Adult-FanFiction.org : Books

Romantic Executions: Continued	By : PrettySin Category: Anita Blake > Het Views: 3494 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Anita Blake series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 49
- 50
- 51
Alright… this site is fucking up the spelling and grammar of this story every time I post. Rest assured that when I put the document in the ‘type box’ that it’s as perfect as I can get it. *Sigh* Hope you can understand what was meant.

Oh yeah… Property of Laurell K. Hamilton… not us. Bluh.
********************

Laura looked down at the list in her hand. It'd taken nearly an hour just to get all the places down, and they were just now leaving the house.

"Do you want a church wedding, Pet?" Micah smiled at her, offering her his hand.

She took it, smiling back. "I was thinking about one... An outside marriage is impossible, though. It'll be freezing."

"We aren't waiting until summer now." Micah sent a play pout at her. "Please no..."

Laura laughed, "God, no. I wouldn't be able to stand it."

The Nimir Raj smiled. "Me either... I might have to kidnap you and take you to Vegas..."

She raised a brow, "Vegas? Classy."

"Nope. I'd find the cheesiest place possible... complete with a fake Elvis." He smirked leading her to the car.

She opened the door as he unlocked it, "I'd be careful with that." She grinned back, "Fake Elvis's are said to be good lovers. Lots of practice."

Micah frowned. "What?"

She slid into the car, suppressing laughter.

"We're not going to Vegas." He shut the door. "Buckle up, brat."

She buckled up, smiling. "I'm glad we're in agreement."

"About you being a brat? Always." He smirked, buckling his belt as he started the car.

"Well, that and Vegas." She reached over, poking him gently in the side.

He laughed, leaning over to kiss her. "Alright... let's go."

She rested back in her seat, smiling as they pulled out of the driveway.

"Now, what's the first place again, Pet?" He glanced at her.

"The first place is..." The Nimir Ra bit her lip, looking down at the list. "The Unity Church of Light, but that's farther away than the..." She frowned, peering down at the list. "I can't read your writing."

"Let me see, Pet." He took the paper. "It's the Garden Chapel."

"If you say so. It looked more like the Garter Chapel, so..." She shrugged, smiling slightly. "We'll check that one first."

"Garter Chapel? That'd be interesting..."

********

Laura looked around the church they'd just entered. They'd been to the three other churches that had been closer to the house, and they'd reached the conclusion that none of them suited the needs. Now they'd reached the Unity Church of Light, and... it seemed to be perfect. Alright, she conceded inwardly, it was more modern than she'd always dreamed, but...

Micah looked down at her. "What do you think, Pet?"

"It's better than the others. Much." She looked back up at him.

He cupped her face. "It is... but what do you think of it? I want this day to be perfect for you."

She scowled at him, "It needs to be perfect for you too."

"Pet... it'll be perfect for me if it's perfect for you. I don't care... as long as I'm marrying you."

She sighed, "I like it. It's not what I'd imagined, really... Of course, when I was imagining churches I was about twelve... and I didn't think I was going to marry you, so..."

"Pet... What's your dream wedding? That's what I want you to have." He kissed her temple.

She hugged him, a faint blush creeping into her cheeks. "I didn't dream about the wedding..."

He quirked a brow. "What about the honeymoon?"

"See, that I dreamed."

He laughed softly, wrapping his arms around her. "Me too..."

She rested her head on his shoulder, "This church works for me..."

"You're sure?"

"Yeah..."

Micah kissed her. "I love you, Pet."

"I love you too." Laura smiled slightly.

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

Darien swallowed as he sat on the Ulfric's back steps. It was so... weird. Absolutely... not at all what he'd expected. He'd thought that'd he'd feel *something* upon his father's death... but it was nothing. Except... relief. It was over. He didn't have to worry or live in fear anymore... It was over.

He swallowed. Mel though... she'd looked at him yesterday... after he'd returned to human form and he'd been told... She'd looked at him like she was disgusted...
He swallowed again. So he'd been avoiding her.

Richard stepped out of the back door, shutting it quietly behind him. He moved over to sit next to Darien, looking over at the teen.

Darien licked his lips, picking at a weed near them.

Richard watched him for a moment, "Mel was wondering where you were."

Darien shrugged, glancing at him. "Just out here... why?"

Richard shook his head, "She didn't tell me."

"Oh."

"She seems worried."

"Why would she be worried?" The teen frowned.

The Ulfric shrugged. "You tell me."

"I don't know... that's why I asked."

Richard raised a brow, "I don't think I can answer the question, Darien."

Darien swallowed again. "Why don't I feel anything?"

"I don't know..." Richard sighed, "I've only got my theories."

