Overprotected [UC, Z/L, Adult] [COMPLETE]

[believer_evans]

Part 21

“What do you want?” Michael answered the phone.
“Is that how they ask you to answer the phone from your job?” Zan said in a hoarse voice.
“Zan? Hey what’s up, you sound off.”
“Just come pick me up please. I’m at Mills Street.” Zan said and hung up.

Michael pulled up to the street and spotted Zan seated at a bench.
“Shit. What happened to you?” Michael kneeled down and looked at Zan’s bruised face.
“Got a little visit from Liz’s old man.” He tried to grin but it hurt his busted lip.
“Man, he did this to you?”
“Nah, too good for that. Had some guys do it for him.” He winced as Michael helped him
up.

~*~

“So then he…oh my god, Zan!” Liz shot up on her feet and ran towards the injured Zan. Michael was supporting him on his shoulder. “Zan?”
“I’m ok Lizzie. Ah, don’t squeeze me so hard.” He winced.
“Sorry.”

“What happened to you?” Maria walked over and saw the bruises.
“Just a little misunderstandin’ with some fellas.” Zan said and gave Michael a wary look to not say anything. Michael simply shrugged.

~*~

“Liz really I’m ok.” Zan moaned as Liz continued to tend to his wounds.
“Stop fussing and let me take care of you. It’s my job.” She smiled sweetly and took up another bandage. “Take another deep breath.” She warned before swiping the cut with a swab of alcohol. He took a deep breath and bunched up the sheets at the stinging.
“Ah, do you have to clean every cut?”
“Yes.”

She finished cleaning him up and sat beside him on his bed. “Why didn’t you call the cops?”
“Nah, don’t like cops. Besides, they wouldn’t have done nothin’.” He pulled her closer. “It’s ok now. I’s back here, with you.” He hugged her and winced.
“What?” She sat up and inspected him. He tried to play it off, but she was concerned and lifted his shirt a bit. “Zan.” She gasped and rose the shirt higher.

His stomach and chest were black and blue. “Oh my god.”
“It’s ok. Nothing busted. Just bruised the hell up.” He shrugged and tried to pull her back into his arms.
“No Zan, you’re really hurt.” She moved aside. “Lift your arms.”

He sighed and did what she said. Liz leaned in and pulled off his shirt.
“OK, but we have to be quiet. They still out there.” He laughed.
“I’m serious Zan. What did they do to you.” Liz sighed and bent down to kiss his exposed flesh. “Is that better?”
“Lizzie you can kiss anything better. But right now, it is a little tender.” He laughed but stopped as it hurt him.

~*~

Liz had stayed there of course. Even after he’d told her to go back to her place, to her bigger and more comfortable bed, she remained at his side.

So now it was almost 2am and Zan laid wide awake, with Liz snuggled against his side. Her warm breath puffing on his neck. The days events running through his tortured mind. He didn’t want to tell Liz what had happened. He didn’t want to be responsible for the further estrangement between father and daughter.

Father. He sighed. He had yet to meet anyone worthy of that title.
Liz’s dad was an overbearing, mean man. But his father was no different. No better.

“Alex, how many times do I have to tell you to take out the god damn trash?” His father bellowed from his seat on the couch.
“I’m doing my homework dad. Can’t you do it.” The young boy of seven years old yelled back from his room.

“No good piece of trash. Just like your damn mother was.” He shouted as he stood up and walked over to his son’s room. “Didn’t you hear me?” He grabbed Zan up from his shirt and dragged him out. “Why couldn’t your stupid mother take you with her?”

“Don’t talk about my mami like that. She’s with God now.” Zan cried as he was tossed into the kitchen.
“Yeah, your mami was a no good illegal immigrant who was only good for one thing. And wasn’t even that good at that. And then she had to get herself pregnant with you. You could have at least come out looking American, but no, had to come out looking like one of those good for nothing wet backs. Now do your job and take out the damn trash.”

“Don’t talk about her like that. I hate you, I wish you weren’t my dad!” Zan shouted only to be smacked across the face.
“Don’t you talk back to me boy. Don’t you ever talk back to me. You and I may not like it, but I’m still your father. So you respect me as such. No good boy.”

He shook off the memory, refusing to cry. He wasn’t going to waste another tear on that man. Yet he always sought out for his approval.

“Look dad, I got an A on my quiz today.” Zan ran in, smiling and waving the graded paper in his hand. Liz had told him that he would do good, and he had. Now he had to show his dad, so he could see that he was good at something. “Dad, dad look!” Zan shouted, but could not find his father.

He sank down on the couch and folded the paper. His father was probably out drinking again.
“Just make yourself comfortable.” He turned and saw his father walk in with a woman.
“Look dad, I got an A.” He smiled wide and held the paper out to his dad.

“Awe ain’t that precious. Hey sweetheart.” The woman smiled, but reeked of alcohol, as did his father.
“Don’t bother the nice lady Alex. My room is this way.” He moved his son aside and led the way to the room.
“It was nice meeting you Alex.”
“My friends call me Zan.” He smiled back. His father roared with laughter.
“You don’t have any friends Alex.” He laughed and shut his bedroom door.

“Zan? What’s wrong?” Liz shifted and yawned. She could feel his restlessness and woke up.
“Nothing. Go back to sleep.” He turned and kissed her head.
“Talk to me Zan. I know something’s bothering you.” She sat up and looked down at him. That’s when she noticed the tear streaks. “You were crying. What happened?”

He bitterly wiped away the betraying tears. He didn’t want to cry. He didn’t want her to see him cry.
“It’s nothing.” He smiled and tried to bring her back down. But she shook her head.
“Not until you tell me why you were crying.”
“Why can’t you just leave it alone. Fuck!” He cursed, then cursed himself.

She stared wide eyed at him, then laid back down, her back to him. He could hear the small whimpers coming from her. “Look, I’m sorry, it’s just…”
“It’s ok. You don’t want to talk about it.” She sniffed.

Zan sighed and sat up.
“I’m sorry Lizzie. I’m just, thinking about bad stuff. I’m sorry.” He leaned over and kissed her shoulder.
“I just wish you’d talk to me.” She turned around and let him kiss her. “Now tell me, what were you thinking about?”

“My dad.” He sighed and laid back down.
“What about him?” Liz turned and lifted herself up on one arm. She put her hand on his chest, stroking it lightly.
“Everything. I hated him so much Lizzie. He always talked shit about my mom, but damn I still loved him.” He took a deep breath and continued. “My mom always told me that no matter what, I had to love him. He was my father, he helped bring me into this world. She would always tell me this, even after he would beat her and she would sleep in my room. She would tell me he was a good man. That the drink made him bad, but it wasn’t his fault. She’s dead because of him. It was raining real hard that day, and he made her go out and buy him more beer. She lost control of the car and slammed into a tree.”

Liz held him as more tears streamed down his face. He never really spoke about his mother before. He would always change the subject when they were younger, but now he was finally talking. “They said she died instantly, which is good I guess. I wouldn’t have wanted her to suffer. But then I get mad sometimes. She left me alone, with him.”
“Shh, it’s ok now. That’s in the past. Here, go back to sleep.” She kissed his temple and snuggled closer.
“I never went to her grave. He never let me.” He shuddered. “I want to see it.”
“You will Zan. I’ll make sure you will. Now go to sleep.”

Zan sighed and closed his eyes. He was with Liz now. And he didn’t have to face anything alone anymore

~*~

“He didn’t tell you anything?” Maria questioned.
“How many times do I have to tell you. He didn’t tell me anything.” Michael sighed. He didn’t want to lie to Maria, but Zan wanted to keep what happened secret.

“Until you tell me the truth. I know when you’re lying Michael.” Her brows furrowed. “When you lie you scratch your leg.” She looked down and sure enough, he was scratching away.
“That’s not true.” He lied and continued scratching, until he noticed and stopped immediately.

“No use trying to hide it now boy. Tell me, what’s up?”
“Ok, If I tell you, you can’t tell Liz. You promise?” He knew he was asking a lot. Telling Maria to keep a secret, was like telling a grenade not to explode once the pin was pulled.
“I can’t tell Liz? Why not? If it’s something that big she has the right to know.”
“Look, it wasn’t my idea. Zan doesn’t want her to know. If I tell you, you’ll know why.”

She finally agreed to keep quiet and Michael told her everything Zan had told him. She listened quietly, waiting till he was through.
“So it was her father that got him beat up?” She gasped.
“Yeah, so you see why he doesn’t want her to know.” He sighed.
“Yeah but…”
“No Maria, no buts. You promised me you wouldn’t tell her anything, you can’t go back on that now.”

“I know, I know. I won’t say anything. Man, I never thought anyone would be that mean.” She sighed and snuggled closer to him.
“I know.”

TBC...

[believer_evans]

It's a sad day of remembrance on this US, with so much still going on.
9/11 and now the Hurricane. It's sad all around.
I want to wish hope, health, happiness, and healing to all those who have suffered


Part 22

“Better?” Liz asked with a yawn.
“Yeah. Thanks for staying.” He kissed her. “What?”
“Morning breath.” She laughed.

~*~

“Still sore?” Liz questioned as she cleared another table.
“I’m good. I’ve been through worse.” He grinned.
“You have? In the school?” She turned and saw him nod. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. Wasn’t your fault Lizzie.” He shrugged. “Now get back to work, or I’s gonna have to fire ya.” He winked and walked back to his office. Once inside he saw the piles of paperwork that waited for him.
“So I heard what happened.” His boss walked in and sat down.

“Yeah, got roughed up. No big deal. Damn what am I supposed to do with all this?”
“Look through everything, and make sure things are straight.” The older man smiled. “Are you sure you’re ok?”
“Yeah.” Zan smiled back. “Now get out so’s I can work.”

~*~

“Hey babe.” Maria waved as Alex walked into her boutique. “What brings you by?”
“Nothing. I’m on my break, wanted to see if you wanted to get lunch.” He leaned on the counter.
“Sorry man, my lunch isn’t until 1. Why don’t you go ask Michael?” She moved past him and arranged some of the clothes.

“Because Mike has been giving me these weird looks lately. Like sizing me up.” He frowned. “You don’t think he’s gay do you?”

Maria burst out laughing, surprising Alex.
“Oh god, you haven’t heard?” Maria asked as she continued to laugh.
“Heard what? He is gay?” He asked now slightly horrified.

