Forcefully squeezing her arm, Justin proceeded to lead her down the hall and up the small flight of stairs. He certainly couldn't let her just get away with acting that way. Especially in front of his friends. 

"I'll just catch up with you later J." 

"No man, come back here." Justin said, motioning towards the bedroom. "I told her to apologize and that is exactly what she is going to do." 

Once JC joined in the procession, Reini started to get nervous. What did Justin have in mind for her? He would dare do anything drastic with JC around would he? 

"Get in there!" Justin yelled, forcefull pushing Reini in to the room as JC took a seat in the corner of the room. "I thought we had an understanding Ray. Do you think I should just let you run your mouth like you did a few minutes ago? That it is acceptable to talk to my friend like that?" he yelled, slamming the door shut behind him. 

"Some friend." Reini mumbled, momentarily glancing at JC. 

Completely furious over the fact that she wasn't letting up, Justin withdrew his hand and forcefully backhanded her to the ground. 

Although JC was temporarily stunned by her small frame hitting the floor in front of him, he couldn't help but be amused by the fact that he was going to witness Justin put her in her place first hand. He just coudln't help it. It was how they were raised, and in his twisted little mind, keeping women in line wasn't only a neccessity...it was a pleasure. 

"Have anything else you want to say Ray?" 

Holding her now tender cheek, Reini looked up at Justin and allowed the tears to fall from her eyes. She just didn't understand why Justin wouldn't even let her try and explain why she was acting the way she was. 

"I'm sorry." 

"What was that?" Justin asked, his eyes cold as ice as he glared down at her. 

"I said I'm sorry." 

"Oh you're going to be. I guarantee it Ray." 

As Justin stared down at Reini, the guilt he had felt over hurting her last night was nowhere to be found. Obviously, she still had a lot of "training" that needed to be done before she would be worthy of the name "Timberlake". He just hoped for her sake that it would sink in sooner than later. 

"Now don't you have something you need to say to JC?" he asked, grabbing her by the back of her arm to pick her up. 

Taking a deep breath, Reini glanced over at JC who was casually leaning back in the chair loving the sight before him. She knew that he was going to savor every minute of her apology and hated the fact that Justin was forcing her to do it. If he only knew what JC had done, he would be singing a different tune. After all, she knew Justin was more than thrilled by the fact that he was going to be her first. Having JC anywhere near something he considered to be his would undoubtedly cause some serious tension between the two if nothing else. 

"Ray." 

"What?" 

"Now!" he yelled, forcefully pushing her over to JC. 

Adjusting his position in the chair, JC looked up at her and smiled. Obviously by the way she was looking at him, the look of complete satifaction had to be plastered all over his face. If truth be told. He was satisfied. Having Reini there foced to do something she didn't want to do was a turn on it all sense of the word. 

"I'm sorry." she mumbled, half-heartedly and full of sarcasim. 

She just couldn't bring herself to apologize to him the way Justin wanted her to, when clearly it was him that needed to be doing the apologizing. Especially after what he did to her only moments ago in the kitchen. It made her sick to her stomach just thinking about it. 

After the words came out of her mouth, JC looked up at Justin with a look of disbelief on his face. Was that it? Was that her apology? A half ass, 'I'm sorry.' laced with contempt and disgust? 

Now furious that she was making him look like a complete fool in front of JC, Justin quickly walked over to where she was standing and grabbed her by the back her of hair. 

"Are you trying to be funny Ray? Because trust me when I say that this is not the time to try and test the waters with me!" 

As Justin forcefully worked to get her in an upright position, JC moved his legs so that he was not hindering Justin's movement in anyway. It had come to the point now that JC wanted to see Justin discipline her as much for himself as it was for his friend. 

"Justin, stop. It's not what you think! Just let me explain." 

"NO! You let me explain! You were told to do something and I expect you to listen to me. 

When you don't do as you're told, it's a sign of disrespect. A sign of disloyalty and I won't have that from you or anyone else around me? Do you understand me?" he said, slamming her against the wall a few feet away from JC. "This is your last warning. You either do it right or I will politely ask JC to leave the room and finish this the hard way. It's your choice" he growled in her ear, his teeth now clentched as tight as his grip was in her hair. 

Looking on with absolute amusement, JC lowered his head slightly before looking back up at her as an evil smirk danced across his lips. Everything she was going through right now was because of him and he loved it. This was definetly way better than anything he could have been partaking in outside Justin's bedroom door. 

"I'm sorry man. This is not how I expected the party to turn out when I came up with the idea." Justin said, releasing his hold on her before strongly motioning her to head over to JC.

"Don't worry about it. I mean, we all have bad days." 

"Yeah well, this definetly has the potential to turn out to be her worst one ever if she doesn't get her shit together." 

After Reini looked back over her shoulder at Justin, she slowly walked over to where JC was sitting and regretfully gave the apology that Justin had been waiting for. 

"I'm sorry JC. I didn't mean to jump all over you like that. I know you were just tryin to cheer me up." she said, nervously tucking the small piece of hair that had fallen forward back behind her ear. 

"Don't worry about it. I'm sure the time will come when you can make it up to me." he laughed, clearly trying to get under her skin while keeping everything under Justin's radar. 

"Alright, I think we've wasted enough time dealing with this mess. It's time to go back out there and show everyone a good time." Justin said, straightening out as shirt as he looked over at Reini. "Clean yourself up and then meet me in the livingroom." 

Nodding her head, Reini watched as Justin did one last check of his appearance in the mirror before opening the door. 

"And Reini, I dont expect to be waiting long either."

After Justin walked out of the bedroom door, Reini turned around and headed in to the bathroom.  She knew that Justin meant what he said about this having the potential to be one of her worst days ever and she didn't want to give him any reason to make that thought a reality.

Looking at her reflection in the mirror, Reini momentarily closed her eyes and said a quick prayer that the rest of the night would go a lot smoother.  She just didn't see her having the strength to deal with anything else tonight.

"Just listen to your heart.  Trust in the fact that he loves you and only wants what's best for you."  she whispered to herself, gently  wiping away the mascara stained tears that had collected beneath her lower lashes.  "It will get better.  It has to."  she whispered, so softly that it was barely audible to even herself.

After pulling herself back together, Reini turned off the light in the bathroom and headed back out the door and in to crowd of Justin's closest friends and supporters.  She had to try her best to let what had just happened slip to the back of her mind.  If she didn't, she would undoubtedly upset Justin even more than he already was and that was the last thing she wanted to do.

Finding herself in need of a drink, Reini headed over to the bar and prepared to make herself the strongest drink she ever had.  If nothing else, the powerful effect of the alcohol would have to help numb the feeling of emptiness she felt inside.

Grabbing a glass from underneath the bar, Reini placed it on top of the counter and added a few ice cubes to the bottom.  After scanning the numerous bottles that were lined up in front of her, Reini found one she liked and removed it from the others.

"Here's to hoping you work wonders"  she said, filling the cup to the top with it's crystal clear liquid before placing it back in it's place.

"Are we drowning our sorrows or celebrating things to come?"  JC said, walking up beside her to fill his own glass.

"Stay away from me JC.  I'm not kidding.  Don't think for one second that just because I didn't tell Justin what happened back there that I won't hesitate to go to him the second you try anything else."

"Yeah, that would go over well I'm sure.  I can just see his thought process now as he goes over and over in his mind the reasons you kept the other time a secret from him."

