FIC: Live to Tell, Part 9
Title: Live To Tell, Part 9
Author: Mel (tellingasecret)
Fandom: Will & Grace
Pairing: Karen/Stan
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Graphic sex, non-con, language
Feedback: Is always welcomed. Constuctive criticism is much appreciated and no flames please.
Summary: What is Scott Woolley had tried to take over Walker, Inc. when Stan was still alive? Set in Season 2.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters and I am not making any profit from this story. It is for entertainment purposes only.
Notes: None.
Part 9
‘Say good-bye to not knowing how to cry, you taught me that…’
“I need some help, honey,” Karen called, squinting as she stared at the computer screen in front of her. Why Stan felt the urge to teach her how to use it was beyond her. She was doing just fine with her cell phone at the moment and didn't need any other modern day electronics to confuse her.
“Of course you do, sweetheart,” Stan said softly, coming up behind her and bending down to see the screen, laughing when he finally did. “Why are you in a porn site?”
“I’m not sure,” Karen admitted, looking genuinely puzzled. “I just clicked to open the email and this popped up. I can’t get rid of it.”
Stan took the mouse, moving it to click the small ‘X’ in the corner, effectively shutting the window and returning Karen to her inbox window, which she seemed stunned to see again, “Was that really that hard to figure out?”
“Stan, I told you before that I don’t know how to work a computer--” Karen stopped herself as the webpage seemed to disappear again. “Ah...I see the fuck-up fairy has visited us again. I didn’t touch anything, honey, I swear.”
“Please don't make me kill you,” Stan pleaded, sighing as he reached for the mouse again. “Okay, apparently I forgot to set you up for no pop-ups, so if I change your settings, you should be fine.”
“Sorry if I looked interested. I'm not,” Karen said flippantly. “Honey, you said you’d be patient with me if I agreed to let you teach me, but now I can see that was a blatant lie.”
“I’m sorry, Kare, but I’m used to dealing with people who at least know how to get to their email. Even Olivia and Mason know how to work a common computer,” Stan replied, trying to defend himself, even though he knew he was being a bit hard on Karen.
“Yes, but this isn’t a common computer. This is the laptop you spent thousands of dollars on so it could last you a long time, you could take it to work, and so you could have the best and newest technology. Believe me, a simple computer is not…this thing,” Karen ranted, touching the keyboard with the tip of her fingernail.
Stan sighed, “All right, I apologize. Do you think I could leave you alone for a little while to go see where my kids have wandered off to and if Kathy has already been by to pick them up?”
“Go on, honey. Believe me, I’m going nowhere fast here,” Karen deadpanned as she poked at the keys experimentally.
She finally gave up on trying to open her email and ventured off onto the internet, just as Stan had showed her. She typed an address into the blank space and was amazed when a search engine came up, this time without any pop-up ads to stop her. Maybe it was as easy as her husband kept telling her.
She continued on for another ten minutes, not really going anywhere as she tried to navigate the internet, but eventually gave up and closed the laptop, standing up and stretching. She had a feeling it just wasn’t meant for her to learn about anything electronic.
She moved to leave the office when the door flung open and she was forced to jump back or be hit. She took a deep breath to calm herself and prepared to yell at Stan before she looked up and her planned argument fled her mind in record speed. She was standing face to face with Scott Woolley.
“How did you get in here?” she asked immediately.
“Your maids weren’t really paying attention and it’s a really bad idea to leave your front door unlocked when you live in a mansion in New York,” Woolley said, narrowing his eyes on Karen and moving closer to her.
Karen stepped back, still trying to figure out what to do, “Get away from me before I call the police for breaking in and even coming near me.”
Woolley laughed, closing the door behind him, “Oh, I know all about the restraining order, Karen, and I have to say that hurts. You don’t trust me?”
“I trust you about as much as I’d trust Grace to make a good fashion statement,” Karen replied, raising an eyebrow at him.
Woolley laughed and Karen knew it was fake as soon as he opened his mouth, “Well, aren’t you just the funniest thing ever? I just came to talk to you. Is that such a crime?”
“You did not just come to talk. You could have just called if you wanted to talk,” Karen said, slowly backing away as Woolley came closer to her.
She felt herself back into the desk and she took a moment to look up at Woolley and saw his expression; something wasn’t right. She opened her mouth to tell him to back off or scream for help, she wasn’t sure which, but she never got the chance as he rushed forward, grabbing her tightly. She tried to scream, but his hand immediately covered her mouth, and she panicked, feeling one of his arms around her waist and his fingers slowly inching under her shirt.
“Listen to me very carefully, Karen, and you can make this easy on yourself,” Woolley whispered beside her ear, “I fought for your husband’s company, but even if I had won, that wasn’t the true prize. The thing I wanted all along was you.”
Karen gritted her teeth, wanting to make a sarcastic remark about her not being a prize or a thing, but his hand tightened over her mouth and she found every hope of possibly talking or yelling for help go down the drain. She couldn’t believe she didn’t try to scream as soon as she saw him; Rosario or Stan could have heard her and prevented this whole situation.
