Chapter 9 - The Proposition(s)

One Week Later...

 

Justin's Establishment

Las Vegas, Nevada

 

 

"Diane, are you ok?"

 

Gazing through the large vanity mirror in the dressing room of Justin's establishment, I connect to a pair of worried orbs. Giving a tight smile, I nod lightly as Rachel stands behind me fixing my hair for one of our shows later.

 

"I...I'm fine Rach." I lie.

 

Twisting my hair into a bun, she smiles wearily. She knows I'm lying but she's not the kind to pry.

 

"Ok, but if you ever need someone to talk to I'm here." She gives me a warm smile and I return the favor before my eyes dart around the large, spacious room filled with props and costumes. All the girls are in here getting ready for one of our many shows tonight. I, I'm getting ready too but Justin insisted that I didn't perform tonight. He knows his customers are going to bitch when I don't go out there but he doesn't seem to care. Still I'm getting prepared just in case.

 

Gazing down at my tight black top and skin tight dark denim jeans, I sigh. I should probably get dressed in my costume for later but if I went against Justin's wishes he'd maybe throw a mild tantrum.

 

I guess you're wondering what happened the night he poured his heart and soul out to me huh? Well I'm wondering the same thing too. It's been practically a week and I still can't get over the shock of the horrific things he told me that was his past. And I thought what I was dealing with was bad. Dear god, he's been to hell and back just in his teenage years alone. From his issues of being suspended from school due to getting into trouble with his gang friends to his own mom, he had it rough. I guess finding out what happened to him answered every question I ever had about his behavior and attitude. I don't blame him that he's like this now. I mean, god he watched his dad get killed by one of his own girls. That's enough to make me understand why Justin is so tight about his rules. He's terrified the same thing will happen to him. Now, that part of his past I could deal with.

 

But, I wasn't prepared to hear about his girlfriend and baby girl being brutally murdered right in front of him. I think I cried more than he did that night. I literally knocked out from exhaustion. I was angry for him, depressed, scared, and anxious all at the same time. I was furious that Courtney and I had to pay for his and his dad's mistakes. I was also saddened that because of what he endured at such a young age, it permanently scared him psychologically and emotionally. Still, I shouldn't have had to pay for it under his hand. I know he's petrified. He's mortified that if he even attempts to get close to Courtney and me we'll be ripped from right under him like all those years ago. I guess it's unfair but I can't change it.

 

Still, Justin can't seriously think that karma is just waiting around the corner for him again. I mean, I think he's paid his dues, but he's not going to be able to fully change or get better if he's holding unto his past so strongly. He'll forever be stuck in that recurring nightmare. He needs to learn how to let go and stop blaming himself for all of this. Maybe if he made different choices he'd have different results, but also, maybe everything happened for a reason. But, I know why he's so angry all the time. He's angry because of everything that happened to him. What really makes his temper peek to the point of eruption is the fact that he blames himself for all of it. Yeah, can you believe it?

 

He literally told me it was his fault. He didn't deserve anything good and he didn't deserve to be happy. He blames himself for his father's death, Ashley and Simone. I...I didn't even know how to respond to that so I just held him and cried. God, we were like two basket cases but in a way I think it was partly soothing and healing. The first step was to accept it for what it was and still is and for him to finally let it out and talk about it.

 

He knows he has a serious problem that he can't control. He even admitted to feeling like he wasn't his self when he'd snap and just loose it. He's aware that there is something very wrong with him but it's not going to change anything unless he wants the help to change.

 

I mean we haven't even talked about his little breakdown since that night. After we sobered up, he asked me if I was hungry and we silently warmed up some leftover pizza before we retreated into our separate rooms for the night. It's strange but since then, Justin and I have been sort of 'ok' with each other. He's kind of distant, but we've been walking around like nothing happened. We've be walking around this past week like he didn't let me in on the fact that he was a cold blooded murderer. Is that weird? I don't even feel threatened by him like I used to. But, after hearing about his past, I'd think any sensible person would high tail out of there. But I'm still here. I'm always still there.

 

He's still unstable though, but, you know he's been really trying but it's hard. I never expected to hear any of the things he told me. I'm still shocked. And I haven't been thinking regularly since. I just can't shake off his tie to JC. He won't share that part with me and I don't know why. I need to know about JC for my own personal reasons too but I can't tell Justin that. He did promise he'd try his utmost best to not take out his temper on Courtney and me anymore. I'll loosely hold him to it for now because a person can't completely change over night. But, I think he needs psychological help.

 

I'm a little worried that if Justin hadn't shared with me, he would have gone and done something stupid. That still doesn't put him in the clear. I'm not sure how to begin helping him but, I can try to just be there for him.

