capable of stringing a sentence together right now. <br /><br />“He was brought in unconscious and scans have shown he’s had a few blows to the head, but no permanent damage as far as we can see”<br /><br /><em>As far as we can see? What the hell did that mean?</em><br /><br />“So he’ll be ok?” Richie prompted twisting his hand into a fist while the other one stayed firm on Jesse’s shoulder. <br /><br />“He should be, we’ll know for certain when he wakes up” the Doctor confirmed.<br /><br />“So he still could have damage?” Jesse blurted out bring her hand to her neck, the vice around her heart tightening. <em>Oh god, anything but this. Anything.</em><br /><br />“There is a very small possibility but his reflexes and vitals are all excellent, so we’re very hopeful. One of his lungs has had a bit of impact so we’ve put him on the respirator to assist his breathing so he doesn’t have to work as hard to breathe while his body heals” <br /><br />She nodded biting down on her lip, hoping if she bit hard enough she’d wake up. <em>Brain damaged? How would she ever live with herself if that happened, god... how would she tell the kids?</em><br /><br />She looked back at Jon clear surgical tape spanned across his nose “What about this?” she asked pointing.<br /><br />The doctor relaxed his stance folding his arms creasing his white doctor’s coat. “It was out of place, we thought it was broken at first but we’ve just shifted it back into place” he paused “that’s what’s causing the black rings under his eyes that will become darker as the bruising comes up, all normal body responses” he assured them both. <br /><br />“He should be fine, but the next twenty four hours are crucial to just make sure all his vitals stay stable and so his head can given the all clear… we’re confident though” he handed Richie his card “I understand the confidentiality of this, so if there is anything you need or want to ask just give me a call anytime”<br /><br />“Thanks doc, we appreciate that” Richie said before the doctor exited. <br /><br />Stroking Jon’s hand with the tip of her finger she fell quiet again, the numbness radiating through her body, It sounded hopeful but the <em>what ifs</em> kept niggling at the back of her mind.<br /><br />“Jess, did you want me to ring Carol?” Richie asked “Or the kids?”<br /><br />She shook her head “I said I’d do it. I should go back and see them, and explain it to them they deserve nothing less” she said firmly. <em>Especially since it’s my fault their daddy is like this.</em> <br /><br />“Jesse, this is not your fault” Richie said breaking her thoughts. <br /><br />“No, I didn’t actually hurt him but if I’d pressed charges this wouldn’t have happened” she wiped away the tears with the back her hand “Chirst Richie, what if he’d died? What if”- she was pulled up by a pair of strong arms and turned to face him. <br /><br />“Jesse listen to me, don’t play that game. Its over, he’s going to be ok…its Jon he always pulls through you’ll see” he held her shoulders and then shook her gently.<br /><br />“Its not your fault, and he wouldn’t blame you. He’d kick my ass for letting you even think it Darlin, ok?” he asked seriously. She nodded into his soft brown eyes before he pulled her in tight for a hug. “We’ll get through this, I promise you we will”<br /><br />She sighed into his arms before pulling away “Thanks Richie.” The overwhelming urge in her feet was to run, the longer she sat here staring at him she had to go. <br /><br />“Just stay with him, I’ll go and see the kids” she quickly said rubbing her chest. She had to get out. She had to leave. Now.<br /><br />“Jesse wait-“but the door clicked behind her. She ran down the corridor to the exit, the clicks of her heels belting furiously against the lino until she found the safety stairwell. Leaning back, she pressed herself against the cold brick wall. <em>God, how could this be happening? How could she do this to the man she supposedly loved? Sliding to the floor in a heap her hands found her face, and the tears flowed out.</em>Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-54999991937874015342008-10-06T12:08:00.000-07:002008-10-06T12:13:23.963-07:00Ninety-One<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYi5zYameHZMoUBu0qXRHzcvpLf1t4OQOOEs5zH_Y58sEGGLWcPQJ01wbVmcO18SQeHkwOHPZOc3NQDs_QztUT1Hm3ihJECZaLMDed4mz83Trixm6YlNCqIJq1gPRQRWAeCU8rH9xdTmpE/s1600-h/jon1995bj2vx.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYi5zYameHZMoUBu0qXRHzcvpLf1t4OQOOEs5zH_Y58sEGGLWcPQJ01wbVmcO18SQeHkwOHPZOc3NQDs_QztUT1Hm3ihJECZaLMDed4mz83Trixm6YlNCqIJq1gPRQRWAeCU8rH9xdTmpE/s320/jon1995bj2vx.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254120159838314962" /></a><br /><br /><br />Jesse folded herself into Jon's oversized arm chair bringing her knees up to her chest. Closing her eyes she wished somehow she could open them again and this had all been a bad dream. When the light slowly crept back into view, her heart sank in disappointment. This wasn't a dream this was her reality. It was the not knowing that was killing her. Where was he? What was Jason doing with Jon? Just a friendly talk? She wasn't even sure she knew what Jason was capable of anymore. He was a far cry from the man she once was married to. <br /> <br />Leaning forward clasping her hands together over her knees she'd never forgive herself if he was hurt, or worse if…no surely Jason wouldn't be that bad. No, she had to stay strong for him. This was Jon, her Jon so brave, strong willed and her man. No one had ever made her feel like Jon did. After Jason had died Jesse had no idea that she would even feel more for someone than the way she did for Jon now. <br /><br />The buzz of the intercom came, with security guard announcing that the police were here. She quickly moved from the chair and scooped up the scatter of toys on the ground before answering the door. <br /> <br />Two policemen, dressed in full uniform stood there. The tight look and blank expressions of their faces reminded Jesse of when they came to tell her Jason was dead. Clutching her stomach trying to sooth the flip flops, the memory was all to real once more.<br /> <br />"Ms Adams?" the taller one asked. <br /> <br />She nodded "Please come in" she motioned for them to come in, but he remained standing there.<br /> <br />"We've received word of where Mr Bongiovi was, after you reported his call he dialled 911, and we tracked the signal to a warehouse by the docks." He began.<br /> <br />Jesse's feet didn't want to move, her whole body froze at the words, praying to god that the next one's out of his mouth weren't the one's she dreaded. <br /> <br />"We're sorry to tell you but Mr Bongiovi was found passed out, with what paramedics assessed on site as extensive head injuries. He's on his way to hospital now" he explained. <br /> <br />Her breath sucked in and her hands went to her mouth, along with the imaginary kick to her gut. "He's ok though?" she dared to ask. <em>Oh god, anything but this. </em><br /> <br />"I wish we had more news for you, we've detained Mr Adams and he's down at the station and will be until we've collected your statements and verified Mr Bongiovi's condition to what charges we'll press him with. But for now we have kidnapping to hold him with" he confirmed. "You'll be wanting to get to the hospital I'm sure, but we'll need your statement as soon as possible".<br /> <br />The policeman talked a little more but Jesse didn't hear a word she was off in her own world imagining all the awful things that had happened to him. Blinking away the tears she lost herself in the numbness that was slowly taking over her. <br /><br />"M'am?" the officer asked again. <br /><br />She snapped her head up and nodded "I'm sorry..."<br /><br />"It's ok, here is my card, once you see Mr Bongiovi and advise his family are you able to call me tonight, I'd like to get this down as soon as possible. I understand this is difficult for you..." he trailed off. <br /><br />She took the card and slipped it into her pocket "I'll call"<br /><br />"And be advised that also we are using our utmost discretion on this case with Mr Bongiovi's high profile status and all" <br /><br />She again just managed a nod in thanks. What now? Who did she call? What about the kids? Jesus Christ. The officers soon left her in the apartment standing alone. The sudden emptiness she felt was absurd. She knew she needed to call Jon's family so picking up the phone and hitting the speed dial where it read "Mom" she closed her eyes and held her breath. Her dealings with Carol had been limited and somewhat icy.<br /><br />"Hi Jon" she answered. She must have caller id, <em>great.</em><br /><br />"Uh hi Mrs Bongiovi it's Jesse Adam's here" she stammered. What was it about your boyfriends mother that always induced this sort of nervousness?<br /><br />"Jesse? Who...oh Jesse" she said again. Jesse could just picture the way her face changed too. "What can I do for you?" she asked coolly.<br /><br />"It's Jon he's been rushed to hospital..." Jesse bit her lip letting the tears splash like raindrops on the polished surface of the coffee table. <br /><br />"What? What's wrong?" Carol's voice changed to a softer tone. "Jesse what happened?"<br /><br />Keep it together, you've got to. She swallowed the huge lump in her throat that was beginning to form.<br /><br />"He was taken by my ex husband ...and he's, I don't know how bad he is... but I have the kids... and I don't know what to do" she stammered, she rubbed her chin. Did she tell them? How did she even begin to tell them their Daddy was in hospital because of her ex-husband, and worst of all it was because of her. <br /><br />"Honey, Jesse listen to me. I'll be on the next flight there, but I might not get in till tomorrow morning. I'll ring Dot and let her know she'll come if he's bad....ring Richie and he can come and watch the kids, and Jesse....I don't know how much you know but Jon's always had a honesty policy with his kids, so tell them but play it down until we know exactly what's wrong with him ok?" she asked furiously. <br /><br />"Ok, I can do that" she said confidently, she had to for them.<br />"Yes you can, Jesse if you know one thing about my son he's a fighter. And ring me as soon as you get to the hospital, can you do that for me hun?" she asked. <br /><br />Relief swept over her body just a little buoyed Carol was being so helpful "I promise, I'll give you my cell phone number too" she said reading it off to Carol and collecting hers.<br /><br />Once she disconnected the call she dialled Richie and took a deep breath "Richie it's Jess" she explained and in less than ten seconds both Kia and Richie were on their way to her. She dropped the phone back in its cradle before smoothing her hands down her thighs drying the sweat off her palms.<br /><br />You can do this. You've got to be strong for those kids. You owe this to them, to Jon.<br /><br />Once she was inside the living room where the pile of Bongiovi children were all on the couch watching the movie. She smiled and picked up the remote and muted the TV before sitting on the edge of the coffee table opposite them. Cupping her knees she leaned forward.<br /><br />"Kids, there's been an accident and Daddy's had to go to hospital to get fixed up" she tried to explain, twisting with the ends of her sleeves. Stephanie's eyes grew wide along with Jesse's.<br /><br />"Is he ok?" Stephanie asked holding on to Romeo tighter. <br />Jesse nodded "As far as I know, Uncle Richie is coming to look after you while I go and see him" she explained. The two younger boys just remained silent.<br /><br />"Can we come?" Jesse asked her. She closed her eyes and bit her lip "I need to see what's happened first but then maybe Uncle Richie can bring you down..." she suggested. <br /><br />"Daddy needs a band aid?" Jakey asked. <br /><br />"Something like that darling, but the doctors are going to take good care of him right?" she asked cheerfully. When the door went again the two younger boys scrambled for the door knowing it was their Uncle Richie. Jesse and Stephanie stood before her.<br /><br />"It's bad isn't it?" Stephanie asked her, her eyes filled with worry. <br /><br />"I don't know sweetheart honestly" Jesse again found herself biting back a sob "I'm sorry" her voice barely a whisper. She was surprised when Stephanie reached her hand out and squeezed it.<br /><br />"Dad's a fighter" Stephanie said. Just like Carol had said. <em>God I hope he is. I can't lose him, I just can't.</em><br /><br />"I know honey I really do, I think he is too" she said trying to convince herself of that statement. <br /><br />"He'll be ok, you'll see" Jon's son stood before her just every bit as confident as he was. <br /><br />She stood and before she knew she was being engulfed in a running hug from Kia "God Jesse, we got here as soon as possible, Rich is going out of his mind. He won't admit it but he is" she said, Jesse held on tight to her somehow drawing strength of her being here. The crisp floral scent Kia wore wrapped around her "Thank you" Jesse whispered in her ear. <br /><br />"Jess, I'm here, and we're not going anywhere, why don't you get to that hospital and go and see that Jon's just got a few bruises right?" she asked holding Jesse at arms length "Right?" she asked.<br /> <br />A strong pair of arms wrapped around her from behind along with the deep dark scent of spice and citrus. <em>Rich. </em><br /><br />“Have you heard anything more?” Richie asked pressing a kiss to the top of her head. <br /><br />With the room blinded by tears again she shook her head “I need to go there, I need to see him” she whispered. Part of her ached to be there now, but the other dreaded it not wanting to face the reality that he was really hurt. <br /><br />“Why don’t you both go? I can watch the kids” Kia suggested quietly “You need someone there, Rich you need to go baby” she said rubbing his arm. <br /><br />The blur crept in again she couldn’t even face the kids. Seeing four faces that reminded her of the man she loved, worried and scared for their Daddy. <br /><br />“I want to come too” Stephanie spoke up tugging at Richie’s sleeve. <br /><br />Richie smiled and tucked her under her arm “I know you do sweets, but let Jesse and I go first so we can see him and then we’ll come and get you, I promise” he explained. <br /><br />Thank god he understood that, the both needed to make sure that Jon was ok before letting the kids seeing him. Jesse bent down to her knees and pulled Romeo and Jake into her “Don’t you worry boys I’ll be back as soon as possible, you can be strong for Daddy right?” she asked ruffling their hair. <br /><br />Romeo’s little blue eyes went wide and he puffed out his chest “Me strong!” not to be outdone by his older brother Jake did the same and pounded his chest.<br /><br />Smiling through the tears she laughed, how proud Jon would be right now. “Now that’s what I’m talking about. You’ll be good for Auntie Kia? She’s lots of fun” Jesse straightened Romeo’s Bob the builder t-shirt. <br /><br />She stood up and Steph rushed into her arms “Tell him we love him ok?” she asked. Jesse closed her eyes and held onto Jon’s daughter. <br /><br />“I promise, I’ll call as soon as I get there and find out what’s going on ok?” she whispered kissing the top of her head. <br /><br />“Right, let’s head off shall we?” Richie asked. <br /><br />Time to go and face reality.Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-84064852939386130692008-10-04T14:50:00.000-07:002008-10-04T14:58:43.392-07:00Ninety<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPHF3xABhfe4JU4bxFIrlvkouUoAsVnnijXtu5hRcH-YxS35eKsk7oL7YMmShiMtlmniF5FfPivzTTipaHueCyCz-d7FA8f94zuRteX2rdmnzvDgTGUmi7rFhrTsZuj57KAFr97bgnCHN/s1600-h/97Vmussed.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPHF3xABhfe4JU4bxFIrlvkouUoAsVnnijXtu5hRcH-YxS35eKsk7oL7YMmShiMtlmniF5FfPivzTTipaHueCyCz-d7FA8f94zuRteX2rdmnzvDgTGUmi7rFhrTsZuj57KAFr97bgnCHN/s320/97Vmussed.