Part Four: I

 

Flashback...

Four Months Later

 

"What are you doing!?" I scream at the top of my lungs, the horror of this situation coursing through my veins.

"Stay put Bri." Justin snarls at me and I panic, rushing up to him before he can get to his group of friends.

"No! Please Justin don't do this...please..." I beg, gripping unto his arm just as we both make it to his boys who are actually waiting for us in the lobby of his penthouse apartment building in Manhattan, New York...

It's been a little over four months since Justin and I have been together and everything has been amazing. Even my parents love him but that's because they think he's the regular rich boy who's going to take good care of their daughter. Justin played the part well too. I wasn't about the burst their bubble and tell them he was anything but.

 Yes, Justin is not your average guy, but he's my guy, my biker boy and in those few months we've been together, I've undoubtedly fallen in love with him. He tells me he loves me all the time and that he'd never hurt me but what he's doing now puts him on the verge of breaking that promise to me. I can't put up with this. I thought I could handle it. I thought I could deal with all it took to be a part of his life, but the truth is he really does live a crazy complicated life.

He wants out, I know he does but he has too many ties. Especially when I found out that his dad was the head top shot behind Justin's gambling. What kind of dad makes his son do his dirty work for him?

They actually place bets on various events like horse racing, car racing, basketball and football games to name a few. It's like a sport for them. The only thing is, the stakes are usually high and sometimes, there are illegal items being betted on like priceless artifacts, jewels and other stolen merchandise.

If I hadn't forced Justin to tell me what was going on one night when he came home with a black eye due to a confrontation from a bad deal, I would still be in the dark. I didn't know what to think or say. I was shocked speechless. I supported him, understanding the bond and loyalty he had with his dad, but really...I wish he wasn't involved in this with his boys. This shit is serious when bets don't get settled.

I also understood why Justin never wanted to step foot into my apartment building. It was his dad's wishes...that he stayed close but still detached if that even makes sense. What I thought was he and his friends just lazing around in front of my building all day everyday with nothing to do, was actually them guarding the fucking place like some security guards where at the end of the day, Justin would escort his dad to his ride and make sure he left safely. I wouldn't have known that because I always rushed in to be away from them and left them hanging out on the sidewalk.

It was Justin's idea since his dad was in the ‘hot seat' for some time due to sour deals. I had no idea. It only showed me how much he loved his dad.

The bond that the ‘six pack' share is more than just a friendship. It's a way of life. They'd kill and die for each other without so much as a second thought. It's scary, but yet I admire them and sometimes wish I had friends to share such a strong bond with.

It doesn't matter anymore though. Since I officially became Justin's woman, all the rules of their brotherhood when it came to protecting their own applied to me as well.

Usually, I'd drive down to Manhattan after work to spend the night with Justin and then he'd return the favor by spending the weekend with me at my place. It's a sweet deal that we have because it leaves us both satisfied yet still gives us the personal space that we need. I try to not take up too much of his time with his boys because they're like brothers to him.

Unfortunately, as we were lying in each other's arms tonight after some sweet love-making in Justin's bedroom, which is as beautiful as the rest of his apartment, he got a call from his boys saying that whatever problem they had with that same Brad guy was getting out of hand.

I honestly thought they handled that mess and I knew Justin thought the same too because I could see the shock and confusion on his face when he shot up from the bed.

I didn't get a chance to ask him what was going on because like a flash of lightening, he was getting dressed and heading out of the room without so much as an explanation of what was going on.

I knew the look he held on his face all too well. It was the same homicidal look he got when he was pissed to the point of wanting to literally kill someone. Taking his history with Brad, I figured if Justin came face to face with him any time soon, he'd not hesitate to set him on fire or something else this time around.

So, I did the only thing that I could do. I threw on some clothes as well and rushed after him to stop him which led us here in the lobby presently facing the rest of the six-pack who all look beyond pissed off as well...

"Justin...Justin don't do whatever it is you plan on doing please. At least tell me what's going on!"  I beg, still tugging on his arm when he tries to brush me off.

Giving his five friends a quick glance, he turns around to face me, pulling me away from the doorman and receptionist at the front desk so we can have some privacy.

"I can't do ‘nothing' Briana." He begins in a low hiss and I can already feel the tears welling up in my eyes as I take in the plain white t-shirt and jeans he's wearing. His hair is sticking out in all directions but it simply adds to his rough edgy persona. He's still amazingly sexy and irresistible and god, I can't stand to lose him or see him get hurt over some shit.

"But..."

"No buts Bri. That fucking asshole Brad nearly shot my old man when he was leaving your apartment building earlier today. Of course I was here with you so I'm only now finding out. If it wasn't for my boys, Brad and his fucking crew would have succeeded. He had the fucking audacity to say it was only a warning and that the next time he wouldn't miss. Bri, I'm going to end this once and for all."

"No but, but I thought you settled your problems..."

"I thought so too. It turns out that muthafuka got greedy and now he's asking for more money, saying some shit about it's interest for his sufferings when his younger brother got killed in some drug exchange last month. He thinks we were involved in that but we weren't Bri I assure you. Drug dealing is the one thing I'm never getting mixed up in."

