Ranch

---

Her heart skipped a beat when he came up behind her, lightly pushing her against the truck before kissing her in the open.
Once they got to the lake he lead her out to the end of the pier, the moon there only light as he pulled her to him, she smirked. "What we're doing is dangerous Nik." she heard him whisper , his breath on her neck causing her to shiver lightly. "If we start this..." her smirk dropped and she pulled away from him, just enough so she could see his face. "If we start this, it's not a game." she rolled her eyes "It may be fun like one, but it's not."

She could her his tone, ordering, not asking. This pissed her off, she could feel her anger rising, she hated the fact that everyone seemed to treat her as if she was still ten and completely naive. She pushed him away, though this time it was rough and not playful. She scoffed, glaring at him.

“You fucking sound like midnight.” She spat, though realizing what she’d said she quickly continued hoping he would think nothing of it. “Way to ruin the mood, honestly I get it I’m not stupid okay.” She sighed crossing her arms in front of her. “Besides, I don’t know what you’re so damn worried about…this won’t last.” She whispered the last part looking away as if to keep herself from crying.

She’d already fallen for him, she knew that much, but she didn’t have to let him know that. She knew that once the baby was born, responsible Damien would kick in and he tell her it was over and by then she’d have had enough time to find a way to completely shatter his heart before he could shatter hers. That was the game she played how she kept incidents from last night happening.

“Don’t worry Dj, will start this thing…and…when you want to finish it. When you snap back to reality and realize you suddenly can’t be with me…you can tell me when it’s finished and will go back to being just friends” She said looking straight at him, though she wasn’t angry, she had calmed down, she was just being completely honest with him. She stepped back towards him, letting him know she wasn't mad, but this time she was letting him know that next move was his.

---

---

Jessie rolled off Kat out of breath himself, he closed his eyes before feeling her place a cigarette between his lips and light it for him. He kept his eyes closed as he took a drag from the cigarette. He laid there, exhausted. Silence fell over the room for a moment before her heard Kat’s voice.

"I love you J." he heard, causing him to open his eyes at the way she’d said it. There was vulnerability in her voice that he knew she hadn’t intended to be there.

He smiled and he knew she wasn’t expecting him to say it back, he rolled on his side kissing her should. “I love you too Kitten.” He replied, though a little surprised with himself “I mean after all I did get your name tattooed on me.” He teased “That shits on me for life.” He said almost proud of the fact.

He glanced out the widow seeing Damien jumping in the front seat of the truck, before peeling out. He shrugged, sitting up and running his hand through his hair, before standing up and slipping his boxers back on. He collected Kat’s cloths handing them to her. As he sat down next to her on the bed, the room falling silent once again with only the silent murmur of the music still playing in the barn.

He kissed her shoulder again, letting his lips linger there for a second. His heart speed up a bit as he heard a soft knock at the door. He shot a glance to kitty as if telling her to get dressed. There was another knock a little louder this time.

“Fuck…I’m coming…shit” he called out, opening the door just enough to see Olive standing there, dressed in an obviously suggestive outfit, he cleared his throat a bit.

“Can I…uh help you” he asked looking her over.

“Well, yes…I…I’m just lonely.” She pouted a bit, not knowing Kat was still in the room. The girl maybe stupid, but she was also a total skank.

---

"Kota..." he whispered and she felt him kiss the top of her head "You are my reality now." She didn’t look him in the eyes, if fear she might cry "Jamie and the baby..." She was listening even though to him it would appear she wasn’t "Those feel imaginary. But you- you feel real, because what I feel for her is fake, and what I feel for you isn't."she bit her lip so hard, it nearly started bleeding, there was honesty to his voice a there was a part of her that knew no matter how much of a reality she was to him, he’d always go back to Jamie and that’s where Jamie had her beat.

She jumped slightly when she heard his phone ring and he answered, she frowned hearing Jamie on the other end, she was a little surprised when he hung up on her though, that wasn’t him. He guided her back to the truck as if she was some fragile doll and she was simple too tired to fight him.

"Kota." He said trying to coax her to get into the truck "It's been a long day. We both need to sleep." She looked up at him, displaying a bit of practiced fake confidence. She shot him a smirk.

“Run home, I’ll walk. I me after all it might look a bit suspicions if anyone catches you dropping me off late and there is no telling who’s awake.” She said shutting the door to the truck. “See you tomorrow D, looking forward to our dance.” She said giving him a wave.

----
She wasn’t exactly sure how she had finally managed to make it to bed that night, when she had reached the barn she’d finished what was left of the decorating alone and she was pretty proud of how good it look considering she had finished close to four thirty. Then she had somehow managed to sneak inside and finally pass out on her bed. She rolled over glancing at the clock next to her night stand she had only managed two and a half hours of sleep. She groaned miserably, feeling as though she had gotten hit by a train, not to mention she was still upset with how everything had turned out between her and Damien last night.

She sat up rubbing her eyes and stretching before, changing into a pair of torn jeans, a black tank top and her riding boots. Before making her ways down stairs quietly. She knew no one would be a wake for at least another thirty minutes. She figured she’d get an early start in the ring this morning, hoping maybe she could avoid Damien or anyone else for that matter. She made her way into the barn grabbing Macho’s Lead rope and halter.

“You thought you were off the hook” she smirked

He shook his head and gave a laugh Your lucky I’m in a good mood today he teased as he was being surprisingly well behaved letting her halter him with ease and leading him out of the barn to the tacking room, tying him up just outside. After saddling him up, she lead him to the arena, setting up the barrels, before climbing onto Macho’s back. She secured herself on his back and she could already tell by how calm he was being, that this was going to be one of their better practices.

“Alright big man, let’s see what you got.” She smiled patting his neck, she gave him a kick of her heels and he took off racing around the first barrel, causing her heart to speed up and her adrenaline to rush. She took each turn like a natural as if she was one with the horse although to any on looker it might look as though the horse was tipping and she’d fall over any second. Once she was in this state of mind, it was like she was no longer able to focus on anything around her and trying to get her attention was pointless anyone who knew her knew that, there was no talking to her until she was off that horse.

