Two Sided Bow

Chapter 16

The scene outside the airport was like a madhouse with everyone screaming and running towards their car. Kathy rushed outside as she looked for Addy and Don. She could hear the sirens from a distant as they were coming towards the obvious chaos.

Don’s shirt was soaked with blood while Addy was panicking as she realized he might go into shock. When he began to feel dizzy and his legs gave way, Kathy instantly spotted Addy trying hard to pick up Don but unfortunately, he was too heavy for her to handle. Kathy rushed over to them “Let’s get him to a hospital.”

Addy looked up and her eyes brightened “You’re Kathy right?”

Kathy nodded hastily “There’s no time. Come on.” They got to a cab before the sirens stopped at the front gate of the airport.

When they got to the hospital, the emergency crew placed Don faced on his stomach to keep the bruises from bleeding again. Addy watched with fear as he was pushed away on a stretcher into the emergency room. When she turned to look at Kathy, there were definite tears in her eyes “He saved my life….” She mumbled with glossy eyes.

Kathy placed a hand on Addy’s shoulder “He’ll be okay.” Addy unexpectedly turned around and hugged Kathy throwing her off guard as she stumbled back. “Shhh….” Kathy hushed the frightened girl as Addy cried. Her eyes moved up to a pair of legs that stood a few yards from her. She smiled shortly when she saw Mel staring at her. “Mel…”

Addy pulled away as she turned to where Kathy was staring at “Mel Gor…” she spoke through sobs.

Mel approached the girls carefully “Can I have a word with Kathy?” he asked without tearing his eyes from Kathy.

“Sure….” Addy had her own worries to think about as she walked towards the waiting area for Don.

Kathy dodged her eyes away from Mel “I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner…I guess Caitlyn told you huh?” she snickered “What a sister I am.” She laughed sarcastically never thinking that Caitlyn would tell Mel the truth.

“Don’t lie to me….you’re not my sister.” He said harshly. Kathy’s head popped up as she looked at him with wide eyes. Mel shook his head slowly “I can’t believe you lied. Who are you really?”

She turned away again “That’s not important.”

Mel frowned “If it’s not important, why can’t you tell me?”

Kathy chuckled “Why would it matter? You don’t even remember me.”

He let out a short sigh “Okay…let’s say that I do…would it matter then?”

“You do?” Kathy looked up at him with widened eyes.

Mel shook his head “I’m just giving you an example. Please…I really want to know.” He reached over and pulled her hand up to his lips as he kissed them softly.

She gulped back the tears as she pulled her hand away “I am…” she didn’t get to finish when her eyes landed on Roach who was rushing over to them. “Roach…” her face went pale.

“Mel Gor!” Roach practically ran down the hall over to the two “Kathy…are you okay? I got a call from Siu Jei’s bodyguard.”

Kathy frowned suspiciously “How did you get to Toronto so soon?”

Roach laughed but to Kathy it was a nervous laugh “Cheung Gor was worried after Addy didn’t call the other day so he sent me over to see what the problem was. Where is she by the way?”

“She’s in the waiting room.” Kathy pointed to the room.

“Who are you?” Mel asked finally.

Roach looked at him strangely “You do have amnesia…I couldn’t believe it when the guys told me….oh fuck…what the hell are we gonna do now?” The three grew quiet suddenly not knowing what to say. Roach noticed the two had unfinished stuff to handle as he excused himself “I’m gonna go look for Siu Jei….”

Mel waited for Roach to leave before he turned back to Kathy “So where were we?”

She took in a deep breath and gave him a smile “Alright Mel…the game’s over. I lose…what is it that you want me to say?”

He frowned strangely “What are you talking about?” he asked innocently.

Kathy laughed sadly “That innocent tone only works on Caitlyn…I know you…I know that you remember me. So why don’t you just admit it?”

Mel looked away and then back up, but his eyes dodged over her shoulder and then snapped quickly back at her “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I really don’t remember you.”

