The Last Strand

by Van Krishna

Published by Van Krishna, 2013.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

THE LAST STRAND

First edition. June 21, 2013.

Copyright © 2013 Van Krishna.

Written by Van Krishna.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

This book is dedicated to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, their families; and

To my brother, for being one of the best influences in my life—good luck with your officer training bro;

To my father, for always being there for me;

To my mother, for putting up with me;

To my friends in Duluth, for all the love and joy; and

To all my other friends, for the laughs and the memories.

Chapter 1

Liz

It was strange to go back to an empty house. I dragged my briefcase into the kitchen amazed at how nothing had changed. The house was thoroughly dusted—even the stuff that wasn't normally touched like dad's fishing trophies—vacuumed, and washed. I was expecting the furniture to be covered in white sheets and the entire house mothballed and abandoned, like a haunted house in one of those horror movies. My grandparents have done a great job. I opened the fridge on a familiar impulse but then immediately shut the door when I spotted few sealed water bottles. Note to self: Add hatred towards bottled water to the list. What's the list? You ask. The list of things wrong with me for when I do give therapy a shot. There was a note stuck on the fridge. It had my mom's clear elegant writing on it.

"Lizzie, your father and I are planning to go out for dinner later. So, don't wait up for us. I have some leftovers for you in the fridge. You can order a pizza if you feel like it. Have a good night honey.

P.S: Could you please do the dishes?

Love, Mom."

Those were mom's last words to me. I didn't remember what dad's last words were. The note took me back to that awful night. I remembered ordering a pizza that night and I think I fell asleep on the couch, waiting for my parents to get back. I was awakened in the middle of the night by what sounded like the doorbell but it was the home phone. "Mom... Dad...," I yelled, but they didn't respond and the phone kept ringing.

"Hello?"

"Elizabeth?"

"Yes?" It was strange. Nobody ever called the landline to reach me, and definitely not in the middle of the night.

"This is Lieutenant Daniels. I'm afraid I have some bad news for you."

"What bad news?"

"It's about your parents. They were in an accident few hours ago."

"W...what?" my heart froze, "are they... alright?"

"I regret to inform you that your parents have passed away in the accident."

His words sunk into me, like a nail, thudding deeper and deeper into my frozen heart, finally shattering it into a million pieces, as I forgot to breathe. Grandpa found me passed out on the floor few minutes later. I insisted that he drive me to the scene of accident. Mom's crossover was crushed. Considering the whiteout conditions and the very little traction, it had no chance against the spruce tree that fell across the road. I had never seen anything so terrifying. It must have been like hitting a concrete wall. "These goddamn Japanese cars," Lt. Daniels cursed. "It's safer to drive in a cardboard box." Mom bought that car because it was environmentally green. "Great gas mileage even with the four-wheel drive," she used to say. She loved that car but Lt. Daniels might be right. If they were in dad's truck that night then...

***

Awakened in the middle of the night from a strange nightmare, I found myself gasping for air. I added claustrophobia to the list and decided to take a walk. I reassured myself that I used to love taking these long walks at night. So what if it wasn't a summer night when the daylight typically lasted until midnight? So what if I was walking all alone, in the middle of a dark winter night? I was in my hometown. Seward, Alaska. A town, I knew inside out and a lot safer than say, the south side of Chicago. It's no big deal, I soothed myself and rifled through Nick's music library on my phone. I actually made him bring his gigantic laptop to my dorm couple of weeks ago, so that I could copy all his music. He had a pretty good collection. I finally settled on Sting's "Mad about you," when Stacy, my best friend, called.

"Hey Stace," I said.

"Oh good, you are still up."

"Yup."

"Nick knows."

"Knows what?"

"About your parents, I had to tell him."

"How could you?"

"I'm sorry but he is very persistent."

"I didn't tell anyone because I didn't want people to act weird around me Stace. Especially Nick."

"I know."

"How did he react?"

"I think he might be on his way to see you."

"What?"

"Yes, Siri and I tried reaching him but we can't get through. He might already be on the plane. I wanted to give you a heads up."

"When did you last talk to him?"

"Lunch."

"I can't deal with him right now. Keep trying until you reach him. If you do, tell him I'm fine and I'll be back soon."

"How soon?"

"A week maybe?"

"Another week? You can't miss another week of school Liz. What's going on?"

"It's just—"

"Financial stuff, I know." She said, finishing my sentence. "Try to get back a little sooner, would you? The semester break is just a month away. You can always go back. I'll help you."

"I'll try."

As I walked around the corner, I realized that I was almost a mile away from my house. The unlit streets were still visible, thankful to the pale gleam of moonlight reflecting off the port. As I went past the little shops lining the sidewalks, I heard rough, loud noises coming from the next block. Someone's throwing a party, I thought. I followed the sounds to an "open" sign. Then I spotted a bunch of neon signs of different brands of beer glowing right next to the open sign. A bar? I had never seen a bar in that neighborhood before. It must have popped up while I was away. The bar door was propped open and lounging right outside was a group of four men, staring in my direction. I could hear the rock music playing in the bar along with the sound of ice clinking in glasses in the background. They kept staring and joked loudly amongst themselves, laughing barbarously and punching each other's shoulders. I scooted to the far end of the sidewalk, away from them, and started walking swiftly. I knew there was a diner close by and I couldn't have been more than a couple of blocks away. Roxanne, my ex-bf's mother, worked the night shift at the diner. It stayed open late for the truckers and late night travellers.

"What's the hurry," came a voice from behind me. Dammit. I was being followed. I plugged my ear phones back on, told myself that I wasn't going to run or play scared. I kept an even pace, feeling fortunate that I chose to wear my sneakers over the big heavy boots.

"Common, hang out with us," said, the same gruffly voice, while the rest of them whistled. A sudden shiver ran through me and I crossed my arms tightly across my chest, hugging myself. I quickened my pace, listening intently to the staggering footsteps following me but I didn't bother glancing back. I knew they were only a few yards away and could easily cut-in the distance with few quick strides, anytime they want. As I reached the end of the block, I turned the corner, pulled my phone out and clenched on to it. I was ready to dial 911, when I spotted a state trooper. Thank god, I sighed in relief, waved at the trooper and jogged the rest of the way to the diner without a tail.

***

"Lizzie, are you alright honey?" Roxanne asked me as I entered the diner.

"Yes." It took me a moment to catch my breath. "Can I get some water?"

"Here." she poured me a glass of water. "Were you out jogging?" She asked. "This late?"

"Yeah it's safer at night, considering that I'm a werewolf and all," I joked, forcing a smile. Werewolf? Nah, more like chicken shit.

Roxanne laughed, "Oh honey, you haven't changed a bit. When did you get back?"

"Thanksgiving day," I said and downed the glass of water. "But I won't be staying long."

"Oh that's right. You are a big city college girl now, aren't you?" She joked. "Decaf?"

"Yeah," I smiled. "I missed your fish and chips Roxy."

"I just made a fresh batch honey."

"Awesome."

"Eric!" Roxanne yelled, walking into the kitchen.

Oh crap. Eric is here? This is going to be awkward.

Roxanne returned with a delicious looking plate of fish and chips. It tasted even better than it looked. The batter was crispy and the steamed fish was thick and juicy, just as I imagined it would be. I felt like 'Anton Ego,' the scrawny critic guy from that movie 'Ratatouille' when he first tastes the dish.

"Look what the cat dragged in," Eric said. "How are you El?"

I almost didn't recognize him. He looked a lot different—taller and buffer.

"I'm good. How are you?"

"Not bad. I'm mostly here these days, helping mom."

"Oh, you are not in college?"

"I'm taking most of the courses online."

"Fairbanks?"

"Yup."

"You made this plate? Didn't you?"

He smiled. "Whatever do you mean?"

"Onion rings instead of fries, extra sauce and sliced lemons?"

"I might have remembered a thing or two."

"If you weren't gay, I'd think you were hitting on me."

He laughed. "I'm not. Pleased to see you again, that's all."

"Me too, I missed you guys," I said and smiled at Roxanne.

"We missed you too honey," she said, refilling my water.

"There is something I need to tell you El," Eric said, as Roxanne turned to another customer.

"Don't tell me that you turned straight," I joked.

He didn't even smile. "That's the thing El. I never was gay."

"What did you just say?"

"I was too embarrassed to—"

"Too embarrassed to do what? To break up with me?"

"You know how much I cared about you. I didn't want to hurt your feelings. You were so close with my family—"

"You thought turning gay was easier than breaking up with me?"

"It is kind a funny if you think about it."

"So is sticking my shoe up your—"

"I'm sorry."

"God, I feel so stupid. What about Josh? You too were dating, weren't you?"

"Yes, Josh is gay. He was having a tough time dealing with everything and I wanted to support him."

"I don't think I've ever been so embarrassed before. I'm speechless."

"I'm sorry El. I was an idiot. I acted really immature."

"You think?"

"Josh was having a really tough time El. He was suicidal."

"Oh, I didn't know that. How is he?"

"He moved to Florida. Sounded really happy the last time I spoke to him."

"You should have told me, you Dumbo," I said, hitting him on his head. "Roxy freak out?"

He grinned. "She was the supportive one. You should've seen dad. He wanted to send me to one of those straight camps."

"Are you sure you are not gay? Look at this plate. It's so neatly arranged. I almost don't want to eat these rings," I teased.

"That's just my OCD," he joked.

I checked my phone. "I should head home."

"I'll drive you."

"No, that's ok. I'll call a cab. I don't want to keep you from work."

"It's been a slow night. Besides I could use some fresh air."

"You don't say," I teased. He smelled greasy.

"I'll box that up for you," he said, taking my plate away from me.

"Okay."

Eric brought his truck out front and I stood there waiting for him to open the door.

"Hop in," he said. I smiled, thinking about Nick. I loved how he always held the door open for me. He would growl at me if I tried to get to the door before he did.

"She survived," I teased, getting into Eric's truck.

Eric grinned. "I installed a new engine not so long ago. She runs like a dream."

"Sure she does." His truck used to stall all time. We used to make out until the tow truck showed up. That's how most of our dates went.

"That sounds like a very masculine job though," I teased.

"You are never going to stop giving me crap about the whole gay thing. Are you?"

"Nope."

There was a moment of long awkward silence and I fiddled with the radio but couldn't get to work. "How long are you in town?" Eric asked.

"Not long. There a few things I need to care of but I'll be gone soon," I said, hoping that he wouldn't ask any further questions. I was a terrible liar and in no mood to try and change that tonight.

"Let me know if I can be of any help," he said.

I nodded.

"You look different El. Have you done something with your hair?"

Eric was never any good with compliments. Not that I made it easy. "Not really," I said.

"You look different," he repeated.

"Have you been working out?" I asked, putting him out of his misery.

"Yes, can you tell? I'm trying this new fitness plan I saw online. 'Get ripped in 60 days.' I'm half way through."

"You look good."

"Thanks," he said. "El, I want you to take you to dinner before you leave."

"That came out of nowhere. I'm sorry Eric. I can't," I said.

"Do you have a boyfriend?"

Yes I do. But my boyfriend or his dad could be involved in my parent's death, so I'm not quite sure where we stand right now. "We could be friends."

"I'd like that," he said, nodding. "Wait, do you really have a boyfriend or are you just saying that to get back at me?"

"I can't believe you just said that." Get over yourself. "I guess, you'll never know."

"You don't, do you? I still have a shot, yes!" he said and punched his fist into the air.

I shook my head. I can't believe I lost my virginity to this guy.

Chapter 2

Nick

I pulled my rental into the paved driveway and turned off the ignition. It was a garden-variety, two-storey, suburban house with a high basement and a two car garage. A glass greenhouse was attached to the front of the house facing the Ballaine Blvd and the resurrection bay—perfect view to catch the sunrise. A decently manicured lawn ran along the front, side, and rear of the house with the surrounding mountains and glaciers in the background. It seemed all the houses in the neighborhood had that in common, breathtaking views.

"Hey kid, is this where Elizabeth Collins lives?"

The little blond haired kid forced his eyes away from a remote controlled stingray buzzing around on the front porch and shot me a quick annoying glance. "Mommy told me not to talk to strangers," he said.

"Fair enough, nice car though."

"It's a corvette," he said with a smile so smug that could only mean one thing, new toy.

"Man, I wish I had a car like that."

"You can order one on the internet," he said. "Aunty Lizzie knows how to do that."

"I need a bigger one though. I don't think I can fit it into yours."

He giggled, "Do you want to play?"

"Sure."

"Here," he said, handing me the remote control.

The controls were surprisingly responsive and I had to be very gentle to keep the car from diving off the porch. "Not bad."

"What's your name?"

"Nick."

"My name is Baylor."

"Cool."

"Aunty Lizzie isn't home."

"Do you know when she might be back?" I asked, handing his remote back.

"No," he said. "She is getting me a Wii for Christmas."

"You mean Santa is getting you a Wii for Christmas?"

"You are funny."

I shook my head. Kids these days... "Don't you have school or something?"

"Yeah but my stomach hurts."

"Really? Where does it hurt? Here?" I tickled his tummy and the kid burst into fits of giggles. "Look, your nose just grew an inch longer."

"You are not going to tell mommy, are you?"

"No. But why would you skip school? Isn't school fun?"

He gave me the stink eye. I smiled and let my eyes wander around the neighborhood.

"Baylor, you see that black car over there?" I pointed to a black Chevy Suburban parked across the street. It didn't have any plates or tags and all the windows were tinted black, even the front side ones.

"Yeah."

"How long has that car been parked out there?"

"I don't know."

"Where do you live Baylor?"

"Around the corner, you want to come see my room?"

"Maybe later. You should go home Baylor. Your mother might be worried."

"I can't go home. Mommy will make me go back to school."

"It's already noon. I think you are safe for today."

"Okay, bye," he said, picked up his car and left.

I had seen too many unmarked, tinted vehicles over the years and I never once had a positive experience. Not even once. I hoped for a different result this time and pulled my rental out of Liz's driveway. Had that mysterious Chevy followed me to Liz's house or it was already there. Either way, the chain of thought worried me. I drove around the block to catch a glimpse of the driver and the passenger. Nope, never seen them before! When I finally sneaked my way into the alley behind Liz's house, I noticed that the Chevy hadn't moved an inch. They weren't following me, which meant that they weren't any of dad's goons and they sure as hell weren't the paparazzi.

Chapter 3

Liz

"How can I help you Miss—"

"Elizabeth Collins. I'm here for my parent's case files. Lt. Daniels said I could pick them up today."

"Collins...Collins, let me check," he said and busied himself at his computer for a moment. "Yes, your application has been approved," he said. "I just need your signature."

"Sure."

"Here you are Miss. Collins. Have a nice day," he said, handing me the files.

That lying SOB! Agent Lewis made the whole thing up. I can't believe that he showed me fake pictures. They had to be. The trees didn't even match. There are no signs of tampering, not with a chainsaw, not with anything in these files. That report he showed me must have been bogus, too. I doubt if he was really FBI. How could someone be so cruel?

I drove home frustrated and angry and the weather didn't help. "Partly cloudy," was all they said in the forecast. Yeah, partly cloudy, my ass, I was driving through sleet and freezing rain, which basically summed up my entire week.

I parked my pickup in the driveway and jumped out. I was about to make a mad dash to the door, which come to think of it might have been the stupidest thing to do on black ice, when I spotted Nick running towards me from the back lawn. Despite the rain, I was sure it was Nick. I could spot him from a mile away, him and his warm lips, him and his granite jaw, him and his huge arms—god I missed the comfort of those arms around me.

"GET DOWN," he yelled desperately, staring past me and before my mind could process what was going on, he launched himself onto me. Mid-air, I heard gun shots before we plunged in to the wet, green cushion of my lawn. With blood dripping from his arm, Nick sprang to his feet, reached behind his back and drew out his gun—the same SIG that I came across in his room few weeks ago. "STAY DOWN," he ordered and chased after a black SUV.

"Nick, you are shot," I said to the empty space next to me, where he had been a second ago. I followed him on to the street, where he was down on one knee and holding his gun with both hands. Nick's first couple of shots hit the rear bumper of the SUV and someone leaned out of the passenger window to unleash hell fire. Bullets zipped right past Nick but he stayed focused. His was like a stone-cold killer, fearless and unstoppable. I had never seen him in action before and to be honest, I was slightly scared. Scared more of Nick than the guy who was still shooting at him—who shot at me earlier, oh crap, someone had tried to kill me. This is definitely not going to help my sleeping situation. One of the bullets firing from Nick's gun hit the car's rear tire, making it swerve uncontrollably from side to side. The streets were already slippery due to the black ice caused by the freezing rain. The car finally lost all traction, clipped the curb and flipped over, landing on its roof. Nick approached the car with caution and I followed him, confused, panicked and scared.

"Is he alive?" I asked.

"Stay put," he said and checked the guy's pulse, the one in the passenger seat.

"Unconscious," Nick confirmed.

"What about the driver?"

He walked around to the driver's side. "Same," he said. "No ID's and nothing in the glove box either. Do you recognize them?"

I took a second look at the passenger and shook my head. "No." We were absolutely drenched in the pouring, freezing rain and I was shaking from the cold and the shock. It all happened in a matter of seconds. Someone had tried to kill me! I was at my frantic best but Nick was still calm. How could he be so calm? This was going to the biggest news in the town for a decade, at the least. I walked over to the driver side of the car and my stomach rolled. Did I say decade? Make that the century. "Nick. It's Agent Lewis."

"The driver? The driver's a federal agent?" Nick asked.

"Yes—no, I'm not sure. I think he lied to me."

"Fuck," he cursed under his breath and kicked the car door. "Pack your bag. Meet me in the alley behind your house. You need to be somewhere safe. You can fill me in later." I looked at him in awe and shock. Nick hadn't asked why someone as respectable as an FBI agent had tried to kill me or if had done something wrong. I hadn't done anything and the man might not even be FBI but Nick didn't know that. The first thought that pops into his head as he is still bleeding from a bullet wound, is to save me. Protect me. Keep me away from harm's way. If I was in his position, would I do the same for him? I can't believe I doubted him.

***

Two months ago

"Liz, do you even know these people? Are they really your family or here for the food?" my best friend Stacy, joked, as her eyes wandered across the large sitting room of the funeral home. Typical Stacy, she can find humor in the grimmest of the grim situations. I still remember the time when my dog died—after getting in my chocolate stash—and I was bawling my eyes out when Stacy says to me, "So...what are you going to do with it?"

"I'd have to bury her," I said.

"Why not give it to the Chinese place around the corner?"

I stared at her long and hard, waiting to hear her say that she was "just kidding" but instead she shrugs and says "it saves time." She did help me bury my pug, eventually after complaining a million times about getting dirt under her manicure, which was impossible since she was wearing gloves. However, she kept me distracted enough not to think too much about my pug that day.

Everyone was surprised by the turnout tonight. The attendance was still picking up. My mother was originally a hydrologist from Chicago, who moved to our small town Seward in southeast Alaska, for research. She met my father, a local businessman soon after her move and they'd been together ever since. But mom's family didn't approve of her move or her marriage. They didn't think high of dad or his family. It must be true what they say about death— certainly brings people together.

"Stace?"

"Uh huh," she nodded distractedly, twirling around the same lock of her long auburn hair for the past half hour. She was looking at some woman's shoes. Black suede, high heeled, ankle wrapped, silver metal stilettos. People-watching was Stacy's favorite hobby. She referred to herself as a fashion critic, even though her critiques were usually targeted at the people scurrying around our local mall. The kind of fancy crowd who were here tonight would usually make her all giddy like a fat kid in a candy store but so far, she has not made any remarks. She finally tore her eyes away from the woman's shoes to face me.

"Do you remember our third grade 'family tree' project? I can't believe I spent an entire summer on that," I whispered, regretting all the lost time. Right now, it wouldn't cost me more than few minutes to finish that stupid tree.

Stacy smiled. "I never finished mine. My family is way too screwed up than yours—"

"How are you holding up honey?" A strange lady interrupted Stacy. She looked to be in her early thirties, and was wearing a grey blouse and a black skirt.

Stacy returned her a blank look.

"Let me know if you need anything Liz," the lady said, patting Stacy on the shoulder as if she was trying to dust off something and strode off to the adjacent room. Stacy nodded in response, trying her level best to conceal her gales of laughter. I shook my head at her. That wasn't the first time someone from mom's side of the family mistook Stacy for me. The worst part was we didn't even look alike. She was a tall, stunning, redhead in every sense of the word—outgoing, feisty, and irresistible, while I was more of an average, blend in the crowd brunette.

"Lizzie, oh, sweetheart," grandma (dad's mom) cried. She buried her face into my shoulder and gave me another hug. After the first ten hugs or so, I realized that she probably needed them more than I did. Poor grandma, I'd never seen her so broken down before. Usually, she is either chasing dad or one of his two brothers with her wooden spoon, trying to "smack some sense into them." Dad used to joke that the main reason he got married to mom so early—six months after they met—was to escape the "wrath of the wooden spoon." I probably should have said something reassuring to grandma, but I had no clue what to say.

Noticing my silence, Stacy squeezed my hand, "We will get through this sweetie. I'm sure your dad is probably fishing...uh, sitting on the clouds somewhere, while shushing your mom who is collecting samples of the same water," she said, smiling. I smiled back remembering the last time we went fishing, and headed to the restroom for a lone moment releasing that the last time was actually the last time ever.

Despite Stacy's best attempt to make my appearance look tolerable, the purple circles under my tired eyes were clearly evident. It's been four weeks since the accident and I haven't had a full night of sleep or shed a single tear yet. Why couldn't I cry? It seemed like everyone but me, were crying, even strangers...

"Come on Jeff, when was the last time you heard of a spruce-tree accident?" Aunt Tracey, mom's eldest sister, yelled into her phone from one of the stall compartments, clearly unaware of my presence. It had to be Aunt Tracey. She was the only one I met today who had a weird accent and smelled like liquor rather than a sweet perfume. "I never heard such ridiculous nonsense in all my born days. I'll bet you a dollar to a doughnut that he was drunk and they are trying to cover it up... I know. You got to be drunker than Cooter Brown to miss a tree that big." When I turned eighteen few months back, I encouraged my parents to go out on dates every week without worrying about me for once. They were on their way home from a date-night dinner when the accident happened. Aunt Tracey sighed, "If Amy wasn't pregnant with that Liz girl—bless her soul—she never would have been obligated to live in this no-where-land or marry that gabber."

I felt dizzy trying to process what she just said. My feet collapsed. "If she wasn't pregnant with Liz," were the only words echoing in my head. Everything else started to fade. A familiar darkness was pulling me into it. My throat went dry and my chest tightened as the feeling returned—the same awful feeling that dragged me into the darkness when the officer called that night. The night my parents were killed! It was different this time though. I wasn't fighting and I wasn't scared. Strange, I didn't even mind falling freely into the hollow. It was somehow comforting. I knew my parents were already gone and as silly as it sounded, I hoped that if I didn't wake up then I might actually get to see them again.

***

Wanting to see my parents, I tried opening my eyes. They suddenly felt a million times heavier for some reason. I was in a dark room and something was hurting my arm. It was slightly burning and painful. Am I dead? I must have died and ended up in hell. Oh crap! How am I going to see my parents now? They must be in heaven. I haven't really thought this through, have I? Maybe I could request the head of this place... the guy...what's his name? Satan! Right, maybe he could help me. A door opened and my eyes adjusted to the dim light coming from the open door, across the room.

"Hello?" What the—Is that Stacy? Dammit! I'm not dead. I'm in a stupid hospital.

"Hey," Stacy said, placing her arm gently over mine, the one that wasn't connected to the I.V. machine.

"What happened?" I managed to choke out a whisper. My throat was slightly dry.

There could still be hope. Please tell me that I'm dying Stace.

"The doctors think you fainted, sweetie. You should feel better in the morning."

I fainted? Wow, how pathetic is that? I wasn't sure what word "better" meant for me though. I might have killed my dog—accidentally, I might have turned my boyfriend gay and now according to Aunt Tracey, I may be responsible for my parent's death. Great! I knew I should feel guilty for letting her mess with my head and for welcoming the darkness or—er...death, but I wasn't.

Stacy sighed. "We are getting out of here Liz. We are leaving town this week." Her tone was stern but I could tell she was fighting back a sob. She looked worried.

"Where are we going?"

"Where do you think silly?"

"College? Isn't it too early?" My throat was kind a scratchy now. I gulped and Stacy helped me up to a glass of water.

"It's hardly a month. We could go shopping, get our dorm room ready, be all touristy and..."

"Sounds fun," I said, forcing a smile that I knew wouldn't fool her for a second. But Stacy seemed genuinely excited and I didn't want to bring her down. I did promise I'd go with her.

I didn't feel weak the next morning—slightly woozy, but not weak. The doctor suggested that I should see a therapist (for my PTSD). But therapy was the last thing on my mind. After my parent's accident, I inherited everything—the life insurance, savings, college fund and the house. The college fund was more than sufficient to take care of my tuition and living expenses, and there was nearly two million left from the insurance and savings. I had no idea what to do with the money so I took grandpa's advice and put it in a savings account. My uncles Ron and Sam knew all the birds and bees of dad's business so I let them take over. Grandpa and grandma, who only lived a couple of blocks from the house, assured me that they will take care of it as long as needed. Leaving home was very difficult but the tears I expected to burst out stayed locked in my chest, a heavy pressing weight against my heart.

***

Unlike Stacy who passed out the minute the plane took off, I couldn't fall asleep—no not PTSD, just flight anxiety. After a tiring and uneventful seven hour flight, Stacy and I reached Chicago early in the morning. We hired a cab and headed to the school campus straight from the airport.

I was admiring one of our campus buildings when I heard Stacy go, "Yum...wish I could have that for breakfast." I followed her gaze to see a guy, jogging towards us. He was tall—taller than most guys I knew, and had on black twill shorts and a grey tank top that was sticking to his perfectly toned chest and abs. He was tan, but not artificial—outdoorsy, natural tan. I'd probably look all pale and ghost-like next to him. His shoulders were broad and you could tell he had that V-shape thing going on, even from a distance. The tribal tattoo on his left shoulder looked pretty striking and his arms were sculpted with muscles just like the rest of his body. I couldn't see the color of his eyes since he wasn't looking in my direction but his face was diamond shaped, the high-set cheekbones being the widest part. As he got closer and closer, I noticed how his perfectly chiseled facial features complemented his sculpted body and frowned. Totally unfair! Nobody is supposed to look that...perfect. His hair was cut short in an army-like style and he had a two or three day scruff, which made him look more ruggedly-dangerous than handsomely-gorgeous but only barely.

"That better be Taylor Swift Mr. Sunshine is listening to! Only excusable reason for ignoring the hottest chicks in town," Stacy grumbled, placing her hands on her hips dramatically, as he jogged past us without even a glance.

"Welcome to the club," I said and laughed at Stacy's remark, forcing my eyes to look away from Mr. Sunshine. Unlike me, Stacy wasn't used to the fascinating feeling of being ignored.

We spent the first week in Chicago, shopping. It became a necessity since my dear friend Stacy, didn't let me bring anything from my old wardrobe, not even innerwear. She said my attire was an "insult to fashion," which might have been an exaggeration but not a lie. Moreover, arguing with Stacy about fashion was smack-dab pointless. She fancied herself some kind of a morbid, teenage version of Oprah—Oprah of fashion that is, and if she could've had her own fashion magazine, she'd have given it some careful thought. Once we—I mean, she sorted out my new wardrobe situation, we spend the next week setting up our dorm room. By third week, the rest of the students checked in, which was expected since it was the week before the classes began. I made friends with our next door neighbor Siri—the only girl who seemed unaffected by boys or boys-related gossip. Siri and I had a few classes in common. She was also a local, so she showed us all the cool spots. If it wasn't for the awful crowd or the alarming crime rate, I think I would have enjoyed being all 'touristy' in Chicago.

The distractions and the newness of college life kept me occupied during the day but the nights were lonelier than ever. My nightmares continued, which meant that I still couldn't get a full night sleep. I thought a fresh start and moving more than 3,000 miles from home would help with my situation but turns out pain travels very well. Stacy didn't even notice my insomnia. She was a sound sleeper, which was a good thing since I didn't want to bother her anyway. I had to deal with certain issues on my own. Therapy was an option but frankly, I was just scared to get outside help. I wasn't sure if my newly formed opinions about death would be considered sane and I wasn't ready to end up in a rubber room.

Chapter 4

Nick

Mom was waiting for me with open arms as I walked out of the airport. Her eyes lit up as they met mine and her warm smile instantly lightened my mood. She wrapped her hands around my neck, standing on her tiptoes to reach me, "Welcome home," her words rustled against my chest.

"Thanks mom. It's good to see you."

"Good heavens! I can't believe how much you have changed." She gave me a once-over. "My boy is now a handsome man," she said. But mom's compliments were usually followed by—there you go, she dug out her phone and took a picture of me.

"Let's go mom," I said, shaking my head at her.

"If you'd visit your mother more often," she grinned and snapped a cheesy self-portrait of both of us. "I wouldn't embarrass you. Not too much," she said. I smiled and grabbed my duffel bag while she uploaded the pictures to her Facebook, I guessed. "How was the flight Nick? Are you hungry? I bet you are. I made peach cobbler, cheese steak, fried chicken, mash potatoes, and..." she continued, while we headed towards her car. The drive home didn't seem long since mom conversed endlessly and I didn't mind that at all. There was nearly three years of catching up to do. "Dad wanted to meet you at the airport honey, but he couldn't make it," she said. "He should be home by now." To say my father was busy would be an understatement. I got used to his truancy at a very early age but not the way he looked at me.

After a quick shower, I joined my eagerly waiting parents at the dining table. "So Nick," dad says, after ending what seemed like a business phone call, his gaze still fixed on the phone, "what was it like? Was it everything you ever imagined it would be?" Dad was trying his best not to smirk but you couldn't miss the condescending sarcasm in his tone. When I was in middle school, I burn down one of dad's favorite cabins. The reason behind that juvenile act was to get his attention for once and I sure did. He shipped me off to a military boarding school in order to teach me a lesson. He thought that I was too spoiled to survive under such strict discipline and I would come crying back, asking for his forgiveness. Things didn't quite turn out the way he expected. I completed the AFJROTC program (Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps) before graduating high school and enlisted in the Air Force right after. Dad wanted me to go to business school instead. I was supposed to work for and eventually take over his firm. So when I called mom last week out of the blue and told her about my plans of pursuing college, I knew dad would be looking forward to this conversation.

"It is," I said and turned to mom. "I'm sorry I couldn't write more often."

Dad raised his grey-streaked eyebrow, "but?" he asked.

"Excuse me?"

"I assumed that there would be a 'but' since you have had the change of heart."

"Change of heart? I'm—"

"Why don't we eat first," mom said, interrupting dad.

Dad narrowed his eyes. "We thought you were unhappy about your career hence the decision to pursue college," he said, completely ignoring mom.

"My career is the only reason I want to obtain a college degree. I haven't had a 'change of heart' and I'm certainly not 'unhappy' with it."

"I don't understand."

"I want to get a college degree so that I can get commissioned dad. I want to apply for advanced positions in the Force itself," I said keeping tone stern but calm.

"What advanced positions honey?" Mom asked. She wasn't ecstatic about me joining the force either but she at least tried to be supportive until now.

"Uh, like a fighter pilot," I said, trying to sound casual. But mom's face suddenly went from being puzzled to horrified, like I just told her that I had a terminal illness.

Dad on the other hand decided to take the dramatic route. He dropped his silverware and slammed his fists on the table, "Is this some kind of a Joke? You have an opportunity here to take over the firm and you are not even going to consider it? You don't even have to go to business school Nick. I'll teach you everything." Dad ran a bottled water company among other things. Not a bad gig, I suppose. But I could never see the appeal. I didn't think I inherited the family business gene.

"No!" Mom yelled. She glared at me first then she turned towards dad. "I didn't have a say when you decided to ship him off. God only knows what my kid suffered all these years." Wow, I've never seen mom so furious before. "Look at him! They turned my boy into..." she shook her head in disbelief. Alright mom, now you are just embarrassing me. "I've had enough. I don't care what he does as long as he stays here with me. Nick, you are not going anywhere. End. Of. Discussion," she yelled and left the table.

