jacksonroseroth

[jacksonroseroth]

~The Price~Chapter 11~

Moodboard made by @badwolf-in-the-impala, none of the pictures are ours

~

After setting up a new account, Taddie sat back, happily playing for the next hour, making significant progress as she knew how to cheat the system and time jump. She managed to get her island mostly unlocked and cleaned up by the time Thatcher came back, standing back and watching her play. He was quickly amused as he realized she was talking like she was playing Halo or Call Of Duty by herself.

“-So, then why the fuck can’t I…Okay, well, that’s fucking dumb-If I wanna place my shit there, there’s room to place my shit, I’ll place my shit!--Fucking math…Geometric bullshit…Excuse me, bitch, you’re in my way…I need to dig there, please wake the fuck up and move…I don’t want to beat your ass with a net, but I will if I have to!-Thank you, Apple, my princess…Not that spot! I hate this fucking landscaping bullshit…Okay, I’m moving on, fuck this shit.” Taddie sighed, exasperated and shifted in her seat, tucking her legs under her as she moved her character around her island, going to a building and walking in. As the next screen loaded, Taddie dropped the controller in her lap and let her head drop back with a soft whimper of annoyance.

“It’s just a design game, kitten. It’s not that serious.” Thatcher teased with a chuckle. Taddie’s head snapped over to him and glared at him before a smirk broke across her face.

“It’s completely serious, this is my island with my villagers that I am fighting to get the ones I want. Boys have Minecraft, girls have Animal Crossing. It’s serious and it’s better.” Taddie shot back as he went to her, snickering and shaking his head at her. He dropped a deep kiss to her lips before sitting beside her and taking her hips to move her into his lap so she could lean against the corner cushion. She giggled and scooped up the controller as she was moved, looking down at him as he studied the TV, never having heard of the game before.

“What is this even? I don’t understand. You’re the only human?” Thatcher asked, squinting at the screen. Taddie giggled and slid a little lower to curl up in his lap as she moved her character to a chair and made it sit down. A raccoon in a T-shirt went up to the counter and began speaking in gibberish, but the words came up on the screen. Taddie quickly clicked through, as she knew what she was doing, then explained.

“I’m the only human, yeah, other than like, other players or friends or whatever. They can visit the island if we have each other’s code or if the gate is open and stuff. It’s fun, it’s kind of stress relieving when I have a project given to me, instead of trying to make it do what I want.” Taddie said, clicking around the screen and she seemed to create a new house.

“What are you doing now?” He asked, sliding his hand over her legs, rubbing over her sweats at first, then pushing his hand under the hem, rubbing her ankles, then pushing further up her calf, gently massaging.

“Customizing my home, then I’m gonna time skip and relocate it. I’m trying to make like an island on my island where my house is gonna be. I thought about doing all my villagers on their own little island, but I won’t be able to have enough bridges. The game only gives you a certain number, which is stupid! It’s my island, I want my goddamn bridges.” Taddie said, leaning forward to shout at the TV, then recoiled back to her spot. Thatcher chuckled and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“You’re so aggressive about it…Kinda turns me on a little.” Thatcher teased, nuzzling into her curls as they both chuckled and snickered. Taddie bit her lip and leaned into him a little more, letting her leg slowly slide down to push his fingers higher. As Taddie moved her character to leave the building and the screen went blank as it loaded, she closed her eyes and tipped her head back to push her face into his neck, nuzzling, lightly.

“Feels good…Don’t stop.” She whispered. He smiled against her curls and pushed his hand over her hip, holding her close. He pressed a few kisses to the top of her head before he whispered back, “Not until you tell me to, kitten…Are you tired? We can eat in bed, go right to sleep. It’s been a long day.”

“A little…Maybe? I’m kind of sore, I don’t know why. I just ache.” Taddie said, softly, pulling her face out and looking at the TV to save and exit the game, turning the console off before discarding the controller. With a deep inhale, Taddie shifted in his lap, turning into him and wrapping her arms around his waist as she nuzzled into his neck again. Thatcher wrapped his arms around her before dropping his hand back to her legs, rubbing up and down slowly.

“Let’s go lay down. Lucette will tell us when dinner’s ready.” Thatcher said, scooping her up and carrying her up the stairs. A small, happy smile sat on her lips as he carried her across the apartment and to the bed, where he knelt down and knee-walked to the middle, laying her down. She stretched and a series of soft squeaks and other soft noises escaped her, his hand drifting down her side to grip her hip. With a tired grunt, Taddie went limp for a moment before she curled into him and his hand curled around her neck, holding the back of her head. He laid trails of kisses along the side of her face and down her neck as his other hand slid over her back, then down, tugging her closer and guiding a leg over his hip, slowly. Gripping her thigh, he shifted it around as he squeezed, then palmed his hand down her calf as it hung over his hip.

“Did you have a good time today?” He asked between kisses over her shoulder. She nodded and pushed her hand up his chest to thread through his hair at the nape of his neck. He pressed a few more kisses up her neck before nuzzling into her cheek as he said, “I’m glad, baby. You deserve to be pampered and spoiled…Will you let me? I have somewhere I want to take you tomorrow before you go to work.”

“It depends…Is this another surprise? Or are you going to tell me where we’re going?” She muttered against his skin, her lips curving into a smirk as she giggled, softly. He gave her ass a light swat, making her squeak and pull back to look up at him with a soft laugh. He smirked at her and pressed his lips to hers in a slow kiss, pushing her onto her back and settling himself between his legs. Taddie kept her leg hooked over his hip, sighing into the kiss as her fingers felt around the back of his head, slowly undoing his bun and tugging his hair down.

Thatcher broke the kiss, pulling back to look down at her as his hair fell down on either side of his face, cascading off his shoulders. Taddie’s eyes swept over him, taking it all in as her smile lifted even more, her fingers tangling in his hair, lightly. Thatcher pushed a hand through his hair, pushing it back and tucking it behind his ear as he rumbled down at her, “Are you happy now, kitten? Seen me with my hair down…Did I live up to your expectations?”

“It’s so long. I love it…Will you wear it down when we go to bed from now on? I like how it looks on you.” She muttered back, gripping his collar to pull him closer, sealing her lips to his. Thatcher kissed her back and gripped her hips as he pressed her into the mattress. As the kiss deepened, Taddie’s hips rolled against him, briefly, as she let out a soft moan before breaking the kiss and tilting her head back with a sigh. He kissed down her neck as his hands pushed at her shirt, stopping short and tugging it back down as he let out a soft, self-reprimanding grunt. Though her breath hitched and her heart pounded even harder, she panted, softly, as she slid her hands down his chest to guide his hands to her shirt again, whispering, “It’s okay, baby. It’s okay.”

“Are you sure? Taddie, do not say yes if you don’t want to. I don’t want you upset like that again…” Thatcher growled against her skin, pressing his hands to her hips, running his nose up her neck. Taddie shivered and nodded, wrapping her fingers around his wrists and pushing his hands under her shirt. He felt her flinch as his fingers brushed over the scarred over skin and quickly pulled his hand back, but she stopped him.

“I said I trusted you, Thatcher. I need you to trust me now. Unless I start begging you to stop touching me-Don’t stop touching me.” She whispered into his hair, letting out a light sigh as he lifted his head to smash their lips together. With a soft groan, Thatcher pushed his hands up her sides, tugging her shirt up as he went before breaking the kiss to tear it off. He didn’t stop to appreciate her laying beneath him, not wanting to give her anxiety even a second’s chance to creep in, and captured her lips in a hungry kiss immediately. Taddie pushed at his shoulders for a moment before they slid to his chest, going to work on his buttons again.

Taddie made soft, sweet noises beneath him as his hands gripped and squeezed at her bare skin, slowly inching up to cup her breasts, gently squeezing. She pushed against his hand with a light moan, rocking her hips against him again before he broke the kiss and nipping down her neck. Taddie panted, softly, as Thatcher sucked dark marks into her neck before moving onto her chest, scattering kisses across her skin. She finally popped out the last button and tugged at his shirt before pushing her hands up his chest and over his shoulders.

Thatcher pulled his hands from her, tearing his shirt off and tossing it away before pressing his lips to the tops of her breasts as they popped out of her bra. Taddie curled her arms around his head with a pleasured sigh, arching her back off the bed. She held his head between her breasts as he nipped and kissed over both of them then shot his head up to hers, hovering his lips over hers as they both panted, heavily. She sucked her bottom lip into her mouth as she let out a small whimper, then let it pop back out and brush against his. Taddie’s eyes slowly drifted up to his, going big and wide in a needy anticipation. He slid his hands over her sides again, then let out a deep sigh before pressing a kiss to her lips.

“We should stop…God, I don’t want to--But with Lucette around the corner-” Thatcher started. Taddie stopped him with another kiss, dragging her hands down his chest before she whispered back, “I know. It’s okay…Send her away after dinner. I can wash the dishes…Give her the night off tonight.”

Thatcher raised a brow at her, surprised and intrigued, but Taddie giggled and shook her head as she said, “I don’t want it to go all the way tonight…N-Not yet…But I want to be alone with you so I can be spontaneous and not worry about prying eyes.”

“As you wish, kitten. Whatever you want to do tonight, Princess.” He whispered back, stealing a few more heated kisses before he pulled away, sitting back and sliding his hands over her thighs with a smirk. He held her gaze as he lifted a leg and pushed her pant leg down as far as it could go before placing soft, slow kisses down her calf, gently resting it on his shoulder to kiss along her inner thigh. Taddie shivered and dug her fingers into his waistband, if only for something to grasp onto as she watched him with wide eyes. He chuckled softly, then closed his eyes as he took a deep breath, smothering his face into her thigh. Taddie’s lids fluttered closed with a soft sigh, arching as she shifted around. Peeking out half his face, he whispered to her, “Tell me what you want to happen tonight. We’ll have dinner in bed, I’ll send Lucette home…Then what?”

“I want music playing. I love music almost as much as I love art. Are-Is the apartment soundproof?” Taddie breathed, her chest heaving as she watched him kiss back over her calf, then lower her leg back around his waist. He nodded and rubbed his hand over her leg as she said, “I want it playing loud, like it’s our own personal club. I might want to dance and I want to feel the music.”

“Done.”

“I want to go swimming with you.”

“Done.”

“I want to play Mario Kart with you or we watch a movie in bed.”

“As you wish.” Thatcher said, slowly lowering himself onto his hands, then onto one elbow, holding her gaze as he slid his hand to her hip, then over her stomach. A sudden flinch rocked her whole body and she let out a soft gasp, wrapping her hand around his arm. She blinked a few times and let out a slow breath, her fingers slowly uncurling and sliding up his arm, to his shoulder then into his hair. “Do you trust me?”

“I trust you, Thatcher.” Taddie breathed. He kissed her quickly, then broke away to begin his trail down her body, inching closer and closer toward her scar. Her eyes stung with tears and she squeezed her eyes shut, giving her head a quick shake as she let out a deep exhale. As he held her hip, his other hand slid to the small of her back, stroking his fingers in the cradle of skin. As his lips skittered over the scarred flesh, Taddie gasped and bit back her half sob, swallowing hard as she sunk her fingers into his hair, gently scratching her nails over his scalp.

“Tell me to stop and I will.” Thatcher murmured against her skin, placing another kiss along the scar, then another, moving along it. She shook her head with a whimper and said, “No. Don’t stop. I’m okay, I promise, baby.”

“You’re beautiful, Taddie. Don’t be ashamed of this-My little warrior. You’ll never have to fight like this again in your life, I swear to you.” Thatcher muttered against her skin. Taddie bit her lip, arching against his face and fighting the urge to push his head lower. With a soft sigh, she contracted back into the mattress as he nipped at her hip before kissing back to the middle of her stomach. Hearing her sniffle, Thatcher quickly kissed back up to her, taking her face between his hands as he shushed her, gently, “Shh, shh, shh--No, no, no, no. Min söta, no, please, I’m sorry-”

“I’m fine. I-Happy tears. Don’t be sorry, honey.” Taddie said, looking up at him with a smile, she tugged him down, kissing him deep and slow, then he wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her flush against him. One hand palmed up her back, under her curls to the back of her head, gripping at the roots, gently, to control her head as he swivled it from side to side.

“Monsieur, c’est prêt.” Lucette’s voice came from around the corner. Taddie broke the kiss with a soft gasp, turning away from the corner, unsure if Lucette was there or not.

“Oui, nous y serons, Cette.” Thacher called back, pulling his hands to her shoulders as he looked down at her. Taddie peeked over her shoulder then rolled to her back as Thatcher said, “Stay undressed if you want. I’ll bring the plates over. The remote for the TV is in the drawer, pick what you want, Princess.”

Thatcher pressed a kiss to her temple before he rocked back on his heels to jump off the bed, heading to the kitchen. Taddie laid there for a moment, chewing her lip as she listened to the conversation in a mix of Swedish and French, then got up, grabbing her shirt and tossing it into the hamper before she went to the closet. She pulled on a tank top and tugged off her bra, pulling it out from under her shirt once she had the straps off and the back unhooked, dropping it onto the floor with a sigh. She crawled back onto the bed, grabbing the remote from the nightstand drawer before settling back and pressing the power button at the top. The screen came to life and Taddie let out a soft gasp when she realized the TV was embedded in the wall.

Taddie let out a soft giggle and crossed her legs as she clicked through to find Netflix, then searching for Disenchantment starting it from the beginning. She set the remote aside as she tucked herself under the blankets and rearranged the pillows behind her. As she got settled, Thatcher appeared around the corner with a large tray that he carried to the bed. Taddie smile and shifted to take it from him, but he set it over her legs before crawling on next to her.

“Shrimp fettuccine, garlic bread, and she made some steak ends in a marinate. I also told her to make smoothies; She said it’s a passion fruit and pomegranate, apple smoothie. Some new recipe another cook reccomended to her.” Thatcher said, handing her one of the glasses that sat on the tray. She took it with an excited smile, snuggling into his side as she said, “I. Absolutely love everything you just said--This sounds amazing. Thank you, Thatcher.”

“You’re welcome, kitten.” Thatcher said, clinking their glasses together before they both took a sip. Taddie wiggled around and scooted closer to him as she took another sip with a soft moan.

“Oh, my God-This is incredible. Can she make this every morning? I would cry.” Taddie said with a soft giggle, taking a final sip before she set it down. Thatcher chuckled and dragged the tray toward them, allowing Taddie to grab her fork and stab at one of the steak ends, shifting away from him so they could eat comfortably.

Thatcher snickered, softly, to himself; Every time she took a bite, whether it was the steak, the bread, or the pasta with some shrimp, she gave a happy wiggle, her chewing syncing with her swaying from side to side before she chewed normally and swallowed. It amused him to no end, how happy she could be with just the right combination of flavors. But he was happy that she seemed more at ease with staying here, slowly adjusting. As they ate, smelling the shrimp, Juniper soon jumped up and inched her way toward the tray, licking her lips. Taddie shook her head at her before she cut up a shrimp and laid it on a napkin for her cat, setting it on the bedspread, away from their food. Juniper purred, loudly, as she ate, kneading the blanket beneath her.

When she was finished, Juniper sauntered up Thatcher’s leg, sitting on his hip as she stared at him. He snickered softly, glancing at Taddie, who tried to shoo her away, but the beast didn’t budge. At least not at first. Juniper’s grey eyes poured into Thatcher’s before she walked up his bare chest, sniffing at him before jumping onto his shoulder and draping herself across the back of them. Taddie watched, stunned, with her mouth dropped open, then she laughed, scratching at Juniper’s head as it dangled toward her mother.

They finished eating and made it to episode 5 of Disenchantment before Thatcher took the tray to the kitchen, Juniper following him and demanding her food, meowing loudly. Juniper led the man to her food bowl, then to the bag where Taddie had stored her food, Thatcher gladly filling her bowl and scratching her head as she settled down to eat. After putting the food away, Thatcher hurried back to the bed, damn near skidding to a stop when he saw that Taddie had stripped off her sweats and now sat in just her tank and panties. She looked up at him as he approached, giving him a sweet smile. 

Crawling onto the bed slowly, Thatcher reached out a hand, sliding his fingers over her thigh, then around to grip it, gently. He gave her a sharp tug, making her squeak then giggle and press her hands to his chest. He ducked his head down to smother a kiss to her lips, letting his fingers explore over her legs, massaging her inner thighs, lightly. Taddie let him deepen the kiss, but only for a moment before she broke it to mumble against his lips, “I believe you promised there would be music?”

“As you wish, Princess.” He muttered back, stealing another kiss before climbing over her and opening the drawer of the nightstand for another remote, first turning off the TV and tucking that remote away before he pressed a series of buttons on the first, music soon filling the apartment. Thatcher set the remote down and turned to her again, Taddie smiling as she pulled him closer, saying, “Thank you, sweetheart.”

Taddie slid her lips over his as Thatcher tugged her into his lap, guiding her legs over to straddle him. She sat up on her knees as she kissed him, deep and slow, parting her lips as his tongue demanded it. She shoved her hands into his hair at first, then pulled them out to catch herself on the pillows as Thatcher leaned back, taking her with him. His hands slid over her thighs, then up over her cheeks, his fingers playing with the elastic of her panties. She wiggled her hips around, soon feeling something hard between her legs that made her moan into the kiss. She broke it, pressing a hand to his chest as a coy smirk crossed her face.

Biting her lip, briefly, she shifted back and he sat up as she said, “Can-Can we clean up then-then go swimming? I like to have the work done so I can play…”

“We can do whatever you want to do, kitten. Lead the way.” Thatcher said, stealing a kiss before she slipped off his lap. He followed her quickly, making her emit a high pitched squeal and spin around as she ran backwards, Thatcher laughing as he scooped her up and spun her around as he carried her to the kitchen. Taddie giggled and laced her fingers behind his neck, ducking down to kiss across his cheek. He slid his hands over the backs of her thighs as he spread her legs and set her on the counter, leaning her back as his lips sought hers for a deep kiss.

Taddie tilted her head back, breaking the kiss with a soft giggle. Looking back down at him, she pushed him back as she slipped down and they began cleaning. Working together, Thatcher and Taddie moved around each other, cleaning up an already fairly clean kitchen, Lucette was a very clean cook, but it was the pots and pans she’d used that took the longest. Thatcher took that on as Taddie familiarized herself with the kitchen after drying the dishes then attempting to put them away. There were a few big dishes she didn’t know where they went, but Thatcher told her to leave it as he turned over the last pot and quickly dried his hands.

Reaching out for her, Thatcher cradled the back of her neck as he eased his lips over hers, his other hand gripping her hip as he backed her against the counter. Taddie whimpered, softly, as her fingers fumbled with his belt, unbuckling it and tugging it off. Thatcher’s fingers curled around the roots of her hair, giving a few soft tugs before he broke the kiss as she popped the button of his jeans.

“Taddie-”

“I thought we were going swimming? I’ll let you take my top off.” She cooed back at him, slowly tugging down his zipper before pushing his pants over his hips and down. Thatcher kicked them aside and gripped the hem of her shirt, tearing it off. He let out a soft groan as he saw her braless and slid his hands up to cover her breasts, easing his lips over hers as she emitted a soft moan. He brushed his thumbs over her nipples until they were hard, not stopping until Taddie broke the kiss with a moan.

Scooping her up, he chuckled as he hurried across the floor, toward the pool. Taddie quickly realized what he was doing and started, “Wait-No-Thatcher-Thatch--”

Taddie screamed as Thatcher let out a wild yell of his own, leaping off the edge of the pool, the both of them plunging into the warm water below. Thatcher released her once they were in the air, not wanting to drag her down once they were under. Taddie’s feet touched bottom and she let herself sink a little deeper before she pushed off, rocketing toward the surface. When she popped up with a gasp, she pushed her hair out of her face and wiped the water from her eyes, looking around for Thatcher. He wrapped his arm around her waist and tugged her back against him, making her emit a soft scream, then spin around to face him.

With a loud laugh, Thatcher pulled her closer, sealing his lips to hers. Taddie wound her arms around his neck as they bobbed in the waves they’d created. He guided her legs around his waist as he slowly kicked his way to the wall, deepening the kiss as he reached out a hand, catching the wall before she hit it, then pinned her to it. She pushed her fingers into his wet hair, giggling softly as his hand slid up her stomach, cupping each breast in turn, then taking a nipple between his fingers. As he rolled it under the water, Taddie tipped her head back with a moan, breaking the kiss and arching against him. Thatcher nipped down her neck as he pulled his other hand to do the same to her other breast, making her squirm around and rock her hips against him.

“Oh, God--Thatcher, I want you.” Taddie gasped, biting her lip as she whimpered softly. His hands froze, gently cupping under her breasts as he stared down at her, nothing but the music and the lapping of the water against the wall filling the space. 

~

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Taglist: @badwolf-in-the-impala @sweetwombatpizza

#Jolly Karlsson #Joakin Jolly Karlsson #Noah Sebastian #Nicholas Ruffilo #Nick Folio #Bad Omens #Bad Omens Fic #Bad Omens Fan fic #Bad Omens AU #Bad Omens Mafia AU #Jolly Fan Fic #Jolly Karlsson Fan Fic #Joakim Jolly Karlsson Fan Fic #Joakim Jolly Karlsson Mafia AU #Jolly Mafia AU #Jolly Karlsson AU #The Price

[jacksonroseroth]

~The Price~Chapter 10~

Moodboard made by @badwolf-in-the-impala, none of the pictures are ours

Warnings: Mentions of domestic abuse, scars, physical abuse

~

In her spiral of thoughts and endless scrolling, she hadn’t realized how quickly time was passing and suddenly Thatcher was by her side, reaching out to grasp her shoulder, giving her a soft shake. Taddie let out a gasp, quickly scooting across the bed from him and nearly falling off as her hand slipped off the edge. Her heart pounded in her chest and her body shook as she stared at Thatcher, watching his face slowly morph back into himself and saw the deeply concerned expression on his face. He held his hands out to her, startled as well, then slowly knelt on the bed as he said, “Taddie, what-what…?”

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” Taddie squeaked, not realizing she’d been breathing heavy until she couldn’t catch her breath. Thatcher slowly lifted a hand to her, hoping she’d take it, which she did. He pulled her closer and held her tight, lifting a hand to the side of her face.

“Talk to me. Please. What happened to you? I was standing there for ten minutes calling your name, kitten.” Thatcher said, his tone scared for her, as well as more than worried. Taddie closed her eyes and shook her head, feeling tears slide down her cheeks. She felt his thumbs brush over her cheeks, wiping her tears, and she slowly opened her eyes as he took her face between his hands. “He did more than what you’re telling me, didn’t he? Taddie, did he force you?”

“No. Never. He didn’t have the balls to go that far.” Taddie spat, angry with her ex more than Thatcher. He knew that and let out a deep sigh, shifting to pull her into his lap as he rolled to plop down against the pillows. She pushed at him at first, then gave him, settling herself and sitting back on his legs. Her hands fell between them and she looked down as she shook her head with a deep sigh. Thatcher pushed his fingers through her curls as she said, “He beat me. He yelled at me. Threw things, broke things…Always blamed me for him getting angry; Because I made dinner wrong, because he didn’t like it, because he thought I was dressing for other guys attention instead of just feeling attractive in what I was wearing for once. I-I’m…I’m just a dumb, little girl who can’t do anything without him, because I’m selfish, disrespectful, stupid and a loser. I’m nothing without him and will always be nothing without him…”

Tears flowed steadily down her face as her tone grew robotic as she repeated what he beat into her, what he’d shouted at her as his fists did more talking. Thatcher’s anger swelled, his face turning beet red with rage. He gripped her hips at first, then quickly realized and let her go, dropping them to her thighs and rubbing up and down, slowly. When she was done, he let her get out a few deeply held in sobs before gathering her to his chest and holding her tight. Taddie sobbed into his chest as she tried to keep the feelings at bay, but the floodgates opened and memories filled her head, flashing through the last 8 years of terror she’d pushed down, down, down, down.

Thatcher held her tight, rubbing her back through her crying, just trying to be there and comfort her, knowing he couldn’t do much else but that. Her fingers curled around his shirt as she clung to him and her sobs quieted to a few sniffles here and there before he pulled back to look down at her. She rolled to one side as her head rested on his shoulder, feeling too heavy and full to lift and look at him. Thatcher shifted and laid her down on her side, gently placing her head on the same pillow he lowered his to, gazing down at her.

Taddie sniffled as her fingers slowly undid the first three buttons of his shirt, if only to have something to mess with and occupy her mind as well as her hands. The ink on his chest peeked out and she continued down until she was able to push her hands over his chest, exposing his tattoo. A blue diamond sat in the middle, a blackbird on the left side, a masked woman, what looked to Taddie like she could be a Valkyire, on the right. The woman had dark brown hair that looked like it was curled, with what seemed like green eyes. Roses surrounded both bird and woman, Taddie tracing over the diamond lightly as her eyes swept over it. A light smile touched at Thatcher’s lips as he watched her, seeing the fear bleed away from her eyes and off her face.

“You said you had tattoos?” He prompted, softly, breaking the heavy silence between them. Taddie nodded, softly, spreading her fingers over the crow’s inked wings then pulling her hands back as she looked up at him. He nodded in return, settled to leave it at that, but she took a deep breath and pushed herself up, sitting so her back faced him. Thatcher shifted to watch her, sliding his hand over her thigh and gripping lightly. After another deep inhale, Taddie reached her hands over her shoulders to tug up her shirt, exposing her back to him. Over her right hip and going up the same side was a field of large rose blossoms. The ink continued up, under her bra, and had drawn his attention first, but when his hand slid over her left side as he reached for the ink, his fingers felt the rough skin and turned, seeing the nasty scar that ended on her back.

Thatcher sat up quickly and gently pushed her back down as she tugged her shirt off, letting her hands fall as she turned her head away from him, squeezing her eyes shut. Her hands shook as he slid his fingers over the long, nasty scar, letting out a light, disappointed sigh, then pressed his palm to her stomach, lifting his other hand to her cheek and turning her head back to him. She let out a soft whimper and shook her head as she sniffled, fresh tears seeping from the corners of her eyes.

“Taddie, look at me…Kitten, look at me, please--What did he do to you?” Thatcher begged, tearfully, his brows drawing together, tightly. She never opened her eyes, but she answered him still.

“It-It was one night…We-We had been-been drinking. It-It was actually a g-good-good night…But-But h-he was d-drunk and I-I had m-made a stu-a stupid joke…H-He pu-pushed me around a-and grabbed my h--I was drunk and couldn’t s-stay upright…When he t-toss-tossed me aside--He th-threw me in-into a b-broken dumpster…U-Um, di-did you k-know th-that kin-kind of metal is s-still-still sharp?” Taddie said with a shaking and terrified voice. Thatcher let out a sigh and ducked down, easing his arms around her as he nuzzled into her cheek, holding her tight before he began to lay kisses over her cheek, down her neck, over her chest. As he inched lower, she went tense and tried to push him away, but he came right back each time, not listening to her silent pleas. She gasped as she felt his lips drift over her stomach, inching down to her left hip. Taddie shoved a hand into the back of his head, tugging at his hair with a soft sob. Thatcher slowed, but didn’t stop, laying fewer kisses until he reached her hip and paused, Taddie feeling his hot breath wash over her skin.

“He had no right to ever even lay his eyes on you let alone his hands.” Thatcher growled, his hand sliding up her back, to her neck, cradling the back of it as he lifted his head. His gaze met hers and he made sure she had opened her eyes to look at him before he pressed a kiss to the beginning of her scar, trailing them along it as her body slowly stopped shaking as he reached her hip. “You’re beautiful, Taddie. Fucking gorgeous. I knew there was a reason I was drawn to you and I was right. You’re a fighter like me, an outcast like me. We’ve fought our whole lives just to be accepted by people who don’t deserve it…”

“I let it happen for 8 years…How strong can I really be? I stayed because I thought it was still love because he apologized and gave me things afterwards…I-I’m smarter than that…I thought I was…” Taddie whimpered, sniffling as Thatcher came back up to her, staring down at her as he shook his head.

“Because he made you believe him. Taddie, I swear to you, he’s never going to touch you again, he’s never going to find you--You’re mine now, Taddie. No one will ever touch you again.” Thatcher said, his voice firm and angry, but gentle toward her. Taddie sniffled and bit her lip as she gazed up at him, an unsure look on her face. With a deep sigh, Thatcher ducked down to press a soft kiss to her cheek before touching his forehead to her temple. Shaking his head, lightly, he pulled back and rolled off of her as he sat up. Taddie bit her lip and quickly covered herself, her body going hot with embarrassment.

Taddie scooted to the other side of the bed before she pulled her shirt back on, fumbling with it at first. Thatcher turned, then shifted toward her more, confused. When she stood and took a few steps away, he called after her, “Taddie-”

“I just need a minute…” She said tearfully as she dashed off across the apartment with a soft sob. Thatcher winced and punched a fist into the mattress with a sigh as he pushed his face into his other hand.

~

It was far longer than a minute, in fact it was 45 before Thatcher abandoned his waiting, assuming she needed more time alone, that or he’d just blown everything on the first day. He went back to his office and slipped on his headphones, beginning to open emails from his band and started to edit the tracks the lead singer had sent him. He was so focused, he hadn’t realized it was nearing 5 when Taddie appeared at the corner of his open office, half hiding behind the wall as she watched him silently.

Taddie hadn’t made much noise as she approached, wanting to see what he was doing first. When she saw his brow furrowed and his gaze focused on his laptop, she chewed her lip for a moment before abandoning her thought and turning away. Thatcher had caught the movement and looked up, seeing her walk away, and tore off his headphones to call after her.

“Taddie, wait--” He let out a sigh, thinking she’d just continue on her way, but she stopped, not moving for a moment, then turned to slowly make her way back, her gaze drifting up to his. He sat forward and gave her a light smile as he said, “Come here. You’re not interrupting. I’m just going over a few tracks…You want to listen?”

Taddie shook her head as she walked up to his desk then stopped, digging the tips of her nails into the wood before pulling her hands back. “No, I--I’m sorry. I just…I wanted to tell you I was, um, I wanted to go to the bookstore…I-I’m bored and--”

“Of course. Did you want me to take you? Let me change--”

“No! I, uh--No, it’s okay. You’re working. You, um, you said Oscar would drive me?” Taddie asked, taking a step back as Thatcher stood from his chair and closed his laptop. He stared at her for a moment, then let out a sigh as he lowered himself back into his chair, rubbing a hand over his face.

“Yes, he will…Taddie-I crossed a line earlier and I’m sorry. I didn’t think-”

“You didn’t…I-I just--It-It was a little too much for me…N-No one’s ever seen my scar. Not even Ash. I’m careful about it.” Taddie said as he avoided his gaze, shifting uncomfortably on her feet.

“And that means I crossed a line…I-I’m glad you showed me, but you didn’t need to if you weren’t ready. I told you, all of that is up to you, but when you’re ready. I don’t want you forcing yourself to do things you’re not ready to reveal to me yet. I don’t want to push you away, Taddie.” Thatcher said, looking up at her with a guilty and regretful look. Taddie’s gaze flickered up to him, looking through her lashes at him. Seeing the expression on his face, her brows drew together and she went to him, shaking her head and reaching out a hand to him.

“Thatcher-No, you didn’t. Look at me-I promise you didn’t. I-I just had-had a lot of emotions running through me…I-I disassociate and avoid socializing when I feel like that. I just-I just don’t want to think…Showing you my scar-I trust Ash with my life and she’s never seen it…I-Thatcher, I’m trusting you with my heart. If-If you say you want to take care of me and protect me…Y-You need to know what you’re protecting me from.” Taddie said, her fingertips grazing his cheek. Thatcher sat straighter and raised his brows, lightly, surprised. He caught her hand as it fell and he nodded, pressing her fingertips to his lips, kissing them.

“Let me change and I’ll go with you, kitten.” Thatcher said softly. A light smile broke over Taddie’s face and she gave him a light nod as he stood, sliding his hand over her cheek. He brushed his thumb over her skin as he lifted her chin a little more, then dropped his hand. Before he could move her back, she stopped him as her smile lifted and her cheeks turned red.

“Um…I-I might have…Lied about the bookstore? I-I didn’t know what to say…I didn’t know why I came over to begin with, I just…”

“Wanted to know where I was?” He finished with a soft chuckle. She nodded and bit her lip, embarrassed. He pressed a kiss to her forehead before he said, “Go. I want to show you something.”

Taddie turned and Thatcher slid his arm around her waist, leading her out of the office. As they passed the kitchen, Thatcher nodded at Lucette as she moved about the kitchen, preparing dinner, and called something to her in Swedish. She nodded back and continued cooking as they moved on, Thatcher leading her down the small set of stairs to what looked like a conversation pit. As he pulled away from her, Taddie caught his hand as she followed him, leading her to the sofa to sit down.

Once she had, Thatcher went to the wall that only had a stand against it, with three remote lined up on one side and a few controllers for different gaming systems on the other. Picking up one of the remotes, Thatcher took several steps back as he lifted it and clicked a button. The walls moved aside to reveal a giant flatscreen TV that slowly came forward, the walls sliding closed behind it again. Taddie’s mouth dropped open with a light laugh as Thatcher set the remote down and grabbed the other two before turning to her.

“I’ve got a Wii, a PlayStation, Xbox, Switch—I pay for Netflix, Hulu, Max;All the streaming services. While you’re here I want you to feel at home. If you come home from work and want to watch a show, or play a few games, you’re more than welcome, Taddie. If you still want to go to the bookstore, we can go tomorrow before you go to work.” Thatcher said, handing her one of the remotes, then the other as he continued, “This switches through the different systems, this one changes the streaming.”

“You really have everything, don’t you?” She said with a soft laugh, taking the remotes before she looked up at him with a smile. He gave her a small, sad one back as he slid his fingers under her chin, lifting it a little more before he said, “I could use a thing or two…”

Taddie’s smile slowly tamed to a small, humble grin, lightly deflating as he stroked her jaw. As her smile lifted a little more, he let his hand drop, taking a step back to leave her to her own devices and get back to work, but stopped when she said, “Will you play some games with me? I’m-I’m bored in more than one capacity. I n-I need the socialization…”

Thatcher’s mouth hung open for a moment, about to tell her no and that he had to get back to work, but he stopped, hesitating at first before he let out a light sigh and said, “Yeah, kitten. Of course.”

“If you have to get back-“

“The tracks will still be there.”

“I’ll still be here, too…Sweetheart, if you have to work, go work…You…Have Animal Crossing on Switch Right?” Taddie asked as he sat next to her, giving him a sly smirk as she scooted closer. He chuckled and nodded, pushing her curls back to caress her cheek.

“If I don’t, buy it. My card is connected to everything. Get what you want, kitten.” Thatcher said, dropping a kiss to her lips. As he brushed his thumb over her lower lip, he said, “I’ll be done soon, I promise. I’ll come back to you.”

“I’ll be waiting.” She said, softly, sliding her fingers over his wrist with a sweet smile. He caught her hand to kiss the back of it before letting her hand go with a smile and went to the steps, climbing up and going back to his office. Taddie watched him leave then sat back as she turned to the TV and chewed her lip as she flipped through the different inputs until she found the one for the Nintendo Switch and stood to hunt down the controller. She found it and plopped back down as she scrolled around, not seeing Animal Crossing and went to search it up to buy it straight onto the console.

~

Let me know what you guys think! If you'd like to be added to the taglist for future chapters, send me a message!

Taglist: @badwolf-in-the-impala @sweetwombatpizza

#Jolly Karlsson #Noah Sebastian #Nick Folio #Joakim Jolly Karlsson #Nicholas Ruffilo #Bad Omens #Bad Omens AU #Bad Omens Mafia AU #Jolly Karlsson AU #Joakim Jolly Karlsson AU #Jolly Karlsson Mafia AU #Joakim Jolly Karlsson Mafia AU #The Price

[jacksonroseroth]

~The Price~Chapter 9~

Moodboard made by @badwolf-in-the-impala, none of the pictures are ours

Warnings: Mentions of scars and abuse

~

Sven comped their meal, just happy to see Thatcher after, what Taddie learned was, 12 years. He also sent them off with at least 3 togo boxes of ginger cookies, butter cookies, and Swedish apple pie, that Sven swore Taddie would fall in love with and would beg Thatcher to bring her back for more. After another, spirited conversation in Swedish, Thatcher and Sven embraced before Thatcher took Taddie’s hand and led her out. Taddie tossed her own goodbyes and thank you’s as Thatcher guided her out and to the car. His bodyguards followed them out, one of them taking the bag of food from Thatcher and bringing it to the car, Oscar switching places with him and coming up alongside Taddie then falling back in step with the other man.

As they passed the SUV and headed for the crosswalk, Taddie raised a brow and looked up at Thatcher, who held a secret and sly smirk, excitement bouncing all over his face. She bit her lip and giggled, softly, wrapping her arms around his as she walked a little closer to him, leaning against him. They waited at the crosswalk, facing Central Park, and that’s when Taddie saw the rink at Rockafeller Center, realizing why he was so excited. Her excitement quickly faded as he led them across the street with the rest of the New Yorkers, moving quickly, with Oscar and the other man coming back to them to stay close in the crowd.

When they reached the ice rink and got in line to get skates, Thatcher looked down at her to ask if she was surprised and excited, but stopped when he saw the unsure, almost terrified look on her face. Shifting to turn to her, he slid his fingers under her chin, lifting it so she was looking at him, and he asked, “What is it? Do you not know how to skate?”

“No, it-it’s not that. I, um, I actually haven’t skated since before--” Taddie’s words dropped off and her brows furrowed as she’d turned away from him as she spoke, then seemed to zero in on something, or someone, in the distance. Thatcher looked over his shoulder but didn’t see anything then turned back to her, taking her face between his hands and turning her head to his. She blinked a few times then tugged his hands down as she said, “Sorry. I’m-I’m sorry…Um, I, uh, I haven’t skated since I was a kid.”

Thatcher nodded, watching her closely as she slid her hands over his chest then leaned against him with a shiver as an ice cold gust blew past them. He wrapped his arms around her as they shuffled along in the line. As they got closer, Thatcher turned his nose into her curls, pushing his hand up her back and under her hair, to the back of her head as he asked, softly, “Do you want to go ice skating? We don’t have to. I didn’t know--I want you to have fun with me today, kitten. Anything you want to do, we’ll do it. Tell me.”

Taddie lifted her head from his chest, giving him a sweet smile as she shook her head and said, “I want to go ice skating. I’m fine, Thatcher. I promise. As long as you promise you won’t let me fall.”

“I’ll break my back to break your fall, Princess. Promise.” Thatcher cooed at her before stealing a quick kiss, making her giggle and slide an arm around his waist as they moved up in line.

They finally reached the front and Thatcher paid for two pairs of skates, then then stepped aside to lace up. Thatcher quickly did up his skates before kneeling in front of Taddie to help with hers. She let out a soft giggle and leaned her hands back as she watched him tighten and lace the skates, making sure they were secure but not too tight. Once she was in, Thatcher stood and took Taddie’s hands, pulling her to her feet. She let out a soft squeak as she wobbled on her feet, then shifted, gripping his arms as she giggled. He smirked down at her as he held her hips until she was stable, then took her hand, leading her to the edge of the rink and stepping on.

“Ready?” He asked, casting his gaze down to her. She gripped his arm as she chewed her lip and nodded, then looked up at him with a nervous smile. “Put one skate on…Good girl. Now-I want you to skate in a V. Does that make sense? Don’t walk on your skates, glide from side to side. Ready?...1, 2-”

Thatcher pushed off the concrete and onto the ice, pulling Taddie with him as she let out a squeal and clung to him, wobbling around at first before she regained her balance as they drifted along. Thatcher chuckled and quickly slid his arm around her waist, holding her hip and her against him. Taddie gripped his hands and looked up at him with red cheeks and a sheepish grin. He pressed a kiss to her temple before giving her hip a squeeze.

