“I told you, I don’t know anything about it.”  I knew by now that mere words would have no effect on him, but my insides were shaking, and the words helped me feel calm and in control.  Having seen him in the ring, I knew how powerful he could be, and, truth be told, I was intimidated as hell.  It was a disturbing thought… I’m often told that no one wants to be on my bad side.  Tough as nails, that’s me.  But here I am, biting my lip to keep myself from collapsing.  The American Bad Ass radiated a sense of overwhelming power… and anger.  And that anger was focused in only one direction- mine.
     “There is a severe punishment for lying to me, child.”  His voice was low, even, and cold.
     I stood defiantly, my eyes narrowing.  “How dare you call me a liar and a child.  I said I don’t know.  And I’m not a child.”
     There was amusement in his emerald eyes as he leaned back in his chair.  His voice reflected a sarcastic respect.  “Of course.  My sincerest apologies.  Please, sit.”
     I walked towards the door, reaching for the handle.  “I see no reason to stay.  I’ve told you what I know, and I’ve been treated poorly for it.”
     “No, you’ve told me that you don’t know.  Since you’ve not told me what you know, you must stay.  And I would like the opportunity to make up for your poor treatment.”
     “I’ve nothing to tell, and I’ve no reason to believe you’ll make up for it.  Good day.”  I turned the handle and opened the door.  Behind it was a white wall.  I couldn’t believe it.  I touched the wall, certain it was an illusion.  My pulse began to quicken as I realized there were no windows or other doors… and I had no way to escape.  Determined to keep my cool, I collected my thoughts, took a deep breath, and turned to face him.  “However, since someone conveniently placed a wall here, I suppose I’ll stay.”
     The Undertaker smiled darkly.  “I see you’re not going to give me the satisfaction of panic.”
     My jaw set hard.  “What do you want?  I’ve already told you, I know nothing about that night.  What use am I to you?”
     He motioned to my chair.  “In that case, at least let me make up for your ill treatment.”  I couldn’t read the tone in his voice, but I knew I didn’t have any other option.  I rolled my eyes and sighed, sitting stiffly against the fabric of the armchair.  He stood behind me, gently placing his hands on my shoulders.  He began to work the tired, knotted muscles with his powerful hands, murmuring softly.  Slowly, my body began to relax under his hands and the soothing tone in his voice.  The last two days had been hell, and the emotions had left my muscles so tight I’d yet to sleep.
     I sighed softly as seeming familiar hands continued to massage my shoulders and neck, and I allowed him to support my head.  He chuckled softly.  “What amuses you?”
     His large hand slowly wrapped itself around my throat.  He applied just enough pressure to cause alarm, then released his grip.  “You seem to have left yourself in a rather vulnerable position, Jasmine.”
     My pulse quickened as I tried to keep from panicking.  But this time, the satisfaction was his.  He tightened his grip slightly, cutting off my air supply.  “Are you going to tell me what I want to know?”
    I sat defiantly.  He asked me again, and I shut my eyes and set my jaw.  He was becoming angry, and the pressure was increasing with his temper.  My hand began to shake, spots were dancing before my eyes.  I clawed his hand with my nails, and he growled at me.  I was losing this battle, and we both knew it.  “Okay,” I squeaked out.
     His grip loosened, but his hand remained around my throat.  “Okay what?”
     I took several deep breaths to slow my pulse and collect my thoughts.  I had apparently taken too many, as his grip began to tighten again.  “I said ‘okay.’”
     “Okay what?”  His hand fell away as he pushed me roughly from the chair.
     “Okay.  I’ll tell you what you want to know.”  I stared at the carpet, wallowing in my defeat.  If he’s upset now… he’ll be murderous later.
     Within an instant, his hand was on my neck again, the other on my knees.  I struggled as he picked me up effortlessly.  “Jasmine, stop fighting.  You’ll get hurt.”  His voice was rough, and I remembered the bruises starting to form on my neck.  I froze in his arms, scared to death.  I began to shake.  “Don’t hurt me.  I’m sorry I wasn’t going to tell you.  I’m sorry… don’t hurt me.  Don’t hurt me.”