---

---

Jessie knew Kitty’s game the second he heard the way she said his name and touched his arm. "Sorry babe, but he'd booked for the night." he couldn’t help but smirked, he loved when she was possessive and jealous of him "Why don't you go throw yourself at Dustin?" he rolled his eyes at the thought of Dustin "He's been a little loved starved lately, and I'm sure he's still around here somewhere, stalking Niki." Olive gave him a sad look, he simply shrugged as Kat shut the door in her face.

He smirked as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him before sitting back on the bed. HE watched her for a moment before she spoke. "I should probably go..." he sighed rubbing the back of his neck. He didn’t want her to go, but he could exactly do anything about it, he knew every minuet that passed, the later it got the more they were risking getting caught and if they were caught, Mr. D’ Angelo was liable to send him straight back to jail. He simply nodded wanting to tell her not to go, in fear that if she left when he saw her again they’d be fighting.

She kissed him one last time as she left, kissing her back. He stood in his doorway watching the way she waved at Olive, triumphant and wickedly confident. He let out a laugh not noticing that Olive had danced back over to him.

“You free now?” Jessie rolled his eyes she just seemed desperate and actually being sober he wanted nothing to do with her, at least not at the moment.

”Oh sweetie, acting desperate isn’t going to make me want you. “ he winked before closing the door passing out on his bed.
----

The house was silent, with only the ticking of the grandfather clock in the distance. Jessie tossed and turned as the sun shone through his window. Letting out an agitated groan no longer able to sleep he sat up lazily, rubbing a hand through his hair. Still half asleep he gather some cloths from his still unpacked suitcase and headed into the bathroom to shower. The warm water felt refreshing and woke him up, he wasn’t sure what time it was but he knew it had to be fairly early. Walking back into his room he glanced at the clock “seven fucking fifteen, you’ve got to be fucking kidding me” he mumbled before slipping into his cloths followed by his boots heading down stairs.

He lead against the kitchen counter enjoying a poptart. When a thought crossed his mind and he tried to shake the thought, but suddenly his skin crawled and itched. He knew he was going to regret this, but he was an addict and once the thought was in his mind there was no shaking it. He snuck out the front door, jogging past the arena where he saw Niki practicing hoping she hadn’t seen him. Finally reaching where him and Kitty had fought yesterday.

His eyes searched almost franticly, he smirked when he spotted the bag. Grabbing it and shoving it into his pocket before heading back to the house, before anyone questioned what he was doing. He wished more than anything, he wouldn’t have remembered or that the drugs weren’t there when he’d went searching for them, but they were and that was his downfall. He jogged back up towards the house. He was going to need a hit of it before the party tonight. He was a city boy and he never tried to deny that, so a big party where nearly the whole community got together and Mr. D’ Angelo insisted on nothing but country music, wasn’t really his thing. But, maybe with a little hit it could be fun, he’d just have to keep Kitty in the dark, which wouldn’t be all that hard.

“Hey Jess, seen Niki?” he looked up just as he reached the road in front of the barn seeing Dustin step down from his rang rover.

“Yeah, arena.” He said gesturing in the direction of the arena.

He made his way back into the house and upstairs, closing the door to his room and stashing the drugs, thankfully he had successfully done this without being caught. He sat down on his bed a slight twinge of guilt running through him.

---

Kota was ridding hard, harder then she had ridden in a while. She was taking all the stress and anger from the past two days out on the ring and Macho. She was practically hypnotized in a state of go…go…go. She could hear Macho’s breathing was heavy and he was foaming at the mouth but even that didn’t seem to pull her out of it. She felt him stumble, she could feel him falling. He’d tripped over his front hoof out of peer exhaustion.

Before she could do anything to stop it, she felt her back hit the ground hard. “Damn it” she groaned in pain. Macho too exhausted to get up simply laid there, next to her panting, she was thankful he hadn’t fallen on top of her. She quickly crawled over to him worried, ignoring her own pain for the moment.

“I’m sorry!” she said worried as she petted his face, before kissing his cheek.

Cut the mushy shit out babe, I’m fine. I’m just a little out of shape that’s all. he chuckled before finally getting up.

She smirked as he got up, using the stirrup to lift herself up. Her back wasn’t defiantly going to bruise and she was pretty positive she’d sprained her ankle. Despite the pain that shot through her body she threw her leg back over and secured herself back in the saddle. She winced in pain as she tried to get comfortable.

You done with your little fit? I’m starving he huffed

“Yeah, take us back to the house.” She said finally giving up, not sure she could properly ride at the moment even if she wanted to.
---
Once they got back to the barn she watched as guys loaded the boxes off the trucks which meant Damien was around somewhere…which also meant, she would have to pretended she was in agonizing pain at the moment. She carefully stepped off her horse, letting one of the other ranch hands take him from her to unsaddle him. Normally that was something she did always.

“Kota, there you are!” she looked in the direction her name was being called only it wasn’t Damien and that ticked her off.
She rolled her eyes of course it was Dustin, he pulled her to him wrapping his arm around her waist. She bit her lip as pain shot through her body.

“Dusty, I’m going to ask you really nicely just this once. Never…ever call me Kota again and let me go before I punch you in your fucking face.” She growled causing him to jump back a bit in fear. Kota didn’t snap easy, she was normally fairly patient especially with Dustin.

“Nik You alright?” he asked his eyes full of concern.

---

---

Jessie heard a scream come from the hallway causing him to shoot up out of bed, he hadn’t realized he’d fallen back asleep. He was convinced he’d dreamt it, he rubbed his face tiredly as he sat on his bed prolonging the process of getting up. He glanced out the window seeing the truck, as several men unloaded tables, boxes, and chairs. Amongst the men was Damien who looked to be supervising the men. He sighed knowing he should be out their helping.

He glanced to the drawer where he had the drugs hid and absentmindedly scratched at his arms, a tick that came along with being an addict. He closed his eyes trying his hardest to resist. He was sober, his mind was clear he could do this…right? He hated himself as he walked over to the dresser, knowing what he was about to do, but the itch was too strong and he had to scratch it.

He pulled the bag out, his normal smirk was replaced with regret. He threw the bag on the bed and paced for a moment. The drugs are more important to you than I am Jessie. Kitty’s voice played in his head, why was this so damn hard for him. “Fuck” he breathed as he sat down on the bed. He grabbed to the bag his hands making the decision for him. As he took a small amount of the white powder and placed it in the indent between his thumb and index finger, before placing his nose to it and with one quick snort inhaling it.