The young were looked up to him. "I'm scared, Ulfric... I don't-can't feel anything. The fucking bastard's dead and I don't care! He's gone and I'm relieved!" Darien choked back a cry. "It makes me sick."

"I don't know, Darien. It could take time..." Richard watched him helplessly. If it was Grace, he'd be holding her, but Darien wasn't Grace...

The boy clenched his jaw, his shoulders shaking with sobs he wasn't letting free.

Richard cursed inwardly, pulling Darien into a hug.

Darien tried to push him away, but the Ulfric would have none of it. The teen finally fell against him, sobbing. Sobbing for years of pain, fear, and anger...

Richard just held him until the sobs subsided, letting the teen pull back when he was ready.

Darien sniffed, wiping his face. "I'm sorry..."

The Ulfric shook his head, "It's alright."

"No... it's not..."

"It's fine."

"Men don't cry..." The teen said... like a well-trained puppy.

"Since when?" Richard raised a brow.

Since... his mom had died... Darien frowned. "You don't cry."

"You don't watch." Richard corrected.

"When have you cried?" Darien tilted his head. Surely the *Ulfric* didn't cry...

"I'll tell you, as long as you don't rat me out." Richard offered the teen a small smile.

He nodded slowly. "My word."

"I cried for you."

"Me?!" Darien gaped at the older man. "Why would you waste your tears on me?"

"Because it wasn't a waste."

Darien swallowed, shaking his head. "I'm a waste-"

"No." Richard's tone was sharp and abrupt, but he softened his voice. "You're not a waste, Darien. The only waste is the words you've wasted by saying you're a waste."

The young wolf swallowed. "Even Melissa looked at me like she was disgusted..."

"Have you talked to her about it? Misunderstanding's aren't unusual."

Darien shook his head slowly. "I didn't want to upset her... not when her sister's..."

Richard sighed, smiling slightly. "I know you've got good intentions, Darien, but I think you're missing something."

Darien quirked a brow. "Like what?"

"You're upsetting her by not talking to her." Richard stood, stretching.

"But..." Darien sighed. "I guess."

"I'm making some lunch." The Ulfric looked down at Darien, "Do you want any?"

"Please." He stood. "Any suggestions on how to apologize to Bit?"

"Start with 'I'm sorry'." Richard opened the back door.

"Brilliant..." Darien smiled, following the other man into the house.

Richard chuckled, "Of course it's brilliant. It came from your teacher."

Grace leaned out of the kitchen. "Don't believe a word he says, Darien! He'll corrupt you!"

Darien smiled. "Which type of corruption? Good or bad?"

"Good. Always good." Richard grinned.

The Lupa rolled her eyes. "Help me finish this salad. Darien, please help Melissa set the table."

The young wolf nodded. "Yes, Ma'am."

Melissa stepped into the kitchen, "Where do you keep the silverware, Grace? I couldn't find it when I was getting the plates..."

Richard moved over to Grace, reaching for the small tomatoes. "The silverware's in the drawer under the microwave."

Darien bit his lip. "Guess I ought to learn this stuff..." He moved towards Melissa. "Can we talk?"

Grace bit her lip, trying to give the teens some privacy.

"Yeah." Melissa swallowed, pulling open the drawer Richard had spoken of.

"I'm sorry... for being an arse... and avoiding you." Darien started grabbing spoons.

Melissa blinked, pulling out four forks. "Oh... it's okay, I guess..."

Darien bit his lip. "No... no, it's not, Bit."

Melissa reached for the knives, shifting the forks to her other hand. "It is... just... why?"

"Why?" Darien furrowed his brow.

"Why were you avoiding me?" Melissa bumped the drawer shut with her hip. "I don't remember doing anything wrong, not really... It doesn't make sense."

Darien set the spoons on the counter, cupping her face. "You didn't."

Melissa bit her tongue, shrugging.

Darien glanced at the pack leaders before leading Melissa outside. Somehow, he thought they'd be allowed. "Bit... you didn't. I'm just a stupid arse... I must have misunderstood the look you gave me... and I didn't want to add to your stress with my... stuff."

Melissa frowned, "What look?"

"After I turned... back into a human... you looked..." He swallowed. "Grossed out."

She looked down at the forks and knives in her hands. Oh... "And... you thought it was about you?"

He shrugged slightly. "I didn't want to upset you by asking..."

She shook her head, "I was thinking, that's all. Just... not good thoughts."

He furrowed his brow. "About what, Bit?"

"Your dad... and how hard it must've been for you to get through years of living with him." She looked back up at him, "What kind of man would ruin his child's life like that? It's disgusting... I don't understand why he would put you through that. I can't believe someone would be that... uncaring."

Darien swallowed, hugging her. "I'm sorry."

