House music blared on; the mood shifting to something far diminished from what they had just seemed.

"In the white room... with black curtains..." Eric Clapton echoed through the room. There was a table of sandwiches and various foods, prepared by Liz, Lydia, and Paul's parents. Karen smiled widely at Paul, just amazed at his star power. For just a moment, she felt like a giddy fan.

Stanley turned to her, putting his guitar down on a stand. Maurice and Peter's brother rushed up to help Peter break down his drum kit. Gene and Ace attended to their guitars, fussing over them as they unplugged their amps and turned them off.

"This is stupid. I wish I had roses or something." she whispered to Ray, who was close by her side. She waited for Gene to finish what he was doing before he would join them. She grinned at Paul shyly and held out her arms.

Lydia held up a bouquet of roses and threw it up to Peter. He took the fragrant bunch and smelled them, pressed close to his feline painted face. Leaping down off the stage he joined her, and wrapped an arm around her waist.

"Crap," she groaned as she noticed this. Stanley leaned down and dropped to the floor, moving over toward Karen.

Suddenly Trish stumbled up toward Stanley, saying "Hello sexy! How's about a little KISS for me?"

Karen watched in horror, and rushed toward her all set to pull her away in anger, "Oh, for GOD's sakes... I'm only going to tell you ONCE...."

"Hang on I know how to handle this," Ray said, pushing Karen behind her. Grabbing Trish, she steered her in the way of the lead guitarist, who was sitting on the edge of the stage bouncing his boots off the edge as he talked to Liz. She had handed him a can of beer, and the two were talking quickly and quietly.

"Hey, Trish... there's someone who wants to meet you..." Ray said, grabbing Trish's arm and walking her over toward the guy that everyone called "Ace."

"HUH?" she asked.

"I believe he has something of yours," she said, and marched Trish over to where the man sat.

"But..."

"Hey there sexy!" Ray called to him. "I've got someone you've been dying to meet..."

"Hey baby..." he slurred dropping off the stage and wandering over to Trish. "This yours?"

Trish giggled as he held up her lacy blue bra before her face. She giggled, "Hey... that's MINE..."

"It's HERS" snaps Karen, "And she could use a little help putting it back on."

"I'll be HAPPY to help," Ace grinned. He suddenly caught Trish as she pitched forward.

"Aww shit," she groaned. "Whoops..."

"Whoops, gravity problems too, huh baby?" he joked. "Hey, want a beer?"

"Sure..." she laughed. "Where the HELL did you learn to play like that?"

"Why don't I tell you, woman?" Ace cackled. Trish giggled back, and the combination of his or her laughter was a cacophony of mirth that made everyone wince.

Turning he shouted something to one of the guys moving onstage. Maurice threw Ace a beer. He caught it with one hand and with the other snared Trish by the waist, leading her over to the sofa. Stumbling he accidentally fell onto the sofa, dragging Trish on top of him. They landed in a heap, giggling.

"You all right?" Ray asked, taking her arm and leading Karen back toward Stanley. He glanced left and right, intently looking for her as Bill and Neil were congratulating him and barricading him with questions.

"She's a damn slut, that's the problem" Karen snapped back. She silently berated herself for not bringing anything. Suddenly she felt someone covering her eyes. She smiled.

"Guess who?" someone, asked.

"Hmmm, nice long guitarist fingers. All sexy and sweaty. Is this who I HOPE it is?" she teased.

"Mmm could be," he joked. A soft kiss landed on her ear, as he lifted her hair aside.

"You were AMAZING, love" she whispered, her eyes still covered.

"Thank you," he whispered back. "Can you guess who?"

"Well, if you had asked me last night, I would have said Stan, but from what I hear, I'd be wrong tonight."

"Mmm do tell," he laughed, and removed his hands from her eyes. He turned her to face him, smiling through his mask of makeup. She smiles back at him and jumped into his arms. He towered over her in those platform boots, drawing her in with long arms to hug her tightly. She turned and kissed his chest, then pulls away a bit.

"I wish I hadn't been so stupid and that I'd brought you something!" she said, embarrassed.

"You did..." he said fingering her cheek. "You brought yourself..."

"It's either a dozen roses, or pay the electric bill" she joked weakly.

"And there's only ONE Thing I want from you now..." he winked, licking red painted lips.

"F**ck the electric bill," she said, looking down, embarrassed. "I'm sorry..."

He took her chin, and moved her face to look into his. Bending over her, he gave her a kiss on the lips. Karen gasped and let herself fall into the kiss, moaning through it. Surrounded by the musk of leather and sweat, she lost herself in the moment.

"Gene!" Ray shouted as she rushed over to find him climbing down from the stage. "You are a STINKER!"

