Nick lay in bed, trying to think about what was happening with his friends these days. Carrie had gotten distant from him, acting forgetful and unfocused… Traits that were not part of her personality. Something was definitely bothering her and he was bothered by the fact that she wasn't coming to him. Instead, she was going to Justin. His frown grew bigger when he thought about those two. Those two were spending more time together then he was with her. It wasn't fair. He wasn't sure whether to feel angry and insanely jealous of Justin, knowing that the two were getting so close or to be sorry for having such thoughts. He knew that Justin wouldn't betray him… Would he?

He moved on, thinking now to Jeff and his own brother Drew. Something definitely was bothering them as well and once again, they wouldn't fess up to what it was. They'd been acting scared and paranoid for the past couple of days and no amount of prodding would get them to speak. Frustrated, Nick pounded the bed underneath him with his strong arms. Finding that he couldn't do anything though, he turned over and forced himself to try and sleep. After all, it was late and worrying himself through the night wasn't going to help anyone.

The next thing Nick knew though, he found himself in a dark corridor. "Hello?" He called out. He heard a faint sound come from a few doors down the hallway and ran in that direction. Without a moment's hesitation, he went in and stopped. He found himself in some kind of torture chamber. Surrounding him were various contraptions used in days both past and present. In a corner, a guillotine stood. In various places, tables armed with empty restraints waited to be used. Scattered along the walls were various whips and blades awaiting to inflict pain.

The door behind him closed with a loud creaking. Nick whirled around, in hopes of finding out who was there. His heart raced. "Okay. This has to be a dream. There's no way!" He raised a hand and pinched himself. "Damn! That hurt. Where am I?" He sensed a presence behind him but before he could turn around, Nick felt the blow come to his head. Stunned, he fell to his knees.

He tried to get himself to rise but instead found himself being picked up by two huge guys and dragged to one of the modified contraptions. They forced him to stand and each took an arm, placing it in one of the bonds over his head. His feet too, were shackled to the ground. Getting some senses back, Nick tried to struggle and free himself, but the iron clasps were too thick and strong for him to even budge. Seeing how futile struggling was, he hung his head down in resignation, awaiting the sentence he was sure he'd get.

He didn't have to wait long. Before too much time had passed, he was aware of another presence behind him. He tensed as he felt hands begin rubbing his back, massaging his tense muscles and making him relax. Despite himself, he groaned in pleasure. The person behind him chuckled and he was surprised at the feminine voice. "Welcome, Nick. I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."

"Who are you?"

She didn't bother with his question but instead went on, continuing to massage him through the shirt he wore. Then she clicked in annoyance. "You know what? This isn't working." Before he could understand what was wrong, he heard and felt his shirt being cut from the back and soon, he was left shirtless, the rags now piled around his feet. Then he felt the cool, strong hands work their magic on him once again. After a while, she whispered in his ear, "Does that feel good?"

He had closed his eyes in pleasure and hoarsely answered, "Yes. That feels wonderful."

"Good." Slowly, she stepped in front of him, now just rubbing his body. "Ooh. Someone's been working out," she purred as she patted his iron-hard stomach.

Her touch teased him, left him wanting more. He opened his eyes and took in the sight of his captor. He felt his breath escape him because such was her beauty. Once again, Nick struggled, only this time in hopes of holding her in his arms. She smiled seductively, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her body against his. She bent his head down to hers. "What?" she asked. He could faintly feel the softness of her lips as she asked that question but glorified in the warmth of her breath. He couldn't find anything to say and so just stared into those warm, brown eyes of hers.

She looked deeply in his eyes and could see just how entranced he was by her. She took the advantage and drew him in for a deep kiss. Nick was surprised at first but soon let all his resolve melt away as he allowed himself to be spoiled.

He strained again, trying to go further with her but she wouldn't allow it. She backed up a bit, allowing for some distance between their faces. He looked at her groaned in desperation. Smiling, she came close for another kiss. He moaned in pleasure and she broke away for a second. He looked, longingly into her eyes. She smiled demurely. "Enjoying yourself?"

Nick found his voice deeper than usual. "Yes…"

She put up a finger and lay it lightly against his lips before he could say anymore. "You want more, don't you?"

"Please," he whispered as he tried to get closer to her.

"Aww… You're so cute Nick, but…"

"What?"