“No he’s not gay, he’s a virgin.” She said and wiped the tears from all the laughter.
“A virgin? But even I’ve had sex.”
“Exactly.”

~*~

Zan was placing the last file away when a small letter fell from the desk. He got up, walked around the desk, and picked up the small envelop.

It wasn’t labeled, and he hesitated on opening it.
‘Stay away from her.’
He didn’t need to know who it was from. He knew. He crumpled it up in his hands and threw it away.

“You ready to go?” Liz peeked into the office, her bag already on her arm. She was all smiles.
“Been ready for the past hour. Let’s go.”

~*~

They all gathered in their apartment. The pizza boxes scattered the floor, and the TV shone with the light of the movie playing. Michael sat in his usual seat on the recliner, Maria and Alex shared the couch, and Liz and Zan laid on the floor.

“This ain’t another chick flick is it?” Zan asked over his shoulder.
“Nah, it’s a good movie.” Michael answered as he eyed Alex. The guy had been looking at him weird ever since he got home. He’d been smiling and almost sizing him up. Was Alex gay?

The movie played on and Michael kept catching Alex glance over at him. He couldn’t be gay, he was seeing too much of that girl, Shawna. Then it hit him.

“You told him didn’t you?!” Michael stood up and faced Maria and Alex.
“Told him what?” Maria asked.
“You told him!”

Alex starting laughing, and Zan and Liz simply looked on.
“Told him what?”
“That I’m a virgin!”

The room got quiet. Television put on mute, and all eyes were on Michael. Alex was the first to burst out laughing.

“This better than any movie.” Zan whispered into Liz’s ear and laughed.

“Oh that…” She put her head down behind Alex’s shoulder so Michael wouldn’t see her laughing.
“Hey it’s ok man. I thought you were gay by how you looked at me these days. I asked Maria what was up and she told me.” Alex smirked, trying hard to control his laughter.
“Well I’m glad I amuse everyone.” Michael shouted and left the apartment.

“Michael.” Maria called out after him but he was already gone.
“Wow, he seemed really pissed.” Alex commented.
“Yeah, I’s never seen him so mad.”
“Is he ok?” Liz asked.
“I’ll go and see.” Maria stood up and walked out after him.

~*~

Maria proceeded down the dim hallway to the elevator. She knew she’d really messed up now. Zan was right, they’d never seen Michael so mad. His face was red and the way he looked at her, he looked so betrayed.

The elevator made it down to the lobby, and she spotted Michael sitting on one of the couches. She walked over to him, and saw him tense and turn away.
“Michael I….”
“Save it Maria. Go back up and keep laughing at me. You’re very good at that.” He snapped.
“Ouch.” She hugged herself and sat down across from him. He wouldn’t even look up at her, he was looking down at his hands.

“Look I know I shouldn’t have said anything. And I’m sorry, ok. Will you at least look at me?”
“I really don’t want to look at you right now Maria. Go back upstairs. I need time to think.” He sighed and brought his hands up to his face, his elbows propped up on his knees.
“Michael just come up and…”
“Don’t you understand? I want to be alone.” He said finally looking up at her. His eyes conveying what he’d just said.

“Fine, whatever.” She got up and shook her head. “I’ll go. I won’t bother you.” She crossed her arms over her chest and walked back to the elevator.

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He didn’t mean to make her feel bad, but he couldn’t help it. It was embarrassing enough feeling inadequate, he didn’t want the whole world to know it.

~*~

“Has he come back up?” Liz asked as Zan walked into her apartment. She’d gone back after Maria came back.
“Not yet. Maria hasn’t even come out of her room. Think she was cryin’.” Zan sighed and sunk down on the small couch.

“I feel bad. We shouldn’t have laughed.” Liz bit the corner of her bottom lip.
“He’ll be ok. Just dented his ego.” He smiled. “Now come here.” He saw Liz raise her eyebrow. “I just wanna hold ya. Promise.” He held his hand over his heart and pouted.

Liz giggled and sat down on his lap. He hugged her close and closed his eyes. “See no funny stuff. Just holdin’. I love holdin’ ya.”
“And I love you holding me. But you know what? That’s not all I love about you.” She smiled.
“Really? What else ya love ‘bout me?” He questioned, very curious about her answer.

“Well, I love how you talk to me, I love how you make me feel every day. And I love…” She leaned in a kissed him. Softly at first, but then much deeper, and passionately. “…the way you make love to me.”

“Oh baby.” Zan groaned and brought her back for another deep kiss. “I love making love to ya too.” He moaned as his now very hard member pushed against his pants and into her bottom. “So speakin’ of, how about we…” He motioned his head over to the bedroom.
“We better.”

Liz giggled as Zan leapt up and was in the bedroom.

~*~

Maria’s eyes opened as she heard the apartment door open. Michael was back. She heard his footsteps lead to the bathroom. Later he made his way down the hall, paused in front of her room, then walked down to his. He always did that.

Michael kicked off his boots and climbed into bed. He didn’t even bother taking off his clothes. He was too tired to move.
“Mike?” He turned his head and saw Maria peeking into his room.
“What?”
“You still mad?” She whispered.

Michael let out a breath and shook his head.
“No.”
“Can I come in?” He looked over and saw her clutching her pillow. He nodded and watched as she made her way over. “I’m sorry Michael. Sometimes I just have a big mouth.” She climbed in next to him.

“It’s my own fault. I had to tell you of all people.” He laughed quietly.
“Yeah. See you brought it on yourself.” She giggled back. “Do you still love me?”
“What?” He asked, surprised.
“Are we still friends?”
“Oh.” He sighed. “Of course. Don’t worry about it.” He leaned over and kissed the top of her head. “Good night Maria.”
“Good night virgin.” She grinned and kissed his cheek.
“Funny.”

TBC...

[believer_evans]

Glad everyone is enjoying my fic.



Part 23

“Mmm, I love waking up with you.” Liz sighed against his chest.
“That’s funny, I like going to sleep with you.” Zan laughed. “Do you work today?”
“No. It’s my day off. You?”
“I work.”

“I’m going to miss you.” She pouted.
“How’s about we do something so’s I can have something to remember you by at work.” He wiggled his eyebrows.
“What do you call what we did last night?”
“That was to give me good dreams. Which I had, now I need something for work.”

“*sigh* do what you will.” She put her hand on her forehead. Zan rolled them over so he was now on top.
“I plans to.” He grinned. Quickly reaching over to the stand, he grabbed a condom and rolled it on smoothly.

“I’m never going to get tired of that.” Liz gasped as he slid into her. Her knees drew up and squeezed him.
“I’s neva gonna get tired of this either. I can be old and gray and I’s still gonna be nailing ya to the mattress.” He laughed as he thrust into her.
“You think about that?” Liz asked, clutching to his back as he kissed down her neck.
“Think about what?”

“Being old together. Oh!” She gasped as he started going faster.
“Yeah.” Was all he could say as her nails dug into him. He looked down as her eyes closed and neck bent back.

With one last thrust they both cried out.
“Whoa.” He breathed.
“Yeah.” Liz panted. “So, you think we’ll still be together when we’re old?” She asked again.
“’Course. I’s gonna be with ya always babe. I told you.” He bent down and kissed her again as he pulled out. “Now I’s gotta go shower. Go back to sleep. It’s still kinda early.”
“Ok. Good luck at work.”

~*~

Maria had been awake for the past twenty minutes now, just watching Michael sleep. His hair was a tangled mess. Some covering his face, the rest splayed out on his pillow. He looked so cute. His mouth was slightly open and she could hear him breathing through it.

She grew concerned when he began to frown in his sleep, then he began to toss. He was mumbling something she couldn’t understand.
“Michael, hey wake up sweetie. You’re having a nightmare. Michael.” She tried to shake him awake but it wasn’t working. “Michael.” She said louder and shook him again.

He sat up gasping, trying to breathe, looking around frantically as if he were lost.
“Michael are you ok?” He heard Maria’s voice and turned to find her sitting beside him. He reached out and pulled her to him, crushing her to his body, one hand finding her hair.

“Wow, that must have been some nightmare. Are you ok?” Maria said as she held him too. She could feel his uneven breaths slowly gaining control, and how tense his muscles were under her touch. “Do you want to talk about it?” She asked as she pulled back.

He looked into her eyes and shook his head.
“I don’t even remember what it was about.” He lied, but smiled. “I’m ok now. Sorry if I scared you.”
“It’s ok. Come on, let’s get some breakfast.” She kissed his cheek and got out of bed.

~*~

“Ok Lucky, come on. I know you don’t like it, but water is your friend.” Alex tried to talk the large dog into the tub. “Come on pal, don’t make this any harder than it already is.” Alex bent down and tried to lift it, but it was no deal.

“Cute.” Alex spun around so fast he fell flat on his butt. Shawna laughed and went to help him up. “So this is the mighty musician’s day job huh?”
“You telling me you didn’t know Bob Dylan shoveled dog poop too?” He joked and stood up. “So what brings you around here? I thought it was a school day.” He smiled and finally got the large dog into the tub.

“Nah, school’s out. I’m done with that till I attend college in a few months. Need some help?” She kneeled down next to him and helped lather up the dog.
“So that’s it? No more school?” He asked as the dog shook the soap off.
“Yep, that’s it.” She laughed as she wiped the foam off her face. She smiled and wiped Alex’s face too.

“So now you go home?” He asked.
“Yeah, back to the rents.” She sighed.
“Where do you live?”
“Up state.”

They rinsed the dog and stood up.
“Ah, the country.”
“Yep. Fresh air, lots of land, snow. God it’s going to be hell.” She laughed.
“So when do you leave?” Alex’s tone now more serious.

“In four days. My parent’s are in another one of their romantic get-aways. So I’m going to be staying with Liz till then.”
“Great.” He smiled and reached for a towel.
“Um, looks like Lucky there has a different way of getting dry.” Shawna laughed as the large dog jumped out of the tub and ran off.
“No! Get back here!” Alex yelled and chased after it.

~*~

“Right on time.” George smiled and greeted Zan as he walked in.
“Ain’t I always. What ya got for me?” Zan made his way over.
“Same as always. Just some paper work and check the rounds.”

Zan waved at his boss before going back to his office. He smiled to himself as he recalled that morning. He was deeply in love with Liz. He almost had her entire body memorized inside and out. And he wouldn’t give up till he knew all of her.