"Little girl, little girl, let me come in!" he growled, as he wrapped his arms around her. He drew her close to him, powerful arms almost crushing her to his chest. She gasped at the feel of his sweat soaked shirt flush against her, leather pressed to her own leather.

"Mmm," she whispered, savoring the feel of his hands massaging down her back.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart," he whispered. "Were you properly inspired by the demon?"

"The demon?" she whispered. She looked up at him, her finger just barely tracing his makeup.

"Lucifer. Evil Incarnate. The Ultimate Bad Guy. Or were you not so scared?" he pretended to pout. Still he panted a bit from the show, chest heaving in and out against hers. She rubbed her cheek, looking at the black lipstick rubbed off on to her hand.

"I was FLOORED," she whispered. "And if you are the Demon, and this is hell, I don't wanna leave anytime soon..."

Towering over her on those platform boots, his amber eyes gleamed at her. Leaning down he tilted her face up to deposit a quick but steamy kiss on her lips. "You happen to notice our friends there?" he says, gesturing to Bill and Neil.

"Yes..." she panted, from the overwhelming kiss.

"I'm hoping they were properly impressed so we can get our asses out of this studio and into some clubs. And then into some stadiums" he grinned.

"I hope so too... man..." she shook her head. "I've NEVER seen ANYTHING like... like..."

"And what about our new little friend?" he chuckled as he nodded toward Ace.

"Your fill in is pretty damn good... where did you find him?" she asked.

He dabbed his face with his hand a bit as he is sweating. She watching Ace trying to put the moves on Trish, and looked to Gene. They both shared a mischievous grin, and she noticed the paint on Gene's face running slightly as it beaded with perspiration.

"Believe it or not, he just cruises on in during the tryout. One damn red shoe, one damn orange one, like he owns the freaking place. He's a complete idiot, I'm convinced, but man, he can shred on that thing."

"You mean... he's your LEAD?" she asked in astonishment. "He turns SIDEWAYS AND I can't see him!"

"Stanley thinks he's a FREAK!" he laughed. "But Pete likes him.... and I kind of like him. He grows on you."

"I think TRISH likes him..." Ray giggled, pointing to the sofa. She heard a loud cackling coming from the guitarist.

"Better him than Eisen." he grinned. "Couldn't help noticing that little interchange."

"Yeah, I was THANKFUL Liz was there to step in..." Ray nodded. She stroked Gene's lace-up shirt and looked up into his eyes. He turned back to her and playfully fiddled with her laces.

"So you're not going to ask me for a refund?" he smiled.

"Hmm?" she asked, still under his spell.

"The SHOW?" Gene asked anxiously.

"Oh shit..." she shook her head, then reached frantically at her side. "OH DAMN!"

He turned back to her and asked, "Huh? What's up?"

"I left my purse... Oh DAMMIT I left it down in the cab!" she cried, breaking out of his embrace as she moved toward the door.

"Shit, Ray, in THIS neighborhood?" Gene asked, flabbergasted.

"Gene!" Bill interrupted, stepping between Gene and Ray. "Neil wants to talk to you!"

He looked helplessly at her for a moment, then walks toward Bill. She mouthed, "Go on!"

"Go get it sweetie. I'll be right back," he nodded. She nodded back and blew Gene a kiss. He placed his hands on both her shoulders and squeezed them.

"Love you," she whispered. As he walked off, he looked at Neil, grinned and moved to shake his hand. He winked to her, his eyes glowing in triumph.

Ray slipped away, watching Neil shake Gene's hand. However, Karen noticed her leaving, then suddenly turning to sidle alongside of the group congregated in the room. Karen felt Ray tap her on the shoulder.

"What's going on?" Karen asked.

"I'm an idiot, damn it. I left my purse in Stan's cab!" she said as she rushed up to her. "I need the keys quick."

"Hang on," Karen said, and dug them out of her purse. "Stanley, I'll be right back honey!"

"Take your time. I'll be right over here by Trish" he said, then laughed as she attempted to smack him.

"BEHAVE!" she shouted. She rushed after Ray.

"Here are the keys girl. You sure you don't want me to come down with you?" Karen asked. Suddenly Ray grabbed them and rushed out before Karen could say anything else.

"I'll be back in just a minute. You two lovebirds enjoy. Besides, let's even see if I have a purse to come back to." she sighed.

"Wait," Karen said, before Ray rushed out.

"What?" she snapped, hand poised on the door.

"Don't be too long!" Karen urged. Ray waved then headed down the dark stairs to the cab.

Ray realized the room that hosted her party was a small back room of a multi story building. It was the banquet room of a hotel, which had seen better days. The outside was cracked; molding fading into nothingness of the paint chips that came free in her hands.

