“Roman that was unprofessional and just all around stupid” John yelled as he stood in Roman and Marlena’s living room. “Don’t you come into my house and say those words to me. It was a sudden reaction and I did the best I could under the circumstances” Roman said as he walked towards John. “Don’t give me that shit. You knew you were going into a situation with multiple armed men with a possible hostage. You call for backup!” John yelled louder than before. Standing face to face “get out of my house” Roman said with anger. John stood with so many thoughts going through his mind. “Roman, the consequences could’ve been deadly and you know it” John said with a calm voice. “Don’t come into my house ever again and tell me how to do my job. Now don’t make me repeat myself.” John walked towards the door and turned and looked at Roman “does it upset you more that you know I am right?” John said. “What is going on down here” Marlena said running down the stairs in her bathrobe. “I can hear you both yelling as if I was in the same room” Marlena said standing between John and Roman. John walked closer to Marlena. All his anger and worry for Roman were gone from his mind seeing Marlena standing before him. “Doc, why don’t you go back upstairs and get dressed. We have reservations” Roman said in a demanding voice waving his arm in the air. “No I won’t. Not until you tell me what is going on.” “Doc, this doesn’t concern you” Roman said walking closer to Marlena. Marlena turned and looked at John with her arms folded over her chest. “One of you, tell me” she said getting upset and knowing John would do as requested. “A couple thugs got away tonight b/c Roman didn’t do the proper protocol.” Marlena turned to look at Roman “oh come on Doc. He is trying to make me look bad. We can talk about this over dinner” Roman said grabbing Marlena’s arm turning her towards the stairs. Pulling her arm out of his grip “No! John has never lied to me before. He isn’t making you look bad, he is making me think why the hell you would do something like that? You have been a police officer for years.” Marlena said standing in front of Roman. “I said we will talk about this over dinner” Roman said with anger. Marlena looked over Roman’s shoulder at John, “he could’ve been hurt couldn’t he?” Marlena asked John. John shook his head yes slowly as he looked at Marlena. Marlena looked back at Roman “I don’t get you anymore Roman Brady” Marlena said and then turned to go upstairs. Roman turned back at John and walked towards him with force. “You are no longer welcome in my house if you are going to talk bad about me to my wife.” “I didn’t talk bad about you Roman. She has a right to know.” “Don’t tell me what I need to tell my wife. Somethings she is better off not knowing. Stay out of my marriage” Roman said. John stood there and then walked towards the sofa. “What the hell do you think you are doing?” Roman said as he walked towards John. “I’m just making myself comfortable until she comes back down b/c she needs to know.” Roman pulled John up from the sofa by the collar of his coat. “Get the hell out of my house before I remove you” Roman said with a red face never being more upset at John. “Roman” “Shut the hell up John and get the hell out” Roman said pushing John towards the door. “Roman” Marlena shouted standing at the staircase. “Doc, why are you not dressed” he said looking at her wearing blue jeans and a v-neck shirt. “I am not going anywhere with you tonight. I have lost my appetite and seeing the way you are treating John, I don’t think I would want to be seen in public with you right now.” “Doc, you are being ridiculous, get dressed” Roman said walking towards her. Marlena walked closer to John sensing the anger in Roman’s voice. “Talk to me Roman, what happened today? What are you not telling me?” Roman looked at John and Marlena and walked towards the fireplace. Placing his hands on the mantel, he didn’t see John place a hand on Marlena’s shoulder. Marlena looked up at John and John motioned to calm down. Knowing John was there with her made her feel secure. With a moment of silence Roman turned around and looked at Marlena “you and I haven’t had much time together. All I wanted was a peaceful night with my wife at a fancy restaurant. I didn’t think that was too much to ask” he said in a calmer voice. Marlena walked towards Roman “it isn’t too much to ask but when I hear you put yourself in danger that scares the hell out of me Roman. And then on top of it, you weren’t even going to tell me. What else have you not told me?” “I am going to head out” John said walking towards the door. “Wait” Marlena said looking towards John. Marlena looked back at Roman “you have been so upset lately. Something is bothering you and until you want to tell me what that is, I will not have a peaceful night with you not here and certainly not at a fancy restaurant.” Marlena