He walked into his office and closed the door.
“Why didn’t you listen to me Mr. Evans?” Zan turned to face Jeff Parker, sitting behind his desk. His men stood on either side of Zan.
“Ya have reservations?” Zan asked.

“Don’t play games with me Evans. I warned you to stay away from my daughter, and you still don’t listen. Even after the conversation with my men there.” He points over at Agent J and K as Zan has titled them. “Maybe I’m going at this all wrong. I knew your family.” He says with venom.

Zan watches as Jeff reaches into his coat and pulls out a big envelope. He sets it right in front of Zan and motions to it. “It just took your father ten grand to ship you off. I’m assuming it will take you more than that to leave my daughter.”

Zan laughs, and then pushes the envelope back towards Jeff.
“I ain’t gonna take your money. I ain’t my pops. Nothing can make me leave Liz. Nothing.” He straightened.
“Now, now Alejandro. Everyone has a price. What will it take for you to leave my daughter?”
“You’d have to kill me duke.” He said seriously.
“That could be arranged.” Jeff said, hoping to intimidate the younger man. But Zan wasn’t afraid.
“That’s what you’d have to do. I ain’t scared of ya Mr. Parker. I love Liz, and there ain’t nothing but death that’ll take me away from her. Now, if ya don’t mind. I got to get to work.” Zan opened the door for him.

“This isn’t over.” Jeff said as he passed by him.
“Oh, I know it ain’t.” Zan glared and shut the door behind them.

~*~

“Are you sure you don’t mind me staying here?” Shawna kept asking as they settled her stuff down in Liz’s place.
“Yes I’m sure. Now stop asking me that.” Liz smiled and pulled another suit case into her room.

“Lucy I Home!” They both turned as Zan made his way into the apartment. “Where are you?” He called out.
“In here Zan.” She called back and stepped out to greet him.
They met with a feverous kiss.
“I missed ya.” He said, intentionally rubbing against her so she could feel just how much he missed her.

“Down boy. You got company.” Shawna came out and sat down on the couch.
“Hey.” He nodded over at her, then noticed the boxes and stuff. “What’s going on?”
“Shawna is staying with me for a couple of days.”
“You are?” He looked over at Shawna disappointedly. That meant he couldn’t stay over as much.
“Afraid so man.” She sighed. “Um, but I think I will pay the others a visit. Haven’t seen them in a while. Maybe I’ll stay over there for a while.” She winked at them and quickly left.

“I like her.” Zan grinned and went down for another urgent kiss.
“Yeah, she’s alright. So how about you show me just how much you missed me.” She smiled slyly.
“I am. Trust me. I’m gonna show ya how much I missed ya, long and hard.”

They walked backwards to the bedroom, clothes being shed as they walked. Zan undressed Liz, as she undressed him.
“I missed you too you know?” Liz said as she pulled back for air. Zan could only nod as he kissed down her neck. He reached back and unclasped her bra, tossing it over his shoulder as she fell back on the bed.

“Oh Zan.” She moaned as Zan slowly crawled his way above her. He lent down and placed a kiss on her forehead, following a trail down the ridge of her nose to her lips. There he let his tongue slide over hers before kissing down her chin to her neck.

Liz squirmed beneath him as he kissed her neck, shoulders and down her chest, paying close attention to her breasts. She arched up against him as his lips found her nipple. “Oh Zan.” She ran her fingers through his hair.

He grinned against her cleavage and continued the path he had in mind. His sucked and nipped down to her stomach. He traces her navel with his tongue then plunges into it. Again he is rewarded with a loud moan, and her rising to him. But he simply grins and makes his way down to the waist band of her low rise, pink panties. He looks up at her, but her head is thrown back, eyes shut. So he pulls her underwear down slowly, kissing all the newly exposed flesh.

Liz grabbed hold of the pillow under her head and dug her nails into it. Her head was buried in it as Zan kissed the inside of her thighs. His breath hitting her core. She was going insane with it all.
“Zan please.” She pleaded, spreading her legs further apart and bringing her knees up.

“Ok baby. Ok.” Zan grinned and brought his mouth down to her folds. His tongue snaked out and pushed inside her nether lips, coming in contact with her hard bud. Liz’s hips instantly rose up to bring his mouth closer, but he held them down. “Shh, it’s ok.” He soothed her before bringing his mouth down again.

He nudged into her folds with the tip of his nose, using his hands to keep her from moving. His tongue once again flicked the tight bundle of nerves, making her hiss in pleasure. He reached down, using his expert tongue to probe into where his member was craving to be then.

He continued to kiss and lick and suck until she couldn’t take anymore and let go. Having her juices flow over his tongue was unreal. He placed once last kiss there, and made his way back to her.
“Zan, that was amazing. Thank you.” She smiled.
“Nah, thank you.” He bent down to kiss her and she grimaced. “What?”
“I know where your mouth has been.” She giggled.
“And? There ain’t nothing bad about it. You’s taste real good. Here.” He bent down and kissed her. He let her tongue explore him, tasting herself in his mouth.

“What do ya think?” He asked.
“You’re mouth is all slippery now.” She laughed and licked her lips. “So that’s me?”
“Uh huh. Told ya.” He winked and reached over to her night stand. He pulled out the small packet, opened it and quickly placed the condom on his more than ready flesh. “Ya ready?”
“More than ready.” And she reached down and guided him into her.

TBC...

[believer_evans]

Part 24

“So you gonna tell me what you were dreaming about?” Maria sneaked up on Michael.
“I told you I didn’t remember.” Michael said and tried to walk around her but Maria wouldn’t let it him. “Maria, I need to shower, get out of the way.”

He made it into the bathroom, but Maria only followed him inside. “Maria get out.”
“Not until you tell me. You looked really freaked. And you’ve been out of it all day.”
“Maria drop it, it was nothing. Why do you keep bringing it up. It was just a nightmare. Now get out, I’m gonna get naked.” He threatened by reaching for his belt buckle.

“Is that supposed to scare me? Michael I dropped my towel in front of you. I’m not afraid of nudity.” Maria stood her ground.
“Fine.” Michael said and began to undress. He could see Maria’s shocked expression as he tossed his clothes aside.

“What’s wrong Maria? Haven’t you ever seen a guy naked before?” He asked sarcastically before stepping into the shower.

Maria slumped down onto the toilet and thankfully the seat was down. Her mouth still wide open. In their years of living together she had never seen Michael quite so…well, naked.
“Can you do me a favor and hand me some soap? There’s no more in here.” He asked from behind the curtain.
“Uh, sure.” She reached down under the sink and pulled out a box of soap.

“Uh, here.” She held it out for him. “Michael!” she shrieked as he grabbed her hand and pulled her into the shower. He laughed loudly as he held her under the stream of water. “Michael what are you doing? Let me go!” She screamed and pried herself out of his hold.

“Now let me take my shower in peace woman.” He laughed as Maria shook all over, soaking wet.
“You’ll pay for that Michael Guerin.”

~*~

“So why don’t you just stay here?” Alex found himself asking before he could stop.
“You think I can? Won’t your roommates mind?” Shawna asked, eating more of her ice cream.
“Nah, they won’t mind. And anyways, you wouldn’t want to be over there when Zan gets…uh, antsy.”

Shawna laughed and agreed.
“I barely made it out today. But where would I stay? Zan’s room?”
“I wouldn’t trust his bed too much either. It’s been thoroughly worked through with those vivid dreams of his. You can always stay with Maria, or…uh, here in my room. I could take the couch.” He added bashfully.

“I wouldn’t dream of putting you out like that. I don’t really know Maria all that well yet, so I wouldn’t be too comfortable staying with her. But I’d be almost too happy to stay with you. That’s if you don’t mind.” She smiled at him.
“Oh I wouldn’t mind at all. In fact, it’d be a pleasure to have you stay here.”

~*~

“Penny for your thoughts.” Liz smiled at Zan.
“Just thinkin’ ‘bout you.” He smiled back. He pulled the cover higher on their bodies as the room grew cooler.

“And what are you thinking when I’m right here, with you?” She whispered in the darkness.
“That’s what I’m thinkin’. You’re here, with me. All nekkid.” He grinned.
“Yeah. Well that’s the way I get when I’m with you Zan.”

“What time is it?” He yawned. Liz turned over and turned back.
“It’s almost 3am. Go to sleep.” She kissed him and snuggled into his arms.
“No, I want to stay awake with you.” He said and yawned again. His eyes were struggling to stay open.
“Go to sleep. I’ll still be here when you wake up.”

“Ok. But jus’ cause you said.” He yawned again. “Night.”

~*~

“So you really don’t mind?” Shawna asked as Liz and Zan helped move her things over to the other apartment.
“Shawna, girl, stop asking that. I said it was ok. If you want to stay with your new man, I’m fine with that.” Liz laughed.

“Yeah, man. I mean, now I don’t gotta act all polite when I wanna get it on with my lady.” Zan laughed and drug another case over to his apartment. “Man, what do ya got in here?”
“Oh, those are my CDs, books, and nick knacks.”

They helped Shawna get adjusted in Alex’s room.
“You know, all this movin’ has given me an idea.”
“Ow, did it hurt?” Alex joked as he helped Shawna set her things up.
“Shut up. I was thinking…maybe, you know, uh, I could…” Zan struggled with the words.

“What Zan?” Liz smiled up at him.
“Well, I guess what I’m tryin’ to say is….howboutImoveinwithya?” He said in one breath.
“What?”
“How about I move in with ya?” He said again slower.

“Wow.” Both Alex and Shawna gasped.
“So?” Zan waited for Liz to respond.
“You really want to?”

“Of course I do. Lizzie, I’s love ya. And, I’m never over here anyways, why not make it official?” He took her hand in his.
“Wow, Zan. You really sure about that? I mean, you’re not just saying that because the mood is right? Because, well, the idea is getting me really excited, and I’d hate it if…” Zan cut her off.
“Lizzie, I’m positive. I want to be with you all the time.”

“Oh Zan. Yes, I’d love it if you moved in with me.” Liz jumped into his arms, nearly knocking him down in the process. “I love you.”
“I love you too babe.”

~*~

Zan and Liz were woken up by knocking.
“Who the hell is that?” Zan asked groggy and annoyed.
“I don’t know. And I don’t think a robber would knock.” Liz yawned. “We should get that.”
“I’ll get it. You stay here.” He kissed her quickly, got out of bed and pulled on his boxers.

“I’m coming.” He said into the darkness, trying not to stumble over his belongings. He undid the locks and opened the door. “Ah, shit.” He groaned when he was face to face with Jeff Parker.