Rushing down the stairs, she stopped to take in the view. In the back ally was the cab, several large windows of the party filled room overlooking the street. If she glanced up she could see them carrying on, the lights flickering and the noise of the party still echoing into the empty streets filled with trash and clinking cans.

She watched the road, to make sure that no cars came out at her from the other streets or allies up the road. Something moved in the light of the street lamp, shifting the shadows. She leaned over to put the key in the lock and fiddled with it. Footsteps echoed in the distance. She opened the door then leaned down to snatch her purse. Someone moved out from the side street, out of a doorway.

"Smells like cigars," she muttered to herself, then pulled her up out of the cab. She guessed she was near a bus stop, because she could see the telltale sign riveted to the street lamp nearby. She turned to shut the door and jumped at the sound of someone's footsteps on the pavement immediately behind her.

"A bit late to be out, isn't it?" a voice scolded.

"Shit, you.... You startled me!" she jumped.

"You shouldn't be out like this... in this neighborhood," he said. His silhouette blocked the light of the street lamp, plunging her into his shadow.

"Like THAT's news!" she snapped again and shut the door hard. Glancing over her shoulder, she took in the shadow's appearance. Barely she could glimpse the fine suit under a long raincoat that he wore. In his hand he carried something strangely shaped. A cold uneasy feeling squirmed her stomach.

He held up the object to the light of the lamp, and she noticed it was a bouquet of roses sheathed in green leaves and baby's breath. A shiver played down her spine when he said, "for the birthday girl."

"What the..." she got out as she eyed him suspiciously. Fear began to build. "How do you know me? Are you invited to this...."

Suddenly he moved between her and the taxicab, light flashing off glasses he wore. For a second she glimpsed his face, a spike of terror stabbing her heart. It couldn't be, could it? Just some nut job trying to get her autograph?

"I'm surprised you don't know me," he said slowly. "Considering how long it took me to find you... Let's say I'm a secret admirer... who wonders when you're coming home..."

"Oh my god," she gasped, recognizing the voice at last. She felt herself go numb. A hand landed on her arm, gripping it firmly.

"Mark.... Go...go AWAY!" she shivered in anger and fear.

"Why should I, when I'm only here to wish you a happy birthday?" he asked, breathing on her ear.

"You have no damn right being her!" she tried to appear angry, but felt her eyes fill with tears.

"Oh yes I do. After all the trouble I went to find you. I told you I wouldn't stop till I did... and now I'm here..."

"That's not why you're here!" she spat. "Get out."

"Raina... it's late and this is no place for you to be... this neighborhood..." he scolded. "Won't you consider... letting me give you a present?"

She attempted to move, but she was restrained by the firm grip that tightened on her arm. Moving quickly, he pinned her against the cab with his body, the bouquet dropping to the ground. She put her hands on his to attempt to pry them off. He clenched harder, pain erupting on her skin.

"Why don't you let me take you home?" he asked.

"Leave me the f***ck ALONE!" she screamed; only it sounded as a whimper.

"You have no idea how much you're going away worried those who love you... your parents," he said softly. "Who don't know if you're dead or alive..."

She regarded him with terror, listening to him rattle on. His pale blue eyes gleamed with a maniacal determination that would not be denied. "I told them I had seen you... and they were worried... how can you worry them so?"

"Geneeeeeeeee!" she screamed into the night, but she could tell that the party was too loud.

He clapped a hand over her mouth, hissing "Shhh... Why are you making such a fuss? Honestly, I'm only trying to HELP you. I don't know WHAT they've done to brainwash you... but I'm here to take you away from all this..."

Panic-stricken, she attempted to squirm away from him. She was afraid he would shove her back in the cab. Her teeth bit into his hand, and he winced in pain. He pins her against the cab again, "Ah, ah ah, naughty girl..."

"Stop it..." he hisses. She darted away, only to have him grab her wrist and twist it behind her back. Again, he pinned her between his body and the cab, her chest pressed against it as his chest pressed to her back.

"Is this how you thank me for trying to save you?" he snapped.

"Mark, please...go..." she cried, muffled.

"I can't go. I need you to come with me! I won't ask again," he said firmly. "Or am I going to have to get angry?"

Meanwhile in the party, Karen noticed Ray had been gone a long time, and felt a pang of sudden horror. She rushed over to find Gene chatting with Stan and Bill.

"Gene!" she cried. "Where's Ray?"

"You're saying in two weeks, you can get us a record deal?" Gene asked.

"That's right," Neil says.

He turned to her, distracted, "Uhhhh, last I saw, she was heading down to get her purse from Stan's cab."

"That was.... Ooh...ten minutes ago." Karen shook her head.

"Something wrong?" Neil asked.

"You didn't let the lady go down alone did you?" Neil wondered.

"She's not BACK yet?" he says, looking at Karen.

