Jen

Two weeks of staying away from the world have done wonders for me. Initially, I was repelled by the idea of staying with Rick, but things are changing now. Making meals, walking near the lake, shopping for groceries and doing bonfires outside of the house became our routines. These chores soothe me. His presence became bearable and with the passing day, I am learning something new about him. He would randomly talk about anything, I could tell there's more depth in it.

This version of Rick is different, he is a nature lover, fantastic cook, a boxing fighter, knows to show empathy, keen observer, good listener... what am I doing? If I will continue this, the list won't end. My heart leaps as I realized how I start adoring this side of him. And it pains me to know another side of him, Rick has been carrying lots of emotional burdens most of his life, he carved for motherly affection and even after everything, the relationship with his mother has not improved, he has lost his one true friend who has been his rock in his lowest, Daniel. I never thought Daniel would part his way from Rick. This has been very hurtful for Rick. He is as lonely as me.

Sometimes, we both lose our shits and hate to see each other's faces. This is not easy to forget all the bitterness. But, at the very next moment, we let go of the differences with cordial small talks. We both have learned to communicate with time, maybe because we don't have any option as we are stuck together in this big house. My nights are not as terrifying as before, yes, I am still having nightmares, but it's becoming less harmful. It feels someone ease my suffering by cooing me in the nights.

"Come back to earth, Jen" the teasing voice of Rick startles me.

"What?"

"You zoned out on me and I don't like it" Kniting his eyebrow, he shows his dislike.

"I am ..just..thinking" Rick's eyes are staring me with concern.

"Everything is ok, why are you stuttering?" oh, I don't even know.

"Actually... its nothing" What to answer him, that I was thinking about him, strange, isn't it?

"Can I come with you for a match?" before he could ask another question, I bombard him with my request.

"No, that place is not for you" he straightly refused.

"Why?" I am being adamant about going to see his match.

"It's all about men, not a place for women"

"But Megan would be there, right?" I interject hastily.

"her father owns that club and she is working there" oh, a fair reason but I want to explore this sight of Rick.

"Rick, I want to watch your fight, please" I urge him with hopeful eyes. Rick knows it takes too much for me to request him.

"Jen, I don't know" he seems defeated.

"We will be going" I announced with excitement, ending the further discussion.

Come Saturday night, Rick looks uncertain.

"I am thinking to cancel my match, we can still go out for dinner" He suggested, in response, I narrowed my eyes at him. We had this discussion numerous times, yet he tried once again.

"We are going, I will be ready in few minutes" with that I walked to my room, looking for an appropriate dress, what should I wear for this event? I chose regular jeans and a top. Like always, I tied my hair in a tight ponytail, a little mascara and lip gloss.

Rick scrutinizes me from head to toe, once he is satisfied with my appearance, he nods his head in approval.

"You should wear your cardigan or jacket over your top, its cold outside"

"I am fine" he doesn't look impressed.

"Jen, wear something over your top, its too tight over your... body" Damn, he is still very narrow-minded when it comes to clothes. Rick has not changed a bit there.

"Rick, can you stop this?" sometimes he screws my head, like right now.

"Jen, you don't know where you are going, they will comment on your size, use vulgar language referring to your tits" I gasped over his comment, he never talked to me this way.

"I am sorry but that's a place of all that shits, you know just drop it, we are not going," He said removing his jacket, embarrassed by his words.

"I don't have a jacket, I am wearing a cardigan, give me a few minutes" Rolling my eyes, I returned to my room for taking my cardigan.

"I am sorry for my words back there" After few minutes of driving, Rick apologized, not meeting my eyes.

"No worries" I responded, even I couldn't look at him, my cheeks still redden.

I have changed my mind once we reached the place, Rick is right, the place is horrible. It gives me a chilling vibe, its in a very dark and secluded place. It makes me rethink my choice. My thoughts interrupted when I felt a tap on my shoulders.

"Jen, we can still go back" Rick looks more nervous than me, he is dreaded with the idea of me entering this club. I can't be a coward, lets face another reality of Rick, this is a big part of his life.