Her eyes glazed over and a single tear slid off her cheek “Okay…you still want to continue the game. That’s fine…I don’t mind.” Kathy wiped her tear away with the back of her hand “I know when I’m not wanted. I’m not afraid to tell you. I’m going back to Hong Kong…whether you want to return or not. You know, if you’re hiding behind your ‘amnesia’ to forget me and start a new life. I don’t mind, but I’m really disappointed that you are not even the least bit man enough to come out and tell me. But don’t you worry about me…” she said harshly “I’ll take this as a lesson learned. The next time I fall for a guy, I’ll make sure he likes me too.” With that she turned and walked out of the hospital while he watched her leave without stopping her. What could he do?

When Kathy stepped out of the hospital, she turned back at the doors in hopes that he would come to his senses and run after her. But to her disappointment he didn’t even follow. She covered her mouth to keep the sobs from bursting out. Tears flowed down her face as she rushed to the airport. She was ready to leave Toronto and the memories that formed while she lived there. But to her dismay, the entire airport was closed out. She couldn’t even go home.

**************

Back at the hospital, Don was finally taken to his own room as the doctors announced him to be in stable condition. Although he lost a lot of blood, the only worse outcome was the cut on his arm. There were stitches but it was nothing that life threatening.

Addy let out a sigh of relief when the doctors told her the good news. She, Roach and the bodyguards all came to Don’s room. He was lying on his stomach and it looked like an uncomfortable position with his head tilted to one side. Addy had to cover a laugh despite his pain “I’m glad it amuses you.” He said sarcastically.

She quickly apologized “No…it doesn’t…I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to laugh. It’s just that well…you know…if you could stand in my shoes…you’d know.”

Don laughed but his face quickly changed to a painful expression “Ow…don’t make me laugh.”

Addy smiled “I’ll try…but it’s gonna be a little hard.” She winked.

“Thank you.” The head bodyguard said to Don.

“For what?” Don wondered out loud and then he realized what for “Oh…it was a cinch. You’d think I would panic in that situation but did I….no, not one single bit.”

Addy laughed “Glad to know you didn’t lose your ENTIRE ego.” She turned over to Roach who was lost in his own little world “What’s with you? Why did you come here?”

Roach smiled “Who else would have the power to send me?”

“Daddy…” Addy nodded, she already knew the answer. “Have you seen Mel yet?”

He nodded “Yeah…his condition is pretty bad. He doesn’t remember anyone.”

Addy let out a sigh “I know…so what are we going to do with him? Is he going to return to Hong Kong with us?”

“I don’t know, that’s up to him. Maybe he wants to stay here.” Roach offered.

Don looked thoughtful “It should be his decision.”

Addy nodded understandingly “You’re right. I’ll go ask him.” She bent down so her face was closer to Don “Thank you…” she said genuinely.

“Don’t get all misty eyed now. It’s not worth talking about.” He said humbly.

She ruffled his shirt hair adoringly “Shut up, stupid.” The two laughed as she left to search for Mel. It took her a while to actually find him. He was standing around outside a waiting room talking to Caitlyn in a hushed tone. When Addy spoke up, the two looked flustered and she knew Caitlyn was blushing “Hey.”

Mel turned over coolly “Hi…I don’t remember your name.”

Addy smiled “It’s okay…hey, I have something to talk to you about.” Her eyes drifted over to Caitlyn who giggled nervously.

“I guess I should take a hint.” She turned to Mel and touched him on the arm gently “I’ll see you later.”

He nodded with a grin “Yeah…”

“What was that? A date?” Addy snapped.

Mel frowned “What if it is? It’s none of your business.” Addy didn’t seem bothered by the remark as she nodded “What did you want to talk about?” he changed the subject.

Addy crossed her arms “Nothing…just wanted to let you know that we all are going back to Hong Kong. I know your amnesia won’t let you remember that part of your life. All you can think about is Toronto. Granted, all the shit that’s happened to you was odd but you do have a choice. What do you want to do? Follow us back or stay here?”

“Like you said, all I remember is Toronto…so why would I go anywhere else? Anyways, Caitlyn was sweet enough to offer me her extra room in her two bedroom apartment.” He pointed out.

“Fine. That’s your choice…” Addy said coldly as she began walking away. Suddenly she turned back to him “I always thought you were cool…but now, I think you’re a jerk.”