placed a hand on Roman’s cheek “I will give you a moment to think about it and I will be back” Roman squeezed Marlena’s wrist “over my dead body are you leaving with John.” “Roman let her go” John said walking towards them. “Roman let me go” Marlena said grabbing his hand with her free hand. Roman’s tight grip on Marlena’s wrist was strong enough to move her aside when Roman saw John coming closer “I told you to stay out of my marriage” Roman said still holding Marlena while looking at John. John held his hands up in surrender “Roman, I will but you need to let her go. This isn’t like you” John said stopping in his footsteps. “Don’t you analyze me. You are acting just like her” Roman said moving Marlena’s arm with strong force. “Roman you are hurting me” Marlena said trying to break loose. “Roman, I will leave if you let her go” John said walking closer. “You will leave right now or I will have you arrested for disobeying a police officer and possible trespassing.” John looked at Roman with worry. This was not his partner and he didn’t know where the man handle with Marlena was coming from. He needed to make sure Marlena was safe. “Roman” Marlena shouted. “Enough out of you” Roman said tossing Marlena aside as her legs hit the coffee table and she fell to the ground. John rushed to her side “are you okay?” he asked. Marlena, with tears in her eyes, looked up at Roman “this has gone too far” she said in embarrassment. Looking up at John “I want to leave.” Roman walked towards John and Marlena. “John” Marlena screamed as she saw Roman with his fist in the air behind John’s back. John turned around in time to grab Roman’s fist before his made contact. “Don’t you consult her. You are not her husband” Roman said. “Right now, you are not acting like her husband either” John said lowering Roman’s fist. Pushing John back “get the hell out of my house.” John turned his back to Roman and bent down to help Marlena stand. “Leave her alone” Roman said as he walked up behind John and kicked him in the ribs. Sharp pain shot through John’s body as he fell on Marlena. “John!” Marlena shouted. “Get the hell off her” Roman said as he kicked John again. “Roman stop” Marlena screamed. “What the hell is going on here” Tom shouted from the door swinging it open. “Roman, I can hear Marlena screaming at my house” Tom said as he walked towards Roman and saw John laying on Marlena not moving. “John, Roman, what have you done?” Tom asked as he leaned down to look at John. “Tom, John and I have to leave now!” Marlena said with fear in her eyes and voice. Tom looked up at Roman and saw a look on his face he hasn’t seen before, soulless and empty. Looking back at Marlena “yes, of course” Tom said. “John buddy can you hear me” Tom asked trying to look at John’s face. “Get… Marlena… out… of… here…” he said in a sharp breathless painful voice. Tom looked at Marlena “Roman kicked him in his ribs. He could have some broken” Marlena said. Tom looked up at Roman who was standing over all three. Marlena started to comb John’s hair with her fingers as she spoke softly “John wake up.” Seeing John in the condition he was in was breaking her heart. Feeling horrible that Roman had done this to him, she could never repay him. He was protecting her. He always seems to be there to protect her. She needed to see him better. “John, wake up” she said with a touch of her hand on his face. She could see the flicker in his eyes as he tried to open them. “That’s it Marlena, keep talking to him” Tom said looking back up at Roman. Marlena’s heart was sinking knowing this could’ve been avoided if she hadn’t told John to stay “John please, wake up” she said running her thumb over his eyes lids. John opened his eyes slowly and tried to focus on Marlena. With a smile “there you go. That’s it” she said combing his hair again. John still not moving “ouch” he said with a squint in his eyes. Marlena looked at Tom “we might have to call the ambulance.” “No” John said. Moving slowly and in pain, John tried to move. Holding his side, he was able to get on his knees. Roman stood behind him “Roman, go upstairs and cool off. You and I will talk in the morning” Tom said as he stood up. Roman looked at Tom and back at John. Turning slowly, Roman walked towards the stairs. “Come on buddy, let’s get you to the hospital” Tom said as he helped John stand. “No, I’m going to the loft” John said in pain, he could barely see straight. Marlena stood and looked at Tom “I will drive him” she said. Tom saw the red on Marlena’s wrist “what happened here Marlena?” Tom asked. “The final straw” she said as she looked over at Roman standing at the bottom of the staircase. Helping John walk to the door, Tom looked at Roman “you and I are not done” he said. Marlena looked at Roman “but you and I are” she said helping John out the door. Roman didn’t say a word as he watched the three leave his house.
