Hi guys! I saw Lawless and was instantly in love with the movie! I loved Forrest out of the brothers (Tom Hardy is amazing!) I got inspired to write this story and wanted to do a prologue to start it off to get some feedback. Though the Bondurants don't make the debut until the next update, I wanted to intruduce the main character, Lilibelle. So give me some feedback and what you think so far. Thanks, Dante. Please REVIEW!

Love, the strongest and deepest element in all life, the harbinger of hope, of joy, of ecstasy; love, the defier of all laws, of all conventions; love, the freest, the most powerful moulder of human destiny.

- Emma Goldman

The Rossetti Girl

Prologue

My Daddy was a good man, even though he did some bad things. His name was Theodore Rossetti; though everyone called him Theo. If you saw my daddy, you would think he was the calmest man to live in Atlanta, Georgia. But underneath that calm facade laid a man capable of some brutal things. I had never seen that side of my father until the night of November 3, 1932. I remember that it had started to snow, a novelty in the usually hot Atlanta. Everything changed after that night; for the good and the bad. My life turned on its head.

October 1932

I was eighteen years old and was working as a secretary for Mr. Wade, a small town lawyer working in the big city. He was a kind enough man, though somewhat of a dunce. He truly would have been lost without me.

My brothers weren't that supportive of me working; they all had jobs and thought it was the lady's place to stay at home and cook and clean. I did that anyway as no Rossetti man knew what to do when it came to cooking or cleaning. I worked because I wanted my own money; I was a bit independent you could say, in my youth.

My oldest brother, Jed, used to tease me about my job, calling me, "girl Friday" every morning before I walked the five blocks to the law office. My Daddy never liked me walking and would always send one of my brothers to "escort" me to work. Eventually I got my very own driver's license; not many girls had those.

I had five brothers. Momma died when I was four from losing so much blood when she was giving birth to Jace; at least that's what Jed said.

There was Jed, Chester, then Bill, Wyatt, and then Jace. Jed was my big brother, always taking charge. Chester was a bit of a hothead, Bill was like Daddy, always calm, Wyatt was always more than happy to flirt with a pretty girl, and Jace was the baby, everyone always watched out for him. Daddy never liked it though; said he didn't want any of his boys to be sissies.

It was hot that morning as I got ready for work. I wore a knee length skirt with a camisole and a light satin blouse. I just finished putting my heels on when Jace stuck his head into my room without knocking, "Lilibelle, when you gonna cook breakfast?!"

I threw my brush at the door, causing Jace to use the door as a shield, "What did I say about knocking?!"

"Sorry!" he called out from the other side.

I smiled though, and when I opened my door, I ruffled his curls, "Come on, I'll whip up something."

We lived above Daddy's butcher shop, where I tended to help out on the weekends when the law office was closed. It was a bit crowded with everyone living under the same roof due to the depression, but we made due.

Jed, Bill, and Wyatt were already sitting around the table, waiting for me to make breakfast, "How come I got to do everything around here?"

I put my hands on my hips and looked at them, raising a brow. Jed shrugged, "It's woman's work."

I hit the back of his head as I passed him, walking towards the stove where Jace had already set out the eggs and bacon. I ruffled his hair once more as he set the milk down on the counter, "At least someone's nice enough to help me around here."

Wyatt rolled his eyes, "Suck up."

Jace glared at his older brother, "I am not!"

"Go sit down, Jace," I said as I broke an egg over the skillet.

He did as I said , sliding down into his seat while crossing his arms and pouting at Wyatt's words.

"Where's Chester?" I asked.

Bill looked up from the newspaper, "He already went to the mill."

"Already?" I asked, turning to face him.

"Yup, left around three this morning," Jed said as he rose to grab the milk from the counter, pouring a bit into his coffee.

I sighed; ever since the war, he hadn't been the same. Chester had enlisted and had left a happy man. When he got back, he was an angry man. He never talked about the war, just kept to himself or got into a fight. It wasn't uncommon to see Chester with a black eye.

"Alright," I mumbled as I began to fry the bacon.

"MmMm, what smells so good this morning?"