Melissa hugged him back, trying not to drop the silverware. "That was most of the look, I guess... I'm sorry, Darien... I'd never push you away like that."

"I know." He kissed her temple. "I'm just... most of the look?"

"Yeah..." She blushed. "Most of it."

He quirked a brow. "What was the other bit?”

"I hadn't realized the change was so messy..." Her blush deepened. She leaned up, kissing his cheek. "I'm sorry."

He brushed his mouth over hers. "Don't be."

"We should get back inside..."

He nodded. "I suppose..."

She pulled back, "Are you okay?"

"Fine, Bit. Just wishing I could hold you for a bit instead of eating."

"Oh..." She bit her lip, "If we have someplace I can put the silverware, I'm all for it."

He smiled. "Can't, Bit. The Ulfric won't go for it."

"Damn."

"Come on, you two. We're hungry." Grace smiled, leaning out the door.

"Damn again." Melissa mumbled, stepping towards the door.

"Language, Melissa." Grace teased, ducking inside.

Darien rolled his eyes. "Our Lupa's odd."

"Best get used to it." Melissa offered him a small smile, following Grace into the house.

Grace sunk into her chair, watching the teens slink inside. "You can talk more later."

Melissa set the forks and knives on the table, and Richard leaned over, picking up two of each and setting them out.

The Lupa looked over the teens. "Darien, grab the spoons from the counter."

Melissa watched him go into the kitchen before moving to her own seat.

Darien came back in a second later, handing each person a spoon.

"Thanks, Darien." Grace smiled at him as he sat.

"Not a problem, Grace." He paused, the name feeling odd, then shrugged.

Richard smiled slightly, setting his spoon down.

Melissa bit her lip, glancing at Darien.

Darien smiled at her. "This food looks good. Thank you." He smiled at the two adults.

Grace nodded. "Well, let's dig in! I've been craving this all day."

Melissa set the last dish in the sink, turning around to look at the empty kitchen. It wasn't really unusual, being alone. After all, she had been since Darien had changed back, but... He wasn't ignoring her now. She didn't need to be alone, and neither did he.

Darien came out of the bathroom, biting the inside of his lip. "Hey, Bit."

"Hey." Melissa looked up at him, fighting the urge to bite her lip.

"What're you doing?" He asked curiously.

"Putting the dishes in the sink." She smiled slightly, fingers picking at her jeans.

"Ah. Can I help?"

"I just finished..."

"Ah." He shoved his hands in his pockets, looking around.

She bit her lip, "Sorry..."

"Bit..." He looked at her, frowning slightly. "Why are you apologizing?"

"I'm not sure." She shrugged, looking down.

He moved forward, cupping her face. "Well, you shouldn't be."

She lifted her gaze, "Okay..."

Darien stroked her cheekbone with his thumb. "What's wrong?"

Melissa frowned slightly, "Nothing..."

"Bit... you're..." He bit his lip, dropping his hand. "I'll leave you alone if that's what you want."

"No!" She caught his hand, refusing to let him pull away. "No... I'm just..."

He stilled. "You're what, Bit?"

"Worried about you."

"Worried about me? Why?"

She swallowed, "Well... after your dad, you've been... distant, and now..." She shrugged again.

"Now what, Bit?" Darien furrowed his brow. "I was... trying to deal with... stuff..."

"I know." She sighed, "I just... I don't like being away from you. It hurts."

He hugged her. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to add to... everything you've got going on..."

She hugged him back, "It's okay... just... tell me, okay?"

He kissed her jaw. "I'm good now though... Promise. No more stupid avoiding or anything..."

She rested her head on his shoulder, shutting her eyes. "Okay..."

He rubbed her back, closing his eyes. Was he supposed to say something?

She made no move to pull back, content to stay in his embrace.

He kissed her temple, biting his lip. "I... your sister wakes up tomorrow, right?"

She blinked open her eyes, "Yeah..."

"Are you going to go to school or not? I mean.... today's Sunday, right?" He bit his lip again.

"Well... she's not waking up until after school, so..." She looked up at him, "I'm going. Are you?"

Darien nodded. "I don't really want to..." He blushed, not finishing the sentence.

"I don't have to go... I mean, it wouldn't be hard to convince Grace and Mr. Zeeman, I think... but..."

"No... Bit... that's not what I meant. I was going to say I don't want to be away from you."

She bit her lip, "Oh."

Darien shrugged. "Yeah."

"So... you're going?"

"If you are..."

Melissa sighed inwardly. "It'd be easier to get home, but I don't need to go..."

"Bit..." Darien sighed. "I'm going to go."

"Okay."

He looked down. "Would you like to watch some TV? While the Ulfric and Lupa shop for a replacement mattress?" He'd ruined the other.