“That wasn’t the first time he did that to you was it?” John asked Marlena as she helped him get situated on his sofa. Marlena looked at John knowing that she couldn’t hide anything from him yet feeling so ashamed. John held onto Marlena’s hand and looked at her red wrist “I should be taking care of you not the other way around” he said running a soft touch on her wrist. “Don’t be silly, you could have rib damage and this is my fault, I should be taking care of you” she said pulling her arm away from John. “Please don’t ever say that. This isn’t your fault. None of this is your fault” John said looking in Marlena’s sad eyes. Lying on the couch with Marlena sitting next to his waist “thank you” he said. Marlena looked into his eyes finding comfort. With a slight smile “there is no need for thanks. I’m so sorry” she said with tears building up in her eyes. John tried to sit up and felt the sharp pain at his side. Marlena put a hand on John’s chest which gave him instant relief “don’t move. The best way to get better is to say still” she said. John with heavy breathing looked at Marlena and held onto her hand on his chest “I will rest knowing you don’t think this is your fault.” Marlena stood up and walked over to the fireplace. “I shouldn’t be telling you this” she said with her back to John. John secretly was enjoying Marlena’s backside view but also wanted to see her face knowing if she was crying. “You shouldn’t hold it in either” John said. He could see she moved her hand up to her face as he assumed it was to wipe a tear. “Marlena” John said in a calm voice. Marlena turned around and looked at John with a face full of tears. “Oh my word Marlena, come here” John said as he patted the spot she was sitting in moments prior. Sitting next to him, she was starting to feel calm realizing that she was where she needed to be. “I let this go too far. I let Roman get this bad. I never stopped him b/c I thought it was a one-time thing and he didn’t mean it.” John held onto Marlena’s hand. His heart was breaking hearing that this was happening to her. “I tried just going to work and then coming home and not going back out unless I was with him but it didn’t help. He would come home upset for some reason and never want to talk about it. I don’t know what happened.” Marlena said losing control of her tears. “When did this start?” John asked. He wanted to go to the house and beat the shit out of Roman for hurting a woman much less Marlena. Marlena looked up “I would assume maybe after the children moved away” she said. “That was months ago” John said. Beating himself inside thinking he should’ve known and stopped it. Marlena looked down in pain. “You haven’t told anyone?” John asked. Marlena shook her head and then stood again “who was going to believe me? Who could I have told? There were times Tom or Alice would come over if they heard him but I would make an excuse. Roman isn’t an awful person John.” Even though he thought he would pass out from the pain, John sat up “Marlena, you could’ve told me. I always believe you. Roman must be stopped” John said looking at her. “I don’t know what to do?” Marlena said trying to hold in her tears. Feeling fear of Roman and love, her feelings were conflicted. “Well for this evening, you are going to stay here” John said still looking at her. Marlena shook her head “I don’t know if that is a good idea. Roman would be irate” she said. “Marlena, he is to upset right now for you to be around him. I don’t want you near him. If you stay here, I can keep an eye on you” he said. “I can stay at the Salem Inn.” John tried to stand up and Marlena ran to his side “stop, you have to stay still” “I want you here” he said looking into her eyes. Marlena wanted to be with John more than anything. Roman’s behavior wasn’t the only thing she was keeping from everyone. Not wanting to express her feelings b/c she was married and didn’t know if John felt the same way, Marlena kept her love for John to herself. Looking into his flood of blue eyes “okay, I will stay but only b/c I know you are stubborn and will not rest” she said with her hands on his legs. John looked down at his legs and wanted so bad for Marlena to be between them. ‘She is a great friend’ he kept trying to convince himself. “Thank you” he said feeling his body get warm with her touch. “Well” Marlena said standing up “now that we know we will be having a sleep over, let’s get you ready for bed” Marlena said looking down at John. “I can sleep on the floor and you can stay right there” she continued. John waved his hands “oh no no, you can sleep in my bed upstairs. This floor is way too hard. I will stay here” he said looking up at her. Marlena looked towards the staircase knowing that she would have fantasies all night wishing he was in bed with her “I don’t think that is a good idea.” “Please, I promise to be a good boy and I won’t move” he smiled up at her. His smile warmed her heart and she felt the joy throughout her body. ‘If he only knew’ she thought. “Okay, you win again” she said lowering to her knees in front of him. “I will help you get ready then” she said as she started to undo his shirt. Looking at her, he thought to himself he wished he was the one undressing her. Afraid his body would express the excitement of her touch, holding onto her hands “I think I can do this part.” The only sound that Marlena could hear was her breathing as she felt his warm touch against her hands. “Okay, I will remove your boots then” she said raising his pant legs to remove his boots. Setting them aside, Marlena saw the pain in John’s eyes as he tried to move his arms to remove his shirt “let me help you” she said as she stood and slowly removed the shirt down his arms. Feeling her soft touch made John get a chill throughout his body. “Are you okay?” Marlena asked. “Yes, your touch gave me a chill” he said with a smile. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say that” he said as he saw the surprised expression on Marlena’s face. Smiling back at him, she would gladly touch him again “well let’s see if I can do it again” she said making a soft line down his arm. Feeling the goosebumps form on his skin “okay, yes you did it again” John said with a giggle. Marlena sat next to John “that’s not such a bad thing. I don’t know why you said sorry for saying that” she said looking into his eyes. John didn’t want to confess his feelings as Marlena was still at an emotional state “it was more your touch Marlena, not just the way you did it” John said looking into her eyes. Not picking up what he was saying “I see. What does this one do to you?” she asked as she moved her nails slowly down his chest while looking into his eyes. “That one gives me dirty thoughts” he blurted out. Marlena stopped but kept her hands on him. She couldn’t believe her ears. Maybe it was b/c he wasn’t in a relationship she thought to herself. “Shit Marlena, that didn’t mean to come out that way” John said as he couldn’t take the silence. “Let’s get you lying down and covered up” she said removing her hands and standing up. “I’m sorry” John said as he put his legs on the couch. Marlena wanted to jump on him and experience his dirty thoughts but she knew she couldn’t. “It’s okay John. Don’t worry about it” she said covering him up. “I will shut the lights off and lock the doors. Get some rest and I will check on you in a few hours” she said looking down at him. John put his hand on Marlena’s leg “you get some rest too. You have been through one hell of a day. You need rest. I will be okay.” Marlena enjoyed feeling his touch on her but didn’t want to make it obvious. “Good night” Marlena said looking down at John with a smile.
Standing at the window in his bedroom looking outside while wrapped in his robe, Marlena remembered the moment these feelings for John started. She remembered his scent, body language, tone and the way he spoke. They were at a convention for the Salem PD. Roman was occupied with other officers and Marlena was pretty much left alone. John stayed at her side calling Roman a fool for doing so. John and Marlena went to dinners, dancing and even played a game of tennis. It was nice to feel wanted again. Some would comment how they looked cute together and they would just laugh it off. Since that moment, Marlena has tried to stay away from John but seemed to keep running into him as he became her safety net. Being followed in the parking garage one evening, Marlena out of reflex yelled Roman’s name and John showed up to her rescue. Getting a flat on the freeway on the way to one of the kid’s games, she called John and he took everyone to the game and the children thanked him saying they wish John were their Daddy. “Thank goodness Roman never picked up on it” she said to herself. Looking back at John’s bed, she wanted badly to be in his arms. “I will go check on him one last time” she said to herself.
John couldn’t help the smile on his face knowing Marlena was in his bed. Even though he wasn’t with her, he was okay knowing that it would smell like her. “I will always protect you Marlena” he said to himself. Remembering how upset he was with Roman for hurting her, he wished he would’ve known sooner. “No man should hit a woman. He will never touch you again. I would give my life for you” he said. Marlena stood behind the sofa as she listened to John’s words. “If you only knew how I felt” he said. Marlena moved around to the side of the sofa standing there with her mouth open not believing her ears “tell me” she said as she looked down at John. Making a sudden movement at her voice, he grabbed his side in pain. “I’m sorry” she said “I didn’t mean to startle you” she continued as she sat at his side putting her hand on his hand. Feeling instant relief, John smiled at her. “I thought I suggested you get some rest” John said looking at her as the lights from outside lightened up her face. “You did but I wanted to check on you before I went to sleep” Marlena said looking at John. “I’m fine” John said in a whisper. “Tell me” Marlena repeated from earlier. John looked at Marlena confused “tell you what” he asked. “I heard you say if I only knew how you felt. Tell me” she said. ‘Busted’ John thought to himself. “I was just thinking about earlier today and Roman. I just can’t get over it. I should’ve known that something wasn’t right” “How? Were you going to peak in our windows every evening? Were you going to bug our vehicles or phones? Were you going to call every place we went to see how things were going? John, it was hard to tell. Roman is a well-known officer in Salem. I was so ashamed that I tried my best to hide it.” “Marlena, I work with Roman and I would say you and I are good friends, I should’ve seen something was off” John said trying to defend himself. Marlena put her hand over John’s mouth, “please stop” she said. “I don’t feel like you are being honest with me right now. You are coming up with excuses.” John removed Marlena’s hand “how did I get so lucky to have a shrink as a best friend?” John said making Marlena smile warming his heart. Not knowing how to express in words, John held Marlena’s hand “what does my touch do to you?” he asked. Marlena stunned at his turn around, looked at her hand and thought if she should be honest. Looking back up at him “your touch makes me feel safe and secure” she said with watery eyes. “I always want you to feel safe Marlena. Whether you are