 

That might be a problem though because I'm still thinking of leaving him. Only, I don't want to leave Courtney behind. That's why I need to know if I can trust JC. So far he's proven to be a stand up guy but there is still that feeling in the pit of my stomach that tells me he could mean trouble. Whatever it is, I hope I find out before I need to make my decision. I really don't want to regret anything when it's too late...

 

 

 

"All done."

 

Looking at Rachel through the mirror, I shake off my thoughts to glare at my hairdo. "Thanks Rach."

 

"You know it's what I do girl." She giggles and I smile meekly.

 

Turning around in my chair to face her when she begins clearing her station, I frown in thought. "Hey Rach?"

 

"Yeah?" Lifting her head to look at me, she shifts some of her dark hair out of her eyes awaiting my response.

 

"If you knew something about someone that could literally fuck them up and rip their life from right under them if you told, would you tell?" I inquire.

 

Arching a brow at me, she sits on the table facing me while crossing her arms over her chest. "That depends on who you're telling and for what reason."

 

"I...I don't know." I shrug, not wanting to get into too much detail.

 

"Well then, honestly no matter what it was, if I really loved that person with my entire being and heart, their secret would always be safe with me." She beams and I shake my head.

 

"I was thinking the same thing." I agree, knowing there is no way I'd ever betray Justin's trust even after all we've been through. "Thanks Rachel."

 

"Don't mention it." She leans over and gives me a quick hug, before she gathers her belongings to exit the dressing room.

 

Turning back around, I glare at myself in the mirror trying to figure out what I should do and where I should go from here. I need to make a decision and I need to make one soon. You know, I always thought this would be easy...until I met...him...JC on the job. Now, I'm not so sure it's as easy as I thought it would be.

 

On her way out, Rachel turns around to tell me her last statement that makes my mind rill even more.

 

"You know Diane, for what it's worth, I'm glad Justin finally trusted someone enough to tell them what really happened to him all those years ago. He hasn't been the same since and if he can finally open up to someone, I'm glad it's you. It's the first step for him to get better. I really want my old cousin back." Bowing her head and fixing her bag on her side, she tells me a quick ‘bye' and swiftly exits the dressing room before I have a chance to reply.

 

Staring at the closed door, I let out a depressed sigh before Bethany storms over to me.

 

Gazing at her, I roll my eyes in annoyance. "What is it now Beth?" I ask lowly while scoffing.

 

"What the fuck is up with you and Justin? Listen Diane, the girls and I have been talking. We've seen the way he is with you. If you think you're going to get your clutches into him and trap him so you can get his money you're mistaken. I won't allow that to happen." She hisses, while hovering over me with a maniacal glimmer in her eyes.

 

I so do not need to deal with this right now. Staring at her through tired eyes, I stand to face her with a bored expression on my face. "Are you done?" I inquire.

 

"No...as a matter of fact I'm not!" She spits and I really want to just slap her right now, but I don't need anymore animosity in the house. "I won't be done with you until you get it through your thick skull that just because you tricked Justin into getting you pregnant doesn't mean you are better than any of us and gives you any ranks."

 

"You are one stupid bitch." I snap. If she wants special treatment I'd gladly trade places with her. None of them know half of what I've had to endure from being Justin's favored punching bag. They're all clueless.

 

"No you're the..." But we're interrupted when the doors to the dressing room slams shut.

 

Tilting my head in the direction of the noise, I notice Justin is standing there glaring at all of us in curiosity. Just great. He looks a little pissed too.

 

"What the fuck..." then he drifts off when his blues connect to my browns. "Why are you in here Di? I told you you're not performing tonight." Justin says calmly until Bethany interrupts.

 

"I knew it! Justin, you don't have to take favors with her. The rest of us have been..."

 

"Ok, just shut up before you even go any further." He raises his hands to silence her. "I don't want to hear it."

 

"But..."

 

"Shut the fuck up Bethany or I'll shut you up myself!" He hisses while giving her an evil glare.

 

She instantly swallows her words. Yeah, they need to see deranged Justin a little bit more. Then they'll see that it's not always a good thing to be his favorite.

 

"Now, I personally do not care what the fuck you all have to say. Just don't under any circumstances tell it to Diane and especially me else I'll make you all wish you hadn't...understood? Let this be the last time." When he gets a series of ‘yes' he smiles coyly. "Good, and Diane is not performing tonight by my choice so don't give her lip for it else I swear to god, I'll cut off whoever's tongue I have to. She's joining me in V.I.P." He rambles out and I can see their faces contort into shocked expressions. Hell, I'm shocked too. It's never been heard of before where one of his girls joins him in V.I.P. This is definitely new. Looking over at me, Justin extends his hand for me to take and I give him a skeptic glare. "Come on Di." He says smoothly.

 

 

 

Figuring that I'd rather leave with him than stay in here and receive scathing looks and nasty remarks, I hesitantly take his hand and allow him to lead me out of the dressing room.

 

When we're walking down the hallway, I glare at him uneasily. "What's the catch Justin?" I inquire as he leads me to exit backstage with him.