"there's no turning back, let's go" composing myself I replied with a reassuring smile.

"Fine, but you will follow my instruction, you.." This must be the hundredth time, despite getting annoyed, I smile at him, feeling a surge of affection for him. The way his eyes gazing me with concern, his restlessness, and his desperation of keeping me safe, kind of doing something to me.

"Are you listening?" he snaps fingers to get my attention, my god what's happening to me, I'm zoning out at every moment.

"Yes, Mr. Adam, I will stick to Megan" I said in a bored tone.

"And you won't take a drink from any guy"

"That lesson is already been taught, thanks to you" I blurted out, his eyes instantly clouded with shame and remorse, he turns his eyes from me. Though I am trying to forgive him, this bitterness never fades. How could I forget those terrifying memories?

"I didn't.." I lost for the words.

"No worries, Jen. I deserve it. Let's go" The hurt in his voice is not avoidable, it makes me squirm in pain. We both have headed to the club in silence, I could feel Rick being very attentive, his hand firmly holds mine, my breath grows deeper. I feel electrifying goosebumps as I watch how my hand looks perfectly fit in his. Jen put a full stop to your nuisance.

While we enter the club, I find all eyes in our direction, Rick hold tightens around my hand, and I scoot around Rick as close as I can. All muscular and dangerous looking guys under one roof, I'm certain few must be having criminal records, a room full of alcohol and smokes, the aura of this club is suffocating.

"Here is my man" Megan shouted excitedly and jumped up to hug him. Her man, that word doesn't sound nice. Rick leaves my hand and I felt a storm of hitherto unknown emotions, one of them seems like tearing my heart out. I wrap my arms against my chest and avoid looking at them, don't want to see them intertwined.

I couldn't believe it, Rick pushed her back, throwing her a warning look, Megan chuckle.

"As cold as ever" she commented winking at him, she is yet to notice my presence.

Rick's complete demeanor has changed, his eyes are as hard as stone and so his behavior. He has a straight poker face with no ounce of emotion. Laying his hand on my shoulder, he whispers into my ears.

"You sure, you are ok here?" My head cock to his side, eyeing him sharply, tired of his repetitive questions. Rick stares me back with uncertainty, instead of us, our eyes continue talking. Megan cleared her throat, seeking attention.

"Rick, get ready, your round is in few minutes" Finally the moment comes, my heart thump in my chest. The excitement was replaced with worries.

He huffed before wrapping his arm around my shoulder, "Megan, take care of her" Rick said without removing his eyes from me, it's a command more than a request.

"Sure" her voice is not as excited as before. Giving me one more instructive stare, Rick walks into the room to change. A surge to stop him tempted me, but Megan escorts me to their VIP room on time.

"Enjoy the show" Offering me a beer, she hops onto the sofa.

"I am good, thanks" I politely refuse, she knit her brow first then shrug her shoulder.

"Whatever princess," she said, tartly. Ignoring her hostile attitude, I smile cordially.

"What's your name again," she asked bossily.

"Jennifer" she nods her head.

"So, Jennifer, why are you staying at his home?" She tries to intimidate me with her bitchy voice, girl the real bitch is here. Old Jen must have terrified by you, but this, try your luck.

"None of your business" Taking a seat, I gaze towards the changing room, Rick has not yet come.

"Don't forget, you are in my domain" The stiffness in her voice doesn't faze me a bit.

"Megan, I am here to watch Rick's fight, not interested at all in getting myself into any catfight. So, spare me" Plastering a confident smile, I answered looking straight into her eyes.

Not amused with my reply, she glares at me. But, before it takes an ugly mode, the anchor announced Rick's name into the microphone. My eyes instantly search for Rick, my mouth open agape watching Rick walking to the ring.

"This is the best part of the show" Megan winks at me, glancing down at Rick's bare chest and abs. Her eyes fill with lust. Uncomfortable with her open display of affection, I divert my attention on Rick. I look at the opponent fighting against Rick, the dude is heavier than Rick and carries a murderous gaze. A big scar below his eyebrow, giving a more dangerous vibe.

