Jacob-

"I think you're losing your charm mate," Tom announces, only his voice is barely audible from having buried himself underneath the body of Danni's busted motor.

With an expression full of irritation I glance downwards. Why I do this I don't know, considering neither of us can see each other due to several tonnes of metal chassis blocking the view.

"Right," Ollie interjects with a snort, "that's not the usual reaction you get from kissing a girl is it now?" 

My head snaps up at his teasing, eyes narrowing in his direction.

"Give me some credit guys. This is Kitty White were talking about here," I reply haughtily, but can't help following it up with a heavy sigh.

"Sure. Who would have thought she'd grow into herself like that?" Tom agrees rolling out from beneath the car. Clambering to his feet, he dusts his hands off, on a filthy pair of faded denim jeans. It was always a rare occurrence to see him in clean clothes, the last time I recall being when we went to watch Kitty's performance.

"Oi. Sinclair! Get off that will you, it's a customers," Tom barks out, and in return, Ollie hops down from the bonnet with a roll of his eyes.

I shoot the brunette a sly smirk and he sticks his tongue out between his teeth in return. Tilting my chin up towards the sky with a smile on my face, I wait, for the afternoon sun to peep through the clouds. My mind wanders, being here at the garage with the boys always reminds me of the good times.

We'd made some pretty awesome memories since I'd moved over from America, and I'd lost count of the number of nights we'd spent up until all hours, chatting about random bullshit and slugging our way through crates of beer. Mr Harper would stumble upon us in the early hours of the morning when he came to open the shop, give us a bollocking, then drag our sorry asses to school. Even after all the trouble we caused, not once did he tell my parents. They would probably have hit the roof if they found out, especially dad.

These guys didn't have to take me in, but they did, accepting me as one of their own. It had taken an incredible amount of strain away from my school life, having close friends I could rely on. After the awful year I'd had previously, what I needed was close friends that I could rely on, and Oliver Sinclair and Tomas Harper fulfilled that.

"Jesus, you've really got it bad Wilde," Ollie smirks, interrupting my thoughts with a clap on the shoulder.

I raise an eyebrow in a sarcastic gesture. "I wasn't even thinking about Kitty then," I insist whilst kicking an empty Cola can with my sneaker.

"Of course you weren't," he chides, the tone of his voice making it clear he doesn't believe me in the slightest.

"So," Tom interjects the two of us. "Why don't you just tell her?"

"Tell her what?" I question, feigning innocence.

"You know what," He deadpans back, a flat look on his face, "at least she'll understand then why you act so crazy around her all of the time."

"I don't act crazy around her," I whine in protest peering over at Ollie for back up.

His pupils dart around in every direction before he replies," Sorry mate, but you kind of are."

A grunt erupts from deep in my throat in response, " I just care about her. A lot," I admit, more to myself than any of the boys.

"We know," Ollie confirms, sounding a little more sincere as he slings one of his long arms around my neck, "don't you think you owe it to her to explain why you're so overprotective all the time?"

"I'm not overprotective."

"You are!" They both declare in unison.

My eyebrows furrow together in a frown as I stare down at the hard concrete beneath my feet. The distinct sound of heels clicking in the distance alerts my attention to a female heading towards us.

Danielle stands before us dressed in a bright yellow top that cuts off at her midriff along with tight skinny jeans that cling to her long legs. A pair of oversized sunglasses sit on the bridge of her nose, even though it's the middle of Winter.

"Hello, boys!" She bleats happily.

Ollie flashes a wide smile at her, while Tom eyes her up, a cocky grin adorning his lips. I sense he's thinking the same as me when our gazes meet in the middle.

"And the award for the most inappropriate outfit goes to- drumroll please."

Chuckling as I do, I wrap my hands on the wooden bench panels to create a seemingly good imitation of a drumroll.

"Danielle Kirk!" Tom finishes, mimicking the voice that's commonly used on film trailers.