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253419717683034098" /></a><br /> <br />Jon struggled to open his eyes in what seemed like hours later. His head was thick with fog and his mind was drugged lulled into a false sense of security. The illusion of that he really wasn't in some old abandoned warehouse helplessly strewn, still bound on the floor. The bone crushing pressure on his lungs forcing him to heave and work harder, fight for breath. <br /> <br />The light slowly focused, his cheek pressing hard against the cold concrete. "Jess?" he managed. All he wanted was her, to feel her arms around him, her warmth, her scent…that delicious vanilla she always smelt of. The way her hands always stroked his chest after they'd made love, so gentle and loving. His lips curled into a small contented smile just to be overshadowed by the sharp jabbing sensation creeping up his chest into his neck.<br /> <br />His head was shifted by hard leather, focusing again when a boot in front of him came into view. His heart sinking at the reality of where he was.<br /><br />"Jesse is not here Jersey" Jon felt his whole body move upwards as Jason settled the chair back onto all four legs. He leaned down and faced him at eye level, he tried but the focus was fading drifting in and out of consciousness.<br /> <br />"You're a popular boy Jersey, you know that? Your damn phone's been ringing while you've been out." His brown eyes had shifted to a more sadistic, haunting grey.<br /> <br />"Jason what do you want?" he croaked, his head drooped… so tired…<br /> <br />"You know what I want, but right now I need to you call Jesse and tell her you've been held up and you'll be late back. I don't want her calling the police or anything" Jason said holding out the phone.<br /> <br />"Am I fucking dialling with my teeth?" Jon spat. A warm rich honeyed taste was spilling into his mouth, which he had to only assume was his own blood. <br /> <br />"I'll let you go, but I swear to fuck Jersey if you make any move, it'll be over. You know I'll do it" his eyes narrowed and went dark.<br /> <br />Jon nodded, fuck anything to get out of these binds for a start, his wrists were raw and burning. Jason reached over him and untied the knots, Jon’s hands falling loosely to his sides.<br /><br />“Here” Jason held out the phone in Jon’s reach “Call her and if you so much as tell her anything different I’ll cut your throat and you won’t ever see her or your children again, do I make myself clear?” he asked.<br /><br />Jon took the phone and nodded. Flipping it open he hit speed dial and closed his eyes praying that somehow she would know something was wrong. She always did for everything else, knowing when he needed a hug, or to be left alone. She always did.<br /><br />“Jon, thank god!” her voice exclaimed “I’ve been worried sick” Jon’s heart twisted at the sound of her voice breaking. <br /><br />He managed a fake little chuckle, “I know baby, I’m so sorry I didn’t call earlier I just got held up” he said simply. Jon never just gave her a one liner, he’d always be honest and tell her where and why he’d been held up.<br /><br />“What happened? David called from the studio, you never showed there... is everything ok?” she asked lowering her voice.<br /><br />“I’m fine Jesse, I just ran into someone and left my cell phone in the car” another lie. Anyone who knew Jon knew that he never made that mistake. His phone was his livelihood.<br /><br />“Are you coming home now, the boys want pizza...” she laughed lightly. <br /><br />Jon smiled hearing the giggles in the background of his sons chanting pizza, and suddenly craved that he was right there with them. “I’m not sure probably a few more hours, I’m really sorry but you know how it is” he said. <em>Please god let her get it. I’d never blow her off like that.</em><br /><br />“Just a minute boys” he heard Jesse call and then what sounded like the thud of a door closing “Jon, what the hell’s going on?” she whispered “This is not you at all...I’m worried”<br /><br />There it was. Jon closed his eyes, forcing the tears that were pricking beneath his lids away “I’m fine Jesse...its business you know I’ll be back soon... right? I’ve had to meet with Sting...” it was his only shot if she’d get what he meant.<br /><br />“Sting? Why? I mean I know you know each other” there was silence until she spoke again “you mean Sting from the Police?” he heard her breath suck in and the line fell dead silent. <em>She’d got it. Thank god</em>.<br /><br />“Jon, where has he got you? Are you ok....oh my god...” this time her voice did break “I’ll call the police but how will we know where you are? Jon... God I’m so sorry” a sob broke the line. Jon’s eyes closed. Damn Jason to hell and back for this, what it was doing to him but mostly to her.<br /><br />“Jess, so keep strong for those kids you know how much work they are...and I won’t be too far away I promise” he had to keep his voice even or Jason would figure it out and he couldn’t risk it. <br /><br />“I will, I’ll do anything...just stay safe Jon... And don’t do anything stupid with him please...” she begged. The creases at the side of Jason’s face were tightening. He had to let her go before he caught on.<br /><br />“See you soon baby, Love you” and he hung up. It was the hardest thing he had to do to leave her like that but she’d understand. If only he could dial 911 on his phone they’d be able to track where they were. Jon brought his hand up to his nose, staining his skin with the bold red he was now oozing.<br /><br />“Was she suspicious?” he asked Jon. shoving him back roughly into the chair. <br /><br />“No, she knows how my life is” Jon lied keeping all emotion from his voice. <br /><br />“You better not be lying Jersey because if you are I’ll finish you off and then find her and your children. We always wanted kids of our own...so hey here are four of them, instant family huh?” he grinned.<br /><br />Jon’s fingers curled tight into a fist, how fucking dare he? The anger boiled inside him threatened to blow. With one swift motion Jon launched himself out of the chair at Jason, it was too late now he had to do this to save himself and his family. Jason toppled over backwards, surprised by the move which gave Jon the upper hand. When fist connected to jaw Jason’s hoarse voice bellowed, but Jon didn’t stop. Pound after pound he let him have it. <br /><br />The adrenaline raced through his body blinded by the pain he was throbbing with. His head still heavy and unfocused. “Fucking take that asshole...” he grabbed his phone crawling for what he could only assume was the door and punched in 911. Before he had a chance to speak to the operator strong hands gripped at his ankles dragging him backwards.<br /><br />“You fucking just made the biggest mistake of your life Jersey” Jason growled drawing him back towards him.<br /><br />The skittle of his cell phone echoed across the concrete floor, if it could just hold on long enough so they could trace where they were.<br /><br />“Help me!” Jon yelled “I’m being held by Jason Adams” There was no dignity, no grace left here. Jon needed to fight to save his life, and his family.<br /><br />“Fuck you” Jason’s heel stamped down on his lower back, with a snap and a scream Jon kept desperately trying to claw his way across the ground, his nails scraping across the steel cold floor.<br /><br />Jason momentarily let Jon go and scooped up the cell phone now on the other side of the room and ended the call. The line between torture and death and been crossed. Jason wanted nothing more now than to make this bastard pay. <em>I don’t fucking care anymore, he’s going to die. He’s crossed the line, and once he’s gone I’ll have my Jesse. I’ve done my duty, ridding the American People of scum like him.</em><br /><br />At the doorway Jon scrambled up to his feet, wincing as his whole body was aching and screaming internally. Fighting the haze and the fog that once again threatened to engulf him, his legs were turning to jelly. He wouldn’t give into to it, he just couldn’t. He had to get out. For them. <br /><br />Jon tried to shift his body weight against the door to open it. The sound of plastic crushing followed by his thick boots heavy on the ground was heading towards him. The last thing Jon remembered was the firm grip of hands closing around his neck, constricting his breathing before he let the darkness creep in slowly once more. <br /><br />~<br /><br />Jesse stood shaking as the call disconnected. Jason had him, she just knew it. There was nothing normal about that phone call, the way he spoke to her all warmth from his voice was absent and just giving her one liners. When Jon was late he’d profusely apologise to her and tell her ways he’d make it up to her later that night. But not this time. And the Sting comment, the police thank god she’d guessed right. She punched in 911 and waited explaining to the operator the situation, and in moments a police car had been dispatched to the apartment. They were also going to see if they could trace Jon’s cell phone signal by his number encase he’d tried to call them.<br /><br />What the hell was she going to do? The kids were next door, the police on their way. She didn’t want to alarm them but they were going to know something was up. Taking a deep breath she went back in. “Steph can I see you for a minute?” she asked directing her towards the kitchen. <br /><br />She followed Jesse into the kitchen her brow was already creased, god just like when her father did it. “Steph, I need you to take the boys into the other living room where Jesse is, I’ve got the police coming over. “ She ran her hands through her hair, how did she say this without scaring the living daylights out of his daughter? “My ex husband is causing your father and me a bit of grief so I need to talk to them about it, and I don’t want to worry Jakey and Romeo” she said. Honestly that was the truth no need to scare her any further until they knew more. <br /><br />She silently nodded “Is he ok? Are you ok?” she asked. Jesse forced a smile and put her hand on her shoulder.<br /><br />“I’m fine, he’ll be ok...we just need to make sure Jason has charges pressed against him... something I should of... nevermind. If you could do that and when they leave I’ll come and get you. You father is hopefully going to be home in a few, we can have dinner then ok?” she asked cheerfully.<br /><br />“Ok, I’ll take them there but I want to know if anything happens” she said her blue eyes widening.<br /><br />“I promise Steph, promise” she waited till Steph left the kitchen before slumping over the counter biting back the tears that threatened. She’d never forgive herself if something happened to Jon. Never.Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-25457231282712571592008-10-01T16:59:00.000-07:002008-10-01T17:20:36.498-07:00Chapter Eighty-Nine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyE9vpja4SXfygOClSiocma5y51JyQTgW-9JV-9JmdGOrKGt6txcukCxJtKrJ4zTX4UmVr8aPkMjcmqml8mJuGM6BwXWoVFID2Ho3PE0VuGqk48RS56nrFBUc4OXhlBNfmQK_rH2R0L-y7/s1600-h/new-5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyE9vpja4SXfygOClSiocma5y51JyQTgW-9JV-9JmdGOrKGt6txcukCxJtKrJ4zTX4UmVr8aPkMjcmqml8mJuGM6BwXWoVFID2Ho3PE0VuGqk48RS56nrFBUc4OXhlBNfmQK_rH2R0L-y7/s320/new-5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252341861764925618" /></a><br /><br />Jesse looked down at the shiny dial of her watch, Jon had been gone for nearly four hours. She knew in his business things could always be so unpredictable but he usually always sent her a text message or called to say he was being held up. It was past dinner time and she’d held off for as long as could with four kids in the house, two of which were teenagers. <br /><br />“Hungry!” Romeo chanted banging the plastic animal he had securely in his hand against the coffee table. <br /><br />Jesse bent down and ruffled his hair, which was that baby soft beneath her hand “I know sweetie, I’m going to get us all a snack right now, I thought your Daddy might be home by now” she said hiding the worry in her voice. <br /><br />“Daddy’s getting pizza?” Jakey asked her with large blue hopeful eyes. <br /><br />“PIZZAAA!” Romeo chimed in.<br /><br />She chuckled “I have no idea, how about I call him and we find out what he’s doing?” she said picking up the phone from its cradle. She dialled his cell phone number which went rang with no answer till his voicemail clicked in. <br /><br />“Hey baby, just calling to see how things are and what you wanted to do for dinner, I think the boys are set on Pizza for dinner but your call. Call me” she said disconnecting the call. “Ok boys how about I make us some PBJ sandwiches until Daddy calls us back?” she asked. <br /><br />They nodded eagerly so Jesse found the kitchen and started the snack “You want one Steph?” she called back into the living area.<br /><br />Stephanie joined her in the kitchen leaning against the doorframe. “I’m alright thanks, you do know he used to do this all the time and would always come home eventually” she said.<br /><br />Jesse looked up and smiled “Thanks Steph I know he’s probably just held up and if it's anything to do with music we know it can drag on right?” she asked.<br /><br />“All the time” Stephanie rolled her eyes dramatically. <br /><br />Jesse slathered a thick layer of peanut butter across the bread. The sharp shrill of the phone sent the knife clattering to the floor. “Damn” she picked up the phone “Jon?” she asked not caring whether it was going to be or not.<br /><br />“Uh, no m’am I was kind of hoping that he’d be there. It’s David Rivers from Mercury Studios. Mr Bongiovi was dropping in some demos for polishing today and he hasn’t shown up”.<br /><br />Jesse’s heart skipped a beat as she turned around and faced the other way hiding her face from Steph. “Oh right, he left here a few hours ago on his way to you, and he hasn’t come in at all?” Jesse asked twisting the phone cord in her fingers. <br /><br />“No ma’m” David replied professionally. “We tried his cell phone but that went to voicemail”.<br /><br />“Ok, well look when I track him down, and Jon’s a busy man but I’ll tell him to call you when I see him” she said.<br /><br />“Thanks, I appreciate that... you must be Jesse? I don’t think we’ve had a chance to meet but I’m sure we will” he said politely.<br /><br />“I look forward to it David” She said before hanging up. Now what? She couldn’t go look for him with the kids here. <br /><br />“What’s wrong?” Stephanie asked.<br /><br />Jesse popped her knuckle and faced her “That was the studio, your dad didn’t show up. Any ideas what else he might of been doing?” she asked causally. If she could call a few of his business associates maybe someone would know something. Jon was always running into people he knew and would always stop and chat if he could. <br /><br />Stephanie rattled off some other people she knew of that her father did keep in touch with on a regular basis in the city so finding his address book, she set to work. <br /><br />Twenty minutes later she concluded that no one had seen Jon all day. She fingered the hem of her top. God, I hope nothing’s happened to you. The tight knot in her stomach twisted tighter. She had a very bad feeling about this.<br /><br />She quickly scooped up the sandwiches and juice she’d prepared and propped them down near the two young boys before taking something into Jesse who was watching a movie in the other living area. <br /><br />“Thanks” he said when she placed the plate and glass down on the coffee table. He looked up “Are you ok?” he asked. Jesse had been the one that she’d had most trouble trying to connect with. He was polite with her but he’d just been reserved with her, more cautious than anything. Jon had already told her he was just like that and not to take it personally.