Kane and Skyler enjoyed the time they spent together that morning and by time both left the restaurant, they each knew they would be spending more time together in the future. Kane hoped it would be that evening.
"Would you have dinner with me tonight?" Kane asked as he and Skyler drove back to Jaden's office.
Skyler felt her heart leap up into her throat as she looked over at Kane, who was gazing back at her, waiting for her answer.
"Well, I'd love to, but I was hoping to spend some time with Jaden too." Skyler answered, almost kicking herself after having said that.
"Okay." Kane said and Skyler could clearly hear the disappointment in his voice. "Maybe some other time then."
"Wait! How about if we get Jaden and Taker come along too. Then I'd still be able to talk with her and….um..spend more time with you." Skyler said the last part so softly, Kane barely heard it."
Kane smiled happily. "That's a wonderful idea." Kane answered, just as he turned into the parking lot of Jaden's office, hoping Jaden and Taker would agree to dinner that evening as well.
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ChapterFifteen
Skyler and Kane walked into the lobby of the office just as Taker was walking out of Jaden's office. Jaden walked out behind him, her attention on the charts in her hand.
"Hey guys." Taker called when he saw them. Jaden looked up and smiled.
"Wow, Taker, you're walking a lot better." Skyler notice right away, glad to see he wasn't limping.
"I just had the best medicine! A massage." Taker said, giving his brother a sly wink when Kane choked on laughter. "And how was breakfast, little bother?" Taker teased, catching a glare from Kane.
"Skyler, what are you doing tonight? We need to go out!" Jaden said changing the subject.
Skyler glanced up at Kane before looking back at Jaden. "Actually I'm glad you asked. Kane and I were wondering if you and Taker wanted to all go out tonight." Skyler held her breath, praying they would say yes.
"Sounds great to me! Jaden?" Taker asked, looking down at her.
Jaden bit her lip, wanting to say yes more than anything, but remembering Taker was her patient and she couldn't do this. Then again, what would one night out hurt? It wasn't like she was going out with just him. Jaden took a deep breath trying to decide how to answer.
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Chapter Sixteen
"Um, well okay. Sounds good." Jaden said finally after considering it for a few moments. "My shift doesn't end until eight o' clock. I can meet you all there if that's too late."
"No, actually that sounds like perfect time. I'll pick you up and we can meet Skyler and Kane there. I'm pretty sure Kane would like at least a few minutes alone with Skyler." Taker answered, grinning wickedly at Kane, who was glaring back at his brother, his face burning.
Taker turned to Jaden. "I'll meet you back here at eight then, or should I pick you up at your house?" He asked, his green eyes never leaving hers.
"Uh…Here is fine." Jaden replied, knowing if he ever showed up at her house, she would never let him leave. Jaden felt her face grow hot at the very thought and looked down to hide the blush that was creeping into her cheeks.
"Alright, it's a date then!" Taker exclaimed as he stepped closer to Jaden.
"I'll see you later." He said to her in a deep, husky voice that made her heart start pounding even faster than what it already was.
"Yeah…uh…see you later…" She stuttered, barely able to choke out the words. Jaden said good-bye to Skyler and Kane and then after looking at Taker one more time, she turned and went back to her office to get ready for her next appointment. She sat down in her chair, letting out a long breath, feeling that this day wouldn't be over fast enough.
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Chapter Seventeen
Taker, Kane and Skyler all walked in the hotel together. Skyler was just getting ready to say goodbye to them when she heard someone call her name. She turned around and groaned when she saw her cousin Shane coming towards her. He was, at times, even more protective than her uncle.
"Skyler, where in the hell have you been? I've been looking for you everywhere!" Shane exclaimed, taking her arm, instantly leading her away from Taker and Kane, but not before shooting them a warning look. His father had told him to keep the two big brothers away from Skyler and he intended on doing just that.
Skyler stopped walking, and jerked her arm out of Shane's grasp. "I was with Taker and Kane. I went to breakfast then went to see a friend I hadn't seen in a long time." She answered him, curious as to his odd behavior.