Daddy walked into the kitchen and rubbed his hands together in anticipation, "What's for breakfast, Lilibelle?"

He kissed my forehead before taking his seat at the head of the table, "Just some eggs and bacon, Daddy."

Daddy was a tall man, like all my brothers were, and was broad-shouldered. His once blond hair was now gray with flecks of white running through. He was an imposing man; not many made it a point to cross my father.

He looked around the table and stopped at Jace, "What's the matter with you, boy?"

Jace shook his head, "Nothin' Pa."

I finished breakfast and left the dishes for Jace to clean, "I don't have time! I got to get to work!"

He mumbled under his breath, something about girl's work, but rolled up his sleeves and did as I asked.

I kissed my brothers and father goodbye, and left for work.

Upon arriving at the office, I was met by Mr. Wade, who wore an old suit.

"Good morning, sir," I said kindly from my desk.

He mumbled under his breath, waving his hand limply in the air before shutting the door to his private office. I was left to the quiet; the only sounds being the typewriter and occasional telephone call.

Noon rolled around and I took my break, heading outside to sit at the park, where I ate my small lunch.

When I walked back into the office, I made my way towards my desk when the door opened from behind me. I turned on my heels and smiled at the four men who walked inside. They were nicely dressed; all new suits from the looks of them. I held my hands in front of me as I asked, "May I help you?"

The older of the four offered a polite smile, "I'm here to talk to Mr. Wade. Shivers is the name, sweetheart."

I held back a sneer at the term, "sweetheart," and returned his polite smile before sitting at my desk to look at Mr. Wade's appointment book. Sure enough, a Mr. Frank Shivers had an appointment at 1:00 pm sharp. At least Mr. Shivers was punctual. As I passed the men to get to Mr. Wade's office, I couldn't help but notice the young man standing next to Mr. Shivers. He resembled the older man; had the same dark eyes and black hair, though Mr. Shivers had lines of gray running through his.

He was watching me with a smile I didn't like, at all.

I knocked on Mr. Wade's door before entering, "Sir, Mr. Shivers is here for his appointment."

Mr. Wade looked up from his crowded desk sharply, "He is?"

I nodded, my brown curls bouncing slightly, "Yes sir."

He fidgeted in his seat, "Alright, send him in Ms. Rossetti."

Leaving the door open, I motioned for Mr. Shivers to walk inside, "He'll see you now Mr. Shivers."

He touched the edge of his hat and gave a slight bow of the head as he passed, "Thank you sweetheart."

The younger man followed, winking at me as he passed. I straitened and looked away, shutting the door behind them as the two silent and much larger men followed behind them.

They were inside with Mr. Wade for over an hour before his office door reopened. I looked up to see the young man step out, shutting the door behind him. I gave a polite smile before looking back at the typewriter in front of me.

"What's your name, sugar?"

I jumped slightly at the question. Looking up, I was taken aback at how close the man was standing to me. He was leaning on the side of my desk, arms and legs crossed as he looked down at me with that same grin from earlier.

"Excuse me?" I asked, not really wanting to talk to the man.

"What's your name?" he asked again.

I crossed my arms across my chest, "Why do you want to know, sir?"

He gave a chuckle, "No need to be defensive, doll. Just asking a pretty girl what her name is."

Trying to be polite as possible, I said, "I would appreciate it if you didn't call me that."

"What, pretty? Cause that's gonna be hard to do since you have one pretty face," he said in a flirting tone.

The door to Mr. Wade's office opened once more, this time with Mr. Shivers and the two other men walking out. I was ever so glad. That meant they would be leaving.

Mr. Wade followed, shaking Mr. Shivers had, "Thank you for your business, Mr. Shivers. I look forward to working with you."

Mr. Shivers nodded, "I'll send one of my boys with the last payment tomorrow."

Mr. Wade nodded his head, "Thank you."

As he turned to leave, Mr. Shivers gave me a polite goodbye before turning to the young man, "Nathan, let's go."

The man, Nathan, didn't look away from me, "Give me a sec, Pop."

