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ht "#$# Sylvia Hubbard %iscover other titles by Sylvia Hubbard at Smashwords&com htt '((www&smashwords&com( ro)ile(view(hubbooks *ll ri!hts reserved& This is a work o) )ictio+& ,ames- characters- laces- a+d i+cide+ts either are the roduct o) the author.s ima!i+atio+ or are used )ictitiously- a+d a+y resembla+ce to actual erso+- livi+! or dead- busi+ess establishme+tseve+ts- or locales- is e+tirely coi+cide+tal& This book- or arts thereo)- may +ot be re roduced i+ a+y )orm without ermissio+&

This eBook is lice+sed )or your erso+al e+/oyme+t o+ly& This eBook may +ot be sold or !ive+ away to other eo le& I) you would like to share this book with a+other erso+- lease urchase a+ additio+al co y )or each reci ie+t& I) you.re readi+! this book a+d did +ot urchase it- or it was +ot urchased )or your use o+ly- the+ lease retur+ to www.obooko&com a+d download your ow+ co y& Tha+k you )or res ecti+! the hard work o) this author& 1or i+)ormatio+ address' Sylvia Hubbard 2 PO Bo3 45456- %etroit- 7I 48"45 Visit her website at' htt '((SylviaHubbard&com *uthor.s ,otes' Ori!i+ally- this book had 9e+aldo Belli+i as Etha+:s attor+ey- but that was a+ author:s mistake& It:s Lore+;o- who is Taylor Belli+i:s best )rie+d a+d law art+er to *rma+do Belli+i& ,ow i) that is co+)usi+!- the+ you +eed to read The Other Side o) Love& 1urthermore- this book was re0edited i+ %ecember "#$" so i) you read the book reviously- there may have bee+ a lot o) errors corrected a+d some artial story li+es revised a+d(or added& 9ead character li+ka!e +otes at the e+d o) the story as well&

Chapter 1 <he+ the sou+d o) her s+ori+! )illed the room- Etha+ thou!ht it sa)e to !et out o) the bed& Ly++e was a hard slee er a+d he k+ew the workout he had !ive+ her would most de)i+itely ut her out u+til the early mor+i+! li!hts- whe+ she would be cravi+! )or more& Picki+! u the two co+doms he had used- he dum ed them i+ the !arba!e& The slut had+:t eve+ +oticed he:d )aked a+ or!asm& He:d bee+ doi+! this )or the ast three times they had i+tercourse& He was tryi+! to be the u+sus ecti+! husba+d- but it was di))icult whe+ the stu id cu+t did+:t eve+ make a+ e))ort a+ymore to hide her i+)idelity )rom him& She /ust thou!ht he was dow+ri!ht i!+ora+t& Three lovers he:d )ou+d already- a+d he worried there were more o) them well laced with easy access to her o e+ arms& Stari+! dow+ at her- he )elt a+ i+cli+atio+ to kill her& He could take the thick ki+! si;e illow a+d cover her )ace u so she would +ever utter a+other word a!ai+ a+d +ever e+/oy bei+! i+ the arms o) a+other ma+& The lyi+! )ilthy cu+t= %am+= <hy did she have to be his wi)e> Crossi+! the lar!e bedroom- )ur+ished i+ black wood a+d ur le 0 his )avorite colors 0 he icked u her urse a+d o e+ed the or!a+i;er& %id she ur osely write i+ her lover:s a oi+tme+t times k+owi+! he could look- or did she thi+k he was /ust too dumb to look> Either way- he had )ou+d out about the ma+y lovers o) Ly++e ?ray0Black about two mo+ths a!o& The thou!ht o) her slee i+! with other me+ did+:t bother him as much as he thou!ht it would& He had +ever loved her i+ the be!i++i+!& She was /ust somethi+! to do- but whe+ she became re!+a+t three years a!o- he was a+ ho+orable ma+ a+d married her& She lost the baby i+ its ei!hth mo+th whe+ she decided to !et dru+k a+d crash a bra+d +ew 7ercedes i+to a tree at ei!hty miles er hour& The doctor said the little boy was ractically ri ed out o) the lace+ta a+d the cord arou+d his +eck choked him to death& His so+ had +ever had a cha+ce a+d +ow Etha+ was+:t !oi+! to !ive Ly++e a cha+ce& He would )i+d somethi+! to hurt her- /ust like she was hurti+! him& 1li i+! throu!h her or!a+i;er- he )ou+d the address he +eeded a+d @uickly wrote it dow+& ,a++a ?ray lived o+ the west side o) tow+& He k+ew she ow+ed a Lau+dromat- which was bei+! ru+ by a ste so+- 7arvi+ Clark& ,a++a was old a+d sick )rom a rece+t stroke a+d she was basically home0bou+d )or the rest o) her li)e& But- she de e+ded u o+ 7arvi+ to kee her busi+ess !oi+!& Etha+ had hired a detective to i+vesti!ate Ly++e:s ast a+d he )ou+d out a !reat deal o) i+)ormatio+ o+ his wi)e& ,a++a had two dau!hters- Ecole a+d Ly++e- who were twi+s& Ecole had bee+ a very bri!ht child- while Ly++e was la;y a+d slow& Ecole had !raduated )our years early )rom middle school a+d com leted hi!h school i+ a year- the+ we+t o+ to colle!e& She married at the a!e o) si3tee+ to 7arvi+ Clark- but the+ she died while havi+! a child at the a!e o) seve+tee+& 7arvi+ was o+ly ei!htee+ a+d si+ce he had +o other )amily- he stayed with ,a++a to hel her with the busi+ess& *lthou!h )rom the re orts- he was more like Ly++e00very la;y& But- ,a++a had +o o+e else to hel her& 7ea+while- at the a!e o) thirtee+- Etha+ )ou+d out that Ly++e had a dau!hter out o) wedlock& ,o o+e was sure who the )ather was- but Ly++e did+:t care about the child& ,a++a ordered Ly++e to have the child a+d !ive are+tal ri!hts to her& Ly++e obeyed but soo+ a)ter the child was bor+- Ly++e le)t the house )or ,ew Aork to ursue a modeli+! career& Etha+ )ou+d her there whe+ he atte+ded a co+structio+ co+ve+tio+ i+ the city )ive years a!o- worki+! as a+ u scale escort& She was !reat i+ bed a+d he co+vi+ced her to come back to %etroit a+d live with him i+ the outskirts o) the city i+ *ubur+ Hills& He had a lar!e house i+ %etroit- but +ever used it because he +ever liked livi+! i+ the city& Eve+ with his ower)ul stami+a- which he was very )amous )or- it was+:t e+ou!h to satis)y his i+satiable wi)e& She seemed to crave me+ a+d he )ou+d out throu!h the detective that whe+ he was away at work- she was havi+! two to three trysts a day& Sometimes- they were with more tha+ o+e ma+& 9eali;i+! this sicke+ed him a+d he k+ew he would +ever have a+y emotio+s )or his wi)e )or the rest o) his li)e& This also mea+t that he could divorce her a+d she would+:t !et a dime o) his mo+ey because o) the re+u tial a!reeme+t his )ather had her si!+& There were ictures- recei ts- +otes- a+d wit+esses that could attest that Ly++e had +ot bee+ )aith)ul to Etha+& Aet- this was+:t what issed Etha+ o)) the most& 1i+di+! his wi)e maki+! love to his ow+ brother i+ Etha+:s bed was what had ushed him to the limit& He was i+ the o i+io+ that his )ather la++ed it- by se+di+! his so+ home )rom a+ B er Pe+i+sula /ob two days early& Etha+ heard +oises u stairs a+d stra+!ely- the rest o) the house was em ty& ?oi+! toward the +oises- he k+ew it was his wi)e- but the+ comi+! arou+d the cor+er to see the ma+ she was ridi+! was e+ou!h to ri his !ut out&

*)ter this- Etha+ had bee+ com letely o+ the outs with his )amily- i+cludi+! his )ather- whom he was sure k+ew about the a))airs lo+! be)ore Etha+ cau!ht his brother& Etha+ eve+ sus ected his )ather had )alle+ )or Ly++e.s seductress ways- des ite how his )ather )elt about black wome+& Ly++e stirred i+ her slee a little- but this did+:t bother him& Li!hti+! a ci!arette- he wo+dered how he would !et reve+!e o+ his wi)e& How would he make her so emotio+ally disabled that he could bri+! tears to those cold black eyes- stress that er)ect cocoa ski+ a+d see her !ray )rom the hurt he ut o+ her heart> <he+ mor+i+! came- Etha+ had +ot sle t all +i!ht& But- he had somewhat o) a la+ i+ mi+d- e3ce t he +eeded to )i+d out more i+)ormatio+& *)ter !etti+! dressed- he icked u the or!a+i;er a+d looked at her schedule& She was due to !o over ,a++a:s house to check o+ her& Every Tuesday she did this& Etha+ had a )eeli+! Ly++e was /ust waiti+! )or her mother to die so she could take co+trol o) the Lau+dromat a+d sell it o))& She had already talked to buyers whe+ ,a++a had her )irst stroke a+d this weekly visit was o+ly to make eo le thi+k she was actually co+cer+ed about her mother& But i+ truth- Ly++e cared more about hersel) tha+ a+yo+e else& <he+ever ,a++a died- Ly++e would make a small )ortu+e o+ the busi+ess- which received hi!h tra))ic due to the locatio+& ,ever o+ce had Ly++e ever i+vited him over to see ,a++a& She had re eatedly told him he would+:t be acce ted- because o) his color- i+ her art o) the +ei!hborhood& She did+:t wa+t a+ybody to bother ,a++a i+ her co+ditio+ whe+ they )ou+d out Ly++e had married a white ma+& She was @uick to say color did+:t matter to herbut eo le i+ the +ei!hborhood would+:t u+dersta+d& He wa+ted to k+ow what she had to hide over at ,a++a:s lace& <as it the child> It had to be because she +ever made the e))ort to tell Etha+ about the !irl& He had )ou+d this out throu!h the detective he hired& %rivi+! his custom va+ to the o))ice- he cha+!ed i+to some casual clothes a+d a baseball ca & <ith the dark ta+ he +aturally s orted a+d the curly hair with a ca - he would+:t be reco!+i;able i+ the hood& He borrowed o+e o) his em loyee.s :65 %od!e Shadow a+d drove it to ,a++a:s block to wait& *bout a+ hour i+to his wait- he saw a )emale come out the house toti+! !arba!e& Si+ce it was cold out- she had o+ a hat a+d a thick a+kle0le+!th brow+ coat with a )ur collar& The hat was ulled low o+ her )ace so he could+:t see her )eatures well& *)ter she dum ed the trash i+ the lar!e black Courville !arba!e co+tai+er- she walked i+ the o osite directio+ where Etha+ was sitti+!& 1rom the look o) her- she could+:t be more tha+ si3tee+& But the+ i) that was the dau!hter- she would have to be +i+etee+& Etha+ had !otte+ a brie) history o+ the !irl )rom the detective& She was very sheltered& 7ai+ly- she took care o) ,a++a- eve+ !oi+! so )ar as to dro out o) hi!h school at )i)tee+ a+d take care o) her !ra+dmother a+d the home& <hile !etti+! her ?E%- at +i!ht she worked at the Lau+dromat a+d read i+satiably& The detective +oted that he o+ce saw her readi+! War and Peace& <he+ she was+:t taki+! care o) ,a++a or worki+!- she ear+ed e3tra mo+ey tutori+! eleme+tary mathematics to childre+ i+ the +ei!hborhood& Plus- she started to !et a teacher.s certi)icate without a+yo+e else k+owi+! that she was s+eaki+! o+li+e )or a de!ree& She was a +umbers !e+ius accordi+! to ast teachers& But si+ce she +ever )i+ished re!ular hi!h school- ma+y thou!ht she had !o+e to waste& The detective said that whe+ she tur+ed ei!htee+- she o e+ed a+ accou+t a+d de osited mo+ey ear+ed )rom tutori+!- without her u+cle k+owi+! about it& Her erso+ality was i+vert& She did+:t !o a+ywhere other tha+ home or work& The u+cle was a di))ere+t story& He had married Ly++e:s twi+- Ecole ?ray- a+d +ow stayed erma+e+tly at ,a++a:s home a)ter his wi)e died i+ labor o) their )irst child- who also died& Etha+ was ositive +o o+e k+ew about the ma+:s e+cha+t to visit the city casi+os a+d bet a thousa+d a +i!ht- wasti+! mo+ey a+d borrowi+! )rom the wro+! eo le& They were carless a+d almost houseless because o) this ma+& He was slowly deteriorati+! the )amily busi+ess by taki+! mo+ey )rom the busi+ess to su ort his !ambli+! habit& *ccordi+! to the detective- he owed a lot o) mo+ey to the wro+! eo le- who would kill him i) he did+:t ay u soo+& Etha+ did+:t )ollow the !irl& He waited a+other hour- whe+ Ly++e )i+ally ulled u i+ the driveway& * ma+ came out who stood about si3 )eet- very la+ky a+d u+!roomed& Ly++e !ot out o) the car a+d !ave him a lo+! kiss o+ the li s& They lau!hed to!ether at somethi+! he said- a+d the+ with a swat to her butt- they rushed i+ the house& Putti+! out the third ci!arette- Etha+ !ot out o) the car a+d we+t arou+d the alley u+til he !ot to ,a++a:s backyard& He climbed the )e+ce a+d we+t arou+d to various wi+dows u+til he )ou+d the o+e he wa+ted& They were hal) locked i+ a+ embrace- des erately tryi+! to !et their clothes o))- kissi+! a+d rubbi+! each other all over& She was a +ym het- cravi+! every touch he laced o+ her body with his ha+ds a+d mouth& Etha+ could hear their !roa+i+! a+d a+ti+! outside the wi+dow& C%am+ baby- you so wet=C 7arvi+ moa+ed as he lu+!ed re eatedly i+to her& She clutched him as i) her li)e de e+ded o+ it&

COhh baby- I:m comi+!-C he war+ed& C,ot yet-C she be!!ed& COh shit&C C,ot yet&C C*rrrrrrrr!h&C C%am+=C He colla sed o+ to o) her- his body shaki+! as i) he were havi+! a co++i tio+- a+d the+ rela3i+!& CI:m sorry baby-C he said- a+ti+! i+to her +eck& CI:ll hold out lo+!er +e3t time& Aou /ust so !ood to my dick- I ca+:t hel it&C She cursed a!ai+& CAou said that shit last time- 7arv&C *+!rily- she ushed him o)) o) her a+d ut her clothes back o+& C<here is she>C He slu!!ishly ut his clothes o+- too& C,a++a:s slee i+!&C Ly++e smacked him o+ the back o) the head& CI:m +ot talki+! about the old bat- you idiot& I k+ow ,a++a slee s all day& I wa+t to k+ow about the brat&C C<he+ you called a+d said you:d be here i+ )ive- I se+t her to the Lau+dromat like usual& Aou said you did+:t wa+t her arou+d whe+ you:re here&C CI k+ow what I said-C she s+orted- combi+! her thousa+d0dollar weaved- waist0le+!th li!ht brow+ hair& CI talked to the doctor a+d he said ,a++a:s +ot !oi+! to make it ast the ,ew Aear without a tra+s la+t& But he did+.t thi+k he could ush her u o+ the list a+ymore tha+ what he had already do+e& I+ a+y case- I talked to the lawyer a+d she has+:t cha+!ed her will either& 7e a+d you still !et everythi+! a+d we ca+ ush the brat out the way easily o+ce the old bat is out the icture&C She lit a ci!arette a+d smoked it slowly& C%id you sto the as iri+s>C CIt:s retty hard whe+ the kid is arou+d& She takes care o) the old lady out o) habit& It:s like i) ,a++a:s sick- she do+:t )u+ctio+ well a+d u+til ,a++a:s out the way- we +eed her )or the busi+ess& The better the books look to the i+vestors- the hi!her we ca+ sell& The kid kee s everythi+! ru++i+! smoothly&C Ly++e oked him i+ the chest with her hu+dred0dollar ma+icured +ails& CAou:ll /ust tell her to co+ce+trate o+ kee i+! the busi+ess ru++i+! while you take away those ills& Those are about the o+ly thi+! kee i+! that bitch:s blood )rom clotti+!& I) we ca+ !et o+e more stroke by the e+d o) the year- we ca+ have a +ice ,ew Aear:s %ay )u+eral&C C<hat about your husba+d>C C<hat about him> He has +o clue about a+ythi+!- a+d I do mea+ a+ythi+!&C She ut the ci!arette out a+d took out her or!a+i;er& CHe:s !ot a bi! meeti+! dow+tow+ a+d he wo+:t be back to the Hills u+til a week )rom +ow& But who cares& I !ot eo le to see a+d laces to !o&C CAou !o++a tell me that rich cracker !ives you all that shit a+d mo+ey- the+ do+:t !ive a shit what you do>C CI !ot him wra ed arou+d my )i+!er- lover& Dust like I !ot you&C <ith that- she !ave him a very !e+erous to+!ue bathi+! with her mouth to his& It was dis!usti+! to watch- but Etha+ watched a+yway- i+terested i+ how the lovers i+teracted& The ma+ was clearly ussy whi ed with Ly++e- /ust like his brother a+d the other me+ she sle t with& He was !lad that he had awake+ed to smell the bullshit Ly++e dealt out- a+d it did+:t smell retty at all& CAou wa+t some more>C he asked ama;ed& She we+t over to her urse to )i3 her li stick& CLater- I !ot to s e+d some o) my husba+d:s mo+ey& The+ I:ll be back later to say hello to the old bat&C Etha+ ducked whe+ he saw her comi+! to the wi+dow& C<he+ you come back baby- I:ll be already )or you-C 7arvi+ romised- )ollowi+! her to the wi+dow& Etha+ ressed his lar!e body a!ai+st the house- rayi+! she did+:t look dow+ as she o e+ed the wi+dow to air out the smoke a+d the smell o) se3& He did+:t move u+til he heard their )ootste s move away )rom the wi+dow& The+ he ra+ to the back a+d lea ed over the )e+ce& His lo+! thick le!s carried him dow+ the alley i+ a hurry& He was so i+te+t o+ !etti+! back to the car that he did+:t see the erso+ comi+! u the alley to duck i+to it& They bum ed so hard i+to each otherE Etha+ )ell back hard o+ his butt& <he+ he was able to !ai+ his bala+ce a+d sta+d u - he looked arou+d to where the other body had )alle+& It was a )emale he bum ed a+d whe+ he looked dow+ at her- he !as ed- +ot believi+! he was looki+! i+to a you+!er more beauti)ul versio+ o) Ly++e& She scrambled u a+d took his ha+d- ulli+! him to the side o) the !ara!e belo+!i+! to the )irst house o+ her cor+er& * car was comi+! toward them- but be)ore he could look to see i) it was Ly++e- the !irl was ulli+! his )ace dow+ so he could kiss her& The )eel o) her li s a!ai+st his was a rush to his system& The thrill o) her sweet i++oce+t taste o+ the ti o) his to+!ue made him )or!et where he was a+d the cold biti+! at his ears& Her )i+!ers moved u his +a e a+d wra ed

i+ his hair as she dee e+ed the kiss- arti+! her li s- i+viti+! his ow+ to+!ue i+ to taste her& The so)t moa+ esca ed her throat as he ressed closer a!ai+st her rece tive body- wra i+! his arms arou+d her slim waist& She teasi+!ly licked at the cor+ers o) his mouth- creati+! a totally +ew se+satio+ )or him- tau+ti+! his ma+hood to come alive& The )eel o) his arousal a!ai+st her stomach must have made her aware )irst o) their surrou+di+!s- because she broke the kiss breathlessly tryi+! to ush him away& 9elucta+tly- he let her !o& C<hat the hell did you do that )or>C C7y mother was comi+! arou+d the cor+er-C she e3 lai+ed& CI did+:t wa+t her to see me a+d I did+:t k+ow what else to do&C She looked him u a+d dow+& CAou are+:t )rom arou+d here- are you>C He wi ed his mouth- as i) the taste o) her dis!usted him& CThat:s +o+e o) your )ucki+! busi+ess-C he s+eered& CI) kissi+! me was that bad- why did+:t you sto it>C CShut your mouth- little !irl&C CAou:re the o+e out o) your +ei!hborhood- cracker&C She started walki+! i+ the o osite directio+ )rom her home& He watched her walk away- wa+ti+! to say somethi+!- but too u set at himsel) )or acti+! like a child to call her back& Had she bee+ s yi+!- too> %id she k+ow about what they la++ed o+ doi+! to ,a++a> 7arvi+ said the kid was rotective o) the old woma+ a+d the detective had said the child had a lot o) smarts& He wa+ted to k+ow more about her&

Chapter 2 Byro+ k+ocked o+ the !lass )or the third time& C<hat the hell is wro+! wit: ya !irl>C he s+a ed& Cleo came to her de)e+se )rom behi+d her& CShut u a+d !it your cha+!e elsewhere ya bi! bully&C Bryo+:s beady little brow+ eyes !ave Cleo a Cwhy0do+:t0you0shut0your0mouthC !lare& CCause I ca+ !et it herewhore&C Bei+! called a whore did+:t bother Cleo& C%o+:t you read- asshole>C She oi+ted to the si!+ above ,icole:s head- which read- C,O CH*,?E OVE9 TE,&C 7arvi+ had i+stilled that rule because some o) the cashiers were bei+! short cha+!ed& Byro+ looked directly at ,icole& C?ive me the cha+!e- ,ick- or I:ll tell your B+c you:ve bee+ !ivi+! out )avors like your whore )rie+d does&C ,icole took the twe+ty he slid u+der the bullet0 roo)ed !lass a+d cha+!ed it out @uickly i+ the drawer& <he+ she set the bills back u+der the !lass- Cleo !rabbed two dollars& C?ive me my mo+ey- whore-C Byro+ ordered- ou+di+! o+ the !lass& Cleo !i!!led& CThat:s cha+!e cashi+! )ees- asshole&C She threw the bills i+ the ti cu by the !lass& C,ow !et your scraw+y sel) out my )ace&C He hit the !lass with his )ist o+e last time be)ore walki+! away& C<hat:s !otte+ i+to you- ,icole>C Cleo asked& C,othi+!&C CAou:ve bee+ stari+! at a!e two o) that book )or the ast hour a+d there:s +othi+! wro+!> Is your u+cle esteri+! you a!ai+>C ,icole blushed- looki+! over at Cleo& The woma+ had worked here )or the ast year& This was her seco+d /ob +e3t to worki+! at K1C across the street i+ the a)ter+oo+s& She had si3 kids a+d aid the bills however she could& Cleo was i+ her late twe+ties- but she looked older because o) the ci!arettes a+d li@uor she.d took i+ all her li)e& Her smoky black eyes- with a red0yellow hue arou+d them- seemed old a+d dull- while her +a y short hair that she ke t i+ a low0bleached blo+de a)ro seemed weary& There was a !irth about her )rom all the bastards she had roduced- but that did+:t sto the me+ )rom comi+! i+ real late at +i!ht a+d utti+! a twe+ty i+ the mo+ey slot whe+ she worked the wi+dow& *ll Cleo would say is- CI:m !oi+! o+ break- ,icole-C as she stu))ed the twe+ty i+ her blue /ea+ ocket a+d we+t out o+to the )loor& The ma+ would )ollow her i+to the wome+:s bathroom a+d )or twe+ty mi+utes- Cleo would !et their rocks o))& <he+ ,icole asked her what e3actly she did to those me+- Cleo we+t i+to detail about her oral esca ades& CI) I wa+t more mo+ey- I hold their balls whe+ they.re !ood a+d ti!ht a+d I ask them i) they wa+t to )uck me )or twe+ty more& 7ost say- FAes-G a+d I !ive them a !ood ride while they sit o+ the toilet& The+ I do+:t let them come i+ me- but I ut it back i+ my mouth a+d s it it out i+ the toilet a)ter they come& They thi+k it:s !ood&C *)ter ushi+! away her dis!ust about the whole thi+!- ,icole thou!ht the idea o) it was ki+ky- but she would +ever do it& Sometimes- the o+es who had o+ly heard o) Cleo came to the wi+dow whe+ ,icole was there& <he+ they would shove the twe+ty i+ the mo+ey tray- she would+:t eve+ look u at them- but oi+t to the si!+& They would !et the messa!e a+d leave or wait arou+d u+til Cleo came to the wi+dow& She a+swered Cleo:s @uestio+& C,o- he has+:t lately& He:s bee+ i+ my mamma:s drawers&C COh yeah- it is Tuesday& Is that what:s botheri+! you- child>C C,o&C She moved away )rom the wi+dow to hel Cleo )i+ish )oldi+! the clothes& They also did dry clea+i+! a+d rivate washi+! )or a lot o) the sick a+d elderly i+ the area )or a mo+thly )ee& She told Cleo o) the stra+!er she saw s+eaki+! arou+d the +ei!hborhood that mor+i+!& CAou kissed him>=C Cleo cackled& CHush or everybody i+ the +ei!hborhood will hear your mouth&C CI ca+:t believe you actually let some boy kiss you&C CHe was+:t a boy&C She smiled wickedly- rememberi+! what had bee+ ressed a!ai+st her stomach a+d the taste o) him& CHe tasted like a ma+ to me&C CHow did he look>C C<hite- but cute&C COh dear Lord- tell me the !irl did+:t kiss +o white boy&C CI said he was+:t a boy&C C%o+:t be )alli+! )or those blue0eyed devils- child&C

C%o+:t !et the 7alcolm H reli!io+ u i+ here- Cleo-C she s+orted& CI:m +ot )alli+! )or +o o+eE I was /ust wo+deri+! what he was doi+! i+ the +ei!hborhood&C CAou k+ow white eo le bee+ movi+! back to this +ei!hborhood all the time- but you do+:t +eed to !o arou+d dati+! +o white boy& %id+:t you say your mamma married o+e>C CAes- but so what& They live a lo+! way )rom here a+d I heard her say he does+:t like the city& He does his busi+ess a+d leaves as )ast as ossible&C CThey all do that& I had a )ew do their busi+ess whe+ I used to work the cor+ers o+ the east side& Trust me love- it ai+:t all that a+d they /ust wa+t a black woma+ to )uck- /ust like that white ma+ wa+ts your mamma& <hy you thi+k he ai+:t cari+! who she )ucks>C ,icole co+)ided i+ Cleo about her mother a+d 7arvi+:s relatio+shi & She had heard ho+e co+versatio+s o) her mother talki+! to other me+ a+d what she was !oi+! to do to them whe+ she !ot over to them& It was +o secret arou+d the +ei!hborhood that Ly++e ?ray was a whore& She:d )ucked everyo+e i+ the +ei!hborhood a+d arou+d the city& It did+:t matter to ,icole- althou!h some o) her mother:s )ormer beaus sometimes !ot her mi3ed u & ,icole was a shade darker tha+ her mother- a+d she had ,a++a:s hair colori+! o) bur+t brow+ hair i+stead o) her mother:s black hair& *lo+! with that- there were some )eatures that disti+!uished ,icole )rom her mother i) o+e looked closely& She had a ud!ier +ose tha+ Ly++e a+d her )i+!ers were lo+!er with healthier +ails- which Ly++e ke t covered with ma+icured )au3 ti s& ,icole was two i+ches taller also- at )ive )oot si3 a+d a hal)& Still- eo le had the te+de+cy to mi3 her u a+d eve+ call her Ly++e- which she hated to be called& CSo tell me about how he looked i+ detail a+d i) you dare say he was tall- dark a+d ha+dsome- I:ll ri your to+!ue out&C ,icole !i!!led& CHe was+:t as tall as 7arvi+& 7aybe a+ i+ch shorter- but he was de)i+itely bi!!er tha+ my u+cle& He was cut a+d I could )eel ri les whe+ he ressed a!ai+st my chest&C C9i les> %am+- did you make him u+dress>C CLet:s /ust say- I was aware o) a lot o) thi+!s&C Cleo smiled wickedly& C<hat else>C CHe:s stro+!& That:s the reaso+ I sto ed because he was s@uee;i+! me so hard a!ai+st him- but I did+:t hal) mi+d& He was clea+0shave+ with dark blo+de hair a+d the rettiest !ree+ eyes I have ever see+& Like /ade&C Her look we+t )ar away a!ai+& CHe smelled like&&&e3 e+sive colo!+e a+d ci!arettes&C CSo he smokes>C CThat would be the reaso+ why I smelled it- but he tasted like a ma+& * real ma+& ,ot some sweaty- +asty bad0breathed ass&C CI thou!ht you said all me+ would taste like that-C Cleo teased& CI k+ow I did a+d be)ore I kissed him- they all did& I do+:t thi+k it had a+ythi+! to do with his color- either& I thi+k he was +aturally like that&C CI thi+k you lost your mi+d&C Cleo closed the ba! a+d sta led the order ticket o+ it& Someo+e k+ocked o+ the wi+dow )or cha+!e- but whe+ the twe+ty came throu!h the slot- Cleo smiled k+owi+!ly a+d took the bill& CI:ll be out i+ a mi+ute- su!ar li s-C she romised the old ma+ i+ the lo+! tre+ch coat& CI:ll )i+ish this u -C ,icole said- !i!!li+! as Cleo )reshe+ed u @uickly& CTha+ks darli+!& *)ter this /oh+- I.m ste i+! out- too& Hold the )ort dow+ Itil I come back i+ a mome+t&C ,icole )i+ished u the work a+d the+ sat back by the wi+dow to try to )i+ish u her lesso+& She was two mo+ths ahead o) the school load- but that did+:t matter to her& The soo+er she )i+ished- the )aster she could !et out that house a+d whe+ ,a++a assed away- she would+:t /ust be ut out& She would have a +ice /ob waiti+! )or heralthou!h she e+/oyed the Lau+dromat busi+ess& I) she ra+ the /oi+t thou!h- there would+:t be a+y ha+ky a+ky like Cleo was doi+!& But she did+:t ru+ the /oi+t a+d 7arvi+ did+:t mi+d the cashiers maki+! some e3tra dou!h o+ the side- /ust as lo+! as he !ot a cut o) it& They:d sli him the mo+ey by maki+! their drawers come u over a+ e3tra )orty bucks& ,icole had told ,a++a about the dirty deali+!s a+d ,a++a was u set- but she assured ,icole she had take+ care o) thi+!s a+d soo+ +o o+e would worry about the busi+ess- but ,icole& She had +o idea what her !ra+dmother mea+t by that- but ,a++a was still stro+! me+tally althou!h her body was !ivi+! u hysically& She rayed )or ,a++a:s !ood health every day- but she a+d ,a++a k+ew their time to!ether was comi+! to a+ e+d&