Her breathing hitched as she felt his free hand slip down her leg and to where her skirt started and push it up slightly, bringing it up her leg. Her head was swimming as she realized his intentions and she fought back against him, not really caring what happened, just as long as she got away.
“Stop,” Woolley hissed, yelping when she bit his hand.
She grimaced, not knowing where that hand had been, but not caring. She managed to slip from his grasp and ran for the door, but she didn’t get far as she opened the door and Woolley slammed it, pinning her against it.
“Get the hell off of me!” Karen yelled, pushing against him as he reached behind her for the zipper of her skirt.
“And here I thought you were such a whore you’d give it up to anyone who asked,” Woolley muttered under his breath, finally grabbing Karen’s wrists in one hand and pinning them above her head. “I told you this would be easy if you cooperated, but I guess not.”
Karen thought frantically, mentally smacking herself when she realized he had forgotten to cover her mouth this time. She took full advantage of that as she screamed as loud as she could, startling Woolley and making him step back slightly and cringing at the volume.
She reached for the doorknob behind her and twisted it, but Woolley regained his hold of her, pulling her away from the door and trying to cover her mouth again, should she scream again. She brought the heel of her stiletto down on his foot, trying to get to the door. He yelped, but didn’t let go and she knew she’d have to try a new strategy if she wanted to get out of the office. This time, she brought her leg up and back, trying to aim a kick to his groin, but she missed and he used the opportunity to turn her to face him and cut off her next scream as he kissed her hard.
He backed her up to the desk and with her wrists in one hand, he used his free hand to clear the desk of papers and the laptop and lifted her up onto it, making sure to keep her knees away from any of his vital body parts.
He broke away from the kiss and reached for the buttons on her shirt, finally looking down at her, not surprised to see her staring back at him with her signature glare, her lips parted as she tried to regain control of her breathing.
“You won’t get away with this,” Karen snarled, knowing that was a promise she could keep.
“Yes, I will, baby, and you know it,” Woolley taunted, “I don’t turn you on?“
Karen wanted to wipe the smirk off his face and tell him to stop sounding like a bad Austin Powers movie, but she bit her tongue, “The only person who turns me on is my husband.”
“We’ll just have to fix that,” he said, leaning down to catch her lips in a rough kiss once more.
He felt her hands moving, trying to free her wrists, but he tightened his grip and heard her whimper in pain into his mouth. He ran his hand over her still clothed breast and she gasped in surprise, which he used to his advantage as he deepened the kiss.
He vaguely registered the office door opening in the back of his mind and failed to react as he was too busy being wrapped up in Karen and her body against his. He broke away from the kiss and finally turned, paling when he saw Stan standing there, a mixture of confusion and anger on his face.
Stan looked past Woolley for the moment and to his wife and her appearance. He took in her disheveled hair, swollen lips, her partially unbuttoned shirt, and her heavy breathing and he didn’t have to ask what had happened. She still struggled in Woolley’s grasp and Stan moved his attention back Woolley.
“Let go of her now,” he growled, stepping forward.
Woolley did as he told and back away from both Karen and Stan as he slowly inched his way towards the door.
“Don’t bother to try to get away,” Stan called to him, heading to his wife’s side, “The police are already here and waiting downstairs.”
As he finished speaking, the door opened again, revealing Rosario and two police officers, who immediately were beside Woolley and placing him in handcuffs.
Karen hurriedly held the sides of her shirt together, knowing she wouldn’t be able to button it back up when her hands were shaking so badly.
“We came as soon as you called, Mr. Walker, but why are we arresting this man?” one of the police officers asked, knowing to come as soon as they were called by one of New York’s richest men, but not knowing why.
“Well, let’s start with the violation of my wife’s restraining order against him, stating he must stay at least five hundred feet away from her at all times,” Stan started, sending a look of pure hatred in Woolley’s direction. “You can also add breaking and entering and attempted rape to that.”
“We thank you, Mr. Walker, and express out deepest apologies,” the same officer said. “If she’s up to it, we’d appreciate if your wife could provide us with a statement at the station at a later time.”
The police left with Woolley in tow before Stan turned to Karen, who was still holding her shirt and she had her eyes closed, her face turned down and away from him.
“Karen?” he asked softly, not surprised when she ignored him. “Sweetheart, look at me, please.”
Karen’s eyes opened, but she didn’t look at him as she glanced down to her blouse, moving her fingers to try to redo the buttons, but she didn’t get too far as her fingers started shaking again and she gave up, jumping in shock and fright as Stan reached for the buttons and finished securing them for her.
Stan reached a hand out to her, pausing and leaving it hanging in mid-air as he debated whether or not to touch his wife, but then lowered it to her arm, not surprised when she cringed slightly, “Karen?”
“Oh my God,” she whispered, her voice sounding strained.
She finally looked up and Stan found himself shocked at the haunted look in the depth of her dark eyes. She blinked and before Stan could react, tears slipped down her cheeks and she brought her hands to her face, trying to calm herself, but only making herself cry harder.