So he was Mr. Shivers son. I wasn't surprised; they did resemble each other after all.

Mr. Shivers reached out and brought the back of his hand across Nathan's head, "Do as you are told, boy!"

Nathan removed his hat and rubbed the back of his head before looking at me once more. He didn't say anything. He turned sharply on his heels and stormed out of the office, soon followed by a more calm Mr. Shivers.

I was never so happy to see someone leave Mr. Wade's office.

"Ms. Rossetti," called Mr. Wade from his office.

I walked in, "Yes Mr. Wade?"

He looked worn and nervous at the same time, "Please sit down Ms. Rossetti."

He motioned for me to sit across from him. I did as he asked, unsure of what he wanted, "Is everything alright sir?"

Mr. Wade sighed heavily before leaning on his desk, folding his hands together, "I have to let you go, Ms. Rossetti."

I stared at him in disbelief, "What?"

"I'm sorry but I can no longer afford a secretary. Hard times are upon us and I cannot simply afford you anymore. I am sorry."

I was in shock. The office had been doing rather well considering the depression, but I had seen the books. We were fine, "But sir..."

He held up his hands, "I'm sorry Ms. Rossetti, but there's nothing more to say. I'll give you the rest of the week, but come Monday; you no longer work here."

Anger boiled inside me. Rising to my feet, I said, "Oh go to hell greaseball!"

I stormed from his office and grabbed my things from my desk before leaving the office in a fury.

I couldn't believe it. I had been fired.

When I got home I headed straight for my bedroom, slamming the door behind me. I didn't even stop by the shop downstairs to greet my father, I was so mad. I kicked off the heels I hated to wear and pulled my hair from the bun I wore my curls in, shaking my head of the ache I always got from wearing it up so long. I pulled of my stockings and threw them across the room.

I fell back against my bed and looked up at the ceiling; why did Mr. Wade fire me?

"Lilibelle?"

I turned my head to see Jace standing in the doorway. I didn't even hear the door open. His head was down and he was holding his hat in his hands against his chest. I looked at the small clock lying on my dresser; it was too early for him to be home from school.

"What are you doing home, Jace?" I asked as I rose from the bed.

He mumbled under his breath as I approached. I lifted his chin so he could look me in the face, "Speak u-oh my god!"

I cradled his face in my hands as I looked at his busted lip and cut up face. His right eye was swollen shut, "What happened to you!?"

He fidgeted before saying, "I got in a fight at school."

Sighing, I took hold of his arm and led him into the kitchen and forced him to sit, "Don't move."

I pulled a clean rag from a drawer and a small bowl of water, "Why did you get into a fight?"

As I sat down next to him at the table and began to dab at his cuts, he said, "Nothin'"

I looked at him pointedly, "Jace, don't lie to me."

He sighed, "John Thompson said our family ain't nothing but inbred hicks."

I stopped cleaning his face and dropped the rag into the bowl, "Jace, you can't let people get the best of you."

Leaning forward, Jace pounded his fist on the table, "But he's been saying that kinda stuff for a while; I wasn't gonna let him talk about us that way!"

"What's all the yellin' about?"

Turning, we saw Daddy standing in the doorway in his bloody apron. He took a step into the kitchen, pointing at Jace's face, "What happened son?"

Jace looked down, biting his lip.

Daddy laid a hand on my shoulder, "Darlin' why don't you leave me and yer brother alone?"

I nodded before patting Jace's head and disappearing from the kitchen.

That night, as I finished cooking super, Chester walked in, finally coming home from the mill outside the city.

He silently kissed my cheek before washing his hands in the sink.

Chester had curly dark brown hair and a beard that he had let grow out, with a ruddy complexion.

"How was your day, Ches?" I asked, trying to break the silence.

He dropped himself into a chair and scratched the back of his head, "It went."

I nodded silently, biting my lip, "Oh."

A flurry of footsteps entered the kitchen as the sounds of chairs scrapping against the floor filled my ears. I turned and saw everybody was sitting at the table, looking at me expectedly, "What?"

"Hurry up woman, we're starvin!" Jed said as he slapped his hands on the table.

