The Zodiac of P.R.A.

Chapter 25

Guest Roles:
Daniel Wu – Michael Wu
Sonjia Kwok – Christina Chan

Brad was trying desperately to break away from the persuasive girl who reeked of some sort of expensive perfume. When she forced him to dance with her, he was hesitant “I can’t dance.” He assured her.

She shrugged it off “I’ll lead then.” She took his hand and placed the other one on his shoulder as they began to waltz. Within five seconds he stepped on her high heel shoes, his mind was somewhere else and his eyes were definitely on someone else. “Ow!!” she shrieked.

He only muttered a short “Sorry.”

Mia and Darren on the other hand was keeping a close watch of Michael and Erin. She was definitely not comfortable since he was pushing her body against himself “Do you have to hold me so tight?” Erin couldn’t help her irritation.

Michael pulled her even closer as he laughed “Some girls like it.”

“Well good for you, I don’t.” Erin pushed herself off of him as they were the only couple not dancing on the floor “Excuse me.”

Suddenly he pulled her back by the arm “No one….no one, walks away from Michael Wu.” He said darkly.

“Erin, just hang in there.” Mia coaxed when she saw Michael pull by the arm.

Erin convinced herself to calm down as she smiled sweetly and took her free hand to place it over Michael’s “You sure can’t take a joke.” She giggled when his smile began to reappear.

“A girl with a sense of humor…I like that.” He took her hand in his own and wrapped his arm around her again. This time it wasn’t as tight “So, where are you from?”

“You need to ask? Don’t you have background checks on everyone?” she asked with a sense of sarcasm “Besides, I believe Reina has told you all about us.”

Michael smiled with satisfaction “Smart and beautiful, a definite dangerous combination. Did you like that gift I gave the agency?”

Erin frowned, not sure what he was talking about “If your talking about the coward break in…then no, sorry to disappoint you but we did not enjoy the gift too much.”

He laughed with his head thrown back “I like you…as a matter of fact, I’m this close of letting you become my concubine after I marry…oh…what’s her name?” he said without much feeling.

“Sorry, I don’t take second place.” Erin snapped as she pulled back “Now if you will excuse me, I have to throw up after hearing your offer.”

“You go girl!!” Darren complimented.

Mia shook her head at her boyfriend “You are so gay.”

He laughed while he pulled her in closer “I can prove you wrong.” He whispered.

Erin was walking away while she cringed at the thought “Oh guys…get a room…or at least turn off your headset.”

Doug’s laughter was the loudest as he approached Erin “Charming, dangerous, handsome and a sweettalker, what more can you ask for in a man?”

She rolled her eyes as she turned to see Michael walking over to Christina and Brad to break up their dance “He’s different alright.”

Brad was glad to be free as he nodded hastily to rejoin Erin and Doug “God, I thought she would be glued to me.”

Doug covered his nose as he waved a hand in front of Brad “Damn! You reek...”

“Cheap perfume on a cheap woman.” Erin snickered.

Brad smiled victoriously “Jealous?”

“Never.” Erin turned away.

Doug stood in the middle as he began backing away “Uh…maybe you two should work things out.”

“So much for that.” Mia muttered “Target approaching…Brad and Erin”

Brad and Erin looked up and found Michael along with his fiancé nodding at them “Could I have a word with you, Miss?” he asked Erin.

“I have nothing to say to you.” Erin turned away with annoyance. But Brad quickly gave her a shake of the head and she sighed while turning back “What is it?”

Michael smiled with amusement “My fiancé wanted to know if we can have a threesome.”

Erin’s face turned a red color “You’re joking right?”

“Of course!” Christina blurted out “I don’t like to share.” She said darkly.

Michael smiled grimly as his eyes turned down to hers “Yes…unfortunately, she doesn’t. But I would still like to have a word with Miss Yeung … outside.”

“Sure.” Erin decided.

“Erin, no! Joe said not leave with anyone.” Mia cautioned.

Darren shook his head “That’s not a good sign.”

Michael took her hand as he linked it through his own and led her out to the backyard where there were less people “Brad, follow her.” Joe commanded.