“Put your feet into a V…Good girl--Now, I kick off with my right foot, you do the same, then just glide to the next one, ja? Let’s go.” Thatcher said, lacing their hands together before pushing them off to the right then guided her back down to her left, then on in a steady rocking motion as they joined the sea of other skaters going around the rink. Taddie laughed softly and let herself drift from Thatcher a little more as her muscle memory suddenly kicked in once she got her rhythm.

Once he saw she was getting a little more comfortable on her feet, Thatcher slid his hand from her hip, across her lower back to catch her hand as he let it go. Taddie caught it and glanced up at him with an exhilarated smile, letting out a soft squeak as he spun her around in front of him, catching her other hand as she began to skate backwards. She giggled and bit her lip as she shifted from foot to foot, keeping their speed as they went around the bend. Taddie bit her lip and wrinkled her nose at him before spinning around and letting one hand drift back for him to catch, then they both took off, gaining speed as they weaved through people, laughing and giggling as they went.

As they skated, Taddie saw people breaking away toward the middle to spin around or do jumps and flips with the more open space. Chewing her lip, Taddie veered off, letting go of Thatcher’s hand, which made him shift into protective mode, following her through and grabbing her hip, tugging her back as they skidded to a stop and she turned to him. Thatcher panted softly as he blinked down at her, then released her, seeing her shoot him a fierce look, melting into one of concern as she saw the panic drain from his face.

“Don’t let go of me unless I let go of you, kitten. Please.” He said, gently, though the panic intertwined with his concern. She nodded and pressed one hand to his chest, reaching the other up to slide her fingers over his cheek. Giving him a soft smile, she reached up to press a kiss to his cheek before he gave her a light nudge, urging her on to do what she was doing. After gripping his chin in her hand, lightly, Taddie took off, making a few rounds on the outside of everyone before she took off, breaking into a sprint and jumping up, spinning around and landing on one foot, the other kicked up for balance. She let herself spin around a few more times as she giggled, then drifted back to Thatcher, shrugging off her coat.

“Hold this for me?” She asked with a sweet smile. He chuckled, helping her out of it then catching her waist, snaking his arm around it. Tugging her back, he said, “Aren’t you going to get cold? I can’t have you getting sick on me before Christmas.”

“It’s weighing me down. I’m warm enough right now. Stop worrying, sweetheart.” Taddie said, she pressed another kiss to his cheek before skating off again, doing all kinds of jumps and spins, tricks that flooded back to her after landing each one. Thatcher soon began to drift his way around the outside, watching her go from side to side as he shifted from one foot to the other, gliding along. His eyes were fixed on her, mesmerized with her and how she kept surprising him. He was now glad he didn’t dig into her past for this little surprise of his own, happy that she was slowly becoming comfortable enough with him to slowly show more and more of her to him. He never took her for one to know how to ice skate, let alone know a few tricks. He wanted to know if she did figure skating as a child, but he showed restraint, reminding himself that it was a conversation for when they were back home.

Taddie shot from one end of the rink to the other for a good hour before Thatcher stopped her to tell her the time. She was shocked, it having felt like, at the most, 15 minutes, though she was panting hard. Thatcher helped her into her coat and led her to the edge, the pair stepping off and unlacing the skates, making their way to claim their shoes, trading them back. Thatcher helped her into her boots before he stuffed his feet into his shoes and he took her hand, leading her to the hot chocolate stand. Taddie clasped his hand in both of hers until their drinks were ready, only removing one hand so they each could grab their drink, much to Thatcher’s dismay as he gave her a look, but smirked at her anyway.

Thatcher led her away from the rink and back toward the SUV, that had flipped around and was now parked on the side of the park, waiting for them. Oscar opened the door for them and the pair got in, cozying up in the middle as they sipped their cocoa. The car took off and headed for the airport, much to Taddie’s relief as she was ready to get back, change, and lounge about on her spontaneous day off. When their cups were empty, Thatcher passed both to Oscar, in the front seat, then wrapped his hand around her thigh, tugging her into his lap. She let out a squeak and giggled, sliding her arm around his neck as she looked down at him, tucking her curls behind her ear. She teased him with a kiss before his hand snaked to the back of her head and gave a light push, sealing her lips to his.

With a soft moan, Taddie kissed him back, pressing her hand to his chest before feeling up to his collar, slowly undoing the first two buttons. Once there was enough give, Taddie slipped her hand beneath his shirt, rubbing her fingers over his warm skin, then over his shoulder. Breaking the kiss with a soft gasp, Taddie’s hand ended on his neck as she pulled back, her cheeks beet red and her eyes darting to either side, looking as if she were listening to find out if with Lucas or Oscar were watching them. She shook the nonsensical feeling away then pulled her hands down, quickly doing up his buttons again with a shy smile.

“You get so shy on me, kitten…Are you tired? We’re going home, love, you can sleep on the plane.” Thatcher whispered, brushing his nose against hers and stealing another kiss before she slipped out of his lap, but stayed tucked into his side.

“Tired…But it’s more from the cold. What happens when we get back? I’m not working tonight now, so…What else do you have planned for us today?” She asked, looking up at him with a light, sweet smirk and raising a brow. He chuckled softly and shook his head at her.

“Impatient…When we get back, you’re free to do what you wish. I actually still have a few calls to return. You can go see Ash before she goes to work. Go to lunch if you want. Lucette is making shrimp fettuccine alfredo for dinner. If you go out, I’d just like you home by 7? Lucette gets upset when her food sits waiting.” Thatcher said with a soft chuckle. Taddie bit her lip and nodded, shifting to rest her head on his shoulder.

“I’ll see Ash tomorrow. Besides, she needs time to cool off and digest everything. I need to give her some space…Maybe…We can make a quick stop at the house though? You have a heated pool right? I can go swimming in the middle of winter?” Taddie asked with a soft giggle. Thatcher snickered softly and nodded, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead before he said, “Of course, kitten. Anything you want.”

~

Taddie indeed fell asleep on the plane, Thatcher holding her hand through the landing, surprised she’d slept through it. He contemplated carrying her off, as he didn’t want to wake her, but did it anyway, gently shaking their joined hands. She let out a soft gasp as she jolted awake and looked around. Momentarily, she’d forgotten where she was, but quickly remembered and gave Thatcher a sheepish smile as he stood. Taddie quickly unbuckled herself and stood with him, following him off the plane and to the Mustang that sat waiting for them.

It was a quicker ride back, it seemed, and they were soon in the elevator, riding all the way up to the top. Taddie shifted the bag in her hand that contained the outfit from Jaq, letting out a soft, excited giggle, barely able to wait to show Ash, who she knew would die when she saw it. Thatcher carried her leftovers and the desserts Sven had sent with them, smiling down at her, happy to see her happy. He’d seen more genuine emotion out of her in the last 8 hours than he had in the last several months of watching her. He truly didn’t want to pry into her life too much, nor would he ever cross the line so far as to hack into the bar’s security cameras to watch her in the back rooms. So the only time he ever saw her, was at the bar where she put on a number of masks throughout the night and out and about when he’d managed to catch her during her routines, though he’d seen through the polite, societal mask then as well.

When the elevator doors opened, Thatcher let Taddie step off first and go to the door, though she stopped just short and waited for Thatcher, looking back at him with a soft, content smile. He chuckled, digging into his pockets for his keys, and she slid her arm around his, lightly, as he stuck the key in the lock, turning it along with the knob to push it open. Pulling the key back, he let her walk in first, then closed the door behind them, locking it before setting down the bags in his hand and shrugging off his coat. Taddie let out a soft sigh and did the same, one arm at a time, though Thatcher quickly stepped up to help her, taking it from her and hanging them both in the closet along the wall. As he did, Taddie gathered all the bags before walking into the apartment and to the kitchen to set the food bags down.

Thatcher soon followed, putting the food away before going around the corner, leaning against the wall and watching Taddie take her new outfit from the bag and hanging it in her closet. He slipped his hands into his pockets as he smiled, Taddie breaking down the bag to fold it and tuck it in the closet as well before she grabbed a pair of sweats and a deep blue, long sleeve shirt. As she turned to lay the clothes on the bed, she looked up and stopped, giving Thatcher a light smile as she waited for him to walk off before she started changing, but he didn’t. Instead, he went to her, taking her hips and tugging her close. She tilted her head back, ready for his sudden, urgent kiss, but he only stared down at her.

With a light chuckle, Taddie said, “So, you were serious about the not kissing thing…Back to the staring thing?”

“Does the staring bother you, kitten?” He asked, lifting a hand to brush the backs of his fingers over her cheek. She shook her head as she asked, softly, “You do it because you think I’m pretty, right?”

“I think you’re beautiful, Taddie. You’re gorgeous…But, yes, that’s why. You’re my personal piece of art and I’m always going to admire you.” He purred at her, making her cheeks turn red as she shook her head at him. Slipping his fingers under her jaw, he rumbled at her, “Do you want me to kiss you?”

“I want you to kiss me when you want to kiss me and stop asking.” Taddie breathed out, her lips brushing against his as she spoke, hovering over hers as he waited for her permission. They crushed against hers in a hungry kiss and Taddie melted against him, sliding her hands over his arms as he pushed his hands over her hips, down her backside as he cupped her cheeks, lightly. She let out a soft giggle into the kiss and she swung him around to push him back onto the bed. He landed with a soft grunt and tugged her into his lap as he fell back, making her cry out a laugh as she fell forward, planting her hands on either side of his head, hovering over him.

Thatcher smiled up at her, sliding his hands up and down her back before curling his hands over the back of her shoulders, giving a light squeeze. Taddie eased herself down on his chest, angling her lips over his in a deep, slow kiss. She slid her hands down his sides, gripping his hips before she broke the kiss and bit her lip with a smirk, touching her nose to his. Thatcher nipped across her cheek and along her jaw before he said, “My calls should only take an hour or so. If you leave, tell me, love, please interrupt me. My men should be back soon, one of them will be in the hallway by the elevators, one of them in the garage on the floor that your car is. Text me where you’re going and be safe, kitten. Please.”

“You worry so much, Thatcher. Don’t let it give you a heart attack. If it’ll make you feel better, I don’t mind being driven around? I’ll take advantage of that if you’ll let me?” She cooed down at him, nuzzling her nose into his cheek and lifting a hand to thread through his hair. With a light chuckle, Thatcher nodded and said, “Oscar should be in the hall if you leave. Tell him where you want to go and he’ll take you there…Thank you, kitten. That makes me feel a lot more at ease knowing you’re with one of my men.”

“I know, sweetheart. Just…Don’t take too long with the calls. If you gave me the day off to have me to yourself, you’d better have me to yourself.” Taddie teased down at him, sealing her lips to his before he could respond. She parted her lips for him, letting his tongue slide in and wrestle with hers as she whimpered and made other soft noises. It drove Thatcher mad and he could only contain himself for so long before he flipped her, rolling her onto her back and pinning her to the mattress, gathering her wrists in his hands, pinning them above her. He descended on her again with a passionate kiss, Taddie struggling against him as she kissed him back, moaning into the kiss, softly. Finally, she tilted her head back and arched against him to break the kiss with a soft gasp, turning her head to the side as she panted softly. He kissed down her neck, slowly, then came back up and turning her head back to him, kissing her softly. “Thatcher-”

“I told you, you drive me mad…But I have some control…” He said, running his nose across her skin, nuzzling into it, lightly. She let out a soft giggle as he released her hands and they flew down to his head, tangling in his hair as she blinked open her eyes to look at him. Thatcher planted his hands on either side of her, pushing himself up as he smiled down at her. “I have to work. Wait for me?”

“Don’t take too long…We know I’m not a patient woman.” She teased at him, biting her lip with a chuckle as his lips hovered above hers, teasing her with a kiss. Her lips parted and closed, then parted again, panting lightly as she waited for him to give in. He kept up the teasing until Taddie let out a soft whine and pushed him onto his back, straddling his hips as she pressed her lips to his in a deep kiss. “Don’t tease me like that.”

“Or what?”

“I’ll start doing things to get what I want and I have no control over my actions…You’re not the only one that’s going mad.” She whispered to him, her lips curving into a sly smirk as he slid his hands over her thighs, then to her hips. He gripped them briefly, then let out a soft grunt, then a groan, before shifting her off and turning to her. He captured her lips in another kiss before he whispered to her, “I’m waiting on you, kitten. Make the first move, tell me what you want…I’ll do the rest.”

Taddie nodded and dragged her nails across his cheek, lightly before dropping her hands and waiting for him to sit up first before she did as well, pulling her legs onto the bed and curling them beneath her. Thatcher closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh, leaning his forearms on his thighs and letting his head hang down. Taddie scooted closer, sliding one hand over his back, the other over his shoulder and prompting him to look back at her. She gave him a sweet smile before placing a soft kiss to his cheek and combing her fingers through his hair.

“Thought you had to work…You’re still here with me.” Taddie teased, lightly. Thatcher chuckled and stole another kiss before he muttered against her lips, “Make it harder for me to leave…”

Thatcher chuckled and stood, gently gripping her chin in his hand before he rounded the bed and walked off to his office. Taddie bit her lip with pink cheeks and watched him, waiting until she heard him talking to someone before she slipped off the bed and started to change. She quickly tore off her sweater and her shirt underneath, trying to be as fast as possible to tug her long sleeve on. Once she got the shirt over her head and began to tug it down, she stopped with a light gasp, freezing as Lucette stared at her in shock, her eyes glued to Taddie’s side and her scar.

Taddie’s eyes filled with tears as she slowly tugged the shirt down, her whole body going hot and prickly. As Lucette dragged her gaze up to Taddie’s, the young woman shot her eyes away, ashamed and embarrassed as she gripped the hem of her shirt. Lucette slowly approached the woman, Taddie eyeing her out of the corner of her eye, chewing her lip as she shifted on her feet. Lucette turned Taddie to face her, taking her hands, gently, and giving her a soft, sympathetic smile. Tears spilled down Taddie’s cheek and she gave a sniffle as she managed to get out, “Lucette, please-”

“It is not my place to say a word…But if you care for my master at all, you’ll tell him of this. I do not know what trauma brought this to you, but he will take care of you, Madame. Ma puce is the gentlest soul you’ll ever meet. If he finds you hid this from him, he shall be hurt by it.” Lucette said, softly, lifting a hand to cup her cheek, giving it a light pat. Moving from Taddie, Lucette scooped up her sweater and shirt, taking it to the hamper and stuffing it in, beginning to tidy up Thatcher’s discarded clothes from that morning. Taddie quickly stripped her jeans and tugged on her sweats before taking her jeans to the hamper then going back to the bed and crawling on. She drew her knees to her chest, chewing her lip as she wrapped her arms around her legs. Her side had begun to pulse with the memory slowly coming back, though she shook it from her head before it could take root and grabbed her phone, content to sit and scroll while she waited for Thatcher.

Taddie’s past was one she hardly tried to revisit, if only to recall some rare piece of useful knowledge she got out of her ordeal she called her life. She had never told anyone really just what her ex had done to her and for many years, she wrapped her stomach up so not even her shirt riding up would expose her shame. For years she’d wanted to get a tattoo to cover it up, but her ex had put roadblock after roadblock in those plans, and once she left, the price for the size alone was too much for Taddie to ever afford, and she knew that. So over the last two years, she’d learned to live with it, never wore another bikini or crop top, often getting her shirts a little bigger so they’d be longer on her. She knew full well she had to reason to feel shame about something most DV survivors might call a battle scar because ‘she made it out’, but even two years out, Taddie often wondered…Did she make it out?

Her ex had made a point to consistently show up in her life, where ever she went as she moved around the country. Just seeing him across the street at work was enough for her to quit on the spot, go home to whatever hellhole she was renting and packing her things before hitchhiking out of town. Once she got to California, things seemed to even out for her, though she still moved constantly, if only out of fear and yet another nervous habit he’d made her form. She’d been in Roanoke for nearly a year now, getting close to her three year mark of when she first left, and she was still terrified that he’d show up here and not only mess with her, but that he knew who Ash was and that she’d brought Taddie here, and would go after Ash as well. If only out of pure spite.

~

Let me know what you think! If you'd like to be added to the taglist for future fics, send me a message! <3

Taglist: @badwolf-in-the-impala @sweetwombatpizza

#The Price #Jolly Karlsson #Joakim Jolly Karlsson #Noah Sebastian #Nick Folio #Nicholas Ruffilo #Bad Omens #Bad Omens Fic #Bad Omens Fan Fic #Jolly Fic #Jolly Karlsson Fic #Joakim Jolly Karlsson Fic #Mafia AU #Bad Omens Mafia AU

[jacksonroseroth]

~The Price~Chapter 8~

Moodboard made by @badwolf-in-the-impala, none of the pictures are ours

~

Finally, the car came to a stop after it pulled into a half roundabout off the street and the man in the passenger seat quickly got out, opening Taddie’s door. Thatcher nudged her over and they scooted out, Taddie waiting for Thatcher then letting him take her hand and lead her inside. She held a light, polite smile on her face as they walked into the very upscale restaurant. Thatcher walked up to the hostess podium and gave his name, then they were quickly seated. Plants hung overhead, the vines growing down toward the tables, and the walls were covered with shrubbery. Taddie looked around in awe and appreciation as Thatcher helped her out of her coat, draping it over the back of her chair before he held it out for her and scooted it in as she sat down. She gave him a sweet smile as he rounded the table and sat down, picking up her menu.

“Do you know what you want to eat?” Thatcher asked as he scanned the menu, then looked up at her as she wrinkled her nose for a moment before looking up at him with a polite smile. He smirked at her and her facade fell, knowing he had seen her grimace. She let out a soft chuckle and said, “I don’t have fancy taste. I don’t like runny eggs, avocado toast, all that bullshit…Gimmie some scrambled eggs, sausage, maybe some french toast or muffins? I’m good.”

Thatcher chuckled and shook his head at her as he said, “You can get some eggs and sausage. Do you like breakfast sandwiches? They have a lox bagel? It has eggs, sausage-”

“Lox…Isn’t that raw salmon? I love salmon, but I don’t do raw fish.” Taddie said with a chuckle, wrinkling her nose and shaking her head. He chuckled at her and slid his hand over hers as he said, “Well, at least you don’t have expensive taste…Do we need to cover seafood entirely? Sushi, lobster, crab?”

“Yes. No. Yessss. I love crab. And the only sushi I ever eat is a California roll. I’m kind of a picky eater? But I know what I like, so there’s at least that.” She said with a soft giggle, biting her lip as she slipped her fingers into his palm. He curled his fingers around hers, lifting her hand to kiss the back of it. She smiled at him, lifting her thumb to brush it across his jaw before he lowered their hands. “So…You really aren’t going to tell me what else we’re doing today?”

Thatcher pulled his hand back and quickly studied his menu, making Taddie laugh and kick at his foot, lightly, as he smirked. His gaze flickered up to her with a chuckle and said, “You’re not a patient woman, are you?”

“Not when it’s exciting and you take so damn long…You’ve bought me a whole ass outfit and taken me here. I don’t know what to expect and it’s making me a little anxious. Excited, but anxious.” Taddie said, laying her menu down and folding her hands over it with a sweet smile. Thatcher chuckled and shook his head before he said, “Sorry, kitten. It’s a surprise. But we’re going to have fun today. I promise, Taddie.”

As Taddie nodded and leaned closer, across the table to him, Thatcher meeting her for a quick kiss, a man dressed in a pinstripe suit and slicked back hair came up to the table, his hands clasped together. Taddie’s smile quickly fell as she looked up at the man, who was looking at Thatcher with a tight smile. Thatcher lifted a brow as he looked up at the man as he started to say, “My apologies, Mr. Price. But I am going to have to ask you and your friend to leave. We cannot serve you today, sir.”

Taddie blinked and her skin went prickly as she quickly swept her gaze around, seeing the nearby tables turning at the mention of Thatcher’s name. Thatcher furrowed his brow and sat a little straighter as he said, “Excuse me? I made this reservation last week. I gave my name then, why did you take my reservation?”

“I am deeply sorry, sir. The owner checked the reservations just now and is asking that you please leave or we will be forced to call the police.” The man said, not sounding even the least bit sorry. As Thatcher pushed away from the table and stood, Taddie quickly did the same, grabbing her coat and moving between the man and the table, making him take several steps back as she all but shoved him aside as went to Thatcher and she said, “It’s fine. We can go somewhere else.”

Thatcher raised a brow at her, surprised and caught off guard, but took her jacket from her and helped her into it, nonetheless. Taddie gave him a sultry, sweet smile as she turned, slipping each arm into the coat and letting Thatcher fix the front as he reached from behind her, then laid his hands on her hips. Turning from Thatcher to Mr. Snooty Pinstripe, she said, “Now we can go somewhere that I can get some goddamn french toast and sausage.”

Thatcher snickered with a proud smile as she took his hand, still staring the man down before she whipped her head around, spinning on a heel and striding off. He dragged his hand under his chin, flicking it at the man before he turned to follow Taddie out of the restaurant. When she stepped onto the street, she stopped with a light gasp, stunning herself with what she’d done, as Thatcher moved around her, pulling her along with him and making her skip a step to catch up. She giggled softly as he hurried them down the sidewalk then into a hidden alcove and spun her to press her against the wall. Before she could ask him what he was doing, his lips were on hers in a passionate kiss. Taddie kissed him back with a soft moan, gripping the edges of his jacket as she tugged him closer, then wrapped an arm around his neck.

Taddie broke the kiss with a light sigh, pushing her hand to the back of his head and arching against him as he peppered her neck. She giggled softly and nipped at his earlobe, gently before she said, “What-What w-was that for?”

“You have no idea how fucking hot that was, Taddie. God, I would have taken you right there in the middle of the fucking restaurant.” Thatcher growled into her neck, gently biting it before kissing and licking over it, lightly. She shivered and bit her lip as she giggled, then pushed at his shoulders, making him pull back and lift a hand to her cheek, cradling it in his palm. “That’s the spirit I want to see from you, Taddie. What I knew was in you…God, you’re fucking perfect.”

Shaking her head at him, Taddie giggled and let him steal another deep kiss before she pressed her hands to his chest and pushed him back a little more. Thatcher pulled her off the wall as one of his bodyguards appeared and he quickly glanced over his shoulder with a nod before he disappeared again. Turning back to Taddie, Thatcher lightly slid his thumb over her lower lip as she said, “You promised me breakfast.”

“I did. Let’s go, kitten.” Thatcher said with a chuckle before pressing a deep kiss to her lips again before taking her hand and leading her back to the street and to the SUV that had pulled forward and waited for them. Thatcher opened the door for her, helping her in before sliding in after her and closing the door. The car lurched forward as they began to move through traffic and Thatcher turned to her with a smirk and a soft chuckle as he pulled her closer. Taddie chuckled and allowed him one kiss before she pulled back and slid her hand over his cheek, brushing her thumb over his lips with a sweet smile. He kissed her thumb before he kissed her cheek then said, softly, “I’m sorry. I got a little excited…That-That really turned me on seeing you push him back like that, saying what you did…Fuck.”

Thatcher chuckled and wrapped an arm around her, holding her against him and kissing her temple. Taddie smirked and let him give her a tight squeeze as she slid her hand over his chest, then looked up at him as she said, “Well…I-I’m not gonna lie, I was pissed…You said it wouldn’t happen, then-”

“I know. I-I’m so sorry-”

“Thatcher. Shut. The fuck. Up.” Taddie said with a soft giggle. He lifted his brows at her, amused, then chuckled and nodded as she continued, “I was pissed at them. I’m pissed at how you’re treated that gets us kicked out of places before we even order or something can go wrong…And I’m pissed I don’t have my goddamn french toast and sausage!”

Thatcher threw his head back with a loud cackle as Taddie giggled madly and rested her chin on his chest, looking up at him. As his laughter died to chuckles as he brought his head back down to her, gripping her hip with a smirk. “I’ll get you french toast and sausage, kitten. There’s a diner near Central Park--The Caviar Star. It’s a little Swedish place. I know the owner, we’ll be served there.”

“Are you sure? And why didn’t you just bring me there to begin with? You don’t need to be all fancy, all the time. The outfit was enough and now I’m overdressed.” Taddie teased at him. He chuckled at her, calling up to his men in the front seat in Swedish, the man in the passenger seat pulling out his phone and making a quick call. Looking back at her, he said, “Climb into the back and change. No one can see you. I won’t look and neither will they.”

Her smile slowly fell and she chewed her lip, feeling her heart rate quicken at the thought. Thatcher raised a brow at her and slid his hand over her thigh. “What’s wrong? You can go back to the trunk even to block you more? Are you worried about not being buckled, or-?”

“I’ll change later.” Taddie said, quickly, shifting away from Thatcher a little more and pulling her hands back. He quickly did the same, drawing his brows together as she looked away and chewed her lip, crossing her arms over her chest, tightly. He lightly slid his hand over her back and when she didn’t immediately flinch or pull away, he flattened it and rubbed his fingers down over her lower back, then to her hip. She chewed her lip and lowered her gaze to the floor as they bounced around a rough stretch of the New York streets. Thatcher stayed quiet with her, watching her for a while longer before he pressed a light kiss to her temple and nuzzled his nose into her curls.

Slowly, Taddie’s anxiety about her scars faded, coming out of the flashbacks and blinking a few times before she looked up at Thatcher again. His piercing green eyes poured into hers as he drew his brows together in concern. Lifting his hand, he slid his fingers over her jaw, cupping it and brushing his thumb over her cheek. She gave him a light smile, but it quickly dropped and she leaned against him again. He buried his nose and mouth into her curls again as he wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug, holding her in it as he felt her take a deep breath and hold it in. He released her when she exhaled and pulled back one arm to rest his hand on her thigh. She tucked her head under his chin, resting on his chest, and slid her fingers over the backs of his, admiring his tattoos across them.

The right hand on her thigh spelled out OMENS, leaving her to assume the other spelled out WRATH, though she wanted to see it for herself and made a note to inspect both hands that night. Taddie’s smile lifted as she traced the letters and asked, softly, “How come you only have one sleeve?”

“I got what I wanted. Deciding on the next one fully before I do it…Do you have any ink? I thought I saw something on your shoulder one night at the bar?” Thatcher asked with a soft chuckle. Taddie let out a light giggle and shifted to look up at him.

“I have a few. I-I just--I don’t like showing my skin off like that. I mean, for the tattoo, yeah. But…” She stopped and bit her lip, lightly, giving a light shrug. He shook his head at her and said, “You don’t need to explain to me, kitten. When you’re ready.”

As her smile grew a little more, Taddie nodded and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, then nuzzled into it. In the front seat, the man who’d made a call tucked his phone away, turning his head toward the back as he said, “It’s set, Mr. Price. Sven’s there today, he’ll seat you personally.”

“Thank you, Oscar. Everything is set for after as well?” Thatcher asked, earning him a raised brow and stern look from Taddie. One he returned with his own smirk and pressing his lips to hers in a quick peck. She giggled and pushed at his chest as Oscar said, “Yes, sir. And then we’re back on the jet by 12, home by 1.”

“Excellent. Thank you, Oscar.” Thatcher said, not taking his gaze from Taddie’s. Under his intense gaze, she began to squirm around and finally took his chin and turned it away with a giggle. Thatcher snickered and moved his face from hers to press a kiss to her cheek as they settled back in their seats as they turned onto a main street, Central Park to their left.

~

Thatcher, Oscar and the driver stood on the sidewalk outside the car as Taddie changed. When they stopped and Oscar got out to open the door for them, Thatcher ordered the driver, Lucas he called the man, out as well, more of her heart melting at the gesture. It was like it wasn’t even a second thought to him, as if it were something he’d done many times for her before. She was truly touched by the gesture and changed quickly, though she kept the boots on, tucking them under her jeans.

When the door opened, Thatcher quickly turned and went to the SUV to help Taddie down. She gave him a sweet smile as he took her hand, Lucas and Oscar getting back into the car, though they didn’t take off. As the couple approached the door, Taddie recognized the other two men she’d usually seen Thatcher with at the bar step up to the door and opened it for them. One walked in before them, the other held the door open then walked in after them. The two men went to each corner of the restaurant, facing the other, while Thatcher led Taddie up to a tall blonde man that was hunched over a podium, writing on something.

“Sven.” Thatcher called, cherrily and with a smile as they approached. The blonde man, Sven, shot his head up and a wide smile spread across his face as he laughed and moved from behind the podium and clapped hands with Thatcher before the men embraced, clapping each other on the back.

“Thatcher!-” Sven and Thatcher engaged in a focused conversation in Swedish, sounding like to Taddie was going something like ‘It’s been so long./Yes, I know.’ Which then launched into a brief catching up before Sven finally registered Taddie standing behind him. Clasping his hand on Thatcher’s shoulder, Sven talked toward her in Swedish, his tone turning a little more teasing and taunting, making Thatcher blush. It surprised Taddie, not knowing that was even possible for Thatcher, but gave a sweet smile and stepped up beside him as Sven turned to her with a bright smile and a new slew of Swedish as he took a step closer, taking her hand, then reaching for her curls. Taddie tried to suppress her flinch and bit her lip, but Thatcher quickly pressed a hand to Sven’s chest, giving it a pat as he gave a soft chuckle.

“English, Sven. She’s American, ja?” Thatcher said with a chuckle, patting his chest again before stepping back and putting an arm around Taddie, holding her close.

“Ah! Ah, of course. So sorry! My apologies, Miss--Your hair, it is so beautiful. Do you mind-?” Sven asked, lifting his hand again. Taddie shifted on her feet, keeping herself out of his reach as she gave him a polite smile and said, “I do, actually--It’s nice to meet you, sir.”

“Of course, of course. I am sorry--Please, follow me. Your table is ready.” Sven said, bowing quickly before sweeping his hand toward the rest of the restaurant, giving them both a wide smile. Thatcher urged Taddie forward as Sven began walking and spoke back to her, saying, “My name is Sven, I am the owner here. This establishment was my father’s dream and I made it come true for him in 1970 when we immigrated to the States. I created the menu myself, with my mother’s recipes that we still use today--Traditional Swedish dishes that the Americans have fallen in love with. Here is your table-”

Sven stepped aside after leading them to the back of the restaurant to a small nook in the window, that actually faced Central Park in a stunning snowy view. Taddie peered out, gazing at the park with a wide smile, and moved around the table to her seat, Sven quickly helping her out of her coat and pulling out her chair for her. Thatcher sat as she did, making her giggle softly, not used to being seated with Thatcher.

“I shall have your coat by the front, Miss-And can I get any drinks started for the both of you?” Sven asked, looking between them with a polite smile. Thatcher nodded at her to go first and Taddie looked up at the blonde Swede, giving him a sweet smile as she asked, “Do you, possibly, have hot cider or something? Tea is fine, if not.”

“Yes, yes. We have a housemade mulled cider. Would you like whipped cream as well, Miss?” Sven asked. Taddie blinked, surprised, exchanging a look with Thatcher as she chuckled and said, “Um, sure. Thank you.”

“Of course. Thatcher?” Sven asked, turning to him.

“Coffee, cream, 3 sugars. Tack, min vän.” Thatcher said, exchanging a knowing look with the man. Sven chuckled and nodded, taking a step back as he said, “I’ll be back with your drinks and your food will be out soon.”

“Thank--What did he say? Our food?” Taddie asked, her head snapping over to Thatcher, raising her brow. He chuckled at her and slid his arms across the table, palms up for hers. She narrowed her gaze at him, though her lips lifted in a small smirk, and slipped her fingers into his palms as he said, “You said french toast, eggs, and sausage. I added a bagel cause, why not? I got you plain cause I didn’t know what you liked?”

Taddie blinked at him, her face falling for a moment in surprise at the gesture, then lifted again as she let out a soft laugh and said, “Um, y-yeah. Yeah, plain is fine. I-I, um, I like plain and egg bagels. Egg bagel with strawberry cream cheese--That was my order at my local bagel shop in California. But, I like everything, too, if I’m in the mood for it.”

“Hmmm-Very picky indeed, aren’t you?” He teased, lifting a hand to kiss the backs of her fingers before he sat back, releasing her hands. Taddie stuck out her tongue at him, then chuckled, folding her arms under her as she leaned on the table.

“So, what are you getting then? Since they already have our order.” She teased back, wrinkling her nose at him with a smirk. Thatcher chuckled and shifted in his seat as he inhaled deeply, trying to see if he could smell it yet.

“Well, of course there’s sausage and eggs…I got porridge and a boiled egg sandwich. Sven makes sure it tastes like it’s being made in Sweden--It’s a very transporting dish. Every time I eat here and get anything, I’m back in Sweden as a kid, Saturday morning sitting by the water with Tommy and my parents.” Thatcher said, fondly, excited for the food. Taddie’s smile grew more genuine as she admired him, seeming to be opening up more to her about his family and his past. She had yet to be so forthcoming, but she was glad he hadn’t pushed her for it.

“Sounds fun. Very cozy, little family.” Taddie said, softly, lifting her arms to slide her hands under her chin, resting, lightly. Thatcher chuckled and nodded, opening his mouth as he looked at her to continue, then stopped as his excitement drained from his face. Taddie drew her brows together, lightly, confused, and Thatcher cleared his throat as he leaned his forearms on the table and nodded again. “What? What were you going to say?”

“Nothing. It’s nothing. I’m sorry, kitten.” Thatcher said, giving her a sympathetic smile. She raised a brow at him, still at a loss, as she said, “I-I don’t understand? Sorry for what?...Oh, my-Thatcher…”

Taddie finally connected what he had and dropped her hands as she sat back with an irritated sigh. Thatcher straightened a little more, furrowing his brows in concern as she looked away from him and shook her head.  Closing her eyes for a moment, she swung her head back to him and said, “Family isn’t a touchy subject for me. I don’t fucking have one. So what? I’ve come to terms with it and the fact I’ll probably never have one. You don’t need to tip toe 

around me-Don’t treat me like I’m fragile.”

“I’m sorry…I wasn’t sure. You had choked up so much--”

“Because I never talk about my parents or what happened. Ever. It-It was just a reaction. Just don’t…Don’t treat me like I’m fragile. Like I’m going to break at the wrong word or the wrong look. I’m a lot stronger than that.”

“I know that. I’m sorry, Taddie.” Thatcher said, reaching a hand across the table for hers. She pushed her hand into his palm and gave it a light squeeze as she smiled, lightly at him. “Forgive me?”

“Only if you tell me what you were going to say about being a kid in Sweden.” She said with a coy smirk. He chuckled at her and said, “I was just going to say that when we were kids, before we moved, me and Tommy would sit on the beach and eat, then go play in the water. We loved being outside and running around the land my father owned.”

“Wish I could have seen it. You two running around--I’m sure one of you was constantly naked being the rebel? I wonder who that could be?” Taddie teased with a smirk. Thatcher chuckled and smirked back at her, shaking his head as he said, “Actually, it was the twins. Moreso, Tristan than Theo, but they both had their phase.”

“Hmm…Too bad.” She mused at him as Sven approached with their drinks. Setting each mug in front of them, Sven said something to Thatcher in Swedish, that sounded far too casual to be something about her or anything that was meant to be hidden, so Taddie paid them no mind, sticking the straw through the whipped cream that sat at the top and carefully sipped. The hot liquid hit her tongue and there was an explosion of flavor. For one, she hadn’t realized that ‘traditional’ meant alcoholic, since the brandy was the first thing she tasted. Next came the brown sugar that melted into the apple and cinnamon taste that came next. Taddie wiggled in her seat and smiled, taking another sip. Her little dance had brought the men’s attention to her, and the corner of Thatcher’s lips lifted as he watched her take a finger, swiping it through the top of the whipped cream, then sticking her finger in her mouth to suck it off.

Taddie held her nail between her teeth as she swirled her straw around the cup, mixing the whipped cream with the hot cider. The silence between the men finally registered and her eyes shot up to Thatcher’s, seeing the arousal in his eyes, and dropped her hand as her lips curved into a sweet smile. Sven chuckled, muttering at Thatcher in Swedish again before he said to Taddie in English, “Do you like the cider, Miss?”

“Yes. It’s, um, it-it’s very strong. I-I wasn’t aware there was alcohol in it.” Taddie said with a soft chuckle. Sven laughed softly and said, “If you’d like a new one? I naturally assumed--Thatcher has taken his coffee with brandy or whiskey since he was 18. My apologies, I assumed his woman was the same.”

Taddie brightened a little, hearing Sven call her Thatcher’s woman, and tried to figure out why she felt such a strange sense of pride at it. Her cheeks turned pink as she shook her head and said, “Not usually this early. If it is, it’s mimosas. Little more socially accepted.”

“Well, if you would like a new one, I shall absolutely make you one. Please let me know. And here is your food.” Sven said as two waiters moved around him to set down two plates as well as a bowl of fruit on the table between them. Taddie’s eyes light up as well as her smile when she saw the four half pieces of french toast, drenched in syrup, powdered sugar, and whipped cream, alongside scrambled eggs and four sausage links. She knew she couldn’t eat it all now, but she had a meal for later on. “Please let me know if you need anything else.”

Sven bowed his head before turning and following the waiters away, back to the front of the restaurant. Thatcher watched Taddie with a smile, as she picked up her fork and began cutting up her toast and sausage, breaking apart her eggs and stabbing at one piece each before taking a bite. Her happy dance was a little more prominent and her body wiggled from side to side as she chewed. Thatcher stifled his snickers as he turned his attention to his plate, picking up the spoon beside his bowl of porridge and stirring it around. Taddie glanced up at him as she pushed her food around, her lips lifting a little more as she swallowed.

“What are you laughing at?” She asked, giving him a look as he glanced up at her with a smirk of his own. He shook his head as he took a quick bite of his porridge, swallowing before he said, “You dance when you’re happy about food. It’s cute.”

“I wiggle when I eat good food, first of all. Thank you very much.” Taddie corrected him before taking another bite and intentionally wiggling a little more dramatically, making them both laugh out loud before continuing to eat their breakfast, swapping conversations between bites.

~

Let me know what you think! If you want to be added to the taglist for future chapters, send me a message! <3

Taglist: @badwolf-in-the-impala @sweetwombatpizza

#Jolly Fic #Jolly Fan Fic #bad omens #nicholas ruffilo #nick folio #joakim jolly karlsson #noah sebastian #bad omens fan fic #Joakim Jolly Karlsson Fan Fic #Bad Omens Fic #Bad Omens Fan Fic #Bad Omens AU #Bad Omens Mafia AU #Jolly AU #Jolly Mafia AU #Joakim Jolly Karlson AU #Joakim Jolly Karlsson Mafia AU #The Price #Chapter 8 of 47

[jacksonroseroth]

~The Price~Chapter 7~

Moodboard made by @badwolf-in-the-impala, none of the pictures are ours.

~

They spent the next half hour in the air talking about their interests, shared or not. They discussed their favorite movies, favorite books, music, food, even cars. Though all Taddie could really contribute was that she loved Mustangs and old, classic looking cars. When the stewardess came to tell them they were landing, they quickly buckled themselves in, Taddie already bracing herself, but Thatcher turned her to face him and held her gaze and he soothed her, softly, gently holding her chin and stroking his thumb over her jaw. Taddie whimpered and squeezed his hand tighter as they hit a few rough patches as they landed, but once they did, Taddie was much more relaxed and released not only the arm rest but Thatcher’s hand.