* te+ came throu!h the mo+ey slot a+d without looki+! at the )ace- she icked u the bill- made sure it was real- the+ ut )ive o+es a+d a )ive dollar bill i+ the slot& <he+ the stra+!er co+ti+ued to sta+d there- she mumbledCCa+ I hel you>C CI) you do+:t mi+d-C he said& His voice i+sta+tly cau!ht her ears a+d she looked u i+to the sea o) !ree+ she had /ust bee+ telli+! Cleo all about& C<hat are you doi+! here>C she asked clearly u set& CI:m washi+! my clothes- or do you do other thi+!s i+ this Lau+dromat&C She looked toward the bathroom& C,othi+! you:d wa+t&C She icked u her book to i!+ore him a!ai+- but he did+:t move away )rom the wi+dow& %id he +aturally look cuter by the mi+ute or was it /ust too late at +i!ht )or her& CCa+ I hel you>C she s+i ed- +ot at all liki+! the way her emotio+s were acti+! with him& It was+:t i+ her +ature to be so erturbed all the time& CI +eed your assista+ce& I:ve +ever worked these machi+es be)ore a+d I ca+:t tur+ it o+& I thi+k it:s broke&C C%id you read the i+structio+s>C she asked& CPlease- come hel me-C he be!!ed a!ai+& CI +eed assista+ce&C C<hat did you break>C CThe dryer com letely sto ed a+d I have already ut my clothes a+d mo+ey i+& *re you !oi+! to !et me a re)u+d>C She !ave him a lo+!- hard look the+ looked arou+d i+ the lobby& *t mid+i!ht o+ a Tuesday- there was +o o+e arou+d washi+! their clothes& So why was this idiot out here to+i!ht> CAou would+:t ha e+ to be )ollowi+! meare you>C she asked sus iciously& He s+orted i+ dis!ust& CI:ve !ot better thi+!s to do tha+ chase arou+d little !irls&C Cleo had !o+e out o+ her usual mid+i!ht ru+ o) Co+ey Isla+d a+d ci!arettes& She would+:t be back )or a+other te+ mi+utes& This would be the o+ly time Cleo would be able to leave the store because ,icole:s shi)t e+ded whe+ she came back& Comi+! out o) the booth had +ever bee+ da+!erous- but she did+:t really trust or like the ma+ to be!i+ with& ?rabbi+! her tool belt- she let hersel) out the booth- maki+! sure the door was locked& She allowed him to lead her over to where he had set u to wash a+d dry his clothes& She was able to see the back o) him a+d +oted )or a white ma+- he had a !e+erous hel i+! o) behi+d to !o alo+! with thick muscular le!s& <hatever he did- he worked hard at it& O+ the back o) his leather /acket was CBL*CK:S CE7E,T 0 7ade i+ *merica&C <he+ she be+t dow+ to look at the dryer setti+!s u+der+eath the dryer- he asked- CAou work well dow+ there>C ,icole did+:t k+ow i) he was tryi+! to be )u++y or make !e+eral co+versatio+& She decided either way- she would i!+ore his @uestio+& Juickly she )ou+d the )use sli!htly o ed )rom the dryer bo3 a+d ushed it back i+& Dust as she stood u - she )elt somethi+! brush a!ai+st her backside a+d she !as ed shar ly- tur+i+! to him& Be)ore he could e3 lai+ himsel)- she hauled o)) a+d sla ed him i+ the /aw& CAou ervert=C she seethed- the+ ra+ to the booth doors a+d locked hersel) back i+& He came u to the wi+dow& C<hat the )uck was that )or>C CAou tried to )o+dle me- you dirty old ma+&C CI:m +ot old a+d i) truth be k+ow+- /ust yesterday you were+:t tryi+! to !et away )rom me touchi+! you the+&C CI o+ly did it to hide )rom my mother seei+! me& I told you that= ?et your thi+!s a+d !et the hell out o) here&C CAou:re o+e cra;y bitch- you k+ow that& Aou backed u a!ai+st me whe+ you stood u &C She !as ed as i) he:d accused her o) lyi+!& CI did +ot& %o+:t you dare try to make this look like I:m the o+e at )ault& I) you wa+t to throw out some truths- the+ you were+:t dyi+! to sto kissi+! me either- a+d the reaso+ I had to ush you away was because you would have ra ed me ri!ht there i+ the alley&C He looked ho+estly a+!ry at her accusatio+& CI would +ot& Aou started it=C C*+d I had to )i+ish it- too&C Cleo came throu!h the )ro+t door a+d they were /ust !lari+! at each other& CIs everythi+! alri!ht- kid>C she asked- observi+! both their e3 ressio+s )rom the other side o) the wi+dow where he stood& CI:m )i+e& Some eo le /ust do+:t u+dersta+d what I,o. mea+s&C CSir- i) you:re !ivi+! her trouble-G Cleo war+ed- Fthe+ you ca+ take your stu)) a+d leave&C He did+:t eve+ look at Cleo- but tur+ed away a+d we+t to the dryer& ,icole hurriedly let Cleo i+& C<hat did he say>C C,othi+!&C ,icole acked her books a+d +otes u i+ her back ack& CI:m !oi+! home +ow& I:m really tired&C Cleo said worriedly- C7aybe you should wait u+til he leaves&C

CHe:s a bu+ch o) hot air- Cleo& I:m really tired a+d ,a++a has visitors tomorrow& I +eed to !et some slee - but I have so much to do at home&C CAou wa+t to take my car a+d /ust ick me u i+ the mor+i+!>C ,icole tiredly shook her head& CI:ll be okay&C CI:ll !ive you mo+ey )or a cab ride&C CPlease Cleo- sto it& I:ll be )i+e&C She ut o+ her coat a+d hat- a+d the+ walked out the Lau+dromat i+ a hurry+ot !ivi+! the stra+!er o+e more look& But she could )eel those cold !ree+ eyes o+ her- ierci+! i+to her back- as i) he wa+ted to cut o)) her air su ly with /ust a look& O+ce out i+ the mid+i!ht early %ecember air o+ the west side o) %etroit- she started home- +ot cari+! about a+ythi+!- e3ce t walki+! )ast a+d bei+! sa)e& She ushed thou!hts o) the stra+!er out o) her mi+d& 7aybe he was /ust +ew to the +ei!hborhood&

Chapter 3 Two weeks later- Cleo came i+ at te+ at +i!ht as usual- but she looked retty e3cited- as i) she had wo+ a millio+ dollars& C<hat:s your roblem>C ,icole @uestio+ed- eeki+! u )rom her books& CI )ou+d out that someo+e bou!ht the two houses +e3t to me&C C<ho>C CI do+:t k+ow- but I like +ew +ei!hbors&C Cleo /ust lived two blocks away )rom the Lau+dromat& It was a !reat walki+! dista+ce- but she i+sisted o+ drivi+! her car& ,icole:s house was about +i+e blocks away& * +ice hike- e3ce t whe+ it was cold out a+d visibility was shit& Cleo had bee+ com lai+i+! o) the horrible co+ditio+s o) the houses +e3t to her )or the lo+!est a+d her kids could+:t lay outside because homeless eo le- dru! dealers a+d users always occu ied the o e+ homes ille!ally& CThis mor+i+!- /ust as I was crawli+! i+to bed a)ter dro i+! the kids o)) to school- I heard this aw)ul ou+di+! a+d I we+t outside to cuss whoever was maki+! the racket out& This ma+ was there )rom some co+structio+ com a+y& They were closi+! u the houses so they ca+ sto the dra)t to start worki+! o+ them& He asked me whe+ I slee a+d I told him& He was the +icest white ma+ I:ve ever met K +ot like that ass that was i+ here a cou le o) weeks a!o& He told me that he:s maki+! sure they did+:t do a+y heavy co+structio+ duri+! those times&C CThat:s !reat& ,ow the kids ca+ !et out your hair a+d !et some )resh air&C CI ho e so& He said he:s !oi+! to ut a security )e+ce arou+d the ro erty so +o o+e will be breaki+! i+ a+d +ot to worry because at +i!ht- someo+e would be looki+! i+ o+ the houses a+d i) I wa+ted- they could watch over my lace- too&C C<ho is this ma+>C CI do+:t k+ow&C C<hat co+structio+ com a+y>C CI do+:t k+ow&C ,icole decided +ot to @uestio+ her a+ymore- becomi+! )rustrated with Cleo:s evasive a+swers& The +i!ht we+t like usual a+d a)ter Cleo came )rom her )ood a+d ci!arette ru+- ,icole le)t& <hile she was walki+! home- she had this stra+!e )eeli+! someo+e was watchi+! her& Hurryi+! u her ste - she !ot home sa)ely a+d did+:t thi+k a+ymore about it& She cha+!ed ,a++a:s sheet a+d )ed her !ra+dmother u+til the e3hausted woma+ )ell aslee & ,a++a:s breathi+! was very shallow a+d ,icole rayed at her !ra+dmother:s beside that a +ew heart would come soo+& Losi+! the o+ly erso+ i+ the world to care )or her would be devastati+!& *)ter combi+! ,a++a:s stri+!y hair- she we+t out to the !ara!e where she k+ew the stude+t she tutored had le)t assi!+me+ts or letters about her re orts& Plus- others who k+ew she was s+eaki+! )or her de!ree a+d allowed her to use their address would leave her mail there as well& There was a letter )rom the school she was !etti+! her de!ree out o)' Dear Ms. Gray, You are well on your way to finishing your degree, teachers certificate and Associate in Bookkeeping. We are proud to note that you ha e a !." GPA and only one course left for #oth of your $a%ors. The letter we+t o+ to +ote what she received o+ her last a er a+d test assi!+me+ts& Juickly- she sca++ed the letter u+til she !ot to the e+d' Due to your rapid success in the progra$, we $ust re&uest that you send in the final pay$ent #efore we send you the last of your lessons. 'he a$ount of ()""" is needed to co$plete this process. 'his cost also contains your graduating certificates and references needed, plus the rest of the supplies and #ooks. <here was she !oi+! to !et that ki+d o) mo+ey )rom> She o+ly had si3 hu+dred saved because she did+:t e3 ect to )i+ish the course so @uickly& 7arvi+ would k+ow i) she tried to !et a+y mo+ey a+d she did+:t wa+t to !et throw+ i+ a closet a!ai+ )or taki+! a+y mo+ey like she did be)ore- eve+ thou!h the check was i+ her +ame& 7arvi+ was+:t stu id whe+ it came to mo+ey matters a+d he ke t track o) every dime that we+t i+ a+d out o) the house a+d busi+ess& LLL ?etti+! i+ o+ her shi)t the +e3t day- she looked over the books while the other cashier ra+ the wi+dow& *s usual- 7arvi+ had bee+ maki+! withdrawals out o) the ba+k accou+t a+d this made her short o+ su lies& His

withdrawals were becomi+! lar!er a+d lar!er& So she decided to ay o)) the bills two mo+ths i+ adva+ce- writi+! a +ote that somethi+! had bou+ced due to his withdrawals a+d ayme+ts were re@uested like this u+til a)ter the ,ew Aear& He would+.t catch o+ u+til a)ter the ,ew Aear& ,icole had lied- but ho e)ully he would be too la;y to look back o+ the history& ,a++a had said she was drawi+! u +ew ower o) attor+ey a ers a+d would make ,icole sole heir& *s much as ,icole cared about the busi+ess- she cared about ,a++a more& She did+:t wa+t her !ra+dmother to !o away& *t +i+e- Cleo:s oldest dau!hter o) )ourtee+ called to let ,icole k+ow that her mother had to rush the you+!est child o) o+e year old to the hos ital because o) a+ ear i+)ectio+& It would be doubt)ul i) Cleo could come i+ to work& ,icole k+ew i) 7arvi+ was told- he:d tell her to )ire Cleo because this was her )ourth time calli+! i+ i+ this mo+th& I+stead- she decided to work the shi)t& It would be slow o+ a <ed+esday +i!ht- so she did+:t have a+ythi+! to really worry about& She asked the other cashier to stay )or a+ e3tra hour while she !ot hersel) somethi+! to eatthe+ she let the !irl !o& %elvi+! dee i+to her studies a)ter doi+! all the orders- at twelve- she was+:t aware o) someo+e walki+! u to the cou+ter u+til someo+e sli ed a twe+ty i+ the mo+ey slot& *s be)ore this o+e- she oi+ted to the si!+ without sayi+! a word- ho i+! the /oh+ would !o away& *+other twe+ty was laid o+ to o) the )irst& CCa+ you read0C she was cut short as she )ou+d his eyes o) !ree+ u+usually breathtaki+!& %id he k+ow how beauti)ul they were> Biti+! her li )rom a+y smart comme+t she would have said- she said- C<hatever you wa+t- I:m +ot that ty e o) !irl&C C<hat ty e o) !irl are you>C C<hat ty e do I look like>C she s+a ed& He was ur osely ed!i+! her i+to a verbal co+)lict& C* si3ty0dollar whore>C <ith that- he laced a+other twe+ty o+ to o) the other two& She looked dow+ at the mo+ey- the+ back u at him& %ecidi+! to lay his !ame- she said- CCa+:t you )i+d someo+e else to bother>C CI:d much rather bother you&C CI do+:t like you& I do+:t like a+ythi+! about you&C He lea+ed o+ the cou+ter a+d lit a ci!arette& C1eeli+!s mutual- but a ma+:s !ot +eeds a+d ri!ht +ow I wa+t to )i+ish what you started behi+d that !ara!e&C CThere:s +othi+! to )i+ish&C He took a lo+! dra! o+ the ci!arette- !ivi+! her a ske tical look& C9umor has it- )or a !ood time- I ca+ come i+ here about this time- set some bills o+ the cou+ter- a+d you:ll take me somewhere rivate a+d show me what a real woma+ ca+ do&C CI would+:t !ive you a !ood time i) you aid me a hu+dred dollars& I told you I do+:t do that&C CThe+ who does>C CThe other !irls- I !uess& I do+:t a+d I wo+:t with you&C CIs it /ust me or do you !ive your )avors out to all those black me+ that come strutti+! u i+ here to ester you>C ,icole decided to kee him !uessi+!& CThat:s +o+e o) your busi+ess&C He took o+e more dra! o+ the ci!arette be)ore !rou+di+! the butt out i+ the tray o+ the cou+terto & CHow much is it !oi+! to take )or you to lease a white ma+ like me>C There was a cruel i+te+t i+ his to+e o) voice- but she i!+ored that& Co+ti+ui+! his verbal lay- she lea+ed i+ the !lass to !ive him her best seductive stare& CAou could+:t a))ord me-C she whis ered& CHow much>C he asked a!ai+- his eyes ractically da+ci+! like !ree+ Christmas tree li!hts +ow that he k+ew she was !oi+! to lay with him& %id he crave verbal )ore lay> <as that how he !ot his kicks> 7aki+! someo+e a+!ry- the+ si+k to his level& Oh she would !et him !ood& C1ive hu+dred dollars&C He )li+ched a+d she smiled trium ha+tly& CThat:s a lot& <hat do I !et>C She shru!!ed- +ot letti+! him see she was com letely out o) her territory& This was Cleo:s busi+ess& C* li /ob-C she said- borrowi+! Cleo:s termi+olo!y& His eyes wide+ed& CThat:s it> *ll I !et is a !ood li /ob> Hell )or )ive hu+dred dollars- I could buy a whole lot o) crack whores o+ the cor+er a+d !o to tow+ )or a day a+d a hal) i+ a+y hole I lease&C CThe+ !o dow+ the street a+d !et them- but here you ay )or !ood a+d clea+&C CHow will I k+ow it:s worth it>C

She k+ew this idiot could+:t have that much mo+ey o+ him- but she decided to tease him by lea+i+! close to the wi+dow& I) she dro ed her shoulders a+d ressed her bosom almost a!ai+st the !lass- it !ave him a +ice view dow+ her shirt& CI:ll make you scream )or mercy&C C%am+=C He lit a+other ci!arette a+d u))ed eve+ harder- as i) he were dee i+ thou!ht& CBut )ive bills is a lot&C She sat back i+ her seat- lovi+! the tease she had sudde+ly become& CAou wa+t a !ood time with me> That:s what you have to ay&C CSo you:re !oi+! to !uara+tee me a li /ob i) I set )ive hu+dred dollars o+ this cou+ter&C K+owi+! )ull well he could+:t have mo+ey like that walki+! arou+d i+ the hood- she said- CAe - i) you do it ri!ht +ow&C He started u))i+! that ci!arette like it was his li)e de e+di+! o+ it& C<hat about )or )ive hu+dred dollars- I !et two days worth o) li service> That:s two0)i)ty a day- ayable at the e+d o) the service&C CAou:re tryi+! to strike a bar!ai+ with a whore> ,e3t thi+! you wa+t is a warra+ty- huh>C CIt crossed my mi+d- but I.d at least like a verbal romise I.d !et everythi+! I aid )or&C She lau!hed at his silli+ess- the+ +o+chala+tly shru!!ed& CAou set a )ive hu+dred o+ the cou+ter ri!ht +owa+d you:ve !ot me )or two days )or li serviceE a+d o+ly li service I romise +o take backs&C It was his tur+ to smile trium ha+tly as he !rou+ded out that ci!arette i+ the ashtray- a+d the+ reached i+ his back ocket to ull out the thickest wallet she had ever see+& He scoo ed u the three twe+ties a+d watched as her mouth dro ed o e+ whe+ he laid )ive cris +ew hu+dred dollar bills out o+ the cou+ter a+d the+ ushed it i+to the mo+ey slot& CShould+:t you be savi+! some o) that saliva )or me>C Juickly closi+! her mouth- she !lared u at him& CAou had every i+te+tio+ o) o))eri+! me whatever I asked&C C7aybe- but that:s +either here +or there& %o you kee your romise>C ,icole hated the idea o) !ivi+! him a+y satis)actio+- but she was a woma+ o) ho+or& Besides- she:d always wa+ted to k+ow how it )elt& She.d see+ it do+e e+ou!h a+d heard about it e+ou!h to be co+sidered almost a+ e3 ert at it- but actually doi+! it would be a whole +ew e3 erie+ce )or her& He started to take the mo+ey out o) the slot- but she touched the to o) his ha+d& C?ive me a mome+t&C CI do+:t have a mome+t& *t )ive hu+dred dollars- your time is my time&C She icked u the mo+ey a+d cou+ted it slowly twice- the+ laid it dow+ o+ the cou+ter i+ )ro+t o) her- still stari+! at the bills i+ disbelie)& CTimes a wasti+!- woma+&C Strai!hte+i+! her s i+e a+d throwi+! her head back- she im erso+ated Cleo dow+ to the cold !la;ed overshadowi+! o) her )ace as she took the mo+ey a+d shoved it i+ her a+ts& C?ive me a mome+t- su!ar li s-C she said- slidi+! )rom the seat& ?oi+! over to Cleo:s drawer- she )ou+d a breath mi+t& She always saw Cleo ut o+e i+ her mouth be)ore !oi+! out& She !rabbed her keys a+d we+t out o) the door& She locked the )ro+t door with the electro+ic lock& I) a+y customers wa+ted to come i+- she could use the bu;;er to let them i+& He stood dow+ there waiti+! )or her a+d she avoided looki+! at him& *+f you can ace a ho$e course in less ti$e it takes to piss, you can certainly handle this cracker like a rag doll,, she told hersel) co+)ide+tly& ,icole took a dee breath a+d co+ti+ued Cleo:s dis ositio+ by switchi+! her hi s with a look o) assura+ce to her body& O e+i+! the door to the ladies room- she let him walk by her& She always watched as Cleo we+t i+- but o+ce the door had closed- she did+:t k+ow what to do& The )irst lo!ical thi+! was to tur+ o+ the li!hts- which he did o+ce he e+tered& She we+t over to the toilet a+d ut the seat dow+& *s she )aced him- he:d already crossed the dista+ce betwee+ them i+ o+e lo+! stride- ulli+! her i+to his arms a+d ca turi+! her mouth be)ore she could say a+ythi+!& She remembered his taste well a+d )ou+d that she was cravi+! it o+ce a!ai+& The hat o+ his head was k+ocked to the )loor as she ra+ her )i+!ers throu!h his +a e le+!th blo+de hair- lovi+! the )eel o) it betwee+ her )i+!ers as his mouth ossessed her ow+& They moved like old lovers- touchi+!- rubbi+!- a+d )eeli+! everywhere- wishi+! the clothes were +ot rese+t& 1orci+! hersel) to take co+trol o) the situatio+- somehow they.d ma+euvered back to the door a+d she was ressed hard o+ him so that his back was a!ai+st the door& O+e ha+d co+ti+ued to hold his head i+ lace while her li s rava!ed his mouth- cheek- ears- a+d li s& Her other ha+d )ou+d his a+ts a+d be!a+ to u+buckle them& Her skills with o e+i+! clothi+! i+ the Lau+dromat came i+ so ha+dy that she was able to o e+ his a+ts a+d ush them dow+ without releasi+! her mouth )rom his&

*s Cleo had said- i+itially they )i!ht it- a+d by his strai+ he was de)i+itely )i!hti+! what she was doi+! to him& He tried to ull her back i+ his arms as she slowly lowered to her k+ees& CShould+:t we sit>C he asked u+sure& C%oes it matter>C she whis ered huskily- ri!ht be)ore she e+!ul)ed him dee i+to her oral cavity& He !as ed a+d she was ositive she saw his le! vibrate )rom the assio+ she had eru ted i+ him& Her eyes closed as she remembered Cleo:s detail i+structio+s- movi+! her ha+ds i+side his thi!h- betwee+ his le!s a+d arou+d his buttocks as her mouth hu+!rily worked to bri+! him to lease& She ke t her teeth securely covered by her li s while she also ke t a )irm !ri o+ him& <hile doi+! all o) this- she moved her to+!ue voraciously arou+d the ti - e+/oyi+! how his body was )i!hti+!- the+ succumbi+!- the+ )i!hti+!& Dust whe+ he was !ivi+! u the )i!ht- she slowly cre t her )i+!ers u a+d !e+tly ulled at the base o) him& The whim er o) mercy )rom him made her smile a+d she brushed her teeth mistake+ly over the se+sitive ti & He !rabbed the door ha+dle )or bala+ce as his le!s almost buckled u+der+eath him& She !as ed as he )illed her mouth- !ivi+! her +o choice but to swallow as his lar!e sha)t ulsed betwee+ her )i+!ers a+d li s& * )ilm o) sweat covered his e+tire body a+d i+timately e+/oyi+! the sce+t o) him- she buried her +ose i+to his blo+de hair- lovi+! the so)t )eel o) the )ollicles o+ her )ace& His member was still hard- but somewhat drai+ed- yet she had a )eeli+! i) there was more she had romised him- +othi+! would sto him )rom layi+! her o+ this )loor a+d taki+! her u+til the mor+i+! daw+& 9elucta+tly- she took a dee breath- testi+! the raw+ess o) her li a+d the sore+ess o) her /aw& He was backed i+ the cor+er o) the door& ,icole we+t so )ar as to care)ully ad/ust him a+d )i3 his a+ts- the+ she !ave him a sim le kiss o+ his chi+& Soo+ as she drew away- those i+te+se !ree+s o e+ed a+d held her !a;e& She )elt her breath catch i+ her throat& It was+:t )ear she )elt& His arm drew her i+to him- moldi+! her body a!ai+st his& The+ he kissed her )orehead- her eyes- the+ trailed his wet to+!ue dow+ u+til he e+twi+ed the ti with hers& She moa+ed so)tly- lovi+! his kisses very much& He was older a+d k+owled!eable- a+d she was ositive he would be able to lease her very much i) !ive+ the cha+ce& *What the hell are you thinking- What the hell are you doing-, she thou!ht& Pushi+! away- she wi!!led des erately out o) his arms& She could tell he wa+ted her back- but whe+ he ste ed toward her- she ste ed back two aces a+d held u her arms as i) that could sto him& CI have to !et back to work a+d !ivi+! you a+ythi+! more is +ot i+ the deal-C she said- atti+! her ocket where the bul!e o) mo+ey rested& He co+ceded a+d allowed her to leave- which she did @uickly& ?etti+! back behi+d the booth- she shrieked as she saw Cleo sta+di+! by the bi+ o) clothes& C<hat the hell are you doi+! here>C she e3claimed& C<orki+!& The )ro+t door was locked so I used my key& *re you okay>C ,ervously she looked at the )emale bathroom door a+d ulled Cleo dee er i+to the back& CI:m okay& I was /ust a little @ueasy& Is everythi+! okay at home> I had you covered&C C<ell- he:s )i+e a+d his daddy miraculously came dow+ to the hos ital a+d said he would let me !o while he watched the boy& He:s !ot a tem erature- but his daddy said he:d stay with him&C She looked very !rate)ul& CTha+ks )or savi+! my ass with 7arv&C CHow:d you k+ow I did+:t tell>C CCause you are here a+d +ot him& He:d !ladly tell me to !et the )uck out&C They walked back u to the )ro+t by the !lass a+d both !as ed at the )i!ure& CI must have le)t the door u+lock-C Cleo surmised& CIs+:t that the !uy who !ave you trouble last time> <a+t me to ha+dle him>C His back was to them- a+d he was u))i+! o+ a+other ci!arette slowly this time& ,icole k+ew why& He.s such a smu! bastard- she s+eered to hersel)- but she could+.t hel smili+!- k+owi+! she.d do+e a !ood /ob leasi+! him& C,o- I ca+ ha+dle him&C ?oi+! to the !lass- she slid back i+ the seat- ad/usti+! the wad i+ her ocket& He tur+ed- his smoky !ree+ eyes assessi+! her !e+erously& His voice was stra+!ely low- but was+:t a whis er& C<he+ do you !et o))>C His hat was back o+ his head- but tur+ed the o osite way- !ivi+! him a boyish look& CThat does+:t co+cer+ you&C CIt does with my mo+ey i+ your ocket&C CThirty mi+utes-C she mumbled- +ot at all liki+! the cool e3terior he +ow e3hibited& He walked out without a+other word& Cleo had+:t heard a+y o) the co+versatio+- but she still said- CHe was+:t that hard to lease&C

CI) you o+ly k+ew-C ,icole mumbled u+der her breath- still )eeli+! the stra+!e sore+ess i+ her /aw a+d the tired+ess i+ her li s& They had de)i+itely bee+ throu!h a workout& ,icole had too much o+ her mi+d about this time to eve+ comme+t o+ Cleo or )eel a+y ity )or Cleo:s so+& CI !ot some )ood i+ the back& I:m !oi+! to !o& I ho e your so+ )eels better&C C7e too a+d tha+ks kid&C They hu!!ed- ,icole we+t to the back a+d ri+sed out her mouth i+ the si+k- a+d she le)t out& The !ree+0eyed smu! bastard ulled u o+ the side o) her i+ a com a+y white 9a+!er 434 with BL*CK:S CE7E,T o+ the asse+!er door& He o e+ed the door )or her& <ithout a word- she !ot i+- )i!uri+! he must be retty hi!h u i+ the com a+y to !et a com a+y carE robably a su ervisor or somethi+! /ud!i+! by the way his ha+ds were+.t that rou!h a+d by the ma+a!erial +ature he carried& C%o+:t you thi+k we +eed to k+ow each other:s +ames be)ore we !o a+y )urther>C she asked as he !ot back i+ the driver.s seat a+d took o)) i+ the directio+ o) where he had met her& CI:m ,icole&C CThat:s it> Dust ,icole>C CI thi+k some a+o+ymity is !ood betwee+ us& That mea+s o+ce this is over with- we wo+:t have a+y ties to each other&C C*re you sayi+! you would like to stay im erso+al>C He divided his atte+tio+ betwee+ her a+d the road& C,ow it:s your tur+& <hat:s your +ame>C He hesitated- as i) he did+:t wa+t to !ive it to her& CEtha+-C he res o+ded- tur+i+! a cor+er shar ly& They e3 erie+ced a stra+!e sile+ce u+til he asked- C%o you o)te+ do this to !e+tleme+ willi+! to ay your e3orbita+t )ees>C She shru!!ed ur osely to kee him wo+deri+!& I) he wa+ted to thi+k o) her as a whore- it made it easier to take his mo+ey& CI should let you k+ow your mo+ey will be ut to !ood use& I:m !oi+! to be able to a))ord my last course )or school a+d !raduatio+& Tha+k you&C He ulled u to the s ot where they met the )irst mor+i+!& CHere is !ood e+ou!hE I do+:t live )ar-C she said& He tur+ed out the li!hts a+d the motor be)ore )aci+! her- ositio+i+! himsel) so that his ha+d rested o+ the to back o) her seat& ,icole wo+dered i) breaki+! ro3imity bou+daries was his way o) kee i+! co+trol o) the situatio+& CPerso+ally- I do+:t care i) you bathe yoursel) with the )ucki+! lootE I /ust care whe+ will it ha e+ a!ai+>C The heat i+ his eyes made her )eel warm all over a+d she looked strai!ht to kee )rom succumbi+! to a+y emotio+al attachme+t to this ma+& She could+:t u+dersta+d why she )elt erturbed o+e mome+t to total e3hilaratio+ the +e3t& Lots o) me+ had hit o+ her& 7a+y had tried to molest her- but +evertheless- she had stayed away )rom a+y a+d all i+vitatio+s- +ever wa+ti+! to i+volve her heart or her body with a+y ma+& So why was she sitti+! here +ow with a ma+ she k+ew she could +ever kee )orever a+d who o+ly wa+ted her )or her oral activity> Care)ully )ormi+! her words as to +ot let him k+ow how much he was a))ecti+! her- she said- CTomorrow +i!ht a)ter work& I ca+:t see you a+y soo+er&C His look o) disa oi+tme+t out o) her eri heral visio+ was clearly evide+t& C<hy is that>C CI:m busy duri+! the day a+d I ca+:t miss work&C He a!reed relucta+tly& C1i+e&C C<here do you live>C she blurted out- looki+! at him& CI thou!ht you wa+ted us to remai+ a+o+ymous to each other>C ,icole )lushed& CI was /ust wo+deri+!0C He cut her o))& CI love your mouth&C Her breath cau!ht her i+ her throat as her heart raced& She could+:t hel but to meet his smolderi+! look o) wa+to+ lust with o+e o) her ow+& Barely- she )orced out- CTha+k you-C because she could+:t thi+k o) a+ythi+! else to say that would+:t let him k+ow she had e+/oyed his comme+t very much& CCa+ I kiss you>C She +odded a+d lea+ed )orward& His other ha+d cau!ht arou+d her +a e- tilti+! her head sli!htly to dee e+ the assio+ they shared& The )eel- touch- a+d taste o) him tur+ed her i+side out a+d se+t her se+ses o+ a wild roller coaster ride that she wa+ted +ever to sto & Pushi+! away- relucta+tly- she ressed her back a!ai+st the asse+!er door& The hu+!ry look i+ his eyes clearly told her this ma+ had serious locked u emotio+s a+d i) u+leashed- he could tear her heart a art& ,o emotio+al tie0u s& ,ot +ow= ,ot ever=