Mia snapped her head back “Wooh, where’d he come from?”

“Like a thief in the night.” Darren laughed at Mia’s shocked look.

By the time the two were outside, Michael turned to Erin “I have a business proposition for you.”

“Whatever it is, I’m not interested.” Erin replied too quickly.

He shook his head with interest “Reina was right, you sure are quick to judge.”

“Reina is a lying traitor.” Erin smiled sarcastically.

“Actually, she is quite loyal to me.” He smiled knowingly. He loved the way she looked when she was upset, yet he wondered what it would look like if she smiled at him genuinely “God, you’re beautiful!”

She turned her back with her arms crossed “And I’m sure every girl has heard that line before they stepped into bed with you.”

Michael laughed “You can say that. But this time, I’m being honest.”

“Really?” She spun herself back, making her dress fly in the air with a wave “I find that hard to believe.”

“Let me prove it to you….What do you like? Stuff animals? Flowers? Romantic dinner? Cars? Homes?” he asked eager to impress her.

She began to sense his personality coming out, he was a guy that couldn’t take a 'no' answer. If she was going to give in, he would definitely not want to bother with her. Erin smiled flirtatiously “I like for you….” She whispered as she leaned in closer to him, her fingers crawling up his biceps and she could feel them flexing before she reached around his shoulder to his neck. Her fingers rolled over his chin giving him chills as she pulled her face closer to his lips. They were centimeters away until she whispered “to go to hell.” Her smile faded as she pulled away and began walking away.

Michael felt his blood boiling as he pulled her roughly by the arm. Erin could see Brad’s concerned face as he took a step forward ready to come to her rescue “You have no idea how lucky you are!!” he growled not caring if anyone could hear.

Erin only found it more amusing now that she found his buttons “Let go.” She muttered. Michael refused as he tightened his arm around her wrist “You’ll be sorry.”

“Erin, don’t hit him!” Mia cried. She stared at Darren “Do something.” She pushed at him as the two raced out to the back yard.

“What’s wrong? Can’t take a little pain?” Michael asked when she cringed the minute he tightened his grip.

Brad was about to walk up before Erin could do anything drastic but Darren beat him to it as he came rushing out to intervene “Michael!” he announced his presence “I see you’ve met my friend, Erin.”

Michael’s face softened as he let go of her wrist, he turned to Darren “Your friend….” He nodded “Not for long.”

“What’s that suppose to mean?” Erin asked while she rubbed her wrist with her other unharmed hand.

“Oh no…I wouldn’t spoil the fun of you guessing.” He reached out to touch her chin when she snapped her head back and Darren took a step closer to Michael.

Darren shook his head “The lady doesn’t want to be touched.”

Michael smiled his crooked smile with a nod “Soon…” his eyes widened evilly “Soon…” he backed away and walked back into the ball with a colder aura.

Mia quickly rushed over to Erin while Brad stepped closer “You okay?” she asked Erin.

Erin shook her head “No, I really wanted to beat him up.”

“I could tell.” Darren muttered “I don’t know if I was saving him or you.”

Brad stood from behind “Let me see your wrist.” He brought out his hand and Erin placed her wrist on it, he could see the red finger mark still on it “He’s got no freaking manners!” it made him boil inside to see it happening yet he was ordered not to make a move.

Darren and Mia exchanged glances “Uh…we’re gonna join the party now.” Mia said with a knowing grin while Darren crossed his arms and looked at the two with interest “Come on!” she hissed at him but he still didn’t budge so she did what she knew would make him move. She poked him on the side of his ribs, a very sensitive ticklish spot for Darren. He began cackling like a rooster and chased after her inside.

Erin shook her head with a smile, she often envied the two with such a careless free nature. Their love was so pure and innocent “They’re cute together aren’t they?”

Brad turned his head to see Darren quickly stopping the minute he entered the mansion with all eyes on him. His arms placed behind him in a decent pose while he followed Mia into the living room. Brad nodded with a smile as he turned back “I wish we were like that.”

She looked up strangely “What?”