Stan brought her into his arms, relieved when she didn’t pull away and simply accepted the contact, burying her face in his chest and allowing the sobs to overtake her petite form. Stan held tightly to her, running a hand through her lose hair, not even trying to calm her down; he knew she needed to get everything out.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I’m so sorry,” Stan whispered.
Karen pulled away slightly, clearing her cheeks of fallen tears and streaked mascara, “It wasn’t your fault. That was why I screamed. I knew someone would hear me. What if he--he had…”
“But he didn’t, Karen. You’re okay and he’s going to be put away in jail for a very long time,” Stan reassured, cupping Karen’s face in his hands, and wiping away fresh tears as they fell from Karen’s eyes.
Karen searched his eyes for something she wasn’t sure she was looking for, “The whole time, the only thing I could think about was you and if you would be mad at me because this happened.”
“Sweetheart, no, why would I be mad at you? This wasn’t your fault at all,” Stan said softly.
Karen smiled slightly, “I love you, Stan.”
“I love you too, sweetheart, so much,” Stan murmured, pulling her into his arms once more.
--- --- ---
“He did what?!” Will yelled, pausing with his hand in mid-air, a folder still dangling from it.
“I don’t know how he got in,” Stan said, leaning back in his chair. “I was downstairs and I heard Karen scream. I ran to the phone to call the cops, not even caring if it was a false alarm if she was just being overdramatic. The call lasted all of half a minute before I raced upstairs and found him holding her. It didn’t look like he had gotten far; the first few buttons on her shirt had been undone.”
Will shook his head in disbelief, “I can’t believe this. She was so nervous around him and when he left, she was…happy. When I took her to lunch yesterday, we didn’t fight like cats and dogs, like usual. She was joking with me and constantly laughing and it was wonderful to see, even if she was her usual sarcastic self.”
“She should be fine hopefully. She seemed okay this morning. I can only imagine how she would be if he actually…got further,” Stan said, not being able to continue. He wasn’t sure what he would have done if Woolley had actually gotten a lot further with his wife.
“I take it she’s at home then and not with Grace?” Will asked.
Stan nodded, “We were up pretty late last night talking, crying, laughing, and whatever else we could do. I think it helped for her to talk about it. She was still asleep when I left and I knew she wouldn’t be going to work.”
“I’ll call Grace later on and let her know. Karen isn’t even due in for another three hours anyway,” Will said, smiling slightly.
Stan laughed, glad for a distraction, “I’m hoping to make her forget for tonight. I have something planned for her and I hope it goes well.”
“Even if it doesn’t, she’ll still love it,” Will said.
“That’s what I’m hoping,” Stan said.
--- --- ---
Karen sighed, staring at the front door of the mansion. She shivered slightly in the cold air and rain and brought her wrap tighter around her shoulders, turning the knob and stepping inside, immediately feeling the warmth of the mansion surrounding her and making her shiver again at the change in temperature. She was going to kill Stan for making her do this while it was raining.
She had been more than confused when Stan had handed her a credit card and told her to buy a new fancy dress and get her hair and makeup done. She agreed, thinking they were going to another party or formal function, but it was too late to be going to one and Stan had assured her it would be worth her time.
She sighed again, slipping her wrap off her shoulders and draping it across a table in the entryway before turning to glance around, not seeing any sign of anyone. She moved towards the stairs and she looked down, smiling when she saw flower petals, both of red and white roses, going up the stairs. She followed them in curiosity, reaching the top of the stairs and seeing them went down the hallway and led straight to her and Stan’s master bedroom.
She walked slowly there, her heels clunking softly on the wooden floors as she got closer, seeing light seeping from below the door. She reached for the knob and opened the door, pushing it open and gasping at what she saw.
The rose petals continued into the room and out to their balcony, where a table was set up with what looked like wine and dinner. Candles lined the bedroom, giving the dark room a dull glow that cast dramatic shadows on the walls. On the two end tables by the bed, a dozen roses sat on each, as well two wedding photos Karen hadn’t laid eyes on years.
She felt tears fill her eyes and she blinked rapidly, not allowing herself to cry anymore. She had done enough of that the night before and she knew Stan had intended this night to be happy.
“Are you enjoying the view?”
She jumped slightly and turned to see Stan standing beside her vanity, his hand trailing over the top of the chair as he made his way over to her.
“Oh, Stan, I love it,” she breathed.
“And I love you,” Stan said. “You look amazing.”
He looked her over and smiled appreciatively. She had chosen a strapless black silk dress and Stan grinned as he saw the slit on the side which practically went up to her waist. He recognized her earrings at the ones he had given her for her birthday, but her necklace, a small diamond heart, he had never seen before and he figured she must have picked it up while she got her dress. Her hair was curled and pinned up halfway, two curls framing her face.
“I’d hope so. It took me forever to get ready at Will’s apartment. Grace had so many things on the counter, I couldn’t find the sink, so I had to use his bathroom,” Karen said, grimacing.