He says this like what he's into now is any better. There's a look of determination mixed into his hard expression and I already know there is no way I'll be able to talk him out of this. I know that I come first for a lot of things but when it's situations like these which Justin considers business, there's no stopping him. His main concern is ending the conflict with his boys first and foremost. He always says it's his way of protecting me because their enemies usually like to hit them where it hurts the most by threatening the safety of the ones they love. Justin told me he would never be able to deal if anything happened to me but that doesn't give him any right to break his promise to me so soon.

"You promised." I whisper helplessly, my browns latched onto his icy blues as I skim his arms affectionately. "You promised you wouldn't hurt me or get mixed up in some shit where you'd get hurt."

"Fuck Briana..." Justin groans. "I'm not breaking my promise." He mutters gently before encircling his arms around my waist and pulling me into his embrace. "Hey..." Lifting my chin up, he searches my glossy orbs before a scowl forms on his face when a few tears escape me. "Baby, I love you. That's why I need to do this...to protect the ones I love. I'm not going to let Brad try and get at me by coming after you too. Please just..."

"What are you going to do?" I ask and he flinches before breaking eye-contact with me to meet his boys' gazes who are silently taking in our exchange.

"I...I uh...we don't know yet. When we get to him we'll figure it out." Nodding his head, Justin pulls away from me before leaning down to place a light kiss on my lips. "Listen Bri, I want you to head back up to the apartment and wait for me to get back."

"What? No!" I scream in protest before my hold around him tightens. "No, I'm not letting you go." I state as my heartbeat increases.

"I have to go..."

"Then take me with you." I order and it's now I see the terror flash in Justin's orbs by my suggestion.

"Absolutely not!" His voice booms out in a harsh growl. "Are you fucking crazy? No Briana. Now stop being ridiculous and..."

"Justin, I love you and I'm your girl, so I'm sticking with you. I won't get in the way, but please take me with you. You and I both know whatever you're about to do won't guarantee you'll come back to me in one piece." I swallow the lump in my throat by that thought and the fact that his mouth is slightly gaping opening in shock only proves that what I said irks his soul as well.

"I'm not going to purposely put you in harm's way." Justin says stubbornly but Scott, one of the other pack members, easily interrupts.

"She won't be J. We'll keep an eye on her while you handle business." Scott assures and some of the others nod in agreement.

I smile when Justin shoots them a death glare knowing that there is no way he'll be able to convince me otherwise now.

"Shit...ok, ok but if anything happens to her under your watch it's your asses." Justin caves while rooting out the keys to his bike from his jeans pocket. "Fuck, come on Bri." Gripping my wrist tightly, Justin kisses the back of my hand reassuringly before leading all of us out the front doors of his building.

I don't miss the suspicious glances we receive from the hired help lingering in the lobby due to our little scene.

I can't be bothered with that now. My heart is thundering in my chest as I feel the rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins when I take in their bikes all lined up on the sidewalk.

This is really happening. Oh god, I'm about to get a front row seat on how the ‘six pack' handle business with their rivals. I have a bad feeling about all of this.

I wish there was some way I could sway Justin from this, but I'm sure his dad is expecting his son to avenge his honor so there is no other way.

"Put this on Bri." Justin instructs. Tossing me the extra helmet on his bike, I watch as Frankie tosses him a black leather jacket which he gladly throws on before attaching his helmet to his head. They're all wearing leather jackets come to think of it. It's only a matter of time before they make it official with their own crew logos on the back.

Gazing down at the jeans shorts and black tube-top I'm wearing, I suddenly shiver from the gush of wind that passes by. Rolling my eyes, I throw on my helmet and clasp it, waiting for Justin to hop onto his bike so I can get on behind him.

"You're cold babe." Justin voices from behind me and I shrug uncaringly.

"Can we just get this over with?" I snap.

Cringing when I hear the revving up of the other bikes, I freeze at the feel of something heavy on my shoulders. "Put it on Bri."

Not bothering to argue with Justin, I slip on the leather jacket he placed over my shoulders then move over to follow him to his bike. Hugging the large jacket against my body, I inhale deeply taking in his scent and against my will my tears begin rushing to the surface again. Thank god I'm in a helmet now so he doesn't have to see the distress on my face else he'd maybe insist that I wait for him back inside where it's ‘safe'.

When Justin gets on his bike and brings it to life, I hop on behind him and wrap my arms tightly around his waist.

And just like that, in the blink of an eye, we're out of the parking spot and into the street, all six bikes zooming down the partly quiet streets of Manhattan.

Oh gosh I hope nothing too terrible happens. I have no clue what to expect but I just need my man to come out of this in one piece.

 

*****

Sometime Later...

 

I knew this was going to be utter disaster but I wasn't ready for a showdown like this!

After driving or more like racing at warp speed for about twenty minutes, we finally made it to what I'd assume was Brad's neighborhood. Of course, I wasn't surprised when I realized that Justin and his guys knew exactly where to find Brad. I was a little taken aback that they'd ambush him at his home though.