He held onto her hand as he reached down with the other hand and held onto it “Before I continue.” He smiled and touched his ear and reached over to touch her ear to turn off the device “I thought about what you said last night.”

Erin smiled coyly “What did I say?”

Brad shook his head with a grin “You’re not going to make it easy huh?” Erin shook her head “Fine…let me put the words in my own terms.” He sighed “You were right…I have been a coward and I’m sorry for putting you through this emotional rollercoaster. I guess I was so afraid of losing this friendship that I didn’t want to give us a try.”

“Brad…” she smiled more to herself “You are my only friend…for years you were the only person I could count on. There is no way of losing this friendship because if I did, I would be stuck with Mia…and Darren. And you know how well that’s gonna turn out.” The two laughed together at the thought of her being a third wheel “Whatever feelings I had for you…they were not there for no reason. I…I…”

“I like you too.” He finished her sentence. She let out a sigh and he laughed “Is that hard to say? I can say it again you know, I like you…I like you, Erin... Erin, I like you. Erin Yeung I really like you….” He continued while she blushed away “It’s easier once you get use to it….I LIKE YOU!!!” he yelled into the sky making her laugh.

Erin looked around and covered his mouth when he wouldn’t stop screaming “Shh!!..People are looking.” She whispered.

Brad pulled her hand off his mouth “Good…let them look. I’m done with being afraid.”

She grinned happily and then suddenly her face turned to worried “Crap! We forgot about the rest. Come on. We have to get back to them.” She touched her ear and so did Brad. The two exchanged glances when they heard a horrible painful moaning sound “Who is this?” she asked.

“Save me…someone.” Doug whispered. He was stuck dancing with Christina and she wasn’t about to let him go.

Christina was leaning on his shoulder when she looked up “What did you say?”

He shook his head “Nothing…just mumbling to myself.” He threw her a fake smile.

Erin and Brad shook their heads with a smile as they returned to the party. They found Christina using her full body to lean on Doug who was fighting the urge not to breathe “Oh God, what is she doing to him?” Erin wrinkled her brows.

They could hear Mia giggling like a hyena “Serves you right!!” she scolded.

From a distance, they could see Doug looking at them with wide, pleading eyes “Oh gosh, Mia…do something…” Erin groaned “I can’t take that puppy face.”

Mia let out a sigh as she left Darren’s side “Fine…Mia to the rescue…again.” She walked over to Christina and tapped her on the shoulder “Ahem!!” she cleared her throat which startled the comfortable girl “You’re on my boyfriend, bitch.” Her neck snapping back and forth.

Christina dropped her jaw in shock at the language “Excuse you! If you don’t mind, he’d rather dance with me.”

Mia shook her head with a sarcastic smirk “Girl, you wanna take this outside? Cause I haven’t gotten my fingers dirty all day and it’s itching to slap the bitch out of someone!”

Erin laughed “You tell her!!” Brad widened his eyes at her in shock making Erin blush “Girls get a bit violent.” She whispered.

“Look, you don’t have to act like a peasant…if you want him back, you can have him. He wasn’t much of a dancer anyways.” Christina brushed it off.

Mia stepped closer to the girls as she pushed her using her chest “What did you just say?”

The girl was appalled by her behavior as she stepped back “Look, I don’t want trouble…stupid Michael, I told him these guys are too low class to appreciate a beautiful woman.”

Erin and Brad exchanged glances “He was using her as a distraction?”

Brad nodded in agreement “Guys, be careful.” He warned.

The minute Christina was walking away, the entire mansion was blacked out with no electricity. Immediately the placed turned to chaos with everyone crying out for help. Erin and Brad immediately held hands afraid to lose each other “Mia, Doug…are you two still together?”

“Yeah…” Mia stood close to Doug who touched her shoulder to tell her he was there “Darren, where are you?”

“I don’t know…” he replied while being pushed back and forth. Suddenly an ear piercing scream was heard before a gunshot rang through the mansion like an echo.