with me or not” John said feeling okay with her response. “I know you do and I appreciate that” she said thankful. After a few moments of silence “John, that isn’t what you wanted to tell me” Marlena said giving John’s hand a slight pull. Taking a deep breathe in and feeling it in his chest “do you remember the convention for the PD?” John asked. Marlena shook her head yes. “Do you remember beating me in tennis?” he asked again with a slightly giggle. “Of course I do Mr. All Talk and no game” Marlena responded with a smile. Finding a way to gather his words “John?” Marlena asked trying to find his eyes. “You jumped in my arms with such joy. You were so happy at that moment. You looked amazing in your tennis uniform and the excitement and smile on your face topped it off. That is when I made a vow to myself at that moment that I was going to do everything in my power to see that ‘win’ on your face again.” Marlena started to blush. “I want you to be happy. Knowing what I know about Roman, here’s the truth Marlena, I don’t want you with him. I want you with me. I want to see full life in those beautiful hazel eyes of yours. I want to know that you are not hiding b/c of fear. I want you happy and alive and safe” John said not wanting to take back his words but wondering how Marlena would feel. Marlena had hoped for a long time for John to express his words to her but didn’t know what to say. Looking at his body as he removed the blankets from himself, she wanted to remove all this clothing. “Thank you for being honest” was all she could say. John held onto both of Marlena’s hands “look I know you are legally with Roman and I don’t want to tell you what to do but” John was stopped as Marlena kissed him. John felt like he waited a lifetime to feel her lips on his. Pulling her closer he inhaled her mouth. Marlena put her hands to John’s side and pulled herself up “I’m sorry for putting too much weight on you” she said. John smiled “you can do that again anytime” he said. Marlena held onto John’s hands “I have waited so long for you to say those words to me. There are moments I would want to tell you about Roman b/c I knew I could run to you but I wouldn’t b/c I didn’t know how Roman would react. I never meant to put you in the middle of this.” Looking into his eyes as she could see John was smiling ear to ear “I would love to stay here with you but this could get complicated” she said. “We will worry about that when the time comes” John said pulling Marlena close for another kiss.
Marlena woke up lying between John and the sofa. Feeling rested, she looked up at John who was wake looking at her. With a smile on his face, he brushed hair from her face. “Good morning” Marlena said hugging John trying to focus with the bright sun shining in the room. “Yes it is” John said rubbing Marlena’s arm as it rested across his chest. “Did you sleep?” Marlena asked. “Off and on” John answered. “What time is it?” Marlena asked trying to sit up. “Who cares” John said with a smile. Looking down at John “I do. I need to check in with reality” Marlena said. “John… John are you home?” Marlena and John heard being yelled from the other side of the front door. Marlena looked at the door and then back at John. “I think it’s Abe, will you please get that?” John asked. Marlena smiled with a little fear not knowing how Abe would react or if he had even heard the news. Marlena stood by John “please don’t tell him about us. I don’t want anyone to know yet okay?” Marlena asked. She didn’t want to cause anymore issues with the uncertainty of Roman. John smiled back at Marlena before she walked to the door to open it. “Good morning Abe” Marlena said as she opened the door with Abe still beating on it. Abe walked into the loft upset. Spinning around looking at Marlena “what the hell happened last night?” he asked. Marlena stood with more fear wondering what to say. Would Abe be upset at her or John or Roman? She didn’t know what to say or how Abe would react. Walking over to John while not saying a word, Abe followed her “Marlena will you please give me some answers?” Abe said. Marlena sat at John’s feet as Abe looked down at John on the couch and feeling in shock as he saw the redness on John’s side. “Partner?” Abe said in a whisper. “Then it’s true” he continued. Abe sat in the chair across from Marlena and John, “I can’t believe this.” John tried to sit up until Marlena cleared her throat making John look at her and stop. Laying back down “what were you told?” John asked. Abe lowered his head to his hands “Tom called into 911 last night saying there was a dispute at Roman’s house and you had been hurt.” John and Marlena looked at each other. “I didn’t want to believe it. Tom actually called from your house Marlena and Roman wasn’t there. We can’t find him” Abe said with disappointment. Again, John and Marlena looked at each other “Abe he must be stopped” John said. “I will look after Marlena but Roman must be stopped. There is so much anger in him and we don’t know why. Who knows what he would do” John said. “We will” Abe said looking at John and then Marlena “Marlena I promise you, we will find him.” Marlena looked at John with tears building. Abe looked at Marlena “Tom told us what he walked into last night. I am so sorry to hear what you have been going through Marlena. Would you like to press charges?” “Oh no Abe, that isn’t necessary. I just want it to end. The way he attacked John was wrong and he needs to be stopped.” “Marlena, I am talking about you” Abe said. Marlena stood up and walked behind the sofa. Looking down at John with a smile “I will be okay. Roman and I are done” she said and looked back at Abe. “He did that to us. I just want everything