Dad didn't go after mom. He was still seated with his fists clenched and I couldn't quite read his expression. He stared down at his food as if he was searching for an answer there. I left, looking for mom and found her crying in the rear garden. It broke my heart to see her like that. I knew it wasn't easy for her to deal with dad and me but to actually witness her break down and see how much I'd hurt her made me want to shoot myself. I kneeled in front of her, "I'm sorry mom," I said. "I'm not going anywhere without your permission."

She rubbed her eyes and hugged me in silence for a few minutes before dad showed up with water and tissues. I could tell that it bothered him to see mom cry.

"Promise me," mom said, "that you will never leave me again."

"Sure mom. Can we go eat now? I am starving."

***

Every morning for the last seven years of my life and many mornings before, I woke up with a purpose: to become the best damn pilot, the U.S. Air Force has ever witnessed. Flying was my passion and serving my country was my only motivation—the only I needed to push myself to new heights. All my efforts were valid and everything made sense. I had a plan. This morning, though, was different. Not necessarily bad, but different. Today was my first day of college in Chicago. In order to keep my outrageous promise to mom, I couldn't leave the city, so instead of joining the Air Force Academy in Colorado, I enrolled in a university close to home.

My morning jogs helped me familiarize myself with the campus and I made sure to show up for classes on time. It was bad enough that I was a 22-year-old freshman. I didn't need any additional attention looking like a kid lost in a fair. The first four classes until lunch were conventional, and thankfully none of the professors seemed to care about the whole "introduce yourself" routine. I found my way to the food court by lunch time and grabbed the biggest burger I could find.

"Mind if I join you?" I followed the voice to see a cute girl standing in front of me, playing with a lock of her long jet black hair with one hand and balancing a tray of food with the other. She had exotic caramel colored skin and her attire looked comfy for petite size but thoughtful nonetheless. You could tell that she had nice curves but none of them were set for display. She looked like the kind of girl you could take home to meet your mom. The only part of her attire that looked out of place was her vibrant glasses. They gave her a naughty-librarian look.

"Sure," I said, gulping the burger stuffed in my mouth.

Her face disappeared behind her smile. "I'm Siri," she said, extending her arm.

"Nick," I said, taking her hand.

"I'm not sure if you noticed but we had similar schedules until now," she said, setting her tray down in between us and sat down in front of me.

"That's cool. Sorry, I don't think I've noticed," I muttered, glancing at her salad. Her smile dissolved, making me feel like the biggest dick on the planet. "I was too busy shitting my pants," I blurted out with guilt, for making her feel bad.

"What?" She asked, pushing her glasses up her nose.

"I have stage freight Siri," I smiled. "I was too busy wondering when and if a professor would ask me for an introduction, let alone notice cute girls in the class."

She laughed really hard, "No way, you too?"

I liked her laugh. It was genuine and pleasant. Other than a couple of classes turned out that Siri and I did have similar schedules. From our lunch conversation, I came to know that she was born and brought up in Chicago but her parents were actually from India. She apparently loved the shows 'Family guy,' and 'Shameless.' She also loved to watch scary movies even though they scared the shit out of her and oh, the Chicago-style deep dish pan pizzas? She loved them too. It was kind a weird how the lunch felt more like a date but since she didn't force me to talk, I didn't mind it.

Siri and I took adjacent seats in the class after lunch. She was waving back at someone and I followed her gaze to see that a redhead girl was waving at Siri but her gaze was fixed on...me? When she noticed me, noticing her, she whispered something to a brunette sitting next to her. The redhead girl had tanned skin, a bit too much makeup and a big rack. I could barely get a glimpse of the brunette girl's face but the redhead kept biting her ear off, while she continued to peek at me. Just when I was beginning to look away, the brunette tucked few strands of her hair behind her ear and glanced back at me. Damn, it must have been less than a second but her quick glance felt like someone stabbed my heart with a needle. I wasn't sure why everything was in slow motion but I was so damn glad it was. She had the most seductive and deep, green eyes I've ever seen. Just before her mysterious eyes disappeared into what seemed like dark silk over her shoulders, I noticed the slightest inkling of smile on her lips, which would have gone unnoticed if I wasn't paying attention. Her milky white skin, rosy red lips and long dark hair made her look so pure, fragile and very Snow White like but she had the eyes of a seductive Greek goddess. My conscience hit me hard, as the class came close to the end. Snow White? Seriously? What is wrong with you!

Chapter 5

Liz

Why would Mr. Sunshine stare at ME? I'm sure Stacy is just making fun of me. Should I check? A quick glance wouldn't hurt, right? But if I did, I would never hear the end of it. Alright Liz, you can do this, just a quick glance—holy-moly, he IS staring, right at me. Why is he looking at me like that? The intensity and passion behind his piercing blue eyes gave me goose bumps. His hair looked much better now. It was longer and cropped in uneven lengths that gave him a sexy, messy-on-purpose look. Since I've already given Stacy enough ammunition for the day, I didn't dare glance back again but I grimaced when he bolted for the door as soon as the class ended.

The next day, Stacy and I joined Siri for lunch in the food court. I took a bite of my apple, still disappointed that I couldn't steal another glimpse of Mr. Sunshine the other day, when I heard Siri greet someone.

"Hi Nick," she said and I looked up to see him staring down at me. Again with the staring, who does he think he is? The ghost rider? Laughing on the inside, I ignored his rude stare and decided to check him out while I still had a chance. He was wearing a white V-neck, long-sleeve, tee that barely covered the large Tag Heuer on his wrist and his jeans were rugged black. His hair was raked casually off his face and he had a day's stubble. Why did there have to be stubble?

"Siri, you never told me you are friends with the Snow White," Nick teased. Siri and Stacy burst into laughter and I frowned at them both with the stupid apple still halfway in my mouth.

"My name is not Snow White!" I snapped, glaring at him.

He looked amused. "What is it then?" he smirked.

"Liz!" I practically yelled. He flashed that stupid, annoying, smirk, again. I sneered, "Yeah well, your name is stupid!"

"I couldn't agree more," he said, laughing. His stupid laugh was so charming that I had to bite my lip to resist joining him. "Liz fits you though."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I barked. Ever since high school I had zero tolerance for anybody who gave me silly nicknames or made fun of my name.

He took a step closer, catching me completely off guard, leaned in and whispered, "It's a lovely name," in a slow seductive drawl. It was not so much what he said. OK—maybe, I wasn't paying complete attention to what he was saying but to be fair, I was distracted. The timbre of his voice, combined with the warmth and spicy deliciousness of his scent, tickled an excitement between my legs. I had to cross one leg over the other to control it. When he drew back, his lips grazed my ear, and his stubble tickled my cheek, flooding my mind with lewd and naughty thoughts. I released a breath that I didn't realize I was holding and I dropped my head, letting the long strands of my hair cover my face, which I'm sure was redder than a blushed beet root by now. Charming, flirtatious, bastard, I thought. I didn't even remember what I was mad about.

"What's your name doll?" he asked Stacy in a slightly formal tone and she acknowledged. I could tell he had a similar effect on her. Her tone wasn't usually that high pitch or annoying. "Enjoy your lunch ladies, I'll see you around," he said. As soon as Nick left, Stacy laughed loudly, attracting the attention of people surrounding us.

"I'm supposed to be your best friend Stace," I said. My cheeks were still burning.

Stacy rolled her eyes and turned to Siri. "Does he have a girlfriend?" She asked.

"I'm not sure," Siri shrugged. "He doesn't talk much."

I didn't like Stacy's interest in Nick. No, I was not jealous. I just didn't like it.

"He doesn't look like the girlfriend type anyway," Stacy said, tossing her long auburn hair over her shoulders. I shook my head at her self-derision and look down to my tray, to notice that MY COOKIE WAS GONE.

"What a jerk! He stole my cookie!" I exclaimed. I was looking forward to grandma's chocolate chip cookies all morning. I could only have one for lunch every day since I had to make them last until Christmas and the jerk—the charming, annoying jerk—stole my quota for today. Stacy and Siri laughed at me homerically and my face flushed in embarrassment, when I tried to comprehend why. Did I just yell that "he stole my cookie?" Ahem.

"Anyway, I registered for that pre-tryout clinic today. I know spring tryouts usually fill all the spots," Stacy sighed, "but they might be looking for backups. You never know." Stacy won our state cheer competitions twice in a row. She was extremely talented. What did I do? You ask. I did yoga. Yeah, I'm like totally bad ass at yoga. I could even do splits. No, that's a lie, I can't do splits but I'm bendy—well, sort of. She pulled out an empty wrapper and spat the gum in her mouth into it, "there is an event this weekend. Get to know the team, kind of event," she winked.

"Sounds fun," I said, thankful for the interruption.

"So, what else do you know about him?" Stacy asked, trying to hassle Siri again. But Siri wasn't even paying attention to Stacy. She was enjoying her burger to an unrealistic, orgasmic extent that you only see in those cheesy commercials.

"Siri, you are a vegetarian, aren't you?" I teased.

"What are you? The food police?" She piqued at me and went back to enjoying her burger. Stacy and I laughed.

Chapter 6

Nick

We were on the verge of the first weekend and everyone seemed excited. I was waiting for Siri in the hallway, replying to a couple of messages when she sneaked up on me.

She glancing at my phone and grinned. "Girl friend?"

"No," I said. She raised an eyebrow dubiously. "I just got a Facebook account."

"OH MY GOD, You've never had a Facebook? Mr. Tarzan?" Her expression was so animated that she looked ten years younger.

"I've never needed one until now."

"Oh," she gave me a goofy grin, "are you sure about the no girlfriend part?"

"Positive."

"You got plans tonight? Mr. Tarzan?"

"Not really," I shrugged, wondering where she was heading with the conversation.

"My friend Kate is celebrating her birthday tonight. It should be loads of fun. You in?"

I wanted to ask if Liz was coming too but that would make me seem too desperate and I needed to keep my cool. It was bad enough that I grinned like an idiot whenever I get in her vicinity. She probably thinks I'm weird or something.

"Sure."

"Awesome," she squealed, "I'll text you the details. Hey, you have that guitar class this evening, don't you?" I nodded, surprised. I didn't remember mentioning it to her. She peeked around me, "Where is your guitar, Mr. Rock star?"

"It's in the car. I'll go grab it before class."

"Oh right, low profile, crazy fans, I get it," she mocked and we both laughed.

Music class started around 4pm. I was the last one to arrive but just in time to skip the introductions part. The teacher asked us to play our favorite tune. I played an easy tab, "Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day" and it was well received. I was already comfortable changing between basic chords and I knew the basics of finger picking and hybrid picking in addition to a few lead techniques. My goal by the end of the term was to master some of grandpa's favorite Beatles tunes like the "Blackbird," "Here comes the sun," "Across the universe," and "You've got to hide your love away." They all had a special place in my heart and were associated with some of my fondest childhood memories.

***

"Just got here," I texted Siri, soon as I arrived at the party. There were kegs, loud music, drinking games—the whole shebang but no sign of Siri or Liz. Someone tapped on my shoulder from behind and I turned around to see a guy offering me a beer. He wore the university football jersey and was built like a linebacker—bulky and at least twice as wide as me.

"Your hands are empty," he said, extending the red plastic cup in his hand. I didn't like his tone but I took the beer and walked towards an empty couch.

"Hey Nick!" a girly voice screeched at me. I looked up to see an enormous pair of breasts attached to a tall sleek body.

"Stacy."

"You are way overdressed for this party," she laughed and leaned over to kiss my cheek, brushing her tits on my arm in the process. She was in a cheerleading outfit that just looked downright illegal. I could tell that she was slightly drunk and nothing good could come from the way she was looking at me but she was right. Other than me everyone else at the party were either topless or in their underwear. I still had my jacket on, and I looked completely out of place.

"I might head out soon," I said dryly, and stood up. I was starting to get warm, and it wasn't because the room was stuffy.

She grabbed my arm, "Yeah, let's go somewhere less noisy."

"Stacy, I—" we barely walked a few feet before someone interrupted us.

"Where are you going slut?" It was the same guy who offered me the beer earlier.

"None of your business asshole," Stacy yelled and shoved at his chest.

He barely moved an inch. "You bitch," he yelled back and slapped her so hard that she lost her balance and was about to crash into the glass table right next to her. I reacted quick enough to place my hand between her head and the table. The glass cracked beneath my hand—making a small cut—but Stacy's head was unharmed. I grabbed her waist with my other hand and made her sit with her back against the table. There was a large red mark across her face and the corner of her mouth was bleeding. My breathing quickened and my heart pounded against my rib cage. Rage boiled inside me. No matter what Stacy did, she did not deserve that.

I glared at the guy who hit her. He was staring at Stacy with his head held high. No hint of regret or embarrassment on his face. He took a step towards her and I shoved him back. He fell backwards, making a loud thud, as his arm hit the ground first, followed by his body. He looked up at me confused, "What the fuck?"

I made a "bring it on" taunting hand gesture at him and yelled, "Get up."

The music was off now and I noticed people were gathering around us. "You are dead," he said, pointing his index finger at me. I was well aware of the fact that if this guy managed to put all his strength into one good hook or cross near my jaw or temple area, he could easily knock me down but rage bested my judgment.

He narrowed his eyes at me, got into a neutral boxing position and threw a left hand jab. Pulling my head back and to the right, I shifted my weight to my right leg slightly and slipped outside his jab. I was in a perfect position to throw a left jab to his left ribs and I took it. He groaned in pain, and got back to his neutral position quickly. I sensed that he was composing himself to throw a heavy overhead hand, which probably was his best bet if he wanted to knock me down. When he did exactly that, I pulled my head up and over, to the left, to slip his right hand. Being taller than him made it easier. Before he could retrieve his hand, I saw an opening for a left jab to his right ribs and I went for it. He yelled in pain, again. Both his ribs were bruised now and he was barely breathing. I gave him another taunting hand gesture. He came charging at me like a raging bull, to tackle me. I threw a low sidekick to his knee before he could reach me and a right hook to his jaw on his was way down. I wasn't sure if I dislocated his jaw or not, but he was knocked out. I looked around to see if he had any supporters but nobody uttered a word or moved an inch.

Stacy was standing a few feet away with the rest of the crowd. Her lower lip shivered and she looked terrified. When I took a couple of steps towards her, she came running towards me and hugged me. She cried her heart out. I made her sit on the couch and wrapped my jacket around her. A plump, blonde girl was running around the place, like a chicken with its head cutoff, urging everyone to leave. I assumed that she was the birthday girl Kate and asked her to get some water and an ice pack. When she did, I brushed the ice pack gently over Stacy's face. Soon she nodded off with her head resting on my shoulder.

"Happy Birthday," I whispered to Kate, when she sat next to me on the couch.

"Thank you," she said, beaming at me, before taking my right hand and placing it in her lap. I shot her a confused look. "You are still bleeding," she said and cleaned the cut.

"Sorry about the table. Was it expensive?"

"Not at all, I picked it up from a garage sale," she said. "How do you know Stacy?"

"I saw her with Siri once. Don't really know her that well."

"Oh, you are Nick, aren't you?" She giggled. "Siri and I started drinking way before you got here and she was on an empty stomach...," she paused and turned towards Stacy, who was awake now, "anyway, it's a good thing you were here."

The look on Stacy's face washed a wave of guilt and disgust through me. "I'm sorry Stacy. I should have stopped him before—" Stacy shook her head sideways and her eyes widened when she noticed my hand. "It's just a scratch," I smiled.

She didn't seem convinced. "It-it's my fault Nick. I never should have led him on," she said dryly.

That wiped the smile right off my face. "Stacy listen, what happened was NOT your fault. Never think its ok for someone to hit you. Never! Is that clear?"

She nodded.

"Good. Is your room close by or do you want to stay here with Kate?"

"It's close by."

"Alright, let me walk you," I said.

Stacy smiled and led me to her room.

***

My heart jumped out of my chest when Stacy pushed her room door open. Stacy and Liz were roommates! Liz was sitting at the edge of her bed, with her legs curled up and her books spread all over her bed. She looked incredibly cute in her pale pink jammies. Her hair was pulled up into a bun and she was nibbling on the tip of a pen. What I wouldn't give for my lips to replace that lucky-ass pen. She noticed Stacy and jumped off her bed, with surprising agility and examined Stacy's face up close.

"Oh god, did he hit you?" She asked Stacy and before Stacy could react, Liz slapped me. I closed my eyes trying to memorize the incredibly soft sensation of her delicate palm on my face.

I might have moaned.

"Yikes. It wasn't him," Stacy yelled and pulled Liz away from me. But I wanted Liz to slap me again, touch me again. It actually made me sad that Stacy pulled her away from me.

Hell, this isn't normal, is it?

"Good night Stacy," I smiled at her and grinned at Liz, before closing the door behind me.

Would you stop with the grinning?

Chapter 7

Liz

"I'm a colossal idiot," I mumbled, when Stacy explained to me what had happened.

"That you are," Stacy grinned, "and I love you for that, but you owe him an apology."

"I know. He probably hates me," I sighed, hating the fact it was only Friday night and I wouldn't see him until Monday. It's going to be a long-long weekend.

"I don't think so," she smirked. "Not even a bit."

"What do you mean?"

"Oh shut up! When did you turn into Miss. Pretentious? Fine, just keep pretending and some skank will snag him before you. Heck, if you weren't in the room sweetie, I would have attacked him myself." I threw my pillow at her and a blush crept up my cheeks. I was not sure about my feelings towards Nick, yet, but I couldn't stand the thought of him with someone else. Stacy fondled with the pillow I threw at her and moaned, "Hmm, he looks at you, like he wants to eat your pussy all night long." I threw my pen, books, and everything I could grab, at her. She laughed and dodged, using her pillow as a shield. "Oh my god, you never had your...," Stacy asked. I shook my head fiercely.

My last boyfriend Eric—the only guy in my high school who wasn't trying to get to Stacy through me—was your nice and cozy, typical high school boyfriend. But there weren't any butterfly-fluttering moments between us and I never had to squeeze my legs together to stop any kind of ache. We dated for six months though. I liked him and I loved making out with him but eventually our relationship got to a point where making out wasn't sufficient anymore. We had to step it up a notch and Oh boy, it was a disaster. Sex with Eric was just awkward and unpleasant, and no matter what we tried, I never had an orgasm. I couldn't really blame him though. I was his first and he was just as nervous as I was. However, the fact that he started dating guys, soon after the disaster ended was not quite the ego boost I was looking for. He assured me that his sexuality had nothing to do with me but it wasn't comforting. The mean kids at school started calling me "Liz Turner" and I decided not to date anymore. There weren't a lot of boys terribly interested in me, but still, it was my decision not to date. I focused on improving my oral skills instead. I may or may not have practiced a few things here and there with uh...zucchinis and pulsing shower heads. Hey, I'm not proud of it either. Somehow, I had a feeling that things wouldn't be the same with Nick, if we ever...

"I don't swing that way sweetie but for you I can make an exception," Stacy said hazily, interrupting my lewd thoughts.

"You are drunk Stace, sleep!" I scolded her, eying the leather jacket hanging on the door hook. I was subconsciously aware of it ever since Nick left. I waited until Stacy was sound asleep and tiptoed to the door to grab his jacket. Even with Stacy's perfume, the rich and spicy masculine scent radiating from the jacket exhilarated my senses. Overwhelmed, I wrapped it around me and a small metallic sound caught my attention. I dug in the pockets to find his car keys. Whoa! If his car keys are still here, then where would he... I slipped into my flip flops and rushed to the parking lot.

***

He stood all alone in the parking lot, leaning against a black Audi, with his hands folded in front of him. I wish I had a camera right now. Everything was perfect, about him, and this scene, as if it was articulated for a Hollywood movie. I could only imagine how silly I must look in my PJs, wearing his leather jacket. Oh crap! I was wearing his jacket and he was staring right at me with those sparkling blue eyes. Even in the dim parking lights, the intensity behind his gaze sent a slight shiver through my body. As I got closer, the side of his perfectly chiseled mouth lifted into his trademark close-lipped grin and just like that, I was blushing again. My feet froze at hands length from him, and I gulped as I realized that he must have been waiting for nearly an hour...

"What took you so long?" he said, in the same sexy drawl that made my knees weak.

"I-I," I stuttered. He wrapped his right hand around my waist and pulled me closer into him. His palms caressed the curve of my waist and I gasped. Oh god! Dazzled, my eyes got wider and my gaze shifted to his luring lips, inches apart from mine.

"Uh huh, you?" he teased. His gaze was playful, drifting from my eyes to lips. But the anticipation was killing me. I stood on my tiptoes wrapping my arms around his neck and Jesus, I felt his substantial erection against the softness of my belly. I had to bite my bottom lip to mute a moan but I only managed to muffle it. He uttered a low sexy groan and the instant I released my teeth from my lip, he pressed his mouth to mine.

You know how sometimes you imagine things and hype them up so much that they turn out to be a total let down. Like, meeting your favorite celebrity—the one you name your vibrator after or the one who gets you off in less than a minute and when you do get to meet him in real life, things don't turn out the way you imagined. Well, this was the opposite.

Even in my wildest imagination I couldn't have envisioned what was happening right now. My lips were already parted when his tongue slid into my mouth and the kiss was just...wow. It was deep and passionate but not even close to being subtle. As if he knew that I was trying to analyze and judge his every move, he shut the logical part of my brain down with his next move. His hands slithered down my waist onto my ass and he cupped the under slopes of my cheeks before squeezing them. I moaned in his mouth and he began to suck on my tongue. Oh my god! I had no idea a kiss could be so erotic. What is he doing to me? With his hands still cupping my ass, he lifted me off the ground, twirled and pushed me up against his car. My legs wrapped around him and my head fell back, concurrently. I moaned—not a stifled moan, a full on, erotic, my panties are soaking wet, kind of moan and he bumped his rock hard erection up against me. I tilted my head back in place to meet his gaze and the raw desire behind his lascivious eyes ignited a scalding orgasm—a sensation that has never seen the likes of a man's presence. My hands sank to the back of his head, tugging at the soft strands of his hair and I leaned forward to claim his mouth in another hungry kiss. I swallowed his groans with my mouth and he pulled my jammies down to my knees. Thank god I let Stacy talk me into buying sexy lingerie. If I knew I was going to be exposed I would have—Oh shit! We are in the parking lot! What am I doing? He wrapped his big warm hands around the back of my bare thighs and a shiver scampered down my spine, driving me closer to release. Split second later, I could feel his cock brushing my panty covered wetness and my breathing stopped. He was just a nudge away from entering me and I was not trying to stop him. It didn't even bother me that we were in a public place. What is he doing to me? Needing more contact, I widen my legs and buck my hips slightly. But the jerk pulled back!

"Nick—," he pushed my jammies back up in place in haste, "—don't!"

With his dark blue eyes tightly shut, his head descended to the ground and he grunted before letting me down gently. "I'm sorry Liz. You deserve better than...this."

Oh, now you realize that? You jerk! You teasing, sexy, hot... dart! You-you cookie thief!

I was still in shock and before I could say anything else, he was gone. No matter how many times I rewind the whole thing, I couldn't help but feel rejected. His stupid words only made it worse. I have never been so vulnerable in my entire life and I should have been relieved that nothing happened, right? But I was furious instead. I stomped back to my room and yelled at Stacy, "It. Doesn't. Make. Any. Sense." She continued to snore loudly. Urgh! I karate chopped my pillow to make it behave and tossed and turned on my bed, groaning in frustration. I need to be more careful around him. I might be in a bit of a dry spell—alright fine! My entire life has been a dry spell but I'm not going to be an easy-floozy for him or for anybody. I'm far from a pillow-princess but I'm not a one night lady either, I yelled at the ceiling and snapped my eyes shut.

Chapter 8

Nick

FUCK! You are one dumb fucker. What were you thinking? A girl like Liz deserves better than a back seat fuck. Christ, you didn't even make it to the back seat. She deserves flowers and shit. You were clearly out of line and you need to fix this. You need to treat her right.

The cold showers didn't help and I barely got any sleep last night. It felt nice to wake up to the delicious smell of mom's breakfast, though.

"Morning mom," I yawned.

She stacked another pancake to an already huge pile and beamed a warm smile at me, over her shoulder, "eat up. Your grandma will kill me if you look like that," she pointed all over me, "when we visit her for thanksgiving."

"Ha, I can never meet grandma's standards mom. It's a miracle grandpa doesn't look like a sumo wrestler," I said sarcastically, and chuckled at the idea of a sumo version of grandpa then stuffed my face with a piece of crispy bacon.

Mom laughed, "Your Grandpa can eat a zebra and still have room for desert." She wasn't even kidding. All the men in our family had superhuman metabolism. "Oh before I forget, since you have been using my old car, I got you another one."

"Say what?" By "old" mom meant, a couple of years old, barely used, black Audi S4 that I've been using for the past month. It was rotting in our garage and I didn't want to buy a new one. Mom drove a Range rover Evoque most of the time and she had a Mercedes ml63 as a backup. They both met mom's safety, utility and style requirements. She also had a Mini cooper because she thinks it's cute. Dad's choice of cars was more bland and predictable. He had all the top of the line executive models: a BMW 7 series, an Audi 8 series, a Lexus LS 600hl, a Mercedes S600 and well, you get the idea. He also had few convertibles, including an Audi R8 GT Spyder for his summer midlife-crisis moments. As much as I loved cars, every time I walked into our flashy garage, I think about getting a rusty old pickup and parking it right next to dad's R8, just to watch the look on his face. But I fight the urge, knowing that dad would make mom clean up any kind of mess that I make, which will only lead to further drama.

"Mom, unless you got me a used pickup, I don't really want it," I shrugged.

She smiled, "But your grandpa said you would love it."

"What? Grandpa did? What car is it anyway?" She had my undivided attention now.

"It's just like the orange one your grandpa has, but this one is in black and..." She trailed off giving me further hints but I knew exactly what she was talking about. The only orange car grandpa had, was a 69 Charger R/T, the one that looked like the Dukes of Hazzard version. I loved that car. He was a bit of a classic movie-car fanatic, so he collected all the good ones. He had a Steve McQueen's 68 Mustang lookalike from the movie Bullitt, a 77 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am from the Smokey and the Bandit, a 65 Chrysler Imperial from the green hornet, a 70 Challenger R/T from the vanishing point, and few others. The Charger was my favorite because I learnt how to drive on that car and I knew my way around the engine.

"Are you alright son? You look a little pale," mom teased.

"How much did it cost mom?"

"Oh, you remember my old BMW, the—"

"X5?"

"Yes, that one's been in the shop forever now. So I traded it for this one. You didn't let me buy you anything for your birthday Nick."

"Fine," I sighed, trying my best to conceal my excitement.

"My son is stubborn or what?" She said to nobody and smirked. "Like father like son."

I glared at her.

She sighed theatrically, "What kind of world is this? Where a mother can't spoil her only child?" Mom was kind of a millionaire. After she got her bachelors in fashion design from Paris, she went to Columbia for her MBA, where she met dad. With his help and with the money she inherited from her late grandparents, she acquired a couple of fashion and restaurant startups, which kinda took off. When she was pregnant with me, she gave up controlling interests and started spending more time doing charity work.

"Stop being dramatic mom. You can't pull the mother card the entire time," I said.

She laughed, "Alright grumpy pants. Eat up and get ready. We will talk about it later."

***

Mom and I visited Aunt Jane, mom's younger sister. I liked Aunt Jane. She worked for the Chicago police department and even though her job usually kept her busy, she used to visit me at grandpa's, during my summer breaks in high school. She gave me a questionable look when she saw the bandage on my hand. I convinced mom that it was just a scratch but Aunt Jane looked suspicious. It wasn't easy to fool her.

"Are you going to spill the beans or do I need to drag your ass for a polygraph?" she said, bumping her shoulder against mine.

"Alright, but you can tell mom, deal?"

Aunt and I were in the backyard, mom was in the kitchen getting lunch ready.

"Deal," she grinned. I told her about the fight last night and she was ridiculously eager about the whole thing, making funny gestures, asking me every minute detail, like I was telling her about a scandal or a hot gossip. "So you got a thing for this cheerleader girl?"

"What? No. She is a friend's friend."

"Ah, so you got a thing for her friend."

I shook my head at her.

"Why the sad face?" She asked.

I didn't realize I was being so transparent. I thought I was doing a good job. I shrugged not wanting to talk about Liz.

"Is it the move? I thought you were happy here."

"I am. I'm also hoping that mom would get sick of me and kick me out."

"Yeah right, like that's ever going to happen," she said satirically, and laughed.

"Maybe she'll be okay with me leaving after college. I might need your help convincing her though," I said and smiled. She narrowed her eyes at me.

"Maybe but that's a long way from now. Would you stop thinking about leaving us already? Why can't you be like a normal teenager and think about girls and booze? I can help you plenty in that department. I can be like one of those cool aunts who get their nephews in trouble and then bail them out," she winked.

"If I keep convincing her from now on, then maybe she will have a change of heart by the time I'm done with college," I said. "And you are cool Aunt Jane."

"I have my moments," she said with a smug expression. "Alright, let's go see if our Betty Crocker will let us help with the lunch."

***

"Hi there," Siri smiled, occupying the adjacent seat.

"Hey. Are you feeling better?" I teased.

She blushed, "Um, yeah, I'm good. Sometimes I underestimate the power of alcohol. Sorry for bailing Nick, Kate told me that it was quite a night."

"That's one way to look at it," I said, and my gaze drifted towards Liz.

"Kate thinks you are a real life Jason Bourne."

"Kate was drunk."

"I think she might be right."

"You weren't even there."

"I'm proud of you anyway," she said and kissed my cheek. I forced a guilty smile, wondering if she would say the same about what happened in the parking lot.

After class I tried to talk to Liz but she ignored me, completely. She would act normal when Siri and Stacy were around but I couldn't get a minute with her alone. I tried calling her but she wouldn't answer. She kept up the routine for the entire week and it started to piss me off. Friday, I found her in the parking lot and I decided it was now or never. I've had enough and only a restraining order would have saved her today.

"Liz, I need to talk you," I said, grabbing her arm.

"I don't want to," she snapped.

"Hear me out, will you?"

"Let me go. I don't want to talk to you," she yelled.

"Liz!" I yelled back and took a deep breath to calm myself down. "Alright, give me ten minutes and I will never bother you again," I said, with the last bit of patience left in me. She scanned my face for a moment and nodded.

"Not here," I said and unlocked my car, which was only a few spots away. I didn't wait for her reply. I opened the passenger door, hinting for her to get in and she did, without arguing. I got out of the parking lot from prying eyes, and pulled over to an empty street.

"Nick, I know what you are going to say," she said, breaking the silence. Does she? This should be interesting. "But don't you think you've embarrassed me enough already? I have known guys like you all my life."

"Guys like me? What the—"

"Yes and I'm not your type."

"What type is that?"

"I don't do one night stands."

I laughed. She is got to be kidding me. "You think I was looking for a one night stand? You have no freaking clue, do you?"

I leaned in, cradling her face, "Nick, what are you doi—," and kissed her. Her big green eyes were still open, glaring back into mine furiously and just when she started responding to my kiss, I pulled away. She frowned, grabbed my shirt and pulled me towards her—closing the gap between our lips. Her eyes closed this time and she began to kiss me like there's no tomorrow. She pushed out her bottom lip, wedging it slightly between my lips, making me suck on it and damn, she tasted like vanilla-mint heaven. I pulled back slightly so that our lips were barely touching and licked my lower lip. She followed my lead, tilting her head slightly and kissed me deeper with her lips parted. I pulled back again, teasing her, before she could reach my tongue.

She panted, wiped at her lips and unbuckled her seat belt, with her eyes locked on my lips the entire time. Her hands fisted to the back of my head and her fingers tangled in my hair. She tugged my head back harshly and bit my lower lip. My lip was bleeding and I groaned in a mixture of pleasure and pain. She gave me an impish smile—the devil would've proud of and began to suck on my bleeding lip until the bleeding stopped, and slid her tongue into my open mouth. Wow, fucking wow. She played with my tongue, licking it like the tip of an ice cream cone and began to suck on it. I let her take control, keeping a soft tongue and hated whoever taught her to kiss like that. When she finally pulled away, gasping for air, my entire body and heart shifted towards her, aching for the touch of her lips again. It was involuntary and her luscious wet lips had me under her spell. She was the one smirking this time and shoved my chest back with the palm of her hands. I chuckled and ran the tips of my fingers slowly along the top and around her ear, tucking a stray strand and then moved my fingers down, brushing my right thumb over her wet lips. She bit my thumb and unbuttoned the top two buttons of her sky blue shirt. The top of her silky white bra came to view, rushing every ounce of my blood into my groan. But what did she next, almost gave me a heart attack.