 

"No catch." He chortles lightly.

 

"But..."

 

"No catch Diane." He reiterates before his blues gaze into my browns expectantly. His stare is soft but still unnerving. He's searching my eyes now for whatever reason until his cell goes off and he's snapped out of his trance. Detaching his hand from mine, he whips out the cell and presses the talk button.

 

After a few seconds, he stuffs the item back into his jeans pocket before he fixes his black fedora hat on his head. Linking back his hand with mine, he escorts me out into the crowd towards the V.I.P section.

 

The guests are only now piling in for the show, so, I'm happy we're climbing the stairs to the upper section before any of them can make me out. I just know there's going to be a riot tonight when they realize I'm not performing.

 

"Don't worry. I'll say you're unable to perform due to personal issues. They'll just have to accept it." Justin whispers as we make our way up to the V.I.P booths. It's almost like he read my mind.

 

Nodding in response, Justin brings me to the front row to take a seat that overlooks the stage and audience. This is a really amazing view. I can't even believe I'm up here right now. The entire setting is shaped just like those top balcony seats at an Opera house. He's really gone all out with this place.

 

"Diane darling!"

 

Whipping my head in the direction of the masculine voice, I smile brightly when I see Hugh seating a few seats away.

 

"Mr. Hefner! Hi, it's so nice to see you again." I beam.

 

"You too. Come seat with me. Let's talk. I'm sure Justin has some business to take care of before the show starts." He suggests and I look over at Justin who shakes his head in agreement.

 

"I have a small meeting to settle first. But, I'll be back." He waves to Hugh before he lets go of my hand, excusing himself.

 

And I'm left a little stunned and speechless by all this. It doesn't last long though when Hugh starts chatting to me about doing another cover spread due to all the great publicity we experienced with the last one.

 

Well, I guess I could get used to this if it will last long enough.

 

 

*****

 

 

Ambling up the stairs to his office, Justin whips out his gun from the back of his jeans and places it snuggly at the front before he smoothes out his black shirt over it.

 

Not sure how this meeting will turn out, he's made sure to keep his security guards on point. Upon entering his office, he notices that two of his guards are already in there with JC and Grant. Thanking them for their assistance and dismissing them, Justin eyes the two men briefly before he rounds his desk to take a seat on his large chair.

 

Fixing his hat lower over his face slightly, he smirks at them as they eye him expectantly.

 

"Guys..." Justin says smoothly acknowledging their presence.

 

Grant is the first to speak, "Justin cut the bullshit and let's get down to business."

 

"You're forgetting I'm here by choice Grant." Justin hisses, while leaning forward in his seat and propping his elbows on his desk.

 

He knows Grant is into the same business he's into but not as successful. They always butted heads because of it. Grant has his girls and Justin has his. Their businesses aren't close to each other but it still feels like they're in a constant competition. Not to mention he and Grant had a fall out some years back when Justin learnt what Grant was into and didn't want any part of it. They were able to overcome their differences but still never saw eye-to-eye.

 

"I'm well aware you're here by choice Justin. The point is you're here and there's no walking away if you think it's going to be easy." Grant retorts.

 

"No shit." Justin mutters while glancing over at JC who seems to be more interested in his surroundings. "Let's get this over with. Lay out the business negotiations for me and let me see how I can help this little dilemma Josh is in." Justin emphasizes, causing JC to snap his head in his direction.

 

"I'm sorry for getting you mixed up in this Jay but I have a proposition that Grant and I think might help this little situation." JC beams and Justin frowns in confusion.

 

"Ok wait. First off, what the fuck happened with this deal you all had?"

 

"Didn't JC tell you already?" Grant enquires. "He fucked me over for our last shipment. He promised me they would be of top quality but they weren't. He said he didn't know and that his traders fucked him over. I mean shit. It looked like he got that merchandize off the fucking streets." Grant hisses and Justin rotates his eyes. "You know how I feel about being fucked over Justin." Grant growls.

 

"Really, you two amaze me. Merchandise? You too Grant?" Justin chides.

 

But JC interrupts. "That's what it is Justin."

 

"No! You're fucking sick man. You know, when I found out that's what my Dad was into, I nearly passed out from shock. This is so fucking wrong in so many ways and illegal as shit. It's worse than fucking drugs man."

 

"Justin it's just business."

 

Sighing exasperatingly, Justin rubs his palms over his face in frustration. "How can you treat this like it's nothing?"

 

"Because it's exactly that." JC shrugs and the uncaring, reticent nature he's emitting is pissing Justin off royally. "Really Justin. It's just..." But JC drifts off when Justin slams down his balled up fists harshly on his desk before he stands to look down at the two men in disdain.