Daddy took his napkin and slapped it against Jed's head, "Mine yer manners, Jedidiah!"

Jed held up his hands in defense, "Alrigh"!"

Ever the gentleman, Jace took the ham and set it on the table for me as I set mashed potatoes and green beans around it, "Hope you like it boys!"

Wyatt snorted, "Lilibelle, have we ever not liked your cooking?"

I patted his shoulder as I passed him to take my place between Bill and Chester.

"Anybody got news?" Daddy asked, cutting into his ham.

Nobody said anything except for the occasional grunt, too busy stuffing their faces with food. So I cleared my throat and said, "I got fired today."

The sound of silverware clanking on the plates was the only sound, which quickly was replaced with silence before Bill broke it, "What!"

"What're you talking about?" asked Jed asked sharply.

"I told you that lawyer weren't no good!" Wyatt said as he threw his napkin on his near empty plate.

Chester and Daddy were the only ones who were silent. Jace was asking if I was alright, which I answered with a simple nod.

Daddy finally spoke up, "Alright that's enough hollerin'! Quiet!"

The boys got quiet and looked at Daddy, who finished chewing his food and wiping the corners of his mouth, "Now, Lilibelle, why were you fired?"

I sighed and shook my head as I crossed my arms and fell back against my chair, "Mr. Wade claims that he can't pay me anymore; which is a lie! I've seen his finance books. He called me into his office after a new client came in. Said I had until Monday."

"Well we'll just have to go have a little talk with Mr. Wade, won't we?" Jed said from across the table.

"Now Jed, don't lose yer temper," Daddy warned.

"It's fine, really," I said, causing Jed to look at me sharply.

"Fine? There's nothin' fine about it, Lilibelle. He fired you without a reason!" Jed yelled, rising to his feet.

"Jed," Daddy said calmly, "if Lilibelle wants you to do something, she'll let ya know."

My brother plopped back down in his seat, though begrudgingly, "Alright."

"So," Daddy said as he looked over at me with a smile, "guess you'll be working with me in the shop for time being?"

I nodded, "Of course, Daddy."

"Good," Bill said, mouth full of potatoes, "that way we can keep an eye on her."

I raised one brown eyebrow, "Excuse me?"

"He's right," Wyatt said, "got to keep the boys away from ya."

My mouth dropped and I reached across the table to smack at him but he dodged, "I think I'm old enough if I want boys to come around!"

Daddy shook his head, sighing, "Please don' make yer daddy worry, honey. I don' need no boys coming around here for yer brothers to kill."

Being the only girl in a family full of boys didn't help me when it came to the opposite sex. Even when I was younger, my brothers didn't like it much when boys tried to play with me.

"Don't worry Daddy; I'm not looking for a man just yet." I said sweetly.

"Good," mumbled Chester, speaking at the table for the first time.

I looked at him and gave a tiny smile, rubbing his arm under the table affectionately. The corner of his mouth ticked; the only sign of a smile from him these days.

It had been two weeks since I was fired from the law office and I had been working in Daddy's butchery since. I mostly just took peoples orders or helped them find things around the shop. Today was a relatively slow day. I was leaning against the counter, letting my mind wonder.

"What are you doin'?"

I looked behind me to see Daddy sticking his head through the open window, leaning on his arms. I smiled, "Waiting for customers to come in."

He smiled and winked at me before disappearing to cut up more meat.

The bell above the door rang, causing me to turn to greet whoever walked in, "Hello, what can I get for-"

Standing in the doorway was Nathan Shivers.

He wore a pinstriped suit, which appeared tailored, and very nice shoes. His hair was slicked back and he was clean shaven. I peered behind him and saw the same two large men from the office standing outside the shop, their backs to the windows of the shop.

I cleared my throat, "What can I get for you?"

He grinned and walked up to the counter, "Nice to see you again Ms. Rossetti, I heard about what happened. I'm so sorry for you losing your job and all."

I gave a stiff smile, "Well thank you."

There was a moment of awkward silence before Nathan shifted, his hands coming out of his pockets and resting them on either side of mine on the counter, "So I was thinking I could take you out sometime."