“That’s your opinion.” He said coolly.

Addy laughed “Yes…it is.” She let her smile fade away “I feel sorry for Kathy. She’s traveled all this way to see you…and you dismiss her for a new girl. In a way, you are still the same old player that you were before your amnesia. Although I don’t know what happened between you and Kathy before, but I knew you loved her. There has never been a girl that Mel Gor has ever thought about more than once. And Kathy…” she shook her head sadly “I guess it doesn’t matter does it?” she turned and walked away.

Chapter 17

At the airport Kathy decided to stay there until they were done checking the place. She stood on the side with her bag around her shoulders. She didn’t notice the pairs of eyes staring at her from a far. Nor did she see a few men walking up to her. She was startled when a hand hit her shoulder “Miss, you can’t stand here.” A police officer spoke up.

Kathy turned and noticed strangely how a group of men turned and walked away when they saw the policeman. She had an uneasy feeling as she smiled nervously “Sorry, Sir. I just have no where to go. My flight was delayed for three hours and then the fighting began. I just want to go home.”

The man’s eyes turned sympathetic as he nodded “I see…I’m sorry to hear that. Where is your home?”

She smiled “Hong Kong.”

He raised his eyebrows “Really? I was raised there too. But my family moved to Toronto when I was 10…I haven’t been back since.”

Kathy nodded “It’s changed a lot.”

“I can imagine.” He began as they chatted away about their common home. After two hours, he escorted her inside the airport when the securities announced it okay to be entered. People poured in but they were no longer afraid, there were police officers in every corner. Kathy finally was able to return to her home country.

****************Two weeks later****************

Don was finally released from the hospital so they were all ready to return home. Cheung Gor decided for his daughter’s safety, he sent over 50 guys to escort them back home. He wasn’t taking anymore chances. Before they boarded on the plane Addy lingered behind as she looked towards the entrance. Roach noticed she was standing behind as he walked over to her “Who are you waiting for?”

She turned with a short smile “No one…”

Don caught her hesitant tone as he smiled “She’s waiting for her loverboy, Mel.”

Roach sighed “He said he’s not coming. We have to respect his decision. When he remembers everything, he’ll surely return.”

Addy pouted “When he remembers everything, Luke will have him killed that instant.”

“Well, we better hope and pray that he never remembers.” Roach said darkly as he turned to the entrance to the plane “Come on…let’s get out of this shit hole.”

*****************

Although Kathy’s life changed dramatically without Mel there, she still managed to continue working. But every so often her thoughts would travel back to him. She wondered how he was doing and if he was still with Caitlyn. She was tapping rhythmically on the design she just started while her eyes looked distant. She didn’t hear the knocking on her office door “Kathy?” Neil called. “Kathy?!” he cried when she didn’t answer.

She quickly dropped her pencil, startled “Neil…” she sighed “You scared me.”

He laughed as he took a seat on one of her chairs “What’s the matter with you? You seem out of it.”

Kathy shook her head vehemently “I’m okay.”

“So where did you go on vacation?” he asked casually.

“No where.” She lied.

Neil laughed “Then why didn’t you answer your home phone?” he saw her lean back with a sigh as he quickly grew concerned for his best friend “What’s wrong? Is it that Mel guy again? What did he do? I swear…I'll kick his ass. I’m not kidding either…I can do it. I’ve been taking Tai Kwon Do.”

Kathy chuckled with her head shaking “You always manage to make me laugh when I’m depressed.”

He frowned “You’re depressed?”

She turned her eyes away and shook her head “No.”

“Can you fill me in please?” he begged. Kathy met his earnest eyes and she quickly gave in. She explained the whole story in detail. He crossed his arms thoughtfully “So you think he remembers but won’t tell you?”

Kathy nodded “But I’m beginning to doubt myself. It’s not like Mel to do that. I’ve been thinking about it for weeks but I can’t come up with an answer.”

“Why don’t you go and ask his boys? Is there one guy that Mel is close with? You know…that Cricket guy?” Neil offered.

Kathy laughed openly “It’s Roach.”