He winced as the drug burned his nose, he grabbed at his head. It was stronger then he’d expected it to be and he hadn’t had a heavy drug in a while. He sniffled a few times before opening his moth as if to pop his ears. He felt something warm drip from his nose. He whipped it looking down to the crimson color that stained his hands.

“Shit” he stood fumbling to the bathroom, felling a bit light head. He could feel the drugs affecting him, It was like someone had just lit something inside him. His senses heightened and he could feel the drug in his veins like liquid fire, suddenly whishing he hadn’t done it after all. He’d be fine as soon as his body adjusted. He took a deep breath closing his eyes for a moment before an uncontrollable smirk danced across his lips. He felt good, great in fact. He quickly grabbed the reaming drugs stuffing them between his bed and the wall before heading back down stairs.

He hadn’t had enough, that it drastically made him appear different or act all the different. But it was just enough to turn the normally cocky Jessie into overdrive, complete and utter asshole, with no respect for anyone mode.

---

Jessie had one thing on his mind, Kitty, even with the drugs in his system she was still one his mind. But, she was always there always in the back of his mind even when he was with other girls he was always comparing them to her, she was always more beautiful than anyone else in his eyes. He gave a two finger wave to Mr’ D Angelo who was talking to a few of the movers, letting them know exactly what he wanted to be done. He paused turning his attention to Jessie.

“Stay out of trouble Jess. I mean it, I’ll kick your scrawny little ass out of her if you cause any trouble tonight.” His tone was dead serious.

“Yeah, Yeah warden. I’m not causing any trouble.” He rolled his eyes clenching his fists a bit. His anger was always ten times more sensitive when he was using.

“Jessie!” Mr. D’ Angelo called just as he was about to shut the door. He flashed the house arrest anklet “Found this. It’s not exactly something you want to leave lying around.” Jessie froze “Tell you what, You can put it back on after the party, but I’m trusting you Jay.” Jessie took a deep breath simply nodding .

Great fucking Idea Jess, let’s take the drugs! Great how the hell am I supposed to stay out of trouble he crossed his arms in front of him as he surveyed the area, spotting Kitty on the balcony. He jogged over knowing if anyone could keep him out of trouble I’d be her, but he couldn’t exactly tell her he just snorted.

“But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east and my Kitten is the sun!” he called up to her in the most ridiculous was possible smirking. “Hey Princess, get you fine little ass down her.”
He yelled loud enough for everyone to hear.

---

---

“Fucking great Dustin, perfect, just awesome.” she said as sarcastically as humanly possible. “fottuto idiota” (Fucking idiot) she cursed in Italian, knowing only Damien and her fathe would understand, thought she hadn’t even realized Damien was anywhere around until she looked up her eyes falling on him, she could tell he was etertained by her telling Dustin off, she could also tell he’d already figured out she was quite irritated at somthing.

She glared at him “Che diavolo stai guardando. Torna al lavoro.” (What the hell are you looking at. Get back to work.) she calld to him knowing it would drive Dustin nuts if he couldn’t understand what she was saying. She smirked palyfully before continuing “Dopo che il fatto, che ne dici vieni mi fanno sentire meglio.” (After your done, what do you say you come make me feel better.) she laughed.

Then it hit her, as long as her father wasn’t around they could say whatever they wanted to eachother right in front of Jamie and Dustin for that matter and they wouldn’t understand. Damien had lost most of his accent, but he could speak perfect Italian and so could she. She bit her lip, continuing to stare him suggestivly. She was almost disappointed she hadn’t thought of it sooner, but know she had it was going to make things a lot more interesting.

She was brought from her thoughts at the sound of Jessie’s loud mouth “Hey Princess, get you fine little ass down her.” she glanced over following his eyes to her sister, rolling her eyes. She wanted more than anything to go over to her sister to see how she was, she felt like she hadn’t seen her in years. But, she wasn’t in any mood to deal with Jessie and by the way Jessie was talking it seemed as though they’d made up, which made her smile, happy for her sister.

---

"Sai che mi piacerebbe," he replied and she couldn’t help but smirk "ma purtroppo, io probabilmente fare questo tutto il giorno." she glanced to Dustin, who seemed irritated, which made her cockier. "Sarò impaziente di quella danza che me però promesso." He said causing her to turn back to look at him just as he was rounding the corner. She opened her mouth to reply, though stopped hearing her father’s voice in the distance.

“Cute trick Nik.” Dustin said sarcastically pretending to know what they were saying.

She glanced at him “I’m sorry, did the baby get his feelings hurt.” She pouted her bottom lip “If you knew what was good for you, you’d keep your smart ass remarks to yourself dear.” Her bitchy side was coming out.

“Don’t worry Dustin, daddy’s little princesses threats are void.” She heard Jamie’s familiar voice coming from behind her, she stepped into sight moving closer to Dustin as if to gain protection. “It’s probably just her time of the month.” She whispered to Dustin loud enough for her to hear, keeping her voice sweetie and cute like she always did.

Nikota clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth, glancing around to make sure she wasn’t imagine Jamie’s sudden appearance and what she had just said, it was obvious Jamie was getting brave and perhaps a little jealous that Niki had been out two nights in a row with her man or maybe it was the fact that she was so use to controlling Damien that when he had rejected her twice yesterday, she felt she needed to be a catty teenager. Had there not been others around Niki would have had no problem beating the shit out of her for her stupid ass comment. She shot Dustin a look and his smile immediately dropped .

She glanced back to Jamie looking her up and down as if sizing her up, before smirking. “That’s cute Jamie, is that all your tiny brain could come up with.” She said louder then she meant to and once Niki got going there was no stopping her mouth. “Was that supposed to hurt my feelings? Because I’m crushed really that was so original.” She sighed “Don’t worry Jamie I know you didn’t mean it, after all your hormones are all fucked up from being pregnant…” she paused as if she was finished but she had one last thing to say and she knew she should have stopped but she just didn’t have that in her.

“You sure it’s even Damien’s” she crossed her arms in front of her, knowing she’d gone to far, but keeping a smirk on her face.


“Have you lost your mind” Dustin whispered stepping between the two of them.

