Chapter 1
Justin’s life is just where he wants it. He’s got success, great friends, a beautiful wife, a daughter. What more could he want?
He jumped at the chance to help long time friend and one-time lover, Britney, when she wanted to get back on the scene musically. He went into the studio with her and with his help they created a smash album. Justin thinks they can be friends, until one night changes everything…..

Justin was in the bathroom looping the knot for his black tie when his daughter, Atiana, came in with big crocodile tears pouring from her eyes. She pulled at his black pants in angst.
"Daddy, do you have to go?"
Justin laughed through his nose, and then squatted so he was closer to her height. He stroked her dark brown hair before pulling her in for a hug.
"Sweetheart, mommy and daddy are just going out for a little bit. We'll be back when you wake up in the morning."
Atiana's crying had now been reduced to sniffles.
"How come I can’t go?"
"This is just for grown ups, baby doll. Otherwise you know I'd bring you."
He was still holding her against him when he heard the click of high heels hitting the linoleum surface in the bathroom. Atiana pulled away from her dad and Justin rose back up and turned to his wife, who was dressed in a simple dark grey button down shirt, the bottom tucked into a sexy black high waisted pencil skirt that flared just above the knee.
"Mommy!" Cried Atiana, running to hug her mother’s legs.
Justin watched as Atiana’s face lit up.
God this woman is so sexy
Claudia smiled down at her daughter as Justin leaned in to give her peck.
"Hi babe," Justin said with affection as Claudia tousled Atiana's hair gently.
"Hi baby,” She replied, kissing Justin with Atiana awkwardly inbetween them. “Atie, baby, go play for a little while." Claudia gently instructed their 6 year old.

They watched as she ran off to her room and the minute they were alone, their lips again connected, only this time it was with much more passion than their previous kiss.
"You look great," Justin said, breaking free from her lips.
"You don’t look too bad yourself," Claudia groaned. She was right, he looked damn hot, in black pants and leather square toed dress shoes. He had a basic grey dress shirt on with his black tie, which he hadn’t finished tying since his daughter interrupted him. He smelled of Axe body spray.

They stopped themselves from getting too hot and heavy. They had a schedule to follow tonight. They were attending an album release party for his ex-girlfriend. Yes, his ex, Britney. They had become close again about a year ago or so, when he helped her put out her "comeback" album, which was supposed to have come out in 2007 but didn’t actually hit shelves until late 2009. She had alot of personal issues, and she called him when she got her head right and had cleaned up her act. She was serious, she told him, and wanted him to write with her. After getting the ok from Claudia, of course, he agreed. He flew out to LA and she and he holed up in a recording studio for something like 3 days of non-stop creative brainstorming. He ended up producing her entire CD, a first for him. He was proud of their work. Proud of her. That album put her back on the map, and Britney would forever be grateful to him for all his help. That was 3 years ago already, and although he wasn’t able to help her with any new material, he was more than willing to come celebrate its release. And Claudia had surprisingly never met Britney, so it was an all around big night for all three.

*~
Justin pulled his car up outside the restaurant where the party was being held. The flashbulb lights from the mass of paparazzi were blinding. Justin looked wearily over at his wife.
"You ready baby?"
"Ready as I'll ever be."
He leaned across and gave her a sweet peck on her lips and they both exited the vehicle. Neither thought it was possible for the paparazzi to get any crazier, but somehow they did. Claudia was used to the madness, it followed her husband everywhere, but for some reason she got scared. They totally swarmed her and she called out for Justin, who was at her side. He grabbed her hand and tried to push through the tangled mess of photographers.
"Justin, what does Claudia think of Britney?" One photographer asked him as he snapped a picture seemingly inches from his face.
"Shut up loser get a life." Justin said, before gently pushing Claudia through the front doors and out of the mess and chaos.
“Back up, guys! Back up!” Justin’s body guard hollered, doing his best to thwart off the paps.

Inside it was warm, and Justin immediately felt uncomfortable. There were a lot of Britney’s friends, friends that he used to be friends with too, up until their untimely breakup. Almost like in the movies, the room crowd seemed to split, and suddenly there she was across the room from him. She was sitting at one of the booths, surrounded by friends. He could hear the faint sound of her laughter, even from where he was and with all these people around.
“Justin! Heyyy!” Johnny, his manager and a close friend, walked up to him and put an arm over his shoulder.
“Johnny, what’s good?” Justin said, slightly less enthused. Johnny picked up on this but got distracted by Justin’s beautiful wife.
“Claudia, look at you, you look amazing sweetheart. How are you? How’s Atiana?”
Claudia and Johnny embraced.
“She’s good, thanks.”