Realizing that he had a point, Reini gave him an evil glare and attempted to walk away from him.  Unfortunately, JC wasn't done with their conversation and grabbed her by her forearm to stop her from going any further.

"You know I can still feel your warm softness on my fingers Ray." he whispered seductively, leaning in closer to her.  "I just hope that I won't have to wait too long before I can feel it again." 

Feeling complete distain wash over her, Reini forcefully pulled her arm away from him.

"You make me sick.  I hope you rot in hell!"

Laughing as she knocked past him, JC sat his glass down on the bar and filled it back up with his own liquor of choice.  As he swirled the liquid around in his glass to chill it, JC felt an eerie feeling wash over him that he was being watched.  Chalking it up to his nerves getting the best over him, JC shook it off and placed the glass to his mouth to swallow a large mouthful of the carmel colored liquid.   Unfortunately as he looked over the rim of his glass, he saw that in fact he was being watched.  Problem was, how much did Channing actually see. 

Quickly sitting his glass back down on the bar, JC stared back at Channing and wondered what the hell he was thinking.  Clearly by the look of disgust on his face, he had to have witnessed at least some of his interaction with Reini.  Now it was just a matter of whether or not he felt the need to confront him about it.

As the two continued to stare each other down, Justin walked up to the bar and nudged JC in his arm.

"Scoping out tonight's lucky lady?"  he laughed, pouring himself a drink as he surveyed the guests in attendance.

Knowing that the last thing he wanted to do was make Justin suspicious of his relationship with Reini, JC finally turned his glare away from Channing and looked out in to the crowd.

"Yeah, you know me.  Got to get them while the getting is good."  he said, raising the glass back up to his lips to take a large swig.

"You know, what you need to do is find someone you can get serious with.  Not these "in and out of your bed in record time" bitches.  You need to find someone to settle down with.  Someone like Ray."

Only offering Justin a slight nod in agreement, JC nervously swirled what was left of his drink around in his glass.

Although Justin was being sincere when he said it, JC couldn't help but worry that Justin might simply be setting him up to take a fall.  That was how he handled things.  He would simply put enough information out there so you would eventually hang youself. He wouldn't confront you to your face unless he had to. 

After a few quiet minutes had passed, Justin sat his drink back down on the bar and turned to face JC. 

"Hey, I'm really sorry for earlier man.  Ray was really out of line.  I thought I had things taken care of with her.  I guess I was wrong." 

"You don't have to apologize or explain anything to me man.  Like I said, we all have bad days.  I'm sure things are cool with her now.  Don't even worry about it."  JC replied, thankful that Justin was obviously unaware of his indiscretions with his girlfriend.

"Where did Ray go anyway?  Wasn't she over here talking to you a minute ago?"

Feeling a lump growing in his throat, JC worried that he may have jumped the gun.  Was this one of Justin's interrogations?  What if had he already spoken to Ray and knew everything that had happened between them? 

"Umm...yeah she was for a second.  She filled her drink back up and then pretty much went on her way."  he said, casually glancing back over to where he had last saw Channing.  Noticing that the space was now being occupied by another guest, JC used the opportunity to switch Justin's train of thought.  Just in case.

"Actually, I saw Channing not that long ago in the living room.  Since he is now conveniently missing as well, my guess is that she is with him."

After watching Justin's expression change from one of relaxation to one of complete irritation, JC knew that Justin's next move would be to locate Reini. 

"Well then, why don't we take a little walk and see what the lovely couple is up to.  Besides,  I think it's time me and Channing had a man to man talk.  Don't you?"

Knowing exactly what Justin's "man to man" talk meant, JC let out a slight chuckle and followed his friend as he proceeded to search the party for Reini.  This was something he definetly wanted to see.

Chapter 12

Making his way back into the apartment, Channing immediately began to search for Reini as he headed toward the front door. As he craned his neck to see over the sea of people that inhabited the nausiatingly large space, he felt another body crash into his with a slight thud. 

"Ray?" 

With the tears still streaming down her face, Reini looked up and saw the comforting site of Channing standing before her. 

"What's wrong?" he asked, quickly reaching his hand out to her. 

"I just want to go home. Can we please go home?" 

"Yeah." 

Drapping his arm over her shoulder, Channing pulled her as close to him as he could get her and headed over to the elevator that led downstairs. What the hell had happened? Surely this had nothing to do with Justin. After all, he had just left him on the rooftop. 

"Ray! Wait!" 

Quickly looking back over her shoulder, Reini saw JC pushing his way through the crowd in an attempt to get to her. She just couldn't believe he was acting like this. Especially when she had considered him a friend. 

"Channing, please! Let just go!" 

"What happened Ray? Did he do something to you? Is that why you want to leave?" Channing said, pointing back at JC who had all but stopped dead in his tracks. "Ray? Answer me." 

Looking back at JC one last time, Reini swallowed the massive lump growing in her throat and hung her head. As much as she wanted to tell Channing what he had done to her, she knew that it would inevitably end up hurting her more then him. 

"No. He didn't." she said, the conviction with which she said the words leaving more doubt than anything in Channing's mind. "I just don't feel well and I didn't want to bother Justin. I mean, this is his party. I can't actually expect him to take me home and leave his guests." 

Although he wasn't quite buying her story, he knew that his ultimate goal when he left the rooftop with Justin was to get her and go home. At least this way he wouldn't have to upset her over what had happened between him and Justin only moments ago. That bit of information would have to wait until she was feeling better. 

"Alright. Come on, let's get you out of here." Channing said, giving JC a quick once over before letting Ray walk through the space between him and the door. 

"Ray, wait." JC said, quickly heading over to the door despite the cold stare he was receiving from Channing. "I just need to talk to you for a minute. It won't take long, I promise." 

"Goodnight JC." was all Reini replied, as she lowered her head and walked to the elevator. 

She knew there wasn't anything he could say or would say for that matter. He wasn't going to offer her an apology. He just wanted to remind her that he was serious when he said that it would be in her best interest that she not tell Justin. 
Once the elevator doors opened, Channing gently placed his hand on Reini's back and allowed her to enter before him. He knew that this quick exit had nothing to do with her not feeling well and everything to do with JC. Sure, she could tell him right to his face that it wasn't the case, but thinking back to the encounter he had witnessed between the two of them earlier at the bar, he knew that he was right. He just hoped she would confide in him and tell him the truth. 

Leaning against the side wall of the elevator, Reini didn't even bother to give JC another look. She just stared up at the illuminated numbers above the door and waited for Channing to hit the button to the lobby. 

"You alright?" Channing asked her as the door closed. 

"Yeah, I'll be fine. I just really want to go home and take a long hot shower." 

"Ray?" 

"Yeah?" 

"You know you can trust me, right? I mean, if anything ever happens you know you can come to me for help." 

Turning to face her best friend, Reini let a few tears all from her eyes. 

"Yeah, I know." she replied, slowly heading over to the comfort of Channing's arms. 

Granted she already knew that she could count on him, but it was nice hearing it come directly from his mouth at a time like this. If nothing else, it gave her the added strength she knew she was going to need to call Justin once they were back home. 

========= 

Once the elevator doors shut, JC stood in the doorway and felt a knot growing in the pit of his stomach. How in the hell was he going to explain this one to Justin. He was told to keep an eye on her while he was talking to Channing and not only did he let her leave, but he was also the reason. 

"Hey man, where's Ray?" he heard Justin's voice say, quickly breaking him from his train of thought. 