Chapter 26

Guest Star:
Julian Cheung - Douglas Chung aka Virgo
Andy Lau – Joe (The Head of Security and P.R.A.)
Daniel Wu – Michael Wu
Sonjia Kwok – Christina Chan

The darkened chaotic room was soon lit again. Erin and Brad’s hands were tightly entwined and it was visible to Mia who had on a grin so wide that it made the two new love birds let go “What happened?” Brad asked, trying to diverge the attention away from them.

Suddenly a shriek came from a woman standing not too far from Brad and Erin. The five of them rushed over as people hovered over a man who had been shot “Call the police!!” someone cried while others whispered amongst themselves.

The five exchanged glances “Who is he?” Erin wondered out loud.

“He’s on the list of the top ten richest man in Hong Kong.” Darren concluded.

Mia turned to him with wide eyes “You don’t think….” Before she could finish, Darren shook his head for her not to continue. It wasn’t the time and definitely not the place to presume things.

“Come, we should get back.” Brad nodded as they snuck out before the cops came and stopped everyone.

When they were safe inside their secret headquarter, Mia turned to the group “Any of you guys think that Michael did it?”

Erin snickered “I think it’s a little obvious, but I’m curious why he would kill that man? I mean, why him?”

“Maybe he wants to be the richest guy in Hong Kong.” Mia muttered to herself.

“Wait!!” Darren clapped his hands, startling Mia “Sorry…” he smiled “You are so smart!!” he gushed while giving her a rough kiss on the cheek.

She winced in pain and rubbed her face “I know, but you don’t have to flatten my face.”

Darren laughed “No, you hit it on the nose.”

Doug frowned as he crossed his arms “You mean, Michael’s plan is too kill off everyone on the top ten list so he can be the richest guy in Hong Kong? But why would it matter if he was?”

Darren looked over at Erin who had a small smile on her face “You know don’t you?”

She shrugged “I’m not positive.”

“Let’s hear it.” Brad smiled with pride. He wanted to see if she had the same idea he had.

Erin tilted her head thoughtfully “There is a prestigious charity event at the end of the year where the wealthiest man in Hong Kong is invited to bid on an ancient artifact worth millions of dollar. This year’s artifact is an indestructible safe.” Darren nodded with a smile.

Mia frowned “But why would he want it?”

Brad patted her on the head like a puppy “Innocent little Mia, what have we been trying to find out from this guy?” she only shrugged innocently and he continued “Proof that he’s been smuggling drugs into the country using kids. There is no proof he’s behind it, but if he gets a hold of that safe, he can hide all the paper work and concealing it forever.”

“Isn’t that a lot of trouble? Why don’t he just dig up the ground and put the stuff in there? That way no one will know where it is buried. It sounds like it’s way too complicated.” Mia shook her head.

Darren laughed “You underestimate the mind of Michael Wu. If you want to catch him, you have to think like him.” He tapped his temple with his index finger.

Suddenly there was a clapping sound behind them, it was Joe and he had a proud smile on his face “Great job. Now you guys are thinking like agents.” He walked into the room and pointed for everyone to sit “So, what did you all discover?”

“Michael Wu likes a challenge.” Erin nodded.

Darren crossed his arms as he spun his chair to face Joe “He’s going to be after the other 8 richest men in Hong Kong.”

Mia turned to Darren with a worried expression “Aren’t you one of them?”

He smiled “Number five.”

“How about Michael?” Brad asked with curiosity.

“Six.” Darren sighed.

“You’re going to be on that list?” Mia asked with a worried expression “What are we going to do?” she turned to them. “Let’s kill him before he can kill anyone else.”

Joe shook his head at the hasty girl “Then we are not any less sneaky as Michael Wu. The P.R.A. does not snoop to any level lower than the scum of the earth. I will have a plan, just give me time to think.” After a moment, he turned to Erin “He had a special liking to you didn’t he? Even when he knew you were working against him.”

She shrugged “I don’t know, he was just a guy that couldn’t take a no.”

Mia smiled “More like you stomped on his ego and dumped it in the trash.”

Erin laughed as she shook her head at her friend “You sure can paint a picture.” She noticed Brad’s serious face “What’s wrong?” she leaned in closer to him.