Danielle reaches over to give him a playful shove

"I'll have you know, this," she declares gesturing to her outfit, "is the height of fashion, right now."

"Does the height of fashion require you to wear the most ridiculous shoes imaginable?" I question, staring at the platform heels under her feet.

She whirls around to face my direction, her hair whipping around in the wind as she does. I'm sure behind those tinted lenses, her eyes show her irritation. It's so easy to wind this girl up, she takes the bait so well.

"What would you know about fashion, Mr Wilde," she growls, her crimson lips pursed together, "you know about as much about fashion as you know about picking up women."

"Oh ho ho! You got owned, Casanova!"

Now it's my turn to glare, "will you not call me that Ollie?"

"But you're so popular with the ladies though, it just suits you," he laughs back.

Dannielle coughs to clear her throat and prods an accusatory finger at my chest. I glance down at the finger mutely, shifting my gaze to focus on her once again.

"I happen to know one certain lady that hasn't been bewitched by your charms," she chides in an overly teasing manner.

"Oh, don't you start woman," I reply gruffly, as I clasp my fingers around her small hand and yank her closer to me.

Through the corner of my eye, I notice Ollie's body stiffen and I have to try hard to conceal the smirk that's growing on my lips. As if I'd go for someone like Danielle Kirk; much too high maintenance for me.

"So in all seriousness Danni, why are you wearing sunglasses in the middle of Winter?" I question.

I raise an eyebrow skyward, keeping her pinned to my chest, as she tries to squirm free from my hold. Finally, she pauses and with her free hand, she lifts her shades to rest them on top of her head. She watches me, blinking slowly, contemplating her next words carefully.

"It's called Winter sun, Moron," she replies in monotone, "in all seriousness why do you always act like such a douche bag around my best friend? I don't care if it works with other women, Kitty's sensitive and I don't want you hurting her!"

I gulp down the uncomfortable lump in my throat, holding eye contact. Danielle is beautiful, there's no doubt about it, but when she gets angry she is a woman possessed. A snicker fills my ears, causing an irritated Danni to turn to see who the culprit is.

"I don't know Jay, she didn't seem sensitive when she was dancing on the-"

Ollie's voice dies out when he notices me in the background, wide-eyed and motioning for him to stop with an imaginary knife at my throat. Alas, it's too late. Danielle glances back at me sharply before strutting over to her boyfriend. Her hand shoots out, her perfectly manicured fingers grasping the material of his t-shirt. Danni is considerably shorter than him even in heels but boy does she look more intimidating right now.

"Dancing on the what?" she demands carefully.

Tom and I smirk at Ollie, who's looking incredibly overwhelmed and ready to flee at any given moment.

"Nothing," he stumbles out awkwardly, "I didn't say anything!"

I swear I hear a growl erupt from Danni before she speaks again.

"Oh you did, Oliver Sinclair. And if it's to do with my best friend you'd better tell me if you don't want these five-inch heels shoved up your ass."

See. Woman possessed.

"So, anyway I have to leave, Ollie. I'll leave you to enjoy the company of your, let's face it slightly crazy female."

Dannielle's pupils shift towards me but she doesn't act on my words, too hell-bent on getting her boyfriend to talk.

"Me too mate. I need to get back to work," Tom announces before heading back inside the garage shop.

My car isn't far from the garage and after a brisk five-minute walk I'm close enough to open it with a click of a button on the key fob. I'm about to step into the car when my phone alerts me of a text message. Once safe in the driver's seat, I check my messages. A message from Danielle awaits me.

Jacob Wilde!! You are so dead for taking your mates to watch Kitty dance!!!!

A smirk spreads across my face as I type back a quick reply.

Sure Sweetheart, but you'll have to catch me first =p xJx

After pressing send, I push my foot to the gas pedal and make a quick escape. Danielle's sure to be pissed when she reads the message.

**********

Kitty-

"Wait. He's asking for me?" I bleat incredulously, beginning to clam up just at the mere suggestion of someone requesting a dance from me. Who could it possibly be?