 

"It's not Joshua! Jesus, you're more fucked in the head than I am. For any man, to think this is normal and that this is ok is fucked up. You and Grant are a bunch of sick twisted fucks!" He screams before inhaling deeply to calm his temper. Acting up isn't going to help their situation.

 

"Now Justin..." Grant warns but Justin raises his hand in the air to shut him up.

 

"No! Goddamn it! I don't want any part of this, but, after having my back all those year ago, I figured I owed Josh one."

 

"And I'm grateful man. But just hear our proposition out." JC pleads. "It's not as bad as it seems." He tries to reason but Justin's mind is already made up.

 

"You're fucking me right now Josh?" Justin asks incredulously. "Nothing about this little business you have on the side outside of your nightclub empire is good JC so how is it not bad?"

 

"Because, they're only good for making us money. That's what merchandising in about." JC shrugs with an evil glimmer in his eyes and it's clear now to Justin that JC has a heart as hard as stone and as cold as ice. He's callous in every sense of the word and his pleasant persona has everyone but Justin fooled.

 

"Josh..." Justin says calmly while taking a sharp intake of air and cracking the bones in his neck then knuckles. "I think I'm changing my mind about this."

 

"What?!" JC panics before standing to face him. "You can't! Without you this isn't going to work."

 

"Fuck Josh! Your trafficking is not my idea of just business. This is risky shit! And, I do not condone this. I may be fucked up, but this isn't me!" Justin shouts, unable to hold his temper down anymore. "Why the fuck are you even here asking me to help you? What's the catch? Huh? You seemed like you had every intension of asking for my help even before I knew about what was going on." Justin cracks out as his nostrils flare and his face reddens.

"You didn't tell him?" Grant asks JC, a bit amused in a clam fashion.

 

Justin eyes flit between the two men before his brows furrow in confusion. "Tell me what?"

 

 

 

When JC avoids eye contact and shifts uncomfortably, Justin's heartbeat instantly quickens. They better not be thinking what he's guessing they are. "Tell me what Josh." Justin says through gritted teeth while narrowing his eyes as his older friend.

 

"Look we thought that one of your girls might..."

 

"Ok stop right fucking there!" Justin coils his fists into a ball squeezing tightly to suppress his urge to lunge over the desk and choke the life out of JC for even suggesting this.

 

"Just listen to our proposal." JC begs. "It could benefit us all and I know you're about the money Justin. Besides, it will help Grant with his shipments and..." But JC's eyes widen when Justin whips out his gun without warning while glaring at him with a crazed twinkle in his blues.

 

"Wow man what the fuck?!" Grant raises his hands up in the air nearly tripping as he jumps up from his seat to back away. "I thought we came here to discuss business? Put that thing away."

 

"The only business we're discussing is you two assholes walking the fuck out of my establishment." Justin forces out in a tight whisper.

 

"Since when did you turn into a...punk Justin?" Swallowing the lump in his throat, JC frowns in bewilderment when Justin easily moves the safety back on the gun.

 

"Since I found out that the value of a person's life isn't measured on how much money you can make off of them." When JC smirks, Justin just rolls his eyes in irritation.

 

"This is ironic considering what your profession is Justin. You sound like a hypocrite right now." JC hisses in a condescending manner before he places his palms flat on the desk while leaning over to whisper to Justin. "It's Diane isn't it?"

 

Cocking his head to the side, Justin's eyes widen slightly before the grip he has on his gun tightens. Leaning forward to face JC's challenging gaze, he smiles slyly for him. "I'm no hypocrite JC." Justin grunts before a growl rises from deep within his throat. "And you're no saint."

 

"You can't seriously look down on me when you're no better. You're just like us Justin if not worse." JC taunts him, noting how Justin's breathing deepens instantly. "I mean, I don't go about killing people for the heck of it."

 

"Shut the fuck up Josh." Justin snaps as his hands slightly start to tremble when he feels the adrenaline in his system building. His breathing almost immediately becomes choppy and his mind begins riling with endless memories and thoughts.

 

Grant watches their interaction fully intrigued. JC told him Justin had a fucked up past but Grant never knew what exactly it was. By the looks of things and the way Justin is reacting to JC's comments, he knows it must be one hell of a past Justin had to endure.

 

"The way I see it, you're ten times worse than us so who are you to judge?" JC continues hitting him where it hurts trying to get his point across that Justin is no better than them. He doesn't seem to realize that.

 

Yanking his hand back towards his body, Justin drops it to his side then brings his fingertips up to the bridge of his nose with his free hand in an attempt to try and regain his composure. There are too many memories and thoughts swimming through his mind now. His impulses are slowly taking over and usually he has no control when he snaps.

 

"I mean, look at Diane. She's clearly unhappy. The way I see it, you're worse than us because you have her trapped like a prisoner when she clearly wants out."

 

Jerking his head up to look at JC with wide eyes, Justin crinkles his nose but holds his tongue. He's fighting to keep down the gnawing urge he has to raise his gun and just shoot JC to shut him up. "Josh..."

