When they finally pulled into the massive skyscraper that Justin called home, Justin practically leapt out of the small blue sports car and raced around to the passenger side door. Opening it he motioned toward the front of the building.

“Out.”

Stepping slowly out of the car Reini couldn't stop her legs from shaking. Her nerves were standing on end anticipating what he was going to do next. Not to mention that she was absolutely terrified that he may try to grab her now throbbing hand again. To her surprise, however, once she was fully out of the car he just stared at her for a second and then began to walk toward the building.

Reini hated the way that he was making her feel right now. She still didn't understand what she had done wrong. Why was he taking the fact that the waiter innocently flirted with her out on her? Walking slowly behind him her eyes began to well with tears.

Standing in front of the elevator Justin waited impatiently for Reini to catch up to him. Once they both stepped onto the elevator Reini began to search through her purse for a tissue to wipe away the tears that were now spilling down her cheeks. 

Justin glanced at Reini searching through her purse with shaky hands. What the hell was she looking for? And then it hit him. It all made sense. The comment that the waiter made at him when they were leaving, the constant flirting, her ‘forgetting' her purse at the table. What kind of fucking fool did she take him for? 

The light ding that the elevator sounded as they reached the floor that his apartment occupied might as well have been the starting bell of a heavyweight bout. Furious, Justin snatched the purse from her hands and threw her into the apartment as soon as the doors slid open. 

“What the fuck are you looking for?” He screamed practically ripping her purse in half as he began to rummage through it. “What, your boyfriend at the restaurant slip his number in here for you?” 

“I was just looking for a tissue” Reini cried trying to snatch the purse back. “Stop you're gonna ruin it!!” 

Throwing the purse across the entry way Justin got directly in her face. Grabbing her by the chin he lifted her face up toward his. 

“You think I give a shit about that fucking purse?!” he screamed in her face tightening the grip he had on her. 

Grabbing his wrist with both hands Reini tried to pry his hand away from her face. Finally pulling her face free from his hand, she stumbled backward and fell next to the scattered contents of her purse. 

Now standing over her Justin continued to scream at her. 

“So was that the plan?! HUH!!!” he screamed getting louder with each word. “You wanna FUCK HIM! HUH?!? You wanna be the little hot shit model that goes around fucking WAITERS!?!” 

As much as he was scaring her right now, Reini could feel her own rage beginning to bubble up inside of her. Where the hell did he get off making accusations at her, and if he wanted to play the crazy game then she was gonna play right along with him. 

“YES Justin yes! Is that what you wanted to hear?” she screamed back crying hysterically now. “I wanna FUCK HIS BRAINS OUT okay!!! I wanna scream his name all night long. Who knows I may even get a free appetizer out of the deal!” 

Time seemed to stop as the words left her mouth. Looking up at Justin, Reini saw what may have been the most frighten mix of emotions on a mans face. Deep in his eyes she could see that he was truly hurt by what she had just said, there was also confusion, but the look of hurt and confusion was terribly overpowered by the look of rage that all of his features wore. 

Taking a step back Justin began to nod his head as if someone were whispering in his ear. He let out a small chuckle. 

“That was real funny Ray.” he said calmly. Too calmly 

Then without warning Reini felt a burst of pain surge through her entire mid section. Doubling over in pain she realized what the pain was as she felt Justin's foot kick her in her stomach again, this time knocking the wind out of her. As she gasped for air he continued to kick her over and over again. The entire time screaming for her to say something else. 

“What's that baby? I cant hear you!” he yelled as he kicked her harder and harder. “Scream his name now you little bitch!” 

Reini curled up into the fetal position trying to limit the access that he had to her body. Justin had completely snapped. As he kicked her his father's words played over and over again in his head ‘…keep her in her place…when that time comes that's when you truly show her who is running things…do it with conviction… ' As the words rolled trough his mind they were like fuel to his fire. 

With each kick they seemed to get louder and their meaning more intense. Justin closed his eyes and visions of his father's face flashed through his mind. They were jumbled memories of his childhood, and remembering the terror that coursed through the Timberlake house, mixed with the look of pride that his father had on his face when they'd had their talk. 

Justin was jolted back to reality by a horrendous gagging sound. Realizing that the sound was coming from the floor he looked down at Reini, and at that moment his heart broke. She was curled up in a little ball with her knees pulled up to her chest and her forearms covering her face, and a pile of vomit laying next to her. 

Noticing that he had stopped kicking her Reini slowly began to uncoil herself. As she moved her hands away from her face she looked up at him, her entire face now moist from the tears that she was crying. 

Justin felt a terrible wave of guilt wash over him. Looking into those big green eyes that were now swollen from crying, they seemed to be pleading to him for an answer as to why he had just done this to her. It was too much for him to handle. 

Backing away from her he turned as quickly as he could and headed up the stairs strait for the bathroom. Slamming the bathroom door he began to punch it as hard as he could. 

“FUCK FUCK FUCK!!!” he screamed as he pounded the thick door. What had he just done? The anger and disgust that he felt for himself consumed him as he continued his assault on the door wishing that he was punching himself. Finally stopping as the door began to splinter he looked at the spot that he had been punching and began to hyperventilate. 

Blood. It was everywhere. On the door, the floor, everywhere. His entire fist throbbed as blood dripped from it, but he still felt no pain. Leaning back against the wall he tried to catch his breath, but could not catch the tears that began to fall from his eyes. Breathing in and out at a rapid pace, he fell over onto his side cradling his right hand. His entire body shook as he cried and quietly apologized to the woman he loved. 

“I'm sorry. I'm so fucking sorry.” he whispered barely loud enough for himself to hear. “I love you. You gotta believe me Ray. Its just so…hard. I'm sorry.” 

Laying there for what seemed like hours Justin finally regained his composure. Getting up from the floor he walked over to the sink and began to splash handfuls of cold water in his face. Turning off the faucet he looked at himself in the mirror, only the reflection wasn't his. He saw his father, and it scared him. Closing his eyes as tight as he could he prayed that he was just hallucinating, but when he opened them the reflection was still the same. 

Staring into the mirror like a deer caught in headlights Justin watched as his fathers reflection spoke to him. 

“So this is the man that I raised? ” the face in the mirror asked 

Still a little shaken up from what had just happened and from what he was seeing Justin was speechless. 

“I asked you a question Justin .” 

“No sir.” he answered with a shaky voice. 

“Wow! You could've fooled me! ” 

“But I did what you told me to do dad. I don't understand.” Justin said with tears streaming down his face again. 

“That's funny, because I don't ever recall telling you to runaway crying like a little bitch! ” the reflection said angrily. 

Feeling a lump ride in his throat Justin could barely get his words out. “I don't like hurting her dad. I just…I just lost it on her” 

“Your not hurting her J your making her better. Now what your gonna do is wipe your face, go down there, and be a fucking man. Am I understood? ” 

“Yes sir” 

Turning the faucet back on Justin once again began to splash his face with cold water. Turning it off he looked back into the mirror. This time he saw himself. No hallucinations of his father talking to him, just his own reflection. Taking several deep breaths he finally walked out of the bathroom. 