I mean, Justin barely got his bike parked before he was rooting out his helmet and jumping off to rush towards the house, instructing me to stay behind. I think I was more mortified than anything else when I noticed the piece he pulled out from the waist of his jeans hidden beneath his t-shirt.

 ‘What the fuck is he doing with a gun,' was the first thing on my mind but I was stunned speechless and couldn't get any words out. I was wrong...I was so wrong. Justin didn't just look like he wanted to kill, he was actually planning on committing a first degree homicide.

I tried to follow him into the house, to stop him from throwing away his life by facing the death penalty or life in prison but his boys were under strict orders to control me and the moment I swung that front door open to storm in after him, I was being hoisted over Scott's shoulder effortlessly, my kicking and screaming falling on deaf ears.

This would bring us to the present with a stunned Brad holding a little girl at his side who looks no older than eight years of age and a screaming woman at his side who I'd assume was the girl's mother. She also looks a lot like Brad. She's almost a female replica of him.

"So it's like that huh? You're going to out me in front of my family Timberlake is that it?" Brad asks Justin in a shaky tone and I'm still fighting for Scott to put me down so I can talk some sense into my deranged boyfriend.

This is all happening too fast. I need...I need some time to think. Oh god.

"You brought this on yourself man. You nearly...you could have killed my dad man. I don't take threats lightly." Justin snaps back, his voice laced with venom.

"No! Please don't hurt Brad! Don't do this. You animal! Monster!" The woman next to Brad is crying her eyes out and yelling at Justin before she grabs the little girl away from Brad who keeps yelling ‘uncle B' at him. The poor thing must be scared and confused as to who we are just barging into their home like this. We're strangers to her...intruders in fact and I do not want any part of this.

Why the fuck did Brad have to mess with Justin's dad? He was so, so stupid to do that! He unleashed pure fury on his ass for doing what he did.

Well, I take it this is his sister and niece. What I don't understand is how Justin can be so heartless to scar that little girl for life. If he's going to do this, he can't possibly pull the trigger in front of them!

"Justin don't!" I scream from where Scott's holding me. My front is actually hanging over Scott's chest, so I can see everything that's happening as well.

"Shut up Briana." Justin snarls but I ignore him.

"Please, J, think about this...you don't really want to do this! You promised Justin!" I plead at the top of my lungs, my fists beating down on Scott's chest. Scott lets out a light groan but doesn't say anything. He simply shakes me up a bit causing my head to spin slightly since I'm at an uncomfortable angle.

"This isn't about you Bri. This is business." Justin retorts with his back facing me.

"Fuck, you're so stubborn!" I wail. "You can't kill him!" I shout. "Stop trying to play god Justin. You don't get to decide who lives and who dies." I snap angrily at him. What is he doing? He's lost his damn mind. He can't go through with this...he just can't.

"And why the fuck not Briana? Huh?" Whipping around, Justin glares at me incredulously and I freeze solid from the predator stare he's giving me. It's not the same as when we're making love. This one is cold, unfeeling and pure evil. "Do you want a replay of this exact moment where that asshole is the one pointing the gun at your head, threatening to blow your brains out if I don't cooperate? Huh!? Because I guarantee if we walk out of here now that's what will happen. I won't let that happen Bri. I won't lose you or any of the people I fucking love if this dick decides to get trigger happy. I fucking won't." Justin yells back at me and I instantly shut up since I'm too terrified to say anything else.

Swallowing my words, I fight with Scott to put me down but he doesn't budge.

"Let me down Scott! If Justin wants to be a murderer then let him! Do you hear me Justin? If you want to be a killer then fine! Go ahead! But I'm not sticking around for it! Put me down you fucking jerk!" Using all of my built up rage and fear, I punch Scott square in the chest, taking him by surprise.

Coughing roughly, he finally lets me down before rubbing at the now sore spot on his chest. "Shit Bri." Scott groans painfully but I simply roll my eyes at him.

Giving me one last glance, Justin inhales sharply then turns away from me. I'm sure my words hurt him, but they've done nothing to deter him.

"Get out of here." Justin instructs to Brad's sister who's still crying next to a silent Brad. "Get the fuck out!" Justin yells more forcefully and she jumps in fright before she quickly brushes past the rest of the pack and sprints out of the house with her daughter in tow.

Oh great that was a smart move. I bet she's going to call the fucking cops and they're all going to go to jail.

Not being able to take in anymore of this, I turn to leave but stop abruptly when Brad calls out to me. Flipping around to face him, I clutch onto the black leather jacket over my frame, feeling exposed with Brad's eyes focused on me now, taking me in.

"Justin's right you know Briana...so naïve you are. If given a chance, you'd be the first one I come for because you clearly mean more to J here than anyone one else in his life, even his old man." Smirking evilly, Brad diverts his gaze back to Justin who's glowering at him, wondering how he could maybe be so stupid to sign his death warrant like that. I guess he's already given up.

Chills run down my spine at the malicious laugh Justin lets out. "Wrong fucking move Bradley. You don't threaten another man's woman with him standing right there pointing his piece at you." Justin hisses and before I can turn my head away a gunshot goes off in the silent room. The loud bang echoes off the walls and pierces my eardrums sending shock waves through my body.