---

---

Jessie smirked as he watch Kitty round the corner and walk up to him kissing him happily as if they were actually a happy couple and had no problem. He wondered how long this would last before he’d fuck it up. He wrapped his arm around her wrist pulling her closer, kissing her back.

"What do you want Jay?" she said pulling away.

“Just wanted to bug you. The King of the jungle says I have to stay out of trouble. Figured you could help me out.” He smirked wrapping an arm around her shoulder lazily as he guided her, walking towards the other.

“Then again you might just get me into trouble.” He winked

He sniffled a bit, feeling light headed again. He tensed up a bit against Kitty though he hoped she wouldn’t notice and for a just a second fear entered his mind. What if the dealer had given him a bad cut? What if he’d taken to much? He let out a breath relaxing once again as the light headed feelings went away.

“Maybe, we should ditch the party to night.” He said stopping and pulling her close “I know there’s going to be some parties in town where they won’t just be playing country music and you and I can be alone.” He tried coaxing her though doubted it would work considering the big summer party seemed to mean a lot to all of them including community.

---

"Okay kitty, let's put the claws away." she heard her sister’s voice, but she really hadn’t heard what she said. She was too angry to do anything but glare at Jamie.

She felt Kitty pull her away and she didn’t fight it, she was actually relived her sister had rescued her…or rather Jamie. She drug her behind her until they were safe away from everyone’s eyes and ears in the barn.

"First of all." She felt Kat pull her into a hug and she didn’t fight her, she hugged her back "That was long overdue. Sorry I wasn't there for you, you know. With the whole hospital thing." Niki matched Kat’s wince at the thought of the hospital "I was kind of having my own mental breakdown. Funny how we coordinated them." She frowned wishing she would have been there for Kitty. "Second of all..." She could see the serious look on Kitty’ face and she knew she was going to want answers, but she couldn’t exactly tell her she’d been hooking up with Damien, not that she’d judge her she’d probably laugh about it. "I know you don't like Jamie, but what the Hell was that? You almost just bit her head off." she sighed shrugging a bit as if it was no big deal.

She didn’t want to tell Kat, because she suddenly felt stupid about the whole thing: Damien, sneaking around with him, kissing him, letting him see how venerable she was, and then cussing out Jamie partly out of jealousy and the other part out of frustration. She had no right to be jealous, Damien wasn’t actually hers and he’d never be. She glanced back up at Kitty, tears threatened to escape her eyes, it was an overwhelming wave of emotions all at once as everything started to really sink in. She fought back the tears as best she could before on finally escaped down her cheek and she quickly wiped it away, Kitty was literally the only person she allowed to see her real emotions.

“Jamie started it and I finished it.” She answered simply, it was a typical Nikota answer. “I’m sorry Kat, for not being there for you.” She sniffled “Everything’s so fucked up.” She sighed, before nudging Kitty gently with her elbow “On the plus side, looks like you and Jess are back.” She gave her a small smile, trying to change the subject She glanced down catching a glimpse of the bruise on Kat’s wrist, her eyes narrowed before they shot back up to Kat’s eyes.

“Kittrina, did Jessie do that to you?” she question the pain from falling off her horse and her own emotions pushed aside for the moment, her protective side coming out “Kat I swear to god, I’m going to kill him if he did that to you.” She said in a dead serious tone.

---

---

Jessie rolled his eyes he knew, that meant were staying here all night, but I’ll give you a little hope. He smirked a bit at the cat fight happening a few feet away.

"I have to handle this." Kitty said and before Jessie could protest she was already pulling Niki away from the scene.

Jessie sighed a little bit irritated, but he knew Kat hadn’t seen her sister in what would seem like a century to the two of them. They practically been attached at the hip when Jessie had first meet Kat. But, now that she had disappeared with Niki, he was bored and when he was bored he got in trouble.

He ran his fingers through his hair trying to decide what to do. He turned making a B-line back towards the house, before getting slightly side tracked seeing Olive playing with the D’ Angelo’s dogs. He was pretty positive it was the drugs that were now controlling him, but whatever it was she looked good. He was fairly certain she wouldn’t my helping him pass the time, it was definitely the drugs talking now.

He glanced behind him making sure Kitty was still in the barn and when he was done glancing around, he jogged over to Olive, who immediately stopped what she was doing her big blue doe eyes staring at him, se almost looked star struck which made Jessie smirk.

“Hey cupcake, why you and I go find a quiet place to talk.” He knew she wasn’t that dumb, he knew that she would know talk really meant hooking up.

“What about Kittrina” she asked innocently, though it was apparent she really didn’t care.

Jessie winced at the thought of Kit, but she was too stupid to catch on to the he winked to her “What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her right?” the words sounded awful, but he couldn’t help himself.
---

Jessie had started coming down from his high as he threw Olives cloths to her. He took a deep breath, beating himself up on the inside, he was full aware of what he’d just done and it was even worse now that he was coming off the drugs. He didn’t bother even acknowledging the blonde as she got dress, that had meant nothing to him.

“See you tonight Jay J” Olive’s voice sounded like nails on chalk board to him. He watched her dance out of his room practically glowing and he hated the way she said Jay J, it wasn’t right.

He sat on his bed, staring out the window, he glanced out everyone in a while, during his lustful session with Olive, but Kitty and Niki never came out, he was relieved, she wouldn’t catch them at least not now but knowing him, he’d hook up with Olive at the party once he’d gotten liquor in his system. He glanced to the night stand, only a few more hours until him and Kitty were in full revenge mode and judging by the argument between Jamie and Niki, they wouldn’t be the only ones crashing the party.

---

She waited for Kat’s to answer, but she already knew the answer Jessie had done that too her. No one else in their right mind would mess with Kitty physically in fear of Niki. Everyone at their high school knew that messing with either one of the girls would end with a broken nose and possibly rib. Niki didn’t care if you were a boy or a girl or how big you were, the way she saw it was, she’d been dealing with 900 pund animals her whole life, the quarter back of the football team or Jessie Blackburn for that matter didn’t scare her in the least.

"Yeah, he did." her sister answered her and she clenched her jaw, she was well aware of Kat’s past, Kitty didn’t deserve that no one did. "He did those too." she watched her sister turn showing her the ones on her back and she could feel her angry grow. "But it's no big deal. He didn't mean it." she watched Kat fight back tears and that pulled at the strings of her heart, it was like she thought she deserved it she was always making excuses for Jessie.