 

 

 

"Why don't you want to let her go? Are you afraid of something? Are you afraid your past...what we both witnessed all those years ago...is going to repeat itself because..." Not given any chance to complete his statement, JC is taken off guard when Justin lunges at him from over the desk, gripping the collar of his white dress shirt and hauling him roughly over the wooden piece of furniture effortlessly.

 

In a flash, Justin shoves JC down on the floor in brute force before he straddles his waist with the gun digging into his neck. Ignoring Grant's gasp of astonishment, he narrows his eyes at JC wondering why they are even friends in the first place. "Never in your fucking life..." But he trails off when he sees the fear in JC's eyes. "I'm nothing like you! I'm nothing like you Joshua...fuck!" Justin shouts before he pulls JC up slightly and slams him harshly against the hard floor. Grimacing, JC remains silent realizing that maybe he pushed Justin too far this time. "I'll never be like you assholes Josh! I'll never do what you fucking bitches do, do you hear me?" Shaking his head rapidly in agreement, JC winces in pain when Justin presses the gun into his throat, threatening to cut off part of his air supply.

 

"I may be a monster but I don't treat women the way you all do Josh. I don't fucking traffic them for money like they're a piece of nothing!" Justin belts.

 

"Ta...take it...easy..." JC stutters but Justin just laughs bitterly.

 

"Don't fucking tell me to take it easy. You brought this on your fucking self. Jesus! How can you fucking look at me and tell me I'm lower than you scum huh?" Shaking his head in disbelief, Justin continues ranting when JC and Grant remain silent. Grant is just staring interestingly at the pair, not wanting to get mixed up in whatever is going on.

 

"You traffic women into the fucking sex industry Joshua! What's lower than that? You have no respect for these women. You treat them like objects. You call them fucking merchandise like they're not human, like they don't have rights and feelings. You treat them like inanimate objects. You fucking trade them like their lives, emotions and feelings mean nothing!" Justin jeers, seeing red now with the initial drive to pull the trigger and rid the world of JC's kind.

 

"Yes, I have an entertainment business, but I still recognize my girls as persons and not only sex objects. You have no heart, no remorse. You're a fucking beast man." Justin screams out, lightly pressing on the trigger when JC just stares petrified at him from where Justin has him pinned on the floor, too terrified to do anything else. "I know why you all are here. I know why you came here Josh. I fucking knew it the moment you kept asking me about my business and my girls. You can't have any of them. I don't care if you can't get top class merchandise as you put with your traders overseas. If you think any of my girls will fit the bill to compensate you fucks you're wrong. I won't have anything to do with it." Justin growls while handling JC pugnaciously.

 

"Justin...just...just calm down man. And hear us out. Maybe if you hear our offer you might reconsider." Grant finally tries to calm him down when he sees the look in Justin's eyes. It's of pure death and he's pretty sure Justin isn't thinking clearly anymore. This could mean problems for them all and he's sure Justin doesn't want their blood on his hands no matter how worked up he is right now.

 

"Listen...to him Jay. We're trying to work this out for all of us to benefit. I'm sorry man." JC chokes out in a loud cough when Justin's grip on his collar tightens.

 

"You can't have any of them Josh." Justin hisses violently.

 

"Please just..."

 

 

 

And in the blink of an eye, Justin is standing up and yanking JC to stand as well. Jacking JC to move to the other side of his office, he keeps his gun pointed on them. "I have a fucking show going on and none of you all are worth my bullets but so help me god, if I have to, I'll shoot you first and think of the consequences after."

 

"Hear us out. We don't want your girls. We just want one who will work in one of our nightclubs." Grant begins.

 

Arching a brow, Justin takes a step towards them as his mind begins racing again. "Whose club and which girl?" He inquires, already knowing the answer but wondering if they're stupid enough to still say it.

 

"Look, she'll bring in money for all of us and it will be beneficial for your business. It would be like a joint venture man. Plus, with the chain I have up in Europe we'll be able to expand your empire and mine. And, with Grant as a partner, he'll cash in too and build up the money he lost in those bad investments. We all win man." JC smiles uneasily.

 

"So you're telling me, you don't want to trade her as a sex slave? You want her to work in your nightclub doing what exactly? The same thing my girls do here? I don't fucking believe you. You're just trying to sugarcoat it. You probably plan on shipping them halfway across the world to foreign investors." Justin spits.

 

"Justin..."

 

"It's Diane isn't it? You both know how popular she's gotten and now your heads are big. I know a lot of people are requesting her and they're making me offers but you two by far are the most interesting proposition I've gotten yet. Considering you're not going into detail because you both know what you want to do with her is no where close to what you're telling me. You have traders lined up already who's been following her career don't you!?"