Looking up, JC saw that Justin had looked lessed than pleased over his conversation with Channing. Now he had to be the one to inform him that she had left with him. Stalling for any amount of time, JC gave him a questioning look. 

"What did you say? I'm sorry man, I didn't hear you." 

"Where the fuck is Ray? I asked you to keep an eye on her until I got back." 

Feeling the knot in his stomach making it's way to his throat, JC swallowed and let out a heavy sigh. There was no way around this. He had to tell him that she left with Channing, regardless of what his reaction to the news was. 

"She just left." JC replied, quickly turning to head back in to the apartment. 

"She what?!" 

"She left." 

Letting out a slight chuckle, Justin followed JC in to the apartment and grabbed him by the arm. That was not what he expected to hear come from his mouth. 

"When did she leave?" 

"A few minutes ago. She left with Channing." 

Throwing his head back, Justin stared at the ceiling for a few minutes trying to let the anger he was feeling settle down.

"Why didn't you stop her?" 

"What did you want me to do man?! Grab the girl and lock her in some damn room?!" 

Knowing that JC had a point, Justin just shook his head and walked back over to the bar. To say that this night turned out to be a complete disaster would be an understatment. Now things were going to get ugly. 

"You know what, this shit wouldn't even be happening if Channing was out of the picture. I knew there was something going on there. I could just sense it." 

"So, I'm guessing your little talk with Channing was less than pleasant." 

"Well let's just say it sure opened my eyes when it came to his relationship with Ray. He can deny it..she can deny it, whatever. I know there is something between those two."

"What are you going to do about it?" JC said, filling up his glass. 

"Whatever it takes. If he thinks I am going to just stand idly by and allow him to play house with Reini, he is sorely mistaken." 

Letting out a slight chuckle, JC looked at Justin with a look of amusement. 

"Play house huh? Is that anything like playing Dr?" 

Grabbing a glass from under the bar, Justin filled it to the brim and stared at JC intently for a few minutes. 

"You know, I don't find any humor in this what-so-ever. I hope you know that." Justin stated matter-of-factly. 

"I'm just playing with you man. Relax." 

After refilling his own glass once again, JC stood there and watched Justin study the contents of his own glass with an intensity not normally seen. 

"So, what is it about this guy that has you so worked up? I mean, besides the obviously close friendship the two of them share." 

"Friendship my ass!" Justin snapped back, pushing his glass away from him. "She can call it friendship if she wants, but I can guarantee you that his feelings concerning Ray aren't based solely on a friendship level." 

"Well, look at it this way. They have been living together for how long now? A few years, right?" 

"Yeah. What's your point?" 

After taking a large gulp of his drink, JC sat the glass back down on the bar and turned to face his best friend. If Justin would actually get beyond the jealously that was eating a whole in his stomach and look at the real facts, he would see that there was nothing to worry about. 

"If you were living with a beautiful girl, day in and day out.....wouldn't you have hit it at some point?" 

"Just because he didn't 'hit it' with Reini, doesn't mean he didn't want to. Hell, I didn't even get there with her yet." 

Letting a small smile creep across his lips, JC relished in the fact that Justin had not out done him yet. After all, growing up together brought out a fierce competitive spirit in both them and their fathers. It was common knowledge that whether it came to acing tests or scoring points on the basketball court, JC always had the upper hand. Well, that was Justin started dating Reini. 

"I'm just saying. Maybe the guy just wants to press your buttons. I mean, you could tell by his comments and the way he carried himself while he was here, that the guy has a serious chip on his shoulder where you're concerned" 

"Yeah well, I have a serious chip on my shoulder when it comes to him living with my girlfriend. That's got to change. I'm not about to have my girlfriend shacking up in some apartment with a guy while she is seeing me. Especially THIS guy! It's just not going to happen." 

"Man, he sure has you fired up, doesn't he? What the hell went down on the roof? You never did tell me." 

"Yeah, well it's gonna have to wait. I'm gonna take off. You alright here?" 

"Yeah, I'm fine, but where are you headed? To see Reini?" 

"Do you even need to ask?" 

"No, but I figured...what the hell. Ask anyway." JC chuckled as he took another swig of his drink. 

"Well aren't you just a barrel of laughs!" Justin gushed out sarcastically. 

"That I am. You can catch me at the comedy club Friday nights! Twenty dollar cover charge!" 

Shaking his head at his best friends inappropriate timing for telling jokes, Justin finished the last of his drink and sat his glass back down on the bar. 

"I'm not sure when I'll be back so don't wait up." 

"Now why in the hell would I wait up?" 

After giving JC a look as if he had just asked the most ridiculous question on earth, Justin rolled his eyes and headed over to the table to grab his keys. Once he was sure he had everything, Justin opened the door. 

"Tell Channing I said hi!" JC yelled back over his shoulder, as Justin pulled the door closed. 

Slightly chuckling to himself over JC's comment, Justin pressed the button to the elevator and took a few deep breaths as he waited for it to arrive. He knew that it was only a matter of time until he would be at Reini's apartment and that he would have to keep his temper in check. After all, there wasn't a doubt in his mind that Channing would be looking for every opportunity to make him look bad in front of Reini. 

After the elevator doors opened, Justin stepped inside and grabbed his cell phone from his pocket. He knew that more than likely Reini had gone back home after she left, but at the same time he didn't want to risk driving all the way over there if she wasn't there. 

Making quick work of the walk to his car, Justin disengaged the alarm system and then proceeded to get inside. Once he was safely on his way, Justin flipped open his phone and dialed the number to Reini's apartment. As it continued to ring, Justin felt a nauseous feeling bubbling up in the pit of his stomach. Surely she wouldn't leave his party to go out and continue it elsewhere with Channing....or would she. 

Letting out the deep breath he was unaware he was holding, Justin was just about to flip the phone shut when he heard the sound of Channing's voice on the other end. 

"Hello?" 

Not in any mood for small talk or games, Justin let out a slight chuckle and cut right to the point. 

"Put Ray on." 

"Excuse me?" Channing replied, the irritated tone of his voice...unmistakable. 

"You heard me Channing. Put Reini on the fucking phone right now!" 

Enjoying the little game he was now playing with him, Channing leaned backwards slightly as he sat on the sofa to make sure Reini was still in the shower. Satisified that she wouldn't be able to hear anything that was being said, Channing kicked his feet up on the table to make himself comfortable. 

"I'm sorry, but Reini can't come to the phone right now. Would you care to leave a message?" 

"Man, you're just asking for asking for trouble aren't you?!" 

"No, but by the tone in your voice, you must be looking for some." 

"The tone in my voice huh? How about the feel of my foot in YOUR ASS!" Justin yelled. 

Letting out a hearty laugh, Channing sat back up and adjusted a few of the magazines that occupied the table in front of him before he continued. 

"You know, I don't know what she sees in you, but for her sake...I'll ask again. Would you care to leave a message?" 

"IF YOU DON'T PUT RAY ON THE FUCKIN PHONE RIGHT NOW, WHEN I GET TO YOUR PLACE, THAT TROUBLE YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT....IT'S GONNA FIND YOU! NOW PUT HER ON THE DAMN PHONE!!" 

Not even slightly fazed by Justin verbal assault on him, Channing grabbed the remote from the cushion next to him and started to scan through the channels for something to watch. It was as if the conversation was nothing but cordial. 

"Sorry, but as I said before.....I can't do that. She's in the shower. You know, it's late and we are getting ready for bed. Why don't you just call back tomorrow at a decent hour." 