Stan laughed, wrapping an arm around her waist and drawing her closer to him, “You’d look beautiful no matter what you’re wearing…or not wearing.”
Karen giggled, slapping his chest playfully, “You just did this to get me into bed, mister.”
He shrugged, smirking, “Of course, darling.” He paused, taking Karen’s hand. “Come on, love. We have dinner and wine waiting for us.”
“Honey, it’s freezing out here!” Karen protested, pulling against Stan’s grip on her hand.
Stan turned to look at her, smiling slightly, “Which is why I’ve had the fireplace going for a few hours now and the table is right in front of it. You’ll be fine, I promise.”
Karen pouted before she finally nodded, allowing Stan to lead her to their balcony, surprised when she didn’t feel the slightest bit cold. The fireplace really did work, even though the balcony was out in the open, but the roaring fire seemed to warm the area, much to Karen’s joy and relief.
“I can’t believe you did this for me, honey,” Karen said softly, looking up at her husband.
Stan smiled down at her, “Sweetheart, I would do anything for you and you know it. If I could do something to erase last night, you know I would. I hate to see you in pain and I just wish last night wouldn’t have happened.”
Karen lowered her eyes from Stan’s, sighing softly, “Me too, Stan, but it happened. I have to get on with my life, no matter how much that bastard hurt me. I have to wonder now if every man I meet will want to hurt me like that. He made me pull away from my best friend. It hurt so bad to see the betrayal in Jack’s eyes when I did it, but I couldn’t help my reflexes.”
Stan noticed his wife’s reluctance to meet his eyes and placed a finger under her chin, forcing her to look at him, “Kare, you don’t think I’d…”
Karen shook her head, looking pained, “Oh God, Stan, no. Never you. I know you could never hurt me, but because of what happened, I have to wonder if it will happen again to me.”
“Sweetheart, I can’t promise that I’ll always be there to protect you because I didn’t keep that promise last night, but you can’t know what will happen tomorrow or a year from now. You just have to have faith it won’t,” Stan said, wrapping his arms around her in a tight hug, his hands sliding over silk as he rested his hands on her hips.
“I know,” she said sadly, pulling away from him. “How about we start dinner?”
“How about a dance first?” Stan asked, reaching for a remote on the table and pressing a button, flooding the balcony with music. He held out his hand and she placed hers in his, giggling softly as he twirled her and brought her into his arms.
Swaying room as the music starts
Strangers making the most of the dark
Two by two their bodies become one
They moved slowly to the music, Stan savoring the feel of silk under his fingers as he tightened his hold on Karen, smiling at her when she looked up at him. He raised a hand up and moved a stray piece of hair from her face, watching in amazement as Karen smiled shyly and looked away in almost childlike behavior.
I see you through the smoky air
Can't you feel the weight of my stare
You're so close but still a world away
He watched her carefully, not letting her slip into thought for very long as they swayed to the music. He knew if she thought, she would be upset again and he wouldn’t allow that; the night had been going too well for that to happen.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked.
“You,” she answered simply, barely heard over the pouring rain.
I'm crazy for you
Touch me once and you'll know it's true
I never wanted anyone like this
It's all brand new, you'll feel it in my kiss
I'm crazy for you, crazy for you
“I don’t see how anyone can hurt you and live with themselves after that. You’re a beautiful, sexy, vibrant woman who deserves to be worshipped, not broken down,” Stan said, moving a hand from her waist to cup her cheek.
She finally looked up at him and her eyes shined in the darkness as they filled with tears once more. She brought a hand up over her mouth as she fought to keep the tears from falling.
Trying hard to control my heart
I walk over to where you are
Eye to eye we need no words at all
“Oh, sweetheart, don’t cry. I didn’t mean to make you upset,” Stan said quickly, pulling her closer to him.
“No, honey, I’m not upset. It’s just…what you said…” Karen tried to say, eventually giving up and laughing slightly, shaking her head. “I must look like a mess right now.”
“You look perfect,” Stan said, kissing her forehead tenderly.
Slowly now we begin to move
Every breath I'm deeper into you
Soon we two are standing still in time
If you read my mind, you'll see
“What did I do to deserve you in life?” Karen asked.
Stan laughed, stopping their movements, despite the music still playing, “Nothing, and that’s all you needed to do. I needed to do this tonight to show you how much I love you.”
“I already know. It’s as much as I love you, honey, if not more,” Karen said, blinking back more tears and finally getting herself under control.
“Well, now that we’ve done the whole lovey-dovey thing, now we can be ourselves: the wonderfully dysfunctional couple everyone knows and loves,” Stan teased, poking her in the side.
Karen giggled, dodging his hand when he tried to poke her again, “You are so odd, but it’s true. We are dysfunctional and I love it.”
“Good to know. No normalcy for us then?” Stan asked, watching the rain for a moment before turning back to her.
“I hope not, honey,” Karen whispered softly, leaning her head on his chest and turning to watch the pouring rain with him.