"Well, Dad wants you upstairs now!" he said.
Skyler sighed, knowing she was going to get an earful, and Vince definitely wasn't going to like it when she told him she was going out with them again tonight. She turned back to the two men who were still standing there.
"Sorry, but I have to get going. I'll see you guys later." She said softly, feeling humiliated and ashamed at the same time. She quickly turned and walked to the elevators, dreading what her uncle had to say. She only hoped her aunt and Stephanie were there to try and help her…
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Chapter Eighteen
Skyler unlocked the door to her room and sat down on the edge of the bed with a sigh, waiting for the knock that was sure to come at anytime now. She didn't have to wait long.
Skyler jumped up to answer the door as she tried to figure what she was going to tell her uncle. Although she was very grateful for the care he had given her the last few years, it was high time he realized that she was no longer the little girl she had been when she first came into his home.
Skyler opened the door, thankful when she saw Linda and Stephanie along with Vince and Shane.
"Skyler, you know I forbid you to date any of the wrestlers, and what do you do? Exactly the opposite." Vince started, his anger and disappointment visible in his eyes. He continued after a brief pause.
"After everything I've done for you, this is the thanks I get from you…" Vince stopped, waiting for Skyler to say something.
"Uncle Vince, I wasn't on a date with them this morning. I went to see Jaden and then while Taker was doing his physical therapy, Kane and I went out for breakfast. I really don't see what the big deal is. We're just friends." Skyler tried to explain, knowing it was useless. Skyler looked at Linda helplessly, praying that her aunt would defend her.
"See Vince. Just like I told you all along. Skyler has done nothing to go against your wishes." Linda said quietly to her husband as she winked slightly at Skyler, letting her niece know that she would take care of things.
"Is it alright if I go out with Jaden tonight? We have so much catching up to do." Skyler asked, intentionally leaving out the fact that Kane and Taker would be there as well.
"Fine. But don't make it an all nighter. Our flight for St. Louis leaves very early in the morning." Vince answered, giving Skyler a look that told her that this discussion would be continued later.
After they had all left back to their own rooms again, Skyler smiled happily as she stared out the window, barely able to wait for her date that night with Kane.
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Chapter Nineteen
Skyler headed down to the lobby, hoping not to run into her uncle or Shane. She got off the elevator, breaking out into a radiant smile when she saw Kane waiting for her. She started walking towards him, her heartbeat racing as he smiled at her, watching her approach.
"You look beautiful." Kane said, looking down at her.
Skyler blushed and looked down. "Thank you." she replied softly. She couldn't believe how nervous she was. She was afraid of making a total and complete fool of herself.
They walked out to the car, planning on meeting Taker and Jaden at a nearby restaurant then going to a club or bar afterwards.
"So, how did things go with your uncle?" Kane asked as he pulled away from the hotel, knowing he was going to have his hands full with both Vince and Shane.
"As well as can be expected." Skyler answered, not wanting thoughts of being dishonest to her uncle to ruin her evening with Kane. She quickly changed the subject and before long, the two were chatting as if they had known each other forever, and Vince was far from their minds.
****
Jaden's last patient had left fifteen minutes before Taker was to arrive. She ran around her office trying to get her clothes changed, hair redone and straighten her makeup. She was really looking forward to spending time with Skyler, but more so with Taker. She knew she was in trouble.
She walked out of her office, surprised to find Taker sitting in a nearby chair.
"I'm sorry. Have you been waiting long? My last appointment lasted a little longer than I expected." she apologized.
Taker stood up, smiling down at her. "Not a problem. I just got here anyway. Are you ready to go?"
Jaden nodded, she was more than ready to spend some time out of the office with Taker, just as he was with her.
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Chapter Twenty
Taker took Jaden's small hand into his as he led her out to his car. Walking around to the passenger side, Taker opened the door for her before walking around to the driver's side and getting in himself.
Taker smiled over at Jaden as he settled his large form behind the steering wheel and started up the engine. "You look so different outside of the office." Taker said in a deep voice that would have brought Jaden to her knees if she hadn't been sitting.