“Whatever…” he brushed it off “I just remember it was some kind of insect. And while your there, ask him why he chose that name?”

She smiled “If I remember.”

Neil looked at her with concern “Want me to go with you?”

Kathy shook her head “No, I’m a big girl, I can take care of myself.” He wrinkled his forehead and she quickly added “Okay, I’ll bring my pepper spray.” He smiled, looking less worried.

*****************

That very night, Kathy took a walk downtown to the club where she knew Roach would be at. She was outside the door when she got cold feet. Pacing backwards as she chickened out and began walking in the other direction. Her head was in the clouds while her eyes were glued to the floor. She came upon a group of people as she tried to dodge them but it looked like a tango dance. Wherever she took a step, they stepped along.

Her head moved upwards and noticed a gang of guys. The head guy who wore sunglasses even at 8pm. She quickly recognized Janet, who looked like she was being strangled as the guy with the sunglasses draped an arm around her neck. “Excuse me.” Kathy said politely as she tried to walk away.

Luke pointed a cigarette at her face “Not so fast, bitch. Where’s Mel?”

Kathy let out a tired sigh “How the hell should I know?!” she snapped. She was tired of being asked that every time his enemies realized she had something to do with him.

“You’re his chick…why wouldn’t you know?” Luke asked with a tilted head.

Kathy continued to shake her head “I don’t know and I’m NOT his chick.” She spat harshly.

Luke laughed “Well fuck, my boy…” he snapped his finger and one of the guys walked up “said he saw you and Mel talking at the Toronto hospital. Apparently, he regained his memory back.”

Her heart began to beat faster as she realized it would not be an easy argument to win “I don’t know. He didn’t tell me if he did remember. But I’m telling the truth, he has not contacted me nor do I think he ever will.”

“I think you’re fucking lying.” Luke stepped up but Kathy didn’t budge. His face was inches from hers “Do you know what happens to people that lie to me?” he asked amusingly.

She didn’t move her eyes away as she stood her ground “I don’t care because I’m not lying.”

Luke threw his head back with a laugh and snapped her head back with his swift hand which was pulling her on her hair. Janet took a step up but she knew it was a battle she would never win. Kathy turned her eyes at Janet and gave her a slight shake of the head “I don’t have time to fuck around with you! Either you tell me or I let my boys have a little fun. And I’ll warn you, they are all fucking horny bastards.” As if on cue, the guys began laughing humorously with a few whistles.

Kathy was petrified by now but she knew she couldn’t give in. Anyways, she really didn’t know where Mel was “I don’t know!” she cried with he yanked at her hair again.

This time Luke’s patient had ran out as he reached up and put his free hand over her neck and giving it a dangerous squeeze “I said not to fuck with me!! I know that fucking asshole is back in Hong Kong because I fucking raided every place he was in Toronto. People don’t just disappear….”

“Maybe he dropped dead somewhere on the street?” Kathy’s eyes hardened when she heard the familiar voice coming from behind her.

Luke looked amused as he let go of her neck but not her hair as he used his arm and spun Kathy around “Well, well, well….speak of the devil.”

“Let her go.” Mel said coolly.

“What if I don’t?” Luke tested. He pulled Kathy by the hair as he pushed her back towards his guys. Phil was quick to catch her.

Mel laughed with a slight nod “You want to play, fucker?” he turned to Roach who appeared behind him “Who’s turf is this?”

“I believe it is Cheung Gor’s.” Roach smiled crookedly. He placed his fingers inside the side of his lips and let out a loud whistle. It was like out of nowhere a hundred guys came out and surrounded Luke and his boys.

“I have all night, we can play til dawn if you like.” Mel brought out his hands “What do you say?”

Luke knew he was out numbered as he snapped his finger for Phil to let Kathy go “Fine, you win this time….” Kathy was let go as she slowly walked over behind Mel. Luke pointed to his arch enemy ferociously “But one day…I’ll fucking kill you with my bare hands.”

“How would you kill me if I already killed you?” Mel snapped. This time his boys laughed loudly causing an echo down the street.

Luke was flustered as he put up a hand and pointed towards the street “Let’s go!” he wrapped an angry arm around Janet’s waist as he took her away.