“What are you doing in my daughter’s apartment? And in boxers no less?” Jeff glared at the younger man.
“Look, no matter what I say it won’t make this look any better. So just do what you came to do.” Zan said and braced himself for whatever Jeff had in store.

“Dad?” Everyone turned as Liz stepped out of the bedroom. She had only pulled on one of Zan’s large shirts.
“Elizabeth. What is going on here?” Jeff pushed Zan out of the way and entered the apartment.

“I’ll answer your question when you answer mine. What are you doing here?” Liz crossed her arms over her chest.
“Liz, what is he doing here?” He pointed over to Zan.
“He’s living with me dad. Now I’d appreciate it if you left. Now.” She said angrily.

“Liz, I only worry about you. You’re still young and impressionable.” In that point he looked over at Zan. “You’re letting someone corrupt you. Liz, just come back with me. I have a room waiting for you, and many colleges that would love you to attend them.”
“Well you didn’t have to do any of that, because I’m not going to go anywhere. So you pretty much wasted your time. Please, leave.”

“Liz, please. Don’t be stupid.”
“Yeah great dad, insult me, that’ll make me go with you. Now please go away.”
“You heard her Mr. Parker. I think you should go.” Zan walked over and stood next to Liz.

“You.” Jeff growled. “This is all your fault. I’ll make it my personal mission to make your life a living hell.” And with that he turned and left the apartment.

Liz turned and buried her face in Zan’s chest. He held her and could feel her tears wetting his naked torso.
“Don’t cry Lizzie.” He whispered against her hair. He was cursing Jeff Parker in his head. How could he come down and make his own flesh and blood cry? He’d never treat his kids like that, when he and Liz had some. He couldn’t help but smile a little when he thought of he and Liz having babies.

As if she could feel him smile, Liz pulled back.
“What are you smiling about? My dad just threatened you.”
“I wasn’t thinking about that.” He kept smiling.
“Then what?”

“You’d make a great mom.”
“What? Where’d that come from?” She smiled despite the tears that lingered.
“Just. It popped in my head. And you would.” He kissed her and led her back into the bedroom.
“And you’d make an excellent dad.”

tbc...

[believer_evans]

Sorry about the delay, but I'm here now and I bring an update.




Part 25

“Damn sun.” Alex grumbled. The sunlight filtered through his blinds interrupting his sleep. He turned to see what time it was and almost smacked into Shawna’s face. He had forgotten that she was staying with him. Or more specifically, in his bed.

A huge grin came to his face as he continued to look into her sleeping face. Her braids were in a mess across the pillow and partially covered her face. He gently pushed a few aside and rested his hand on her arm.

Not since his first guitar had he felt such feelings of love. Shawna just made him feel right. Like if now something really fit. He’d had girlfriends, well three. One in each stage of growth. Suzie in the third grade, Mary in Middle school, and Angie in High school. But they were all just girls he got along with. He never truly felt like he loved any of them. He was more like their best friend.

But Shawna felt good. In more ways than one. The way she smiled made him smile, and so did the softness of her skin. Her creamy mocha-colored skin glowed with the sunlight and his hand skimmed down her arm, down to her waist.

He saw her frown in her sleep then sigh. She stretched out, pinning him to the bed with her long legs. Her arm reached out and hugged around his waist. A smile played on her face and she snuggled into him.

Alex was in heaven.

~*~

“So he just dropped his pants right in front of you?” Liz grinned as Maria discussed the previous day.
“Yeah, he just stood there all naked and proud. Can you believe that?” Maria took another bite of her sandwich.

“Well, you did do the same to him.” Liz pointed out.
“Yeah, but that was me. This was him. Naked.”
“Yes, you already said that.” Liz smiled.

“I mean, naked. He just stood there, then he pulled me into the shower with him.”
“He what?” Liz nearly spit out her drink. “And then what happened?”
“Well, he just held me under the water until I managed to get free. He got me all wet.” Maria said horrified.

“I’m sure he did.” Liz laughed.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means that you like Michael and that being in the shower with him naked didn’t bother you much.”

“How can you say that?” Maria asked, blushing.
“How can I not? Maria you obviously like him, and he likes you too.”
“He does?”

Liz sighed and shook her head in disbelief.
“Of course he does. Girl I can’t believe you didn’t know this already.”
“Well, I always knew he cared about me. He’s always there for me, taking care of me. But that doesn’t mean he likes me, that way. I mean, Alex and Zan care about me too, doesn’t mean they like me.”

“Yeah, but Alex and Zan don’t look at you the way Michael does.”
“How does he look at me?” Maria asked.
“Girl, whenever you walk into a room Michael’s eyes instantly follow you. He gets this funny smile that he tries to hide fast, and he just hones in on you.” Liz smiled.
“He does? So he likes me likes me? Girl it all makes sense now. All the times he’s acted weird, or blown up for no reason.”

“Same goes for you missy. I see the way you act around him. You smile that ‘I wanna jump on your head’ smile and you just perk up when he’s around. And that whole, sleeping with him gives it away too.”

“So you’re saying I like Michael? Michael Guerin, the one who took me in, the one who always makes sure I’m on time for work, makes sure I eat right, and always remembers my birthday?”
“That’s what I’m saying.”
“You know what Liz Parker Evans? I think you might have something there.” They both laughed and continued their lunch.

~*~

“How do you do it?” Liz snuck up behind Zan and wrapped her arms around his waist.
“Do what?” He grinned and turned to face her.
“Put up with all the drama that surrounds being with me.”

“I love you Lizzie. Ain’t nothin’ gonna change that. Got it?” He bent down to kiss her.
“Got it. I love you too Zan.”

“So, what’s with the question?” Zan asked as he got back to making sandwiches for them.
“Just. I mean, my dad stops by at night and threatens you. Aren’t you even worried about what he’ll do?”
‘I know what he can do.’ He thought to himself. “I don’t care about his threats babe. I told him nothing he can do can keep me away from you.”

“I don’t remember you telling him that.” Liz said over her shoulder.
“Oh, must have been thinking it then.” Zan tried to cover his mistake. He couldn’t tell her what her dad had done to him. “Sandwiches done.”

~*~

“Can I ask you a question?” Michael turned to see Maria standing at his door.
“Sure.”
“It’s kinda personal though.” She said as she walked in and sat on his bed.
“Just ask Maria.” He smiled.

“Well, I guess I just want to know…why you’re a virgin.” She said softly.
“What?” He asked surprisingly.
“Why are you virgin Michael? Is it like a choice, or is there some other reason?”

She could see him tense then sigh.
“You really want to know?” He turned to face her.
“If you’re willing to tell me.”

He sighed and walked toward the bed. He lay down and closed his eyes.
“When I was younger I was really stupid. I had this great girlfriend, she was the best. She was beautiful and smart. She was the only person who really understood me. But like I said, I was stupid. I had this friend, he was stupid too. So together we were really stupid. We would talk about sex like if it were air. I would complain about how my girlfriend wouldn’t give it up. I would talk trash all the time with him. But I knew I really cared about the girl. But I fucked up big time. I kept asking the girl if she wanted to go further and she kept saying she wasn’t ready. One night I got real drunk, and practically yelled at her for not wanting to have sex.

She wouldn’t talk to me again. She was afraid of me after that and wouldn’t even see me. Weeks later my friend came to me bragging on how he had gotten laid. He was real graphic too telling me everything. Heck I thought he was the king. Then I got home to find my little sis in tears. She was only 14. She told me how a guy had raped her at a party. It was my friend. Needless to say, I beat the living shit out of him when I found him.

But what made me feel like real shit was the lame ass speech he gave me while I was pounding him. He said he didn’t understand why I was so upset, that I was the one who talked shit about girls not giving it up. So it was my fucking mouth that got my sister hurt. It was the shit I said that gave him the crazy idea that it was ok to rape a girl.

Maria I felt like killing myself after. I went home and apologized to my sister. We were both crying by the end of that night. After that I could never think of asking for sex. Not even when it was the girl asking for it. I could never bring myself to doing it. I still have nightmares of my sister’s face when I got home that day.” Tears streamed down his closed eyes as he spoke.

“Oh Michael, I didn’t know. I’m so sorry.” Maria wiped at the tears that fell from her own eyes. “If I would have known I wouldn’t have asked. I’m sorry.” She lay down beside him and hugged him. “But, Michael it’s not your fault. You have no pull on what someone else does. That guy was sick. It wasn’t your fault.”

“It was Maria. I was the one who built him up like that. He was a year younger, he looked up to me, and I tell him all that shit.” He opened his eyes and looked at her. The pain in his expression broke her heart.
“Michael, you were young. You don’t have responsibility over someone else. Look, I can’t even imagine how you feel. I can’t say I know how you feel, because I can’t. But what I can tell you is that you are a great guy. You are the best guy I’ve known. I mean, come on, you brought me in to your place when you didn’t have to. That shows something. I love you Mike.” She smiled through tears and kissed him on the cheek.

“Maria…” He said through his own tears. He looked into her eyes and saw something shining through them. This intense sense of love flooded him. He did love her.
“Can…can you just stay here? You help keep the nightmares away.”
“I didn’t seem to help the last time.”

“Well, that dream was about you.” He confessed.
“You had a nightmare about me?” She asked, confused
“Yeah. I dreamt I was hurting you.” He shuddered at the memory.

“You could never hurt me Michael.” She assured him.
“I never want to hurt you Maria. And I feel like I’m getting closer and closer to you, and it’s scary. I’ve never felt this close to someone, and I don’t want to mess it up.”

Maria smiled and sat up.
“Michael, you won’t mess it up. I really care about you ok. I mean, a lot. And it is a little scary, but I can handle it. You’re not that guy Michael. You don’t have to worry about hurting me. And I will never hurt you either. I won’t pressure you into something you’re not ready for.” She took his hand and kissed the palm.

“Maria, I never want to hurt you. I really do care about you.” He sat up and took her hand.
“You won’t.” She leaned closer, but didn’t want to push him. Michael closed his eyes and bridged the gap between them by pressing his lips to hers.

That was the first intimate thing he’d done since he was 17. He slowly pulled back and looked into her eyes.
“See, you didn’t hurt me.” She smiled.
“I will never hurt you.” He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly. “Never.”