For a moment I stare gormlessly at the stunning female before me, but a light tap on the shoulder breaks me out of my daydreaming.

"Kitty, are you going to just stand there? I'll take it if you don't want the money," Jessica offers.

"No, no," I shake my head, bringing myself back to reality, "sorry, I'll get right to it now."

Turning on my heel, I head into the depths of the club, past hundreds of sweaty, intoxicated bodies. Tonight, the venue has reached full capacity, but then I guess it's just the usual, for a Saturday.

Since working at 'On Safari' I'd continued having lessons with Raven, and now, unfortunately, was no longer a stranger to private dances. The first was horrifying, the second a little scary, but after the third, I'd managed to desensitise myself to what I was doing and it became more routine. Don't get me wrong, I was nowhere near as popular as the other girls, but Raven said I had a major advantage over them because of my young age.

Even so, I'd never had a request via my name and it unnerved me to think anyone knows I'm here. The only people who know my real name for sure are the boys, Ollie, Tom and Jacob, and of course Dannielle. Could it be Jacob toying with me? Would he go that far to get my attention?

He hadn't been in contact with me since the night I slapped him sideways for kissing me. My fingers find my lips running across them absently and convincing myself it must be Jacob waiting for me, I hasten my pace, eager to get this ridiculous conversation over and done. If he thinks he's getting a private lap dance from me, he's got another thing coming.

I grasp the curtain leading off to the second private room and swing it across, turning my back on the person inside. Then I pull it back across to conceal us in the small room. As I turn to face the man my eyes close in anger, eyebrows furrowing together. How dare Jacob pull a stunt like this at my workplace.

"Look, Wilde. I don't know what you're playing at here but I've had enough. I told you to stay away."

My heart sinks at the voice that follows.

"Hello, Melissa."

Two simple words, that cause my world to come crashing down around me. My feet root themselves to the floor, my heart races, threatening to explode at any minute. I refuse to open my eyes, to face the creature that completely and utterly destroyed my life. His was a voice I hadn't expected to hear again. The voice of the man that haunted my dreams and my existence. Hugo Stone.

In a matter of seconds, I'm on my knees, screaming at the top of my lungs. I throw my hands over my ears, trying to drown out the horrific laughter that echoes around the room. Tears flow freely down my cheeks and my body shakes in fear to the very core.

If I don't open my eyes I don't have to face reality.

"Kitty! What the hell is going on?!"

The voice of my saviour fills me with relief like never before. A warm embrace engulfs me from behind and as a result my eyes finally spring open. Pupils dart around the room, searching for the man to match the voice. Only no one else is there. The only people who appear to occupy the room is me, Ivan and Raven.

"What happened here?!" Raven demands, towering above me in nothing but a pair of lacy black thongs.

"Calm down Raven," the gruff voice beside me declares, "give it a minute, you can see she's shaken up."

"Seriously!" She snaps back throwing her arms by her side in frustration,  "what's the big deal? There's not even anyone here!"

"There was!" I manage to cry out indignantly.

"It's alright Kitty, " Ivan soothes, rubbing his hand on my back, "let's get you upstairs."

I watch helplessly as Raven stalks through the curtain towards the back of the room. She's clearly furious, she must have been in the middle of something, or someone. Ivan helps pick my shaking form up off the floor and we head upstairs, to his office. Once there, I feel considerably safer and manage to calm myself down a little. He raises his eyebrows at me and runs a hand through his bright hair.

"Do you want to explain to me what happened?" he offers.

Staring at my hands in my lap, I shake my head from side to side. Ivan releases a deep breath of air. Reaching across the desk he picks up one of my hands in his own. I stare at the black ink encircling his arm, forcing myself to meet his eyes.

"Kitty. I can't help you if you won't tell me what's going on," he says gently.

I pull my hand from him, quickly tucking it under my legs out of the way.

"You can't help me," I reply, barely audible, "no one can."