<br /><br />She forced a smile “I’m fine, your Dad seems to be running later than expected and no one has heard from him, but you know how he gets” she said cheerfully desperately trying to keep the mood buoyed.<br /><br />Reaching out for a sandwich he took a big bite before replying. “Welcome to Mom’s world. He’ll be back he always is” <br /><br />She laughed, they didn’t know about Jason so why would they assume anything different? “That’s what Steph told me too” she smoothed her hands down her sides. “Well if you need anything we’re just out there” she said before turning to leave.<br /><br />“Jess?” he asked quietly.<br /><br />She turned and saw the concern in his eyes “He’ll be ok, you’ll see” he smiled.<br /><br />“I know, thanks Jesse.” She left and walked back to see Romeo and Jake demolishing their sandwiches. <br /><br />“These good!” Romeo exclaimed chewing on his sandwich, his little blue eyes gleaming.<br />She patted him on his sunny blond head “I’m glad you think so little guy” she sat down with them and soon Stephanie joined them. Her heart was racing in her chest, along with her mind. Where the hell was he? She clutched her hands together trying to stop her arms from shaking. <em>When did she call the police? Twenty four hours? God, what if it went for twenty four hours? She’d go insane.</em><br /><br />She turned up the TV and the three of them sat there for half an hour or so watching and eating, her cell phone still clutched in her hand. When it vibrated against her palm she jumped and quickly flipped it open. “Hello?”<br /><br />“Hey girl, sitting on that phone are we?” the bubbly voice teased.<br /><br />She slammed her eyes shut in disappointment. “Kia, hi honey...sorry I just thought it was going to be Jon” she said rubbing her temple with her first two fingers. <br /><br />“Ohh, I’m not good enough now” she scoffed. <br /><br />Jesse wasn’t in the mood for light and fun, which was Kia’s speciality. “Sorry hun, all I meant is Jon has been missing for a few hours and he never turned up to where he was meant to be going. I can’t find him anywhere” she said standing and leaving the kids out of earshot.<br /><br />“Oh Jess, you know how he is though. Richie would be the first to tell you that...” her voice fell soft and sympathetic.<br /><br />Jesse cringed, she’d again had no time to tell Kia what had been happening with Jason. “Well, normally I wouldn’t worry. We’ve got the kids here and that’s going great but we’ve had some problems with Jason” she explained. She snuck into the kitchen and spilled the story out to her best friend. <br /><br />“He did WHAT!” Jesse held the phone out from her ear as Kia’s voice shrieked through it. <br /><br />“I know I know...so that’s why I just might be a little concerned, Jason wouldn’t go after Jon would he?” she asked.<br /><br />“Jesse Adams, I can’t believe you didn’t tell me all this and you never pressed charges? I’m sorry babe, I ‘m with Jon on this one. That is one of the most stupid things you’ve ever done” She closed her eyes. God Kia was right. What the hell had she’d been thinking?<br /><br />“I’m sorry, things just got busy and we had it under control...well I thought I did” she said sadly. If Jon came home tonight, she’d press the charges. God she would. She’d been so blind and she owed it to herself, Jon and the four kids saftey in his place right now. <br /><br />“Jesse, I don’t know if Jason would go after Jon...But it sounds like its a possibility. Look, I’ll get Rich to see if he can locate him ok? I’ll give him a call, he’s out with one of his muso buddies right now, maybe Jon is with them” she brightened her voice with small hope.<br /><br />“That would be great Kia, thanks. And I’m sorry... I should have told you. Then you would have knocked some sense into me. Right then and there” she sighed leaning back against the cupboards gasping when the steel handle jabbed into her back.<br /><br />“Yes, you’re damn right I would of woman. Ok. I’ll ring Rich. See you soon” the call disconnected.<br /><br />She took a deep breath and walked back into the living room where the kids were. “Ok kids, Your Uncle Richie are going to see if he can find Daddy, so we can get some dinner. Meanwhile why don’t we watch a movie” she suggested flopping down in the couch with the remote. She laughed when Jake and Romeo crawled and pushed in each other’s way to climb on the couch next to her. She sat up easing Romeo into her lap. “Easy there, little guy”, while Jake leaned in beside them. <br /><br />Stephanie smiled and curled herself into her father’s leather armchair and they all began to watch the movie. Jesse wasn’t really paying attention, she was praying and hoping that Jon would either walk through that door or call any minute.Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-79887807120980321702008-09-29T11:49:00.000-07:002008-09-29T11:52:14.758-07:00Chapter Eighty-Eight<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOnABiDkvQBx5M4KpETxDq3WMvOR0M8x0CGpSoWBOlB01xlpsXBh5Y2ragZgTUGpxlL6RK3wgwKg0QiLbQCjjgaVwf2x2kcDD7MZXSsFNWihK9gVP99oXO8Fq2cfoLLQ0IhpgHC-eSkNY/s1600-h/jon1995bj2vx.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOnABiDkvQBx5M4KpETxDq3WMvOR0M8x0CGpSoWBOlB01xlpsXBh5Y2ragZgTUGpxlL6RK3wgwKg0QiLbQCjjgaVwf2x2kcDD7MZXSsFNWihK9gVP99oXO8Fq2cfoLLQ0IhpgHC-eSkNY/s320/jon1995bj2vx.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251517716435051586" /></a><br /><br />Jon cracked his eyes open and groaned. The back of his head felt like an anvil had been smashed against it. His eyes focused on the room to rest on a tall figure standing in front of him, Jason. <em>What in the fuck? </em><br /><br />He jolted but he didn't get far, his wrists burning against the rope that had his hands bound at the back of the chair he was seated in. <em>Fuck, he was tied up?</em> How the hell did this happen! <br /><br />Jason knelt down at Jon's level so his face was just inches apart "Well look who's back in the land of the living, take a bit of a fall did we?" he asked, his voice laced with sarcasm.<br /><br />The urge to move forward again reminded him he was immobile.<br /><br />"What the fuck do you want?" he spat. He wasn't showing this bastard any fear. Jason's features were much rougher than he remembered. Coarse stubble grew around his chin, and his face was a mixture of purple and blue from the beating he'd received from Big Tony's crew. His eyes were cut with big black rings shadowing them.<br /><br />Holy shit, Jon gulped. Of course he wasn't stupid, he knew that Big Tony played hardball when it came to this sort of thing but seeing it up close and personal. Jon started to have a very bad feeling about his decision.<br /><br />Jason laughed slapping Jon's cheek lightly "What do I want Jersey? What do I want?" he stood up and paced around him, his movements erratic and unpredictable. <br /><br />Jon heaved when the sole of Jason's boot rammed hard into his stomach almost knocking his chair backwards. "Fuck" he muttered desperately recomposing himself, feeling like his guts were firmly lodged in his throat. <br /><br />"I want you to leave my wife the fuck alone, and I want you to pay" he sneered. He grabbed Jon's chin roughly and made him look at him. <br /><br />"Never" Jon managed "She doesn't want you, and fucked if I'm ever letting a crazy fucker like you near her again" he growled. His hands fisted tightly waiting for the next impact to come and it came with a concrete force kick that nailed the chair back to floor. Jon spluttered the force of the fall winding his lungs. <br /><br />Jason's head came into view above him and his fists squashed into the concrete floor by the weight of his back on them. "Now listen to me Jersey boy. You have no idea who you are dealing with her. First of all, you get someone to do your own fucking dirty work for you? Does Jess know you hired goons to come and beat her husband up?" he asked popping his knuckles.<br /><br />"Ex-husband. You died Jason, she left you behind man" he hissed desperate to grab a breath. Shit, how the fuck was he going to get out of this? He winced as sharp pain split through his middle. <br /><br />Jason stomped his foot down beside his head "Do you want to die Jersey? Because don't even think I won't do it, I'm trained to kill. I could twist your neck in an instant and it'd be good night nurse" he yelled towering over him.<br /><br />The steady drum of his heartbeat drummed in Jon’s ears. "Ok, Ok what do you want from me?" he asked. Fuck, he hated to play the game but he had no fucking choice here. For him, Jesse and his kids.<br /><br />Jason pulled Jon by the collar of his shirt back up so the chair settled back on all four legs. Jon winced; the pain was starting to burn from his belly right to his fingertips. Jason pulled a chair opposite him slung it backwards and straddled it.<br /><br />"I want you to leave my wife alone, so I have a chance to get back with her" he demanded. <br /><br />Jon tried to laugh but managed to splutter as the tightness in his chest was closing around him like a fist. "Jason, I can't make Jesse choose you. It's not how it works, what makes you think if I was to walk away she'd actually consider getting back with you?" he asked seriously. <em>This guy was nuts.</em> <br /><br />"She would, she loves me Jon. We were married for god's sake, she mourned my death and then what you happened to see her one night and recognise she was an easy target? Hmm rock star?" he asked. <br /><br />He had no fucking idea. Where ever this guy had been, he'd been royally fucked up. His whole outlook on life was distorted. "Jason it wasn't like that" he gritted his teeth "If you know Jesse at all you know she’s no easy target. She was very reluctant to take that step away from the life she had with you". <em>Damn him for telling him that.</em><br /><br />Jason chuckled raking a hand through his messy chocolate hair "Oh I just bet and you laid all that rock star charm on her so she couldn't resist you right? What happened to your first wife Jon? Got bored with her?" he'd googled Jon and read about his previous marriage and all the tabloid rumours that had been splashed around. <br /><br />"It's none of your business Jason. It was just over and now I'm in love with Jesse, and I'll do anything to make sure she's safe and happy. Anything" he warned. <br /><br />Jason laughed "Well big words from the man in the chair tied up don't you think?"<br /><br />Jon closed his eyes stamping down the urge to let him have it. But that was useless at this point if he wanted to leave with all his body parts intact. He took a deep breath and exhaled. <br /><br />"Jason, don't you think you need to just let Jesse go and make her own decisions? She’s very capable of that don't you think? You really think a strong woman like her would let me walk all over her? No. I've let her make her own choices..." okay that wasn't entirely true when it came to this nutcase but that was a different story. God she should of arrested him when she had the chance. <br /><br />"Of course I think she's strong. That's why I married her. Let me ask you this Jersey. Have you ever been in so much pain that the only thing that made you kept hope? Kept you alive at night was the woman you loved?" <br /><br />"Well no, I haven't but Jason you've got to" he didn't get a chance to finish when Jason's elbow connected with his nose. The force flipped his head back and the crack in his neck wasn't by any means a good one. <br /><br />"Well its time you learned" he said standing up and walking back over the other side of the room. Jon blinked the pain drilling up his head and the warm feeling of blood trickling down his face. <em>Good fuck, he's really going to kill me.</em><br /><br />The room was spinning but he fought the urge to close his eyes and give in, he couldn't. "Jason, this is not the fucking way" he said quietly. "What do you want? Money? I can help you get a new life? Anything?" <em>Anything but Jesse.</em> <br /><br />Jason laughed "Oh you really are an asshole. Thinks the world can be bought just like that, and to think people like me, risk our lives for people like you to keep your America safe, YOUR America free, and your America yours. Well fuck you Jon. I'm not fighting for people like you, people that have no clue about what life is about. People like Jesse and me who have to spend our whole life working and fighting for what we believe in, what we know is TRUE. Not some fantasy fucking life where you can splash money around and by-pass every single freedom I've fought for. Its people like you Jon" he moved closer the darkness in his eyes slowly creeping in.<br /><br />"Jason you've got it wrong, have you seen what I have been trying to do? I try and use my fame and money to help others. You’re jumping to conclusions here. Yes some celebrities are like that I can't disagree with you. But I am not like that. Do you honestly believe Jesse would agree to marry a guy like me? If you truly believe in her... that she'd marry what you just called me right there?" he asked. Jon jumped when the sound of plastic hurtling into the wall caught him off guard. The bucket that Jason had kicked across the room now spun around at the bottom of the wall. He blinked praying to god he was blinking away the pain that just didn’t want to move from his body.<br /><br />Jason stood and rubbed his hands through his hair, his arms were trembling. Clearly the man wasn’t well and for the first time Jon really did worry about his safety.<br /><br />“I told her to remarry, but I didn’t think she would six months after it god damn happened” he said starting to pace around the room. <br /><br />“Jason. Listen to me. Just because she chose to love me, it doesn’t mean she doesn’t love you. She thought you died! Imagine what she had to do to get through that and then to find out you were actually alive?” Jon asked. The silence in the room was deafening, Jon shivered Jason’s eyes were frantically shifting from side to side erratically. <br /><br />He spun around and back to Jon “Just fuck up asshole” boot once again connected with stomach hurtling Jon backwards, there was a thud as the chair hit the concrete along with the back of Jon’s skull. Jon’s last thought this time was of his fiancé and would he ever get to see her again.Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-65834768533965288162008-09-21T18:52:00.000-07:002008-09-21T18:57:32.268-07:00Chapter Eighty–Seven<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9EmRL61GK1_pvzPrUEWX1NaAmYFD-TcyF0aVJorJp9ZBEjzh270D3h9JC2EF-sKvH-RiE0-6Rl-8e5_IP7t_qP8snhbFUCdCza9ZNao4MaKsAasKl9kki3D24cnTemVt1j7Gq2Z-Q-Zh/s1600-h/jonsept2120082.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9EmRL61GK1_pvzPrUEWX1NaAmYFD-TcyF0aVJorJp9ZBEjzh270D3h9JC2EF-sKvH-RiE0-6Rl-8e5_IP7t_qP8snhbFUCdCza9ZNao4MaKsAasKl9kki3D24cnTemVt1j7Gq2Z-Q-Zh/s320/jonsept2120082.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248658921230307698" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Jason sat with his knees to his chest on the couch, his whole body ached and his head pounded like a jackhammer. He tried to move but winced closing his eyes, the last hour replayed over his mind like a bad movie. <br /><br />He’d been putting out the trash when someone had taken him from behind and lashed out at him, with blows to the stomach and kicks to his knees he’d doubled over on the concrete with pain reminiscent of when he was in the Prisoner of War camp. He came to a little while later sprawled on the concrete in front of his back door and hobbled inside to recover. What sick son of a bitch wanted to do this to him? Maybe someone from the Prisoner of War camp had connections here in New York and had heard he’d been released. <br /><br />He lay back on the couch letting his body settle, the pain still thrumming through his body. God he needed Jesse, he missed her like crazy. She’d be here, fussing over him like she always did. He’d never admit he was feeling sick when they were married but she always had an uncanny way of knowing and looked after him. But no, rock star had made her serve him a restraining order, him her own ex fucking husband. This wasn’t his Jesse’s decision it was his, he just knew it. Jason bolted upright off the couch, his eyes wide with anger when the revelation came strong and fast. <br /><br />“Nooo” His fists clenched at his sides. It made perfect sense. This was that bastard’s doing. He wanted to play hardball did he? The guy couldn’t even come and face him himself, he paid someone to do it. Fuckin coward. He had no idea who he was dealing with and wondered it Jesse knew of his little indiscretion. Jason stood shaking a little regaining composure, suck it up. So he was threatened by him? A dark smile crept on his face the more he thought about it. He saw him as a threat to Jesse. Well he’d show him who not to mess with. Oh yes he would. Time to wipe that million dollar smile right off his fucking face.