He shook his head “I’m just worried he might do something…”

“To me? Don’t worry, I don’t go for guys that are too pushy. I like passive, naïve, dorky guys.” She couldn’t hide the smile when Brad narrowed his eyes at her.

Doug was quiet until he looked up at everyone and asked “Why do you suppose he wants to marry that girl…oh gosh, what’s her name…” he snapped his finger at Brad “That perfume freak.”

“Christina?” Brad asked.

“Yes!” Doug smiled “She doesn’t seem like at all his type. The two immediately split up the minute they were in the mansion. They were like hawks looking for prey.” He shivered just thinking of the way the girl was all over him.

“More like two cats in heat.” Mia muttered “You should have seen the way he looked at Erin. What a psycho.” She shook her head with disgust.

Joe nodded thoughtfully and when he looked up he smiled at the group “It’s getting late, why don’t you all go home now. We’ll continue this next week. I have to fly to Beijing for some conferences. Just keep in touch with each other and DON’T get killed.” He watched as everyone left slowly but kept his eye on Erin. When she passed his chair, he nodded to her “I want to talk to you.”

Erin looked up at Brad and he nodded “I’ll wait for you outside.”

“Awww, how cute!!” Mia squealed as she grabbed onto Darren’s arm “Will you wait for me, Darren?” she asked in a syrupy voice making Darren shiver.

“Not if you talk like that.” Darren scolded.

Brad placed his hands on his hips while Doug laughed humorously “You watch it or I’ll make you take those sky diving lessons again.” He threatened Mia. She widened her eyes fearfully and covered her mouth with her hand. Brad pushed them out and closed the conference room door before giving Erin a quick smile.

Her eyes were still glued to the door even when they were long gone. Joe smiled at her with admiration “I miss that look of love.”

She quickly blushed and turned away “Who said it was love...”

Joe laughed “Don’t fool me, I’m very happy that the two of you have finally gotten together.” Suddenly his smile faded and he leaned back in his chair “Unfortunately, you will have to put a halt on it.”

Erin frowned “What’s that suppose to mean?” she felt her stomach drop.

“The P.R.A. are agents that are trained to protect and serve the people that need the help. In a way, you guys are acting policemen…” Joe started.

“Where are you going with this? Just come out and tell me.” She insisted.

Joe smiled “A woman that’s straightforward can only mean trouble.” He said wisely. Erin nodded with understanding “This agency has never done undercover work before. This might be the one and only time I am requesting that an agent do it.”

“Why me?” Erin shook her head suddenly her eyes moved away “Michael.”

“Very quick.” Joe complimented “I want you to get on his good side, earn his trust. Find out where those papers are, once you get them we can nail the psycho.”

“But…” she was worried for one person.

Joe sighed “I know you and Brad just began and this is probably a very tough mission considering Reina and Andrew will be around. They will give you a hard time, but I have faith in you, Erin. You can do this…be tough and don’t let him discourage you. It’s very wrong of me to break you two up before you even started, but you must understand we have been trying to get this guy for years. We finally found his weak spot…you. If you don’t do this, more lives will be killed.”

“That’s a lot of pressure…” Erin was hesitant. She disliked the guy and never in her life had she made herself like someone that she despised “Can I tell the others?”

Joe shook his head sternly “No, no one must know. The more people that know about this, the bigger the chance of you being in grave danger. I don’t know how you want to handle Brad, but you cannot tell him. You understand, Erin?”

She nodded, her eyes in a daze “Yes, sir.”

“Go on now. I will set up a chance for you to meet Michael and it will seem like an accident. We’ll keep in contact.” Joe got up as he patted her on the shoulder “Consider this test of your love for Brad. If you two can survive this, you’ll survive anything.”

By the time Erin walked outside, everyone else was gone except for Brad who was leaning against the wall “Erin!” he called when he saw her coming out.

She looked up with a grim smile “Hey…”

“What’s wrong?” Brad asked worriedly, he took a hold of her hand and noticed it was icy cold “Are you okay? Your hands are freezing!”

Erin pulled her hand away gently “I’m okay.”