I tilted my head and stared at him, "I'm sorry?"

"You know, like a date. I'll show you a good time," he said confidently.

I pulled my hands from the counter, "Mr. Shivers,"

"Nathan," he interrupted.

"Nathan," I said strainingly, "I'm flattered but no thank you."

He furrowed his brow, "No thanks? Doll, do you know who I am?"

I crossed my arms, "Do you want any meat or not, Mr. Shivers?"

He straightened and adjusted his suit, grinning, "Watcha offering?"

I signed inwardly, "What are you looking for? We have sirloin, steak, hamburger..."

He leaned forward, looking me up and down suggestively, "How 'bout some thigh?"

I stepped back, not liking his flirtatious attitude, "Mr. Shivers,"

"Can I help you, son?"

I closed my eyes in relief as my father stepped out from the back. Turning I saw him in his bloody apron, holding his cleaver in his hand as he walked up next to me.

Nathan nodded his head politely, "You must be Theo; my father told me all about you. Didn't they used to call you "Butcher" in the old days, when you were working for my father?"

I gave my father a look. I was no stranger that Daddy used to be on the other side of the law; he had been very honest with us about that part of his life. Daddy gave a chuckle, "I used to be your daddy's partner, son. I never worked for 'em."

Nathan held up his hands as an apology, "Of course, Mr. Rossetti. Imagine my surprise when I met your beautiful daughter at our new lawyer's office. Pop told me all about you."

Daddy placed a hand on the small of my back and said, "Darlin' why doing you go upstairs? I think you've done enough work for today."

I knew that look in Daddy's eye. It was a cold and hard stare that he only ever had when he was really mad, "Alright Daddy."

Out of politeness, I turned to Nathan, "Have a nice day, Mr. Shivers."

As I walked to the back steps, I heard him call out, "Nathan, doll!"

For weeks, Nathan would show up out of nowhere, trying to get a date out of me. He would pop into the shop but luckily wouldn't stay long thanks to Daddy's presence. Or would come to a club I was at with Wyatt or Bill. I had to stop Wyatt from starting a fight with him once or twice already. I was afraid that if my brothers got into a fight with him, Nathan would do something. He made it pretty clear that he and his father were gangsters.

That night at the club he managed to corner me and was nearly begging, "Come on Belle, I want you to be my moll. You wouldn't have to work another day in your father's dirty shop again, or anywhere! I'd take care of you."

He had grabbed my arm tightly and when I pulled away, I nearly stumbled, "I already told you, I'm not interested Mr. Shivers! Please stop."

I walked away to find Wyatt and Bill waiting for me at our table.

I was afraid Nathan Shivers was going to do something.

Daddy eventually had me stop working at the shop and stay at home, much to my agitation. I didn't want to be cooped up at home, hiding from my problems. But staying at home didn't seem to faze Nathan. He somehow got our telephone number and was constantly calling.

I remember one night; I had just gotten ready to go to bed when Daddy answered the ringing telephone. I peered around the corner and watched as his face turned red and his eyes grow cold. Even though his face was angered, his voice was calm. As if explaining to a child, he said, "Listen to me carefully, Mr. Shivers. Cause I ain't going to say this again. I've given you fair warning on a number of occasions. Stay away from my daughter. Stop following her, stop calling. If I see you anywhere near her again, I'll kill you."

He hung up and turned to see me watching him. He walked over and brushed my loose hair away from my face, patting my cheek, "It's alright darlin'."

I wrapped my arms around his waist and buried my face in his chest. I just wanted Nathan to go away.

I will never forget November 3, 1932 for as long as I live.

I had stayed at home, taking care of Jace, who had gotten sick. He had slept for most of the day, waking only to eat. It was also my birthday; I had turned nineteen and was going out to dinner to a fancy restaurant with Daddy. We were gonna meet my brothers there, except for Jace on account of him being sick. I promised I'd save a piece of dessert for him.