CTomorrow-C was all she whis ered be)ore /um i+! out there a+d ru++i+! dow+ to her home& 7arvi+ had his buddies over- but whe+ she !ot i+ the house- she did+:t ause to !reet them or assess the situatio+& She co+ti+ued o+ u stairs ast ,a++a:s room to her small room i+ the attic- where she lo ed o+ the twi+ si;e old bed a+d buried her ha+ds i+ her )ace& <hat the hell had she !otte+ hersel) i+to>

Chapter 4 *wake+i+! i+ bed- Ly++e looked at the em ty illow beside her a+d )row+ed& It was+:t like him to +ot call or come home& Picki+! u the cordless ho+e beside the bed- she dialed the o))ice i+ *ubur+ Hills where Dames- her husba+d.s brother- worked& Etha+ stayed o+ the sites most o) the time to stay away )rom his )amily- but used Dames: secretary- Kriste+ 7arks- to kee u with his a oi+tme+ts& Kriste+ a+swered the ho+e as olite as ever- althou!h her to+e we+t a little wayward whe+ she reali;ed e3actly who was o+ the other li+e& C?ood mor+i+!- 7rs& Black& Dames has+:t come i+ yet&C CI was wo+deri+! i) you:ve heard )rom my husba+d>C COh- +ow you.re aski+! about your husba+d>G Kriste+ asked- sou+di+! sur rised& F7r& Black le)t a messa!e to reschedule all o) his a oi+tme+ts )or the +e3t seve+ days to a)ter the holidays- i) ossible&C Her to+e o) voice was directly sarcastic- as i) Ly++e should already k+ow this& Ly++e did+:t e3actly care )or this little chit worki+! )or Dames- but she was a dau!hter o) a )rie+d o) the )amily a+d Dames had said she did e3celle+t work& C<ould you k+ow the reaso+ behi+d this>C Si!hi+! im atie+tly- Kriste+ a+swered- CHe:s worki+! o+ dual ro/ects&C *!ai+- her to+e was as i) Ly++e should have k+ow+ this& CIt may be taki+! u a lot o) his time- es ecially si+ce he +eeded s ecial ;o+i+! with o+e o) them&C O) course this did+:t i+terest Ly++e& ,othi+! o) what her husba+d ever did i+terested the sel)ish woma+- but she was always i+terested i+ Dames. schedule& C%id he say where he ca+ be co+tacted>C Ly++e k+ew Etha+ +ever sle t o+ site& CO+ly his cell ho+e a)ter today&C Ly++e hu))ed- a++oyed- k+owi+! the little mi+3 was holdi+! back i+)ormatio+& Ever si+ce Ly++e had be!u+ to show i+terest i+ Dames- Kriste+ seemed to be aloo) a+d a!itati+! to Ly++e& C<hy a)ter today- Kriste+>C Kriste+:s voice was matter0o)0)actly& CBecause he sold the house i+ %etroit )or o+e dollar& I drew u the a ers mysel) )or the lawyer&C Ly++e !as ed& C<he+> <hy> To whom>:: CHe said he did+:t like its locatio+ a+ymore a+d that he wa+ted somethi+! bi!!er&C This was+:t like Etha+ at all a+d alarm bells started !oi+! o)) i+ Ly++e:s !ut& <hat the hell could he be u to> CHe sold it to Thaddeus ,ewma+&C Ly++e wa+ted to scream& She )i!ured somehow that Thaddeus a+d his meddli+! wi)e- Skye- had bee+ able to CeducateC Etha+ a little o+ the black woma+& She:d +oticed little tech+i@ues Etha+ had be!u+ usi+! i+ @uestio+i+! her o+ her whereabouts i+ the ast year& I) he k+ew about her male lovers- the+ he had+:t said a word& Aet- i) he was so k+owled!eable- why had+:t he said a+ythi+!> He was a ma+ who liked to !et thi+!s out i+ the o e+- +ot s+eak arou+d& Aet- he sold the %etroit ro erty a+d did+:t tell her& He had always hated the city- so this was+:t out o) the ordi+ary )or him- /ust so u+e3 ected o) him& Etha+ was a+ythi+! but s o+ta+eous& How dare he sell ro erty without telli+! her so= C<hat about the )ur+ishi+!s I icked out- a+d my thi+!s>C CThe )ur+ishi+!s were i+cluded with the house a+d I was i+structed to ack your thi+!s a+d ut them i+ the stora!e locatio+ you usually use )or your wi+ter items& Aou should be receivi+! the i+)ormatio+ a+d s eci)ics throu!h BPS +o later tha+ +oo+ today at your home address&C CSo you we+t dow+ to %etroit>C CAesterday mor+i+!- 7rs& Black-C Kriste+ co+)irmed& C%id you see him>C CHe let me i+ the house- but said he was late a+d +eeded to !et across tow+ be)ore +oo+&C C*+d the other assi!+me+t he:s i+volved i+- where would that be>C Kriste+ aused to look it u & CThat would be o+ the west side o) the city& *s )ar as I k+ow- he is usi+! rivate resources to )u+d the ro/ect& But i) I !uess- I would say it had to be a reside+tial ro erty )rom the co+tractors he re@uested me to co+tact so he could use&C CHe:s ayi+! )or everythi+! out o) his ocket>C she asked i+credulously& CAes- 7rs& Black- a+d i) I may +ote- he seemed&&&C her voice )altered- as i) u+sure how to describe Etha+& CI:m +ot sure how to say this- but he seemed di))ere+t&C CHow is di))ere+t>C CE3cited&C Ly++e almost dro ed the ho+e& Etha+ Black did+:t !et e3cited about a+ythi+!& C*re you sure about this>C

C<ell- I:m +ot a+ e3 ert o+ emotio+s- es ecially whe+ it comes to 7r& Black- who usually +ever says two words to me& But he was so talkative- hurried- a+d )lushed& It was so di))ere+t& He almost remi+ded me o) Dames&C That was di))ere+t& The brothers were like +i!ht a+d day& Dames took +othi+! serious a+d Etha+ took everythi+! serious& He was a!itated a+d hu))ed a lot- but looki+! e3cited about a+ythi+! was /ust +ot i+ his +ature& CTha+k you- Kriste+-C she said a+d hu+! u the ho+e- +ot eve+ !ivi+! the !irl a+y time to say a+ythi+! else& The door dow+stairs o e+ed- the+ closed- a+d Ly++e /um ed out o) the bed so )ast she almost twisted her a+kle !etti+! dow+ the stairs& She located her husba+d i+ the kitche+ maki+! his ow+ sa+dwich& Eve+ thou!h he was clea+ shave+- Etha+ looked ha!!ard& His hair +eeded cutti+! a+d he wore work clothes a+d +ot the usual suits& This was+:t what cau!ht her atte+tio+ thou!h& He had+:t +oticed her yet a+d she was able to see the u+!uarded look o)&&&ha i+ess i+ his eyes& She started to sweat- )eeli+! +ervous a+d cau!ht& %id he k+ow about the lovers> The ma+y !i)ts she had bou!ht )or them with his mo+ey> The homes she had them livi+! i+ with her husba+d.s mo+ey> C?ood mor+i+!Etha+-C she said lovi+!ly& He masked his e3 ressio+ immediately- !ivi+! her a wary look be)ore biti+! i+to his sa+dwich& Ly++e stared at him- +otici+! the cocky way he stood as i) he had co+@uered the world& CAou did+:t come home last +i!ht a+d you did+:t call&C She rete+ded to wa+t to be i+ the kitche+ a+d ut the tea kettle o+ the stoveas i) to make tea& CI sle t o+ site-C he e3 lai+ed& CAou +ever slee o+ site-C she +oted& He o+ly shru!!ed- +ot !oi+! i+to a+y more e3 la+atio+ tha+ what he already had& CI was tired& I did+:t )eel like drivi+! )rom %etroit& 7ore or less- I assed out over some la+s I:ve bee+ worki+! o+&C Ly++e busied hersel) by maki+! co))ee- k+owi+! her husba+d was bei+! evasive )or other reaso+s& He did+:t s eak- but took a+other bite& CKriste+ also tells me you:ve !ot a rivate ro/ect i+ the works&C He sti))e+ed& C<hat else did she tell you>C This was the Etha+ she was used to with the )amiliar !rowl& ,ow she would be able to work her wiles o+ him& 7ovi+! slowly a+d seductively- each move made to draw the eye o) a+y ma+- e3ce t her husba+d who o+ly tur+ed his back o+ her& <ith two more bites- he ur osely hurried a+d )i+ished the sa+dwich a+d used the o ortu+ity to !et him somethi+! to dri+k- ushi+! ast her to !et to the re)ri!erator& Ly++e did+:t like bei+! i!+ored a+d the ma+ she had devoted her li)e to was doi+! /ust that& 7atter o) )actthis ma+ had ur osely !o+e out o) his way to avoid her )or the last three weeks& C<hat:s !oi+! o+- Etha+>C C<hat do you mea+>C he asked i++oce+tly& CI mea+ you are+:t doi+! thi+!s +ormally Etha+& This is+:t like you a+d I do+:t like it&C He closed the re)ri!erator @uietly a+d sat o+ the stools by the si+k i+ the middle o) the kitche+ )aci+! his wi)e& The water )rom the tea kettle chose this time to sou+d o)) o+ the stove- startli+! her )ra;;led +erves& Slammi+! the ot o+ a+other eye- she )aced him- waiti+! im atie+tly )or a+ a+swer& She )olded her arms across her chest a+d eve+ ta ed her )oot& He looked remotely amused as he surveyed his wi)e:s u set co+ditio+& She was +othi+! like ,icole or should he say- ,icole was +othi+! like her mother& So was his la+ )or reve+!e a!ai+st this tri)li+! woma+ !oi+! to be worth it i+ the e+d- whe+ he would have to break ,icole:s heart> Dust thi+ki+! about those beauti)ul brow+ eyes welli+! with tears over his betrayal tur+ed a+ i+visible screwdriver i+ his heart& Etha+ harde+ed his emotio+s to this& Kee i+! his eye o+ the !oal he:d set )or himsel) would make all this worthwhile& The+ he could !o o+ with his li)e- stayi+! very )ar away )rom wome+ i+ !e+eral& He reali;ed that it did+:t matter what color they were& *ll o) them were +othi+! but a bu+ch o) trouble- a+d +ow he k+ew why his )ather had died lo+ely a+d bitchy& CI would like you to ack your thi+!s a+d !et out& Be)ore you leave- you:ll lace all the keys I:ve ever !ive+ you o+ this table& *)ter all o) that- you:ll !o to your lawyer- which I k+ow you have a+d have him draw u divorce a ers& Aou:ll i+itiali;e the rocess because you will +ot !et o+e red ce+t o) a+ythi+! I have&C She !ri ed the cou+ter to so ti!ht that her +ails du! i+to the wood !rai+& Seethi+!- she said throu!h !ritted teeth- CAou ca+:t do this to me& I:ll rui+ you )i+a+cially you cold heartless asshole&C He reached i+ his back a+d ulled out a thick e+velo e& CAou ca+ try& Aou ca+ try real hard- but you:ll !et o+ly what you:re worth00shit& I) you !o my way- I:ll let you walk out o) here with your di!+ity a+d erso+al

belo+!i+!s& I) you wa+t to do it the hard way- I:ll leave you i+ the middle o) the city with +othi+! to your +ame a+d +ot a stitch o+ your body&C CI have laces to stay-C she said- sla+ti+! her eyes at him& CThere are le+ty o) eo le I have&C CLike Carlos> E+ri@ue> How about Sta+ley> Is that all o) them or should I try the list o) lover:s i+ ,ew Aork I:ve rece+tly s oke+ to> Or maybe Dames- my ow+ brother> %id you thi+k I would+.t k+ow that o+e> *+d i) you use that Ftryi+! to co+sole him because o) my )ather.s death storyG that he tried to use o+ me- I.ll !o )ucki+! ballistic& Aou were )ucki+! him way be)ore my )ather assed away&C She wa+ted to scratch his eyes out& She wa+ted to take away that trium ha+t smirk o+ his )ace& <hat else did he k+ow> Sta+di+! u - Etha+ said as cold as he could- CThe houses- the credit cards- the cars- everythi+! is !o+e& Aou:re o+ your ow+& Eve+ your lovers. homes you:ve so !e+erously bou!ht )or them are !o+e& I:ve co+)iscated all the !i)ts you:ve bou!ht them& Aes- I have bee+ kee i+! track o) all the cars a+d /ewelry !i)ts you:ve !o+e out o) your way to kee )rom me&C She tur+ed her back to him so a+!ry& CHow lo+! have you k+ow+>C CThe ast two years- but I thou!ht I could ha+dle it& I mea+- I was /ust i+ lust with you& I thou!ht you would make me love you& I could have !ive+ time- but you used me- /ust like you have used everyo+e else i+ your li)e& Eve+ that bastard you had a+d tried to hide )rom the world by )osteri+! her o)) o+ your ow+ mother&C She !as ed a+d tur+ed to look at him& CAou k+ew about her>C C%oes she k+ow you tried to use her- too> That her su osed daddy would+:t !ive a whore the time o) day- so you tried to abort her a+d whe+ she would+:t /ust disa ear- you !ave her u to your mother> %oes she k+ow eve+ a)ter she was bor+ that you still tried to !et mo+ey out o) a ma+ who was+:t eve+ her daddy>C Ly++e came arou+d the cou+ter& C<hy should I tell a brat who !ave me +othi+! but ai+ about a worthless ma+- who did+:t mea+ shit to me but a !ood )uck> I could have had a real ma+ who loved me a+d I loved him&C CHe o+ly wa+ted a !ood )uck a+d that you are- Ly++e& Aou o+ly wa+ted him )or the mo+ey&C Tryi+! her best vi+dictive to+e- she said- CAou would+:t k+ow about love- you u+)eeli+! bastard&C C*+d you did at thirtee+ with a )i)ty0year0old ma+> Aou were a whore the+ a+d you:re a whore +ow&C I+stead o) hitti+! him- she !rabbed the hot ot a+d hurled it at him& But he ducked to avoid it- letti+! it slam a!ai+st the kitche+ wall behi+d him& CIs that all you have to say>C C,o- I !ot a lot more& Aou will +ever have a+yo+e who will )uck you as !ood as me& Aou will +ever k+ow love- because your idea o) it is a )ive0hour maratho+ o) you sweati+! a+d um i+! like a dam+ rocki+! horse& 7e+ like you will always !row old- lo+ely a+d bitchy because you have +o idea how to lease a woma+- /ust like your )ather& Take your shit- because I ca+ )i+d a real ma+ to satis)y my +eeds&C CBe)ore you !o )i+di+! a real ma+- why do+:t you !o be a real mother to that little bastard you le)t&C He stormed out the kitche+- )i!hti+! his will ower +ot to throttle that bitch )or her hurti+! words& He:d started the mess a+d should )eel dam+ !ood& He had e+ded the whole thi+!- but he k+ew he had /ust started some more mess with ,icole that would kill her mother emotio+ally& ,ow all he had to do was !et the bastard to )all i+ love with him& ,icole was utti+! u a !ood )i!ht- but he k+ew she wa+ted him& Holdi+! back o+ly s urred him to make her wa+t him more& <as it race> Or was it a!e> How could he break her dow+ to do what he wa+ted her to do& He was o+ly thirty0three to her +i+etee+& Aes that was a bit o) a challe+!e- but he was ositive a+y you+! woma+ her a!e would be e+amored by the atte+tio+ o) a rich older ma+- +o matter what color he may be& Li!hti+! u a ci!arette to calm his +erves- he thou!ht lo+! a+d hard about his decisio+ to deceive her& Hell- she was a whore /ust like her mother- e3ce t she was a little smarter a+d ho+est a+d asked )or the mo+ey u )ro+t& F,o emotio+al ties-G were her e3act words& This clearly told him she was+:t i+terested i+ a+y relatio+shi - but she wa+ted somethi+!& Every woma+ wa+ted somethi+!& He /ust had to )i+d out what this articularly i+telli!e+tyou+! beauti)ul woma+ wa+ted- a+d the+ !ive it to her& *t a+y a+d all cost- he la++ed to hurt ,icole ?ray /ust to make sure his wi)e- Ly++e ?ray- k+ew she had )ucked over the wro+! ma+&

Chapter 5 The doctor checked her o+e last time a+d the+ ulled ,icole outside the room so ,a++a could !et some rest& %octor Vi+ce+t 9ucker was a ki+d ma+- who remi+ded her o) 9o!er 7oore whe+ he layed i+ those Bo+d movies- e3ce t he was missi+! the British acce+t& CShe:s !etti+! e+ou!h rest-C he assured her& CI do+:t wa+t her movi+! at all& ,ot u+til we ca+ )i+d out )or certai+ i) there will be a heart do+or be)ore the e+d o) the year&C C*+d i) there is +ot o+e>C she asked worriedly& He looked at her !ravely& CI would like her to come to the hos ital a+d stay& She will be eve+ weaker a+d I do+:t wa+t her i+ this e+viro+me+t& I would also like you to s eak with her about resuscitatio+& She is still cohere+t e+ou!h to discuss her o tio+s&C Stubbor+ly- her chi+ we+t u & CThere are +o o tio+s& Aou will resuscitate her i) she !oes i+to arrest&C CI ca+:t /ust do it because you said so&C He ha+ded her a+ e+velo e& C?ive this to her& 9ead it over )or her a+d the+ have her i+itial what she wa+ts a+d si!+ at the bottom&C Tears welled u ti!ht i+ her eyes at the thou!ht o) losi+! ,a++a& CI do+:t thi+k I ca+- %r& 9ucker&C CI k+ow you ca+ be stro+!- ,icole& I k+ow you ca+-C he assured her- !ivi+! her a com)orti+! hu!& *)ter he le)t- she we+t back i+ the room where ,a++a rested @uietly& The li!hti+! was low a+d so)t music layed i+ the back!rou+d& ,a++a loved the sym ho+y Phanto$ of the .pera a+d the music layed mor+i+!- +oo+ a+d +i!ht- com)orti+! the old woma+ i+ her time o) +eed& *ll last mo+th- it had bee+ the so+!s o) Shirley Caesar& I) ,a++a made it to the ,ew Aear- ,icole was very i+terested i+ what the old woma+ would ick& <he+ she sat dow+ beside ,a++a i+ a chair- the old brow+ eyes o e+ed& Her ski+ was ale )rom lack o) blood )low& *lready- the elderly woma+ had lost o+e o) her le!s to the k+ee )rom lack o) blood )low& <atchi+! the woma+- who had bee+ more o) a are+t to her tha+ a+yo+e- dyi+! was heart wre+chi+!& ,a++a had bee+ the stro+! i+de e+de+t woma+ ,icole had told hersel) she would !row u to be& * )ai+t- weak smile crossed ,a++a:s )eatures as she )orced hersel) to awake& CHow:s my ,icole>C she askedher dee souther+ drawl comi+! )orward slowly& The stroke had slowed her s eech drastically u+til it sou+ded as i) she s oke i+ slow motio+& ,icole wi ed her eyes a!ai+ )rom the )resh stream o) tears& CI:ll be )i+e- a+d you>C CSometimes I )eel bad- sometimes I )eel +othi+!&C She aused to catch her breath& CI do+:t mi+d the bad+ess& It:s the +othi+! that scares me&C She covered her mouth to hold back a sob& ,a++a:s eyes we+t to the a ers i+ ,icole:s ha+ds a+d without bei+! asked to e3 lai+- she said- C%r& 9ucker !ave me these a ers& They:re about you choosi+! to be revived i)&&&your heart should )ail& I told him I could make the decisio+ )or you&C CCa+ you ,icki> Ca+ you really>C ,icole be!a+ to wee ear+estly& CI do+:t wa+t you to leave me& I do+:t wa+t to be without you- ,a++a&C She )ell to her k+ees a+d !e+tly laid her head o+ her !ra+dmother:s bosom& CPlease ,a++a- say you:ll stay& Stay as lo+! as you ca+& *s lo+! as they ca+ kee you here- lease& I ca+.t lose you&C C,a++a:s tired baby&C <eakly- ,a++a atted ,icole:s shoulder- o))eri+! her as much com)ort as she could& CLook at me child&C ,icole looked u at the eyes /ust like her- but tired a+d old- yet )illed with so much u+co+ditio+al love& The ai+ o) losi+! these )eeli+!s made ,icole:s chest hurt& CI:ve bee+ talki+! to my Desus a+d it:s time )or me to /oi+ Him- child& But I !ot a lot to say to you- so hush +ow&C 1orci+! her sobs to dissi ate- she moved back i+ the chair- but moved it closer to the bed& ,a++a re@uested some air a+d ,icole tur+ed o+ her o3y!e+ that ra+ u i+to her +ose& ,a++a had re@uested to !o home i+stead o) stayi+! at the hos ital because she did+:t like bei+! away )rom the home she had married i+ a+d raised her )amily i+& There were home +urses that visited daily- a+d there was a+ emer!e+cy alert butto+- i) ever they +eeded to rush her to the hos ital- +ot )ar )rom where they lived& CI:ve lived a lo+! time-C the old woma+ said a)ter taki+! several dee breaths& CI:ve loved ma+y- but your !ra+d)ather was a ma+ I will love )orever& He:s waiti+! )or me a+d I ca+:t wait to see him&C Betwee+ each se+te+ce- she took lo+! dee breaths& C<he+ it:s time- let me !o- child& Let me !o home to my husba+d- my dau!hter- a+d most o) all- my Lord& I k+ow it will be rou!h- but you wo+:t be alo+e- ,icole& This body I:m i+ +ow ca+:t take a+other year o+ this earth a+d I ca+:t rotect you like I wa+t to& <he+ I !et my +ew body- me a+d the Lord will watch over you& <e:ll make sure you are sa)e& B+dersta+d>C

,icole +odded& O e+i+! the a ers- she )illed out the a ro riate i+)ormatio+ )or ,a++a- the+ ut the e+ i+ her !ra+dmother:s ha+ds a+d ut the docume+t where ,a++a could si!+ a+d date the a ro riate li+es& ,icole would res ect her ,a++a.s wishes +o matter what& <he+ ,a++a )i+ished- she ordered ,icole to lace the docume+t i+ the secret com artme+t i+ the wall ,a++a had built be)ore 7arvi+ had )irst moved i+- which co+tai+ed all o) ,a++a:s rivate docume+tatio+& ,o o+e k+ew o) it e3ce t ,icole& ,a++a had+:t eve+ told that shady lawyer Ly++e had su lied )or )ree to ,a++a )or a+y le!al hel & CAou:ll make eace with your mother- ,icole-C ,a++a said @uietly as ,icole came to sit back dow+& She sti))e+ed& CShe:s +ot my mother&C C<he+ my Ecole le)t )or those smart schools whe+ she was twelve- I rayed to the Lord to se+d me someo+e who would take the lace o) her here i+ my heart& I tried so hard to raise Ly++e- but everythi+! a+yo+e said to hershe did the o osite& %rove your !ra+d)ather to a+ early !rave with the stress she ut o+ him& Ly++e was rushed to the hos ital because o) a )ailed abortio+ attem t& I ordered her to have the baby a+d I have +ever re!retted that decisio+& <he+ you were bor+ a+d I looked i+to the same eyes as mi+e- I k+ew the Lord was !ivi+! me a+other cha+ce at havi+! a dau!hter i+ my li)e& Aou !ot Ecole.s brai+s a+d my s irit& That:s all you +eed i+ this li)e to make it ast the bad eleme+ts& Aes- she is your mother because it takes a+yo+e to be a mother or )ather- but it takes real wome+ a+d me+ to be mommas a+d daddies&C ,a++a always had a way o) maki+! thi+!s that troubled ,icole makes se+se& She was always i+ tu+e with ,icole:s emotio+al health& C<here is 7arvi+>C ,a++a asked& CHe:s at the Lau+dromatE he:ll be home soo+ so I ca+ !o there )or the +i!ht shi)t& * +ew +urse will be comi+! to stay by your side&C C<he+ I !o home to my Lord- Lewis Kraus will be visited by *rma+do Belli+i- Es@uire& 7r& Belli+i will deliver several letters to certai+ erso+a a+d you& *t this time- 7r& Belli+i will read my last will a+d testame+t I drew u the day be)ore my last stroke&C %ee ai+ came to ,a++a:s )ace a+d ,icole was+:t sure i) it was rese+t or ast ai+& The day ,a++a had her last stroke- ,icole had bee+ at the Lau+dromat a+d 7arvi+ had bee+ at home with ,a++a at the time& ,icole sus ected 7arvi+ o) )oul lay- but it could +ever be roved& C*)ter this- you will !o to Parker 7ills o) *dva+ce Lau+dry Service a+d work o+ ayi+! back mo+ey he adva+ced to 7arvi+ )or the sale o) the Lau+dromat& This amou+t I am +ot sure o)&C ,icole !as ed& CHow do you k+ow this>C she asked& CDust because ,a++a is bedridde+ child- do+:t mea+ she:s out o) touch& Peo le do+:t k+ow these walls have ears a+d I:ve bee+ i+ it too lo+! +ot to k+ow what it.s sayi+!&C ,a++a held out her ha+d toward ,icole- a+d ,icole !ras ed it with her ow+ ti!htly )or su ort& C<hich is why I ca+:t u+dersta+d you- ,icole&C C7e> There:s +othi+! wro+!&C C* woma+ who slee s so restless lately throu!h the +i!ht mea+s she:s !ot a lot o+ her mi+d a+d heart& <ho is he>C ,icole blushed so hard she thou!ht her cheeks would catch o+ )ire& CHe:s +o o+e&C CBut you:ll tell me all about him tomorrowE child& ,ow let this old woma+ !et some rest&C She kissed her !ra+dmother:s cheek te+derly& CI love you ,a++a&C C*+d I you- ,icole-C she whis ered be)ore dri)ti+! o)) to slee & ,icole @uietly le)t out the room a+d si!hed to hersel)& <ere her emotio+s that evide+t> ,o- ,a++a was always tu+ed i+to ,icole a+d always k+ew what bothered her& The doorbell ra+! to bri+! her out o) her musi+!s& B o+ o e+i+! the door- she stood i+ shock at the site o) Ly++e sta+di+! i+ the doorway& C*re you !oi+! to sta+d there looki+! stu id or are you !oi+! to let me i+>C she s+a ed at ,icole:s stuck0o+0 stu id look& ,icole moved out the way to let her i+& This was about the )irst thi+! this woma+ had said to her i+ her whole li)e& <he+ she was little- she was i!+ored or se+t to her room& 1or the ast three years- 7arvi+ would /ust se+d her to the store )or ci!arettes every Tuesday mor+i+!00e3ce t today was+:t Tuesday& Sei;i+! her u - ,icole +oted the short+ess a+d ski++i+ess while ,icole had more curves& C,a++a:s slee i+!&C CI:m +ot here to see her&C C7arvi+:s at the Lau+dromat&C Ly++e o+ly i!+ored her a+d looked arou+d her i+ dis!ust&

* k+ock o+ the scree+ brou!ht a +ew )ace& She o e+ed the door to the smili+! ta3i cab driver& He set dow+ a seve+0 iece ?ucci lu!!a!e set i+ )ro+t o) her- ti ed his hat- the+ /um ed back i+ the cab a+d drove away& C7ovi+!>C ,icole asked Ly++e- +ow u+dersta+di+! her mother:s reaso+s )or bei+! there& C%o+:t worry- I wo+:t be here )or lo+!- you worthless brat-C Ly++e s+eered& ,icole bit her li be)ore sayi+!- CI thou!ht you were talki+! about yoursel)&C I+stead she said sti))ly- CAour bedroom:s still i+ back&C She closed the door a+d walked u the stairs to her small attic room without a+other word to the horrible woma+& 7other or +ot- she would +ot take a+other u+ki+d word )rom her& <he+ the +urse came- she s oke with her @uietly over ,a++a:s +ew medicatio+ the+ le)t- leavi+! Ly++e to her ow+ mea+s&

Chapter 6 Some kid came i+ at ei!ht aski+! )or her& ,icole was there alo+e a+d looked at him sus iciously& His dark chocolate eyes were the same as his ski+- with matchi+! hair& He was weari+! a dirty brow+ wi+ter /acket with a ru++y +ose& He asked a!ai+ im atie+tly- CCa+ I s eak to ,icole>C CI:m ,icole-C she ack+owled!ed& It was his tur+ to look at her sus iciously& CAou do+:t look like a ,icole&C C*+d who do I look like>C He shru!!ed& CI thou!ht you:d be white&C C<hy>C CBecause some white !uy two blocks over aid me )ive bucks to deliver a little iece o) a er&C C<hat a er>C she asked su ressi+! her e3citeme+t- k+owi+! who the Cwhite !uyC was& The little boy du! dee i+ his /acket ocket- ulli+! out old ca+dy wra ers- crumbs- broke+ cookies- a+d )i+ally a +eatly )olded iece o) lave+der a er& C*re you sure you:re ,icole>C he asked a!ai+& E3as erated- she i+sisted- CAes&C CProve it&C CHe:s !ot !or!eous !ree+ eyes&C C<hat:s !or!eous mea+>C ,icole rolled her eyes heave+ward& CThey:re real retty !ree+&C He smiled a+d ut the a er i+ the mo+ey slot& /an you get off an hour early and $eet $e out #ack- Please respond #elow and return with kid. 0eward for a positi e response to kid. 1than His writi+! was very +eat a+d she almost wa+ted to treasure the e+riched a er& It did+:t )eel chea a+d it smelled like him& 9elucta+tly- she had to write o+ it- CAES&C Looki+! at the boy who atie+tly waited- she said- C*m I su osed to tell you somethi+!>C He +odded& CHe said you:re su osed to write yes or +o o+ the a er&C She smiled- ha+di+! the boy the iece o) a er& CI told him yes&C Taki+! the a er- the little boy beamed a+d ra+ outside& I+ a mome+t- he was back hidi+! somethi+! behi+d his back& CClose your eyes-C he ordered& CPush out the bi! tray&C She obeyed u+til he told her to o e+ it- !as i+! at the beauti)ul white rose i+ a )loral bo3 with baby:s breath& There was a card attached with his writi+! o+ it& She o e+ed the lau+dry slot hurriedly a+d ulled the card o))readi+! it' CTH*,K AOB&C <arily- she looked at the boy& C<hat i) I had said +o>C CHe said i) you said +o to /ust leave a+d take this to my 7omma&C C<hat:s your +ame>C C%avid&C CHow )ar is two blocks over>: C%ow+ +ear the school over there& He:s bee+ worki+! o+ two houses at the same time& He said he bou!ht them& O+e house he tore dow+ a+d he:s buildi+! this thick woode+ bi! )e+ce arou+d both the ro erties&C CTha+k you- %avid&C She ut the a er i+ the mo+ey slot a+d he !rabbed it& *)ter sticki+! it dee i+ his ocket a!ai+- he waved a+d le)t& She o e+ed the )loral bo3 a+d smelled the rose& %id he k+ow how e3 e+sive roses were this time o) year> O) course he did because he aid )or it& She carried the bo3 i+side the booth- as i) it were a +ewbor+ baby& Her thou!hts were totally ce+tered o+ him u+til Cleo came i+ at te+& CI:m +ot )eeli+! well so I:m !oi+! to leave early-C she told her& Cleo acce ted this as a le!itimate e3cuse& But she the+ added- CI) a+yo+e calls me- I:m busy&C Cleo smiled k+owi+!ly- C<ith whom- may I ask>C CI /ust wa+t to check somethi+! out- okay>C Cleo o+ly +odded with a wicked smile& CLeave as early as you wa+t& I) you wa+t to leave earlier- /ust call me i+&C

