Epilogue

"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.

She smiled and took his hand bringing it to her lips, "more than ok Jon. We've been over this."

"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.

"Wouldn't dream of it, and Jon?" she leaned up to look over his shoulder. "This isn't city hall."

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.

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.

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.

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.

"Isn't this meant to happen afterwards?" she teased as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"So are other things but I think we're a bit late for that" he waggled his brows.

"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.

"Not traditional doesn't mean stupid Jess" he winked. "Hell no."

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?"

"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.

"Still time to change your mind" he grinned into the kiss.

"Hell no" she repeated his own words and she let herself lean into his kiss.

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.

"Hey – we haven't got all day here, I've got things to do." the jab of his best friend pulled them apart.

Jon patted him on the arm "Good to see you man, thanks for coming"

"Like I'd miss this. Gotta make sure you two actually do this. Long fuckin time overdue you know" he grinned at Jesse.

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.

Kia fingered the fabric "It turned out fabulous." Jesse had made the dress herself from silk chiffon.

"Thanks hun, and you knew about this huh?" she asked waving around her.

"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.

"Now have we got a wedding here or what?" Richie asked.

"We sure have" Jon took her hand as they all stood in front of the celebrant.

~~


"So do I get the pleasure of the first dance with my new wife?" he grinned as he lifted her from the seat.

"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.

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.

"Your brothers for one" she wrapped her arms around his neck pressing her forehead to his.

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.

"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.

"Well I've learned from the best" she winked.

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.

Jon was so different, Jason may have been a soldier of war but Jon was a soldier of something far greater. Her life.

"This is it Jesse, I'm never going to let anything happen to you. It's just you and me now k?"

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."

He tugged her closer as the music played and closed his eyes. She was here, she was safe. And she was his. Forever.

You're the first one
When things turn out bad
You know I'll never be lonely
You're my only one
And I love the things
I really love the things that you do
You're my best friend


The End.




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 :)

*muah*

One Hundred and Two

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.

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.

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.

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?

“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.

~

Jesse cranked the handbrake of the car and leaned back closing her eyes. What was she doing? Was she crazy?

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.

“Jesse Adams, I’m here to see Jason Adams” she said quietly to the desk clerk.

“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.

She signed the register and handed over her bag. The twitch in her arms had her hugging them around herself. Jesus, stop it. Nothing to be nervous about. He is confined. He can’t hurt you.

“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.

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.

“Jason, why did you do this?”

“Jason, why Jon?”

“Jason, you’re not the man I married anymore…”

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jon.

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.

“Ms Adams?” she looked up as the guard came back in, “we’re ready for you,”

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.

“When you’re ready.”

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.

She clutched her chest as her heart broke. And then she felt nothing. Nothing for the man that sat there looking lost and heartbroken.

Nothing.

“Miss?” the guard snapped her gaze up.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

The click of her heels followed her back to the car. She needed to go home.

Home.

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.

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.

“Jon?”

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?”

“Yeah…” she looked out over the city and then back to him.

“I’m sorry” she stroked the top of his head brushing the hair back from his face.

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.”

She moved her arms around his neck and pressed her forehead against his holding his gaze. “Thank you. I didn’t go in Jon.”

His eyebrow winged, “You didn’t? Why?”

“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.

“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.

He grazed his thumb across her jaw line. “You mean too much to me.”

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.”

His eyes opened as he met her soft brown ones “I’d do it again Jess, you mean far too much to me now.”

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.”

He chuckled, “You’re getting it anyway, whether you want it or not. I’m not taking no for an answer.”

Chapter One Hundred and One

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.

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.

“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.

“You ok?” her eyes flicked up watching the pain momentarily etch across his face before it softened again.

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.

“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.

He managed a small smile “Now come on, we haven’t since- well since I got home and I’d missed you”

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.

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.

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.

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.

“Jess does it bother you more that I know them and did this, or that it was your ex-husband?” he asked.

She snapped her head up to meet his gaze, he was serious? “Well of course it bothers me. I did once love the man”

Jon nodded “Do you still love him?”

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.
“I see” was all that came from him. Jesse looked up and the vacant dull expression on his eyes that stared out into space.