 

When they remain quiet, Justin casts his vision to the floor in understanding now. That would explain Grant sending his men to snoop around his business. That would also explain JC quickly jumping at the opportunity to help him with his nightclub after not seeing him for all those years. JC already had his eye on her. This was just the opening he needed and Justin stupidly gave it to him without realizing. Well it was ending here and now. It all made sense now and it made Justin sick to his stomach. This was like his past coming back to bite him in his ass but with a twist. It was a sick twist and he wasn't going for it at all.

 

"Justin it's the best investment you could make. You're getting the highest percentage man. She's the most sought after sex icon out there. Do you know what the highest bidder offered!?" JC asks in disbelief by his so called friend's hesitation.

 

Chuckling lightly, Justin just glares at him coldly. "I don't care about any of that. You've amazed me Josh. I was willing to look past that side of you years ago, but now, I'm sorry I can't. Diane is not a fucking object and she's not for sale. That's what you two assholes fail to realize. This isn't some auction where you bid on fucking women! I'm not a part of that. I will never be a part of that. And I still can't believe my dad was a part of that but whatever. I may not be the best person and I sure as hell do not treat my girls in the best way but I would never trade them and sell them like nothing to some bidder in the Far East or some shit, where they are tortured and have to undergo despicable treatment and living conditions just for some asshole to cash in with them. I won't fucking do it."

 

"But..."

 

"I've heard enough. Get the fuck out!" Justin screams before he leans over his desk and presses the button underneath it for his security guards. Grabbing a remote on the far right of the desk, he points it to his large plasma screen television before he presses the power button to turn the television on. Staring at the surveillance cameras, he smiles widely when he sees that his guards are already on their way up to his office. "It's been real gentlemen, but if you don't leave, I'll have my boys escort you out." Justin places the safety back on his gun and tucks it in his jeans before he takes a seat as his desk, loving the shocked expressions on the two men's faces.

 

"You can't be serious Jay. Just think about this for minute." JC begs knowing that if Justin doesn't cooperate, his plans will be ruined. There's a little more behind this deal with Grant that he doesn't wish to divulge just yet. He just knows that his life is at stake and the one man he thought he could depend on is letting him down tremendously.

 

"I've thought about it and I've made up my mind. No deal. Proposition denied. And don't even fucking bother with the nightclub deal. I'll get to it on my own." Justin states halfheartedly. "You requesting Diane was smooth though, and it worked too. You're getting into her head, but if I can help it you won't have her Josh. You'll have to kill me first." Justin adds in and JC is wondering if that can be arranged considering his life is at stake here.

 

 

 

Before he and Grant can get another word in, Justin's door flies open and they're met by three tall dark men dressed in black shirts and jeans that look like bouncers as opposed to security guards. "Everything ok boss?" One of them asks.

 

"No, please escort these men out Jake." Justin asks politely while propping his legs up on his desk. "They've overstayed their welcome."

 

"Don't fucking touch me!" Grant sneers, while smacking Jake's hand and shoving him out of the way. "We're fucking leaving." He hisses before he shoots Justin a nasty glare. "You'll regret this Justin."

 

"I have been for most of my life. I think this is the one good thing I've done in a long while and I'm sticking to it." Justin smirks for him.

 

Rolling his eyes in aggravation Grant huffs in a displeased manner.

 

Shaking his head sadly, JC doesn't say anything else before he moves around the security guards, quickly making his exit. He'll have to use a different approach with this because there is no way he'll accept ‘no' for an answer. There are too many lives and money running on this deal.

 

When Grant doesn't budge from his spot, Justin groans loudly. "Why can't you do like JC and make a silent exit? He's accepted defeat, so what's your deal?" Justin arches a brow at the slightly older and taller man.

 

"You'll regret this. This isn't over. I'll be back in two days for your decision Justin." Grant enforces and Justin just laughs at him.

 

"I've already given you my decision..."

 

"No, no you haven't. If you value Diane's safety and the safety of that little girl of yours you'll reconsider." Grant warns while pointing at Justin in contempt.

 

"Are you threatening me?" Justin asks wildly before he stands on his feet while glaring at Grant.

 

"Not threatening Justin. I'm making you a promise that if you don't reconsider this, you'll regret it. You think I don't know about some of your past? I don't know what exactly happened but I heard you had a run in with Franco years ago and there was a massacre at your old estate. People talk man. If you don't want a fucking repeat, you'll think this through. I never lose Justin. You have two days..." Grant warns, before he jacks Justin's security guards out of the way to make his exit.

 

"What!? You fucking piece of..." When Justin leaps and makes a mad dash for Grant, Jake steps in his way, blocking his path.

 

"It's not worth in man. Let them go. You don't want any trouble. You have a show going on. There're innocent people out there."

 

"Are you insane?! That fucker just threatened me and my...Let me through man! Let me blow his fucking brains out." Justin belts, while trying to get by but he knows his efforts are futile. There is no way he'll get past Jake.