Looking out the window, Taddie watched as they rolled into a hanger and did a turn to put the plane back in a take off ready position. As she looked around the hanger, Thatcher leaned over, quickly spotting the black SUV that was waiting for them. He nudged her and pointed at it as he said, “See? They’re here waiting for us. Once we get in the city, we’ll have one in front and one in back as we drive.”

Taddie nodded and chewed her lip as she watched four men climb out of the SUV and wait. She took a deep breath and turned to Thatcher, who gave her a smile and a kiss on her cheek before they unbuckled themselves and stood, making their way off the jet and to the car. Thatcher nodded at the men as they approached and one of them quickly went to the back passenger door to open it for them. Thatcher urged Taddie to go in first, the man offering his hand to her. She took it as she climbed in, letting out a light sigh as she slid over and plopped down. Thatcher climbed in then the door closed behind him, and he smirked over at Taddie, all the way at the other door.

“Hey…Why are you all the way over there? C’mere.” He said with a chuckle, holding out his hand to her. Taddie turned and smiled, taking his hand, then squealed as Thatcher pulled her across, practically into his lap. She pressed her hand to his chest and chuckled as he slid an arm around her waist to hold her close.

“This can’t be safe. How will we buckle in?” Taddie mused at him. Thatcher chuckled and said, “Hold on tight, kitten.”

Taddie giggled and bit her lip as the car began to move, driving out of the hanger and across the blacktop, through a set of gates to the main road. As they drove along, Taddie stared out the window in awe, a big smile pasted on her face. He looked down at her with a smile, then as they got closer to the city, he nudged her to scoot back over to her window, which she did quickly. He laughed softly and slid over, sliding an arm around her shoulders as they whispered between themselves and pointed around. Taddie leaned back against him, watching the snowfall begin as they entered the tall, concrete jungle that was New York City.

They drove for a while longer before turning into a red brick building’s garage and going deep inside. Taddie but her lip and looked up at Thatcher, who just shook his head with a smile and pressed a kiss to her temple. When they finally stopped, the man in the passenger seat got out to open Taddie’s door, offering his hand to her. She took it as he helped her down and out, turning back to wait for Thatcher, who slid out quickly and pulled her to him.

“Where are we?” Taddie asked as Thatcher walked them through a darkly tinted set of double doors and into a rather formal looking foyer, with mirrors surrounding the space and all kinds of dresses and tops and pants and skirts and coats on display.  Taddie disengaged from Thatcher as she went to the different display cases to look at the clothes. Thatcher followed her with an amused chuckle, sliding a hand over her back.

“This is Jaq’s. He’s an older Frenchman that made clothes for the Royal Family. When he had a heart attack, he wanted to still design but at a much more stress free capacity. So he’s exclusive to the rich here in New York. And special requests.” Thatcher said with a chuckle. Taddie let out a light giggle and looked back at him.

“These are beautiful. He does good work.” Taddie said, briefly laying her fingertips on the glass of a beautifully intricate light purple, light pink, and light orange ombréd dress.

“Merci, mon Cherie. Zat vas vorn by ze Princess of Greece in 1978. One of my most prized pieces.” A voice said behind them in a thick French accent. Taddie jumped, slightly, as both she and Thatcher turned, Thatcher with a wide, crooked grin on his face as the old man approached. He shook Thatcher’s hand and the men exchanged a brief conversation in French as Thatcher gestured back to Taddie, who stood waiting with a sweet, polite smile on her face. Jaq nodded along as he spoke to Thatcher, his pale blue eyes looking her over as his mind worked. “-And zis is your new voman? Bon. Bon. Es très belle. I can vork vith zis.”

“No, no. She wishes to view your ready made pieces. Perhaps I can convince her to come to you for a wardrobe in a few weeks. This is all new to her. I don’t want to scare her off.” Thatcher said, holding out his hand to her, Taddie quickly moving to him to take it and move into his side. Thatcher smiled down at her, briefly nuzzling her curls before he said, “Jaq Coine, this is Taddie Prior.”

“It’s nice to meet you, sir. You-You’re very talented. Your clothes are beautiful.” Taddie said, slipping her hand into Jaq’s as he offered it to her. Once she did, he placed his other hand over top of hers with a smile before moving it as he lifted her hand to kiss the back of it.

“Tout le plaisir est pour moi, ma chère. Please-Follow me. My showroom is through ze doors.” Jaq said, indicating the double wooden doors behind him. Jaq turned to open them as Thatcher urged Taddie forward, though she tossed an unsure and anxious look over her shoulder at him. He followed close behind her and chuckled as she took a single step in and let out a gasp as she looked around the room.

Covering three of the four walls were closets and cupboards and drawers, all full of clothes and fabrics. It seemed this was more than his showroom, as a round pedestal sat in the middle of the room, a wooden, half mannequin to the left and a table with a sewing machine beside that. Jaq took Taddie’s hand and led her around the room as he said, “Anyzing you see here I can, sell to you, but it needs ze proper fit. Small alterations, okay. I can do zis no problem. But if larger ones need to be made-Ehhh…But, I need to know your style. Aller. Take a peek, let me know vhat you vish to try on, ma chère.”

“Merci, Monsieur.” Taddie said with a sweet smile. Jaq’s smile lifted, considerably, and let out a slew of excited French, to which Taddie’s eyes went wide in fear and she stammered out, “I-I’m so-I’m so sorry, I-I—Merci and si vous plait are all I-I really know…”

“Ah, minimal French? My apologies, ma chère. It iz so rare that I get to speak my native tongue. I am always happy to see les frères Price. It iz ze only time I speak it with clients. Aller, aller.” Jaq said with a soft chuckle, waving her on. Taddie nodded and gave him a soft smile before she turned to the row of women’s outfits he had hanging for display. As she walked along the row, Jaq went to Thatcher and they spoke in hushed French, watching her all the while.

Taddie chewed her lip, unusure. All the outfits were stunning, but some were made for summer, some for spring. Nothing really for winter. As she walked up and down the row, she finally stopped and turned to Thatcher, who quickly excused himself from Jaq and went to her as she asked, “Where exactly are we going? How…How fancy do I need to look?”

Thatcher chuckled and lifted his hand to her cheek, gently pushing back her curls as he said, “Nothing fancy, kitten. But the place we’re going is a little more upscale. Something more classy than formal.”

Taddie nodded and her smile lifted as she felt a little more relieved, then she turned to the displays again, going to one spaghetti strapped, black dress with a rich red rose pattern on it. She trailed her fingertips over the material and let out a soft gasp, quickly pulling her hand away.

“Do you like this one? What’s wrong?” Thatcher asked softly, sliding his hands over her arms.

“I love it. It’s so soft, it’s gorgeous…But it’s fucking snowing outside. I can’t wear this.” Taddie said, quickly moving past it. Thatcher glanced back at Jaq, who was already scurrying across the room to another door and disappearing behind it. As she kept looking, going back to the dress, if only to admire it, Jaq soon came back with three pieces; A blouse, a skirt, and a floor length, white fur coat.

“I have ze same pattern here, ma chère. How do you find zis?” Jaq asked as he laid the blouse over the black skirt, that would fall to just past her knee. Taddie turned and blinked, her smile growing slowly as she went to him, gently taking the end of the blouse in her hands. “Try it on. Ve shall see ze fit.”

Jaq handed her the blouse and skirt, then shifted the coat in his hands to hand it to her, but Taddie quickly stopped him and asked, “Is it real?”

“Of course!” Jaq cried, almost offended. Taddie bit her lip and cast a look back at Thatcher, not taking the coat, then hesitantly reached for it. Her brows drew together and she almost grimaced as her fingers slid over the soft fur.

“Do you not wear fur?” Thatcher asked, seeing the expression on her face. Taddie quickly pulled her hands back, shaking her head as she looked extremely guilty and upset.

“I-I don’t. Not-Not real fur…Jaq, I-I’m sorry. It’s gorgeous, but I-“

“Non, do not explain yourself. My apologies, Mademoiselle.” Jaq said, giving her a smile and quickly taking the coat to the back room. Taddie took a deep breath as Thatcher came up behind her and took her hips, tugging her back gently as he nuzzled her curls.

“Tell him exactly what you want, kitten. He won’t be upset or offended. This is his job, he needs to know what you like. You don’t like real fur-He’ll never show it to you again.” Thatcher said, softly, pulling back her curls to kiss her cheek before she turned to him, shifting the hangers in her hand. He gave her a quick peck before he said, “Go ahead and change. I promise I won’t look.”

Taddie gave him a look, then giggled as he kissed her temple before he turned and crossed the room, busying himself with inspecting a new set of suits Jaq had put out. Biting her lip with a slow growing smile, Taddie watched him for a moment, as he really looked at the suits, before she turned away and shuffled behind the table, so the sewing machine could block at least her stomach. Hesitantly, she wiggled out of her jeans, casting several glances between the door Jaq had disappeared by and Thatcher as he still faced the suits. Her body began to shake as she gripped the hem of her sweater and tugged it up slowly, revealing a nasty scar that led from the middle of her stomach, upwards an inch before making a sharp left and going over her side. She quickly tugged the blouse on, trying not to rip it, then slipped into the skirt before she flipped her curls out of the collar of the blouse and cleared her throat.

Thatcher turned as she stepped out from behind the table and smiled at her, his gaze sweeping over her. Crossing the room to her, he chuckled softly and said, “Well, well, well…It looks good on you, Taddie. How does it fit?”

“Good. The blouse is a little big, but, it’s fine. I’d rather it have a little give, I don’t want to ruin it.” Taddie said, laying her hands on his arms as he took her hips. He nodded as a wicked smirk crossed his face and he said, “If you won’t, I might…Good thing Jaq is a magician with mending.”

Taddie gave him a look, making him snicker and pull her closer, sliding his fingers under her jaw to tilt her chin back. She pressed her hands to his chest with a soft giggle and bit her lip, her gaze flickering to his lips before she let out a slow sigh. As Thatcher smirked and ducked down to kiss her, the door opened and Jaq walked out carrying a pair of tall black boots as he said, “Bon? Vhat do you zink? How does it fit?”

Taddie let out a light squeak and quickly turned, giving Jaq a wide smile as she said, “It fits good. I love it--Oh. Are-Are those for me, too?” Her brows drew together and she glanced up at Thatcher, who shook his head at her, silently telling her not to refuse them. Jaq stopped before her and let out a chuckle, exchanging another brief slur of French with Thatcher.

“Oui, oui. I have been dying to add zese to an outfit, but could never figure out ze right one. Until you, Mademoiselle.” Jaq said with a smile, kneeling down and unzipping one of the boots then holding out his hand for her foot. Taddie bit her lip, casting a look to Thatcher as he lifted his hand into hers to keep her steady, giving her a light nod to go along. Taking a deep breath, Taddie lifted one leg and Jaq eased her foot into the boot, then fitted it around her leg before zipping it up. He did the same for the other boot before he stood and took a step back as Taddie shifted on the heels, turning to Thatcher, then let out a gasp. She was now eye level with him and it slightly unnerved her, making her emit a spontaneous giggle as she bit her lip.

“Hello, there. Nice to see you up here.” Thatcher teased with a cheesy grin. Taddie rolled her eyes at him, giving his chest a soft push as she chuckled, both of them turning to Jaq as he exclaimed, “Ah! Je suis un génie! C’est magnifique! How does it feel? Aller, walk around, madam.”

Taddie chuckled softly, Thatcher taking her hand as he stepped back, holding up her arm. Her cheeks darkened as he guided her around in a circle, coming back to her starting point before he spun her into him with a smirk. She let out a light gasp and gripped his shoulders. She wrinkled her nose at him then let out a light laugh as she said, “I don’t like being this close to you. It’s weird.”

“Why? Makes it easier for…Things.” Thatcher teased, gripping her hips and bending her back, slightly. She giggled and shook her head at him before looking at Jaq, her smile falling, slightly, as she said, “Do-Do you have something in a smaller heel? These are gorgeous…But Thatcher isn’t tall enough for me to wear them comfortably.”

She looked at Thatcher with a wickedly teasing smirk, to which he shook his head at her with a smirk of his own. She chuckled and shifted back from him as Jaq raised a brow at her and said, “You vant shorter?...De quelle absurditè s’agit-il? Veut un talon plus petit-“

“Jaq…Get her the boots you showed Leah. The winter ones she didn’t want?” Thatcher said, raising a brow at him. Jaq pulled a sweet, polite smile to his face before he gave a chuckle and nodded at Taddie, blowing her a quick kiss before he turned and disappeared behind the door again. Taddie raised a brow and looked at Thatcher as she said, “What was that about? Why was he upset?”

“Not necessarily upset…He thinks the taller the better with women. He’s obsessed with women with long legs.” Thatcher said with a light laugh. Taddie let a grimace pass over her face before she said, “Should I be concerned about him touching me and measuring me and shit?”

“Not at all. He’s gay, he just…He has an obsession. I dunno? He’s never been creepy about it, he just has his favorite clients-Lara, for example, Tommy’s wife. Beautiful, tan skin-Jaq fell in love and they spent the day here when Tommy brought her for her first fitting.” Thatcher said with a chuckle. Taddie shook her head, lightly, and let out a soft laugh before Thatcher knelt down and unzipped one of the boots. Taddie let out a soft gasp, then fell forward to plant a hand on his shoulder as he lifted her leg. She pushed her curls back and bit her lip, watching him gently peel the boot away and pull it off, his fingers caressing over her calf as he guided her leg back down.

Taddie’s breath hitched as he looked up at her with a light smirk, holding her gaze as he reached for her other leg, feeling around to repeat the process, this time giving her calf a light squeeze after sliding his fingers over it. Her lips lifted higher as she stared down at him, setting the boots aside before he stood and chuckled down at her. She pressed her hands to his abdomen as he tugged her closer, biting her lip and leaning against him. She took a deep breath and said, “That’s much better.”

“You like being shorter than me? Some kind of size kink you got goin’ on?” Thatcher teased at her. Taddie bit her lip and nodded as she said, “I-I do, act-actually…Part, um, part of the, um, affectionate dominance thing? I-I f-I feel a little safer. I don’t know how to explain it.”

“No need, kitten. I understand.” Thatcher said, taking her chin gently and dropping a kiss to her lips. She kissed him back and pushed her hands to his hips, gripping them with a light whine before she broke the kiss and bit her lip. He chuckled and laid a slow, soft trail of kisses across her cheek before he whispered, “You drive me absolutely mad, Taddie…”

Before the conversation could go further, the door opened again and Jaq came back out, carrying a shorter heeled pair of boots over to her. Taddie’s cheeks went red as she smiled, embarrassed, and turned to Jaq, taking one of the boots as he offered it to her. Thatcher moved to stand next to her before he took her hips, keeping her steady as she bent over to slip the boot on and tug it up under her skirt until it was comfortably and completely on. She did the same for the other and shifted around on her feet with a smile.

“Bon? Better?” Jaq asked with a smile of his own, holding out his hand to her. Taddie took it with a nod and a smile as Jaq walked her around like he was a proud parent. She giggled, shyly, and looked at Thatcher as he chuckled to himself.

“Yes, I love them. Did you make these too? I thought you were a tailor?” Taddie said as Jaq let go of her hand, giving a soft tsk.

“A man of many talents, ma chére. So--You need a coat in zis horrible weather.” Jaq said, moving past the couple and going to a closet, flinging the doors open and going through hangers until he pulled out a long, black peacoat. He brought it over to her and helped her into it before he spun her around a few times, then let out a gleeful shout, clapping his hands together. “It iz perfect. Now--Gloves and a scarf-”

“No! No, I-Please. Jaq, this-this is more than enough. Thank you.” Taddie said with a polite smile, gripping Thatcher’s arm in a silent plea for assistance. Thatcher stepped forward and exchanged a brief conversation in French with the old man before Jaq bowed his head and said, “At least ze gloves. It is a harsh winter this year and your hands will freeze.”

“Do you have some soft, black ones? I don’t like my hands being stiff.” Taddie said with a sweet smile. Jaq nodded and led her to one of the numerous drawers, pulling out two that had a variety of colors. Taddie ran her fingers over them until she stopped on a pair of black ones that felt like they were made from cashmere. She picked up one and slipped it on, giving a light wiggle of excitement as she waved her fingers to test the movement. “These ones?”

“Bien sur. Of course, of course, madam. And, please, come back whenever. I vould love to fit you for a few dresses, oui?” Jaq said, handing her the other glove before closing both drawers and taking her hands, kissing both cheeks with a big grin. Taddie giggled and nodded, giving his hands a light squeeze as she said, “Of course. Um, thank you, Jaq. I, um, I’m sure we’ll be back.”

Jaq chuckled and walked her back to Thatcher as he said, “I shall send ze bill to your father?”

“No. He’s to know nothing. None of my family is.” Thatcher said, pulling a large envelope from his coat pocket and handing it over. He raised a brow at the old man as he took it and opened the evnelope to inspect it. Jaq lifted his head and raised a brow at Thatcher as he continued, “We’ll be back on Friday to get her fitted for a dress for Christmas. She’s meeting the family for the first time.”

“Of course, Mr. Price.” Jaq said, rather stunned, though he accepted the money and bowed his head at the man before shuffling off to an old roll up desk in the corner, tucking the envelope into a drawer. Thatcher smiled at Taddie as he went to her, taking the glove from her and helping her slip her hand into it.

“Ready to eat? I’m starved.” Thatcher said with a soft chuckle. Taddie raised a brow at him as she said, “Why can’t anyone know we came here? Why am I such a big secret?”

“Because you’re a surprise for them. Well, my parents at least. My brothers know you’re coming.” Thatcher said, leading her back to her clothes and folding them up as Jaq quickly returned to them with a bag for her clothes. They thanked the man and left the showroom, walking back out to the car and climbing in.

Once they started moving, Taddie said, “But why can’t they know we came here? I don’t understand.”

“Because my father is going to really interrogate us if he finds out. Getting fitted is a sign in our family. Means things are serious. I’m trying to ambush them with you to show them they don’t entirely know me nor have they cared to. Because if they did, they’d have asked about you or at least known about you…This-I’m doing this for more reasons than one. It-It might seem pathetic, but you don’t know my father. He’s a good father, but he’s very critical of me and always has been…I just want one time to throw something back in his face and admit I’m not a failure.” Thatcher said, staring at the headrest in front of him as he went on with his brief rant. Taddie bit her lip, hearing the anger and pain and sadness in his voice, quickly realizing this wasn’t entirely about her as she’d originally thought. She scooted closer to him, shifting to half sit on her knees, curling her legs beneath her as she slid one hand over his arm, pushing her fingers through his hair with the other. He turned to her and blinked, opening his mouth to say something but she stopped him.

“You’re not a failure, Thatcher. I don’t think you are…You’re doing all this because you feel alone, aren’t you?” Taddie asked, softly, scratching her nails over his scalp, lightly. He drew his brows together, half in sadness and half in anger that she’d even ask him that. But he realized she’d seen right through him and he gave her a light nod, quickly adding, “It’s more than that, though…”

“I’ve felt alone my whole life. Even after I met Ash…I--” Taddie stopped, surprised as her eyes stung with tears as a lump formed in her throat that she tried to swallow around and down. Thatcher raised a brow at her, turning to her more as she took a deep breath and said, “I-I’m an orphan. I-I, um, I lost my parents when I was young in a-an accident.”

“Taddie-“ Thatcher started, furrowing his brow and lifting his hand. She stopped him and shook her head as she said, “Don’t. I’m…I’m fine. I’ve gotten used to it, more or less…Anyway, my point is; Sometimes it doesn’t matter what your family thinks. If they aren’t the ones who really care about you, or who you truly care about…What they think doesn’t matter. As long as you’re happy with what you are doing with your life, the right people will enter it—Like when I met Ash. She was getting kicked out, I was nomading around LA trying to catch my break, then she said she was moving home and offered to bring me with her. We’d known each other a month at our new job when she offered. We moved, got jobs, then new ones at the bar, started saving…It wouldn’t have happened without Ash.”

“Like when you came into my life? I swear, things have been going a lot more my way in the last several months since I met you. At least with the band and the album. I-I was actually really frustrated by that-Everything was turning up for the band, but I was pissed I still couldn’t do anything right to please my father…Now it makes sense.” Thatcher said with a soft chuckle. Taddie nodded and snuggled closer to him, curling her arms between them as she leaned against his chest. He pushed a hand into her hair as her fingers brushed under his chin. She felt a bit of stubble beginning to grow and she let out a soft chuckle as she scratched at it.

“Have you ever grown out your facial hair before?” She whispered, softly. He chuckled and nodded as he brushed his nose to hers and whispered back, “A few times…You like facial hair?”

“Depends on how it looks…Will you grow it out for me? The clean shaven thing, it-My ex—“

“Don’t say anything, kitten. Yes. I’ll grow it out for you. Your wish is my command.” He whispered before sealing his lips to hers in a heated kiss. She kissed him back and wound her arms around his neck, pushing her fingers into his hair. She let him slide his hand over her leg, half tugging it into his lap as she brought one hand down his chest. She let him hold her against him as he flicked his tongue at her, Taddie eagerly parting her lips for him as the kiss deepened. Thatcher broke the kiss to leave a trail down her neck and he breathed against her skin, “I want you so bad, kitten…”

Taddie squeezed her eyes shut, gripping his shoulders for a moment before she let out a light sigh and tried to relax. Thatcher felt her tense up and quickly laid a trail back up to her lips, kissing her slowly before he broke it and pressed his forehead to hers.

“I need to stop kissing you…” Thatcher said with a deep sigh. Taddie’s eyes snapped open and her brows drew together, shaking her head lightly, confused. Thatcher pulled away with another sigh and looked down at her, gently cradling the curve of her neck. “You’re not ready and I know that…I keep pushing you-“

“You’re not.” Taddie said, quickly, with a light gasp. He tilted his head to the side as he let out a soft sigh, giving her a look. She shook her head and pulled her hands to the sides of his face as she said, “Thatcher, you’re not. I stop when I want to stop, and you follow my lead. That’s…That’s a lot more than I can say for-for m-most…Men--Thatcher, you’re not making me do anything I don’t want. Believe me-You’d know if I don’t want to do something.”

“Promise me you’ll talk back and tell me no. Say it. Be a bitch about it, I don’t care. If I ever make you do something you’re not comfortable with, tell me.” Thatcher said, firmly. Taddie nodded and slid her hands to his jaw before she pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

“I promise.” She said with a sweet smile. He nodded and let his own pass over his lips before he slid his arm around her waist and held her close, nuzzling her curls. Taddie leaned against him, her head on his shoulder, and let out a soft sigh, as she looked out the windshield at all the tall buildings they had passed. As they rolled through the streets, the pair stayed silent, Thatcher pressing a kiss to the top of her head every now and then.

~

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#Chapter 7 of 46 #Jolly Karolsson #Jolly Karlsson Fan Fic #Jolly Karlsson Fic #Joakim Jolly Karlsson Fic #Joakim Jolly Karlsson Fan Fic #Noah Sebastian #Nick Folio #Nicholas Ruffilo #Bad Omens #Bad Omens AU #Jolly AU #Bad Omens Mafia AU #Jolly Mafia AU #Jolly Karlsson Mafia AU #The Price

[jacksonroseroth]

~The Price~Chapter 6~

Moodboard done by @badwolf-in-the-impala, none of the pictures are mine.

~

Taddie finished packing her things, then moved on to Juniper’s, Thatcher waiting by the door with her suitcase, watching her run around. Juniper ran with her, as Taddie carried all her toys and treats, Rowdy soon joining as he thought it was a game. More than once Taddie nearly tripped over him and Thatcher was quick to rush to her and catch her before she toppled over. Ash watched everything from her doorway, raising her brow and studying Thatcher each time he bolted forward to grab Taddie. He always made sure she was okay before he let her go, but once he did, he went back to the door to watch her and wait.

While Ash still didn’t trust that her friend was making the right choice, let alone trust Thatcher in general, she helped carry Juniper out to the car as Thatcher took both of Taddie’s suitcases to the trunk. Taddie stashed Juniper’s bag and carrier in the back before Ash helped her put the harness on Juniper before she unleashed the small beast into the car. Once she had everything, Taddie turned to Ash with a sad smile, Ash having a hard, yet sad expression with her arms crossed. She gave her friend a look then pulled Ash into a tight hug, both women letting out soft whines and sniffles as they said their goodbyes.

They knew it wasn’t a real goodbye, Taddie wasn’t moving moving out, but with the other being all they had to keep them sane, they both knew this was going to be a lot harder than they thought, at least to let each other go. Thatcher stood back and watched the pair embrace and not let go, then he drew his brows together, suddenly feeling guilty and questioning if this was even right, let alone the right thing to do. But Taddie soon broke the embrace and promised she would be at work the next day, making Thatcher swear he wouldn’t pull any stunts to keep her from her shift. Ash stepped back and watched Thatcher open the door for Taddie, helping her in, then closing the door before he went around the car to get in himself. 

Juniper jumped to the front seat and into Taddie’s lap, pressing her front paws to the window as Thatcher backed out. Ash gave a small wave and a smile, Taddie returning it and feeling her eyes sting with tears as they drove away. She watched the house disappear in the side view mirror, then pressed her face into Juniper’s fur, trying to stifle her sniffle with a kiss to her belly, then sat back with a soft sigh. Thatcher glanced over at her, shifting his hands on the wheel to reach a hand over to slide it across her thigh. Slowly, she slid her hand over his and gripped it, but she didn’t look at him. He furrowed his brows as he stole another glance at her, beginning to worry he had forced her into this.

~

Thatcher pushed the door open and let Taddie walk in with Juniper. She let the cat jump down, still on her leash. Taddie waited until Thatcher had closed the door before she bent down and unhooked the leash from the harness and said, “Go on, Juni.”

Juniper sniffed at the floor as her eyes darted around, then she ran to the chairs, jumping onto one, then the other before she jumped to the mahogany table then tore across the apartment.

“Juniper!” Taddie cried, starting to run after her, worried. Thatcher caught her hand and spun her back to him, making her squeak then gasp and press her hands to his chest. She stared up at him then let out a quick, light laugh before she bit her lip. “I-I don’t want her to break anything…”

“There’s a lot of open space, kitten. The only thing I’m worried about is her falling into the pool…Might have to invest in a gate or a solid cover or something, though.” Thatcher said, sliding his fingers along her jaw as he tilted her chin back. She began to smile at him, then stopped as she saw his features were etched with concern as his eyes roamed over her face. As she opened her mouth to ask him what was wrong, he asked first as he said, “Do you want to be here, Taddie? Here. With me. Doing all of this.”

“I-I--Yes. I s-I said yes yesterday. Thatcher, what-?” Taddie started.

“You didn’t want to leave Ashlen. You didn’t want to leave your home-”

“It wasn’t my home…”

Thatcher raised his brows, surprised, and Taddie snapped her mouth shut as her brows drew together, tightly. He cupped her cheek, lightly, and ducked down to press a soft kiss to her lips. She kissed him back, curling her fingers around the edges of his jacket as she clung to him. She let out a soft sniffle as he broke the kiss and said, “Taddie, I need you to look me in the eyes and tell me you want to do this. That you don’t feel forced-Like I’m taking you prisoner.”

“No. Thatcher--It-Yes, it-it’s weird, it doesn’t sound right when I say it out loud…But th-this…What you’re offering me, Thatcher--My painting is my passion, I couldn’t turn this down. Odd and sketchy as it might seem, I…” Taddie stopped, her breath catching in her throat as she stared up at him. He took a deep, slow breath and pushed his hand from her cheek into her hair. Taking a deep breath of her own, she said, “I trust you. You-You’ve shown me you’re not-you’re not trying to like…Take advantage of me. You didn’t need to offer Ash that for me. She would have come around--You didn’t need to do that…And you did. It-That-It-It kind of felt…Good. You were trying to make this as easy as possible for me…And I trust you because of that. Thank you, Thatcher.”

“You’re welcome, Taddie.” He whispered back before easing his lips onto hers again in a deeper kiss, wrapping his arm around her waist and pinning her against him. She pushed her hands up his chest with a soft sigh as she kissed him back, gripping his shoulders lightly.

Somewhere in the apartment, glass met the black tile that lined the entire space and made them break apart quickly as Thatcher said, “Of course, I do have heirlooms that I’d prefer to remain that way?”

“I’m so sorry-Juniper!” Taddie called, breaking away from him and hurrying to find her demon child as Thatcher followed at a slower pace, his hand lifting to press a button among a line of them on the wall as he passed. He followed the sound of Taddie’s voice until he rounded the corner, into his office, where Taddie quickly scooped Juniper up off the floor as she had begun creeping toward the mess that she’d made. “Bad kitty cat. This isn’t our home, we can’t just push things over, Juni--Thatcher, I’m so sorry. It-It was just a clear glass vase?”

“That’s okay. I think it was like $10, just decoration. Is Juniper okay? Did she get cut?” Thatcher asked as he went to them, gently taking one of Juniper’s paws in his fingers, rubbing the pad of his to hers, lightly. Taddie shook her head and shifted her in her arms.

“No, she’s fine. I’m-I’m sorry…Maybe I should take her back and leave her with Ash. I’m sorry--”

“I told you to bring her. I knew what I was doing when I said it. Juniper can stay, I just need to get a few things and hide a few others.” Thatcher said with a soft chuckle. Taddie nodded and let out a soft sigh, looking up at him with a small smile.

“Is everything alright, Mr. Price?” A female voice came, making Taddie jump as Thatcher turned, waving an older woman in. She had graying brown hair and was dressed as a maid, carrying a broom and dustpan.

“Everything is fine, Lucette. Just an accident. By the way, Taddie, this is Lucette Cassini. She’s been my housekeeper and cook for-What is it, now, Cette? 8 years?” Thatcher asked as Lucette shooed them away from the broken glass as she began to sweep it up. He chuckled and tugged Taddie along with him as he backed up, sliding an arm around her waist and keeping her close.

“Oui, Monsieur. 9 next March, Mr. Price.” Lucette said with a soft giggle, glancing over at them, then doing a double take and eyeing Taddie as she swept. She let out a quick slew of Swedish, though her French accent came through, and Thatcher responded. Taddie looked up at him, her eyes a little wider and her brows raised in surprise and arousal. She knew he was a Swede, but she’d constantly forgotten that he spoke the language. Hearing him speak so quickly and effortlessly honestly turned her on and a series of thoughts flew through her mind.

“Lucette--This is the new lady of the house. Taddie Prior.” Thatcher said, arching a brow at the woman before looking down at Taddie with an almost prideful smile. She felt her cheeks heat and her smile grew as he pressed a kiss to her temple.

“Oui, bien sur-It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady.” Lucette said, turning to her and dipping into a curtsy. Taddie winced and shook her head, shifting awkwardly as she started, “Oh, n-no, please--”

“You need to get used to it, kitten. You’re my girl now. This is how you’ll be treated.” Thatcher whispered into her curls, giving her hip a tight squeeze to stop her. Taddie snapped her mouth shut, giving Lucette a sweet, polite smile and bowed her head at her, lightly, as she said, “Th-Thank you. It’s a pleasure to meet you as well.”

After another exchange of Swedish, Lucette said, “-Oui--Well, Madame, I will provide a list of dishes I serve Mr. Price. If you have allergies or wish another dish, please let me know so I may prepare properly. Laundry is done on Thursdays and Saturdays on alternating weeks. If you have anything that needs dry cleaning, I’ll leave bags for them.”

Taddie blinked as the old woman swept up the glass and spoke so quickly at the same time. She tried to find her words and stammered out, “I-I, um, I, uh-Y-Yes-Yes…ma’am? I don’t--”

Thatcher chuckled and kissed her cheek before he said, “Thank you, Lucette. We’re going to unpack and change, then go for breakfast. We won’t be back until after lunch. Have the morning to yourself.”

“Merci, ma puce.” Lucette said, giving him a grateful smile and dipping into a quick curtsy before she walked out, going to the trash can to dump the broken shards. Taddie let out a sigh, then turned to him with a half awkward chuckle and her brows lightly drawn together.

“I don’t think she likes me very much. Your housekeeper has grown attached to you. Should I be worried?” She teased, shifting Juniper in her arms as she got antsy, then climbed onto her shoulder. Thatcher chuckled, giving Juniper a quick scratch before he looked down at Taddie and said, “Maybe--She’s my housekeeper now, but she helped raise me and my brothers since we were in Sweden--Ma puce. It-It means…My flea. We were always her ‘little fleas’ because we were always jumping around and clinging to her when we were babies.”

Thatcher chuckled, embarrassed, and Taddie bit back a teasing smirk as she saw his cheek turn pink for a moment. With a soft giggle, Taddie slid her hands over his chest as she said, “I think it’s cute. So, she was your nanny? Did she teach you French?”

Taddie tried to keep the interest from her voice as best she could, but Thatcher still heard it and quirked an eyebrow at her before he said, “Est-ce quelque chose qui te passionne, chaton?--Why did you sound so excited when you said that?”

“Not excited…Not not excited. Though that answers my question, thank you.” She cooed at him. Pushing her hands over his shoulders, she threaded her fingers through the hair he left down from putting the other half up in a bun. Since the first time she saw him, she’d never seen any other hairstyle on him and part of her ached to see all of it down. As Thatcher tugged her closer, Juniper jumped from Taddie’s shoulder to a file cabinet and Taddie said, “Why don’t you ever wear your hair down? Even when you sleep?”

“Do you want to see it down more often?” He asked. She gave a shrug and said, “I’d like to see it…If this is how you like to wear it-”

“It’s easier than fighting my Father to cut it like he made Tristan and Theo…But having short hair doesn’t really work well when I headbang with the band.” Thatcher said with a chuckle. Taddie let her head tilt back with a soft chuckle before she said, “That’s right. The big, bad, black sheep of the family is in a big, bad metal band…What’s the name of this band, anyway?”

“Omens of Wrath. We can listen to a few songs on the way to breakfast if you want? We only have one album out so far, but we’re working on another.” He said, sliding his hands to her hips and shifting back. She pulled her hands to his chest and she nodded.

“We can, iiiff…You tell me where we’re going for breakfast?” She countered with a smirk. Thatcher rolled his eyes and tsk’d at her.

“You just refuse to let me surprise you. We can listen to them another time.” Thatcher said with a smirk, stepping back from her and taking her hand to lead her out of the office. Taddie chuckled and followed him, closely, gripping his hand in both of hers. He led her back to the front door to grab her bags, then brought her to the bedroom space. As she hoisted one of her bags onto his bed, Thatcher went around it and passed his closet, going to a second door and slid it open. Taddie’s mouth dropped when she saw an empty closet space and he turned to her, saying, “Go ahead and unpack. I have to make one more call, then we’ll go.”

“You didn’t need to make me a whole ass closet. I can live out of-“

“Absolutely not, Taddie. You’re my girl, you’re going to have your own space…And I didn’t make anything. Just did a little spring cleaning and got rid of a few old suits and jackets, some pants and shirts-Unpack, kitten.” Thatcher said, giving her a smirk as he moved around the bed and headed toward his office again. Taddie gave him a playfully reprimanding look as he walked across the floor then let out a soft giggle and turned to the closet in the wall, pushing her suitcase across the bed before rounding it.

Taddie quickly put her bras and panties into a drawer first, casting a glance over her shoulder to make sure he wasn’t watching, then continued on, unfolding what needed hanging and sticking hangers in them. She made quick work of both suitcases then put the smaller into the larger, zipping it up. She chewed her lip and glanced around, unsure of what to do now, then hearing Juniper’s bell, she smiled and went to grab Juniper’s bag and litter box. She looked around, unsure of where to put her box, then decided it should just be near the bathroom, for easier cleaning.

Once Taddie had set up the litter box, she placed Juniper's food and water bowls in the same area, not wanting to take up too much of the apartment. As she finished unfolding the little cat tent, Thatcher walked out, still texting on his phone, then stopped as he did a double take, watching Taddie try to make everything organized, but contained to the one corner. He chuckled and shook his head, deciding instead of letting her know she could spread out, that he’d just rearrange it himself when she was gone. He went to the glass brick wall and leaned against it with a small smirk.

“Ready to go?” He asked, making her jump and fall onto her butt as she turned, looking up at him with big eyes, blinking. He chuckled and quickly went to her, helping her up and sliding a hand around her hip. She gave him a look, laying her hands on his arms, though he caught the small smile that crossed her face.

“If you want to surprise me? Do it with gifts or fancy dates. Not like that. It may not end well for you next time.” Taddie teased at him, biting her lip lightly. Thatcher chuckled and kissed her cheek before he said, “Let’s get going, kitten.”

~

Thatcher led Taddie down to a private garage where a number of older looking cars sat. They all shined as they were well taken care of, but Taddie was still stunned by them. She loved classic cars, especially Mustangs, and her gaze zeroed in on a cherry red one that sat at the end of the line as he led her to a small ‘58 Corvette. As he glanced back at her, Thatcher stopped and smirked, following her gaze down to the car. Taddie looked up at him and gave him a sweet smile before taking a step toward the passenger side of the Corvette, but he stopped her, redirecting her down the line. She bit her lip as she tried to contain her excitement as they got closer and closer to the Mustang and Thatcher bent down to slip his hand under the wheel well, grabbing the keys and unlocking the door.

Taddie giggled and bounced on her toes, lightly, before looking up at him with a grateful smile. Thatcher chuckled down at her before she quickly lifted on her toes and pressed a kiss to his lips then got in. He blinked, shocked, but pleasantly, and let a genuine, happy smile touch at his lips as he closed the door and rounded the car to get in. As Thatcher started the car, Taddie slid her hand over the dashboard in awe and let out an astonished and ecstatic sigh before she sat back and looked over at him. He put the car in gear and pulled out, going up to a sealed door with a little keypad mounted on a metal rod.

While Thatcher punched in the code, Taddie chewed her lip, hesitating, before she shifting closer to him, leaning into his side. Thatcher looked down at her with a smile and she wrapped her arms around his, resting her chin on his shoulder with a small smile of her own. He chuckled and pressed a kiss to her forehead before he pressed the gas and the door opened, speeding out. Taddie let out a squeak then giggled, realizing he’d had work done to the car and switched out the engine, possibly reworked the entire car, the way it flew down the tunnel. She didn’t know much about cars, but she knew enough to know an old car like this does not accelerate like that, nor sound like a modern day sports car.

The tunnel came out in the middle of the highway, off an access road in the forest. They easily joined the light traffic and sped north, Taddie soon seeing signs for the airport that Thatcher seemed to be following. She looked up at him and raised a brow, but she knew better than to ask, as she knew he’d just say it was a surprise and to be patient. The realization dawned on her that she was getting to know him and had begun to anticipate his answers. She’d only spent a night with him, but she found that she was excited to find out just what he had in store for her; Whether that meant a date or visiting his family, she was curious and eager to find out.

It didn’t necessarily scare her to be doing this with him, the son of a mobster. What scared her was being stuck at the bar for the rest of her life as she struggled to make something of her paintings. Taddie quickly realized she was hoping he would bring up her work again and ask to see them, eager to show him. She remembered that he said he liked art, and being in a band already, she hoped he had an artistic mind and would actually critique her work and not criticize it.

Her thoughts were soon pulled from wandering as she felt the car slow as Thatcher turned into a private hanger off the airport runway. Taddie bit her lip and felt a smile tug at her lips, realizing he was flying her somewhere, most likely on a private plane or jet, because why wouldn’t he have one? Spoiled, little rich boy. A smirk flew across her face as he pulled into the hanger, indeed, a dark blue jet sat inside, a gold streak painted from the nose to the tail. Taddie took a deep breath as her heart pounded in her chest, then looked up at Thatcher as he cut the engine and looked down at her with a smile. He pressed a kiss to her temple and opened his door, taking her hand as he slid out, helping her as she scooted over.