"Sure." She hugged him again before pulling back.

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

Artou entered the room that he and Belle Morte had converted into what could only be called a throne room. If it had been Paris, there would have people combined with the pillows, throws, and cushions. Instead, the decorations were bare of the writhing bodies he so loved to watch. The only being in the room aside himself, was Belle.

He moved with a grace his body should not have held, kneeling in front of the Council member. "You called, mistress?"

"Yes." Belle Morte glared down at her servant. "Due to Jean-Claude's little blood contract, there is little we can do to persuade him to return to France with us." She paused. "But you... you were supposed to take care of his human servant!"

Artuo lowered his head to hide his flinch, "It will be taken care of. You would not have given me this task if you did not believe I could succeed, and I will succeed."

"Well, hurry it up! I want her tortured... I want her to crumble..." Belle Morte's eyes shone with evil intent. "Now... come here my sweet..."

Artuo looked up, recognizing the expression on his mistress's face. "I am at your command, mistress."

She cupped his face, her thumb tracing his lips. "Play with her head... take you time... but I want her broken completely..." She furrowed her brow. "Use her... and I'll have Jean-Claude back. He hates leftovers, my sweet."

"It will be completed as you ask."

Belle Morte smiled, pressing her mouth to her servant's.

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

Randy smiled as he knocked on Jules' door. They were going out to a concert in the park, one they'd both wanted to go to. Honestly, he couldn't believe how close they were since they'd started dating. It was the first time in his life that'd he was content to just... be with someone.

"Be there in a second!" Jules' voice called out, heralding her appearance at the door.

Randy smiled, leaning against the side of the door to wait.

Jules opened the door a moment later, smiling as she saw him. "Hey. Come in, I need to find my shoes, and we'll be ready to go."

He rolled his eyes as he teased her. "Jules, you can never find your shoes." He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her to him.

She wrapped her arms around him, "Well, I'd be able to find them a lot faster if you weren't so interested in hiding them from me."

"Oh no! How'd you figure out my plan?" He brushed his lips over the corner of her mouth.

She smiled, "Experience."

"Mm..." He smiled, pulling back. "Shoes, woman." He thwapped her bottom as she turned.

She proceeded to strut with exaggerated movements into the apartment.

He laughed, "You know, the concert will be starting soon...."

"I know." She dropped the strut, looking around for her shoes.

"Is that them, under the coffee table?" Randy tilted his head.

Jules blinked, bending to look under the table. "Oh... yeah..."

"See? Aren't I a good boyfriend?"

She grabbed the shoes, plopping onto the couch to pull them on. "Of course you are."

He smirked watching her as she put them on, moving to rub her back. "I brought a blanket in my car for us to sit on."

She looked up at him, smiling slightly. "Alright. Do we need anything else?"

"Not that I know of." He offered her a hand. "Ready?"

"Yeah." She took it, standing from the couch. "Let's go."

He led her to the door, brushing his lips over her fingers.

She squeezed his hand gently, fighting off a shiver.

He glanced at her. "Something wrong?"

"No... but I need my keys..."

"Ah. Do you know where they are?"

"The kitchen?" She frowned, voice doubtful.

He smiled. 'We'll both look, okay?"

"Yeah." She smiled back, leading him towards the kitchen.

They finally found her keys... and her coat before they made their way to the park. People were starting to arrive and Randy smiled. Maybe it was a good thing he'd told Jules the concert started before it actually did.

Jules blinked, glancing down at her watch. "I thought you said we were late..."

"Huh... I must have mixed up the times. Sorry, Jules." Randy sighed. "I stink at remembering times...."

"Uh huh..." She poked him lightly, "Let's find a place to sit..."

He sent her an innocent look. "Alright. Close to the stage or?"

She smiled, "Whichever you prefer."

"How about under that tree?" He pointed. The tree was halfway to the stage and a bit to the left.

"Looks good." They moved over to it, and Jules pulled the blanket out of Randy's bag, laying it down carefully.

He helped her straighten it before flopping down. "Agh.... Sleep..."

She sat next to him, quirking a brow. "Tired?"

"Mmhm..." He glanced at her.

She leaned against him, looking down at him. "I see."

He smiled, pushing her hair back. "Stayed late at work last night, then went in early."

She shook her head, reaching up and covering his hand with hers. "Any reason why?"

He sighed. "An older patient of mine... Mr. Scotts... is dieing. He doesn't have any family, and he's a nice guy... I don't like seeing him alone."

"Oh..." She leaned down, hugging him.

He hugged her back, stroking her hair.

She shifted, resting her head against his.

"Sorry to be a downer..." He brushed his lips over her temple.