“What did Joe talked to you about?” Brad asked curiously.

“Just work related, he said I did a good job controlling myself tonight. He just asked questions about what I found out from Michael.” Erin answered blankly.

Brad smiled “Well, did it help Joe?” he took her hand as they began walking down the street together.

Erin looked down at their clasped hands and then turned up to Brad “Promise me something?”

He stopped in his steps and turned to her with a strange smile “You’re acting very strange, but I’ll promise you anything. Just name it.”

“If you ever have a change of heart…tell me. I’d much rather know than guess. I will totally understand too. I only hope you can do the same for me.” She didn’t know why she said it but if they were going to break up, she needed closure.

Brad took both of her hands in his “Silly girl. I will never change my heart. You are the girl, no one can ever take your place. No matter what.”

She felt her eyes fill up with tears as she leaned into his chest “I’m sorry….” She whispered and hugged him around the waist.

Brad stroked her hair gently “Erin…what’s wrong? Can you tell me?” he tried to pull her away but she shook her head and continued to hug him. He eventually wrapped his arms around her and rocked her slowly, whatever was bothering her, he would soon find out. He knew her personality well, you could not make her say anything she didn’t want to talk about.

Chapter 27

Guest Star:
Julian Cheung - Douglas Chung aka Virgo
Andy Lau – Joe (The Head of Security and P.R.A.)
Daniel Wu – Michael Wu
Ada Choi – Jessie Leung aka Cancer
Sonjia Kwok – Christina Chan

As promised, Joe gave Erin a call in the morning to tell her where Michael would be around noon. He was meeting an important client at a popular expensive Sushi restaurant. She got ready and put on her black tight fitting dress as she prepared to catch the fish. She looked at herself in the mirror and let out a short sigh “Good luck…” she muttered.

Erin prepared to open the door when she found Brad looking down at her. She gave a startled jump “I’m sorry, did I scare you?” he asked with concern. She shook her head but did not respond. Suddenly a smile crossed his face “Wow…don’t we look pretty? How did you know I was taking you out tonight?”

She looked down at the floor and then moved her head up with a tilt “Who said I was going out with you?” she squeezed passed him and closed her door “Excuse me.” She didn’t have the heart to look at his shocked expression.

“Erin!” he called but she continued until she was inside the elevator and he was quick enough to stop it with his hands “What is this about? I thought we were fine?”

She sighed with frustration “YOU did, I had a nice sleep last night after I stayed up for two hours thinking about us. I don’t see a future.”

Brad shook his head with wide eyes “That’s all? Oh come now, you can do much better than that!” his voice raising. Erin rolled her eyes as she moved around him to get out of the elevator. She began walking out of the apartment with him close by her side “Erin! Wait…can’t we talk about this?” he asked while trying to chase her.

“No!” She spun around and looked at him in the eye. She knew this would be a sharp pain, but better sharp then a long and dragging one “Look Brad, do you ever wonder what you would do when you suddenly grow sick of the P.R.A.?” he shook his head “Well, I have. I’m tired of sacrificing my life for people that don’t even care. I’m tired of risking my body for crazy stunts…I’m just tired.” She ended it and walked down the street in a quick glide. She had to bite her lip to keep herself from crying.

Erin guessed that he didn’t follow her downtown after that horrible fight. But to her surprise when she stopped in front of the Sushi restaurant and took a look around, she found him standing a few feet from her. She shook her head to herself, it was going to be harder than she thought. Brad walked up to her “I think what we do is great for the people. Not to mention all the lives we have saved. I am so proud of what we do. But I also know that I cannot be happy without you. If you are tired then we’ll both quit, find a regular job and live a normal life together.” He reached down to take her hand but she quickly yanked it back.

“Lead a normal life?” she asked incredulously “I’ve had a tough life up until today, I want a comfortable lifestyle, I want a guy that can support me…tell me Brad, how much do you make from your part time work at the accounting firm?”

Brad wrinkled his brows “I’ll find two jobs then…whatever it is, I can do it.”