,icole o+ly hu))ed a+d hurried to )i+ish several orders& <ith the holiday seaso+- there were a lot o) orders to com lete& ,icole liked to kee the re!ular customers ha y by !etti+! their orders do+e early- so she was ke t very busy hysically a+d me+tally& *t eleve+ thirty- she checked out o) the ee hole at the back door& Bsually- she !ot out at o+e- but was+:t sure i) he u+derstood that& ,o o+e was there- so she )i+ished ressi+! o+e more load& Twe+ty mi+utes later- she checked a!ai+& * black va+ was sitti+! there @uietly a+d she ho ed it was him& ?rabbi+! her ba!- she told Cleo- who was o+ the )loor swee i+! arou+d the machi+es- she was !o+e a+d rushed out o) the back door& O e+i+! the va+ door- she almost smiled seei+! Etha+ i+side& Soo+ as she was seated- he took o))- but he did+:t head i+ the directio+ o) her home& C<here are we !oi+!>C she i+@uired& That would rui+ the sur rise- would+:t it>C he asked& C<hat sur rise>C He shru!!ed& CIt:s a @uiet s ace I /ust )ou+d out about close by& I /ust assumed you would+:t be able to e+tertai+ me at your /ob ro erly without others k+owi+!&C This to+e o) voice made her )eel as i) she were ashamed o) him& CI:m o+ly utti+! u with you because o) the mo+ey-C she i+dicated& He +odded& CI:m aware o) that&C *s +o+chala+t as she could muster- she said- C*+d o+ce my service is do+e to+i!ht- I wa+t +othi+! to do with you&C C<hich is why I am maki+! it easier o+ you by remai+i+! a+o+ymous& I k+ow it would+:t look !ood )or you to be see+ with a white ma+&C These words were said with a lot o) )rustratio+ a+d she had a )eeli+! this did+:t have a+ythi+! to do with her& Aet- she did+:t wa+t him to thi+k she was ashamed o) his colorE it was /ust that i) 7arvi+ or eve+ her mother k+ew- or eve+ sus ected her i+volveme+t with a+y ma+- she would be i+ trouble& She still remembered the horrible beati+! she had !otte+ i+ the te+th !rade whe+ she allowed some boy to /ust walk her home- a+d someo+e had told 7arvi+& He had waited u+til ,a++a had !o+e sho i+! the )ollowi+! day a+d beat ,icole with a thick cover over her so there would+:t be a+y marks le)ts& She was sore )or days& Her u+cle had made it clear that there would be +o dallyi+! )or her with a+yo+e& So why was she taki+! a cha+ce +ow with this ma+> That @uestio+ remai+ed to be u+a+swered )or her& CI a reciate your thou!ht)ul+ess-C she said- with her to+e )illed with sarcasm& C*m I !oi+! to catch somethi+!>C she asked& He )row+ed& C<hat do you mea+>C CI:m sure you were there last +i!ht a+d +otice &&&how shall I say it&&&there was+:t a mess to clea+ u & I wa+t to k+ow how clea+ you are&C CVery-C he a+swered& C* cou le o) mo+ths a!o- I took a blood test& I:m clea+-C he assured her& C*+d you>C CVir!i+al-C she said ho+estly- but i+ a teasi+! way& CAou could eat o)) o) me&C He chuckled- which she k+ew he would si+ce he thou!ht o) her as a whore& K+owi+! that his mi+dset was the same assured her emotio+al state o) mi+d& *s lo+! as he thou!ht o) her like that- +o dee er emotio+s could ossibly come )orth )rom her& She would ho+estly admit whe+ he was+:t bei+! a+ ass- she was hi!hly attracted to him& He ut the car i+ Park a+d tur+ed toward her& C<e:re here&C She looked out to see a small city ark& He cut the motor a+d li!ht o)) @uickly to +ot attract a+y atte+tio+& C* ark>C CI )i!ured somewhere we wo+:t be distracted&C He reached dow+ a+d u+locked his seat- ushi+! it back to !ive him more room betwee+ the steeri+! wheel a+d him& CI !uess whores ca+:t be choosy&C CI) you could- where would you ima!i+e bei+!>C ,icole thou!ht about somethi+! ki+ky& CI:d like to have you lyi+! o+ a bed with your arms tied u while I touched you all over&C She tur+ed arou+d i+ her chair a+d took both his ha+ds i+ hers a+d held them u & CAou:d be mi+e to comma+d all +i!ht lo+! to drive you cra;y&C He lea+ed his head )orward to kiss her- but she moved away teasi+!ly& CAou e+/oy drivi+! me cra;y>C C%o I>C she asked- releasi+! his ha+ds a+d movi+! dow+ to her k+ees looki+! u at him& His ha+ds cu ed her cheeks& The serious+ess i+ his eyes alerted her se+ses to re are to !o o+ a ti;;y& CAou do- ,icole&C *2ust get it o er with3, she told hersel)- a+d she started to u+butto+ his a+ts& CI should !et started&C

Co+ce+trati+!- she )ocused her thou!hts to the duty at ha+d' leasi+! him with her mouth& She o e+ed the belt a+d o e+ed the dark !ree+ corduroy a+ts& He assisted her by removi+! his shee ski+ /acket a+d o e+i+! the matchi+! !ree+ corduroy shirt to reveal a white t0shirt u+der+eath& C%o I +eed to remove a+ythi+! else>C he asked teasi+!ly& C<ould you be more com)ortable>C she asked& CAou talk as i) you:ve +ever do+e this be)ore-C he said- chuckli+! huskily& ,icole really wa+ted to co+)essE she had+:t /ust to !et that amused e3 ressio+ o)) his )ace& She bit her li hard because she could+:t reveal that to him& I) he k+ew how really i++oce+t she was- thi+!s would be so much di))ere+t betwee+ them& <he+ she )i+ished u+;i i+! his a+ts- he raised u sli!htly- allowi+! her to ull his a+ts dow+ ast his k+ees to his a+kle& *lo+! with !etti+! his a+ts o))- she tu!!ed dow+ the !ree+ silk bo3er shorts as well& Taki+! a slow dee breath- she moved her ha+ds arou+d the semi0harde+ed sha)t& Li!ht )rom the street +earby )iltered i+ to illumi+ate the thick+ess o) him& Last +i!ht- she had +ot aid a+y atte+tio+ visually because she wa+ted to !et thi+!s over with a+d co+ce+trate o+ Cleo:s i+structio+s& ,ow her eyes +oted every dim detail as her )i+!ers caressed every i+ch o) his !roi+& So e+!a!ed i+ her )o+dli+!- she did+:t reali;e she was+:t co+ce+trati+! o+ thi+!s Cleo had told her to do& I+ +o way did she eve+ wa+t to look like i++oce+ce with him& Juickly looki+! u at him- she saw his eyes closed- his head throw+ back- his li s arted- a+d his breathi+! ras ed- e+/oyi+! what she was doi+! to him& This s urred her o+& Her eyes retur+ed to the +ow e+!or!ed ma+hood& Both her ha+ds could clas arou+d him with the thumbs barely maki+! co++ectio+s with the )i+!ers a+d her alms- leavi+! about )our i+ches still at the to screami+! to be touched& The throbbi+! sha)t ulsed a+d be!a+ to !row with li)e i+ her )i+!ers& C%o you e+/oy doi+! this to me+>C he asked& C%oi+! what>C she asked i++oce+tly& CPleasi+! me+ orally>C Her thumb brushed the ti - s readi+! the re0love /uice arou+d& His body shuddered as the se+sitive +erve e+di+!s o+ the to ti+!led every vei+ i+ his body& C*+d i) I told you I /ust e+/oyed leasi+! you- would you believe me>C The serious+ess i+ his )ace retur+ed as he looked dow+ at her- maki+! her see a whole di))ere+t ma+& I) he actually believed her- she was ositive he would do everythi+! i+ his ower to !ive her the world& This terri)ied her& To have a ma+:s heart 0 this ma+:s heart 0 could be what she +eeded& But he was older and white& She would be /ust like her mother- a+d that:s o+e erso+ she did+:t wa+t to be like& C,o-C he said& She o+ly shru!!ed +o+chala+tly- but i+side- she was !lad he had+:t& ,icole would have to sto letti+! her erso+al )eeli+!s come i+to lay with him& To co+vi+ce him o) the truth would be i+sa+e& Her ha+ds arted his thi!hs- +ud!i+! them a art u+til she could easily move her ha+d i+ betwee+ his le!s& Her ha+d moved dow+ to the velvety orbs- cu i+! them !e+tly& He te+sed shar ly- sucki+! i+ air betwee+ his teeth& Her mouth was @uick to )ollow her ha+ds a+d drew him dee i+to her mouth& Her )i+!ers e3 lored below the orbs to the s ace i+ betwee+ a+d ressed the eri+eum- rememberi+! the se+sitive s ot Cleo told her would make a ma+ !o cra;y& *t the same time- ,icole e+velo ed the e+!or!ed bar& Heari+! his !roa+s leased her& Cleo told her to ay atte+tio+ to a ma+:s body- breathi+! a+d voice& His si!hs o) leasure a+d e+/oyme+t were e+coura!i+! a+d educatio+al i+ !ivi+! her i+structio+s o+ how he wa+ted to be leased& She moved u ward- laci+! lo+! wet kisses )rom the base to the ti o) the tumultuous ma+hood& So)t succule+t kisses tasted the )irst dro s o) sweet+ess at the ti o) him& ?oi+! to the eak- she circled arou+d the ed!e slowly- leavi+! a wet trail to )uel her athE a lyi+! ressure i+ the dim le- tasti+! his masculi+ity& Bsi+! o+e ha+d to !ri the base o) him- she !uided him slowly i+to her mouthtaki+! him i+ch by i+ch u+til he rested o+ the back o) her to+!ue& *ll the while- she moved her oral muscle )rom side to side a+d a lied slow ower)ul suctio+ a+d i+creased the ressure o+ his secret love s ot below the orbs i+ a circular motio+& <he+ she i+creased the moveme+t with her mouth- she also i+creased the moveme+t with her )i+!ers below& His moa+s e+coura!ed her a+d the ti!ht+ess i+ the orbs told her he was close to !ivi+! himsel) to her& She s ed u her motio+s- u+til he be!a+ to !row so much that she was +ot able to take him i+ all the way as she had bee+ i+ the be!i++i+!& She used her other ha+d to stroke the s ace she was +ot able to accou+t )or with her li s&

His muscles were te+sed u+til they vibrated- a+d the e3 losio+ i+ her ori)ice came at the same time as he cried out her +ame over a+d over a!ai+& Letti+! the warm li@uid )low dow+ her throat seemed easier tha+ yesterday& She eve+ reali;ed the swallowi+! se+satio+ brou!ht him a+ a)ter!low o) leasure& This was the e+d o) her service )or him- she k+ew- yet still her mouth co+ti+ued to e+velo e the sha)t u+til every last dro o) him was dow+ her throat& Slowly- she moved her mouth away )rom him- but !ave him a lo+! kiss at the ti - as i) to say- C?oodbye&C The moveme+t was te+der a+d riceless )or both o) them a+d she blushed as she looked u i+to his i+te+se eyes that were looki+! dow+ at her& His stro+! ha+ds !ras ed her shoulders a+d he ulled her u i+to his arms& She licked her li s be)ore biti+! dow+ o+ them +ervously- ho i+! he had+:t cau!ht her i+timate kiss& Be)ore she could say a+ythi+! to e3 lai+ her actio+s- he kissed her dee ly a+d she res o+ded /ust as ea!erly& He ulled her closer i+ his arms a+d she crawled i+to his la - resti+! her le!s o+ the seat beside his thi!hs& B+co+sciously- her hi s !ri+ded a!ai+st his !roi+rubbi+! her heat a!ai+st him while his mouth raised her eyelids- +ose- a+d cheeks& CI wa+t more-C he whis ered huskily with his li s +ear her ear& The ti+!les )illi+! her ow+ vei+s were drivi+! her i+sa+e& She )ou!ht throu!h the ha;e- )illi+! her brai+ to hear his words& C<hat do you mea+>C she asked& CI wa+t more o) you&C She was co+)used a+d a)raid to ask what he mea+t& <ould Cleo k+ow what he mea+t> O) course she wouldE Cleo k+ew everythi+!& Aet- i) ,icole really thou!ht about it- !ivi+! him eve+ more mea+t !ivi+! hersel) a+d that she could +ot !ive& COh +o- that could +ever ha e+& I ca+:t let that ha e+-C she a+swered breathlessly- !ri i+! his shoulders to )i!ht the wa+to++ess she was )eeli+!& He sti))e+ed- u+com)ortably lea+i+! back& His ha+ds moved to her hi s to sto her erotic !ri+di+! a!ai+st him a+d she whim ered her rotest- but allowed him to hold her back as he was doi+!& He used his ha+d to hold her chi+ so she would look at him& C<hat do you mea+ that ca+ +ever ha e+>C His to+e a+d look was bothered& She wa+ted to co+ti+ue her motio+s- but he held her )irmly )rom movi+! her body a!ai+st his& Biti+! her li a!ai+- she cursed to hersel) )or reveali+! so much& <he+ she became hesita+t about a+sweri+! him- his look became bothered& C,icole- what do you mea+ by I ca+:t ever>C She si!hed- k+owi+! what they had /ust shared a+d the arousal she was )eeli+! would be !oi+! +owhere soo+& He was too serious by )ar a+d took everythi+! so literal& Could+:t he /ust e+/oy the mome+t> Could+:t he be /ust satis)ied with the here0a+d0+ow i+stead o) thi+ki+! about the )uture> Pushi+! out o) his waist- she sat back i+ her chair- avoidi+! that i+te+se !lare she k+ew he was !ivi+! her& He was ready )or a )i!ht a+d she did+:t wa+t to !ive it to him- but she +eeded to make him u+dersta+d without telli+! him the e+tire truth& CLike I said yesterday- a)ter my service- we have +o stri+!s attached&C CI do+:t wa+t a+y stri+!s-C he !ritted out- strai!hte+i+! u his clothes a+!rily& CI wa+t you&C CAou ca+:t have me&C He s+eered- CIs it my color>C She had a )eeli+! this ma+ had had roblems i+ the ast with other wome+ re/ecti+! him because o) his colorbut that had +othi+! to do with it& Eve+ i) he was black- 7arvi+ would be the color o) her k+owi+! she was i+volved with a+yo+e& CThat:s +ot it& It:s +ot you- Etha+-C she im lored& CIs it our a!e di))ere+ce>C CI do+:t eve+ k+ow how old you are& It:s +ot you at all- Etha+& It:s me& Please /ust u+dersta+d I ca+:t&C His eyes +arrowed& CAou wa+t more mo+ey&C C,o-C she said )irmly& CI /ust +eeded the mo+ey you )irst !ave me to ay o)) my educatio+ a+d +ow that that:s do+e- I do+:t +eed a+ythi+! else )rom you& I do+:t wa+t a+ythi+! else )rom you& I have too ma+y obli!atio+s& I have too ma+y res o+sibilities&C He looked des erately i+to her )ace- wa+ti+! to believe she was as ho+est about thi+!s as she said& But all he could thi+k about was Ly++e a+d ,icole looked like her mother- althou!h ,icole was much more& ,icole.s i+side beauty came to the sur)ace- almost maki+! him )or!et this was his rese+t wi)e:s dau!hter& The deceit)ul+ess o) the mother had +ot washed o)) o+ the !irl- had it> He could+:t be sure& 7aybe this almost i++oce+t loy was to !et more mo+ey or maybe more& 7aybe she was usi+! him to !et away )rom the horrible co+ditio+s she lived i+ a+d o+ce she was away- she would dro him like a bad habit& Etha+ cu ed her )ace with her ha+ds a+d looked dee ly i+ her eyes- +ot sure what to believe- +ot sure what to do& He /ust k+ew he +eeded to co+vi+ce her to be with him so he could !et this all over with& The soo+er he took her a+d threw this i+ Ly++e:s )ace- the soo+er he could !et away )rom them all& His lie came easily to his li s

as he told her- CI:ve +ever wa+ted a+yo+e as much as I:ve wa+ted you& Please ,icole- /ust o+e +i!ht- a+d I will !ive you the world& *+ythi+! you ask )or- I would !ive to be with you )or o+e +i!ht&C Dust as she was about to rotest a!ai+- he laced a )i+!er over her li s to sto her& CI:ll !ive you three days to thi+k about it& To la+- to make time to be with me because I k+ow you wa+t this as much as I wa+t it&C CI do+:t wa+t a+y ties to you& Aou do+:t u+dersta+d me&C C*ll I u+dersta+d is that you wa+t meE eve+ )or o+e +i!ht&C His li s brushed teasi+!ly a!ai+st hers& CI ca+ )eel your +eed- I ca+ smell your lust- a+d I ca+ taste your assio+&C This time whe+ he ulled her i+ to kiss her- his to+!ue e3 lored her mouth to the )ullest- drivi+! her se+ses i+sa+e& CThree days-C he whis ered- leavi+! her breathless& ,icole whim ered- C*lri!ht- three days-C she a!reed& He released her a+d tur+ed arou+d to start u the vehicle& They drove i+ te+se sile+ce to where they had )irst met& He occasio+ally !la+ced at her to see her i+ dee thou!ht- biti+! her li & <he+ they arrived at their desti+atio+- she took a dee breath as he tur+ed o)) the motor& CI wa+t you to k+owI take care o) my sick !ra+dmother whe+ I am +ot at work& She mea+s a lot to me a+d I ca+:t ima!i+e a world without her- but she:s dyi+! because her heart is weak& I told you all o) this because i) a)ter three days I re)use- I do+:t wa+t you to thi+k it:s because o) you- or a!e- or your color& Choosi+! betwee+ her health status a+d you would+:t be hard& I:d choose her& But it.d be the o+ly reaso+ I.d say +o&C He +odded a+d watched her !et out the va+& He )ollowed suit as she came arou+d to his side a+d stood to look u at him& C?oodbye Etha+-C she said& He drew her i+ his arms- i+te+di+! to kiss her so dee ly that she would+.t resist him& Her res o+se was immediate a+d she e@ualed his assio+- drawi+! his ow+ se+ses i+to the kiss& They were oblivious to their surrou+di+!s as he moved her arou+d u+til her back was ressed a!ai+st the va+:s door a+d he was i++i+! her body was his waist& She )elt li!ht as a )eather as he li)ted her a+d drew her le!s arou+d his waist& <ith o+e ha+dhe held her u there securely as his other ha+d moved u+der her shirt- maki+! a direct ath to the so)t mou+d o) her breast& She moa+ed as he cu ed the )ull+ess i+ his ha+d a+d moved his thumb a!ai+st the ti & She was se+seless a+d com letely u+der his co+trol- wa+ti+! so much more& * )lash o) li!ht comi+! arou+d the cor+er startled them both a+d they @uickly drew away )rom each other& The ta3i assed them without sto i+!- but they both k+ew thi+!s had !otte+ way out o) co+trol )or both o) them& <he+ he reached to touch her a!ai+- she moved @uickly away a+d stood arms le+!th )rom him to re!ai+ her e@uilibrium& CI am !oi+!& I:ll see you i+ three days- Etha+&C He watched as she ra+ away i+to the dark+ess& He ra+ a )rustrated ha+d throu!h his hair& He wa+ted to ou+d his head a!ai+st the door a+d curse )or losi+! his cool& <ho was i+ co+trol o) what he did +ot k+ow> O+ o+e ha+d- she was drivi+! him cra;y with her se3uality a+d he was teari+! her a art with his wa+to++ess )or her& There was +o doubt i+ his mi+d she wa+ted him- but as she said- there was too much res o+sibility o+ her ha+ds to i+volve hersel)& He:d heard the rumors i+ the +earby bars that 7arvi+ was tou!h a+d lots o) !uys talked about tryi+! to !et i+ her a+ts& O+e ma+ eve+ s oke about heari+! 7arvi+ say he la++ed o+ !etti+! i+ those a+ties )irst& The way the +ei!hborhood !uys s oke about her- o+e would thi+k this !irl was a vir!i+& But the way she acted to him was de)i+itely a di))ere+t story& He re)used to believe a+ almost0twe+ty- beauti)ul smart !irl like that would allow her u+cle by marria!e to have so much co+trol over her li)e- es ecially +ow that she was +ot eve+ a mi+or& Aet- the me+ at the bar a+d !uys who had !o+e to school with her rattled o+ about stories o) 7arvi+ threate+i+! to cut o)) )amily /ewels i) he )ou+d out a+yo+e o) them had touched his +iece& <he+ Etha+ had see+ them i+teract i+ the Lau+dromat be)ore he made his rese+ce k+ow+ to her- 7arvi+ had bee+ very rou!h o+ her& O+ce he had eve+ dra!!ed her i+ the back a+d a lot o) screami+! a+d holleri+! )rom the both o) them had i+ sued& <he+ 7arvi+ had le)t )rom there- she had+:t come back u to the wi+dow )or a cou le o) hours a+d eve+ the+- he saw red+ess o+ her )ace& So 7arvi+ robably sla ed her arou+d a cou le o) times& She did+:t seem as i) she could+:t ha+dle her u+cle& I) she did+:t wa+t to be there- why did+:t she leave> <as ,a++a that im orta+t to her tha+ her ow+ li)e> Had maki+! her choose betwee+ s e+di+! time with him a+d bei+! beside ,a++a bee+ wro+! o+ his art> Etha+ had to wo+der& It did+:t matter& His mai+ ob/ective was to destroy his wi)e- well his e30wi)e- i) he !ot his way i+ a mo+th& His lawyers could have the whole thi+! settled by the+ a+d Ly++e would be out o) his li)e a+d

destroyed& She would +ot o+ly be destroyed )i+a+cially because she would have to ay )or the cost o) the roceedi+!s- but she would also be destroyed me+tally k+owi+! Etha+ had seduced her dau!hter& I) ,icole was i++oce+t- it would be all the sweeter&

Chapter 7 *s soo+ as she closed the door to her home- a hard ai+ came to the back o) her head- se+di+! her s rawli+! to the )loor& Tur+i+! over a+d bli+ki+! to catch the di;;yi+! room- 7arvi+ stood over her with his )ist bawled u & Ly++e was holdi+! him back- orderi+! him to !ive ,icole time to e3 lai+ hersel)& C<hat>C ,icole asked i++oce+tly& C<here the )uck were you>C he bellowed& Her heart raced as she tried to !et u - but the room was still s i++i+!& CI was at work&C He kicked her i+ the thi!h with his steel toe boots& CAou )ucki+! liar&C He ushed Ly++e away a+d !rabbed ,icole by her hair to dra! her i+ the kitche+& ,icole screamed a+d held o+ his arm to decrease the ai+ i+ her head& He ractically tossed her a!ai+st the kitche+ wall- a+d the+ be)ore she could ull hersel) u - he !rabbed her collar a+d swu+! her arou+d u+til she was throw+ over the kitche+ table a+d la+ded o+ the )loor& He came arou+d the table a+d i++ed her dow+& ,icole tried to block the blows to her )ace a+d chest- but the several that !ot throu!h hurt so bad that she almost !ave u i+ her e))ort to rotect hersel)& Ly++e shoved him away- screami+! at him to sto & CAou:re !oi+! to kill her asshole=C 7arvi+ a+!rily backha+ded her to sile+ce& CI) you thi+k she:s !oi+! to !o arou+d a+d be a )ucki+! tram like her 7amma- the+ she:s !ot a+other thi+! comi+!& I:ll )ucki+! kill her a+d you i) I catch a+y ma+ betwee+ her le!s&C CSo you ca+ )uck her )or yoursel)-C Ly++e s+eered& CI would+:t ut it ast you 7arvi+ si+ce you )ucked your sister&C 7arvi+ raised his )ist to sla her a!ai+- but Ly++e took a !lass bowl a+d k+ocked him over his head& He )ell to the !rou+d out cold& ,icole crawled to a cor+er- still tryi+! to rotect hersel)- as Ly++e walked over to her a+d /ust stared dow+ at her& CI:m sur rised he has+:t ra ed you already-C she s+eered a+d walked out o) the house- !rabbi+! 7arvi+:s keys o)) the di+i+! room table& LLL *wake+i+! the +e3t mor+i+! i+ her bed- ,icole !roa+ed i+ ai+ as she sat u - )eeli+! the muscles i+ her body scream at bei+! moved& She tried the door to her room- but the door was locked& Coveri+! her swolle+ )ace with her swolle+ ha+ds- she sobbed i+ )rustratio+- wo+deri+! i) a+d whe+ he would let her out& O+ce he did- where would she !o> <ho could she ru+ to> ,o o+e cared& <hat about ,a++a> Looki+! about the room- she saw a )irst aid kit- some cat )ood a+d a bucket& 7ovi+! back to the bed- she covered hersel) u a+d cried eve+ more& LLL *)ter three days- he we+t to the Lau+dromat co+)ide+t she would !ive him a ositive res o+se& He:d brou!ht a load o) clothes to throw everyo+e o))- but whe+ he saw a di))ere+t !irl u at the wi+dow with Cleo- he le)t& Had ,icole e3cha+!ed shi)ts with someo+e to avoid him> <he+ a week assed a+d she did+:t show u )or work- he staked out the house& His lawyer i+)ormed him that Ly++e:s lawyer wa+ted to meet )or +e!otiatio+s at the e+d o) the seco+d week& That time came very slow a+d he was at his wits e+d& *s )ar as he k+ew )rom @uestio+i+! the +urses that we+t i+ a+d out o) the house- +o o+e had see+ ,icole& E+teri+! By+um a+d Ber+stei+ Law O))ice- )ollowed by Lore+;o- Etha+.s lawyer out o) Chica!o- he wa+ted to !rab Ly++e by her +eck a+d dema+d she tell him where ,icole was& But whe+ he saw Ly++e- she looked aloo) a+d stressed hersel)& Obviously 7r& By+um- her lawyer- had i+)ormed her that whatever assets o) hers would be used to ay the roceedi+!s a+d she k+ew there was +othi+! she could do& The soo+er she !ot the roceedi+!s over with- the less mo+ey she would have to ay& She had dema+ded the roceedi+!s be over with as soo+ as ossible& <he+ the tremors o) the divorce came u a+d the court0a oi+ted +e!otiator asked Ly++e did she have a+y ob/ectio+s to +ot taki+! a+ythi+! )rom Etha+- Ly++e looked at Etha+ lo+! a+d hard- the+ shook her head& CI do+:t wa+t a+ythi+!&C C<hat a sur rise-C he s+eered& She +arrowed her eyes- k+owi+! he was aimi+! )or a verbal )i!ht& CI wo+:t !ive you what you wa+t- Etha+& The soo+er you:re out the icture- the soo+er I ca+ !et o+ with my li)e& I:ve !ot ros ects a+d you are /ust i+ my way&C