Before Justin even had a chance to reply to Channing's comments, he heard the line go dead on the other end and gripped the steering wheel tightly. 

"You....stupid....mother....fucker." Justin said calmly as he drew out each word. "You really don't know who you are messing with, do you." he said, making more of a statement to himself than anything else. 

After a quick glance in his rearview mirror, Justin shifted lanes and stepped on the accelerator. He was done with Channing and his lame ass attempts at trying to pull rank where Reini was concerned. Something had to be done and it had to be done tonight. If not, disaster would be just waiting in the wings. 

Chapter 14

As Channing sat the phone back down, a satisifed smile crept across his face.  He knew that he had pressed every last one of Justin's buttons and that more than likely he would end up hanging himself in front of Ray once he got to the apartment.  Something he took great enjoyment in.  After all, he knew how Reini felt about the guy and that she would only defend him if he tried to speak up.  This way, he would be there for a shoulder to cry on instead of the other way around.

"Hey, did I just hear you on the phone?"  Reini asked, walking out of the bathroom.

After doing some quick thinking, Channing turned back around to face her and shook his head.

"No, it was probably just the TV.  I was switching through a few channels." he replied, trying his best to keep a straight face.  "You look refreshed."

"Well, I can't say I feel completely better, but it helped some."

"You want to talk about it yet?"  Channing asked, laying the remote down on the coffee table before turning to face her.

"Not really.  There isn't much to say."  she said, running the towel through her hair in an attempt to dry it.  "Besides, it's nothing you need to concern yourself with."

Studying the troubled look on Reini's face, Channing gave her a quick once over and then tapped the space next to him on the couch.

"What?"

"Come here."

"I can't.  I have to call Justin.  He is probably wondering where I went. I didn't even say goodbye Channing."

"Who cares if he is wondering where you went.  You don't have to report to him Ray.  If you want to leave, then you leave.  You don't need to clear it with him first or explain yourself after."

Now giving him a once over, Reini threw the towel over her shoulder and stared blankly at him.

"Where did all that come from?"

"Where did what come from?"

"That attack on Justin?  Did something happen between you two earlier at his place?"

"Believe me, that was no attack. Besides, it's nothing you need to concern yourself with."

Placing both hands on her hips, Reini stood there and gave Channing a look of disapproval.  Clearly something did happen between the two of them and she wanted to know exactly what it was.

"You're not funny Channing!"

"I'm not trying to be.  Come on Ray.  You get what you give, right?  Isn't that how we do things?  You want answers, you give answers."

"Channing."

"What?!  Something happened tonight and I want to know what.  Why are you trying to hide stuff from me Ray?"  Channing asked, as he got up from the couch and over to where she was standing.  "This isnt like you."

"Look, just forget it."

"No, I'm not going to just forget about it.  Talk to me damn it!"  Channing yelled, grabbing her by her shoulders to force her gaze to his.

Feeling the tears begin to well up in her eyes, Reini looked away from him and prayed that he would just drop the subject.  She didn't want to get it to this right now.  She couldn't get in to this.  It was her problem and she would handle it.  The last thing she needed now was for him to get involved in the mess.

"Look, I'm sorry.  I'm not trying to upset you more than you already are, but I know you're not telling me everything."

"Channing, I......"

Then before she could even finish the sentence, there was a knock at the door.

Knowing who was likely on the other side, Channing quickly tried to get her to leave the room. 

"I'll get the door.  You go and clean yourself up."  Channing replied, brushing a tear away from her cheek.  "We'll talk about this later."

Wiping the rest of her tears away, Reini slowly headed back to the bathroom and closed the door as another knock echoed through the apartment.

After glancing over his shoulder to make sure she was out of sight, Channing adjusted his shirt and opened the door.

"Well, well, well.  What a pleasant surprise!  What brings you here Justin?"  Channing asked, a chesire smile plastered across his face.

"Cut the bullshit Channing.  Where is she?"  Justin asked, looking over Channing shoulder in to the apartment.

"Sleeping.  Didn't I tell you we were going to bed?"

"You know what......"  Justin growled, shoving his keys in his pocket. "I'm done playing these game with you.  MOVE!"

Placing his hands firmly on Channing's chest, Justin shoved him backwards and forced his way inside.  He didn't drive all this way just to have some pretty boy think he was running the show.  He was there for a reason and nothing Channing could say or do was going to stop him.

"Ray?"

"What hell do you think you are doing?!"  Channing asked, grabbing Justin by his arm.  "No one invited your ass in."

Unable to control himself any longer, Justin made quick work of removing himself from Channing's grasp and after grabbing him by the front of his shirt, forcefully shoved him against the wall.

"DON'T TEST ME MOTHER FUCKER!  YOU'LL LOSE EVERY TIME!"  Justin yelled, quickly letting him go once he heard the bathroom door open.

"Justin?  What are you doing here?  I was just about to call you."

"Imagine that!"  Justin said sarcastically, as he headed over to Reini. "You mean lover boy here didn't tell you that I called and was on my way over?"

Slightly taken back by his comment, Reini looked over at Channing with a look of confusion.  If Justin had called, why didn't he tell her.

"Channing?" 

"What?!  You think I'm lying?"  Justin asked, almost daring her to give the wrong answer. "I called about ten minutes ago, but that fucker refused to put you on the phone!"

"Did Justin call here?"

"Oh....yeah.  I guess it slipped my mind."  Channing replied, adjusting his shirt.

After standing there watching the two exchange threatening looks, Reini turned to face Channing once again.

"So, you were on the phone.   I asked you if you were on the phone and you said no.  Why did you lie to me?"

Before Channing even got a chance to answer the question, Justin let a small smile ease across his lips and helped fuel Reini's anger toward her best friend.  This was just going to be way too easy.

"Probably because he didn't want you finding out about the shit he pulled back my place."  Justin chimed in.  "The threats he felt so confident issuing to me."

In shock, Channing stood there and watched Justin twist everything around to his advantage.  It was almost an exact account of what happened, but with the role reversed.

"Hold up!  That's not what happened and you know it?!" 

"It's not?!"  Justin asked, quickly trying to play the role of victim.

Letting out a slight chuckle of disbelief,  Channing turned to face Reini who stood there with a complete look of shock.

"Did you threaten him?

"JESUS CHRIST!  AM I NOT HERE RAY?!  ISN'T THAT WHAT I JUST SAID?!"  Justin yelled, catching them both by surprise.

"I was just asking him Justin.  I wasn't implying that you were lying or....."

"Yeah well you better not be implying that or anything else!"  Justin yelled, taking a few steps closer to Reini.

"I'm not."

"You know, if I'm not mistaken, it was you that was doing most of the threatening.  You know, right before landing that right hook."

Feeling her heart begin to race with the night's turn of events, Reini glanced over to Channing and then back to Justin.

"You hit him?"

After giving her nothing more than a slight smile and nod of his head for a response, Justin glanced down at his watch and then back to Reini.

"Come on, let's go.  It's getting late."

"Late for what?  Where are we going?"

"I'm taking you back to my place.  You really don't think I'm going to let you stay here with him do you?"

"Stay here with him?  Him?"

"Yeah that little cocksucker over there."  Justin growled, pointing his finger in Channing's direction. 

"So what?  Because you two can't seem to get along I have to pick sides?"

"There is no picking of sides Ray.  Grab your stuff and get ready.  We're leaving."

"I don't think so.  Ray is staying here.  There's a reason she left your place.  Did you ever think of that?"