After a few minutes the gang began to disbursed leaving only Mel, Roach and Kathy. She was fuming inside but outside she did not show the least bit concerned. Mel turned to Roach “Can I have a word with her, man?”

“Of course.” He smiled and gave Kathy a wink. She smiled shortly but when Mel turned to her, she dropped her grin.

Mel turned to her “Katie…” he started.

To his surprise she reached up and slapped him on the face “Jerk!!” she cried angrily and prepared to slap him again but he caught her hand this time. She struggled to free herself as she used her other hand but it was obvious Mel was stronger as he used his full force to pin her hand behind her back. “Let go!”

“No.” he said stubbornly.

“I don’t know you…remember? You have amnesia…” she was angry as can be but even then tears began to flow from her eyes. She had mixed feelings; anger, happiness, disappointment, pain and frustration.

Mel pushed her closer to his body until she was centimeters from his face. He reached down and pushed his lips over hers roughly. She cried in disagreement but he continued to kiss her. He used one hand to wrap around her wrists while his other hand moved to the back of her head as he stroked her hair gently. Her struggles slowed down as she eventually gave in to him. It seemed like forever until he finally let her go.

He combed his fingers gently through the side of her hair “I’ve been waiting forever to do that.” He sighed with a smile. When she didn’t speak nor did she show any sign of emotion, he asked “Was it as good for you as it was for me?”

Kathy couldn’t help but laugh “Why do you always say the most inappropriate things?”

“Because that’s why you fell for me.” He pointed out with a sly grin.

She turned away with a smile “I didn’t fall…” he raised an eyebrow curiously “More like trip and got back up and tripped again, but this time I couldn’t get up.”

He laughed at her explanation as he reached his arms around her back and hugged her dearly “Oh fuck how I love you…”

Kathy’s grin grew wider “The most romantic words a guy has ever said to me.”

“Really?” he pulled away and took her hand as he walked her towards the bar “Let me say some more then. You’re so fucking beautiful! I love your fucking ass…I mean butt…” he quickly corrected with Kathy laughing and shaking her head at the same time.

Chapter 18

The new couple walked into the bar surprised that they earned a round of applause. Roach stood on the bar table blowing whistles at the two. Kathy hid herself behind Mel with a shy grin. He took her hand and pulled her inside smiling proudly. He put up a hand to hush the crowd “Ahem!” he cleared his throat “I have an announcement. As of today, Kathy Lau is officially my….” He turned to Roach “drum roll please…”

Roach looked around as he took a fork and a glass cup and hit the metal against the glass making a clinking sound. Some of the guys laughed while they waited for Mel to make his announcement. He opened his mouth once again to speak but was rudely interrupted by Addy “Stop!!” she cried from the door. Her gang of bodyguards, now including Don followed her inside. She walked over to Kathy and Mel.

Mel stepped between Addy and Kathy with his back to Kathy in a protection mode “What do you want?” he asked.

Addy frowned “What’s with the hostility? I just wanted to be the first to congratulate you two.” She smiled when Kathy pushed Mel aside.

“It’s okay honey, she’s never really hurt me.” Kathy spoke up in the girl’s defense. “Thank you, Addy.”

Addy hit Mel on the arm with a winning smile “Yeah…listen to your girlfriend…”

Mel’s smile fell “I was going to make that announcement.” His eyes narrowed when Addy covered her mouth with a laugh “Thank you… for ruining my plans.”

“Talk about plans…I think you have some explaining to do.” Kathy teased openly.

Mel turned to face her as he grazed his fingers against her face “Where should I start?”

Kathy turned away shyly as she pulled his hands down with her own “When did you begin to remember everything?”

“Yeah! I want to know.” Addy grinned happily.

Mel turned to her “Well in that case, I don’t want to give away my secrets.” Addy pouted while he laughed and placed a comfortable arm around Kathy’s shoulder “But if you don’t mind, I have a discussion with my adorable girlfriend.”

Addy stuck her chin in the air “You don’t have to rub it in my face.”

Kathy turned to the girl before being pulled away by Mel “I’ll tell you later…” she gave Addy a quick wink and a grin.