Walking down the stairs and into the foyer where he had left Reini Justin was shocked to see that it was empty. No large pile of vomit, no torn designer handbag, no scattered remains of accessories and makeup, but most importantly…no Reini. 

Where the hell was she? She couldn't have left. Even if she wanted to. Justin knew that as hard and as many times as he had kicked her, that there was no way in hell she would be able to get anywhere too fast. Starting to get worried he began to search for her throughout the enormous apartment, but she was no where to be found. 

Knowing that there was one place he still hadn't checked Justin ran up the stairs taking them two at a time. When he got to his bedroom the door was closed slightly. Pushing it open slowly Justin walked into the room. There she was. Laying with her back to him in his bed. Her dress, shoes and purse lay carelessly tossed in a pile on the floor. 

Walking over to the bed he pulled the covers back a little to see if she was asleep. She looked so beautiful laying there in one of his t-shirts that swallowed her tiny frame. Her eyes were open , but she looked half dead staring strait ahead of her at the wall. 

Remembering his father's words Justin sat on the edge of the bed. 

“So I guess your gonna leave me now?” It was more of a question than a statement 

Silence. 

“Guess you don't love me anymore, huh?” 

Silence 

Stripping down to just his boxers Justin crawled in to be next to Reini. Wrapping his arms around her waist he scooted her closer to him. 

“I love you.” he said kissing the back of her neck “You know that right?” 

Silence . 

Turning her over so that she now faced him. Justin looked into her eyes. His expression was soft and loving and kind. 

“You know that I love you right?” 

A hot tear rolled down Reini's cheek hitting his arm 

“Yes” she whispered 

“You still love me?” 

“Yes” her voice cracked as she spoke 

Kissing her forehead Justin pulled her in to a tight embrace. 

“Then don't make me hurt you. I don't wanna hurt you Reini…but I will.” He said trying to keep his own voice from shaking. Kissing her forehead again he fought back the tears that threatened to escape. “Please don't make me hurt you again.” 

Chapter 7 

Reini lay there next to Justin, silently replaying the events from the night over and over in her head. From the beautiful way that their evening began, to the disaster that it had turned into! What went wrong? She asked herself. What had she done to make him so angry? 

She couldn't help but think that she was to blame for the way that their night had turned out. As she lay there she quietly contemplated what, if anything, she could have done differently. Her thoughts were interrupted by the movement of the body laying next to her. Closing her eyes tightly she let out a soft painful moan as he tightened his arms around her waist. 

When Justin finally got comfortable again she blinked her eyes open trying to fight away the tears that were now burning them. Staring into the dark space of the room she once again begin to replay the evening in her head. As flashes of the blows she received from Justin raced through her mind, she found herself thinking back to her childhood in New Mexico . Back to the first time she had ever been victim to her father's unforgiving hands. 

All at once the memories of the two events became too much, and the tears that had once rimmed her lids now spilled over onto the pillow. Feeling Justin stir behind her again she quickly wiped the tears away and closed her eyes. 

As she tried desperately to fall asleep she came to the realization that maybe this was the way her life was supposed to be. What right did she have to complain? Lots of people had parts of their lives that they couldn't escape, and for Reini this seemed to be it. Accepting her new found knowledge Reini drifted off to sleep no longer questioning her fate, but embracing it. 

~*~ 

When Justin awoke the next morning, he felt unusually refreshed. The guilt that had plagued him from the night before was no longer present. Taking a long tired stretch, he looked over to the spot that his girlfriend had occupied and noticed that it was now empty. 

Hearing the shower being turned off he realized that she was in the bathroom. Making his way over to the slightly ajar door he looked inside. Making sure that she couldn't see him, Justin watched as she stood in front of the large full length mirror with her towel open. 

Pushing the door open a little Justin peered in a little more to see exactly what it was that she was looking at. Watching as she cocked her head slightly to the side it finally hit him what she was doing. Seeing the deep look of concentration on her face he realized that she was examining the bruises that covered her entire torso. 

Once again that feeling of guilt crept up into his chest. Watching as she softly touched her once flawless frame was almost too much for him to bare. But the feeling of guilt was quickly replaced by that of confusion. Why was she still here? Not that he was unhappy that she had stayed, but why did she? As soon as the question entered his mind so did the answer. His father was right! As much as he didn't want to believe it, his father's advice worked. It was at that moment that Justin decided that there was no turning back. 

Putting on his game face he entered the bathroom. It took a moment for Reini to realize that she was no longer alone. Embarrassed Reini tried to wrap the towel back around her as quickly as possible. Looking at her in the mirror Justin smiled at the crimson blush that began to take over her entire face. 

“Don't” he said still smiling. 

“What?” Reini asked softly 

“The towel…take it off.” his eyes became serious as he held his hand out for the towel. 

Slowly sliding it off of her body Reini handed it back to Justin, never looking away from the mirror. Taking a couple of steps Justin closed the distance between them and dropped the towel to the floor. 

Softly he pushed her head to the left and traced the bruises along her collar bone with his index finger. Continuing downward, he outlined each bruise, applying a little pressure to some causing her to wince in pain. Reini looked at Justin's reflection in the mirror and instantly her eyes began to water. The look on his face was unmistakable. It was the look of a job well done. He was proud! Dropping her head in shame Reini closed her eyes and hoped that this humiliation would soon be over. 

“Hey” Justin said softly brushing her hair away from her face “Hey. Look at me.” 

Keeping her head down Reini opened her eyes. Sounding annoyed Justin exhaled deeply and brought his hand around to her chin lifting it slightly. As soon as their eyes met in the foggy glass of the mirror Reini once again averted her gaze. 

“I'm not gonna ask you again Reini. Look at me.” 

Slowly bringing her eyes back to where they met his, she stared at his reflection standing behind her. Sadness taking over her features. 

“You know…it could have been a lot worse” Justin said caressing her cheek. “You know that right?” 

“I know” she replied barely audible. 

“Turn around” 

Doing as she was told Reini turned around and stared up into Justin's eyes. He loved her eyes. She had the biggest walnut shaped eyes that he had ever seen, and he loved the way that they changed colors. Last night they had been a deep green, today they were a smoky gray. 

Never breaking her gaze he pulled her closer to him and kissed her deeply. It wasn't a passionate kiss, but a hungry kiss. One that said he wanted more than just a kiss, and that he planned on getting just that. Going with the initial flow Reini wrapped her arms around Justin's neck and kissed him back ass he pushed her so that she was now wedged between his body and the bathroom wall. As their kiss deepened, and Justin's hands seem to be showing no limits, Reini knew that if she didn't stop this now it more than likely was going to go to a place that she would undoubtedly regret. Pushing his hands away from her body she tried to remove herself from the compromising position. 

“Justin. Stop. Please.” She managed to get out between breaths. 

“What do you mean Stop?” he asked sounding rather annoyed. 

“I mean Stop! I don't wanna do this.” 