She leaned across, unbuckled and reclined my seat half-way back. She then bit her lower lip and climbed on top of me. Her denim skirt slid all the way up to her hips exposing her sexy legs and just when I thought that I was at the brisk of the best arousal in my life, she adjusted herself wiggling and grinding onto my lap until I could clearly feel the outline of her sex brushing against my erection. Damn. Damn. Damn. My erection grew harder and I groaned. Arching further back and grinding harder on my erection she grabbed my arm, and pushed it against her right breast. I cupped her breast and squeezed it ever so slightly and she moaned, increasing the motion of her hips. I grabbed her hips to hold her still, "Liz, if you keep doing that I would need a change of briefs and pants soon, very soon." She giggled. I was doing my level best to be a gentleman with this girl and she clearly had other intentions in her pretty little head. She tried to move her sexy hips again and I tightened my grip, resisting her movement. She narrowed her eyes and bit her lower lip, again. Hell, what does she have in mind now?

She slid closer to me, thrusting the silky heaven of her bra covered breasts into my face. I grunted and let my tongue explore the outline of her silky white bra and her cleavage. That was it. I lost all restraint. I ripped her shirt open causing the rest of the buttons to fly everywhere and slipped my hands up her soft back to unhook her bra. I had the front-freaking-seat for heaven on earth and I loved it. "Liz, you are sexy as hell", I groaned. Her hips began to move again. She resumed rubbing herself on my erection and it felt way too damn good to stop her now. She hummed and crooned while I kneaded her perfectly round breasts. She chanted my name and I grabbed the top of her ass to elevate the intensity of her movements. Soon she made little gasping sounds and began to tremble all over. Her body jerked and shook as she hugged me tightly. She cried out my name one last time and came like a goddess.

I was never dry humped before and I wanted to check if my dick was scoffed. I unbuttoned my jeans and let my zipper down exposing the top of erection. As the cold air blowing in full speed from the car A/C brushed my exposed erection, I groaned in relief and pleasure. She clasped her hand against her mouth. I couldn't tell if she was scared or impressed, but her expression was comical. I looked down and I was glad to see that there weren't any denim burns. What surprised me though, was the size of my erection. It may have been the biggest I ever had. She carefully moved her hand towards my shaft as if she was trying to pet a snake and I gasped as her fingers rested on top gently. She traced her fingers slowly along the length of the uncovered top half and my head twitched in response. She was about to say something but she paused veering into the rear windshield. I peeked into the rear view mirror and saw red and blue lights flashing from outside. Fuck, I cursed under my breath and pulled my seat back in place while Liz swiftly got back into hers with ease. I glanced at the side view mirror and noticed a cop walking towards me. I tugged my shirt down, trying to cover my erection, which was the best I could do right then without risking tissue damage.

Chapter 9

Liz

"Nick? Is that you?" the police officer said. Does she know him? Oh that's right! I don't know anything about him, do I? She could be his parole officer! What if he is an escaped convict or something? Oh god, what did I just do? How did that happen? What is wrong with me? What would he think of me now? Especially, after that stupid pre-determined speech I just gave him.

"Yea," Nick yanked his t-shirt further down, "Yes Aunt Jane, it's me." Aunt? Oh no, Aunt! I tried to adjust my shirt and my hair the best I could. They were both beyond repair.

"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in school?" She inquired as if Nick was a high school kid. It was cute.

"I just," he pointed towards me, "we were on our way and things got a little..." he stuttered, "did I do something wrong?" It was so darn cute to see him stutter. I never thought I would find a big muscled man such as him to be cute.

"Not really, we got a call from this house," she pointed to the house next to our car, "that someone was blocking their driveway. I was in the neighborhood, so I decided to check it out." I peeked onto the driveway next to our car and giggled.

"Oh, my bad, sure, I'll move the car right away," he said.

His Aunt nodded and her gaze turned to me. Nick noticed.

"Aunt Jane this is Liz, my..." uh-huh, my what Nick? He turned towards me without finishing his sentence. "Liz, this is my Aunt, Jane," he said. His face was flushed.

His Aunt's pleasant expression turned into a bright smile. Her smile got even wider when I smiled back. I seemed to have lost the ability to talk, all of a sudden. Oh right, that might be because I just had the best orgasm of my entire life. "I need to get going. You two...be good now," she said. Nick smiled. I realized that she could probably tell what was going on. Not that it was hard to tell. "I'll see you this weekend then?" She inquired, walking away.

"Yup," he said.

"Good, bring your pretty friend with you," she shouted from her car, making me blush.  Uh-oh, she probably thinks we are dating. He didn't even ask me out yet. Shit! I am an easy-floozy, aren't I?

Waving her bye, Nick hurried the car out of the street. Once we reached the school parking lot he turned towards me and grinned, "Are you free this weekend?" Did he just ask me out? I stared at him blankly and he chuckled. "That wasn't exactly a request from Aunt," he shook his head playfully, "She is cool though, you'll like her." I'll like her? But you don't know anything about me! "The main reason why I...left that night is that I like you Liz. I like you a lot and I wanted to ask you out first," he said, with a stern expression on his face. He wasn't kidding. He really likes me. "I would never do anything to hurt or embarrass you."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I act silly sometimes." Sometimes? More like all the time! I was completely wrong about him though. He lifted my chin and kissed me gently. Wow, he must really like me a lot for inviting me to meet his family. Either that or he is feeling way too guilty. Either way, it's clear that he is serious about me. What should I do? I'm I ready for something serious? Would it be fair to Nick? He doesn't have to deal with my mess, does he? I need to talk to Stacy first. Right now I need advice from someone whose perception is not clouded by their hormones.

"Nick, I-I need a shower, change of clothes and preferably some food in me before we can talk. Let's go to my dorm." I don't think I've done anything so naughty, ever. I could still smell my orgasm in his car. What worried me most was that I wasn't even embarrassed. It's dangerous to be around him in public and I need to be more careful.

"Sure," he smiled and reached into the back seat to grab a black, slightly worn out, hooded sweatshirt and handed it to me. It had the U.S. Air Force logo on the front.

Chapter 10

Nick

She took me to her dorm, holding my hand all the way, as if she was afraid that somebody might snatch me away from her. Stacy wasn't in the room and Liz looked incredibly sexy wearing my sweat shirt. I wanted to slam her on her bed right then and make her mine but I fought the urge. "Sit," she said, finally letting go of my hand and making me sit on her bed. "I'll be right back," she smiled, kissed me on my cheek and left. Her salty caramel-vanilla scent radiated all around her bed and I collapsed. My eyes grew heavy, reminding me of all the sleepless nights this week. With my arms crossed underneath my head like a pillow I closed my eyes, as relief flooded me.

I wasn't sure how long I was asleep but judging the visibility from the window, I could tell that it was close to dusk. Rubbing my eyes, still groggy from sleep, I twirled away from the window to see five girls in the room staring at me in a way that creeped the fuck out of me. I jumped and hit my head, hard, against the wall right next to Liz's bed. They all laughed.

Liz appeared out of nowhere mumbling, "I told you guys not to bother him," before she sat next to me and grinned.

"Liz, where are my clothes?" I asked. I had nothing but my briefs on.

She smiled at me like I was an idiot. "They got gross from earlier silly, so I put them in the wash. You were sleeping, so I didn't think you'd mind," she said.

It felt like I was in the middle of a bad porno and I wondered if I was still asleep. "Could you go get them? Why are they staring at me?"

"Oh, you know Stacy and Kate, right?" I nodded. They were both gawking at me shamelessly. "They saw you here and asked me if you would like to volunteer in their art class. I told them to wait and get your permission."

Yup, a bad porno! "Very funny, now could you go get my clothes," I said, rubbing the spot on my head, which started to hurt like hell.

"Why are you yelling at me?" Liz pouted.

"I'm sorry. Could you please go get my clothes?"

"Okay."

I glared at Stacy hoping that I would scare her enough to look away but in vain. "Nick, you'd be perfect for our art class. Now take off those briefs and give us the full tour," Stacy said, and the whole room roared in laughter.

Fuck! Why is my head still hurting? Why are my fingers getting wet? Is the roof leaking? I looked up, no leaks. I looked at my fingers and they were red. Darn it! My head was bleeding. Kate freaked and started yelling for Liz. They all took a step closer to me and I raised my hand indicating them to stop.

"What?" Liz yelled, kicking the door open. Her dramatic entrance made me laugh.

"It's nothing Liz. Could I use your bathroom?" I grabbed my pants from her hands.

Liz glanced at my bloody fingers and started panting, "Oh my god Nick. You-you are bleeding. Should I call 911?" She looked genuinely worried.

"I'm fine. Where is your bathroom?" Stacy handed me a towel and pointed to a closed door around the corner. Liz stood still as if she was unsure of what to do next. "Liz, could you get me some ice?" I asked. She nodded and ran away, yelling "Ice, Ice!" I smiled at how silly and cute she was. I got into the bathroom, wet the towel, cleaned and applied pressure where it hurt.

"Ice," Liz said, slowly pushing the bathroom door open.

I grabbed the ice-cubes from her, and wrapped all but one in the towel. Liz stood next to me and was trying to get a glimpse of my head in the mirror. I must have had five to six inches on her, so the way she kept bobbing up to peek over my head was adorable. I slid the one ice-cube that I hid in my hand into the back of her jammies. She yelled in quick successions and started jumping up and down like a bunny, until the ice-cube slipped out. Her friends came running to the door wondering what had happened.

"What?" Stacy asked.

"I-I...," Liz stuttered. Her nose turned pink.

"Did you see a spider Liz?" I smirked, giving her a hint.

She nodded and some of her friends laughed while others squealed and ran away.

Liz snorted. "Let me see," she said, pointing to my head. I went down on my knees and she examined my head, "Hmm... it doesn't look that bad."

"I told you," I grinned, got up and kissed her nose. She smiled.

"We need to get it looked at though, make sure you don't need any stitches," she said.

I gulped when she said "we." That was unexpected—unexpectedly wonderful.

I wrapped my hands around her, loving the way her body felt in my grasp. She tossed me a nervous, enquiring look and I realized then, that I had the perfect revenge opportunity to get back at her. Well aware of my intentions and that her friends were just outside the partially closed door, Liz tread cautiously away from me. I pulled her back to me and kissed her deeply. She pleaded me with her eyes to let her go and pointed towards the door. I nodded and let her free. She sighed with relief and just when she headed for the door, I slammed her against the door, closing it. I held both her wrists together with my right hand, high above her head and slid my left hand up her tank top. The second I touched her silky breasts, a soft moan escaped her lips. Outlining the straps of her bra with the tip of my fingers, I kissed and licked the curve of her neck.

"Nick, please—" She gasped. I smiled and nibbled one of her ear lobes. She giggled and shook her head sideways, trying to shrug me off. I laughed and bit her neck gently and she moaned loudly—loud enough, for her friends in the adjacent room and her neighbors. I loosened the grip on her wrists and she twirled, glaring at me. I smirked and she rushed out of the bathroom. I knew she would try her best to get back at me later, but right now I was basking in the glory of an accomplished mission.

When I got out of the bathroom, Liz threw my t-shirt at me. I chuckled at her flushed face. Stacy and Kate were still gawking at me, so I slipped my t-shirt on. Siri was trying not to look—trying but failing. Liz shook her head at them and pulled me towards the couch, grabbing my arm. It was amazing how there was absolutely no awkwardness between us. I felt like I knew her for a long time. Granted, I was never a big fan of hugging or cuddling but it seemed like I didn't really have an option.

"I'm glad you two talked it out. I love you sweetie but please don't put us through that again," Stacy said. Liz threw a couch cushion at Stacy.

"Put you through what?" I asked. Stacy laughed.

"The constant nagging: Is he looking at me? How about now? Did he talk about me? He is staring at me, isn't he? Blah, blah, blah... For a girl who acted like she didn't care that was just phew," Siri mocked, mimicking Liz.

"Shut up," Liz snapped at Siri.

"Don't shoot the messenger. I'm loyal to my friend. I tell him everything," Siri said.

I laughed. "I don't think I ever had to try so hard to get a girl to talk to me," I said.

Liz ducked her face into my shoulder.

"Aww," Siri and Stacy crooned.

"I can imagine," Kate said, battling her eye lashes.

"I'm glad that I can finally get some sleep now," Stacy said, sighing dramatically.

"You sleep just fine," Liz said and turned to me. "Would you like to go for a walk?" She inquired. "I would take you to the movies but there is this guy who keeps bullying me."

"Bullying you?" I asked.

"Every time I go he keeps ripping my tickets in half," she said, with all seriousness.

"Pretty and a sense of humor? Not bad, not bad at all."

Chapter 11

Liz

"Liz? Are you alright?" Stacy asked.

"Yes. Why?"

"Because you are scribbling all over that assignment you just got done," she said, pointing to the doodles I made all over my assignment. Dammit! I need to stop thinking about him.

"Guess what?"

"What?"

"We are going clubbing," she said, squealing with excitement.

I plugged my ears, "I can't."

"Why not?" She whined.

"First, I don't like going to clubs. Second, I don't want to use that stupid fake ID. Third, I might hang out with Nick," I said, without looking up at Stacy.

"I take back everything I said."

"About what?"

"If this is how it's going to be. If you are just going to ditch your best friend for some guy who just met—"

I laughed, "We could do something else Stace? How about bowling?"

"No! I want to go clubbing. Besides, bowling is like for old people."

"No it's not. Why don't you ask Siri? Maybe she could go with you."

"Already did. She is going home for the weekend. You are my last resort."

"I get bored at these clubs Stace. You always ditch me for some hot guy and I get to wallow in self-pity waiting for my knight in drunken armor," I said and pouted. Besides, I already found my knight and he doesn't even need a drunken armor to hang out with me. The fact that he happens to be the hottest knight ever is just an added bonus.

"Oh come on, when did I ditch you? That's total BS," she said. "Would you stop being a spoil sport if I promise you a fun night and you get to go home with your knight and play with his sword or whatever?" she said.

"Maybe but how—"

"Just get ready and leave the rest to me."

I sighed, "I don't know how I let you talk me into these things."

Stacy pushed me into the shower, "It's going to be so much fun," she squealed, "oh! You should wear that new dress."

Chapter 12

Nick

Stacy called. "Hey Nick, what are up to?"

"Not a lot."

"Oh good, can you do me a favor?"

"What's up?"

"Liz and I took a dive and went clubbing tonight. You know, there are some pretty cool clubs in Chicago? Anyway, we ended up at 'The Shrine' like an hour ago and we were like dancing and you know, just having fun. So get this, I saw Liz leaving with this super-hot guy and I was like 'good for you girl'—"

Is she being serious right now?

"—and when I saw her leave, I did the same. I'm like an hour away from the club right now and just when I was starting to make out with this—"

"Stacy, would you get to the point."

"I got a text from Liz, asking me to pick her up. Turns out she never left the club. Isn't that funny?"

"I don't get it. If you saw her leave then how—"

"The thing is I might have mistaken someone else for Liz."

"You want me to go get her?"

"Yes! Could you go check if she is still at the club? I can't reach her anymore. Her phone must have died. She might have taken a cab to the dorm but I'm not sure."

"I'm on my way."

As soon as I got into the club, I knew why it was packed. It had great acoustics and good music to go with. I looked around. I had no idea what to expect but I hoped that I wouldn't find Liz dancing with some guy or even worse, making out. I searched everywhere but the girl's restrooms, so I requested a waitress to help me out. She searched and said that there was a brunette girl in one of the stalls, who wouldn't come out and was apparently in there for a long time. Take a wild guess!

"Liz?"

"Nick? Is that you? What are you doing here?"

"I'm sleep-walking."

She giggled. "I don't want you to see me like this Nick. Please leave me."

"Liz, I'm coming in and taking you with me or I'm staying here, for however long necessary. You pick." She didn't respond. "This is not bad actually. I have never been in a girl's restroom before. I don't think these girls mind me either."

"We don't," a couple of girls yelled from adjacent stalls, and Liz opened her door.

She was wearing a strapless, black, shirred, mini dress that flaunted her curvy legs. She had makeup on, her hair was wavy, and her black high heels made her legs look longer. She looked like a slutty version of the girl that I've been familiar with the last few weeks. It was like someone turned off the soothing bluish moonlight and turned on a big red neon sign that said "EROTIC HELL." If it wasn't for the fact that she dressed up to play hook up with random strangers, I would have been inside her by now.

She was sitting next to the bowl with her legs folded to her left. She smiled at me and I smiled back, out of relief more than anything. I waited until she was ready to leave and helped her up. She tried to walk but stumbled.

"I thought Stacy was the wild one," I joked.

"I could be wild," Liz said.

"Sure," I said and carried her to my car.

She babbled a bit about some knight and passed out, while I drove her back to my place.

***

Ignoring my half-erect boner, I tried to sleep but couldn't. Being obsessed over a chick I barely knew didn't make sense.

"No, I want to see them now!" Liz yelled. She was having a nightmare.

"Liz, it's just a dream," I said.

"No, no," she yelled and started pounding on my chest rather harshly.

I pulled her close.

"Please Satan, I need to see them," she pleaded, against my chest.

Satan? Did she just say Satan? What kinda weird wacko nightmare is she having?

"Please." Her voice crackled, making it sound too painful for a dream. "Please," she screamed and started crying, scaring me shit less.

I pulled her closer, "Shhh...Its ok, I'm here. It's just a dream," I said in a soothing tone, hoping to calm her down.

She hugged me back tightly. "You are?" she mumbled.

"Yes I'm." Her frightened expression changed into something close to pleasant and her breathing evened out a little. I didn't let her go for the rest of the night. Her intoxicating scent and the way she held me might have had an impact on that particular decision. She had another nightmare, a few hours later and I had to wrap my legs around hers to stop her from kicking me. I finally fell asleep after shutting my 5.00 AM alarm off. I was exhausted and falling asleep with Liz in my arms seemed way more appealing and peaceful, than my morning workout.

Chapter 13

Liz

This can't be real. I rubbed my eyes again. This is real. I was in a room, so big and beautiful that it was breathtaking. It look liked the entire top floor was made into one giant room. What made it beautiful though, was the view. The orange light from the thin line of the still horizon was pouring in to the room, through the glass walls. None of the them were facing an ocean, but the room offered two things that more than compensated: one, the night lights of the city glimmering across the glass walls, and two, the sexiest man I've ever laid eyes on, lying next to me in a giant bed, located in the middle of the room. He was perfect for this room, as if it was designed for him. Fighting the urge to wake him up with a shower of kisses, I slid out of the bed. After moving to Chicago, I've never been up early enough to see the sunrise—not that I got plenty of sleep. My nights usually consisted of series of naps, interrupted by horrible nightmares. Last night however... What happened last night? The last thing I remembered was Nick carrying me to his car. But I was sure nothing happened because I actually felt well rested and my clothes were intact. I must have passed out.

The fancy gadgets, the furniture, and the crisp white look of the room, reminded me of a scene from the Tron movie, the new one. It was cheerful and dreamy but it didn't seem personal. There weren't any obscene posters of half-naked girls or video games or porn magazines, nothing that would give me an opportunity to make fun of him. Nobody would believe that a college sophomore lived in this room. The only thing that looked out of place was a guitar, leaning on a stack of records, next to a vinyl turntable. I also noticed an old beat up duffle bag in the corner. When Siri told me that Nick was in a music class, I didn't believe her at first. I thought she was kidding. He didn't seem the type. But again, I didn't know much about him.  Speaking of not knowing things, I wonder what is in that duffle bag. No, I shouldn't. That would be wrong. But I couldn't resist. I was drawn to that stupid bag as if it was a chest full of mysterious treasure. I unzipped the duffle bag slowly, cursing and cringing at the creaking noise. Why did it have to be so quite in here? A blue jacket with shiny stripes and silver piping lay on the top and I reached inside in search of something else. I wasn't sure what exactly, dirty magazines or a bag of weed maybe? Amid all the clothing was the heaviest and bulkiest laptop I've ever seen. It was like a mini suitcase with "Panasonic Toughbook" written on it. I lifted the gigantic laptop—just for the heck of it—and another hard but significantly smaller case came to view. What could this be? I opened the case and my jaw dropped when I saw what was inside. There was a handgun. It had "SIG SAUER P220" written on it. I wasn't scared—just freaked out. Freaked out, not because of the gun, I had been around them all my life, but because I wasn't expecting to find one. That was the end of my exploration. I put everything back in place and stared hard at Nick. Who are you mister? Why are you living out of a suitcase—or a duffle bag? He could grab his bag and guitar, and just leave. Nobody would ever know that he lived there. I kept staring until Nick rolled on the bed. Shit! What I'm I even doing here? I shouldn't be here. I hurried to find my phone and found it next to my purse, plugged into a charger that seemed to have originated from the coffee table. How considerate of him? Maybe I should leave him a note before I leave? Nick rolled again. He seemed restless. Shit! Focus Liz! You need to get the hell out of here before he wakes up. Despite all my questions about him, sneaking out seemed more logical and not cowardly at all. I called Stacy to pick me up.

"Could you be more specific?"

"Hang on Stace, I'll send you the Google-maps pinpoint of where I'm. That should give you directions," I said.

"Yeah that works. Should I bring anything, you know Advil or...?" she teased.

"Stacy!"

"Okay, okay, geez."

The first door I opened lead to Nick's bathroom, the second into a giant walking closet and the third to a staircase leading all the way down to the rear garden. I waited nervously for Stacy to arrive and was glad not to run into anyone before she did.

"Never thought I'd live the day to see YOU sneaking out. I'm proud of you sweetie."

"I hate you and I'm never drinking again."

"Hey, let's not make any hasty decisions now. Here, this will help with the hangover."

"I don't even have a hangover. It's the utter humiliation Stace. Remind me why we are friends again?"

She laughed, "Hey, it's not my fault that you missed an opportunity like that."

I glared at her, trying to process the load of crap she just dumped on me, "Opportunity? You said you wouldn't ditch me and you did. Why in the world would you ask Nick to pick me up when I was THAT drunk?"

"Would you stop freaking out already? I had no idea how you got that drunk. You only had like three drinks, didn't you? That bar tender must have really liked you."

"The drinks did taste a little too strong. That rotten bastard! I'm going to kick his ass."

"Whoa, easy there tiger, how much did you tip him?"

"I don't know, I think I gave him a twenty."

"Per drink?"

"Yea, why?"

Stacy laughed so hard that she had to pull over before she continued, "You give the guy a fifty dollar tip and wonder why your drinks were so strong?"

"Whatever, I don't want to think about it. What did you tell Nick?"

"Something that made him so jealous that he couldn't keep his hands off you," she said and winked.

"Tell me EXACTLY what you told him, word to word."

"Stop freaking out sweetie, everything will be fine. So what went wrong anyway?"

"Oh, between the puking and the passing out, I'm not quite sure."

"Dear lord, you really know how to knock his socks off, don't you?"

***

The worst part about today being Sunday was that I didn't have anything to keep myself busy. There was not much homework left, the laundry didn't take too long and I was way too distracted to get ahead on the midterm preparation. It's been nearly four hours since I sneaked out this morning and the guilt was starting to drive me insane. I should have left a note. To make things harder why did Nick have to so sweet and considerate? If he just had his way with me and I knew so damn well that I would have let him—just the thought gave me goose bumps on my goose bumps—I wouldn't be bathing in self-loathe right now. He could have dropped me off in my dorm. He didn't have to take me to his place. Why does he always act like he is better than everybody else? He is so annoying at times—no, more like all the time.

"Would you call him already?" Stacy said. "Do you want ME to call him?"

I shook my head no, "I'll do it." As soon as I figure out what to say! I didn't think "hey Nick, sorry for snooping through your stuff. Nice gun, by the way. No I'm not crazy. I just snoop through people stuff sometimes," would make a very good explanation.

"Good, maybe he will spank you for being naughty," she said and winked. I ducked my face from Stacy, trying to hide my excitement at the thought. Crap! I don't even know who I'm anymore.

I glanced at the clock. 11.32, it said. He should be awake for a while now. The longer I take to apologize; he would hate me that much more. Come on Liz, you can do this. I called him. His cell was turned off and I hung up before the voicemail greeting ended. Maybe he sleeps late on the weekends? That thought was more comforting than to think that he turned his cell phone off because he was pissed at me. I glanced at the clock again, 12: 05. I called him, again and received the same response—the stupid automated voicemail greeting. Stacy invited me for lunch but I couldn't go. I waited nearly an hour and I called him again, when I didn't have any more nails left to chew. The same annoying voicemail message greeted me, again. How hard is it to record a personal greeting? I really need to stop thinking about him. I switched the TV to Netflix, hoping that an episode of Bones would calm my nerves but it didn't. I glanced at the clock, again. It was 2: 10. He better answer his stupid phone this time, if not...I'll just show up at his door step! How ironic would that be? I should just show up and be like, "hey Nick, I'm sorry I sneaked out this morning. But I'm back now, so, are we good?" Or "Hey, I just went to grab some breakfast for us and gosh, I just got lost." That could totally happen!

"Hey." Nick's hazy voice startled me.

"Did you just wake up?"

"Mm..."

"Are you mad?"

No response.

"Nick, are you there?"

No response.

"Okay fine, I get it. You are mad. I wouldn't blame you. I apologize for leaving this morning without leaving a note and to say that I'm embarrassed about last night would be an understatement."

No response.

"Are you still there?"

I hung up and called him again. He didn't answer and the phone kept ringing. I repeated the process and he answered the second time.

"Hey, sorry, I think I dozed off," he said.

"You did what?" I piqued.

"You kept me up all night."

"What? Did something... happen?" Crap! I'm not even on the pill.

"Quite a bit, there was a lot of pounding, screaming, and kicking," he chuckled.

"It's not funny Nick."

"I know," he said. "I didn't think it was funny either." The austerity in his tone almost made me cry. I poured my heart out, explaining everything that happened last night until he showed up. "I see. I'm not sure if I like your friend Stacy anymore," he joked.

He is enjoying this? Jerk! "Yeah, I'm sure it must have been awful to have a drunken girl in your bed."

"If you didn't snore so much then..."

"I don't snore!"

"You do, sweetie," Stacy said, tapping on my shoulder.

"I don't!" I yelled at both of them.

"Like a grizzly," Nick said, laughing. "If it wasn't for that ravishing outfit, I would have left you in that club." Ravishing...huh? I like that.

"I do not snore like a grizzly," I said softly, collapsing on to my bed.

"I should have recorded it. Next time I will." His voice was now low and husky.

"Next time, huh? Overconfident much?"

Stacy rolled her eyes.

"You'll know soon enough," Nick said.

I gasped thinking about how hot he looked this morning and squeezed my eyes shut. "I can't wait," I said. But I regretted saying it as soon as the words as they left my mouth. Wow, could I sound anymore desperate? But he chuckled as if I said something funny. Okay, maybe he thinks I joked. I'd rather be funny-girl than the despo-girl.

"Hang on a sec Liz," he said. I heard him talk to someone else in the background. "Are you ready to return the favor?"

"What do you have in mind?"

"You remember my Aunt, Jane?"

"Oh, yes," I said. The disappointment in my voice surprised me. I can't believe I was actually hoping for something indecent and naughty. Get your head out of the gutter Liz. But it was so far down that I'd probably need one of those fireman ladders to get it out. So, why even bother? "You already told her that I'm coming, didn't you?"

"Maybe," he said.

"What if I say no?"

"I was hoping that you would say yes and that you wouldn't break my heart."

"Well played," I said. "Slightly cheesy though."

"Darn! I thought I pulled it off."

Oh, you have no idea. I'm so glad you can't see my flushed face right now.

"Text me when you are ready. I'll pick you up."

"Okay. See you."

Chapter 14

Nick

"Liz, you need to know that this is a very big step for me," I said, trying to put up a blank face. She looked at me and for a second I was worried that she would catch my bullshit but she just nodded instead. "I'm glad you understand. If Aunt Jane doesn't approve of you, I'm not sure we could this," I continued, without looking at her this time. I knew I couldn't keep up the act if I get a glimpse of her adorable face.

"I understand," she said, squeezing my hand. Ha, she actually thinks that I'm nervous? Wow, I should be nominated for an academy award for this performance.

"She absolutely loves sports by the way, do you like sports?" Aunt hated sports.

"Not really," she said dryly and for a second it almost melted my heart. I fought it.

"Oh well, just pretend then. Say you haven't had time lately to catch-up or something."

"Okay."

"I almost forgot. She loves cooking and adores a woman who can cook. Can you cook?" Aunt was a terrible cook and she couldn't care less. She always joked about how it was insulting and extremely sexist that men would assume such things.

"Not really, I haven't had a chance. I could learn though," she said. Ah, hell, she is taking all the fun away. I just want to hold her and kiss her now.

"Oh boy, good luck then," I said. She shot me a nervous glance.

My plan was working beautifully. Liz was ridiculously nervous which made Aunt uncomfortable and I was having a ball. But like the 'Young Guinan' of the 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' said, "The quiet ones, they always look so innocent. You think you can turn your back on them; next thing you know - bam! They're bouncing on the bed." I left them alone in the kitchen for a couple of minutes to use the bathroom and when I returned, Aunt Jane and Liz were glaring at me. Aunt was twisting a plastic spatula in her hand and Liz was holding a cooking pan. The cat was out of the bag! They both took a step towards me and I eyed the door that lead to the backyard. But Aunt quickly blocked it. Liz narrowed her eyes at me. "Liz, let's just talk about this, alright? Before someone gets hurt, let's talk." She shook her head sharply and took another step towards me. "Did I ever tell you, how hot you look when you are mad," I said. Liz and Aunt traded glances and they grinned at my pathetic attempt.

"Nope, you haven't," she said, pouncing at me. I managed to restrain her hands, preventing the cooking pan assault, but she wasn't backing down. She was determined to seriously injure me with the damn thing. Meanwhile Aunt sneaked up on me, taking advantage of the fact that I wasn't paying attention to her.

"Ow, ow, alright, alright, I apologize, ow," I said. Aunt shook her head and laughed like a villain, as she continued to swat me like a fly, with that damn spatula. When they both got bored of hitting me after a while, they finally decided to move on.

It didn't take long for them to bond over what I presumed was silly, girly stuff. I liked their facetious manner until it got to a point where they started making fun of me, right in front of me. I frowned at them and decided to catch the end of the Bears game.

"Are you girls planning to put those damn kitchen utensils to use anytime soon? I'm starving over here," I yelled, from the living room.

"Nope, order a pizza or something," Aunt Jane yelled back, from the kitchen.

I can't believe I skipped mom's cooking for this, I thought, walking towards the kitchen. "I'm going to order a 'meat lovers', what do you want?" I asked, interrupting their discussion about some celebrity that I had never heard of.

They traded glances, "We decided that we want to go to the olive garden instead," Aunt said, laughing. Liz grinned at me sheepishly.

I frowned at them both and shook my head in disbelief. "I should have known better."

Chapter 15

Liz

After biting Stacy's ear off all morning about Nick's Aunt, she said I owed her a decent cup of coffee. My morning dose was more than what Stacy drank all day, so I obliged happily. My insomnia still continued—but not as bad as before, thanks to Nick's sweatshirt—and coffee was an easy solution for now. After a short visit to Starbucks, Stacy and I were walking across the parking lot towards our classroom building, when I heard Stacy say "amaze balls," to the sound of a rumbling muscle car engine. I turned to follow Stacy's gaze to a car, parked in a spot right next to ours. It was one of those fancy vintage cars, the ones that would make girls like Stacy squeal.

"Oh geez," I sighed.

"What? Don't tell me that you hate vintage cars."

"I don't hate vintage cars per se—even if they are less practical, expensive and harmful to the environment," Stacy rolled her eyes, "I hate the people who drive them. They look so smug and full of themselves, as if they are better than everybody else."

