Double Standards (Part 1)

Monster Unleashed

Laney

There was a smile planted on my lips all the way to my hotel. My time with London was perfect. Almost too good to be true. My heart did jumping jacks every time I thought of him, which was constantly. He made me happy and I wasn't going to let him go or let our chance pass due to Dillon. My plan was to talk to Dillon when I got back. Explain that it just wasn't working and we should go our separate ways. Dillon has always been level headed, so I didn't feel threatened by him. Afterall, we both know we're not in love. Basically he stays by my side just for the perks my money comes with, waiting for his acting career to take off. Honestly I don't think it ever will. Yes, he's became a drain to me.

Walking into my room, I found Dillon sitting on the couch, beer in hand, while surrounded by several empty bottles. Sighing, I stood in front of him. "Dillon, we need to talk". Looking concerned he replied "okay Laney". Taking a deep breath I began. "I've been thinking alot about us and where we are going. To be honest Dillon I'm not truly happy, and I think you feel the same way. It's best for us to move on".

I was somewhat shocked when Dillon nodded in agreement. "Your right Laney. We should".
What the hell, I thought. That's it, no heated argument or harsh words. Dillon rose with a smile coming toward me, as if he wanted to hug me. Placing a hand on my cheek he grinned and said "Oh Laney, tsk tsk tsk....see you may think we are over, but we aren't. Not until I say it". Before I could answer he brought his other hand down hard across my face, sending me down. I'd never been hit by a man and my thoughts were scattered. As I tried to scramble up, I tasted blood in my mouth. Trying to back away from him, he jerked me up by my hair. "See here's the thing, I called your aid today and I was told there was no emergency meeting". Shit I thought, I didn't think he'd be smart enough to check up on my tales. "I know you was out whoreing around. That comes to an end right now. No one is going to take my money". I blurted out "It's mine not yours". I was answered by another blow to my face, this time bringing blood from my nose. Just then my phone buzzed. He snatched it away and read the text out loud. "From London" Dillon spat. "Let's see what he has to say" He read the text out loud.

"Hey babydoll. I can't help but worry about you. Please reply back asap so I know your okay. Miss you already".

Dillon laughed as he jerked me by my arm slinging me to the floor. My shoulder caught the coffee table. I cryed out as a searing pain coursed through. As I tryed to get up but Dillon sailed his foot in my ribs and I collapsed in a crying heap.

I watched in horror through  tears as he replied back to London himself, but acting as me.

"Seems I've had a change of heart. I'm not leaving Dillon, I love him dearly. Stay away from me. Don't contact me back ever"

Dillon smiled over his accomplishments as he stood over Laney's battered body. "Now that that's settled, go clean yourself up. You look pathetic." Grabbing her leg, he drug her to the bathroom slinging her in. Laney quickly locked herself in then sunk against the door sobbing.

London

Soon as I read Laney's response, I knew something was wrong. This wasn't her speaking. Worry and anger boiled up inside me. Immediately I called Conner, Marcus, and Silas. It was time to make a visit.

Laney

I finally managed to stand up and caught my reflection in the mirror. Gasping, I touched my tender face. That fucker. What right does he have to treat me this way, I thought as I dabbed my face gently with a warm clothe. Rage fueled through me and on impulse, I snatched the door open to hunt him down. True, I'd probably get another beat down, but this time he'd know I'd been there. That I will fight back.

I saw him standing quietly in the living room. Without a word I stomped up to him and laid the hardest punch of my life to his chin. Hard enough to cause pain through my hand. "Never put your hands on me again and get the fuck out" Stunned that he just stood there frozen, I followed his gaze over to the cornor of the room.

I let out a shriek as I saw a dark figure in a suit emerge from the shadows with a gun trained on Dillon. As the figure came closer, I realized it was Conner, London's friend. With fear in my heart I backed away  and took off for the door, but was met by Silas. Screaming again I sprinted for the bedroom to use the hotel phone and call for help. I was almost there when a hand reached out grabbing me around my waist. Before I could scream a hand clamped over my mouth. "Shhh....babydoll. Your safe now. No one's going to hurt you".

My heart shattered at the sound of London's voice in my ear. My worst fear was confirmed. London was apart of the Mafia or some form of sordid gang. Starting to hyperventilate from fear, London removed his hand, turning me to look at him. "Breathe babydoll. Your okay. You'll always be ok now. There's nothing to fear". Tilting my chin up, he saw the marks left by Dillon. His eyes changed into something demonic, someone I didn't know. Letting his gaze drift to Dillon, he said between gritted teeth "but sadly he won't be okay. Marcus, take Laney to the bedroom to gather her things. Oh, and be sure to shut the door".
"Yes boss".

I fought Marcus every step of the way, as I saw Conner sweep Dillon's leg from under him. As London approached, Conner spat "you bow before the king". Just as Marcus shut the bedroom door I saw London sliding on black leather gloves. "No" I screamed. Marcus was piling my belongings into any bag he could find while I heard screams of agony coming from Dillon.

Even though Dillon used me as a punching bag, I didn't want him dead. Lunging for the door I ran out and saw London hovering over Dillon. He had his hand bent at a ackward angle and then I heard the crack of bones and Dillon wail out in pain. Fighting the nausea that was threatening to find it's way out, I ran over throwing my body over Dillons. Sobbing, I screamed stop. "God damn it Marcus. I told you to keep her away" London roared. "Sorry boss, she slid pass me".
"Take her to the car now"
"Yes boss".

Sobbing, I pleaded with London . "Ppplease don't kill him"
"Go Marcus" he roared. I was able to lock eyes with him before Marcus drug me out, silently pleading. I huddled in the cornor of the car, my body racking with sobs of pure terror.

Back in the room, London was delivering pain to Dillon. When he saw Dillon start to pass out, he bent down and snarled "she's the only reason I will let you live this time.  I want you out of NY by the morning, and it'd be wise to never return. If you snitch I can and will hunt you down and wipe out your entire family. Am I understood?" Dillon nodded his head painfully and mumbled between swollen lips "yes".

When they all returned to the car London slid in next to me. Out of fear I shrank away, but he pulled me to him whispering soothing words. After a few minutes, I said between sobs "I'm going to be", but I didn't get to finish because it boiled out. London rubbed my back and held my hair. I saw puke on the floorboard, seat, him, and me. None of the other men turned to look or say anything negative about my sickness in the car. Silas did offer a napkin and water. London softly wiped my mouth and continued to soothe me. "It's okay babydoll. Your okay. Will get you home and cleaned up". Between hiccups I said "Don't call me that, don't ever call me that". I couldn't read or understand the look that crossed London's face, but I could feel the tension amongst all the men in the car. Finally starting to feel dizzy I succumbed to the darkness, for all I knew I was getting ready to be murdered and dumped in the Hudson, never to wake again.