“Do you really believe the Kit, cause I don’t believe the for one second. Your not fooling me babe.”

"I've had worse." she pulled Kat into her, embracing like a mother would their daughter, making a mental note to deal with Jessie later, because Kat needed her now.

“Hun, that doesn’t make it any better.” She whispered “You deserve so much better than him, it sucks you love him so much.” She teased a bit, though it was the truth. She hated Jessie, but in the same sense she knew somewhere, deep down Jessie loved Kitty and vice versa, because on a rare occasion she’d caught them acting normal, she could see the way they looked at each other. It was the same way her father use to look at her mother, the same way Dustin looked at her, and the way she looked at Damien.

Tears, rimmed her eyes and she allowed a few to escape, she never in a million year had thought she that she’d be jealous of Jessie and her sister relationship, but it was the simple fact that they could actually be together and as much as the both of them denied it, they were together. She pulled away from Kitty to look her in the eyes.

“Kat, you know you can get out of this. You can leave him.” She started “But, if you love him, don’t let anyone come between you.” She begged as if secretly telling Kitty what was going on although Kitty would catch that she wouldn’t fully understand. “I hate Jessie, but I love you and if he makes you happy that’s all the matter.” She smiled, her blue eyes misty from the tears. “You just better warn him, I’m watching him.” She smirked.

---

"Is something up with D?" Kat asked and Niki bit her lip deciding whether or not to say anything. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Kat, because if she could trust anyone it was her step-sister. It was the fact that she didn’t know if she was ready to say it out loud, admit that she liked him, she fallen for him. When she was with Dustin it was more of a cutesy, stupid summer romance…nothing more, nothing less. He hadn’t even made it past second base with her, which was odd. Niki wasn’t a slut, but she wasn’t a virgin.

She sighed "Is something up with D?" she repeated the question “That’s an understatement.” She sighed “Everything's up with D.” she decided that was all she was going to say at least for now and she knew that would be enough to satisfy Kat’s curiosity, enough so she’d let it go for now. Niki also knew she was smart enough, that with that simple remark she could form a pretty good idea of what she meant.

She heard Kid Rock start to play loudly over the giant sound system her father had rented the party, that was the one hour warning, till the party. Her father only allowed country to play, with the occasional Red Hot Chili Peppers or AC/DC mixed in. She glanced over her shoulder seeing that the sun had already started to set.

“Shit, how long have we been in here?” she looked back to her sister “We got a party to get ready for and we better be looking good, cause I have a feeling were going to be breaking hearts tonight.” She said her attitude changing, she smirked wickedly. Niki was good at turning off her emotions, something that had taken her a long time to achieve, but by now she was practically a professional at it. She stepped to her sisters side holding out her arm to escort her. “I’ll do your make up, if you do my hair.” She winked.

---

---

"Give 'em Hell babe." Kat smirked, causing a smirk to paint her lips.
She looked over herself in the mirror a little surprised at her own reflection, she hardly recognized herself. The combination of her hair, make-up, and sexy black dress, made her look five years older than she was, she wasn’t sure any was going to recognize her. She slipped on her black heels before heading down stairs.

She had decided that she wasn’t going to let Jamie or Damien get in the way of her fun. However, she was going to make sure Damien’s eyes were on her, she was going to make him want her so bad it hurt. She spotted Dustin at the bottom of the stairs, blowing Kitty one last kiss as she passed her in the hallway. She made her way down the stairs with ease, even in heels she floated, perfectly.

“Damn” Dustin smirked “What did you do with the real Niki?” he teased
Niki smirked, she was going to make the best of going with Dustin, he was attractive and he could be good company sometimes. She kissed his cheek and confidently intertwined her fingers with him as if they were dating. Dustin lead her happily out the front door towards the barn. The two earning looks from nearly everyone, due to how stunning Niki looked seconded by the fact that her and Dustin were holding hands. She beamed, her plan was already working, of course her and Kat were always the center of attention at these parties. The barn was full and several people already occupied the dance floor, her eyes searched for Damien, though she gave up when she couldn’t find him.

“I’ll be right back babe.” Dustin said kissing her cheek “I’m going to get us some drinks.” He said heading off in the direction of the bar. Nik didn’t mind it she had told him not to called her babe, but she decided it wasn’t totally a bad thing, what might be bad is that Dustin assumed things and she could already tell he assumed they were back together, of course she’d break it to him after the party that they were never back together, but tonight, he’d be good for keeping her mind off him.

---

---

Jessie finished getting ready as he slipped his gray beanie on in an attempt to hide his bedhead. He didn’t exactly dress up but upon Mr. D’ Angelo’s request he dress a little nicer than usual. In a colorful button down, a green v-neck top, and a pair of his best blue jeans.. He actually looked like less of a bad boy and more of a pretty boy and he wasn’t exactly happy about it, but it was one night, he owed that much to Mr. D.

He took another hit of the coke, this time a little more. He was going to need a bigger dose then this afternoon if he wanted to get through this party. He heard a knock on his door and he shuffled around a bit trying to hide the drugs. He opened the door seeing Kitty, he looked her over odviously checking her out, before he brought his blue eyes to hers, he stepped out of the room closing the door behind him.

“You look fucking beautiful.” He said wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her into a deep kiss. He smirked pulling away. “Guess you’re asking me to beat the shit out of guys tonight, you being dressed like this is defiantly going to stir up trouble.” He said kissing her again.

“Alright Princess, lead the way.” He said keeping his arm around her waist almost possessively.

---

Nikota was standing alone, not awkwardly because nothing about her was awkward, but simply taking in the party. She smiled when Kitty walked by ruffling her hair a bit. She glanced to where Dustin was talking to one of his friend. She recognized him, from when her and Dustin were dating, he’d tried making a move on her and he’d succeeded of course Dustin had never found out about it.

"Guess who?" his voice brought her from her thoughts and she had to fight a smile, she didn’t bother to answer she knew who it was. He stepped in front of her and again she had to fight a smile. He looked gorgeous, of course she wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of a compliment. Kittrina had told her to give them hell and she intended to. She was going to drive Damien crazy. "You look hot Nik." he smiled obviously checking her out.