“And I won’t hurt you.”
“Will you stay with me, tonight I mean?” He smiled
“Of course.”
“Thanks. I love you.” He sighed as they lay back down.
“Me too.”

tbc...

[believer_evans]

Part 26

Jeff Parker paced his office. He was back in New Mexico. The strong drink in his hand did little to calm his nerves as he hoped it would.
“Sir, do you still want to do what you had ordered.” Justin the guard asked.

Jeff stopped and turned to face him. He took another drink of the scotch and looked down at the picture frame. He sighed and looked back up.
“Yes.” He nodded.
“Ok sir.”

~*~

“Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Lizzie. Happy Birthday to you.” Zan whispered into her ear.

It was her twelfth birthday and Zan wanted to make it special. “You’re not a little kid anymore. How does it feel?” The smiling young boy asked.
“I thought I wasn’t a kid when I turn 13.” She smiled back.
“Nah, you not a kid no more. Here, I got you something.” He pulled a piece of paper from his backpack and handed it to her.

“What is it? She asked as she took it.
“Open it. I couldn’t buy you anything cause I don’t have any money. I hope you like it.” He smiled shyly.

Liz noticed the folded piece of paper contained something inside. She carefully opened it to find a picture of the two of them. They were at the lake, sitting in front of a tree, with Zan sitting behind with his arms wrapped around her shoulders.

Liz smiled with tears in her and looked up at him.
“Why are you crying? You don’t like it huh?” He kicked the dirt with his foot.
“No, I mean yes I love it.” She smiled and wiped her eyes. “It’s the best present ever Zan. I love it. Thank you.”

“No problem Lizzie. You’re my best friend ever. And I love you.” He grinned and hugged her.
“You’re my best friend in the whole world, and I love you too.”

Liz smiled as she traced a finger over that picture. Her and Zan on that lake so many years ago. She could hear him singing in the shower as she still lay in bed. Zan was so sweet, despite his rough exterior. She could see how people in the street looked at him. Some were afraid of him, others just thought he was a punk. But she loved him. She didn’t care what those people thought. Not even her dad.

~*~

“Yes mom. I know. I’m already packed.” Shawna sighed. “Yes, I have all my papers. Yes. Yes. Yes mom.” She rolled her eyes.

Alex sat on the bed watching her pace with the phone. He tried not to laugh.
“I can’t believe I’m going back to that.” She sighed and flopped down on the bed.
“So you’re actually leaving huh?” He sighed and laid back.

“Yep. I wish I could stay here though. It’s been great staying here with you.” She turned her head toward him and smiled.
‘Ok Whitman, moment of truth’ he told himself. He took a deep breath and rolled to face her. His left hand came up to cup her cheek as he guided their lips together.

The kiss was quick. He rolled back over on his back.
“Ok.” Shawna looked over at him. “Alex, do you mind telling me what just happened?”
“Not really. I’m sorry.” He turned to her, his face red with embarrassment.

“Alex, have you been waiting till it was my last day here to kiss me?” She asked and he nodded. “Now why would you wait till now?”
“Figured if you didn’t like, it would be less time to be around you.” He confessed.
“You thought I wouldn’t like it?” Again he nodded.

Shawna smiled and rolled over on top of Alex. She smiled at his shocked expression and kissed him.
“So, you liked it then?” Alex asked.
“Yes. I’ve been waiting forever for you to kiss me.” She smiled.
“So what now?”
“Well.” She pondered. “Now, we make out like some horny teenagers.”
“Sounds good to me.”

~*~

“I can’t believe I spent so many years trying not to do this.” Michael grinned.
“I know. What kind of guy are you?” Maria smiled up at him. “Are you sure you’re ok with this?”
“Yeah.”

Maria ran her fingers through his long hair with a wicked grin.
“Ok. Brace yourself Michael Guerin. It’s coming off.”

Michael closed his eyes and grimaced at the sound of the scissors. “That’s one small snip for man, one giant cut for mullet kind.” Maria laughed and continued to cut away the layers of hair.
“Come on, no jokes about the hair. I’m letting you get away with this much.” Michael whined.

He could feel the locks of hair falling around him. Years of letting his hair grow out came down to this moment. He dared to peek at Maria who was mercilessly snipping off his mane.
“You’re enjoying this way too much.” He said as she smiled broadly.
“Well I’ve had to put up with this hair for too long. You were way past a cut.”

She continued to cut lock after lock until she pulled out the electric razor.
“Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” He asked cautiously.
“Of course. I cut my mom’s, dad’s, and cousins’ hair all the time. You’re in good hands Mickey.” She smiled. “Now close your eyes, I don’t want you to see till I’m done.”

He kept his eyes shut the whole time. He trusted her with his life, and now his hair. He hadn’t cut his hair in three years. And now he could hear the sound of the razor skimming his hair.

Finally ten minutes later Maria was finished.
“Ok, Michael. All done. You can open your eyes now.” She pulled the sheet off of him and wiped some of the hair off of his neck and back.

Michael slowly stood up and made his way to the restroom mirror. “If you don’t like it, I can fix it.” Maria said nervously. She waited and watched as he reached the mirror. He reached up and spiked up his hair, turning his head from left to right.
“You don’t like it.” She sighed sadly.

He ran his fingers through his hair one more time before turning to her.
“Come here.” He said seriously. She sighed and made her way toward him.
“I could fix it. Or I could give you money so you could get it professionally done.” She tried to explain.
“I don’t want you to fix it and I don’t want your money.” He said and reached out for her arm. “All I want is this.”

He pulled her flush to him and fused their lips together in a fiery kiss. She gave in to the kiss and wrapped her arms around his neck. Michael let his hand trial down to her bottom and lifted her up onto the sink.

“Uh, I’ll come back later.” Shawna blushed and backed out of the bathroom. Michael and Maria laughed.

~*~

“Zan we’re both late.” She said as she hurried on ahead of Zan.
“Relax babe, I called in they know we’ll be a little late.” He followed along behind her.
They ran the rest of the way to the bus stop.

“Damn girl, wait up.” Zan gasped for air. They laughed and waited for the bus. Then a black Buick pulled up to them. Zan instinctively pushed her behind him.
“What is it Zan?” Liz asked as she saw him tense.

Agent J and K stepped out of the vehicle and somberly approached the couple.
“Miss Parker.” The Blonde one stepped forward.
“What do you want?”
“Miss we just came to bring you some news about your father.”

Liz held Zan’s arm and moved from behind him. She looked up at him and nodded.
“What does he want now? I’m not going to leave Zan, so if it’s about that you can tell him to forget it.”

“No ma’am, it does not have to do with Mr. Evans. This is about your father.” The other said seriously. Liz looked up at Zan then back at the two men.
“What happened?”

“There’s been an accident.”

TBC...

[believer_evans]

Part 27

Michael sneaked up behind Maria and wrapped his arms around her waist.
“Good morning.” Maria turned in his arms and smiled.
“Great morning.” He smiled back. “What ya doing?” He looked over her shoulder.

“Oh that. I figured I cook breakfast. How do scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, and toast sound?” She wiggled out of his embrace and turned back to the stove.
“Mmm, that sounds great.” He walked back and sat at the counter. “And since when do you cook. Last time I saw you near the stove was to try to turn it off.”

Maria rolled her eyes and put some food into plates.
“Hey don’t question my cooking abilities or you don’t get to eat any.” She set the plates on the counter and sat down.

Michael scooped up the egg and ate. He smiled and tried to bacon, and the sausage.
“Will you marry me?” He sighed and smiled. He continued eating until soon it was all gone.
“Whoa, just when I thought you couldn’t eat any faster.” Maria laughed.

~*~

“What kind of accident?” Liz asked.
“Miss, if you’d only come with us, we could further explain.” The blonde one said.
“Why can’t you just tell me now? What’s happened to my father?” Liz said, now more worried and agitated.

Zan stood beside Liz, holding on her by the waist. He didn’t like these guys. All they were saying sounded too convenient. But he stayed silent letting Liz handle it.
“Please Miss, we’ll take you to him.”

“Tell me where he is.” Liz said holding Zan’s arm. She looked up at him and saw the look of distrust in his eyes when he looked at the men. It was like he hated them, not because of what they were doing to her but something more personal.
“She ain’t goin’ anywheres with ya’ll. If I don’t go with her, she ain’t goin’.” Zan said sternly.
“Mr. Evans, I understand your concern, but you do not need to worry about Miss Parker. She will be safe. We were asked to tell her the news and make sure she was able to visit her father.”

“How do we know it isn’t some sort of sick way of getting Liz to leave? Huh? How do I know you ain’t gonna hurt her or trick in some way?” Zan now stood inches away from the men.
“Please sir, there’s no need to get confrontational.”
“Oh I think there is. You should have thought of confrontations before you messed with me.”

“Ok, Zan relax.” Liz pulled him back and placed her hand in his. She never had seen him so angry. “Tell me where my father is and what exactly happened to him and I’ll go see him.”

“Your father is staying in his town house. He had a fall early last night. Seems he had a bit too much to drink and decided to go down on his own in search of you. He tripped and fell down a flight of stairs. There were no serious injuries; the doctor said he should be ok. But the fall affected him badly and he wishes to see you.”

Liz listened to everything carefully and didn’t detect any sense of lying. But then again, they could just be really good liars. Still she couldn’t bring herself to ignore their explanation. She didn’t like the way her father interfered in her life, but she still loved him.
“Ok, I’ll go see him. Only if Zan can go with me. If my father can’t accept that, then you can tell him I’m sorry but I won’t be able to make it.” She said confidently and was rewarded by Zan’s smile.

“I understand. I will let Mr. Parker know and I will contact you as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention.” And with that the Men in Black went back into their car and drove off.

“I’ll call in and tell them we won’t be able to make it after all.” Zan said and pulled her back to their building.

~*~

“…And this is where I’ve been staying. And this, this is Alex.” Shawna introduced her parents to Alex.

He wiped his palms on his jeans before shaking the hands of Mrs. and Mr. Williams. Dr. William that is.
“Nice to meet you.” Alex said nervously.
“Very nice to meet you Alex. I hope my daughter wasn’t any trouble.” Shawna’s father, Trevor, said.
“Oh no, she was no trouble at all. No trouble.”

“Well we won’t keep you any further. Just tell us where all her things are and we’ll be out of here in no time.” Her mother, Monique, said in a small, polite voice.
Alex showed them to his room and to all of Shawna’s belongings. He helped them get everything down and into their large vehicle.
“It was very good to meet you Dr. Williams, Mrs. Williams.” Alex shook their hands again.
“Please call me Trevor, and my wife’s name in Monique.”