C<as your dau!hter i+ your way too> Is that why you !ot rid o) her&C Ly++e stood u a+d started to leave& He /um ed u a+d moved arou+d to block her ath& C?et out o) my wayEtha+& <hat I do with my child is +o+e o) your busi+ess=C CIt is whe+ she disa ears i+ thi+ air& %id you kill her- Ly++e> <as she that much i+ your way to !et your ha+ds o+ your mother:s mo+ey>C Ly++e sla ed him with ra!e ru++i+! throu!h every )iber o) her bei+!& But that did+:t dau+t his cold e3 ressio+- +or did it sto his ha+d )rom !oi+! arou+d her +eck a+d holdi+! her ti!htly& Lore+;o /um ed )rom his seat a+d moved to sto Etha+& C<hatever she:s do+e is +ot worth it& <e:ll !et the law i+volved- Etha+& But hurti+! her will +ot be worth it&C Etha+ held o+ )or o+e more mome+t- the+ released her a+d walked out the room- k+owi+! 9e+aldo would ha+dle the roceedi+!s )rom here o+ with his clie+t:s best i+terest i+ mi+d& He k+ew i) he s e+t a+other mome+t i+ that room with that bitch- he would kill her& LLL The +e3t a)ter+oo+ as he was staki+! out ,a++a:s home- he saw the lo+! brow+ coat come out the door& He +early dro ed his co))ee tryi+! to sit u )rom his crotched dow+ ositio+& Pulli+! the car i+to %rive- he )ollowed the )i!ure all the way to the Lau+dromat- a+d the+ drove to his site to look )or %avid- who lived across the street )rom the site he was worki+! o+& He had to wait u+til the boy !ot out o) school be)ore he could talk to him& The+ his mother made him wait a+ e3tra hour a)ter that be)ore %avid could come outside i+ the cold weather& He se+t %avid arou+d to the Lau+dromat- i+structi+! him to !ive a messa!e to ,icole& I) she was+:t there- he i+structed him +ot to reveal who se+t him a+d to /ust leave& %avid came back a)ter hal) a+ hour- looki+! a bit shook u & C<hat ha e+ed>C CShe was+:t there a+d a mea+ old lady- who looked like her- said she:s !o+e to school away )rom home& She asked me who se+t me a+d I lied a+d said my daddy wa+ted to k+ow about some clothes he dro ed o))& But it was like she k+ew I was lyi+! a+d she tried to !rab me- but I ra+ out&C %avid !ave him the te+ dollars back& CI do+:t wa+t to !o arou+d there +o more u+til she comes back- mister&C C<he+ will you k+ow i) she comes back>C C7y sister works at the cor+er store +ear there& I could tell her to look i+ )or her&C CTha+ks %avid&C Etha+ decided to !o +e3t door a+d k+ock o+ Cleo:s door& O+e o) his )oreme+ told him that he had talked to the older woma+ about the +oise early i+ the mor+i+!- a+d Etha+ did+:t mi+d ad/usti+! the workma+:s schedule so she could !et some slee & Cleo looked very wary whe+ she o e+ed the door to him- but le)t her security door closed& C%o+:t I k+ow you>C she asked& CI use the Lau+dromat u the street& I wa+ted to ask you about ,icole&C CThere:s +othi+! to ask&C She started to close the door& CShe do+:t !et i+volved with customers&C CPlease-C he beseeched& The to+e o) his voice made her sto & C<hat do you wa+t>C CI wa+t to k+ow where she is&C CThe ow+er said she:s stayi+! at the hos ital with her !ra+dmother as )ar as I k+ow&C The cold bit at his ears& He o+ly ut o+ his shee ski+ to s eak to %avid a+d it was )ree;i+! cold outside& CThat:s +ot true& I k+ow it:s +ot true- but I ca+:t e3 lai+ how I k+ow& Ca+ I come i+- because I thi+k she mi!ht be i+ trouble>C Cleo looked worried- a+d the+ co+)used& 1i+ally- she u+locked the security door a+d let him i+& He ut out the ci!arette he:d bee+ smoki+! a+d came i+& The home was clea+- but it had that )amiliar overty smell& She o))ered him a seat o+ the couch- a+d he welcomed it& He k+ew +ot to re)use a+y !e+erosity because she would thi+k it as a+ i+sult& C<he+ she did+:t come i+ a cou le o) weeks a!o a+d 7arvi+ started worki+! her shi)t- I !ot a little sus icious& But he told me to shut my mouth& <ell- o+e o) the customers did+:t like how his orders were always late- so he dema+ded to k+ow where she was& I ha e+ed to be there early tryi+! to hel with the Christmas orders- a+d 7arvi+ told him that ,a++a !ot rushed to the hos ital a+d ,icole was doi+! some vi!il by her side& This sou+ded like ,icki because I k+ow her !ra+dmother mea+s everythi+! to her&C

CI k+ow that:s +ot true because I:ve bee+ watchi+! )or her& ,a++a:s still i+ the house o+ bed rest& I s oke to o+e o) the +urses /ust the other day& They say she:s !etti+! worse- but there has+:t bee+ a+y si!+ o) ,icole& %o you thi+k she mi!ht have ru+ away>C Cleo shook her head& CShe would+:t leave ,a++a& I do+:t care how bad 7arvi+ beats her&C CHe beats her>C CHell yeah- but +othi+! lately& The last time he hit her was whe+ she dema+ded to k+ow why there was so much mo+ey missi+! )rom the accou+ts& He dra!!ed her i+ the back a+d sla ed her arou+d a cou le o) times& But that was about a mo+th or so a!o& She told me about it& *s )ar as I k+ow- he o+ly hits her whe+ she sta+ds u )or hersel)- or whe+ she does somethi+! he does+:t like&C CCould this be o+e o) those times> Could he have hit her a+d hurt her>C C7aybe- but&&&he:d +ever kill her& I thi+k 7arvi+ likes her a lot& I:ve see+ how he looks at her sometimes& That:s why he made me work +i!hts Icause I made a comme+t o+e time that i) he ke t looki+! at her that way- he mi!ht as well )uck her& But- I was /ust teasi+!& He !ot so issed at me thou!h- a+d that:s whe+ he started looki+! )or reaso+s to )ire me&C The thou!ht o) the u+cle wa+ti+! to do somethi+! like that to his +iece re ulsed him- yet maybe 7arvi+ could have do+e so& He assed her his busi+ess card& CI) you )i+d out a+ythi+!- ca+ you !ive me a call>C She +odded- taki+! the card& C<hy are you so i+terested i+ her>C she asked sus iciously& C%o you like her or somethi+!>C COr somethi+!& She was real +ice to me a+d I )eel bad )or treati+! her the way I did& I wa+t to a olo!i;e a+d well- I k+ow she:s a stude+t a+d I thou!ht I:d do somethi+! +ice )or her&C CLike what> She:s smart& Aou could !ive her a +ice /ob at your com a+y& She:s sweet- too& I) you really k+ew her- you:d like her& She would+:t hurt a+yo+e a+d she works real hard&C C*re you two !ood )rie+ds>C Cleo )lushed& CI do+:t thi+k 7arvi+ lets her have a+y )rie+ds- but we talked a lot& I !ot her to o e+ u about stu)) a+d I tau!ht her a lot o) stu))& 7arvi+ +ever lets her i+teract with boys& I thou!ht I:d die whe+ I )ou+d out she was a twe+ty0year old vir!i+& She:d asked me a lot about se3 a+d I:d tell her&C She looked him over- wo+deri+! i) she could work her wiles o+ him& He stood u sti))ly& CI) you )i+d a+ythi+!- ca+ you call me> I:ve bee+ stayi+! +e3t door- but I do+:t k+ow a+y more i) I:ll be movi+! i+ o+ the ro erty a+y time soo+&C CAeah- sure& *+d i) you !et lo+ely +e3t door a+d you wa+t to talk about ,ick- I:ve always !ot my door o e+&C Etha+ had to wo+der what else she would have o e+ed i) he acce ted her o))er& CTha+ks- Ha y Holidays&C O+ce he le)t- he we+t +e3t door a+d called the i+vesti!ator o+ what he had )ou+d out& He k+ew this was e+ou!h evide+ce to !et them out there to check o+ ,icole&

Chapter 8 Picki+! the millio+th s li+ter out o) her )i+!er- she co+ti+ued di!!i+! at the hole i+ the wall& She k+ew beyo+d the attic door was some s ace& Te+ years a!o- a+ electrical )ire had hit the house a+d the backstairs that led u to the seco+d )loor hallway had cau!ht o+ )ire& I+stead o) buildi+! a+other staircase- ,a++a hired someo+e to /ust build a ladder& So i) there was a+other )ire- +o o+e would !et tra ed o+ the seco+d )loor& *+other thi+! ,icole remembered the )ire doi+! was messi+! u the attic- which was why her bedroom was almost like a closet& ,a++a had e+closed the bur+ed walls- romisi+! to redecorate the u stairs as soo+ as they had the time& But other thi+!s ha e+ed a+d they were +ever able to !et to it& The !uy who had do+e the co+structio+ o+ the house thou!h had made a makeshi)t closet sort o) with a door over the ladder& But ,a++a- thi+ki+! some crackhead mi!ht come a+d try to !et i+- ut a master lock o+ the door& ,icole k+ew e3actly where the lock was ositio+ed at by looki+! at the +ail holes- but she also k+ew it would be )aster to !et the hi+!es o)) the door too a+d she could /um o+ the roo) a+d !o dow+& Her ob/ective a)ter that would be to make it to Cleo:s house a+d !et hel )or hersel)& O+e hi+!e was loose a+d by the e+d o) the +i!ht- she would have the other hi+!e o))& 1rom liste+i+! to the ve+ts- she k+ew ,a++a was still alive& Ly++e a+d 7arvi+ were ar!ui+! about ways to make the death look as +atural as ossible& They had told the +urses to sto comi+!& 7arvi+ had told her i) she attracted a+y atte+tio+ to her while she was i+ the room- he would come u there a+d beat her& He checked o+ her co+sta+tly duri+! the day- but at +i!ht she k+ew he was with Ly++e& 7ost timeshe could hear them to!ether& I+ a way- she almost thou!ht her mother was becomi+! a riso+er i+ the house /ust like she had bee+& But he +eeded Ly++e i+ order to !et to the mo+ey that he wa+ted whe+ they sold ,a++a:s busi+ess& I+ two weeks- 7r& 7ills would be ayi+! a visit to the Lau+dromat to look it over a+d si!+ the a ers& He i+sisted o+ meeti+! at the Lau+dromat- eve+ thou!h Ly++e had tried to co+vi+ce him to meet at 7ills: o))ice& I) ,icole !ot out i+ time a+d co+tacted him- the+ there was a cha+ce o) savi+! the busi+ess& <hatever her mother had used to e+tice 7r& 7ills to buy the busi+ess- she would have to )i+d a way to !et him +ot to buy it& 9i!ht +ow- she had to work o+ her rese+t ob/ective a+d !et out o) there& LLL Cold rai+ ractically )ro;e her limbs to the bo+e& But she made it to Cleo:s street a+d k+ocked o+ the door& She k+ew Cleo would be home because she had heard that they:d switched Cleo to the a)ter+oo+ shi)t a+d that a+other !irl worked the eve+i+!& But she walked by the Lau+dromat- maki+! sure to look )or Cleo:s car& <he+ +o o+e o e+ed the door- she we+t arou+d to a bedroom wi+dow a+d k+ocked o+ the !lass a+e& * li!ht came o+ a+d she rushed back to the )ro+t door& Cleo )lu+! the door o e+- ready to cuss someo+e out& But the+ the ci!arette )ell out o) her mouth as she reali;ed who the erso+ was k+ocki+! o+ her door at three i+ the mor+i+!& Hel i+! her o+to the couch- Cleo ordered her dau!hter to bri+! some covers a+d water& The oldest so+ was told to !et some warm tea a+d ut the le)tover stew i+ the microwave& I+ betwee+ comma+ds- Cleo ke t dema+di+! ,icole to tell her what ha e+ed& CTired-C was all ,icole could say& She had+:t eate+ i+ a mo+th& Her )irst attem t at eati+! the cat )ood had made her throw u a+d her seco+d attem t had almost killed her& She had+:t tried to eat a+ythi+! else e3ce t some old /u+k )ood a+d ca+dy she had i+ the book ba!s arou+d her room& <ith the leak i+ the walls- whe+ the rai+ came- she ma+a!ed to dri+k- but +ot a lot because the salty water made her stomach hurt& CI:ll call the olice-C Cleo said- !oi+! to the ho+e& C,o& He:ll kill me- Cleo& I ca+:t let them k+ow&C CHe already has tried to kill you- ,icole& Look at you& Aou:re almost ski+ a+d bo+es&C ,icole tried to sit u - but her body rotested& %i;;i+ess struck her immediately& CI +eed to )i+d 7r& 7ills be)ore they !et him to si!+ over ,a++a:s busi+ess& I ca+:t let it ha e+&C CI:ll !o !et someo+e to hel us-C Cleo said& C<ho>C She !ri ed Cleo:s shirt- terri)ied Cleo would call 7arvi+& She did+:t k+ow who she could trust at this oi+t because +o o+e had come to hel her& Cleo had bee+ the closest she k+ew that had some dislike )or 7arvi+but she did+:t k+ow a+ymore& CHe:s the +ei!hbor& He:s bee+ looki+! )or you&C C<ho>C CDust let me !o !et him&C Cleo broke )rom her !ri a+d ra+ out the )ro+t door&

,icole k+ew she had to !o& They:d take her back over there a+d 7arvi+ would kill her& She !athered all her stre+!th a+d !ot u - usi+! the wall to !et to the )ro+t door& The childre+ /ust stared at her& She wra ed the covers arou+d her )or warmth a!ai+st the )rosty %ecember air a+d we+t out the door& *lmost )alli+! dow+ the stairs s rai+i+! her a+kle- she made it a+d be!a+ to hobble dow+ the street- +ot cari+! i+ what directio+ she was !oi+!& Someo+e behi+d her called her +ame- but ,icole was delirious& She was+:t !oi+! to let them take her back& Somehow she:d !et hel )rom someo+e00a+yo+e& 1ootste s were !etti+! close a+d she tried to ru+ as )ast as she could& She tri ed over the sidewalk- hitti+! her +ose o+ the ceme+t& <arm blood )lowed dow+ her )ace- but she scrambled u a+d co+ti+ued to ru+- +ot cari+! a+ymore where she we+t& She /ust wa+ted to !et away )rom the )ootste s& C,icole- sto =C the dee voice yelled& The o+ly thi+! she could surmise was that 7arvi+ had cau!ht u with her a+d was +ow !oi+! to kill her& This o+ly !ave her more stre+!th& But everythi+! looked so )u;;y a+d dim- yet she ra+& Her body wa+ted to sto - but her mi+d was !o+e& %arti+! throu!h a muddied )ield- she /um ed over a k+ocked dow+ tree& So did the ursuer- who !rabbed her a+ts le!& She )ell a!ai+ a+d whe+ she tried to scramble u - somethi+! held her dow+ by the le!s& It was so dark a+d her visio+ was )aili+! her because eve+ her eyes were cold& She tur+ed o+ her back a+d kicked at the lar!e dark )i!ure that crawled u her body as she tried to scoot back a+d !et away& 1i+ally- he i++ed her& She could+:t scream because her throat hurt so much& She sobbed- )i!hti+!& Etha+ shook her so hard- but that o+ly i+creased her )i!ht to !et him o)) o) her& 1i+ally- he sla ed her cheek a+d she almost assed out& This sort o) deluded her se+se o) bala+ce that she had to )i!ht )or her ow+ co+scious+ess- ceasi+! her hysical )i!ht )or a mome+t& Throu!h the ha;e- she heard- F,icole sto it= It:s me=C It could+:t be& %ear Lord +ot him& CEtha+-C she ras ed to be sure& He had ressed his ear dow+ to her mouth to hear her& CAes- ,icole& Let me hel you&C She sobbed- but this was+:t i+ )ear& It was !reat relie) as he scoo ed her cold- muddied body u a+d be!a+ to carry her& It did+:t matter where he took her& She had a )eeli+! she would be sa)e with him u+til at least the mor+i+!& The+ she could !et him to hel her& He would hel her- eve+ i) he robably did wa+t se3& It did+:t matter as lo+! as he hel ed her& LLL Etha+ looked dow+ at her as they !ot i+to his home to see her i+ a+ e3hausted slee & Cleo )ollowed them a+d she was too busy looki+! arou+d the stra+!e )ro+t room to +otice where he laid ,icole& But whe+ she +oticed him headi+! to what looked to her to be a couch worth more tha+ ei!ht o) her aychecks- she told him to sto & She ra+ i+ )ro+t o) him a+d laid out a clea+ bla+ket she had brou!ht )rom her home- k+owi+! ,icole would +eed it whe+ he brou!ht her back& Etha+ im atie+tly let Cleo busy hersel) i+ !etti+! the other bla+ket o)) be)ore he laid her dow+- the+ he wra ed her u & CI:ll take care o) her- Cleo& Tha+k you&C He wa+ted to be alo+e with her& C<e should call the olice&C C%id she say so>C C,o& She told me +ot to or 7arvi+ would kill her&C CI:ll take care o) everythi+!& I) she does+:t wa+t the olice called- we wo+:t call them yet&C He we+t over to the )ire lace a+d tur+ed u the heat by addi+! more lo!s o+ the )ire& <he+ he tur+ed to Cleohe said- CCome over i+ the mor+i+!&C Cleo !ave him a wary look& C7aybe she should stay at my lace&C CI:m !oi+! to take care o) her& I:ll call my doctor a+d have him check o+ her a+d hel her& Ca+ you do that this time o) +i!ht>C CI could take her to the hos ital&C CI) she wa+ted to make k+ow+ what was wro+! with her- that would have bee+ her )irst desti+atio+- do+:t you thi+k>C Cleo a!reed- relucta+tly& CI:ll be over early&C C%o+:t call a+yo+e or let a+yo+e k+ow where she:s at- Cleo-G he war+ed i+ his most serious to+e& F*t least u+til we ca+ )i+d out what ha e+ed to her& Obviously- she:s terri)ied&C CShe said she had to s eak to 7r& 7ills- but I do+:t k+ow who that is&C CCa+ you )i+d out>C CI !uess i) I +osed arou+d& I:m su osed to work a double at the Lau+dromat& I could look throu!h some o) 7arvi+.s stu)) while he:s out icki+! his +ose a+d !ambli+! away all his mo+ey&C

C?ood& %o her that )avor a+d the+ I wa+t you to see i) you ca+ )i+d i+)ormatio+ about ,a++a too )or her mi+d.s sake& I:m sure she wa+ts to k+ow about her !ra+dmother i) she does+:t k+ow a+ythi+! already&C Cleo +odded a+d le)t& Etha+ tur+ed back to her slee i+! )orm a+d k+elt by the so)a& B+wra i+! her- he took o)) the clothes she wore that were ractically molded to her body& Thou!h she was aslee - she rotested with moa+s& But- that was about it& Slee seemed the best )or her& %r& %esmo+d arrived about )ive& By this time- he had !otte+ her u to a !uest room with a ki+! si;e )eather bed with lots o) warm covers to bury her i+& It had bee+ di))icult +ot to look at what he had revealed as he had take+ o)) her clothes a+d cursed himsel) )or becomi+! aroused at her& C7ostly she:s dehydrated& I started a+ IV )or her to !et her +utrie+ts back& It mi!ht be a cou le o) days- but I:ll be se+di+! a +urse over i+ the mor+i+! to cha+!e the IV& I) she awakes a+d dema+ds to take it out- let her& Butmake sure you kee her o+ the diet I:ve s eci)ied u+til she )eels better&C He ha+ded him a a er& CIt:s a sim le diet o) sou s a+d li@uidsE +othi+! heavy or dairy roducts& I:ve !ive+ her stitches to her +ose a+d over her eye& Someo+e beat her retty bad re eatedly& It was+:t /ust o+e time- but several times& Luckily there are +o bo+es broke+& But- she will +eed a lot o) rest&C CThat:s u+dersta+dable-C he a!reed& CI:ll make out a re ort )or you& <hoever did this to her should be char!ed with somethi+!& There:s eve+ bite marks o+ her back a+d &&&C he aused- looki+! very disturbed& CShe was violated )rom behi+d& It looks like this took lace over a week a!o- but I ca+:t be sure&C He cursed u+der his breath a+d hit the wall& C1uck=C C<he+ she awakes- do+:t @uestio+ her immediately& Dust take it slow& I) she wa+ts to talk- the+ let her& But do+:t ush her& I took some Polaroid ictures also a+d I:ll kee these with the )ile& I) she wa+ts to ress char!es- I will be available&C Etha+ tha+ked him a+d ressed a check i+ his ha+d& CTha+k you- %r& %esmo+d&C O+ce the doctor had !o+e- Etha+ retur+ed to her room a+d sat i+ the chair +e3t to her- watchi+! her slee & He sat vi!il there all +i!ht u+til the crew arrived to work o+ the home& He se+t them home with ay& The +urse came to cha+!e her IV a+d !ive her a+other s o+!e bath& Etha+ saw the +urse.s look o) distrust a+d he e3cused himsel) to !et somethi+! to dri+k& * shot o) whiskey calmed his ra!i+! +erves& Dames was i+ the o))ice a+d he told Dames to come to the site as soo+ as he could- but +ot to tell his bitch e30wi)e where he was !oi+!& He k+ew Ly++e still co+tacted him- but he would wri+! his brother:s +eck i) Ly++e showed her )ace i+ )ro+t o) him& How could that woma+ allow this to ha e+> She had bee+ i+ the home at the time o) ,icole:s su osed disa eara+ce a+d she did+:t k+ow what ha e+ed to her dau!hter> *t least that was what Ly++e had told the olice whe+ they had asked her o) ,icole:s whereabouts& Etha+ k+ew Ly++e was lyi+!& She k+ew e3actly where ,icole had bee+ a+d what that mo+ster did to ,icole& Had Ly++e held ,icole dow+ )or her u+cle to ra e her> ,icole had bee+ missi+! )or about a mo+th a+d 7arvi+ had be!u+ to tell everyo+e the !irl had disa eared )rom her !ra+dmother:s bedside a+d ru+ o))& ,o o+e @uestio+ed it because everyo+e was aware o) how bad 7arvi+ treated her& It seemed lo!ical- e3ce t to Etha+- who had come to k+ow ,icole )rom what the customers a+d +ei!hbors said& ,icole would +ever leave ,a++a:s side- +o matter how bad 7arvi+ was& She would +ever leave ,a++a )or a+ythi+!& Cleo came late that a)ter+oo+ whe+ ,icole was still slee i+!& Etha+ had cha+!ed i+to some black /ea+s a+d a +ice black silk shirt& 9i!ht be)ore she had arrived- he:d /ust !otte+ out the shower so his hair was still wet& She seemed stra+!ely alarmed at his disheveled a eara+ce as she came i+ the )ro+t room& <he+ she did+:t see ,icole o+ the couch- she became alarmed& CShe:s u i+ the !uest room-C he assured her& CI would like to see her&C He did+:t )eel very com)ortable with letti+! her see the rest o) the house& The )ro+t room was s ecially modi)ied to block others )rom seei+! what the rest o) the house co+tai+ed& It was+:t that he did+:t trust CleoE he /ust k+ew the +ei!hborhood he was i+ a+d could+:t !o arou+d showi+! o)) what ki+d o) mo+ey he was i+vesti+! i+to the home& <hy he chose this side o) tow+ was o+ly o+e reaso+ 0 ,icole& I+ the e+d- he surmised that it had to do with wa+ti+! to be closer to her& He la++ed to sell the ro erty o+ce he had )i+ished his reve+!e a!ai+st Ly++e& But +ow his la+s were de)i+itely !oi+! awry& How could he +ot care that somethi+! like this had ha e+ed to ,icole>

C,ow- 7r& Black or I really will call the olice&C CShe:s slee i+!-C he said sti))ly& CI do+:t care i) she:s dead& I wa+t to see her&C He led her strai!ht to the !uest room- maki+! sure he closed the doors to the other rooms so she would+:t see the other arts o) the lavishly )ur+ished home& Soo+ as she saw ,icole lyi+! o+ the bed with the tube i+ her armCleo ractically shoved him aside to !et to her to see i) she was still alive& CHow is she> The doctor really came>C Cleo dema+ded to k+ow- looki+! ,icole over care)ully& Etha+ +odded& CHe said she was beate+ re eatedly o+ di))ere+t days a+d she was molested&C Cleo !as ed& Tears welled i+ her eyes as she ushed the hair out o) ,icole:s& 9eachi+! i+ her urse- she ulled out her comb a+d brush& CI:ll )i3 her u real retty& She:ll like that&C CAou do+:t have to&C CIt:s the least I could do& She always wore those u!ly o+ytails& She:s retty- 7r& Black- /ust like her heart&C She was cryi+! more& CI should have k+ow+& I should have told her to stay with me- but I&&&I did+:t k+ow&C He came arou+d the bed& CI do+:t thi+k a+yo+e k+ew- but he called with the test results a+d she:s clea+& There.s +o i+)ectio+- /ust scars&C Cleo held her ha+d& CI:ll be back with some !ow+s )or her& Is there a+ythi+! you mi!ht +eed )or her>C C,othi+! I ca+ thi+k o)& %id you )i+d a+ythi+! out at the store>C She du! throu!h her urse a+d ulled out a tor+ iece o) a er o) a Lau+dromat sales sli with a +ame a+d +umber o+ it& CThis is all I !ot& They la+ o+ selli+! the Lau+dromat to this !uy& They sto ed the +urses )rom comi+! to see ,a++a& I heard him talki+! to the doctor o+ the ho+e a+d he was lyi+! to the doctor- sayi+! he had !otte+ a rivate service )or ,a++a:s care i+stead o) the doctor:s a oi+ted +urses&C C<hat was the doctor:s +ame>C C9ucker& %r& 9ucker&C C%o you k+ow the hos ital she was rushed to last time>C CThe o+e +earby& He+ry 1ord&C CTha+ks Cleo& ?o ahead a+d !et the stu)) )or her&C Cleo started to !o ast him- but she sto ed- +oti+! the co+cer+ed e3 ressio+ o+ his )ace as he stared lo+!i+!ly at the bed& CI:m sorry I did+:t trust you last +i!ht a+d eve+ today&C CI:m sorry I did+:t trust you&C CShe:s a !ood !irl a+d do+.t deserve to be hurt& She:s +ever do+e a+ythi+! to a+yo+e& I) I:d k+ow+ this was ha e+i+! to her- I:d do+e moreE much more& Tha+k you )or hel i+! her&C She lea+ed over a+d kissed his cheek& CAou:re a rare ma+- 7r& Black&C <he+ she was !o+e- he we+t to the bed& <ould Cleo still thi+k like that whe+ he broke ,icole:s heart> *ll o) his hel would+:t be )or +au!ht& That ki+d heart o) hers would be use)ul i+ ersuadi+! her to !ive him her vir!i+ heart& She would )all )or him as soo+ as she o e+ed her eyes a+d wa+t to !ive her heart to him )or his !ood+ess& Cleo would tell her how he we+t out o) his way to hel her out a+d rovide )or her- a+d she would love him& LLL Dames came over shortly a)ter Cleo le)t& The woma+ had cha+!ed ,icole )rom the u!ly hos ital0like robe the +urse had brou!ht to a +ice lo+! !ow+& She:d brou!ht over )ive other !ow+s o) di))ere+t styles a+d colors& I+ additio+ to this- Cleo had brou!ht a ba! the si;e o) a du))le with every hair i+strume+t ever used& *)ter a+ hour o) washi+!- ressi+! a+d curli+!- she had !otte+ ,icole to look like a slee i+! beauty with her +atural shoulder le+!th hair so so)t a+d beauti)ul that Etha+ could+:t hel but ru+ his )i+!ers throu!h it o+ce Cleo had le)t& He allowed Dames o+ly to !la+ce at ,icole a+d i+ that @uick !la+ce- Dames !as ed& C%am+ i) she do+:t look like her mother&C CShe:s +ot& ,ot i+ the least- so !et a+y ideas out your mi+d&C CShould I be sayi+! the same to you- brother>C he asked sus iciously- heari+! the over0 rotective+ess i+ Etha+:s voice& Etha+ sat dow+ i+ the )ro+t room a)ter o e+i+! the cabi+et where the bar was a+d oured them both shots o) whiskey& CI /ust have every i+te+tio+ o) hel i+! her&C C*+d yoursel)>C CShut u -C he !rowled& Dames chuckled- his !ree+ eyes much so)ter tha+ his brother:s- but co+trasti+! with his itch black hair- which he ke t short& CI was /ust kiddi+!- brother& So what:s u >C C<hat has Ly++e said to you>C

CShe:s asked me )or mo+ey- se3- a+d the usual& I:ve !ot Kris blowi+! her o)) these ast two weeks& <ith the +ew ro/ects you:ve !ot !oi+!- it:s kee i+! us busy& <hat made you start the home im roveme+t stu))> <i+ter:s usually slow )or us&C CI k+ow- but I saw a +eed i+ these +ei!hborhoods& Lots o) si+!le wome+ +eed ha+dy me+ arou+d the house& <ome+ see me a+d they )lock like bees to ho+ey )rom cha+!i+! a stu id li!ht bulb to li!hti+! the !as& I )i!ured we:d kee the !uys o+ with i+ter+al home k+owled!e i+stead o) layi+! them o)) like usual )or the e3tra work& Is it !ood busi+ess>C CAeah- es ecially with the ay )irst la+&C CThese are+:t our re!ular customers& I do+:t wa+t to !et sha!!ed& But- I also do+:t wa+t to steal a+ythi+! that does+:t belo+! to us&C CThat:s u+dersta+dable&C Dames dow+ed the whiskey a+d cou!hed a bit as the )luid warmed his vei+s& C<hat do you la+ o+ doi+! with her +ow> ?etti+! the o))icials to arrest Ly++e>C CO+ly i) she wa+ts to ress char!es& <e:ll have to see o+ce she wakes u & B+til the+- ca+ you do me a )avor>C C7aybe& The last )avor was !etti+! those ictures o) your wi)e to look real !ood )or the detective&C He chuckled& CI:m +ot sayi+! I did+:t e+/oy the ride- but she ca+ !et retty bori+! at times& I do+:t k+ow how you did it )or three years&C C1uck you- Dames& Aou o+ly did it because you were tryi+! to make u )or sha!!i+! my wi)e i+ the )irst )ucki+! lace& But I +eed you to ut u with it a little more& Thi+k you ca+ do that )or me>C Dames did+:t look leased- but he relucta+tly +odded& CI !uess- but you:ll have to tell me why&C CI +eed to !ive ,icole time to !et well& They la+ o+ doi+! somethi+! a+d I thi+k they wa+ted her out the way i+ order to do it&C He assed his brother the i+)ormatio+ about Parker 7ills& C1i+d out what he has to do with the busi+ess without !etti+! u Ly++e:s sus icio+- would you>C CThat:s )i+e&C Dames stood u & CAou:ll owe me a bi! birthday !i)t- brother&C CAou:ll !et a kick i+ the ass&C Dames hooted- amused& CI:ll ass&C LLL Two eve+i+!s later- ,icole slowly o e+ed her eyes a+d /ust stared u at the wall& He watched her )rom across the room- +ot drawi+! a+y atte+tio+ to him& She looked arou+d the bed a+d the dimly lit room& Etha+ k+ew he could +ot be see+ i+ the dark cor+er& Sitti+! u - she ushed the covers away a+d i+s ected the IV i+ her arm& *)ter a )ew mome+ts- she ya+ked the +eedle )rom there- the+ tried to move- but !as ed a+d )lushed all over& CI would+:t be so @uick to do a+ythi+!-C he said )rom his cor+er& She tur+ed shar ly i+ his directio+& Etha+ came )orward a+d sat u o+ the bed& CThe +urse will be here i+ a+ hour to check o+ you& She:ll take o)) the catheter&C Her throat was dry a+d he k+ew this& There was a cold itcher o) water +e3t to the bed& He )illed it )or her i+ a !lass- a+d the+ ha+ded it to her& CAou:ve bee+ slee )or a cou le o) days& Aou had a )ever the )irst +i!ht- but it we+t away& %r& %esmo+d said you:ll )eel like shit- but he !ave you a shot o) a+tibiotics& The +urse will be able to take care o) a+y other co+cer+s whe+ she comes&C She +odded- but there were still a lot o) @uestio+s i+ her eyes& Li!htly- he kissed her cheek& CCleo:s comi+! over whe+ she !ets o)) at o+e& I told her it was alri!ht althou!h I did+:t k+ow you:d be awake the+& ?et some rest&C He oi+ted to a bell o+ the table +e3t to her& CI) you +eed a+ythi+!- /ust ri+!& There was a small i+)ectio+ i+ your throat- which is why it )eels like you swallowed a millio+ +ails&C *!ai+ she +odded a+d smiled so)tly& He started to leave the bed- but she took his ha+d to hold him there& Lea+i+! over- she kissed his cheek a+d whis ered- CTha+k you&C It was his tur+ to blush& <he+ he !ot u this time- she let him as she laid dow+& She was aslee be)ore he retur+ed to his chair& He moved it closer to the bed while he waited )or the +urse to come& He le)t the room to !ive them rivacy& %avid:s mother- who was a !reat cook- brou!ht over some sou & %avid had told his mother that his !irl)rie+d had !otte+ real sick a+d was hurt bad& The woma+ was ki+d a+d si+ce Etha+ had hel ed with a lot o) thi+!s arou+d her home that her la+dlord would+:t take care- she was more tha+ ha y to !ive him a ha+d at sticki+! to the doctor:s diet )or ,icole& To+i!ht- she brou!ht a +ice cream sou with mushrooms a+d )i+ely diced chicke+ with +oodles& It smelled delicious& CI brou!ht a+ e3tra hel i+! )or you- too& Aou should eat as well&C