"Gene, she's been gone for a long time!" Karen cried.

"Better go see if she's okay," Bill Aucoin says slowly. "I'll handle things here..."

He hurries away from the men and toward the window, looking into the street below. Horrified, he gazed at Ray, pinned up against the cab. She jammed her shoe into Mark's toe, and he released her. Darting away, she rushed toward the building. He grabbed her only, to have her whirl about and slap him hard.

"Shitttt!" he cursed, busting through the crowd toward the door. He slid down stair railings in a desperate rush to reach her before anything else happened.

"Gene?" Karen cried, then rushed to the window. She screamed loudly as she saw Mark slam Ray into the cab hard.

"STANLEY!"

"Get the hell AWAYYYYYY, Mark!" Ray shouted, breaking free of Mark. He stumbled, where she had stepped on his toe, lunging at her. Her hand streaked across his face, nails scratching his glasses off.

"Son of BITCH!" he snarled, then lunged at her. Before she could move, he slammed her into the cab, knocking the wind from her. She crumpled to the pavement, hugging her stomach. Angrily she tried to move against the pain, and glare up at him raising his hand to strike her again.

"Don't you DARE try to get away!" he yelled. "You know HOW ANGRY THAT MAKES ME? MY GOD RAY... You're MINE AND NOTHING WILL TAKE You AWAY AGAIN!"

"Leave me alone!" she screamed, struggling to rise. Just then, his hand flashed down as he screamed.

"I won't STAND for this! You're coming home with me... UGH!" he choked, before something closed around his throat and slammed him hard against the taxicab beside Ray.

"She's coming home with me, you son of a bitch" he hears a low angry voice.

"What... the hell..." Mark gurgled against a powerful hand closed round his throat. He stared into a black and white face, smeared and two eyes burning with rage.

"Who... are you?" Mark cried.

"You EVER touch her again, you SICK bastard, and so help me God, I'll kill you." He growled menacingly, both hands closing on Mark's throat.

"Who the hell are you?" Mark stammered.

"I'm your worst f***cking nightmare and don't you ever forget it!

He was stunned as he looked into the painted face, hair crackling with static electricity, the eyes glaring down from an imposing height. Never in his life had he seen something like this, a creature of the night and darkness come to life in leather and metal studding. For a moment, he wasn't sure if it were man or beast.

"What kind of FREAK ARE YOU?" he hollered.

"Now, you're going to apologize to the lady and make me forget you ever touched a hair on her beautiful head," he hissed. As he spoke, he repeatedly slammed Mark against the cab.

"Let me go... or I'll sue your ass for..." Mark gurgles. "You... can't do this!"

"WATCH me" he panted angrily as he heaved Mark again. "You know what it's like to live in fear in terror, you facing coward? Well... you listen... to.... Me...."

"You think... because you're painted up... like this... you can... do this... you... freak..." Mark gurgled.

"You take these roses and get the hell out of my neighborhood.... The hell away from my lady.... And if I ever see you here again, they'll find your remains in the morning. Got it?"

"Societal reject... how DARE you presume to speak to me like this!" Mark stammered. "What is she to you, you... you... THING... I don't know WHO you are... but if you don't..."

A boot rammed into his crotch, and he squealed in a new burst of pain. Red pulsing blood roared in his ears, and he doubled over.

"DON'T f**ck with me" Gene roared. "Don't F**ck with her".

"Wha... waht..." he gurgled, eyes wide with fear. "What kind of monster are you..."

For a moment, the creature left him to duck walk there, and slide to the ground. Eyes never leaving Mark, he asked Ray, "Sweetheart, are you hurt?"

"Gene..." Ray gasped, getting up. "I... I'm okay..."

"You have a NAME?" Mark groaned. "A thing like you? What could you possibly have to offer her that I can't?"

"I'm the kind you NEVER want to see again...if you're smart."

"Ray... how can you possibly be associated with this... CREATURE?" Mark spat toward Gene. "Don't tell me you... and he... no... Its impossible!"

"Yes... we are," Ray said to him coldly. "That's the man I love. And he's not the monster. YOU ARE!"

"I can't let you," Mark gurgled, extending his hand to her. Gene walked up to him and slammed his fist into Mark's jaw with a sickening crack.

"Get the f***ck out" Gene bellowed. "Or I'll KILL you myself, you worthless piece of SHIT!"

Mark crawled on the ground, staring up in fear at the creature towering over him. A boot pinned him to the ground, grinding slowly into his back as if he were nothing more significant then a fly caught by a spider.

"Gene!" two other voices cried. Boots pounded the pavement as two more figures in whiteface joined the first. Mark stared up at them in disbelief.

"What the HELL is going on here?" asked the one in leather vest and pants, his face painted like a cat's.