Meanwhile, Britney had spotted Justin and his new wife, Claudia. She instantly felt sub-par compared to Claudia, who was much taller and a little thinner. She saw Johnny place a hand over Claudia’s stomach when Justin had his back to them. She scoffed at the idea of Claudia being pregnant again. Then she chuckled to herself when she envisioned Claudia looking like the Michelin Man. By now some of her friends who were sitting next to her noticed what had caught her attention.
“Is that the wifey?” one of her friends said, presumably to Britney.
“Her name is Claudia. She’s a model with legs from here to the moon,” Someone else replied. Britney turned her head in the direction the comment came from but no one fessed up. She didn't want to hear how gorgeous Justin’s wife was. She wanted them to say how much hotter Britney was than Claudia.
“She’s pregnant again I hear.” Another unidentified voice whispered.
“Who flipppin’ cares…who wants a drink?” Britney said, changing the subject. Her offer was accepted by her group at the booth and they all got up and headed over to the bar.
Justin was talking to an exec from the record company when he saw the group of girls, Britney leading, head to the bar. He politely excused himself from the conversation and turned to Claudia, who was still gabbing it up with Johnny.
“Baby, I’m gonna go get something. Do you want your usual?” He asked, touching her arm.
“No, just….I’m fine, sweetie.”
Justin had a look of wonder in his eye. Johnny felt it as well but remained silent. Claudia caught onto Justin’s thoughts.
“Baby, I’m not pregnant. I’m just not thirsty.” She said with a big grin. But this was his wife, his best friend. He knew. He knew at that very moment.
“Johnny, would you excuse us for a sec?” Justin politely but firmly said.
“Nice to see you both. I’ll catch up with you guys later.”
The couple smiled and then Justin gently pulled Claudia off to the side.

Britney was at the bar ordering drinks but couldn’t keep her eyes off Justin and Claudia.
“Ooh, they are fighting! At your party, Brit. Nice.”
Without taking her eyes off them, Britney corrected her friend.
“No,” She shook her head, her eyes squinting in study. “He’s smiling. They aren’t fighting.”
Just as she was saying this, Claudia appeared to be wiping her cheeks as if she were crying.
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, Brit. Homegirl is crying.”
She’s pregnant. Britney thought to herself.
“Who cares guys?” Britney said, shaking her head and hollering for the bartender and ordering a round of drinks.
As she waited for the drinks, she couldn’t get her mind off of Justin and Claudia. She looked up discretely towards their direction but they were gone. Her eyes scanned the dark, crowded room for them. She finally relocated them at a table, talking with Clive Davis, the “big boss” for the record label.