"Right," he answers sternly, "then I want you to take a break from work."

My head shoots up in surprise

"Wait! What? I can't, I need the money Ivan," I shriek in protest

"Kitty. I can't have stuff like this happening, it causes commotion and bad reputation," he explains from a very businesslike point of view, "I'm sorry but I can't have that."

I lunge forward, gripping his arm in desperation. "Please Ivan. Don't do this to me, I'm begging you!"
Ivan watches me for a good couple of minutes. I'm close to tears, close to breaking down all over again.

His eyes reflect the sadness that he feels. It must be difficult for him, and I understand he has to protect his business. After what feels like an eternity he breaks eye contact and speaks.

"Ok," he confirms, then quickly adds, "but you're going back behind the bar."

"Ok," I agree, with a nod, "thank you."

Being behind the bar means I'll make considerably less money, but at least I still have a job and I'll be safe.

"Now go home, clean yourself up. I'll see you Tuesday," he ushers me pointing to the door.

A small smile materialises on my face, "seriously, thanks, Ivan."

********
The moment I step up to my front door an eery atmosphere surrounds me, uncomfortable and suffocating. All the way driving home, I constantly checked my rearview mirrors, having a suspicious feeling someone was following me. The events of the night had put me on edge, and I'd been checking over my shoulder every chance I got.

The door groans as I turn the key in the lock. I step inside eager to get out of the bitterly cold wind.
Except for a soft glow coming from the living room, the house is dark. I drop my bags on the floor with a sigh and kick off my heels by the front door. When I stand up straight the figure of a man startles me and I nearly stumble to the floor. Upon walking closer to the light I realise it's just my dad and let out a breath of air in relief.

"Hi daddy," I smile, but when he doesn't return the expression I realise something is wrong.

"Don't Hi daddy me," he growls back, fury burning in his eyes, "where have you been? And what the fuck are you wearing?!"

My cheeks flush red at the realisation that I'm still wearing an incredibly skimpy cat outfit, complete with ears and a tail. Eyes wide, I struggle to find an answer to his unspoken question. As dad looms closer, the overpowering smell of whisky engulfs me, almost knocking me back.

"I went to a party- " I begin to say but don't manage to finish.

"Is this what you've been doing?" he demands, snatching my wrist in his hand while I squirm under the tight grip, "whoring yourself out like some sort of filthy prostitute!"

"No daddy, I- Please you're hurting me," I beg,

His grip on me tightens, causing tears to threaten to fall. Sharp fingernails slice into my skin, allowing blood to pool.

"You're disgusting! No daughter of mine is go-"

"Let her go." The new voice that interrupts our conversation belongs to Hunter, who sounds absolutely enraged.  With the flick of a switch, the main light illuminates the room.

"You know about this?!" Dad bellows pointing to me in disgust.

I glance up, desperately not wanting to meet my brother's eyes, but what I see when I do surprises me. Hunter's eyes don't show any disappointment towards me he's not looking at me at all. His eyes focus purely on dad. I've never seen him act this way before, and if he weren't my brother I would be afraid.

"Let go of my sister!" Hunter demands.

Dad grunts before throwing me towards my brother, who catches me in his arms holding me upright.

"Fucking disgusting," he sneers at me, "and you just as much for defending her."

I duck my head into Hunter's chest, momentarily wanting to forget this man is my father. Hunters arms wrap around me tighter still.

"This drinking problem has gone far enough," he states simply.

The sudden sirens ring through my ears loud and clear in the distance. Watching your own father bundled off in handcuffs is not the way you ever want to spend a Saturday night.

A/N- Hey guys! Here's a nice long chapter for you( it's actually longer than I realised XD) You're welcome! Hope you enjoy it. I love writing banter between Jacob and the boys =p

Dedicated to i-freaking-lo_ove-me toriatobin that_writing_gurl Sofiagenius mypleasingmemories kiwimash12 FrozenRobot004

Thanks for your patience too guys <3 Until next time xxx