"It's not your fault." She rubbed his back, letting her eyes drift shut.

"Mm." He sighed. "You'd like him, Jules."

"Oh?" She blinked open her eyes.

He nodded, biting his lip. Damn. This sucked.

She let the silence lengthen, closing her eyes again. She wasn't going to press. If he wanted to tell her, he would.

"Come with me? To see him?" Randy swallowed. "I mean, I know you don't know him and stuff, but I've told him all about you-"

"I'll go." She opened her eyes, smiling slightly down at him.

He smiled, covering her mouth with his.

She parted her lips for him, giving him control of the kiss.

He deepened it, his fingers sliding into her hair.

She shivered, meeting his tongue with hers.

Randy stroked a hand down her back, tilting his head. She tasted good-

"Hey, Ally! This is the one you're looking for, right? He looks a bit busy..."

Jules jerked back, staring up at the short blonde man who stood above them.

Randy sat up. "Can I help you?"

The short man shrugged, grinning. "Just waiting for Ally."

"Don't call me that, Jason." Alex stepped up next to the short man, presumably Jason. "And yeah, this is who we're looking for." He glanced behind him, "Where did we lose James?"

Randy sighed. Damn it. "Alex."

"I'm right here. Hey Randy, Juliet." James smiled down at the couple from the other side of the tree.

Jules swallowed, "Hey."

Jason bounced on the balls of his feet, glancing between Alex, James, Jules, and Randy. "So... now what?"

Randy quirked a brow. "Do I know you?"

James shook his head, sitting down near Julie.

Alex blinked, "Oh. Damn, sorry. Jason, the guy who looks like James is Randy, his twin. And his girlfriend is Jules. Jules, Randy, this is Jason, a coworker."

Jason smiled openly, "Hi!"

Randy forced a smile. "Hi. Jules, you mind if they sit with us?"

Jules shrugged, "I don't mind..."

Alex cocked his head, "Are you sure? There are still some places open..."

James shook his head. "They don't mind."

Randy intertwined fingers with Jules’. This was going to be a long night.

The concert had ended at least an hour ago, and James, Alex, and Jason had just left. Most of the crowd had dispersed when the show ended, but several groups remained. Jules sighed, leaning against Randy again.

He sighed. "I'm sorry our date was crashed, Jules."

"It's okay." She managed a tired smile, "It wasn't ruined completely..."

"Just mostly?" He kissed her temple.

"It could've been worse." She took his hand, threading their fingers.

He squeezed them. "Still sorry."

She shook her head, "Stop it. You don't need to be sorry."

Randy rolled his eyes. "Care for dinner? We can go to your favorite restaurant."

"Alright." Jules glanced over her shoulder at him, sighing softly. "Here's the issue."

He frowned, confused. "Issue?"

"Yeah. I really don't want to move."

He laughed softly. "Poor Jules..."

"Poor me..." She sighed again, smiling.

He placed his hand on her tummy, rubbing it softly.

She rested her head on his shoulder, more comfortable than she had been in hours.

"We should go, Jules..." He said quietly.

"Suppose so..." She pulled away from him reluctantly.

Randy stood, offering her a hand.

She took it, getting to her feet.

He smiled at her. "Pizza Hut or Red Lobster?"

"Pizza Hut." She smiled back, letting go of his hand to pick up the blanket.

He helped her fold it. "With Pineapple, right?"

She nodded, holding the bag open for him. "And Canadian bacon."

He shoved the blanket in. "And mushrooms and pepperoni on half." He winked.

"Exactly." She smiled, glancing around the ground for anything they'd forgotten.

"Alright, we're good, Jules." Randy slung the bag over his shoulder, offering her a hand.

She took it, threading their fingers again.

He squeezed gently.

She squeezed back, "So..."

"Da." He smiled.

She laughed, "Nice."

“I thought so." He leaned down, brushing his mouth over hers.

She returned the brush of lips, "You would."

He laughed softly. "I hope so, as I'm the one who made the joke."

She smiled, "Come on... Pizza Hut is calling to me."

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

Jules followed Randy nervously down the hall of the hospital, fighting the urge to look down and count the tiles as she walked. She hadn't done that in years, and she didn't plan to start again any time soon.

Randy glanced at her, squeezing her hand. "You'll like him, I promise."

She nodded, offering him a small smile. "I'll hold you to that."

He lifted her hand to his mouth, kissing it as they stopped in front of a room. Randy knocked, despite the door being open.

"Go away!" A gruff voice barked. A voice that was clearly used to giving commands, and used to having them followed. "I've told you I don't want any of your disgusting food, and I-" The voice cut off, then softened almost imperceptibly. "Oh. It's you. Come in, then, and stop lingering in the doorway."