"Gene, holy shit...." the other gasped, in leather jacket and tight black jeans, a studded belt around his waist.

"This punk bothering you?" Peter asked, and then he saw Raina painfully huddled against the cab. "He didn't touch the lady did he?"

"Peter, I think he did," the other said, frowning and shaking his head. Gene looked at Peter, nostrils still flaring. He was clearly PISSED beyond belief.

Stanley moved over to Ray, reaching a hand to help her up. "Are you okay?" he asked. She hugged him tightly, shivering.

"Oh God... its Mark... and he tried to...but Gene..."

"Get this piece of crap out of my sight!" Gene snarled, backing away from Mark. "Because if I see him around Raina one more minute, you'll see his brains on the sidewalk."

"Who the FUCK are you?" Mark stammered as he slowly rolled over and tried to rise. "FREAKS! I'm seeing FREAKS!"

"C'mon pal, you're coming with me," Peter said, grabbing Mark by the lapel.

"WHO ARE YOU!" Mark screamed.

Stanley remained with Ray, seeing that Gene is still too upset to speak. He whispered to her, "Come here, hon. Let's get you upstairs."

"We're KISS, jerkwad," Peter said matter of fact into Mark's face. "That's who. And you don't FUCK with us."

"F***CK, yeah!" Gene screamed in anger and rage. He let his platform boot land in the side of the building.

"MAURICE!" Peter yelled. "BRO! Get your fucking ASS down here!"

Mark gasped at the two larger gentlemen, in black t-shirts and jeans who rushed out of the ruined hotel. Although this cat-faced freak was small, he had quickly twisted Mark's wrist behind his back and held him in a viselike grip.

"Is this the guy?" Maurice asked.

"Let's take out the trash," Peter said. "This guy... take him for a little RIDE?"

"Sure thing Pete," Maurice nodded, rubbing his hands. Nodding to his brother, Peter swung Mark into their grasps.

"Let me tell you again, asshole," Peter said firmly. "You fuck with me, and you GET fucked. So if you ever show your sorry face around here again, you'll end up in a box... got it?"

"YOU wouldn't dare," Mark stammered.

"Oh would I? What if I said I got PICTURES of this?" Peter said. "How about THAT?"

Gene was desperately trying not to go nuts. He milled around aimlessly looking for something to hit.

"C'mon, let's get this nut OUTTA HERE," Peter nodded to them. Taking Mark, Maurice and Peter's brother walked him away down the street.

"Tell him he comes around us again, he'll wear his balls as a necklace!" Gene howled.

"You heard him!" Peter shouted. He turned to Gene, who was wildly running his hands through his hair.

"Gene man, they're gonna take him for a ride..." Peter said. "Don't you worry about HIM."

"I sat there and f***cking told her she had nothing to worry about from him" he moaned.

"Gene, c'mon man, how the FUCK were you gonna know he would be here?" Peter asked him. He sank to the stairs, head in his hands. Peter sat next to him, patting his shoulder.

"I know man. If it were Lydia I'd have fucking KILLED him by now."

"Pete, if you hadn't shown up, I would have killed him!"

"Small loss," Peter laughed.

He stood up again and wanders aimlessly, looking at the sky.

"One less woman beater in this world. Man I Fucking HATE men that do that..." Peter said, moving over to him.

"You.... DON'T.... mess with Raina!" he gritted.

"I know man," Peter says, taking Gene's arm. "And you were there when she needed you."

"And just how long is it going to take her to get over this one because I wasn't there 10 minutes earlier?" he asked.

"Who WAS that clown anyway?" Peter asked him.

"Some asshole she dated...once...." he says, still overcome with grief.

"Gene, let's go upstairs," Peter says. "Let's get the fuck offa the street at least..."

"Sure.... Sure thing" he agreed as he walked slowly up the stairs, still in shock.

****************************

Upstairs, Ray huddled between Stanley and Karen, trying to steady her shaking hands. All over, her body she felt her temperature dropping, despite the blanket that they had draped around her.

"Easy girl, easy," Karen urged.

"Drink this," Liz whispered, handing her a glass of water.

"He won't bother you again, if Gene and Peter have anything to say about it," Stanley said, stroking her back.

"Especially if my husband has anything to say about it," Lydia added, moving over to sit nearby. Trish wandered over, leaning heavily on ace.

"You okay?" she asked.

"I'll survive," Ray said.

"She needs some space right now," Liz whispered to her. "At least till Gene comes back..."

"Uh huh,' Trish nodded. "Well just so you know Ray, I'm here if ya need me..."

"Thanks," Ray said, as Trish squeezed her hand. Ace nudged her away, and led her over to another couch under the large windows.