Finish
Author: Mel (tellingasecret)
Fandom: Will & Grace
Pairing: Karen/Stan
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Graphic sex, non-con, language
Feedback: Is always welcomed. Constuctive criticism is much appreciated and no flames please.
Summary: What is Scott Woolley had tried to take over Walker, Inc. when Stan was still alive? Set in Season 2.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters and I am not making any profit from this story. It is for entertainment purposes only.
Notes: None.
Part 9
‘Say good-bye to not knowing how to cry, you taught me that…’
“I need some help, honey,” Karen called, squinting as she stared at the computer screen in front of her. Why Stan felt the urge to teach her how to use it was beyond her. She was doing just fine with her cell phone at the moment and didn't need any other modern day electronics to confuse her.
“Of course you do, sweetheart,” Stan said softly, coming up behind her and bending down to see the screen, laughing when he finally did. “Why are you in a porn site?”
“I’m not sure,” Karen admitted, looking genuinely puzzled. “I just clicked to open the email and this popped up. I can’t get rid of it.”
Stan took the mouse, moving it to click the small ‘X’ in the corner, effectively shutting the window and returning Karen to her inbox window, which she seemed stunned to see again, “Was that really that hard to figure out?”
“Stan, I told you before that I don’t know how to work a computer--” Karen stopped herself as the webpage seemed to disappear again. “Ah...I see the fuck-up fairy has visited us again. I didn’t touch anything, honey, I swear.”
“Please don't make me kill you,” Stan pleaded, sighing as he reached for the mouse again. “Okay, apparently I forgot to set you up for no pop-ups, so if I change your settings, you should be fine.”
“Sorry if I looked interested. I'm not,” Karen said flippantly. “Honey, you said you’d be patient with me if I agreed to let you teach me, but now I can see that was a blatant lie.”
“I’m sorry, Kare, but I’m used to dealing with people who at least know how to get to their email. Even Olivia and Mason know how to work a common computer,” Stan replied, trying to defend himself, even though he knew he was being a bit hard on Karen.
“Yes, but this isn’t a common computer. This is the laptop you spent thousands of dollars on so it could last you a long time, you could take it to work, and so you could have the best and newest technology. Believe me, a simple computer is not…this thing,” Karen ranted, touching the keyboard with the tip of her fingernail.
Stan sighed, “All right, I apologize. Do you think I could leave you alone for a little while to go see where my kids have wandered off to and if Kathy has already been by to pick them up?”
“Go on, honey. Believe me, I’m going nowhere fast here,” Karen deadpanned as she poked at the keys experimentally.
She finally gave up on trying to open her email and ventured off onto the internet, just as Stan had showed her. She typed an address into the blank space and was amazed when a search engine came up, this time without any pop-up ads to stop her. Maybe it was as easy as her husband kept telling her.
She continued on for another ten minutes, not really going anywhere as she tried to navigate the internet, but eventually gave up and closed the laptop, standing up and stretching. She had a feeling it just wasn’t meant for her to learn about anything electronic.
She moved to leave the office when the door flung open and she was forced to jump back or be hit. She took a deep breath to calm herself and prepared to yell at Stan before she looked up and her planned argument fled her mind in record speed. She was standing face to face with Scott Woolley.
“How did you get in here?” she asked immediately.
“Your maids weren’t really paying attention and it’s a really bad idea to leave your front door unlocked when you live in a mansion in New York,” Woolley said, narrowing his eyes on Karen and moving closer to her.
Karen stepped back, still trying to figure out what to do, “Get away from me before I call the police for breaking in and even coming near me.”
Woolley laughed, closing the door behind him, “Oh, I know all about the restraining order, Karen, and I have to say that hurts. You don’t trust me?”
“I trust you about as much as I’d trust Grace to make a good fashion statement,” Karen replied, raising an eyebrow at him.
Woolley laughed and Karen knew it was fake as soon as he opened his mouth, “Well, aren’t you just the funniest thing ever? I just came to talk to you. Is that such a crime?”
“You did not just come to talk. You could have just called if you wanted to talk,” Karen said, slowly backing away as Woolley came closer to her.
She felt herself back into the desk and she took a moment to look up at Woolley and saw his expression; something wasn’t right. She opened her mouth to tell him to back off or scream for help, she wasn’t sure which, but she never got the chance as he rushed forward, grabbing her tightly. She tried to scream, but his hand immediately covered her mouth, and she panicked, feeling one of his arms around her waist and his fingers slowly inching under her shirt.
“Listen to me very carefully, Karen, and you can make this easy on yourself,” Woolley whispered beside her ear, “I fought for your husband’s company, but even if I had won, that wasn’t the true prize. The thing I wanted all along was you.”
Karen gritted her teeth, wanting to make a sarcastic remark about her not being a prize or a thing, but his hand tightened over her mouth and she found every hope of possibly talking or yelling for help go down the drain. She couldn’t believe she didn’t try to scream as soon as she saw him; Rosario or Stan could have heard her and prevented this whole situation.