    “I’m not going to hurt you.  I told you I want to make up for treating you badly.  I meant it.”  His voice was soft, but I was too frightened to relax.  As he spoke, he lifted the latch at the top of the white “wall” and carried me into a den, setting me down upon a plush sofa.  “Would you like anything to drink?”
     I curled into a corner of the couch.  “Water?”  My entire body trembled.  He left for a moment, and I looked around.  I hadn’t seen where he had gone, and I couldn’t get out that way anyway.  With my luck, I’d run right into him.  I stood, walking over to where I thought the false wall was, knocking on it softly.  I heard footsteps, and scrambled back to the couch.  Wouldn’t do me any good to upset him further.
     He handed me a glass of water, which I drank half of, then set on the corner table.  He sat down in a chair a few feet away from me, and waited.
     I looked at him, unsure of what to say.  I had seen a lot that night, and I didn’t know what was pertinent and what wasn’t.  I just hope he doesn’t want to know about Kane… he’ll kill if he finds out I’m involved with his little brother.  “Where do you want me to start?”
     “The beginning.  And you can leave out your secret meetings with my brother.  I know all about that.”  His eyes sparkled, and he smirked slightly.
     I bit my lip and closed my eyes, waiting for him to strike me.  He was very protective of his brother, and I knew he didn’t like the looks of me.  When he didn’t, I opened my eyes, took a deep breath, and started talking.
     As I spoke, I could feel his eyes burning into me, watching my every move.  I was too scared to notice why until I saw him close his eyes briefly and shift in his chair.  My heart started to pound.  Kane and I were a romance of convenience, but I didn’t know how he would respond to his brother’s actions.  I liked what I saw, but…  I don’t need to be having these thoughts right now….  Physically shaking the thoughts from my head, I continued.

     “That’s it.  That’s everything I saw that night.”  I glanced at the clock.  I had been talking for over three hours.  He wanted every minor detail, anything that could have played a factor in the theft of his bike.
    “You’re sure you saw Kane take it?”  His voice was low and even.  I couldn’t tell if he was upset with me, or with Kane.
     “Yeah.”  I laughed nervously.  “He said something about it in passing once.  Plus, he’s hard to mistake, except maybe for you.  But then, if you took your bike, we wouldn’t be having this conversation, would we?”
     He smiled sadly.  “True.”
     There was a noise from within the house, and I turned in its direction.  My neck responded with throbbing pain, and I cried out.  I began to massage the sore muscles with my hands, trying to determine the damage.
     ‘Taker got up, crossing the short distance between us.  He reached out to help me, and I instinctively curled up into fetal position.  I bit my lip hard in an attempt to hold back the tears due to the pain and its cause.  “I told you what you want to know.  Please, just leave me alone.”
     A look of concern crossed his face.  “Are you okay?”
     My body began to shake… I was losing again.  I give up.  He got what he wanted.  Maybe it won’t hurt that bad this time…  I began to cry.  Gingerly, I turned to look at him.  “Okay?  You tried to kill me.  I distinctly remember being in a room with your hand around my throat, and seeing spots in front of my eyes.  If I hadn’t given in, you would have choked me until I passed out.”
     He hung his head.  “Jasmine… I’m sorry.  I know I’ve got a temper, and sometimes, I don’t remember how strong I am.  I’m used to dealing with guys my size.  Guys like Kane.”  At the mention of his name, I smiled slightly.  “And I’m not upset about the two of you, either.  I’ve known for months.  Hell, he told me himself.  Please.  Let me help you.”  His hands were resting tentatively on my shoulders.
     “Please.  I told you what I know… do as you will… but please… don’t hurt him.  I’m sorry I didn’t tell you… I didn’t want Kane to get hurt.  I’m sorry.  Don’t hurt him, please.”
     He began to massage my shoulders again, as gently as before.  “It’s okay, Jasmine.  I won’t hurt him.  And I won’t hurt you.  Let me help you.  It’s okay.”  His voice was soft and pleasing, I was tired, and I missed Kane’s touch.  After a while, I began to relax, and he convinced me to lie on my stomach.  I could feel myself start drifting away as ‘Taker’s fingers ran over my back.  I moaned softly as he slid my shirt above my shoulders and unfastened my bra.  He ran his short nails along my spine, lightly, and I shuddered, snapping awake.