"You sound just like your mom. Stop being judgmental! I could say the same thing about the people who drive hybrids. The difference my pretentious friend is that you would never want to blow a guy because of his Prius, would you? Even if they look like him," she said pointing to the guy getting out of the car. It was Nick. As if his car wasn't inviting enough, the lines of his tribal tattoo peeked out of his black half-sleeve tee that tautened over the ripples of his abs and a silver-metal, dog-tag necklace hung over his sculpted chest. "I take back what I said. I'd blow him in the back of a Prius or heck, even a crappy station wagon," Stacy said.

"Stacy!" I scolded her, and my gaze drifted to his rugged blue jeans that cupped his butt deliciously.

"Seriously if looks could kill," Stacy began fanning herself with her hand, as Nick took his aviator shades off and winked at us. He gave me that grin and the resolve I managed to build up until now vanished. Easy-floozy or not, I wanted him between my legs and keep him there forever.

"Morning," he said, brushing his lips against mine. He pulled back teasing and I frowned. I handed my coffee to Stacy, got up on my tippy-toes to snake my arms around his neck, and gave him a full-on, wet, and passionate kiss. I didn't care that people were watching us, I needed my fix. How dare he tease me like that?

He gasped, "Fuck the classes. Let's go back to your room." The passion behind his blue eyes made me nod vigorously. I was ready, I knew I was falling for him and I didn't want to wait any longer.

Stacy grabbed my hand and pulled, "Hello, the lab assignments?"

"Who is being a spoil sport now Stacy?" I teased. Stacy laughed.

"Alright Snow, I'll see you at lunch then," Nick said, squeezing my hand gently. I nodded.

"Did he just call you Snow? You already have a nickname?" Stacy asked. I ignored her comment. I loved it when he called me that. It seemed so personal and romantic.

"Do you think I should enroll in more classes with him? Not being able to see him is agonizing, but keeping my hands off him when I do get to see him is crucifying," I said.

"Oh please. You got to see him naked, didn't you?" Stacy asked.

"Maybe," I said and grinned.

Stacy squealed, "Oh hell no! You are not getting away. I need all the details, now!"

Liz Turner, Miss. Little goody two-shoes, the bookworm, those were some of the nicknames I had back in high school. I wish I could show them a picture of my boyfriend right now. Maybe I should post a picture of us on Facebook. Whoa! Did I just say boyfriend? Despo alert!

Stacy didn't notice my flushed face. "The nerds behind math and chem, better be rotting in hell!" She exclaimed.

"You mean everyone who ever made a contribution to math, should rot in hell?"

"Yea, except for that Good Will Hunting guy, he's cute."

"Matt Damon? He is—"

"Yea and the beautiful mind guy, he's cute too." Stacy continued to babble and I was in no mood to argue with her over such ridicule, so I let her continue. She was being diffident this morning for some reason, but not anymore.

Chapter 16

Nick

"Hello Mr. hot stuff, you are here early," Siri said.

"Guess I beat you to class today, huh?" I smirked.

"I have better things to do than to show up early on a Monday morning."

"Better things? You were at the library. Weren't you?"

She nearly choked on the straw of her iced-coffee but recovered coughing, "How did you..." I laughed at her baffled expression. "Stalker," she said.

"You wish," I said, still laughing. "Siri, Dr. Oden is your advisor, isn't he?" I inquired.

She nodded.

"What's he like?"

"He is kind a weird. He is hilariously anal and obsessive about grammar. Like, he'll totally stop you in the middle of a conversation just to correct you. I do it on purpose to get all him worked up. Nice guy though, but a total loner and he lives with cats, lots of cats."

"Oh, wow, cats?"

"Yup, why do you ask?"

"I have a meeting with him next hour. I'm allergic to cats."

She shot me a questionable glance, "Meeting?"

"Yes, for the UROP (Undergrad Research Opportunity Program). Turns out he is the only one working on a cool project."

"Oh, you mean the only one who is working on a flight related project?" She smirked. "He talks about his glider all the time and oh, his office room is filled with soaring magazines and FAA articles." Siri knew a lot more about me than I gave her credit for. I didn't remember mentioning half the things that she somehow happened to know about me. I did know a lot about her but that was mostly because she told me everything.

I nodded, "Gliders are cool. I can think of worse ways of passing time."

"Oh my god, you adore him," she teased, bursting into laughter. I frowned at her.

Siri was spot on about Dr. Oden. But the meeting wasn't half as bad as I thought it would be. I was on my way to meet Liz in the food court, slightly excited about my new project, when I heard a conversation that caught me off guard.

"Dude, look at the size of those tits. Do you think they are real?" A nerdy, scrawny looking guy said, pointing to the table, where Liz and Stacy were seated. I couldn't just ignore him, I slowed down.

"I hear she likes it rough," a chunky looking guy next to him said, laughing his ass off. That did it. My blood boiled knowing that they were talking about Stacy and I couldn't restrain myself. I shoved his large head against the table.

"What the fuck did you just say?" I growled.

"Dude, relax, let him go," the scrawny guy pleaded.

"What the fuck man? Is she your sister or something?" the chunky guy said, trying his best to free himself. I applied more pressure, "fuck, alright, I'm sorry."

"Jesus! Stop freaking out on us," the scrawny guy said, "apparently your sister likes to fuck guys who slap the shit out of her," his voice turned stern and confident as he grimaced at me.

"If you are wrong, which I know for sure that you are," I said, narrowing my eyes, "you better prey you never see me again."

"Stacy, can I talk to you for a second?"

"Hey you," Liz interrupted. I ignored her.

"I need to talk to you Stacy, alone, now," I said, sounding harsher than intended.

She didn't answer which only made me angrier. I didn't like the look of guilt on her face.

"Nick, what's wrong?" Liz interrupted again and I ignored her, again.

"Stacy, is it true? Did you sleep with that guy?" I asked. Stacy dropped her face into her hands. Hell no, she did not just do that. "Answer me Stacy," I demanded.

"That's none of your business Nick! You can't talk to her like that," Liz yelled.

Not my business? The hell it isn't.

"Stacy," I held her hand to get her attention but she didn't even look up.

"Mind your own business Nick. You don't know anything about her. You are being a jerk. You are even worse than—"

"Liz!" Stacy snapped.

"—Logan," Liz yelled, slapping my hand away from Stacy. I turned towards Liz to see her glaring at me with pure hatred and disgust. What the fuck? Is she trying to defend her friend or hurt me? I'm somehow the bad guy now? Her words were like a rusty blade against my throat. Go to hell, was what I wanted to say but left before the words escaped my lips.

Chapter 17

Liz

Is that the reason why Stacy has been acting weird all morning? How did Nick find out about this before I did? God, I'm a terrible friend. Stacy had a drunken, abusive father, who somehow had a huge impact on all her relationships. Everyone has their own issues, right? Stacy was dealing with hers in her own way and I wasn't going to be her therapist. I knew my role was to support her no matter what and be there for her when she needed me. I thought I did a pretty good job so far and so did she.

"Wow, when did you turn into this hot-little-fire cracker? I think you scared the big guy," Stacy said, after a long silence. I forced back a smile.

"Just because he thinks he is the godfather of Chicago, I'm not going to let him talk to you like that," I piqued.

"The godfather of Chicago?" Stacy laughed, "All right. This one time, I'll let you ask me about my affairs," she mocked, in her best Al Pacino impersonation. I burst out laughing really hard and for a moment so did Stacy but it was short lived.

"Its fine Stace, we can talk about it later or whenever," I whispered, holding her hand.

She nodded, "You owe him an apology though."

"No way, he was definitely out of line. I'm not going to talk to him, like ever again. Neither are you."

"Wow, so I'm stuck with your bossy-ass until... forever?"

"That you are, no matter what."

"But it's not his—"

"It's not just about you Stacy. If this is how he treats his girlfriend's best friend, then think about the future. He needs to learn. His attitude is only going to get worse," I explained. Did I just say girlfriend, out loud, with no hint of hesitation? I guess it's not the end of the world.

"Right, because men are so easy to change," Stacy said sarcastically. "I still think you should—" I frowned at her. "Fine, I had no idea that you were the one wearing the pants in your relationship," she teased. I rolled my eyes.

"What's up with Nick? He rushed out like his pants were on fire," Siri said laughing, before joining our table. Stacy and I traded glances but we didn't say anything.

"Did he say anything about his meeting? Is that why he looked pissed? I wouldn't blame him. Dr. Oden gets on my nerves every day," Siri continued.

"Dr. Oden?" Stacy inquired, "Who is Dr. Oden?"

Stacy and I stared blankly at Siri.

"Dr. Oden, my advisor? I mentioned him before. The grammar Nazi? You guys never pay attention. Do you?"

We continued to stare.

"Anyway, Nick went to talk to him about his UROP," Siri continued.

We stared.

"You didn't know about his meeting?"

I shook my head sharply. She filled me in.

"Good for him."

"Oh no, I don't like that tone. What happened?"

"He was being his usual jack-ass-self," I muttered.

Siri raised her eyebrow, "SPILL."

Siri wasn't the gossip girl type, but she was all ears whenever Nick was involved. I could tell she was fond of him and Nick meant more than a friend to her. But she never showed or acted on her feelings, so it didn't bother me. Moreover, if I kept worrying about every girl who had a crush on him then I wouldn't have time to do anything else.

"I slept with Logan," Stacy said, breaking the ice.

"Logan? The guy who—" Siri asked.

"Stace, you don't have to," I interrupted.

"I'm fine," Stacy assured me and turned back to Siri, "I slept with Logan last night. He came begging for forgiveness. Said he wanted to make it up to me and all that. I let him buy me a drink. One thing led to another...I think his roommate saw me sneaking out of his room last night. He must have a big mouth."

"Oh," Siri said, unsure of what else to say. I tried to read Stacy's expression but it was blank. This incident was nothing compared to the things she dealt with in high school. She needs to cut down on the alcohol and be more selective about who sleeps with, but other than that I knew she was going to be fine. She was way more resilient than me.

"I'm not surprised to see Nick pissed off," Stacy added.

"I can imagine. The guy does have a temper," Siri agreed.

"Whatever. He was out of line," I snapped.

"Oh, did he say something hurtful?" Siri asked.

"It was none of his business," I yelled. I wasn't sure why I was yelling at Siri. She didn't do anything.

"He shouldn't have—," Siri said calmly.

"Dam right," I yelled. They both laughed at my outburst.

"Oh my god Liz, would you calm down," Stacy patted my arm, before turning back to Siri, "you should have seen her earlier. She was about to pounce on him, like literally, with her claws and everything. It's a good thing he left."

"Oh no, I can't believe I missed that," Siri teased. "I'm surprised that he left without saying anything. What did you do? Dismiss him of the premises my queen?"

"No, I told him that he was being a jerk and he should mind his own business."

"That's it?" I wasn't sure why Siri seemed so surprised.

Stacy arched her auburn eye brows, "she accused him of acting WORSE than Logan,"

"Oh no, tell me you didn't say that," Siri said, narrowing her eyes at me.

"What? Why are you taking his side? That's ridiculous."

Siri traded glances with Stacy and they both stared at me like I grew an additional head, "I tried to stop her," Stacy said, remorsefully. Siri shook her head in disbelief.

"The person who he cares about the most," Siri pointed at me, "just told him that he is worse than a lowlife asshole who hits woman. That's got to hurt," she turned to Stacy, "no offense Stacy."

"None taken," Stacy shrugged and they both continued to stare at me.

"Oh come on. It's not like I was trying to hurt him. I blurted something out of anger. If he doesn't realize that then I guess it's pointless to even apologize to him. Isn't it? Not that I'm going to apologize." Nick knows that I didn't really mean what I said. Doesn't he? He'll call me, hopefully tonight, when he will miss me. He will apologize and I will apologize back and we'll move on. We might even have hot, steamy, make up sex by this time tomorrow. Crap! I miss him already. Why is it so hard to stay mad at him?

Siri was still shaking her head, "you don't know, do you?"

"What?"

"You girls have no idea who Nick is. Do you?"

"OK—now you are pissing me off."

"What are you talking about Siri?" Stacy asked.

"I can't. I don't think he wants anyone to know yet," Siri said.

"Siri!" We both yelled.

"Nick was—maybe he still is, I'm not sure—"

"Siri!"

"Nick was an Air Force pilot."

"What?" Stacy and I echoed.

"I googled him. Turns out the guy you just insulted, is Staff Sergeant Nicholas Jones."

That makes perfect sense. The rock hard body, that giant laptop, the sweatshirt he gave me—no, I'm not giving it back, the dog-tag necklace, the gun—maybe not the gun. I'm still suspicious about the gun. But it all makes sense now. I'm slow though, aren't I? Like a snail on the back of a turtle, slow. I blame it on the sleep deprivation.

"Get out!" Stacy said, hand over her mouth. "Seriously? He just kicked the hotness scale to the curb. Are there any pictures of him online?"

Siri grinned and dug her phone out in excitement, "Maybe. He is also loaded— like Richie Rich loaded."

"How old is he?" I asked and they both glared at me. "No, I'm not being judgmental or superficial. Age matters."

"Almost 22, I think," Siri said.

"Okay." That's not bad. He is like three years older than me. Probably more experienced in bed than I am. Not sure if that's god or bad though. I cleared my throat, "I stand corrected Siri. I still think he should be the one to apologize first. This changes nothing."

"I'm not sure if she is stubborn or just thick in the head?" Siri said to Stacy, completely ignoring me. Her comment made me mad, so I left.

Chapter 18

Nick

"Ciao."

I turned to see a tall brunette smiling at me. With her long loosely curled locks, brown eyes and sensual lips, she looked stunning. She was wearing a long, white, slim-fit dress with a thigh high split that flashed her long toned legs.

"Hello," I greeted her back, just to be polite and took another sip of my drink.

"Posso... sedermi?" She said, pointing to the empty seat next to me. I wasn't in the mood for company, so I shook my head no.

"Grazie," she said, before occupying the seat. She clearly misunderstood me. I thought of leaving but I didn't want to insult her, so I stayed. What is up with women approaching me these days? Maybe I'm not as intimidating as I thought I was.

"Posso... buy ... da bere?"

"Sure, what do you want?"

She shook her head. "Posso," she pointed to herself, "offrirti," she pointed at me, "da bere," she said, pointing to my drink.

"You want to buy ME a drink?" I asked, with an involuntary smile. She nodded.

"Sure."

"Boxing?" She asked, pointing to the bloody bandage on my left hand.

Earlier today, I tried taking my anger out on a punching bag at home. It was either that or getting pissed drunk. I sure as hell didn't want to talk it out. The punching bag ripped off the ceiling, leaving me more agitated and frustrated than to being with. So here I was, in a club, trying to numb my senses with alcohol.

I nodded, "yeah, punching bag."

"Oh, fa male? Um...pain?" she asked.

"Its fine," I shrugged. She grabbed a white handkerchief, a can of spray and tissues from her purse, before grabbing my arm. I resisted, "Hey, I'm fine, really. Don't worry about it." She shushed me, undid my messy bandage, and cleaned the scoffed skin on my knuckles. She then sprayed the pain relief, or that's what I thought it was. I couldn't read the label on that can. I wasn't sure if it was the spray or the way she gently blew air from her sexy mouth, but the burning sensation was gone. She then wrapped her handkerchief loosely over my hand and smiled.

"Thank you. Are you a doctor?" I asked, feeling better but slightly annoyed that she shushed me. At first glance, this woman looked like trouble—sexy, elegant, treacherous trouble. But now, she seemed harmless, and in need of companionship, more than anything.

"No, Modello," she said.

"Oh, you are a model?" I asked, repeating the obvious.

"Yes."

"You carry that aerosol spray with you all the time?"

She smiled, "for ma tacchi," she said and pointing to her high-heels.

"I see." Yeah, those don't look comfortable at all—Sexy though.

"Sei un boxer?" she inquired.

I laughed sheepishly, "Oh no, I'm just a student. I go to college."

She punched my arm, "College eh? Naughty boy," she said, pointing to my drink.

I laughed. "You think I'm not old enough to drink?"

She nodded. I laughed harder.

"My neighbor owns this club. He kept pestering me to come and check it out. So I finally did. It's not bad. Is it?"

"Ooh," She crooned, making fun of me. I wasn't sure what she grasped, but I could tell she had a good sense of humor.

"Sei," she pointed at me, "bello," she said and blushed.

"What does that mean?"

"Handsome," she whispered.

"Thanks. You are...bello too," I whispered back.

She grinned, "bello," she said, pointing at me, "bella," she said, pointing to herself.

"I see. Well, you are very bella." She smiled and kissed my cheek. Ah damn.

I leaned back, "I'm Nick. What's your name?"

"Adriana," she said, giving me her hand. I wanted to compliment on how sexy her name was but I fought the urge. She already thinks I'm flirting with her.

"How long are you in town for?" I asked.

"Due weeks," she said, holding two of her long sexy fingers.

"Cool." Sexy fingers? Yea, that's it. No more drinks for you buddy!

She leaned close, "forse possiamo... go sightseeing Chicago?"

"Oh, you want me to show the city?"

"Yes."

"I'm busy with school stuff right now," I said. "Maybe."

She beamed at me like I just promised her a kingdom, "Okay," she said, handing me her visiting card. "Sono in the Peninsula Hotel, call me, okay, college boy," she whispered.

"Dammi you numero," she said, looking at my phone.

"I'm not sure if—"

"Dammi," she said, grabbing my phone and called her cell from mine. Fuck it. Maybe we could be friends. I could use a distraction right now.

My phone vibrated, as soon as Adriana left. It was Stacy.

"Hello," I answered, hoping that whatever she has to say won't elevate my anger.

Stacy explained about what happened the other night. I could tell she was feeling bad already and the last thing she needed right now was me making her feel guiltier.

"Stacy, I think I overreacted earlier. I shouldn't have intervened."

"I should have explained to you everything, when you said you wanted to talk to me alone. I don't why I hesitated. Nick, Liz is—"

"Thanks for the call Stacy. I appreciate you taking the time to explain everything, even though you didn't have to. Take care," I said and hung-up. Hearing Liz's name ignited the anger. I couldn't believe the effect she had over my mood. I didn't like it. I needed to be in control.

***

I skipped the one class that I had to share with Liz on Tuesday and I avoided the food court, all together. I knew I was overreacting, especially since Liz didn't even call to apologize but I needed to be in control. Hell, she probably thinks I owe her an apology but she has no idea, how fucking wrong she is. I knew for sure that I'd lose it if saw her. So for now, my genius plan was to avoid her completely.

"Please tell me that you didn't get into a bar fight?" Siri asked.

"That's the best you could come up with?"

"How about a bare-knuckle boxing match in a dark alley?"

"Yeah, that sounds cool. Let's go with that," I said. She frowned. "It's nothing Siri. Little incident with my punching bag, I was too lazy to put on the gloves."

"Talking about lazy—do you want to study later?" We had a midterm the next day and I definitely needed her help.

"I thought you'd never ask. There is a lot I can teach you," I smirked.

"I'm sure you can but let's focus on the midterm for now."

"Ouch, that hurt. I WAS talking about the midterm, although—," she pinched my thigh, "—ow, I should have known you'd play dirty," I frowned, rubbing my thigh.

"Oh you poor baby," she laughed, "Sometimes looks can be deceiving."

"Looks? Whatever do you mean? You look like you can eat a whole damn turkey to me," I joked. She hit my bruised knuckles with her phone, "Ah damn," I screamed, and the entire class glanced back. It was a good thing the professor wasn't in the class yet. I frowned at her again. She kept giggling for the rest of the class.

"Let's go to my room," Siri said, as the class ended.

"Why don't we go to the library instead?" It would be lot easier to concentrate.

"Quit being a pussy Mr. Rocky," she said, with no hint of hesitation. She grabbed my arm and started walking—no, more like dragging my ass to her room.

"You are not planning on revenge, are you? I was just kidding earlier."

"Maybe," she smirked.

"Did I ever mention that you have a really cute butt," I joked.

"Too late," she said and stuck her tongue out at me.

Siri and I attacked Discrete Math, as soon as we got to her room. She didn't even break to change or snack. The "Eye of the tiger" soundtrack was the only thing missing in the background. I didn't complain. It was the perfect distraction I needed, to not think about the girl next door. Siri brought me up to speed in the first hour and we spent the next half hour or so quizzing each other.

"Want to watch a movie?" Siri asked, taking me by surprise. I was glad not to run into Liz so far but staying longer would mean pushing my luck. "Not that I find you irresistible or anything. I'm bored," she said, noticing my hesitation.

"Liar, I know you got my name tattooed somewhere," I tugged at the tail of her long black t-shirt that had a cute yellow smiley in the middle of her decent sized chest.

"You wish," she said and jumped off the couch. "I'll pick the movie. You order the pizza."

I gave her a pretend salute, "Yes ma'am."

Siri insisted on watching her favorite movie "Legends of the fall," when I told her that I had never seen it. She didn't hesitate to grab my arm and rest her head on my shoulder throughout the movie. At one point, when I tried moving slightly away from her, she instantly closed the gap moving closer. It was cute. She had a pleasant expression on her face, like she was holding on to a teddy bear or something fluffy. I had no idea why. Holding me, if anything, should feel more like holding a damn mannequin, not a freaking teddy bear. My self-image must be a lot different than what I seem to project. That would explain all the grabbing and hugging that I had been receiving lately.

To the end of the movie, I noticed tears dancing around the edges of Siri's glasses covered eyes. I patted her shoulder and whispered, "It's alright Siri, don't cry. I don't think it's Incest if you bang your brother's fiancé. It's not like they were married." She narrowed her eyes at me and moved to the far end of the couch but only to grab the remote and attack me. I manage to escape just in time and she chased me around the dorms. After a minute or so, she got tired and threw the remote at me. With my reflexes I could have had a cup of coffee before the remote reached me, but I stood still and it hit my forehead. I made an "ouch" sound with a fake painful expression on my face.

"That's for making fun of my favorite movie. Now let me take a look," she said, and got up on her tiptoes, with her gaze fixed on my forehead.

"Have I died and gone to heaven?" I chuckled, wrapping my arms around her waist.

Startled, she fell into me and for the first time, I noticed certain softness in her gaze, as if her eyes were trying to kiss me gently. "Your eyes have flecks of gold in them," I said. "I haven't noticed that before." Her glasses did a pretty good job of covering them most of the time. I kept staring into her eyes until she gulped and took a step back, regaining her balance. I tried to look away in haste and noticed Liz to the far end of the hallway. Mixed emotions surged through me—relief, desire, lust and anger. She was on the phone, being completely oblivious to her surroundings.

Siri followed my gaze and smiled. "Talk to her Nick. You can't keep avoiding her."

"I don't want to," I sighed.

"Would you talk to her if she apologized?" Her voice sounded shaky and her eyes were filled with concern. I wasn't sure if her concern was for me or Liz.

"It might be too late for that."

"What do you mean?"

"It wasn't a misunderstanding or a stupid fight Siri. She didn't even blink or hesitate when she... I don't want to talk about her."

Chapter 19

Liz

He didn't show up for class today and I didn't get to see him all day. Is he okay? When Stacy called him yesterday, she said he might have been in a club—based on the background music. But he told me that didn't like to go clubbing. Did he get drunk? Maybe he was looking for company. Did he find anyone? How did he become such a huge part of my life in so little time? Why does it feel like my whole world revolves around him? Maybe this was a mistake to begin with. Maybe he will call tonight.

I didn't see him the next day as well. I didn't share any classes with him on Wednesdays but that was never a problem before. We used to run into each other like four to five times a day. Even during that one week when I tried to avoid him, I saw him all the time. And now that I was dying to see him, he suddenly disappeared. What if our accidental encounters in the hallways weren't accidental at all? What if he went out of his way to see me? Should I get his schedule from Siri or should I give him space?

I used to love being a bookworm but not anymore. Grades didn't seem to matter. I didn't care about the midterms and I couldn't concentrate in class. He didn't show up for the only remaining class we shared this week. He obviously doesn't want to talk to me or see me. It's been three days since I've last seen him. Why does it feel like it's been three years? Maybe he has moved on. He wouldn't skip classes if he moved on though. Would he? Maybe he doesn't miss me as much as I do. If he doesn't call me tonight then...what am I going to do then? I need to do something. I can't sit around and wait until Monday to see if he shows up for class or not.

"He didn't call last night," I yelled.

"What? It's six in the morning Liz! Go back to bed," Stacy irked.

"I need to do something," I said. "But what am I going to do?"

"Is this about Nick?"

"No, I was wondering why John McCain chose Sarah Palin over me."

She burst out laughing to a point that she rolled off her bed.

"Sure, laugh over my misery."

"What do you have in mind?" Stacy inquired, as if I had a master plan.

"I want to talk to him."

"You haven't called him yet, have you?"

"No."

"Good. That should keep him guessing."

"Why is that good?"

"If it's bothering you, I'm sure it's bothering him as well."

"Should I call him then? Will he talk to me?"

"No, it's too late for phone calls. We should find out what we were dealing with."

"What do you mean?"

"Last I heard, he goes into hulk mode if someone mentions your name."

"Last I heard? You were the one who told me that! Do you think he is still mad at me?"

"That is what we need to find out. What about you? Are you mad at him?"

"No. I just want to talk to him."

"Okay, good. Now let's go find out if he is still mad or not," Stacy said, pointing to the adjacent room.

"I'm not sure if Siri will help us. I think she is mad at me."

"That's silly. She is trying to be a good friend or whatever. How can anyone be mad at you?" Stacy winked at me and left the room, to talk to Siri. "Yup, she is mad at you," she muttered with her head hung low, as she got back.

I sighed, "What do I do now?"

"Do you have any classes with him today?"

"No. I don't even know his schedule. Oh wait! He has that music class today."

"Okay, good, let's ambush him in the parking lot then," she squealed, clapping her hand.

***

We waited next to Nick's Audi, parked in the middle of the music department's parking lot. It was nearly five and I was starting to get nervous.

"Stacy, this feels so creepy, like we are trying to kidnap him or something."

"You'd be the cutest kidnapper ever," she laughed, "Didn't he pull the same thing on you though? It will be fine. Don't' worry."

"What if he ignores me? He could just drive away. I can't really stop him."

"Good point," Stacy said, and started bleeding air out of his car's rear right wheel.

"What are you doing? If he isn't already pissed at me, you just gave him a reason."

"You are right. Why don't you act like you were just walking by and you just happen to run into him. That way he won't suspect anything and you get your chance to talk."

"You are like the worst sidekick ever," I frowned at her.

She laughed, "Quick, let's go hide."

"Stop laughing Stace, he might hear you."

"You stop giggling then."

"I can't believe I agreed to do this. This is ridiculous."

"Is that him?" Stacy whispered, as someone kicked the building door open with his knee. It was Nick. But I almost didn't recognize him. He wore a long-sleeve chambray shirt and a half-zip pink summer sweater on top, with khakis and boots. As he got closer, my heart began to palpitate with nervous fear. He was holding the guitar strap over his left shoulder with his left hand and he held his phone with his right. He looked happy. Whoever he was talking to was making him laugh. "Eww, he looks like he is going to church or even worse a family dinner," Stacy said making a face. He looked ridiculously handsome to me. A lot different from his usual "fuck me" look. There were two other cars parked in the lot other than Nick's car but there weren't any people around. He held his phone with his shoulder and dug his keys out.

"Here we go," Stacy whispered. Nick unlocked the trunk and stowed his guitar inside.

"Go ahead sweetie," Stacy said, squeezing the top of my right shoulder gently.

"You say that you are in town for only two weeks and now you are telling me that you bought a car? Sounds fishy to me," Nick said and chuckled. His voice was clear, loud and playful. I didn't realize how much I missed it until I noticed all the fine hair on my arm stand. He was leaning against his car, still unaware of the flat tire. "Oh, you are close by then," he said. "No, I don't have any plans right now. Yes, I'll text you my co-ordinates."

"Liz, go on," Stacy said, nudging me.

I rehearsed this scenario plenty of times in my head the last few nights. In every single one of them, I run into his arms as soon as I see him, and he lifts me off the ground and spins me around. Cheesy, I know. But I didn't expect my feet to be grounded like they were right now.

"What should I say to him?" I mumbled.

"I don't know. Just talk to him Liz. He won't bite," Stacy said, in a tone that was vexed and slightly amused. She was right. What was I so scared of? I never should have let him walk out on me in the first place. Maybe I needed him more than he needed me, and maybe I loved him more than he loved me but that's okay, isn't it?

"Um, Stace, you need to let go of my arm," I said, turning to Stacy, who wasn't paying attention to me. I followed her gaze to see a red car, pulling towards Nick. It was a Ferrari, with Florida collector plates that read "F-FIFTY." The car stopped few feet away from Nick, and a tall brunette got out of the driver side, vertical door. She wore a black thigh-length skirt, a matching off-the-shoulder jumper and suede over-the-knee boots, which must have been hard to find since her legs seemed to go on and on. From where I stood I couldn't see her face clearly but I could tell she had a super sleek body, which one would only get by feeding on air—yes, nothing but air. She gave Nick a hug and a kiss on the cheek but he didn't kiss her back. His gaze was fixed on her car. I knew that he loved cars but I had never seen that look on his face. I could have sworn he was drooling and I wasn't the only one who noticed it. The girl dangled her car keys in front of him and he practically jumped like a dog to grab them. I wonder if I could hide a rotten salmon in that stupid car. See how much he likes it then.

"Please tell me that did not just happen," Stacy said, looking as dumbfounded as me when Nick drove out of the parking lot. "You know what we should do? Slash all his tires!" Stacy said and moved towards his car, determined. But I stopped her.

Chapter 20

Nick

Every minute of this entire week has been nothing less than a constant battle. What started out as a pleasant surprise, turned into a nightmare. Keeping cool and composed seemed impossible and I had to physically drain all my energy to keep my anger in check. But every time I tried to find a logical explanation for why Liz hasn't called yet, I lost it. The mental anguish was worse than the physical stress. I knew I needed to make peace with the fact that I might never speak to that stubborn women again but I couldn't. I had to give credit where it's owed though. I wasn't sure if she had broken as many phones as I did but the girl's resolve was definitely laudable—fatuous, but laudable.

I joined Dr. Oden's soaring club. He even let me take his glider for a spin. It was the most fun I had in a while and a welcome change. But the season was already close to an end and I needed to find a new distraction. You'd think that a smoking hot Italian chick would be a good enough distraction. Not to mention that the way she handles a stick shift would give a guy an undying boner for days. You'd be wrong.

"You like to dance?" Adriana inquired.

"Sorry, not really in the mood."

"You not like my party?"

"I do. But I'm more of a lay back, relax and watch kind a guy though," I lied.

I couldn't just say that the safety of a crowd seemed more comforting than to be alone with her. That it would not only render me transparent but also make things more complicated.

"Ti piace... watching, eh, naughty boy," she said and punched my arm playfully.

Adriana made her intentions clear tonight and they were far from platonic. There was nothing friendly about the way her long fingers kept lingering around my thigh or the lust behind her brown eyes. But she wasn't being insensitive or overly aggressive. In the past hour or so, she introduced me to three of her best friends, told me about her recent trips around the world, her hobbies and interests, and how she couldn't stop thinking about me all week. She was being patient and understanding, when all I did was respond with a customary smile. Honestly, I was flattered and if my heart was in the right place then...but it wasn't. I decided not to encourage her any further than I already did and she was sweet enough to give me a ride back to my car, despite my moodiness. I hated the guy I was turning into and I needed to put an end to the clamor. So I called Liz from the school parking lot.

"Hello," she answered, right after the first ring, as if she was right by her phone.

"Got a minute?" I asked, choking the flutter of emotions caused by the sweetness of her voice.

"Mm hmm," she said, meekly.

"I need to ask you a couple of questions if that's okay."

"I didn't mean what I said Nick."

"I see...well, WHY DIDN'T YOU CALL ME THEN?" I yelled. The pent-up frustration and anger just came out. I couldn't control myself. The anger was soon replaced by guilt, when I heard a sob. Fuck.