to be okay. I won’t be pressing charges” Marlena said feeling comfort knowing she will be with John. “Okay but if you change your mind, call me. John, do you need to get xrays or anything?” Abe asked. Marlena walked around and sat by John’s waist “yes he does Abe” she said looking at John. Abe noticed the connection between John and Marlena. With a smile on his face “let me guess, he won’t go though” Abe laughed. Marlena still looking at John “no he won’t but I will make sure he gets some rest” she said with a smile placing her hand on his chest. John couldn’t remove the smile on his face remembering Marlena asking not to mention their relationship but her face and touch were giving it away. John motioned with his eyes that Abe was in the room and Marlena moved her hand suddenly and looked at Abe “sorry Abe, yes he does need care but I believe they are probably just bruised and you and I both know there is really nothing you can do for ribs.” Abe looked at John and Marlena “it is good you two have each other in this time. You two are good together. Keep her safe John and Marlena, make sure he behaves so he can recover” Abe said then stood up. Marlena stood up too “thank you Abe” Marlena said walking to give him a hug. She trusted Abe and even if he picked up on their feelings for each other, she knew Abe wouldn’t say anything. “Take care partner” Abe said shaking John’s hand. “I will keep you both posted on Roman.”
Resting in John’s arms on the sofa “I should go home and get some clothes and check in at the office” Marlena said with her fingers intertwined in John’s. “I’m going with you” John said. “You need to” “Marlena, you heard Abe. I need to stay with you to make sure you are safe” John said cutting her off. Looking up at John with love in her eyes “I am so lucky to have you” she said feeling safe. John kissed Marlena’s forehead. “I am also going to have an officer go with us to the house just in case. My reflexes are not as fast as they should be right now for some reason” John said placing his hand on his side. “Together, we will get you better” Marlena said placing her hand over John with a smile in her eyes and on her lips.
After a quite quick visit to the house to gather her things, Marlena opened her office door and turned on the lights. Freezing in her steps with John behind her, they both saw Roman on her sofa. Not saying a word as he stood looking at them “I should’ve known” he said calm. “What are you doing here” Marlena asked feeling like she was standing in nails and her chest was going to cave in. “I had a feeling you would be here today and so I thought I would try and catch you before your day started. Your secretary wasn’t in yet but I remembered where you put the spare key” Roman said with a smile pointing towards the lobby. “There is a search warrant out for you” Marlena said. Roman walked towards Marlena and John stood in front of her “that’s close enough” John said. Roman stood “you have to know I didn’t mean anything I did last night. John, I know you were looking out for me and you are right, I did a stupid move and I should’ve called for backup. Doc, I never meant to hurt you and I am sorry. I hope you both can forgive me.” Marlena lowered her head remembering hearing those words in the past. John looked over his shoulder at Marlena then looked at Roman “what you did to me does not matter. You have hurt Marlena repeatedly” John said. Walking closer to Roman “you took the life out of her Roman. She is better than that. She isn’t a rag doll to be tossed around or someone you make play dress up when you want something. Talking down to her instead of with respect and this so called love you have for her is disgusting.” Marlena couldn’t believe what John was saying to Roman. Afraid he would snap “John, please” she said from behind him. John knew what Marlena was asking and stopped but still looked at Roman face to face, eye to eye. “Again, you are right John.” Roman sat on the sofa and rested his head in his hands. John turned and looked at Marlena who was looking at Roman. Marlena walked slowly to Roman and stood beside John. “What happened to you?” she asked. No response, Marlena looked at John then back at Roman “you didn’t just hurt me last night Roman, you hurt John too. You could’ve hurt him way worse then what you did. Why? Why so much anger?” Marlena asked calm. Roman looked up at Marlena and then John. Roman stood up causing Marlena to take a step back “I don’t know why I did that.” Walking over to Marlena’s desk, Roman punched it. Marlena immediately walked behind John then looked towards her door making sure it was open. “I am sick and tired of you going to John to be rescued. I am your husband Marlena, I protect you” Roman said starting to get upset. John tried to take a step towards Roman and Marlena grabbed his arm. “If you didn’t treat her like this, she wouldn’t have to be rescued. Don’t you see that?” John said. Roman turned around and saw Marlena holding John’s arm and instant rage shot through his body “she wants you to protect her” Roman said looking at John. “She wants you” he continued as he walked closer to John. John stood still “she runs to you for her needs” Roman said. “John lets go” Marlena said pulling on John’s arm. “John” Marlena said a little louder “you touch her again and it will be the last thing you do” John said looking Roman in the eyes. “She is my wife not your’s” Roman said. “You are not sorry for what you did last night. You didn’t mean a word you said did you?” John asked. “John I want to leave” Marlena said giving John’s arm a strong pull. John spun around holding his side “I’m sorry” Marlena said in a soft voice as she could see the pain on John’s face.