     “What do you… think you’re doing?”  His fingers lingered on my spine, tracing it so lightly… I moaned.  My skin was heating up under the Undertaker’s fingers as he worked away the remaining tension in my back.
     His breath was warm in my ear.  “Making up for treating you badly.”  His eyes were languid with desire, and I was lost in them.  He swept me up, and in one fluid motion, I was on my feet.  His lips pressed against mine, gently.  I broke the kiss and looked away.
     “What’s wrong?”
     My breathing was labored, my knees weak.  I’d had many a fantasy about this… but he can’t possibly… and he knows about me and Kane….   I turned to look into his eyes.  He has such beautiful emerald eyes.  They were dark with desire, as were mine.  He placed his hands on my exposed arms, and his touch was maddening.  “We shouldn’t… your brother…”
    “…isn’t here.”  He kissed me again, parting my lips with his tongue.  He teased me with his tongue, inviting me to do likewise.  I began sucking on his tongue, rewarded by his low moan.  His hands roamed my body, unfastening my jeans. He took my breasts into his hands as he reached to lift my bra from them.  At that point, my resistance broke.  I had wanted this man for so long… resolved myself to a token of his brother, both for the convenience and to get closer to him… and now….
    I broke the kiss, and stepped back, smiling seductively.  “Is there a bedroom nearby, or would you prefer we just tear each other apart here on the floor?”
     He turned towards the door that lead to his bedroom.  I quickly fastened my jeans and my bra, tugging my shirt hastily into place before he saw me.  When his eyes landed on me again, he growled.  “All my precious work…”
     I laughed softly.  “Don’t worry, ‘Taker, I’ll make it up to you,” I said, pressing my hand against his manhood.  A low animal sound escaped him.  I flexed my fingers gently, and he rocked his hips against my hand.  His body shuddered as I pressed the length of my body against his, then sauntered casually away.  He followed me into the bedroom, and was again trying to remove my clothes.  I pushed his hands away, and motioned to the bed.  “I told you I would make it up to you.  Have a seat.”
     His eyes sparkled with curiosity as he lowered himself onto the bed.  Remembering my favorite fantasy, I took a deep breath, and began caressing my own body, teasing him, throwing my head back, leaning into where I wish he would be.  I peeled my shirt off, tossing it aside.  I arched my back, running my hands over my breasts down to the waistband of my jeans.  I unfastened them, thrusting my hips forward.  I could hear ‘Taker groaning… music to my ears.  I slid my jeans to the floor, then kicked them away.  He stood, reaching out to me.  I grabbed the back of his head and kissed him hungrily, pressing my stomach against his hardness.  I pulled his shirt away, and ran my nails lightly down his chest.  Finally, he could take no more.  He picked me up and tossed me onto the large bed.  In one fluid motion, he stood nude before me.  I closed my eyes, imagining all the trouble I was in for.
     He stalked up my body, his hands turning my flesh to jelly.  His lips burned over mine, thrusting his tongue in and out of my mouth, teasing me, making me moan.  He unfastened my bra, his rough fingers playing with my tips.  I arched into his hands.  His tongue snaked from between his lips, and the contact to my breast was electric.  He sucked eagerly on my breasts, biting them gently, driving me insane.
     I reached down, wrapping my fingers around his hardness.  I ran my fingers along him, and he pressed himself into my hand.  I pulled my hand away, and looked from his eyes to his manhood.  He released my breast from his mouth and I bent over him, cautiously licking the tip of his shaft.  A low moan escaped his lips as I took him into my mouth, scratching his stomach with my fingernails.  I could feel him get close, and I backed away, smiling coyly.
     I felt his hands on my thighs.  He slid away my underwear, and lowered his head.  I shuddered well before he actually touched me, and he laughed.  “A bit anxious, are we?”