<br /><br />~<br /><br />“Romeo, Jake stop it” Jon called back into the living room at his two sons over their constant bickering over the TV channel.<br /><br />“He started it” Jake pouted and Romeo’s bottom lip started to tremble. Oh hell here we go, Jon raced back into the living room leaving the coffee brewing in the kitchen. It had been two days of this and already his kids had run amuck in the apartment. He scooped up Romeo in his arms and jiggled him.<br /><br />“Come on Romeo, you want to be brave now and not let your big brother see you cry don’t ya?” he asked with a grin. God knows he knew enough about that growing up with two brothers. Romeo just nodded, his blue eyes threatening with tears. <br /><br />“See... now that’s my boy, Jake pick up this mess please and I’ll make you guys some snacks” he said putting Romeo back down on the floor and heading to the kitchen. He checked his watch, Jesse should be home in a few minutes with Steph from shopping. He dug for his cell phone in his pocket, flipped it open and dialled her number. Ever since yesterday when Big Tony had confirmed that the job had been done by email he’d been just a little weary that Jason just might show up so he’d taken precautions. <br /><br />“Hey baby” her breezy voice greeted him down the phone.<br /><br />“How my two favourite girls doing?” he asked pouring himself a cup of coffee. <br /><br />“Good, we’re just on our way home and I don’t want to alarm you but I think someone’s been following us” Jesse said quietly.<br /><br />Jon’s head jerked up “A guy? About 6”1” he asked. He’d hired personal security and hoped that Jess wouldn’t notice since she was already dead against it.<br /><br />“Well now that you say… Jon… who is he? And if you dare say he’s a bodyguard…” her tone changed from cheery to stern. <br /><br />He sighed “He’s a bodyguard, I had to send him out with you both Jess, please don’t be mad” he pleaded.<br /><br />“We’ll be home soon” and then there was a click and silence. She was pissed. He couldn’t blame her but he wasn’t sorry. If she knew the real reason she’d understand. Who are you kidding? She’d toast your balls if she knew the real reason.<br /><br />He walked up to the second living room where Jesse was busy hammering the shit out of a game centre controller. “Everything ok in here sport? Want something to eat?” he asked popping his head in the doorway. <br /><br />“Yeah thanks” he said still focused on the screen in front of him. Jon chuckled and shook his head. <br /><br />“You wanna a challenge later, you’ve got a driving game in that lot?” he asked. <br /><br />“Sure Dad, so I can kick your butt again?” Jesse asked with a laugh. <br /><br />“We’ll see about that, I’ll be back J” he walked quickly back to the other room where Romeo was now interested in the toy cars littered all across the floor and Jake was watching the wiggles.<br /><br />“Ok boys snacks coming” he headed back to the kitchen and prepared some PBJ sandwiches until the sound of the front door opened and Stephanie joined him in the kitchen arms loaded with bags.<br /><br />“Have fun did we?” he asked waving the knife at all her bags “Making your father bankrupt” he teased, he’d given Jesse one of his charge cards to use for Steph. <br /><br />“Jesse told me too, and FYI… you are so in trouble Dad” she grinned. <br /><br />Jon’s brow lifted “Oh I am?” he asked innocently “She’ll be ok, you know me Steph one smile and they all melt” he laughed. <br /><br />“Is that right?” came the voice from the doorway, Jon looked into the eyes of his fiancé with one Romeo attached to her hand. He smiled, his son seemed to be growing a little attachment to Jesse, proclaiming her last night as the best story reader ever when she read Jake and Romeo a bedtime story.<br /><br />“Hey baby we didn’t need anymore little boys from the mall you know” he teased trying to keep the mood light in front of the kids. <br /><br />Jesse just laughed “He’s hungry, Daddy’s not doing a good job feeding his sons” she grabbed a half of sandwich off the counter and gave it to Romeo “Here you go lil guy” <br /><br />“Not little” Romeo pouted chewing on the corner of the sandwich. <br /><br />“Steph, can you take your brother into the living room, I need a word with your father” she asked. She raised her own eyebrow daring Jon to say anything differently but he just nodded at Steph.<br /><br />“Sure Jess” she said taking Romeo’s hand “Told you Dad” <br /><br />Jon reached out his arms for her but she stood and folded her arms “A bodyguard? I told you Jon that was ridiculous…he’s not coming back; he’s got a restraining order remember? He wouldn’t be so stupid and besides... it kind of helps for me to know these things when I am out with your daughter, what if I thought it was someone after us for her?” she asked feeling her lips go tight. <br /><br />Jon moved forward and rubbed his hands down her arms “I’m sorry I should have told you, that was dumb. I had to do it, I feel better knowing you’re both out there without me, protected” he said gently. <br /><br />Jesse rolled her eyes “Jon, I understand that but you’ve got to tell me these things ok…?” she asked giving up the stance and easing her arms around his waist. <br /><br />He nuzzled his nose into her hair breathing in her scent, vanilla and woman one he would never get sick of “I promise” he said. Apart from one thing. It was over and taken care of so as long as Jason stayed out of view so she didn’t need to know that. <br /><br />She turned her head and met his lips in a soft kiss “I’m really enjoying having the kids here” she said. She’d surprised herself over the last couple of days how easily she’d fitted into the role of joint caregiver beside Jon. They were great kids and she’d spent a lot of time with Steph mainly talking about fashion. Jesse kept to himself happy to play his games or use the internet on Jon’s laptop and the little boys were adorable. <br /><br />“I told you that you didn’t have anything to worry about baby… they like you... and in time will love you, its too hard not to” he whispered, his hot breath just hovering over her lips.<br /><br />“Greaser” she whispered meeting the kiss finding her fingers teasing the hair at the base of his neck. <br /><br />“Uh huh…” his lips shifted down the arch of her neck, god in one moment his sexual intensity could break her.<br /><br />“I’d love to stay all day and do this but I need to run out and deliver those demos across to the studio, I promised I’d have them up there before Monday for production” the album was almost done and they were in the polishing stages. His mouth moved across her shoulder “I don’t want to go...” his tongue swirled out into the dip of her collarbone “but I need to go…” he looked back into her eyes and smiled “You be ok with the kids for an hour or two?” he asked grazing his thumb across her cheek. <br /><br />She nodded “Sure we will, Romeo wants to show me his cars” she said excitedly. <br /><br />Jon chuckled “Good, I won’t be long baby, coffee’s ready” he playfully slapped her on the ass before leaving her in the kitchen. <br /><br />She heard him holler a “Bye Kids” and then he was gone. <br /><br />Jon drove to the studio and parked up before walking up to the double doors, he was a little late than expected and had left Jones back outside the apartment to guard the place of anyone that managed to get past the doorman. Feeling confident that the situation was under control he strolled to the door, but instead of the shiny metal door coming up to meet him, a swift blow behind him meant it was the grey asphalt of the pavement before the world went black.Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-52190346217682453352008-09-13T12:31:00.000-07:002008-09-13T12:41:32.585-07:00Chapter Eighty-Six<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoTywIWCVp-zwpEz4W9a7M7QESxKfnJsep58M74cYgF4BqYFgq_wZWPseEoVcIkmrXJfkrf-pBpSq2WeHXLHqzhQtvMbBbZZK57t-f4YyqeWZ05x0PAOALJNrDt4wbirYbeVCK8fEAT5T/s1600-h/jonjuly720083.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoTywIWCVp-zwpEz4W9a7M7QESxKfnJsep58M74cYgF4BqYFgq_wZWPseEoVcIkmrXJfkrf-pBpSq2WeHXLHqzhQtvMbBbZZK57t-f4YyqeWZ05x0PAOALJNrDt4wbirYbeVCK8fEAT5T/s400/jonjuly720083.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245592624981746498" /></a><br />Chapter Eighty – Six<br /> <br />Jon spent the next thirty minutes up in his study tiding up emails, accepting and declining appointments. Finally satisfied he was at least back in some form of control he went to close his laptop but stopped midway. Jesse wasn't going lay charges, he couldn't do anything in the world to convince her. She was too much like himself at times , he grinned that’s why he loved her. When her mind was made up it was made up. She obviously felt just too strongly on this one. Jon hated it, he was trying so hard to accept it, short of sexually manipulating her further there wasn't going to be much he could do to change her mind. <br /> <br />Rubbing his hand against his chin he thought for a second of ringing Big Tony, a guy who he wasn't proud to know. A few years ago when Jon was receiving death threats from a crazed boyfriend of a fan, he had Big Tony deal to the situation when the police failed to give him any confidence in the situation. It wasn't his proudest moment but he had a family to protect, not just himself and now the situation called for it again. <br /> <br />Jon closed the door to the study and picked up his cell phone dialling the number sucking is his breath. It wasn’t until a thick Italian voice answered he let it go.<br /> <br />"Hello, Tony speaking" <br /> <br />Jon's heart hammered loudly against his ribs, no going back now. "Big Tony, it's Jon Bongiovi, long time no talk" he said staring out the window and shoving his spare hand in his jeans pocket.<br /> <br />"Heyyy Jonny boy, how you doin’? Keeping out of trouble?" Tony asked. <br /> <br />"Yeah, I'm doing fine Tony what about you?" dumb question, he worked for the mob, Tony's life never revolved around keeping out of trouble.<br /> <br />"You know how it goes, can't discuss that but things are on the slow at the moment, what brings you to call though Jonny boy? Having some problems?"<br /> <br />Jon cringed "Yeah, I have a ex-husband that's gone a little crazy on my now fiancé, who I love dearly and she wont press charges against him. I doubt my word against his is going to mean shit... so... yeah" Jon trailed off hoping Tony would read between the lines.<br /> <br />A raspy chuckle vibrated down the phone "I see, so you want someone to pay this guy a visit…, what are you talking? Threats? A bit of rough up?" Tony asked. Jon would never get a hit done and Big Tony knew that.<br /> <br />"Yeah just enough to make him leave her the hell alone, he nearly god damned raped her in the parking lot of her apartment" Jon spat, the anger still very fresh in his veins.<br /> <br />"Ouch, well in that case, I'll reserve a little something special for him. So consider it done, for a fee" Big Tony replied. <br /> <br />Jon snorted "Of course, just send me the email details of the account you want it transferred into and the amount and consider it done" <br /> <br />"Well interest has gone up, but I like you Jonny so we'll keep the same price as last time." <br /> <br />"Thanks Big Tony, I appreciate it, I'll send you the details of who he is and where he lives, and as usual this is strictly confidential" Jon said sternly. Jesse would kill him if she knew he was doing this. <br /> <br />"Jonny, I'm insulted! this is me Big Tones, you're money is as good as my word you know that"<br /> <br />Jon chuckled "I know, thank you Tony, I appreciate this. He can’t get away with this. I won't let it happen. You don't mess with my family and get off clean with a just a fucking restraining order" he said.<br /> <br />Tony laughed "You know Jon if you ever need a career change we could do with a guy like you" Jon knew he was kidding but had to laugh. <br /> <br />"I'll keep that in mind, I've got go to man but I'll be in touch"<br /> <br />"Ciao Jonny" Tony said and then there was silence. Jon closed his cell phone and then quickly filled out the details on the email that Tony would need. He then closed everything down and let out and took a deep breath. Slightly guilty but he was used to taking things into his own hands and if this is how it had to be so be it. <br /> <br />He walked back downstairs in time to see Jesse placing the cutlery on the table she'd set. She didn't look up at him, instead she went back to the kitchen and brought the two plates out and put them down without saying a word.<br /><br />"Just in time huh?" he grinned walking over and planting a kiss on her temple "Looks great baby, let me pour us some wine" he said picking up the bottle of red she'd chosen and poured them both two glasses. <br /> <br />He shifted and slid into the chair opposite her and with his fork speared some chicken.“This tastes divine baby, we’ll keep you on” he winked.<br /><br />Jesse smiled and took a sip of her wine. He was acting like nothing had happened? He’d accosted her in the kitchen, made her orgasm along with some threatening words and now just acted like it was an everyday occurrence? She wanted to throw down her fork at him but she remained calm. <em>He just is doing what he thinks best, that’s all Jess. Just let it go.</em> But damn she couldn’t.<br /><br />“Jon about before” she began, shit she’d said it, <em>no backing out now.</em><br /><br />He continued eating “Mmm, What about it baby?” he asked. He didn’t even flinch for a second, she watched him continue to tuck into his dinner. He finally looked up and waved his fork around “What about it?” his steady blue gaze settled on hers.<br /><br />She picked up her napkin and brought it to her lips, “I was going to let this go, I really was but where the hell do you get off doing what you just did to me in there?” she spat throwing the napkin back down on the table.<br /><br />“What? You enjoyed it? Yes?” he asked continuing to eat.<br /><br />She was going to blow, how could he think it was just ok? “SO sexual manipulation is one of your strong points is it? Anything else I should know about that you do when you don’t get your own way before I marry you?” she pushed back her chair and stood up, the clatter of her cutlery hitting the plate. She couldn’t stand how he was acting like nothing was wrong.<br /><br />Jon bolted upright and grabbed her arm before she headed away “Jess” he said softly. He pulled her into his embrace and held her tightly, her cheek brushed against the fibres of his shirt. “I’m sorry I came across like that, I can’t help myself when I feel strongly about something and especially this” his hand stroked her hair curling a lone strand around her ear. “I don’t understand but I’ll let it go for now” Jon closed his eyes, <em>only because I’ve dealt with it myself.