 

"Calm down Justin. Leave it for another day...another time. In the mean while, you need to get a hold of yourself. You need to keep up appearances for your guests and the public. There are media representatives at almost every show. Be careful man. The show is almost over and you need to go out there." Jake tries to reason but Justin just cuts his eyes at him angrily.

 

"This will never be over will it?" Justin sighs, before wiping at his sweat stained forehead. "Shit...I can't go through this again." He mutters.

 

"Look J..."

 

"I respect you're doing what I pay you all to do. But fuck it right now Jake. I'm out."

 

"Look man..."

 

"I'm just heading home. I'll be fine. Tell the MC I left early and to take over for me. I'm gone." And before any of his guards can protest, Justin storms away from them and out of his glass surrounded office, fully enraged beyond reason or comprehension. He's fucked he knows it. What scares him even more is the fact that he can't even see how any of this is going to end. He knows one thing is for sure: it will be a cold day in hell if he allows his past to repeat itself.

 

 

 

*****

 

 

 

I've been sitting here with Mr. Hefner having the time of my life with his bunnies. I didn't even realize that Justin didn't come back like he promised he would until he came stomping up the stairs and towards us like an earthquake. He missed the entire show because the last girl is on now. I guess he couldn't get away sooner from whatever he was doing. It doesn't matter because I was occupied so sadly I didn't miss him. Yeah, I feel guilty admitting that but Hugh has the ability to just grab your attention and have you engrossed and hanging on his every word. It was fun.

 

 

"Di...we're leaving." Justin says before he grips my hand and yanks me up to stand.

 

"What? But the show...your speech."

 

"We're leaving!" He snaps and my eyes widen by the fury blazing through his blues. They're dark and empty and it's a little scary. I hope he isn't switching back on me. "Hugh, I'm sorry but something came up." Justin apologizes but keeps his firm tone.

 

"It's fine my boy. You handle your business, but take care now. Don't do anything stupid." Hugh gives him a knowing glare and Justin nods in understanding before he tells him ‘bye' and yanks my hand to walk away with him.

 

Not bothering to protest to piss him off any further, I wave goodbye to Mr. Hefner before I allow Justin to lead us out of the back exit of his club where I see his white limo waiting.

 

Before we can enter though, I hear what sounds like loud screams and shouts coming from up the alley before a swarm of people or more so reporters and paparazzi round the corner making a crazy dash in our direction.

 

"Shit." Justin mutters, before he swings the door open and instructs me to get in. I'm sort of paralyzed in shock right now. Since when is this media frenzy? Sure Justin gets media attention but never like this. What the hell is going on now?

 

"Justin!"

 

"Miss Blush!"

 

They're all hollering at us and Justin groans in annoyance.

 

"Get in Diane." He says in a soft tone before pushing me inside. Climbing into the spacious vehicle, I glance at the driver who's staring at the people swarming around his vehicle in awe.

 

Before Justin can get in and shut the door, the chaos finally catches up to us and I watch as his body goes rigid when they start belting questions and endless bright flashes begin going off.

 

 

 

 

"Justin why aren't you in there giving your traditional speech?"

 

"Why are you leaving your show early and why isn't Miss Blush performing tonight?"

 

"What's going on Mr. Timberlake?"

 

"We heard there was a mild confrontation in your establishment earlier with you and Grant, one of your competitors in the exotic entertainment business. What was it about?"

 

"Justin...what's your relationship with Joshua Scott Chasez? It's rumored that you all have a very colorful history together but no information has surfaced."

 

And the questions just keep spitting out one after the other in every direction. I tell you, I don't envy celebrities who have to endure this on a regular basis. It must be so stressful for them. I can't understand why Justin isn't just getting in and ignoring them. Something must have caught his attention.

 

When I hear Justin growl out a ‘you again?' I sick my head out of the window to see who he's talking too.

 

My eyes widen when I take in the same reporter who interviewed us at Mr. Hefner's estate some weeks ago about my photo shoot for playboy. I think her name was Edwina. Yeah that's it! Oh no, Justin already hates her. She better watch herself before he has her assassinated or sniped. But really, what's going on now?

 

"I know Ronnie wasn't stupid enough to tip you off this time, so who was it?" Justin asks her, giving her a hard glare.

 

Noting her uneasiness, she takes a few steps away from him before she begins stuttering. "We're just looking for answers Justin." She says calmly. "We have reason to believe that you're involved in illegal dealings beside your public business. We don't know what it is but we intend on finding out." She explains.

 

"Well isn't that convenient." He smirks. "No comment." And before she can ask him anymore questions, he slides in to join me, slamming the door shut and instructing the driver to go. He even tells him to hit anyone who won't get out of the way. Yeah, that's Justin for you.

 

 

 

 

When we're finally away from the hysteria, I remain quiet, just staring out the window as Justin rests his head back in his seat before blowing out air loudly.