*~

Clive had only met Claudia once, at their wedding, and so the group was catching up and Justin took his wallet out to show Clive some pictures of Atiana.
“She’s beautiful, Justin. She looks just like her mother,” Clive said, puffing on a cigar.
Justin was none too thrilled with Clive’s smoking, because Claudia had indeed just confessed to Justin that they were expecting their second child. But he didn't wanna tell “everyone”, so he just tried to wrap it up with Clive.
“Well listen, we’re gonna go say hi to the lady of the evening.” Justin said, referring to Britney. He looked for her and saw her at a booth not far from the bar. Justin smiled and just as he did, she locked eyes with him. His smiled faded a little and he grabbed his chin and rubbed it.
Britney’s heart was thumping so hard she swore Justin must have been able to see it from across the room. God, he was still hot. She managed a smile and a little wave, and Justin smiled and waved back. Justin thought she looked stunning, in a black dress with a very, very low back that complimented her nicely shaped rear and a plunging neckline.
Claudia clutched Justin’s hand as they made their way over to Britney. Britney looked over with just her eyes and saw them approaching. Her whole body stiffened up. She was so nervous to meet the woman who, regardless of exactly the reason, had taken her place as Justin’s wife, instead of Britney.
It should’ve been me Britney thought in her head as she somehow managed a smile.
“Brit, hey!” Justin said, pulling her in for a one armed hug. He would’ve hugged her all the way except he was holding hands still with Claudia.
“Hi J, how are you?”
“I’m fine. Brit, I want you to meet my beautiful wife, Claudia. Claudia, Britney.”
“Oh I don't get a special title?” Britney kidded with Justin as she shook hands very weakly and insincerely with Claudia.
“Like what?” Justin quipped back.
“I don't know….’Claudia, this is my beautiful ex fiancé, Britney.” Britney said in a voice that was supposed to imitate Justin.
“Fiancé.” Claudia questioned, her eyebrows narrowing.
Justin had his arm gently around her shoulder and he pulled her snuggly to him.
“Baby, I told you that. Brit and I were engaged…for a while.”
“No, you didn't tell me that, Justin.”
Britney felt the rising tension and tried to downplay things.
“It wasn’t that long.” Britney said.
“Britney? I asked you in March in Venezuela and we were engaged for almost a year.” Justin said his face and voice making it clear to Britney that her lack of value was insulting to him.
“God Justin,” She replied. “Can you cry next take?”
She bit her tongue when he shot her a look.
“Baby, it’s no big deal.” Justin said to Claudia, with a peck on her cheek.
“Justin, it was a big deal. I gave my virginity to you, jerk.” Britney again mocked Justin and his sensitivity.
“Yeah, after you gave it to 4 other guys first.” He shot back.
Britney had a stinging look on her face from his latest wise crack and she didn’t have a good comeback.
“Ouch.”
“I’m kidding.” Justin said with a roll of his baby blue eyes.
“So how does it feel, being Mrs.Justin Timberlake?” Britney asked, changing the entire conversation and turning her body to Claudia.
Claudia felt Justin squeeze her hand in his.
“I love it. I mean,” She looked up at him. “He’s everything to me.”
“Aww.” Britney said with a smile. Outside she was beaming, inside, she was fuming. “Let’s do a shot! To you guys!” Britney exclaimed, testing the waters. Justin gave her an icy stare.
She knows
“I’m fine really. I don’t like tequila much anyways.” Claudia politely objected, over Britney’s shouting.
Justin took hold of Britney’s wrist.
“Britney, c’mon. How about you and I do one then?”
Britney didn't reply, just took hold of him and pulled him away from Claudia to the bar. Justin looked over his shoulder and winked at his wife, who waved and walked off towards a booth.

At the bar, Britney ordered a couple shots and while they watched the bartender making them, she looked at him with just her eyes, so that he wouldn’t notice. God, she missed him. Here he was, standing there married with a child and another on the way. He had a rock solid career that included multiple Grammy wins. And what did she have but a failed marriage, 2 kids that she lost custody to back in 2008. Rehab, more rehab, a head shaving incident. It was only in the past couple years that she had cleaned up her act and got her image back where she wanted it. He looked at her and she smiled.
“I’m so proud of you, Brit.” Justin said, rubbing her back.
“Thanks. We make a good team,” She replied with a lazy smile.
“We sure do.”

Claudia sat at the booth all by herself and people watched. Every so often she would look back at Justin and Britney. She was never the jealous type, and she trusts Justin. But something in her gut, something deep down told her to be careful with this one. Something was telling her to keep a close eye on her man. On cue, she saw Justin rubbing Britney’s back and then they laughed and cheered before bottoms up on the shots.

“Dance with me,” Britney said after downing their shots.
“I don't know-“
“What's the problem?”
Justin was quiet for a split second.
“One dance.” He said, giving in.
He felt uneasy and looked over his shoulder for Claudia, but couldn’t spot her anywhere. Britney grabbed his hand and pulled him out under the strobe lights. Wasting no time, she put her arms over his shoulders and they began to dance. It didn't take long for Justin to forget all about Claudia, and he and Britney became the only ones in the room. They stared into eachothers eyes as they danced on eachother, her breasts brushing teasingly against his chest and when she turned around, he didn’t know where to put his hands. He didn’t want to be seen touching Britney anywhere that could be misunderstood for being sexual. But she was rubbing her hands on the sides of his legs and he couldn’t help but give in and place his hands on her hips as they rocked to the beat. Every so often her butt would bump into Justin’s crotch, or she would push it back purposely. After a few minutes, he began to get hard and Britney found out and turned to face him with a look of seduction he had never seen on her face prior. It was wrong, but he wanted her right then. He felt the old feelings creeping back like they had sometimes when they were in the studio and she would laugh a certain way, or push her hair out of her face. There were little things that made him want her again. It was those little things she did, a giggle here, a cute pout there, that made it easy to forget what she had done to him years back.