I watch in horror as Brad's green orbs grow wide and he slowly falls to his knees. It's then that I see the blood oozing through his shirt, the bullet that was fired possibly piercing his heart. A few seconds later, he falls flat on his face with a loud thud and I reverse in shock not being able to fathom what just happened.

Justin he...he just...

"Oh my god." Shutting my eyes tightly, I look away in disgust, refraining from looking at Justin or any of the pack members. "You fucking assholes!" I belt before jerking and pushing them out of the way so I can run out of the house. I can't take it. I need to get out of here.

Sprinting down the driveway and unto the sidewalk, I head straight for Justin's bike. When I get to it I grab my helmet and quickly throw it on. Thanking my lucky stars that he left the keys in the ignition, I hop on and flip back the kickstand before bringing the large motorbike to life. The sound of it revving up catches the pack's attention and the next thing I know, they're all rushing out of the house after me.

Well, this is where I thank Justin for the motorbike lessons he gave me. It's going to come in handy. I can't stay here and be a part of this. I don't know who this guy is, but he's not my boyfriend and I just...I can't be around him right now. This is not the side of him that I love. This is the side of him I was forced to accept and still have a problem dealing with. I'll lose my mind if I stay here.

"Briana? Briana what the fuck are you doing!?" Justin yells clamorously as he and his boys are running down the driveway after me.

"I'm getting away from you Justin! I can't believe you just...god! Just stay away from me!" I scream back, my tears clouding my vision.

"No...no wait Bri, stop! Please don't go! You can't leave!" He yells pathetically while making it onto the sidewalk. "Bri please! I did this for you...to protect you...to protect us! You have to believe me. There was no other way. I wasn't about to make him hurt you!" Justin tries to explain while running down the sidewalk after me when I slowly pull out of the parking spot. He looks so hurt, but I can't see why. He wasn't the one who just lost his fucking life over some bullshit.

"Bullshit! You hurt me Justin! This was some ego trip, some shit where you had to prove you were the real bad ass. I can't be around this; I can't be with a murderer Justin!" I shout back as my tears pool in my helmet and soak into the spongy material. What the hell am I saying? No matter what he is or what he does, I could never truly leave him or stop loving him.

"No! It wasn't I swear. Baby you're wrong. I knew he was planning to come after you, after us. I had to do something! I wasn't about to lose you because of that asshole." His voice cracks as he stifles back his tears.

I can hear his remorse and see the regret in his eyes. He regrets that things resorted to this and maybe he regrets that I was there to witness it, but he doesn't regret his actions. I know him and if this was his way of protecting us like he claims, he'll never regret his actions. Sometimes, I wish I could be like him in that sense. I'm regretting so many things right now.

Little does he know that he's losing me right this very second.

I can't even look at him now. I can see his own tears now spilling down his pinkish ivory cheeks. It must kill him to see that he's finally given me a reason to indeed fear him and want to be as far away from him as possible. He must feel so rejected with me running away from him like this but what am I supposed to do? Give him a hug and a kiss for a job well done? I haven't yet completely surrendered to the dark side. I wasn't born into this. I'm not the tough hardcore biker chick that he probably needs. Maybe I could be that for him, but it's too soon to tell.

"You're going to prison Justin." I whimper with my feet planted firmly on the pavement to keep myself and the bike balanced as I grip tightly unto the handles getting ready to ride off.

Coming to stand in front of me in the middle of the quiet street, Justin stuffs his gun back into the waist of his jeans before his now warm blues meet my glassy browns through my helmet. "Bri, we had to take him and his boys out. There was no other way."

"Oh my god, you mean you killed more people!?" I ask in utter horror.

"Not me...the guys, they took care of them earlier when you and I were at my place and...look Bri..." But I cut him off.

"You're all monsters Justin! Get out of my way. Let me go."

"And where the fuck are you going with my bike Bri? You know I can't do that. I can't ever let you go. Think about this. Just...don't go baby please. Turn off the bike and let's talk about this."

"No! Justin you..." But I'm interrupted by the sound of faint sirens in the distance.

You see?! I knew that bitch sister of Brad would have called the police! I knew it! It had to have been her. She's nowhere in sight, too terrified to even fight for her fucking brother's life. Even I wish there was something else I could have done to save his life but after what Brad told me, I knew there was no other way. The way Justin saw it, it was either him or us...but, I'm not a killer and Justin shouldn't be either! If he thinks he's getting out of this with daddy's bail money this time he's wrong.

"Justin the cops!" Scott calls out as all of them rush to their bikes getting ready to leave. What does it matter? They have witnesses. There is no escaping their fates.

Crying hysterically now, I lock eyes with Justin who's still just standing there ignoring his boys who are calling out to him. It's ten times worse to be caught at the crime scene but he doesn't seem to care. He's only focused on me, taking my distraught form in.

"I never meant to hurt you like this Bri. What else was I supposed to do? Sit back and let them take you away from me forever?"

"But you're going to prison Justin. You're still going to be away from me! How could you do this to us!?"

He's right, but I hate that it had to come to this. I just wish...god I wish he never was in this life. I wish...I wish I never gave him a fucking chance. Then I wouldn't be suffering from this pain and fear of losing him because of my fucked up choices and decisions.