"Is that good or bad?" Jaden asked, before she knew she was doing so and immediately felt like a huge idiot.
"That's a very good thing. You're stunning." Taker said softly as he put the car into drive and pulled out of the parking lot. Jaden looked down at her hands, a hot blush creeping into her cheeks. Her heart was pounding so hard, she was sure Taker was able to hear it and she didn't know if she would be able to trust her weak legs once she had to stand.
Suddenly Jaden remembered that Taker was still her patient and one way or another, she could have nothing more than a professional and friendly relationship with him. She knew that all of the doctors at the hospital were forbidden from becoming personally involved with their patients. She had seen a few fired before. That was the last thing she wanted to happen to her. Taking a deep breath, Jaden glanced over at Taker, knowing that after tonight was over, their relationship could be nothing more than a professional relationship.
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Chapter Twenty One
Taker and Jaden pulled up at the restaurant, seeing Kane and Skyler were already there. They walked in, easily spotting the couple sitting in the back. They walked to the table and sat down. They all had a wonderful time talking, both Skyler and Jaden catching up on old times. By the time dinner was over, they felt like they hadn't been apart for those five years.
They went to a local nightclub down the street, all ready to relax and have a great time drinking and dancing.
They had been there about a half-hour when trouble started. Jaden and Skyler were out on the dance floor, Kane and Taker having gone to get them drinks, when Jaden saw all the color drain from Skyler's face.
"Shit!" she exclaimed.
"What?" Jaden asked, looking over her shoulder, not seeing anything alarming.
"Uncle Vince and Shane are here. Perfect." Skyler muttered, thankful they hadn't seen her yet.
"What's wrong with that?" Jaden asked confused.
"They have forbidden me to date any wrestler. I told them I was coming out with you tonight, but didn't mention Kane and Taker. They nearly had a fit earlier today when they found out I had breakfast with Kane." Skyler exclaimed, never taking her eyes from the two men in the corner who could turn this perfect night into a living nightmare.
"Listen, I'm going outside for some fresh air, tell Kane I'll be right back. Come get me when the coast is clear. I really don't feel like a scene right now, and that is what Vince and Shane are best at." Skyler said, turning towards the door.
"Okay, be careful." Jaden warned, knowing how this city could get after dark.
Skyler nodded as she walked out the door. The cool night air was just what she needed. She lit a cigarette, talking a long drag. She was having a great time with Kane, and the more time she spent with him, the more she liked him. She knew she was going to have to talk to her uncle and explain to him and hope he understood, but she didn't want it right now. She need more time with Kane to find out if there really was something there.
She finished her cigarette and turned to walk back inside when she was grabbed from behind. Before she had a chance to scream, a hand clamped down hard over her mouth. She was drug to the side of the building and slammed against the wall.
She looked up into the most evil eyes she had ever seen. The man smiled wickedly down at her.
"Look at what we have here. You are a beautiful one. Now, your going to be a good girl right?" he sneered at her, and she could clearly smell the alcohol on his breath.
She tried to lift her knee, hoping for a chance to get away, but the man counter acted it easily. He shoved her back against the wall, raising a knife to her face.
"Looks like I'm going to have to teach you to be a good girl."
Skyler closed her eyes, felling the pressure of the knife against her cheek. She silently praying for any kind of help, as she felt her shirt being ripped.
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Chapter Twenty Two
Jaden looked over at Kane and Taker, seeing the confusion in Kane's eyes as he wondered why Skyler had left so abruptly. Then he followed Jaden's gaze as she glanced over at Vince and Shane and knew immediately what was up.
Jaden walked back to the table where Taker and Kane were sitting. "Skyler just stepped out to get some fresh air, but maybe you should go make sure she's okay, Kane. The streets of Houston aren't so friendly after dark." Jaden said to Kane, worry for her friend clouding her eyes.
Kane nodded, his eyes on Vince and Shane as he slipped through the crowd of people and became lost in the mix, stepping out the door before either Vince or Shane could see him.