Claudia could see the two of them out there and could hardly keep herself in her seat. She wanted to go over to them and rip Britney’s extensions out of her head. She could see Britney touching the sides of Justin’s face and slowly tracing his lips. She was growing hot with anger but out of utmost respect, she didn’t want to go up to them because that would cause a scene.
She got up and headed for the door, wanting to get a breath of fresh air.
Justin squinted in the darkness of the dance floor, trying to see Claudia somewhere. He spotted her, headed towards the door, purse over her shoulder.
“sh**,” Justin said, his hands still on Britney. Infact, by now they had managed to find a comfortable, and familiar, resting place. His arms were around her waist and his hands were just above her butt, at the small of her back.
“What?” Britney said, hearing Justin swearing.
She turned her head to look in the direction he was looking.
“What?”
“I don't know. Claudia….she’s leaving or something. I’ll be right back.”
Britney missed him the moment he pulled away from her. She watched as she walked back towards the bar as Justin walked fast and then his walk turned into more of a jog as he tried to catch up to Claudia, who was just stepping outside.
“Claud, Claud, Baby…”
Claudia turned around when she heard Justin calling out to her.
“What’s up honey?” She said when he was standing in front of her. He put his hands on the upper part of her arms near her shoulders.
“Are you ok?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be, sweetheart?”
“Are you leaving?” He asked.
“No.” She giggled. “I just wanted some fresh air.”
“I thought-“
“What? You thought I was upset because your practically dry humping your ex?”
Her comment was a surprise to Justin and it was written all over his face.
“What? Dry humping?”
“Oh c’mon Justin. I watched you guys. Your hands were all over her.”
Justin was already shaking his head in disagreement before she even finished her sentence.
“I was dancing.”
“Yeah, with your hands all over her.”
“All over her, huh?”
“Don’t get smart with me Justin or I’ll just take a taxi home and you can stay elsewhere.”
Justin wanted to get mad, but he decided to change his demeanor. This was his wife. He had got caught up in a moment with Britney. But he knew who he needed to be there for and it was Claudia. He hurt her.
“I hurt you.”
Claudia’s eyes welled up.
“I’m so sorry baby.” He said in a heartfelt way, grabbing gently at the sides of her face and pulling her to him. He softly placed a kiss on her lips. Justin took Claudia’s hand and lifted it to his mouth, kissing it. She blushed and felt like a school girl.God I love this man she thought as he wrapped an arm around her and they headed back in. As they were walking they both noticed how quiet it had gotten outside. All the paparazzi had left by now for other more “happening” conquests. The security detail at the entrance held the door for them and they dipped back inside. Britney was back with her group dishing the details. Her friends ate up her every word like awestruck children.“Girl, he got a hard on?”“Damn baby, he’s still feeling you then…too bad Mrs.Wifey is in your way.”Britney didn't realize it, but she was drunk. Her drinks had hit her like steady waves, and she never even noticed it. “Fuck her.” Britney said, looking at the door and not realizing that she had missed Justin and Claudia’s re-entrance to the party. “Fuck him, too, ya know? He’s got me dancing all over him and yet all he can think about is her. Why would I want a guy like that? I’m Britney Fucking Spears, ya know?” Britney was standing up at the end of the booth and had to steady herself by placing both arms on the wooden table.“Yeah, your Britney Spears and who is that bitch?” One of them said, not realizing how much of an enabler they were being.A small smile spread across Britney’s lips as she thought about what her friend said. All this time she was feeling sub par to Claudia, when she just wasn't looking at the situation properly. At that moment, the Vodka and Yager had Britney feeling a little cocky. And she held up her finger to speak to the group.