“Dustin thought so to.” She said knowing it would piss him off “Wheres your trophy wife?” she said as if she was mad, irritation apparent in her voice. If there was one thing you wanted to avoid with Nikota it was her cold shoulder. She wasn’t mad at him, but it was his wife who started their argument early and it was Niki who ended up looking bad and like always Jamie had looked like the innocent one. She glanced to Dustin, his eyes on them watching suspiciously. She glanced back to Damien with a dangerous smirk, stepping forward closing the space between them, her eyes never leave his, though this time as she stared into his eyes it was like she was challenging him.

“Meglio mantenere la calma a notte D, non vorrebbe chiunque di capire il nostro piccolo segreto.” (Better keep your cool to night D, wouldn't want anyone to figure out our dirty little secret.) She whispered almost seductively with a wink, clearly taunting him. She felt an arm wrap around her waist, immediately felling the possessiveness of the grip she knew it was Dustin and she stepped back as he handed her a drink.

“Your not bother My girl now, are you?” Dustin said with a smirk, emphasizing his claim on her.

Her next move was decided by pure impulse and if she knew Damien at all, she knew that this would only cause him to want her more or it'd make him want to beat Dustin's face in, which she'd already mentally prepared herself for. She knew he was possessive, it was embedded in his DNA. She didn't feel bad, in fact she was almost hoping to start something between Dustin and Damien, she knew Damien wouldn't do anything right away, but after a few drinks and the more he obsessed over it, it would be a blood bath. She'd done it before, but the other two had been best friends, she'd come between them, caused them to fight for her. Niki thought she was going to hell for that one, but she was now certain she'd definitely be going to hell for this one. She shot Damien one last come and get it type look before pulling Dustin by his shirt until their lips meet.

---

---

Jessie kept his arm around Kitty’s waist, the drugs making him feel confident maybe a little too confident. They entered the barn, more eyes on them, Jessie was simply wearing a cocky smirk. He recognized some of the people he’d gone to school with when he’d stayed with the D’ Angelo’s. Mr. D’ Angelo had been the only reason he’d graduated high school. He lend is back against the bar so he was facing the party, Kat sitting in the char with her back turned to on the party. He’d never admit it, but the cool country atmosphere was relaxing, he almost wished he hadn’t taken the drugs.

"Nothing could ruin my mood right now." Kat smiled as she pulled away from him, which caused him to cringe on the inside already knowing the mood would be ruined some time tonight, he just hoped it was later then sooner.
“Kat…Whatever happens tonight…” he started but was cut off as Olive skipped over to him, not recognizing he was with Kat, more than likely because Kat had her back turned to her.

"Hay Jessie!" Olive’s voice made him wince, high pitched as she tried speaking over the music.

"Except that." He heard Kat, clearly irritated.

Jessie knew he was going to have the situation with care, simply because he didn’t want to deal with the drama at the moment. The party had just started, he would have to handle this in a way Kat wouldn’t be suspicious and Olive wouldn’t blurt out what he’d been doing all afternoon with her. He took a deep breath before letting it out, running a hand through his hair coolly as if nothing was wrong.
“Hey Cupcake” he breathed “You look…nice.” He said, he knew Kat would say much about that it was typical Jessie to check out other girls right in front of her. The truth was Olive was nothing compared to Kat. “I’ll be right Back babe.” He said kissing Kat’s forehead before grabbing Olive by her bicep a little harsher than he meant to. “Your Relentless.” He said loud enough for Kat to hear as if was dragging Olive off to tell her to stay away, he hoped, prayed Kat would take the bait. As soon as he was out of ear shot, he glanced back at Kat making sure he was still in sight so she could see what was going on.

“Listen Olive.” He started “Don’t say anything to Kitty.” He was threatening her and to anyone around them it would look as though he was telling her off. “If you keep quiet…I’ll make it up to you later” he winked, though he was far enough away Kat wouldn’t be able to see it. He knew Olive was stupid enough she’d go for it.
She nodded with “Of course Jay anything for you.” She bit her lip and he could tell she’d already started drinking.

He sighed as he turned away from her making his way back to Kat, rolling his eyes, he’d prolonged it for now, but the truth was going to come our sooner or later.

fatigued

---

Dustin smirked as Niki pulled away, there was nothing there between them, not that Niki could feel anyways. She felt nothing and the kiss was easily forgettable. Her eyes fell back on Damien and she was more than a little irritated with the look that he’d given her. Taunting, she hated that he knew her game, he’d had twelve years of watching her, studying her, and he’d done his homework.

She tried her best not to let her irritation show through, she shot him an equally as taunting smile. She already knew they were going to hurt each other tonight, she’d make him jealous but he could play the same game. His look said it all, whatever she was going to throw at him, he was going to do the same. She cocked her head to the side, crossing her arms in front of her, her red lips held a wicked smiled.

She downed her drink quickly, it burned down her throat and it was stronger than she expected, but her face showed now weakness to the strong liquor. She shoved the cup back at Dustin. “Mind getting me another.” She wasn’t asking, Dustin rolled his eyes.

“Nik, don’t you think you should pace…” he started but she cut him off harshly

“Dustin are you my babysitter.” She asked, never taking her eyes off Damien “Didn’t think so.” She said before he could answer, he huffed a bit, but obeyed his orders, leaving Damien and Niki alone once again. She waited until Dustin’s back was turned to them before she grabbed Damien pulling him roughly slipping out the back of the barn, knowing that no one would be back there. She’d have to be quick, she knew Dustin would be looking for her. She continued to drag him behind her, without a word rounding the side of the barn. The music could still be heard clearly, her adrenaline pumping through her veins like liquid fire as she pushed him against the barn harshly, though it was still playful she closed the space between them grabbing his shirt and pulling his lips to hers.

Kissing him deeply, but the kiss was different from the past ones they’d shared, it was the kind of kiss that felt like poison, but you couldn’t pull away. It was toxic, deadly, but in a good way. The kind of kiss that was territorial, possessive. She pulled away pushing him into the barn wall once again. She stepped…or more like stumbled back gaining her composure for a moment, the dirt was like quick sand to her high heels. She looked at him, smirking.