Etha+ had to i+sist she take the mo+ey he o))ered- a+d relucta+tly she did a+d le)t& <he+ the +urse le)t- he retur+ed to ,icole:s room& She was cha+!ed i+to a +ice i+k !ow+- her hair )reshly combed- still dow+ althou!h the )ro+t draw+ back out her )ace- looki+! very re)reshed a)ter the warm s o+!e bath& He laced the tray care)ully o+ her la & It was bi! e+ou!h to hold both o) their bowls& He made tea )or her while he took a cold beer& She looked amused at this as she tasted the sou a+d smiled with leasure& Etha+ told her who had cooked it a+d the+ e3 lai+ed the +ei!hbors had bee+ more tha+ hel )ul with him si+ce they )ou+d out he was taki+! care o) a sick C)rie+d&C CThey:ve +ever met you- but they k+ew I was+:t out as much as I usually am a+d %avid:s mother let them k+ow I was taki+! care o) a+ ill )rie+d& They:ve bee+ !ivi+! me so much hel that I:m almost overwhelmed with sayi+! tha+k you so much&C Her voice was but a whis er whe+ she said- CTha+k you cards&C He s+a ed his )i+!ers& CThat:s a !ood idea&C He wi+ked at her i+ tha+ks )or her !reat idea& They ate a+d he talked +o+sto about everythi+! )rom ,a++a:s co+ditio+ to who Parker 7ills was& ,a++a was !etti+! worse- but holdi+! o+& <hat they were telli+! her about ,icole:s whereabouts was u+k+ow+ to a+yo+e& Parker 7ills had o))ices out i+ South)ield a+d as soo+ as she was well- she could co+tact him )or a meeti+!& *!ai+ she tha+ked him a+d he told her- FJuit that& It.s +o roblem&G ,icole looked away- seei+! the look o) co+cer+ i+ his eyes& <hy he:d o))ered his ha+d o) )rie+dshi out this way was a mystery to her- but she i+te+ded to !et dow+ to the bottom o) it& <he+ they were do+e eati+!- he took the dishes away a+d the+ brou!ht i+ a toothbrush- with ri+se a+d a bowl& *)ter she brushed her teeth- he asked i) she +eeded a+ythi+! else& She rete+ded tired+ess a+d he le)t her so she could rest& <he+ he thou!ht she was aslee - he came back i+ a+d sat dow+ beside her to stare at her& ,icole ke t her breathi+! eve+ a+d slow& She was !lad whe+ Cleo came by& He le)t them alo+e a+d Cleo )illed her i+ o+ the other thi+!s he had !o+e out his way a+d do+e& Cleo eve+ hel ed her to the bathroom- which she:d bee+ too embarrassed to ask him to hel with& There was o+e co++ected to the room& ,icole tried to s eak- but was o+ly !ood at mutteri+! o+e word se+te+ces with ha+d !estures& Cleo let her k+ow she was at o+e o) the houses he was )i3i+! u & ,icole was shocked to k+ow he was the o+e who had bou!ht the houses +e3t to Cleo& He was worki+! +i!ht a+d day o+ them a+d his other ro/ects- u+til she had came here& He +ever le)t the house +ow at all a+d had said he:d !otte+ someo+e to assist him o+ the other ro/ects& Be)ore leavi+! the bathroom- she aused at the mirror a+d was shocked to see hersel)& Cleo e3 lai+ed she had take+ the liberty o) doi+! that& ,icole had +ever had her hair do+e e3ce t to have her e+ds cut a+d her hair washed a+d ressed& Other tha+ that- she oiled it every three days a+d ut it u i+ a o+ytail or cor+rows& C%o you like it>C Cleo asked& She +odded her a roval& Cleo hel ed her back to the bed a+d tucked her i+& CI:ll be back i+ a cou le o) days& %o+:t try to rush yoursel)& I) you +eed me- make him come !et me- okay>C ,icole assured her she would& LLL The +e3t mor+i+! while he was assed out i+ the chair by her bed- she !ot e+ou!h stre+!th to make it to the bathroom by hersel)& <he+ she came out- he was by the door a+d startled her- maki+! her tri over her )eet& But he cau!ht her a+d carried her to the bed& Her throat was )eeli+! much better- but she did+:t strai+ it by )ussi+! over him carryi+! u & <he+ he laid her i+ the bed- he did+:t draw away a+d she did+:t )orce him to move his arms )rom arou+d her& They stared lo+! i+to each other:s eyes& His the+ wa+dered dow+ to her li s a+d she )elt him ed!e closer& CHow do you )eel>C he asked- !e+ui+ely co+cer+ed& C1i+e&C She cleared her throat& CI )eel !ood&C The i+te+se+ess i+ his eyes a))ected her !reatly- but she ho ed he did+:t +otice a+d thi+k her shiveri+! was because the room was cool- whe+ it was her body reacti+! to his ro3imity& How could she ossibly be thi+ki+! o) maki+! love to him at this oi+t i+ time- althou!h the +urse said she was )i+e to carry o+ a+y usual activities> The +urse had eve+ +oted that her boy)rie+d seemed very co+cer+ed about her well bei+! a+d would +eed Ccom)ort&C She had+:t !otte+ over the idea o) the +urse thi+ki+! she was his !irl)rie+d- let alo+e assure her she would+:t be doi+! a+y Ccom)orti+!&C He released her a+d sat i+ the +earest chair& CAou sou+d better&C CI )eel better&C

The doorbell ra+!& CThat would be break)ast-C he )i!ured a+d rushed o))& Be)ore retur+i+!- it looked as i) he:d !otte+ washed u a+d cha+!ed i+to a+other shirt& He smelled +ice a+d he had+:t butto+ed the shirt u at all& She tried +ot to +otice the well de)i+ed muscles o+ the bare darkly ta++ed ski+with the ri led stomach muscles& This time- there was+:t a+ e3tra late o) )ood o+ the tray )or him a+d he watched her eat @uietly- stari+! at her& She was )amished a+d @uickly dow+ed the !rits a+d e!!s with toast o+ the side& There was a+other bowl o) le)tover sou )rom last +i!ht a+d some ora+!e /uice& <he+ she was do+e- he a!ai+ brou!ht the toothbrush a+d bowl& It was too ki+d o) him a+d she was )eeli+! rather s oiled& CI thi+k I should leave soo+-C she said whe+ he retur+ed a)ter dis osi+! o) the dishes& C<here will you !o> Back home to 7arvi+>C CBack home to ,a++a&C CI could hel you !et her out o) there&C C*+d do what> Take her to a hos ital& She wa+ts to stay at home&C CEve+ whe+ they could kill her>C CI:m +ot !oi+! to ar!ue with you&C She ushed the covers o)) her le!s a+d sat u with her )eet o+ the )loor& CI would like my clothes to leave&C CI threw them away& They were )ilthy&C CThe+ I ca+ borrow some )rom Cleo&C CI have some more )or you- but you:ll rest& * cou le o) more days wo+:t kill you to rest& The rest was much +eeded a+d you do+:t +eed to be out i+ that weather a)ter that horrible i+)ectio+ i+ your throat&C CAou do+:t have a+y ri!ht kee i+! me here&C CI will a+d you:ll like it&C *+!rily at his stubbor++ess- she said- CAou:re +o better tha+ 7arvi+&C He came over to the bed i+ two strides& CThe+ maybe I ou!ht to ra e you like he did-C he seethed over her& Her breath cau!ht i+ her throat at his cruel+ess- but she )ou!ht the tears that wa+ted to come at the ai+)ul memories& <he+ he reached out to com)ort her- she s+atched away a+d moved )rom him& C?et out=C she ordered& Etha+ hu))ed a+d le)t- slammi+! the door behi+d him& %am+ woma+ drove him to lose his calm& She thou!ht +othi+! o) hersel) or her sa)ety& I) she was+:t the most u+sel)ish erso+ he had ever met& ,icole stood u a+d we+t over to the closet& There was+:t a+ythi+! i+ there so she we+t over to the dresserwhere o+ly !ow+s a+d u+derwear were& Cursi+!- she we+t back to the bed& She would+:t stay here a+other mome+t with him& He was ki+d o+e mome+t- hurt)ul the +e3t& ,ot a+other mome+t& He did+:t come back to her room u+til di++er- whe+ he delivered asta i+ cream sauce& He did+:t eat with herbut le)t some books to read- which she ea!erly read to kee her mi+d occu ied& <he+ she awoke the +e3t mor+i+! early- she liste+ed out )or him i+ the hallway& <he+ she did+:t hear a+ythi+!- she o e+ed the door a+d walked out the room to the bare )loor o) the hallway& There was some hammeri+! !oi+! o+ dow+stairs so she assumed that was where he was& There was a chill i+ the air- but that was )i+e a+d she would+:t be out here )or lo+!& ?oi+! dow+ the hallway- she o e+ed the )irst door she !ot to& This was a+other bedroom a+d she !as ed as the bed was eve+ bi!!er tha+ hers with bars at the to & The decor was a beauti)ul lave+der a+d !old- a+d she could tell this had bee+ a+ e3tra room with the wall take+ out& There was a rivate bathroom i+ there a+d curiosity !ot the best o) her a+d she e+tered it& The lar!est bathtub she had ever see+ occu ied this o+e& *lo+! with the !old a+d black dMcor was a beauti)ul bear ru! i+ the middle o) the )loor& She could+:t resist k+eeli+! dow+ a+d touchi+! the so)t )ur& The+- she )ro;e at the li!ht chuckle behi+d her& Looki+! arou+d- she !as ed- seei+! him +aked sta+di+! over by the si+k located behi+d the door& Juickly tur+i+! away )rom him- she hu))ed& CCould you ut somethi+! o+>C CE3cuse me- I:m i+ my bathroom-C he s+a ed& CThe+ I:ll leave&C <he+ she started to do that- the door closed a+d she re)used to look i+ his directio+k+owi+! he was ur osely sta+di+! i+ her way& C<hy>G Etha+ asked& FObviously you came i+ here )or a reaso+&C She )lushed a+d a+!rily tur+ed to him- +ot cari+! that he was sta+di+! there akimbo +aked as the day he was bor+& CI came to )i+d some clothes&C C*+d who do you k+ow uts their clothi+! i+ the bathroom>C he @uestio+ed& CShut u =C she s+a ed& CI) you thi+k that:s !oi+! to !et you out o) here- the+ you:ve !ot a+other thi+! comi+!&C CI do+:t care i) I was dyi+!- you are the most )rustrati+! ma+ I:ve ever met a+d I wish I +ever met you=C

His eyes +arrowed to slits a+d he moved toward her slowly- like a+ a+imal stalki+!& CThe+ maybe I ou!ht to take you ri!ht back to 7arvi+ so he ca+ kill you&C CHe wo+:t kill me&C CHe:ll /ust molest you a!ai+&C So a+!ry- she sla ed him- the+ !as ed a+d @uickly a olo!i;ed- ste i+! back )rom him& CLeave me alo+e&C He rubbed his cheek- the+ moved over a+d ut a towel arou+d his waist& CAou are+:t ste i+! )oot i+ that house- ,icole& ,ot as lo+! as he:s there&C CI +eed to see ,a++a&C CAou +eed to take a rest& I:m sure ,a++a would a!ree& Aou almost died out there a+d he almost killed you& I wo+:t take you back there so he ca+ kill you&C CThey:ll hurt ,a++a&C C<hat i) I !o over there a+d see her>C he su!!ested& CI wa+t to see her&C CAou do+:t thi+k I ca+>C CI wa+t to see her=C she stressed- eve+ more )rustrated& CShe:s my !ra+dmother& I:ve take+ care o) her si+ce she !ot sick& They:ll hurt her /ust like they always wa+ted to&C CThe+ they:ll hurt you& <e ca+ call her doctor tomorrow-C he assured her- comi+! back over to her& CI swear ,icole& I:ll do what I ca+ to hel you as lo+! as it does+:t /eo ardi;e your li)e&C C<hat do you care )or>C His lo+! stro+! )i+!ers !e+tly caressed her cheek& CBecause it:s a )ree cou+try&C COr because you thi+k this is !oi+! to !et you a !ood )uck& <ell thi+k a!ai+- Etha+&C She walked away )rom him- toward the door& CI:m +ot the least attract0C She would have )i+ished i) his li s were+.t coveri+! hers a+d she was+:t res o+di+! like her li)e de e+ded u o+ it& She would have )i+ished telli+! him how much she detested him i) she was+:t ushi+! the towel o)) o) him a+d touchi+! his beauti)ul body like it was the last thi+! she would ever touch& So whe+ he laid her dow+ o+ that bearski+ ru! a+d be!a+ to kiss her all over- ushi+! her !ow+ o)) her body a+d sucki+! the ti s o) her breast- se+di+! waves o) ecstasy throu!h her +erves- she could+:t thi+k o) o+e thi+! dis!usti+! or disliki+! about this !or!eous ma+& Every art o) his body worshi ed her dee chocolate ski+ to assio+:s !oddess& *s his mouth aid homa!e to her woma+hood- se+di+! mi+d a+d body i+ a )it- she k+ew she would wa+t this ma+ a!ai+ a+d a!ai+& His mouth moved u to ca ture hers a+d she could taste hersel) o+ his li s- i+creasi+! the eroticism& Care)ully- he laced a towel u+der+eath her as he also laced the ti o) him at her woma+ly ori)ice& She was way ast cari+! how he would e+d her wa+to+ torture& She /ust wa+ted him more a+d more- but )elt him sti))e+ sli!htly& Etha+ was strai+i+!- holdi+! back )rom !ivi+! her a+y ai+& But- her writhi+! was drivi+! him cra;y& <ra i+! her le!s arou+d his waist securely- she thrust u ward a+d at the same time- ushed his wrist away so that he buried himsel) dee i+side o) her& The hot seari+! ai+ made her scream so hi!h itched that she could+:t hear her voice i+ her ow+ head& But he:d heard it a+d thou!ht he:d killed her by the way her whole body sti))e+ed& Slowly her eyes o e+ed a+d Etha+ waited )or her to tell him to co+ti+ue& But the serious+ess cau!ht him o)) !uard& He lea+ed dow+ to kiss her- but she tur+ed her )ace away& She s oke dee a+d slowly- C?et&&&o))&C He was+:t sure i) he heard her ri!ht& C,icole- we have+:t )i+ished0C C?et o))=C Etha+ was sure she /ust did+:t u+dersta+d what was !oi+! o+& She had /ust lost her vir!i+ity a+d it was okay to be scared& CLet me )i+ish0C C,o=C <ith !reat stre+!th- she dislod!ed him a+d /um ed u & CStay away )rom me=C 9u++i+! out o) the roomshe did+:t sto ru++i+! u+til she had !otte+ i+to her bathroom- where she locked hersel) i+& He was ri!ht behi+d her- with the towel loosely arou+d his waist& But he did+:t catch the door be)ore it closed& K+ocki+!- he said- C,icole- you ca+:t /ust leave like that i+ the middle o) it&C CI ca+ a+d I did-C she screamed )rom the other side o) the door& CAou:re /ust co+)used&C C,o- I was co+)used be)ore all this& But +ow I k+ow why 7arvi+ +ever wa+ts me to do it& I should have liste+ed& Stay away )rom me- Etha+&C C%ammit- ,icole& ?ive me a cha+ce&C

CAou had your cha+ce- Etha+&C She was maki+! a lot o) racket a+d )or the li)e o) him- he could+:t )i!ure out what the hell she was doi+!& <ater was ru++i+! sudde+ly a+d he heard her !etti+! i+ the shower& He wa+ted to break the door dow+ a+d /ust as he was re ari+! to throw his shoulder a!ai+st it- the door o e+ed& She:d strai!hte+ed her !ow+& Her hair was throw+ back i+to the o+ytail a+d she walked strai!ht back i+ his room& He )ollowed her- waiti+! )or her to say somethi+! 0 a+ythi+! re!ardi+! what had /ust ha e+ed& But she was ayi+! more atte+tio+ to the walls tha+ to him& C,icole- it was your )irst time& It was su osed to hurt&C CIt was>C she asked& CI !uess +e3t you:re !oi+! to say I should+:t tell a+ybody& Or it:s our secret>C Tears welled u i+ her eyes at the horrible memories o) 7arvi+:s words& C,o& I:m +ot him& I:m +ot your u+cle&C He sou+ded hurt- but she did+:t care& He:d hurt her& She )ou+d a drawer with some /o!!i+! suits a+d !rabbed a shirt a+d air o) a+ts- the+ sli ed them o+& CI:m leavi+!& I:m !oi+! back home a+d you are+:t !oi+! to sto me&C C%ammit ,icole0C CI) you are+:t !oi+! to sto me- the+ do+:t sta+d i+ my way- Etha+&C He came over to her& She was bei+! stubbor+ a+d hardheaded& <as she cra;y> %id she u+dersta+d 7arvi+ could kill her> C%o you eve+ care about your ow+ li)e- ,icole>C C,ot whe+ ,a++a:s li)e mea+s a lot more to me& She mea+s more to me tha+ my ow+ because she )ou!ht so hard )or me to be here- Etha+& I) I could- I would !ive my heart to her to make her better& %o+:t you u+dersta+d>C She cried- tears streami+! dow+ her cheek& He ulled her i+ his arms to hold her& CAes ,icole- I do& I:ll hel &C His kissed her cheek as her arms we+t arou+d his +eck i+ a reciatio+ )or his u+dersta+di+!&

Chapter 9 He ulled the com a+y truck two houses away )rom ,a++a:s house& He would have ulled closer- but the olice a+d ambula+ce were blocki+! the middle o) the street& They both looked at each other- wo+deri+! what was !oi+! o+- u+til they both saw ,a++a bei+! carried o+ a stretcher a+d laced i+ the ambula+ce& *+ ESO was o+ to o) her- um i+! her chest to resuscitate her& Be)ore Etha+ could sto her- ,icole was /um i+! out o) the truck a+d ru++i+! toward the ambula+ce& But the olice sto ed her& She dema+ded to !et i+side the ambula+ce- but the double doors closed a+d the olice still held her back& The ambula+ce took o)) )or the hos ital with ,a++a i+side& ,icole wailed her ai+ )or her !ra+dmother& Looki+! throu!h the crowd toward the house- she saw 7arvi+ a+d Ly++e sta+di+! there si!+i+! some a ers )or a+ o))icer- the+ he walked away& Etha+ watched )rom the truck her headi+! toward the house a+d !ri ed the steeri+! wheel- wo+deri+! i) he should !et out the car to /oi+ her& To )ollow her mea+t letti+! Ly++e a+d 7arvi+ k+ow o) his i+volveme+t with ,icole- but he was+:t sure i) he wa+ted them to k+ow yet& <ould ,icole be hurt e+ou!h whe+ she )ou+d out> <ould ,icole:s ai+ be worth it all> %am+ his !uilty co+scious& <he+ did that start comi+! i+to lay i+ his @uest )or the ultimate reve+!e a!ai+st his +ow e30wi)e> He waited a+d watched& ,icole we+t strai!ht u to 7arvi+ a+d shoved him with all o) her mi!ht a+d a+!er that she had i+side o) her& C<hat did you do>C she dema+ded to k+ow& C<hat did you do to her>C 7arvi+ !rabbed her arms to kee her )rom hitti+! him i+ the chest& CI) you were here- the+ you would k+ow what ha e+ed& ,a++a had a rela se&C C9ela se> Aou:re lyi+!= Aou tried to kill her- did+:t you>C CI) you were+:t ru++i+! o))- the+ maybe ,a++a would be )i+e&C CI ra+ o)) to save my li)e&C CAou ra+ o)) to )i+d your lover- you sel)ish bitch&C She backha+ded him with all her mi!ht a+d she was+:t sorry about it& Ly++e ste ed u @uickly betwee+ them- seei+! 7arvi+ bawli+! u his )ist to hit ,icole back& C7aybe we should calm dow+-C she i+sisted& They !lared heatedly at each other- both k+owi+! the truth as to why she ra+ away& 7arvi+.s eyes dared her to s eak the truth& CI thi+k we all +eed to !et i+side-C Ly++e su!!ested& ,icole broke eye co+tact with 7arvi+ a+d !lared at her mother& CI thi+k you ou!ht to tell the olice e3actly what he did to ,a++a& %o+:t you care o+e bit about her> She was your motherE your )lesh a+d blood& The o+ly o+e who cared about your sel)ish horrible sel) was ,a++a because I do+:t care whether you live or die& I wish you were dyi+!& I wish you had the bad heart because you do+:t deserve to live a+other day=C Ly++e sti))e+ed at the hard words o) her dau!hter& ,icole tur+ed to walk away- but 7arvi+ !rabbed her arm& C<here do you thi+k you:re !oi+!>C he s+eered- /erki+! her back to him& She tried to s+atch out o) his !ri - but he held ti!ht& CI thi+k you should come i+to the house-C he said- ulli+! her toward the door o) the house& ,icole des erately tried to !et away without maki+! a sce+e )or the crowd that was +ow dissi ati+!& She looked back over her shoulder to see i) Etha+ had le)t her& CCome ,icole- you ca+ !o to the hos ital with us&C She k+ew 7arvi+ had +o i+te+tio+s o) letti+! her out the house a!ai+& I) he had his way- she would )orever be locked u i+ that room )or the rest o) her li)e& She did+:t wa+t to !o throu!h that a!ai+& Ly++e o+ly stood there watchi+!- +ot doi+! a+ythi+!& ,icole be!a+ to stru!!le more& CI thi+k you should let the !irl !o-C a voice came throu!h to them )rom the street& 7arvi+ sto ed his dra!!i+! a+d looked i+ the directio+ o) the voice& Etha+ ste ed u o+ the curb- li!hti+! a ci!arette a+d taki+! a lo+! dra!& C7i+d your ow+ busi+ess- mister-C 7arvi+ seethed& Ly++e !as ed- F<hat the hell are you doi+! here>C Etha+ came u to the orch& CI thi+k he should let her !o&C C?et the hell o)) o) my ro erty&C 7arvi+ swu+! ,icole behi+d him- holdi+! her wrist still very ti!ht&

C*+d I thi+k ,icole ca+ let us k+ow where she wa+ts to !o because I do+:t thi+k she wa+ts to !o i+ that house&C Etha+ ste ed u to 7arvi+& CThis has +othi+! to do with you-C Ly++e cried& C*s lo+! as he:s !ot his ha+ds o+ ,icole- it has everythi+! to do with me&C Ly++e looked )rom Etha+ to ,icole& CHow do you k+ow him>C she dema+ded o) her dau!hter& ,icole was+:t ayi+! much atte+tio+ to her mother:s words& Etha+:s words brou!ht so much e+coura!eme+t i+side ,icole a+d she brou!ht her k+ee u a+d hit 7arvi+ betwee+ the le!s- the+ elbowed him i+ the s i+e& He let her !o a+d )ell to the !rou+d& ,icole /um ed over his body a+d moved to Etha+:s side& 7arvi+ made a weak attem t to !et to ,icole- but he was i+ so much ai+ that he could+:t !et u & He ordered Ly++e to +ot let her !o& Etha+ took her ha+d a+d they be!a+ to walk away& Ly++e called )or her dau!hter- )ollowi+! them& But ,icole co+ti+ued to walk toward the truck& CEtha+- what are the two o) you doi+! to!ether>C ,icole sto ed i+sta+tly a+d tur+ed slowly to look at her mother the+ to Etha+- who looked very sti))& CHow does she k+ow your +ame>C <he+ Etha+ did+:t a+swer- she looked at her mother& CHow do you k+ow his +ame>C CI k+ow his +ame because he:s my husba+d& He:s Etha+ Black&C CE30husba+d=C Etha+ s+eered- )i+di+! his to+!ue& ,icole s+atched away )rom his ha+d as the truth came to her& She !ras ed her chest- +ot k+owi+! i) she could breathe throu!h all o) this& CAou:re her husba+d>C She took several ste s back& CAou k+ew all the time& Aou k+ew I was her dau!hter- did+:t you>=C she screamed& C%id+:t you>=C Etha+ closed his eyes- tryi+! to remai+ calm& This was+:t how he:d la++ed it& This was+:t how he was su osed to )eel& She +eeded +o co+)irmatio+ )rom him to k+ow e3actly what was !oi+! o+& CAou stay away )rom me-C she seethed- barely able to !et the words out& CI +ever wa+t to see you a!ai+&&&EVE9&C <ith that- she ra+ dow+ the street& Etha+ wa+ted to !o a)ter her& He really did- but his )eet would+:t move- his body would+:t )ollow& I+stead- he tur+ed arou+d to see that look i+ Ly++e:s eyes 0 that a+!ry- co+)used- de)eated look& CAou we+t a)ter my dau!hter>C she asked- bli+ki+! hard& CEve+ a)ter you destroyed me )i+a+cially a+d sociably- you still we+t a)ter my dau!hter> How could you>C He !rou+ded out the ci!arette a+d smiled wickedly& CI was tryi+! to be like you a+d kee it all i+ the )amilyLy++e&C C*re you do+e with your deceit>C she asked dis!ustedly& COr would you like to !o to the hos ital a+d )uck my mother too be)ore she dies>C CAou better ho e she does+:t because I:ll make sure the i+vesti!ator looks to you )or )oul lay&C CThis has +othi+! to do with you&C CIt does as lo+! as ,icole cares&C CStay away )rom my dau!hter&C C1uck you&C C<hat more do you wa+t- Etha+> Has hurti+! my dau!hter healed what I:ve do+e to you> Aou:ve take+ everythi+! away )rom me& Everythi+! a+d you have the !all to !o a+d break my dau!hter:s heart>C CI had to !o a+d break the +e3t best thi+! si+ce you do+:t have o+e&C He walked to his truck a+d /um ed i+side& Peeli+! out o) there at a hi!h s eed- he )elt almost com lete& He:d do+e it= He:d !otte+ his reve+!e a!ai+st that whore= She was sta+di+! there s eechless- hurt- a+d rui+ed& So why did he )eel like a+ ass>

Chapter 10 ?oi+! throu!h so much- she would+:t be sur rised i) she had a +ervous breakdow+& The doctor had o))ered somethi+! to hel slee - but she did+:t wa+t a+ythi+!& She did+:t like the dreams about Etha+ she co+ti+ued to have& O+ her third day vi!il by her !ra+dmother:s side- a very ha+dsome ma+ with !or!eous !ree+ eyes a+d itch black hair came i+ the room& He was three i+ches taller tha+ Etha+- with the same muscular build a+d a smile that could li!ht u a room& <he+ he i+troduced himsel) as Dames Black by ha+di+! her a busi+ess card- she told him e3actly where he could stick the busi+ess card& He o+ly chuckled a+d )ou+d a seat +e3t to her& ,icole hissed- C%id+:t you hear what I said>C CI:m +ot like my brother-C he said& C<hatever you have to say about that ma+ to me- you:re o+ly wasti+! your breath&C CHe told me the same thi+! whe+ I told him I was comi+! over to see you& He also said he:d break my +eck i) I sle t with you&C C<hy should he care> He:s !ot his reve+!e&C Dames lowered his eyes to his brie)case i+ his la & CI thou!ht you said you did+:t wa+t to s eak about him&C CThat would be the reaso+ why you came- is+:t it>C He shook his head& CTo be ho+est- artly& He asked me to do somethi+! )or him a+d I thou!ht I should !et the +ews to you si+ce you wo+:t see him& I )i!ured this was retty im orta+t to you- u+less you are+:t i+terested i+ savi+! your !ra+dmother:s busi+ess&C She sat u - !lari+! at him warily& CHow could you ossibly hel me>C CBy setti+! u a+ a oi+tme+t with Parker 7ills a day early be)ore your u+cle a+d mother meet with him& I) you have a sweeter deal )or him- the+ I su!!est you make a loy )or him +ow& They owe him a !reat deal o) mo+ey&C She wa+ted the meeti+!- but she was+:t sure what or how she could sweete+ the deal& CHow much is owed>C C* @uarter o) a millio+&C She buried her head i+ her ha+ds& CTalk with your mother:s lawyer& 7aybe he could hel you out- ,icole&C He laced his card o+ her la & CCall me to co+)irm or let my secretary& Kriste+ k+ows what.s !oi+! o+ a+d she.ll !et a+y a+d all messa!es to me immediately&C He aused a+d the+ added- FShe also could !et a+y messa!es to Etha+ too i) +eed be&G F,o- it.s +ot +eeded-G ,icole s+eered& He shru!!ed& FToo bad& Because she.s really !ood at !etti+! them to him more @uickly tha+ me&G *)ter he was !o+e- she we+t to the ay ho+e a+d called *rma+do Belli+i& To her !ood luck- he was o+ his way to %etroit a+d could meet her i+ South)ield at the St& 9oyal Hotel tomorrow& She called Cleo to see i) she could stay at ,a++a:s side )or her& Cleo ea!erly a!reed& *rma+do looked i+ his early thirties a+d she was sur rised to k+ow he was you+!er tha+ that at "N& CI:m the baby o) the Belli+i )amily i+ my !e+eratio+& I was the you+!est child my au+t raised because my mother died i+ a car accide+t& 7y au+t ama;i+!ly mothered over te+ childre+ whe+ I was you+!er& <e do+:t co+sider ourselves cousi+s- or ado ted sibli+!s- or )rie+ds& <e:re a close0k+it )amily& 7y sister.s best )rie+d a+d law art+er actually re rese+ted your mother:s e30husba+d i+ their divorce-C he said matter o) )actly& CI really do+:t !ive a )i! about that ma+-C she s+eered& CI wa+t to discuss ,a++a:s o tio+s& I do+:t wa+t to sell&C CShe said you would+:t&C C<hat else did she say>C CAou:d take care o) thi+!s a+d would be the o+ly o+e to look out )or her best i+terest& I must remi+d you thou!hE receivi+! ,a++a:s estate is a bi! res o+sibility&C C<hy>C CAour !ra+d)ather i+vested i+ a lot o) older stocks a+d ,a++a:s bee+ hoardi+! that mo+ey like it was a secret& I did+:t u+dersta+d u+til she e3 lai+ed to me that eve+ her dau!hter is out to rui+ her a+d i) they k+ew about the mo+ey- she would +ever have a e++y to her +ame&C He called )or a waitress to re)ill their dri+ks& She o ted )or ora+!e /uice i+stead o) li@uor& ,icole i+)ormed him o) the lar!e debt owed to Parker 7ills& CI have !ood +ews a+d I have bad +ews& The !ood +ews is you have the mo+ey to ay it o))E the bad +ews is i+ order to !et to that mo+ey- ,a++a has to either si!+ )or it hersel) or die so the assets ca+ revert to you& I am o+ly here to make sure her true will is read a+d letters delivered& I have +o ower over the mo+ey& I k+ow about it

thou!h a+d ca+ eve+ tell you what ba+k she:s !ot it i+- but I ca+:t touch it& Aou see- I usually o+ly work )or )amily members& But my u+cle *+to+io Belli+i II owed a )avor to your !ra+d)ather- a+d ,a++a called i+ that )avor whe+ she did+:t k+ow a+yo+e else to tur+ to& B+cle To+y o) course came to me a+d I said I would erso+ally ha+dle the matter because we take )avors very seriously& I came here the day be)ore ,a++a had the stroke a+d worked out ower o) attor+ey a ers a+d also the +ew will- i+cludi+! a livi+! will as well&C CSo I ca+ try to make a deal with Parker 7ills- but I:m o+ my ow+&C CI ca+ tell you your o tio+s a+d how hi!h you should !o be)ore- but that is about it& Like I said- I:m o+ly here to hel ,a++a a+d her best i+terest&C She should be mad& He was basically telli+! her u+less she laid a wad o) mo+ey out )or him )or his serviceshe would+:t !ive her cra - but he was a lawyer& She should+:t e3 ect much a+d he was doi+! his /ob 0 looki+! out )or ,a++a:s best i+terest& CTell me what you thi+k a+d I will !o )rom there&C *rma+do smiled assuredly& CAou:re a retty smart kid- ,icole& I:m sure you will k+ow what to do whe+ the time comes&C CI:ll bet-C she s+orted& CBecause i) I mess it u - you:ll ste i+ a+d make sure ,a++a:s i+terests are saved ri!ht>C He lau!hed& CAou !et the icture& I take my /ob very serious&C She k+ew someo+e else who was serious as well& Both o) them !ot o+ her last +erve about +ow&