“I’m gonna go talk to him.” She announced proudly, her hands on her hips as if she was superwoman. Justin was waiting at the bar for a beer with Claudia holding onto him from behind. He smelled so good, and Claudia couldn’t wait to get home so they could be alone. Atiana was surely fast asleep and they wouldn’t have to worry about any interruptions. She rubbed his chest with her hands and Justin dipped his head down to kiss her hand. He turned his head so she could hear him when he said,“I love you, Claud.”He could feel Claudia smile against his shirt.He glanced the other way and saw Britney headed his direction and she looked to be on a mission. A mission he was hoping had nothing to do with him. As she made her way closer, he studied her body. A tiny smile hit him as he thought about how beautiful she was naked. Well, at least the last time he saw her naked anyways. That made him realize it had been quite some time since he last had her naked, and then subsequently he wanted to see her naked again. This caused him to remove all her clothes in his imagination, and his smile grew at the picture he had in his head. She was about the same size as she was when they were together, having lost a lot of weight when she got back in the music business. As if she knew he was thinking about her, or maybe he was just in that state of mind where anything she did in those few moments was overboard sexy to him, she dropped something. She spun around looking on the floor for it a few times, then she seemed to locate it and she bent at the waist to pick it up. Justin instantly got aroused at the sight of her dress being too short to cover her butt when she bent over. She flashed what appeared to be a red thong. Good Lord! Get a grip, Justin. Don’t blow it. Claudia is already on the edge about you dancing on Britney. Stay cool. Damn. Look at those hips on her. Mmm. She’s coming closer, please, don't come up to us. Where is my damn beer, bartender? “Justin, hey.”Claudia turned to see who was talking to Justin only to see it was “her”. Britney’s smile faded away when she looked at Claudia, who had let go of Justin. “Are you having fun?” Britney asked with a big smile.“Yeah. I’m so happy for you. I hope your album does very well.”Britney smiled at Justin as she readied her thoughts for what she was about to say.“I could never have done it without you, J. I owe you anything and everything. Infact…” She thought for a second. “I wanna do a toast.”Justin was quick to try and skirt this one.“No, no.” He objected, trying to grab her by the arm as she turned to walk away, presumably to the DJ so she could take the microphone. “Nooo….” He quietly moaned as he had missed her arm and grabbed thin air. He looked at Claudia who didn't look upset or happy. “I’ll be right back.” He said to her. His beer had arrived and he quickly threw down the cash and grabbed his drink. “Hold this sweetie, will you?”“Sure.” She said with a roll of her eyebrows. She watched him run towards Britney. He had lost her in the sea of people. There was a clearing, though, and he finally found her. Fuck he thought, seeing she had already gone up to the VIP booth upstairs to talk to the DJ. Justin knew he was 30 seconds behind her, and he had to move fast. He jogged past a few people scattered around him and hit the steps to go up to VIP. He nodded at the security guard, as if to say, “I’m with her”.He went upstairs and heard music blaring from one of the private rooms. To his left was the Main DJ booth. He looked in through the glass but someone slipped their hand up under the back of his shirt and he spun around.“Britney. You don't need to do a toast-““I didn't want to do a toast. I just wanted to get you alone.” She cut him off and pushed him into a room that had a silver plaque on the door that read “private”.The room they were in was softly lit with hanging lights and resembled outdoor patio decorations, only maybe a little more upscale. There was a sofa towards the back against the wall and Britney slowly pushed him until his heels hit the sofa and then she stopped. She didn't push him down; instead, she dropped to her knees. Justin had little time to “react”. ‘Brit…ney.” He said, looking down. He didn’t know if he should stop her or let her continue. He knew what was going to happen if he didn't stop her. He backed up and she stood back up right away and pushed him down on the couch. Wasting no time, she straddled him and began to kiss his neck while her one of her hands snaked down to his crotch. She started rubbing it, which caused Justin to emit a moan. He was so caught up in the moment that he had forgot, again, about Claudia.“Justin, I want you so bad.” Britney whispered in his ear before giving his earlobe a little bite. Justin’s head was saying one thing but he couldn’t seem to control his body. His hands were rubbing her butt and then they traveled up under her shirt and migrated to her front, where he gently squeezed her amble breasts. “Oooh,” She moaned, biting her lip and closing her eyes. Justin looked at her when she did this and it only made him want her even more.  *~Meanwhile, Claudia had set Justin’s beer down at the bar, as it was getting sweaty and dripping down her hand. She wiped the excess moisture off onto her skirt and looked around for any familiar faces. She saw Johnny but he was busy chatting and laughing with Clive Davis. She scanned the room. Justin, where are you? She thought.