“Mr. Price. We’re wheels up and ready to go when you are.” The pilot said, coming up to him as Taddie stepped out and Thatcher pulled her into his side, affectionately nuzzling his nose into her curls. Or at least that’s what he made it seem.

“It all starts now, kitten. Are you ready?” Thatcher whispered to her, gripping her hip and giving her a squeeze. Taddie closed her eyes and smiled a little more, biting the inside of her cheek. She pressed a hand to his chest, sliding her other arm around him, and looked up at him as he pulled away to smile at her. She gave him a light nod and he guided her arm down to take her hand, then looked at the pilot with a single nod. The pilot turned, making his way toward the plane, and Thatcher led Taddie along.

Thatcher let Taddie go up the stairs first, keeping hold of her hand as he guided her arm over the railing, then dropped it and quickly followed behind her, placing his hand on her waist. They ducked inside and a stewardess greeted them, offering them each a glass of champagne. Taddie glanced back at Thatcher, who nodded and gave her a smile. He waited until she had taken her glass to reach for his, curving his arm around her to let her walk into the jet before him. Taking a sip, he laid a hand on her hip, guiding her to the window seat, the both of them sitting down.

Taddie took a deep breath and glanced out the window, twisting the stem of the glass between her fingers, anxiously. Thatcher set his glass in the holder and reached to do the same to Taddie’s before he sat back and slipped her fingers into his palm as her hand dangled from her arm rest. When she turned to him, he lifted her hand to kiss the backs of her fingers before he said, “Are you feeling okay? You’ve flown before, right?”

“Um, a few times? Planes still seem sketchy to me…Wh-Where--?” Taddie stopped and let out a soft sigh, rethinking her words. “H-How far are we going? I don’t like…Need a passport or something, do I? Cause I-I actually don’t have one…”

Thatcher bit his lip for a moment, fighting his laughter before he let a few chuckles slip and lifted a hand to her cheek as he said, “We’re going to New York, kitten…So fucking impatient.” He let out another chuckle and he saw her eyes go dark for a moment that intrigued him.

Taddie chuckled and wrinkled her nose at him, leaning into his touch, slightly, as she said, “I just don’t want to be flying over open water. That scares me--Fucking terrifies me, actually.”

“Hmmm--How are we going to get you to Sweden for Christmas then? The passport isn’t an issue…” Thatcher mused at her, taking her chin between his fingers. His smirk grew as her eyes shrunk back at the thought, then she scrambled to wipe the fear from her face. He laughed and guided her closer for a quick kiss before he said, “I’m teasing. We usually go to Vail, but we’re having Christmas at home for once.”

“Because Tristan might propose? Why can’t he propose in Vail?” Taddie asked, letting her fingers slide between his as he dropped his hand to hers and he gave her a stern look.

“Don’t ever mention even the word when we’re around any of my family. I’m serious. Tristan finds out word spreads, he’s gonna have my ass. I said I wasn’t sure, but we’re fairly certain because he acts squirrely and weird when we talk about her even moving in. He keeps insisting on having her move after New Year’s…But, yes. That’s why.” Thatcher said, his look melting into a smirk as she narrowed her gaze at him for a moment. She chuckled and shook her head at him before sitting back, leaning her head on the rest behind her, gazing up at him. He smiled down at her, slowly letting his head fall back as well. With a light chuckle, he said, softly, “You’re so beautiful, Taddie. I’ve never seen curls like yours before…You’ll definitely make an impression on the family.”

Taddie’s cheeks turned pink and she bit her lip, looking away from him with a soft, shy giggle. Swinging her head back to him, she said, “Because of my curls? Why? What’s so special about them?”

“Mmm-No one in my family has ever had curls. Maybe a light wave, I have a bit more frizz in humidity…Never curls. Not like this.” Thatcher said, pulling his fingers from hers and taking a curl, rubbing the silky strands between his fingers. Taddie bit her lip as she felt her smile widen, then leaned closer, tilting her head back as she angled for a kiss. Thatcher obliged and kissed her, deeply, pushing his hand along her jaw, cupping it lightly. As his lips curved into a smirk against hers, he whispered, “You’re quite the little actress.”

“Who said I’m acting? Maybe you’re just a really good kisser and I might as well take advantage?” She mused back with a smirk. Thatcher rolled his eyes at her with a teasing, annoyed sigh, making them both laugh as his hand dropped back to hers, their fingers lacing as the stewardess came back to them.

“The captain has just informed me we’re about to take off-Mr. Price, Miss Prior, please put on your seatbelts. We should be in New York within an hour. Once we are in the air, you may remove your seatbelts and move about the cabin.” The stewardess said with a bright smile. Thatcher and Taddie both thanked her and buckled themselves in before their fingers laced again, both of them returning to it as if it were second nature. Almost the second they did though, the engines of the jet roared to life as they started to move and Taddie squeezed her eyes shut and gripped Thatcher’s hand as it had begun to shake lightly. 

Thatcher glanced over at her, giving her two, quick, soft squeezes before he said, “Hey, are you alright?”

“Mm-hm…” Taddie said, not moving and not looking at him, gripping the other arm rest.

“Taddie-“

“Hmm?”

“Taddie.”

“What?”

“Look at me.”

“I am.” She said, 100% not looking at him, in fact she still didn’t move. 

Thatcher reached his hand over, gently taking her chin and turning it toward him. She let out a small whine and her eyes squeezed tighter. “Taddie, look at me. Open your eyes.” He said. Her eyes snapped open, then quickly shut again as she gave a small whimper. She’d looked at Thatcher, but her gaze caught the movement in the window across from them and her chest pounded. “Look at me-“

“I tried. I saw the window and we’re moving, I-“

“Focus on me, kitten. Don’t think about or look at anything but me…Open your eyes, Taddie. Look at me, baby.” He said, softly, comforting her. Taddie took a deep breath, slowly opening her eyes, and focused on Thatcher’s green gaze. He felt her hand ease up on his and she let out a slow breath. He gave her a smile and slid his fingers along her jaw, then the backs up her cheek as he praised, “Good girl. Just focus on me, baby. That’s my girl…It’s just a plane. I’ve flown in it a hundred times.”

“I-I know. Just when-Taking off and landing freak me out cause-“ As she spoke, they hit a rough patch, jolting them around briefly. Taddie let out a whine and snapped her eyes shut again, gripping his hand as she pushed herself back in her seat, trying to fuse into it so she’d be safer. Thatcher chuckled and moved his head onto her head rest, touching his forehead to her temple.

“Hey, it’s just turbulence. It’s normal. I promised you that you’re safe with me and you are. I’d never let you set foot on this jet if I knew something was wrong…Taddie. Kitten, look at me.” Thatcher whispered to her, rubbing his hand over her arm, trying to calm her. She let out a deep, slow breath and turned her head to his, pressing their foreheads together before she slowly opened her eyes and looked up at him. “Good girl…It’s okay, love. We’re already in the air. Once we level out, you’ll feel fine, yeah?”

Taddie nodded and bit her lip, letting her eyes close for a brief moment as she brushed her nose against his and whispered back, “Thank you, Thatcher…”

“Of course, kitten.” He whispered before giving her a quick peck and lifting his hand to her cheek again. Once they hit their cruising altitude, Taddie slowly relaxed, as there was no more turbulence, and she sat a little more forward in her chair with a sigh. Thatcher lifted his hand, sliding the backs of his fingers over her cheek as he said, “Are you gonna be alright? You know we still have to come back too?”

“I-I know. I know…I—Yeah, I’ll be fine…I think.” Taddie said, turning to him and drawing her brows together, lightly. Thatcher chuckled and shook his head at her as he lowered his hand and sat back, then lifting their joined hands to kiss the backs of hers with a smile. She let out a soft chuckle and smiled at him, her eyes sliding over his features. Her lip slowly slid between her teeth, lightly, as he turned away to grab his glass and take a deep swig. Taddie had finally released her arm rest and picked up her glass to do the same, ending up finishing it out of anxiety. She set the empty glass down and sat back, closing her eyes with a deep sigh.

“Have you ever been to New York?” Thatcher asked as he turned to her again. Taddie opened her eyes and turned her head to him, shaking it lightly.

“Never. I’ve always wanted to go, though. Just to experience it.” She said. Thatcher raised a brow and hmm’d at her, making her narrow her gaze as she asked, “Why? What did you do? Are we even going to breakfast?”

“Of course we are! I’m just…Thinking.” He said with a smirk, giving her hand a squeeze before he pulled his hand back and unbuckled his seatbelt. “I’ll be right back. Bathroom.”

Thatcher pressed a kiss to her cheek before he stood and rounded the chairs, going toward the back of the plane. Taddie smiled and watched him go, then chewed her lip as she turned forward, looking around the cabin. The stewardess seemed to have been staring at her, intensely, for when Taddie swept her gaze over the woman, she made Taddie do a double take with how quick she looked away. It made Taddie arch a brow, confused, even more so when she pulled out her phone and sent a series of quick texts before stashing it away. The action stirred something unsettling in Taddie’s chest but she forced it down as Thatcher came back to retake his seat.

“So, can I at least get a gist of what we’re doing? There’s no way you’re flying me to New York just for breakfast…” Taddie said, giving him a look. Thatcher chuckled softly and slid his fingers over the back of her hand as he cooed at her, “I could be. You never know.”

Taddie cocked her head to the side and arched a brow at him, unconvinced, then he laughed and said, “There’s a tailor’s that’s open-I know you said no custom clothes, but other stores aren’t open just yet. And he has a selection ready to purchase, if they fit you.”

“So, shopping…” Taddie teased with a small smirk. He shook his head at her lightly with a chuckle as she continued, “And what else? You’ve got something else planned-I sense it…”

Taddie narrowed her gaze at him, briefly and teasingly, making him chuckle before he said, “You’ll just have to find out then. You’ve already ruined the New York surprise-“

“I didn’t ruin shit! I asked how far! You’re the one that told me!” Taddie cried with a half offended, half amused look. Thatcher laughed, loud, tossing his head back against the rest as she punched his shoulder with an amused, but reprimanding look. Taddie bit her lip and giggled as she leaned a little closer, over both armrests, as he brought his head back down to look at her.

“Alright, fair enough…But, I’m still not telling you what else we’re doing.” Thatcher said, turning forward. Taddie smirked, triumphantly, and said, “Ha—I knew there was more.”

Thatcher looked at her, raising a brow and chuckling. She pursed her lips at him, briefly, then lifted her brows, lightly, waiting for him to speak. He shook his head at her with a soft, amused smile and rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. Her brows lowered as her smile widened a little more and she let out a shy giggle, quickly looking away, biting her lip. Thatcher chuckled and pulled his brows together as he asked, “What? What did I do now?”

“Nothing. It-It wasn’t you.” Taddie said with a light laugh, turning back to him with pink cheeks. He chuckled and bit his lip, lightly, growing fond of that look on her and wanted to put it there another way. She lowered her gaze to the silver chain around his neck, lifting her hand to reach up and take it between her fingers. “I just don’t understand it…”

“My necklace? Well, back in the medieval times--”

“Shut up, you idiot. No.” Taddie laughed, dropping her hand as she shot him a look, then smirked. Thatcher snickered and nodded at her as he said, “Go on. What? What don’t you understand?”

“How we can just stare at each other and be silent and…And it’s not awkward.” Taddie said, softly, almost bashfully. Thatcher took a deep breath as his smile widened, nodding in agreement.

“Though, I’m not trying to figure it out and ruin it. I say, for this instance? Ignorance is bliss.” He said, leaning closer and sealing his lips to hers. Taddie kissed him back and pulled her hand from his to slide her fingers over his cheek as she turned to him more. Thatcher let his, now, free hand drift over to her thigh, rubbing up and down, slowly, before giving it a soft squeeze as he flicked his tongue at her lips, demanding they part. Taddie happily obliged, letting his tongue slip past and spar with hers for a moment before she broke the kiss with a soft gasp, quickly glancing at the stewardess before Thatcher opened his eyes to look down at her. He chuckled and rumbled at her, “Suddenly so shy? Thought I was a good kisser?”

“I believe I said maybe?...And I think we’re being watched. I don’t do live shows…Outside a bedroom at least?” Taddie mused back, sucking her bottom lip between her teeth. Thatcher raised his brows, amused and intrigued, as he chuckled at her, making her blush deepen. He smirked at her then glanced back at the stewardess, who quickly tucked her phone away when she saw him.

“I told you it starts now. It’ll only spread once we get to New York. I know what to look for, who to look for. I need you to never leave my side and I will never leave you alone, I promise you.” Thatcher said, his voice turning a little more serious, making Taddie’s smile drop from her face. Seeing the quick change, he shook his head and said, “I’m only telling you so you won’t wander. I promised you were safe with me, kitten.”

Taddie nodded and bit her lip, clasping both her hands over his, still resting on her thigh. Thatcher took a deep breath and gripped her thigh a little more as he drew his brows together, not wanting to scare her, but she needed to know.

“We’re…Not exactly friendly with the New York mafia families-My family isn’t. The last time Theo and Luna went to New York, it was for their honeymoon. It was fine until the last two days when word finally reached the families, and suddenly, they couldn’t get into restaurants, they couldn’t go shopping…The families pulled their strings and the puppets obeyed, didn’t let them in and threatened to call the police.” Thatcher said, reluctantly and guiltily. Taddie squeezed his hand so tight he yanked it back and she furrowed her brow at him as her anger rose.

“And you thought that would be the best place to bring me? Are you fucking kidding me, Thatcher?” Taddie shot as he rubbed his hand and gave her a sympathetic look.

“I know. That’s why my guys drove up there last night after they left you when you got home. You didn’t notice they’re not here? They’re up there, making sure we can land safely and get to the tailor’s and to breakfast…I promised you, Taddie. And I meant it--You’re safe.” Thatcher said, reaching his hand up to cup her cheek. She flinched away at first, then chewed her lip before turning away with a soft huff. His hand fell to her shoulder, sliding down her arm, slowly, then back up as he leaned closer, pulling back her curls to press a kiss to her neck, then the shell of her ear, then her cheek. “Kitten, you really think I would go through all this trouble to get you, only to put you in harm’s way? Absolutely not, Taddie. I have far more than the four men that you see me with at the bar. We’re going to have eyes on us everywhere we go. If anything happens, they’re going to take you back to the airport and fly you home. I told them to leave me and make sure you’re safe before they come back for me.”

“You need to tell me these things beforehand. Not when I have no choice anymore. Don’t take away my choice unless you have to. Which you shouldn’t ever have to.” Taddie sighed, staring out the window as they flew over the country. Thatcher nodded and nuzzled his nose into her cheek until she let a small smile tug at her lips and she turned her head to him. “And don’t fucking lie to me. Ever.”

“I promise, Princess. Do you forgive me? Are you still mad at me?” He asked, crooking a finger under her chin and lifting it a little higher. She finally gave him a small, sweet smile before she said, “I wasn’t mad…I was annoyed. But I wasn’t mad. I-I have anxiety and it gets bad sometimes. Stuff like that--You need to tell me way in advance, or as much as you can. Yeah, I’m gonna be anxious and freak out, but it’ll pass if you just help me through it. I-I spiral a-and I scare myself.”

“Did I make you do that just now?” He asked, looking guilty as he brushed his thumb over her jaw before dropping his hand. She nodded and took his hand in hers as she said, “It’s okay. I’m okay. Just know if anything happens, I’m gonna have a real hard time trusting you after…”

“I know. Believe me--I know.” Thatcher said, gripping her hands for a moment as his expression went hard for a moment. She lightly scratched her nails over the back of his hand, trying to relax him, then leaned closer to press a deep kiss to his lips. He gripped her hand and pressed his forehead to hers when she broke the kiss with a light sigh. “No more of this. Today was supposed to be a fun day. I didn’t mean to bring you down.”

“You didn’t. I’m still excited to go. I’m just nervous now.”

“I promised, Taddie.”

“I know.”

~

Let me know what you think! <3 If you'd like to be added to the taglist for future chapters, send me a message!

Taglist: @badwolf-in-the-impala @sweetwombatpizza

#Jolly Karlsson #Joakim Jolly Karlsson #Noah Sebastian #Nick Folio #Nicholas Ruffilo #Jolly Fic #Jolly Fan Fic #Jolly AU #Jolly Mafia AU #Bad Omens #Bad Omens AU #Bad Omens Mafia AU #Joakim Jolly Karlsson Fic #Joakim Jolly Karlsson Fan fic #Bad Omens Fic #Bad Omens Fan Fic #The Price

[jacksonroseroth]

soooooooo...I finished it, I have 46 chapters, strap in bitches cause I had several breakdowns while writing this

I hope you guys end up liking it! <3

Y'all I'm gonna have a breakdown

I'm about to start a THIRD doc for The Price, starting it off with chapter 30. I have no end in sight. I already know how I'm ending it and 30 chapters is barely 1/3 of the way through the plot.

So, how are y'all liking the story, should I keep going?

[jacksonroseroth]

~The Price~Chapter 5~

Moodboard made by @badwolf-in-the-impala, none of the pictures are mine

~

Taddie was quick to shower, only brushing out her curls and washing them. She spent a few extra minutes to let her conditioner set and soak before she rinsed herself off and turned off the water, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around her before taking a second, smaller one to plop at her hair as she crossed to the bed, squatting to grab her bag and bring it to the bed. She unzipped it and pulled out her hair products, quickly scrunching it into her hair before she pulled out the clothes she was going to wear that day and packed up everything else.

As she turned to go back to the bathroom to change, she let out a soft yelp and fell back on the bed after she jumped, seeing Thatcher standing behind her. He raised his brows, amused, then chuckled softly as he took a few steps closer.

“You’re very skittish, aren’t you, kitten?” He teased, earning him a stern look from Taddie as she sighed and pressed a hand to her chest, making sure she still had a heartbeat.

“I am when you sneak up on me. Keep it up and either you wearing a bell or announcing yourself whenever you enter a room is gonna become a new condition so you don’t give me a heart condition!” She called at him as she stood, scooping up her clothes. He chuckled and met her as she crossed the floor, holding out an arm to catch her waist, lightly. She looked up at him, her brows still furrowed, then they slowly relaxed as he looked down at her with an amused smile.

“I’m sorry, Taddie. I thought you would have heard the door.” He said, giving her hip a light squeeze before he let her go, moving to his closet and going through his clothes. Taddie watched him for a moment, then shook her head and turned away, going to the bathroom and quickly dressing. As she hung her towel up on a hook, she heard a buzzing begin to sound and her anxiety shot through her as she ran to the counter, ripping the cord from it as she saw Ash’s name across the screen.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck--Why is she awake?...Ash?-”

“Where the fuck are you?! I checked the goddamn cameras, Taddie! You just fucking bounce on me?! You leave at three in the goddamn morning and don’t say a fucking word?! I’ve been freaking out and only just now did I think to check the cameras! Where are you!?” Ash shrieked so loud, Taddie had to hold the phone away from her ear, then put it on speaker. Thatcher came around the corner and watched Taddie as she began to pace, rubbing her hand over her face.

“Ash-Ash-Ash-Ash-Ash! Holy shit woman! If you wan’t to know where I am then shut the fuck up!” Taddie shrieked back before she quickly halted her steps and dropped into a squat on her tip toes, pressing her forehead to the ends of her palms, holding her phone away from her ear. Taddie took a deep breath and held it in for a moment as the line went silent. Letting it out slowly, Taddie lifted her head with a light sniffle, tossing her damp curls out of her face. “Ash-”

“That’s my bad, Ashlen. It’s Thatcher, hey.” He said, quickly crossing to her and helping her back up, gripping her wrists, gently but tight. Taddie looked up at him with fear in her eyes as a tear trickled down her cheek and he lifted a hand to brush it away as he said, “Sorry about that. This was a real last minute thing. I asked her to come over after I called when she got home.”

“...Um, okay…Tads, take me the fuck off speaker, please?” Ash said, stunned. Taddie sniffled and sighed, tapping to take her off speaker and pressed her phone to her ear again, looking up at Thatcher for a moment.

“Hi.”

“Since when the fuck are you dating Thatcher Price?! Tad! I told you about him-” Ash started.

“I-I know, Ashlen. I-I know. But…He’s actually…Really sweet. Um, li-listen, I’m, um, I’m gonna be home around…Like 10, maybe? Can we talk more about it then?” Taddie asked.

“10? It’s fucking 6 in the morning now, Taddie. The fuck are you talking about? Come home, I’m worried about you. Please?” Ash begged, her voice cracking on her final plea. Taddie’s eyes filled with tears hearing the concern and desperation in her voice, and nodded.

“Y-Yeah. Okay, okay, Ash. I’m-I’m coming home. Ash, I’m fine, I promise, yeah?” Taddie said, sniffling softly. Thatcher wiped the tears as they steadily flowed down her cheeks and she clung to his arm as he did.

“I’ll believe that when I see you away from Thatcher fucking Price.” Ash said, her sadness turning to anger against him and she ended the call. Taddie sighed and dropped her hand, glancing at the screen before she locked her phone and looked up at Thatcher, fresh tears sprouting.

“Hey, hey, hey…” He cooed at her, pulling her closer and guiding her head to his chest. She sniffled and shook her head, pushing her hands up to her face and covering it as a sob got loose. “Listen, let me shower real quick and I’ll go back with you, okay? I’ll explain, I’ll talk her down, okay?”

“No one can talk her down when she’s this pissed. Believe me, I’ve tried.” Taddie said with a sniffle, giving him a light push back, though he took several steps from her, unsure if she was just trying to give him a silent hint. She didn’t notice anyway as she turned away and pushed a hand into her hair with a deep sigh. “I-I can’t do this. Thatcher, I can’t. It’s one thing if I don’t care about what happens to me--I can’t hurt Ashlen like this, Thatcher, I-I can’t--��

“Hey, stop for a second. Look…I-I might know why she hates me so much. And if I’m right, I can talk to her. I can.” Thatcher assured her, turning her to face him and gently cupping her cheek. Taddie’s brows drew tighter, unconvinced, but she nodded anyway. He pressed a kiss to her forehead then whispered, “Grab your drink, go sit on the balcony and wait for me. Just relax, kitten.”

Taddie sniffled and nodded, wiping her face as she let out a deep sigh, looking up at him. He swiped his thumbs over her cheeks, gently, then pressed a quick, soft kiss to her lips before giving her a smile and letting her go, crossing to the bathroom and starting the shower. She bit her lip and glanced down at her phone, a little hurt that there was no texts from Ash to continue the conversation. Stuffing her phone into her back pocket, she swiped the unopened bottle of juice from the counter before she went through the pool area, through the door she saw Thatcher go through. A gust of ice cold wind picked up and made her gasp, gripping the door handle as she walked out. She took a deep breath and let out a long, relaxing sigh as she went to one of the chairs and curled her legs under herself as she sat down, cracking the cap to take a sip.

Her mind swirled with emotions and scenarios of what Ash would say. She had to tell Ash what was going on-What was really going on; Thatcher’s proposal to pretend to be his girlfriend and what the offer was. Taddie knew Ash would say she was out of her mind, but hopefully she’d understand and at least be supportive. She watched the town come to life as she sipped her drink for a while, then capped it, setting it on the table in front of her before she curled up a little tighter as another wind blew past. She was grateful it wasn’t snowing anymore, but it was still cold with the lingering snow around, despite how thick her sweater was. She closed her eyes and felt the tiredness take over her and the cold numbing her as she drifted off.

~

“Taddie.”

With a gasp, Taddie sat forward and headbutted Thatcher, hard, making them both groan and fall back clutching their foreheads. Taddie whimpered and curled tighter into herself as she rubbed her forehead. Thatcher hissing softly as he pressed his hand to his forehead for a moment then dropped his hand, reaching for her. She let out a soft whine and peeked out at him as she felt his hand close around her shoulder.

Letting out a soft groan, Thatcher blinked a few times as he said, “Jesus f-Are you alright, kitten?”

“Yeah. I’m-I’m fine. Oh, God, Thatcher, I’m so sorry…” Taddie said, pushing herself up and scooting to the edge of the chair as she reached up to his head, seeing a large, round, red mark blooming over his forehead. He chuckled and caught her hand, tugging it down and kissing the side before he stood and helped her to her feet.

“I’m fine. Are you? If you’re still tired-”

“No, I can’t avoid Ash. And we need to tell her what’s actually going on. I can’t lie to her, Thatcher. I won’t. That’s one thing you cannot ask me to do, and-and if that’s not okay with you then-”

“Okay, we can tell her.”

“No, you’re not listening to me! She’s my best--Wh-What did you say?” Taddie asked, starting to get frustrated, just off habit, then his words registered and she blinked up at him. He chuckled and led her around the table, to the door, as he said, “We can tell her. I can see how important you two are to each other. I can’t get between that.”

Taddie stopped and gave his arm a tug, wrapping her other hand around his arm, making him turn back. His brows drew together, worried that wasn’t what she wanted to hear and confused if that was the case. They quickly relaxed as he saw the grateful look on her face and he moved closer, sliding his hand into her hair. She slid her hand over his arm, to his chest as she smiled and said, softly, “Thank you, Thatcher.”

“You’re welcome, kitten.” He purred back, sliding his fingers to her chin and tipping it back before he turned away. She let out a soft breath, for a moment, wanting to grab him and turn him back to her so she could kiss him, but held back, and simply followed him inside.

Scooping up her bag, Thatcher handed it to her and they crossed the flat to the closet where he grabbed her jacket first, helping her into it, then his own that he shrugged on as they walked out and he dug for his keys to lock the door, not that he really needed to in the first place. He pressed the button to call the elevator and took a step back, beside Taddie, who stood there awkwardly as she clutched the strap of her bag in both hands. He cast his gaze down and studied her. Her personality at the bar was much more spirited and free, not give a fuck attitude. But what he’d seen in the last 24 hours with her didn’t necessarily think differently about her, but he saw her differently.

He’d first thought she was a fired up, little pistol that would step up to whoever pissed her off, which she still did, but that’s where it ended. He saw why she was the way she was at the bar, and now her interactions with the drunk men that tried to hit on her made sense; The way she brushed them off and treated them like just another customer, just another drink. Part of him wanted to dig into her past, into her ex-Just to see what there was and if it would help him understand her more.

The elevator doors opened and Thatcher slid a hand behind her back, urging her forward to step on first, then got on behind her, pressing the button for the garage. Taddie turned once she got on, then jumped, lightly, as Thatcher crowded her back to look down and hit the button, her hand unconsciously pressing to his abdomen before he shifted to stand beside her. She blinked and took a deep breath before she let it out slowly as the car began to move.

“Did you want to drive your car? We can take mine if you want.” Thatcher offered. Taddie glanced up at him and nodded before her gaze drifted back down to the doors. He chuckled and raised a brow, turning to her and slipping his fingers under her chin, turning her to him. Her hand flew to his wrist and gripped it as he said, “I gave you two options, kitten.”

“S-Sorry…Um, I, um--”

“Is this one of those times when I can tell you what you’re gonna do since you can’t decide?” He mused at her as the elevator doors opened. He saw her eyes go dark for a moment and she nodded again. He chuckled at her and said, “Give me your keys.”

Thatcher dropped his hand to take hers and lead her out as she dug through her bag for her keys. She handed them to him and took the lead as she weaved through the cars to hers. Instinctually, she went to the driver’s side, but Thatcher kept her moving and rounded the car with her, to the passenger side. When Taddie looked up at him, confused, he chuckled as he watched her piece it together and her cheeks turned red. He pressed a kiss to her temple and unlocked the doors, pulling hers open for her. She let out a soft giggle as she got in and sat back with a sigh. He closed the door and went to the driver’s side, letting out a soft grunt as he got in and his knees slammed against the underside of the steering wheel.

Taddie let out a soft giggle and bit her lip as she watched him struggle to adjust her seat and she said, “I think you need to actually know me a little more before you make decisions for me like this…”

Thatcher shot her a look and she quickly turned forward, a wicked smirk on her face that she struggled to wipe off, biting her lip before her amusement fell off her face and she looked over at him again. His smirk came to life as his seat slowly slid back, making her chuckle as he sat still but his seat moved. Very. Slowly. When he got the seat back to where he was comfortable, he shifted again and put his seatbelt on as he said, “You also could have given me a warning that you sit so damn close.”

“You’re 6 feet tall. I don’t even come close. I kind of think you should have known if you were intending to drive my car.” She said as he stuck the key in the ignition and started it. He glanced at her again, his smirk still on his face, and she chuckled as she pushed her bag down to her feet as he backed out.

~

Ash paced by the front window with her phone clasped in her hand, waiting to hear from Taddie again. Her mind was racing with all manner of possibilities as to why Taddie even left in the middle of the night, why she stayed, what the fucking Price brother did to her best friend. The fact that Taddie stayed the night with Thatcher Price was enough to send her into overdrive, simply wanting her friend home safe and sound, hopefully unmarked. Finally, Ash saw Taddie’s car pull into the driveway and she let out a deeply relieved breath as she bolted to the door and ripped it open.

“Tad, there you--!” Ash started, halting when she saw Thatcher opening Taddie’s passenger door to help her out. She smiled up at him, then it dropped off her face as they both turned to look at Ash. Taddie took a deep breath and glanced up at him again before she moved around him and trudged up the snow covered path. After shooting Thatcher a glare, Ash’s face lit up as Taddie came up to the door and she grabbed her friend, pulling her into a tight hug. “Oh, my God. What the fuck, Tad?!”

“Ash, I’m fine, babes.” Taddie said, hugging her back. Ash looked her over and was relieved, seeing her more or less unharmed. Her gaze shot to Thatcher, who stopped at the porch stairs, stuffing his hands into his warm coat pockets.

“Good--You can leave now, find an Uber home, thank you.” Ash said, yanking Taddie inside and slamming the door shut, quickly locking it before she whirled around to Taddie.

“Ashlen! What the-?!” Taddie cried, beginning to move around her friend, but Ash tugged her away, the women spinning around once as Ash cried, “Are you insane?! It’s one thing to flirt with the man for tips, Taddie--But sleeping with him!?”

“I’m not sleeping with him! I didn’t go there last night to have sex with him!” Taddie shouted, giving her a look as she ripped her hand away and turned to go to the door, undoing the locks quickly. “He came here to explain and talk to you! Thatcher, wait-”

Taddie ripped the door open and started to call after him, thinking he’d actually started walking, then stopped, her head tilting back as Thatcher was at the door, patiently waiting with a smirk on his face. She let out a light chuckle then glanced over her shoulder at Ash, who had her arms crossed and her brows raised in disapproval. Taddie took a deep breath and stepped back to let Thatcher in and out of the cold. He walked in after shaking the snow from his coat, outside, and stamped off his feet on the doormat before stepping onto the carpeted floor. Taddie closed the door behind him and turned, taking the strap of her bag from around her neck, letting it rest on her shoulder as she came around Thatcher, half standing between him and Ash, who now glared at him with a ferocity that Taddie had never seen before.

“Great, now ther murderer is in my home.” Ash shot, coldly.

“Ashlen! What the fuck?!” Taddie cried as Thatcher scrunched up his face and said, “Are you kidding me?”

“His family is the reason my fucking uncle and oldest brother are dead!” Ash screamed at him, taking a step forward. Thatcher took a deep breath and let it out as he let his eyes close for a moment. Taddie whipped her head around to Thatcher, her brows raised in shock, then she turned to Ash as she said, “Hold on, hold on--Ash, what are you talking about? You told me your older brother died in a house fire when you were little?”

“Not a house fire.” Ash said, coldly, through her teeth. Taddie pushed her hands over the sides of her face with a groan.

“Okay, Ash--You-You need to explain here, cause you can’t just hold this grudge and I had no idea. You can’t get mad at me if you’ve never told me-”

“My father had to borrow money from the Price family to keep the business open. It only took my dad, like, 3 days to come up with the money to pay him back-Taxes came in finally. But when he went to return the money to one Mr. Fucking Price…He said it wasn’t all of it. My dad said, what do you mean? I only borrowed $10,000, I have it all here. Mr. Price…Said…That there was interest per day. He owed the Price family $30,000. $30,000 my father didn’t have.” Ash said, staring Thatcher down with a fierce gaze. “He tried. Oh, boy howdy, did my fucking father try. Every spare fucking cent we had went to them. No more birthday money, no more parties. Nothing. For six months, he shelled out everything we fucking had, but it wasn’t enough. He went to Mr. Price to beg for mercy-What did your father say to mine?”

“ …‘When you deal with the mob, you pay the Price.’...” Thatcher said, softly, with a sigh. Taddie glanced at him and chewed her lip as Ash continued.

“My father had no choice but go to your father because of how much he was already making him pay for protection. He was already pulling money from the business to pay it. Then when my father couldn’t repay the family, the store burned down one day…With my uncle inside doing inventory and my older brother, who was only 10 and tagged along cause he was bored at the house. He killed my family and didn’t care.” Ash spat, looking Thatcher over in disgust. Taddie chewed her lip and shifted, awkwardly.

“I had nothing to do with that-”

“But your family did. Was it Tommy boy that lit the fire?” Ash said in a taunting, irritated tone that made Thatcher go sharp and take a step forward as he said, “Watch what you say about my brothers.”

“Okay!” Taddie called, moving between the two and pressing a hand to Thatcher’s chest, shooting a look back to him before giving Ash a stern look.

Thatcher took a deep breath and a step back before he said, “I had nothing to do with your uncle and brother. I had nothing to do with the store burning down. I was only 7 when everything happened, Ashlen. I’m sorry for what happened, but it had nothing to do with me.”

Ash lifted her chin a little more, unwavering, and narrowed her gaze at him. “Maybe not. But if you think I’m just gonna sit back and watch you take my best friend, too? You’re fucking funny. I don’t think so.”

“Alright, you two need to figure out your issues…” Taddie said, casting a glance back at Thatcher. His gaze flickered down to hers, his face softening toward her and smiling as he gave her a nod. She gave him a sweet smile back and laid a hand to his chest for a moment before she moved on, shooting Ash a look that said ‘Hear him out and be fucking nice’ as she crossed the floor to her room. A bell sounded behind them as Juniper ran after her mom, darting into the room before Taddie closed the door.

Ash sighed and shook her head, looking away from him as she bent her head and rubbed her fingers over her forehead. Taking a breath, she said, “Thatcher, I don’t know what the fuck you want with her? But please--Leave the girl alone, she’s been through enough.”

“What I want is her--I made her an offer to stay with me for a month and put on a show that we’re a happy, in love couple for my family. She agreed but only if I smooth things over with you, because-”

“I’m sorry-You did what?! She did what?! Thaden!” Ash cried, turning on a heel and dashing across the house to Taddie’s bedroom. Thatcher swore under his breath and tried to catch up, but Ash slipped into the room and slammed the door on him, again, locking the door and she spun around.

Taddie looked up from the suitcase that she was packing and raised a brow as she said, “What’s going on?”

Ash stared at her friend, bewildered, then her gaze lowered to the suitcase and she said, “Oh, my God. You’re really going through with this. Taddie, have you lost your fucking mind?!”

“Ash-”

“No, no, no, no, no--Do you understand what you’re doing? Do you understand what you’re going to be subjecting yourself to?” Ash shot, storming over to her and staring at her, hard. Taddie let out a deep sigh and nodded, placing the clothes she had in her hand into the suitcase.

“Yes. Ash. I know. Did he tell you what he offered me? Or did you run before he even got there?” Taddie asked, giving her friend a look as she turned to go back to her dresser. Ash grabbed her arm and pulled her back, giving her an incredulous look.

“Nothing that he can offer you is worth this, Taddie. This is the fucking Price family. Do you even know why they moved from Sweden?” Ash asked.

“No. We haven’t talked about family yet.” Taddie said, giving her a stern look. Ash closed her eyes and gave a single nod, then let out a sigh.

“Okay, okay, fine…What-What could he have possibly offered you to make you agree to this?” Ash asked, tucking one arm under the opposite elbow, reaching the other hand up to rub at her temples. Taddie smiled and took her friend by the arms, making Ash look up at her.

“He said he was going to buy me the studio, Ash. He’s going to pay for it for the foreseeable future if I do this. And if I don’t ‘fall’ for him…He’s throwing in a million dollars on top of it.” Taddie said with a soft chuckle. Ash raised a brow then let out a soft huff of a laugh.

“Are you serious? If you don’t fall for him? What, he’s gonna manipulate you so you lose and get nothing?! He’s an asshole, Taddie! Ugh-” Ash groaned, spining around and going to the door, ready to yell at Thatcher some more. But as she unlocked the door and ripped it open, she stopped, seeing Thatcher standing behind it, still waiting patiently. “Are you eavesdropping now too?”

“If I said yes?” Thatcher teased with a smirk. Ash glowered at him before he said, “She gets the studio either way. If we end up falling in love for real, she’s gonna be my girl. I can give her far more than a million dollars.”

“You’re still going to manipulate her to get what you want. You think I’m stupid? She might be-”

“Hey!”

“-But I’m not. You’re not taking her anywhere, Thatcher. I’m not letting you take someone else I love away from me! You don’t even know what that fire did to my family do you? It caused more than damage to the store. My father died of a broken heart because he lost his only son and his brother. My mother hasn’t been the same since-”

“What if I offered you $500,000? And whatever else you need to take care of your family’s health?” Thatcher asked, raising a brow at her. Ash’s mouth snapped shut and her face went neutral. Taddie’s brows shot up in surprise, then a smile spread across her face as Thatcher flickered his gaze to her for a moment and his own smile grew a touch.

“You think you can just throw around your family blood money and think it’ll make everything better? It’s not going to bring my brother back!” Ash shouted at him.

“No. Nothing can change what my father did and the only thing I can do is apologize, but I know that doesn’t mean anything. Not for what happened--And that’s not what I’m trying to do.” Thatcher said. Ash blinked and raised her brows, stunned and confused. Taddie bit her lip and smiled, her gaze trained on Thatcher as he tussled with Ash, over her. He was throwing money out like it was nothing to him, but knew it meant everything to people like her and Ash. Plus, the fact he was doing all of this, enduring Ash’s anger and wrath, was for Taddie made a corner of her heart begin to melt and soften toward him.

“Then, why are you doing this then?” Ash asked, her tone no longer argumentative and angry, but more confused and inquisitive. Thatcher’s gaze lifted to Taddie, holding her gaze for a moment before he looked back to Ash and said, “Because she won’t do this unless you’re okay with it. I see what you mean to her and what she means to you. So, my offer to you, Ashlen, isn’t to right a wrong that my family did however long ago. It’s for her to feel at ease and that you’re with her on this…You’re gonna be the only one that knows this isn’t real. And you can’t breathe a word of it to anyone. At all.”

Ash stared at him, stunned and at a loss for words. She hated this man and his family all her life, and now her best friend was making a deal with the damned devil. She knew what getting the studio meant to Taddie, but Ash didn’t see this as being worth getting in bed with the mob, literally. Finally, Ash let out a huff and slammed the door on him again, locking it as she turned to Taddie.

“Ash, this is a lot of money that he’s offering. And we can do a lot with it. Please-I need you to be okay with this.” Taddie begged and Ash went back to the bed, standing in front of her friend and crossing her arms, staring Taddie down. Taddie stepped up and took her elbows, giving a small shake as her smile lifted and she said, “A million dollars, Ash. Do you even realize what that means?--I’m done with the bar. I’m done with shitty jobs just to live my dream.”

“And what about me? I stay there, slummin’ it while you’re off being his little pet?” Ash shot, her irritation and anger coming back. Taddie shot her a look and dropped her hands from Ash’s elbows, turning and going to her dresser to grab more clothes.