     “Please, ‘Taker,” I moaned.  I threw my head back as his tongue touched my clit.  I tried to raise my hips, but his strong arms pinned me to the bed.  My hands were shaking, and I was whimpering for release.  He pulled away, giving me that same coy smile.
     It took a second to register through my haze of pleasure.  “You bastard.”
     “Fair is fair, Jasmine.”
     I closed my eyes, reveling in the sensations he had caused.  I wanted release so badly, but I love to be teased.
     Without warning, he slid his manhood deep inside me.  I screamed in shock and pleasure both.  He was large… it felt good to be so tight around him.  We moved together, both of us quickly nearing the edge.  I could hear my disconnected voice crying out his name, begging him for release.  He kissed me hard, forcing his way into my mouth as we both got closer and closer.  I bit his lip as I came, the sensations rocking my body, sending him over the edge as well.
     We were still for a few moments, and then he tasted the blood I had drawn.  His eyes twinkled.  “You’ll pay for that, you know.”
     I bit his ear delicately, whispering.  “I look forward to it.”
     He kissed me softly, propped up on his elbows over me.
    “You know, ‘Taker, Kane isn’t going to like this one bit.”
    “I know.  He’s got my bike, and I’ve got his woman.  I wonder if he’ll call that a fair trade.”  His emerald eyes sparkled mischievously.
    “Hey…”  I looked away.
    He tilted my face back to his, and he could see the pain in my eyes.  “You really care about him, don’t you?”
    I nodded.  “Just not in the way he needs.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “You said Kane told you about us.  What do you think?”
    ‘Taker stopped for a moment, his brow furrowed.  “He said you weren’t serious… what did he call it, a ‘romance for convenience.’”
    “Exactly.  We both know that this isn’t going anywhere.  Hell, he knows all about you….” Damn it.  I said that out loud, didn’t I?  I winced.  I hadn’t meant to admit that.
    He raised an eyebrow.  “What does he know about me?”
    I tried to squirm away, but his elbows on either side of my shoulders prevented any escape.  I bit my lip and looked away, hoping he would let it drop, and knowing that he wouldn’t.
    He rolled onto his side, allowing me to sit up against the headboard.  He looked directly into my eyes.  “Jasmine… it’s okay.  What does he know about me?  You can tell me… I’m not going to hurt anyone.  I promise.”
    I hope that means me, too…  “You promise?”  I could barely say the words.  All the guilt I felt about my relationship with Kane pooled in my silver eyes, and tears trickled down my cheeks.
    ‘Taker wiped my tears with his rough fingertips.  “Jasmine… it’s okay.  You can tell me.  It’ll make you feel better.  It’s okay.”
    “He knows about you.  Like he said, we’re a romance of convenience.  We’re good friends, and the sex is great, don’t get me wrong.”
    He took me into his arms, cradling me against his chest.  “Then what is it?”
    "I can’t love him like he needs.  Not when my desires are elsewhere.”  His arms tensed when I said that, and I started to tremble.  I closed my eyes, waiting for his anger.  He tilted his head, and I held his gaze for a second before hanging my head.  “I know you love your brother.  I do too.  Just not the way he needs.  Please…” my voice trailed off as he began to stroke the back of my neck with his fingers.  He lifted my head, forcing me to look at him.  His hand was trembling slightly, and I mistook it for anger.  My entire body began to shake.
    He murmured something softly, and pulled me close against him.  I listened to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, and slowly I relaxed in his arms.  He isn’t angry… his pulse would be faster… then why was he shaking?
    “Jasmine?”  His deep voice was barely a whisper.  “If your desires aren’t with Kane…”
    “That’s what he knows about you.  I’ve loved you since the first day he introduced me to you.”  I could see tears in his eyes.  I kissed them away as they spilled onto his cheeks.  “‘Taker… why are you…?”
    He kissed me gently.  “I love you too, Jasmine.  It’s been so long since I’ve wanted to tell you.  But you were my brother’s.  Convenience or not, that’s off-limits.”
    I raised an eyebrow.  “But we…”
    He sighed.  “You were so vulnerable, and when you relaxed under my hands, I knew I had to take a chance.”