"You know what, if you want to keep that so called career of yours intact, I advise you turn and walk away right now."

"Is that a threat?"

"Feel free to hang around and find out."  Justin said, an arrogant smile stretched across his face.  "But you might want to make a mental note since we're on the subject anyway that I don't make threats.  I just speak the facts."

"GOD!  JUST STOP!  THIS IS INSANE!"

As both men turned in her direction, the reality of the decision she faced hit her full force.  She had to make a choice between the two most important men in her life and there was no easy way out. 

It was true that she had left Justin's house for a reason, but that reason didn't have anything to do with him.  Had he simply came to her house and asked her to come back to his place, chances are that she would have went without giving it much thought.  Unfortunately, given the new information about Justin's encounter with Channing on the roof, she couldn't help but worry that it was just the tip of what the night could still hold.

"What are you waiting for?  Grab your stuff."

After momentarily glancing over at the look of sheer disbelief on Channing's face, Reini let out a long sigh.  Deep down she knew she would rather spend the night in her own place, but given Justin's fondness for getting revenge on those who he felt crossed the line, she knew she had no choice but to go home with him.  At least then she wouldn't have to worry about the damage Justin could do to his career.

"I'll be right back."

"Ray!"

Standing there with a smug grin on his face, Justin pushed his way past Channing and collasped down on to the sofa as if he owned the place.

"Don't feel bad Channing.  Everyone loses to me at one point or another.  And I do mean EVERYONE."  Justin said, glancing towards Reini's bedroom door as he adjusted himself.

"Yeah well, we'll just see about that."  Channing snapped back, as he turned to head in to Reini's bedroom.  "You may have her fooled with your Oscar worthy performances, but I see right through you."

As Justin turned to look over his shoulder, he saw Channing disappear in to Ray's room and immeadiately jumped to his feet.  It was one thing to allow him to speak his mind in front of him, but to fill Reini's mind with ideas behind his back...that wasn't going to happen.

"Do you mind telling me why this joker feels he can just walk in and out of your bedroom without so much as knocking?"  Justin asked as joined the two of them in the room.

"Justin...."

"No, I'm serious.  Where the hell do you get off man?!"

"You know what, you better just back the fuck up.  I don't know where the hell you think you are or who you are talking to, but I'm not going to stand for that shit in my own house."

"God!  Will you two just stop!" Reini yelled, pushing one of her dresser drawers shut. "Justin can you please just go wait in the livingroom.  I'll be out in like five minutes."

Smiling, Justin stood there for a few minutes longer and watched Channing's body language as he sat on the edge of her bed.  Clearly he was trying to get under his skin.

"Why do you want me to leave Ray?  You need to say goodbye to your lover in private?"

"Justin don't"

"No, I'm serious.  This fuckin clown is in here sitting on your bed and you are asking me to leave.  What the hell is wrong with that picture Ray?!"

"Nothing is wrong with it.  He lives here Justin and we're not doing anything wrong."

"Yeah maybe not right now with me standing here, but how do I know what the hell you do when I'm not around.  Maybe you are fucking him!  I mean, come on!  You don't think he wants to hit with you?"

"Justin!  Stop it!"

"NO!  ASK HIM RAY!"

"No!"

"Come on Channing.  Be honest with her.  With yourself.  I mean, you're sitting there with that high and mighty look on your face trying to act all innocent, but you want to fuck her...if you haven't already.  I know it.  I can see it on your face."  Justin said, eyeing Channing up and down as he leaned back against the wall.  "The only thing I can't be quite sure of yet, is how far you'll go to try and make it happen." 

"Didn't she mention something about you waiting in the livingroom?"  Channing asked as he scooted himself back against the headboard of her bed.  "Because I could have swore she asked you to leave."

Letting out a slight chuckle, Justin stood there and watched Channing's facial expression change right before his eyes.  He knew without a doubt that his suspicions were right as far as his feelings for Ray were concerned, but putting it all out there in the open in front of Ray clearly made him uncomfortable.

"Come on Ray.  We're not going on vacation.  Whatever you have packed is good enough.  Let's go."

"Look, I'll see you when I get back home Channing.  Thanks for everything."  she said, tossing the bag over her shoulder and joining Justin's side.

"Yeah, we need to have a little talk about 'home' Ray, because this set up you have right now really doesn't work for me."  he said, grabbing her by the back of her arm as he led her towards the front door.

"Call me if you need anything Ray.  I mean it.  Anytime."

"Thanks Chan."

Biting his lip so that he wouldn't delay their exit any longer, Justin squeezed Reini's arm a little tighter and quickly headed out the door.  Once they made it down to Justin's car, he forcefully removed her bag from her shoulder and threw it in the back seat as a physical display of how displeased he really was.

"Get in the car Ray."

With the tone of his voice now echoing in her mind, Reini slowly lowered herself in to Justin's BMW and felt her heart beat quicken.

"Buckle up baby.  It's going to be a bumpy ride home."  he said, slamming her door closed.

As Reini fastened her seat belt, Justin quickly made his way around to the drivers side and opened the door.  After lowering himself down in to his seat, Justin turned to face her with a look of disgust plastered across his face.

"Did you enjoy yourself up there Reini? Huh? Watching Channing disrespect me like that?"  he asked, putting his keys in the ignition and starting his car up.

Afraid to even speak, Reini shook her head 'no' and proceeded to direct her attention out the passenger side window.  The last thing she wanted to do was keep this tension between them building. She figured that if she cut off every attempt he made at continuing the topic that everything would die down and be left alone.  Unfortunately that thought quickly slipped away when she felt Justin forcefully grab her by the back of her hair. 

"As if it wasn't bad enough that he disrespected me, but now you are going to do it too?!"  he yelled, forcefully bringing her gaze to his.  "What the fuck are thinking Ray?!  Have you learned nothing?!"

"Justin, I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what Ray?  Sorry for blantly being disrespectful or sorry that I'm not going to stand for it?!"

As Reini winced in pain from the force he was using to keep her turned in his direction, Justin took a few slow deep breaths to try and calm himself down some.  When he finally felt he had things under control, he slowly released his grip on her and shoved her back over to her side of the car.

"I'm sorry Justin.  I know Channing should have told me that you called and I know he only added fuel to an already tense situation but what did you want me to do.  It's his house too." 

"You're on really thin ice Ray.  Be very careful where you walk tonight."

"I was just saying...."

"And so was I."  Justin quickly chimed in as he pulled back out on to the road.

Knowing that this conversation wasn't likely to get any better, Reini let out a soft sigh and once again glanced out the passenger side window.

Chapter 14

After several minutes of near silence between the two, an all too familiar sound began to echo through the car and Reini cringed.  Quickly reaching in her purse, Reini hoped that she could avert the call directly to her voicemail but Justin intercepted her the second she pulled it out.

"Who is it?  Is it Channing?"  he asked, reaching for the phone.

"I'm just sending it to voicemail.  I'm not going to answer it."

"You're damn right your not.  Give it to me."

"Justin....."

"Give me the fuckin phone Ray!"

Letting out a heavy sigh, Reini sat there not wanting to cause any more problems, but not wanting to hand the phone over either.

"You know what, I said give me the fuckin phone!"  Justin yelled, screeching the car to a stop at the redlight as he reached over.  "All you had to do was give me the phone Ray! Now you're going to need a new one!"  he continued, jumping out of the car and launching it sideways across the street.

After he watched the phone shatter on the road a few feet away from him, Justin paced back and forth for a few seconds before finally getting back inside his car.