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.

He dropped his hands away from her and nodded “ What is it Jess?” she looked everywhere around the room before back to him.

“I want to go and see him”

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.

“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.

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.

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”

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.

“Jon, please—you don’t understand” but he held up his hand.

“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.

Jesse sighed “I need closure” she reached for her robe and wound it around her body and fastened the knot.

“He’s a criminal Jess” Jon leaned against the doorframe.

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.

He snorted “Are you going to throw this back in my face every time we argue? Just so I know”

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.

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.

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”

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”

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”

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.

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”
She sniffed as he pulled her in closer to his heat “I can’t help it” was all she could say.

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.

One-Hundred

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!



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.

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.

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.

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.
His eyes were cracking open as he saw her he went to sit up.

"Jess?"

"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.

He nodded, his eyes still full of sleep "Ok"

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

He pulled himself up slowly with no protest from her. "Come here" he said patting the space beside him on the couch.

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.

If she let it.

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.

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"

Tilting back her head, her neck exposed to him he trailed kisses down the arch of her. "Mine" he breathed again.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

"Jess….." it came out more like a hiss as he pulled her top right off over her head.

His lips found hers again, hungrier this time he lost his hands in her hair as the taste of her consumed him.

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.

"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…."

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.
His mouth scooped her nipple right in and sucked gently as she fell back against the cushions.

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.

This moment right here.

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.

"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.

He devoured her belly up his mouth searching, biting its way up over her ribs. He wanted every part of her.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

Massaging him slowly she circled her thumb around the tip and stroked along the shaft with her fingers.

"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.

"Fuck I've missed you" he growled knowing he wouldn't take the torture much longer.

"Me too" she kissed his nose as he shook out of his jeans.

"Are you ok?" she asked still wary he was very much bruised.

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.

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. Just them.

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.

"Jon" she moaned, feeling her body start to tremble and her arms shake as she held onto him.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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”.

“Oh god Jon.... Jon....” her body began to shake under him as she gave it to it all.

The explosion of light blinded her eyes as she cried out, her toes curling into the upholstery of the couch.

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.

It had been too long. Far too long.

He swept back the hair from her face, plastered there by sweat and pressed his lips on hers. “God, I love you”

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.

“Bed?” he asked “We’ll have a late dinner...I haven’t finished with you yet” his lopsided boyish grin made her laugh.

“Bed” she agreed.

Chapter Ninety-Nine

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.

“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?

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.

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.

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.

“Hi Kia”

“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?”

She let a deep sigh out “We’ve had a fight, kind of big one” she said simply.

“Jess, where are you? He’s really worried. Did you want to meet?”

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.

“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.

“No Kia, he didn’t hurt me…physically anyway” she murmured. God, she couldn’t even bring herself to say it.

“JESSE ADAMS, tell me what the hell is going on” Kia blasted.

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.

“What? Why did he do that? Goons? Like Mob goons?”

“Yes Kia, mob goons” she snapped.

“Holy shit! You can’t be serious…. Well did he say why?” she asked.

“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.

“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?”

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.

“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.

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.

“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.

“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.

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.

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.

“Honey, what’s he done to get you all shook up like this?” she asked concerned.

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.

Dot flicked her ash and took a deep drag “Provoked? How so?”

“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.

Dot leaned back and held her cigarette up lace in her fingers “Ahhhh he’s still got those contacts huh?” she asked sympathetically.

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?

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”

“He had a fan beat up?” Jesse asked feeling the thud of her heart against her chest.

“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.

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?

“You feel like now you don’t know him?” she asked.

Jesse nodded rubbing her hand across her tummy. “Yeah, I guess that’s it. I mean I never thought he was capable of it”

“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”

“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”

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.

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”

“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.”

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?”

Dot chuckled “No you haven’t. You’ve reacted the way I would of, well should of”

Jesse smiled “He is something else that’s for sure, do you ever miss him?”

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”

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”

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.

“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.

“Do you still love your husband?” Dot asked.

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”

“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.

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”

“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”

“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.