I sprinted to her dorm room as quickly as I could. My heart was pounding right out of my chest when I turned the door knob and nudged the door open. Liz leaped on to me, wrapping her legs around my waist and her arms around my neck, simultaneously. I shifted slightly, to regain balance and took a deep breath, as I embraced her back. Relief flooded through me, quickly followed by... another emotion, as her sweet and salty caramel-vanilla scent overwhelmed my senses. I missed her. I missed everything about her. The way she latched on to me like I was the only thing keeping her alive, I could tell that she missed me too. I kicked the door closed, behind me.

"Nick, I-I," she stuttered, as I walked to her bed slowly, still holding her.

I placed her gently on her bed, and kissed her. I couldn't resist licking her lower lip. She tasted delicious, like she always did. I didn't remember craving for anything more than that vanilla-mint cookie flavor of her lips.

"Is it alright, if we talk later?"

I missed her too much to stop right now. She nodded readily and I unleashed my passion for her as I reached for her lips, again. I needed her now more than I ever did and I gave in to my primal instincts. When I slid my tongue into her mouth, she gasped and began sucking my tongue with such intensity that soon there wasn't a speck of saliva left in my mouth. She was sucking me dry and leaving me breathless. The thoughts of her extreme sucking on my shaft, made my erection swell. I slid my hands down from her waist to cup her soft satin covered cheeks and pulled her closer, so she tell how excited I was to see her. She widened her legs in response and started to wiggle against me. A low growl escaped my mouth. I was hanging onto the thread between the pleasure, from the softness underneath me and the pain, from the constriction of my pants. I could feel the heat even through her clothing. She rubbed against me repeatedly, making me groan, but I needed more. With my lips still covering hers, I raised my body just enough to slid her jammies down. She moaned when my fingers trailed over her soft lacy panties. Her taste in lingerie was impeccable but right now I was too busy to admire them. Some other time perhaps! I slide my fingers into her panties and groaned at the touch of her warm, wetness. Wrenching from her lips, I whispered, "You are soaked babe. Damn, so fucking hot and wet." Her sex was dripping all over my fingers and the only thing I could think about was burying my face into her and let her ride my tongue. Sliding my fingers over her, I rubbed some of the wetness dripping from her tiny twat onto her clit. She cried out in pleasure and I slid two of my fingers inside her. It was incredibly arousing to watch her moan and cry in pleasure, as my fingers slid in and out of her. She arched further back and bit her lower lip when I increased the intensity and speed. The way her sexy curvaceous body reacted to touch of my fingers was driving me over the edge and I knew she was close to an orgasm when her body raffled. My heart thundered in my chest and I feared that I might explode. I couldn't wait to be balls deep inside her, and it was driving me insane.

She reached for my lips and crooned in my mouth, as her whole body trembled with my fingers still inside of her. "Oh baby," she gasped and began to ride my fingers in a way that I never knew was possible. "Oh god, I'm cuming Nick," she screamed and came beautifully all over my fingers. Her moaning subsided and she was still riding my fingers but a gentler pace, when we heard the door knock. Her body stiffened but she didn't move. "No," she snapped, when I pulled my fingers out of her.

"Don't you want to get the door?" I asked. She shook her head no and I couldn't help but laugh. "You wouldn't mind an audience when we do it? I have no intentions of keeping you quiet." She swallowed hard when she realized that I wasn't kidding. Her gaze tethered between my eyes and lips.

"Good, I want everyone to know that you are mine," she said. The salacity behind her licentious green eyes made them glow and I knew she wasn't kidding.

"Liz, are you alright?" Stacy shouted from outside the door.

"Don't move an inch. I'll be right back," Liz said. She rushed to the door, opened it just enough to pop her head out and whispered something to Stacy, while I admired her barely covered, heart shaped butt. It didn't take long before she twirled around, closing the door. She shot me a sexy smile before reaching the bed and jumped on top of me, straddling my hips. She grinned before reaching the end of her top and pulled it off in a slow, seductive manner. She was enjoying it as much as I did. I gasped at the sight of her midnight blue satin bra that matched her lacy panties. There was a cute bow in the center of her bra, making her look elegant and hot.

"I've got to admit Liz. Your taste in lingerie is flawless."

Her lips quirked into a grin, "Your turn," she said and unbuttoned my shirt in a flash.

Leaning down on to me, she brushed my lips with a soft, gentle kiss. The softness of her bra covered, perfectly round, breasts grazing my chest and her swollen lips lingering mine, made me feel like I was on cloud nine. My palms snaked around her long dark hair, trying to caress every inch of her creamy back. "Hmm...," she moaned softly as she nibbled on my lower lip, and her fingers skated down my abs, to reach the waist band of my pants. She unbuttoned and tugged to get them off. I clenched my hands to the sides and raised my hip to help her push my pants down. She licked my lips and ran her hand over the length of my erection, tracing the outline with her fingertips.

"You love teasing me, don't you?"

She smiled, "Mm-hmm, I love your body, every inch of it."

Her words pooled every last ounce of blood into my groin, almost to point of explosion. I grabbed her wrist before she reached into my briefs. She frowned and I rolled her over onto her back. I wanted to thrust into her, hard and fast but she wasn't ready for me yet.

"I need to taste you first," I said and her eyes widened to fill her face.

My hands skimmed down her waist onto her thighs. I kissed the wet spot on her warm cleft, from the top of her panties and she let a loud moan. I shifted further down, letting my hands slither down her soft legs until I grabbed both her ankles. I worked my way up this time, kissing and licking every inch of the skin between her toes and knees. Her moans got louder when I reached the top of her cleft. I slid her panties down, and tossed them away.

"You are so beautiful Snow, everywhere." The first sight of her beautiful glistening sex damn near made me cum. She quivered as I knelt between her folds, kissing and biting the inside of her thighs. I teased her unmercifully, denying my mouth to the place she needed it most. I knew I was pushing her to the brisk of her endurance when I kissed the area surrounding her swollen lips barely touching her clit.

"Nick, please, oh-god! Please stop teasing me," she pleaded. I pulled back with a sheepish smile and pushed her bra straps down. She threw her bra away in haste. I held her hard nipples between my fingers and licked the outline of her swollen outer lips slowly, gently, teasing her further. "You are killing me babe, oh god."

"Now you know what you do to me," I said. She was soaking wet and I loved the way she smelled. Without torturing her further I spread her lips gently with my fingers and I let my tongue disappear into her liquid warmth.

"Oh yes, god yes," she snarled. I couldn't describe her taste in words. All of a sudden, I was lost in an entirely new world. A world consumed by her sex and her soft thighs wrapped around my head. She tasted way better than I've ever imagined. Wanting more, I spread her lips wider and began to tongue fuck her. She fisted her hands into my hair and bucked against my face in response, "Yes baby! I'm going to cum. Oh god, I'm cuming," she shrieked, and started riding my tongue. Groaning and screaming my name, her body shuddered and she started Cumming on my tongue.

"Fuck babe, you taste delicious," I said and flicked her super sensitive clit with my tongue. I wanted to pleasure so much that my resolve and control overtook my salacious greed of being inside her.

"Oh Nick, oh-god Nick," she rambled, as I slipped two fingers into her, sliding in and out as I started to finger fuck her, again. I couldn't believe how tight and warm she was. I picked up my pace and the sounds of my fingers clutching in her dripping wet cleft filled the room. As soon as my thumb found her clit, "You are going to make me cum... again... yes baby right there... god yes!" She cried out in pleasure and panted for breath. I lifted her legs over my shoulder, flicked her clit, and began to suck and chew on it. Speeding up my penetration, and sucking her clit harder, I groaned. I couldn't believe how much I was enjoying this. Her body spasmed in response and she rode the waves of another intense orgasm. As she flooded on my fingers, her hips jerked and her head thrashed from side to side, "you are so good. You could do this for a living."

I smiled. "How do know that I don't?" I joked.

She grinned, covered my mouth with hers and began sucking my tongue like a freaking vacuum. "You really like how you taste, don't you?" I teased and she responded by pinching the top of my briefs. "Ouch," I frowned and got up. She giggled but her smile disappeared, as her gazed moved slowly down from my lips onto my lower abs onto my erection. I pushed my briefs down and she gulped. I loved her reaction and I couldn't wait any longer.

I wasted no time in positioning the tip of my cock on top of her soaking cleft. I groaned deeply, loving the sensation of this incredible woman under me. I slide my shaft teetering over her clit. Damn, the hardest erection I ever had was now sliding over her clit and her opening without entering her. She arched against me, "oh god, not again," she yelled out. I was not even inside her yet and was already more aroused than I ever was in my entire life. When she yelled out my name again, I knew Liz felt whatever this is that I feel for her. Was it love? Or was it lust and passion? Or maybe everything, but it just felt right when I placed my knob at her flooding entrance.

"Fuck," I growled loudly, when I realized that I wasn't wearing a condom. I've never had sex without a condom before and I wasn't sure if Liz was on the pill.

"Liz, I'm not wearing a—" was all I could say before she grabbed my ass and nudged me in. Oh shit.

"I'm on the pill. I don't want to wait any longer."

She was tight despite the multiple-orgasms but wet enough for the head to slide inside her puckered hole easily. I held still for a few seconds, letting her cleft adjust to my size. She breathed in little gasps and I felt her body relax and unwind under me. Her lips clenched and unclenched around my shaft while she moaned. "Hmm...take me baby," she said, as her lips quivered. I flexed my pulsing knob inside her and started thrusting her gently. As her tight hole caressed half the length of my dick like a velvet glove, I groaned in intense pleasure.

"So tight, damn... so good," I said, sliding into her, inch by inch.

She writhed, moving her hips to meet my short loving thrusts until I was completely inside her. "Oh god yes," she yelled and dug her nails deep into my ass. I groaned. My control snapped. The pleasure and pain from her nails raking my skin ignited a feral passion in me and I could feel my throbbing dick swell inside of her. Until that point my thrusts were gentle and shallow, but I couldn't hold back any longer. Pulling her legs up, I clasped her knees on to her soft round breasts.

"We will do sweet and slow next time Snow. I need you, I need you now," I groaned and my shallow loving thrusts turned into deep, frantic, pounding. Her eyes snapped on, glazing with desire and lust as they met mine. I held her gaze to fuel the relentless need burning inside me and picked up the pace.

Rolling her eyes to the ceiling, she grunted and rewarded me with sharper cries, "Oh god! That feels so good, don't stop baby, yes."

"You are on fire," I growled and rammed into her, over and over again, until her nails dig deeper into my taunt ass. "Fuck," I gnarled, and I wasn't sure if it was from pain or pleasure but if she kept clawing her nails into me like that, I wasn't going to last much longer.

I flipped her around in one smooth move, so she was on her knees now. "That's better," I howled in relief, gripping her long sexy hair into a ponytail with one hand and her hips with the other. I build up pace again pumping into her rhythmically. Her crimson ass cheeks rippled as they absorbed the shocks of my primal attacks and I looked down to watch my pride slide in and out of her. My hands were going to leave imprints on her sexy hips for days but damn, it was some view. Moments later, every fiber of my body could feel the heavenly sensation of her riding on a hurricane of an orgasm. It was absolutely amazing how I could feel it everywhere, when she came. I knew exactly how to make it last even longer for her. With one hand, I carefully separated her lips and pressed down gently, while my other hand toyed with her clit, spreading her cream all over her small hidden nub.

"Oh, dear lord, what are you—god, what are you doing to me?" she panted and her whole body shredded and trembled before she cried out so loud that I was sure the entire building must have heard her.

"Let yourself go babe, cum for me," I whispered in her ear, and leaned down to lick the side of her neck. I've been with women who had multiple orgasms but Liz... goddamn... her climax hit me like the freaking Niagara Falls.

She chanted my name, almost delirious and came so hard that I could feel the vibrations, originating deep inside her, rocketing up her ass, to her limbs and her entire body. I was a Nano second away from losing it when she looked over her shoulder at me with her hypnotizing eyes. It was as if she was trying to memorize the look on my face while I came and that thought drove me to the point of no return. I reached my peek, letting out a low, long grunt echoing hers and just before her orgasm subsided, my release blasted into her. Her tight sticky love hole milked every last drop of me and I knew there was no going back from here. She was mine. This moment, this feeling, I wanted it to last forever but even if it did end right now I'd have absolutely no regrets. Easing myself out of her, I laid her gently down on the bed, and collapsed.

I was beginning to wonder if she had passed out when she whimpered, "I thought I would die Nick. I couldn't stop cuming," she said. She was still catching her breath and her voice was slightly shaky. I chuckled in response, and she slapped my arm, "it's not funny. Seriously, how did you do that?"

"Oh that little stunt," I teased and kissed the back of her ear. "I had no idea my little Snow White was a freaking sex machine," I said and gathered her closer. She giggled as she felt my semi-erect dick on her ass cheek.

"You are amazing Nick, I don't know how I got so lucky." Her words made my heart smile. This was new. I realized that moment there is a hell lot of difference in pleasuring the woman you love and pleasuring just any woman.

Chapter 21

Liz

I woke up sore and baffled in the morning. My body ached, in a good way though, from muscles that I didn't know existed. Oh right. That wasn't a dream. Last night actually happened. Well that accounts for the sore part. What baffled me though was that I didn't remember waking up in the middle of the night. I actually got a good five to six hour sleep which was more than decent by my late standards. Maybe Nick could help me sleep this well every night? I smiled at the thought. I loved him and if last night was any indication, I'd say we both were on the same page. I needed to use the bathroom, so I quietly worked my way out of his grip.

I knew sex with Nick would be intense but last night, that wasn't just sex. It was like a symphony. My neighbors might use different terms to describe it, but wow, he surely was striking the right chords at the right time. My reflection in the mirror shocked me. Even I wouldn't do me right now. My hair was a mess, and my lower lip was bruised and swollen from where I'd bitten down on it, but there was something different about me. I had a weird glow that I've never seen before. I smiled and turned the shower on. The idea of waking Nick up to join me sounded fun, but he deserved sleep—heck, he earned it. After taking care of business and a nice relaxing shower, I got back to bed, but not before admiring the naked guy sprawled across my bed. Yeah, I just had sex with that guy. It wasn't fair how sexy he looked without making any effort. The bed sheet had fallen well below his waist exposing a hint of his sexy butt. Maybe I could take a picture of him this time? Why not?

I was tracing a rake-mark on his butt cheek, with cheeky smile on my face when Nick said, "the Snow White took my virginity," hazily, blinking the sleep from his groggy-eyes, "that's going to be the title of my biography."

My face flushed, "god, you are terrible," I slapped his butt jovially, "and a liar."

His smile faded and his intense peer-through-your-soul deep gaze that caused butterflies to flutter in my stomach was back. "I've never had sex without a condom Liz. Last night was—"

"Epic?"

"I was going to say that last night was the best night of my life," he grinned, "but sure epic sounds just as good." I liked his version much better. My lips parted to say something, something that I have been waiting to tell him all week. I love you Nick. But the words never left my mouth. He held my face gently in his palms and kissed my forehead before planting soft gentle kisses all over my face and then bit my cheek playfully, making me smile.

"Nick, I'm sorry that I didn't call you. Stacy and I have been best friends from the time we could crawl. She has—had an abusive father and I've seen her go through a lot over the years. I feel overprotective of her and I just freaked out." He nodded. "I wanted to call you but when you started avoiding me, I got scared. I didn't mean what I said Nick. How could you not know that? I couldn't digest the thought of you hating me and I was waiting for...I don't know what. May be a sign or perhaps, for you to calm down."

"I don't know why I let it bother me as much as it did, but, I had no idea about Stacy's past. If I'd known I might have acted differently," he said. "I apologize for avoiding you and for yelling at you."

I hugged him, resting my head on his chest, "I deserved that and probably a lot worse. I'm just lucky that I have the sweetest boyfriend ever," I said cheerfully, loving the sound of his heartbeat. It took me a moment to realize why his heart was beating faster and louder. I bit my tongue as soon as I realized it. Oh crap! I slipped the 'boyfriend' tag, didn't I? He probably thinks I'm some sort of clingy, weird girl. But we did have sex—hot, passionate and mind blowing sex, so maybe it's not half bad as it sounded?

He chuckled, "You are as stubborn as girlfriends get I guess. And a real pain in the butt." Did he just call me his girlfriend?

"You think I'm a pain in the butt?" I pouted and when I tried to get away he wrapped his heavy muscled arm around my waist, and pulled me into him with my back against him. His chin rested on my shoulder.

"Hmm...," he hummed into my ear.

"Nick?"

"Hmm..."

"Is this your first time spooning?"

"Hmm..."

"When you spoon with someone you should," I wiggled against his morning wood, "keep your man parts to yourself."

"You need to get used to it cause I'm never letting you go," he said, raising his head just enough to kiss my cheek and pulled me even closer in to his embrace. His words squeezed my heart. God, I love him.

"Nick?"

"Hmm..."

"Who was that girl?"

"Who?"

"How many girls were you talking to behind my back? I'm talking about the one with the Ferrari." Please tell me that she is your cousin.

He laughed. "You were stalking me?" Oh, you have no idea mister.

"Tell me Nick," I nagged.

"Adriana is a friend. You are not jealous. Are you?" A friend? She was definitely being very 'friendly' the other night. I don't like this. Not one bit.

"What? No, I was just curious," I lied, "So you haven't...you know, been with other girls this week?" He wouldn't. I'd kill him if he did.

"This week huh, let me think," he said and started finger counting. I frowned and he laughed, "No it's actually been a while since I've been with anyone."

"Good." I wanted to ask the details about his previous encounters and how long it's been since his last...but I didn't. I didn't even want to think about him being with other girls to be honest. The thought made me puke. "Are you mad about your car?"

"What do you mean?"

"The flat tire?"

"What flat tire?" Oh crap, he doesn't know yet.

"Oh! It's nothing. Are you hungry? Stacy and I usually go out for brunch every weekend."

"Sure, now tell me about the flat tire."

"Your car, I mean, the rear-right-tire of your car may or may not be flat."

"I see. And you may or may not have something to do with it?"

"Yes. Get dressed. Stace might be here soon."

Chapter 22

Nick

Liz frightened me out of my mind last night. I barely got any sleep. I think at one point she even kicked me in the shin. I could tell she was having a similar nightmare, like the one she had the night she slept over in my room. But I could make any damn sense of it. She didn't cry this time around but she kept saying that she wanted to see "them," whoever "they" were. It scared me to think that she might get these nightmares often. I needed to find out what's troubling her. Maybe Stacy could help...

"Jacob was just wow, I can't wait for the next part to come out," Stacy screeched. Apparently, Stacy and Siri went to the midnight premiere of the new Twilight movie, while Liz and I were busy.

"It's cute how you act like a thirteen year old whenever a new Twilight movie comes out," Liz teased.

"Staying eighteen forever...oh the possibilities, I would do anything," Stacy said.

"I would rather have a short, sweet life. One that doesn't involve a craving for blood," Liz said. A short, sweet life? What's that supposed to mean? She lied about the blood part though. She seemed to enjoy sucking the hell out of my bleeding lip—the bleeding of course was caused by her biting on it.

"Oh please, at least I'm not obsessed over super heroes," Stacy teased.

"Shut up Stacy!"

"She even had a cute blanky until last year," Stacy said, turning towards me. "I can't remember if it was Spiderman or Superman."

Liz glared at Stacy, "Stace, I'm going to kill you in your sleep."

"It's not like I told him about your super cute underwear collection."

Liz ducked and her face fell into her palms, "why don't you just kill me instead?" She mumbled, making Stacy laugh even harder.

"What kind of movies do you watch Nick?" Stacy inquired, biting a piece of her toast.

"I don't usually watch movies, not unless I have good company at least. I get antsy."

"You would rather jump off a plane, wouldn't you?" Stacy teased.

"Sounds fun," I said, taking a sip of my coffee.

"I hope you don't jump while you are actually piloting a plane," Liz joked, nervously.

"No, that wouldn't be very smart," I said. They traded glances. "I guess the secret is out. Huh?" They smiled.

"We hired a spy, flyboy. We know everything," Stacy said.

"Your spy wouldn't happen to be a short Indian girl? Would it?"

"Maybe," Stacy laughed.

"I hope she didn't charge you too much," I said. "Googling someone when you are sitting right next to them is not exactly spying."

"Being discreet is not one of her finer qualities," Liz agreed.

"So, did you kill anyone?" Stacy asked.

"Stacy!" Liz scolded her. "Sorry, she watches too many movies."

"It's alright. No, I'm not a fighter pilot. I was part of an MC-12 crew. We were involved in a lot of surveillance missions. I'd love to be a fighter pilot though."

"Oh, so you were like monitoring drones?" Stacy asked.

"We provided support for ground troops in Afghanistan. You know, give them a heads up if we notice anything suspicious, and keep them posted on what's up ahead. You are not far off though. Our plane could be handled remotely but most times the troops feel safer with an actual crew overhead."

"So you are like their guardian angel?"

I laughed.

"That sounds really cool Nick. So, what brings you back home?" Liz inquired.

"Yes Nick, what brings you back home," Stacy joined.

"Wow. Please don't be subtle," I said sarcastically. "Wouldn't want to spare my feelings now, would you?"

"Liz is scared of heights," Stacy blurted out.

"No I'm not," Liz snapped back, almost too soon, sounding very defensive.

"That's not necessarily bad," I said.

"What do you mean?" Stacy inquired.

"Say you are watching a horror movie. You are scared but you still do it, don't you? The challenge of overcoming a fear is always exciting and sometimes even thrilling and fun."

"Are you telling me that jumping thousands of feet off a moving plane is same as watching a horror movie?" Stacy joked.

"It's a bigger challenge obviously but so is the fun. Moreover, I'll be there to support her. Make her feel comfortable and safe and then push her of the moving plane," I said and winked at Liz. She snorted.

"Is that offer just for her? Or can anyone volunteer? I wouldn't mind being 'comforted,'" Stacy teased.

"Sure Stacy. You can volunteer, as soon as you show me how to change a tire."

"Oh come on, I'm too pretty to change a tire. You can't be serious," Stacy pouted.

Stacy turned to Liz. Liz shrugged. "I would have helped you out if you weren't so mean to me just now."

After brunch, Liz and Stacy drove me back to my car.

"I was only kidding Stacy," I said, when they were following me around.

"We can help," Liz said.

"No, it's fine. You girls can go do whatever it is that you do on Saturdays."

"Fine, call me," Liz smiled and kissed my cheek.

"I owe you one," Stacy said and winked.

***

It was nearly 6pm, when I woke up. I must have crashed real hard. I checked my phone to see two missed calls. Liz called an hour ago and so did dad. But he didn't leave me a message. I went down to the living room and found mom reading something on her iPad, a novel perhaps or maybe a cook book, I thought.

"Evening mom," I said, giving her a hug.

"I wasn't expecting to see you tonight," mom teased.

"The night is still young. Is dad home?"

Her face lit up like a thousand watt bulb. "Check by the pool," she said.

"Sure. Mom, do you guys ever go out? You know like on dates and stuff?"

"Yes honey. We go out. Mostly on Sundays though. I have my book club meeting on Saturdays."

"Your book club meets here?"

"Yes, would you like to stay honey?" She smirked.

"I'll take the chopstick in my eye instead, thank you," I joked.

She chortled, "Smart boy. Go on then, they will be here any minute."

"Cool, have fun mom."

Dad was sitting by the edge of the pool with a drink in one hand and his cellphone in the other. "Hi."

"Hello Nick," he smiled. "I hope you weren't busy."

"Not really. I was taking a nap."

"You want a beer?"

"No, I'm good. Thanks."

"So how is school? You were not mistaken for a teacher, I hope," he said and laughed at his own joke.

"That would have been really funny if I was going to high school dad. But I'm not."

"Have you made any friends?"

"Sure."

"Any tall Italian ones?"

"Are you spying on me?"

"Hardly," he said, handing me his phone. It had a tabloid article open, featuring a picture of Adriana and me from her party last night. In the picture, I was sitting on a tall stool next to a counter with a drink in my left hand and my right was on Adriana's waist. Adriana was standing between my legs, laughing her ass off. Her left hand was on my shoulder and her right was on my chest. Darn, I must have been drunker than I thought.

The headline read: "Alleged Connections: Nicholas Jones, only son of billionaire industrialists Michael and Stephanie Jones was seen last night with Adriana Lucé (loo-chay), daughter of the Lucé cartel." The article continued about dad's alleged connections with Vincent Lucé, Adriana's father, who apparently was the leader of the most dangerous and ruthless mob family in Chicago. It also said something about a sizzling chemistry between Adriana and Me.

"It says here that I look like Richard Gere from American Gigolo," I frowned, handing dad his phone back. He laughed for an entire minute, I checked.

"Is it true?" I asked.

"Vince is a friend of the family and a legitimate business man. These tabloids—"

"Friend of the family? What family dad? Do you have another family that I don't know about?"

"Nick, people don't get to where I am without making a few friends and... enemies along the way."

"Is that way I'm being followed everywhere I go?"

"Are you sure it's not the tabloids?" He joked.

"I didn't realize the tabloids carry Glocks and Rifles these days. But I'm new in town so what do I know."

"It's for your own protection Nick. They won't bother you. Like I said, you don't get to—"

"Where you are without making a few enemies," I said, finishing his sentence. "I get it. But I don't want to be a part of this...whatever you've become and I don't want anybody following me."

"Anything you say. Now about Vincent's daughter—"

"Sorry to disappoint you and your friend but we are just friends. I'm actually into someone else."

"Vincent won't be happy," he laughed. "Who is this other girl?"

"We met in the force. Hank is wonderful. I can't wait for you to meet him."

Dad spat out his drink.

"I'm kidding," I said, laughing at him. "But it's good to know that I have your support."

He gave me a wry smile, "you almost gave me a heart attack."

"Was the whole thing a setup? Did this Vincent guy make Adriana talk to me? She told me her father was into the pizza business."

Dad had the nerve to laugh. "Adriana lives with her mother in Italy, Nick. I didn't even know she was in town. I'm sure Vincent didn't know either. And yes, he does have a pizza business."

"I'm sure he does. Do we need really 24/7 protection? What's going on dad?"

"Chicago has changed a lot in the last couple of decades Nick. It's all about power and connections now. Everybody wants a piece of your profit and unless you know how to protect it you cannot survive."

"I get that. It's the same situation everywhere, not just in Chicago. I want you to be more specific. Have you received any threats?"

"Yes, in the past, but nothing to lose sleep over. I have everything under control."

"If having a small army follow your family around all the time is your definition of things under control, then I don't even want to know what happens when things get out of control."

After the longest and the weirdest conversation I ever had with my father, I called Liz.

"Hey you," Liz answered.

"Hey"

"What's your favorite ice cream flavor?"

"Ice cream? Ah... Rocky road."

"No way, come over, I got some."

"Sure."

Chapter 23

Liz

Half hour into the movie, Nick dug out a huge spoonful of ice cream, and inched it towards my mouth. I managed to fit almost the entire spoon in my mouth, but some of it dripped from the side of my lips onto my t-shirt. Wasn't intentional, I swear, but the look on his face, was priceless. I knew I was driving him wild, so I decided to up the ante. "Mm...Nick, this is so good," I moaned and licked my lips. His sparkling blue eyes glowered and I knew there was nothing decent going on in his head about my mouth right now. I liked it. He looked tense and distracted ever since he got here. I wasn't sure why but I knew I could change his mood. I did.

His gaze followed the cold trail left by the ice cream, "sorry about that, let me help you take it off," he said and tugged at the tail of my t-shirt. When he let go, my breasts bounced a little since I wasn't wearing a bra. Now that was intentional.

"How convenient," I said, teasing him.

When I got off the couch and stood in front of him, a rare bewilderment clouded his face. I smiled and reached the end of my t-shirt, still holding his gaze. Realizing what I was about to do next, his eyes widened and he swallowed hard. Watching his lewd eyes devour me was a huge turn on and I pulled my shirt up, slowly and seductively to reveal my breasts.

"Damn, babe...could you," he growled and his fists clenched. I know he wasn't finished, so I waited for him to continue, "Babe, could you please move so I can watch rest of the movie?" he teased. But the big fat bulge in his pants indicated that he was just a big fat liar and I threw my t-shirt at him. I loved his sense of humor. It made me feel comfortable around him, which in turn made me naughty. I would have never dreamt of standing half naked, hands on hips, in front of a guy but Nick, he unleashed this rebellious side of me with ease. He made me feel sexier and prettier than I ever felt. He crooked his index finger at me in the universal "come here" gesture and my heart raced. I stood still, shook my head sideways and bit my quivering lower lip waiting for his next move. He tried to get off the couch trying to reach me but I shoved him against it with my palms on his chest and I straddled his hips. If I let him take over, like last night, it was going to be completely one sided. He didn't play fair. I needed to be in control in order to focus on his pleasure. I've had more orgasms last night than I did my entire life and I was still aroused by the time we fell asleep exhausted. Not that I was complaining but I wanted to experience the satisfaction and thrill in taming and pleasuring this erotic beast of a man. I wanted to do things to him that no girl has ever done. I wanted to make him mine.

He tried to reach my mouth but I pulled back. I knew exactly what he was capable of doing with his tongue and I was not falling for it. Not yet.

"Your turn," I snarled and grabbed either side of his shirt. He glared at me and I realized at that moment that Nick doesn't like being told what to do. He craved control and liked being aggressive. But he needed to trust me completely if this was ever going to work. The fire in his eyes almost made me cum but I wasn't backing down from the staring contest. He eventually let me pull his shirt off. I smirked and my heart made a small victory dance, while my sex got wetter. I let my fingers linger on his perfectly chiseled chest. No matter how many times I've seen his body, I could never get used to how gorgeous he was. Every time I looked at him naked, it made me wonder if god was trying to show off his artistic abilities. I gawked at him one last time before working my way down his body. I licked and bit his neck gently and when I did the same to each of his nipples he groaned louder. I tried to mimic what he did to me last night and every erotic sound that escaped his lips turned me on further. I raised my hips and slipped down his legs till I was kneeling in front of him on the floor. I tugged at his belt buckle and his jaw tightened.

"Holy hell Snow, what are you up to now?"

"I want to taste you Nick."

"You are going to be the death of me," he rasped, helping me strip his pants and briefs off.

His cock juts out long and hard, and I get incredibly turned on knowing what I'm doing to him. I pushed him back to the seated position on the couch and gripped the base of his cock. "Ah fuck," he screamed and closed his eyes. My small hands made him look even bigger. I kissed the tip and licked up and down a vein that ran the length of his erection. I didn't have any experience giving blowjobs but I liked what I was doing so far. He responded to every infinitesimal shift in my position with sensual moans and groans and I tried to memorize the threshold points of his moans in order to assess the sensitivity. It doesn't hurt to know the precise locations of his weaknesses, does it? When I finally wrapped my mouth around his cock, he grunted out a breath and pushed my hair aside for a better view. It was a snug fit. I took a deep breath and started bobbing my head up and down, while stroking the bottom half with my hands. "That feels amazing Snow, ah fucking amazing," he gasped and his shaft got even bigger, stretching my mouth to its limit. Continuing to work on him with my hands and mouth, I added my tongue to the mix. He groaned and cursed as my tongue swirled around his shaft. I looked up to meet his gaze and wow, the intense look he gives me could melt a block of ice. His sexy moans, mingled with his taste and his exquisite smell, were driving me into my own orgasm and it wasn't just about pleasuring him anymore. I was enjoying this as much as he did. Moaning and humming with him in my mouth, I pick up speed. "Fuck! You need to stop babe or I'm going to explode in your mouth," he growled. I didn't even hesitate in shaking my head. I didn't want to stop. He pulled my hair up into a ponytail and nudged himself out of my mouth, making a popping sound.

"I'm not done with you dammit," I frowned. He leaned down, grabbed me by my waist and lifted me off the ground. I felt incredibly light in his arms and he eased my back onto the couch against his chest. We both glared into each other's eyes for a moment, panting for breath.

He rested his forehead against mine and finally broke the trance with his most charming smile, "how about we try slow and sensual this time?" I nodded wondering why he would even bother to seek my permission when his smile would make me do anything he wanted. He then kissed me. I knew how some guys didn't like to taste themselves but Nick seemed fine with it. Why wouldn't he be? He tasted pretty good. Maybe not as good as I did on his lips, ha—but still.