Erin shook her head “No…you can’t.” she felt the tears stinging her eyes as she turned her back on him. Just in time to see Michael walking out as he sealed the deal with a wealthy looking man. His eyes quickly caught hers but she dodged him, it wasn’t the time or place to start her plan.

After the other man was put in his limo, Michael walked over to Erin and Brad “Is he bothering you?” his eyes moved up threateningly at Brad.

“Get lost! This is none of your business.” Brad said firmly.

Erin spun around to Brad “Don’t yell at him…and yes.” She turned to Michael “He is bothering me.”

Brad widened his eyes in shock while Michael smiled victoriously “You heard the lady, if you don’t leave, I will ask the restaurant to call for security since you are loitering in front of the restaurant and you are bothering a customer.”

When Brad refused to budge, Erin knew Michael would do something drastic so she turned to him “Thank you, but that’s not necessary.” She muttered and began to walk away when Brad began to follow her only to be stopped by Michael.

“Move.” Brad growled.

Michael didn’t falter as he turned to Erin “Would you like a ride in my limo? I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”

Erin couldn’t give up her chance “Sure…”

“Erin!!” Brad was shocked “You can’t go with this creep! You know what he’s capable of.” He reached for her arm as he tried to shake the sense out of her.

She turned her head away painfully and Michael mistaken it for Brad’s harsh grip as he pushed Brad roughly “Don’t touch her!” he pointed at Brad “I hate men that use physical abuse.”

Erin turned to the two and knew if she didn’t do anything, there would be a brawl in the middle of the street “Come on, Michael.” She reached for his arm and pulled him away eventhough his eyes were still firing at Brad’s.

When they were inside the limo, Michael smiled at her “Good thing you stopped me, if not, I would have beaten him.”

She laughed, it was a joke to her if he was able to beat Brad yet she knew it could never happen “Yes, lucky I did.”

Suddenly his suspicion grew as he crossed his arms “What’s wrong? A fight? As I recall, you two were very …oh, what’s the word? Affectionate?”

Her smile faded as she looked up at him “Have you ever felt bored of something?”

Michael nodded with understanding “Sure, I get bored of my cars all the time, that’s why I buy new ones every three months. Is that what your talking about?”

“Something like that.” She snickered with a laugh “You have so much money that you don’t know what to do with it huh?” he shrugged carelessly and she figured out his other spot she can work at “I quit the P.R.A.” he raised his brows at her “Don’t believe me?” he didn’t answer but continued to stare at her with interest “You don’t have to believe me.” Erin let out a sigh as she leaned back on the chair with her head laid back “I’m just so tired of never knowing if the next mission will be the one to kill me. At first, I joined because I thought maybe it would be good for me. But in the end, I realize one thing. I can never lead a normal life.”

He seemed to be buying her story as he nodded with a grin “What would be normal to you?”

Erin shrugged “I’d like a comfortable life style, but of course money would be the key. But I guess I can work extra hard to make that life style work…” she suddenly chuckled to herself “There goes having a boyfriend.”

His eyes moved to the Erin’s left side as he flicked his brows upward and she nodded with a smile. Michael quickly moved himself next to her “I think I know what you need. A rich boyfriend.”

She crossed her arms as she turned to him “And how do you suppose I find one?”

“With your looks, you’d get one instantly. Too bad I’m already engaged…” he said it almost disappointedly.

Erin leaned her elbow on the top of the seat and rested her head on the palm of her hand “You say it like it’s a bad thing?”

He sighed “It is. I don’t like the girl, but I have to marry her.”

“Why?” she asked with curiosity.

“Family ties. Keeps the white rich blood flowing.” He shrugged it off “But you can tell that we don’t even like each other. Last night was a huge clue.”

Erin nodded “I saw that, you two walked in together and quickly parted.”

He smiled “So you DID notice.” He leaned in closer as his hands grazed her thigh.

Erin almost jumped as she pushed his hand away “I am not that kind of girl.” She said a little too quickly.

Michael laughed with his head thrown back “That’s what all the girls say.” She whipped her head over to him and gave him a glare of the eye “Before you start to curse at me…” he put up his hands in defense “I just wanted to say that I know you’re not that kind of girl and I really admire you for that.”