</em><br /><br />He pulled her back and cupped her chin; the twist in his heart at her gorgeous big brown eyes looking so sad hit him. “It’s only because I love you so damn much, you know that don’t you?” he asked with the pad of his thumb he caressed her cheek. <br /><br />She nodded “I know Jon, it’s just...” she closed her eyes. She didn’t even know why she still felt the need to protect Jason like she was.<br /><br />“It’s ok Jesse, you have the right to feel what you do, I can’t change that but god, just promise me that if anything happens. Or if he tries to see you... anything, you call the police.” He swallowed “I love you too damn much to see anything happen to you ok?” he asked. <em>I’d never forgive myself.</em><br /><br />She quickly nodded “I promise I will Jon. I’m sorry I know you want me to do it..."<br /><br />He placed a finger against her lips “Shhh, it’s over now ok. I’m going to accept this but we’re going to be careful and we have to be extra careful around the kids ok, I told you Dot was going away didn’t I?” he asked her. With at that had been going on he couldn’t remember.<br /><br />She nodded “I didn’t think it was this soon though?” she asked surprised, her mind suddenly focused on the fact she would have four children to help Jon look after. <br /><br />“It’s for a week starting Saturday, she’s off to Los Angeles to catch up with an old friend who’s sick. So we get to play parents for the week” he chuckled “You will see me in FULL Dad mode” he teased pressing his lips against her nose.<br /><br />She laughed and brought her hands up around his neck, the tips of her fingers teasing the hair at his nape. “Full daddy mode huh? Does Daddy get angry?” she asked, a mischievous smirk breaking out on her lips. <br /><br />She felt the warmness of his body press against hers, and the soft scrape of lips down the side of her neck up to her earlobe “Daddy gets very angry” he whispered nibbling on her lobe.<br /><br />Shivers racked down her body at his low husky voice teasing her. She’d still be so angry if she didn’t love him so much and knew he was only trying to protect her the way he knew how. Her lips found his in a sensual kiss, “I love you Jon”<br /><br />“I love you too Jess” and that’s why I had to protect you even if you wouldn’t. You’ll understand one day. <em>I never let things take to chance. Never.</em>Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-1598243309185034212008-09-07T19:45:00.000-07:002008-09-07T20:08:38.423-07:00Chapter Eighty-Five<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV09zOLMKO8wgiJ07TaxlU-vAy4inrDXeLAJS978sBJA0xTClBsqNObYYBJfWNHIBYJ4b9g_IOiO4oGhkAEyQc7QH7WARSdObEtI6eJoyouTMJm0TuQ_k7KSEacwxrS25ijXO0S8GYahyW/s1600-h/37.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV09zOLMKO8wgiJ07TaxlU-vAy4inrDXeLAJS978sBJA0xTClBsqNObYYBJfWNHIBYJ4b9g_IOiO4oGhkAEyQc7QH7WARSdObEtI6eJoyouTMJm0TuQ_k7KSEacwxrS25ijXO0S8GYahyW/s400/37.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243480731137656738" /></a><br /><br /><br />It was a little while later that Jesse woke to a rapping sound coming from the door downstairs. She rolled her head lazily over to see Jon was nestled securely behind her, his leg was curled over her leg and his right hand still cupping her breast protectively as he slept. <br /><br />“Jon” she whispered “We’ve got to get the door” her voice still a little shallow. <br /><br />Sleepy Blue eyes peaked through his closed eye lids along with a small yawn and his tongue flickered out and moistened his lips. His gaze finally focused on the mussed up woman that lay in his arms before the last few hours came rushing back through his mind. “Baby it will be the police” he said planting a kiss on her forehead before shifting from her to grab his jeans and pull on his top before padding back down the stairs to the door. <br /><br />Groaning at the void he’d left moving from her she slid out of bed and grabbed her clothes redressing quickly, tying her hair back up in a loose ponytail she gave herself a once over in the large mirror on the tallboy before sliding on her shoes and joining him downstairs. Time to face reality. <br /><br />Jon had already let in the two policemen that towered over him into the living area. The older one with many years of experience ingrained on his face tilted his hat at her “Good evening m’am I’m Sergeant Robson, Mr Bongiovi tells us that you’d like to get a restraining order and lay an assault complaint against your ex-husband that attacked you today” the way he spoke about it like it was an every day occurrence blew her away.<br /><br />She nodded and looked over at Jon “Restraining order yes, I haven’t decided on the charges” Jon’s eyes closed and his lips muttered more than likely a curse word.<br /><br />“Jesse we discussed this” he said calmly recomposing himself. Jesus Christ. <br /><br />“No you did. This is my decision” she turned back to the policeman “So what do I need to do for this restraining order?” she asked. <br /><br />Sergeant Robson pulled the papers out of an A4 leather bound folder and placed them on the table along with a pen. “Just these and we can file it straight away” he paused before speaking again “are you sure about the charges? From what Mr Bongiovi has told us you have grounds to do this, often charges scare the attacker into backing down” he explained. <br /><br />She shook her head “Not at the moment, I’m filling this in and then that’s it” she said walking over to the table leaving Jon in her wake. He lifted his hand to his face and mulled for a bit. She could make him just about crazy doing this, god if only he had seen it, then he’d lay the damn fucking charges himself as a witness.<br /><br />Jesse filled out the necessary paper work and signed everything she needed to, it was done. She now had a restraining order on her ex-husband. <br /><br />“Ok, well just give us a call if you want to discuss or change your mind about those charges, and if he tries anything once he’s been served the papers you call the police straight away” The sergeant instructed. <br /><br />She nodded as the two policemen left. Jon had fallen strangely quiet but behind those blue eyes she just knew he was brooding. “Shall I start some dinner?” she asked trying to break the silence. <br /><br />“Yeah we should eat it’s been a long day” he watched her disappear into his kitchen and poke around in the freezer which was always well stocked. He followed her and leaned against the doorframe. So many things he wanted to say but he didn’t so he just watched her decide over what he had in the freezer.<br /><br />“Steak ok?” she asked not looking up. She could feel the displeasure that was in his stare already but she ignored it.<br /><br />He nodded not saying much else, he was too busy sulking that he didn’t take reins and make her press the charges. She went about cutting the steak and shifting it into a greased hot pan while she prepared the vegetables. <br /><br />“So Stephanie enjoyed being at my office? She seemed to have fun, she’s a great girl Jon” Jesse asked dicing the carrots and throwing them in a wok along with the broccoli and onions. <br /><br />He managed a small grin “Yeah she did, couldn’t stop talking about you and George, he made an impression on her as well” Least that was one good thing, Stephanie hadn’t been able to shut up about her day, even to her mother which in turn would help Dot accept Jesse as a part of his life.<br /><br />Jesse chuckled “Well he usually does my George, he’s my right hand man, just like Richie is to you” she explained. Satisfied with the dinner cooking away she reached into where she knew Jon kept the wine and chose a bottle of Merlot and grabbed two wine glasses. She knifed the cork and poured the wine.<br /><br />“He seems a bit of a character” Jon commented accepting the glass from her and bringing it to his lips. <br /><br />“Oh he is, he’s been there from the start with me, he has great ideas and we gel so well on the same styles of clothes, everything, even men” she teased.<br /><br />Jon placed his glass on the granite surface, “how long are you going to pretend everything is ok Jess?” he asked. <br /><br />Jesse looked up at him, here we go. She sighed “I knew you weren’t over this, I could see you brewing the minute the police left” she muttered. “Jon-“<br /><br />“No Jess, its time for you to listen. I’m not used to seeing my family, and that includes you, making stupid mistakes when I know it can be fixed” he explained walking closer to her, he leaned forward and placed his hands on her hips, tempted to take her right now he tried to continue with his point.<br /><br />“Jon” she began the smell of his cologne mixed with the fragrant basil and oregano she’d thrown into the wok as he came closer pressing his body against hers. How long was this going to go on? Until she gave in?<br /><br />“Jess, please, he needs to learn to be punished for what he did, I’m so close to calling some guys I know, to go and pay him a little visit” he whispered his lips fluttering over hers. <br /><br />Her eyes widened “You wouldn’t do that?” she asked horrified he’d even thought of it. <br /><br />“No one fucks with my family, I told you that, and if I can’t get you to press charges against the bastard, I will take it into my own hands to ensure he’ll never hurt you again” his lips coasted down the arch of her neck. <br /><br />There was something overwhelmingly sexy yet scary about the way he was talking, it was the darker side of Jon that she didn’t know existed. Her hands gripped the back of his neck, and his hands kept roaming her body, when one hand slipped up her thigh to inching towards her centre. “Jon please…”<br /><br />“I will protect you” a finger slid home letting a small cry fall from her lips. <br /><br />“I won’t let anyone hurt you again” a second finger slipped past the scrap of lace penetrating her, coated with her slick juices he began to pump slowly.<br /><br />“God, Jon… the dinner…” she managed to get out, the sizzling of the steak beside her and the buzzing in her brain that was about to make her collapse <br />, god she wanted him now, her nipples hardened against the soft material of her bra, craving to be suckled by his lips. His tight groin ground up against her telling her he was ready too.<br /><br />“Never” he whispered sucking on her ear lobe as the third finger slipped past the heated flesh causing her to groan. “Do you understand me?” he asked her nibbling along her slender jaw line and back around to her full lips. “Let me protect you Jess, please” he begged. The fire in his kiss consumed her.<br /><br />The rocking of her body against his hand built momentum, feeling her whole start to body tighten, awakening under his spell. “Please…Jon” this time it was a plea to let her cum, not to stop. “Please” she breathed. <br /><br />“That’s it baby, let it all go, you don’t want to burn dinner now do you? I’m not stopping till you do” his words still silkily dark but teasing. He went deeper and faster until her body clenched around his hand and the release ripped from her throat. <br /><br />She slumped over his shoulder, panting, catching her breath back, speechless. He removed his hand from her and straightened up. “I need to make some calls, let me know when dinner is done ok?” he kissed her forehead and turned to walk away. She nodded watching him leave, what the hell just happened here? She shakily pulled herself together and went back to stirring the wok. Maybe she had made a mistake not laying the charges, just maybe.Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-53910781596778046052008-09-03T19:02:00.000-07:002008-09-03T22:29:32.417-07:00Chapter-Eighty Four<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTiudz0jaRoJTjr64L4sQule8BnZOScsyt0ch1vO-Gagb2CdnJXwaucaCbTuzGkltYPenWyOmbNP2efkPaOJGo-Fh50v8F-koKS9qgs7elZUH4E21sSVCAV7zmRS-xgwzYhvHPE5eCWbkE/s1600-h/WOW.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTiudz0jaRoJTjr64L4sQule8BnZOScsyt0ch1vO-Gagb2CdnJXwaucaCbTuzGkltYPenWyOmbNP2efkPaOJGo-Fh50v8F-koKS9qgs7elZUH4E21sSVCAV7zmRS-xgwzYhvHPE5eCWbkE/s400/WOW.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241981335354446530" /></a><br /><br /><br />Jon sat thinking long and hard about the day’s events, the sadness in Jesse’s eyes still burning through his mind. What the hell was he doing? Sitting out here alone when downstairs the woman he loved and cared about more in the world was trying to deal with an ex-husband that was psycho. Fuck he was an idiot sometimes. He got to his feet and bounced down the stairs to an empty living room. A small shred of panic flickered through him thinking she’d left but relief soon set in when he saw her lone figure sitting out on the balcony. <br /><br />He crept over to the sliding door that was slightly ajar and watched her silently. The cool night breeze teased her long brown waves of hair that fell loosely around her shoulders. Her large brown eyes that he forever could get lost in were hidden as her eyes were closed, she was asleep. Jon could see the remains of the silvery tracks that still glistened down her cheeks against the reflection of the city lights.<br /><br />He walked over and lifted her gently into his arms she stirred a little, her eyes fluttering open meeting his. “It’s ok baby, just taking you up to bed” he whispered nosing into her hair. The smell of that vanilla mixed in with woman danced across his nostrils, she was insatiable. <br /><br />Her arms snaked around his neck and held on as he carried her to the bedroom. She pulled him down into her when he laid her down needing his warmth and comfort. The need to be with him, feel his touch raced through her nerves. She reached up and kissed him, his lips were always so full and softer than you expected. Drawing his bottom lip into her mouth she sucked hard eliciting a small groan from him. <br /><br />His hands found the hem of her top inching it north. He laid claim on her skin with his lips, sucking and nipping across the silky skin following his hands. She groaned inwardly as he found the clasp her bra setting her breasts free and at the mercy of his mouth. Teasing circular motions around her nipple it hardened in his mouth making it easier to suckle on. Her body arched high into him, feeling her hands fist into his hair silently begging him for more. <br /><br />There was to be nothing rushed about this time, this was about showing her how much he loved her, and how she deserved to be loved. Moving to the other breast his thumb scraped along her wet hard nipple he’d released from his mouth. “That’s it, let go to me Jess” he breathed over the delicate flesh. The tormented moans began to slip from her mouth as he kept the sweet torture building. <br /><br />“Jon” she managed to choke out on a sob, he was driving her over the edge, she wanted more, god did she want more. She needed him to fill her up and push her all the way to the bottom of the cliff that she was teetering on but still his assault on her breasts kept her pinned to the bed.<br /><br />Finally his lips offered relief, but the way his body crawled down hers indicating it was only going to be momentarily. The desire burnt bright in his blue eyes which he kept firmly on hers hitching her skirt up. She gasped when he drew a singular line down the centre of her silk g-string teasing her of what would come next. <br /><br />“Please…” she wiggled to move closer to him to deter him into some urgency but he just shook his head and nosed his way along her inner thigh letting his tongue slide out to taste her still denying her of the one thing that she was fawning for.<br /><br />All thoughts were long forgotten of stand-offs in parking lots and dark eyed ex-husbands when his tongue pressed past the fabric barrier and she felt the warm slick feeling of his tongue slide into her knot of nerves. She arched further into him, a sense of surrender letting him know she was his for the taking.