Jules blinked, glancing up at Randy with a questioning look.

Randy grinned at her, leading her inside. "Hello, Mr. Scotts."

"Hello." The old man in the bed was sitting up, having adjusted the bed so that sitting was possible. He raised a brow, increasingly the wrinkles in his forehead when he caught sight of Jules. "So, this is the girl you won't stop blabbing about?"

Jules glanced at Randy again before nodding at Mr. Scotts. "I'm Jules."

"Jules?" Mr. Scotts snorted. "What are you, some kind of vault?"

Randy wrapped an arm around her waist. "Her name is Juliet, but she doesn't like it." He glanced at her. "Currently, other than you, Old Man, she's my best friend."

"Old Man?" Mr. Scotts smiled a crooked grin, "Don't give me that, Youngster."

Jules returned Randy's embrace, her own arm going around his waist. "What about Alex?" She looked up at him, "And Mr. Scotts can call me anything he likes." After all, she'd been taught to respect her elders.

"Good." Mr. Scotts nodded appraisingly. "You've got a fine name, Juliet. There's no sense in not liking it."

"Well, and Alex. He's more of a sibling." Randy shrugged. "And I agree with Mr. Scotts. I like your first name better than Jules. But I won't argue."

Mr. Scotts grinned. "There you go. Now that that's settled, is there a possibility of getting some real food in this heap?"

Jules tried not to smile. Mr. Scotts wasn't so bad... a bit rough and abrasive at first, but...

Randy sighed. "Am I sneaking you food in again?"

"Sneaking? No one mentioned sneaking. You hear anything about sneaking, Juliet?"

Jules blinked, then smiled. "Of course not. What are you talking about, Randy?"

Randy rolled his eyes, reaching into his coat... and pulling out half a sub. "Here you go, Old Man. Enjoy. And don't get me caught."

Mr. Scotts picked up the sub that Randy had tossed lightly onto the bed. "I never get you caught. You have my stomach's eternal gratitude, by the way. As always." He unwrapped the top of the sub, toasting Randy with it.

Randy shook his head, looking at Jules. "See. Told you we had to stop at Subway."

Jules smiled, "And now I understand why."

Randy leaned over, kissing her temple.

"Didn't realize I got a show with dinner." Mr. Scotts commented dryly between bites.

Jules glanced at him, the last hints of a smile still on her face. "That was hardly a show."

"Probably is for him. He hasn't been able to chase the ladies down the halls for a month." Randy smirked.

Mr. Scotts waved the sub dangerously at the young man. "You just wait, you impetuous young man! One day, you'll be like me. Bed ridden and desperate."

Jules shook her head, "I can't see you as desperate, Mr. Scotts."

"You must be blind."

Randy shook his head. "Nope. Jules will be right there, old with me."

Jules raised a brow at him, "When was that decided?"

Mr. Scotts rolled his eyes, taking another bite of the sub.

"When you saved my life. Gotta have my guardian angel." Randy winked at her.

Jules shook her head, smiling. "Right."

Randy smiled, leaning down and kissing her.

She returned the kiss, pulling back when Mr. Scotts coughed suspiciously.

"What is this, the evening Soap Opera?"

Randy looked at the other man. "Nope. That's Alex and Michele."

"Or Alex in general." Jules smiled slightly.

Mr. Scotts snorted, "As long as I don't meet this Alex fellow, he can be as dramatizing as he wants."

Randy smiled. "How was the sub?"

"Better than anything they serve in here."

"I know." He glanced at Jules. "It's worse than cafeteria food in high school."

She shuddered, "And they expect people to eat that?"

Randy nodded. "Poor Old Man here was nearly starving to death before I saved him."

Mr. Scotts finished the sub, crumpling up the wrapper. "I wouldn't have survived have a minute on the dirt they were serving. Never thought I'd be indebted to a child, but..."

Jules moved to the bed, offering a hand for the wrapper. "Here. I'll throw this away."

The old man handed it to her with a hint of a smile, "Thank you, Juliet."

"No problem." Jules smiled slightly back, moving towards the door. "Be right back, Randy."

"Alright, Jules." He smiled at her as she left.

"She's a nice girl, kid. I wouldn't let her stray to far, if I were you."

Randy glanced at Mr. Scotts. "I'm not planning on it. I'm keeping her."

"For life?" The old man raised a nearly mocking brow.

"I hope so." The younger man sighed. "It's only been a month and a half... but there's something there... I've never felt like this and I don't ever want to stop feeling it."

Mr. Scotts nodded, "You haven't told her yet, have you?"

Randy shook his head. "It's a bit soon, isn't it?"

"They don't teach you anything in school, do they?" Mr. Scotts sighed.