"Justin I'm......"

"I don't want to hear it Ray."  he yelled, collapsing down in to his seat and slamming the door.  "There isn't a damn thing that you could say that would benefit you right now."

Knowing that her only option at this point was to sit there quietly, that's exactly what Reini did.  Unfortunately the longer Justin was left to his own thoughts, the more erratic his driving became.  Something that she was finding it very hard to remain tight lipped about.

"God damn it!  What the fuck is wrong with people tonight?!"  Justin yelled, once again swerving in to oncoming traffic to avoid the slower moving cars in the right hand lane.

"Justin, please slow down.  You're starting to scare me."  Reini begged, her voice cracking slightly as she clutched tightly to her seat.

Turning to face her, Justin let out a sinister laugh.

"I thought I had you past that, but if I'm just 'starting' to scare you Ray, then clearly I've been going about things all wrong."  he said, not once breaking eye contact with her. 

"Justin please!"

After shifting gears once again, Justin finally brought his focus back to the road in front of his and saw that the traffic light a few feet in front of him had just turned red.  Knowing that the cross traffic was going to be in the intersection in a matter of seconds, Justin forcefully slammed on the brakes.

As he did, the momentum forced Reini forward and she screamed out.  Then as she braced herself for the crash she was certain was about to occur, Justin's BMW came to a screeching halt just short of the intersection and she was quickly snapped backwards against the seat. 

Now clutching on to the seat for dear life, Reini sat there and tried to calm her shattered nerves as Justin looked on with amusement. 

"You feel that Ray?  The pounding of your heart inside your chest.  That uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach?  That fear?"  he said turning to face her, his eye cold as ice as he glared at her.  "That's nothing compared to what you'll feel the next time you fuck with me. You understand me?"

Unable to speak from the fear still coursing through her body, Reini quickly nodded her head and the tears instantly began to form in her eyes.

"I didn't think it was possible for you to look any more beautiful Ray, but you know what."  he said, grabbing her chin to turn her towards him.  "You're even prettier when you cry."  he continued softly, pulling her face towards his so that he could kiss away the single tear that managed to find it's way down her cheek. 

After softly placing another kiss on her lips, Justin adjusted his position in his seat and shifted back down to first gear. As he did, Reini glanced over at him and literally felt every ounce of self worth slip from her grasp.  Because if it wasn't obvious before, it certainly was now.  She belonged to him....body and soul.

Once the light turned green, Justin slowly pulled out and continued to head back home.  Both of them knowing that the night was far from over.

Finally after another fifteen or so minutes of uneventful driving, Justin pulled in to the first open space he saw out front of his building and put his car in park.  After turning off the ignition, Justin slowly turned towards Reini.

"Are you going to continue to pout all night?"

"I'm not pouting."  she replied, tucking a small piece of her still damp hair behind her ear.

"Well then what would you call it Ray?  I mean, you've been sitting there for the last fifteen minutes looking at me like I stole the last damn oreo."

"I don't know what you want from me Justin.  I try to do what you want, I try to be who you want me to be, but it just never seems like enough."

"Maybe because deep down you're really not willing to do what I want....what I expect."  Justin said, removing the keys from the ignition.  "I mean, this thing earlier with that fuckin bitch boy.  What the hell was that Ray?!  Do you think that it's acceptable for him to be parading in and out of your bedroom?  Do you think it's acceptable to be living with another guy while you are seeing someone else?"

"But it's not like that.  You're making it in to way more than it is.  I've known Channing for years.  He's my best friend."

"Yeah, I'm sure that's what he wants you to believe."  Justin said, letting out a slight snicker.  "Do you really think that he hasn't thought about you in that way?  I mean really Ray?  Are you that naive?"

"What do you want me to say?"  Reini asked before stepping out of the car.  "Because I'm sure whatever I say will be the wrong thing." 

"You know what, I'm beginning to think you're right.  Maybe you should just keep your mouth shut."

After hearing the anger once again return to Justin's voice, Reini just hung her head in defeat and waited for Justin to reach her side of the car.  She knew when they left her apartment that the night was far from over, but she also held out some hope that he would at least let things quiet down some.  Unfortunately, that just didn't seem like the case.

Once Justin made his way over to where Reini was standing, he grabbed her bag and engaged the security system on his car.

"Let's go."  he said, grabbing a hold of her hand and practically dragging her towards the double set of doors that led inside the building.  "This night has dragged on long enough."

As Reini felt herself being quickly pulled through the lobby, the sudden realization hit her that she would have to see JC.  The thought alone shook her to her core and without even realizing it, she slowly began resisting his efforts to get her on the elevator.

"What the fuck are you doing?"  he asked, looking over his shoulder at her as the elevator doors opened.

"Justin....it's just that....earlier at your party..."

"Earlier at my party what?"

Feeling like she was going to be sick, Reini took a few deep breaths and reluctantly allowed him to push her in to the elevator.  She knew that she needed to tell him what JC had done to her earlier, but she also couldn't help but worry that he wouldn't believe a word out of her mouth and that it would only make things worse.

"I'm waiting."  Justin growled, hitting the button that took them to the penthouse as he turned to face her.

"Promise me that you're not going to get mad first."

Giving her a look of complete disbelief, shoved his keys in to his pocket and studied her with an intensity that literally sent chills down her spine.

"I'm not promising anything Ray.  Let's go.  I want to hear what you have to say."

"Justin...."

"Now Ray!"

As her breathing quickly caught up to her rapid heartbeat, the elevator finally came to a stop.  Hoping she could avoid the conversation altogether, Reini quickly tried to head through the doors the second they opened.  Unfortunately, Justin picked up on her plan and grabbed her by the arm before she could even take a step.

"Uh uh.  We're not going in there until you finish your little confession." he said, slamming his fist on the emergency stop button.

"It's not a confession Justin." she yelled over the alarm

"Then what is it Ray?  I mean, all of a sudden you go and get all crazy on me and then start to tell me something, but ask me not to get mad?!  Earlier at my party...what?!"

"JC."

"What about him Ray?!"

Hearing the alarm go off on the elevator from inside the penthouse, JC got up from his position of the sofa and headed over to the front door.  After unlocking it, JC pulled the door open and saw his best friend and Reini just standing there.

"What the hell are you doing man?"

"Should I just ask him Ray?!  I mean, since he's here now anyway."

"Ask me what?"

"Apparently Ray has an issue with you and something that happened ealier at the party.  I'm just trying to find out what the fuck it is!"  he yelled, pushing Reini out of the elevator so that he could turn off the emergency stop. "You want to fill me in?!"

"Me?!"

"Yeah.  You."

Looking over at Reini, JC saw the look of fear on her face and realized exactly where she had planned on taking this conversation with him.  This was about him making advances toward her.  This was her throwing him to the dogs.  Luckily though, he knew exactly how to divert the attention away from her real issue to something else.

"I don't know.  I mean, I'm sure she's still not too thrilled about the little apology you had her give me.  Maybe she's still sulking.  Maybe she still has issues with that."  he said, turning his attention towards Reini.

"Is that what this is all about?!  That I made you fuckin apologize to him?!"

Looking over at JC as he stood a few feet behind Justin, Reini saw him glare at her with such contempt that she knew there was only one thing to do.

Looking down at the floor, Reini knew that she couldn't tell Justin the truth.  Especially with JC standing right there.  Because even if he did believe her that he made advances on her, JC would just flip it around to make her look bad anyway.  It was a no win situation for her either way. 