"Oh, I don't know. I just wouldn't want to be the one to tell Carrie that I'd cheated on her."

"What? Carrie?" His brow wrinkled itself in frustration as he tried to think of what she was talking about. Then all of a sudden, it hit him. Carrie. A pained expression settled on his face before anger replaced it. He growled, staring at her, "You wouldn't dare. This was your plan!"

She stared at him fiercely. "I wouldn't dare? Who says I wouldn't? At least I wouldn't be lying about it. Would you deny it?"

"You're the one who did this to me!" he shot back, ignoring the uneasy feeling that had settled in his stomach.

"So it's my fault that you enjoyed yourself just now? What about Carrie? Aren't you wondering what's between her and Justin?"

Nick's face paled. "There's nothing going on between those two. They're best friends. Justin's too good of a friend and Carrie wouldn't cheat on me like that."

The stranger laughed. "Face the truth already Nick! Carrie's moved on! She doesn't love you anymore! She wants Justin!"

Nick shut his eyes and shook his head. "No!" he raged.

"And what about Justin? Why Justin, you ask. I thought you guys were close."

"We are close!" Nick said, through clenched teeth.

"Are you sure about that?" He couldn't answer. "You always knew there was something else other than friendship between those two but you denied it. There was something more than being best friends. Those two share a sort of intimacy that you long to share with her."

"Stop!" Nick cried out. "I don't want to hear anymore!"

She pressed on, barely hesitating at his outburst. "These past couple of days, you've had so much to worry about. Two of your band mates are avoiding you. Your girlfriend and one of your best friends are sneaking around behind your back. Why are you letting them do this to you?"

Nick had begun to cry in frustration. "How do you know all this?" he asked in a ragged whisper.

"That doesn't matter. What I want to know is if you'd like to help me right this."

Nick blinked back his tears and looked back up at her. "What do you mean?"

"Tell me more about Justin. I have a feeling he's the problem behind all this. He took your girlfriend away from you after all." Nick looked hesitant and she tried another approach. Her voice became gentler, pleading him to help her. "Please Nick, what is his weakness? You should know. You're so close to him. Is there anything that can break this man? This monster?"

Nick shook his head, staring at her disbelievingly. "No." He found his voice still ragged and hoarse. "He may be a traitor and a backstabber, but he's not a monster. He's my friend and I can forgive him. There has to be an explanation."

He saw her eyes harden and grow cold. "You tire me, Nick Lachey. Just tell me what his weakness is already."

Again, he shook his head. "No."

With a soft snort of disapproval, she went behind him. His head turned, trying to see what she had in mind. In the next moment though, he heard some machine being turned on and soon, the chains that had been holding him up stretched him even more. Nick screamed in pain as he was slowly stretched to his limits and he felt himself being pulled apart. "Stop it, please!" he pleaded.

The machine stopped. Nick tried to catch his breath but it hurt to even breathe deeply. "Still say no?" Her voice came from behind him.

"My answer is still no." He bit back his tortured screams and kept silent as he felt the stinging of a whip on his back. Blood began to course its way down his back and still, he kept his tongue.

She tired quickly though, much to his relief, but when he saw the dagger in her hand, he felt his blood run cold. "What am I supposed to tell the world when one of their favorite entertainers has died?" She smiled as she ran the blade lightly against his throat and over his chest. He paled even more but still stayed silent. "Wait. That wouldn't be good enough. What in the world would frighten you off the most…" She looked up into his eyes. He felt light headed and terrified at the same time as she probed his eyes, looking for an answer to her question deep down in his soul. "Losing your voice." It wasn't a question or anything. She just stated it. "It doesn't matter. I've found what I wanted. You've been of most help, Nick."

He opened his mouth to scream but no sound ever came. Instead, he felt blood gurgle in his throat as he tried to make sound. He looked down and saw the floor become splattered with his own blood. Weakly, he raised his head and despaired at the look of triumph on her face. Then he lost it.

Nick awoke in a cold sweat and sat up in his bed. He turned to the clock next to his saw that it was still 2:00 a.m. Afraid to go back to bed so soon, he turned on the lamp and rubbed his eyes, trying to wake himself up. By chance, he looked into the mirror opposite the bed and once again, he paled in terror. There he was, blood dripping from his neck. Her laughter echoed throughout the room as he clutched his hand to his throat.

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