"What's your suggestion?"

"It's been a month and a half. Tell her how you're feeling, or you stand the chance of losing her to someone else who's more open."

"And you gained this advice how?" Randy furrowed his brow.

Mr. Scotts shook his head, "I've had a long life. Some things you just know."

"So how should I tell her? Jules, I love you?"

Jules gaped, her hand gripping the doorknob. Randy loved her? She failed in holding back a small choked noise. When had he decided he...

Randy glanced at the door. Crap. "Jules?"

She swallowed, opening the door. "Yeah? Didn't mean to eavesdrop, but..."

"Don't apologize." Mr. Scotts scoffed. "You needed to hear it anyway."

Randy sighed. "I'm sorry. I wanted to tell you... just in a... more romantic way..."

"It's okay..." Jules took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "I love you too."

Mr. Scotts grinned. Excellent.

Randy stared at her for a moment, then hugged her to him. "Love you." She deserved to hear it... to her... not some to Mr. Scotts.

She hugged him back, "Love you too..." God... how long had it been since she'd come to the realization that she loved him? Weeks, at least. She'd always been told falling in love took a long time, but... it didn't. It was fast, not slow at all.

He kissed her temple, then the corner of her mouth, cupping her face.

Mr. Scotts looked away, giving the couple as much privacy as possible.

Jules brushed her lips lightly over Randy's, feeling warm and content.

Randy swallowed, brushing his lips back over hers.

She pulled back slightly, looking up at him. "We'll need to talk later..."

He nodded. "Yeah. Old Man doesn't need a show, does he?"

"I didn't think so." She smiled.

Mr. Scotts looked at them again, "You're finished now?"

"For now." Randy smiled. "Sorry."

Mr. Scotts waved away Randy's apology. "Save it."

Jules glanced down at her watch. Nine thirty... she had to be at work in an hour, but she didn't want to leave Mr. Scotts alone... That, and she didn't want to leave Randy.

"Well, Old Man, we need to get going. I'll be back around dinner, alright?" Randy said reluctantly. "Anything you want?"

"Something edible." Mr. Scotts made small shooing motions with his hands. "Go. I'll be here when you get back."

Jules nodded slowly. "It was nice meeting you."

"You too, Juliet."

"Bye, Mr. Scotts."

Jules shut the door softly behind them, looking up at Randy. "You're right. He's nice."

Randy nodded. "He's... like another father."

"Yeah..."

He leaned down, brushing his lips over hers. "I love you."

She smiled slightly, "I love you too."

“So... we need to talk." Randy bit his lip.

"Yeah..."

He took her hand in his. "I'm sorry. My head just went blank. I don't know how you want to change this.... or what to talk about..."

She threaded her fingers through his, "I know... and I don't really want to change it. Just make it make sense..."

"What do you mean, Jules? Make it make sense?" He tilted his head.

"Yeah." She couldn't help but smile slightly, "Does anything change now, or do we keep going on like before?"

"That's up to you, Jules." He shrugged. "I'll wait for you and take anything you'll give me."

They started down the hall after a moment of silence, "You seem way too patient, sometimes."

He blinked. "How's that?" They made it to the end of the hall, and he pressed the down button on the elevator.

Jules shrugged, "I don't know... we've been together for a month and a half, and you've never pushed me once."

Randy frowned. "Do you want me to push you? I didn't think you were ready-"

She shook her head, "It's not that, Mercutio. I've just never met a guy who didn't push at least a little."

He sighed. "I'm not every guy, Jules."

"I know." She pulled him into the elevator as it opened. "I'm not saying I want you to be like every guy."

He blinked as the door closed. "Oh?"

"If you were like every guy, you'd be boring and predictable."

Randy smiled. "Ah." He tugged her towards him.

Jules looked up at him, lips quirking.

He leaned down, brushing his lips over hers... as the elevator door opened.

She made a frustrated noise in her throat, stepping back from him.

Randy sighed as another man entered the elevator, looking harassed.

"Could you not take up the entire elevator?" The man glared, shoving his way to the back.

Randy scowled at him. "Would you mind getting some manners?"

Jules glanced back at the man, forcing herself to stay silent. Honestly, was it that difficult to be polite?

Randy moved towards her side, taking her hand. Shitlicker.

The man sneered. "Oh, don't. I don't want to see you-"

"Shut up." Jules snapped.

"Keep your trashy little mouth shut, you-"

Randy stepped away from Jules, and the other man stepped back, suddenly realizing how short he was. "You don't want to finish that sentence."

Jules' hands fisted at her sides, and she turned to glare at the man. "Let him finish, Mercutio."

The man swallowed. "I..."

Randy stepped back. Jules could easily kick this man's ass if she wanted.