"I hope to god that's the last time I see his face," Ray shook his head. "For his sake and mine..."

"If he does try anything, I have evidence," Lydia said, holding up her camera. "As soon as I heard Karen screaming I ran over, and saw Peter run out after Gene... and I snapped some pictures of that jerk pinning her against the car. I used my zoom lens. So if he denies he was here or files some lawsuit, we have proof..."

"Damn, you're one step ahead," Ray laughed.

"Either way, he'll NEVER bother you again," Stanley assured her. "Not if we have anything to do about it..."

"Gene's probably feeling like it's all his fault," Ray sighed. "But it's mine..."

"Don't say that!" Karen reproved. "It was just bad timing..."

"I know," Ray sighed. "But after what Gene did to him, I doubt that he'd come within fifty feet of us..."

"Peter," Lydia said, moving from her crouching position. "He's back... and he's got Gene with him..."

She rushed over to her husband's side, camera in hand. Peter quickly held out his arm and caught her as she hugged him tightly. Softly he kissed her forehead, leaving silver paint and white merged into a smudge there. She whispered, "What the hell happened down there... is everything... I saw someone hurting Ray... and then..."

"It's okay. I had my brother and Maurice take care of it," he nodded.

"I took pictures," Lydia whispered.

"Good. We might need 'em if that clown does anything more stupid. But I doubt it, after the ride he's taking..."

Gene tensely regarded the occupants of the room, flushing beneath his makeup. For once, he was glad nobody could read his exact expressions. Bill wandered up and asked, "Everything okay?"

"It's taken care of," Gene said curtly.

"I think we'll be going now," Bill nodded. "It's been a long night."

"Neil, I'm REALLY sorry," Gene shook his head.

"Don't worry about it," Neil said. "I'll see you guys in two weeks..."

"You will?" Gene asked.

"Definitely. We'll keep in touch," Neil smiled.

"Will you excuse me?" Gene asked.

"Sure... I hope she'll be okay," Neil nodded.

"Thanks," Gene smiled. He wandered over to the sofa, following where Peter and Lydia quietly stood talking to Karen.

"You're gonna be fine now," Peter said to Ray, resting his hand on her shoulder. "My buddies will make DAMN sure he NEVER bothers you again, if he so much as shows up his face in here..."

"Thank you Peter," Ray smiled slightly.

"Hey, no problem," he whispered. Gene shyly stood by, face grin through the mess of black and white, as if he were ashamed.

"You guys mind?" he asked softly. "If I... speak to Ray alone?"

"We'll be over here man," Peter nodded with understanding as he took Lydia by the hand and led her away.

"Not at all," Karen nodded, seeing the need in Gene's eyes for solitude.

"Stan, let's give them some space?" she asked. He grabbed her arm.

"Sure, Gene, take all the time you need" he says softly, as he gestures for Karen to a nearby corner. Karen followed, squeezing Ray's hand in support. Peter moved over with Stanley, to speak to Bill and Neil, who were slipping into their coats to leave.

Moving next to Ray, he maneuvered himself carefully into the sofa next to her. His arm fell around her shoulders as he said, "He's gone, sweetheart..."

Ray looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears, as she answered, "Peter told me..."

She buried her head in his chest and sobbed against him. Tears soaked and mingled with the sweat permeating the cloth of his shirt. Her arms wrapped around his neck and his arms closed around her body hugging her tightly to him.

"Ray, listen to me. This will NEVER happen again!" he promised, voice firm with determination. "Because if it does, he's gone. Do you get what I'm saying?"

"Oh god Gene... if you hadn't come when you did..." she cried, muffled into his hair and shoulder. Gene eased her away for a moment to look her directly in the eyes, giving her as much reassurance as he could visually.

"Shhhhhhhhh," he stopped her, kissing her cheek. "Remember what we said before. Don't let him mess with you up here, love..."

"You scared the shit out of him..." she whispered.

"He's a damn coward and something tells me he FINALLY gets the message to leave you alone. Think the guys are going to finally convince him of that."

"Bless Maurice and Pete's brother," she laughed.

"I won't let him mess with you, love... before or after... whatever it takes..."

"Gene..." she stammered. He balled up his fist, punching his own thigh. There was still much anger present in his eyes. However she sensed he was trying to curb it for her. "You turned... into something ELSE tonight."

He kissed her forehead in answer, while she stroked his painted cheek. Face pressed lightly into her hair he whispered, "I know. I felt it..."

"You became a real... demon..." she whispered. "It was like... the Gene I knew what suddenly... TRANSFORMED."

"I'll do anything to keep you safe. You've got to know that."

"Oh god I know that... Gene..." she cried, hugging him close again.

"And I'll do anything to get us out of places like this."

"Gene, you saved my life..." she stammered.