Kane stepped outside, his eyes looking all around, finding no sign of Skyler. He was about to back inside to see if she had went back in through the other door when he heard a muffled voice coming from around the side of the building. Kane quickly went around to investigate.
******
Jaden and Taker were enjoying each other's company when Vince and Shane approached their table.
"Taker, good to see you again." Vince said and then looked at Jaden. "Who's your friend?"
"Dr. Copeland…" Taker quickly cut himself off when he realized his mistake.
"Jaden Copeland?" Vince asked as he fully realized that Skyler had deceived him. "Where the hell is Skyler?" He demanded to know. "She is supposed to be out with you tonight."
"She's left already." Taker said before Jaden even had a chance to open her mouth. "And as a matter of fact, we were just leaving ourselves. Excuse us please." Taker took Jaden's hand and began to lead her to the door until she suddenly stopped in her tracks. Taker looked in the direction she was staring off in and saw Jaden's boss staring back at them. Jaden quickly turned and left, knowing she would have hell to pay in the morning.
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Chapter Twenty Three
Skyler's eyes snapped open when she felt the strangers hands on her. She felt sick and decided then and there she was fighting for her life. She pushed with all her might, catching the man off guard, causing him to stumble back. He quickly regained his balance, and lunged for her, knocking the wind out of her as his body slammed into hers, knocking her back against the wall.
As he drew back his fist, Skyler closed her eyes, waiting for the blow she was sure was coming. The blow never came. Suddenly he was jerked away from her. She opened her eyes, and saw the man had been lifted off his feet so he was eye to eye with Kane.
Relief washed over Skyler, who slid down the brick wall. She drew her knees up, and curled herself into a tight ball, hiding her face. Tears poured from her eyes as she realized just how close she had come to being seriously injured or worse.
Kane looked down at Skyler, who was trembling uncontrollably, feeling the hate for the man in his hands grow even more. He turned back to the man, looking him directly in the eyes. The smaller man whimpered at the look in the large man's eyes.
"You're a dead man." Kane said in a low deadly voice.
Somehow Kane's words penetrated through Skyler's jumbled brain, and she raised herself off the ground. She grabbed Kane's arm, trying to get him loosen his hold around the man's neck.
"Kane, NO! He's not worth it. I'm fine, please put him down before you kill him!" her eyes pleading with him.
Kane turned his head and looked into her eyes. Seeing that she seemed to be okay, he slowly lowered the man to his feet.
*****
Taker and Jaden walked out the bar into the cold night air. Jaden was shaking from seeing her boss. She knew her job was in trouble and couldn't believe what was happening.
"Are you okay?" Taker asked, concerned.
Jaden shook her head. "I think I just lost my job." she whispered miserably.
Suddenly they heard a loud noise from around the building. They both ran to see what all the commotion was about.
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Chapter Twenty Four
Taker and Jaden raced around to the side of the building to find Kane beating the hell out of some poor slob, who had apparently been hassling Skyler. Jaden rushed over to Skyler, who was leaning against the brick wall, her shirt ripped, a look of relief covering the fear that had been in her eyes just moments ago.
"Kane! Enough!" Taker yelled at his brother, knowing if Kane hit the man one more time, it would be the end for him.
Kane had his arm drawn back, ready to put the bastard out of his misery, but remembered Skyler telling him that it wasn't worth it. Kane roughly threw the man down to the ground. "You're not worth it! Get the hell out of here!" Kane roared angrily, watching the man quickly jump to his feet, turn around and run for his life.
Skyler ran over to Kane, throwing her arms around him. "Thank you." She whispered, looking up into his eyes. It was then that Skyler realized whether Vince or Shane liked her dating Kane or not, she was going to spend every possible minute she could with him.
Kane hugged Skyler tightly as he looked back down at her. "Anytime." He replied in a voice so deep that if Skyler wouldn't have been in his arms, she would have been at his feet.
The four of them turned around, having decided to call it a night and began walking back towards the parking lot. Taker and Jaden had already left, and Kane and Skyler were about to get into his car when Skyler looked up and saw the rapidly approaching figures of Vince and Shane.