<br /><br />The rich heady taste of her made his cock twitch still tightly confided in his jeans below. He’d get his release, oh yes he would but right now it was about driving her to distraction. Her own hand was desperately reaching for him but all she could grab was hair so she gave up and reached for her breast rubbing her nipple against her palm to strengthen already the mind blowing sensation she was about to let burst through her blood. <br /><br />The first release ripped violently sending shocks radiating to her toes which curled from the waves of pleasure that washed over her. Jon waited letting quivers and jolts settle before he continued.<br /><br />He was going for more? Fuck. “Jon... Please...” she tugged at his hair to motion him back up to her but he ignored it. His fingers slid inside her, one, two and then three causing her breathing to become shallow and her voice start to become hoarse. <br /><br />Leaning up he placed a kiss on her stomach “Soon” he offered before continuing to flex inside her reaching parts of her that he knew drove her crazy. Desperate to let the next orgasm he watched her cupping her breasts again in an effort to build the feeling faster but Jon reached up and batted away her hands. “No cheating Jesse... just let yourself give in to it…”<br /><br />“I want you” she breathed thrashing her head from side to side against the pillow, sweaty strands plastered her cheeks her teeth bit down on her bottom lip concentrating on what the man she had submitted everything to he was doing. Each flick of his finger penetrated her more taking her higher till at last she was set free once again. <br /><br />Her warm sticky juices flooded his hands taking great pride in the way she screamed through the room and almost flew to the ceiling from his magic. Her stilted body lay panting, desperate for air. Clutching across at the sheets bunching them under her hands, she was wrecked. Well and truly spent but why did she still crave more?<br /><br />The heat of his kisses travelled all the way back up her body while taking time to treat each dent, each curve with the ruthlessness of his tongue. Her nipples were aching and raw from his touches but that didn’t stop him paying them a little flick and nibble that made her think her eyes would roll right back into her head. She was ready to go again? Christ. <br /><br />At last his lips crashed on hers, hungry and swollen from all his hard work. Her hands shifted to his buckle, and with a short flick it hit the ground with a thud. Kissing him still her hands slid his jeans slowly down over the curve of his ass digging her nails in tightly.<br /><br />“In me” she managed between kisses “in me now” her voice commanded the consciousness that now was stirring in his cock.<br /><br />He wrestled with his clothes and soon they were all but a pool on the floor. Hovering above her he gazed over her body taking her all in, she was restless for him and god damn if he wasn’t for her. He needed her now, needed to erase all that tension and fear of the day. <br /><br />She cried out slapping her hands on his shoulders when he entered her, a whirlpool of emotions flooding her. She nibbled along that rigid jaw line, licking the dip in his chin before drawing on his lips once more and he began to move in her. It was heat on heat as she met him thrust for thrust. Each raggered breath she could muster between the long hot kisses sent cries, groans and undoubtedly would be soon screams into the room.<br /><br />He hissed feeling the pain soon that was soon overridden by pleasure by her nails sinking further into his skin. “Harder, I need it harder”<br /><br />Sweat poured off his temples splashing onto her body like raindrops when he increased the pace. He ran his hand down the underside of her calf before lifting it across his shoulder. <br /><br />“God Jon!” she cried the hysteria already at breaking point in her brain, she couldn’t take much more. She couldn’t. Jon felt her clench down around his cock and grunted before he stopped, she was ready and so was he but he need to see her, see her enjoy him. He rolled her so the coolness of the sheets hit his back and she was now riding above him. <br /><br />“Let me see you cum, I need to see it” his eyes filled with a deep hunger inviting her to move. <br /><br />She leaned forward taking him deeper beginning to rock, her hands splayed on his chest through the soft fur that lay there. Making sure her thumbs occasionally flicked across his rock hard nipples she closed her eyes and lost herself in the feeling of tight fist wrapped around a hard shaft beneath her. <br /><br />She was a vision and a half lost in the moment above him, her hair now dishevelled her body rising in a dance, his hands gripping her hips to guide her. He bucked her with each fall of her body till the explosion gripped them screaming each others names. <br /><br />His hot seed shot through her and then she tumbled, destroyed and well spent falling into the covers with him. He held her close steadying his breathing waiting to come down from the incredible high they’d both experienced. <br /><br />“Good fuck” she muttered, her heart still hammering loudly against her chest.<br /><br />Taking a deep breath he pulled her in close “I concur” he kissed her forehead. Sated and sleepy they both soon rested in each others arms. Jesse just managing to hear his voice before she drifted into a contented sleep.<br /><br />“I’ll never let him hurt you, never”Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-51626574537213844312008-09-02T17:03:00.000-07:002008-09-02T17:09:59.209-07:00Chapter Eighty-Three<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxQux5t_I8Y0-W_tJlbRrjcmR8RiZFrL9UUWOXcJXFvXPw-E4RaqRH2B4_dP04mydzsXG6_vTw_2Gobf7RYafuCCjEe40dPOb2QMX6vVGRGU1K9FhQ7lC17gVyMQ4tfQMjxY3h6mi6idu/s1600-h/1jon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxQux5t_I8Y0-W_tJlbRrjcmR8RiZFrL9UUWOXcJXFvXPw-E4RaqRH2B4_dP04mydzsXG6_vTw_2Gobf7RYafuCCjEe40dPOb2QMX6vVGRGU1K9FhQ7lC17gVyMQ4tfQMjxY3h6mi6idu/s400/1jon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241579599289172514" /></a><br /><br />Jon stood defiant in the parking lot waiting for the next move. “Well come on, show your face Jason, I know you’re out there” he shouted the echo of his voice bouncing back at him. <br /><br />With a lazy smirk on his face Jason stood up from where he was concealed behind a station wagon. So he wanted to play, he wanted to be the man in front of Jesse and prove himself as chief protector. Jason walked around showing himself to Jon standing a few metres from him.<br /><br />Jason was much bigger than him, his tall frame shadow easily creeping over Jon. Jon didn’t care, the very sight of the man in all his smugness was enough to make Jon want to lunge at him and pound him mercilessly into to the floor. <br /><br />“Keep the fuck away from Jesse, if you ever so much breathe on her again, you’ll wish that you were still locked away in the Prisoner of War Camp” the words rocketed out of him and hit Jason hard in the chest. <br /><br />His fists tightened and his chest clenched <em>Oh no he fucking just didn’t</em>. His eyes narrowed but still holding his ground he spoke fiercely.<br /><br />“What gives you the right Rock-star to come waltzing back in here like you’re better than the rest of us? Converting my Jesse to your twisted ways of the world. She’s better than that, she’s better than all of you and your fake rich buddies” <br /><br />Jesse sat poised in the car, her cell-phone still clutched firmly in her hand. She should have called the police but her eyes were still firmly glued to the two man stand off that was happening right in front of her. Jason could really hurt Jon, she knew exactly what he was trained in. Her slender body was beginning to shake with fear so she couldn’t just sit there and just wait it out. <br /><br />“What gives you the fucking right to overpower a woman when you know she can’t defend herself? Only a coward does that, at least have a go at someone that has a chance to defend themselves” Jon spat back. The fire in his eyes burned bright with anger. There was no backing down now. <br /><br />A crooked smile spread across Jason’s twisted face “And I suppose that’s you Rock-star? Bring it on” he said shifting forward slapping his fist against his hand. <br /><br />Jesse couldn’t watch anymore, in seconds had opened the car door and found herself rushing over and standing between the two men. <br /><br />Jon’s eyes widened “Jesse!! Get the hell back in that car” he demanded. <em>What the fuck was she doing?</em><br /><br />She shook her head staring at both of the men “No, Jon don’t do this, you can’t take him, he’ll hurt you for god’s sake” she turned and looked at Jason with pleading eyes “Please Jason, just leave us alone”<br /><br />Jon was enraged, was she stupid putting herself in the middle of them? It was fucking dangerous for a start. He reached out and grabbed her arm but she pulled away. <br /><br />“No Jon,” she turned again facing the man she once loved. <br /><br />“You’re better than this Jesse, come with me, we can get away from all this” Jason held out his hand towards her. This time the sincerity in his deep brown eyes hit her hard. <br /><br />The vision tugged at her heartstrings, she didn’t want Jason but the need to break his heart she didn’t want either.<br /><br />“I can’t Jason, it’s over I’m with him” she spoke softly. She felt her heart rip in two, the anguish that was fighting within Jason was so obvious in his face. ”You need some help Jason, this has been a lot to deal with” she kept her voice calm and caring. The sadness in his eyes soon disappeared and was replaced by rage.<br /><br />His hands twisted and the blood began to boil, she thought he was fucking crazy now? Fuck Bon Jovi really had got to her. He took another step forward startling Jesse and grabbed her on the arm “I’m not fucking crazy, your boyfriend tell you that?” he hissed. <br /><br />Jon jumped into action lunging at Jason’s arm to get it the hell off Jesse, he hit him with such a force Jason was taken off guard and fell backwards on his ass on the hard cold concrete. <br /><br />“Get in the fucking car now!” Jon grabbed her arm and dragged her back to the Chevelle she was about to protest, her gaze still firmly on the man on the floor. <br /><br />“Jesse?” Jason reached out for her sadly “Please don’t leave me… please…I beg you…” a broken man lay helplessly on the concrete reaching out to the one woman that he thought could save him.<br /><br />“In the car Jesse” Jon gave her a hard look, all he was concentrating on right now was getting them the hell out of here. He twisted his body to help her into the car closing the door hard behind her and then rushing to the driver’s side before jerking the car into gear. With a loud screech he took off out of the parking lot to the safe confines of the road. <br /><br />Jesse sat in the front seat, the shock vibrated off her body. Jon flicked his gaze across her again mentally making sure she was ok. The tension closed around his heart seeing the silver tracks slowly inch down her cheeks. “You ok?” he asked trying to dial back the anger in his voice. He reached out for a gentle touch on her knee.<br /><br />She nodded the numbness she felt radiated through her body. <em>What had just happened here?</em> She felt so helpless, the image of Jason sprawled out on the concrete with a desperate reach firmly in her mind. <br /><br />Jon sighed and pulled onto the highway in the direction of home “Jesse, you should have never put yourself in the middle of us like that, it was dangerous and quite frankly stupid” he said. He hated that she thought he couldn’t even defend himself, it had bruised his ego. It was stupid to feel like that but he couldn’t help it. <br /><br />Jesse blinked and looked across at him dumbfounded “What was stupid was you wanting a standoff with a fully combat trained marine? What did you think was going to happen there?” she asked annoyed. “Did you really expect that you were going to kick his ass?” the sarcasm dripped from her voice.<br /><br />“Oh so I can’t defend myself now?” he asked annoyed keeping his eyes on the road. His hands were beginning to turn white from the way he was gripping the steering wheel. <br /><br />“Jon he’s a marine, you of all people should know what they are trained to do” she pointed out. <em>He could have killed you.</em><br /><br />Jon huffed as he didn’t reply he kept focused on the road ahead, his mind spiralling into a whirl wind of thoughts. <em>Yes he could have killed me, but I couldn’t just let him get away with hurting you, and being anywhere near Steph</em>. <em>What if Jason hadn’t been interrupted when he’d tried to approach you? God</em>. He’d be calling the police when they got home, hell yes he would be. <br /><br />“You still never should have done that” he muttered. Rain began to fall splattering hard against the windscreen as he drove them to his apartment. Pulling into the underground basement he killed the engine and reached over to the backseat for her bags. <br /><br />“Let’s get you inside” Jon opened the passenger door and led her into the lift. Soon they were walking into the foyer of what would become her home until they had bought their own. There was no way she was going back there alone. His touch on her lower back was gentle and reassuring even though his tone currently was not. <br /><br />Jesse sunk down in the large leather couch pulling her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. She could hear Jon in the kitchen mulling around making coffee but the distinct sound of his voice meant he was on his cell-phone. What was she going to do? Jason was losing it, but again that little niggling pain inside of her still felt that ounce of guilt and sympathy for him. <br /><br />Jon walked back into the room minutes later carrying two cups of coffee, he rested one down in front of Jesse and sat next to her on the couch with his own. He hated how disturbed she seemed and quiet she was.<br /><br />“I’ve called the police, they’re on their way, and you’ll be signing a restraining order against him and charging him with assault” he said. In his mind there was no negotiation with this. <br /><br />“I’ll sign the restraining order” she said. She didn’t want to charge him with assault but she knew she should. <br /><br />Jon looked over to her, his brow arched “Jesse, listen to me. You’ll be pressing charges against him. You want him just roaming around out there? Waiting till you are alone again for his chance? I won’t have it.” Jon’s lips tightened before he spoke again “Ok I’ll hire you a bodyguard then” he said matter of factly. <br /><br /><em>A bodyguard? Was he serious?</em> “What?! No way Jon, that’s just ridiculous” she said. She didn’t need a freaking bodyguard.<br /><br />He raked his hand through his hair, feeling his patience dramatically thinning “Jesse, why do you feel sorry for him? I know he’s your ex, I’m trying to understand here where your mind is at here, because I think it’s fucking crazy to be honest” there he’d said it. He just didn’t get it, she nearly was god damned raped and her ex-husband was a madman and yet she still defended him.<br /><br />“I’m so confused, I know that’s not Jason, don’t you think that hurts me? Knowing he’s obviously screwed up from his experiences, and no-one is helping him” she hated that she still felt like that but she just couldn’t abandon the guilt that was etched in her heart. <br /><br />Jon left a whistle fall from his lips “Look baby I know it’s hard to see him like this, but this is not your fault and not your responsibility you’ve been nothing but nice to him since he came back. Even if you know that it’s not his normal nature, its still dangerous, do you really want to risk your life, mine and the kids?” he asked seriously. <br /><br />She gasped “God no, of course I don’t Jon, God no!” <em>Fuck this was just complicated</em>. She loved Jon and couldn’t bear if anything happened to him or his children.