Nick started exploring every inch of my mouth with his tongue and I felt dizzy. He knew how to keep his tongue sensually soft and playful at the same time. I was savoring our slow, tender kiss and the bare sensation of my breasts rubbing on his chest, when he squeezed my ass. My eyes snapped open and I watched my shorts and panties slither down my legs. When did he unbutton my shorts? He broke the kiss and his lips found my breasts. He wasn't teasing me like the last night though. His tongue lingered and circled around my nipples delightfully and the way he sucked my breasts was satiating. His left hand caressed my other breast agonizingly slowly, and I moaned loving every delicious second of it. His right hand was... Hey! Where is his right hand? Uh oh! His right hand was fiddling with the ice cream container. "Nick—," I said and the blissful warmth of his mouth on my body was replaced by an icy cold tingling sensation, "—that tickles," I giggled, as his tongue chased down a melting glob of ice cream starting from my neck, onto the valley in between my breasts. He spilled another spoonful on to my belly button this time and he chased it down to my clit. "Ah...that feels so good babe... incredible," I half said, half groaned with intense pleasure.

He moaned, while he chewed and nibbled on my clit. A shiver ran through my body and it wasn't from the coolness of the ice cream. I screamed in pleasure, as Nick brought me close to release. "You've got a flawless body Miss. Collins. Now, show me how you touch that pretty clit of ours," he said. Has Nick always been a bad boy or did I bring it out of him? I was extremely turned on either way and I did as he instructed. "Yes, touch yourself Snow," he groaned, as his tongue entered me.

Oh god, his tongue. It took him only a few strokes to push me over the edge. I bucked against his face and came. I looked down to see my juices glistening over his gorgeous face and it was a sight to see. A sight I'd remember for a long-long time. But I was mad. He didn't let me finish him. Not fair. Gathering the rest of my energy, I got up and placed my knees on each side of his hips. Slightly startled, he moved parallel to me and now I was straddling his hips, again. I wasn't waiting for his approval this time. I grasped his erection, aligned it at my entrance and wiggled my way down to get his head in first, "Babe—," he grunted and then I slid further down, "—ah fuck."

"Uhhh...," I moaned when I finally had him where I needed him most. I was destined to keep him there as long as possible too. It took me a while to get all of him in but once I did, oh god, it felt amazing. I grunted and moaned, as my hips moved in a circular fashion to commemorate and prolong the completeness in my clutching passage.

"Fuck! I'm yours babe, every inch of my body belongs to you," he said, stealing the words right out of my mouth.

"You never had an option. I was going to make you mine no matter what."

"That's fucking hot. Keep talking like that and you are never leaving this room," he said and I covered his mouth with mine. I didn't realize that in this position, he filled me deeper than what we tried last night, stretching me beyond what I thought was possible. He let me set the pace though. His hands caressed and explored my bare back and I wrapped my arms around his neck. I slowly raised myself a little and then lowered on his rigid shaft again, then again, and again. I was riding him now and his hands rested on my hips, assisting me, as I raised myself higher and higher every single time I glide up and down his shaft. Another intense orgasm was just around the corner, creeping up on me, but as long as Nick let me stay in control I thought I could...

I had no idea how wrong I was. Nick was an addiction, a drug and I needed my fix. Even when I was full, oh so full, of him, I couldn't get enough of him. From the very first moment our eyes met, he had me under his spell. I was driving him as far up as I could get, almost until the head loomed out of my clenching lips, before thrusting my weight back down his shaft until my soft ass cheeks bounced against his braced legs.

Clawing at his chest I cried out, "I'm going to cum Nick, going to... oh god... cum."

"I'm almost there too, hang on a sec babe," he said and grabbed the upper slopes of my ass cheeks with both palms. He squeezed them before bucking his hips up into me with all might. When he began to tense and grew bigger inside me, I knew he was just as close as I was. I spread my knees apart wider, to grind him even deeper into me. The look on his face and thin line of sweat dripping off his sexy nick evoke a carnal craving in me and I bit his neck, hard. He growled like an animal and shook his head sharply. He grabbed my hips and our movements subsided, "Damn," huffed, "how could I ever make love to you if you keep doing that," he said.

"Then don't. Just fuck me!" I snarled back mad that he wasn't letting me move.

He stared at me for a moment and got off the couch holding my hips in place. I wrapped my legs around him for additional support. He looked really pissed and I knew I should be scared but I wasn't. I got even more excited. He was still inside me, snug and tight, when he walked us into the shower and shoved me against the wall. My head fell back and I moaned before he turned the shower on. The shower wasn't big enough for two people but with our bodies mingled like they were right now, we had just enough room. The water felt heavenly, soothing my warm skin and I let it run through my hair. When my head titled back in place to meet his gaze, my god, Nick got sexier somehow. His intense blue eyes got bluer and the water droplets dripped from his full lips on to his carved jaw. I tried to reach his mouth but my head rolled back involuntary as he flexed inside me and started pumping into me again. My eyes got teary and I panted as my whole body begged for a release. He gained speed and force with each thrust. I could see nerves bulging on his face, neck, and arms that weren't so apparent before. The one throbbing out of his neck caught my attention, luring me to bite it, again but I shrugged off the thought. I made a mental note that I should immediately stop reading those vampire novels. He kept slamming into my throbbing pussy and now I knew what he meant. He wasn't holding back and neither could I. "God Nick, don't ever stop! Baby, don't stop, I'm Cumming, yes, yes," I screamed and came, and came, orgasm after orgasm. "After" wouldn't make any sense since I had no idea when an orgasm ended and the next one began. It seemed like they were piling into one another. My body was impaled around his cock, and my pussy squelched with excitement.

"It's amazing how I feel it everywhere when you cum. I've never experienced that before. Baby, you are one... ah fuck... one hell of a woman. Fuck, I'm Cumming," he said and held me in his strong arms. I melted inside his embrace, as I rode on one final pleasure wave when I felt jets of his orgasm erupt inside me. I had no energy left but to clench and unclench my lips. He set me down gently when we were done and I turned in his arms with my back to his front. He grabbed the shower gel to help me wash off the stickiness from the ice cream and everything else. Once we dried off, he carried me to the bed. I made him wrap his arms around me and soon, I fell asleep exhausted.

***

Everywhere I look, it's dark. I don't remember where I am and or how I got here. I can feel my body and the solid ground underneath me but nothing else.

"It's just a dream."

Who was that? "Dad?" I yelled into the darkness. My heart raced and I ran to follow the voice, but it made no difference. I was exhausted and out of breath but still nowhere.

"I'm right here."

"Where-where are you?" I cried out and I started running again with tears in my eyes. My feet hurried until my body plunged off a cliff, or that's it felt like. I was falling helplessly and I flail my arms and legs until I realize that it's...useless, that I have nothing to hold on to.

"It's just a dream Snow. I'm right here."

The voice was clear now. It sounded familiar. I was not falling anymore. The only person who called me that was...Nick. I opened my eyes to the best feeling in the entire world, listening to Nick's heartbeat and the drops trickling down my face onto his chest weren't sweat, they were tears.

***

Now I know why.

"What was that?" Stacy inquired.

Crap, I said that out loud, didn't I?

Now I know why I've been able to sleep well only when Nick was around. He has been saving me from my nightmares. He is... my savior, my white night.

"Your what now?"

"I think I'm in love."

"Oh sweetie, that's just your libido talking."

"Maybe, do you think he is in love with me too?"

"You are not going to go psycho-needy-chick on him. Are you?"

"No, of course not," maybe just a little bit, "but hypothetically, how would I know?"

"Did he ever bring you flowers?"

"No."

"Did you guys go out on real dates?"

"Describe real."

"Did he ever compliment you on something that's not related to sex?"

"Maybe."

"Did he ever say that he misses you?"

"No."

"Is finding it hard to sleep without you next to him?"

"No."

"Buy you a present?"

"No."

"Laugh at your dumb jokes?"

"Hey!"

"Well?"

"No."

"Talk about where your relationship is heading?"

"Eww."

"Updated his Facebook status?"

"No."

"Had a phone conversation that lasted more than five minutes?"

"No."

"Show interest in your hobbies?"

"Even you don't show interest in my hobbies."

"I don't know. I'm not really good at these things."

"Why did you ask me all those questions then?"

"Cause' it's fun to mess with psycho-needy-chicks."

"I am not a psycho-needy-chick. You are so mean."

Stacy laughed, "You guys have known each other for what...two months now?"

"Yes, more or less. I see your point."

"Did you ask him about that size-zero-bitch?"

"I did 'Adriana is a friend' that's all he said. Why? Do you think I should be worried?"

"You don't have to get your panties in a twist. She could be just a friend like he said. Play it cool, if you can."

"I know how to play it cool."

"Sure you do. He is allowed to have a few friends babe. You have guy friends, don't you? "

"Not really, unless you count Breckon."

"The kid from across your street?"

"Yeah."

She laughed, "Does Nick have any guy friends at all? I've never seen him hangout with any guys."

"He talks to this one guy called Mark a lot. I think they are friends from boot camp."

"Is he hot?"

"Who? Mark? He looks like a slightly older version of Nick."

"Older...like big brother older or dad older?"

"Couple of year's maybe. I even heard Nick mention your name to Mark."

"Really?"

"Shhh...you'll wake him up."

Chapter 24

Nick

Fuck, I hit my head against the wall next to Liz's bed, again. She was sitting at the edge of the bed, staring at me when I woke up.

"I'm sorry babe, didn't mean to spook you."

"I hate this damn wall. Do you mind if I break it down?" I muttered, rubbing my head.

"I don't," she said, crawling on top of me. "But I think Siri might." She rested her head on my chest and ran her fingers indolently over my abs. "Nick?"

"Hmm..."

"Nothing, I just love calling your name."

"I think the entire building knows that by now."

She slapped my groin playfully, "Shut up. You are much prettier when you don't talk."

"Are you going to be in town for thanksgiving?"

"Yeah," she said and popped her head up clouding mine. Her long, tousled hair dangled over my face. "Too much travel for just one weekend." She sounded disappointed but her eyes didn't play along.

"Maybe we could go on a road trip."

She stroked her hair away from my face, "I can't. I already have plans."

"What plans?"

"I've been invited to a thanksgiving dinner."

"I see. What about Stacy?"

"She is spending thanksgiving with Siri. Later, all three of us are going to hit a few stores, cash in on some black Friday deals and then she is going to spend the rest of the weekend with Logan."

"Did you say she is spending the rest of the weekend with Logan?"

"Did I? Oh, I meant Logan from the X-Men. The wolverine! Yeah, she is going to the midnight premiere or whatever."

"Liz, it's okay. They don't need my permission to hangout."

"Oh, thank god. I told Stacy you would be cool with it. They've been spending a lot of time together lately and he is not that bad once you get to know him Nick. Maybe we could go on double dates and stuff. Wouldn't that be fun?"

"That might be a little too far."

"Oh."

"So, Stacy is spending thanksgiving with Siri?"

"Yeah, they are going to try and make a Tofurky."

"That sounds like...fun."

She laughed, "It's healthy."

"Everything is healthy if you know how to burn off the calories."

"You have no shame. Do you?"

I smiled. "Anyway, I guess it'll be just me and my charger then."

She made a low fake sobbing sound and pouted, "Are you serious?"

"Yeah, it's my thanksgiving tradition: a turkey sandwich on the road to nowhere."

I already knew Aunt Jane invited Liz for our family thanksgiving dinner. I was just messing with her.

"Nick, it's not funny. I even bought a dress."

Damn, is she kidding me with those eyes. "You did?"

"Yes you jerk," she said and tried to get away from me. I didn't let her.

"I'm sorry. I was just kidding."

"You do that a lot, you meanie."

"I know," I said and pulled her on top of me.

"Stacy is in the shower," she whispered.

"Good," I said grinning and slid my hands into the back of her jammies.

She moaned but quickly came back to her senses and jumped off the bed.

"How did you do that? You are like a freaking bunny."

She smiled, "Yoga. You still haven't invited me yet. I'm not going if you don't invite me."

I cleared my throat, "With nothing but love in my heart, I, Nicholas Thomas Jones invite you, Miss. Elizabeth...um—"

"You don't know my middle name, do you?"

"—Collins to honor me and my family with your gracious little butt at dinner in our humble abode on Thanksgiving Day."

Stacy laughed from the bathroom. "How charming," she shouted.

"I don't have a middle name," Liz grinned and kissed my cheek.

***

It was Thanksgiving Day and I couldn't be more excited. I even bought Liz a present. It wasn't just me though. For the last few years mom and Aunt Jane visited grandma for thanksgiving but since I was home this time around, mom decided to host. On top of that, everyone was excited to meet my friend.

"It's not fair Liz."

"What?"

"You look irresistible." Liz wore a printed silk dress, a long black cardigan and black suede pumps. Her dress was knee-length and short sleeved in a very elegant way but the abstract blue pattern on it made it look fun.

She gave me a lopsided smile. "Flattery is not going to get you anywhere mister. I'm fully aware of your intentions."

"You only think you do," I winked. She pinched my arm. "Hey, I'm driving."

Liz got a call on her cell. "Who is this?" She asked. Her face fell. She turned to me. "Nick, there is someone I have to meet. Could you drop me off at the Starbucks?"

"Sure, we can make a quick stop," I said, turning around.

"I'm not sure how long I'll be. Why don't you go ahead? I'll get a cab—"

"I'll wait."

Chapter 25

Liz

The Starbucks was mostly deserted when I entered. Jenny, the employee who I've grown quite accustomed to seeing daily, was behind the counter.

She smiled, "you look nice." I smiled back. "The usual?" She asked.

I nodded and she started making my 'Grande coffee-Frappuccino' with an extra shot of espresso. I didn't need the extra shot to be honest. I was sleeping fine the last few days. A strange, middle aged man in a suit waved at me and I waved back wondering if I knew him. He stood up and smiled when I approached him.

"Hello Elizabeth. Can I call you Elizabeth? Thanks for meeting me at such short notice. Please," he said, indicating to a chair in front of him. He had a slight New York accent.

"Hello."

He pulled out his badge, "special agent Neil Lewis," he said.

"FBI?"

"That's right."

"You said on the phone that you wanted to talk about my parent's murder. I'm sorry but you are mistaken. My parents died in a car accident, not a murder."

"Don't be so sure about that."

"What do you mean?"

He placed a folder down in front of me.

"What is this?" I asked, as I opened the folder impatiently. The first page was some kind of technical document. It listed the percentage of toxic substances in a gallon of some bottled water. Some of these toxic substances were industrial chemicals and others were byproducts that could cause cancer. "What is this?" I repeated but it was more of a rhetorical question than inquisitive. He was showing me something mom was working on.

"Your mother was working on this report before the incident."

"I can tell. Whoever consumes this water is at serious risk. What brand is it?"

"Krystal Spring."

"Krystal Spring? As in part of Jones International?"

I didn't like where this conversation was headed already.

"Yes."

"So it was you guys who stole mom's equipment and data from her lab?"

Laura, mom's office assistant told me that some cops confiscated all of mom's office equipment, files—everything.

"Yes, we had to. It was part of the evidence."

"Evidence for what?"

He turned couples of pages in the folder and showed me pictures related to my parent's accident. Pictures I've never seen before. A tear rolled down my cheek, I wiped it off.

"I'm sorry. I hadn't realized how hard this conversation must be for you. You must still be in grief," he said, patting my arm.

"Why are you showing me these pictures?" I asked.

He held up one of them, a picture of that damn spruce tree. "This tree did not fall on its own," he said. He held up another picture of the same tree but this one was zoomed in, to the end. You could clearly tell that a chainsaw did more than half of the damage. My chest tightened.

"If you think it's not an accident then why haven't you done something about it until now?"

"We wanted them to believe that they got away with it. Besides, all we had was circumstantial evidence. It's not enough to link Jones with the incident."

"So you guys are still working on the case? Is the investigation still going on? "

"Yes, we were waiting for them to slip up."

"Did they?"

"No, but they have cleaning up. They changed the source of the water from Juneau to Greenville and they have set new regulations to address the issues mentioned in this report."

"That's good news for their customers but what about my parents?"

"We have a few leads that we are following up but we are not any closer than we were."

"What leads?"

"I'm sorry I can't discuss those details—"

"Right, because it's an ongoing investigation. I get it. What I don't understand is why you are telling me all this? Why now? I would've been happier not knowing that my parent's accident was not really an accident and there is absolutely nothing I can do about it."

"We think you could help us."

"What are you suggesting?"

"How well do you know Nicholas Jones?"

I gulped, "quite well. Why? Do you think Nick is involved?"

"We have reason to believe so, yes. A traffic cam caught Nick not far from the scene of the accident. We checked the plates and it was a rental under Nick's name."

"That's not possible. You must have mistaken. There is got to be another explanation."

"We are not pointing any fingers Liz. But we also don't believe in coincidences," he said and busied himself with his phone for a minute. "This is Vincent Lucé," he showed me a mug shot of a scary looking guy on his phone, "he does most of Michael Jones's dirty work."

"Then why would Michael send Nick?"

"We suspect that they are both involved. Nick and Vincent."

"He looks scary. You have no evidence anything against this man too?"

He smiled, "He is the head of the most dangerous mob family in the state and no, we don't have anything concrete on him."

"There are mob families in Chicago?"

"Organized crime is a major issue in Chicago and the Lucé cartel is on the top of that list. You could help us bring him down."

"I don't understand. How can I help you?"

"Have you been to the Jones residence before?"

"Yes, one time. Why?"

"Are you planning to revisit anytime soon?"

"Why?"

"If you could help us monitor—"

"You want me to plant bugs in his house?" I shook my head, "You are good. This was never about my mom, was it? This was all about that mobster and the Jones. You guys saw me hanging out with Nick and all of a sudden my parent's death became an FBI investigation. How I'm I doing so far?" He didn't respond. "Yeah, I thought so."

"Elizabeth, sooner or later you'll need our help. Trust me it's good to have the FBI on your side," he said, as I started leaving.

"Thanks agent Lewis, I'll keep that in mind."

I find meaning in my life and somebody pisses on my parade. Why do I even bother? My grandma always said when life gives you lemons you should make lemonade. What if I don't want any more lemonade? I'm sick and tired of lemonade. What if my juicer broke and can't make any more freaking lemonade? I know, I should just cut the lemon in half and squirt lemon juice in life's eye. That'll teach the bitch a lesson.

"Good to go?" Nick smiled, opening his car door for me. I stared at him wondering if he really is the man I thought he was, the man I fell in love with or..."Why are staring at me like that?"

"Um—nothing, I need to go home Nick."

He looked affronted, "home as in Alaska or your dorm room?"

"Yes Seward."

"Did something happen?"

"It's a family emergency. I'll explain later."

"Do you want me to go with you?"

"No. I can't keep you from your family on thanksgiving and its best if I do this alone."

His expression turned ominous and his voice cold, "I understand."

I wanted to ask him what exactly did he "understand" but I quailed in fear instead. Was he just saying that to give me space? Does he think I'm bailing on him because I'm afraid of commitment? Or did he actually know what was going on?

"Liz, I know there is something bothering you," he said, cradling my face. "I've known for a while now and I hate it. I hate not knowing what it is. I hate feeling helpless. You do what you have to do but when you get back, I want to know everything. Okay?"

I nod. "Okay." He kissed my forehead in his warm, gentle manner.

Even if it is just a thought, a thought planted by the mere speculations of a shady FBI agent, the possibility of Nick's father or maybe even Nick behind my parent's death would torment me until I find the truth and I need to find it before my White Knight turned into Darth Vader and haunts my nightmares.

***

"Liz, did you know Siri is not allowed to date? Like she never ever had a boyfriend? Her parents believe in arranged marriage. How crazy is that?"

"No, I didn't know that Stace." That does explain why she never made a move on Nick.

"But her parents look happy. They had an arranged marriage too."

"That's nice."

"Wow, you sound really excited," Stacy said, sarcastically. "What's wrong? Is his family driving you nuts? Do you want me to pick you up? I can be there in a flash."

"I'm at the airport Stace."

"What are you doing at the airport?"

"Going home."

"What happened sweetie?"

"Nothing Stace, I just feel a little home sick and there are a few—um, financial things I need to take care of as well."

"Why didn't you tell me? I would have gone with you."

"I might be gone longer than the weekend. I don't want you to miss school."

"Oh, alright, call me as soon as you get there. Don't worry about school, I'll take notes. What about Nick? Is he pissed?"

"Yeah kind of, this could be my second strike."

Stacy laughed, "I'm sure he'll understand once he knows about your parents—"

"They are calling my name. I got to go. Later Stace."

Chapter 26

Nick

"Where is your friend?" Aunt Jane whispered.

I was in the living room watching football, catching up with grandpa, and desperately trying to avoid that exact conversation.

"Who?" I joked.

"You didn't forget to pick her up, did you?"

"No. She decided to go home."

Aunt Jane raised her eyebrow quizzically.

"Hey, I didn't do anything."

"Sure," she said giving me her "I know you" smile.

"That's kind a sexist Aunt Jane," I joked.

"What is?"

"To assume that it's always the man's fault, not matter what. That's sexist."

"That's not being sexist honey, that's just a fact."

Grandma and mom joined us, setting huge slices of pumpkin pie and cheese cake in front of us. I thought I was full after the best thanksgiving dinner I ever had but I hadn't unbuttoned my pants yet, so there was still room for desert...

The doorbell rang. "I'll get it," I said, wondering who it might be. "Dad?"

"Nick? What are you doing here? Didn't you go with your mother?"

He doesn't know. "Everyone is HERE dad."

"Oh! I thought—" I shook my head, "—I see."

"Come in."

"You know what? I just remembered this important meeting, yes a business meeting. I'll see you tonight son."

"No way dad," I said and grabbed his arm.

"Well, at least it was fun while it lasted," he said.

"Mom, my friend is finally here," I yelled.

Everybody came rushing to the door.

"Oh! Mike! You made it," grandma smiled and took dad's briefcase. "I'll set you a plate."

"Mike," grandpa said extending his hand.

"Ed."

It was the most awkward hand shake I've ever seen.

"Hello Mike," Aunt Jane said and smiled at dad.

"How are you Jane?"

"Good."

"Great."

Aunt Jane saw me snickering and punched my arm.

"Hey what was that for?" I asked.

"What?" She shot an innocent glance. "It wasn't me. Maybe your friend did it," she said.

Everybody laughed.

Chapter 27

Liz

Present Day

"I don't want to run Nick. If we run, we'll be suspects. I don't think he is really FBI. I think he lied to me. Besides, you need medical attention, immediately," I said.

He ran a hand through his wet hair and shot me a grim look. A look that said I was right. "Hold this door open," he said, letting go of the driver side door. He pulled out his phone and took as many pictures as he could. Then using his good arm and a bit of my help, he hauled Mr. Lewis over his shoulder in a fireman's carry.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Go unlock your door. Find me some rope and tape," he said. I ran ahead of him to unlock the front door of my house and waited for him to get inside. Nick hauled Mr. Lewis inside. "Basement?" He asked. I pointed to the door that leads to the basement and followed him down. My hands trembled when I handed him the rope and tape. I had no idea what Nick was planning to do with him but it seemed like he knew what he was doing.

"He'll be fine... for now," Nick said, after tying the final not.

I gulped and followed Nick to the front porch.

"I'm going to call this in and report—"

"But."

"—that the driver got away," he said. "You were in the lawn the entire time, staying low, like I asked you to. So, you didn't see anything."

"Got it, sorry."

***

"He took a bullet for you?" Aunt Sarah inquired.

Nick was in the emergency room. We were all waiting outside. Soon after Nick made the 911 call and reported the whole thing—except the part where the getaway driver who apparently fled the scene could be an FBI agent or that he is in my basement—Lt. Daniels and the paramedics arrived to the scene. They immediately brought Nick to the hospital. They took the shooter to a different medical center. I locked the house and jumped into the ambulance with Nick. I couldn't care less about the guy locked in the basement, Nick was all that mattered. I called my family soon as I reached the hospital. There was no way that I could hide something that big. The emergency siren's alerted the entire neighborhood. Sooner or later they would have find out what happened.

"Yes."

"Who is he again?"

"He is my boyfriend from college."

"Why didn't you tell us sweetie?"

"I wanted it to be a surprise."

"I'm not even sure if my husband would take a bullet for me," she said, still dazed.

"We both know I'm the better parent honey. Those kids need me," Uncle Ron joked. It was true. Uncle Ron was great with the kids. Aunt Sarah was a bit too gullible and naive for Baylor and Emily's evil genius charms. She also had a bit too many 'it's only wine' moments where she left the kids unsupervised. "Do you have any suspicions as to who it might be?" Uncle Sam inquired. He was the youngest of the three brothers, dad was the oldest and Uncle Ron was the middle one.

"No idea."

"Could be a robbery gone wrong. The house has been empty for a while now. Maybe you were in the wrong place at the wrong time? The thug might have panicked," Uncle Ron said. It was the only theory that made any kind of sense to him. He didn't know the entire story. "Has anything gone missing from the house?"

"No, don't think so," I said.

"I don't think there is anything valuable in there honey," Aunt Sarah said to Uncle Ron.

She was right. My parents had a very simplistic lifestyle, mostly because they were saving for my college fund.

"Don't you worry about a goddamn thing, we will get to the bottom of this," grandpa said.

"I'm not worried," I said, surprising everyone. The last thing I wanted my family to think that I was completely broken by this. I was fine, to be honest. I felt guilty for getting Nick shot but at least now I knew—knew for sure—that I could trust him no matter what. Does that make a horrible person? Other than a small bruise on my ass from when Nick tackled me, I was fine physically and mentally—I couldn't be better. I felt safer. I had a clear conscious that I had been craving all week and a new resolve.

"So what happened next?" Aunt Sarah inquired.

"Next?"

"Yeah, after he took a bullet for you," she repeated. She seemed to really like repeating that part and I knew that wouldn't be that last I heard of it. Not that I was complaining.

"Oh, nothing really, he chased after the car and shot its tire. The car flipped."

"Shut the front door," she exclaimed. "Who is this guy?"

"Does he always carry a gun with him?" Uncle Sam asked, with a look of total paranoia on his face. He was not the kind of guy who believed in violence, unlike my trigger happy grandpa. Grandpa always found a reason to point his shotgun at random strangers yelling "get off my property, you weasels." After what just happened god help those 'weasels' who would dare enter his property.

"If he uses it to protect my granddaughter, I don't care if he carries a goddamn rocket launcher," grandpa replied. I knew he would say something like that.

"Yes, we should be grateful that Nick was there," Uncle Ron agreed. "Not question him. We will have plenty of time to do that later, don't we Liz?" He joked.

I shook my head. Poor Nick. Taking the bullet was the easy part. He has no idea what he is in for.

"How long have you been seeing him?" Aunt Sarah asked.

"Two months."

"Two months and he takes a bullet for you. How long have we been married honey?"

Uncle Ron laughed, "Come to think, I'd rather take the bullet. You deal with the kids."

Nurse Mollie came to give us an update.

"Nothing to worry about," she said. "It's a flesh wound."

"Can I see him?"

"Sure honey but we can't allow all of you in at the same time. It's a small room."

"I understand. Thanks Mollie."

Chapter 28

Nick

"You need to stop with the staring thing," I said.

Liz smiled her heavenly angelic smile. Or it could have the painkillers, I couldn't tell. I smiled back. "How are you feeling?" She asked.

"Not bad." I tried to sit up and my bandaged arm stung like a mother—

"Does it hurt?"

"I'm fine. How long has it been since?" I asked.

"Close to three hours."

"What did they do with the shooter?"

"He is at a different medical center. They didn't reveal anything else yet."

The driver must be still alive. He might have some answers.

"Where do you think you are going?" The nurse asked as she entered the room.

"I need my phone."

"Why don't you just lie back down? We'll get you everything you need."

She told Liz where my belongings were kept. Liz nodded and left the room.

"How are you feeling?"

"Great, can't wait to get out of here."

"I bet you are. You are lucky there is no bone damage. But don't push your luck young man. You need rest. Let the wound heal." She asked me a few more questions, jotted down a few things and left. Liz came back with a small pouch that had my wallet and phone.

She handed me the pouch. "Are you going to call your family?"

"Why would I do that? I'm checking to see if I have any messages from Mark."

"Mark? Your buddy from boot camp?"

I laughed.

"What? I overheard you two talking a few times," she said.

"Mark was my superior back then. Buddy is not the word I would have used to describe him," I said. "But we've gotten close ever since he got out. Right now, he is an ex-Military, ex-FBI Merc with a lot of connections in very high places. Connections that would help us find why an FBI agent—or whoever the hell he is—tried to kill you. With any luck, the picture I sent him, might tell us who the shooter is as well."

"Wow. You are handy, aren't you? It's almost like you didn't just get shot," she joked.

"I've been through worse," I smiled. "I wouldn't say no to a nice sponge bath though."

She grinned, "You'd like that, wouldn't you? I'll call the nurse."

I grabbed her hand and pulled her towards me, "Hey."

"Hey yourself," she whispered.

"I missed you."

She smiled and kissed my forehead, "I," then my left cheek, "missed," and right cheek, "you," and finally my lips, "too."

"There is something I need to tell you Nick," she said.

I chuckled, couldn't help it. "No shit," I said. "About time you came clean. For all I know, you could be an international criminal on the run Liz, if that's even your real name."

She snorted, "Yes. I'm a Russian assassin. They call me the Black Widow."

"I could get into that. Isn't she the one wearing that jump suit? I'm not sure about the red hair, though."

She slapped my shoulder, "I'm serious."

"Alright, sorry, enlighten me."

"Remember on thanksgiving day when you drove me to the coffee shop?"

"Uh huh, you were meeting someone."

"Yes, I met him."

"The driver?"

"Yes, he told me his name was Mr. Neil Lewis and he was a federal agent. He also told me something so shocking that—"

"Lizzie, there's been a break-in at your house," a lady, who liked a typical soccer mom interrupted Liz.

Chapter 29

Liz

"Fuck," Nick cursed and jumped off the bed, heedless of his wound. He changed into to a pair of sweat pants and a hot pink t-shirt that I bought him from the hospital gift shop.

"Seriously? Pink?" He yelled.

"Hey, it looks good on you. You look like Ryan Gosling."

He shook his head at me and turned to Aunt Sarah. "Who told you about the break-in?"

"I was on the phone with Judy when she saw someone break-in and enter through the front door."

"Judy is my neighbor," I added.

He nodded and turned to Aunt Sarah again. "Are you still on the phone with her?"

"Yes."

"Ask her if she saw anyone come out yet."

He turned back to me, "Liz, we need a car."

"My family is right outside. We can borrow anybody's car."

"No, she says she didn't see anyone come out," Aunt Sarah said.

"Ask her if she can see any vehicle parked out front. Plates, descriptions—anything useful."

"Liz, what are you waiting for? Go, get the keys."

I hate it when he bosses me around like that. It wouldn't hurt to throw in a 'please' every now and then, would it? But I do owe him for saving my life...so we might be even now.

"Grandpa, can I borrow your truck?"

"Sure kiddo," grandpa said, handing me his keys. He looked at Nick who was now yelling at Judy on the phone. I bet he didn't even say please before confiscating Aunt Sarah's phone.

"What's going on?" Grandpa inquired. "Shouldn't he be in bed?"

"There's been a break-in," Aunt Sarah said.

"For Pete's sake, what's happening to this town? It might be better if you come live with us for a while Lizzie."

"That's very sweet of you grandpa, I would love to," I said.

Nick grabbed my arm and yanked me towards the exit, "let's go."

We got into grandpa's El-Camino and I gunned it. I didn't even wince. Meanwhile, I gave Nick the silent treatment.

"I can sense that you are mad at me but since that would be ridiculous, I'm just going to ignore you," Nick said.

"Of course I'm mad at you. Couldn't you be a little considerate back then?"

"Back where?"

"My entire family was waiting outside that room to meet you Nick. You didn't even bother to say hi."

"Are you out of your freaking mind?"

"Forget it."

By the time we reached my house, Lewis was already gone. It seemed liked he had external help.

"They took my rental," Nick sighed. "I need a drink."

"I need a new front door," I said.

"Look at it this way. If you don't have a front door then you don't have to worry about people breaking in," he joked.

"Have you always been this smart? Or is that something you picked up recently?"