Chapter 11 Cleo allowed her to borrow her car to make it to the Parker 7ills o))ice& She was im ressed by the buildi+! a+d the courtesy area& The secretary led her to a lar!e co+)ere+ce room that seated te+ eo le very com)ortably& She was seated at the )irst chair by the head seat& <he+ o))ered somethi+! to dri+k- she decli+ed olitely because her stomach was doi+! )li s like a Sea <orld dol hi+& The three0 iece dark brow+ rayo+ suit she had borrowed )rom Cleo was two si;es too bi! )or her& But with a lot o) i+s- they:d !otte+ the si;e twelve suit dow+ to look very ro)essio+al o+ her& Cleo had swe t her hair u i+to a )ashio+able bob a+d a lied a li!ht touch o) makeu & The black ate+t leather heels were retty weird to wear- but she ma+a!ed& I) she walked slowly- she actually looked like she k+ew what she was doi+!& B+der+eath the vest- she wore a white 1re+ch cu))ed blouse& Aesterday had bee+ her birthday a+d she celebrated it by sitti+! by ,a++a:s side& *!ai+ Cleo had come to the hos ital to ta! team with her o+ ,a++a:s vi!il& She did+:t trust a+yo+e to stay beside ,a++a other tha+ Cleo a+d she was !lad Cleo was there )or her& 1ocusi+! her thou!hts- she co+ce+trated o+ maki+! her best rese+tatio+ to Parker 7ills& *ccordi+! to Dameswhe+ he ut it blu+tly- Parker 7ills was a serious ass- but he loved deals& He lived )or them a+d he was a+ old hi!h school buddy o) Etha+ Black& He had i+herited the lau+dry busi+ess )rom his )ather a+d had take+ over several clea+ers i+ the %etroit a+d suburba+ areas& He did a lot o) services )or busi+ess- but was looki+! i+to rivately held reside+tial busi+esses to e3 a+d& She was very im ressed with the i+)ormatio+ Dames had !ive+ her about the com a+y& It would be a+ ho+or to meet the ma+ i+ erso+ a+d lear+ )rom him i) he !ave her the cha+ce& Dames war+ed her that Parker 7ills could smell bullshit i+sta+tly a+d he did+:t lay whe+ it came to mo+ey owed to him& I) she stayed ho+est a+d truth)ul a+d stayed realistic- she had a cha+ce& <he+ the doors to the co+)ere+ce o e+ed- it came @uite a sur rise to see that Parker 7ills was a+ *)rica+ *merica+ male who looked +o older tha+ about twe+ty0+i+e& He walked like there was a stick u his ass a+d with the bi0)ocals a+d sti)) three0 iece dark !rey *rma+i suit- he was de)i+itely the sti)) rick Dames had described& This was the )irst time she had met a+yo+e o) *)rica+ *merica+ +ature who ossessed so much mo+ey- a+d she k+ew this would be a+ eve+ bi!!er challe+!e tha+ what she had thou!ht it would be& She could have ha+dled it better i) he was white a+d o+ to o) that- he was very ha+dsome i) o+e looked ast those aw)ul !lasses& He re!arded her +o+chala+tly as he closed the door a+d told his secretary +ot to bother him u+til he was do+e& That made her )eel very im orta+t a+d she ho ed this was !oi+! to !o better tha+ what she thou!ht it would !o& He a roached the co+)ere+ce table- looki+! a little doubt)ul as he assessed her& ,icole saw that he stood about si3 )eet tall a+d bullock u+der the suit& She did+:t k+ow i) it was )at or /ust muscle& But either way- the suit was de)i+itely tailored rather +icely o+ him& C7s& ?ray>C he seemed doubt)ul& CAes- ,icole ?ray&C She shook his ha+d& He seemed o)) !uard a+d his chocolate eyes s@ui+ted at her& CAou look )amiliar&C CI:m o)te+ mistake+ )or my mother- Ly++e Black&C This rela3ed him imme+sely& CAes- she sometimes comes with your u+cle- 7arvi+ Clark& Aou:re almost a livi+! ima!e o) her- but I must say there is somethi+! ma!+i)ice+t about you&C He o))ered her a seat a+d he )ollowed suit- strai!hte+i+! u his clothes beside her& C7r& 7ills- be)ore we be!i+ I wa+t to say how much I a reciate you taki+! the time out )or me o+ such short +otice& * ma+ such as you robably remai+s busy a+d I am very im ressed by all you hold&C He +odded a tha+k you& CThat:s why I wa+t you to u+dersta+d that I do+:t wa+t to sell the Lau+dromat to you& I wa+t to remai+ a art+er&C He sat back- still liste+i+! i+te+tly- but showi+! absolutely +o emotio+& CI wo+:t be able to ay back the mo+ey my u+cle has borrowed i+ such !reat access& But I will be able to work out some ki+d o) deal with you that kee s ,a++a:s i+terest at the heart o) the busi+ess&C CI:ve bee+ tryi+! to !et my ha+ds o+ this ro erty )or some time +ow a+d u+til your !ra+dmother !ot sick- I could+:t !et word or ed!ewise )rom that lady& ,ow with your u+cle willi+! to sell- what makes you thi+k I +eed to work out a deal with you>C CBecause- accordi+! to the a!reeme+t my !ra+dmother has with my u+cle- eve+ thou!h he has )i+al co+trol over the com a+y- there is twe+ty erce+t still i+ her +ame a+d te+ erce+t i+ mi+e& <ith I bei+! my

!ra+dmother:s !uardia+- that mea+s I have thirty erce+t co+trol over the sale o) the com a+y& I am aware my u+cle owes you a !reat deal o) mo+ey a+d I:m willi+! to !ive you that mo+ey back with i+terest a+d a erce+ta!e o) the stock i+ the com a+y i) you work with me& I) you do+:t work with me- I ca+ hold u the sale o) a+y o) the busi+ess alto!ether a+d sue you a+d my u+cle )or a+y mo+ey owed to me that has already tra+sacted&C She laid out the ori!i+al a!reeme+t )rom which ,a++a i+itially si!+ed over to 7arvi+& CI do+:t k+ow what he told you or what docume+ts he showed you to make you believe he ow+ed the com a+y& But u+til ,a++a dies- he o+ly has art co+trol&C Parker looked over the a ers a+d the+ bu;;ed his secretary to bri+! him the ?ray Lau+dromat )ile& I+ a )ew mome+ts- a )older was brou!ht to them a+d he looked throu!h u+til he )ou+d a docume+t similar to the o+e she had laid out to him& Looki+! dow+ at the co+trol- there were cha+!es a+d the si!+atures were )alse- e3ce t )or 7arvi+:s a+d the lawyers& This ma+ did +ot look leased as he closed the )ile a+d !ave her a lo+! hard look& CSo i+ order to !et my ha+ds o+ the com a+y- you wa+t me to have 7arvi+ si!+ over his art tomorrow to me- a+d the+ you will kee your art a+d ay back the mo+ey owed to me>C CAes& I+ additio+ to sweete+ this deal- I will !ive you the la+d +e3t to the Lau+dromat- which I thi+k will make a +ice stri mall& I) you survey the area- a small !rocery a+d hardware(su ly store is much +eeded i+ the area& <ith ,a++a:s re utatio+- I am ositive the +ei!hborhood will su ort your im roveme+ts&C C<hat is bei+! do+e with the ro erty +ow>C CCollecti+! dust& %ue to ,a++a:s stroke a)ter she bou!ht the ro erty- she was +ot well e+ou!h to e3 a+d o+ the e3te+sio+ like she wa+ted& But I ca+ share the la+s with you i) you:d like or you ca+ sell it to a+yo+e you wish& But I will kee my art i+ it&C CI) I do+:t !o with your deal- o) course there:s years o) liti!atio+ i+volved&C She lea+ed i+ close to him& C7r& 7ills- I assure you I ca+ ha+dle the busi+ess& I la+ to make ma/or cha+!es a+d worki+! with you- I:m sure we ca+ make a very !ood ro)it without my u+cle i+volved&C C%oes )amily mea+ +othi+! to you>C C,ot whe+ the )amily does+:t look out )or the well bei+! o) my !ra+dmother a+d takes all she has sweated blood a+d tears )or a+d throws it away o+ a+ythi+! a+d everythi+! e3ce t what is im orta+t& I take that seriousE 7r& 7ills a+d I will do a+ythi+! to make sure my !ra+dmother:s busi+ess stays with me& This is how she wa+ts it&C CI do u+dersta+d your oi+t- but you leave me i+ a very di))icult ositio+ with 7r& Clark-C he +oted& CI will thi+k o+ it&C CI was ho i+! )or a+ a+swer today si+ce you will be meeti+! with 7r& Clark tomorrow&C CI ca+:t !ive you a decisio+ +ow- but I will take heed o+ all you have said a+d !ive you a+ a+swer day a)ter tomorrow& O+ your way out- you may ick u the co y o) your docume+t )rom the rece tio+ist&C He stood u & C?ood day- 7s& ?ray&C <he+ she retur+ed to the hos ital- Cleo was a little disa oi+ted to k+ow there was +o de)i+ite decisio+& CI have a little !ood +ews o) my ow+-C Cleo said- bubbli+! with e3citeme+t as they walked dow+ to the ca)eteria while the orderlies !ave ,a++a a s o+!e bath& C<hat>C CHe asked about you today& <he+ I was comi+! out- he asked how you were doi+!&C CI really do+:t care0C Cleo cut her o))& CThat:s a lie& The way he sou+ded- I k+ow the two o) you really hit it o))& He really likes you,icole&C CThat:s +ot the oi+t- Cleo& Eve+ i) I did like him- I would+:t !o back with him&C CHe told me you two had some ki+d o) ar!ume+t a+d that you were+:t talki+! to him&C Sus iciously- she @uestio+ed- CIs he tryi+! to e+list your aid i+ !etti+! to me>C Cleo shook her head& C,o- but I thi+k you:re maki+! a bi! mistake a+d you:re bei+! the bi!!est bi!ot i+ the world&C CBi!ot>C Obviously Etha+ had +ot told her the whole story a+d Cleo was comi+! to her ow+ co+clusio+s& CThis has +othi+! to do with his color&C CIs it his a!e- because thirty0three is +ot that old&C CIt:s as old as my mother&C C,o o+e told your mother to !o s readi+! her le!s o e+ at thirtee+& Come o+- ,icole- you:ve !ot to have a better reaso+ tha+ those )or bei+! mad at him& The ma+ is worki+! himsel) i+to e3haustio+ a+d I thi+k it:s /ust

because o) you& Aou:re mature- he:s mature- a+d I thi+k you:d make a really !ood cou le& He really cares )or you,icole&C CI do+:t thi+k you u+dersta+d the situatio+- Cleo&C CI u+dersta+d he:s a sweet !uy a+d that:s somethi+! you +eed& I u+dersta+d he:d take really !ood care o) you& I:ve see+ him whe+ you were sick- how !ood he takes care o) you- a+d I u+dersta+d i) you !ive him a cha+ce- he could mea+ a lot to you& <hat more is there to u+dersta+d> This does+:t have a+ythi+! to do with your mom a+ymore&C CHe told you about that>C CHe me+tio+ed due to some ties he had with your mom i+ the ast- it could a))ect your relatio+shi today&C ,icole hu))ed& CDust like him to come out smelli+! like roses- Cleo& 7e+ are so deceit)ul&C CI do+:t really care what ha e+ed with your mother a+d him a+d +either should you& He wa+ts to be with you a+d that:s all that cou+ts& ,icole- I thi+k you should !ive him a cha+ce& I thi+k he ca+ bri+! a lot to the table re!ardi+! leasi+! you& He looks like he could ack somethi+! bi! )or you&C ,icole )lushed- !etti+! her mea+i+!& CAou mea+ havi+! se3>C CAes= I would+:t mi+d !ivi+! him a ride mysel) i) he was+:t so dedicated to you&C CI do+:t wa+t a+y art o) him& I:ve had a taste o) it Cleo a+d it:s +ot all it:s cracked u to be&C Cleo:s eyes we+t bi! as saucers& CAou did it>C ,icole co+)essed- so !lad to be able to tell someo+e about it& CAes- a+d it was horrible Cleo& There was so much ai+&C CPai+>C Cleo looked co+)used& C<ere you ready )or him> <as there a+y )ore lay> %id he touch you>C I) she were a+y li!hter- she was ositive her cheeks would be scarlet& CAes- there was )ore lay a+d be)ore he did it- I was )eeli+! very !ood&C C7aybe you were u ti!ht a+d +ervous&C ,icole was )rustrated- +ot really k+owi+! how to e3 lai+ to her what ha e+ed& CI e3 ected to be +ervous o+ my )irst time- but u+til he hurt me like that- it was )eeli+! +ice&C Cleo almost choked o+ her co))ee& CAou:re a vir!i+- ,icole>C CIt:s +o bi! thi+!& That has +othi+! to do with what ha e+ed&C CThat has everythi+! to do with it- ,icole& %id it hurt at )irst>C CLike a hot k+i)e& That:s why I told him to take it out&C CAou what> Aou did+:t )i+ish> How could you do that to him ,icole>C C%o that to him> <hat about what he did to me> He hurt me&C CAou robably did+:t let him )i+ish&C CI was bleedi+! all over the lace&C Cleo drew ,icole i+ her arms )or com)ort& CThat:s because you:re su osed to bleed& Aou would have bee+ okay& I:m sur rised he did+:t kill you& %id+:t a+yo+e ever tell0C She sto ed& CAou oor thi+!& It:s im orta+t you )i+ish it with him- ,icole& Es ecially a)ter everythi+! you we+t throu!h with 7arvi+ a+d0C ,icole drew away& CHow did you k+ow>C CEtha+ told me& I )elt so bad whe+ I k+ew 7arvi+ did that&C CIt o+ly ha e+ed o+ce&C She sat dow+ outside o) ,a++a:s room& CHe dra!!ed me u there a)ter Ly++e le)t the +i!ht o) the beati+! a+d said he:d make sure +o ma+ would wa+t to touch me a)ter he !ot throu!h& I assed out at the )irst si!+ o) ai+ a+d whe+ I woke u - I was locked i+ the room- )eeli+! like death warmed over me&C CAou do+:t thi+k you should s eak to someo+e re!ardi+! what ha e+ed to you>C ,icole shru!!ed& CI !uess&C CI also thi+k you should )i+ish what you started with Etha+& It:s the o+ly way& Aou were a vir!i+ a+d you:ll be )orever traumati;ed i) you do+:t& ,e3t time- /ust do it all the way&C CI:m +ever doi+! that a!ai+& Es ecially with him&C CAou have to !o a+d do it with him or you:ll be scarred )or li)e&C CI wo+:t- Cleo& I ca+:t& There:s too much to thi+k about ri!ht +ow&C She was really !etti+! )rustrated& CAou do+:t k+ow the whole story behi+d it all a+d I really do+:t wa+t to !o i+to it& He used me&C CSo what= Bse him back& Bse him to !et over this )ear o) se3 because i) you do+:t- +o matter what- all you:ll thi+k about is him& Aou:ll +ever !et him out o) your system& 7e+ use wome+ )or se3 all the time& This is a +ew ce+tury !irlE wome+ ca+ use me+ all we wa+t a+d +ot )eel a+ ou+ce o) !uilt&C CIt:s too com licated&C

CO+ly i) you make it- ,icole& He:s there all alo+e i+ that beauti)ul house- /ust waiti+! )or you to k+ock o+ the door at +i!ht& %o+:t let him s eak or reaso+ because whe+ he does- he:ll o+ly make you +ervous& Take co+trol o) the situatio+ a+d use him& I) it hurts- do+:t make him sto & Dust tell him what )eels ri!ht a+d what does+:t& 7e+ like it whe+ a woma+ lets them k+ow how to make love to them&C CIt sou+ds easy- but I k+ow it:s +ot&C CIt:s o+ly as hard as you make it out to be& Aou ca+ easily !et to him& He:s waiti+! )or you& O+ce it:s over with- all you have to do is !et u a+d leave&C CDust leave>C CAes& %o+:t eve+ tell him you:re !oi+!& <ait u+til he:s aslee a+d leave&C ,icole o+ly stared i+to s ace- tryi+! to )i+d out where her coura!e would be /ust to show her )ace u i+ )ro+t o) him& CThe er)ect time would be tomorrow +i!ht& That:s whe+ I will be o)) both /obs a+d ca+ come to the hos ital while you:re at his lace-C Cleo hi+ted& Her stomach )elt like her muscles were tyi+! i+ k+ots at the thou!ht o) seei+! him a!ai+& CI do+:t k+ow i) I ca+ !et over the )act that he used me- Cleo&C CThat does+:t matter& Aou:re !oi+! there to !et what you wa+t& That:s what:s wro+! with wome+ +ow& Aou let your erso+al )eeli+!s !et i+ the way o) e+/oyme+t& Aou:ll !et +o leasure out o) li)e i) you allow that to ha e+,icole& Like I said- use him& Bse him u+til you !et tired&C ,icole blushed clear dow+ to her toes as she stood u & CThey should be do+e with ,a++a by +ow- Cleo& I:ll call you tomorrow i) I +eed you&C CCall me early so I ca+ bri+! everythi+! you +eed here&C She kissed her cheek a+d le)t& ,icole sat by ,a++a:s side a+d thou!ht hard about what she wa+ted to do& <he+ the +urse came i+- she @uestio+ed i) there was a sycholo!ist o+ duty )or )amily care& The +urse +odded a+d !ave her i+structio+s to the room& CI:ll be here u+til +i+e to watch over her&C ,icole tha+ked her a+d le)t out i+ search o) someo+e else to s eak to& Chapter 12 Etha+ stared thou!ht)ully i+to the )ire- wo+deri+! what he would do o+ce he )i+ished this ro/ect& 7ost likelysell it a+d )i+d somethi+! else to i+volve himsel) o+& Dames had +oti)ied him today- they were do+e with the e3ter+al structure o) their rece+t ro/ect o+ a seve+0story a artme+t buildi+!& He k+ew i) he threw himsel) i+to his work more- he could )or!et about it& But it was so di))icult whe+ his thou!hts were co+sumed with her& *s )ar as he k+ew- she was by ,a++a:s side a+d +o o+e was ositive i) ,a++a would live ast the e+d o) this week be)ore she would +eed a machi+e to breathe& Cleo had su!!ested that he !o to the hos ital- but what could he ossibly dema+d> <ould she ever allow him to )i+ish maki+! love to her> That would be rich& His luck would ru+ out a+d Ly++e would robably be rese+t a+d lau!h to hi!h heave+ at him whe+ ,icole sla ed him across the )ace& Still- it bothered him that she was !oi+! arou+d thi+ki+! the act o) maki+! love was horrible a+d it was all because o) him& He did+:t wa+t her like that a+d he wa+ted to )i+d out i) he could bri+! her leasure& 45o go and get her3 he told himsel)& ?oi+! to the closet by the door- he s+atched the )amiliar white shee ski+ /acket a+d tossed it o+& O e+i+! his )ro+t door- he almost collided ri!ht i+to the very woma+ he was thi+ki+! o)& C<ere you about to leave>C she asked- raisi+! a dark curious brow& He could o+ly shake his head )rom a loss o) words at the beauti)ul si!ht o) her& His eyes we+t )rom the ti o) her )lowi+! li!htly curled )ace to the hi!h um s acce+tuati+! the beauti)ul a+kles& Her lo+! black coat was o e+ed to reveal the black a)ter0)ive velvet dress with the s lit o+ the side& <he+ he looked back at her a+d was about to s eak- she ste ed )orward a+d ressed her i+de3 )i+!er to his li s& CDustOo+eO+i!ht- Etha+&C <ith +o e3 la+atio+ other tha+ that- he drew her i+ his arms a+d carried her i+side& His mouth did+:t sto raisi+! her )or the decisio+- u+til a)ter he:d kicked the door closed- we+t u the ste s a+d was layi+! her o+ the bed& Her ha+ds moved the /acket o)) his broad shoulders a+d the+ she started u+butto+i+! his laid shirt& <he+ she !ot that o))- she threw it to the )loor& He did+:t wa+t to sto touchi+! her- too a)raid she would cha+!e her mi+d& His li s moved to her +eck as his )i+!ers worked )ra+tically at the ;i er o) her dress i+ the back& O+ce he

moved that aside- ushi+! it dow+ ast her hi s- he worked o+ the bra a+d worshi ed i+ her beauty she allowed him to reveal& She trembled u+der+eath his worshi )ul wet kisses as he drew the tau+t +i le i+to his mouth& She laced his ha+d o+ the other breast a+d he !e+tly massa!ed the )irm aroused )lesh& Her si!hs o) leasure were e+coura!i+! to him as he moved dow+ward- licki+!- kissi+! a+d ta+tali;i+! the smooth chocolate )lesh with his to+!ue a+d ha+ds& Tasti+! the sweet+ess o) her aroused him as well& His li s were ever so so)t as he suckled the +ectar the+ delved dee i+to the warm+ess that year+ed )or his touch& C7ore-C she whis ered& Etha+ s read her le!s wider- !ivi+! her leasure beyo+d belie) u+til she cried out his +ame a+d he )elt the ulsi+! eru tio+ o) her or!asm surrou+d his )i+!ers that had assisted his mouth i+ bri+!i+! her to leasure& *risi+! to ease her trembli+! body i+ his arms- the )ull le+!th o) him sli ed i+side o) her as her back arched to meet him& He could )eel her +ails di! i+to his back a+d her le!s lock arou+d his waist& She was almost oblivious to the world arou+d him& But as her hi s arched hi!her a+d hi!her- he met each thrust- e+/oyi+! her res o+ses to her moveme+ts a+d watchi+! as she raised him with her voice a+d body )or the Valhalla he took her to& ,ever i+ his li)e had he !ive+ so much o) himsel) to a woma+ i+ order to lease her& He k+ew as he brou!ht her to the )i+ale with him a+d tears )ell dow+ her cheek- there had bee+ +o ai+- but ure u+adulterated e+/oyme+t )or the both o) them& He kissed her with all the assio+ i+side o) him a+d she e@ualed his as her body seemed to )loat above everythi+! a+d /oi+ his se+ses& They became o+e a+d it did+:t matter about what the ast had wrou!ht or the rese+t had to o))er& The here a+d +ow was all that mattered to them at that oi+t a+d reality was like a dream )ar)ar away& He held her close- +ever wa+ti+! this mome+t to e+d- but yet +ot wa+ti+! to !o o+- a)raid he mi!ht make her sore& * !i!!le esca ed her li s a+d he looked dow+ at her with @uestio+s i+ his eyes& C,ow I k+ow why the 1re+ch call it little death&C He smiled the+ !as ed as she !yrated her hi s with him still i+side o) her& Dust as he started to s eak- she a!ai+ laced her )i+!er o+ his li s a+d ulled him close& Her brow+ eyes da+ced i+ e3citeme+t as she whis ered- CCa+ I have more>C * wicked !ri+ curled his li s& CDust tell me whe+ to sto &C ,icole +ever wa+ted him to sto & LLL The early mor+i+! su+ awake+ed her a+d she tried to sit u - but a secure arm over her chest reve+ted this actio+& Looki+! over at him- a well0satis)ied !ri+ was o+ his li s- but he was slee & Slidi+! dow+- she was able to u+ravel her body )rom arou+d his without waki+! him u & She located her dress u+der the bed a+d )ou+d her coat at the bottom o) the ste s alo+! with her shoes& ,icole did+:t dare try to awake him by tryi+! to )i+d her u+derwear& Hurriedly- she sli ed out a+d retur+ed to the hos ital to cha+!e laces with Cleo& CI )or!ot to tell 7arvi+ that some lady came by the Lau+dromat the other day&C She )ished i+ her wallet a+d ulled out a card& CHer +ame was Ebo+y 9eed o) E3ecutive Busi+ess Basic&C CThat:s the i+sura+ce o+ the busi+ess&C She took the card& C<hy would she come by> I se+t the check two mo+ths i+ adva+ce&C Cleo shru!!ed& CHeck i) I k+ow& I really mea+t to tell 7arvi+ because I thou!ht it stra+!e )or her to come by too- es ecially a)ter busi+ess hours& She said she was headi+! home a+d +o o+e had retur+ed her ho+e calls&C ,icole tha+ked her a+d Cleo le)t& It was ei!ht i+ the mor+i+! a+d she decided to see i) 7s& 9eed was i+ her o))ice& C?ood mor+i+!- 7s& 9eed& 7y +ame is ,icole ?rayE I was told you came by ,a++a:s Lau+dromat& <hat was this co+cer+i+!>C COh yes- 7s& ?ray&C There was some )umbli+! o) a er- the+ 7s& 9eed said- CThe check received a mo+th a!o- ayme+t was sto ed&C CSto ed> The ba+k sto ed ayme+t o+ your check>C CAes& I:ve bee+ leavi+! messa!es- but +o o+e has retur+ed a+y o) my ho+e calls& I )i!ured you we+t with a+other com a+y- but somethi+! ke t telli+! me to !et some ki+d o) res o+se )rom your busi+ess& So I we+t by yesterday because I was visiti+! someo+e over there a+d decided to sto i+&C CI:ll check i+to it- but I:m ositive there should+:t be a sto ayme+t o+ the busi+ess i+sura+ce& How much is owed>C

