'The Past Will Always Huant You'

The opening of the front door woke me up. I released the pillow from my death grip. Indistinct voices floated down the corridor. Hurry up and get here. I listened to the movement outside of the shut bedroom door. I shouldn't be here, but it's too late now. I closed my eyes, burying my face into the pillow that smelled of him.

I need you here. Axel, come quickly to me. Craving nothing more than just his presence, I lay unmoving in the bed. The bedroom door opened. An ear piercing scream filled the room. I opened one eye to be met with a swinging door. His voice travelled into the room. So loud.

With intentions to kill a man, Axel entered the room. His gun trained on me with one finger on the trigger. He froze when he saw me.

"If I really were an intruder you'd be dead." I stated. He lowered his gun.

"Ace. What are you doing in my bed?"

"Clearly I was having a nap!" I snapped at him.

"Is everything ok?" A concerned voice asked from outside the room. Axel turned and walked out the door. The conversation between Michelle and Axel was short and she soon left the vicinity. He re-entered the room shutting the door.

"What happened?" Axel asked as he put down his shopping bags. I covered my eyes with my arm and braced myself for his reprimanding speech.

"I couldn't stop the sky from falling. Damien... he saw."

A loud clatter of metal thrown on wood was heard. The phone in question flashes several times on the dresser. The silence in the room grew, becoming uncomfortable. I sank even deeper into the sheets turning to my side. With my head cushioned in the softness of his pillow, I waited.

"You never listen. All you had to do was send him to the chop shop. Instead you've let things spiral out of your control!" said Axel. My arm was yanked from my face. Dark eyes bore into mine. "You rarely listen to my advice. Why should I indulge you now?" He asked. I frowned.

"I'm not asking for advice." I replied. His face showed no indication of his thoughts.

Holding eye contact, I reached up, slipping my fingers beneath the pillow on which my head rested on. Finding the cool smooth surface, I firmly grabbed its length. A questioning look crossed Axel's face. My breathing deepened as I pulled it out from hiding. One by one the braided lines followed my hand. His attention was drawn to the object I produced.

"Ace..."

"Please Axel! You're my brother! Don't go soft on me!" His attention turned back to the braided leather flogger in my hand. He snatched it from me. I got up off the bed choosing a comfortable spot on the carpet to kneel. I brought my jersey over my head, casually throwing it to the side.

"Fifty lashes as stated in the rules." I reminded him.

"I know." He answered.

The first hit connected to my upper back. I licked my top lip. Fuck, that sting! Every minute of my transgression replayed in my mind. The impact of the leather on my skin was embraced, reenforcing the unspoken laws.

A sweet hiss escaped my lips, as the braids broke the surface of my skin. On the thirty-eighth strike, I ground my teeth and clenched my fists. Holding back would defeat the purpose of my punishment.

The closer we got to fifty, the more my body shook. I swallowed thickly. Damien what have you done to me? Pushing any thoughts of him away, I focused on the pain. What it stood for. What it's aim was. Why I was wrong and why I had to change. I heard Axel announce the final strike. The last lash was delivered, echoing in the large room.

Quite certain of the horror show, that was my back. I took advantage of the situation as I felt a lot better mentally. I turned suddenly and dropped down onto the carpet not caring for the blood and sweat that would stain it. Less than ten inches above me his face hovered over mine.

"Are you ok?" said Axel.

I rose up, meeting his face. My nose passed his. At that close proximity his black eyes narrowed at me. I hovered beneath them for a short moment, before applying pressure. Pulling away with a smirk, I lay back down on the carpet. Holding his stare, I licked my lips. Axel rolled his eyes while scoffing.

"There is actual food in the kitchen," said Axel as he got up. I shrugged. A meal is a meal. "When you're ready come out. We brought back take out." I looked at him as he walked to the door.

"What kind?" I asked.

"Come and you'll see." He said over his shoulder. I watched him open the door and step out of the room. Out of his sight, I winced, biting my lips. The open wounds on my back stung like a bitch. They ached even more after the unnecessary move I had made on Axel.

This is my reminder to keep myself in check. I embraced the pain once more and made it my own. I closed my eyes.

Damien what are you doing to me?