“Well, I guess this is laters for now.” Shawna stepped forward. “Oh, I almost forgot. Alex can you come back up with me, I left something up in the apartment.”
“Ok, but hurry up sweetie.” And with that they ran upstairs.

“Ok what did you le….” Alex turned and was almost thrown backwards. Shawna threw herself at him and kissed him with a desperate urgency.

When they pulled apart, gasping, Alex saw the tears in her eyes.
“Please don’t cry.” Alex hugged her.
“I don’t want to leave.” She cried.

“I know. I know.” He rubbed her back. “I wish you could stay, but you have to go. You have to go to college and become a successful surgeon. I know I’m going to want someone like you there if I ever need to be cut open. Now go, before I change my mind and keep you here. I’ll see you around.” He kissed her again and gave her one more hug.

“I’ll miss you so much Alex. We just really got to know how we feel about each other” She held back another round of sobs. “I’ll come down to visit. And I’ll call everyday. I’ll see you online too.” She tried to smile.
“Deal. And I’ll go up and visit you too. The fresh air will do these ole lungs some good.”

They kissed one last time and Shawna left, leaving Alex alone.

He walked into his room, now empty of anything belonging to her. He picked up his guitar and began playing some sad notes.

~*~

“You want to talk about it?” Maria asked sympathetically as Alex sat motionless in front of the TV.
“Not particularly.” He sighed and changed the channel. It had been half an hour since Shawna left.
“Are you sure? Sometimes it’s better to talk about things. And you know you can talk to me.”

“Yeah, just like Michael talked to you about being a virgin.”
“Whoa, that was low. Look I understand you miss her, but that isn’t an excuse for being an ass. So until you stop acting like a total prick, I’ll be in my room.” Maria stood up and stormed to her room.

Alex sighed and turned off the TV.
“Maria I’m sorry. Look I do miss her, and I’m bitter about it ok. I just, I don’t do the whole “talking” thing. So for now, let me be a dick. I’m sorry, and I’ll be sorry when I snap again.” He said to her room door. Maria opened the door and sighed.
“Ok, fine I get it. It’s a guy thing. I’ll leave you alone. But next time you say something like that, I will beat your tiny ass.”
“Ok.”

~*~

“Are you sure you want to do this? I don’t really trust those guys.” Or your father, he added in his mind.
“Zan, my dad could be hurt. I don’t really trust him either, but I won’t be able to forgive myself if it turned out that he really was hurt and I didn’t go see him. And anyway, you’ll be there with me. Nothing can happen when I’m with you.”

“Just when I think I can’t love ya any more, you go and say things like that.” He grinned and kissed her neck.
“Well I love my caveman tough guy.” She teased. “And what was that whole wanting to kill them with your eyes thing? It looked like there was something else there.”

She felt Zan tense.
“Nothing. Just, I don’t like those guys.” Zan said, and again she could tell there was something he wasn’t telling her. He kissed her again and walked into the bathroom.

She didn’t like the feeling of him keeping something from her. Especially something that had to do with her father.
“So how about we wait for that call more productively?” He said huskily from the doorframe of, now, their bedroom.

She really wanted to talk to him, but he knew just how to distract her. There he stood in all his glory, nothing but the teddy he gave her covering his treasured possession. She looked him up and down and he grinned deviously. Oh yeah, he had her just where he wanted her.
“You know, at some point we are going to talk. You can’t use sex to deter me every time.” She said, even as she began to strip off her clothes.

“I know. But for now…I’m going to deter you till you’re limp.” He captured her, letting the teddy fall, and carried her into the bedroom.

TBC...

[believer_evans]

Sorry for the delay. I didn't mean to take long before posting another part. I don't want to say much or give anything away so....


Part 28

“How is he?” Liz stepped into the apartment with Maria.
“He’s still moping about. They just kissed yesterday, it’s tough on him.”
“Wonder how Shawna feels. She really likes him.” Liz sighed.

They looked towards Alex’s room and heard him on his guitar.
“He’s been at it all day. It’s really sad.”
“I’m going to talk to him.”
“Wait. I don’t think that’s such a good idea.” Maria tried to warn her, but Liz was already at Alex’s door.

~

Liz walked in to the loud din that was now Alex’s room. Everywhere she looked there was clothes, papers, and just plain chaos.
Bottles and cans of beer lay scattered around the room.

“Alex?” She questioned, wonder where in all the mess Alex could be. She walked in further and nearly tripped over a pair of shoes.

She discovered Alex sitting on the floor on the other side of his bed, guitar in hand. He looked miserable. Looking at him you’d think Shawna had been gone for years instead of just a couple of hours.
“Alex, get up.” Liz said commandingly.
“Leave me alone Liz.” Alex mumbled from the floor.

“That’s it. Maria, come and help me.” Liz called out and went over to Alex. Maria came into the room and grimaced at the mess. “Help me with him.” Liz said and took Alex’s arm.
“Hey. Hey let go of me.” Alex struggled as Maria and Liz took hold of him and dragged him out of the room.

They took Alex into the bathroom and threw him into the shower. Liz reached in and turned on the cold water.
“Ah!” Alex yelled as the cold water hit him. He managed to take Liz and Maria into the shower with him.

“What the hell is this for?” Alex asked, trying to shut off the water.
“To snap you out of this funk you’re in.” Liz said, now soaked along with Maria.
“Ok, I understand that, but why am I paying for his funk?” Maria complained in the cold water.

Liz finally reached over and turned off the water.
“Alex, I know how you feel. Remember I’m the master of being torn from someone you care about. But snap out of it. She’s been gone for what, like 5 hours? You know where she is, you can call her, visit, so just stop this. It’s crazy.”

“I know, I know. Look, I know I look very pathetic right now, but that’s how I deal. Maria, you should know, remember the first time I got that call saying that I wasn’t going to get that gig? I stayed in my room the whole week. Well this is worse. I’ve never liked a girl like I do Shawna. She’s like the greatest girl I’ve met.”
“I don’t know whether I should be happy for you or insulted.” Maria said.
“You know what I mean. Shawna is just…special.”

“Awe. Isn’t that the most sweetest thing you’ve ever heard?” Maria sighed and hugged Alex.
“Oh Alex.” Liz sighed too and joined in the group hug.

“Ok, I don’t know how I should feel about Alex in the shower, with our women, soaking wet.” Zan said as he and Michael stood at the bathroom door, arms crossed.

~*~

“Well we’ll be back later. We should all go out to dinner tonight.” Liz suggested as she pulled on her coat.
“Sure. I hope your dad is ok.” Maria said, though in her thoughts she was hoping he really was hurt.
“Yeah, good luck.” Michael said and waved the couple off.

Michael wrapped his arms around Maria’s waist from behind, inhaling her scent of lavender. “So, Liz and Zan are gone, and Alex is at work. What can we do?”
“Hmm, I could think of some things we could do.” Maria turned around in his embrace to face him. Her black tank rode up her stomach as she wrapped her arm around his neck.

She placed a small kiss on his lips before detracting herself from his hold and leading him to the couch. “Lie down.” She instructed.
He did as she said and watched her walk over to the stereo. She picked out a CD and popped it in. The slow music played and Michael smiled as he recognized the song.

She walked back toward him with a Cheshire cat smile. She climbed on the couch, straddling Michael’s waist. “Relax Mike, I’m not going to do anything you’re not ready for.” She told him.
“I’m ready for anything.” Michael smiled.

“Do you have any idea how many nights I’d lay in my bed wishing you’d come in and completely ravish me? I always knew you stopped in front of my door before you went into yours. I always loved it when you’d come in, or I’d go to your room. Did you know that while you slept you would hold me? That you would reach out and hold me in your sleep? You did Michael. And I loved it each and every time.” She leaned down and kissed him. “Well I want you to hold me now. I want you to be awake this time.”

She lay down on him, resting her head on his chest. “Hold me Michael.” She whispered and closed her eyes. Michael wrapped his arms around her, and also closed his eyes.
“Thank you.” He whispered.

~*~

“Are you sure about this?” Zan held her hand.
“Yes. Let’s go.” She took a deep breath and they walked into the large hotel.
“If he’s really hurt why would he be staying at a hotel?” Zan questioned as they approached the front desk.

Liz asked for her father’s room and they told her it was in the Penthouse suite on the 11th floor.
“Liz I have a bed feeling about this.” Zan said as the elevator doors opened to the 11th floor.
“I know Zan. So do I.” She sighed.

They approached the room and found a man standing before the door.
“I’m here to see my father.”
“He’s been waiting. But he can’t go in. He specifically ordered that you should go in alone.”
“Well you can tell him that either Zan comes in with me or I leave.”

The man spoke into a walkie-talkie and nodded.
“He can go in.” He stepped aside and led them in.

The room was enormous and elegant. They were in a large waiting room stocked with a big screen television and all the comforts of home. “He’s right in there.” The man pointed to a room on the right.

~*~

He was dreaming. And for once it wasn’t a nightmare. Maria was on him, pretty curls cascading down around him. She was smiling. Her milk white breasts were hovering over him. She took his hand and placed it on her left breasts, then took the other and led it down her body to her moist center.

Definitely not a nightmare. In his other dream he was hurting her, she was crying. But in this one, there were only her soft whimpers and pleas for him to touch her. And he did. He could feel the weight of her body on his; feel the heat and wetness coming from her. Feel the softness of her lips on his.
“Maria.”

She was awake. She had been for the past twenty minutes watching him sleep. He looked so sexy. She knew she shouldn’t, but she couldn’t keep herself from squirming on him. He was in his jeans and regular t-shirt, while she was in her cotton shorts and tank. He had grown hard under her, and he was mumbling. Having a good dream aren’t we Mikey? She thought to herself.

And then he said her name.

She felt shameless. Like she was doing something she shouldn’t be doing. But she couldn’t stop. The bulge of his arousal was pressing against her core. He was mumbling in his sleep, dreaming about her, in an obviously good way. She couldn’t help but rock her hips against him. She bent down and kissed him, softly at first, but then more demanding. And he was responding even in his sleep.

He was kissing her back. His right hand came up and cupped her butt, pressing her more firmly against him. His hips thrust up, meeting hers. His other hand found her breast through the material of her tank and massaged it.