"WELL?!"

Nodding her head 'yes', Reini felt the tears build up and knew what was coming.

"Get the fuck in there!"  Justin yelled, shoving her towards the apartment so hard that she practically tripped over her own feet.  "I can't believe you're giving me shit about an apology you know damn well you owed him!  What the fuck is your problem?!"

Knowing there wasn't anything she could say or do about the situation right now, Reini kept from making eye contact with either of them as they headed in after her.

After tossing her bag down on the floor, Justin looked over at JC and then turned his attention back to Reini.

"You know, if you want to talk about having issues with someone.  Let's go talk about my issues...shall we."  he growled, forcefully grabbing her by the back of her hair as she cried out.  "Offer JC his apology right now for keeping him up."

"What?"  Reini asked, tears building in her eyes once again and the pain continued to increase from his hold on her.

"Tell him your sorry.  Tell him your sorry that you're crying and screaming is probably going to keep him up tonight!" he yelled, tightening his grip on her even more.

"Justin...."

"TELL HIM RAY!"

"I'm sorry JC." she cried out, reaching behind her to try and relieve some pressure.

"You have any issues with that apology?!" 

"No." she softly replied.

"That's what I thought." he growled, practically lifting her feet from the floor as he forced her down the hall and up the stairs towards his bedroom.  "You just had to find a way to make this night worse than it already was, didn't you?!"

"Justin I'm sorry."

"You're not sorry Ray.  I don't even think you understand the meaning of the word...but you will."  he said, shoving her in to his room and slamming the door behind him.

As she stumbled over to his bed, Justin could feel the rage slowly building within.

"Alright, now since you like to bring up issues you have, let's discuss one of mine."

Looking up at him cautiously, Reini wiped her eyes and slowly sat down on the bed.

"This thing with Channing.  You know, it's still not sitting right with me Ray.  I mean, I'm just not buying the fact that you live with the guy and nothing is going on."  he said, tossing his keys over to his dresser.

"Justin I told you we're just friends."

"Yeah again, I'm not buying it.  The fuckin guy parades in and out of your bedroom like it's an everyday thing!"

"Obviously there isn't anything I can say to convince you that nothing is going on.  I mean, you're going to believe what you want, right?  Who cares what I say or what I tell you!  Clearly my word doesn't mean shit!"  she yelled, frustration quickly getting the best of her.

"You know what, I've about had it with your mouth tonight!"  Justin yelled, quickly making his way over to the bed.  "You raise your voice to me like that again and I'll knock every one of your teeth down your god damn throat!  You got me?!" he continued, pulling her to her feet as he swung her around.

Closing her eyes to avoid the look of rage that she knew was dancing in his eyes, Reini simply nodded her head as fast as she could and prayed that he would just let her go.  Unfortunately, it was only a matter of seconds until she realized that it had been wishful thinking on her part.

"You better fuckin look at me when I talk to you Ray!"  Justin yelled, slamming her up against the wall and knocking the wind from her lungs.  "It was simply a matter of circumstance that kept me from kicking your ass earlier when you did it, but now...in my house...I won't stand for it.  I'll fuck you up and not so much as blink an eye!  You understand me?!"  he yelled, pulling her away from the wall only to slam her back up against it.

With tears now blazing trails down her cheeks, Reini struggled to answer him.  Her heart racing in her chest.  Her body trembling in his grasp.  She didn't want to go down this road with Justin again.

"I understand you."  she sobbed.

"You damn well better!"

Chapter 15

After giving her one last shove, Justin released his hold on her and headed across to the other side of the room. As he did, Reini stood there and cautiously watched him. She wasn't sure if this was merely a break in the action or if he was done with her. She wanted to believe it was the latter, but the way he was pacing the floor only seemed to confirm her worst fear. It was far from over.

"I don't want you sharing a place with Channing anymore." Justin just blurted out of nowhere.

Afraid to answer him, Reini just stood there.

"I don't trust him. To be honest, I'm not quite sure I can trust you either." he said, letting out a slight chuckle.

Taking offense to his comment, Reini let out a slight huff and just shook her head. If there was anything that Justin should know about her by now, it was that he could trust her.

"If you love me the way you say you do Justin, then you'll believe me. You'll trust me. Trust me when I tell you that there isn't anything going on between me and Channing. There never was." she said, bringing her gaze up to his as he looked at her from across the room. "And there never will be." she continued even softer.

Feeling a knot in her stomach, Reini couldn't help but think back to the drunken state of mind she was in when she poured her heart out to Channing. How she had confessed to him that he could have had her if he would have just given her a sign. Why hadn't he ever tried? Would her life be different now if he had? 

"You sound kind of disappointed there Ray?" 

Looking back up at him, Reini saw the fire that was present in his eyes only moments ago reignite in his eyes and felt a wave of panic wash over her. 

"Are you? You disappointed that nothing ever happened Ray?!"

"No. Why would you say that?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

"Oh, I don't know..." Justin said, his voice trailing off as he walked over to where she was standing. "...maybe I'm just grabbing at straws here. What do you think?"

Knowing Justin required the respect of maintaining eye contact with him, Reini wiped the tears from her cheek and tried to keep herself together. She didn't mean for her emotions to come across in her voice when she answered him, but they had. To her, it was simply the heartbreak of something that wasn't meant to be. To him, it was a longing desire to be with someone other than him. 

"So, let's be honest Ray. Why ARE you still a virgin?" Justin asked, eying her up and down. "Is it really the bullshit excuse about the way you were brought up or are you simply saving yourself for someone else?"

"You know the answer to that question Justin and it's not an excuse."

"Do I Ray? I mean, I know what you told me. What you wanted me to believe, but I'm just not so sure I do any more. I think that you're just stalling." he said, biting the edge of his lip with rage as he took up stance in front of her.

Worried by the look in his eyes, Reini shifted positions slightly and felt her breathing quicken. She felt trapped.

"You know what. I think we should just get this little obstacle out of the way. What do you think Ray?" 

Looking up at him with an all consuming fear, Reini opened her mouth to say something...anything, but she remained speechless. She could tell him that he was wrong about her, but he wouldn't believe her. She could tell him that she loved him, but he would think she loved Channing more. She could try and convince him that she was being truthful about her beliefs on premarital sex, but he wouldn't care. Clearly things were about to get ugly.

"Justin, please....."

Shaking his head with disgust, Justin let out a slight chuckle and grabbed her by the front of her jeans. As he did, her hands immediately dropped to cover his in protest. She knew where he wanted to take this.

Feeling his temper about to reach it's peak once again, Justin forcefully grabbed a hold of her right wrist and quickly brought it up, placing her forearm across her throat before slamming her wrist against the wall. 

"Don't!" he yelled, yanking on the button that fastened her jeans. "Maybe once I take care of your first time, there won't be any fantasy of holding on to it for Channing!"

Trembling against him, Reini struggled to relieve some of the pressure he was placing on her throat. Unfortunately her attempts were futile and any hopes that she could stop him from taking things any further were slowly beginning to fade away as Justin began to slide her jeans over her hips.

"Come on Ray. You're such a fan of almighty lord in heaven, let me take you there." he growled, trying desperately to gain access to her.

In a last ditch attempt to save herself and her purity, Reini shifted positions once again. This time however she managed to twist her body slightly and in turn crossed her legs.

"Oh yeah! That's gonna stop me!" he yelled, quickly slamming her back against the wall so he could force his foot in between her ankles. "If you want to do this the hard way, we can Ray! What's it gonna be?" he continued, still fighting to gain the upper hand on her.