“Why not!” he asked now sounding even more annoyed 

“I just don't okay.” 

“Uh…No! Really sweetheart its not okay. I hate to break it to ya Ray, but if you don't wanna fuck me, I'm sure I can find somebody who will!” 

“Its not like that” 

“Oh really! Then what is it like?” he asked sarcastically. 

“I just…” she started looking up at the ceiling “I just…” 

“You just what?!” he asked getting annoyed. 

“I've never done it before.” her voice was so soft he wasn't even sure that he'd heard her correctly. 

Softening his expression slightly Justin tilted his head to the side, and repeated her statement. 

“You've never done ‘it' before, as in had sex?” 

“No.” she said as her entire face turned red. 

Taking a step back from her Justin continued to stare into her eyes. Was she serious?! How in the hell did a girl as sexy as she was manage to stay a virgin past the 8th grade? As the thoughts ran through his mind a look of complete disgust came over his entire face. 

“How big of a fool do you think I am Reini?” he asked placing his hands on either side of her head on the wall. “ A 20 year old virgin! I mean come on!” 

“Well you don't have to believe me if you don't want to!” she said choking back her tears. “Why would I lie about it?” 

“I don't know. Maybe you're getting you're kicks off somewhere else.” 

Reini wasn't sure why but that comment was almost amusing to her. Was he really that insecure, to think that she of all people was cheating? Looking him dead in the eyes she half smirked before saying anything. 

“Look Justin I have no reason to lie to you!” she said defensively unaware of the smirk that played at the corner of her mouth. 

“Said the ‘virgin' with the smile on her face” Justin said emphasizing the word virgin and making mock quotations with his fingers. 

“I really don't understand why this is so hard for you to believe. I am NOT lying to you!” 
Stepping closer Justin pulled her arms up above her head and held them together with one hand. Slowly he began to trace his fingers across her waist. 

“How do I know for sure though?” he asked raising his eyebrows with the question. He could feel her pulse begin to quicken. 

“For one, I was raised strict catholic, so premarital sex really isn't something that I believe in. And secondly, if you love me like you say you do then the fact that I said that I am should be enough!” 

Letting out a small laugh Justin looked her in the eye. Her eyes that always seemed to tell the truth were telling him that she was doing just that. But he had to make sure. 

“Okay. I believe you, but I want to see for myself.” 

A look of utter confusion swept over her face. 

“Open your mouth…” he said still staring her square in the eye. 

Knowing that he didn't like to repeat himself Reini did as she was told and slowly opened her mouth. Holding on to her wrists with his left hand still, Justin brought his right hand to her mouth and slid his index and ring fingers in. The look in her eyes as he massaged his fingers around in her mouth told him that the realization of what was about to happen was sinking in. 
Making sure that his fingers were good and moist he removed them from her mouth and placed his hand just above the place that he now knew he would be the first man to enter. 

“Open” 

“Justin please…” her voice was a squeaky whisper 

“Open” he said again a little more firmly, ignoring her plea. 

As she slowly began to open her legs Justin slid his hand down a little further and slipped one finger in. Almost instantly she snapped her legs back shut and a small whimper escaped her lips. With his finger still in place Justin repeated himself. 

“Open” 

Her eyes were pleading with him not to continue, but knowing that he would she shakily opened her legs again. As soon as they were open wide enough for his liking he pushed the other finger in. Squeezing her eyes shut Reini felt an almost blinding pain shoot through her entire body as the second finger was forced in. 

To say that Justin was shocked would be a severe understatement. She really was a virgin! He was absolutely flabbergasted. He pretty much knew that she was telling the truth when he had a hard time getting the first finger in, forcing in the second one was really just for show. 
Feeling how tight she was, was amazing. She was a virgin in every since of the word.
Absolutely pure. He had found a girl who was completely untouched! As the thoughts raced through his head Justin could feel himself getting hard simply knowing that he was the first man ever to touch her this way. 

The longer he left his fingers inside of her the tighter her walls became around them. Slowly he slid them out of her, but still kept his hand on the place he knew that he now owned. Finally releasing her arms from their position over her head he leaned in and gave her a soft kiss. Lingering for only a moment after kissing her Justin began to make his way back out of the bathroom. 

“Finish getting ready and then come down for breakfast ok?” he said just before exiting the bathroom not bothering to wait for an answer. 

As Justin walked back into his bedroom he was almost startled out of his skin by the presence of JC 

“What the fuck are you doing in here man?!” he asked, his hand over his chest trying to slow his heart beat. 

“Damn relax J I just came in to get my digital camera back from you!” JC said laughing at his friend “I knocked for fucking ever man I thought you were gone!” 

"Nah just had to handle a little business with Ray is all” 

“What kind of business?” JC asked his interest now peeked. 

Before Justin could answer him though they were interrupted by the sound of Reini's voice in the bathroom. Giving each other a questioning glance both men walked toward the bathroom to see what or who she could have been talking to. 

Peeking their heads around the door just enough so that they weren't seen, they saw Reini still sitting naked on the bathroom floor. With her knees pulled into her chest and her hands clasped together tightly, she sat there eyes closed whispering to herself. 

‘What the fuck?' JC mouthed to Justin 

Looking at his friend Justin just shrugged and both men continued to listen. After a few more seconds they finally realized what it was that she was doing. She wasn't talking to herself…she was…praying? Silently they watched and listened. 

“Please guide me Mary. I'm so lost. I don't know what to do. I don't understand why this is the path that God has chosen for me…but if this is my path please give me the strength and the courage to accept it. Please!…” she pleaded. 

Opening her eyes she looked up toward the ceiling as tears began to stream down her face. Justin and JC stood there both speechless. Once again looking at each other this time the question on their faces was replaced by a look of utter bewilderment. 

“I know that Justin is good. I just…I just…What am I doing wrong? I don't try to make him angry. I don't wanna hurt anymore. Mary please give me obedience and grant me a conscious mind to do what's right. To accept his faults and to correct my own. Make me better!” she whispered 

Finishing her prayer she stood and walked over to where her towel lay. It was then that JC realized the reason that she was praying. When she stood he could see that almost her entire torso and up to her chest and shoulders were covered in bruises. When she bent to pick her towel up he saw that most of her forearms and her left hand were also littered with bruises. 
JC's survey of her body was cut short when Justin pulled the bathroom door back up. He carefully pulled it all the way shut so that Reini wouldn't hear it close. 

“You said you wanted your camera, right?” he asked brushing by JC 

JC's mouth dropped open in shock. 

“Whoa whoa whoa!! Fuck the camera! What the hell just happened here?” JC asked looking half amused. 

Both friends stood there staring at each other for what seemed like forever before Justin promptly dismissed his friends question. 

“Look man I don't know where the camera is right now but I'll find it a little later okay.” 

Normally JC would leave well enough alone, but this one was just too good! He NEEDED to know what the hell he just witnessed. 

“Okay seriously J your girlfriend was just praying.” he said pointing back at the bathroom “I mean like she was REALLY praying! What the hell happened last night?” 