“Don’t do anything you’ll regret D.” The statement held several meanings. It was dark and threatening, her voice sounded foreign even to her own ears. She winked and before he could answer she disappeared back into the barn.

“Where the hell did you go?” Dustin said catching her off guard, she nearly jumped out of her skin, but she quickly collected herself.

“Sorry, Macho Man was acting up, had to go calm him down.” She said offering a fake smile.

---

---

Jessie saw the other guy that had approached Kat which made him pick up his pace. He was ten times more aggressive and ten times more jealous when he had substance in his system. He could feel his whole body tense and his fist clench, read to punch the guy the second he got there, but by the time he’d gotten there he was walking away he watched him for a moment, placing his fists in his pocket.

"Welcome back babe." her voice brought him from his thoughts, he started to relax a little and he brought his deep blue eyes to look into hers, allowing a smirk. "How's the slut?" he heard her ask and h winced a bit.

“Fine, bitch won’t leave me alone.” He meant it, cause the truth was Olive had been up his ass since he’d gotten here, but at the same time she was good to have around as a fall back, he hated himself for thinking that way, but that was Jessie for you. “She doesn’t get the hint.” He said taking a swig of the heavy alcohol. It felt good to him as it burned down his throat and he glanced back to Kitty. “It’s scary how well you know me Kitten” he said gesturing to his drink.

He glanced up his eyes falling back on the guy who’d been with Kitty a few moments ago. He was with three or four other guys. He recognized them all of them, the guy who’d approached Kitty was the captain of the football team , he was also the guy he’d walked in on with Kitty and practically beat the shit out of than drug Kat at of the room. The rest of the guys were his group of jock-asshole friends. The way they were talking and carrying on glancing over at Jessie every now and again. He wasn’t stupid he knew they were going to try something tonight, catch him in a corner and gang up on him. He smirked at the thought, if they were stupid enough to fight him, then they obviously didn’t have much common sense. Jessie had taken on more guys then there little group, bigger guys even.

“What is it that you guys do?” Jessie looked at Kat a little confused “You and Niki I mean, it’s like you guys have some kind of Vacancy sign, all the guys just can’t stay away.” He smirked “Don’t be surprised when I beat your little boyfriends face in.” he said in a more serious tone.

fatigued

---

Dustin grabbed her around her waist pulling her to him and as much as she wanted to fight him and push him away, she simply couldn’t, that kiss had literally taken everything out of her. She gave him a weak smile, luckily Dustin wasn’t exactly good at reading people or else she’d be shit out of luck.

“Non potrò mai rimpianto di baciarti, Kota.” She heard Damien whisper and her heart nearly stopped. He meant it and she had to keep herself from breaking down and completely creaking at that moment.
---
It was well into the party, time seemed to be flying by, time always seemed to go by faster when Niki just wanted it to slow down. Dustin had left her alone and she was thankful for that. He wasn’t drunk but he’d had enough that he was acting like he was drunk. Her eyes drifted over the party, Dustin talking amongst his rich, college friends. Kat and Jessie seemed to surprisingly be getting along, she wasn’t exactly sure what had gotten into the two, but it seemed for the moment they were in perfect harmony. Her father and step-mother were making their rounds socializing with everyone, her father might as well be the damn mayor the way he talked and socialized. Then her eyes fell on Damien and Jamie.

They actually looked happy or Damien was a really good actor. The way they were laughing and carrying on and for a moment she felt as though he didn’t even know who she was and he didn’t care. He been so good at pretending they didn’t even know each other for the past few hours. She hated the way he made her feel so...helpless. Last year she wouldn’t have cared, last year she wouldn’t have even paid attention to him. She would have been 2 sheets to the wind and hooking up with The quarter back or one of the other jocks, boys her own age. But, that wasn’t the case this year she sat alone, by herself at a table. She wasn’t sulking though, Niki didn’t sulk it was something that was below her, she was just lost in her own thoughts.

She was brought from her thoughts, when the loud country song faded into a softer song, a slower song, that was surprisingly not country. She let out a soft sigh, before watching as Dustin crossed the floor to where Damien and Jamie stood with a group of their friends or more so Jamie’s friends. Dustin was good for keeping his promises, even ones he hated. Jamie happily accepted his request for her to dance with him and Niki looked away, hoping maybe Damien had forgotten. She wasn’t sure if she could dance with him with so many eyes on them and not creak. She looked down at her hands, wishing for the first time in her life she could simply disappear.

---

---

“You’re sexy when you’re jealous, you know that?” Jessie smirked at this and he lend down kissing her gently, but passionately. Making sure she knew that the kiss meant more than just a kiss, the kiss told her he loved her. He pulled away though leaving his forehead pressed to hers. Looking her in the eyes.

“Your sexier” he smirked winking at her kissing her again.
---
Jessie was seemingly impressed with the fact that him and Kat were still getting along. He was convinced this was the longest they’d ever been normal it was scaring him. Good things didn’t happen to Jessie Blackburn and when they did, it was sure to be followed by something awful. It was like for every moment he was happy, their would be double the consequence and he could feel it like heavy cloud hanging over head. He choose to ignore it though, best he could.

He was slowly coming sown from his heavy high from earlier, but he hadn’t noticed. He’d been too busy paying attention to Kitty to even care. They were actually talking...laughing...appreciating each other. It felt good better than any drug he’d ever taken, he was desperate to make the moment last as long as it could in fear they’d never be this way again. He took another sip of his beer, he’d drunken so much over the that it took more then a few beers and a couple shots to get him drunk. Though he was starting to feel a buzz. The two were sitting at one of the back tables, he pulled Kat to him so that she was sitting on his lap. He wrapped his arm around her waist, giving her a smile.

“There’s something seriously wrong here.” he teased “What the hell happened?” he said kissing her cheek “Us not fighting...I think hell froze over babe.” he let out a light laugh. “and it’s all your fault.” he smirked kissing her lips.

He was relived when a softer, less country song began to drift through the barn. He carefully stood up, though keeping Kat close to him. He let out a breath almost as if he was defeated, rubbing the back of his neck. “Listen, I don’t really know how to do this whole asking thing, but you want to dance?” he smiled.