<br /><br />“Well that’s what you need to think about Jess, as that’s exactly what you’re doing by letting that creep run around without any discipline. So you think about that” he had to leave her to mull on her thoughts before he said something he regretted. He picked himself up with his coffee and walked out of the room up to the bedroom to sit on his balcony. To give her space, him space until the police arrived. Trying to resist the urge to fix everything he had to let her come to the decision by herself. He’d done that far too much with Dot, but this time he knew he was right.<br /><br />The empty feeling hit her when he left, she almost felt cold when he disappeared up the stairs leaving her alone. She couldn’t blame him for being angry, she really couldn’t he was just trying to protect her and his family. Taking her own coffee she slipped out to the north facing balcony from the living area and sat down in the large outdoor chair propping her feet up on the ledge overlooking the city. Lost in thought as the night sky blanketed across the skyline tears of fear frustration and an overwhelming sense of loss slid down her cheeks.Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-38123193563162504392008-09-01T17:48:00.000-07:002008-09-01T18:22:38.240-07:00Chapter Eighty-Two<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6KBxmwrlJFMsEH_fEZ1On8_lqVnqLBZk6sSiDB-6JEvP_xTs1d6BcWzZd0iqbXozs4LPweHbPyJbaV6mpr05BtNbbgFQY6cA_u_sFvYEGdapLuIHb-FJHhNpMdAcev7SxN35_4Z6Axp4/s1600-h/may620065.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6KBxmwrlJFMsEH_fEZ1On8_lqVnqLBZk6sSiDB-6JEvP_xTs1d6BcWzZd0iqbXozs4LPweHbPyJbaV6mpr05BtNbbgFQY6cA_u_sFvYEGdapLuIHb-FJHhNpMdAcev7SxN35_4Z6Axp4/s400/may620065.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241219961647046306" /></a><br /><br />Snapping his cell-phone shut, Jon finally hung up from the conference call he had been on. The little envelope on the screen flashed indicating he had a new voicemail. He quickly listened to it pulling on his charcoal woollen coat walking out the door to the car. Jesse’s brief and no nonsense message worried him. He pressed call-back and climbed into his Chevelle firing the ignition before pulling out into the New York traffic. <br /><br />It rang a couple of times before she finally picked up “Hello?” she asked. The timid tone in her voice was uncharacteristic of her and made him worry. <br /><br />“Jesse it’s me baby, I was going to ring to see if you felt like Chinese or Mexican takeout and then I got your message, what’s wrong?” he asked.<br /><br />She took a deep breath and attempted to say it “It was Jason, he-he was here before in the parking lot” she managed to piece out trying her very best not to lose it over the phone to him. He’d only fret more.<br /><br />Jon slammed on the breaks almost causing the Alfa Romeo behind him to rear end him. “He what! What did he do? Are you ok?” questions flew from his mouth faster than the thoughts that were spiralling. <br /><br />“I’m ok, I’m in the house now can you just get here please?” she asked her voice cracking like thin ice. Not to sound desperate but she needed him there right now. <br /><br />Jon closed his eyes “I’ll be there in five, don’t move, don’t open the door anything until you hear my voice at the door ok?” he instructed pumping the accelerator which started him moving again. Slamming the phone shut he threw it on the passenger seat and concentrated on the road. This didn’t sound good, her words stayed firmly etched in his mind along with visions of Jason all over her. His hands gripped tighter on the wheel trying to concentrate on just getting there as quickly as possible without causing an accident. <em>I'll kill him if he's hurt her</em>.<br /><br />He finally pulled into the parking lot, grabbing his keys and cell-phone he got out of the car locking it behind him. He jammed his hands in his coat quickly shifting towards her apartment oblivious to someone watching him from a distance.<br /><br /><em>So she called the Calvary? Typical White Knight behaviour. And that stupid interfering business man wanting to play the hero. He’d almost had her, she would have changed her mind. He just needed to get her alone, or eliminate the ONE thing that was keeping them apart. </em><br /><br />Jesse sat waiting on the couch with her cell-phone clutched firmly in her hand. She wanted to ring the police and she had no doubt that Jon would make her. <br /><br />But on her ex-husband? She reached under the large oak coffee table and pulled out a leather bound photo album which contained all their wedding pictures. She slowly flipped through the many photos that described so fluently the love she used to have for this man. <br /><br />“God what’s happened to you Jason?” she asked, her finger running lightly over one of the photos of him with her cutting their wedding cake. He was smiling and looking like he didn’t have a care in the world, which held a very different look in his eyes that she had seen just minutes ago. <br /><br />She just about leapt out of her seat when a knock came to the door. She closed the album and made her way towards the door.<br /><br />“Who’s there?” she asked cautiously praying that it was Jon.<br /><br />“Jess, babe it’s me” Jon’s voice came through the wood with an edge of comfort. <br /><br />She quickly unbolted the door and unlocked it opening it just a crack to see two blue eyes shining with concern back at her. She opened the door wider letting him in. He scooped her into his arms immediately, her cheek pressed against the soft wool of his coat wrapping her arms tightly around his waist.<br /><br />“God, are you ok?” he asked quickly looking her over for any visible signs of damage. <br /><br />“I’m fine now that you’re here” she said not wanting to let go of his arms tightly around her giving her the comfort she’d craved. She hated feeling so defenceless. Damsel in distress was never her style at all.<br /><br />Finally they parted Jon holding her at arm’s length “Tell me what happened Jess” he said sweeping the door shut with his foot. <br /><br />“I was just coming in and he was there, starting rambling, I was supposed to meet him after work and I never showed he came closer and pressed me against the car” she began. <br /><br />Jon’s eyes widened “He did what?” he shouted almost unintentionally but the anger started to simmer from deep within his belly. <em>She was supposed to meet him?</em><br /><br />She nodded “He wanted to, tried to pull my top up and ...” she trailed off almost shivering the feel of him against her skin.<br /><br />“He tried to rape you?” Jon said pulling out his cell phone till he felt her hand on his. He felt his gut clench at that thought, his hands all over her body touching what was no longer his.<br /><br />She nodded “I think that’s where he was headed”. She jumped when he slammed his hand down on the table.<br /><br />“That bastard! I will fucking kill him, you hear me?” the rage in his eyes swept through her like wildfire. She’d never seen him so angry before.<br /><br />“I don’t want you to call the police Jon” she said timidly.<br /><br />Jon just about doubled over from shock, <em>was she serious? She was defending the asshole?</em> “You can’t be serious Jess, he tried to assault you? You’re just going to let him get away with this? No fuckin’ way” he spat. <br /><br />“Jon please” she said “hear me out”<br /><br />He ignored her plea “How did you get inside anyway without him?” he asked looking around for any signs of a struggle.<br /><br />She still had her grip on his arm, fingering the soft wool there she continued.<br /><br />“Shaw, my neighbour came home and interrupted him so I was able to leave without Jason following me, he knew Jason was causing me grief I guess” she explained. <br /><br /><em>Thank fuck for Shaw</em>. Jon pulled out of her grasp and continued to dial the police. <br /><br />“And what if he hadn’t come, then what? He could of…Jesus Jess, you could have been” no he couldn’t say it. Already his mind was plotting how to get her out and the private detective and bodyguards he would be hiring from all this.<br /><br />“He’s my ex-husband Jon I just feel weird calling the cops on him” she tried to explain. She pulled away finally from him and walked into the living room. Jon sighed and followed her. He was trying to be understanding but seriously <em>how the hell could she have any sympathy for this man? If Dot had turned into a psycho he would be doing everything he could without a question unless he still….unless she still, god she still cared about him?</em><br /><br />“You still love him?” he asked. The question came and so did the heavy silence that followed it. <br /><br />Jesse spun around and saw he was dead serious. “No- god, no not like that Jon, is that what you think?” she asked. <em>How could he think that? Again. Christ.</em><br /><br />Jon shrugged “Well you tell me why you nearly got raped and we’re not calling the police” he challenged. <br /><br />She knew he was right he should be calling the police and having a restraining order put on him but god what was stopping her. Guilt? Sympathy for his situation? Something was making her from not doing it. <br /><br />“I don’t know Jon, I knew he was off when he came in to work today he was all edgy, it was my fault he came here tonight” she said closing her eyes. <br /><br />Jon nearly just about fell over “He came to work today?” Jon exploded “when Stephanie was there?” he asked the anger filtering into his eyes. <em>What the fuck was he doing at her work? His daughter was subjected to this asshole?</em><br /><br />“And you didn’t think to tell me this when I picked her up? Fuck Jesse!” he exclaimed.<br /><br />Jesse cringed at the rising volume in his voice. “Calm down, she was fine, I spoke to him at the door and didn’t let him in. That’s when I agreed to meet him after work but I didn’t turn up so I guess that’s why he came here, he was visibly pissed that I stood him up” she explained to him. <br /><br />“Did he see her? Know who she was?” Jon asked, now it had gone beyond just Jesse. This changed <em>everything</em>. <br /><br />She nodded waiting for the backlash. <br /><br />He paced around the room “What if he’d gone after her? What if it had been her and not you?” he accused her grinding his teeth silently. "I would never of forgiven myself"<br /><br />"Oh and you think I would?, I didn't know he was going to show up Jon I thought I had it under control, I didn’t realize what he was doing till he came back tonight, Jon please, I’m sorry”<br /><br />He had to get her out of her, to his place, he wouldn’t take no for an answer now. He tried to understand her reluctance to call the police but now his daughter was involved? <em>No fucking way</em>. <br /><br />“Get a bag, you’re coming back to my place no augments” he demanded. It was time to take control of this.<br /><br />Jesse nodded, it was best not to argue with him, he was so angry with her. She walked up the stairs and pulled out her large sports bag and started to pack her clothes and personal items that she would need over the next couple of days. Tears again threatened at the corners of her eyes as she packed. How did it come to this? He was driving her out of her home, the same one that they used to share together as a blissfully married couple. Jon was so mad at her for involving Stephanie. <br /><br />Jon stood tapping his foot on the ground. He was so angry, more so at the situation not Jesse. She did need to understand that his kids weren’t just ordinary kids. He had a responsibility to Dot and his children to protect them from his lifestyle. Jesse needed to know that. Once the sound of drawers opening and closing fell to a steady silence Jon treaded carefully up the stairs to find her. He knew he'd yelled at her unintentionally and probably had ended up scaring her a little.<br /><br />“Jess?” he asked walking into her room where she lay on her side curled on the double bed with small sobs shaking her body. He rushed over to her and kneeled down beside the bed. <br /><br />“Baby, its ok…” he hushed stroking her hair. “I’m sorry I yelled but I’m worried about my girls being in the same place as a madman” tilting her head making her eyes meet his.<br /><br />She nodded “I know I didn’t tell him who Steph was but he guessed” she said quietly. <br /><br />Jon’s grip tightened around the sheets “So he knows it’s my daughter?” he asked the coolness in his voice drove her crazy.<br /><br />“He wants me Jon, not her, this is my entire fault” she said sadly. <br /><br />“How is it your fault Jess?” he asked softly stroking her hair. <em>God don't blame yourself Jess.</em><br /><br />“He’s just in shock that things have changed so much from when he’s been back, it has to hurt Jon, right? How would you feel in his shoes?” she asked him.<br /><br />She was really asking him to be sympathetic towards the bastard? His jaw clenched. “Jesse this is not your fault and I don’t want you feeling guilty because he’s turned into a raving nut bar” he said. “And I’m sorry I don’t feel sorry for him, but I don’t not one bit” Jon said standing up and holding out his hand for her “come on I need to get you home”.<br /><br />She took his hand and he pulled her up off the bed to a standing position. He picked up her bag and led her downstairs waiting for her to lock the place up before finally leading her to his car. <br /><br />Jon popped his trunk and placed her bags in there before opening the passenger door for her. The moving shadow out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. The figure darted behind another car before he realized who exactly it would be. <em>That’s it</em>.<br /><br />“Keep this door locked no matter what ok?” he said slamming it shut. Jesse was about to ask what was going on as Jon paced across the parking lot. <br /><br />“Show you face you coward less bastard, SHOW IT NOW”Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-40056669601971545662008-08-30T20:01:00.000-07:002008-09-01T01:43:22.421-07:00Chapter-Eighty One<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbO3JixXJ7hlZcFSdtO_Cu5b-51WI56LBHs-086raOfn5kw5dDPR7mnJepCxaFdDx4YMwzJvBtYdJvZ-fqhbRNdB3Z7ogRhS-_jWtMbcNWvaosdVQfnjwi0hD6ciLIQjmHBaQPe62CWlEg/s1600-h/grin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbO3JixXJ7hlZcFSdtO_Cu5b-51WI56LBHs-086raOfn5kw5dDPR7mnJepCxaFdDx4YMwzJvBtYdJvZ-fqhbRNdB3Z7ogRhS-_jWtMbcNWvaosdVQfnjwi0hD6ciLIQjmHBaQPe62CWlEg/s400/grin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240512997159236882" /></a><br /><br />Jesse glanced down at her watch, <em>five thirty-eight</em>. She was on her way home from the office. Jon had been and picked up Stephanie who Jesse couldn’t remember the last time she'd had so much fun at work that afternoon. Things had been busy but Stephanie had fitted right in and even ended up answering Jesse’s calls for a bit. She smiled to herself pulling into the parking lot of her complex. Finally she felt like she knew one of the kids just that little better.<br /><br />She turned off the ignition grabbed her bag and coat and lifted herself out of the car. There was an eerie silence around the place as dusk was settling in. Her phone beeped loudly echoing through the concreted area. Fishing through her red leather purse she found her phone and flipped it open.<br /><br /><strong>Steph cannot STOP talking about today. See you at 7 gorgeous. You have the wine. I’ll bring dinner.<br />J x</strong><br /><br />She grinned into her screen and was about to reply when she almost walked straight into someone. <br /><br />“Shit, I’m so sorry” she said stuttering looking straight into angry brown eyes. <em>Jason</em>. His appearance was overwhelmingly ominous and he was pissed. She could see it not only in his eyes but the way his hands were clenched into fists at his side. <em>What the hell was he doing here?