Her breathing hitched as she felt his free hand slip down her leg and to where her skirt started and push it up slightly, bringing it up her leg. Her head was swimming as she realized his intentions and she fought back against him, not really caring what happened, just as long as she got away.
“Stop,” Woolley hissed, yelping when she bit his hand.
She grimaced, not knowing where that hand had been, but not caring. She managed to slip from his grasp and ran for the door, but she didn’t get far as she opened the door and Woolley slammed it, pinning her against it.
“Get the hell off of me!” Karen yelled, pushing against him as he reached behind her for the zipper of her skirt.
“And here I thought you were such a whore you’d give it up to anyone who asked,” Woolley muttered under his breath, finally grabbing Karen’s wrists in one hand and pinning them above her head. “I told you this would be easy if you cooperated, but I guess not.”
Karen thought frantically, mentally smacking herself when she realized he had forgotten to cover her mouth this time. She took full advantage of that as she screamed as loud as she could, startling Woolley and making him step back slightly and cringing at the volume.
She reached for the doorknob behind her and twisted it, but Woolley regained his hold of her, pulling her away from the door and trying to cover her mouth again, should she scream again. She brought the heel of her stiletto down on his foot, trying to get to the door. He yelped, but didn’t let go and she knew she’d have to try a new strategy if she wanted to get out of the office. This time, she brought her leg up and back, trying to aim a kick to his groin, but she missed and he used the opportunity to turn her to face him and cut off her next scream as he kissed her hard.
He backed her up to the desk and with her wrists in one hand, he used his free hand to clear the desk of papers and the laptop and lifted her up onto it, making sure to keep her knees away from any of his vital body parts.
He broke away from the kiss and reached for the buttons on her shirt, finally looking down at her, not surprised to see her staring back at him with her signature glare, her lips parted as she tried to regain control of her breathing.
“You won’t get away with this,” Karen snarled, knowing that was a promise she could keep.
“Yes, I will, baby, and you know it,” Woolley taunted, “I don’t turn you on?“
Karen wanted to wipe the smirk off his face and tell him to stop sounding like a bad Austin Powers movie, but she bit her tongue, “The only person who turns me on is my husband.”
“We’ll just have to fix that,” he said, leaning down to catch her lips in a rough kiss once more.
He felt her hands moving, trying to free her wrists, but he tightened his grip and heard her whimper in pain into his mouth. He ran his hand over her still clothed breast and she gasped in surprise, which he used to his advantage as he deepened the kiss.
He vaguely registered the office door opening in the back of his mind and failed to react as he was too busy being wrapped up in Karen and her body against his. He broke away from the kiss and finally turned, paling when he saw Stan standing there, a mixture of confusion and anger on his face.
Stan looked past Woolley for the moment and to his wife and her appearance. He took in her disheveled hair, swollen lips, her partially unbuttoned shirt, and her heavy breathing and he didn’t have to ask what had happened. She still struggled in Woolley’s grasp and Stan moved his attention back Woolley.
“Let go of her now,” he growled, stepping forward.
Woolley did as he told and back away from both Karen and Stan as he slowly inched his way towards the door.
“Don’t bother to try to get away,” Stan called to him, heading to his wife’s side, “The police are already here and waiting downstairs.”
As he finished speaking, the door opened again, revealing Rosario and two police officers, who immediately were beside Woolley and placing him in handcuffs.
Karen hurriedly held the sides of her shirt together, knowing she wouldn’t be able to button it back up when her hands were shaking so badly.
“We came as soon as you called, Mr. Walker, but why are we arresting this man?” one of the police officers asked, knowing to come as soon as they were called by one of New York’s richest men, but not knowing why.
“Well, let’s start with the violation of my wife’s restraining order against him, stating he must stay at least five hundred feet away from her at all times,” Stan started, sending a look of pure hatred in Woolley’s direction. “You can also add breaking and entering and attempted rape to that.”
“We thank you, Mr. Walker, and express out deepest apologies,” the same officer said. “If she’s up to it, we’d appreciate if your wife could provide us with a statement at the station at a later time.”
The police left with Woolley in tow before Stan turned to Karen, who was still holding her shirt and she had her eyes closed, her face turned down and away from him.
“Karen?” he asked softly, not surprised when she ignored him. “Sweetheart, look at me, please.”
Karen’s eyes opened, but she didn’t look at him as she glanced down to her blouse, moving her fingers to try to redo the buttons, but she didn’t get too far as her fingers started shaking again and she gave up, jumping in shock and fright as Stan reached for the buttons and finished securing them for her.
Stan reached a hand out to her, pausing and leaving it hanging in mid-air as he debated whether or not to touch his wife, but then lowered it to her arm, not surprised when she cringed slightly, “Karen?”
“Oh my God,” she whispered, her voice sounding strained.
She finally looked up and Stan found himself shocked at the haunted look in the depth of her dark eyes. She blinked and before Stan could react, tears slipped down her cheeks and she brought her hands to her face, trying to calm herself, but only making herself cry harder.
