Black Fuel and Bikes

Chapter Nine

Warnings: Violence.

Shannon could see it the moment they got home. The tough front she had been putting up crumbling. It killed him to see her scared out of her mind like this.

They had stayed a bit with Jared and Tomo, security checking around the property to make sure everything was okay. Christan had hired two people to stay close by, surveilling the house over the next 24 hours.

After saying goodbye, Jared, Tomo and Emma got into Jared's car, cop cars following them to make sure everything was okay and that they reached their destination safely. Tomo would be staying with Jared tonight, along with Emma, everyone still a bit shook up at the events that had occurred tonight.

Shannon reached out tentatively, pulling Talia into his arms as she let her tears spill. He let her cry, comforting her the best way he could, rubbing circles on her back. "Shh, babe, it's gonna be okay. I promise."

Talia felt the despair gripping her. Tonight had been too close of a call for comfort. Her stomach was twisting and turning. She pushed Shannon away, making a dash to the bathroom and throwing up the contents of her stomach, before sitting with her back against the toilet, head in her hands. Everything she had been through playing like a movie in her mind. Every abuse, every act of violence thrown against her.

Shannon stopped in the doorway, watching her retreat into her mind even more. He had to be careful with his approach. He sat down by the door, back against the wall, waiting for her to ground herself. The memory of finding her at her apartment was almost enough to make him throw up, but he swallowed it down.

Talia closed her eyes for a moment, willing the images to go away. She opened her eyes, looking around, trying to find a way to ground herself. "1, 2, 3, 4..." She whispered, counting the cracks in the wall.

She closed her eyes, taking a couple of deep breaths, before opening them to focus on Shannon. They communicated with their eyes, both getting up slowly. Talia got the toothbrush, brushing away the taste of vomit.

Shannon waited for her to be done, before reaching out his hand, her hand closing against his tightly. Without a word, they headed upstairs to the bedroom.

Shannon laid down, pulling Talia close to his body, kissing her forehead. She looked drained, but still as beautiful as ever, her green eyes focusing on his before she placed a kiss on his lips.

He cupped her cheek, stroking it softly, pressing his forehead against hers. "You okay to get some sleep? We can talk tomorrow."

Talia nodded, appreciating the fact that he wasn't pushing. It's what she loved the most about him, the fact that he was respectful of her boundaries. She curled up against him, staring off into the distance.

She felt his breathing evening out, the familiar soft snoring that told her he was out. She sighed, sitting up and looking over at his sleeping features. Tears brimmed to the surface once again as she leaned down to kiss his lips softly. "Thank you for showing me what it means to feel loved. I hope you understand."

Talia got up, heading to the guest room and quickly packing her stuff. She knew she shouldn't even be considering leaving, but tonight had been too much for her. Knowing that the people she loved were being put in danger because of her was something she couldn't take. She had to go. It was best this way before things escalated.

Silently, she made her way downstairs, looking around. She was sure this was going to be the last time she saw this house. She smiled a little, knowing she would be able to keep tabs on him through his band. She scribbled a note with a simple "I'm sorry.", leaving it where she knew he would be able to see it easily.

She got her bike, not turning it on and heading out through the back of the house, where there was a small gate in the backyard. Years of sneaking around got her past security easily.

It wasn't until she was two blocks away that she got on the bike, driving off into the distance, fresh tears spilling and her heart breaking at leaving behind someone she loved.

* * * * * *

Shannon woke up with a start, looking around wildly. The events of last night flooded his brain. He frowned when he found the room empty, panic rising in his chest. "No... she wouldn't."

He headed to the guest room to find it vacant of her things, his chest hurting as he struggled to breathe. He searched the house, calling out her name, although in his heart he knew it was in vain. He reached the living room, finding her note on the coffee table, crumbling it up in his hands and collapsing on the floor, the tears running freely.

He wasn't a man that cried easily, but despair and the thought of never seeing her again made him cave. Jared entered the living room, rushing to his brother the moment he saw him.

"Shannon, what's wrong?"

"She's gone..." Shannon whispered.

Jared's eyes widened, his heart breaking for his brother. He pulled him into a hug, trying to comfort him. "I'm sorry, bro."

* * * * *

Shannon saw her everywhere he went. She was a like ghost haunting his mind. Sometimes, he thought he could smell her. He couldn't focus at work, it seemed he was just going through the motions.

After a week, he gave up on going to work, locking himself up in his house, sending Christian's guys on their way. It wasn't of any use now. All that had mattered was protecting her and Shannon had failed her.

He found himself in the guest bedroom, holding onto the pillow she had slept on, closing his eyes, her fragrance invading his senses, bittersweet tears at the happy memories they shared.

He shook his head, getting up and heading to the basement, to his music room. Stopping in front of the piano, he stroked it gently, before sitting down and pressing a key, the shrill sound echoing throughout the empty house.

He pressed his head against the edge of the piano, breathing out slowly, unaware that nearby someone was taking a photo. It happened so fast Shannon never saw it coming. He was knocked out, his body slumping forward.

Adrian's shrill laughter echoed out throughout the house. Talia had run away before he could gather what he needed, but he was going to lure her out. He told his man to pick up Shannon. "We're gonna go for a little ride, you disgusting thief." Adrian told him. He had a private jet close by.

He smiled, following his men out to the black car waiting outside. He took the time to send out a little text, before turning off his phone. This was gonna be fun.

Talia was two states across, not doing much better than Shannon. Every day she spent away from him seemed to hurt more. There was an ache, a longing to be with him again but she knew it couldn't happen.

She stared out at the ocean, leaning against the rail, holding back tears when her phone beeped. It was an unknown number. Her heart stopped as she saw the picture, her panic levels rising as she read the text below.

Come back to me and I won't kill him. You know where to find us.