Rick stood at the side of the stage, at his ease. He stares at his opponent menacingly, while listening to the rules pitch by the man in the middle of the stage, occasionally glancing at me. The bell rings and butterflies start to fly all through my stomach.

The crowd starts cheering crazily, the noise of whistles and claps buzz the entire club. The bulky guy attacked Rick with a hard punch Luckily, Rick moved his head, took a step forward at a leisurely pace and throw a punch forward, his opponent also sent out a punch. The two fists collided, producing a loud sound.

This continued for minutes, both are giving each other the best fight, all I am witnessing from up while chewing my nails. I dislike this game immensely, my breath caught in my throat's pipeline watching Rick taking the hard punches on his body.

"You look worried," Megan said with a sly smile. I don't know what to answer, I chose to avoid conversation.

"Don't worry, he is just warming up." Turning my head, I acknowledge her this time.

"I am wondering, why he has not taken a few sniffs before a fight like usual" I didn't get it.

"What?" Confused, I asked.

"Duh, do you even know that man" she finds this hilarious?

"It seems you know him quite closely." I can't control my tongue.

"if you mean.. tangling on the bed closely" I have a look of shock on my face, my breath stuck in my throat. I don't want to know that part, my mind started picturing them on the bed. Damn, a pang of jealousy ignited in me.

"I am not interested" She burst into a laugh.

"Man, look at your face." I feel suffocated, embarrassed, and offended.

"I never got that lucky, look at me, do you think anybody can reject my advance?" No, she is beautiful and young. Man would kill for her. I shook my head.

"Exactly, but that man is extremely resistant. Even in his drunken high state, his conscience strikes him to not take any further step, he maintains his celibacy." I feel light, happy on her revelation. Megan tries to sound jesting about it, yet something in her eyes says another story.

"I admit truthfully, I hate you." Her eyes spark with fierce, I don't understand her sudden bluntness. We don't even know each other, then why she hates me?

"Why?"

"Jennifer, aren't you the woman of Rick's life? He mumbled many times shoving me away, stating, you are not her" My heart is troubled, tears form in my eyes as my heart ached.

"I presume, you are her" am I? My mind echoed.

"It's killing me to say, you both will be good together" I bite my lips, it doesn't help take away the gaping hole burrowing into my chest.

"Some people are not meant for each other, no matter how much they might wish for" Megan raised her brows in confusion, instead of giving her attention, I glance back at Rick, he is still fighting with the bulky guy, something strange pull the string and his eyes stop at me. That guy took the benefit of his distraction, he raised the fist and punched Rick on his face, he coughed blood.

"Rick" I whimper on the seat.

"Fuck, girl you are a great distraction." An accusing tone of Megan startles me.

"Hey, Megan, won't you introduce me to your friend?" Another voice cut through the silence of the room, a tall guy, having a dragon tattoo on his neck, smiling at me.

"Fuck off, you are not allowed in this room, Rob" Megan sternly dismissed him.

"C'mon Meg, you are out of limit, but don't ruin my chance with this girl." His lusty and hungry eyes begin to wander on my body, it disgusted me, he leaps towards me and taken a seat beside me. I move instantly, making a good distance.

"Get out Rob before I call my guards" He hissed in a breath.

"I am just talking to this beautiful lady, no harm Meg" he touches my hair and sniffs into it. Immediately, I jump out of my seat.

"You smell good" I am sure he is high on something, Megan looks distressed. She tried to dial the number, but that Rob guy has snatched the phone from her hand. She couldn't let me alone with him to call her guards.

"A little fun won't harm anybody, Meg" he smiles evilly, Megan and I are helpless, she still tried to threaten him, but it went to deaf ears. Rob smile greedily raising his hand towards me, I couldn't fight him, he is ten times better in strength compared to me, I closed my eyes in terror.