Smiling warmly at me, he shrugs before stuffing his hands in his jeans pockets nonchalantly. "Small price to pay for your safety."

My eyes grow wide with shock because I know that voice. He's...he's giving in, accepting defeat. He's...oh my god.

"No. No Justin...just hop on, let's go...please don't give yourself in."

I can hear the sirens getting closer and I can still hear the rest of the pack shouting at us, or more Justin, asking him what the hell he's doing. But he's still just there standing and shaking his head in protest.

"They'll still come for me Bri. I might as well get it over with now. It's better than having you look at me and think of me as a killer for the rest of our time spent together. You hating me, fearing me or not loving me anymore is ten times worse than any prison cell. I've done time before. It's nothing new to me." Justin assures while still smiling lightly for me. He's really lost his mind.

"No, Justin..."

"Just go. You were never here ok? Go..."

"Justin what are you doing man?!" Frankie calls out.

"You all, you go and make sure Bri's safe."

"No...Justin don't!" I'm just about ready to jump off the fucking bike but he stops me, his voice pleading with me to leave before the law officials get here.

"Go Bri! You guys too! Get out of here!" Justin orders while wiping at his face to calm his nerves and emotions.

"Man we are not making you take the fall for this alone!" Scott protests.

"Fuck that! I'm good I can handle my shit. Go, and take care of Bri for me." Justin says in finality and his boys simply give in before they begging zooming off one by one. They know better than to argue with him but just this once I wish they'd put their feet down! Ugh! They're not even going to try and convince him to...

"We could run." I suggest, Scott being the last of the pack to leave since he's waiting for me to move off first.

"Then we'll be running our entire life. I'm not going to put you through that. You have a good life here Bri. You already got mixed up with me. I'm not going to keep you away from the ones you love." Justin says softly.

"But I love you!" I whimper, wishing he'd go along with my idea before I change my mind.

"And I love you baby. But I'm not going to be selfish anymore. Now go. You'll be fine. And I'll be fine. We'll be fine I promise."

"Please don't break this promise Justin. Please!" I beg before I hit the accelerator getting ready to take off when I see a faint glow of the flashing siren lights. I already know there is no way he'll be able to keep this promise to me but I have faith and I'll hope for the best.

"Never. Now go Bri! Take care of yourself and my bike ok? I'll see you soon!" Walking up to me, Justin leans down and kisses the exposed flesh of my neck softly before he tucks his gun in the waist of my shorts. "Get rid of it for me?" He whispers to me and I nod mindlessly before he pulls away and begins walking back in the direction he came.

"Go Briana!" is the last thing I hear him say before Scott is shouting to me to move off. In a daze, I do as I'm told by speeding off with Scott close behind just as the swarm of police cars make it to the scene of the crime with Justin standing on the sidewalk waiting for them.

Zooming down the deafly quiet streets of this unfamiliar neighborhood with Scott hot on my trail, I can't help but cry my eyes out at the events that unfolded so quickly tonight.

Brad's green eyes are still haunting me but what really destroys me is the fact that I'm not even there to see the police haul Justin away. This might be the last time I see him where he's not behind bars. And, I'm running away like some idiot. Damn it! And damn him! Damn it all!

Ugh god, if I could take back everything that led us to this moment, I probably wouldn't. The only difference is I was there with Justin when this chaos happened because with the life he was living, it was only a matter of time before this exact incident happened.

I do know one thing and that's I'd never testify against Justin if that time ever came. I'd do anything and everything in my power to protect him just like he protected me. I know it's crazy but some of his ways have rubbed off on me these past few short months. They were amazing months nonetheless and I wouldn't trade them or him in for anything.

My life plans of going to law school and having a family aren't dead. Oh no, I still want that. But now, I want that with Justin. So, I'd say they're just on hold.

It's painfully obvious that Justin will be my undoing but I can't help myself. I need him with me. I can't do without him. I guess for now, I'll just have to find a way to deal. But, I'll wait for him.

However long it takes, as long as there's hope that we'll be together again, I'll wait for him...

End Of Flashback...

 

*****

Part Four: II

Eight Months Later

The Present

 

As I sit here patiently waiting, I can't seem to turn off my memory long enough to forget about that one incident that placed me here in this exact situation presently. Granted it was a little over eight months ago, I still can't forget that night when Justin took Brad's life in an attempt to protect us since he couldn't stand the thought of any of his loved ones getting hurt. It was the same night that the police came and took him away at the crime scene and I unfortunately had to drive away from him, temporarily cutting him out of my life.

Everything happened so fast that I wasn't given enough time to process the magnitude of the situation. I think a piece of me got ripped out that night. Justin definitely took my heart with him. It was on lock down just like he was.

To make things worse, I didn't see him for two months after that night.

For every day and every night after that incident, I cried myself to sleep. I cried myself to sleep for two months straight because Justin placed strict orders with his boys that he didn't want to see me, that he wasn't ready for me to see this side of him. I mean really, him in some prison uniform behind bars was nothing compared to me seeing him in his natural element. It hurt, it really hurt and these past eight months without him have been hell. But what was I expecting?