Don stepped up behind Addy “They look cute together.”

Addy thrust an elbow into his stomach “Shut up, stupid.” He rubbed his tummy in pain as he followed her closely as Addy turned with annoyance “What do you think you’re doing?”

He laughed “I am doing my job, princess…” he said sarcastically “Remember? Your father offered me the job?”

She rolled her eyes “That was only for Toronto.”

Don shrugged “Don’t believe me? Ask your father.”

Addy leered her eyes at him “I will.”

Kathy’s eyes were smiling at the quarreling pair not too far from them “Do you think they look cute together?”

Mel turned his head and then back at Kathy “I think we look cute together…”

“I’m not arguing with that.” She laughed. “So…where were we?” she focused her full attention on him. Mel leaned in closer to her face as he kissed her lightly on the cheek and then he moved over to her lips but only to be blocked by her hand. She giggled lightly as she pushed him away gently “I mean Toronto.”

He nodded with a grin “I know…just thought I’d take advantage of the moment.” Mel was curious about something “Tell me, why did you assume that I regained my memory back?”

Kathy shrugged lightly “Because I recognized Roach as one of the guys that saved Addy and Don at the airport. And who else would send him over and where to go but you. Still, I’m confused about how much you knew during your time in the hospital. Your amnesia really did happen, I know that much?”

Mel smiled crookedly “Remind me never to lie to you.” He laughed when she raised an eyebrow “You’re good. You’ve got half of it right…I regained my memory the night before I did that test. It was through a dream, I woke up in the middle of the night drenched in cold sweat. It happened a couple of times while I was there. Caitlyn came in and I suddenly remembered everything. It was like wave of memories attacking me.”

“So she knew about it when I told her I wasn’t your sister?” Kathy asked.

He nodded “She knew a little. I kept the dangerous killings and horror stories for the most part. Poor girl, she was petrified that morning when the doctors took me in for a test. I came up with a plan to diverge everyone’s attention away so that I could work undercover. I called Roach that night and had him fly over to Toronto. He barely made it in time when Addy and Don came looking for you.”

Kathy nodded finally seeing the whole picture “But I remember seeing two masked guys. Who was the other guy that was helping Roach?”

Mel dodged her eyes “Just a good friend that owed me a favor.”

She knew that there were things that she was better off not knowing “I see…”

“Are you mad?” he asked with concern.

Kathy smiled as she tilted her head “No…I understood from the day I met you that there are things I shouldn’t know. I don’t mind, I’m just asking out of nosiness. Don’t mind me.” She brushed it off lightly.

Mel’s face lit up as he reached over and grabbed her face in his hands as he kissed her lips “You are so perfect!”

She looked at him strangely “For a guy that fights for a living, you sure can be sensitive.”

He laughed with his head thrown back “What can I say? I’m fucking perfect!” she giggled while he continued “Anything else you want to know?”

She searched her mind and eventually nodded “Why did you lie to me?”

Mel nodded “I knew that was coming.” He let out a sigh “Luke, that guy that was threatening you earlier, he’s a very dangerous man. One of the Red Dragon’s worse enemy, but it wasn’t always like that. When his father was Dai Lou, their gang was best friends with the Red Dragons. Unfortunately, his son didn’t have the same idea. He’s been trying to shut us down for the past month. I flew to Toronto to help fight this take over, but we were outnumbered. We underestimated his plans. I did have amnesia at the beginning, but I had nonstop dreams about you.” He smiled while Kathy looked down at her hands “The reason why I didn’t tell you the truth when you confronted me was because I recognized one of Luke’s guys following my every move. He was eavesdropping on our conversation.” Kathy nodded, finally understanding everything “Caitlyn helped me get through that past two weeks. She let me stay in her apartment to throw those son of a bitches off. It worked perfectly and when I snuck back to Hong Kong, the Tigers didn’t even know I returned. The rest of the story…you know.”

Kathy let out a sigh as she sat back on her chair “When will the war be over?”

Mel smiled “It’s not over until someone’s taken out of the picture. That’s the life of a gangster….” He looked at her in the eye “It’s not too late to back out.”