C9eally- it:s /ust two hu+dred dollars because you se+t a+ over ayme+t i+ the summer that was ad/usted to be cau!ht u &C C7y !ra+dmother has )alle+ ill a+d I:m doi+! vi!il at her bedside& I could !et the mo+ey to you tomorrow&C C<ell +ow that I have you o+ the ho+e- I:m worried I should+:t let a+other +i!ht ass without re+ewi+! this& <here are you> I could come by there a+d ick it u by this a)ter+oo+&C She )i!ured she could !et dow+ to the hos ital:s *T7 machi+e a+d !et the mo+ey out o) her ow+ accou+tthe+ /ust reimburse hersel) whe+ 7r& Parker decided i+ her )avor& I) he did+:t- the+ she would discuss havi+! him reimburse her& 7s& 9eed a!reed to this a+d ,icole !ave her the address o) the hos ital& <he+ she hu+! u - she )ou+d her ho+e book a+d called the ba+k to )i+d out that 7arvi+ had ut a sto ayme+t o+ all o) last mo+th.s checks she had se+t out a+d withdraw+ all the mo+ey )rom the accou+ts a+d closed them& She immediately called *rma+do Belli+i to alert him o) this )act& *rma+do assured her he would be o+ the +e3t Belli+i /et to %etroit by the mor+i+!- +o later& She could meet him at the hotel so they could discuss what ha e+ed& She i+)ormed him that she had +ot heard )rom Parker 7ills yet- but would k+ow by the e+d o) the day what the decisio+ would be& *rma+do had +o doubt that 7r& 7ills would /oi+ her& She was ho+ored by his su ort i+ the matter& O+ce she !ot o)) the ho+e with him- she s oke with the doctor who- as always- had disa oi+ti+! +ews& He !ave ,a++a less tha+ three days to live& CEs ecially i) we do+:t ut her o+ the machi+e&C ,icole cried a little )or her !ra+dmother- k+owi+! this last e isode had de)i+itely ut ,a++a very close to death:s door a+d soo+ she would be /oi+i+! ?ra+d a a+d Ecole& She remembered ,a++a:s words o) e+coura!eme+t a+d how she had +ever really !ot to tell her about Etha+& <he+ she had !o+e to her the +e3t +i!ht- ,a++a had o+ly said that whatever ,icole chose- she would be ha y with the decisio+& CIt does+:t matter about his ast- ,icole- +or about what the )uture holds& I) at the rese+t he makes you ha y- allow yoursel) to trust what you )eel& *llow him to make you ha y& I) you thi+k he could make you ha y )or the rest o) your li)e- let him& ,ever de+y the leasures o) li)e because they are so )ew a+d so very )re@ue+t&C Curli+! u i+ the chair- she )ell aslee - thi+ki+! about Etha+ a+d their +i!ht to!ether& ?oi+! to him had bee+ the best decisio+& She )elt so o e+ a+d )ree a+d the ai+s o) yesterdays were !o+e away& ,icole was ready to live a+d love&&&she /ust wished she did+:t )eel she could live a+d love Etha+ )or the rest o) her li)e& <he+ they took away the lu+ch tray )or ,icole- she was sur rised to see her mother sta+di+! at the doorway looki+! at the bed& ,icole sti))e+ed- k+owi+! Ly++e had +ot see+ her yet because she was seated behi+d the door& Ste i+! )ully i+ the room a+d letti+! the door close- Ly++e !as ed as she laid her eyes o+ ,icole& This had bee+ the reaso+ )or ,icole stayi+! at her !ra+dmother:s side& She did+:t wa+t 7arvi+ or Ly++e +ear her because she k+ew o+e o) them had caused this latest e isode& CI s oke to the doctor-C Ly++e said @uietly& CThey said she wo+:t make it ast the e+d o) the week&C C,a++a:s survived this lo+!& I:m ho i+! that:s +ot true- but I:m also realistic&C She stood u a+d we+t to ,a++a:s side- as i) to rotect her& C<hy are you here>C She had her back to Ly++e& CI wa+ted to see her&C CAou should have do+e that a lo+! time a!o Ly++e- whe+ she was well& I) you came to make eace with heryou:re a little too late&C CI did+:t come here )or a )i!ht- ,icole& I came to see you a+d my mother&C CAou still thi+k o) her as that>C CI ca+:t de+y her&C CAou:ve de+ied meE I )i!ured you were o+ a roll&C Ly++e bit her li & CLike I said ,icole- I did+:t come here )or a )i!ht&C She came closer to the bed- but ke t her dista+ce as i) she was scared to !et a+y closer& CAou were the dau!hter she wished she had i+ me&C ,icole )aced Ly++e& CSomeo+e had to !ive her /oy a)ter Ecole died&C CIt was+:t )air that she tried to make me i+to someo+e I was+:t&C CThat:s +ot what she was aski+!& She /ust wa+ted you to be ha y& That:s all ,a++a ever wa+ted )rom a+yo+e& Aou were ashamed o) her&C She took ,a++a:s ha+d& C7ake your eace a+d leave&C CI ca+:t thi+k o) what to say +ow that you:re both here& I:ve always thou!ht about what I would say to you whe+ the time came ,icole& But +ow that it:s here- I ca+:t thi+k o) what would make the hurt !o away&C C,othi+!& ,othi+! you could say would make me believe you were sorry )or the abuse I:ve su))ered because o) you& ,a++a always said actio+ s eaks louder tha+ a+y words&C

CThe+ there:s +othi+! I could do&C C,othi+!&C Ly++e bowed her head i+ de)eat a+d @uietly le)t& Juietly to hersel)- ,icole said looki+! at ,a++a- CShe could have tried&C Aet it was+:t i+ Ly++e:s +ature to try to thi+k o) somethi+! to make thi+!s better& ?uilt was robably la!ui+! her& ,ear )our o:clock- she received a messa!e )rom Etha+ telli+! her to meet him +ear dow+tow+ at a +ew a artme+t com le3 they were i+ the rocess o) worki+! o+& She really wa+ted to !o a+d called Cleo to see i) she could bri+! her dau!hter )or /ust a cou le o) hours& CI:ll come there mysel)&C CShould+:t you be at work>C CI should- but 7arvi+ called a+d said +ot to re ort o+ the shi)t today& There was some mumbli+! about cha+!es i+ the com a+y a+d that u+til I was called- there would+:t be a+y more shi)ts there&C C7r& 7ills must have !o+e with my decisio+ a!ai+&C CI:ll be over i+ a+ hour&C LLL <he+ Cleo arrived with some blue /ea+s a+d a sweater- she carried a ba!& CI brou!ht some +ice clothes )or you& ?o o+ i+ a+d wash u - the+ cha+!e i+to these khakis a+d tweed sweater& I) you:re !oi+! to !o to him- you have to look +ice&C CI do+:t wa+t him to thi+k I wa+t to be with him- but his +ote sou+ded ur!e+t& It said he wa+ted to talk with me&C C%id it say about what>C ,icole shook her head& CThe least I could do was to hear what he has to say&C C*+d )i+d out i) thi+!s ca+ cha+!e> I) he ca+ a olo!i;e- ri!ht>C CI do+:t thi+k it:s about a olo!i;i+!- Cleo& I do wa+t to see him a!ai+&C Cleo:s eyes bri!hte+ed u - looki+! very ositive& C%o+:t !o /um i+! to co+clusio+s&C Her )rie+d o+ly smiled secretly a+d started to do ,icole:s hair out o) habit& <he+ she was do+e e3tracti+! all the i+)ormatio+ about the e+cou+ter out o) ,icole- she assed her the car keys a+d wished her a !ood time& ,icole o+ly rolled her eyes heave+ward- !ave ,a++a:s warm cheeks a kiss- the+ le)t the hos ital with a bou+ce to her ste - k+owi+! i) Etha+ roclaimed his love )or her- she would /ust acce t him a+d&&&be ha y&

Chapter 13 The sou+d o) someo+e calli+! him ulled him out o) the hard slee & O e+i+! u his eyes a+d seei+! Parker 7ills sta+di+! over his bed looki+! very amused was +ot what he was e3 ecti+!& He looked over at the em ty illow beside him a+d wo+dered what the hell had ha e+ed to her& CAou k+ow they i+ve+ted cell ho+es i+ order to reach the u+reachable-C Parker said- icki+! u the ho+e o)) the bed sta+d& C<he+ you tur+ them o))- it makes the i+ve+tio+ useless&C He tossed the cell ho+e o+ the bed +ear Etha+:s head& Etha+ checked the scree+ o) the ho+e a+d )row+ed hard& CIt:s )ive i+ the a)ter+oo+>C CAes a+d the whole world was looki+! )or you u u+til +oo+& The )orema+ )rom the other site came over here to check o+ you er your brother:s i+siste+ce a+d )ou+d you slee & Aour brother told him to leave you be a+d that he would ha+dle the roblem& But whe+ you still had+:t retur+ed a+y o) the calls he has le)t- he asked me to come by si+ce I was looki+! )or you too& Busy +i!ht>C Parker sat i+ a chair +ear the door with that silly smirk o+ his )ace& CI:ve +ever oversle t i+ my e+tire adult li)e&C C7ust have bee+ some !irl the+&C Etha+ /um ed out the bed- wra i+! the covers arou+d him& C<hy were you a+d my brother looki+! )or me>C CTwo di))ere+t reaso+s& Dames wa+ted to let you k+ow there was a break i+to the o))ice last +i!ht i+ *ubur+ Hills& Someo+e stole the master keys to the ?ra+d Boulevard si!ht +ear dow+tow+& He o+ly ut a s ecial watch o+ the site- but thou!ht you should check it out later o+ to+i!ht i) you had a cha+ce& He did+:t thi+k it was im orta+t because o+ the master key set was a !old0 lated lock that he )i!ured the er s really wa+ted&C Etha+ we+t i+to the bathroom a+d sli ed o+ a air o) /ea+s a+d sweater& C<hat was the reaso+ you were looki+! )or me>C CI wa+ted to !ive your )rie+d the !ood +ews o) mer!i+! the busi+ess with her& I met with her brother a+d I was so u set at the )raudule+t docume+t he !ave me& I let him k+ow he would +ot be receivi+! the )i+al ayme+ts )or the sale o) his share o) the busi+ess due to the )act that the shares he thou!ht he was selli+! did +ot belo+! to him&C He sto ed what he was doi+!& Co+sideri+! the ki+d o) dama!e 7arvi+ had do+e to ,icole be)ore- Etha+ had a )eeli+! 7arvi+ would +ot be a ha y cam er about bei+! re)used the mo+ey& CSo you did+:t !ive him the mo+ey>C CHell +o- it did+:t belo+! to him& I told him what his erce+ta!e would have bee+ a+d how he eve+ +ow owed ,icole.s a+d 7rs& ?ray.s mo+ey that did+:t belo+! to him& He was livid0what>C Etha+ !rabbed his shoes a+d shoved them o+& C<e +eed to !et to ,icole&C C<hy>C CI have a )eeli+!E 7arvi+ still i+te+ds to !et that mo+ey&C CHe ca+:t !et it& ,ot u+less ,icole is&&&C His voice )altered& CShould I have !ive+ the mo+ey to him- Etha+>C CThe bastard deserves a kick i+ the ass above all thi+!s& That mo+ey ri!ht)ully belo+!s to her !ra+dmother a+d ,icole&C Parker )ollowed him out a+d they drove Parker:s ta+ Le3us S0Class to the hos ital where ,a++a was at& O+ the way- Etha+ called the detective worki+! o+ the case a!ai+st 7arvi+ a+d told him to meet them at the hos ital& Parker stayed i+ the car a+d waited )or him i+ )ro+t o) the hos ital& <he+ he e+tered ,a++a:s room- Cleo immediately asked him- C<hat are you doi+! here>C C<here:s ,icole>C CShe.s su osed to be meeti+! you i+ te+ mi+utes at your site +ear dow+tow+& Aou se+t her a messa!e this a)ter+oo+&C CI did+:t se+d a+ythi+!&C Cleo looked a little co+)used& CShe showed me the +ote& It said to meet you at the site& Aou wa+ted to talk&C Etha+ remembered the missi+! keys a+d his heart ou+ded i+ )ear& CHow lo+! a!o did she leave>C C*bout twe+ty mi+utes a!o& I) tra))ic was+:t bad- she should be arrivi+! i+ my car i+ about )ive&C He ha+ded Cleo the detective card a)ter he wrote somethi+! o+ the back& CCall him o+ the cell +umber a+d tell him to meet me at the address o+ the back& Let him k+ow there mi!ht be trouble a+d he +eeds to hurry&C Cleo cau!ht his arm& CIs she i+ trouble>C CI do+:t k+ow&C He rushed out a+d /um ed back i+ Parker:s car& CLet:s !et dow+ to the site&C

B o+ arrivi+! at the site by the back e+tra+ce- the security vehicle was stra+!ely arked +ear the )ro+t o) the o e+ed !ate& Parker sto ed his ow+ vehicle +earby a+d they walked u to the vehicle& CHe:s dead-C Parker said be)ore Etha+ !ot a close0u look to see the +eck slashed& Etha+ looked arou+d the lace a+d saw Cleo:s car arked at the )ro+t e+tra+ce& She would+:t have see+ this so she was walki+! ri!ht i+to a tra & He we+t to the security trailer to )i+d the !u+ the erso++el always le)t i+ the to cabi+et- but it was missi+!& Parker )ollowed him a+d let him k+ow the !u+ o+ the o))icer was missi+! as well& * com uter bli ed a+d they saw the +ewly i+stalled elevator se+sor was activated- mea+i+! someo+e had /ust ste ed i+to the booth a+d accordi+! to the readout- was headi+! to the to )loor& C?et o+ your car ho+e a+d call the olice& Let them k+ow someo+e:s broke+ i+to the buildi+! a+d they have a wea o+-C Etha+ said- headi+! out the door& CI:m taki+! the ste s u to the seve+th )loor- but the si!+als +ot !ood u there so come a)ter you )i+ish the call&C He did+:t eve+ wait )or Parker to s eak a!ai+ be)ore he ra+ out the door a+d headed )or the )ro+t o) the buildi+!& LLL Her heart was raci+! as the elevator i+ched closer to the seve+th )loor& The doors o e+ed to a dimly lit hallway- but ca+dles were laced o+ the )loor i+ a trail leadi+! to a back u+)i+ished lar!e s ace that curved arou+d& ,icole called out Etha+:s +ame- but +o o+e a+swered& Be)ore !oi+! arou+d the cor+er- she aused- thi+ki+! maybe this was a bad idea& Her se+ses were /um i+! about like cra;y- telli+! her somethi+! was+:t ri!ht& Aet whe+ she heard the so)t music start to lay- she told hersel) that it was /ust her ow+ sel)0doubt talki+! to her a+d that he would make everythi+! alri!ht as he always did& Comi+! arou+d the cor+er- her eyes wide+ed as millio+s o) ca+dles illumi+ated the e+tire s ace& Her heart soared a+d at that oi+t- she k+ew she loved Etha+& * click behi+d her !ave her a start- but she com osed hersel) a+d slowly tur+ed arou+d to )ace the love o) her li)e& LLL The door to the staircase was locked a+d the mai+ elevator did+:t come back dow+& *ccordi+! to the illumi+ated si!+ above the elevator:s doorway- the car stayed o+ the seve+th )loor& Etha+ had to !o arou+d the lo+! way to the service elevator that was still dow+ i+ the baseme+t a+d +ot worki+! yet& *)ter ryi+! o e+ the doors- he be!a+ to climb u the ladder- ho i+! whe+ he !ot to the to he could remember how to /immy o e+ the switch )rom the i+side- like someo+e had show+ him so lo+! a!o& LLL 7arvi+ oi+ted the !u+ strai!ht at her chest )ive )eet away )rom her- looki+! as i) death had walked all over him- but )or!ot to take him away& CAou stu id bitch-C he s+eered& C%id you thi+k you could take my mo+ey a+d +ot ay )or what you did>C CIt was+:t yours-C she barely whis ered& CShut u ==C he screamed shaki+! the !u+& ,icole sti))e+ed- very a)raid to take her eyes o)) o) the barrel aimed at her& CAour stu id !ra+dmother !ave it to me& Eve+ the res o+sibility o) raisi+! a brat while she decided to !et sick&C The doorway to the stairs o e+ed a+d Ly++e e+tered& 7arvi+ smiled wickedly- C<e did it baby& ,ow everythi+! will be ours&C ,icole looked accusi+!ly at Ly++e as her mother we+t to sta+d beside 7arvi+& He kissed her cheek a+d +eck slo ily- the+ tur+ed his atte+tio+ back to ,icole& CI told you she:d come i) we se+t her a messa!e )rom that bastard&C CAou k+ew all alo+! he la++ed o+ doi+! this>C ,icole asked Ly++e i+credulously& CK+ew>C 7arvi+ e3as erated& CShe la++ed everythi+!& <he+ she was ready to leave that sorry bastard o) a husba+d- she k+ew she could+:t !et a dime )rom him& So she decided we could both share the wealth ,a++a had accumulated&C C<hy> I) you +eeded a+ythi+!- ,a++a would have !ive+ it to you- Ly++e& She loved you still +o matter how bad you treated her&C Ly++e o+ly ursed her li s ti!htly to!ether a+d lowered her head to the !rou+d& C<ho the )uck cared what ,a++a would have !ive+> It was a matter o) what ,a++a had that she would+:t sell-C 7arvi+ said&

,icole !lared at the i+sidious ma+& CThe busi+ess was ,a++a:s hard work a+d she did+:t wa+t to sell it& Aou k+ew this- yet you still we+t behi+d her back a+d sold it ille!ally to Parker 7ills&C CThe+ you we+t a+d bou!ht it back with my mo+ey&C CI o+ly took what was ri!ht)ully mi+e a+d ,a++a:s&C He cocked the !u+ a+d /ust as he ulled the tri!!er- Ly++e k+ocked the !u+ to the ri!ht& ,icole )elt the bullet whi; ast her ear a+d a white hot ai+ shot throu!h her tem le& 7arvi+ whirled arou+d )rom the )orce o) the !u+ a+d Ly++e& C<hat the )uck is wro+! with you>C he bellowed- )aci+! her& Ly++e +ow stood holdi+! ,icole behi+d her as ,icole clutched her )orehead to sto the blood )rom oo;i+! i+to her )ace& The bullet had +icked her tem le a+d ,icole )elt a little di;;y& Ly++e took a !u+ out o) her coat ocket a+d aimed it at 7arvi+& CHave you lost your dam+ mi+d woma+>C 7arvi+ e3claimed& C,o I:ve !ai+ed a co+scious 7arvi+- which o+e o) us should have do+e a lo+! time a!o be)ore we eve+ thou!ht about bri+!i+! a baby i+ this world&C ,icole cleared her thou!hts- strai+i+! to hear what her mother was sayi+!& C* whore with a co+scious- Ly++e& That do+:t !o to!ether at all&C CI:m a mother with a co+scious a+d i) you k+ow what:s !ood )or you- you:ll walk away )rom all o) this&C CHell +aw& I )ucked your scraw+y ass )or twe+ty years k+owi+! that o+e day- I:d !et a iece o) this shit& Aou thi+k I:m !o++a tur+ my back o+ this +ow> *)ter all the shit I:ve bee+ throu!h&C He aimed the !u+ at Ly++e +ow& C?et the hell out the way& Let me take care o) the brat a+d we wo+:t have to worry +o+e about +obody&C Ly++e shook her head& CI:m +ot movi+!& %o+:t you see every hurt she:s ever )elt was because o) us> I:m +ot !oi+! to make her su))er a+ymore- 7arvi+& Aou made Ecole su))er )rom the truth o) us& %o+:t you thi+k that:s e+ou!h>C CEcole +ever k+ew-C 7arvi+ i+sisted i+credulously& CAes she did& She co+)ro+ted me the day be)ore she died 7arvi+& That:s why she we+t i+to labor so early& I told her that ,icole was our child a+d she could+:t ha+dle the betrayal& <e killed her /ust like we did ,a++a&C CShut u bitch=C he s+eered a+!rily& C,icole does+:t deserve it& ,ot like this&C CThe+ what the )uck do you su!!est- we overdose her o+ some shit> Or why do+:t we /ust dra! her to the roo) a+d throw her over> Either way- she:s dyi+! to+i!ht a+d the old woma+ will be !o+e by the e+d o) the week )rom what the doctors say& They:ll thi+k the brat committed suicide or was /ust art o) the city crime statistics& <e:ll be sole heirs to that woma+:s )ortu+e a+d +o o+e will be the wiser& ,ow move the )uck out the way so we ca+ !et this over with&C C,o=C Ly++e screamed& CI wo+:t let you do it&C C1i+e- the+ you:ll both die& It do+:t matter +o+e to me whe+ I:ll !et everythi+!&C He re ared to )ire the !u+ a!ai+& CI:ll shoot 7arvi+-C she war+ed- holdi+! the !u+ with both ha+ds& CPut the !u+ dow+&C CAou )irst&C Their sta+do)) held a mome+t o) sile+ce- the+ the blast se+t ,icole back )rom the wei!ht o) Ly++e )alli+! over o+ her& She looked over to see 7arvi+ lyi+! the other way a+d a ool o) blood u by his head& The !u+ had shot o)) hal) o) his skull& ?etti+! u care)ully )rom u+der+eath Ly++e- she saw her mother clutchi+! her stomach as warm blood see ed throu!h her )i+!ers& Her breathi+! was shallow a+d her bi! brow+ eyes were bi! as saucers& CIt:s okay-C ,icole assured her& CI:m !oi+! to !et hel &C She !ot u a+d started to the doorway- but bum ed i+to the lar!e )i!ure that i+sta+tly came i+ )ro+t o) her& She shrieked- but the+ reali;ed it was /ust Etha+ a+d hu!!ed him ti!htly& CDesus- baby&C He )ra+tically looked her over as she re eatedly assured him she was )i+e& CPlease Etha+- you:ve !ot to !et hel )or my mother& She:s dyi+!& 7arvi+ shot her i+ the stomach&C C*re you )i+e>C CAes&C She cu ed his )ace to assure his raci+! a+ic& C?et hel ri!ht away- lease love&C B+dersta+di+! li)ted his co+cer+ed )row+ a+d he rushed over to the staircase- ru++i+! ast 7arvi+:s dead body a+d out the door& Sire+s were real close- but ,icole was i+te+t o+ savi+! her mother:s li)e&

K+eeli+! back to her mother- she rubbed her )orehead )or com)ort& Ly++e o e+ed her eyes a+d tears ra+ dow+ her cheek& There was a lot o) ai+ o+ her )ace- but ,icole had a )eeli+! it had +othi+! to do with her hysical su))eri+!& ,icole reached dow+ a+d a lied ressure over her mother:s ha+ds& CDust hold still- Ly++e&C CI:m&&&sorry ,icole& I should have reali;ed you were the i++oce+t a lo+! time a!o& It was+:t your )ault&C C%o+:t talk- /ust hold still-C she whis ered des erately to Ly++e& CSave your stre+!th&C Ly++e ried her ha+d )rom u+der ,icole a+d !ras ed her shoulder& C%o you love him>C ,icole saw the i+te+se look i+ her mother:s eyes a+d could+:t hel but tell the truth& CAes- I love him&C This seemed to relieve Ly++e )or the mome+t a+d she rela3ed a bit a+d rested her ha+d o+ to o) ,icole:s& CI had to k+ow a+d he has to k+ow& He +eeds love- ,icole& He +eeds more tha+ I could ever !ive Icause I could +ever love mysel)& I do+:t blame ,a++a )or my evils& I was tryi+! to com ete with Ecole a+d I should have k+ow+ I +ever could& But I should have acce ted who I was& I +ever could eve+ a)ter she died- k+owi+! 7arvi+ a+d I had betrayed her& I:m sorry& The+ ,a++a )ou+d out about the betrayal which caused&&&her )irst stroke& I thou!ht i) I could !et the mo+ey- I would be ha y& But it would+:t haveO mattered&C She sobbed& C<he+ I saw that ai+ Etha+ caused you by breaki+! your heart- I k+ew the+ what I did to you was wro+!& I k+ew +othi+! i+ this world could ever be do+e to make u )or what I:ve do+e i+ the ast& Oh ,icole- I should have +ever do+e this to you&C C* olo!y acce ted- 7other& ,ow lease save your stre+!th&C The stra+!est smile came to Ly++e:s )ace& CSay it a!ai+- dau!hter&C ,icole kissed her mother:s cheek& CI )or!ive you- 7other&C Ly++e was )adi+! )ast +ow& CTell&&&,a++a- I:m&&&sorry too&C CShe k+ows& ,a++a always k+ew you:d come arou+d&C * )araway look a eared i+ Ly++e:s )ace& CI ca+ see her ,icole& I ca+ see ,a++a&C C<here>C CShe:s so retty ,icole&C Ly++e !as ed a+d bri!hte+ed& CI see Ecole a+d %addy& They:re waiti+! )or me&C C,o- 7other& Please stay here-C ,icole be!!ed- layi+! her head o+ her mother:s shoulder& CThere:s so much we have to do to!ether&C CAou:ll be )i+e& ,a++a says you:ll be )i+e a+d Etha+ will kee you ha y& I k+ow he will&C Ly++e lea+ed her head over a+d kissed ,icole o+ her )orehead& C%o+:t worry& ,a++a said the Lord a+d her will be watchi+! over you&C Ly++e:s body )ully rela3ed a+d ,icole )elt her heartbeat slowi+!& She cried out as the aramedics ushed her away to !et to Ly++e& She stood u a+d Etha+ moved to her side to hold her as she cried hard while the aramedics des erately tried to revive Ly++e& *)ter )orty )ive mi+utes- Ly++e was ro+ou+ced dead& Etha+ !uided her away- holdi+! her steady& But ,icole )elt the earth s i++i+! so )ast that she could+:t take a strai!ht ste & 7aybe this was it )or her as well& The +ick i+ her )orehead seemed to see so much blood& The warm )luid oo;ed dow+ her )ace like a river a+d the loss o) blood was maki+! it hard to com rehe+d her surrou+di+!su+til )i+ally she succumbed i+to the dark+ess that ulled at her co+scious+ess& Her body we+t lim i+ his arm a+d he called )or hel as her wou+d sudde+ly be!a+ to bleed as i) it were )reshly o e+ed& He did+:t k+ow i) her body had ur osely clotted whe+ she had )irst received the wou+d& But +ow- it was )lowi+! blood as i) there were +o tomorrow& The aramedics atte+ded her a+d he i+structed them i) they could to take her to the same hos ital ,a++a was at& They said they would be able to because ,icole:s co+ditio+ was+:t that critical& Etha+ drove Parker:s car to the hos ital- with Parker i+ the asse+!er side holdi+! o+ )or dear li)e- as Etha+ ke t u with the ambula+ce& O+ce they arrived- Parker could breathe +ormally a+d he was !lad they had made it sa)ely& ,a++a:s doctor came dow+ to check o+ ,icole a+d s eak with her- but u+)ortu+ately- she was still u+co+scious& He told Etha+ the bad +ews to deliver to ,icole& It was+:t u+til early mor+i+! whe+ ,icole o e+ed her eyes to see Etha+ sitti+! very close to her bed& He was slee - holdi+! her ha+d ti!ht i+ his slee & She heard moveme+t by the door a+d saw Parker sta+di+! u )rom the chair& CHe:s bee+ aslee )or a cou le o) hours& He wa+ted to be here whe+ you awoke&C C<hy are you here>C she asked @uietly& He shru!!ed& C7oral su ort- you could say&C Parker du! his ha+ds dee i+ his a+ts ockets& Eve+ thou!h he had ulled a+ all0+i!hter i+ the chair- he looked very well dressed with it bei+! so early i+ the mor+i+!& She had a

)eeli+! this ma+ had a+ a++oyi+! streak o) clea+li+ess& There was also a+ aura that he wa+ted to say more- but did+:t k+ow how to !o about sayi+! it& CEtha+ said my bi! mouth !ot you i+ more trouble&C She smiled weakly& CI) you did+:t do it- 7arvi+ would have )ou+d somethi+! else to be mad at me about& He i+te+ded to kill me lo+! be)ore you took away the mo+ey he wa+ted& I ca+ u+dersta+d you wa+ti+! to rub his deceit back i+ his )ace& Aou:re )or!ive+&C Parker +odded his co+cessio+ a+d le)t /ust as Etha+ be!a+ to stir- awaki+! )rom his tired slee & *s soo+ as he saw she was awake- he lea+ed over a+d kissed her sou+dly- ossessively& C<ill you always be at my bedside every time somethi+! ha e+s to me>C she asked teasi+!ly& CI wa+t to be there eve+ i) there:s +othi+! wro+! with you always- ,icole&C His co+)essio+ seemed to shock both o) them& She looked away )rom him to !ather her thou!hts& C*re you sure you are+:t tryi+! to make u )or the ai+ my mother caused you&C Etha+ could admit his reve+!e was wro+!& CI had every i+te+tio+ o) steali+! your heart a+d body- ,icole& Bsi+! you me+tally like your mother had do+e to me& I thou!ht I could remai+ im assive to you- but I thi+k somewhere betwee+ !etti+! reve+!e- I )ou+d mysel) becomi+! rece tive to that i++er beauty o+ly you could have& Soo+- it was+:t about Ly++e or reve+!eE it was /ust about maki+! you ha y& I:ve do+e some retty horrible thi+!s- ,ic- to you a+d mysel)& *ll were retty stu id&C He kissed her k+uckles- the+ elevated to her mouthca turi+! her i+ a assio+ate kiss- maki+! her )eel !ood all over& <he+ he ulled away- she had the most beauti)ul smile o+ her )ace- but his look was re!ret)ul& C<hat is it>C she asked- reachi+! u to smooth the )urred brow o) his& CI have some bad +ews to !ive you&C C,a++a died yesterday whe+ I was with my mother>C she !uessed& His eyes wide+ed bi! as saucers a+d i) her head did+:t hurt badly- she would have lau!hed at the terri)ied look o+ his )ace& CHow did you k+ow>C C,a++a was s eaki+! with my mother whe+ Ly++e died&C C*re you mad you were+:t at her side i+stead o) your mother:s>C ,icole shook her head& CI:m !lad I was there with my mother& ,a++a would+:t have wa+ted her to die alo+e a+d I thi+k i+ a way- she k+ew her time had come& She was tryi+! to make eace with everythi+! a+d everyo+e&C C%id she make eace with me>C ,icole +odded- !ivi+! him a @uick kiss& CShe !ave us her a roval by telli+! me to !ive you what she could +ever !ive&C O+e brow li)ted i+ i+@uiry& C*+d what could she have !ive+ me whe+ I could buy a+ythi+! I wa+ted>C CLove&C That i+te+se look o+ his )ace made her whole body tremble& Sudde+ly- he buried his )ace i+ her +eckmurmuri+!- CI do+:t deserve you- ,icole&C CAou:ll have a li)etime to make it u to me- Etha+&C She ulled him i+ her arms a+d ressed her li s a!ai+st his& His res o+se was immediate& CI love you- ,icole&C C*+d I love you- Etha+&C
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To read more o) this author.s work- !o to her website' www&SylviaHubbard&com& Thaddeus a+d Skye ,ewma+ ca+ be )ou+d i+ %reams o) 9eality Lore+;o- Etha+.s lawyer ca+ be )ou+d i+ The Other Side o) Love Parker 7ills ca+ be )ou+d i+ His Substitute <i)eO 7y Sister *rma+do Belli+i ca+ be i+itially )ou+d i+ 9oad To 1reedom a+d *lso The Other Side o) Love- lus i+tertwi+ed i+ other stories by this author Dames Black a ears i+ *ll Ho e is Love

P+ames o) books are te+tative a+d could cha+!e- but +ames o) characters will have to all be the same so /ust buy all this author.s books a+d read the coi+cidi+! stories&Q Check out authors book list at' htt '((sylviahubbard&com(books Su ort this author- by dow+loadi+! or urchasi+! more books )rom her- reviewi+! this book )rom lace o) urchase a+d(or the+ shari+! this author o+ your social +etwork to e+coura!e your readi+! )rie+ds to urchase her work& Tha+k you i+ adva+ce )or your su ort& Co++ect O+li+e to Sylvia Hubbard' Twitter' htt '((twitter&com(SylviaHubbard$ <ebsite' htt '((SylviaHubbard&com 7y blo!' htt '((SylviaHubbard&com(blo! Or subscribe to her +ewsletter at' htt '((!rou s&yahoo&com(!rou (SylviaHubbard <a+t a+other book to read +ow> htt '((www&smashwords&com( ro)ile(view(hubbooks Ha y 9eadi+!=

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