 

 

I knew exactly what I was getting myself into when all of this started a year ago. A year ago, I was successfully avoiding him and his boys while trying to live my simple life. A year ago, I had big plans and never once stopped to even picture Justin as part of my plans or future. He was just a passing phase in my day. But somewhere in that time he got to me and the next thing I knew, I was under his spell.

I was falling in love and diving into complete disaster but I couldn't stop myself. He finally got to me after all his failed attempts. And now, a year later, I can't seem to see past the fact that I need him here with me and there is no way I'd function properly again without him. How I got through it all, especially these past eight months after Justin was sent to prison, is beyond me but I'm still getting by.

Still, I know I've said this a million times before but, If I got a second chance and was able to push the rewind or redo button on my life for all those moments I regret, I would not change the decision or choices I've made. It was and still is all because of him...my biker boy.

I had no idea what to expect when I decided to get mixed up with Justin, but I knew his life would have eventually caught up to him. I just wish he could have gotten out before it did. I've had months to think about what he did for me...for us and I'm not really angry anymore. I'm grateful in fact, that I have someone who loves me enough to want to protect me like he did.

The whole concept still doesn't sit well with me and my parents have been more than disappointed when they found out. They believed Justin was innocent though, that he was ‘framed' for Brad's murder as they put it. Don't ask me how they came to that conclusion. I allowed them to be ignorant. I wasn't about to tell them their baby girl witnessed the entire thing first hand. I wasn't going to tarnish the clean image they had of Justin, because I needed them to love him just as much as I did and still do.

It still doesn't change the fact that these past few months have been hell. At least I managed to keep my job in all of the chaos but barely. The good thing is, when I was finally called to testify against my baby, I kept my end and protected him the best way I knew how. I didn't care that I was under oath. At that moment, I didn't give a fuck about the judicial system. I just wanted Justin free. So, in the end it was our word against Brad's sister and since she was a drug addict and overdosed around the time it was her turn to testify, we got really lucky.

The case got dismissed due lack of sufficient evidence. Plus, there was no murder weapon which was a big setback for the prosecution. Thanks to me getting rid of Justin's piece, things worked out in our favor. It just looked like Justin was in the wrong place at the wrong time because they thought Brad's murder was drug related due to the fact that they were already investigating him and the killing of his brother before this incident arose. Plus, Justin never did confess to Brad's murder. When the cops showed up all those months ago, he simply remained silent and did as he was told stating that he was just in the neighborhood at the wrong time.

I really don't know how the hell Justin got off on all these technicalities but he did. They never did find Brad's friends who were missing. And, I never did ask the pack what it was that they did with them exactly. I wouldn't be surprised if they conducted their own method of cremation to get rid of the bodies as twisted as that seems.

I was just ecstatic and didn't bother to question anything else because I was getting my baby back. I believed he was granted a second chance and I really hope he doesn't screw it up this time around.

 

 

But again, my mind is only drifting like this because I've been fucking sitting here for what seems like ages in this disgusting place that I'd rather not be. How long does it take to clear an inmate for goodness sake?

"How long again is it going to take?" I ask the guard at the entrance and he simply smiles for me uncaringly. What a dick.

"Don't you worry your pretty little head doll. He'll be out soon. He's just going through the process of gathering up his belongings."

Rolling my eyes at the large man, I resort to playing with my nail tips as I wait patiently for Justin to be released from prison today. I even brought him a fresh change of clothes when I got here earlier because I didn't think he wanted to leave in the same clothes he was sent here with eight months ago. He told me he was going to throw the old ones away.

"So, what's your name doll face?" The guard asks me after a moment of silence.

"You better not talk to me like that. I don't think my man would like that." I voice rudely and he smirks at me in return.

"Please, just because your pretty little boyfriend is getting out today doesn't mean shit sweetheart. I'm not afraid of these lowlifes. He can't touch me and I'm pretty sure he'll be back in here soon. I know their kind."

"I'm sure you do." I retort coldly while cutting my eyes at the guard. Ugh, I wish he'd shut up.

"Just watch yourself with that one. He's stirred up quite the commotion since he's been in here."

That catches my attention, but before I can ask the asshole what he means, the large doors where the prison cells are located buzz open and we're met with one of the guards exiting followed by a pissed off Justin close behind.

I instantly jump up from my seat when I catch sight of him but he doesn't notice me yet since he's in some type of conversation with the other guard.

"Leave it to you Timberlake to stir up a fight on the day you get released. I have half a mind to hold you over night for that stunt."

"Yeah but we both know you can't Craig. Besides, the fucker was asking for it. No one talks smack to me and gets away with it."

"Whatever man. Just, don't make me see you in here again anytime soon. You're free to go."

"I'm not making any promises." Justin jokes before he bids the security guard farewell.

I don't even want to know what they're talking about.

I can feel my heart thundering in my chest and I hold my breath when Justin finally looks in my direction, his blues latching onto my browns.

"Baby?" He calls out with a large grin on his face.

"Hey!" Rushing over to him, I take in the fitted long-sleeved shirt and jeans he's wearing which I brought him before I throw myself into his embrace.