“Back out from what?” she asked teasingly “If you are saying what I think you’re saying, I will be very offended. You out of all people should know what hell I went through, I wouldn’t dream of missing all the drama, danger and violence. As long as it involves you.”

He nodded firmly with a grin so wide “You’re fucking cool, babe!” she shook her head with a laugh “One last thing. I want you to move in with me.”

Kathy’s smile fell “What? Isn’t it a little too soon?”

Mel shook his head “No. Anyways, now that it’s been announced, the news will travel fast. Not to mention, your life would be in danger if you continue to live in your own place. Plus this way, you’ll be on our turf, no one would dare come in that neighborhood.”

She seem to be pondering the idea. She understood the importance of her being closer to him, but felt it was too early to be living together. In the end, she convinced herself with a final answer “Fine, I will move in with you…but under one condition.” She pointed a finger at him.

He looked amused “Sure, anything…”

“No funny business…” when she said that a small sly grin crossed his face and she raised an eyebrow at him “You know what I mean too.” He only laughed while nodding his head.

It took Mel an hour to convince Kathy that she should stay back with him that night until they get her stuff moved the following day. She thought it was unnecessary to start so soon, but he was sure that the Tigers were already at her place. She decided to take his word for it. They rode to his apartment on his motorcycle, it was exhilarating to be driving down the streets in the middle of the night at 60 mph.

When they reached the apartment, Mel nodded to the security guy at the front gate. They rode the elevator together to the 6th floor. Kathy was at awed how the building looked so clean even though it was in a dangerous part of town. He opened the door for her and she noticed how similar it looked to the apartment he had in Toronto. “This is cute.” She pointed and Mel nodded as he walked up behind her and slipped off her gray cardigan revealing her bare shoulders in a tank top, he threw it on the couch.

He moved his lips over her shoulder “Wanna see the bedroom?” he asked in a raspy voice outside her ear.

Kathy ignored his question as she looked around the kitchen and then living room “This reminds me of your place in Toronto.”

Mel nodded as he followed her into the kitchen and slipped his arms around her waist “The bedroom is really big.” He whispered.

She nodded carelessly “I’m sure.” She gently pulled his hands away “Where’s the bathroom?”

“Down the hall to your left.” He answered with a grin “My bedroom has a bathroom too, you want to see it?”

Kathy smiled as she backed towards the hallway “No thanks. And stop trying to get me in bed, I’m not that kind of girl.” She laughed when he titled his head at her.

When she was done, Kathy came out and found Mel standing there, one hand in his pocket and one hand leaning on the wall “Now do you want to see the bedroom?” he whispered coolly.

She let out a sigh “You know that funny stuff I told you not to do?” he nodded with a grin “Well, you’re doing it right now.”

He pulled himself off the wall as he laughed “Okay, I won’t tease you anymore…”

“Thank you.” Kathy said politely.

“Do you want to sleep in my bedroom?” he asked casually and she rolled her eyes.

“Mel…” she said warningly.

She began to walk out to the living room but he pulled her back “That’s the last one, I promise. I’ll set up the other room for you.” As promised, he cleaned up the extra room that had a covered bed inside for Kathy to stay in for the night. She borrowed a t-shirt from him and a pair of shorts that he barely wore anymore. She walked out to the kitchen to get a glass of water while Mel watched her from the living room, he let out a short whistle “Hey baby.” She shook her head with a smile as he leaped over the couch and followed her into the kitchen. She drank her water while he smiled at her “You look cute.”

Kathy gave a little curtsy “Thank you.”

“Anyways, I’m gonna sleep now. It’s gonna be a long day tomorrow.” He leaned in to kiss her while Kathy turned to put away the glass making him miss his target.

When she turned around he was pouting at her, Kathy giggled “Aww… sorry.” She leaned into his face as he puckered up. Instead Kathy pulled his face down with her hands and gave him a kiss on the forehead “Night, sweetie.”

He nodded with a laugh “I see how it is now…”

Kathy stuck her head back in the kitchen “Yeah, I wear the pants!” she laughed and returned to her soon to be new room.

SIUBINGLIBRARY