Oh this was heaven, Michael thought in his dream. Maria so openly loving him, touching him, kissing him. He could feel his erection, painful, rubbing with something soft and warm. He could feel her hands on his chest.
“Michael.” She whimpered.

~*~

They stepped into the dark room. Zan squeezed her hand when they came into view of Jeff Parker. There he was, in bed, doing a real good job at looking miserable.
“Liz.” He smiled and asked her to come closer. She looked back at Zan and nodded. She stepped away and went up to the bed.

“Are you ok?” She kneeled down beside him and took his hand.
“I am now. I’m so happy that you came. I was afraid you wouldn’t.” He looked over at Zan. “And I see you brought your friend.”
“Yes dad, I wouldn’t have come without him.”

“Why don’t you take a seat Zan?” Jeff said and signaled to his assistance to get a chair.
“I’d rather be standing, thanks.” He eyed Jeff sternly. “I like being ready for anything that might happen.”

Liz looked at both of them. Something was definitely there. They weren’t telling her something. She could see Zan was tense. His hands were in fists, arms stiffly at his side.
“Look I can’t have my boyfriend and my father throwing each other death glares. So stop it.”
“Sorry.” Zan looked down.
“You too dad. I don’t know what happened between the two of you, but stop it.”

“Listen Liz, I want to talk to you, privately. Can’t your boyfriend wait in the other room?” Jeff asked her.

~*~

Maria continued to buck into Michael whimpering more and more. Michael’s bulge was now prominently bigger, and rocking into her just right, though she would have preferred him being inside her.

Her tank was lost a while ago, tossed hastily to the side. Damn she wished he’d wake up already.

~*~

“Anything you have to say to me, Zan can witness.” Liz said firmly.
“Please Elizabeth. It will only be a minute.” Jeff pleaded.
She turned to Zan and saw him shake his head.
“Please Zan. Just a minute. I promise.”

Zan sighed and left the room.

~*~

“Oh god….Maria?” Michael finally woke up to find Maria gyrating on him, topless. Her left breast was in his hand. “Maria?”
“Ah, Michael. Oh god.” She gasped. She tried to move away but he stopped her. He brought her back down and kissed her hard.

He reached down between them and touched her through her shorts. “Oh god.” She moaned as he touched her. “Touch me Michael.” She panted.
“I am.” He moaned as he felt the wetness.
“More.” She raised her hips up and helped him take off her shorts.

In a flash she was beneath him, in only a black thong. Michael was fully clothed.
“I’ve never done this before.” He whispered.
“It’s ok. I’ll show you.” She smiled and he kissed a trail down her stomach.

~*~

“No, Stop!” Liz yelled as she saw the men outside grab Zan. “What are you doing?”
“Placing him under arrest. Seems your little friend has an outstanding warrant out for his arrest.” Jeff said.
“You lied to me. I thought you were hurt. You just did this to hurt Zan.” Liz cried and tried to rush to Zan’s aid.

“I did not lie, Liz. I did indeed fall. I am hurt, and I did want to talk to you. Finding out Zan had a police record was an added bonus. Take him away boys.”
“No!”

~*~

“Michael!” Maria sighed as Michel kissed his way back up her body.
“Thank you babe.” He smiled and wiped his mouth.
“No, no, thank you.”
“I think we should get you washed up before the others head back to find you just in butt floss.” He laughed and scooped her up in his arms.

“I didn’t see you complaining about my butt floss while you were going down on me.” Maria laughed out loud.

TBC...

[believer_evans]

Warning, this part might contain some darker material. Descriptions of Zan's life in the detention center when he was younger.


Part 29

“How can you do this?” Liz cried as one of the men in black held her back.
“Liz dear, I’m doing this for your own good. He’s a criminal. He’s wanted for assault.” Jeff tried to reason but Liz wasn’t listening.

“Let him go! I swear I hate you! I hate you!” She screamed and kicked her foot back into the man’s crotch. He keeled over giving Liz the opportunity to rush toward Zan. “I’m sorry Zan, I’m sorry.” She cried.
“It’s ok babe. This ain’t gonna keep me from you. Nothing will. This is nothing, ok. Don’t worry about it. I’ve been through worse.” Zan tried to reassure her. He wanted to hold her, console her, but Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Dum were holding his arms back.

He could hear the approaching footsteps. Cops are here, he said to himself. Sure enough the door was opened and three uniformed policeman came in.
“Alejandro Evans?” One of them asked and he nodded. “We’ll take it from here.” They handcuffed him and led him away.
“No, don’t do this. He didn’t do anything wrong. It’s just a big mistake.” Liz pleaded but they were taking him.

“Don’t worry Lizzie. Don’t cry baby, ok? I’ll be ok. You’ll see. I’ll see you later.” He smiled and let the police take him away.

“I hate you! You hear me? I hate you. I never want to see you again. You’ve ruined my life for the last time. This isn’t going to stop me from being with him. Nothing will.” She slapped the man who tried to get a hold of her, and stormed out.

~*~

“What’s wrong babe?” Maria gasped as Liz ran into the apartment.
“They took Zan.” She cried and went to Maria’s arms.
“What? What did they do to Zan?” Michael came out of the bathroom when he heard the commotion.

“It was a set up. My dad got us there so they could arrest Zan. They took him away.”
“Fuck! Like they didn’t do enough when they beat the shit out of him, now he’s got him in jail.” Michael racked his fingers through his hair.
“What? It was my father who did that to him?” Liz turned to him.
“Shit.” He cursed at his slip. “Damn, might as well know now. It was your dad that had him beaten. He had taken him and told him to stay away from you. Of course, he refused, so he had his men beat him.”

“Ah I hate him! Hate him!” Liz cried and collapsed down on her knees.
“Don’t worry Liz, we’ll get him out. Where did they take him?”
“He’s uptown.” Liz sobbed. Maria got her a glass of water.
“We’ll go get him right out. Don’t you worry.”

~*~

“Hey, fresh meat for ya.” The policeman led Zan into the jail cell and locked him in. “Play nice fellas.”
Zan looked at those around him and slumped down on the bench. He rubbed his wrists where the handcuffs had been. Damn, he couldn’t believe this was happening to him. He was finally having a pretty decent life, and it was now going down the drain.

“What ya in for?” One of the men in the cell asked.
“Long standing warrant. Assault.” Zan answered.
“A’ight. Armed robbery.” The man pointed to himself. “Who you assault?”
“Friend who got too personal.”

The man smiled and nodded.
“How old are ya anyways?”
“19 this fall.”
“Ah, you ain’t nothin’ but a little kid.” The man grunted.

The cell stunk. The odor of urine and sweat. But he was used to it. It reminded him of the institution he was in. Rhode’s Juvenile Detention Center for Boys. Or Hell, as he called it. In his mind he was back there again. He could feel the ever-present chill that was there. Hear the shouting and screaming of its occupants. He remembered his roommate, Anthony.

“I can’t take it anymore Zan. I mean it.” The fifteen-year-old boy rocked in his bed.
“Relax Tony, you’ll be out of here before you know it. You’re a good kid.” Zan tried to reassure him, but knew it was no good.

“No Zan. I’m going to be in here till they kill me. I can’t take this shit anymore. I’m his personal bitch. Man, I can’t leave this damn room to take a shit without him stalking me like he does. You know what he did to me last time.” Zan nodded. Poor Tony was the target of the baddest guy in Rhode’s. And he was a bad motherfucker too. “Zan, he’s crazy I tell ya. This here is like jail. The teachers don’t care, much less the guards. He fucking raped me right there in the bathroom, guards came in and didn’t say shit.”

“I know this is shit Tony. And I told you, don’t go anywhere without me. I can protect you.”
“I don’t want you to protect me Zan. I want to protect myself. I want to leave this fucking place. If I don’t I’ll kill myself.”

And Tony had kept his word, but not before stabbing David in the gut. The guards found the both of them in the West bathroom, in a pool of blood. Poor Tony slashed his wrist.

Zan shook the memory out of his mind. He wasn’t there anymore.

“Alejandro Evans?” A guard came out and opened the doors. “You got bailed out. Your friends are here for you.”

~*~

Liz ran into his arms as soon as they brought him out.
“I’m so sorry Zan.” She cried over and over, holding him tight.
“It’s ok babe. I’m ok.”

They drove back to the apartment and gathered together. Alex was already there when they arrived. They had called him at work before leaving to get Zan.
“Assault huh?” Alex sighed.
“Yeah.” Zan replied, still holding on to Liz.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Liz asked softly.
“It was a long time ago Lizzie. I even forgot about it. I didn’t know they pressed charges.”
“Not that. My dad did that to you. He got you beaten that time. Why did you lie to me?”

Zan looked up at Michael and sighed. Michael mouthed an ‘I had to’ and shrugged.
“I didn’t want to worry you babe. I didn’t want to cause any more trouble between you and your dad.”

“I can’t believe it.” Maria said and shook her head.
“Come on, we’re going to go eat.” Zan stood up. “We said we were going to go out tonight. So let’s go. I want to go out.”

~*~

After some protests everyone agreed to go out. They would go eat then to a club. As reluctant of going out as Liz was, she agreed to go.
Everyone was ready in an hour.

They went to a simple restaurant, where the dinner was mostly quiet. Every time someone would try to bring up the day’s events Zan would change the subject.

Soon enough they were at the club, the same club Maria had gotten drugged.
“Now, I don’t want you just going off ok? And watch your drinks.” Michael told her before going in.
“I know Michael.” She sighed and took his hand

“Zan please, we have to talk. I don’t feel like clubbing tonight.” Liz tried to tell Zan but he was pulling her toward the dance floor.
“Come on Liz, let’s just have fun ok?” Zan pleaded

Liz let out a deep sigh and nodded. They made to the dance floor. Sean Paul’s Get Busy came through the loud speakers and Zan grinned. He spun Liz around so her back pressed into his front. His left hand came around to rest low on her stomach.

Liz smiled and took his right hand in hers. Their bodies swayed together to the beat and Liz loosened up.

“Come on baby. You know how I like it.” Zan spoke into her ear, sending a shiver right through her very soul. She could feel him pressing into her bottom.
“Zan…” She started but was stopped by Zan kissing her neck.

Within minutes the two were full blown grinding on the dance floor. Sweat was glistening off of them, and hands touched everywhere they could.
“I want you so bad right now.” Zan said into her ear. “Let’s go somewhere.” He took her hand and led her away from the dance floor.