Inhaling his scent, I hug the life out of him since I missed him like crazy. I feel a sense of relief wash over me just being wrapped up in his strong masculine arms like this. This is where I belong. I know that now.

"Easy Bri, damn you're strong." Justin chuckles and I giggle before pulling away from him.

"Sorry." I say in a small voice and he lifts my chin up to get a better look at me then slicks his fingers through my dark hair.

"You look beautiful Bri. I've missed you so much." He coos and I frown despite myself when I notice the fresh cut beneath his right eye and the healing one on the corner of his bottom lip.

"I missed you too Justin. But, what happened to you?" I say softly while touching the cut on his eye eliciting a soft hiss from him before he grips my wrist and pulls my hand away.

"Just a small altercation. Nothing to worry about." Justin voices and I scowl.

"Were you fighting?" I ask horrified.

"I think the question is when wasn't I?" He replies nonchalantly and my eyes grow wide from astonishment.

"God Justin! Were you looking to get killed? I can't believe you were picking fights in there!" I snap but he silences me by moving away and pulling me with him to walk.

"Not now Bri. Let's get out of here and head home. I'm in need of a decent bed and a good rest." He points out while dragging me out of the prison grounds.

"Are you looking for those assholes in there to come out looking for you Justin? I thought you learnt your lesson. Why would you start trouble in prison? Those men are dangerous and..."

"It's fine Briana. And in case you forgot, I was in there with them so that makes me equally as dangerous." He chuckles but I don't find him funny. I know he's right. But I'm not looking for one of those jerks to come looking for him when they get out due to bruised egos and grudges. Ugh, I swear I don't know how I put up with Justin sometimes.

"Fine come on let's head home." I say before taking charge in leading us out to where his motorbike is parked. Yes, I've been driving it since Justin's been locked up. I've gotten really good too. In fact, I can understand why he and his boys love their toys. It's such an adrenaline rush.

"Wow, did you drive here on my bike?" Justin asks impressed when we make it to where it's parked. Taking out our helmets, I hand Justin his and the keys so he can drive us home but he protests.

"Yeah, I did."

"Damn, that's sexy. Well come on, bring us home." He grins and I frown in confusion.

"What?"

"Look, my manhood isn't threatened or anything. I'm telling you, drive us home. I'll be the passenger this time." He chortles and I shake my head in amusement.

"If you insist."

"Oh I insist. This is something I'm dying to experience." He says enthusiastically.

Giggling, I strap on my helmet and throw my leg over the large bike to sit, fixing my black dress in the process. Hopping on behind me, Justin clasps his hands around my waist, a light groan pulling from his throat when his bottom half fuses with my behind.

"I could get used to this." He adds in as I bring the motorbike to life and throw back the kickstand.

"I bet you could. Hang on!" I call out then slowly pull out of our parking spot before I accelerate and take off down the streets of New York with Justin's grip around my waist tightening from the sudden increase in speed.

 

*****

Sometime Later

 

After making it home to Justin's penthouse apartment and getting settled in, we resorted to chilling on his couch since he was tired, but not enough to fall asleep just yet since it was the middle of the afternoon.

So, for the past few hours we've just been lounging lazily watching television after we ordered Chinese takeout and stuffed our stomachs. I'm just ecstatic that we're back together like this. I knew waiting for him would have paid off. I couldn't see any other way.

"The guys said they'd be by tomorrow. They figured we'd want today to ourselves to catch up." Justin grins from where he's lying on his back with his head on my lap as I pass my hands through his grown out hair. He's also buffer than I remember him last, obviously from the weightlifting he did in prison.

"They thought right." I smile and he eyes me playfully before diverting his attention to the television screen.

I have no idea what we're watching. It's on some random channel with some sitcom playing. I wasn't paying attention. I've been lost in my thoughts since we got home. Granted I'm ignoring those scars Justin has on his face from picking fights in prison, he's still amazingly beautiful to me. I think what's plaguing me is where we go from here. I can't put up with this rough side of him constantly. I don't want to always be in fear of him getting locked up again for getting into trouble or worse.

"What's on your mind Bri?"

Looking down at his angelic features, I smile warmly. "Just thinking about you and me." I voice and his brows arch in curiosity.

"Oh? What about us?" Justin inquires before seating up and turning to face me expectantly.

"Well, where do you see us going from here Justin? I mean, do you even see a future with me or is this..."

"Ok stop right there Briana. I get that you're maybe a little confused baby but, wherever life takes us, believe that I want you right there by my side."

"I know that Justin. But I can't keep up with you getting into all these confrontations and putting your life in danger. I've had a rough couple of months." I say sadly and he grips my hands in his, massaging them with the bud of his thumbs.

"Listen to me Bri. I love you, and I'd do just about anything for you and to keep you safe. But I know what's really going on. You want me to give up the crew. That's it right?" He's searching my eyes for his answer and what do I say to that? He's right, but I don't want him abandoning his friends. I just want everything else that he's involved in to end.

"I want to go to Law school one day Justin. I want to make a name and a good living for myself, but most importantly I want it to be with you. I want us to be together long enough to build a family as crazy as that sounds."