"You what?" Jules scowled at him, crossing her arms. Stupid ass...

"You.... uh... lovely young lady?"

"You suck at lying. Don't speak again."

The man swallowed again. "This... is my stop."

Randy watched the man hurry from the elevator. "Shit head."

Jules sighed, "I hate men sometimes."

"I'm sorry, Julie."

"It's okay, Mercutio."

He pressed his lips to her temple as the door opened for parking garage. "Still. On behalf of my sex..."

She stepped out of the elevator, hiding a slight smile. He definitely wasn't like every guy... how many men apologized for the male race in general? "Don't worry about it."

He took her hand again, leading her over to his car. "If you say so... but I will take you to dinner to make it up to you."

"Alright... but I need to be at work in an hour."

"I meant later, Jules. On top of the lunch I told you I already had planned."

"Ah."

He frowned. "What's wrong? We don't have-"

She blinked, "It's not that I don't want to eat with you... I'm just tired."

"Ah. I can take you back to your place, if you want?"

"I need to work. My rent's coming up soon."

Randy unlocked the car. "Your pick."

She opened her door. "Work. I can get a ride home with John later."

"You sure? I could give you a ride..." So you aren't riding with another male...

"It'll be fine." She offered him a smile, "John's apartment is two floors above mine. It's not like it's out of his way."

"Alright." He climbed in, starting the car.

She climbed in, shutting her door and buckling up.

Randy put the car in reverse, backing out of the parking space.

Jules watched him for a moment, brow furrowed. What was wrong with him? He was acting... stupid? Maybe. He hadn't buckled up, either. Dammit.

Randy pulled onto the main road, shoving a hand in his hair before putting a CD in. Rap filtered out, something about St. Louis.

Jules bit the inside of her cheek, turning to stare out the window. She hated rap. Well... not hated. Strongly disliked. Randy had played some that she hadn't minded, but... She listened to bands like Creed and Breaking Benjamin. Rap just wasn't her thing.

Randy tightened his hand on the wheel, twenty-five minutes later as he turning onto the road the bar she worked at was on.

Jules unbuckled as he let the car idle, grabbing her jacket from the backseat. "You're going to put your seatbelt on after I get out, right?"

He blinked at her. "What?"

"Put your seatbelt on. I don't want you to die if you get in a crash." She opened the car door, climbing out.

"Jules-"

"Put it on, Randy. Please."

Randy shut off the car, climbing out. "I'm sorry, Jules." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm a jealous idiot sometimes..."

"Jealous?" She raised a brow, shutting the door. "Of what?"

"Just... guys..." He sighed. "This is going to sound like an excuse... but everything I've ever had and liked... loved... James has found a way to take away. Toys, girlfriends... everything. And I know you're not them and..." He rubbed his neck again. "I’m being stupid."

She moved around the car, stepping up onto the sidewalk. "What does James have to do with this?"

"Just... nothing." He shook his head. "Have a good night, alright?" He paused, opening his door again. "I love you, Jules."

"I love you too." Jules bit her lip, turning to move into the bar. What the hell?

Randy bit his lip, watching her leave. Damn it.

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

Jules slipped inside the bar, glancing around the dark interior. It was fairly empty, which wasn't unusual for the time of night. It would fill up more at eleven or twelve, full with kids who wanted to get drunk and adults who needed it.

She moved around past the bar proper, nodding hello to Christine, the current bartender. Christine would be off work in half an hour, then it'd be Jules' shift. John would come in twenty minutes later, to replace Christine's nonexistent partner.

Jules sighed, hanging up her coat. What was with Randy? He'd been fine with Mr. Scotts. They'd had fun, the old man had teased them... it had been a good night, until the elevator. The ass had run off his mouth, and she and Randy had... what had they done? Stopped talking? Not really... stopped communicating? Maybe.

All she'd done was tell him John would take her home, and he'd all but thrown a fit. Was he really that possessive? She'd noticed he was possessive before. Whenever they went to his apartment and James or Alex was there, he'd stayed at her side with almost irritating skill. She was sure if she'd let him, he would have accompanied her into the bathroom. Was he honestly that worried she'd leave him for John? Or James?

He certainly didn't need to worry about either of them. John wasn't her type. He was slim, wore glasses, and was quiet. They got along because he knew more about preparing drinks than she did. And James... she hardly liked James. He had a tendency to be cocky and arrogant, verging on rude. It pissed her off, and the only reason she hadn't hit him was because of Randy. She didn't know how he'd react if she threw all restraints to the wind and gave his brother a black eye.

No matter how much she dreaded it, she'd have to talk to him. Soon.
- 49
- 50
- 51
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Romantic Executions: Continued