Unable to speak, Reini just shook her head 'no' and prepared for what she knew was coming.

"No? NO?!"

As the color in her face began to change from a golden warmth to a desperate shade of red, Justin quickly let go of her wrist and firmly grabbed her by both arms. 

"Justin please....stop!" 

"No, fuck this shit! I'm sick of buying in to this little Catholic good girl shit! We're going to take you from Saint to sinner in a matter of minutes baby!" he said, pulling her away from the wall.

Unfortunately as he went to shove her across the room, her twisted legs got caught up underneath her and she went crashing to the floor a few feet away from him. With his frustration now eating him alive, Justin quickly took a few steps forward to snatch her back up. To his surprise however, Reini desperation took a hold of her and she raised her leg in defense. 

"Stop!" she yelled, her foot making contact with Justin's mid-section as she shoved him away from her. 

Unable to keep his balance, Justin staggered backwards and forcefully slammed in to the wall behind him, jarring the door open in the process. 

"Justin....I'm sorry!" 

Ignoring her apology, Justin grabbed his head and slid to the floor in pain. He wanted to kill her.

Hearing the loud bang all the way from the living room, JC got up from his seated position on the sofa and headed back down the hall. Once he had Justin's bedroom door in view, he noticed that it was opened slightly and peeked his head inside. As he did, he saw Reini shaking on the floor by the bed and Justin slumped down on the floor beside him.

"What the fuck happened?!"

"Shut the door." Justin replied, not even bothering to look in JC's direction as he slowly made his way to his feet.

"You alright man?!" JC continued, still shocked and confused by what he was seeing.

"I'm fine. SHUT THE DOOR!" he growled through gritted teeth.

Knowing that something was about to go down, JC glanced over at Reini one last time and grabbed a hold on the door knob. After he pulled it shut, he heard Justin lock the door and Reini began to fall apart. Clearly she knew she was in as much trouble as he did.

Walking back down the hall towards the living room, JC felt an uncomfortable feeling of dread wash over him as Reini's heartbreaking pleas became louder and louder. His almost nonexistent conscience battling with the loyalty he knew his best friend deserved and expected. 

Unfortunately it didn't take long for JC knew exactly what his course of action was going to be and he casually continued down the hall.

"There's not much I could do even if I wanted to." he told himself as he plopped down on the sofa. "Besides, it's none of my business. For all I know, she has it coming." he continued, quickly turning up the volume on his remote so that he wouldn't be able to hear what he was certain was about to go down.

"Justin, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to! It was an accident!"

"AN ACCIDENT?!" Justin growled, quickly making his way towards Reini as she scooted 
even further back towards the wall. "THAT WASN'T A FUCKIN ACCIDENT RAY!"

"It was. I swear to god Justin I would never hurt you!" she cried out, her voice cracking slightly as she said his name. "It was an accident!"

Letting a slight chuckle escape his lips, Justin stood there for a second in complete amazement. Was she really trying to convince him that it wasn't intentional? Was she seriously out of her mind.

"Ok...it was an accident." he said, biting on the corner of his bottom lip as he extended his hand to her. "Accidents happen."

Watching him cautiously, Reini wiped the tears from her eyes and tried to calm her breathing. She wanted to think that maybe her comment had sunk in, that he truly believed that she didn't set out to hurt him, but given their history together, she knew better than to just dismiss the look of rage she saw in his eyes only moments ago. 

Once she had slowed her breathing down enough that she could inhale fully, Reini looked up at him once again.

"Justin, it really was an accident."

"Uh huh. I heard you the first time." he said, the tone of his voice eerily emotionless. "It was an accident."

After calmly making a small gesture towards his still extended hand, Justin watched with hungry anticipation as she slowly placed her hand in his. He knew that it was only a matter of time now. Once she stood up it would be a whole new ballgame.

"Well? You want me to continue to stand here all night looking like an ass?"
Unaware that his change of demeanor was only a front for what was about to occur, Reini slowly shook her head 'no' and stood up in front of him. 

"I really am sorry Justin." she said softly, not quite ready to make eye contact with him yet. 

"It was just instincts kicking in. It wasn't intentional. You have to believe me."

Feeling her heart race in anticipation of his answer, Reini swallowed the large lump rising in the back of her throat and remained motionless in front of him. It was almost as if she was standing there waiting for a judge to hand out his sentence. 

After a few seconds passed by without a response, Reini gathered up all the courage she could possibly muster given the circumstances and prepared to address the situation once again.

"You do believe me, don't you?" she asked, finally bringing her gaze to meet Justin's.

Unfortunately, the calm demeanor that he had displayed only moments ago was nowhere to be seen. The softened expression that he eagerly presented to her as he held out his extended hand was gone as well and now replaced with anger filled tension as he glared back at her. 

"Believe you?! You expect me to believe you?! ARE YOU FUCKIN CRAZY?!"

Slightly taken by surprise, Reini quickly blinked her eyes and tried to process everything that was going through her mind. Should she continue to try and convince him? Should she beg for his forgiveness, scream for help....or simply try to run?

"Oh Ray, you really are a naive one aren't you?" Justin asked, taking another step closer to her.

"Justin wait...."

Unfortunately before Reini could even plead with him to listen to her, Justin forcefully grabbed her by both of her arms and threw her against the door that he had jarred open only moments ago.

"JUSTIN, NO!" Reini screamed out in fear, but it was already too late.

Feeling the wind get knocked from her small frame, Reini doubled over in pain and felt like she was going to be sick. The horrifying realization quickly sinking in that Justin had just punched her in the abdomen.

"You know, I think I've taken it pretty easy on you Ray, but obviously after that little stunt you pulled a few minutes ago, you don't deserve that kind of leniency!" he shouted, firmly grabbing her shoulders and shoving her back against the door. "And to think you actually had the nerve to say it was an accident."

"It....was an accident." Reini cried out, still clutching her stomach and she fought to catch her breath.

Letting out a slight snicker, Justin glanced back over his shoulder in amusement. She was still sticking to her story.

"Uh huh. An accident. Kind of like this?" he asked jokingly before landing another punishing blow, this time the back of his hand connecting with her cheekbone. "Oh I'm sorry. It was AN ACCIDENT!" he yelled, now hovering over her as she laid helplessly on the floor in front of the door.

Hearing the yelling and screaming coming from Justin's bedroom, JC pressed the volume button rapidly on the remote control and hoped that he would somehow be able to drowned out the heartbreaking cries from Reini. He just really didn't want to think about what was happening in the room down the hall. Especially after he saw the glazed over look on his best friend's face when he told him to shut the door. It was nothing short of terrifying.

After adjusting the volume to what he considered acceptable, JC sat the remote down on the table and shifted uncomfortably on the sofa.

"Let's go Ray! Get up and tell me again how it was an accident."

Slowly pushing herself up, Reini leaned her back against the door and looked up at him with tear filled eyes.

"Please. Please don't do this."

As Justin towered above her, he felt a sense of power that he had never felt before. It was as if he could take on the entire world and all it's problems without so much as stopping to think twice.

"COME ON RAY! You got one more chance to get up on your own and then....."

Unfortunately before Justin could even finish his sentence, a small humming sound began to fill the room. After quickly looking around for his cell phone, Justin spotted the small device sitting on the nightstand and headed across the room.

"Don't think for a second that this is over!" he growled, kicking her foot out of the way so he could get past her.