Justin knew that JC wouldn't rest until he found out what happened. Looking over at the bathroom door, then back at his friend, Justin's mouth turned upward into a sly grin. 

“We had a little…quarrel last night” 

“Little quarrel my ass! You beat the shit out of her!” JC blurted out half laughing “I mean damn J you got this bitch praying to Mary or whoever to give her the strength to accept the ass beatin you gave her!” 

“Hey man she's not a bitch!” Justin snapped back as he walked into his closet to find something to put on 

Following behind him JC continued “I'm just sayin man that's some serious shit.” 

Pulling a gray Armani t-shirt over his head Justin smiled at his friend. 

“No. You wanna hear some serious shit?” he didn't wait for JC to answer “She's a virgin!” 
JC stood there with his mouth open he was literally speechless. A virgin? They still made those? 

“Yeah right! What she told you she was a virgin so you believe her?” 

“No she told me she was a virgin and I checked!” Justin stated matter of factly pulling a pair of jeans on over his boxers. 

JC gave his friend a knowing look and shook his head. 

“So JT's got balls after all!” he smiled 

Justin smiled back. 

“I think you may have really found yourself a keeper Justin.” 

Justin walked out of the closet with the smile still on his face. As both men headed for the door to exit the room he looked over to his friend. 

“She is a keeper. And I have every intention on doing just that” 

Chapter 8

As they headed back in to the living room, JC couldn't stop smiling. The sight of Reini naked on the bathroom floor praying for god to help her get through her ordeal with Justin was just too amusing. 

"What?" Justin asked, heading over to the refrigerator to grab a bottle of water. 

"I'm just still getting over the shock man. I would have never thought you had it in you." he said, rather proud of his best friend. "So, what caused this 'little quarrel', as you so mildly put it." 

Opening the bottle of water, Justin took a sip and then began thumbing through the mail laying on the counter. Although he was proud of the fact that he followed through with it, it wasn't something he wanted to keep dredging up. He didn't want to do these things to Reini. He just didn't have a choice. 

"To make a long story short, she got a little too friendly with a fuckin waiter when we were out at dinner last night. I just couldn't let it slide." 

"So I see." JC laughed, as he adjusted his position in the chair. "I take it she put up a fight? I mean, from the looks of her she had to of." 

"No. She didn't" Justin said rather calmly. 

Peaking JC's interest even more, he gave him a questioning look. Did he really hand her what had to be the beating of a lifetime without her even trying to defend herself. 

As JC's eyes widened over the comment, Justin began grinning from ear to ear. Clearly JC was impressed with him. He just hoped that the reaction would be the same from his father. Because, if truth be told. That's who mattered. That is who he did it for. 

"She knew she had it coming. I mean, what would have been the outcome if she did fight back? Would it have turned out any better for her? No, it wouldn't have. She knew that." 

After a few moments of silence, JC leaned back on his chair and stared at Justin. 

"So. You up for a party tonight or do you two have plans?" 

"Tonight?" 

"Yeah. Nothing too big. Just a few friends, lots of liquor, some bitches.....the usual things." JC said laughing. 

"No, I don't have any plans yet. I'm game for a party though." 

Hearing the sound of footsteps coming from behind him, Justin sat his bottle of water down and turned around. 

"Morning Ray." JC said, nodding his head at her before turning his gaze back to Justin. 

"Hey JC." she replied, her voice soft and frail as she walked in to the kitchen. 

Extending his hand to her, Justin waited for Reini to join him at the counter. Once she did, Justin wrapped his arm around her waist and placed a gentle kiss to her forehead. Sure. Last night he had to take a stand and show her that he meant business, but at the same time, he didn't want her to forget how much he truly loved her. 

Offering him a half hearted smile, Reini tucked a small piece of hair behind her ear and looked out the window at the opposite end of the kitchen 

"Hey, me and JC are going to head out for a little bit. I should be back in a few hours though. Once I get home I'll drive you back to the apartment and you can change for the party." 

"What party?" she asked, looking back and forth between the two of them. "For what?" 

"Just a little get together. I mean, since when did we need a reason to have a party?" he said, slapping JC five as he finished off his water. 

"How about a 'fuck the world, let's get drunk' party?" JC chimed in, laughing 

"Now that's my kind of party!" Justin said laughing. "We better restock the bar then. Can't get plastered without the proper tools." 

"I'm ready to go man. Let's roll." 

"Alright. Just give me a minute with Ray." 

Once JC was out of the room, Justin turned Reini so that she was now facing him. Seeing the distant look in her eyes as she looked at him broke his heart. He didn't want anything to change between them, but he had a feeling that it had already happened. 

"Look Ray, it doesn't have to be like this. You know that right?" he said, softly caressing her cheek. 

Feeling the tears well up in her eyes, Reini looked down at the floor. 

"Ray? Look at me." 

Placing his index finger under her chin, he brought her gaze back up to his. After a few moments of awkward silence, Justin let out a heavy sigh and released his hold on her. This was harder than he ever expected. 

"I'll be back in a little bit." 

As Justin walked past her and out the front door, Reini broke down and let the tears fall that she had been holding back. Everything that had happened within the last twenty fours hours started to take it's toll. She needed to get out of there and figure out what she was going to do. 

Letting out a heavy sign, Reini grabbed the phone from the counter and began to dial the number to her apartment. After a few rings, a very groggy Channing answered the phone. 

"Hello?" 

"Hey. Sorry to wake you." she said softly, her voice slightly cracking as she choked back the tears. 

"Ray? What's wrong?" Channing asked, concern quickly causing him to sit straight up in bed. 

"Can you come get me?" 

"Yeah. Where are you at?" he said, blinking a few times quickly to try and clear his vision. 

"Justin's." 

"Are you alright? What happened?" 

"Nothing. Can you just come get me?" 

Tossing the covers down to his feet, Channing slid out of bed and over to his dresser. He knew without a doubt that she had been crying and that worried him more than anything. Something upset her. 

"I'll be there in like fifteen minutes. If you need me before then call my cell." he said, quickly slipping on a pair of cargo pants. 

"Thanks Channing. I don't know what I would do without you." 

"Don't worry about it. I'm on my way." 

After ending the call, Reini headed back in to the bedroom to grab the rest of her things. She knew that she could always count on Channing to be there for her....no matter what. 

Shaking his head with disgust, Channing threw a t-shirt and began looking for his keys. He told her that getting involved with Justin's pompous ass was a mistake. That his lifestyle wasn't something she needed to be a part of. Why didn't she listen to him. 

"Keys....keys." Channing began chanting, as he shuffled through the stack of papers on the table. "Where the fuck are my keys!" 

After frantically clearing off every surface in his room, Channing finally found his keys and sprinted towards the door. Once he made it down to the street, Channing quickly deactivated the security alarm on his Porsche and jumped in. Every second that went by felt like an eternity. All he wanted to do is get there and see for himself that she was alright. Until that happened, he wouldn't be able to relax. 