"It doesn't sound crazy Bri. I want that too. I believe you're it for me, but I told you before, I'm not abandoning the guys...I can't. They're like my brothers. We're family."

"I know and I don't want that. I just would like it if, if you settle down some and maybe even got a decent job even if you don't need it."

"Uh huh." Pulling away from me, Justin stands and shakes his head while moving around the couch to head into the kitchen.

Huffing, I remain seated until he returns with a beer in hand. Gazing up at him, I wait patiently for him to say something else to me.

"This is who I am Bri. You knew that when you got involved with me. I never expected you to try and change me..." Justin hisses and oh for fuck's sake.

"I'm not trying to change you. I'm just asking you to ease up some Justin. Do you know how it feels when I'm away from you? It hurts, but more importantly it's terrifying because I'm always worried about you getting hurt or worse. I'm just asking you, for me, to ease that tension. I don't want to lose you J."

"I know Bri, I know...shit." Sighing, he swipes his hand over his face before taking a large gulp of his beer. "I'm sorry baby. I don't mean to make you worry but I have responsibilities and my dad he..."

"It's ok. Just, promise me you'll try your utmost best to steer clear of trouble."

"You want me to give up the gambling business don't you?" Justin inquires incredulously. "Because for you..." Drifting off, a scowl forms on his face as he seems to be fighting with his words and thoughts. "For you, I will. I'll...fuck I'll talk to my dad first thing tomorrow. Ok? I promise I'll see what I can do Bri." He caves and my eyes light up with excitement.

"Oh my god Justin. Thank you so much." Jumping up from my seat, I rush over to give him a huge hug and peck on the lips.

"Mmmm...you're lucky I love you so much. You're the first female who's succeeded in having such a big influence on me. Not even my mom could accomplish that. I think that says a lot." He grins widely and I blush massively at that.

"It does. And I love you too. Always. God, I can't even believe we're here like this now."

"I can. I told you you'd be mine." Justin snickers before finishing off his drink and I roll my eyes playfully at him.

Placing the now empty beer bottle down, he winks for me while wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me into his embrace. "Now, how about I get a real welcome home huh?"

"I think we can work something out." I muse in a seductive tone.

Wriggling his eyebrows at me mischievously, Justin slowly dips his head down to capture my lips with his.

Sighing into the kiss, I wrap my arms around his neck to pull him in. Ugh god I love him. It's a dangerous love. But, I can deal with it.

We're so unhealthy for each other, but I don't think I'd have it any other way.

As I get lost in our kiss, Justin's touches instantly set me on fire and I can think of a few ways to spend the rest of our day which involve us never leaving the bedroom.

Finally breaking our lip-lock, I gasp for air as Justin licks his now swollen lips. "I knew I loved Chocolate for a reason." He wisecracks and I smack his chest, still feeling giddy from that kiss.

"Oh shut up smartass."

"Hmm, you know, for what it's worth Bri, I'm happy I chose to be with you."

"Aw, I'm happy I chose you too J." I coo. He's so sweet when he wants to be.

"Yeah after I was persistent in making you see that we deserved to give each other a chance." Justin scoffs.

"And you were right...my sexy biker boy." I giggle.

"Your biker boy huh?" He asks with arched brows. Oh no, I know that look. He's most definitely getting turned on by this little exchange.

"Yeah, it's a hate to love you and love you hate you thing."

"I see...I see..." Nodding his head casually, Justin suddenly grips my waist and without warning hoists me off the floor and over his shoulder.

"Hey! Put me down Justin! Just because you buffed up and got stronger while you were in prison doesn't mean you have to throw me around to prove your point."

"Oh, I'm about to prove more than one point to you Briana, all of which will have you either screaming or moaning my name. Believe that. But, I think we have some catching up to do first." He jokes while smacking my ass playfully and I swallow hard.

Ugh god, he has no idea how amazingly enticing that sounds. I've held out long enough for him. I have no problem with him turning me out now. I won't verbalize it and give him the satisfaction though.

"Cocky bastard." I snap.

"That I am babe; that I am." Justin laughs boisterously as he carries me into his bedroom.

I am so ecstatic and grateful that he's finally home, I can't even be angry at him over anything right now. I never want to go this long without him again.

I end up giggling despite myself when Justin decides to perform a drum solo on my butt for the heck of things. God, he's so goofy sometimes. This is the side of him that I love. This is the side of him that I wish would remain forever but I know that it's only just one side of him. Still, I think I end up loving him more every time that affectionate, gentle and loving side of him shines through. It makes me see why I've stuck around and why I'm always willing to give him another chance. He's worth it. He's always been worth it but I was too scared to admit it.

I'm glad I eventually did because I gained a wonderful man and amazing love in the process. Yes, it's an adventure with him, because I never know what to expect but with Justin, I have faith that we'll make it and we'll be ok. As time moves on, I'm slowly adjusting to his rougher, more unstable side. And, if all else fails, I can always depend on him to always be there for me and even in the midst of chaos, I have faith that he'll stay true to his promise of never hurting me, no matter what the circumstance...because I trust him. Despite everything we've been through, I trust him with my life and if that's not a love worth fighting for, then I don't know what is.

*The End*

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