"Was that a dig Miss. Collins? I'm impressed. Hey, wait a second."

"What?"

"Call the Lieutenant or whoever is at the medical center."

"Why?"

"To check the status of the shooter. Why else?"

"It wouldn't kill you to say 'please' every once in a while."

"CALL."

"Stop yelling."

"Well?" Nick asked.

"Un-freaking-believable, Lt. Daniels said the shooter—they identified him as ex-convict Chris Browney by the way—somehow managed to miraculously escape from the medical center. He was supposed to be in induced coma. Anyway, he wants to provide me security."

"I thought so," Nick said.

"You should have shot them while you had the chance," I said, frustrated with the whole situation.

Nick's reply was a long silent stare and a nod.

"Hey, I wasn't being serious. I don't want you to kill anyone."

"We'll see. You need more protection though. I could ask Mark to send guards but they won't be here until tomorrow."

"We could stay with my grandpa until this blows over. I don't need any other protection. Grandpa has an arsenal in his house."

"Or we could just go back to Chicago."

"You need to rest Nick. See, you are bleeding again."

"It's nothing—" he said, stepping away from me.

"Just don't. Don't say it's nothing. I'll kill you."

"They fixed it Liz. I'm fine now."

"Fixed it? What are you, the terminator? Let me see. Your bandage needs to be redone."

"I'm fine."

"Whatever. You are in no position to travel. We are staying in town for a few more days, whether you like it or not."

"We'll see."

"I'm going to shop for some pink t-shirts for you."

"Sure, when hell freezes over."

"Yay, this is going to be so much fun."

"I need my gun back."

"Buzz kill."

Chapter 30

Nick

"Do you like riddles?"

"Not really."

"Pete and Repete were sitting on a tree. Pete fell off. Who's left?"

"Don't you have a bed time or something?"

"You can't answer a question with another question."

"I'm an adult. Adults don't have such rules."

"Pete and Repete were sitting on a tree. Pete fell off. Who's left?"

"I'm not answering that."

"I'll ask you another one then."

"Sure."

"Ardon and Pardon were in a boat. Ardon drowned. Who survived?"

I shook my head smiling, "I'm not answering that either."

"Emily honey, don't bother him. Go play with your brother," Sarah said to Emily.

Emily smiled and ran to join his brother Baylor, who was playing a cards game with Liz.

"How are you doing on that beer? Can I get you another one?" Sarah asked.

"I'm good. Thanks Sarah."

"So, you and Lizzie, huh...?" Sarah laughed as if she made a joke.

I didn't think it was funny. "You don't seem convinced," I said.

"It's all a bit too—"

"Sudden?"

"Yes. She didn't mention a word until yesterday."

"It's not her fault. She didn't know I was coming. I should have given her a heads up."

"Oh no, I'm not blaming her. You two seem so wonderful and all. I was wondering why she had to hide you. That's all. Maybe she was protecting you from us," she joked.

Or maybe Liz never thought things would get so serious between us. Considering what she has been through for the past few months, it makes sense that she would want to take things slow.

"You should probably ask her that," I said.

"Oh trust me, I will." She laughed. "We are glad to have you though."

"I am as well."

"Can I ask you something Nick?"

"Sure."

"You are not after her money, are you?"

Money? I smiled, "Maybe I am."

"Don't take it the wrong way honey. It's not every day that you see a guy taking a bullet for his girlfriend."

"Dinner is ready," Liz's grandma, Marie, yelled from the kitchen. Liz dropped the cards in her hands and came to rescue me.

"Are you hungry?" She asked.

"Yes."

"You are in luck. My grandma is a very good cook."

"I can smell something good but I'm not sure what it is."

"Could be the salmon or the pasta salad or the spinach dip or—"

"Damn, now I'm starving."

She laughed, "Good."

"Do you guys always eat dinner together, with the entire family?"

"Not normally no. But tonight is special."

"Special?"

"For you, they want to get to know you."

"Actually, I'm not that hungry. I'm still full from that burger we had."

"That was," she leaned in, "four hours ago. Please play nice. If you do, I'll give something special for desert," she whispered and kissed my cheek. "Okay?" Damn.

So there I was sitting with Liz's entire family at the dinner table when Emily giggled, "Aunty kissed him," she said.

"Emily!" Sarah scolded her but not before laughing her ass off.

"Are you her boyfriend?" Emily asked me with her big round eyes.

"No, would you like to be my girlfriend?" I whispered.

She giggled and ran away, waving the apple slices in her hand.

"Are you two in the same major?" Ron, Sarah's husband asked Liz.

"I'm still undecided," Liz said. She turned to me, "so are you, right?"

I nodded.

"Oh, so you both are freshmen then?" Ron asked me.

I nodded again and suddenly everybody stared at me. I cleared my throat, "Yes. But I graduated from high school four years ago," I said.

"I thought so," Ron said. "I worked in construction for about five years before college. Sometimes we all need a little push, don't we?"

I smiled.

"Uncle Ron is an architect," Liz said. "He runs a construction business with Uncle Sam."

"Cool."

"Were you working in construction as well?" Ron asked.

"Not exactly," I replied.

"Nick was in the air force until few months ago. He was a pilot," Liz said, in a tone that almost sounded like she was gloating.

"You were?" Baylor and Jack, Liz's grandpa asked at the same time.

"Yes sir," I said to Jack and smiled at Baylor.

"Grandpa served in Vietnam," Liz added. "He was a pilot too."

"I know. I've had the pleasure of looking at a few pictures."

"Grandma, you didn't," Liz whined. Marie and I exchanged a smile.

"What's the matter Lizzie?" Marie asked.

"You didn't show him my pictures, did you?" Liz asked her Marie, worried.

"Only the cute ones," Marie said.

"Yes, only the cute ones," I repeated. Her face flushed.

Liz had braces and freckles in most of her high school pictures so I could tell why she wouldn't want me looking at them. I captured a few on my phone.

"That's an OH-6 chopper, isn't it sir?" I asked, pointing to a framed picture behind me. Jack was behind a mini-gun on an OH-6 chopper in that picture. He carried an M60 machine gun in the rest of them.

He laughed a bright, dreamy, you-took-me-back-to-the-memory-lane laugh. "Yes, as a matter of fact, it is. How'd you know?"

"I read that book "Low Level Hell" by Hugh Mills Jr. He—"

"Why'd you leave?" Ron cut me off, "If you don't mind me asking."

That was rude.

Liz shot me an apologizing look.

"To get commissioned," I said, still looking at Liz. "I needed a college degree to get commissioned."

"So you are planning to go back then?" Sarah asked.

What's up with the interrogation? Liz stared at me and I realized then that we haven't talked about this before. "I might," I said. "I've always wanted to be a fighter pilot. So, if I do clear the tests then yes, I might go back. It's either that or..." I looked at Baylor who was being surprisingly obedient and said, "Open an arcade store."

Baylor grinned from ear to ear, "No way," he said.

Chapter 31

Liz

"Hey Stace."

"Don't hey me. I've been waiting for your call. You better have a good reason."

"I do."

"Oh yeah? Let's hear it then."

"Someone tried to kill me and if it wasn't for Nick, I would've bitten the dust."

"OK, that might be valid reason."

I laughed, "It's been one heck of a day."

"What happened?"

"It's a long story, I'll explain later. How are you? How are things with Logan?"

"Are you freaking kidding me? You can't leave me hanging like that."

"It's slightly stressful to talk about Stace. I'll explain everything when I get back."

"So, he showed up, huh?" She asked, after a long pause.

"Yeah and guess what?"

"What?"

"He passed the test."

"No freaking way, he survived the Collins interrogation?"

"Yup, with flying colors. I knew grandpa would like him—"

"Cause of the airborne thing?"

"Yea that and they are both from another century. Did you know Nick reads Vietnam War books? Anyway, everybody else liked him too."

"Without your help? No cheat sheets?"

"Yup, they don't even know that he is loaded." Or that he might have mob connections.

"That's probably for the best. Your Aunt will start acting all weird or even worse, never let him leave," Stacy joked.

"I know."

"What about the little rascals? Did they give him a hard time?"

"He just helped me tuck the kids into bed."

"Oh my god, I hate him. Please tell me that he has some kind of hypnotic powers?"

"Emily started calling him Uncle."

"Get the fuck out. You are a sucker for that whole parenting thing, aren't you?"

"I might have considered having his babies, yes."

"What's he up to now?"

"He went to help Uncle Sam start a camp fire in our backyard."

"Smooth."

"I know, right? But—"

"But? I hope you are referring to his ass because I don't want to hear about any other—"

"He said something during dinner Stace. I can't wrap my mind around it."

"What did he say?"

"He wants to be a fighter part."

"He is planning to join the force after college?"

"Yes."

"That's like four years from now sweetie. Don't sweat it."

"I know but it seems like he's already made up his mind."

"What did I tell you?"

"I shouldn't worry too much about the future, live in the moment, savor every minute and connect with the energy around me."

"I didn't realize I sounded like Leo from 'That 70's show.'"

"You know I'm not cool enough to pull that off."

"OK, how about this. Just put a lid on it for now. We'll gang up on him, when you guys come back. Okay?"

"I can manage that. Thanks Stace. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Yeah-yeah, get your ass back soon."

Beyond exhausted, I step into the shower and let the hot water stinging on skin revive my energy. I caught glimpses of the backyard campfire from the window and I peeked out to see Nick sitting all by himself, cleaning his gun. Every now and then he twirled his gun like in the Wild West movies and I shook my head, smiling. Men and their stupid guns! He argued with the Chief for about an hour to get it back. Finally, when he threatened to sue the state because they let Chris Browney go, Chief gave it back. I washed myself before things got out of control and I did something stupid like invite him up to join me. Mom was the only one who was mature enough to have 'the talk' with me. As far as the rest of my family goes, I was the Virgin Mary. They'd have a heart attack if they catch me and Nick coming out of the shower.

"If you are not going to rest that arm then we'll have to chop it off," I said.

Nick turned around smiling, "I thought you dozed off."

"How could I go to bed without giving you a goodnight kiss?"

"I was actually hoping for a good night bang but I guess that's—"

"Eww, you actually get women to sleep with you with that language?"

He chuckled, "What language? Bang?"

"Stop saying that. Aren't you tired?"

"No."

"If you don't rest, we might have to stay in town longer."

"I don't mind," he said, hugging me from behind and resting his chin on my head. "I like it here."

"Oh my god," I teased. "My family go to you, didn't they?"

"I like this town as well. It's so—"

"Peaceful?"

"Yeah, it's like my grandpa's town but with better views and more water."

"More water?"

"He lives on a ranch, in Colorado."

I smiled. "You should be here in the summer. The weather is more forgiving and the day light lasts until midnight," I said.

"Cool," he said. "Liz, I'm sorry about your parents."

"Me too. I miss them," I said gazing into the fire. "Whenever mom worked late and it was dad's turn to cook, he used to make these huge burgers. He made them so greasy that god, if mom ever saw us eating those, she'd have a heart attack. We used to listen to Wilco, Radiohead and a few other alternative bands—mom hated them—while we ate in front of the campfire, which was also against mom's rules," I said, laughing.

"Wilco and Radiohead? Really?"

"Oh, I forgot. You are a purist," I teased. "Mom would have liked you."

"Your Aunt Sarah thinks I'm after your money, which I am by the way."

"I should have known."

"I'm amazed by how well you handled things Liz," he said, tightening his hug.

"Kicking you in my sleep helped."

He groaned. "You know, you can always take my parents if you want. The drugs, the alcohol, the late night parties," he said, shook his head dramatically, "they wouldn't let me have any of them."

"That must have been hard," I teased.

Nick was still smiling when his cell phone rang. He dug it out. "Mark," he said, putting it on speaker mode.

"About fucking time Sarge," Nick said. "What do you got?"

"Kasper, say hi to my friend Pablo," Mark said and second later, we heard a painful sob. "He is from Colombia." We heard something in Spanish and then we heard another sob. Then it hit me, Mark was torturing someone on the other end of the call.

Nick shook his head. "Sarge you bastard, don't make wait any longer."

"No more pleasantries I see. I'm just a cheap whore to you, aren't I?"

"Someone's grumpy," Nick teased. "Is it that time of the month again?"

I punched Nick's shoulder playfully. "Hey, I'm right here," I whispered.

"Yes it is," Mark laughed. "I need some chocolate, roses and oh, a nice bubble bath."

"What do you got Sarge?" Nick repeated.

"His name is Chris Browney, served 11 years for manslaughter and was released recently on parole," Mark said.

"We already know that," I whispered.

Nick put his finger on his lips gesturing me to be quiet. I frowned. How dare he?

"The driver is Albert Aniello aka Mr. Neil, aligned with Vincent-aka-Vinnie-Lucé of the Lucé cartel," Mark said.

"Vinnie fucking Lucé," Nick whispered. "Why am I not surprised."

Nick's dad ordered a hit on me? I shouldn't have skipped their thanksgiving dinner.

"Over the last decade, Mr. Neil's been charged with assault, battery, theft, and fuck, every possible offense you can think of Kasper," Mark said. "But get this, all the charges were dropped, every single time."

"Let me guess," Nick said. "Witness no show?"

"Yup. Guess he wanted to keep a close eye on this one...huh? See how it all went down."

"May be too close," Nick said, "too sloppy and too desperate. He thinks he is untouchable."

"Whatever the plan was, they sure as hell didn't factor you in," Mark said. "They don't call you Kasper for nothing, do they?—you sneaky bastard."

Nick's expression didn't smudge, "Keep him on your radar, Sarge. Let me know if you find anything else. I'll have a chat with Vinnie meanwhile. I think it's long overdue."

A long overdue chat, huh...? I wonder if they are going to talk about politics or sports.

"You got it," Mark said. "Tell me about this girl of yours."

Nick took his phone out of speaker mode and gave me an apologizing look before walking a few feet away from me. I couldn't hear the rest of their conversation but Nick was all smiles by the time he hung up. Girl of yours, I liked the sound of that.

"What did you talk about?" I asked.

"Nothing," he said. But before I could tease him, he quickly turned to aim his gun at a shadow in the dark. "Take another step and I'LL BLOW YOUR HEAD OFF!" Nick yelled.

"Whoa, Lizzie it's me Eric." I heard Eric's voice but couldn't see him in the dark.

"Relax Nick, I know him," I said.

Nick lowered his gun and Eric came to the light of the campfire.

"Hi Eric," I said and smiled at Eric. He looked terrified.

"Hi Liz," he said. "How are you? I heard what happened."

"I'm fine Eric. Thanks for asking."

He handed me a Tupperware container, "mom sent you a pie," he said.

"Pumpkin is my favorite, thank you. Your mom is awesome," I said, smiling.

Eric smiled back and glanced at Nick, who was glaring at him as if he was trying to scare him on purpose. "Nick!" I scolded.

He grinned, dug his phone out and walked far enough to allow me some privacy.

"So it's true," Eric said.

"What?"

"You hired a bodyguard."

"He is not my bodyguard. Why is it so hard for you to believe that I have a boyfriend?"

"It's not that I don't believe you. He is a bit too—"

"Too what Eric? Too good for me? Is that what you are saying?"

"No, I didn't mean that. Please don't be mad."

I laughed, "I was just pulling your leg, dude. Got you, didn't I?"

"You've changed Liz," he smiled. "You've become meaner."

"Thank you."

"Hey, if you are still looking for that Browney guy, I might know where he is."

I cocked my eyebrow, "You know this how?"

"Now you are just insulting me."

"Where is he Eric?"

"Slaughtered Lamb," he said.

"That's the creepy bar by your café? Isn't it?"

"One and the same."

"Nick!" I yelled for him.

"I'm not sure if they'll talk to your friend," Eric said.

"We'll see about that."

"Let me know," Nick said, now hanging up his phone. He turned to face Eric and me, "What's up?" he asked.

"Eric knows where Chris Browney might be," I said.

"Cool. Let's go," Nick said, casually, as if he'd been invited to a party.

***

Eric parked his truck a block away, just out of site of the bar. "I'll go check if he is inside," he said. Nick placed his hand on Eric's shoulder and stopped him.

"Does this place have a back door?" Nick asked.

Eric stared up at him for a second and nodded, "yes," he said and pointed to a dark alley that gave me the creeps, "through the alley."

"Wait here," Nick said and before Eric could argue, Nick handed him his gun. "Just in case," he said.

He turned to me and smiled, "please stay put."

I smiled back, "only because you said please."

Eric kept glancing back and forth between the gun in his hand and Nick, who now had disappeared into the alley.

"Do you think Chris Browney is still in there?" I asked.

"I heard that Tony, the bar owner and Chris Browney were cell mates in Palmer," Eric said. He released the clip, "my dad has this same gun," he said and smacked it back in.

Eric's dad was a National park ranger.

"So, you know how to use it then?" I teased.

"Better than you do," he said, sounding very defensive.

I shot him a look of mock hurt, "I'm a girl," I said.

"Can you cook?" He teased.

"I'm a white girl," I retorted.

We were both laughing when suddenly a man came crash through the bar's window out front, facing the street. Nick came out through the door, next to the window—which was now just a big whole with broken pieces of wood and glass—yelling, "Put it on my tab."

"Holy fuck," Eric muttered and hopped out of the truck, leaving me no choice but to follow him. Nick spat out some blood and grabbed the man—who looked like Chris Browney but it was hard to tell with all the blood—by the back of his shirt collar and his waist belt, and flung him into the garbage can around the corner. He glanced back at us and glared at Eric who froze in his tracks.

I gulped, "Eric, let's wait by the truck," I said.

"Good idea," he said.

We went back to the truck and watched Nick pound the living crap out of Chris. But it wasn't a mad bash. Each of Nick's strikes were precise and calculated, while the big scary ex-con was no better than a punching bag making wild swings at air. When Nick was finally satisfied with whatever Chris had to say, he came over to us.

"Could you call a cab Eric? I'll be right back," Nick said. "I need to settle my tab."

Eric turned to me, "A Taxi? What for?" He asked.

"No idea," I shrugged. "Just call the cab."

Nick put Chris Browney in the cab and told the driver to drop him off at the medical center. He also notified Lt. Daniels.

"That was awesome. Hey, man, give me five," Eric said, holding his hand up high. Nick stared at Eric's hand until he dropped it and took his gun back.

"So?" I asked Nick, as he got into the truck. He glanced towards Eric. "We can trust Eric," I said. Nick shook his head. "He's like family," I added.

"You want the good news or the bad news?" Nick asked.

"Um, the bad news?"

"There is a million dollar bounty on your head," Nick said, smiling.

"Whoa," Eric said.

"What's the good news?" I asked.

"I don't know who put that bounty and oh, Mr. Neil is an FBI informant," Nick said. "He was trying to keep his cover from being blown."

"By trying to get rid of me," I commented. "How is that the good news?"

"His cover is blown," Nick said. "We are not the only ones looking for him."

Oh boy...

"What happens to Browney?" Eric asked.

"He is going to find his ass back in prison," Nick said. "After confessing to everything."

"What if somebody reports you?" I asked Nick. "That was quite a display back there."

Nick smiled. "Unless you or Eric go behind my back, it's all taken care of."

"Who put a bounty on your head?" Eric asked me.

"That's the million dollar question, isn't it?" Nick and Eric both stared at me.

"It sounded a lot better in my head."

Chapter 32

Nick

I was sitting on the bed with my phone in my lap, going through Mr. Neil's phone records when she sneaked into the room.

"You still can't sleep?" Liz whispered.

"No, I think it's the meds."

"Aren't they supposed to help you sleep better?"

"They should, shouldn't they?"

"Have you been taking them?"

"Define taking?"

"Nick!"

"I'll be fine. Come here," I said, gesturing to the bed. "How are you doing?"

"Staying mad at you," she said, still standing near the door.

"You do that," I said. "Just come closer."

I sat on the edge of the bed and pulled her toward me.

"I'm sorry for getting you involved in this mess," I said, taking her hands in mine.

"You should be, for making my life so interesting. I miss being sad and depressing all the time," she said, sarcastically. I pushed her hands behind her back and kissed her.

"You don't play fair," she said and pushed me onto the bed, straddling me.

"I thought you were mad at me," I said, giving her a smug smile knowing that she could never stay mad at me.

"I am," she said and bit my lower lip.

"Don't toy with me woman. It's been more than a week," I growled, fighting my erection.

"Since what?" She laughed. "Since you were relieved? Oh, you poor baby!"

"It's not funny Liz. If it wasn't for the blood loss—" She shut me up with a kiss...a kiss that was so good it made her cry? I didn't get it either. "—I'll never let anything happen to you Liz."

She sniffed, "I know. I never should have doubted you in the first place," she said and nestled into my chest, wrapping my arm around her.

"Doubted me? What are you talking about?"

"My mom, she-she was a hydrologist," Liz stuttered.

"Yeah, Stacy mentioned."

"Mr. Neil showed me few documents that day. He said mom was working on something—some kind of report against Krystal Spring."

"Against dad's firm?"

"Yes," she said, softly. "He said my parent's death wasn't just an accident."

"He said my dad was behind your parent's death?"

"Yes, he said you were there."

What the fuck? I took a deep breath, "so that's how you knew that he knew he was lying. Right?" She didn't respond. I got off the bed. "Right?" I repeated.

She blinked, and another tear followed the trail left by the first one. "Not quite," she said.

Fuck, she actually believed this guy?

"I didn't know what to think. I was so confused and frustrated—"

"Have you seen this report before? Did your mom ever mention anything specific to my dad's firm?"

"No. I didn't even know about it until Thanksgiving Day. You see, mom never brought her work home. Whatever she was working on must have been in her lab. But Laura, mom's assistant, told me that mom's equipment—data and pretty much all her stuff was confiscated. She said some cops took away everything."

"Some cops?"

"Yeah, it was Neal. He took everything so I couldn't verify his story. But when I got the case files from the police, I knew he lied. The pictures of the accident that HE showed me weren't even close to the actual ones. He lied about everything so he could get me to spy behind your back Nick. He wanted me to plant bugs in your house."

"What the heck Liz? Why didn't you tell me about all this?"

"I'm sorry. I couldn't tell you because—now you know. What did you tell your family on thanksgiving? Did they ask about me?"

I raked my hair with both my hands and huffed. "When were you planning to tell me about all this?"

"I wasn't going to unless I had to. That's why I left Nick. I didn't want to believe Neil without some kind of proof," she said.

She is right. She had every reason not to tell me about this. She must have been terrified. But why does it feel like I've just been stabbed in the back?

"The case files proved that he was lying about the accident Liz. What about the report? There could be truth to that. How do you know for sure that me or my dad are not involved—"

"I trust you now."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Why? Because of what happened today? I would have done that for anybody. I'm a soldier Liz. It's like an instinctive reaction."

"I don't believe you. No matter who are, soldier or not, it's not an instinctive reaction to jump in front of a bullet."

"Happens all the time," I argued. "Turn on the news."

"I don't care. Nobody has ever done something like that for me. Ever!"

I waved my hand dismissively, "It's just some sort of hero-complex Liz. Trust me, it will wear off," I said. "I would have appreciated you telling me all this a little sooner though. Anytime today would have been just fine."

"It's not like you tell me everything. You never told me about the fighter pilot thing."

"Was I supposed to?"

"Yes, I think I have the right to know if my boyfriend is planning to kill himself."

"It's not the time or place to discuss that."

"You never open up Nick. What I know about you a week after we met is still the same now. I know nothing more."

"That's because there isn't a lot to know about. My dad sent me to a military boarding school when I was in fifth grade. It didn't take me long to discover my passion for flying and I trained hard to become the best pilot I could be. I always felt that the Air Force provided me with the best platform to utilize my skills and that's pretty much it."

She looked at me with sad, puppy eyes brimming with tears. "I'm so sorry Nick. That's so unfair. You've been deprived of love all your life. It's so...sad."

"Are you for real?"

"Beyond that tough exterior you are—"

"This is exactly why I didn't tell you. I knew you'd turn me into a fruitcake."

"Not a fruitcake," she sniffed, "More like an egg."

"Did you just call me an egg? Some people would be offended by that."

"If you want to rest your head in my lap and sleep for a while...I'd stroke your hair."

"What?"

"I said that out loud, didn't I?"

"I'm afraid so."

"The offer is still valid."

"I'm going to get you out of this mess first. After that we are going to spend some time apart." She made a face. "To think things through."

"Did you just dump me?"

"No. Nothing of that sort has been said or done."

"Why are talking like a lawyer then?"

"I'm not. I'm just—"

"Kiss me."

"No."

She smiled, "if you haven't dumped me then why can't you kiss me?"

"I'm not kidding Liz. Your life is at stake. We need to find out who put a bounty on your head. Now go, get some sleep. I need to check out a few things before bed."

"More the reason to kiss me," she said. "I might die any moment now."

"I-I need to brush my teeth," I stuttered. Seriously? That's the best you could come up with?

She laughed, "I'll wait."

"Fine," I said and kissed her on the cheek.

She snorted. "Who am I? Your mother? I need a hot, wet, kiss that will get me going," she said, licking her lips. "If you are not going to help then I'll have to take matters into my own hands. Mr. Gosling and a new set of batteries are waiting for me."

"I'm sure Mr. Gosling is more than capable to 'get you going,'" I said. "Now leave."

"Fine," she said and left, swaying her hips with more attitude and sass than anyone I've ever seen. She knew all too well the effect she had on me. Alright, focus, Nick. No, don't think about her masturbating. You have other stuff to worry about. Important stuff like...like...damn, I need a cold shower first.

Chapter 33

Liz

"He's being his usual jerk-ass-self. We are in the hospital right now, getting his bandage redone. He tore like five stitches in all of yesterday. How'd you know he got shot?"

"I didn't."

"Smart-ass."

Siri laughed. "When are you guys coming back?"

"Not sure. Are you worried about me or him?" I teased.

"Of course I'm worried about you Liz, worried about both of you."

"Uh huh, I don't believe a word you say anymore."

"What did I do?"

"Why didn't you tell me about the whole arranged marriage thing?"

"Oh that."

"Yes that."

"Well, it's not something to brag about. Is it? I was doomed the day I was born."

"What do you mean? Where you promised to some guy?"

"I was joking Liz. No, it's not half bad as it sounds. Made my life a lot less complicated to be honest. I don't have a thing to worry about. This way, my parents do all the hard work and they usually have higher requirements than we do: is he good-looking, does he have a decent job, does he come from a good family, nada, nada and finally, it's up to me to decide who I want to marry. It's not like going on a blind date Liz. The only disadvantage is that you don't get to have sex until you are married."

"That's a deal breaker right there. How would you know if you are compatible or not?"

"Meh, I think sex is overrated. More than half of the married couples I know, arranged or not, don't even have sex."

That's what I thought before I met Nick. "You make marriage sound so exciting," I said.

"I didn't mean you. I'm sure you will when you—"

"Don't even go there. You and your false hopes! Guys I know, run like it's nobody business when they hear the marital word. The prospect is like the "Voldemort" of their gender. You know what? If I'm thirty and still unmarried, could your parent's find me a guy? I wouldn't mind being setup then."

She laughed, "Sure."

"Try not to kill Stacy before I get there."

"I can't promise that. Ever since she started dating Logan—oh my god—she's been unbearable. They are so not right for each other."

"I know. Alright, flyboy here is arguing with the nurse again. I'll call you later Siri."

"What's the matter now?" I yelled at Nick, entering the room.

"He is blaming it on the type of the suture thread we use," nurse Mollie complained. "He wants me to use a better thread so that the stitches won't tear or stitch him up twice!"

I smiled. Nick managed to annoy one of the most composed and calmest persons I knew. I've never seen Mollie so angry before.

"Nick, would you stop acting like a grumpy old man?"

Nick snorted. "Whatever," he said, putting his shirt back on.

"Do you know where I can get one of those tranquilizer guns?" I whispered to Mollie.

She smiled. "I'm going to take the rest of the day off," she said. "You do whatever you want with him. Good luck."

"Nick, wait," I said, blocking him in the hallway to the exit. He stared me down with those big, blue, stormy eyes. Note to self: buy taller heels. "I know you are mad at me. But you need to take care of your arm Nick. If anything happens to you—"

He laid his huge hands on my shoulders, stared into my eyes deeply and said, "Liz."

"Yeah?"

"You—"

"Yeah?"

"—watch too much MTV," he teased.

I frowned and turned around. "I don't watch MTV," I lied. He doesn't need to know all my guilty pleasures.

"You don't?" He teased, following me.

I smiled and ran towards the exit but halted to a complete stop as soon as I got out. There were two big, stocky, men, dressed in vests standing in front of a black SUV.

***

It wasn't unmarked like the other car though. This one had rental stickers and plates and everything. When Nick arrived, the guy to the left came forward. "You Nick?" He asked.

"Yeah," Nick said, slowly pulling me behind him. His hand stayed folded behind his back, ready to grab his gun.

"Boss wants to meet you," the guy said, the jersey accent now more pronounced.

"Vincent?" Nick asked. "He's in town?"

"Yes, he is waiting for you at Tarentino's."

I smiled. Wow, an Italian restaurant of all places. Who would have guessed?

Nick nodded and turned to me. "Babe, go home. I'll be back soon."

"Boss wants to meet the girl too," the guy said. "Now, hurry up, we don't have all day."

"I change my mind," Nick retorted, taking a threating step forward. "Run back to your boss and tell him I'm busy."

The guy tightened his jaw, clearing feeling threatened by Nick.

"I know that restaurant Nick," I whispered. "It's the safest place in town."

"Listen to the girl. If we wanted to whack you, you'd be dead by now," the guy said, snickering at his own comment.

Nick growled, "I don't care Liz. I don't want you anywhere near these guys," he said.

The guy pulled out a gun from his vest pocket. "Enough. Let's go now," he ordered, motioning with his gun.

I've had enough too. I grabbed his gun, disassembled it and put the pieces back in his hand. I glared at Nick and stomped towards my truck. Sick and tired of these stupid men flashing their stupid guns around like they own the darn town!

"Are you coming or not?" I yelled at Nick.

Nick laughed, "You didn't say please," he said, closing the guy's dropped jaw. "She gets mad when you don't say please."

As he got into the truck, he stared at me, snickering. "What?" I asked. "I already told you. I don't like guns."

"I've never been more turned on in my entire life," Nick said.

"You are imagining me in some kind of Tomb Raider costume, aren't you?"

"Stop reading my mind," he laughed.

Won't kiss me...huh? We will see about that.

"What kinda business does your dad do with Vincent?" I asked. "Do I even want to know?"

"Guys like Vincent almost always have a lot of hot, unaccountable, inflow of cash. They can't hold on it for too long in case of—"

"FBI and all sorts of raids."

"Yeah, so they make investments."

"So they buy stocks? That's where your dad comes in?"

"You could say that, if they did it legally."

"Oh, so your dad is actually risking a lot by taking their money, isn't he? How does he benefit from all this? I'm sure that little bit of financial gain is not worth the risk."

"He—"

"Oh, I know," I said, cutting him off. "Vincent makes sure that the firm keeps making profits by any means necessary. So...the firm benefits from him and vice versa."

"It's not that simple Liz. Vincent can't control how and at what rate the firm makes their profits. But sure, he could help with small hindrances, I suppose. I'm sure there are other political reasons as well."

"Sometimes you sound really mature Nick, like you are way older than me or something."

"I am way older than you. My wisdom is—"

"Is not going to make you Yoda, a little more than three years," I said.

"Nerd," he teased.

"I heard you quoting Star Trek to Siri on more than one occasion."

"What? Not me. Do I look like a nerd to you?"

"I know you are. Don't worry, it only makes you sexier," I said. "Here we are." I pulled up into the restaurant's parking lot.

"Don't stop. Drive around the block."

"Why? Are we casing the joint so that we can rob it later?"

"Sure. Whatever rocks your boat honey," he said, sarcastically.

"Nick, do you dance?"

"What?"

"You heard me."

He shook his head, chuckling. "Can I get back to you on that?"

I shrugged.

"Alright," Nick said, as we finished casing the joint. "Including the two we came across earlier, Vincent has four armed guards in that restaurant."

"How do you know that?"

"I'm not done."

I frowned. "Sorry, go on."

"It's nothing I can't handle. But you need to be attentive. If I ask you to get down, you get down. If I ask you to run, you run. Got it?"