A sound of a bang astonished me, before I could understand what's happening, the guy was knocked down on the floor and Rick is on him, throwing punches mercilessly.

A few men tried to separate him from Rob, but Rick won't stop, he continues kicking him. Rob is half-conscious and bloody on the floor, Megan is calling Rick from behind and urging him to stop. Rick seems gone far away, his eyes are crazily angered, and he is shaking with rage.

"Jenifer, stop him" Megan's voice broke my trance. Taking a slow step, I stutter his name.

"Rick, stop" he doesn't listen first, I shout his name again. He turns his head to me, breathing heavily, wiping blood from his lips, he yells at me.

"I warned you, this place is not for you" not knowing what to do, I nod my head slowly.

"I know, let's go from here" He raised his fist once again to punch him but stops when I pleaded with him again. "Please, Rick, I am scared" I couldn't stand watching blood, panic starts hitting me.

Giving me a meaningful stare, he turns back to me. His hands are still shaking, his lips are swollen, and the skin of his jaw is crack open. Holding my hand, he pulls me to him, he kisses my head and wipes my tears.

"I am sorry, let's go" a sigh of relief I felt once we left that club. I didn't even get a chance to say bye to Megan, we started on the wrong note, but I like her.

In the car, we both remain quiet until he pulls the car near the restaurant. We ordered food and ate in peaceful silence. No words exchanged, we both are taking time to process the entire chaos. Each moment with Rick, is melting my heart, I am on the verge of losing my all senses, though, my brain never fails to remind all horrendous deeds of Rick. I am alone, confused and exhausted. I miss Mrs. Karen, her presence helps me to calm, I desperately want to listen to her angelic voice.

"Rick, can I call Mrs. Karen, please" We are in town, the network won't be a problem here.

He passes his cell phone to me.

"You are not a prisoner Jen, you don't need my permission" Clutching the phone in my hand, I nod my head. Allowing me privacy, he went to pay the bill.

"Hello" She attends the call on the second ring.

"How are you Mrs. Karen?"

"Doll" A happy smile curls on my lips listening to her endearment, I never said it aloud, but I love this woman to my core. After mom, this woman has loved me with all of her heart.

"Thank god you called, I was worried for you" her voice is weak and tired.

"Are you ok?"

"I am now" a relief in her voice warms me.

"I...I...um" I couldn't fathom the right word, it's hard for me to express my love.

"I miss you Mrs. Karen" tears flooded my eyes.

"Are you hurt, that bastard did something to you, right? he will rot in hell, I am telling you, I am praying every day for his punishment ..." I laugh, this woman doesn't know to stop.

"Mrs. Karen, I am fine, stop it" she paused for a moment, hesitant.

"Doll, please tell me, where are you?" I know she is crying, damn I am crying too, since when I became emotional again.

"Back to the place from where all started." Taking a long breath, I continued "Anyways, just wanted to hear your voice, take care of your health, I never said before but you mean a world to me" she broke into tears.

"Doll, I love you, sweetheart, never thought this day will come, my cold Jen will show some affection to this old lady." Oh god, this woman is amazing.

"I love you too Mrs. Karen" I couldn't say those words to her, I disconnected the call, its overwhelming. I saw some change in myself, I started feeling again, I could feel the sun, this cold breeze, I could see through the dark, I could feel my heartbeats, am I turning into a human again?

.Hello, lovelies!

I hope and pray, you and your loved ones are safe and happy.

Enjoy this lengthy chapter, I wanted to add one more para but I thought maybe in the next chapter. Promised JenRick moment missed in this chapter, but surely in the next update.

Jen hinted to Mrs. Karen about her whereabouts, what do you think about it?

Is somebody looking for Jen?

What do you think about the current dynamic between JenRick?

Would love to hear your thoughts, please keep commenting. I enjoy the interactive session, and it reminds me of our last update.

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Thank you for participating and posting comments on my last update.... actually was feeling low and wanted to interact with someone and I appreciate your response on my urge... Love you all 😘😘😘❤️❤️❤️