"The Thai tasted great! Though I have to go." I announced as I got up from the dinner table. "Oh Michelle, Tell the dumplings I said 'Hello' when they return from their grandparents' place."

"I will." She replied.

"I'll walk you down." Axel placed down his fork and wiped his lips.

We walked out the condo after the final goodbyes were said. Entering the elevator, I pressed the garage button. The second the doors closed Axel broke the silence.

"Where is he?" said Axel.

"At the mansion." Axel turned and looked at me.

"I thought he was being held at the base?"

"I got half of my answer. He's one of Tendom's men. What rank or position he holds that is left to be answered."

"That just changed the entire game! Ace he could have easily been giving Tendom your information!" A guttural growl grew in Axel's chest. "Why the fuck you didn't kill that ni**a when you had the chance!"

Not thinking things through, my hands acted. Seeing the punch coming from a mile away. Axel blocked, kicking me square in the chest. I crashed into the metal wall of the elevator. His eyes narrowed at me. I leaned off of the wall intending to retaliate, when the elevator stopped and the door opened. My glare did not lessen in intensity, as I shuffled across to stand next to him. Two women entered the moving box.

"Good afternoon." They chirped giving us side glances while smiling.

"Good afternoon." Axel and I smiled warmly at them.

In a short space of time, I was sitting in my car ready to pull off.

"Ace. Don't be the reason behind the Syndicate's downfall." Axel spoke softly.

"I won't." He laughed at my response.

"I can tell you from an outsiders point of view. What you're doing is dangerous. Stop meddling with him!" He said. I shrugged. It just might be.

"See you whenever or wherever. Goodbye," I said.

"Bye."

I closed the front door quietly. Neither the rat nor the newest addition to the mansion was anywhere to be seen. Placing down the keys on the counter, I looked at the clock. Nine, thirty-four. Late. My pocket vibrated. Giving the caller i.d. one glance I picked up the call.

"Mr. Ackerman speaking."

"Concerning the information you requested. I am unable to fulfil your request. However a message was sent. Hand over what is mine."

"I'm surprised it took him this long to notice." I walked past the living area and up the stairs.

"Is there anything else you would like for me to do?" The man asked me.

"No." The call ended. So much for a fucking referral. Not only did I not get the information I wanted. He was able to send a message through to me! I turned to the right upon reaching the top off the stairs. Without knocking, I entered the door.

The volume on the television was set to low. The actor and actress on the screen were sitting on a terrace in what seemed to be Venice. I looked at the sleeping face propped upon his hand. I took up the remote and turned the television off. In the muted light of the room, he looked more alluring than usual.

I sat on the flat arm of the couch. So handsome. I caressed his cheeks in circles. So kissable. Following my urges, I leaned in and kissed his cheek. Long eyelashes fluttered to life. He stared at me, without saying a word. A cold feeling ran through my body. Within seconds the ominous feeling disappeared as his features relaxed. The coldness that resided in his eyes were replaced with warmth.

"You left," said Damien with a bright smile.

Am I seeing things? I could have sworn... Soft lips met mine, washing away any doubtful thoughts. Damien! I melted into his kiss. His hands travelled along my side. What the hell! My breathing quickened. Who in their right mind acts so welcoming after spending a week in captivity?

As swift as a thief in the night, my fingers shot out wrapping themselves around his neck. I pushed him away. I caught it! The expression that showed was of disdain, before being mixed into one of confusion. I placed my second hand around his neck. My fingers tightened. He stared at me. His breathing quickening in the silent room.

"Aren't you going to save yourself?" I asked him. The body in my hands stiffened, the blood vessels in his face began to swell. Shit! I released him from my hold. He slid to one side on the couch gasping for air. I got up and walked over to his face. I'm curious.

"Damien. Would you let me kill you?" I asked in complete seriousness. He looked away and stared at the ceiling.

After a few seconds he turned back to me. "If it is what you want, then yes." He said to me. I swallowed. So compliant!

"I can't promise you that the road will be easy, but in the end I'll ensure it's painless." I bent over and kissed his lips.

"A bullet from a gun preferably," said Damien. I raised an eyebrow.

"We'll see." I kissed him again. A pleasant smile graced my lips. "I love you Damien."