"I'm not going anywhere without you—"

"No questions asked! Got it?"

Wow, he is being totally serious right now.

"Okay."

"Good," Nick said, stashing his gun in the glove compartment. "Let's get this over with."

Tarentino's was one of the nicer restaurants in town, with great ambience and all but the food wasn't worth the price. One of Vincent's men frisked Nick at the entrance and when he turned to me, Nick growled. "Lay a finger on her and you'll regret being born," he said. I was pretty darn sure, he meant it too. The guy backed off and led us to Vincent, who was busy twirling his pasta.

Nick drew attention no more where he went. Guys like him could never keep it on the down-low, they just couldn't. Almost everyone in the restaurant was glancing at him and soon, so did Vincent. He stood up with a big smile and extended his arm. "Nicky, finally, it's good to meet you in person. I've heard a lot about you," he said, with one of the thickest jersey accents I've heard. He was stockier than the mug shot Neil showed me and considerably shorter than I imagined he would be. I thought he'd be more like Tony Soprano but he kinda looked like George Costanza. Nick returned his handshake with a nod and the slightest of smiles. "Your old man is very proud of you kid. He never shuts up about you," Vincent added and turned to me. "Is she the girl you chose over my daughter?" he asked Nick, still looking at me.

Whoa, what? Chosen over her daughter? What is he talking about?

Nick laughed, "Adriana looks nothing like you," he said. "She must have taken after her mother...huh?"

Vincent laughed as well despite the obvious insult, "Lucky for her," he said and clapped his hands once. A waitress showed up, looking real nervous.

"We just ate," Nick lied. He said he was starving when we were at the hospital not long ago. But I had a feeling that Nick wasn't the kind of guy who ate with Vincent. I wouldn't blame him.

Vincent ordered the waitress to clear the table but I noticed how he never asked for the check. Bullying bastard, I thought. Nick scowled. He must have noticed it too.

"You didn't have to come all the way up here to see me Vincent," Nick said sarcastically.

"How could I not," Vincent said. "I heard about the friggin' shooting and I made it my top priority. How is your arm?"

"Just a scratch," Nick said.

Vincent shook his head. "Your father is like a brother to me kid. If anything would have happened to you, I'd never be able to look him in the eye again. I'm going to find that rat bastard and personally serve his head on a silver platter for what he did to you."

I actually believed him. When Vincent used it, the "head on a silver platter" expression had more kick to it.

"You wouldn't happen to know, who put a bounty on my girlfriend's head, would you?" Nick asked.

"I heard about that," Vincent said, staring at me. "Don't worry about it. You two concentrate on your studies—"

Nick got up and turned, ready to walk out but one of Vincent's guards blocked him.

"Vincent, get your dog out of my face before I shove his shiny teeth down his throat."

Vincent looked as stunned as I was by Nick's outrage. The guard didn't take the "dog" comment very well and threw a punch at Nick but Nick blocked his punch with a punch of his own. Neither of them wore any rings but I heard a distinct bone-breaking crunch and it couldn't have been from Nick's hand, because he was still handing. The rest of Vincent's men drew their guns and everyone in the restaurant was staring at Nick. Nick twirled back to face Vincent, placed his hands on the table and stared him down. Good, it's not just me then. Nick likes to stare everybody down.

"If you think I actually believed that crap you just told me then —," Nick shook his head and turned to me. "Let's go babe. We are done here," he said, taking my hand.

I got up and just when we were about to walk out of the restaurant, I heard Vincent call from behind us. "Wait!" But Nick didn't stop until we reached my truck. He grabbed his gun from the glove compartment and hid it behind his back.

"How did you know he was lying?" I asked Nick, as we pulled out of the parking space.

"He's got a tell," Nick said.

"Like a poker tell?" I asked.

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure he already found Neil."

"Nicky," Vincent and his men blocked us from leaving the parking lot. Nick's arm disappeared behind his back. I gulped. Oh shit, this is it. This is how I'm going to die.

"I already clipped that rat bastard," Vincent said. "And the friggin' feds are all over my ass kid. So forgive me for being extra careful. You don't how it feels when your own family stabs you in the back."

"You got nothing to do with the bounty?" Nick asked.

"I swear on my dead mother's grave," Vincent said. "Look, I got no beef with you and I couldn't care less about your girlfriend."

How charming.

He came closer to us. "The feds are going to talk to you and your girlfriend. I hope I can count on you both," he whispered.

Nick shrugged.

"Nicky, your dad doesn't need to about any of this, does he?"

Holy fucking crap, Vinnie-freaking-Lucé is scared of Nick's dad? It keeps gets better and better. Nick didn't respond, he kept staring at Vincent. He is really good at the staring thing, very intimidating. No, it doesn't work on me, ha-ha. "I'll find out whoever the fuck—"

"You've already done enough," Nick said, cutting Vincent off. "Just stay out of it. This is precisely why I never wanted anything to do my dad's business or you. I'll handle it."

Vincent nodded. "Give me a call if you need anything kid," he said.

Nick and I left.

***

"Nick?"

"No, I don't think it's my dad," Nick said. "No motive."

"I never said that," I said, biting my lip. "I found out what mom was working on before the accident. It has nothing to do your firm or your dad. She was working with Marianne— she is a journalist—on an article related to our town's recycling system."

He nodded.

"Maybe it's just a rumor. Maybe Mr. Neil spread it just to mess with me. You know, so I'd do what he asked me to do. Go to the feds or whatever."

"Maybe," Nick said. "Do you want to go to the feds?"

"What? No. They'll put me in witness protection. I'll never see my family again."

I'll never see you again.

"Probably," Nick said. "All this cause' you couldn't resist my charms."

"You practically begged me to go out with you," I teased.

"I see. I begged you and you took pity on me?" He laughed.

"Yeah, more or less."

"How generous of you Miss. Collins, how very generous of you," he said, still laughing.

"Don't you ever forget that," I said, smiling. "Nick, maybe we are looking at this all wrong. What if it has nothing to do with you? What if it's one of my enemies?" I asked.

He laughed, "One of your enemies? Who might that be?"

I frowned. "I know it's hard for you to believe but there are people who don't like me."

"Who?" He repeated.

"How about everyone I went to high school with? Except Eric and Stace."

He covered his mouth with his hand to stifle the laughter.

I frowned at him, again. "I'm being serious here."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to insult you. I'm sure you were a badass bitch in high school. Having said that if you really think there is someone out there who is willing to spend a million dollars to get rid of you, then yes, give me the name, I'll check it out."

I snorted. "No, probably not."

"I have a plan," Nick said. "But I'm not sure you are going to like it."

"I don't really care. As long as you or anyone close to me doesn't get hurt, I don't care what it is."

"Hold on to that thought. Keep acting brave," he said and pulled out his phone.

He called Mark and put it on speaker.

"Sarge, you wanna make a quick buck."

"Kasper, if you think you can charm me into bed with your smooth talk—"

"It's a million, give or take."

"My safe word is peach."

I shook my head. There is something seriously wrong with these two.

"Peach? Seriously? I don't even know what to say to that."

Me neither.

"Who's the target?"

"My girlfriend, Liz."

Whoa, what?

"Trouble in paradise?"

"Yea, I'm thinking car bomb."

Mark laughed. "What'd she do Kasper?

"There is only so much shin-kicking a man can take."

"Can't argue with that."

I kicked him in the shin.

"Ouch," Nick whispered. "Yea, set things in motion, Sarge."

"It's not Vinnie. Is it?"

"Yup, that was a dead end."

"I'm not going to say 'I told you so' but—"

"You are still going to say it."

"Yea," Mark laughed, "I told you so."

"Have you given anymore thought to my offer Kasper?"

"No," Nick huffed. "I thought I had four years to consider it."

"Just checking," Mark said, before hanging up.

"What offer?" I asked.

"To work with his team. Ever since that last mission, he—"

"What last mission? Weren't you in Afghanistan until you moved to Chicago?"

"I went to see Mark after I got out. He was in Brazil. Said he could use a little help with a couple of rescue missions. I pitched in."

"What kind of rescue—"

"Human trafficking," he said with a bitter tone in his voice.

"So you were in brazil during my parent's accident?"

He nodded. I knew he had nothing to do with my parent's death. Well, I was 99% sure.

"Are you going to join him?"

"I haven't really thought about it."

"If you become a Merc then I could probably hire you right? Like my bodyguard."

"Are you planning to get into trouble?"

"Maybe," I smiled. "If I have to."

"So that's the part that got your attention...huh, his offer."

"I understand the rest," I shrugged. "You guys are going to fake my death so whoever is behind this—the handler—would eventually show up, to pay the bounty or whatever."

"Pretty much," he said, slightly dazed.

"I watch a lot of shows Nick," I said, as if that would explain my insanity. "I don't have a problem with the plan as long as my family is not involved."

"Hmm..."

"I need your word. There is no way I'm agreeing to this if not."

"How long is the drive from here to Chicago?"

"In this weather? A week, at least."

"Perfect," he said.

Chapter 34

Nick

"I didn't know it was going to my truck. Can't we use a rental car or something?"

"I'm afraid not. Mark's instructions were clear."

"But it's my...," Liz broke off, without finishing her sentence.

Ah, fuck. "I'm sorry Liz. I didn't realize. Do you want me to call it off?" It must have been her dad's truck. I should have known.

"It's okay," she said. "It was a long time ago."

Long time ago? It's only been a few months. I've seen grown men pissing their lives away when they lose somebody so close. But Liz, damn, she is so brave and so strong. She has already moved on.

"It was prom night," she said.

That's just cruel.

"Eric was so nervous," she said. "He was shivering."

The news must have shaken him pretty bad. Not everyone could be as brave as Liz, that's for sure. I can't even imagine losing my parents.

"It's not too late to call it off Liz," I said, holding her hand.

"No, it's okay. Besides, I have you."

She is gonna make me cry now. "I can't imagine how hard it must have been," I said.

"It was awkward, you know and I was really scared. There was bleeding and—"

"I understand."

"How was it for you?"

"For me?"

"How old where you when you lost it?"

"Lost what?"

"Your virginity."

"What the fuck?"

"That bad, huh? It's okay. You don't have to tell me."

"You lost your virginity in this truck? With Eric? That clown? That's what upsetting you?"

"Yeah, what did you think I was talking about?"

"Not a bloody thing. Yea, I'm afraid it's too late now. This truck is going to burn, burn like the Fourth of July."

***

"Nick, I think someone's following us."

"If you are referring to the black Pontiac sedan then yes, I've noticed."

"Do you know who it is?"

"No. But I figured someone wearing a hat and shades—the world's most obvious disguise—is not much of a threat."

"How long has he been following us?"

"From the start."

"He's been following us from seven hours and you don't think he is a threat?"

"Well, you kinda dozed off and I needed a little entertainment so I've been playing hide and seek with him."

"You see this little instrument right here?" She said, pointing to the car radio. "Normal people use this for entertainment. They don't play hide and seek with someone who is trying to kill them!"

I smiled. "Relax. I've texted his plates to Mark's security team already. I'm waiting for them to get back to me. Besides, this could be a good thing."

"A good thing? Would you care to explain?"

"He could lead us to the handler. We might not have to kill you then."

"The handler," she smiled. "And I'm the target. I feel like I'm in a movie. Gosh, my life's been so exciting ever since I met you," she said. I wasn't sure if she was being sarcastic. "I should see a shrink, they said. All I need was you. You are like my perfect distraction."

"You never saw a shrink after the incident?"

"No, why? Do you think I should?"

"I thought girls love to talk. You realize that a shrink is someone who gets paid to listen to you, right? No matter what you have to say—"

"When you put it like that then no, it doesn't sound so bad. Hey, do you think I'm talkative?"

"No, of course not," I smiled. Phew, dodged that one. Close call, though.

"Do you know any car games?"

"Yea, I do. I'm playing one right now."

"No, I mean like Fortunately-Unfortunately or who am I, or oh, I know—20 questions?"

"I'd really love to but I need to pay attention to this guy babe. You never know when he might decide to play bumper cars or cops-and-robbers with us."

"So, you are going to keep driving?"

"I thought we'd find a motel next town and settle down for the night. I need to figure out what or who we are dealing with before we head into Canada."

"We are not far from Fairbanks," she observed, looking at the GPS.

"Yes—" I was interrupted by my phone. "Liz, do you mind answering my phone?"

She looked at the phone and frowned. "Who is Christie?" She asked.

"She works with Mark. Answer it and put it in on speaker."

"Hey Nick," Christie said. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long."

"Find anything?"

"Did I ever disappoint you, Nick?"

Liz glared at me. I shook my head. "I'm a little busy right now Christie," I said. "Could you text me the details?"

"Sure can."

"Thank you."

"Little busy, huh?" Liz teased. My phone beeped, indicating that the text arrived. "His name is Dan. The car he is driving is a rental. He booked it under an alias...blah...blah...he is a small-time contract killer," Liz said.

"That's what the text says?" I asked, incredulously.

"What are you going to do?"

"Take evasive action," I said and took the next exit.

"Nick this exit won't lead us to Fairbanks. We need to get back to the interstate."

"I know. He will have an advantage once we get to the city. That's gotta be his plan—to attack us in the middle of the night. I can't take that chance. See if you can spot a dead end."

"A dead end?"

"Yes."

"How about that one?" She pointed to a gravel road that led to the shore of a small lake.

"That'll do," I said, pulling on to the gravel road. I turned our truck around and switched the lights off.

"I'm not sure if this is the best place to hide Nick. We are kinda trapped here, aren't we?"

"Who said anything about hiding?"

"I don't get it."

"Ever heard a saying 'if a thorn falls on a leaf, the leaf is pierced. And if a leaf falls on a thorn, it's still the leaf that's pierced'?"

"No. Who are we? The leaf or the thorn? Oh shit, there he is," Liz said, as Dan pulled up.

"The thorn Liz," I said, slamming the throttle to the floor. "Keep your head down."

***

Dan didn't do anything. He didn't pull out a gun to shoot at us—I assumed he would. Instead, he was a sitting duck waiting for us to crash into him and so we did, head-on. His airbags deployed but the damage was not severe enough to kill him. The brush guard on our truck took most of the hit.

"You really hate my truck, don't you?" Liz asked bobbing her head up after the collision.

"No," I lied. After that prom story, who wouldn't? "Stay put, I'm going to check on him."

"No, don't go," Liz yelled, as I got out. "He is probably waiting for a chance to shoot you."

"I'll be fine. Don't move."

Dan was unconscious.

"Why are you putting him in our back seat? What if he wakes up while we are driving?"

"You are right," I said. "Pop the trunk."

"That'll kill him, won't it?"

"Nah, he's a contract killer, remember?" I teased. "He'll probably break free and kill us."

She frowned. "Not cool man, not cool."

Chapter 35

Liz

"I don't like this motel," I said, when Nick pulled up in front of the creepiest possible motel we could find in the entire town. "It's creepy."

"Dan is not our guest Liz," Nick said. "We are not here to show him our hospitality."

"I know."

"Nobody would give a fuck what we do here," he said. "See, no cameras. Nobody will ask any questions either."

He got us a room under the name "Guy Fawkes" and paid cash. Could it get any creepier than that? I was starting to think he was doing all this on purpose, just to freak me out. So I asked him the only question that kept bugging me for the past hour.

"Nick, are you going to kill him?"

"I hope not," he said.

"You hope? So there is a chance?"

"Nah, probably not," he said, smiling.

I kicked his shin. "Stop freaking me out. You are acting like a psycho."

"Stop kicking me," he said. "Now help me tie him to the bed."

"Okay. Did you find anything on him? "

"He had this Glock-22 in his glove compartment," Nick said, showing me the gun. "A fake driver's license and some cash in his wallet. But nothing else, not even a phone."

"What do we do then?"

"Make sure he keeps breathing until he wakes up," Nick said, slapping Dan in the back, between his shoulder blades.

"Is he choking?" I asked.

"No. Other than that small bump on his head, he looks fine to me."

"Maybe he has a brain injury or—"

Dan woke up.

"—oh shit," I yelped and grabbed on to Nick.

"Finally," Nick said, smiling. "Are you sure you want to be here for this?" Nick asked me.

"Yea, I-I, yes, I want to," I stuttered.

"Dan, hi, how are you feeling?" Nick asked.

Dan blinked and looked around the room. "Where the fuck am I?" He asked.

He didn't seem like a contract-killer-type to me but again, I had no idea how a contract killer is supposed to look like.

"The last room you are ever going to see," Nick said. "Nice, isn't it."

"How do you know my name?" Dan asked.

"You've never been on the other side, have you Dan?" Nick said. He was doing that staring-intimidating thing. "Let me tell you how this works. I ask the questions and you answer them. Who hired you?"

"I don't know."

Nick tossed me the truck keys. "Babe, why don't you get something to eat? I'll meet you in a bit." He drew Dan's gun from behind his back, "this won't take long," he said.

I glanced at Dan. His eyes widened and he looked terrified. Nick was right. This must be Dan's first time playing victim. It's not so much fun being on the other side, is it? I clenched on to the truck keys and walked towards the door. This must be some kind of tactic. Good cop-bad cop, maybe? It had to be. Nick told me he wouldn't kill him...

"Wait! Wait!" Dan yelled. "I can give you the number," he said, glancing back and forth between Nick and me. "That's all I have."

"We'll check it out," Nick said, saving the number Dan gave him. "If you are telling the truth then I might even let you go."

"I'm not lying," Dan said. "Look man, this is the first time I agreed to a job without doing my background work. I only go after people who really have it coming for them, you know."

"How much?" Nick asked, cutting right to the chase.

"Half a mill," he said, shaking his head. "I should've known. It was too fucking easy."

It would have been fucking easy, if Nick wasn't there.

Nick's phone rang. This is it, I thought. I'm finally going to find out. But Nick's expression darkened. Crap! Something was wrong.

As soon as he hung up, Nick smacked the back of the gun into Dan's face.

"It's a fucking PAYPHONE," Nick yelled.

"But I called her back," Dan blurted, with blood gushing out of his mouth.

"HER?" Our voices echoed in unison.

Dan nodded.

"When was the last time you called her?" Nick asked.

"At noon," he said.

Nick smiled, "When were you supposed to call her back?"

"At midnight."

Bingo! I checked my watch. It was half past eleven. Nick made a couple of calls to see if get could someone—anyone, to go to the location of the payphone but he had no luck.

"Where is it Nick?" I asked. "Where is it located?"

"Downtown, Chicago," Nick said.

"The campus is only few miles away. I could ask Stacy to—"

"Not sure if that's a good idea," Nick said.

"She can be discrete," I argued. "All she needs to do is look at her face, right? I'm sure she can handle that."

Nick considered this for a moment and nodded. "I'll text Stacy the co-ordinates. Get her on the phone."

"I'm on it."

Pick up Stace, pick up.

"Stace! Where are you?"

"Room, why?"

"Stace put something on and get to your car. I'll explain everything on your way."

"Put something on? Like what?"

"Just, get in your damn car."

"I think there is someone on the other line. Could you—"

"It's Nick. He texted you the location of a payphone, it's in downtown."

"Why?"

"It's a long story. Once you get to that payphone. I want you to park your car close enough for a decent view but make sure—this is extremely important—that she doesn't see you."

"It's a she then?"

"Yea."

"What is this about? Is Nick cheating on you?"

"No. Why would he text you the location if he is cheating on me?"

"He better not be."

"Stace!"

"I need to get off the phone now. My phone is my navigator," she said.

"Call me once you get there."

I took a deep breath. "She'll be there in no time," I said.

Nick nodded. "Dan, you know the drill, right? Tell her you got the job done."

"What about the money?" Dan asked.

"You can keep it. Unless, you have some kinda code that you follow. No kill, no cash?"

Dan shook his head, "I don't need this gig if I get that money man. I can clear my debts and I'm more than happy teaching."

"You are a teacher?" I asked.

Dan nodded.

Stacy called, "I'm here sweetie. There is no one near that phone right now."

"Are you at a safe distance?" I asked.

"Yeah, I'm parked three cars up-hill from the payphone."

"Could you stay on the line Stace? It's almost midnight. Someone should be there any minute now. I want you to get a good look at her face."

Nick dialed the number and put his phone on speaker.

After a few rings, we heard a female voice answer, "password."

Dan gave her a sequence of numbers.

"Status," she asked.

"Stace, can you see her face?" I whispered.

"She is turned the other way," Stacy said.

"It's done," Dan said and the call ended.

Nick turned to me, "put your phone on speaker," he said.

I did.

"I still can't see her face," Stacy said. "No, no, hang on, she is turning around."

"Good," I said, excited.

"Show me that pretty face, pretty-pretty face," Stacy crooned. "Oh my god, IT'S THAT SIZE ZERO BITCH!" Stacy yelled.

"Adriana?" I screamed. "What the fuck?"

"What?" Nick yelled.

"He is cheating on you, isn't he?" Stacy asked.

"MAYBE HE IS," I yelled, glaring at Nick.

"Is Stacy sure about this?" Nick asked.

I grabbed the gun from Nick's hand, "why the fuck does Adriana want me dead?" I asked, pointing the gun right at him. "What's going on? Are you cheating on me?"

"If you two are done with your love fest I'd like to go home now," Dan said.

"Shut the fuck up," I yelled at Dan and squeezed the trigger, shooting him in the leg. I was panting and trembling but I managed to get the gun pointed right back at Nick's face. His gorgeous fucking face!

Dan screamed out of pain and I yelled at him to shut up, again. He did.

"Liz," Nick said softly. "I really have no clue. Babe, take that gun out of my face. You are making me nervous."

"Call her," I said. "Call her right now."

"If we do that we'll lose whatever advantage we just gained. She'll send someone else to kill you. Listen to me."

I thought about he said. "I don't care."

"You do," Nick said. "Trust me. You care. Since we already know who it is, we can find out what's going on. Dan needs medical attention right now," he said.

"Please, help me," Dan begged.

I huffed, "alright. We'll get him to the hospital and then we are going to find out why."

"Take a deep breath," Nick said. "Give me that gun."

"No. I'm keeping it until I find out the truth," I said.

He shook his head at me and turned to Dan. "Dan, you are going to call 911 and tell them that you accidentally shot yourself in the leg. Got it?"

"Whatever man, anything you want. Just help me," he said.

Nick handed him the phone and Dan did exactly as told. "Thanks man," Dan said. "I can't believe the bitch shot me," he whispered. I glared at him, still holding on to the gun.

Nick smiled, "just be thankful that you are still alive," he said.

They both glanced at me. "You are right," Dan said. "What about the money—"

"What was your arrangement?" Nick asked.

"Overseas account," Dan said. "If I get the job done."

Nick nodded. "If she sends you the money, then take it and disappear. But if she doesn't then don't go knocking. She is Vincent Lucé's daughter."

Dan shook his head. "Just my fucking luck," he said.

"The paramedics will be here soon," Nick said. "You'll be fine."

He turned to me, "gun," he asked. It was more of an order than a request.

I stared at him blankly. "I'm not going to ask again," Nick said.

I quailed under his gaze and handed the gun back to him.

He took out the bullets from the clip, wiped it, slid it back in and then wiped the gun, before giving it to Dan. As we were walking to my truck, Nick slipped the bullets into his pocket. I asked him why he took them when he doesn't have any use for them. "To make sure Dan doesn't came after you right away," he said, which made me realize what I just did. God, I just shot someone. He probably deserved it but that's beside the point.

"I'm sorry," I said. "I don't know what happened to me. You must think I'm crazy."

"We all have our moments," Nick said. "Let's get out of here."

Chapter 36

Nick

"She fucking shot him Sarge," I laughed. "God, I love that girl."

"I can tell," Mark said. "Did you figure out the motive?"

"The fuck do I know," I said. "I'll call Adriana in the morning. If she doesn't play nice then I'm sure Vincent can convince her."

"How is Liz holding up?"

"She is asleep. I need to get some myself. But I wanted to keep you posted. Cancel your flights. Stay in Colombia or wherever the fuck you are," I said.

"I see how it is. Now that you don't need me anymore, you don't even want to see me."

"I can't believe I'm saying this but there is a shit load of school stuff I need to take care of."

"I still find it hard to imagine," Mark said, laughing. "Kasper-the ghost is a freaking college kid. You know everybody here has a bet on how long you'll survive. I'm winning so far."

"Damn Sarge, you make me sound way worse than what I really am," I said.

"What are you?"

"Just a pilot," I said.

"Get some sleep Kasper. Sounds like you need it," Mark said. "Just a fucking pilot, can you believe this guy...," his voice trailed off. He was talking to someone else in the background.

You're gonna keep me occupied, aren't you sweetheart? I murmured, before sliding my almost naked body into bed beside Liz. It's only seven more semesters. She turned, still asleep, letting go of her pillow and snuggled into my chest. I smiled. I still didn't get it. How could sleeping on my chest be more comfortable than a soft, cushiony, pillow? But I stopped asking that question a long time ago. I didn't know when and I didn't know how but I got used to my little Snow White falling asleep on me, listening to my heartbeat. I cursed and blamed her on the nights when she wasn't there, because I felt her absence so bad that I couldn't sleep. As the sounds of her soft breathing soothed me to the point where I felt myself dozing off, I realized why it was taking me so long to fall asleep. I was on the wrong side of the bed with my injured arm tucked underneath her. But she looked far too peaceful and I didn't have the heart to wake her up. Maybe she was right about me being a fruit cake or no, an egg—yea, ha-ha, a goddamn egg, tough only on the outside.

***

Things were back to normal by lunch the next day. I was on trial. Liz, Stacy and Siri were the jury and the judges. The charges against me had not been specified yet.

"You obviously enticed her," Liz said, slamming that silly "Alleged Connections" tabloid article in front of me.

"You were making Googly Eyes at her," Stacy said, pointing to the picture, attached to that article.

"You got all handsy with her," Siri added, pointing to the same silly picture.

The allegations seemed to never end.

"Outrageous and irrelevant," I protested.

I was hungry.

"Shut up Nick," they growled in unison.

"This is ridiculous. It's not my fault that a girl falls madly in love with me," I said. "I can't help if I'm so...lovable."

"Lovable?" Liz snorted. "More like kickable."

I spoke to Adriana this morning and that's the explanation she gave me. That she did everything for love. So I told her that I was gay and Liz was a man trapped in a women's body with certain manly parts. Ha-ha. No, Liz doesn't know. She doesn't need to. Adriana is going back to Italy and I told Vincent to keep an eye on her crazy daughter. Now if I could just get through this trial...

"She could have just asked me," Liz said.

"Really?" I asked.

"No, not really. Don't get any ideas," Liz warned.

"So what do you propose we do?" Stacy asked. "I find him guilty."

"I find him guilty too," Siri announced.

Liz stared at me, "shave his head?" She suggested.

Siri laughed, "No, he'll get a couple of tattoos and somehow turn the whole thing into a new, cool, look," she said. "End up getting more attention."

Probably, I thought.

"You are right," Liz said. "I should stop talking to him for a month."

"Really?" I asked with fake enthusiasm.

"No, not really," she said.

"You are right Liz," I teased. "That'll teach me a lesson. You should stop talking to me."

She kicked me.

"Since we are all hungry," everybody nodded, "I'm going to postpone this," she said.

I sighed.

"What was that?" Liz asked.

"Nothing," I said.

She smiled and kissed my cheek. "Good boy," she said. "How is your arm?"

"Fine," I said.

"You were complaining about it on the flight."

"It's better now," I said. Thanks to painkillers.

"I still can't believe that someone stole my truck," Liz said, pouting.

"I'm sorry," I said. "The hotel security said they heard the alarm but they were too late."

It's in a junkyard in Fairbanks. I paid a guy to get it professionally crushed. It was inevitable, don't you think?

"Maybe it's for the best," Liz said. "Too many bad memories."

"Wanna make some good ones?" I asked.

She blushed, "like what?"

"I guess we could start with dinner," I said. "Would you like to go out? Just the two of us?"

"I'd love to."

"Cool. I'll pick you up at eight?"

Chapter 37

Liz

"Did he tell you where he's taking you?"

"No, it's supposed to be a surprise."

"You didn't guilt this out of him, did you? You could cut him some slack."

"I'd never do that," I laughed. "You know what he said on the flight this morning?"

"I almost forgot about that. You must have freaked him out during the takeoff."

"A lot of people have that Stace. It's called flight anxiety. It's not just me."

She laughed, "What did he say?"

"He held my hand and said that I amaze him," I said, smiling. "I never amazed anybody."

"You constantly amaze me," Stacy said, sarcastically.

"He meant it in a good way. You should've seen the way his eyes sparkled," I said. "He also said that I completely destroyed his ability to sleep by himself."

"That's his weird way of saying that he can't sleep without you. Isn't it? He is head over heels in love with you and he doesn't even know it yet," Stacy laughed. "This could be fun."

"Don't you ruin this for me," I warned her. "He is just starting to open up. If you tease him he'll just go back to—well, being Nick."

"Not even a little bit?"

"No."

"What else?"

"He asked about my hobbies and interests. We actually have a lot in common."

"Oh my god, you are not going to believe this?"

"What is it?"

"Nick changed his Facebook status. It's not 'single' anymore. Check your Facebook. Check if he sent you a relationship request."

"Don't toy with me Stacy. I'm going to kill you if you are joking about this."

"No, look," she said, pointing to her phone.

We heard a door knock.

"What time is it?" I asked.

"Five minutes to eight."

"He is early," I said, grinning.

"Hi Ni—" Oh my god, he is wearing a suit.

"I think she meant 'hi Nick'," Stacy said.

Nick smiled, "too much?" He asked.

I shook my head. Is he kidding me? He looks...perfect.

"You look gorgeous," he said. "Like you always do."

I blushed. You too, I said. Or at least I tried to say but the words never left my mouth.

Stacy laughed and that brought me out of the trance.

"Don't you have somewhere to be Stacy," I said.

"Please don't make me go. Please don't. This is too good."

"Stacy!"

"Alright, geez, I'm leaving," she whined and went to Siri's room.

"You cleaned up," I said. "For me?"

Nick smiled. He handed me a present along with a single red rose. Holy-moly! I wanted to jump up and down in delight but managed not to.

"I didn't know we were doing presents," I said. "What is it?"

"I was going to give it you on thanksgiving but...,"he said. "Open it."

I carefully unwrapped, the beautifully packed gift, careful not to tear the wrap. Yea, I'm one of those people. I found a snowflake pendant inside. It was a pendant of round brilliant diamonds in platinum—the most beautiful piece of jewelry I've ever seen. I was left speechless for a second time that day. But I didn't need to have a jewelry obsession to tell that it was expensive—very expensive. "This looks really expensive Nick," I said.

"I was looking for a present and Aunt Jane took me to this jewelry store. She said it was the only store I was allowed to shop from." He laughed. "When I saw this one, it reminded me of you. Do you like it?"

No, I'm not going to cry, dammit Nick.

"You went shopping for me?" I asked.

He shrugged.

I smiled, "like it? You have no idea," I said, pulling him in for a kiss.

"Do we have to go out?" I asked.

He laughed, "Yes," he said, taking the pendant out of the box. "Can I?"

I shifted on the couch and held my hair up, as he secured it around my neck.

"It's so...beautiful," I said, outlining it with the tip of my fingers.

He kissed the nape of my neck. "It suits you," he said.

I giggled. "Do we have to go out?" I repeated.

"You are not making this easy for me," he said.

"I have no such intentions," I said and bit his lip.

"You don't want to hear me play guitar then?" He teased.

"What? You were going to? Tonight?"

He gave me that grin.

"Let's go," I said, jumping up, on to my feet. "I'm all yours."

###

About the Author

Born and brought up in southern-India with flip-flop weather all year round, Van now resides in Duluth, Minnesota, where the local pastime is fighting frostbite. He thinks he is being brave and adventurous while his friends think he is peculiar and well--enough said. When he is not reading (usually a contemporary romance comedy/thriller), he is cheering for the Vikings/twins or writing about characters who are unpredictable and witty, in ways that strive to make his readers smile.

He is straight (despite his love for Chick-Lit's) and he has a Master's degree in Computer science from U of M, which he finds helpful in designing his book covers.

Besides his parents and friends, Van loves his elder brother, who currently serves in the U.S. Army.

Read more at Van Krishna’s site.