“I’m not his pet, Ash. It’s a show, pretend. I play the sweet, pretty girlfriend, he gets his family off his back, I get my studio and a million dollars. You get $500,000 and that means you don’t have to work anymore if you don’t want to. I don’t really see a downside, other than it’s the mob-Which I get. I do…But Thatcher doesn’t seem like he’s all that involved with it? It-It doesn’t seem as sketchy as it should be.” Taddie said, bringing her clothes back and placing them in the suitcase.

“And that doesn’t set off alarm bells? Taddie, sweetie, I’m sorry. I-I don’t know that I can get behind this…” Ash said, drawing her brows together sympathetically. Taddie looked up at Ash as her own face fell, then she let out a sigh and turned to her suitcase, dropping a small stack of shirts as she said, “Then, go open the door and tell him it’s not gonna happen…”

Taddie closed her eyes and shook her head as she fought her tears and gave a soft sniffle. Ash bit her lip and uncrossed her arms, letting them fall to her sides, slowly. Guilt began to eat away at her as she watched Taddie fight her tears and let her sadness about it go as she grabbed her clothes, beginning to stack them up to put them back. Ash stepped closer and lifted a hand to grip Taddie’s wrist, lightly.

As Taddie looked at her friend, Ash shook her head and said, “No, Tads…If-If this means that much--Ugh, babe, I can’t. He-He’s gonna try to get his way and make you fall for him so he won’t have to pay up. I just-”

“I can lie, Ash. It doesn’t need to be real, it has to look real…A million dollars. And $500,000. For me, Ash. He’s doing all of this, going through all this trouble-Spending all this money, for me…I-I’m not gonna lie to you-I like this feeling. I-I feel wanted. You-You don’t fully know what I went through with…” Taddie’s words dried up as her throat closed for a moment, her body not allowing her to say her ex’s name. Ash knew anyway and she grasped Taddie’s arm with both hands.

“I don’t. And I wish you would tell me…But-But if…If you’re serious about this? You-You’re gonna move in with him for a month?” Ash asked, her own sadness creeping over her as Taddie set the clothes back down.

“I’ll bring her back to visit. I’m not holding her prisoner.” Thatcher’s voice sounded through the door. Ash snapped her neck back, glaring at the door before rushing over and ripping it open again. Thatcher smirked down at Ash, then dropped it as he raised his brows at her.

“I knew you were listening!”

“Muffled, but I could make out bits and pieces…Ashlen, I’m not stealing her away where you’ll never see her again. But in order for this to work, we need to get comfortable with each other so we can convince everyone that thinks it’s real. She can stop by and visit, spend the day…She’s still going to have her life, Ash.” Thatcher said, genuinely trying to put Ash at ease and understand he had no malicious intent. Ash took a deep breath as she glowered up at him, then glanced over her shoulder at Taddie, who gave her a nod and a small smile.

With an irritated groan, she turned back to Thatcher and said, “If I see a tear fall because of you, if I get middle of the night calls because of you-If you ever fucking hurt her, I’m gonna rip your head from your neck…And the second one for good measure…Are we clear?”

“Crystal.” Thatcher said with a smile. Ash narrowed her gaze at him and grumbled under her breath before she pushed him aside and walked out, Rowdy jumping up from his bed after watching the entire thing to bound after his mother, growling at Thatcher as he passed. He chuckled, watching the dog follow Ash into the kitchen, wagging his tail and waiting for food to drop. Looking into Taddie’s room, Thatcher gave her a smile and raised a brow, silently asking if he could come in. She nodded and smiled as he walked in, closing the door behind him. “So…”

“Looks like you’ve got a fake girlfriend for a month.” Taddie teased, turning to go to her closet and begin to take down hangers. Thatcher chuckled as he went to the end of the bed where she was working, and looked over everything.

“Make it sound like I forced you.” He teased as she brought an armful of clothes out. She gave him a look and said, “Didn’t you, though?”

“I like to use ‘incentivize’?” Thatcher said, moving closer to her as she set the clothes down then looked up at him. A few curls fell in front of her face and he lifted a hand to brush them away, lightly. She bit a corner of her lip, lightly, and smirked up at him. He chuckled and trailed his fingers down to her chin, sliding his thumb over her jaw. “You know you don’t need to bring all your things. If this doesn’t work out, there’s no point in moving your things unless it’s for sure.”

“What am I supposed to wear then? Or is that part of your evil plan?” She said with a soft giggle, turning to the suitcase.

“Well…” Thatcher started. Taddie shot her gaze back up to him and narrowed it as he chuckled and shook his head. He laid a hand on her hip and said, “Not that--When our women move in they usually get fittings and have a whole wardrobe made. Theo did it for Luna, his wife. Tristan and Leah are getting her fitted now because she’s moving in after the new year.”

“What about Thomas? You said he’s been married a while?” Taddie asked, turning to him more and shifting her weight.

“15 years and two kids.” He said with a chuckle. She laughed along with him as he continued, “Tommy and Lara are a little different. Lara didn’t move in until after they were married, so Tommy had outfits slowly made and stored in the mansion until she moved in…If you’d rather me do that?”

“No, I-I don’t need my clothes customized like that. I’m-I’m not materialistic like that.” Taddie said, turning to her clothes and starting to take out hangers. Thatcher stopped her and gathered her hands in his, turning her toward him as he chuckled and said, “It’s not about being materialistic, kitten. It’s about showing who you are, who you belong to…I, uh-Not--I don’t think you-”

Taddie pulled a hand from his and slid her fingers over his lips to silence him with a soft chuckle. “I don’t think you think that way about me, either…But I don’t want custom clothes like that…Not if this isn’t real. How about this? Here’s my offer-I’ll let you buy me things; Clothes, bags, jewelry, etc. and I won’t complain…But nothing that your brothers have done for their wives and girlfriend am I expecting, unless this actually happens and goes beyond the month…If I fall for you.”

“Deal.” Thatcher said with a chuckle, tugging her hand down and ducking to kiss her cheek. “Just take what you want. What you feel comfortable in for around the apartment. Your favorite clothes.”

“You just don’t want 17 luggages cluttering up your apartment.” Taddie said, turning to start going through her clothes. He chuckled and let his fingers trail through her curls and down her back as he said, “Even if you brought that much, it’s not clutter if you needed them.”

Taddie cast a look up at him, caught off guard by the comment. He gave her a smile and started to lean closer to her when a sudden, loud meow made them both turn, seeing Juniper sitting on the other side of Taddie’s suitcase, purring loudly and staring at Thatcher. She giggled and kissed at her, scratching her nails on the side of the suitcase to create a noise that caught Juniper’s attention and bounded over. Taddie scooped the beast up and cradled her like a baby as she giggled and cooed at her.

“Excuse me, Miss. You’re interrupting…Come on. Up.” Taddie said, patting her shoulder and bending it down for Juniper to latch onto, then climb up and settle on her new perch. As Taddie straightened, Juniper was about eye level with Thatcher and her grey eyes poured into his as her purr picked back up again. “So…This is Juni. She’s an Egyptian Mau.”

“She’s beautiful…And I don’t think she likes me?” Thatcher said with an unsure chuckle, slowly lifting a hand toward the cat. Juniper’s eyes darted to his hand and she began sniffing at it before nudging under his hand and rubbing her head against his palm. Taddie raised a brow as he said, “I guess she does.”

“Yeah…And she actually hates new people. It took her a year to get used to Ash and Rowdy.” Taddie said, watching Juniper kneed into her sweater while Thatcher scratched her ears and head. She let her gaze drift to Thatcher as he smiled at the beast, speaking softly to her. Biting her lip, briefly, she cleared her throat and said, “Um, she probably knows I’m leaving. She gets clingy when I bring out my suitcase and start packing.”

Taddie turned and carried her hanging clothes back to her closet to put them back and take down a few cardigans she wanted to bring. As she came back and set them on the bed, beginning to fold them up, Thatcher said, “You can bring her with you. I don’t have animals, so there’s no getting acclimated to another pet. I wouldn’t ever ask you to leave your pets behind, Taddie. Never.”

Thatcher slid his hand from one hip to the other as she looked up at him, her eyes going wide for a moment, shocked. He chuckled and gave her hip a few, soft tugs before he let go and looked around the room as he said, “So…This is your room?”

“Y-Yeah. It’s, um, it’s kind of still a work in progress. I’ve been here two years but I’ve been working the entire time, so I haven’t had the chance to do much with it.” Taddie said, pulling out her stacks of folded clothes and starting to bring them back to her dresser and go through them, taking out ones she wanted to bring. Thatcher nodded and chuckled to himself; Random posters and pictures hastily taped to the walls but not much else, a few boxes labeled ‘Bedroom’ sitting in the corner with a pile of clothes on top of them.

“Well…You’ve seen the apartment. I don’t have much going on either and I’ve been there for 10 years.” Thatcher said, looking down at her as she came back over. He glanced at Juniper, still riding on Taddie’s shoulder and chuckled, softly. Taddie let out a soft laugh and quickly re-packed the suitcase before she shrugged Juniper off her shoulder, the cat jumping down into the suitcase and sitting down. Taddie tsk’d at her, then chuckled before she went back to her dresser and opened another drawer before she stopped and glanced back.

“Um…Can you…Like turn around or, like…Not look, please?” Taddie asked, shyly, as her cheeks turned pink. Thatcher chuckled and raised a brow at her. She let out a soft sigh and said, “I don’t want you watching me pack my-my, like…Bras and underwear and shit. Just-”

Taddie waved her finger at him, motioning for him to turn around, and they both chuckled as Thatcher shook his head and shuffled to turn. Taddie bit her lip and giggled, softly, quickly pulling out all her bras and panties, hurrying to her suitcase and stuffing them into the top pocket and zipping it closed.

“Is it clear to look?” He teased. Taddie gave his shoulder a push and gave him a look as he glanced back then turned with a chuckle. “Well, you made such a big deal about it…Now--Not that I’m rushing you or anything…But, how much longer? We do have breakfast plans at 9…And I still need to buy you an outfit.”

“I have something to wear to breakfast. I’m not a complete heathen.” She said, giving him a look and a chuckle. He smirked at her, watching as she went to her bathroom to gather her numerous hair products.

As she came back, Thatcher said, “I believe you, kitten. But not for the place we’re going.”

“And where are we going?” Taddie asked, raising a brow at him. Thatcher didn’t respond, merely chuckled and gently pulled her closer to press a kiss to her forehead. “Thatcher?”

“I can’t surprise you yet? Just pack, kitten, so we can get back and put everything away before we go.” Thatcher said, sliding the backs of his fingers over her cheeks. Taddie nodded and gave him a sweet smile before she hurried to her nightstand.

~

Hope you guys like it so far! I'm nearly 40 chapters deep so strap in bitches XD Let me know what you think! If you want to be added to the taglist for future chapters, send me a message!

Taglist: @badwolf-in-the-impala

#Jolly Karlsson #Joakim Jolly Karlsson #Noah Sebastian #Nick Folio #Nicholas Ruffilo #Jolly Fic #Jolly Fan Fic #Joakim Jolly Karlsson Fic #Joakim Jolly Karlsson Fan Fic #Bad Omens #Bad Omens Fic #Bad Omens Fan Fic #Bad Omens AU #Bad Omens Mafia AU #Jolly AU #Jolly Mafia AU #Joakim Jolly Karlsson AU #Joakim Jolly Karlsson Mafia AU #The Price

[jacksonroseroth]

~The Price~Chapter 4~

Moodboard made by @badwolf-in-the-impala, none of the pictures are mine

~

The next morning, only a few hours later, Taddie’s eyes snapped open and stared at the horizon of the town that was slowly being lit up by the sunlight. She lay there, not moving as she watched the sky get brighter and brighter until she let out a soft groan and squeezed her eyes shut, trying to force herself back to sleep, knowing it had to have been only 6 at the earliest.

At her groan, Thatcher stirred and shifted, tightening his arms around her waist and burying his face in her curls with a light moan. Taddie’s eyes snapped open again with a gasp as she went tense, his warm, strong arms around her finally registering, as well as the moan sending shockwaves of pleasure through her and she squeezed her legs tighter. She took a few deep breaths before she shifted and pulled his arms away and rolled out of bed. Thatcher shifted and rolled over, letting out another tired groan. Taddie shook her head and hurried across the floor to the brick wall, slipping behind it. She stared through as she made sure he couldn’t see anything, then she tugged her panties and sleep pants down, lowering herself to the porcelain seat.

Resting her elbows on her thighs, she pushed her head into her hands with a sigh as she quickly peed, then grabbed a wad of toilet paper to clean off her panties, then another to wipe herself before she flushed. She quickly washed her hands and dried them before she made her way back across the floor, to the bed, where she stopped and stared at Thatcher still in it. She hadn’t realized he’d taken his shirt off during the night and she now saw the rather large tattoo on his chest as he’d turned onto his back again. Taddie chewed her lip as she studied him, then quickly grabbed her phone and dug out her charger from her bag before she went to the kitchen.

After plugging in her phone to charge, she began to wander, opening up cupboards to see what was where before she went to the fridge. Opening it, her eyes widened as she saw it fully stocked with many of her favorite foods and drink. She chewed her lip and began to grow concerned at just how closely he’d been watching her. Shaking the thought from her head, she took a deep breath and grabbed a bottle of orange and mango juice, along with, what she prayed was, a hard boiled egg from a bowl. She closed the door and turned with a soft sigh, then jumped, falling back into the fridge as she saw Thatcher leaning against the wall, watching her with a small smile.

“I didn’t scare you, did I?” Thatcher mused at her, pushing himself off the wall and going to the counter, opening a drawer beneath the Keurig he had, and popped a K-cup into the top, then closed it. He grabbed a mug and slipped it into place, pressing a button before he turned to her.

“I-You-Kind of? I-I thought you were still asleep. I, um, I didn’t wake you, did I?” Taddie asked, moving to the island and leaning on the counter. Thatcher shrugged and shifted to the island as well, leaning his forearms on the edge, across from her.

“Yes and no. I was already half awake. You didn’t come back and I heard you shuffling around. Wanted to make sure you weren’t making breakfast.” He said with a smirk. Taddie’s lips twisted in a smirk as she glanced down, picking at the egg after tapping it on the counter and finding, yes, it was a hard boiled egg.

“And if I was? I’m hungry. If I want to eat, I’m gonna eat. You said I’m welcome to anything in the kitchen.” She said, glancing up at him through her lashes. She saw his light green gaze darken as he said, “I did…I also said I had breakfast arranged, didn’t I?”

Taddie pursed her lips with a soft ‘Mm’ as she peeled her egg, grabbing a paper towel to put the pieces of shell on it. Thatcher shifted on his feet and clenched his jaw as he watched her be so causal and non-chalant.

Like the brat she is. He thought. It made a coy smirk curve at his lips, but he quickly tugged it down as she looked up at him with a sweet and innocent face. He let out a soft chuckle and pushed himself off the counter as the Keurig sputtered finished behind him, but he didn’t turn to grab his mug, instead he slowly rounded the island, with Taddie’s gaze trained on him as he moved.

Her heart pounded in her chest as her anxiety rose quickly. Though she had some kind of trust in this man, she still refused to trust any man fully again, until he’d thoroughly proved to her why she should. As far as she was concerned, Thatcher hadn’t yet. Still, she slowly turned with him, leaning back against the counter as he stood in front of her. He lifted a hand to her face and her eyes fluttered closed for a moment as she suppressed a wince, letting out a light sigh as she felt the backs of his fingers brush across her cheek.

Opening her eyes, Taddie stared up at him as he slipped his fingers under her chin, lifting it as he murmured, “You’ve got quite a mouth on you…And I have to say, I hope I get to see what else it can do, since you want to use it so much.”

Taddie’s chest tightened and her breath hitched as she laid a hand on his chest and said, “You’d be surprised…But you’re gonna have to show me why I should let you find out more.”

Thatcher let out a soft growl at her as his hand pushed over her hip, tightening as he tugged her closer. She let out a soft gasp then she felt her lips tug upward in a smirk as she felt around behind her to discard her egg and lean back on her hand as he slid his lips over hers. Taddie pressed her hand into his warm, bare skin and pushed it up his chest as she kissed him back with a soft sigh. She broke the kiss and turned her head away, quickly pulling her hand back and bracing it behind her. Thatcher quickly stepped back and to the side as he said, “I’m sorry. Did I cross a line? I thought--”

“It’s fine. It’s--I’m, um, I’m not used to…Stuff like that. So…” Taddie said, quickly turning around and peeling the rest of her egg. Thatcher took a few steps closer again, lifting a hand to press against her back, lightly.

“Stuff like that…Touching and kissing?”

“Affection and tenderness.” Taddie said with a sigh. She discarded her egg and braced her hands on the edge of the counter with a shake of her head, letting it hang down as her shoulders tensed up. Thatcher slid behind her and slipped both hands over her shoulders, gently squeezing and massaging them until they relaxed and fell back down.

“If you want to go home and take the day to think about this, I understand…This is a lot and I’m sorry for throwing it all at you like this.” Thatcher said, softly. Taddie shook her head and took a deep breath before she spun around, forcing Thatcher two steps back, by the fierce look in her eye alone.

“You’re never to raise a hand to me. Ever.” Taddie said, firmly.

“Never.”

“You’re never to yell at me, even when you’re pissed as hell. If you want to talk, we talk like adults.”

“Of course.”

“There’s no using your little mob connections to find shit out about me and use it to make me fall for you.”

“Not even something I thought about.”

“I have my own life outside of this. Ash, the girls, Juniper; my cat.”

“Juniper is more than welcome to stay with you here. Taddie, this is supposed to be a relationship. You’re essentially moving in with me. Of course your things and your animals will come with you.” Thatcher said, sliding a hand over her arm and taking a step closer. Taddie chewed her lip and drew her brows together as she looked up at him.

“What are you going to tell Ash? If I’m moving things here, you’re coming back with me and telling her what’s going on. And that means answering all her questions. Every million and one of them.” Taddie said, curling her fingers around his arm. Thatcher nodded and lifted his hand to her cheek again, sliding his fingertips over her skin.

“Every one…When are you going to realize--You can throw every ridiculous condition for this you want at me. Tell me I have to call you ‘Your Highness, Most Beloved’ when we’re here and respond to anything you say with ‘Yes, my love’ in public--I’ll agree to it if it means I get what I want. And that’s you.” Thatcher said, slipping his hand to the back of her head, down to the nape of her neck, cradling it. Taddie bit her lip and nodded, letting him guide her closer as he dropped a quick kiss to her lips. “So…Have your snack. I’m gonna shower…Did you want to as well? Did you bring stuff to shower with?”

“I did…” Taddie said, quietly.

“If it makes you more comfortable, I can leave the apartment. You have my number, just text me when you’re done.” Thatcher said, releasing her and turning to open the fridge, grabbing a bottle of coffee creamer. Taddie shook her head as she watched him go back to the Keurig and pull his mug out.

“No, you don’t have to do that. Thatcher, this is your place. I’m not going to kick you out of it. I-I’m just…Nervous is all.” Taddie said, looking down at her egg, picking the whites apart. Thatcher glanced over his shoulder at her as he stirred the cream and sugar into his coffee.

“What are you nervous about? That I’m accidentally going to see you naked? That I’m going to try and grope you?” He asked, picking up his mug and sipping it as he turned to her. She shrugged, then gave a light nod as she nibbled at the bits.

“I’m not, like, a virgin or anything, but…I mean, I-I wasn’t always…Well received when I showed skin or…Well, just in general.” She said, her voice growing smaller and quieter as she spoke. A deep frown burrowed into his face as Thatcher went to her again, setting his mug down and leaning beside her. The frown was wiped away as he let out a light sigh and he closed his eyes for a moment.

“You’re perfect to me, Taddie. I want to see all of you…When you’re ready…But, even if you’re not, you’re perfect. I think you’re beautiful, Taddie.” Thatcher said, swinging his head toward her, but keeping his gaze cast down at her hands as she continued to pick and eat slowly. He watched her intensely, noticing that she wasn’t taking big pieces and popping them into her mouth, instead she was tearing at it with the tips of her nails and sucking the bits out, not entirely eating. His anger rose within him as he realized this must have been a learned behavior or a nervous habit she’d formed in her previous relationship and he burned at the reason for it forming. Taking a deep breath and pushing his anger down, he lowered his voice to a soft rumble as he asked, “Why don’t you eat, Taddie? Did he do something or say something that makes you do this?”

“I-I eat…You saw me eat last night-”

“And I’ve been watching you for a while now. You don’t eat that often, Taddie. Why?” He asked, his voice growing concerned. Taddie glanced up at him and let out a sigh before dropping the egg on the towel and straightening as she cleared her throat.

“Um…H-He--He controlled a lot about our relationship. What I did, where I went, who I hung out with…What-What I ate, when I ate…If-If I ate…It-Thatcher, there’s a lot you still don’t know-”

“Will you let me break you of these habits he’s made you form? This honestly hurts me, Taddie. You’re a beautiful woman and you have spirit in you. But you keep it bottled up and caged…It’s a fucking crime.” Thatcher said, lifting his head to look at her. He saw her lips lift in a small smile and her cheeks tint with the barest of pink. She chuckled and shook her head at him as she slowly eased herself down on her arms again. “So…You don’t like the controlling thing, then?”

“Mmm--When it’s done properly?” She said, turning her head to him as she ripped off a bigger piece and popped it in her mouth. He gave her a smile and nodded at her as he said, “What’s done properly?”

Thatcher smirked as her cheeks darkened and she looked away with a shy, embarrassed smile. He chuckled and gave her arm a nudge, Taddie nudging back as she glanced at him. She gave her head a light shake, then let out a sigh before clearing her throat before she said, “Um, well, when you like--Like telling me what to do, but not in like a bossy way. In like a-a ‘I know you can’t decide, but I know you so I’m gonna decide for you and I know you’re gonna be happy’ kind of way? Just--Take control when you see me lose it, but you give it back to me, you don’t take it and keep it…If-If that makes sense?”

“It does…So, if I were to tell you that I was gonna step onto the balcony and make a few calls with my brothers and it would take a while…And that I wanted you to take a shower and get yourself ready?” Thatcher mused at her as she slowly straightened and scooped up his mug. He smirked down at her as she straightened as well, staring up at him as she bit her lip.

“There’s, um, there’s a chance I could say ‘Yes, Sir’...But that all depends on the delivery.” Taddie said, quietly. Thatcher raised a brow at her as he turned more toward her and lifted a hand to brush the backs of his fingers over her cheek.

“Everything you’ve been through--And you still think like that?” Thatcher asked, confused, yet intrigued. She gave him a sweet smile and gently tugged his hand down as she said, “The men in my books are a lot more tender and affectionate in their dominance…That’s what’s attractive. Not trying to domineer and control everything I do. There’s a difference.”

“I agree…And I think I need to take a look at these books that are filling your head with these ideas?” He teased at her. She chuckled and shook her head.

“Gonna have to figure it out on your own. That, I’ll let you attempt to use your connections for.” Taddie said with a sly smirk. Thatcher chuckled and pulled his hand from hers, lifting it to take her chin and guide her closer. He brushed his lips against hers as he said, “I have a few calls to make to my brothers…I’d like to see you out of the shower and almost ready by the time I’m done?”

“Is that a demand or a request?” She murmured back.

“Let’s find out what happens if you don’t do it.” He said, his lips curling back in a smirk as he felt her suppress a shiver, then bite her lip.

“Y-Yes, Sir.” She breathed, pressing her hands against his chest. He chuckled and gave her a quick peck before he release her and stepped back, taking a sip from his coffee. Taddie bit her lip and pressed her hands to the marble countertop as she watched him round the island and make his way to the bed to grab his phone, then crossed to the pool and out to a balcony where he set down his mug. Taddie took a deep breath before she grabbed her egg and shoved the whole thing into her mouth, chewing quickly and swallowing with a soft and satisfied moan, as she truly was starving.

~

Let me know what you think! <3 If you want to be added to the taglist for future chapters, send me a message! <3

Taglist: @badwolf-in-the-impala

#Jolly Karlsson #Joakim Jolly Karlsson #Jolly Fic #Jolly Fan Fic #Jolly Karlsson Fic #Jolly Karlsson Fan Fic #Joakim Jolly Karlsson Fic #Joakim Jolly Karlsson Fan Fic #Noah Sebastian #Nick Folio #Nicholas Ruffilo #Bad Omens #Bad Omens Fic #Bad Omens Fan Fic #Bad Omens Mafia AU #Mafia AU #Jolly Karlsson Mafia AU #The Price

[jacksonroseroth]

~The Price~Chapter 3~

Moodboard made by @badwolf-in-the-impala, none of the pictures are mine

~

Warnings: Mentions of abuse

~

After closing down the bar, Taddie began to get anxious as Ash linked their arms to walk back to their locker together. She didn’t know how to tell her best friend about what Thatcher had offered, she was at even more of a loss at how to tell her she was strongly considering it and would be taking her car over once they got home. She took a deep breath and changed shoes, shrugging on her jacket as Ash chattered at her, though it went through one ear and out the other for Taddie. Her mind was a buzz with what she was going to do, what she was going to say, what was going to happen, too much so for her to focus on much else and she was extremely glad that Ash was driving home.

Taddie disassociated the whole ride, both women too exhausted for conversation, and Taddie was thankful. She’d managed to figure out that she was going to tell Ash she was going to be out for the night, but not much past that. She knew Ash would ask why and where she was going, but Taddie didn’t have a good enough excuse. As they got closer and closer to home, it was looking more and more like Taddie was just going to have to either tell Ash outright or sneak out once Ash went to her room.

Ash pulled into the driveway and put the car in park with a soft huff, the sudden sound making Taddie jump and blink, looking around and realizing they were home. Taking a deep breath, Taddie grabbed her bag as they both got out and trudged up their path, Taddie quickly unlocking the door and the pair blowing in. Taddie slammed the door shut behind them and they both shivered out of their jackets, Ash going to the thermostat and turning the heat up, quickly.

“Ohhhh, why did I move home?” Ash groaned out, ending it with a laugh as she glanced back at Taddie, who’s face held a blank look as she slipped out of her boots, put them by the door, hung her jacket, and put her keys in the bowl-Like a goddamn robot. “Uh, Tads? You alright?”

“Huh? What? Y-Ye-Yeah, I’m-I’m fine. I’m, um, I’m gonna turn in. I’m fucking beat.” Taddie said, shoving a hand into her curls, scratching at her scalp as she crossed the floor, going to her room. Ash raised a brow and nodded, watching her friend avoid all eye contact with her and make a beeline, quickly closing her door. Ash furrowed her brows together, but shook her head with a sigh and went to the kitchen to fill a Starbuck reusable cup up with ice and water, then went to her room as well.

Once she heard Ash’s bedroom door shut, Taddie tugged out the keychain and her phone, looking over the charm and sliding her finger over the initial, then flipped it, seeing a number etched into the back of it. Taking a deep breath, Taddie began dialing as she muttered to herself, “I am out of my fucking mind…”

Pressing the green phone button, Taddie sighed as she pressed the phone to her ear and laid back against her pillows as she listened to the ringing drone on. Part of her thought he would have already passed out, waiting up for her so long. She wouldn’t have been surprised, seeing as it was nearly 3 AM. But her hope quickly drained as the line picked up as she heard a soft groan, the sound shooting through her and making her eyes snap shut as she muttered to herself before she heard Thatcher’s rough and tired sounding voice answer with, “Hello?”

“Surprised you didn’t answer with my name since you know so much.” Taddie said, not realizing she’d said it until she heard his low chuckle of amusement before he said, “I have some sense of boundaries. I don’t know where you live, though I’d assume in Roanoke? Is that fair?”

“Yes. I do.” Taddie said, a spontaneous smile jumping across her face. She shoved a thumbnail between her teeth to try and stop it from growing.

“Alright--I still don’t know your address. I don’t know your phone number, at least not until now. I don’t know your social, your previous addresses…Could I easily find out? Yes. But where’s the fun in that?” He said with a soft snicker. She rolled her eyes as she said, “So, I’m just something to play with for fun? This isn’t all that serious then?”

“Oh, it’s plenty serious…But yes, I like to play with my food-Is that so wrong? I do it with consent and honesty. I laid it all out for you, didn’t I?” Thatcher asked, his voice daring her to challenge him. A challenge she more than took him up on.

“I don’t know-Did you? You only want me for appearances? There’s no ulterior motives, no sick and twisted sexual desires you’re achieving from this?” She asked, casually, trying to shock him into faltering. Instead, she was met with another chuckle before he said, “Oh, trust me, kitten, I have plenty. Ones I’m more than excited to play out--But, force isn’t my thing.  I’m all about safe and proper sexual play…But, like I said-We can talk about all that when you get here. Which would be when, by the way? My man said you went straight home?”

Taddie bolted up and her head whipped toward the window as her heart began to pound. She hadn’t realized she’d gasped until Thatcher said, “He’s not still there. I’ve told them once they see you go into your home, safely, they’re to go home and report back to me. I told you, it’s about protection, Taddie. Not stalking. I might do some questionable things, but I consider it somewhat living up to the family name. At least I’m not a complete disappointment.”

She’d heard the switch in his tone, going from playful and teasing to almost sad and depressed. Taddie chewed her lip then let out a soft sigh as she scooted back on her bed, crossing her legs beneath her as she said, “Thatcher, I’m still not sure about this…It all seems very…”

“Risky? Enticing? Sensual? Romantic?” Thatcher offered, the flirtatious lilt returning to his voice. Taddie’s lips skewed in a smirk as she said, “Very close to prostitution…Without the sex.”

“Mm-Well, the only reason it would be without sex would be up to you. I’m more than agreeable, but on your terms-Should that be something you wanted from this…Taddie, at least spend tonight with me and tomorrow before you go to work. Let me show you what I can offer you.” Thatcher said.

“It’s 3 in the morning. I’ve got a shift tomorrow, I can’t be up until dawn-”

“Did you forget my brother owns the bar and keeps your schedule? I say you need a paid day off and you’ve got it, Taddie. All you need to do is say the word… Let  me show you what I can offer you.” Thatcher said, firmly. Taddie chewed her lip and took a deep breath as her mind worked. She heard Thatcher’s breathing on the other end, then heard the sound of sheets rustling. Taddie closed her eyes and let out a sigh as she fell back onto her bed.

“Fine…But what am I supposed to tell Ash? We live together, she’s going to ask questions.” Taddie said, quietly, biting her lip as she glanced at their shared wall, listening for Ash’s movements. She heard the toilet, then the sink, then her TV turn on.

“Tell her you’re spending time with your new boyfriend. Might as well keep up appearances on both ends, no?”

“No. Not when she’s my best friend and I tell her literally everything…I-I can’t keep this from her, Thatcher. I can’t.”

“Well, you’re going to have to. No one can know this isn’t real, Taddie. Not until the end at least, if you succeed. If you do, I’ll come clean to my family, to Ashlen…And the only time you’ll ever even see my name again is on the checks that get delivered to pay for the studio.” Thatcher said, almost disappointed already that she wouldn’t, in fact, fall for him. Taddie closed her eyes and internalized a groan before she said, “You’d better have an amazing cover story as to why I’ve never told her about any dates, why I never said anything to her, and why we’re suddenly spending time together. Ash is a nosy bitch, especially when it comes to me. She’s gonna have questions.”

“Then you’d better get your ass over here, hadn’t you?” Thatcher said, his playful tone returning. It made her cheeks heat as she smirked and bit her lip. “I’ll send the address, kitten.”

Arousal shot through her and she fought it as her eyes fluttered closed and she took a deep breath to conain herself as he added, “I’ll see you soon…Which it had better be?”

“Well, you’ll just have stay awake and wait, won’t you?” Taddie said, quickly ending the call and pressing her phone to her chest as it pounded. A coy smirk spread across her face as she let out a chuckle then got up, quickly packing a small duffel bag’s worth of overnight things and listened at Ash’s wall to see just how occupied she was and if Taddie had a shot to sneak out. She heard the TV still going and also videos as she scrolled on TikTok, so she knew she was safe. Leaving her door cracked for Juniper, Taddie crept to the door and carefully grabbed her keys before slipping out of the house and locking the door behind her before she hustled to her car and jumped in.

~

Taddie took a deep breath as she rode the elevator to the penthouse floor, her anxiety bouncing around inside her like a caged and feral animal, desperately waiting to be let out. She pushed the feeling down as the doors opened and she took another deep breath. Stepping out, she fingered the keychain in her hands, rubbing her fingers over the P  on the front then went up to the door, unsure whether to knock or just unlock the door. She stood there for a moment, contemplating, before she let out a sigh and stuck the key in the lock, turning it and the knob, pushing the door open. After all, he gave her a key for a reason. She looked around and raised her brows, seeing a very nicely furnished foyer; Two matching armchairs to the left with a round table between them, a finely made mahogany table rested under an ornate mirror that faced her. She chewed her lip and looked herself over before walking further into the apartment and closing the door behind her, locking it.

Walking even further, Taddie was breathtaken by the openness of the space, large glass windows went from ceiling to floor, not many walls in the apartment save for two that she assumed made up his office and one for the bathroom, of which there was a single glass block wall that seemed to shield the toilet and the shower. As she looked and wandered around, she suddenly stopped with a gasp, when she saw Thatcher standing on the edge of an indoor pool, because of course he had his own indoor pool. But what had made her gasp, was the candlelit table with two plates of food waiting for her. At the sound, Thatcher turned and gave her a smirk. He wore a pair of black joggers and a simple white tank top, clearly displaying the single arm, full sleeve tattoo, which made Taddie’s brow raise in surprise.

“Glad you made it…Though you could have left your things at the door?” Thatcher teased as he went to her. Taddie nodded and said, “I know. I, um, I wasn’t sure…Where you were--This-This is amazing. You have a nice apartment.”

“We have a nice apartment. This is yours now, for the next month at least. This is where you’ll come back to after work, this is where you’ll sleep, shower, eat. I told you I was serious about this. It might be for appearances, but it’s still a test. Got to have the right environment for tests, no?” Thatcher said, reaching out to slip her duffel bag off her shoulder and set it down before moving around her, helping her slip off her jacket. Taddie bit her lip and nodded, lightly, looking around the room before her. She felt his hand slide around her neck, pushing his fingers under her chin, lifting and turning her to face him. She let out a gasp, then cut it off quickly when she realized how close their faces were. “You’re still in your uniform…Too anxious to change?”

“Well, you-you said you wanted me here…”

“And you told me I’d have to wait…And I did. Thought you’d get a little more dressed up…But I don’t mind. You’re cute in your uniform.” He purred down at her before letting his hand drop and moving around her, to the table. Taddie took a slow, shuddered inhale as she watched him walk away, then stop and turn to her, beckoning her to follow him. She gave a light gasp and quickly took several steps forward to catch up to him as he led her to the table. As she got closer she saw steaks on both plates, as well as mashed potatoes and a side of charred corn that gave off whiffs of garlic, all of it making Taddie’s mouth water. “Are you hungry? I didn’t see you eat anything today, so I wanted to have something for you.”

“I, um, I’m starving actually, but I-I will have no self control and eat like the heathen I am.” Taddie said with a soft chuckle, dragging her gaze from the food, looking up at Thatcher with a soft chuckle. Thatcher smirked and laughed, shaking his head as he moved around her, going to her chair and pulling it back for her.

“Go for it. You don’t need to hide anything when you’re here, Taddie. I want you to be yourself here. This is a safe space and I’ll never judge you.” Thatcher said, bracing his hands on the back of her chair, waiting for her to sit down. Taddie looked him over with a slightly skeptical look before she quickly shook it away and slid into the chair, Thatcher tucking it under her as she sat down. She closed her eyes and took a slow breath before opening them, seeing him walking around the table to sit down across from her. “Are you alright? You look like you’re about to jump through the window…”

“I’m, um…I’m fine, just…Just a little on edge?” Taddie said, watching as he picked up a bottle of what she assumed was champagne, and pour it into two glasses. “Oh, I don’t drink this…Late?”

As he poured the drink, she saw it was much more yellow with bubbles than being more cream/tan colored like normal champagne. She raised a brow and looked at him in a silent question, then Thatcher chuckled and turned to bottle to show that it was apple cider. Her cheeks turned pink and she let out a soft chuckle, biting her lip, lightly.

“Martinelli’s. I do like to drink, but this is a real good brand of apple cider. Splash of vodka or whiskey and it’s perfect. But, no, I don’t drink this late either.” Thatcher said as he set the bottle down and picked up his glass to take a sip. Taddie slid her hand across the table, sliding her fingers over the base of the glass and turning it a few times before she pulled her hand back and straightened a little more in her seat. Thatcher raised a brow at her as he set the glass back down and said, “Taddie. What is it?”

“Oh, my God, I can’t fucking do this-I-I’m…Thatcher, I’m sorry. I-I don’t think I can do this--I-I showed up, right? That’s-That’s what you asked. So, I-I’m sorry…I-I can’t do this.” Taddie said, quickly pushing back from the table and standing. Thatcher stood with her, a little too fast for her taste, and Taddie nearly toppled the chair over, falling back with it, flinching so hard when he took a few quick steps toward her. Seeing this, he quickly backed off and held up his hands, raising his brows in shock. Taddie panted, softly, gripping the back and arm of the chair as she caught herself and squeezing her eyes shut.

“Thaden…”

“Don’t ever call me that.” She hissed at him, shooting him a fierce glare before she blinked and the look vanished, a look of guilt and regret taking its place. “I-I-I’m sorry…”

“Don’t be…” Thatcher said, gently, approaching her slowly, this time, and holding out his hands toward her, showing her he meant no harm. She shifted on her feet, watching him closely as he came to stop before her and lowered his hands. “What happened to you?”

Taddie sighed and looked away, shaking her head with a light scoff of a chuckle. Thatcher slid his hands into his pockets, waiting patiently for her to gather herself and her thoughts before she looked at him again, drawing her brows together a little more. He gave her a soft, sympathetic smile, trying to reassure her. With a deep breath, Taddie turned and slowly lowered herself back into her chair. Thatcher slowly bent his knees, sinking into a squat beside her.

“Alright…O-Okay…Um-” Taddie started, her voice shaking slightly. Thatcher gently laid his hand on her knee and she turned to him as she said, “I-I…I’ve been in an 8 year abusive relationship since I-I was 21. It’s over--I’m-I’m 31 now-I spent the last two years moving around trying to get away from him, until Ash said I could move in with her, here in Roanoke. It-Its such a small town, I figured he’d never look for me here.”

“What did he do?” Thatcher asked, his voice hard and angry, though he tried to control it. Taddie winced and quickly tugged her knee from beneath his hand with a deep sigh. He pulled his hand back and waited, trying to quell his anger before it rose too quickly.

“He, um…Lot-Lots of, uh, lots of emotional abuse? Um, v-verbal, mental, physical, s--” Taddie stopped suddenly, her vision tunneled and she was briefly thrown back to a series of flashbacks that left her silent. Thatcher flinched at the last syllable, and took a deep breath, ducking his head down briefly before he said, “Did he ever force you?”

“No.” Taddie said, quickly, jolting out her her trance like state with a sniffle, and she turned to look at him again. Blinking her tears away, she cleared her throat, lightly before she continued, “No, he-he never…But, I-I saw the look in his eyes a few times…He would’ve.”