“He could’ve hit you again” Marlena said pouring a drink for her and John. John sat on his sofa “I knew he wouldn’t. Your office door was open and he knew security would’ve been in there to arrest him.” Marlena walked over to John and gave him his drink. “I’m still glad we called for security after we left. He needs to be stopped” Marlena said sitting next to John. “I’m just glad I was there with you” John said with a smile and placed his hand on Marlena’s leg. Feeling relief “oh so am I” she said and sat up to kiss John on his cheek. “He is right you know” Marlena said resting against the sofa. John took a sip of his drink and rested against the back of the sofa also with his hand still on her leg “about what?” Marlena put her arm around John’s neck “I do run to you for my needs and you have always been there for me” she said playing with his hair. John turned and looked at Marlena with a smile. He set his drink down on the table beside the sofa and placed both hands on her face “I will protect you with all I have Marlena. Always and forever” he said and kissed her softly. “I am so lucky to have you” Marlena said wrapping her arms around John’s neck. “I’m the lucky one.”
“Do you think we should check in at the station?” John asked Marlena as they sat at the table eating take out. “Honestly, I don’t care right now where Roman is just as long as he isn’t bothering us” Marlena responded. “That is true but for a piece of mind, I am going to call” John said standing up from the table. “You must be feeling a little better” Marlena said watching John walk. John turned around and walked back to Marlena “I just followed doctor’s orders and rested. She is a smart woman” he said lowering himself to kiss her. Marlena felt warm, pleased and needed with a slight kiss from John.
“There is no way” John said while on the phone turning looking at Marlena sitting at the table. Marlena instantly stood up and walked towards John. “What?” she questioned. “Check the cameras” he said with a harsh voice. Marlena wrapped her arms around John “calm down honey. It will be okay” she said feeling his body was starting to tense up. “Call me back as soon as you do so” he finished the phone call and slammed the phone down. “John you have to calm down or you are going to hurt yourself again” Marlena said still wrapped around him. John hugged Marlena tight and rocked her “he got away” John said. Marlena started to tear up feeling fear again but tried to stay calm for John. John held onto Marlena’s face as he could see her tears “I will be by your side morning, noon and night” he said and then kissed her deep. Moaning and feeling the passion, Marlena forgot all about Roman. “If he comes near you again, do you want a restraining order?” John asked. Marlena wrapped her arms around John’s neck “what I want is to not think about Roman and I want to feel your lips on mine again” she said pulling his mouth to her’s.