"Yeah, and I put it in danger too, damn idiot," he cursed, pulling away from her and turning his back in shame. "If I had only gone down with you..."

"Gene, stop... don't you realize you were there when it mattered?" she asks.

"Like some hero to the rescue... Out of a comic book..."

He listened quietly, and smiled a bit, "I'm glad you were impressed."

"Shit Gene, how could I not be..." she laughed, wiping away tears. "You kicked his ASS!"

"Hope I made my f***cking point" he chuckled, hugging her tightly.

"With your five inch heel!" she laughed, pointing to his boot. It gladdened him to see her smiling despite the horrible scare.

"You know what this is starting to remind me of?"

"What?" she asked.

"Those comic books I used to love, where the beautiful woman would swoon all over the super hero in the end."

"Hmm," she laughed. "And the hero always gets his just reward..."

"Oh, now I LIKE the sound of that," he said, then turned up toward her a bit in alarm. She swung her legs onto his lap, and settled into it.

"No pressure though, sweetheart. If you need time," he said, hand on his knee. "Are you hurt... he threw you hard against that cab..."

"Just knocked the wind out of me," she said. "A bruise, but it will heal... what I need right now is some good loving... to speed up the recovery..."

"Just let me know if it gets to be too much," he grinned at her and looked around. He noticed Karen and Stan cuddling in the corner.

"Looks like it's catching," she joked. Trish was smooching Ace on the other sofa. Peter lay back in an easy chair, Lydia on his lap.

Neil and Bill waved their good-byes, having finished speaking to Stanley and Karen. Gene yelled loudly, "Our first groupies!"

"See you soon!" Neil laughed. Bill gave Gene the thumbs up and led Neil out of the room.

After they left, Gene yelled, "Perfect! He sees how the chicks dig us."

Peter cheered and lifted his beer, and kisses Lydia on the cheek. He chuckled, "Got the perfect chick here already... and I KNOW she digs me..."

"Now next time, we'll put you in the damn front row with Kiss t-shirts on!" Gene teased.

"T shirts?" Ray asked.

"Yeah!" Peter laughed, tossing something across the room to Gene.

"Yep. Kiss shirts. Shit.... All you need is a black T-shirt and some sparkle," Gene grinned, showing her the cloth. She spread it out, noticing the distinctive letters spelling out the band name in capitals.

"We made half the crap we wear. We can make our best groupies some killer shirts," Gene said.

"What is this?" she joked, showing him the shirt Peter had tossed her. "This is your band logo?"

Gene looked down at the shirt in amusement, and chuckled to Peter, "You assholes are ahead of me!"

"Ace designed it," Peter grinned. "And Paul made the first ten up..."

"Very cool" Karen whispered at she kissed Stan's chest.

"You're ACE?" Ray asked the guitarist.

"We already got ourselves one too many Pauls," Gene laughed.

"So...he's Ace," Ray said. "I thought I had heard it right..."

"That's me. Don't wear it out, babe!" Ace cackled and swigged his beer. He grabbed Trish and pulled her down again to kiss her.

"What's with this PAUL?" Karen whispered, still kissing Paul's chest.

"You're really going with my idea, aren't you?" he whispered back.

Ray looked down at her clothes and noticed the rips in her top. The laces were torn, the silk fabric stretched and ragged, showing her bra and more skin then she liked. She muttered, "Shit... Stupid asshole freaking RIPPED my clothes..."

Gene looked down and saw the rips. He whispered, 'I'll get you my jacket and once we get home, we'll get you into some nice new clothes."

"That's sweet of you," she said, and looked at the T-shirt Peter tossed her. "I think this will work... don't you?"

So saying, she tugged the T-shirt up and over her head. Gene smiled and hoped she was feeling better as he complimented, "It's beautiful on you..."

"Gene you guys are NUTS..." she laughed.

"Thank you..." He leaned down and whispered to her. "Where can I take you, love? Here? Home? You name it."

"Hmmm..." she whispered. "Your choice Gene..."

"Hey guys, I'm outta here!" Peter announced. "Someone giving rides home? How about you Paul? You up to taking me and my lady home?"

Karen looked at him. He nodded. She smiled at him, and raised up on her toes to kiss him lightly. He rose from the sofa, pulling her up after him. Cupping his hand around his mouth he called, "c'mon Pete, last cab home!"

"Can we make a quick stop on 33rd?" Karen asked.

"Sure," he said.

She smiled, "It'll only take a minute."

"Ace, Gene?" Paul turned to them.

"I'm gonna crash here!" Ace called. Against his chest, Trish leaned her head, fast asleep with a beer bottle in her hand.

"Good night guys," Liz waved, as Maurice entered the room with Peter's brother. One look to Gene and Peter gave them the answer they needed. The problem had been taken care of.