“Taddie, I’m sorry for what happened to you and what you went through. But you need to know-You need to understand-I am never going to touch you like that. If I ever talk to you in a way that isn’t respectful, you have full right to put it back on me and put me in my place. This isn’t something I’m holding you prisoner to. Anytime you want this to end, it’ll end. You’re going to have full reign over my household and when we visit my family. For all intents and purposes, save the titles, you’re the queen of this apartment and the princess in the family, and you’re going to be treated as such.” Thatcher said, softly, slowly reaching a hand up to lay on her shoulder. Taddie nodded, softly, and sniffled as she took another deep breath, calming herself down silently. He pushed his hand over her shoulder and up her neck, under her curls. She shifted her gaze to him and she gave him a soft smile, though it didn’t stay, fading slowly. With a light sigh, Thatcher stood, slowly, not wanting to startle her again, and said, “Why don’t you just crash for the night? Maybe I was wrong-I don’t want to make anything worse for you, Taddie. I’m sorry.”

She tilted her head up to him, blinking in confusion. He caressed his thumb over her jaw, then pulled his hand away as he turned, going to her things in the doorway. Taddie closed her eyes and muttered to herself before she said, “Thatcher, if you ever even so much as raise a hand to me--”

“That will never happen, Taddie. I can control my anger. I might yell and get loud, but I’ve never hit a woman.” Thatcher said, turning back and pushing his hand into his pockets again, staring at her as she opened her eyes to look at him again, her brows drawn tightly as her eyes shone with tears.

“I don’t even want you to get loud, Thatcher. I-I don’t want to be with anything that’s even close to him. I-I’m not going to put myself in that position again. Ever.” Taddie said, shaking her head with a sigh as she glanced away. Thatcher came back over to her, waiting until she looked up at him to gently slide his fingers under her chin.

“I told you I have my men following you for your protection and I’m serious about that. I can honestly say, you are 100% safe when you’re with me, Taddie. I’ll do anything to keep you safe and so will my men. You’re dating in the mob, now, kitten. This is the safest you’ll ever be in your life.” Thatcher said, giving her chin a light squeeze before letting it go. He took a deep breath, then said, “But I’m not going to be jerked around either. If you want to do this, then we’re going to do this. You need to tell me now if you’re in or out. You can still end it whenever you feel it gets too much, but I’m not going to stand for you not being sure and yo-yoing between what you want to do. Make a choice and make it now.”

“I’m in. I-I, um, I’ll-I’ll try? I--”

“Yes. Or. No?” Thatcher held her gaze as Taddie took a deep breath and said, “Yes.”

Thatcher’s smile jumped to his face before her went back to his chair, sitting down and scooting in. Taddie let out a slow exhale and scooted closer to the table as she said, “So, um…What-What’s all going to happen? You said this was for appearances? So…Why do you need to a show girlfriend?”

“Thomas has been married for 15 years and has two kids, boy and a girl. Theo got married a few years ago and Tristan and his girl have been going strong for a good 2 years now. We all think he’s going to propose at Christmas. Me, being the true black sheep that I am, I’ve never brought anyone home to meet the family, never had the long term thing…O-Once, but it-Well, it didn’t work out.” Thatcher started, clearing his throat, awkwardly and quickly taking a swig of the cider. Taddie raised a brow at the reaction, but she simply tucked it away and decided to touch on it later. “We have family dinner every Sunday. When you meet my Mother, smile, say ‘It’s nice you meet you, Ma’am’-Those exact words, not even joking-She expects something more formal, so a curtsy, but even a quick dip down, she’s happy. She’ll be very judgemental at first, but…I was supposed to be her last baby boy, so she has a special place in her heart for me over the twins.”

Taddie let out a giggle and leaned her arms on the table, slightly, as she said, “Surprise pregnancy?”

“Double surprise. Twins. Tom was not happy at first, he was already 10 and didn’t like me being around to begin with.” Thatcher said with a snicker, picking up his fork and knife, cutting into his steak. Taddie smirked, then let her gaze roam around the setting in front of her before she finally reached for her glass for a quick sip. Thatcher watched her with a growing smile as he slid a piece of steak into his mouth, chewing slowly. Taddie cleared her throat as she set the glass down and picked up her fork, raking it through the mashed potatoes before taking a large scoop and eating it. She gave a small wiggle of happiness, feeling the hunger taking over her, but she tried to keep it at bay, at least for the first night.

“Mm-So…Your brother’s women? Did they get the whole explanations and introductions before meeting the family too?” Taddie asked as she picked up her knife, quicky cutting her steak up. Thatcher chuckled and shook his head as he took another bite.

“No. Usually, their women don’t know anything other than their man until they meet the family. Kind of an ambush thing--Mafia. You know.” Thatcher said with a smirk and a chuckle. Taddie glanced up at him and nodded, her smile growing a little more genuinely. He stared at her with a smile of his own, watching her eat steadily, despite saying she’d act like a heathen, she was so hungry. He chuckled to himself, leaning his mouth into the back of his hand as his gaze bounced around, from her face to her hands, her fingers to her mouth, watching her lips.

Taddie glanced up at him in the silence, then did a double take as she stopped chewing and her cheeks heated. Her lips curved into a small smirk before she quickly finished chewing and swallowed before she said, “What? Y-You’re staring…”

“I’m sorry. I tend to stare at beautiful things.” He said with a coy, teasing smirk before he looked down to gather another bite and take it. She bit her lip as her blush deepened, her smile lifting a little more as she looked down to do the same and keep eating.

“Um…So, Christmas is next week? Does this factor in at all?” Taddie asked. Thatcher nodded and sat back, setting his fork down as he said, “It does. We do portraits every year and my Mother is nagging me about when I’m bringing someone home for them. I’m 35 myself, about to turn 36…She at least wants to see me happy with someone. So, it kind of works as a gift for her, gets the family off my back…”

“But, you’re doing this and banking on me falling for you…I can’t say I feel either direction on the spectrum right now…What happens if I don’t fall for you and the month ends? You’re just going to lie to everyone and say we broke up?” Taddie asked, reaching for her glass and taking a drink.

“No, I said I’ll come clean and I will. If that happens, maybe my family will finally back off. If I had to pay for it…” Thatcher started, quickly stopping himself and shaking his head as he cleared his throat. “But, we have a month. You’re going to be getting a few more days off, little bump in your pay to compensate for it. I…Kind of want to give this a real shot. I know it might not be a conventional start, but it’s not entirely easy for me to have and keep something serious with a woman. Once shit goes down once, they freak out and leave, so-”

“So, you thought you’d do a little light stalking to try and get on my good side then half kidnap me?” Taddie said, in a matter-of-fact tone, though there was a teasing undertone to it. Thatcher looked up at her then smirked as she lifted her gaze to him, raising her brows in an innocent expression as she slipped a piece of steak into her mouth.

“I’ll settle for a voluntary kidnapping, thank you-You drove yourself here. And I wasn’t stalking-”

“You were protecting. Yes, yes, I know.” Taddie said with a soft giggle. She glanced at him through her lashes, seeing him smirk and sit back with his glass, taking a deep swig. She cast her gaze down as she pushed the last few pieces of steak around, then laid her fork down as she sat back and lifted her head to him. “So…Is this a first date then? If you’re trying to be a little more serious?”

“If you want to take it as that. I actually had a breakfast planned for us tomorrow as a first date.” Thatcher said, with a small smirk. Taddie nodded as she tongued the strings of meat that were stuck in her teeth.

“What is this then?” She asked, softly. Thatcher sat forward, moving his glass to the middle of the table and prompting Taddie to quickly do the same, clinking her glass to the side of his as he said, “Smoothing everything over before the relationship begins. I told you I operate on consent and honesty. I’m going to lay everything out for you. If you have questions, you can ask me whenever you think of them.”

“You’re not expecting sex.” She asked, bluntly, lifting her glass to her lips. Thatcher had already taken a sip and choked on it, lightly, not expecting her to be so direct. Her lips curved in a sly smirk, covering it by taking a drink and setting her glass down again. Thatcher coughed a few times, pounding his fist to his chest, then cleared his throat as he looked at her with an arched brow. “I’m asking my questions.”

“That wasn’t a question…But no. I’m not. Not unless you make that move first. Not saying I don’t want it, that I haven’t thought about it. I’m a man after all.” He said with a soft laugh and a smirk. Taddie nodded and smirked back as she leaned forward to pick up her fork again. Thatcher leaned forward and slid his hand over hers, prompting her to look up at him as she took another bite and he said, “But, I want you to be in control of that. When we’re in front of family, obviously, I’m going to touch you and hold you, grab you into my lap…We need to put on the appearances for them. But when we’re here, we can be more like roommates, if that makes you more comfortable. It’s like any relationship, Taddie-We need to spend time together and get to know each other to know our true feelings. That’s really all I’m asking is for that shot. If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen. But we gave it a shot.”

“Touching, holding, grabbing…What about kissing? How…Much…Of that do I need to expect?” Taddie asked, lowering her gaze as she swirled the tips of her fork in her mashed potatoes. Thatcher gave her hand a squeeze and he saw her eyes flicker up to him, though her head remained bent.

“None, if you don’t want me to. A peck on your cheek, affectionate seeming one to your temple, your forehead…I can do the little things. I don’t want to push you with something you don’t want, but there needs to be some kind of affection between us.” Thatcher said, softly. Taddie took a breath as she lifted her head.

“When-When am I supposed to meet the family for the first time? Like everyone? Sunday?” Taddie asked. When Thatcher nodded, she sighed and gave him one herself, before she lowered her gaze to her plate and said, “Well…Then, we-we can work on that I guess…Um, I d-I don’t want to be rude, but it-it’s late--”

“Are you done eating?” Thatcher asked, quickly wiping his mouth with his napkin before he stood. Taddie looked up at him and nodded, letting her smile lift a little more as he rounded the table, offering his hand to her. She took it as she pushed away from the table and stood. He led her to her things, scooping up her bag and jacket before he led her to the king sized four-poster bed that sat against the back wall, in its own little nook. Thatcher set her bag on the bed and let go of her hand as he said, “I’m gonna put your jacket in the closet. Um, feel free to change, get comfortable. The bathroom is behind the wall over there.”

Thatcher pointed to the glass block wall then gave her a smile, leaning closer to kiss her cheek, lightly, before he took a step away and turned to round the corner. Taddie bit her lip and let out a slow exhale through her nose before she turned to her bag, trying to change as quick as possible before he came back. She tore off her shirt and tugged on a tank top before she pulled her bra off underneath it, stuffing it into her bag. As she wiggled out of her jeans, she cast a glance over her shoulder to look for him as she unfolded her sleep pants, that had a Van Gogh’s Starry Night pattern on them. She let out a relieved sigh as she zipped up her bag and dropped it on the floor, then spun around to sit on the edge of the bed, pushing her hands into her hair as she closed her eyes.

“Are you decent? Can I come back now?” Thatcher’s voice came after a while. Taddie let out a soft gasp and pulled her hands down as she looked up. She didn’t see him anywhere so she took a breath and called out, “Yeah. I’m-I’m changed…Thank you.”

“Of course.” Thatcher said, coming around the corner with a soft smile, his hands in his pockets. Taddie stood and gave him a small, sweet smile as he approached, then stopped a foot or two from her. “Well…Um, if you need anything at night, there’s extra pillows and blankets in that cupboard. You’re welcome to anything in the kitchen. We can go over where everything is tomorrow, the tour and all, if you’d like. I’ll just be down the stairs there on the couch.”

Thatcher gestured around, but when he turned and pointed all the way across the apartment, she felt a twinge of guilt and glanced back to the giant bed she was going to have to herself. Turning back to him as he turned to her, Taddie took a step closer, reaching out a hand to touch his arm as she said, “Wait--Well…I-I don’t feel right about kicking you out of your own bed-”

“You’re not sleeping on the couch and I’m not letting you. Nor am I going to force you to sleep with me--”

“What if I want to? I-I just…If you don’t want me sleeping on the couch and I don’t want you sleeping on the couch…We’re-We’re sleeping together, not having sex…” Taddie said, letting her hand fall from his arm.

“I’ll do anything you’re comfortable with, Taddie. Your comfort is my only concern.” Thatcher said, closing the space between them and lifting a hand, slowly, brushing the backs of his fingers over her cheek, then pushing them into her hair. Taddie nodded as she stared up at him, slowly pushing her hands over his abdomen, that she found was rather long, considering he was so tall. Her lower lip was sucked between her teeth as she slid her hands up his chest for a brief moment, then let her lip pop back out as they parted. Thatcher shifted as he pulled his other hand from his pocket and slid it over her waist as he tugged her closer. “Are you going to let me kiss you, Taddie?”

“I--I might…Why don’t you try and find out?” She whispered back before she lifted on her toes, slightly, as he ducked down to ease his lips over hers in a deep kiss. She inhaled, deeply, as she kissed him back, leaning against him as he lightly gripped the back of her neck and walked her back a few steps, until the backs of her legs hit the bed and she broke the kiss with a soft gasp. “I-I-I, um-”

“We should go to bed…Do you want me to get the extra pillows? Make a barrier between us while we sleep?” Thatcher asked, softly. Taddie shook her head and wrapped her fingers around his wrist as he pulled his hand back to her cheek.

“You-You don’t need to do that…You’re not going to molest me in my sleep, right?” She teased, making his lips curve in a smirk as he slid a finger under her chin, tipping it back more as he chuckled and shook his head.

“It would be without your consent, kitten. So, no. I won’t. You have my word…Though I have no control over my hands and I reach out for anything in the middle of the night. Are you okay with that?” He asked, sliding the backs of his fingers down her throat. A shuddered breath escaped her lips before she swallowed hard and nodded as she whispered, “Yes.”

“Good…Now, let’s go to sleep. I’m exhausted from waiting for you all day.” He teased, chuckling as she tsk’d at him and gave him a quick shove back. He laughed and caught her hand, tugging her back against him and making her emit a squeal, then a giggle as she gripped his arms, glancing back at him. He chuckled and pressed a kiss to her cheek before letting her go and rounding the bed. Taddie bit her lip and reached out for one of the posters, lightly leaning against it as she watched him go around to one of the nightstands that sat on either side, taking off his watch and setting it down. He slipped off his rings, placing them beside it, then sat on the edge with a light sigh as he pushed his feet out of his slippers, pushing them against the nightstand.

As Thatcher turned, Taddie pushed herself off the poster and went to the head of the bed, pulling back the blankets and slipping in, quickly grabbing her phone and sliding it onto the nightstand before she climbed in. Thatcher got under the covers as well, eyeing her sleep pants as she tucked her feet in and covered herself up. He chuckled to himself and reached over to press a button on a solid black plastic appliance, the soft sounds of waves crashing beginning to sound from it. Taddie turned and raised a brow as she stuffed her curls up, tying them back with a silk scrunchie as she said, “You sleep with a sound machine?”

“White noise. We, uhm…Me and Tommy grew up on the ocean in Sweden. Just before our Mother got pregnant with the twins, we moved here…It’s not the same.” Thatcher said, not looking at her as he shifted and settled himself. She realized his tone wasn’t one of a fond storytelling, but one that was simply telling her why and not to mention it again. Taddie bit her lip, suddenly feeling bad and wondering if she sounded a little too teasing, then shifted as she turned to him, scooting a little more toward the center, and him. He glanced at her, watching her closely as she started to reach out to him, then stopped.

“I-I’m sorry…I wasn’t trying to make it seem--I was just surprised. I-I have an app that plays rain and thunderstorm sounds to help me sleep…” She said, trying to put him at ease. Turning to her a little more, he raised a brow at her as she shuffled closer, curling her legs beneath her. “I-I can’t sleep in complete silence. I-I tried for the first six months…I couldn’t sleep because I picked up on every single noise and it kept my anxiety up because I thought…I thought he’d found me.”

“I can’t sleep without sound because…Well, being the sons of a mob boss isn’t always peaceful. Let’s just leave it at that.” Thatcher said, turning to the nightstand and reaching for a remote. He pressed several buttons and slowly the lights went out in the flat, then fire jumped to life along the wall, making Taddie gasp, softly. Setting the remote back on the nightstand, Thatcher shifted down to lay his head on the pillows while Taddie bit her lip and watched him. She took a deep breath, contemplating what she wanted to do, then moved closer and pushed her hand over his shoulder.

“Thatcher, I told you about my abusive relationship…Ash doesn’t even know how bad it was, just that I needed to get away. If we’re going to do this and do the whole get to know each other thing…You need to open up to me as much as I open up to you. Relationships are a two way street, honey.” Taddie said, softly. She pushed her hand higher, then lifted it, sliding her fingers in his hair along the side of his head. Thatcher reached up a hand, wrapping his fingers around her wrist and tugging her hand down.

“Not that. Not now. Go to sleep, Taddie.” Thatcher said, his voice holding no real emotion other than tired. Taddie bit her lip then nodded, starting to pull her hand back and turn away, but he kept a hold of her hand, lifting it to kiss her fingertips before he let it go. She blinked, letting her hand fall to his chest, where it laid for a moment, before she pulled it back and shifted further away to turn over and slide lower under the blankets. Thatcher turned to her, watching her shoulders slowly relax as she let out a few deep sighs. He desperately wanted to reach out and hold her close while they fell asleep, but he’d thrown enough at her for one night. He only hoped things would go smoother tomorrow and the rest of the week, as well as the month.

~

Let me know what you guys think! If you want to be added to the taglist for future chapters, send me a message! <3

Taglist: @badwolf-in-the-impala

#The Price #Jolly Fic #Jolly Fan Fic #Jolly Karlsson Fic #Jolly Karlsson Fan Fic #Joakim Karlsson #Joakim Jolly Karlsson #Noah Sebastian #Nick Folio #Nicholas Ruffilo #Bad Omens #Bad Omens Band #Bad Omens Fan Fic #Mafia AU #Bad Omens Mafia AU

[jacksonroseroth]

Y'all I'm gonna have a breakdown

I'm about to start a THIRD doc for The Price, starting it off with chapter 30. I have no end in sight. I already know how I'm ending it and 30 chapters is barely 1/3 of the way through the plot.

So, how are y'all liking the story, should I keep going?

#The Price #Jolly Fan Fic #Bad Omens Fan Fic #Joakim Karlsson Fan Fic #Joakim Jolly Karlsson #Noah Sebastian #Nick Folio #Nicholas Ruffilo #Bad Omens

[jacksonroseroth]

~The Price~Chapter 2~

Moodboard by @badwolf-in-the-impala, pictures not mine

~

Reposting because I missed a chunk from chapter 1 XD

~

The following Monday marked a week til Christmas and Taddie was excited as she took a few hundreds from her overflowing piggy bank to do a bit of shopping for herself and Ash, seeing as they spent their Christmases alone, just the two of them and their pets. Ash had a 4 year old bullypit and Taddie moved in with a 2 year old Egyptian Mau cat. Thankfully, the two got along great, though they had their spats, as species do. Both pets were beyond spoiled, having their own beds, their own bedding and their own small wardrobe of clothes beside their two different sized baskets of toys.

After walking out of the pet store with, surprisingly, just a small bag only containing treats for each ‘child’, a bone for Rowdy, and cat grass for Juniper, Taddie crunched her way to the car with a shiver, speeding up her steps. Stamping her feet in the snow as she fumbled with her keys, she let out an audible shiver before ripping open the door and hopping in, immediately starting the car and warming it up as she plugged in her phone, starting her music. She sat there for a moment as she let the car warm up and she pulled up the address of the mall in Charlottesville, where the stores she wanted to go to were.

It was an hour drive, but with her music, it seemed like half an hour. Taddie was ecstatic to find a spot decently near the front and hurried in to get as much done as she could before it got too busy. She got a few new makeup kits for Ash, as well as a new fuzzy robe and a matching pair of slippers, along with a few bath bombs. Her eye was caught by a beautiful amethyst bracelet in a jewerly storefront and stood there for several minutes as she debated whether or not to buy it outright or see if she could put it on hold. Finally, she went in to ask about it, either way.

“Hello. What can I help you with today, Miss?” The saleswoman asked as she came up on the other side of a line of display cases that Taddie looked over.

“Hi-Um, actually, you have a really beautiful amethyst bracelet in the window? There was no price-How much for that?” Taddie asked, flashing the woman a smile. The woman nodded and moved around to the window, reaching through to grab the small display and set it on top of one of the cases. Taddie came around and touched the bracelet as she said, “Yes, this one here.”

“Ah, yes, this is a new set, we haven’t gotten the prices out just yet…But if I’m remembering correctly, this piece is going for $125.” The woman said, picking it up and draping it over her wrist as she held out her arm, showing it to Taddie. She nodded and smiled as she admired the bracelet then chewed her lip as she heard the price. Taking a deep breath, Taddie nodded and said, “Okay…Um, so this is for a friend-Amethyst is her birthstone-But I-I don’t have the whole $125…Can I-Do you do lay-away, or can I do a half now, half next week? A hold situation?”

“Unfortunately, we can’t do split payments on pieces this small in price, but if you have a credit card we can charge it, if you’d like to do it that way?” The woman offered, setting the bracelet back. Taddie shook her head with another sigh and her shoulders drooped a little more.

“Alright…Um-How-How much stock do you have in these? I don’t get paid until Friday, I’ll be back then--”

“Not to worry, Miss. It’s a new collection and we’ll have it in stock through New Year’s. I can take your name and number down, though, just in case it gets a rise in demand?” The woman offered as she put the display back. Taddie gave her a relieved, yet still sad smile, settling for this at least, then she’d have someone hopefully keeping an eye out for her.

“Yes, please. Thank you. That would be great.” Taddie said, following the woman to the register, where she grabbed a pad of paper and a pen. The woman took her name and number and Taddie thanked her before walking out, her smile dropping off her face with a sigh as she muttered to herself, “Damnit…Ash would have loved that.”

Shaking her head, Taddie pushed through the crowd of people, heading toward BoxLunch to see if their Loungefly backpacks were on sale and what they had in stock. She elbowed her way through to the stand and looked them over, seeing them on a BOGO sale. She was excited, but carefully went over them all before she grabbed two-A Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends one for herself, that she nearly broke her neck over she did such a quick double take, and Stranger Things one for Ash, that had Eddie Munson’s face on it. She knew this had to be her last gift purchase and she was more than happy with the haul she’d gotten, still feeling sad about not being able to get the bracelet for Ash.

Taddie knew she’d probably make more than that later on during her shift that night and she could have done a simple transfer from her savings to get the piece, but she needed to show some kind of self restraint, despite her pretty, shiny, squirrel brain telling her to buy it, buy it, buy it! She slipped the strap of her last bag around her wrist, shaking it down her arm as she walked out, a small smile on her face and letting out a relieved sigh. Taddie was so content, excited, and anxious to get home and start wrapping, she didn’t see the man in her path and crashed into him.

“Oh! Oh-Oh, I-I’m so sorry. I wasn’t paying attention. I’m so-” Taddie stopped, blinking up at Thatcher as he held her arms with a chuckle, staring down at her with his green eyed gaze and a crooked smile. “Thatcher.”

“Taddie. Nice running into you.” Thatcher rumbled at her, guiding her to the side, as not to block the flow of traffic. Taddie, gripped his arm and glanced around as he moved them out of the way, taking a deep breath before looking back up at him. “What are you doing in Charlottesville?”

“I-Well, I could ask you the same. My answer is a little more obvious.” Taddie said, lifting her arm as she pulled her hand back. Thatcher chuckled and nodded along before he said, “Fair enough--I’m in town on, uh, family business. Finished early and we wanted to make a stop for a few gifts for our mother.”

“We?”

“Thatch!” A voice called, making them both turn. Two dark haired men made their way over; One with a bright smirk and a piercing blue gaze, the other with a furrowed brow and a darken, intense gaze, staring at Thatcher. “There you are. The fuck? Why’d you wander off?”

Thatcher chuckled and locked his arm around Blue Eyes’ neck, making the young man bend down forcefully as he snickered. Thatcher taunted him in Swedish before he said in English, “-Found a friend and I wanted to say hi. I can’t have friends?”

“You?-Ahh-ahh! Okay, okay, I’m sorry!” The young man cried as Thatcher latched his hand to the back of his neck and squeezed, making the young man squirm around. Thatcher laughed and released him, giving him a half shove back. The other dark haired man caught Blue Eyes, making his smile instantly fall off his face and clear his throat as he straightened himself and was released.

“Are you going to introduce us to your…Friend, then, brother?” The dark haired man said, his hard gaze sweeping over Taddie and raising a brow. Taddie bit her lip and quickly cast her gaze down, shifting on her feet. Thatcher shot him a look, then cleared his throat as he gently laid a hand on her arm and said, “This is Taddie, she’s one of the bartender’s at the Wench.”

“Bartenders are your friends now.” The dark haired man said, his voice rough and deep as he raised it, lifting a brow at his brother. Taddie winced and shot the man a look as Thatcher spoke up and said, “They can be, yes. You’d find you can make friends anywhere if you ever tried, Tommy…”

Thatcher let out a deep sigh and shook his head before he continued, “Anyway--Taddie, this is my younger brother, one of the twins-Tristan. And my older brother, Thomas.”

Taddie took a deep breath, briefly glaring at Thomas before flashing Tristan a sweet smile as she said, “It’s nice to meet you both. I’m, uh, sorry if I interrupted your shopping.”

“Not at all-You’re not the one that ran off.” Thomas said, his gaze flickering to his younger brother with a brief glare. Tristan stepped forward, blocking Thomas from both Thatcher and Taddie, taking her hand with a charming smile and kissing the back of it as he said, “It’s very nice to meet you--Taddie? That’s an interesting name.”

“It’s, uh, it’s short for Thaden, but no one calls me that anymore.” Taddie said, with a soft giggle, blushing as Tristan smiled at her with quite a breathtaking smile. Thatcher planted his hand to his brother’s chest, pushing him back and giving him a look as he said, “Anyway…It, uh, was great to run into you outside the bar, Taddie. I’ll see you there tonight?”

“For your usual double whiskey and a smoke that lasts all of 10 minutes?” Taddie teased, shifting her gaze to Thatcher with a smirk. He chuckled down at her with a smile and she nodded, taking a step back as she said, “I’m on shift, so I guess so. It was nice to meet you…Tristan. Thomas…Maybe we can try again for a first impression.”

Taddie wrinkled her nose at the brothers before she turned on a heel and disappeared in the passing crowd. Thatcher chuckled and smirked to himself before he turned to his brothers and raised a brow as he said, “Well? Go on, Tom. I know you have an opinion about her.”

“This is what you’re spending time on? A barmaid, Thatcher? You know Father will never approve of her.” Thomas said, raising his brows before turning and walking away. Thatcher rolled his eyes and he quickly followed, Tristan trailing behind them.

“What, in my entire life that I’ve done, has ever been approved by Father? I don’t give a fuck about Father.” Thatcher said, shooting his brother a glare as they moved through the crowd, toward the parking garage. “She’s gonna be at Christmas so you’d might as well get used to it now.”

Thomas threw his head back in a laugh then gave Thatcher an incredulous look before he said, “You really think this little plan of yours is gonna work? Our name has a lot of pull, little brother, but not that much pull. Don’t waste your money on this bitch. Father will get you a purebred if that’s what you want, but don’t try to find it on your own, Thatch. You’ve tried it once before and how did that turn out?”

“That’s a low blow, Tommy.” Tristan piped up as Thatcher grabbed Thomas’ shoulder and spun him around, glaring down as he towered over his older brother.

“Don’t you dare-” Thatcher started, getting in his face before Tristan pulled him back and patted his chest as he said, “Hey, hey-Easy, boys. Easy. We aren’t in Roanoke, we’re not at home. Don’t start shit here--Tom, that was fucked up. Thatch-I kind of agree with him. Father won’t approve, and you really think Mother will? I’d think about it a little more, brother.”

“Thanks for the support, Tris. Fuck you both. You know what?--It’s my car, find your own way back home.” Thatcher said, shrugging his little brother off and pushing his way through the crowd. Thomas shook his head at him and he and Tristan continued on as Thomas pulled his phone from his pocket to call them a car.

~

Taddie sighed as she plopped down on the couch, setting her shopping bags on the coffee table in front of her. She groaned as she slipped out of her boots and left them by the end of the couch before going through the bags and sorting everything out. Grabbing everything, she brought the bags to her room, beginning to wrap everything up. Halfway through, her bedroom door was pushed open and a meow pierced the silence, making her jump. Juniper appeared on the bed and began sniffing around at everything.

With a laugh, Taddie reached out and gently grabbed the cat’s tail, making her meow, annoyed, before continuing to sniff around. “What’s going on, Juni? Where’s Rowdy? He still sleeping?”

Juniper meowed in return then wandered over to her mother, purring and rubbing against her hand and arm. Taddie giggled and scooped up the animal, cuddling her in a baby pose. Juniper meowed loudly then jumped out of her arms before jumping onto Taddie’s shoulder, making her chuckle and reach up to scratch at her ears.

“Well, don’t get in my way, girl. I’ve got shit to get wrapped before Auntie Ashy gets home.” Taddie said, pressing a kiss to Juniper’s side before turning back to the bags and reaching into one for the last gift. At least she thought. Scrunching up her face, Taddie felt around and pulled out a slender, rectangular box that she didn’t remember buying. Flipping it open, she let out a loud gasp as the amethyst bracelet sat in velvet lining. She slid a finger over the stones and bit her lip as she tried to think if she’s crazy and she bought the bracelet or…Well, there was just no ‘or’. She didn’t buy the bracelet.

While Taddie was utterly confused about how she ended up with the bracelet, she, nonetheles, wrapped it, along with the last gift before cleaning everything up and stashing the presents under the tree before she jumped into the shower to get ready for her shift. Ash came home as Taddie got out and the pair got ready together, dreading going into the week before Christmas, knowing it would be hell. Ash drove them to the bar and the entire time, Taddie’s mind was spinning about how the bracelet ended up in her bag and had a mini anxiety attack that the store would send someone after her because she didn’t pay for it. There was no charge on her account or her credit card that gave an indication where the money came from to pay for it.

Taddie pushed the feeling aside as Ash turned into the parking lot, seeing the bar fully packed, already from the dinner rush. With deep groans from both women, they exchanged a pained look before they got out and hurried as safely as they could through the snow, to the back door and into the establishment. They shook off the snow and quickly changed their shoes and tied their aprons behind their backs before slipping out into the bar and jumping in the line, starting to mix drinks and clean up from the opening shift. She was so wrapped up in knocking out the rush and trying to make it to the slum in the night, she didn’t even notice Thatcher walk in and take his usual seat. He stayed quiet, watching her scurry from one end of the bar to the other with an amused smile on his face as he puffed on a few cigarettes for about an hour.

When she finally slowed down after making a round to grab empty glasses, she went to the station beside Thatcher’s spot, plunging the entire tray into the water and beginning to scrub. Blowing out his smoke and carefully clasping his hands together, Thatcher said, “It’s a madhouse in here, eh?”

“You don’t know the half of it. It’s only going to get worse and the owners don’t fucking want to hire more help.” Taddie grumbled, not realizing who she was speaking to. Thatcher chuckled and said, “Awe, come on, I thought you liked Tristan?”

Taddie’s head shot up, zeroing in on Thatcher, then gasped as her eyes went wide and her mouth dropped open. She pulled her arms out of the water and dried them off as she stammered, “Oh, m-Oh-Oh, God. Tha-Thatcher, I-I’m so sorry. I-I didn’t see you-”

“It’s alright, Taddie, it’s alright. Though, to be fair, it’s our father that doesn’t want to waste more money on the bar, not Tristan. He knows how hard you all work keeping this place running.” Thatcher said, lifting his hand to take another drag. Taddie quickly grabbed for his bottle of whiskey and found the spot empty, letting out an annoyed groan.

“Can someone grab me another bottle of rye?!” Taddie called down the bar.

“We’re out till next week, Tad! Company shut down for the holiday!” One of the girls called back, making Taddie sigh and brace her hands on the bar, letting her head hang down. Thatcher chuckled and slid his hand over hers, making her head shoot up, her eyes flickering from his hand to his gaze as he said, “Relax, Taddie. Whatever else you have is fine, but…I actually wanted to talk to you for a few minutes, in private if I could?”

“Wha-I--Now?” Taddie asked, pulling her hand out from under his as she straightened and turned to grab another bottle of whiskey. Thatcher nodded and watched her shake up the drink before pouring it into a glass and glancing at him. He produced another $100, as usual, then shifted his fingers as she reached for it, a second appearing. 

“I’ll pay you for your time if that’s what your worried about-Missing out on tips?” Thatcher offered as she reached for the money, then stopped. She shot him a look and said, “I’m worried about not doing my part for my team, for my girls. I can get tips easy, the job not so much.”

“I promise you, you’ll never lose your job…Come sit with me for a while, Taddie. I just want to talk.” Thatcher said with a soft chuckle. Taddie chewed her lip and glanced either way down the bar, seeing the girls in their clusters as they chattered, all their tables and patrons taken care of. With a deep sigh, Taddie snatched the money from his hand and stuffed it into her bra before pushing away from the bar. Thatcher chuckled and scooped up his glass, stamping out his cigarette as Taddie made her way around the bar, stopping to tell Ash where she was going to be before meeting Thatcher at the end of the bar. He held out his hand, letting her take the lead and he followed her to a back booth that was out of the way and empty.

Sliding in, Taddie let out a deep sigh as she sat back and watched Thatcher slip in beside her, getting a little too close, making her shift a little further away. He slid his drink onto the table and laid his arm on the back of the booth, behind her, as he said, “So…Did you like the bracelet?”

Taddie blinked at him, letting out a soft gasp as she cried, “That was you?!”

Thatcher smirked and let his gaze drift over to his hand, where his fingers caught a few curls and rubbed them between his fingers as he said, “I saw you in the jewelry store and you looked so sad and disappointed…I thought you liked blue though, not purple?”

“I do, it’s not for me, it’s for--How do you know I like blue? How did--Are you stalking me?” Taddie asked, the realization dawning over her and she shifted further away from him. He caught her wrist and dragged her back to him, stroking his thumb over her inner wrist. She let out a soft gasp, staring up at him as he said, “I don’t like that word. It’s very negative--I see it as protecting…I’ve had my men following you, purely for extra protection.”

“Oh, my God. Ashlen was right--You-You really are in the mob, aren’t you?” Taddie said, softly in astonishment. Thatcher’s lips turned upward in a smirk, then he let out a deep rumble of a chuckle as he said something to her in Swedish, then in English, said, “-My family is yes…I don’t like to think that I am, however. I really am in a band. I’m more than just the rebel child, I’m the black sheep of one of the blackest marked families in Sweden.”

“So-So, wh-So, what do you want with me? I’m not abandoning my job, my dreams for some-”

“No, no, no. I’d never ask you to do that. In all honesty, the fact that you’re a painter interests me more. I love music and art, much to my family’s disapproval, among many things, but, I digress.” Thatcher said with a nonchalant sigh and a smile. Taddie took a deep breath and let it out slowly as she narrowed her gaze at him and repeated, “So, what do you want with me?”

“I want you. Simple as that.” He replied, releasing her arm and letting her lean back from him. She blinked, stunned and speechless, desperately trying to find her words as quick as she could. His eyes slid over her with an appreciative look before he continued with, “I have a proposal for you--The studio you’re saving for? How much do you have saved and how much is the space?”

“Why do you care?” Taddie shot at him. Thatcher merely raised a brow at her, holding her gaze as he brought his glass to his lips, taking a deep swig. She chewed her lip then let out an irritated sigh before she said, “It’s $5,000 outright with a $2,000 a month rent.”

“Can you make that a month?” He asked, slowly lifting his hand and sliding his fingers under her jaw, back to her neck, rubbing his fingertips into her skin. She suppressed a shiver before she shook her head and said, “N-No, that’s why-that’s why I’m still going to be working here once…If I get the studio.”

Taddie blinked a few times as she drew in a breath, shaking his hand out of her hair as she said, “Wh-Wha-What-What’s this proposal you have? What does it have to do with the studio?”

Thatcher dug into his pocket and pulled out a key on a sliver chain with a fancy P  on it. Taddie blinked and her mouth half dropped open as Thatcher said, “This is the key to my apartment. What I’m proposing, is that you stay with me for a month, play the girlfriend, completely in love couple for me, for appearances.”

“Why would I even entertain that notion? I don’t even know you, Thatcher.” She said, narrowing her gaze at him again.

“Mmm-But I know you; Thaden. Rylin. Prior. I’ve done my research well enough, trust me. And the reason you should entertain my notion…If you can spend the month with me, a full month, then I’ll not only pay for your studio, but I’ll also throw in a million dollars for your troubles. Use it for what you will, though I hope you’ll use it to create more masterpieces.” Thatcher said with a coy smirk, his voice turning to a rumble, his words drawing over her like silk and making it sound much too inviting. Taddie swallowed hard, excited at the thought of having everything paid, already doing calculations of how much she would need to purchase to set her up for at least two years, and she still had about 750,000 left to spend. But she pushed the excitement down, knowing that if he was offering this much, there was a catch and she was almost certain she knew what it was.

“If I can? What does that mean; If I can? What-What’s the catch?” Taddie asked as he reached for her again, taking a few curls between his fingers, letting out a light, but deep chuckle before he said, “You only get the money if you don’t fall in love with me at the end of the month.”

Taddie let out a laugh, then snapped her mouth shut, biting her lip through a smirk as she composed herself before she said, “Um, I-I don’t think that will be a problem, but-but let’s say for argument’s sake, I do…I don’t get the money, then what? I’ve wasted a month of my life trying for nothing?”

“Oh, no, I’ll still pay for the studio.”

Scrunching up her face, Taddie tsk’d at him as she said, “So, why even give a challenge if you’re going to do it anyway? I fall in love with you, then what?”

“We get married.” Thatcher stated, rather confidently, so much so in fact it made Taddie inhaled so fast she choked on her own spit for a moment before he chuckled and said, “After being together for at least six months to a year, of course. But if we’re already in love, then what’s the point of you leaving?”

“Why are you doing this, Thatcher? You-You don’t know me. You might have had your people follow me, but you don’t know me, and I don’t know you-”

“Then why not use this time to get to know each other?” Thatcher asked, before pushing his hand to the back of her head and bringing her closer as he curled his fingers around her roots, gently. She let out a gasp as his voice dropped a few octaves and he rumbled out, “What I want from you, Taddie-Is to come home to me every night. I’ll have a warm meal ready for you or a massage to help you go right to sleep after a long night. You’ll come to family dinner with me every Sunday and we’ll play the couple in love. Whether you feel it or not, you have a good masking skill that would fool anyone that couldn’t see through it.”

“And what makes you think your family wouldn’t see through me? Your brother, Thomas, sure did. He’s not my biggest fan and he doesn’t even know me.” Taddie shot back. He nodded along and let his nose brush against hers, making her emit a shuddered gasp and press a hand to his chest. “Thatcher, you don’t even know me. Why do you want me so bad?”

“Because I’ve been watching you, too. I like what I see and I want to know more. If you don’t want to sleep in the same bed as me, I’ll gladly give it up and take the couch. I’ll never touch you in a way to make you uncomfortable, I’ll not touch you in that way, unless you make the first move or we discuss it beforehand…The million is for a month’s worth of girlfriend treatment, going both ways, of course, so for you-There’s really no downside any way you slice it. You’ll be a kept woman for the foreseeable future if you succeed, and a kept woman if you don’t. During your trials and tribulations, I’ll obviously need to play the boyfriend--Romantic dates, surprises, gifts, special treatment around the house when we visit, around town-”

“No special treatment around town. I’m not going to have my reputation become ‘The girlfriend of the Boss’ son’. Absolutely not, Thatcher.” Taddie shot at him. His lips lifted in a smirk as he said, “You’re not saying no…As a matter of fact, that sounds like your considering it?”