Stan brought her into his arms, relieved when she didn’t pull away and simply accepted the contact, burying her face in his chest and allowing the sobs to overtake her petite form. Stan held tightly to her, running a hand through her lose hair, not even trying to calm her down; he knew she needed to get everything out.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I’m so sorry,” Stan whispered.
Karen pulled away slightly, clearing her cheeks of fallen tears and streaked mascara, “It wasn’t your fault. That was why I screamed. I knew someone would hear me. What if he--he had…”
“But he didn’t, Karen. You’re okay and he’s going to be put away in jail for a very long time,” Stan reassured, cupping Karen’s face in his hands, and wiping away fresh tears as they fell from Karen’s eyes.
Karen searched his eyes for something she wasn’t sure she was looking for, “The whole time, the only thing I could think about was you and if you would be mad at me because this happened.”
“Sweetheart, no, why would I be mad at you? This wasn’t your fault at all,” Stan said softly.
Karen smiled slightly, “I love you, Stan.”
“I love you too, sweetheart, so much,” Stan murmured, pulling her into his arms once more.
--- --- ---
“He did what?!” Will yelled, pausing with his hand in mid-air, a folder still dangling from it.
“I don’t know how he got in,” Stan said, leaning back in his chair. “I was downstairs and I heard Karen scream. I ran to the phone to call the cops, not even caring if it was a false alarm if she was just being overdramatic. The call lasted all of half a minute before I raced upstairs and found him holding her. It didn’t look like he had gotten far; the first few buttons on her shirt had been undone.”
Will shook his head in disbelief, “I can’t believe this. She was so nervous around him and when he left, she was…happy. When I took her to lunch yesterday, we didn’t fight like cats and dogs, like usual. She was joking with me and constantly laughing and it was wonderful to see, even if she was her usual sarcastic self.”
“She should be fine hopefully. She seemed okay this morning. I can only imagine how she would be if he actually…got further,” Stan said, not being able to continue. He wasn’t sure what he would have done if Woolley had actually gotten a lot further with his wife.
“I take it she’s at home then and not with Grace?” Will asked.
Stan nodded, “We were up pretty late last night talking, crying, laughing, and whatever else we could do. I think it helped for her to talk about it. She was still asleep when I left and I knew she wouldn’t be going to work.”
“I’ll call Grace later on and let her know. Karen isn’t even due in for another three hours anyway,” Will said, smiling slightly.
Stan laughed, glad for a distraction, “I’m hoping to make her forget for tonight. I have something planned for her and I hope it goes well.”
“Even if it doesn’t, she’ll still love it,” Will said.
“That’s what I’m hoping,” Stan said.
--- --- ---
Karen sighed, staring at the front door of the mansion. She shivered slightly in the cold air and rain and brought her wrap tighter around her shoulders, turning the knob and stepping inside, immediately feeling the warmth of the mansion surrounding her and making her shiver again at the change in temperature. She was going to kill Stan for making her do this while it was raining.
She had been more than confused when Stan had handed her a credit card and told her to buy a new fancy dress and get her hair and makeup done. She agreed, thinking they were going to another party or formal function, but it was too late to be going to one and Stan had assured her it would be worth her time.
She sighed again, slipping her wrap off her shoulders and draping it across a table in the entryway before turning to glance around, not seeing any sign of anyone. She moved towards the stairs and she looked down, smiling when she saw flower petals, both of red and white roses, going up the stairs. She followed them in curiosity, reaching the top of the stairs and seeing them went down the hallway and led straight to her and Stan’s master bedroom.
She walked slowly there, her heels clunking softly on the wooden floors as she got closer, seeing light seeping from below the door. She reached for the knob and opened the door, pushing it open and gasping at what she saw.
The rose petals continued into the room and out to their balcony, where a table was set up with what looked like wine and dinner. Candles lined the bedroom, giving the dark room a dull glow that cast dramatic shadows on the walls. On the two end tables by the bed, a dozen roses sat on each, as well two wedding photos Karen hadn’t laid eyes on years.
She felt tears fill her eyes and she blinked rapidly, not allowing herself to cry anymore. She had done enough of that the night before and she knew Stan had intended this night to be happy.
“Are you enjoying the view?”
She jumped slightly and turned to see Stan standing beside her vanity, his hand trailing over the top of the chair as he made his way over to her.
“Oh, Stan, I love it,” she breathed.
“And I love you,” Stan said. “You look amazing.”
He looked her over and smiled appreciatively. She had chosen a strapless black silk dress and Stan grinned as he saw the slit on the side which practically went up to her waist. He recognized her earrings at the ones he had given her for her birthday, but her necklace, a small diamond heart, he had never seen before and he figured she must have picked it up while she got her dress. Her hair was curled and pinned up halfway, two curls framing her face.
“I’d hope so. It took me forever to get ready at Will’s apartment. Grace had so many things on the counter, I couldn’t find the sink, so I had to use his bathroom,” Karen said, grimacing.