"Come on. Fucking NY bullshit!" Channing growled as he impatiently waited for a break in traffic so he could pull out. After a few minutes of him nervously tapping his fingers off the steering wheel, Channing finally saw a space coming up and quickly pulled out. 

"Finally!" he said, reaching down in to his pocket to grab his cell phone. 

Flipping it open, Channing dialed the number to Reini's cell and place it to his ear. After a few rings, she answered it. 

"Hello?" 

"You alright?" 

"Yeah. Where are you?" she asked, tossing her purse down beside her as she collapsed on to the sofa. 

"I'm on my way. I just had some trouble with traffic and I wanted to make sure you're ok." 

"Yeah....I will be once you get here." 

"Just hang tight. I'll be there shortly." 

"Alright." 

Flipping her phone shut, Reini placed in back inside her purse and glanced up at the clock. Fifteen minutes had never seemed so long.

As Reini paced the floor of Justin's apartment, she began worrying what would happen if him and JC came back early or if they came back because they forget something. 

"Oh Channing. Please hurry up." she said softly, glancing down at her watch. 

Almost as soon as she said it, Reini heard the intercom buzz. Quickly sprinting over to it, Reini pushed the button. 

"Hello?" 

"It's me Ray." 

Buzzing him in, Reini quickly grabber her purse and waited for him to get off of the elevator. A few moments later, the bell of the elevator dung and the gold embellished doors opened up. 

Seeing a clearly upset Reini, Channing ran in to the apartment and wrapped his arms around her. 

"Are you alright? What happened?" 

"Me an Justin had an argument. I really don't want to get in to it right now though. Can you just please take me home?" she asked, looking at up him with the most innocent eyes he had ever seen. 

"Yeah. Come on." he replied, taking her small hand in his as he headed back over to the elevator. "Funny, it's just what I expected from someone like him." 

"Channing. Don't start on me about this right now. Please." 

"I meant the apartment Ray." he replied, giving her a questioning look. 

"Oh." 

Looking back at the surroundings behind her, Reini knew where he was coming from. The place definitely spoke volumes when it came to it's expensive taste. Everything from the marble floors down to the crystal lighting screamed 'I'm filthy rich'. However, if you asked Channing, he would tell you it spoke volumes alright. Volumes of arrogance saying things like 'I'm better than you' and 'You'll never be like me'. 

"Let's just get out of here." he said, pressing the small pearlescent button that called the elevator back up to the penthouse. 

Once the door opened, Channing placed his hand on the small of her back and escorted her in. Giving her a comforting smile, Channing pressed the button down to the lobby and pulled her close. He hated seeing her upset like this. He just wish he knew more about what exactly upset her. 

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

"So it seems like things are still ok between you and Ray." JC said, glancing out the passenger side window of Justin's BMW. 

"Yeah. I mean, sure there is a bit if awkwardness there, but in time that will go away. She knows I love her and would do anything for her." 

"Well you mean anything within reason right? I mean, you sure as hell didn't let her get away with the waiter thing." 

Laughing, Justin turned to face his best friend. 

"You're really enjoying this aren't you?" 

"What?" he asked innocently. 

"You know damn well what." Justin said, pulling in to the parking lot of the local liquor store. 

"Like I said before. I'm just surprised, that's all. I mean, maybe I could see you slapping her around a little or something. But full on beating the shit out of her? I NEVER saw it coming." JC laughed as he opened his door. "I bet she didn't see it coming either." 

"Man, you're a lost cause. You know that?" 

Continuing to laugh, the two of them headed inside and began to load up on everything from vodka to tequila. Clearly by the amount of bottles JC was lining up on the counter, his idea of a 'fuck the world and let's get drunk' party was serious. They had enough liquor to knock out the whole building. 

"Will that be everything?" the clerk asked, packing up the last of the two bottles. 

"Do you really think there is anything else we need?" Justin said, looking over everything they had purchased. 

"No, I guess not." 

After he handed her his platinum card, Justin began to find himself lost in thought over what Reini could be doing at that very moment. He hated the helpless look he saw in her eyes before he left and he was hoping that when he returned, that they would be back to the same innocent looking doe eyes he fell in love with. The eyes that could hold your gaze and melt your heart all at the same time. 

"Yo, J! Get your card man." JC said, smacking his in the arm. 

"Oh, sorry. Drifted off there for a minute" he laughed, grabbing the card back from the clerk and signing his name on the small piece of paper. 

"Thank you Mr Timberlake." she said, glancing down at the signature before her. "Have a good day." 

"You too." 

Once they were outside, Justin hit the unlock button on his keyless remote and the truck popped open. 

"Do you think this is all going to fit?" 

"Yeah. I mean, we have the backseat dude." JC said, slightly laughing. 

Shaking his head over the absurd comment he made, Justin let out a good laugh himself and began loading the trunk up.

"This one is coming up front with me." he said, grabbing one of the bottles of tequila from a small box. "I think I need to get a jump on this party tonight. Clearly I'm not quite with it yet." 

Grabbing his own bottle, JC tapped his bottle against Justin's and shut the trunk. 

"Fuck the world! Let's get drunk!" 

"Man, you've lost your damn mind! You know that?" Justin said, walking around to the drivers side and getting in. 

"Yes I do. But thanks for the heads up anyway." JC replied, opening his own door and getting inside. 

Chapter 9
As they headed back across town, Justin pulled out his cell phone and dialed the number to Reini's cell phone. After several rings, Reini answered the phone, slightly out of breath. 

"What took you so long?" 

"I didn't know the phone was ringing until Channing told me." 

Immediately his face turned from annoyed to full blown mad. 

"Channing? What is Channing doing at my place Ray?" he asked, as JC turned to face him. 

"I'm not at your place Justin. I'm at my apartment." 

"What's going on?" JC mouthed to Justin, who had now begin to squeeze the steering wheel. 

Waving him off with his hand, Justin switched the phone to his other ear and proceeded in with the questioning. 

"Why are you at your place?" 

"I just needed some time to think Justin." 

"Time to think? About what Ray?!" Justin growled, causing her to squeeze her eyes shut. 

"Just think." 

Turning to face JC, Justin covered the mouthpiece of the phone. 

"Do you mind if we stop over Ray's place for a minute?" 

"No, not at all." 

"Ok, cool." he said, removing his hand from the phone. "Look, I'll be there in like ten minutes." 

"Be where?" Reini asked, nervously. Did he seriously just tell her that he was coming over? 

"Your place." 

After squeezing her eyes shut for a second, Reini glanced over at Channing as he looked on with interest. Clearly by the tone in her voice, she wasn't the least bit thrilled by his news and he knew it. 

"Justin, maybe....." she began, but was quickly cut off. 

"I'LL BE THERE IN TEN MINUTES!" 

Knowing that he wasn't about to change his mind, Reini looked up at Channing one last time and sighed. 

"Fine. I'll see you in a little bit." 

The next thing she knew, she heard a loud click and the line went dead. She figured that he would be upset with the fact that she left, but she just didn't think he would make this much of a deal about it. Now she was beginning to get worried. What if he cause a scene in front of Channing? 