“I-I’m--” Taddie snapped her mouth shut and let out a deep sigh. Thatcher chuckled and slipped the keychain into her hand as he released his hold on her hair. Dragging his hand across her cheek, he slipped his fingers under her chin and lifted it as he said, “My number is on the back of the keychain. Call me when you leave and I’ll give you the address. At least show up tonight, Taddie. Give it the week. I promise I’ll make it worth your while.”

Thatcher had dropped his head closer to hers and his lips brushed over hers as he spoke. His hot, whiskey scented breath washed over her and she felt something stir in her chest and a gushing between her thighs. She squeezed her legs tighter together as she bit her lip, staring back at him. His thumb stroked her jaw, making it drop as her lips parted in a soft whine, then they pressed together again as she curled her fingers around the edge of his jacket. Part of her desperately hoped he would kiss her, another pleaded with whatever higher power there was that he wouldn’t. She was within a hair’s breath of melting and bending to what this man wanted, something she’d been desperately fighting for the last several years.

“And if I don’t show?” Taddie asked, breathing it out in a low whisper. Thatcher let her go, beginning to dig through his pockets as he said, “Then you don’t show. I’ll come collecting my key, don’t worry. And don’t lose it.”

As he pulled out another hundred, Taddie’s hand shot up to his to stop him as she said, “No--Please, don’t. No-No more. If-If I’m going to do this…If…Then-then no more just handing me hundreds for my time. I-I need to earn it some kind of way. Tip my for the drink, tip me for a refill…”

“You know, if you’re going to do this, I’m going to be giving you more than just money. You’re going to have to get used to it one way or another, Princess.” Thatcher said, his lips lifting in a smirk as she twisted her face up and shook her head. As he tucked his money back into his pocket, he chuckled and said, “What-You don’t like pet names?”

“Don’t call me ‘Princess’ like that and talk down to me. It’s not cute, it’s arrogant and being an ass-” Thatcher quickly ducked his head down, easing his lips over hers in a deep kiss. Taddie clung to him as she kissed him back, then quickly broke it and pushed him away. He caught her arms, so he didn’t go far, then he chuckled and said, “I wasn't talking down to you, darlin’. I’d never talk down to you. How about we talk about it all tonight. If…You decide to show.”

Taddie simply nodded, watching him slide out of the booth, scooping up his drink and downing the rest of it. He gave her a wink and walked away, taking the glass up to the bar and handing it off to one of the girls. She watched him head toward the door as she slid to the edge of the booth, seeing Thatcher find her gaze and give her a smile as three of his bodyguards met him at the door. Just as she wondered where the fourth was, he came up on her side, offering his hand as she scooted out. She jumped, slightly, then gave him a sweet smile as she took his hand and he helped her out of the booth. After offering him a soft ‘Thank you’, she hurried to the bar and busied herself back with mixing drinks and cleaning down the bar. Thatcher nodded at the man as he walked out with the others, the man going back to his spot and posting up for the night.

~

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Taglist: @badwolf-in-the-impala

#Jolly Karlsson #Joakim Jolly Karlsson #Noah Sebastian #Nick Folio #Nicholas Ruffilo #Jolly Fic #Jolly Fan Fic #Jolly Karlsson Fan Fic #Bad Omens #Bad Omens Fan Fic #Mafia AU #Bad Omens Mafia AU

[jacksonroseroth]

Edited because I hella forgot a whole ass piece between chapter 1 & 2 DX XD

~The Price~Chapter 1~

Patrons in The Drunken Wench were loud and rowdy as a fight broke out and the bouncers had to not only break up the fight, but call the cops once it got too out of hand for them to control. The red and blues flashed outside and the guilty parties tried to scatter, but they were all soon taken down and to jail for trying to incite a riot. Once everything calmed down and the bar was more or less back to how it was, one of the barmaids slipped around and began sweeping through the establishment, fixing chairs, cleaning up glass and clearing off tables.

Thatcher eased past the straggling bar fighters as the cops dragged them out, patting the bouncers on the back with a light smirk. He chuckled as he and his bodyguards shuffled in, then the men behind him dispersed to different corners of the room, while Thatcher went straight to the bar and slid onto a stool. He swept his gaze over the talent they had behind the bar for the night, noting one new face as she slipped back, tossing the broken glass in her dustpan and putting it, along with the broom, away before washing her hands and jumping back in line to take orders. 

He kept an eye on her as she inched her way down, not giving any of the other barmaids any attention as they attempted to take his drink order. He watched her curls bounce around, long enough to just spill over her shoulders in a deep, rich chocolate brown color that glinted red when she walked under the lights. Her green eyes sparkled as she smiled at the patrons she mixed drinks for and her laugh floated down to him; Loud, light, and hearty.

As she approached him, wiping down the bar and quickly mixing drinks, Thatcher’s piercing green gaze poured into her as she finally slid in front of him and she lifted her head from wiping, flashing him a bright, sweet smile. Thatcher returned it as she said, “Hi. Welcome to The Drunken Wench. What can I get you?”

“Whiskey double. Shaken. Neat.” Thatcher said, watching her face as it remained neutral, but her sweet smile stuck. She gave a nod, then gestured to the wall behind her as she said, “Do you have a preference? We have Crowne, Jameson, or Rye?”

Thatcher nodded and briefly held up three fingers before he pulled out a gold plated, rectangular container, flipping it open to pull out a cigarette from a line. The woman arched a brow at him, then turned to grab a bottle of rye whiskey and glass. She turned back to set the glass on the bar, then poured about two shots worth into a metal cup, then scooped ice into it before she capped the cup and began to shake it. As Thatcher sparked up his lighter, watching her, he was impressed that she didn’t ask any extra questions about his order and got it right, to boot.

Taking a drag from his cigarette, he watched her take the cap off then slide a filter over the top before turning it upside down over the glass. She dunked both instruments into soapy water before setting them on a rubber mat to dry. As Thatcher reached for the glass, she slid back over as she asked, “Did you want to open a tab, sir?”

“No, just the double, darlin’. Thank you. Keep the change.” Thatcher said, producing a $100 bill from the inside breast pocket of his jacket and handing it to her, between two fingers. She blinked as she reached for it, freezing when the last part registered. His smirk lifted, slightly, and tilted his fingers toward her more for her to take it.

“Th-Thank you.” She said, stunned, taking the money. She stared at him for a moment, then cleared her throat as she turned away to put the ticket into the register and close him out. Thatcher took another drag then a sip of his whiskey, watching her as she broke the $100, taking 4 $20’s as change then pulled out a blue rubber bag, unzipping it. Thatcher saw the name ‘Taddie’ scrawled across it and she tucked a $20 into it, then pulled out three more, all with the names of the other barmaids on them, tucking the remaining $20’s into their bags, zipping them all and putting them back under the register when she was done. She took the remaining 5 of his change and stuffed it into the communal tip jar. Giving a nod, Thatcher downed half the glass of whiskey before taking another drag and sitting back as he cast a glance back to one of his bodyguards and giving him a nod. The man nodded back and zeroed in on the woman as he moved from his position in the corner, to the bar to grab her attention for a drink.

Thatcher wathed his man give her a polite smile and strike up a conversation with her as she made his drink. An excited, happy smile spread across her face as she happily responded to whatever it was he had said, pausing in the mixing of his drink as they locked in a quick, deep conversation, then she immediately picked up her pace again, finishing the drink and setting it on the bar for him. He handed her a card that she quickly ran, coming back with his card, the receipt and a pen for him to sign. They continued to talk as the man signed and handed the pen and receipt back, giving her a wide, flirtatious smile, to which she responded with a less than matching, polite smile, quickly moving on. Thatcher chuckled and nodded at his bodyguard as he went back to his spot, sipping on the drink.

The woman slowly made her way back down to Thatcher and he downed the rest of his drink, stamping out his cigarette in the ashtray beside him. She moved in front of him and spotted his empty glass, then reached for the bottle again as she said, “Another double for you?”

“I’m good, darlin’. Thank you.” Thatcher said, giving her a once over as her back was turned and he smirked to himself. She turned back and raised a brow, slightly, than nodded, giving him a sweet smile, moving on as she said, “Have a good night, sir.”

Thatcher smirked and pulled another $20 from his pocket, slipping it under his glass before he turned from the counter and slipped out of his chair, nodding at his men. They all abandoned their spots, converging at the front door, two walking out as their heads whipped around, while the other two stood by the door with the bouncers, waiting for Thatcher. They walked out and Taddie lifted her gaze from the drink she was mixing, watching the men file out. She shook her head with a soft sigh and pasted on a smile as she handed two drinks off, then began wiping down the bar where it was empty. She made her way back up to Thatcher’s empty seat and grabbed the glass, then stopped as she stared at the $20 he’d left as her tip.

Taddie picked it up and blinked, utterly confused. The man handed her a $100 bill for a $15 shot, telling her to keep the rest of the $85 as her tip, then left her another $20 tip on the same drink. Whether it was some weird, new flirting tactic she wasn’t aware of or the man was ridiculously rich and just wanted to throw it around, she wasn’t about to turn it down as she desperately needed the cash, which was the whole reason she took the bartending job in the first place. She would take the flirty, drunken men and the half ass passes they tried to make at her if it meant close to $300 nights in tips. Stuffing the bill into her bra, she dunked the glass into the disinfectant water, then set it on the rubber mat to dry.

As she went to the register to run a few cards, one of the other girls slunk up to her, gripping her arm with a wide eyed stare. Taddie glanced at her then snickered as she shook her head and said, “What’s the look for, Ash? Who’s the hottie you’re after now?”

“Not me-You, bitch! You have no idea who that even was you were serving, do you?” Ash asked, leaning one hand on the counter, planting the other on her hip. Taddie chuckled and gave a shrug, glancing up at the perky blonde as her blue eyes sparkled with excitement.

“No? Just some guy? Loaded, by the way he’s throwing around hundred’s like they’re ones…Why? Who is he? Some hotshot Wall Street banker or something?” Taddie asked as she closed out tabs and waited for receipts. Ash tsk’d at her and sighed, shaking her head as she said, “You’ve heard of the Price family? The Swedish Mafia family?”

“Oh, please. I’ve heard those rumors. If this bar was owned by the mob, I think they’d do better--They don’t want cops crawling all over the place.” Taddie said with a soft, disbelieving laugh. Ash gave her a look and said, “Alright, you’re new to Virginia, especially Roanoke. The mob is very present here, but the Swedes do a very good job of hiding themselves.”

“I thought you hated the mob in Roanoke?” Taddie asked, giving her a look. Ash gave a shrug and said, “I’m not gonna lie and say they aren’t attractive. They’re good to look at. ‘Bout it.”

“Okay, so who is he? The head honcho? The son? The cousin? The best friend? What, Ash?” Taddie asked, going along with her friend, though she very much did not believe her.

“He’s Thatcher Price. The youngest. He has like 6 brothers that are all in the business. Thatcher is the rebel, likes to bullshit around town, plays in a band-”

“He plays in a band? Mr. All Black, Fancy Cuff Links and Silver Chain? Yeah, I caught that, by the way.” Taddie said, shooting her friend a look and raising her brow. Ash smirked and let out a soft, swoon sounding sigh.

“Yeah, they all look real good when they clean up…Um, no-Really, he’s in a heavy metal band and his father hates it. Loathes when he goes on gigs and shit. He zeroed in on you, Tads. I’d keep an eye out. The Price brothers are a little rough with their women. I dunno about Thatcher? But he might not be completely the black sheep he’s made himself out to be…Just be careful, okay?” Ash said, giving her a firm look as Taddie grabbed her receipts and a few pens, nodding along.

“Ash, you’ve seen me handle myself. I don’t think a spoiled, little rich boy is gonna be able to shake me.” Taddie said with a soft laugh, giving Ash a bubbly smile and wrinkled her nose at her before flitting away to hand back cards.

~

Over the next several months, Thatcher made frequent stops to The Drunken Wench when Taddie was working. With one of his brothers taking it over from their father 4 years prior, Thatcher was able to get a hold of her schedule, even tweaked it once or twice to give her a few days off when he found she needed it, other times to coincide with when he’d come back into town after being dragged on a business trip. While he wanted to talk to Taddie himself, he was more interested in how she interacted with his bodyguards and his other friends he sent over to her, watching her closely as she spoke with the men.

Thatcher was the middle of 4 brothers and rebellious as any middle child. He held no interest in his father’s ‘business’ dealings, in complete contrast to his three brothers, who gladly took over where ever their father had felt they were ready to. His oldest brother, Thomas, was his father’s heir and there was no disputing that; He was by his father’s side on a daily basis, learning how to run the business to one day take it over. Thomas was 6’3 with a constant brooding expression boring out through his near jet black eyes, they were such a deep shade of dark brown. His hair matched, dark and hanging past his ears that glittered with a single diamond earring in each ear.

Tristan and Theo were the youngest, and twins; Tristan running the bar and Theo running the strip club down the street. Fraternal twins, Tristan was the oldest and taller of the two, with dark brown hair and bright blue eyes, making him swoonable toward any woman he looked at, Theo having dirty blonde hair and green eyes that matched Thatcher’s. Though both had their own much softer, more angelic features than Thomas or Thatcher.

While the three were quite happy and content taking their place in the family business, Thatcher was always somewhat repulsed by the idea behind the mob, but seeing the advantage of being the son of a mob boss is what made him stick around to use and abuse it to his benefit. He joined a local band in Richmond, he dedicated most of his time toward it and soon fell in love with music, though he’d never tell his father that. Thatcher was far more interested in the arts and music than he was in shaking down local businesses that were already struggling to begin with. He was glad his family was able to provide protection from other mob families that constantly tried to take over the small town, but not at the cost his father made them pay.

Luckily, Tristan told his older brother he could always come to The Drunken Wench and do what he pleased and their father would never know. Thatcher was often there to find a semi drunk, but still consenting woman to bring home and have a wild night with, or hustle a few drunken assholes out of a few hundred bucks, only once having gotten into an all out brawl, from which Tristan dragged Thatcher away from it and shoved him in the back room to keep him out of any police reports that would travel back to their father. Now, however, he had a new interest that brought him to the bar and kept him out of trouble, for once…For now.

Taddie noticed Thatcher frequenting the bar more often, but always got the same order and left her with a whole extra $100 tip from a $15 drink. She questioned his motives, but never said anything as she’d amassed quite the savings in the last several months, her piggy bank overflowing with $20’s and $50’s. Around the same time, she also noticed a slew of men had begun to order about 2-3 drinks from her, leaving her rather generous tips. What was suspect about it, was they all had something new they asked about her. 

The first was what she did outside of bartending, to which she responded that she was an aspiring painter and saving to get a small studio space to work and display her pieces. Another asked if she ever did anything outdoors or like being outdoors. There was a brief and passionate conversation about camping, something Taddie had been dying to start up again since she moved from California to Virginia, moving in with Ash to start over. A few asked about her perfume, though she wasn’t wearing any, and they started guessing her favorite scents. She gently corrected them, not wanting to really engage with a few of them, but otherwise let it go. As it neared Christmas and the snowfall got heavier, Thatcher began plotting and making moves of his own.

~

It was a busy Friday night when Thatcher stopped by, brushing the snow from his jacket before he slipped it off and one of his bodyguards took it from him before he went to the bar and his usual seat. Taddie had seen him walk in this time, finding it odd that he handed off his jacket, then watched as the posse he walked in with split up as he headed toward her. Taddie took a deep breath as she finished the slew of drink orders she’d been given, then quickly handed them off to the other girls to deliver them to their tables. Wiping down her section of the bar then her hands, she went over to Thatcher and grabbed the bottle of rye whiskey that they were now running low on, again.

As she shook up and poured out his drink, she said, “You’re back again. Not surprising…At any point were you going to tell me you’re name?”

“Why would I do that? We’ve never spoken more than a few words to each other.” Thatcher said with a teasing smirk as she set the glass on the counter and he quickly produced a $100 bill. Taddie narrowed her gaze at him, snatching it from him and waving it back in his face as she said, “That’s why…If you’re gonna be handing over hundreds, I think I should at least know your name?”

“Thatcher.”

“Thank you…Uh-Um, th-thank you.” Taddie snapped, quickly changing her tone when she realized. Thatcher raised a brow at her then chuckled as he lifted his glass to his lips, taking a slow sip. She bit her lip and let out a soft huff, holding up the bill again as she added, “Why though? I’m-Not that I’m complaining…I just-I don’t understand. You get a double whiskey then leave…Why?”

Thatcher gave a shrug as he set the glass down and folded his arms over the bar with a small smirk as he said, “Because I can? I felt like it? If you don’t want it, give it back.”

“Never said I didn’t want it--Just said I was curious…I-I…I kind of need the money, so-so thank you.” Taddie said, chewing her lip before she gave her head a shake and turned to make the change, then split it between the girls that were working, as she did every so often. Thatcher watched her with a smirk and took another sip, waiting for her to come back.

“So, you split the tip instead of taking the whole thing, because you kind of need the money…Why?” Thatcher asked, dragging his gaze up to her with a knowing smirk. Taddie pursed her lips, slightly, trying not to smirk in embarrassment of being caught. He chuckled and pulled his gold cigarette case from his breast pocket, taking out a cigarette and his lighter, glancing up at her, waiting for an answer. Taddie tapped her manicured nails on the bar a few times before she pushed off it.

“Because some of the other girls need it more than me. They’ve got kids, medical shit, bills upon bills upon bills…Money is the only reason most of us are working here. At least in my case, this isn’t what I want to do and the last job I would take…Which…Is why I’m here.” Taddie said, looking away as she began to squirm under his intense gaze. Thatcher lit the end of his cigarette then quickly tucked the lighter in his pocket as he said, “Why are you here? What do you want to do?”

As if he didn’t already know.

“I, um…Well, I’m-I’m actually saving for a studio that’s still for rent downtown. I’m an aspiring painter, I need space.” Taddie said, a genuine smile slowly creeping across her face. Thatcher’s smile lifted as he nodded and he lifted his cigarette for another drag.

“Painter? Mmm--Might need to talk to my boys, have you commission something for us.” He said, closing his lips around the filter and taking a deep drag, one he ghosted before blowing out, away from Taddie’s face. She raised a brow, laughing in her head at the thought of being invited to the family mansion and painting a portrait of the secret Swedish Mafia family of Roanoke.

“Commission? For who? You and your brothers or something?” Taddie asked.

“How do you know I have brothers?” Thatcher asked, smirking at her as he lifted his glass for another sip.

“You give younger brother energy-Rebel child…Do you have brothers?” Taddie questioned, raising a brow at him as she spread her arms across the bar as she planted her hands on it. Thatcher chuckled and nodded, setting his glass down.

“Three-Older brother, me, then the twins. Middle child syndrome, is what you’re getting.” Thatcher said, taking a quick drag. Taddie nodded and slowly leaned back from the bar, twisting the rag in her hand, pretending to dry them off.

“Alright, then.”

“So,  you’d do a commission for me and my brothers too? I was actually talking about my band.” Thatcher said, ashing his cigarette in the ashtray before bringing it to his lips again. Taddie raised her brows as an amused smirk crossed her face, chuckling softly. Thatcher raised his brows as well, surprised by the reaction. He blew his smoke just past her head as he rumbled at her, “Something funny?”

“I ju-I’m sorry…I can’t see you in a band. Everytime you come in here, it’s all black, all fancy, all suit. I-I can’t picture anything else?” Taddie said with a soft chuckle. Thatcher arched a brow as he took a deep swig of his drink.

“So, we picture me in something other than a suit?” He teased, making her jaw drop a little more, caught off guard by the question. She stammered a little and swallowed, hard, before she cleared her throat and glanced away as he snickered to himself. “Yes, I’m in a band. Metal band, in fact. Can you picture me in that?”

Taddie bit her lip as she felt her cheeks heat and she darted her eyes away. Thatcher slid his tongue over his lower lip, lightly, letting his gaze drag over her, then back up as she looked at him again, opening her mouth to respond, when someone called her name, soon followed by glass shattering from across the bar. Her head snapped over and he glanced over his shoulder. Turning back to her, he blinked when he saw she was gone, then looked around, seeing her flying down the bar and around it, shooting over to a booth where two men sat, grappling with a third that had stepped in on behalf of the waitress they were harassing. Thatcher abandoned his cigarette in the ashtray and his drink on the bar, following her as he made eye contact with two of his men, who quickly made a beeline to the altercation.

“-You want her? You can fuckin’ have the whore!” One of the problem men hollared at the third man, who stood between the table and the waitress, who cowered behind him. The third man shouted at him, then sent a cross hook to his jaw that started an brawl between the three, a fourth man jumping in to aid the third.

“Hey! Hey! Knock it off! Break it up, asshole! Hey!” Taddie shrieked at them, managing to pull one of the problem men off and shoving him into a table.

“You want to go, bitch!? Fuck off! This isn’t your fight, cunt!” He shouted at her. Taddie grabbed his shoulders and shot her knee into his groin, making him double over as the breath whooshed out of him and he collapsed.

“That’s for me. Your boy will get it for my girl.” Taddie spat at him, planting her foot on his side and giving him a shove, pushing him onto his side. One of the men she’d seen walk in with Thatcher grabbed the man, another accompanying him and dragging him to the door, shoving him at the bouncers before they headed back to break up the rest of the fight. Taddie quickly turned and grabbed the waitress, tucking her away from the brawl as she screamed at the men to stop fighting. Thatcher’s bodyguards hurried back and tore the men apart, the two that came to the rescue immediately backing off once the other man was subdued and dragged away by the bouncers.

“-And make sure you get their licenses and put them on the list, Charlie! Fuck-Natasha, are you alright, babe?” Taddie shouted to the bouncers, lowering and softening her voice as she turned to the brunette waitress, Natasha, and consoled her as she shook like a leaf.

“Ye-Yeah-Yeah, yeah, I’m-I’m fine. Ju-Just a little, um…Shaken. Can-Can I take ten or-or something?” She asked, looking at Taddie as she let out a shaky breath. Taddie shook her head and said, “No. You’re going home. It’s Friday, we’ve got the bar, it’ll die down soon anyway-Go be with your kids, Tash. Don’t forget your tip bag.”

“Are you sure? Okay-Thank you so much, Taddie.” Natasha said, giving Taddie a tight hug before taking off to the back, ripping off her apron. Taddie sighed and thanked the two men that had jumped in to save and defend Natasha, offering them drinks on the house for their heroics. They agreed, happily, and headed off to the bar to claim them, while Taddie sighed and turned to the table, clearing it off. As she muttered to herself, she’d completely forgotten about Thatcher until she turned and gasped, seeing him standing behind her.

“That was quite the jewel destroyer you gave that guy. Not as innocent as you look, are you?” He asked with a charming smirk. Taddie let out a huff of a sigh and moved around him as she said, “Never said I was innocent. He called me a cunt so I tried to make him one of his own, he loved the word so much.”

Thatcher raised a brow with a soft snicker and followed her at a slower pace, returning to his seat, his drink and his cigarette. Sliding onto the barstool, he watched her plunge the dishes into the disinfectant water, scrubbing them with a sponge before setting them on the rubber mat, then beginning to move around the place, cleaning up. Thatcher took another drag before he stamped out his cigarette and downed the rest of his drink, slipping a $100 under the glass this time. He cast another glance down the bar as Taddie returned, then turned and signaled to his bodyguards that he was ready to go.

Taddie glanced at him as he walked out, watching the four men converge on him at the door, one handing him his jacket that he slipped on before they walked out into the cold Virginia air. She ducked to the back room for a breather, dropping into the armchair with a sighed and closing her eyes. She let out a deep groan as she stretched, then sighed as she curled up and pulled out her phone, scrolling for a few minutes. She shifted in the chair, with another sigh, then closed her eyes as she cradled her phone against her stomach, letting herself drift off for a while.

~

Before she knew it, there was a sudden burst of chatter that startled her awake, making her gasp and sit up quickly, rubbing her eyes with a soft groan. As she shifted in the chair, yawning and looking around, she saw all the girls taking off their aprons and switching shoes as they grabbed their things. Taddie blinked as she braced her hands on the cushion, letting her mouth hang open for a while before she pushed herself to stand.

“Um, okay, why is everyone changing and getting ready to leave? We-We still have like 4 more hours-”

“We’re closed, Tads. It’s 2:30.” Ash said with a chuckle, tossing Taddie her jacket and bag. Taddie let out an oof as she caught them, slightly stumbling back as she was still half asleep.

“I’m sorry-So, what you’re telling me is, you let me sleep the last four hours of my shift?!” Taddie cried at her, giving her a half scared, half incredulous look. Ash chuckled, as did the other girls, going to her friend as she tossed her things onto the chair and went to the door.

“Tads! Tad-Chill out. We had it handled. You needed a break anyway.” Ash said, catching Taddie’s arm. She whirled around and shot Ash a look as she said, “And if Vincey came in while I was snoozing in the back? He would have fired me on the spot. Don’t let me sleep that long again, Ashlen. Seriously.”

“Well, Vincey didn’t show up, so we let you sleep. Come on, let’s go home.” Ash said, guiding her back to the chair and pushing her jacket at her. Taddie sighed and reluctantly shoved her arms into the holes before she tore off her apron and stuffed it into hers and Ash’s shared locker, kicking off her shoes and stuffing her feet into her grey sherpa boots before grabbing her bag from the chair. Ash grabbed her bag and closed the locker, both her and Taddie making their way out with the rest of the girls, through the back door.

As their boots crunched in the freshly fallen and still falling snow, headed for the car, Thatcher watched her from across the street in the comfort of his heated and illegaly tinted SUV. Taddie intrigued him and the fact she had a wit about her made it grow. She seemed shut off from her true emotions, save when she spoke about art. Though it was a brief conversation, he’d seen the sparkle in her eye grow when they talked about her art. He made a note to be back on a day when they were slower so he could actually speak to her and discuss his proposition.

~

Well, shit, here we go. DX XD

Let me know what you guys think! If you want to be added to a taglist for future chapters, send me a message or drop a comment!

@badwolf-in-the-impala

[jacksonroseroth]

~The Price~Chapter 1~

Patrons in The Drunken Wench were loud and rowdy as a fight broke out and the bouncers had to not only break up the fight, but call the cops once it got too out of hand for them to control. The red and blues flashed outside and the guilty parties tried to scatter, but they were all soon taken down and to jail for trying to incite a riot. Once everything calmed down and the bar was more or less back to how it was, one of the barmaids slipped around and began sweeping through the establishment, fixing chairs, cleaning up glass and clearing off tables.

Thatcher eased past the straggling bar fighters as the cops dragged them out, patting the bouncers on the back with a light smirk. He chuckled as he and his bodyguards shuffled in, then the men behind him dispersed to different corners of the room, while Thatcher went straight to the bar and slid onto a stool. He swept his gaze over the talent they had behind the bar for the night, noting one new face as she slipped back, tossing the broken glass in her dustpan and putting it, along with the broom, away before washing her hands and jumping back in line to take orders. 

He kept an eye on her as she inched her way down, not giving any of the other barmaids any attention as they attempted to take his drink order. He watched her curls bounce around, long enough to just spill over her shoulders in a deep, rich chocolate brown color that glinted red when she walked under the lights. Her green eyes sparkled as she smiled at the patrons she mixed drinks for and her laugh floated down to him; Loud, light, and hearty.

As she approached him, wiping down the bar and quickly mixing drinks, Thatcher’s piercing green gaze poured into her as she finally slid in front of him and she lifted her head from wiping, flashing him a bright, sweet smile. Thatcher returned it as she said, “Hi. Welcome to The Drunken Wench. What can I get you?”

“Whiskey double. Shaken. Neat.” Thatcher said, watching her face as it remained neutral, but her sweet smile stuck. She gave a nod, then gestured to the wall behind her as she said, “Do you have a preference? We have Crowne, Jameson, or Rye?”

Thatcher nodded and briefly held up three fingers before he pulled out a gold plated, rectangular container, flipping it open to pull out a cigarette from a line. The woman arched a brow at him, then turned to grab a bottle of rye whiskey and glass. She turned back to set the glass on the bar, then poured about two shots worth into a metal cup, then scooped ice into it before she capped the cup and began to shake it. As Thatcher sparked up his lighter, watching her, he was impressed that she didn’t ask any extra questions about his order and got it right, to boot.

Taking a drag from his cigarette, he watched her take the cap off then slide a filter over the top before turning it upside down over the glass. She dunked both instruments into soapy water before setting them on a rubber mat to dry. As Thatcher reached for the glass, she slid back over as she asked, “Did you want to open a tab, sir?”

“No, just the double, darlin’. Thank you. Keep the change.” Thatcher said, producing a $100 bill from the inside breast pocket of his jacket and handing it to her, between two fingers. She blinked as she reached for it, freezing when the last part registered. His smirk lifted, slightly, and tilted his fingers toward her more for her to take it.

“Th-Thank you.” She said, stunned, taking the money. She stared at him for a moment, then cleared her throat as she turned away to put the ticket into the register and close him out. Thatcher took another drag then a sip of his whiskey, watching her as she broke the $100, taking 4 $20’s as change then pulled out a blue rubber bag, unzipping it. Thatcher saw the name ‘Taddie’ scrawled across it and she tucked a $20 into it, then pulled out three more, all with the names of the other barmaids on them, tucking the remaining $20’s into their bags, zipping them all and putting them back under the register when she was done. She took the remaining 5 of his change and stuffed it into the communal tip jar. Giving a nod, Thatcher downed half the glass of whiskey before taking another drag and sitting back as he cast a glance back to one of his bodyguards and giving him a nod. The man nodded back and zeroed in on the woman as he moved from his position in the corner, to the bar to grab her attention for a drink.

Thatcher wathed his man give her a polite smile and strike up a conversation with her as she made his drink. An excited, happy smile spread across her face as she happily responded to whatever it was he had said, pausing in the mixing of his drink as they locked in a quick, deep conversation, then she immediately picked up her pace again, finishing the drink and setting it on the bar for him. He handed her a card that she quickly ran, coming back with his card, the receipt and a pen for him to sign. They continued to talk as the man signed and handed the pen and receipt back, giving her a wide, flirtatious smile, to which she responded with a less than matching, polite smile, quickly moving on. Thatcher chuckled and nodded at his bodyguard as he went back to his spot, sipping on the drink.

The woman slowly made her way back down to Thatcher and he downed the rest of his drink, stamping out his cigarette in the ashtray beside him. She moved in front of him and spotted his empty glass, then reached for the bottle again as she said, “Another double for you?”

“I’m good, darlin’. Thank you.” Thatcher said, giving her a once over as her back was turned and he smirked to himself. She turned back and raised a brow, slightly, than nodded, giving him a sweet smile, moving on as she said, “Have a good night, sir.”

Thatcher smirked and pulled another $20 from his pocket, slipping it under his glass before he turned from the counter and slipped out of his chair, nodding at his men. They all abandoned their spots, converging at the front door, two walking out as their heads whipped around, while the other two stood by the door with the bouncers, waiting for Thatcher. They walked out and Taddie lifted her gaze from the drink she was mixing, watching the men file out. She shook her head with a soft sigh and pasted on a smile as she handed two drinks off, then began wiping down the bar where it was empty. She made her way back up to Thatcher’s empty seat and grabbed the glass, then stopped as she stared at the $20 he’d left as her tip.

Taddie picked it up and blinked, utterly confused. The man handed her a $100 bill for a $15 shot, telling her to keep the rest of the $85 as her tip, then left her another $20 tip on the same drink. Whether it was some weird, new flirting tactic she wasn’t aware of or the man was ridiculously rich and just wanted to throw it around, she wasn’t about to turn it down as she desperately needed the cash, which was the whole reason she took the bartending job in the first place. She would take the flirty, drunken men and the half ass passes they tried to make at her if it meant close to $300 nights in tips. Stuffing the bill into her bra, she dunked the glass into the disinfectant water, then set it on the rubber mat to dry.

As she went to the register to run a few cards, one of the other girls slunk up to her, gripping her arm with a wide eyed stare. Taddie glanced at her then snickered as she shook her head and said, “What’s the look for, Ash? Who’s the hottie you’re after now?”

“Not me-You, bitch! You have no idea who that even was you were serving, do you?” Ash asked, leaning one hand on the counter, planting the other on her hip. Taddie chuckled and gave a shrug, glancing up at the perky blonde as her blue eyes sparkled with excitement.

“No? Just some guy? Loaded, by the way he’s throwing around hundred’s like they’re ones…Why? Who is he? Some hotshot Wall Street banker or something?” Taddie asked as she closed out tabs and waited for receipts. Ash tsk’d at her and sighed, shaking her head as she said, “You’ve heard of the Price family? The Swedish Mafia family?”

“Oh, please. I’ve heard those rumors. If this bar was owned by the mob, I think they’d do better--They don’t want cops crawling all over the place.” Taddie said with a soft, disbelieving laugh. Ash gave her a look and said, “Alright, you’re new to Virginia, especially Roanoke. The mob is very present here, but the Swedes do a very good job of hiding themselves.”

“I thought you hated the mob in Roanoke?” Taddie asked, giving her a look. Ash gave a shrug and said, “I’m not gonna lie and say they aren’t attractive. They’re good to look at. ‘Bout it.”

“Okay, so who is he? The head honcho? The son? The cousin? The best friend? What, Ash?” Taddie asked, going along with her friend, though she very much did not believe her.

“He’s Thatcher Price. The youngest. He has like 6 brothers that are all in the business. Thatcher is the rebel, likes to bullshit around town, plays in a band-”

“He plays in a band? Mr. All Black, Fancy Cuff Links and Silver Chain? Yeah, I caught that, by the way.” Taddie said, shooting her friend a look and raising her brow. Ash smirked and let out a soft, swoon sounding sigh.

“Yeah, they all look real good when they clean up…Um, no-Really, he’s in a heavy metal band and his father hates it. Loathes when he goes on gigs and shit. He zeroed in on you, Tads. I’d keep an eye out. The Price brothers are a little rough with their women. I dunno about Thatcher? But he might not be completely the black sheep he’s made himself out to be…Just be careful, okay?” Ash said, giving her a firm look as Taddie grabbed her receipts and a few pens, nodding along.

“Ash, you’ve seen me handle myself. I don’t think a spoiled, little rich boy is gonna be able to shake me.” Taddie said with a soft laugh, giving Ash a bubbly smile and wrinkled her nose at her before flitting away to hand back cards.

~

Over the next several months, Thatcher made frequent stops to The Drunken Wench when Taddie was working. With one of his brothers taking it over from their father 4 years prior, Thatcher was able to get a hold of her schedule, even tweaked it once or twice to give her a few days off when he found she needed it, other times to coincide with when he’d come back into town after being dragged on a business trip. While he wanted to talk to Taddie himself, he was more interested in how she interacted with his bodyguards and his other friends he sent over to her, watching her closely as she spoke with the men.

Thatcher was the middle of 4 brothers and rebellious as any middle child. He held no interest in his father’s ‘business’ dealings, in complete contrast to his three brothers, who gladly took over where ever their father had felt they were ready to. His oldest brother, Thomas, was his father’s heir and there was no disputing that; He was by his father’s side on a daily basis, learning how to run the business to one day take it over. Thomas was 6’3 with a constant brooding expression boring out through his near jet black eyes, they were such a deep shade of dark brown. His hair matched, dark and hanging past his ears that glittered with a single diamond earring in each ear.

Tristan and Theo were the youngest, and twins; Tristan running the bar and Theo running the strip club down the street. Fraternal twins, Tristan was the oldest and taller of the two, with dark brown hair and bright blue eyes, making him swoonable toward any woman he looked at, Theo having dirty blonde hair and green eyes that matched Thatcher’s. Though both had their own much softer, more angelic features than Thomas or Thatcher.

While the three were quite happy and content taking their place in the family business, Thatcher was always somewhat repulsed by the idea behind the mob, but seeing the advantage of being the son of a mob boss is what made him stick around to use and abuse it to his benefit. He joined a local band in Richmond, he dedicated most of his time toward it and soon fell in love with music, though he’d never tell his father that. Thatcher was far more interested in the arts and music than he was in shaking down local businesses that were already struggling to begin with. He was glad his family was able to provide protection from other mob families that constantly tried to take over the small town, but not at the cost his father made them pay.

Luckily, Tristan told his older brother he could always come to The Drunken Wench and do what he pleased and their father would never know. Thatcher was often there to find a semi drunk, but still consenting woman to bring home and have a wild night with, or hustle a few drunken assholes out of a few hundred bucks, only once having gotten into an all out brawl, from which Tristan dragged Thatcher away from it and shoved him in the back room to keep him out of any police reports that would travel back to their father. Now, however, he had a new interest that brought him to the bar and kept him out of trouble, for once…For now.

Taddie noticed Thatcher frequenting the bar more often, but always got the same order and left her with a whole extra $100 tip from a $15 drink. She questioned his motives, but never said anything as she’d amassed quite the savings in the last several months, her piggy bank overflowing with $20’s and $50’s. Around the same time, she also noticed a slew of men had begun to order about 2-3 drinks from her, leaving her rather generous tips. What was suspect about it, was they all had something new they asked about her. 

The first was what she did outside of bartending, to which she responded that she was an aspiring painter and saving to get a small studio space to work and display her pieces. Another asked if she ever did anything outdoors or like being outdoors. There was a brief and passionate conversation about camping, something Taddie had been dying to start up again since she moved from California to Virginia, moving in with Ash to start over. A few asked about her perfume, though she wasn’t wearing any, and they started guessing her favorite scents. She gently corrected them, not wanting to really engage with a few of them, but otherwise let it go. As it neared Christmas and the snowfall got heavier, Thatcher began plotting and making moves of his own.

~

It was a busy Friday night when Thatcher stopped by, brushing the snow from his jacket before he slipped it off and one of his bodyguards took it from him before he went to the bar and his usual seat. Taddie had seen him walk in this time, finding it odd that he handed off his jacket, then watched as the posse he walked in with split up as he headed toward her. Taddie took a deep breath as she finished the slew of drink orders she’d been given, then quickly handed them off to the other girls to deliver them to their tables. Wiping down her section of the bar then her hands, she went over to Thatcher and grabbed the bottle of rye whiskey that they were now running low on, again.

As she shook up and poured out his drink, she said, “You’re back again. Not surprising…At any point were you going to tell me you’re name?”

“Why would I do that? We’ve never spoken more than a few words to each other.” Thatcher said with a teasing smirk as she set the glass on the counter and he quickly produced a $100 bill. Taddie narrowed her gaze at him, snatching it from him and waving it back in his face as she said, “That’s why…If you’re gonna be handing over hundreds, I think I should at least know your name?”

“Thatcher.”

“Thank you…Uh-Um, th-thank you.” Taddie snapped, quickly changing her tone when she realized. Thatcher raised a brow at her then chuckled as he lifted his glass to his lips, taking a slow sip. She bit her lip and let out a soft huff, holding up the bill again as she added, “Why though? I’m-Not that I’m complaining…I just-I don’t understand. You get a double whiskey then leave…Why?”

Thatcher gave a shrug as he set the glass down and folded his arms over the bar with a small smirk as he said, “Because I can? I felt like it? If you don’t want it, give it back.”

“Never said I didn’t want it--Just said I was curious…I-I…I kind of need the money, so-so thank you.” Taddie said, chewing her lip before she gave her head a shake and turned to make the change, then split it between the girls that were working, as she did every so often. Thatcher watched her with a smirk and took another sip, waiting for her to come back.

“So, you split the tip instead of taking the whole thing, because you kind of need the money…Why?” Thatcher asked, dragging his gaze up to her with a knowing smirk. Taddie pursed her lips, slightly, trying not to smirk in embarrassment of being caught. He chuckled and pulled his gold cigarette case from his breast pocket, taking out a cigarette and his lighter, glancing up at her, waiting for an answer. Taddie tapped her manicured nails on the bar a few times before she pushed off it.