Stan laughed, wrapping an arm around her waist and drawing her closer to him, “You’d look beautiful no matter what you’re wearing…or not wearing.”
Karen giggled, slapping his chest playfully, “You just did this to get me into bed, mister.”
He shrugged, smirking, “Of course, darling.” He paused, taking Karen’s hand. “Come on, love. We have dinner and wine waiting for us.”
“Honey, it’s freezing out here!” Karen protested, pulling against Stan’s grip on her hand.
Stan turned to look at her, smiling slightly, “Which is why I’ve had the fireplace going for a few hours now and the table is right in front of it. You’ll be fine, I promise.”
Karen pouted before she finally nodded, allowing Stan to lead her to their balcony, surprised when she didn’t feel the slightest bit cold. The fireplace really did work, even though the balcony was out in the open, but the roaring fire seemed to warm the area, much to Karen’s joy and relief.
“I can’t believe you did this for me, honey,” Karen said softly, looking up at her husband.
Stan smiled down at her, “Sweetheart, I would do anything for you and you know it. If I could do something to erase last night, you know I would. I hate to see you in pain and I just wish last night wouldn’t have happened.”
Karen lowered her eyes from Stan’s, sighing softly, “Me too, Stan, but it happened. I have to get on with my life, no matter how much that bastard hurt me. I have to wonder now if every man I meet will want to hurt me like that. He made me pull away from my best friend. It hurt so bad to see the betrayal in Jack’s eyes when I did it, but I couldn’t help my reflexes.”
Stan noticed his wife’s reluctance to meet his eyes and placed a finger under her chin, forcing her to look at him, “Kare, you don’t think I’d…”
Karen shook her head, looking pained, “Oh God, Stan, no. Never you. I know you could never hurt me, but because of what happened, I have to wonder if it will happen again to me.”
“Sweetheart, I can’t promise that I’ll always be there to protect you because I didn’t keep that promise last night, but you can’t know what will happen tomorrow or a year from now. You just have to have faith it won’t,” Stan said, wrapping his arms around her in a tight hug, his hands sliding over silk as he rested his hands on her hips.
“I know,” she said sadly, pulling away from him. “How about we start dinner?”
“How about a dance first?” Stan asked, reaching for a remote on the table and pressing a button, flooding the balcony with music. He held out his hand and she placed hers in his, giggling softly as he twirled her and brought her into his arms.
Swaying room as the music starts
Strangers making the most of the dark
Two by two their bodies become one
They moved slowly to the music, Stan savoring the feel of silk under his fingers as he tightened his hold on Karen, smiling at her when she looked up at him. He raised a hand up and moved a stray piece of hair from her face, watching in amazement as Karen smiled shyly and looked away in almost childlike behavior.
I see you through the smoky air
Can't you feel the weight of my stare
You're so close but still a world away
He watched her carefully, not letting her slip into thought for very long as they swayed to the music. He knew if she thought, she would be upset again and he wouldn’t allow that; the night had been going too well for that to happen.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked.
“You,” she answered simply, barely heard over the pouring rain.
I'm crazy for you
Touch me once and you'll know it's true
I never wanted anyone like this
It's all brand new, you'll feel it in my kiss
I'm crazy for you, crazy for you
“I don’t see how anyone can hurt you and live with themselves after that. You’re a beautiful, sexy, vibrant woman who deserves to be worshipped, not broken down,” Stan said, moving a hand from her waist to cup her cheek.
She finally looked up at him and her eyes shined in the darkness as they filled with tears once more. She brought a hand up over her mouth as she fought to keep the tears from falling.
Trying hard to control my heart
I walk over to where you are
Eye to eye we need no words at all
“Oh, sweetheart, don’t cry. I didn’t mean to make you upset,” Stan said quickly, pulling her closer to him.
“No, honey, I’m not upset. It’s just…what you said…” Karen tried to say, eventually giving up and laughing slightly, shaking her head. “I must look like a mess right now.”
“You look perfect,” Stan said, kissing her forehead tenderly.
Slowly now we begin to move
Every breath I'm deeper into you
Soon we two are standing still in time
If you read my mind, you'll see
“What did I do to deserve you in life?” Karen asked.
Stan laughed, stopping their movements, despite the music still playing, “Nothing, and that’s all you needed to do. I needed to do this tonight to show you how much I love you.”
“I already know. It’s as much as I love you, honey, if not more,” Karen said, blinking back more tears and finally getting herself under control.
“Well, now that we’ve done the whole lovey-dovey thing, now we can be ourselves: the wonderfully dysfunctional couple everyone knows and loves,” Stan teased, poking her in the side.
Karen giggled, dodging his hand when he tried to poke her again, “You are so odd, but it’s true. We are dysfunctional and I love it.”
“Good to know. No normalcy for us then?” Stan asked, watching the rain for a moment before turning back to her.
“I hope not, honey,” Karen whispered softly, leaning her head on his chest and turning to watch the pouring rain with him.
Finish