</em><br /><br />“Jason!” she said cringing at how surprised she sounded.<br /><br />“Yes it's me Jess, forget that we had a meeting after work or were you two busy playing text buddies with Rock-star boy?” he asked. She took two steps backwards till feeling the cool steel of the car hit her backside through the wool blend skirt she had on. Something about him was really starting to scare her.<br /><br />“Jason” she said calmly “time just got away on me, I’m sorry” she apologised. He inched closer, so close that the aroma of beer mixed in with his cologne wrapped around her senses.<br /><br />He laughed and crossed his arms “You’re not sorry. Not one bit. What’s happened to you Jesse? Am I not good enough for you anymore? You never were the social climbing type even in all your height in your fashion world you remained so genuine and impartial to the hypocrisy that exists in your industry.” The darkness in his eyes slowly crept back in.<br /><br />“I want you to leave” she stammered. Her heart was beating loudly against her chest threatening to explode right out and into his hands.<br /><br />He leaned forward his lips inches away from hers “Leave? I don’t think you do. Come on Jess come back over from the dark side you know you want to” his lips teased her own. Her eyes closing, and her body shaking. <em>Who was this man? </em>This wasn’t the man she married at all. <br /><br />His warm heat brushed over her cheek, his arms sliding up her sides lifting her top to reveal skin. “Jason, please…” she stammered. <em>God please stop</em>. <br /><br />His lips hit her ear “When I was tied up in that camp and they threatened to kill us everyday…even left us rope in the room if we wanted to hang ourselves…you know what the only thing that kept me sane was?” his calloused fingers slid up her sternum to scrape along the bottom of the lace of her bra. <br /><br />She bit her lip there was she couldn’t take him he was a Marine for god’s sake. “Jason, I’m asking you please let me go. This isn’t right” she pleaded. <br /><br />Jason ignored her words, his thumbs brushing by the tips of her breasts instantly hardening at his touch. God how much he wanted her, wanted to take her right now and screw her to the hood of the car. <br /><br />She moaned inwardly. This couldn’t feel good. It just couldn't.<br /><br />“It was you Jesse” he continued “the thought of getting out of this god forsaken hellhole so I could come home into your arms. Make love to you, fuck you blind like we used to, till we couldn’t breathe…” his voice had grown raspy and dangerously low.<br /><br />Her skin goosed and tears pricked at the corner of her eyes. She just wanted to scream her way into her apartment and lock the door but right now she was pinned like a rack of meat to the butcher’s cutting board. He was so much bigger than her he’d be able to do whatever he wanted with her, she had no doubt.<br /><br />With his arousal pressed hard against her stomach warning bells sounded in her mind but no-one could hear them. “Jason, we can’t do this. Its over” she said trying to sound diplomatic as possible. His eyes lifted and drilled into hers, pressing his forehead hard against hers. <br /><br />“I can’t let you go Jesse. I just can’t. I love you too much and I know you still love me... say it” he demanded and like a fiery dragon his hot breath consumed her.<br /><br />His grip tightened on her body. The urge to scream rose through her like a freight train. “I love Jon, Jason, its over” she whispered keeping her eyes closed waiting for the reaction. Too scared to meet his eyes.<br /><br /><em>God. She was lying, he just knew she was. She loved him. She swore at the alter she always would in life and death. That fucking Jon needed to go. </em><br /><br />“If he wasn’t here would you have me?” he asked quietly. <br /><br />Her breath caught in her throat seeing the madness in his eyes. He meant it as well. <br /><br />“Don’t say things like that Jason, please…you don’t mean it” she had to get inside to call Jon and call the police. He was fucking crazy. One part of her heart ached for how this had ruined him but the other feared for the life of the one that she now loved more than life itself.<br /><br />The brightness of headlights intruded their space causing her eyes to slam shut and she felt Jason release the grip he had on her arms. <em>Thank you GOD she silently prayed</em>. <br /><br />She smiled at the middle aged business man that got out from the Black BMW. She didn’t know his name but knew he lived in the complex.<br /><br />“Everything alright here?” he asked obviously seeing the uneasiness in her eyes. <br /><br />“Sure he was just leaving” Jesse said before Jason could even think about saying anything. She pulled her coat on, swung her bag over her shoulder and walked away from him. He couldn’t follow her now, <em>no way</em>. <br /><br />The astute business man waited for Jesse to catch up to him before walking her into the complex. Once safely at her door he asked "Everything ok? It didn’t look it from where I was standing” <br /><br />She fumbled with her keys and jimmied the lock till the door opened. “It is now, I’m calling my fiancé and the police as soon as I’m inside. Just someone I am having little trouble with” she admitted.<br /><br />“Ok, well call me if you need to I’m in apartment eight up there” he said pointing. “And it’s Shaw by the way” he said sticking his hand out. <br /><br />She smiled into crystal blue eyes framed with cropped almost platinum blond hair. <br /><br />“Pleased to meet you, It's Jesse, and thanks for rescuing me” she said shaking his hand and walking inside.<br /> <br />“You’re welcome Jesse, take care” he said as she closed the door behind him and bolted it. She leaned with her back pressed against the door. Her hands still unsteady with fear fumbled for her cell phone in her bag and dialled Jon’s number. It went straight to voicemail. <em>Shit where are you?</em><br /><br />She left a brief message trying not to sound off centre but she was sure it would come across that way. Making sure again that the locks were on the door along with the chain and bolt she walked to the kitchen and poured herself two fingers of Jack Daniels and waited.Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218436764104574235.post-45988843496150821532008-08-28T17:24:00.001-07:002008-08-28T17:27:53.567-07:00Chapter Eighty<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlarKCRbwFw2AR039nEw_eaA5YuH6zkXJyP1qJ9dcG3dfvRDsrsa039VmEB4gv3c9jPPSf4xe-FnCirkBHUOPtpeI8ehlcVfFZGW9x5uFUN887FwamCKwsenABZ9UtUlcxEezjCkx4Q1u/s1600-h/DA-Closeuppromoshoot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlarKCRbwFw2AR039nEw_eaA5YuH6zkXJyP1qJ9dcG3dfvRDsrsa039VmEB4gv3c9jPPSf4xe-FnCirkBHUOPtpeI8ehlcVfFZGW9x5uFUN887FwamCKwsenABZ9UtUlcxEezjCkx4Q1u/s400/DA-Closeuppromoshoot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239729188291089522" /></a><br /><br /><br />“Jason? What are you doing here?” Jesse got up and walked to the door and stood to partially obscure his view. She sucked in her breath at his appearance, the edginess in his demeanour had her a little wary. His face had a five o’clock shadow that was inching around his jaw line and lack of sleep was evident from the black rings around his eyes. <br /><br />“What can’t a friend come and see a friend?” he asked. She was obviously a little rattled to see him and the young girl in the room behind her just watched them carefully. <br /><br />Jesse sighed “Of course you can but I was going to call you later, I’m kind of a little busy at the moment” she whispered not wanting to draw too much attention to him with Stephanie right there. <br /><br />“Work experience?” Jason asked nodding in the young girl’s direction that looked vaguely familiar to him but he couldn’t picture it.<br /><br />There was no way that she was telling him that it was Jon’s daughter “That’s right, she is just spending the day with me to see what the fashion industry is like” Jesse explained nervously hoping that Jason would take the hint and leave. <br /><br />Jason looked behind her and back at her and slyly grinned “Its Jon’s daughter isn’t it?” The resemblance in the eyes was uncanny. Why the hell was Jesse so uneasy about it?<br /><br />Jesse didn’t answer him, the voice deep inside her was screaming that she needed to get Jason out of here and quick.<br /><br />“Jason, we’re really busy, can I meet you after work? But if it’s the divorce that you want discuss maybe we should be waiting till the lawyers?” she bit down on her lip as the soft lines in his face suddenly turned hard and his brown eyes darkened.<br /><br />He shifted his feet and moved inches closer to her “So that’s how it’s going to be then? Five years you just want to throw away, not even give the time of day?” his voice fell dangerously low. This wasn’t the Jason that she knew and loved once upon a time and truth be told he was starting to scare her. <br /><br /><em>Please just leave.</em><br /><br />She forced a smile on her face “Not at all Jason, I just need to get some important stuff done today” she had to keep him calm. This wasn’t the place to do this, not here, not now.<br /><br />Jason forced himself to dial down the anger that was raging through this blood, so the rock star had turned her too. What had happened to the sweet sassy Jesse he loved and adored? He’s turned you against me too. Damn him. <br /><br />“Ok Jesse, after work though? Just you and me?” he asked softly this time reaching out and putting his hand on her arm.<br /><br />Her eyes fell to his hand and then back to his. Her body stiffened at the touch, what the hell was wrong here? Why did she get such a bad feeling? <br /><br />Say yes, anything to get him out of here. She tried to conceal the unsteadiness of her body underneath his slight touch and nodded “Meet me at Jimmy’s at five” she said. <br /><br />He stood back satisfied “Jimmy’s at five, I’ll see you then” he said before he turned around and left the office. Jesse closed the door and locked it before leaning in against it closing her eyes. Her heart was beating loudly in her chest. She again forced the intermittent panic and turned around and smiled at Steph. <br /><br />“Now where were we?” she asked knowing instantly the look in Steph’s eyes was going to ask her questions.<br /><br />“Who was that?” she asked. Jesse still looked shaken up to her; he must have been someone nasty. <br /><br />“That was Jason, my ex-husband, your daddy told you about him?” Jesse asked walking back to her desk. She was tempted to email the security of the building and bar Jason from coming back in the building. <br /><br />Steph followed her and sat in the chair opposite her desk “Yeah he did, was he ok, he seemed angry about something?” she asked. Jesse fumbled with the sharpie on her desk trying to stay calm she had to in front of Stephanie. <br /><br />“He just wants to talk about the divorce, since I’m marrying your dad, it needs to become official, and I guess in some ways Jason might still be having a hard time accepting I’m with your Daddy now” Jesse tried to explain as simply as she could. She had to only assume that was the reason Jason seemed to be perturbed. And she’d expected it to be honest with the way he’d taken it so easily when she’d chosen Jon. But something was different, she couldn’t put her finger on exactly what though. <br /><br />“Do you still love him?” Stephanie asked curiously. <br /><br />Jesse smiled “Oh Steph, its hard to explain yes and no” she said. How did you explain it to the daughter of the man you were meant to be marrying?<br /><br />“Try me, I won’t tell Dad” she said honestly her ocean blue eyes sincere.<br /><br />“Well….” Jesse fiddled with the edges of the corners of her diary before continuing. “Somewhere still inside me I care about him, he’s the man I did marry. But Steph when he died, and this sounds weird but I buried my love for him in a way with him. But I still feel guilty that I don’t love him, after everything he went through.” She said honestly.<br /><br />Steph nodded, wow Jesse was a really nice person and so open. Worried she might be sounding nosy she actually was genuinely interested how someone comes to make that decision. <br /><br />“He still really loves you?” she asked. <br /><br />Jesse nodded “I think so Steph” Jesse pulled herself together and stood up “See, this is why you don’t need to worry about boys for a long long time, you hear?” she teased trying to change the mood. <br /><br />Stephanie laughed “Now you sound like my Dad.” Both of the women shared a knowing smile of understanding before Steph went back to the table of material.<br /><br />“So where were we?” she asked picking back up the slim piece of material Jesse was about to start on and held it out to her with a grin. <br /><br />“Right yes! I was teaching you how to make a boring pair of jeans not so boring” she said taking her seat back at the sewing machine. The next few hours flew past as Jesse and Steph talked more fashion and perused over the summer line Jesse was working on with Stephanie offering screeds of ideas that Jesse was definitely going to execute. <br /><br />When George came in and took them out for lunch at the local café he entertained Stephanie even more than before which left Jesse to digest the events of the morning as she sipped her orange juice. The way Jason was, so uneasy and almost anxious wasn’t like him at all. Always the strong confident one, being in the Marines had taught him that, always straight up and didn’t mess around but now Jesse felt like he’d become a stranger. Maybe that was her fault? She’d moved on. <br /><br />“Earth to Jesse” a voice in the distance teased. She looked up at George and Stephanie both looking expectantly. <br /><br />“God, sorry I was a million miles away” she blushed. <br /><br />“You haven’t touched your sandwich even” George pointed out, she had something on her mind but he wouldn’t ask until Stephanie wasn’t around. <br /><br />“I know, it looks too divine to waste as well” she jumped when her cell phone vibrated in her pocket. Guessing it was going to be Jon asking how his little girl was, she flipped it open to reveal the message. <br /><br /><strong>Jess sorry about before. I just miss you and meant what I said on the card. Friends. See you @5. Jase.</strong><br /><br />She snapped it shut and slipped it back in her pocket. “No one important, now let’s eat” she said picking up her sandwich and taking a bite. George shook his head something was going on and he’d make sure he got to the bottom of this. <br /><br />~~<br /><br /><em>Five – thirteen and she still wasn’t here. Where the hell was she?</em> He brought the half filled beer to his lips and took a long sip. The nervous tension inside him was bubbling away making him more anxious with every minute that passed by. <br /><br />He’d called her and got her voicemail, he’d sent two text messages and still no reply. He’d just wanted to talk to her give her the benefit of the doubt she’d not turned into a trumped up American tart that thought she was better than everyone else because of HIM. It wasn’t Jesse’s fault, sweet unassuming Jesse had trusted him, that pathetic symbol of all that was good in the world Jon Bon Jovi. She would never see it. So Jason had to make her see it. Once he was gone, it would be one down out of hundreds. And maybe then Jesse would see the real American Heroes rather than the instant ones with all the fame and money in the world. <em>Just maybe</em>.<br /><br />Five-thirty three he left twenty bucks on the table and stormed out of the bar. She’d never showed or call, nothing. <em>Well fuck them all.</em>Super_Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000771355101318462noreply@blogger.com2