This time it was Erin that gave him the suspicious eyes “Really?”

He nodded “But you don’t have to believe me.” A slow smile crossed his face “Do you have a place to go?”

She shook her head “I don’t want to go home, Brad might be there waiting.”

“How about you stay at my mansion?” he offered a little too kindly.

“How much is the rent?” she smiled.

He shook his head as he leaned closer to her “For you? Free…but you can repay me with… other gestures of gratitude.” His voice was a mere whisper and it caused her body to shiver with disgust.

“Like doing chores around the house?” she played innocently.

Michael laughed “Sure, as long as I can watch.”

Erin narrowed her eyes “You’re a sick bastard, you know that?” it only made him explode more with laughter. She only shook her head with a grim smile.

*******************
Brad had just finished telling the others about his morning rendevous with Erin and Michael. Mia was disappointed once again by her fellow female coworker “What is going on? Why are they changing like that? Even when you think you know a person, you still don’t know.”

Darren shook his head “This is so unlike Erin, she despises the guy.”

Brad nodded “That’s what I was thinking….” Suddenly he turned to Joe with narrowed eyes “Is she working undercover? It won’t be the first time.” His eyes wandered over to Darren.

Joe shook his head sadly with a sigh “I’m afraid she’s not.” He pulled out her badge and card “She left this behind last night when I talked to her.”

“She what?!” Mia cried as she stood up “I can’t believe this!! How could she just quit?? I’m gonna go and slap the sense into her.”

Joe slammed his fist against the table “No one go anywhere!!” he looked up at the surprised Mia, it was the first time he lost his temper “Sit down.” He ordered and she quietly did “I know this comes as a shock for everyone and you all want to believe otherwise, especially you Brad. But this is not the time to get answers, we have to work harder to nail Michael Wu. Now this team is not complete until we have all five members.” He leaned behind to the desk and pressed a button on the intercom phone “Jessie, please come in.”

“Jessie?” Doug asked with curiosity.

Joe smiled at the handsome guy “Who are you thinking of?”

Doug shook his head “It can’t be.”

When Jessie walked in the door Doug immediately stood up “But it is.” She smiled as the two embraced tightly.

Mia turned to Brad and Darren “A little friendly isn’t she?” she said with sarcasm.

“And cute.” Darren added with a smile.

Mia snapped her head over to him “What did you say?”

“Well, she’ll never be cuter than you.” He nodded with emphasis while stroking Mia’s hair.

“That’s better.” She nodded approvingly.

Joe let the two have a moment and when they broke apart, he turned to them “This is Jessie Leung. She will be the newest addition to our team and she is also Doug’s girlfriend.”

The other three exchanged glances “Girlfriend?” Mia asked with surprise “You never told me you had a girlfriend.”

Doug looked over with a smile “You never asked.”

Mia crossed her arms while the others laughed at her “Whatever…all I know is she better not quit the team.”

“I’m very straightforward, so if I happen to offend you guys, I’m very sorry.” Jessie said politely as she gave them a bow. Suddenly she clapped her hands, startling everyone “Oh and I’m Cancer. I actually wanted Scorpio but Joe told me it wasn’t a good sign. So I figured, I chose something else more fitting. Since I’m a hard worker, I’d figure Cancer would be perfect. Plus Scorpio is so dark and gloomy…not at all like me.”

“You can say that again.” Mia muttered under her breath, only Darren heard it as he stifled a smile.

Doug smiled as he wrapped an arm around Jessie’s shoulder “And I am sorry if she talks too much.” The group laughed.

Brad knew by being captain, he had to keep a good focus and welcome any new comers even if they were taking over Erin’s position “So how did you two meet?”

Jessie quickly sat down as she leaned over the table “I was his student in the martial arts class. His best student actually…” she giggled while nudging him.

Mia covered a yawn as she turned to Darren “We should use her as a weapon.” Darren raised his brows and she quickly added “She’ll bore them with her stories.” Again he had to stifle his giggles while Joe gave the two a stern look.

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