I was excited and had been looking forward to this all week. My brothers always made a big deal about it and insisted on giving me the day "off" from "women's work." I didn't have to do any cooking or cleaning all day! Except for this day because Jace was sick. He apologies but I merely patted his head, making his curls bounce, "You can't help it if you get sick, Jace."

Of course my other brothers jabbed at him, as they always did.

It was six o'clock and Daddy had just closed the butchery and was cleaning up. I was waiting for him by reading the paper to Jace as he sat in bed, listening to me speak. He interrupted me by asking, "Do you think I could go if you ask Pa for me?"

I smiled softly, "Even if I could, I won't. You need your rest sweetheart. I'll already said I'd bring you something sweet from the restaurant."

He frowned but nodded, mumbling, "Alrigh'"

By the time Daddy had cleaned up and put on his suit, it was a quarter to seven. I kissed Jace on the forehead before leaving with Daddy for the restaurant.

As we stepped outside, I looked around at the soft white fluff covering the ground, "It's snowing!"

Daddy chuckled at my childish glee, "So it is."

I slid my arm through Daddy's and began walking down the street with him towards the restaurant. Leaning my head on his arm, I said, "It's the best birthday present I could ask for!"

He patted my hands, trying to warm them, "I should get you some gloves. It's getting cold."

We walked in comfortable silence until we came closer to the restaurant. As we waited for a car to pass, laughter came from around the corner. It was numerous, not just one person. They sounded rowdy and drunk.

I felt Daddy tighten his grip on my arm but he said nothing. As the laughter grew closer, I turned and saw a group of men come tumbled from around the corner of the building.

We began to walk across the street when we heard a loud whistle, "Don't you look swanky!"

"Come on sweetheart, show us those gams!"

"Lilibelle!"

I turned my head and recognized Nathan at the head of his group. He was clearly drunk by his blood-shot eyes and smell of booze. Daddy dragged me along, ignoring the whoops and hollers. As we reached the door of the restaurant, Daddy opened the door and said, "Go get Jed."

Confused, I said, "Why?"

"Just do as I say, girl." He said harshly.

Nodding, I stepped inside only to be yanked back. With a gasp, I stumbled and found myself locked in the arms of Nathan Shivers. He chuckled and stumbled back against his posse, who steadied him.

I pushed against Nathan's chest, "Let me go!"

I heard Daddy hollering for Jed ad Chester but was trying to get out of Nathan's grip. To my shock, he leaned in close, "You smell so sweet."

I pulled my head back but felt his grip on the back of my neck, pulling me close. He pressed his lips s against mine hard, biting my lip in the process. Whimpering, I slapped at him.

"Get off my sister!" I head Jed scream.

I felt the pressure of Nathan's lips leave and was pulled back by Chester, who held me safely in his arms.

I watched as Daddy charged at Nathan, knocking the younger man to the ground. Nathan's posse stumbled back, watching in drunken confusion. Daddy's fists turned red from the blood pouring out of Nathan's broken nose.

I couldn't say anything. I had never seen Daddy in this way before. He took hold of Nathan's collar and began pounding him into the street, "What I say?! Told you if ya came near her again, I'd kill you!"

As Daddy continued to beat on Nathan, his friends finally began to step in, causing Jed and Chester to become involved. They began fighting with the other men, creating a brawl right in the middle of the street.

I stood in shock, watching my father and older brothers.

It was the sound of a gunshot that broke my shock.

Jumping, my hands flew to my lips as I screamed. I watched as my father fell to the side, gripping his chest. I saw the stain of red beginning to appear on his coat, "Daddy!"

I ran to his side, falling to the cold ground. I covered his blood-covered hand with mine, "Daddy!"

He groaned and began stumbling over words, "G-g-o...go!"

I screamed as I was ripped away from him. I heard Nathan whispering in my ear, "Mine now."

His arm wrapped around my waist before I felt myself being pushed. I landed in the grip of one of Nathan's companions. I fought against him, trying to get away. Jed and Chester were pushing their way through the other men. Nathan let another shot fly from his gun, nearly hitting Chester. I screamed as I was dragged away. I felt one of my heels fly off my foot and the cold snow hitting it.