“So what would you like to do Marlena? We can’t stay cooped up in this loft” John asked rubbing Marlena’s feet on the couch. Fire burning, soft music playing and hot chocolate in their cups, John and Marlena spent a content evening with each other at the loft. “Why not?” she said relaxed resting at the other end of the sofa between John’s legs. “Well we could but wouldn’t that be boring?” he asked. “I’m with you and that is all I want” Marlena said taking a drink of her hot chocolate. “I feel safe here with you and relaxed and rested and not needing to look over my shoulder” she continued. “Good, that is what I want you to feel” he said pulling her foot up closer to him and kissing the bottom making her giggle. “So, seeing how you are relaxed and rested, let’s talk about us. What are we going to do about us?” John asked her. Marlena looked at John with love. Sitting up straight “I know what I want but is it too soon?” Marlena asked setting her drink on the table. John pulled her legs closer to him “what do you want?” Marlena sat beside John “I want you. I have wanted you since the first time you made me laugh all those years ago” she said playing with John’s hair. “I want you too Marlena but we have to make this right” John said. “When you told me you wanted me to be with you, I thought my heart was going to explode. I have longed for those words. I tried to tell myself it was just b/c you gave me the attention Roman didn’t but I should’ve known it was more than that.” “Listen to us expressing how we feel about each other” John said with a laugh. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Marlena said hugging John. “You were, I mean are a married woman” John said. Marlena looked up at John “who is in love with her best friend” she said with a smile and kissed him. “Why didn’t you tell me?” John asked. “I thought my feelings for you were where b/c I wasn’t getting attention from Roman. The way you make me feel just warms my heart and body and after hearing how you feel about me, I knew it was more than that.” Marlena said starting to sit on John’s lap with her legs at his side. “Well that is good to know” John said holding Marlena at her waist looking at her as his body was getting excited she was sitting on his lap. “How do I make you feel?” Marlena asked lightly scratching her nails down John’s arms. Looking at her up and down “oh Marlena, I don’t have words for that. I have longed for this moment for so long. I just want you to be.” Marlena covered John’s mouth with her hand “I don’t want to hear about how you want me safe. I am with you and you will be my shadow. Now how do I make you feel?” Marlena said looking into John’s blue eyes. Marlena could feel a smile across John’s lips under her hand and suddenly, John held onto Marlena’s arms and tossed her to the sofa on her back with him above her. Marlena started to laugh “you make me feel like making love to you. You make me want to show you off b/c you are the move beautiful woman I have ever seen. You make me want to smile every moment b/c you tell me you love me and want me.” Marlena wrapped her arms around John’s neck “I do want you. Make love to me” she asked lowering his head to her’s. “Is that a good idea? Maybe we should wait” John said. “I’m tired of fighting with my body. I want you just as much as you want me. I want to shut out the world as much as you do” Marlena said and sealed it with a kiss.
On the floor in front of the fireplace, Marlena rested on her back nude as she felt a heat wave throughout her body as John hovered over her kissing all the right spots on her neck that made her fall into a pool of passion. Hovering over her “I love you Marlena” he said looking into her forest of hazel. Putting her hands on his back “I love you too John” she said with a smile permanent on her face. John lowered to her mouth and kissed her with need. John lowered to her chest and licked and blew causing her to quiver. Marlena wrapped her legs around John pulling him close to her. “Am I hurting you?” she asked. John looked up at Marlena “I am pain free when I am with you” he smiled and kissed her stomach. “You are so beautiful. I love your body” he said planting soft kisses. Marlena lowered her legs and pulled John to her with her hands on his face. “Please don’t tease me” she said kissing him with all she had. John checked to see if she was ready by patting between her legs. “Oh my gosh, your slightest touch drives me wild” she said slamming her hands to her side. John slowly entered Marlena causing her to scream his name. Moving slowly in and out of her, John had never felt so good. Loving Marlena was everything he ever dreamt of. As they looked into each other’s eyes, they could feel it was right. “You feel so good in me” Marlena said as she felt her body sinking in the floor. John dreamt of making love to Marlena so many times “you are making my dreams come true” John said as he lowered to kiss Marlena’s chest. John was side tracked with the sound of his phone ringing “ignore it” he said as he rose up to move harder into Marlena. “Ignore what?” Marlena said as she smiled looking up at John. Feeling he was close to release, he heard Abe’s voice on the answering machine. Holding onto Marlena’s hands, he lowered himself placing her hands above her head. “Hey John, it’s Abe. I just wanted to tell you we have Roman and he confessed to everything. He will have problems getting out of this one. Have a good night partner” and Abe hung up. Marlena and John both smiled with relief. “The night was already good” Marlena said smiling looking up at John. “I am so happy” John said. Releasing her hands “how happy?” Marlena asked as she put her hands on John’s face. “Let me show you” he said kissing her with everything he had. John was losing control of his body. Marlena’s touch, scent, moaning and indescribable beauty was making John fight his release. “You are driving me crazy Marlena. You feel so good” John said breathless. “I don’t know how much longer I can last. I have thought about this moment so many times” Marlena said feeling the blood rush between her legs. “Let’s do this all night” she suggested. John looked at Marlena’s eyes “I can’t last that long” John laughed. “We can make love more than once” she said with gleam in her eyes. With those words, John pounded into Marlena as deep as he could go. “Oh John… yes” Marlena shouted. “Right there” she continued. John was admiring her chest as it moved up and down. Sitting up holding onto her hips, Marlena held onto his hands squeezing as she felt her release. John was not far behind. Looking at each other as there body’s came down from their high “how do you feel” John asked as he laid beside her holding her “at peace. I feel like I won” she said exhaling while looking into John’s eyes. “I love you Marlena. I will always love you” he said and kissed her softly as they laid in front of the fire nude in each other’s arms.
The Jarlena Journal 