    “I’m glad you did.”  I strained my neck up to kiss him, and winced at the fresh waves of pain.
    “Jasmine… I’m sorry…”  His emerald eyes were watering.  “I didn’t mean to hurt you….”
    I pressed a finger to his lips.  “Shhh.  It’s okay.  I’ll be fine.”  A wicked thought crossed my mind, and I smiled.   “You could do me a favor, though…”
    “Anything.”
    I kissed his neck, my nails trailing lightly on his shoulders.  “Take my mind off it?” I whispered in his ear.
    He turned to face me, the devil in his eyes.  The only answer I got from him was the heat with which he kissed me.
    Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.  I leaped from the bed, grabbed my clothes, and ducked into the bathroom.  ‘Taker pulled on his jeans.  “One moment, please.”  A few seconds later I heard the door open.
    “Where is she, brother?”
    Oh God… it’s Kane.  I dressed quickly, trying to create a plausible story as the men spoke.
    “Where is who?”
    “You know damn well, who.  Where is she!”  My hands trembled… I had never heard Kane so angry.  I knew him well enough to know that only the truth would    appease him.  I stepped out from the bathroom.
     “I’m right here, Kane,” I said sheepishly.
    His glance went from me to his brother and back again.  “What… is the meaning of this?”  Kane stepped towards ‘Taker, who was now on his feet.
    I immediately jumped between the two men.  “Kane… it’s my fault.  He didn’t do anything.  Please… listen to me.”
    He tilted his head, looking at me, then at ‘Taker.  “She thinks it’s her fault.”  Kane began to laugh.  Within seconds, ‘Taker was, as well.  I looked from one man to the other, unable to comprehend their actions.
    “Well, it is.”  ‘Taker had stopped laughing, his voice low and deadly.
    This only made his brother laugh harder.  “Yeah.  Sure.  Your bike’s in the garage.”
    “What the hell is going on here?!”  The two men looked over at me, and continued to laugh.  I frowned, and walked over to Kane, poking him in the ribs.  “What’s so damn funny?”
    Both men gave their best attempt at composure, and Kane motioned to a chair.  I sat, waiting for an explanation.
    “There’s no good way to say this, Jasmine.  I didn’t really steal his bike.  He knew I was going to take it.”  My eyes widened, and I looked to ‘Taker for confirmation.  He nodded.  “You see, when I found out about your feelings for him, it was too perfect.”
    My brow furrowed.  “What do you mean?”
    ‘Taker stepped forward.  “I made a comment about how lucky he was to have you.   I didn’t know how you felt about me.  And when Kane pressed the issue, I admitted that I was in love.  When he told me that you two weren’t really serious, he asked if I would like to spend some time alone with you.  I had to trade him two days without my Harley.”  He winked.  “Well worth it.”
    “And then you admitted that you were in love with him… it was perfect.”  Kane chuckled at my amazement.
    “Speaking of which, why didn’t you tell me that?  I risked looking like a monster.”  ‘Taker’s eyes questioned those of his brother.
    A slow, mischievous grin spread across Kane’s face.  “For only two days without your bike?  No.  You had to earn it.”  He laughed, then turned to me.  “I love you Jasmine, I really do.  But I can’t give you what you need.”  He nodded to ‘Taker.  “He can.”
    “I understand.  I love you too, Kane.”  I smiled, and we embraced.  I turned to face ‘Taker.  “And you, mister, are in some serious trouble.”
    Kane laughed at his brother’s expression.  “I think I better leave before I cause any more ‘trouble.’  I’ll see you two later.”  He closed the door behind him.
    I walked over to ‘Taker.  My eyes studied his features as my hands roamed his body.  I kissed him deeply, feeling his arousal grow.
    He growled softly.  “If this is trouble, I’m not sure I want to be good.”  He made short work of our clothes, and his hands were on my bare flesh within seconds.
    I stepped back from him and crawled to the center of his bed, nodding.  “Yes you do.  Now be a good boy and come over here.”  I smiled as he did so.  “See?”
    Hours later, we fell asleep in each other’s arms.