"Everything alright?" Channing asked, as he looked up over his cup of tea. 

"Yeah. Everything's fine." she said, trying to sound as calm as she could, even though her heart was now racing a mile a minute. "Justin is stopping over for a minute though so please try and be nice." 

Letting out a disgusted laugh, Channing grabbed his cup of tea and stood up. 

"I'll be better than nice. I'll be in the other room. Far away from all the arrogance and fakeness" he said rolling his eyes. 
Once Channing was out of sight, Reini picked up a few things she had laying around on the coffee table and went to refill her cup. Clearly this wasn't a social call.

Once he arrived at her apartment, Justin pulled in to the first open space along the street and parked his car. 

"This shouldn't take too long." he said, quickly checking his side view mirror to make sure that it was safe to open his door. 

"I'm in no rush man. Do what you have to do." JC smiled mischievously. 

Exiting his BMW, Justin headed in to to her apartment building and hoped that she wouldn't give him too much trouble. After all, it hadn't even been twenty four hours since the last time he had to show her who was in control of the relationship. 

Finally arriving at her apartment door, Justin took a deep breath and knocked three times. After a few seconds, he heard the sound of the door being unlocked and shoved his hands in to his pockets. 

Pulling the door open, Reini saw the look of disapproval plastered across Justin's face and just hung her head. 

"Can I come in?" he asked, almost annoyed at the fact that she had not invited him in. 

"Yeah, I'm sorry. Please. Come in." she said, taking a few steps backward so that she could open the door all the way. 

"Thanks." he replied rather disgusted as he brushed past her. "You know, I'm still having a hard time trying to figure out exactly why you're here Ray. I told you I would be right back. Why did you leave?" 

Shutting the door behind him, Reini headed in to the living room and plopped down on the sofa. She knew that she was having a hard time excepting the hand she was dealt in life, but she also knew better than to tell Justin that. She would just have to think of something else. 

"Well, I'm waiting." 

After racking her brain for something feasible to tell him, Reini finally said the first thing that came to mind. 

"Channing needed me." 

"Channing needed you? For what?" 

Again she was at a loss. When the thought first popped in her head, it sounded like a good idea. Now she was back pedaling trying to come up with something...anything that wouldn't send up any red flags. 

"Look, cut the bullshit Ray. We both know why you went home. Do you really think I am that dumb? This is about the other night." 

Glancing up in to his blue eyes, Reini debated on trying to deny what he was saying, but ultimately she knew that he would see right through her and that it would just make things worse. 

"You know, I should have expected you to do something like this when I left. I guess deep down I just thought that we were making some progress in our relationship. That I could trust you." 

Now feeling guilty for leaving like that, Reini quickly stood up and wrapped her arms around his waist. She didn't want him thinking he couldn't trust her. After all, trust was the most important thing to her when it came to relationships. 

"Justin you can trust me." 

"Yeah, whatever Ray. You say that now, but like two minutes ago you blatantly lied to my face telling me that Channing needed you." he said, pushing her away from him. 

"I did need her." Channing chimed in, as he came out of the bedroom to place his cup in the kitchen sink. "I called her and asked her if she could come home." 

Looking over her shoulder, Reini immediately heard the protection mode of her "big brother" kick in. Obviously Channing had been listening to their conversation the whole time and felt the need to come to her rescue. Well, it was either that or he was simply enjoying the fact that he could take credit for putting a damper on Justin's day. 

"So, what was it that you needed her to come home for again?" Justin asked, as he slightly cocked his head to the side. 

"I never said what it was Justin. Honestly, I don't really think it concerns you." 

Letting out a slight chuckle, Justin balled his fists up in his pockets and looked down at Reini as if to say 'He better watch his step'. 

"Look, it doesn't matter why I'm here. I never said that I wasn't coming back though Justin." she said, quickly trying to diffuse the situation that was developing in front of her very eyes. 

"So then, grab your stuff and let's go." 

"I thought we were going to spend some time together tonight?" Channing interrupted, as an uncomfortable feeling took him over as he watched Justin interact with her. 

Before Reini even had a chance to look his way, Justin quickly offered a solution to the problem he was almost certain Channing was trying to create. 

"Why don't you join us then. I mean, any friend of Ray's is a friend of mine." he said, faking a smile that was as clear to Channing as it was Reini. 

Almost as if she was caught in a trance, Reini held her breath and waited for what she was sure to be a verbal lashing of insults headed Justin's way. She knew that Channing hated everything Justin stood for and for him to actually attend one of his parties was a joke if nothing else. 

"I'd love to." 

Quickly turning around to face Channing, Reini studied him with a look of complete disbelief. Did he really just agree to hang out at Justin's with the all people he loathed? Was he going to socialize with the "paparazzi whores" as he so delicately called them? More importantly, who was this guy and what did he do with her best friend? 

"Then it's settled. Party starts at seven. Try to get there a little early. I'd like to spend some time with Ray before it gets too crazy." he said, taking her hand in his. 

Nodding his head that he understood him, Channing grabbed a few papers off of the kitchen table and headed back in to his bedroom. He knew that once Justin left, Reini would have a ton of questions for him and he had to think how he was going to approach them. He certainly couldn't just flat out tell her that the reason he agreed to go was that he sensed Justin was up to no good. If he did, she would just go on the defensive and blindly look past anything that was right there in front of her face. 

"So...I guess I'll see you tonight then." Justin said, his voice nor expression ever changing as he stared down at her. 

"You're not mad are you?" she nervously asked, as she glanced up in to his piercing blue eyes. 

"Mad? She asks me if I'm mad." he growled, squeezing her hand so tight that her fingers tips were now turning a bright red. 

"Justin stop. You're hurting me." 

Biting the corner of his lip so that he didn't cause an unnecessary scene, Justin glanced over towards Channing's door and then leaned down to whisper in her ear. 

"Ray, you have no idea just how mad I am." he said, releasing his grip on her hand as he pushed it away from him. "You just better not be late tonight. We have a few things we need to talk about." 

Lowering her head, Reini watched as Justin headed towards the door. Now on top of Channing accompanying her to Justin's for the party, she also had to worry about how Justin was going to treat her once they were there. 

"Remember. DON'T be late." he said, opening the door of her apartment and walking out. 

Once Channing heard the sound of the door closing, he headed back in to the living room and over to where Reini was standing. 

"Why did you say that?" 

"Say what? That we were supposed to do something together tonight?" 

"No. That you would go to the party." 

"Look, clearly things are still a little strained between you two. Now, I personally don't care for the guy, but obviously if you do, I am going to have to learn how to co-exist with him. Right? I mean, I'm not going to be pushed out of your life simply because we have a difference of opinions." 

Smiling after he said it, Channing realized that it sounded better when he said it outloud than when he practiced it to himself a few minutes ago in the room. 

"All I'm saying is that you don't have to do this because of me. I know that this is the last place you want to go to tonight." 