---

Damien hadn’t forgotten and she hadn’t been paying attention but the moment his hand touched hers, she knew it was him. He let her to the dance floor and just as she opened her mouth to object he reminded her that she had promised, which made her smile. He pulled her in and she rested her head on his chest. Taking in the moment, to everyone around them, who knew the D’ Angelo’s, they would see a brother and sister sharing a very cute Kodak moment. Though between her an Damien they knew it was more and she kind of liked the that they were the only ones who knew more than everyone else.

“Ti amo, Kota.” he whispered, causing her to freeze though Damien was still guiding her. She was sure she’d imagined it, but she knew she hadn’t. She wanted to pull away from him, it made her so made, why would he lie to her. But, she knew all to well Damien wasn’t one for lying, avoiding the truth yes, but lying wasn’t something he did or could do especially not to Niki of all people.She felt tears escape from her eyes, she hated him for saying that. She pulled away from him just enough so she could see his eyes, she could careless if he saw her crying.

“You don’t” she said softly refusing to believe him “You...you can’t.” she was begging him to to love her, for both there sakes. She loved him to though, she’d always loved him. How could she not, he’d always been right beside her and she was just now realizing it all of it. The song ended, she immediately felt eyes on her, Dustin’s judging. She glanced to see both Jamie and Dustin headed their way. She could tell by the look on Dustin’s face he was pissed, because in his eyes it didn’t matter what was going on, all that matter was Niki was crying and Damien was there. Niki felt so stupid. She quickly whipped her tears, Dustin stepped between her and Damien, protectively.

“You okay Nik?” he whispered to her, whipping her tears.

“Dustin, it’s not...” Niki tried to explain but Dustin was clearly ignoring her he’d made up his mind. His fist clenched.

“Stay the fuck away from her Fox.” his tone was deadly, as he threatened Damien.

“Dustin Stop.” Niki ordered him and for once he wasn’t listening to her.

“Both of you knock it off.” Jamie cooed, placing a hand on Damien’s chest, causing Niki to wince as she fought back a waterfall of insults. “I’m sure Niki is just being over dramatic, like always.” she said sweetly, flashing Niki a smile “Right Nik?” she smirked.

Niki swallowed hard, nodding gently. "Yeah. That's it." she whispered in defeat.

"That's bull shit and you know it Nikota. What he do to you." Dustin was ordering Niki.

---

---

“I love you” her words seemed fake, yet so real. It was as if he was dreaming. He pulled her closer even, then she was and kissed the top of her head.

“I love you too Kitten.” his words were soft, meaning full.

The music ended and he wished it hadn’t, but it did and he needed to tell her. He needed to be honest with her about Olive and the drugs. He knew it hurt her, but he’d hoped she’d at least give him the benefit of the doubt, for telling her, though he already knew that was highly unlikely. She deserved to hear it from him, not Olive.

“What do you say we just get out of here.” her voice was desperate, matching the way he felt.

For the first time in years he had a clear head, he was well aware of everything going on around him and it terrified him more then he knew. He felt weak, the drugs and alcohol had been his crutch for so long, it was what drove him, it was who he was. He didn’t answer her. He simple locked his fingers with hers and that was all it took as he led her out of the barn to the front. Their was no one around and the road was dark, with only the lights from inside the barn to illuminate them. He stood there in silence for a moment debating on which direction they’d go...where they’d go.

He could feel himself growing paranoid, that’s why he did the drugs or started doing them, he was always paranoid. Looking over his shoulder, sleeping with a gun under his pillow. He decide to take a right, it would lead them to the main road. They walked in silence for a few moments, before they stopped, headlights blinding them. The car stopped a few feet in front of them and he immediately pushed Kat behind him protectively.

“This is...wrong.” he breath, there was pure terror in his voice something he knew Kat had never heard.

“Dad! No! Just leave him alone!” the voice frantic, crying, but it was familiar to him, he hadn’t heard it in years. His stomach turned and his heart raced, he suddenly felt as though he was going to throw up, his breathing was heavy and his whole body was tense.
He turned to Kat, fear in his eyes. “Please, just this once listen to me.” he begged “run and don’t look back.” he said kissing her quickly before pushing her back in the direction of the barn.

He stepped forward, his sister’s silhouette, lit by the headlights of his fathers SUV. His brother followed behind his father, even in the dark he could see the defeat written all over his brothers body. His sister screamed begging their father. He seen his brother the day Mr. D’ Angelo had brought him back to the ranch, they’d had only a few moments to catch up and he’d stupidly let it slip where he was, his brother had slipped to he assumed.

“Jessie.” his father’s voice was like thunder.

“Daddy please.” Jade begged now standing in front of Jessie.

He was frozen he hopped he was going to wake up at any moment, from this bad dream. Jessie was only scared of two things in this entire world. His father and loosing Kattrina.

He watched his father shove his sister to the ground, he took a few steps back, before feeling a hard blow to his stomach causing him to gasp for air.

“What the fuck do you think your doing. Trying to run from me you worthless piece of shit!” his father yelled, whisky and cigars on his breath. His father pulled him close, with a rough grasp, keeping him doubled over before kneeing him in the chest. Jessie gasped for air again. He’d hopped Kat was gone, that she hadn’t been watching this.

Their was a click, Jessie knew the sound well it was a the sound of someone cocking a gun. Jessie closed his eyes, his father had always promised he’d kill him and he figured he’d finally be following through with his promise. Everything seemed to slow down and Kat came to mind, in fact that was the only thing he could think about.

“Let him go.” the voice brought him from his thoughts and he watched as his father backed away. Jessie struggled to stand up straight though he was sure he had at least one broken rib. “I suggest if you want to live, you’ll get your ass in the fucking car and drive.” He couldn’t believe what he was seeing.His father looked at him, hands in the air surrendering to his drug dealer, Ricky.

“Mark my words Jessie, Your dead. You may have friends in high places son, but so do I” his father threatened before roughly grabbing his sister forcing her in the car followed by his brother.

Ricky waited until the car pulled away before putting his gun away and making his way over to Jessie “Hey Man...you alright. What the hells wrong with you?” he asked confused “The Jessie I know would have had his ass.” he teased a bit. He’d wondered for a moment why he was their, but then remembered, the whole damn community, including low lives like Ricky showed up to this thing. He just happened to show up at the right time. Jessie glanced around, seeing if Kat was still there.