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”

Jesse cringed “Yeah he tried that and didn’t get too far. He’s a hopeless patient”

“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…”

She laughed “God, yes I’m sure you’ve been through it all”

As they stood Dot collected her coat “He’s worse than Romeo and Jakey when they’re sick combined”

“God thanks, I’m in for a whole lot more fun” if we can work things out that is.

“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.

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.

“And Jesse if you ever need to talk, you know just in general about anything or have a drink. Give me a call k?”

Jesse smiled feeling tears prick at the corner of her eyes “Thanks I will Dorothea”

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.

It was time to go home.

Ninety-Eight

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? Who was this man?

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?

"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.

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.

Carol raised a brow at Jon."Yes Jon you better tell us what you mean you did, set some guys? What guys?"

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.

Carol looked surprised but nodded "Ok sure I'll just—"

"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.

"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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

"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.

"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.

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.

Jon lurched himself out of the couch and grunted as the pain ripped through him. He clutched his middle as his mother cursed him.

"Sit down Jon, for god's sake" she said settling him back on the couch.

"Jesse" he growled before taking a deep breath "Please stay, talk to me"

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.

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.

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.

~

"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.

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.

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."

"Why didn't you get her to press the charges? This all could have been avoided..."

"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.

"And yes this was wrong" he admitted gently. Yes Jason lashed out at him because of what he did. He realized that now.

"Well she'll calm down Jonny, just give her time"

"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.

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”

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”

Carol nodded “That’s fair, and I am assuming under the circumstances her marriage would or could be annulled”

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”

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.

“Thanks Ma. I appreciate it”

~

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.

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.

She walked into the underground parking lot and flipped open her phone dialling Dorothea. The number still there from where Jon was in hospital.

“Jesse?” she asked surprised.

“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.

“What’s he done?” she asked seriously.

“Can I meet you somewhere?”

“I’m still in the city. How about I meet you a Raphael’s in thirty minutes, we’ll get a drink and talk”

“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.

Ninety-Seven

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.

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.

"Jon?" she asked. The only reply she got was a curse and a thud from the kitchen.

She rolled her eyes and made her way to the kitchen and stood with her arms crossed at the sight.

"What are you doing?"

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.

"Making coffee?" he asked with a sheepish grin.

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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

She nodded "Ok sounds good, are they still holding him downtown?" she asked.

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.

"Ok" she said quietly. She grabbed the canister of coffee and scooped some into the filter.

"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.

"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?

"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.

"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.

"Good, now bring me my coffee woman" he teased before releasing her and going back to the couch.

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.

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.

"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. Ever.

"Nothing, just looking" she teased sipping her coffee "and deciding what I want for dinner. What do you feel like?"

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.

"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"

He reached over and trailed a finger up her jeans to her knee "Maybe even time for something else" he grinned.

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.

"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.

"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.

"You know I've missed you too but Jon, come on you'll injure yourself" her breath warm on his mouth.

"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. Thank fuck that's not broken.

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.

"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. He had her. Damn it.

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.

"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.

She pulled away "Jon, we can't do this, you're going to get hurt" he didn't release his grip under her breast.

"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.

"No" she managed as the warm breath on her neck made he tingle right down to her toes.

"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.

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.

"Dammit" he swore.

"Who would have got past security?" she asked slipping off the couch. Only Jon's family had been given clearance, or Richie and Kia.

"I don't know but they deserve to be maimed" he grumbled.

"What?" Jesse laughed raising her brow back at him swinging open the door. Men.

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?"

"As expected, a little restless after only six hours of being home" she said motioning for her to come in.

"Mom? What are you doing here?" Jon asked. Sometimes he wondered how it was his family had impeccable timing.

"What? Can't a Mom come and see her son unannounced?" she teased giving him a kiss and sitting down next to him.

"Tea?" Jesse called already half way to the kitchen.

"That would be wonderful, thank you" she said crossing her legs "So how are you? Jesse taking good care of you?" she asked.

Jon smiled "What sort of question is that?"

“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”

“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.

Carol looked towards the kitchen “You know that this could have been all avoided if she’d laid charges in the first place”

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” and I didn’t make it any better by setting Big Tony onto him.

“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.

“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”

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.

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”

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.

Oh shit.