"Actually, you're wrong. You will be there with me and I couldn't imagine spending tonight with anyone else." 

After kissing the top of her head, Channing plopped down on the sofa and patted the spot next to him. 

"Come on Ray. It will be alright. You just have to trust me." 

Offering him a half-hearted smile, Reini sat down beside him and leaned her head on his shoulder. 

"Thanks Channing." she said, letting out a heavy sigh. 

"Anytime." 

******************************************* 
As Justin walked back down to his car, he could still hear Channing's condescending tone as he stated that 'they' were supposed to do something tonight. 

"Fuckin prick!" Justin mumbled to himself as he exited the building and over to his car. 

"So, you get everything taken care of?" 

Simply shaking his head in disgust, Justin stuck his keys in the ignition and started up his car. He knew that Channing was a pain in the ass before, but now he was beginning to see him more as a threat than anything else. 

"What's wrong man?" 

"You know what. I've never let some nobody walk all over me before and I'm damn sure not about to start now!' he said, peeling out of the parking space and on to the road. 

"Let me guess. Channing." 

"Yeah Channing! What the fuck kind of name is Channing anyway." Justin spat back. "Stupid mother fucker, telling her that 'they' were supposed to spend time together!" 

Now laughing at Justin's little outburst, JC shook his head and looked back out the window. 

"Should be quite interesting when they get here tonight." Justin said, turning to look at JC. 

"When they get here? You invited him too? Why in the hell would you do that?" 

"Well, several reasons actually. First and foremost, I wanted to burst that little cock suckers bubble! If he thinks he is going to cause problems between me and Ray, he has another thing coming. I know he was lying through his teeth and so was Ray, but once that prick gets on my turf, it's a whole other ball game." 

"Do I get to play some ball too? I always was the athletic type J, you know that." he laughed, adjusting the sleeve of his shirt so that he could flex his biceps. "See, I got the guns baby!" 

"Good. Maybe you can wrap one of them around his fuckin neck for me." Justin laughed, an evil smirk now gracing his lips. 

"I was hoping you'd say that." 

"We're going to find out exactly what this guys deal is tonight. No more wondering what his intentions are with Ray." 

"His intentions? Do you think he is interested in her?" 

"Is that supposed to be a serious question? What guy wouldn't be?" 

Silently acknowledging Justin's statement, JC knew just how right he was. Ray was gorgeous. Every inch of her, pure perfection. Unfortunately Justin had saw her first and he dealt with that daily, if truth be told. 

"Anyway, I just want you to be on guard tonight. I don't trust either one of them right now." 

"No problem man. I have your back. What time are they coming?" 

"I told them the party starts at seven, but I also told him that I wanted them to come early so I could spend a little one on one time with Ray". 

"Ah, I see. Couldn't quite get your point across with Channing there could you?" 

"No, not exactly. You're going to have to make sure that I get that much needed time though when they get here." 

"Just keep the yelling down to a minimum. I don't want to have to go toe to toe with this fucker. I'm a small man J."

Chapter 10

"Are you almost ready Channing?" Reini yelled from her bedroom, placing the last of her make-up back in to her purse. 

"I'm as ready as I'm ever going to be." 

"Hey, you're the one who agreed to go to this party. I'm not forcing you." 

"I didn't say you were. Besides, I just might have a good time rubbing elbows with those high society types." 

"Yeah.........right." she said, dragging out the word right. "And I might even enjoy eating your pasta. Is that what you call it?" she said, tapping her finger to her temple. 

"Ouch! That's hitting below the belt Ray." he laughed. 

"Oh you know I'm just playing. I mean, I'm sure there are people in some third world country that would eat it." 

Glancing down, Channing looked up at Reini with a sinister look in his eyes. This is the girl he couldn't live without. The playful spirit that made his life worth living. 

"I really am glad that you're coming with me tonight Channing." 

"I'm glad too. Just promise me you won't leave me to fend for myself for too long. I don't want to end up discussing the latest stock portfolios and interest rate for fun." 

"I promise. Girl Scouts honor" she laughed whole heartedly, as she raised her right hand. 

"You were never a girl scout Ray." 

"Ok, Scrappy's honor." she said, quickly throwing up a peace sign as the biggest smile lit up her face. 

Rolling his eyes at her, Channing grabbed his keys and wallet from the coffee table and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. 

"Alright, you ready to do this?" 

"As ready as I'll ever be." she replied, knowing that her comment meant way more to her than he would ever perceive it to be.

Once they got down to Channing's car, he opened the door for her and allowed her to slip inside. After offering her a smile and a playful wink, he shut her door and headed back over to the driver's side to get in. 

As he started the ignition he glanced over at her and saw that she was nervously playing with her Chloe purse as it sat in her lap. Normally, that sort of behavior was reseved for a highly sought after audition or casting call, but seeing it in all it's glory right before a trip to her boyfriends house for a party....yeah. That was a total red flag. 

"Ray." 

Almost as if she was in a trance, Reini continued to stare off in to space as her fingers meticulously ran up and down the shiny silver buckle. Her mind racing with the thoughts of what would or could happen at the party tonight. 

Again Channing called out to her, this time a little louder making sure that she heard him. 

"REINI!" 

Quickly blinking her eyes, Reini diverted her glare from her lap and over to the worried eyes of her best friend as he stared at her with concern. 

"I'm sorry Channing. Did you say something?" 

Giving her a puzzled look, Channing shifted slightly in his seat so that he could face her directly and began to stare at her intensely. Something wasn't right. He could feel it. He saw it in her eyes when he shut the door. 
 

"What's wrong?" 
"Nothing's wrong." she quickly replied, trying her best to let out a slight chuckle at the end to alleviate some of the tension that was clearly building in the car. 

"Ray?" 

"What?!" 

"Want to try that response again? I mean, it's been what? Over four years now. Do you really think I can't read you like a book? What's wrong? What is this all about?" he asked, motioning down to her hands as they sat still fumbling with the buckle. 

Looking down to where Channing's gaze was now focused, Reini realized what she was doing and quickly stopped. She loved the fact that she and Channing were so close that he knew what she was thinking or feeling without saying a word, but in this case, it was a double edged sword. 

"Well?" 

Letting out a heavy sigh, Reini said the first plausible thing she could think of. One that would work well enough to get Channing off her back, yet keep the actual reason for her tension under wraps. 

"I'm just worried about how things are going to go with you tonight. I know you hate this stuff. The lifestyle, the people..." 
Shaking his head, Channing quickly cut her off and placed his hand over hers as it one again began to play with the buckle. 

"Ray. I may not be a big fan of Justin's or the lifestyle he leads, but that doesn't mean I'm going to go there and cause a scene either. I told you, if he means that much to you, I'll try my hardest to get along with him." he said, slightly making a face as he said it. 

Giving him a questioning look, Reini let out another heavy sigh. 

"See! That's what I mean. That's why I'm on edge!" 

"I'm joking Ray! You have to loosen up. Have a drink when you get there. Hell have a few! Everything is going to be fine."