"I love you too Ace." He sat up. Two hands struck out grabbing me, causing me to fall forwards. I held onto the back of the couch to support myself. He held my face bringing it closer to him.

In a breathy voice I called his name, "Damien!"

Like a machine made from clockwork, I opened my eyes. I looked across to the clock on the wall. Three am. I removed his hand from my waist and slipped off the bed.

"I promise to follow through to the best of my abilities." I said to the sleeping body on the bed.

Opening the door, I slipped out before shutting it. I went into my room and changed into exercise gear. The morning flew by with ease. I completed my usual exercises and kick boxing practice. I rotated my aching arms, as I walked up the stairs. Small movements to the right caught my eyes.

"You're up." I looked at my watch quarter to five. "It's early isn't it?" I walked up to Damien, who stood in the doorway. He stepped back covering his face.

"You smell." A smirk took over my features.

"I know. Since you're up early, take a bath with me."

The foot that was positioned to the back twitched slightly. No you don't! The actions that happened in the next moment were too quick to make sense of. I walked victoriously to my bedroom with him in tow. I smiled. I knew I'd remember when to nab you, after you ran away that day!

The struggle he put up was depressing. I might as well have lifted him into my arms and carried him away. I placed him in the shower, clothes and all.

"I, I, I'm really not ready for a shower!" He stuttered. I stripped and turned on the detachable shower head. His eyes widened. I leaned on the glass door, watching him stand in the corner.

"Strip." I commanded.

"It's too early," said Damien, rejecting my instruction.

My eyes narrowed at him. I turned the notch on the shower head to the highest pressure stream. The gurgling of water being spat out filled the room. He bent over holding his knees while sucking in large mouthfuls of air.

"Strip, now!" I ordered.

He rose up. A look of displeasure was seen on his face. Too long. I released the cold blast on him again. He tried to avoid it, but my hand followed his every move. No escape! A crazed smile graced my lips. I turned off the nozzle swinging it loosely in my hand. His clothes were soaked right through. I bit my lips as I stared at the perky buds on his chest.

"You're properly wet now. Strip for me!"

He spat out a mouthful of water. Without breaking eye contact he lifted his hands. He deliberately slowed down as he undid the buttons on his shirt. After an eternity, he released the sleeve allowing the shirt to drop to the floor.

Damien ran his hand along his neck and down his chest. Placing his thumbs on the inside of the pants, he tugged against the band. Lowering each side inch by inch. You fucking tease! I bit down hard on my bottom lip. A warm line rolled down the side of my mouth. I sent out my tongue to inspect the damaged area. Metallic.

Smooth brown legs stepped out of the pants kicking it to a corner. I swallowed the saliva in my mouth. A finger was placed on the inside on the side of his briefs. He sent the band down slightly, only for it to ride right back up. I frowned. He chuckled, enjoying my obvious displeasure. Using both hands he pushed down the band. Finally the big reveal.

I shamelessly stared while stating, "Sexy."

He turned and opened the shower head near him. I placed my shower head back to its original setting and position. A shower was exactly what I needed after almost two hours of exercise. A soft moan could be heard, as I let the water wash away the suds of body wash on my skin. Strong hands wrapped themselves around my waist.

"You call me sexy, yet you don't moan like that for me." He kissed my neck. I smiled holding his waist.

"The shower is more obedient." I confessed. His face soured. My smile widened. That is what you get for not obeying instructions. I leaned in lightly grazing his lips. Before he could press his lips onto mine, I pulled away. A rough push to his chest and he stumbled back, effectively releasing me from his hold. His eyes blazed in anger, but I couldn't help the smirk on my face.

"I have work to do. I'll see you tonight." I turned off the shower and left him there. While changing into my clothes, I watched him walk out the bathroom perfectly dry, but still naked.

"There are bathrobes. Use them! I don't like you walking around naked!" I said.

"I'm fine how I am." He retorted. I smiled brightly.

"Have a seat." I ordered.

He sat at the foot of the bed. Finished dressing, I slipped into my shoes and walked to the chest of drawers. After finding what I was looking for I turned to him. Since you don't like clothes you'll be forced to stay like this. 

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