I continued to fight until I felt pain at the back of my head. Then nothing.

"You stupid boy!"

I heard these words as I came to.

"Have you lost your mind? You better hope you killed Theo Rossetti, cause if not, he's coming for you!"

"Relax Pop. Shot him dead center in the chest. He's a dead fish."

My eyes fluttered open and I could make out two figures. I groaned, causing them to look my way.

One of the figures left the room, shutting the door behind them. The other figure approached the bed and sat down. I felt them brush my hair away from my face and make shushing noises as I tried to pull away. I couldn't move. I pulled my arm but found I could barely move it. Looking up I saw rope tied around my wrists and on the headboard of the bed I was lying on.

I panicked and began kicking my feet and pulling my arms. I felt hands on my bare legs, trying to stop my movement, "Calm down, Belle."

I looked from my wrists into the eyes of a much more sober Nathan. Blinking my tear-stained eyes, I said, "What do you want?"

He smiled and brought his hand up to my face, rubbing his thump against my cheek, "You."

I glared at him and before I knew what happened, I had spit at him.

His smile turned into a heated glare. The hand resting on my cheek turned hard as it gripped my face in a vice. Whimpering from the sudden pain, I stared back at him. He leaned in close, "If that's how you want it; fine. I was gonna be gentle."

Gentle?

What was he?

No!

I began struggling against him only for him to sit on top of my legs, making them immobile. He let go of my face to take hold of my dress. I felt it being ripped away, buttons flying off. I screamed and said, "Please no'! Don't do this, Nathan please!"

He yanked the material away until I was in nothing but my nickers. I turned my head away to avoid his dark stare. I felt his hands on me, rubbing up and down my stomach until they stopped over my breasts. I felt a tear run down my face as he squeezed them. "Stop it!"

He pulled my head back until I was forced to look at him. He leaned in and kissed me forcibly. As soon as his lips were on mine I opened my mouth and bit down hard on his lip. He hollered and pulled away.

Wiping at the blood from his lip, Nathan glared down at me before bringing the back of his hand across my face. My head snapped to the side in pain.

I felt something being forced into my mouth and looking down, I saw it was Nathan's tie. He tied it tightly before pulling off his jacket, throwing it to the ground. He yanked his dress shirt off and tossed it aside. He stared down at me hungrily.

I closed my eyes, wanting to disappear.

I let out a groan as I felt my bra being taken away. I shook my head, trying to plead through the gag, "pwease!"

He began unbuckling his belt and with a thud, it joined his jacket and shirt on the floor.

I felt his body move between my legs. He pressed a kiss against my calf, making me feel revolted, before moving my legs on either side of him. I began kicking at him, trying anything to get him to stop.

He kissed my neck before saying, "This'll only hurt a bit."

He covering my mouth with his hand to stop my screams. I could feel him...there. I could feel it rubbing against my most private place.

I shook my head, my body shaking with sobs as I had no choice but to wait for him to break through.

He let out a groan of pleasure, "You feel so good already."

I gave one last attempt to get him to stop. I began shaking my body, trying to push him away.

"Stop it now!" he said sternly.

I felt him push and my eyes widened.

Please god no!

I heard a bang and felt something wet splatter my face.

I felt Nathan's body fall on top me limply. I could feel his blood draining out on to my stomach. I sobbed as I felt him being pushed off of me. I began breathing rapidly and grew dizzy. My vision grew less and less, and then all I saw was darkness.

Jeb stood outside the hospital room, watching as his father lay unconscious. He was lucky, the doctor said, that the bullet didn't hit his heart. It barely missed his lung. He would live.

How a happy day turned into a nightmare, he'd never know.

When he saw his sister being brought into the hospital, covered in blood, I feared she was dead. She looked so limp in Bill's arms as he carried her inside, Jace tagging along behind him, looking worried.

He knew that they had to run. Frank Shivers would be coming for 'em. After all, his only son had been killed by a Rossetti.

His daddy had grown up in Virginia somewhere and had some family land. They would go there.

Thanks for reading! Please take a moment a review! I get even more inspired when I get feedback!

v

v

v

v

v