After giving her hand a light squeeze, Channing turned back around in his seat and adjusted the rear view mirror. Once they pulled out, Reini tried her best to relax her breathing. Tonight was going to be whatever she made it. It was all in her hands. She had to believe that, because if she didn't, she was surely going to crack under the pressure. 

Continuing to drive, Channing initiated most of the conversation. Sure, she would contribute here and there, but once she answered his questions or laughed at his jokes, it was back to the stone cold stare down with the road ahead of her. 
After some twenty minutes of driving through New York's busy city traffic, Channing finally arrived at Justin's penthouse and looked for the first open spot he could find to park. 

"There! Four cars up." Reini shouted, quickly pointing out a spot that had just been vacated by a silver Cadillac Escalade. 

"Ok, I see it!" Channing shouted back. "God Ray! What the hell is with you tonight!" 

Letting her head fall back momentarily against the head rest, Reini knew that she had to pull herself together. Clearly she wasn't herself and if it was obvious to Channing, then it would be obvious to Justin as well and she definetly didn't want that to happen. 

"You ready for this?" she asked taking a deep breath. Her eyes still focused on the road. 

Giving her a worried look, Channing smoothed his hand over her's in a reassuring manner. 

"C'mon Scrap. Its gonna be ok." he gave her hand a slight rub. "Look I told you I'm gonna play nice. I wouldn't put you in a bad situation.....you know that right?" 

"Yeah, yeah I know." she forced a smile on her face. "C'mon lets go." 

Sliding her hand away from his, she pushed her door open and let herself out of his car. Making her way to the sidewalk, she didn't bother waiting for Channing before she began to head toward the entrance of the large building. She didn't want him looking at her face. She hated the way that he could read her. She hated the hurt expression on his face when he knew she was hiding something from him. 

Once he was out of the car, Channing jogged briskly to catch up with Reini. He knew that she was avoiding him, and he assumed it was because she was worried about what may happen between him and Justin. He didn't understand why his word didnt seem to be enough for her. Finally reaching her, Channing opened his mouth to attempt to reassure her again, but was promptly silenced. 

"Don't." she put her hand up, not even turning around to look at him. 

They knew eachother entirely too well. 

Making their way into the building and up to the penthouse, Channing shoved his hands in his pockest, not really knowing what else to do at the moment. Things hand't been this uncomfortable between the two of them since.......ever. 

The elevator ride up to Justin's penthouse seemed to take forever, the silence as they made the ride almost deafening for both occupants of the small space. When the bell sounded, alerting them that they had reached their destination, Reini let out an audible sigh and all but bolted through the doors as they opened. Channing trudged behind her, still unsure of how things between them had changed so drastically in such a short period of time. 

By the time Channing entered the suite, Reini was already standing in front of the bar filling a glass. He shook his head as he watched her empty the small glass of it's contents before refilling it and taking up stance on a near by wall. A sullen look hanging over her delicat features. 

Resting her small frame against the wall, Reini stared at one of the pieces of artwork that adorned Justin's walls and exhaled deeply. Everyone else at the party seemed to be enjoying themselves except her. Was she simply reading more in to Justin's reason for having Channing at the party or was it a case of her over active imagination getting the best of her. 

Glancing down the hall, Reini saw Justin talking and laughing with a few of his close friends before disappearing in to the to the other room. 

"Well at least someone is having a good time." she said to herself, taking another sip of her drink before heading down towards the kitchen. 

Soon after Reini walked in to the kitchen, she felt someone walk up behind her. Wrapping his arms tightly around her waist, she assumed it was Justin and leaned her head back against his chest and sighed. 

"What's wrong Reini? Not having a good time tonight?" he whispered in her ear, his voice deep and seductive. 

Realizing it wasn't Justin, Reini immeadiately tried to free herself from JC's hold. Unfortunately, all he did was squeeze her tighter as he pulled her back against him. 

"What are you doing JC. Let me go." 

"Come on Reini. Be honest. You knew it was me the second I walked up behind you." 

"No I didn't. I thought you were Justin." she said, fear quickly replacing the initial shock she first felt. "Now let me go." 

"You know, when Justin told me you were a virgin, I thought he had to be out of his mind." he said, running the tips of his fingers just under the waistband of her jeans. "He seems convinced though that you are. Why don't you convince me Reini. Prove to me you're a virgin. I need to know you are worthy of being Justin's girl." 

"Get off of me!" she yelled through gritted teeth, trying not to cause any attention to them. 

"Relax baby. No one has to know." JC said, quickly walking her forward so that she was now pinned between him and the counter. 

"Now where were we?" he said, slowly sliding his hand down between the restricting confines of her jeans and the soft warm flesh of her skin. 

As complete fear flooded through every inch of her, she quickly placed her hands on the glistening marble surface in front of her and tried to push herself away from him. 

"You're not going anywhere. Just quit fighting me and it'll be over before you know it." he said, sliding his hand down even further. "Obviously your reluctance at my presence behind you is misleading Ray. You seem to be quite excited with what is going on." he growled, sliding his middle finger down the soft folds of her flesh. 

"JC, please! Stop!" 

Feeling himself growing hard with excitement, JC pushed himself against her even more and continued to work his fingers gently against her. He knew this was his best friend's girlfriend and that he was crossing the line, but at that moment, all he could think about was how good she felt. 

"So I guess he was right about you after all." he said, hesitantly removing his hand from her pants before kissing the back of her neck. "I can't wait to see what other surprises you have in store for us." 

After slowly allowing Reini to slip from the space he had confined her to, JC's smile turned in to an evil smirk as he winked at her. 

"Get away from me JC!" she screamed, pushing him back against the kitchen counter. 

Hearing the commotion as he walked down the hall, Justin picked up the pace and headed in to the kitchen. 

"Ray, what the hell is going on? I heard you yelling all the way across the house." he said, rather annoyed. 

Although JC knew Reini wouldn't dare tell Justin what had just happened between the two of them, he didn't want to risk her giving off any bad vibe and quickly answered for her. 

"Shes just a little moody. I mean, it's a party man and I was just trying to cheer her up. Guess she didn't want to hear it though." 

"What's wrong with you tonight?" Justin asked, slamming his drink down on the counter before walking over to her. 

"Maybe you should ask JC?!" 

"Why ask me?!" JC spat back all defensively. "All I was doing was trying to help." 

"Is that what you call it?" Reini scoffed, although she really didn't expect an answer or want one. 

"Ray! Knock it off!" Justin yelled, grabbing her by her arm to get her under control. 

"Hey, I'm sorry man. I didn't mean to cause any problems." 

"You didn't." Justin said, sternly looking at Reini who was at a loss for words. "Now apologize to him." 

"What?" 

"Apologize." 

Standing slightly behind Justin, JC cocked his head to the side and smiled at her. Clearly, she wasn't going to get anywhere trying to tell Justin what had just happened. 

"Justin, wait." 

"No, you wait! This is his home too Ray! Do you have any idea how disrespectful you're being?" he growled, quickly realizing that an audience was developing. "Let's go!"