Peter moved over to Gene and Ray, saying, "Take it easy Gene... Take care of your lady..."

"I always do, Petey-boy," he said in grave tone, as he slipped an arm around her. She leaned her head on him, and Peter leaned over to kiss Ray's hand. Karen came over to hug Ray.

"Stay safe girl," she urged. Ray hugged her tightly. "You call us if you need to, OK?"

"I will," she said.

"And I found a $20 in my wallet. I'm going to stop down the street and at least buy Stan some carnations." she blushed. "Even if he does KILL me."

"Oh boy," Ray laughed.

"C'mon let's go home to BED!" Paul urged, then turned to Ray. "It's gonna be okay. Gene will take care of you hon."

"Take care Gene," Stanley says, patting Gene on the arm. Karen waved and walked ahead, pulling Paul along.

"Anytime, and thanks." Gene said.

"Welcome!" Paul called.

"No problem," Peter waved, along with Lydia.

"Stay safe,' Lydia wished them.

'Soooooo, do I call you Stan or Paul in bed?" Karen grinned flirtingly to Paul.

"Whatever your heart desires," he winked at her.

"How about Star baby?" she teases.

"Hmm, how about Star Child?" he laughed, walking her down the stairs.

"God, that sounds positively astrological!" she exclaims, serious for a moment.

"It's my persona," he jokes.

"Gene's the Demon, Peter's the Cat, Ace is the Space Ace..."

"I love your persona," she flirted with her eyes. He winked at her too.

"Love you," she whispered as they go into the dark, down the stairs.

"Love you too," he whispered back, and gives her backside a pinch.

"And I'm telling you right now, I'm stopping to get you some damn flowers, so you might as well start bitching now." she winks as she gets into the cab.

"KAREN!" he groans. Peter and Lydia climbed into the back. She leaned over the seat and kissed him on the lips.

"Home, NOW!" Peter laughed.

"Too late."

"Hmmm, just one stop, Peter please." Karen pleaded.

*****

Ray looked up at Gene and sighed, seeing Ace and Trish cuddled together. Maurice shyly walked over to Ray, asking, "You okay?"

"Yes..."

"I took care of the problem, Gene," he said.

"Good. Can you make sure he gets home okay?" Gene asked, nodding to Ace and Trish.

"Personally,' Maurice promised. "I'll call them both a cab... take it easy Ray... you want me to call one Gene?"

"If you wouldn't mind..." Gene nodded.

"Sure thing," Maurice smiled.

"Thanks," she said, kissing him on the cheek as he leaned over. He wandered away to find the phone, looking shortly at Ray.

Gene stood up and offered her his hand. She took it, asking, "Where are we going?"

"I promise you a safe way home" he smiled. "Let's go find us a cab, only not THAT one. I want to have you all to my little old self for a while."

She sighed deeply, and smiled, "Let's go..."

"Hey Gene, cab's coming in five to meet you... and one's in fifteen for Ace and his lady..."

Ace waved goodbye, grinning to them both. Gene took her hand and kissed it lightly.

"See ya, you nut job!"

"Later freak!" Ace cackled.

"Bye Ray I love you!" Trish blurts out.

"Well, how about THAT?" Gene grins at Ray and chuckled.

"Let's get out of here, now,' she urged.

"Mmmmm, you read my mind..." he growled, rubbing her back deliciously.

She shivered. Gene walked her over to where his bass and duffel bag sat, jacket folded neatly on top. Holding it out to her, he wrapped it around her shoulders on the way out.

"Thank you," she smiled.

"If I don't get these f***cking boots off now...." he growled. As they walked down the stairs, he put his arm firmly around her to comfort her. They reached the bottom, her arm round his waist. Out the front door, she saw that there was a cab waiting for them. Gene walked up to the cab and eyed it suspiciously.

"Hey mister, you call?" he asked.

"The lady and I want to get to our place on 42nd street," Gene said. "Maurice called..."

"Didn't hear from him. Someone named Stanley said you needed a ride..."

"Son of a...yeah.... we do." he broke into a grin.

AS Gene opened the door for Ray; he felt the eyes of the driver on him. They were wide with shock as Gene moved into closer view. Gene threw his bags in first, then helped Ray climb in. He swung in after her, tugging his long legs to fold up in the back.

"Uh... mister you from a Halloween party a little too early?" the driver asked, pulling away from the hotel.

"Don't f****cking ask," he sighed.

"It was for my birthday party," Ray explained. "He's a member of KISS... a hot new rock and roll band... which kicked ASS!"

"Rock'n'roll band?" the driver asked. "Holy shit... you mean like Alice Cooper? Shock rock?"

"EXACTLY," Gene growled slowly. "And you're the next victim..."