“Because some of the other girls need it more than me. They’ve got kids, medical shit, bills upon bills upon bills…Money is the only reason most of us are working here. At least in my case, this isn’t what I want to do and the last job I would take…Which…Is why I’m here.” Taddie said, looking away as she began to squirm under his intense gaze. Thatcher lit the end of his cigarette then quickly tucked the lighter in his pocket as he said, “Why are you here? What do you want to do?”

As if he didn’t already know.

“I, um…Well, I’m-I’m actually saving for a studio that’s still for rent downtown. I’m an aspiring painter, I need space.” Taddie said, a genuine smile slowly creeping across her face. Thatcher’s smile lifted as he nodded and he lifted his cigarette for another drag.

“Painter? Mmm--Might need to talk to my boys, have you commission something for us.” He said, closing his lips around the filter and taking a deep drag, one he ghosted before blowing out, away from Taddie’s face. She raised a brow, laughing in her head at the thought of being invited to the family mansion and painting a portrait of the secret Swedish Mafia family of Roanoke.

“Commission? For who? You and your brothers or something?” Taddie asked.

“How do you know I have brothers?” Thatcher asked, smirking at her as he lifted his glass for another sip.

“You give younger brother energy-Rebel child…Do you have brothers?” Taddie questioned, raising a brow at him as she spread her arms across the bar as she planted her hands on it. Thatcher chuckled and nodded, setting his glass down.

“Three-Older brother, me, then the twins. Middle child syndrome, is what you’re getting.” Thatcher said, taking a quick drag. Taddie nodded and slowly leaned back from the bar, twisting the rag in her hand, pretending to dry them off.

“Alright, then.”

“So,  you’d do a commission for me and my brothers too? I was actually talking about my band.” Thatcher said, ashing his cigarette in the ashtray before bringing it to his lips again. Taddie raised her brows as an amused smirk crossed her face, chuckling softly. Thatcher raised his brows as well, surprised by the reaction. He blew his smoke just past her head as he rumbled at her, “Something funny?”

“I ju-I’m sorry…I can’t see you in a band. Everytime you come in here, it’s all black, all fancy, all suit. I-I can’t picture anything else?” Taddie said with a soft chuckle. Thatcher arched a brow as he took a deep swig of his drink.

“So, we picture me in something other than a suit?” He teased, making her jaw drop a little more, caught off guard by the question. She stammered a little and swallowed, hard, before she cleared her throat and glanced away as he snickered to himself. “Yes, I’m in a band. Metal band, in fact. Can you picture me in that?”

Taddie bit her lip as she felt her cheeks heat and she darted her eyes away. Thatcher slid his tongue over his lower lip, lightly, letting his gaze drag over her, then back up as she looked at him again, opening her mouth to respond, when someone called her name, soon followed by glass shattering from across the bar. Her head snapped over and he glanced over his shoulder. Turning back to her, he blinked when he saw she was gone, then looked around, seeing her flying down the bar and around it, shooting over to a booth where two men sat, grappling with a third that had stepped in on behalf of the waitress they were harassing. Thatcher abandoned his cigarette in the ashtray and his drink on the bar, following her as he made eye contact with two of his men, who quickly made a beeline to the altercation.

“-You want her? You can fuckin’ have the whore!” One of the problem men hollared at the third man, who stood between the table and the waitress, who cowered behind him. The third man shouted at him, then sent a cross hook to his jaw that started an brawl between the three, a fourth man jumping in to aid the third.

“Hey! Hey! Knock it off! Break it up, asshole! Hey!” Taddie shrieked at them, managing to pull one of the problem men off and shoving him into a table.

“You want to go, bitch!? Fuck off! This isn’t your fight, cunt!” He shouted at her. Taddie grabbed his shoulders and shot her knee into his groin, making him double over as the breath whooshed out of him and he collapsed.

“That’s for me. Your boy will get it for my girl.” Taddie spat at him, planting her foot on his side and giving him a shove, pushing him onto his side. One of the men she’d seen walk in with Thatcher grabbed the man, another accompanying him and dragging him to the door, shoving him at the bouncers before they headed back to break up the rest of the fight. Taddie quickly turned and grabbed the waitress, tucking her away from the brawl as she screamed at the men to stop fighting. Thatcher’s bodyguards hurried back and tore the men apart, the two that came to the rescue immediately backing off once the other man was subdued and dragged away by the bouncers.

“-And make sure you get their licenses and put them on the list, Charlie! Fuck-Natasha, are you alright, babe?” Taddie shouted to the bouncers, lowering and softening her voice as she turned to the brunette waitress, Natasha, and consoled her as she shook like a leaf.

“Ye-Yeah-Yeah, yeah, I’m-I’m fine. Ju-Just a little, um…Shaken. Can-Can I take ten or-or something?” She asked, looking at Taddie as she let out a shaky breath. Taddie shook her head and said, “No. You’re going home. It’s Friday, we’ve got the bar, it’ll die down soon anyway-Go be with your kids, Tash. Don’t forget your tip bag.”

“Are you sure? Okay-Thank you so much, Taddie.” Natasha said, giving Taddie a tight hug before taking off to the back, ripping off her apron. Taddie sighed and thanked the two men that had jumped in to save and defend Natasha, offering them drinks on the house for their heroics. They agreed, happily, and headed off to the bar to claim them, while Taddie sighed and turned to the table, clearing it off. As she muttered to herself, she’d completely forgotten about Thatcher until she turned and gasped, seeing him standing behind her.

“That was quite the jewel destroyer you gave that guy. Not as innocent as you look, are you?” He asked with a charming smirk. Taddie let out a huff of a sigh and moved around him as she said, “Never said I was innocent. He called me a cunt so I tried to make him one of his own, he loved the word so much.”

Thatcher raised a brow with a soft snicker and followed her at a slower pace, returning to his seat, his drink and his cigarette. Sliding onto the barstool, he watched her plunge the dishes into the disinfectant water, scrubbing them with a sponge before setting them on the rubber mat, then beginning to move around the place, cleaning up. Thatcher took another drag before he stamped out his cigarette and downed the rest of his drink, slipping a $100 under the glass this time. He cast another glance down the bar as Taddie returned, then turned and signaled to his bodyguards that he was ready to go.

Taddie glanced at him as he walked out, watching the four men converge on him at the door, one handing him his jacket that he slipped on before they walked out into the cold Virginia air. She ducked to the back room for a breather, dropping into the armchair with a sighed and closing her eyes. She let out a deep groan as she stretched, then sighed as she curled up and pulled out her phone, scrolling for a few minutes. She shifted in the chair, with another sigh, then closed her eyes as she cradled her phone against her stomach, letting herself drift off for a while.

~

Before she knew it, there was a sudden burst of chatter that startled her awake, making her gasp and sit up quickly, rubbing her eyes with a soft groan. As she shifted in the chair, yawning and looking around, she saw all the girls taking off their aprons and switching shoes as they grabbed their things. Taddie blinked as she braced her hands on the cushion, letting her mouth hang open for a while before she pushed herself to stand.

“Um, okay, why is everyone changing and getting ready to leave? We-We still have like 4 more hours-”

“We’re closed, Tads. It’s 2:30.” Ash said with a chuckle, tossing Taddie her jacket and bag. Taddie let out an oof as she caught them, slightly stumbling back as she was still half asleep.

“I’m sorry-So, what you’re telling me is, you let me sleep the last four hours of my shift?!” Taddie cried at her, giving her a half scared, half incredulous look. Ash chuckled, as did the other girls, going to her friend as she tossed her things onto the chair and went to the door.

“Tads! Tad-Chill out. We had it handled. You needed a break anyway.” Ash said, catching Taddie’s arm. She whirled around and shot Ash a look as she said, “And if Vincey came in while I was snoozing in the back? He would have fired me on the spot. Don’t let me sleep that long again, Ashlen. Seriously.”

“Well, Vincey didn’t show up, so we let you sleep. Come on, let’s go home.” Ash said, guiding her back to the chair and pushing her jacket at her. Taddie sighed and reluctantly shoved her arms into the holes before she tore off her apron and stuffed it into hers and Ash’s shared locker, kicking off her shoes and stuffing her feet into her grey sherpa boots before grabbing her bag from the chair. Ash grabbed her bag and closed the locker, both her and Taddie making their way out with the rest of the girls, through the back door.

As their boots crunched in the freshly fallen and still falling snow, headed for the car, Thatcher watched her from across the street in the comfort of his heated and illegaly tinted SUV. Taddie intrigued him and the fact she had a wit about her made it grow. She seemed shut off from her true emotions, save when she spoke about art. Though it was a brief conversation, he’d seen the sparkle in her eye grow when they talked about her art. He made a note to be back on a day when they were slower so he could actually speak to her and discuss his proposition.

~

Well, shit, here we go. DX XD

Let me know what you guys think! If you want to be added to a taglist for future chapters, send me a message or drop a comment!

@badwolf-in-the-impala

#Jolly Bad Omens #Jolly Karlsson #Joakim Jolly Karlsson #Jolly AU #Bad Omens AU #Jolly Karlsson AU #Joakim Jolly Karlsson AU #Noah Sebastion #Nick Folio #Nicholas Ruffilo #Bad Omens #Bad Omens Fic #The Price

[jacksonroseroth]

I've got almost 120 pages and I'm not even a third of the way through the plot...Should I start dropping chapters? <.< >.>

Patrons in The Drunken Wench were loud and rowdy as a fight broke out and the bouncers had to not only break up the fight, but call the cops once it got too out of hand for them to control. The red and blues flashed outside and the guilty parties tried to scatter, but they were all soon taken down and to jail for trying to incite a riot. Once everything calmed down and the bar was more or less back to how it was, one of the barmaids slipped around and began sweeping through the establishment, fixing chairs, cleaning up glass and clearing off tables.

Thatcher eased past the straggling bar fighters as the cops dragged them out, patting the bouncers on the back with a light smirk. He chuckled as he and his bodyguards shuffled in, then the men behind him dispersed to different corners of the room, while Thatcher went straight to the bar and slid onto a stool. He swept his gaze over the talent they had behind the bar for the night, noting one new face as she slipped back, tossing the broken glass in her dustpan and putting it, along with the broom, away before washing her hands and jumping back in line to take orders. 

He kept an eye on her as she inched her way down, not giving any of the other barmaids any attention as they attempted to take his drink order. He watched her curls bounce around, long enough to just spill over her shoulders in a deep, rich chocolate brown color that glinted red when she walked under the lights. Her green eyes sparkled as she smiled at the patrons she mixed drinks for and her laugh floated down to him; Loud, light, and hearty.

As she approached him, wiping down the bar and quickly mixing drinks, Thatcher’s piercing green gaze poured into her as she finally slid in front of him and she lifted her head from wiping, flashing him a bright, sweet smile. Thatcher returned it as she said, “Hi. Welcome to The Drunken Wench. What can I get you?”

“Whiskey double. Shaken. Neat.” Thatcher said, watching her face as it remained neutral, but her sweet smile stuck. She gave a nod, then gestured to the wall behind her as she said, “Do you have a preference? We have Crowne, Jameson, or Rye?”

Thatcher nodded and briefly held up three fingers before he pulled out a gold plated, rectangular container, flipping it open to pull out a cigarette from a line. The woman arched a brow at him, then turned to grab a bottle of rye whiskey and glass. She turned back to set the glass on the bar, then poured about two shots worth into a metal cup, then scooped ice into it before she capped the cup and began to shake it. As Thatcher sparked up his lighter, watching her, he was impressed that she didn’t ask any extra questions about his order and got it right, to boot.

Taking a drag from his cigarette, he watched her take the cap off then slide a filter over the top before turning it upside down over the glass. She dunked both instruments into soapy water before setting them on a rubber mat to dry. As Thatcher reached for the glass, she slid back over as she asked, “Did you want to open a tab, sir?”

“No, just the double, darlin’. Thank you. Keep the change.” Thatcher said, producing a $100 bill from the inside breast pocket of his jacket and handing it to her, between two fingers. She blinked as she reached for it, freezing when the last part registered. His smirk lifted, slightly, and tilted his fingers toward her more for her to take it.

“Th-Thank you.” She said, stunned, taking the money. She stared at him for a moment, then cleared her throat as she turned away to put the ticket into the register and close him out. Thatcher took another drag then a sip of his whiskey, watching her as she broke the $100, taking 4 $20’s as change then pulled out a blue rubber bag, unzipping it. Thatcher saw the name ‘Taddie’ scrawled across it and she tucked a $20 into it, then pulled out three more, all with the names of the other barmaids on them, tucking the remaining $ 20s into their bags, zipping them all and putting them back under the register when she was done. She took the remaining 5 of his change and stuffed it into the communal tip jar. Giving a nod, Thatcher downed half the glass of whiskey before taking another drag and sitting back as he cast a glance back to one of his bodyguards and gave him a nod. The man nodded back and zeroed in on the woman as he moved from his position in the corner, to the bar to grab her attention for a drink.

Thatcher wathed his man give her a polite smile and strike up a conversation with her as she made his drink. An excited, happy smile spread across her face as she happily responded to whatever it was he had said, pausing in the mixing of his drink as they locked in a quick, deep conversation, then she immediately picked up her pace again, finishing the drink and setting it on the bar for him. He handed her a card that she quickly ran, coming back with his card, the receipt and a pen for him to sign. They continued to talk as the man signed and handed the pen and receipt back, giving her a wide, flirtatious smile, to which she responded with a less than matching, polite smile, quickly moving on. Thatcher chuckled and nodded at his bodyguard as he went back to his spot, sipping on the drink.

The woman slowly made her way back down to Thatcher and he downed the rest of his drink, stamping out his cigarette in the ashtray beside him. She moved in front of him and spotted his empty glass, then reached for the bottle again as she said, “Another double for you?”

“I’m good, darlin’. Thank you.” Thatcher said, giving her a once over as her back was turned and he smirked to himself. She turned back and raised a brow, slightly, than nodded, giving him a sweet smile, moving on as she said, “Have a good night, sir.”

Thatcher smirked and pulled another $20 from his pocket, slipping it under his glass before he turned from the counter and slipped out of his chair, nodding at his men. They all abandoned their spots, converging at the front door, two walking out as their heads whipped around, while the other two stood by the door with the bouncers, waiting for Thatcher. They walked out and Taddie lifted her gaze from the drink she was mixing, watching the men file out. She shook her head with a soft sigh and pasted on a smile as she handed two drinks off, then began wiping down the bar where it was empty. She made her way back up to Thatcher’s empty seat and grabbed the glass, then stopped as she stared at the $20 he’d left as her tip.

Taddie picked it up and blinked, utterly confused. The man handed her a $100 bill for a $15 shot, telling her to keep the rest of the $85 as her tip, then left her another $20 tip on the same drink. Whether it was some weird, new flirting tactic she wasn’t aware of or the man was ridiculously rich and just wanted to throw it around, she wasn’t about to turn it down as she desperately needed the cash, which was the whole reason she took the bartending job in the first place. She would take the flirty, drunken men and the half ass passes they tried to make at her if it meant close to $300 nights in tips. Stuffing the bill into her bra, she dunked the glass into the disinfectant water, then set it on the rubber mat to dry.

As she went to the register to run a few cards, one of the other girls slunk up to her, gripping her arm with a wide eyed stare. Taddie glanced at her then snickered as she shook her head and said, “What’s the look for, Ash? Who’s the hottie you’re after now?”

“Not me-You, bitch! You have no idea who that even was you were serving, do you?” Ash asked, leaning one hand on the counter, planting the other on her hip. Taddie chuckled and gave a shrug, glancing up at the perky blonde as her blue eyes sparkled with excitement.

“No? Just some guy? Loaded, by the way he’s throwing around hundred’s like they’re ones…Why? Who is he? Some hotshot Wall Street banker or something?” Taddie asked as she closed out tabs and waited for receipts. Ash tsk’d at her and sighed, shaking her head as she said, “You’ve heard of the Price family? The Swedish Mafia family?”

“Oh, please. I’ve heard those rumors. If this bar was owned by the mob, I think they’d do better--They don’t want cops crawling all over the place.” Taddie said with a soft, disbelieving laugh. Ash gave her a look and said, “Alright, you’re new to Virginia, especially Roanoke. The mob is very present here, but the Swedes do a very good job of hiding themselves.”

“I thought you hated the mob in Roanoke?” Taddie asked, giving her a look. Ash gave a shrug and said, “I’m not gonna lie and say they aren’t attractive. They’re good to look at. ‘Bout it.”

“Okay, so who is he? The head honcho? The son? The cousin? The best friend? What, Ash?” Taddie asked, going along with her friend, though she very much did not believe her.

“He’s Thatcher Price. The youngest. He has like 6 brothers that are all in the business. Thatcher is the rebel, likes to bullshit around town, plays in a band-”

“He plays in a band? Mr. All Black, Fancy Cuff Links and Silver Chain? Yeah, I caught that, by the way.” Taddie said, shooting her friend a look and raising her brow. Ash smirked and let out a soft, swoon sounding sigh.

“Yeah, they all look real good when they clean up…Um, no-Really, he’s in a heavy metal band and his father hates it. Loathes when he goes on gigs and shit. He zeroed in on you, Tads. I’d keep an eye out. The Price brothers are a little rough with their women. I dunno about Thatcher? But he might not be completely the black sheep he’s made himself out to be…Just be careful, okay?” Ash said, giving her a firm look as Taddie grabbed her receipts and a few pens, nodding along.

“Ash, you’ve seen me handle myself. I don’t think a spoiled, little rich boy is gonna be able to shake me.” Taddie said with a soft laugh, giving Ash a bubbly smile and wrinkled her nose at her before flitting away to hand back cards.

~

So, this is a Jolly AU from Bad Omens, Moodboard is currently in the works. What do y'all think? Should I come back swingin' with this one? XD

#Jolly Karlsson #Bad Omens #Jolly Karlsson Fan Fic #Joakim Jolly Karlsson #Jolly AU #Joakim Jolly Karlsson AU #Noah Sebastian #Nicholas Ruffilo #Nick Folio

[jacksonroseroth]

I’d sell my soul for you to follow child of mine

It’s far from over! 🤣😅😅😅 I just lost my momentum for it momentarily. Thank you for reading! And if you want to be added to the tag list, if you’re not already, let me know babes!

🥰🫶🏻♥️

[jacksonroseroth]

Dirty Little Secret(Tentative Title)

A/N: This is a Baze fic I’ve been working on, it’s been sitting in my docs and I’m not sure if I should post it all? Give it a read and let me know what y’all think! 🥰😁🫠

Quick history-Netta, full name Lunetta, and Baze had a one night stand, Netta leaving before he woke up the next morning, then wind up working together and having to deal with their ONS and the aftermath. It progresses from there once they smooth things over after Lia’s (full name Aurelia) session.

~

Once both girls had a Double Double, fries, and a shake in them, they each separated to their own rooms to change and relax for a few hours, before meeting again out on their patio for a smoke session. Lia only stayed for a bowl or two, then left to lounge in her bath before her nightly routine. As Netta shifted to take up Lia’s now abandoned seat on the couch, she opened various social medias, checking in, before finishing with her Instagram. With a small smirk, she chuckled softly as she saw Baze’s handle in her inbox along with a cheeky message of ‘Found you’, along with side eye and wink face emojis. Chewing her lip, Netta opened the message and replied.

LuLuBlake: You think you’re clever…Why didn’t you just ask Lia for my number?

Bazexx: Well, when you and Lia both hightailed it out of there. It was kind of hard to get your number.

LuLuBlake: So how’d you find me?

Bazexx: It helps when you’re all over Lia’s account…And she tags you. Cute handle, by the way, LuLu.

Netta’s cheeks heated and she chuckled softly, shaking her head as she tapped away.

LuLuBlake: Funny, Steven. Listen, people only call me that with special permission from me. Call me that again and it’s your ass. Yee?

Bazexx: Yee, ma’am.

Bazexx: Aren’t you kind of tired of this Instagram messaging? Now that I’ve got you here…Can I get your number?

LuLuBlake: Ooh. Smooth.

LuLuBlake: Didn’t you say this was just a ‘sneaky link’? Why do you need my number? You have me here. 

Bazexx: Ohhhh. Okay, it’s like that? I’m hurt. 

Bazexx: Alright. Well, since I ‘have you here’…Do you know where the house is? Or should I just come grab you for a backseat bang out? Ladies choice.

LuLuBlake: Such a gentleman, Stevie.

LuLuBlake: I remember where the house is. Are you all home? Cause sneaky link implies we’re able to not get caught. House full of homies doesn’t really help.

Bazexx: Damn, you’ve really got an arsenal on you, don’t you? I like that.

Bazexx: Come over. It’s fine. I’ll game everyone into going for food so we have some time. Deal?

LuLuBlake: Mmm…Food that I get to take part in as well, yes? I’ll gladly bring cash to pay you back.

Bazexx: Hmm…Sneaky link implies a bang and bail. Isn’t that what you wanted??

LuLuBlake: You compromised for me. I suppose…I can, say, bring my stash and we can smoke and talk. We can chill a little? That’s what you wanted right?

Netta smirked lightly as she watched the little ellipses floated and baubled along for several minutes until he sent a simple ‘Sure’. She chuckled softly and sent an ETA before setting her phone on the table to pack and smoke another bowl. As she let out the smoke, Lia walked out in her favorite pair of sweats, a crop sweater and with damp hair, brushing it out as she asked, “What are you smirking and giggling at? Started up the dating apps again?”

Netta gagged and turned to her, giving her a look. With a smirk, Netta said, “God, no. I’m so fucking done with those, Li.” She packed another bowl and handed the bong to her cousin who sat beside her once she shifted back into a sitting position. Taking the bong, Lia asked, “So, who were you talking to?”

“No one. I saw a funny post and sent it to a friend.” Netta said offhandedly. She started to pack away her things once Lia took her hit. “Did you want another? I’m gonna go for a walk.”

“Nah, I’m good. It’s nearly 10, I’m gonna turn in early, maybe binge a few episodes first.” Lia said, placing the bong in its place behind the couch. Eyeing her cousin, Lia delicately said, “If you’re really going for a drive…”

“Lia, I’ll be fine. I’m still kind of on edge. I just need to not think for a while.” Netta said as she slid her box under the couch and stood, grabbing her phone and drink from the table. “Oh, and Laudii sent me some new tracks, so I want to listen to those too.”

With a nod, Lia watched her and said, “Alright. Should I wait up? Or is this an all night drive?” Netta hung her head back with a sigh as she gave it some thought, then said, “I dunno. Don’t wait up for me, just in case. I’ll text you when I’m on my way home, okay?”

“Luna, please be safe, okay?” Lia said, with a worried look. Netta chuckled softly then waved a dismissive hand at her as she went inside and to her room. Quickly changing, stripping off her panties, but stuffing fresh ones into her small backpack, Netta put on a pair of black sweats and a crop top under a cream colored knit sweater. Grabbing an extra change of sweats, just in case, stuffing them into her bag, she grabbed her phone, keys, and wallet from her dresser and quickly slipped out the front door.

~

Baze was able to convince the house to go out for food, which he knew would take them at least an hour. Giving the excuse of wanting to sleep and to just bring back something for him, Baze was able to buy some time to clean his room just a little more before his phone lit up with an Insta DM. His lips tugged upward into a smirk as he read her message telling him she was parked down the street, waiting to get the go ahead to walk up. He went downstairs, making sure the proper cars were gone from the driveway before sending her a thumbs up and unlocking the door.

Netta took a breath as she eyed the thumbs up emoji, then locked her phone, getting out with her bag and locking her car as well. Slipping the strap of her bag over her shoulder, she quickly shuffled down the street and up the driveway. Pulling out her phone again, she sent him a message that she was at the door, and Baze sent one back saying it was open. As she pushed it open, she jumped, slightly, seeing Baze leaning against the wall by the door. Baze chuckled and Netta rolled her eyes with a chuckle and said, “Jesus. You can stand there but you couldn’t open the door?”

“Compromising, right? I left it unlocked for you.” Baze said with a cheeky smirk. Netta looked up at him as she closed the door after slipping inside. He smirked and took her hand, lightly, leading her upstairs and to his room. Letting her walk in first, Baze closed the door behind him, turning to her with his fingers ready to lock the door as he asked, “Do you mind? Just in case Rook decides to barge in.”

Netta turned as she set her bag down on his desk chair. With a small smile, she nodded as she unzipped her bag. Baze chuckled and turned the lock. When he went to her, sliding an arm lightly around her waist, his eyes widened slightly.

“Whoa. I mean, when you said stash, I didn’t think you meant a stash.” He said teasingly. Netta glanced up at him with a soft chuckle as she pulled out a packet of gummies, a pack of joints, and a quarter ounce, setting it on his desk. She chuckled again as she handed him the joints and said, “Well, I couldn’t bring my actual stash. Lia walked out on me as I was packing up. She would have been suspect if I took stuff and said I was going for a drive.”

Baze snickered softly and took the pack, opening it and pulling one out. Setting the pack back down on his desk, he held the joint at his side as he looked down at her and said, “So, how exactly are we doing this? Kissing, no kissing. Do you just want to bang it out now and smoke later?”

“Wow. Damn. Get right to it, I guess.” Netta said with a teasing laugh. Baze chuckled and slid his arm around her again, if only briefly, as his hand lifted to push back her curls from her cheek. Sucking her lower lip between her teeth briefly, she gazed up at him and said, softly, “If our thing is going to be compromising…I would have to say that I wouldn’t entirely be opposed to the girlfriend treatment…If that’s what you’re asking for?”

“I just want to know my boundaries, darlin’. If you want like a fling, every now and then kind of thing, sometimes girls aren’t into the whole making out, pillow talk, intimate shit. Just want to know where you stand, love.” Baze said, sliding a hand over her cheek. Netta tilted her head back as his other hand snaked over her hip and tugged her closer against him as his hand slid further into her hair. Closing her eyes for a moment and biting her lip, hard, she took a breath as she opened her eyes again and slid her hands over his chest, lightly.

“How about this; Do what you do. If I’m uncomfortable or what have you, you’ll be the first to know.” She said, in a rather sultry tone as he lips pulled into a sly smirk. Baze smirked and pushed his hand to the back of her head, gently but firmly guiding her head closer, and her lips to his. She tried not to kiss him back hungrily, though every fiber of her being wanted to, but she took his lead and pulled back when he did. Though she couldn’t hide the wide smile that spread across her face, she rolled the material of his shirt between her fingers lightly as she chuckled and said, “But, let’s get this going so we don’t end up having a chance of being caught.”

Plucking the joint from his fingers and grabbing the quarter ounce bag, she bounced over to his bed, turning in the air as she jumped to plop on the bed with a giggle. Baze chuckled softly, watching her as he slowly made his way over to her. She kept her gaze locked with his as she slowly lifted the hem of her sweater, lifting it up and not caring if her crop top rode up as she tugged it over her head and off. Licking his lips slowly, Baze smirked and let his eyes roam once contact was broken, peeking for a glimpse of, what he hoped was, a braless breast. However, her crop top didn’t ride up enough and he was left wanting as he came to stand in front of her, catching the material in his hand as she made to throw it. Tugging it from her hand, he tossed it over his shoulder before scooping her up and moving her over in one quick motion. 

Netta squealed out a laugh and wrapped her arms around his neck as he placed her in his lap once he was seated. Crossing her legs, she shifted in his lap and felt around for the joint as he kissed her again, but briefly. His lips curved into a smirk as he watched her, keeping her face close to his as a hand lifted to pick at his beard lightly, then gave it a soft tug. When her fingers found the joint, she lifted it to her lips as she sat back, waiting. With a chuckle, Baze never broke eye contact with her as he reached over to his nightstand, grabbing a lighter from a ceramic dish. Lifting it to her, he sparked it up, lighting the tip. Once it burned to a nice, cherry red, Netta leaned back, sliding her palm over his shoulder, then his back to keep herself steady, and held the smoke in as she smirked at him. She then closed her eyes and tilted her head back to let it out in a slow, smooth line.

With a soft groan, Baze’s gaze raked down her throat then her body as his hand slid over her hip. Placing soft kisses along her neck, he smirked against her skin as she said, “Ooh, am I so good you couldn’t wait for a hit first? Damn…Good to know.”

Looking down at him as she felt his lips pull away from her skin, she giggled and bit her lip briefly before taking another hit and offering him the joint. He took it with a smirk, then said, “Don’t let that ego get too inflated, now…” 

Netta wrinkled her nose at him and giggled, letting her fingers trail down his throat, lightly, as he took a large toke and turned to her. As her eyes lifted to meet his, she smirked, as did he, then he leaned closer to her, kissing her deep and slow while he blew the smoke into her mouth. She let out a soft moan into the kiss, her fingers threading through his beard briefly, before sliding her hand across his cheek and into his hair. She shifted in his lap quickly, straddling him, before he pulled away, breaking the kiss and turning his head slightly to blow out the remainder.

“Mmm…Well. We didn’t do that last time.” Netta said with a chuckle. Baze held her hip as he took another hit and mused at her lightly as she wrinkled her nose at him again. Chewing her lip, slightly, Netta pulled her hands from his hair and let them drift back under her shirt, fingering her bra clasp. Slipping the straps out from her sleeves and her arms through, she tugged the thin material out from under her shirt and tossed it away. Baze slid his hand from her hip, up her side and under her top, cupping her breast gently. Tousling her curls lightly first, she let her hand drop and slowly cover his hand beneath the material, watching him as he set the joint in an ashtray on the nightstand, then pull her closer to passionately slide his lips over hers, his tongue slipping through, demanding entrance into her mouth. With a light moan, she obeyed, her lips parting for him, and her hands sinking into his hair and tugging gently. Netta tilted her head back with a sigh as Baze’s lips traveled down her neck and his hands both pushing up her top, guiding her arms up so he could pull it over her head and off.

“Mm-God, I forgot how good you smell…” Baze murmured against her skin as he buried his face into her neck, then travelling down to her chest. Netta chuckled softly as she held his head while he laid soft, sweet kisses over the tops of her breasts. With a soft moan, she slid a hand into his hair and said, sweetly but teasingly, “Yeah? You missed me? Got addicted, huh?”

Baze chuckled softly, then gently bit at her breast before flipping her onto her back. Netta let out a soft squeak as she felt his teeth sink into her skin, then raised it to a light yelp as he flipped her. She giggled and clung to him, gazing up at him once she was beneath him. Her fingers found the collar of his shirt and gave it a tug, Baze quickly obliging and tearing it off before descending on her, smashing his lips against hers. Netta moaned into the kiss and hooked a leg around his hip as she kissed him back, sliding her hands over his back and shoulders, slowly drifting to his waistband. Breaking the kiss, Baze nipped at and sucked little marks into her neck, making Netta whimper and make other soft noises as he went. 

Panting softly, Netta’s lips found his ear and whispered softly, “Touch me, Baze. Now.”

He groaned into her neck as his hand quickly flew to her waistband and slipped beneath it, then stopped. Netta’s lips curved into a smile along the shell of his ear before he pulled away from her, looking down at her with darkened eyes as his voice became rougher when he said, “You naughty girl…No panties?”

“This is a fuck and duck, right? Why not make the process a little quicker?” Netta mused with a soft shoulder shrug. She smirked up at him, wrapping her fingers around the XX diamond necklace that hung around his neck, tugging him closer until his ear was at her lips again. Whispering with a little more coyness to her tone, she said, “So, you can either finger me or fuck me. You can do both. Pick one and do it. Now.”

As a wicked smirk crossed his face, Baze pushed his hand further, sliding over her mound and swirling his finger around her clit. Netta’s eyes fluttered closed and her fingers gripped at his arms, letting him push her legs open more to gain better access, as his hand shifted. His thumb now swiped up and down slowly over her clit while he sank his middle finger inside her, slowly pumping.

“Oh? Nothing smart to say now?” Baze purred in her ear. Netta pressed her temple against his as he continued to whisper in her ear. Casting a look down, seeing his hand shoved into her sweats and working between his thighs, she whimpered softly and turned to face him as she felt her orgasm building. Baze smirked before sliding his lips over hers, kissing her deep and slow as he worked his fingers inside her, pumping and rubbing until she broke the kiss with a soft cry, then melted into a mound of moans as he rode her through her climax, writhing in pleasure beneath him. As she came down, panting hard, she tugged his hand from her sweats and pushed him onto his back. Baze chuckled and watched her, putting a hand behind his head as her fingers slid along his waistband. 

“Let me hear you say something smart, now.” She teased as she slid his sweats and boxers down, wrapping her hand around his cock, pumping slowly. Baze hissed through his teeth, then moaned softly. Netta giggled lightly. “That’s what I thought.”

Before he could say anything back, he was rendered speechless as her lips descended over his tip as she took him into her mouth. Pulling his hand from behind his head, his fingers quickly wrapped around her curled and soft strands, tugging lightly as her head bobbed over his cock, her tongue licking and swirling around his head and then down his shaft. His hand sunk deeper into her hair, until he had her by the roots, his fingers curled right as she brought him to the edge of his climax. She pulled her mouth from his cock with a soft moan, swallowing hard before licking her lips as she gazed up at him with a coy smirk.

Looking down at her with a half dazed, half upset look, he said, “He-Hey. At least I let you come.”

Netta giggled and crawled up to him, pressing her bare breasts against his chest. She mused at him lightly and said, “Oh-mmm…I just figured you’d want to come in me…”

He laughed softly and said, “In your mouth or your pussy, baby, it’s in you.” Netta let out a loud laugh, Baze chuckling along with her, then she took his hands, guiding them to her waist.

As she got in his face, her lips sliding along his lightly, she said, “Will you shut the fuck up and take my pants off so you can fuck me?” She pressed her lips to his, kissing him deeply with a soft moan as he obeyed, quickly lifting her to tug her sweats off and toss them off the bed. As he gripped her waist to flip her on her back, Netta pushed him back down and smirked, shifting to sit on his hips, then sliding a hand down her body to reach between them, guiding his now hard cock to her entrance. 

“So demanding and controlling tonight, aren’t we?” Baze chuckled, sliding his hands over her thighs, then to her waist. Netta smirked and said, “I let you have control last time. Don’t get me wrong-It was beyond hot. But in the spirit of our compromising relationship…I figured you wouldn’t mind relinquishing to me for a minute.”

“Oh, honey. I do not mind. At all.” He half growled out, his eyes drifting down to where she held his cock, her fingers lightly stroking him. She giggled and shifted her hips, slowly siding down on his shaft, tilting her head back with a moan. Baze closed his eyes and pushed back into his pillow, his own moan slipping out. He looked up at her, his hands sliding up from her waist to cup both her breasts, rolling her nipples between his fingers, lightly. Netta moaned and covered his hands. Reaching out with her other hand, she pointed a lazy finger at the joint that still clung to life with a sad, little smoke trail. Baze chuckled and handed it to her, his hand trailing down her arm as she lifted it to her lips, taking a long drag. Handing it back to him, she waited until he had set it down to lean closer to him, sealing her lips to his and blowing the smoke into his mouth as she kissed him deep and slow.

As she began to move her hips, she leaned back with a moan and Baze groaned as he watched her face. Her mouth was slightly dropped open in pleasure, with her brows drawn together in a similar fashion. Her eyes were closed and her curls were tossed across her face, haphazardly. He smirked and sat up, wrapping an arm around her as his lips enclosed over a pretty, pink and perky nipple, his tongue playing with it, lightly, before he dragged it through his teeth. Netta gasped then moaned, her hand flying to the back of his head, cradling him as he suckled, then sucked a mark into the side of her breast. She slid her hands down his arms then to his chest, pushing him back onto the bed. She giggled as his eyes grew dark while he watched her, sliding her hands over her breasts before shoving one into her curls, planting the other on his chest as she shifted again, leaning forward to give her a better angle to bounce in his lap.

“Ohh-Ho..Ly fuck, Luna. Ohh, God.” Baze moaned, holding her waist as he shifted as well, moving with her hips to thrust in and out of her. Netta paused for a half second, caught off guard by the name he used, but let it pass as his hands slid up her sides. Netta tilted her head back with a moan, dragging her nails along his chest, lightly, before finding his hands in the air and catching them, lacing their fingers together. As Netta desperately tried to move her hips faster, Baze caught on as she began to squeeze his hands a little harder. Pulling his hands from hers, he took her waist and rolled her onto her back, pinning her to his mattress as he readjusted himself then began to thrust in and out of her faster.

“Oh-B-Baze. Fuck, fuck, yes-Oh!-Yes, p-please-” Netta squeaked out as she rolled her head from side to side, her hands clawing at his arms as he kept her waist pinned down and a leg, bent and tucked under his arm. Baze released her leg, sliding his hand to her jaw and turning her face to him. Netta’s eyes snapped open in time to see him toss his hair back with a groan, then look back down at her with a lustful look. He saw her own eyes grow dark after seeing him towering over her as he tunneled his cock inside her.

“Yes? Please? Please, what, Luna? Use your words, dove.” Baze growled out softly at her, his hand lightly gripping her jaw as he slowed his pace, making her hips squirm and roll faster as she tried to build her orgasm back up again.

“Plea-Please, please, Daddy, let me come.” Netta purred at him, her breath hitching as she felt him slip a little deeper inside her for a brief moment. Baze raised an eyebrow and smirked at her, giving her a small nod to continue as his thumb slid over her lower lip, gently forcing her mouth open for him. She let her mouth drop open, letting her lips part slowly before allowing Baze to guide her chin lower. She gave him a sweet moan, his name tumbling from her lips softly as he sped up his thrusts again. “Oh!-Wait, please-” She tugged at his arm until he bent closer to her and she could whisper in his ear, “Baze, whatever the fuck you did before-Do it again. I want to come with your cock deep inside me. Please, Baze.”

Baze groaned and slid his hand from her jaw, closing it around her neck for a moment before bracing it beside her head. She felt his hand squeeze tighter on her hip as he began to grunt softly, trying to shift his cock deeper inside her. With each thrust, Netta let out a gasp or moan or some other sweet noise that she made in his ear, spurring him on until he finally sunk his teeth into her shoulder and thrust harder and faster until the pleasure that tingled so sweetly in his balls finally spilled out. Netta cried out his name softly as her own climax hit her. She clung to him, fingers buried deep in his hair, the other hand digging her nails into his shoulder. Her nails were sharper, so when she dug too far, he released her shoulder and turned to tug her hand away, pinning it above her as his thrusts slowed to a stop while he rode them both through their orgasms. Netta arched against him with a series of soft moans, whimpering as her waves of pleasure ebbed away. Finally she let out a soft gasp and went limp beneath him.

With a soft, breathy chuckle, Baze kissed along her neck before collapsing on the bed behind her, snaking an arm under her neck, leaving one draped across her waist. Netta giggled and sighed, biting her lip as she felt her clit still pulsing with lingering pleasure. As her hands slid over her body slowly, gathering her senses still, Baze slid his hands over her arms, catching her hands as he nuzzled her hair, lightly, with a small smirk. Netta sighed, contently, as she slowly opened her eyes and watched his fingers dance and play with hers before he curled both their arms around her, pulling her back against him. Netta giggled and turned her head toward Baze, meeting his lips with a slow kiss.

“We still have another 55 minutes…” Baze teased. They both broke into laughter and she rolled away from him, still laughing.

~

Let me know what you think!

#Baze #BazeXX #Baze Basil #Steven Basil #Steven Baze Basil #MGK #Machine Gun Kelly #Colson Baker #Baze Fic #Baze Fan Fic #Baze Basil Fic #Baze Basil Fan Fic