 

He's breathing deeply and I'm not going to tell him anything until he decides to speak first. I can easily remain silent for the entire ride home. It doesn't bother me.

 

But then he breaks the tense silence by breathing out my name in a voice that's so pained it breaks down my defenses instantly.

 

"Diane..."

 

Slowly turning my head to look at him, my browns stare into his blues and I pick up on his worried expression. I can feel my heart ache just by his disturbed state. "What's going on now Justin?" I sigh in defeat.

 

"I honestly don't know." He shrugs in annoyance.

 

"What was that reporter talking about?" When he contracts his muscles by my line of questioning, I know he has the answer to that one.

 

"I can't tell you." He chokes out.

 

"I think you should." I'm so tired of this.

 

"I know I should, but, for all of our safeties I don't think I should say anything just yet." Ok, that just freaked me out and aroused my interest at the same time.

 

Scooting over to him and studying his features, he's pleading with me to understand by the stare he's giving me.

 

"Fine, I'm tired, hungry and confused. I'm not going to get into it with you to tell me but I hope you do eventually." I explain.

 

"I...I will just give me some time to sort this out. Courtney is going to stay with us for a while." He adds in and I furrow my brows at him in question.

 

"Uh huh? Why?"

 

"Just trust me Di." Justin looks at me before grabbing my hands in his when I scowl. "Look, you have no right to believe me or trust anything I say after how I've treated you all these years. But believe me when I say I'm trying to make it right. I'll try. Just bare with me when I fall short. I'm asking you just this once to please, just try to at least believe me when I say I actually am trying to have your best interest at heart here." He pleads as his eyes gloss over and he's right. Why should I believe him? How can I be sure he's not trying to trap me again? No I can't be sure. But I don't want to fight with him on this so I just shrug it off and nod in response.

 

Giving me a weary look, Justin sighs loudly before he drops my hands. "It's not easy on me either Di."

 

"I know, and I think we should talk about it." I suggest.

 

"About what?" He's playing dumb but I'm not having it.

 

"About what you told me in reference to your past all those years ago. We need to talk about it Justin. We need to figure out what to do from here and how to get you help because I'm in over my head and I can't take much more of this life." I admit, noting the flash of hurt and fear in is eyes but he quickly hides it by looking away from me and out the window.

 

"I'm not ready." He divulges in a shaky whisper.

 

Slumping, I turn to move away from him but I gasp when he whirls around and grips my waist tightly to pull me onto his lap. Trying to wriggle out of his hold, he growls softly before his grip tightens and I freeze. Bad idea. Now is a bad time to turn him on even though it's by mistake and have him or even me for that matter thinking of sex.

 

"Justin you're confusing me." I whine, while staring out the window at all the bright lights of Las Vegas. You've got to love Sin City. That's for sure. It's amazing out here but you can also loose yourself if you're not careful.

 

"I know. I don't mean to just...please. Can't we just, enjoy the ride home in silence? I just need to think Di. Just let me hold you?" His big glassy blues are looking up at me from where he has me pinned on his lap. I'm not going anywhere.

 

Plus, I kind of like our close contact. I know I should be terrified of him, but still, strangely I feel safe with him all at the same time. It's messed up. I've already given up hope. He has this immense power over me and it's hard for me to deny him. I don't think I'll ever be able to break the spell he has on me no matter what he does or how terrible he is. Hopefully, we can get past his negative side and build something positive. I think we both deserve that.

 

"Fine." I surrender, before I relax against his chest, laying back and resting my head on his shoulder as his arms encircle around my waist to rest on my stomach.

 

"Thank you." He breathes into my hair and I shut my eyes when his fingers begin to caress my sides idly.

 

"Don't make me regret this again Justin." I sigh and he responds by kissing my neck lightly.

 

"I won't. Believe it or not, I actually want to change Di. I'm so tired of all of this. I just want it to end." He whispers softly in my ears, as his breath tickles the flesh of my neck. His tone is slightly strained and groggy and I know this is one of the hardest things he's had to admit to. Admitting you have a problem and needing help is a difficult step in the right direction.

 

Relaxing a little more under his hold, I keep my eyes shut tightly, not bothering to say anything else. When I don't respond, he takes in a deep unstable breath before he exhales loudly, squeezing me a little before he shifts beneath me.

 

"I mean it Di." He whispers and I smile despite myself. "I...I'm willing...to...to..." He's stammering again. He's being cute. It's sweet. I'm not about to interrupt him either. I like when he has these moments. It makes me realize that there's a decent human being hiding in there, desperately needing to be set free. "God Di." He groans in annoyance.

 

"Take your time." I coo with my eyes still shut, but, they don't remain closed for long when he finally rambles out his statement.

 

"I'm willing to get help if...if it will keep you and...and Courtney a part of my life."

 

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