“Where do you think they’re off to?” Alex asked Michael.
“Well if their dancing had any indication, they’re going to finish what they started. “I lost Maria, have you seen her?”
“No man.”

~*~

“Zan.” Liz moaned. Zan had her pinned against the bathroom stall. His hot mouth was burning right through her neck. His hands were everywhere. She was dizzy with it. “Zan, I…I can’t do this here. Let’s go back to the apartment.” Liz tried to pull away but Zan only pulled her back.
“Please baby, I really need you right now.”

Zan’s hand was under her shirt, rubbing her nipple between his fingers. His other hand was on her ass. “Come on baby, I need you so much right now. Let me in.” He worked on the buttons on her pants.
“Zan, Zan we don’t have any condoms.” She panted. She tried to stop his hands from pulling down her pants. “Zan please.”

Zan kissed her roughly, almost violently pinched her nipple and continued to try and pull down her pants. “Zan, Zan stop. Please.” Liz whimpered now. She had come to her senses and knew it wasn’t a good idea to have sex in the restroom of a club, especially without protection.
“Come on baby.” Zan kissed along her collarbone.

Zan’s fingers went into her pants and slipped into her panties.
“Zan no.” She pushed him away and started to cry. Zan slumped down onto the toilet seat. He covered his eyes with his hands and shook his head. He could hear Liz’s soft whimpers and readjusting her clothes.

“I’m sorry baby. I’m sorry.” He stood up and hugged her to him. “I’m sorry baby.” He nestled into her neck and she could feel him shaking.
“Zan. Let’s go home.” She wiped her tears.
“I’m so sorry.” He sobbed against her. “I just don’t want to lose you. I don’t want to go to jail. I know your dad could do that. He’d do anything to keep me away from you. Am I really such a bad person?” He sunk to his knees and hugged her legs.

Liz knelt with him. She took his face in her hands and made him look at her. His eyes were miserable, full of tears.
“Zan look at me. You’re not a bad person. My dad just doesn’t understand us. He’s afraid. But that doesn’t matter because I love you Zan. I love you.” She leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his lips.
“I love you too.”

TBC...

[believer_evans]

Part 30

Maria and Michael left the couple back in their apartment. Alex had instantly crashed in his room the minute they walked in and his snoring quickly came.
“I’m beat. My poor feet are killing me, and I have to wake up at six.” Maria whined.
“I have to wake up at 8. Tomorrow I have four cars lined up and inventory. And I have to meet the boss.” He sighed and sunk down into her bed.

“Poor baby. I have to stock shelves, help loud teen girls try on clothes they have no business wearing, put up with my bitch of a boss, and pay my mother a visit.” She pulled off her shoes and plopped down beside Michael.
“Looks like we won’t be getting busy tonight then.” He chuckled and wrapped his arms around her waist.
“Guess not. You big goof.” She laughed and snuggled against his chest. “Good night.”
“Good night.”

~*~

Alex’s phone rang disrupting his drunken slumber. He clumsily reached over and answered it.
“Hullo?” He mumbled into the receiver.
“Alex, oh god were you asleep? I’m so sorry.” Shawna apologized.
“Shawna? Hey baby.” Alex smiled.

“Alex? Are you ok?”
“Of course baby. I’m just fine, not as fine as you though. Hey, what are you wearing right now?” Alex hiccupped.
“Are you drunk Alex?” Shawna giggled. He had to be drunk. Alex was too shy to talk like that.
“Drunk? Me? Pshaw. I only had…” He stopped and counted 7 fingers. “…this many.”

Shawna started laughing.
“Alex, are you showing me how many drinks you had on your fingers?”
“Yep. See that’s not a lot. Zan had more than me, and he’s ok. So, nope I’m not drunk. What are you wearing?”
Shawna laughed again and sighed.
“I’ll let you sleep some more. You’re going to have one hell of a hang over. I’ll call you later. Bye.”
“Bye, oh and, I love you.” He hiccupped again and hung up.

“What? Alex, what did you say?” Shawna asked but he had already hung up. She sighed and hung up the phone. She knew Alex probably wouldn’t remember their conversation, but she knew she would.

~*~

Liz woke up to the feel of Zan’s breath tickling her back. She turned over and smiled at his disheveled appearance. His hair hung over his eyes and his lips were slightly parted. His boxers hung low exposing a small amount of butt cheek. She didn’t know if he worked that day, but she hated to have to wake him up. He looked so peaceful.

“Zan, wake up. Do you have to work today?” She nudged him. He made a face but did not wake up. She shook him now, a little rougher, but he still would not wake. “Zan, I’m hot for you baby.” She whispered.
“Huh? What?” He woke up.

Liz laughed and kissed his cheek.
“Sorry to wake you, I wasn’t sure if you worked today or not.” She laid back down.
“Yeah I do work today. Thanks for waking me. God my head hurts.” He sighed and rubbed his eyes.
“That’s what happens after a night of binge drinking with Alex. I bet he’s just about dying too.”

Zan rolled over and held her.
“Do you work today?” He murmured against her neck.
“Yeah, I have the afternoon shift. From 4 to 9.” She sighed and closed her eyes.
“I get off at 5. So we’ll be together for an hour at work.”

He placed a kiss on her shoulder and got out of bed. He walked over to her side of the bed and kneeled. “Liz, I’m sorry about last night. I don’t know what came over me.”
“I know Zan. It was a stressful day. Go get ready for work.” She pulled him down for a kiss. “Good luck.” She smiled.
“Thanks. Go back to sleep. I’ll see you at 4.”

~*~

Work was rough on Zan. He couldn’t keep his mind on his work. His office looked chaotic, as did he. His mind was still in Rhode’s. He could still hear the screams and feel the cold and torture.

“Get up Evans.” The guard banged on the door. “Head Master wants to see you.” He pulled the sheet off of Zan. “Get up!”
“I’m up, I’m up.” Zan grumbled and stood up. He moved to get his clothes but the guard stopped him. “Awe, come on Bill. Let me at least put some pants on.”
“Nope, get out.”

He marched down the cold hall in front of Bill the guard. He could see the eyes of Rhode’s other occupants looking on.
“Don’t let ‘em break ya Zan.” One boy shouted and was quieted.

“In.” Bill pushed him into the Head Master’s office.
“Mr. Evans, so glad you could make it.”
“Not like I had a choice chief.” Zan stood before the large mahogany desk. The older man behind the desk sat, looking up at him through silver-rimmed glasses. His hair sprinkled with a few gray hairs. Mr. Stern, the name fitted him perfectly.
“I bet you’re wondering why I brought you in.”

Zan nodded. No one ever really knew why they were brought into Mr. Stern’s office. They just knew it was bad. He remembered many of his companions returning from the office with busted noses. His bare feet were starting to ache from the cold floor.

Mr. Stern rose and circled around his desk until he stood in front of Zan. Only 15 at the time, Zan had to look up at him. “Zan, your attitude has always been, deplorable. You have no sense of obedience, no respect for authority. Your teachers tell us the same thing. Now Zan, why do you feel you have to rebel?”

Mr. Stern crossed his arms and sat on the edge of his desk. His white sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, black slacks bound tight around his muscular thighs. He was 48 at the least, but still a very impressive man. The only wrinkles on his face were on his forehead, signs of constant brooding. Zan stood up to him.
“I show respect when I get it, sir.” He answered, staring coldly into the older man’s eyes.

“I like you kid, you have spirit. Unfortunately, spirit is not such a good trait to have here in Rhode’s. I’ve seen many of your kind broken here. I really don’t want to see that happen to you, son.” He placed a hand on Zan’s shoulder.
“I’m not your son, sir. I don’t have a dad.”

Mr. Stern laughed slightly and straightened up. He nodded and walked over to his desk. Pressing on the intercom on his desk he summoned Bill the guard back.
“Yes sir?”
“Bill, see to it that Zan here learns some respect.” He winked at Zan and went back to his seat.

He had been beaten that day. Bill had carried him back into his room and tossed him on the bed. When he finally came to, there was a note on his desk, ‘Happy Birthday’.

He finished looking through the rest of the files on his desk. Looking up at the clock he saw that it was almost four. Liz would be here soon. He would see her face and feel good again. He fished out the letter from the jail. His court hearing would be in two weeks. He’d either be released or locked up.

He was scared. He hated to admit it, but he was. He had always been afraid of Jeff Parker, even more than he was of his own father. Jeff Parker had always made him feel lower than a criminal, worse than a rabid animal. Jeff always made him cower.

‘Enough’ he thought to himself. He was falling back into the despair he’d been in before recovering Liz in his life. The long line of self-pity, of self-degradation. He’d felt it last night when he practically forced himself on Liz in the club. He hated himself now for that. But he didn’t want to fall back into the hole. He was going to fight back. He lived all his life fighting, and now he could not back down from the biggest battle of all. His freedom.

He looked back at the clock. Liz would be there in fifteen minutes. He had to move now.

~*~

Alex winced when he moved. It felt like his brain had become gelatinous and every time he moved it would slosh around in his skull. His insides ached, every thing in and outside his body ached. The pale sunlight filtering through his window hurt.
“I’m never going to drink again.” He groaned.

“That’s what you said last time.” He heard Maria’s voice at his door. “Here, sit up. Drink this.” She had a cup out for him, some thing steaming.
“Is that another of your mom’s herb crap?” He mumbled but took the cup anyways.
“This, crap as you so nicely put it, is going to make you feel better. Now shut up and drink up, you big baby.”

He held his breath and swallowed everything in one giant gulp. He started coughing and grimaced.
“That was nasty.”
“Yeah, but it’s good for you.” She smiled and kissed his forehead.
“What’s in that anyways?” He asked as he got out of bed.
“Don’t ask what you really don’t want to know.” She shook her head and smiled sweetly. “I’m off to work now. See ya later.”

Alex nodded and looked around his room. Man, it was chaos. One shoe was lying on his desk, the other hung over the doorknob for some reason. His pants were half concealed under his bed, and his shirt was tossed in a corner.

The other thing he didn’t understand was why his phone was next to his pillow. Did he talk to someone last night? He couldn’t remember. Heck, he couldn’t remember what happened before he got home, or how he got home. Only thing he vaguely recalled was sitting in a table with Zan, a line of shots between them. ‘Damn Zan’ he thought.

He’d have to ask the others what went down. He hoped he didn’t embarrass himself again.

~*~

Liz arrived at work on time. She greeted the rest of the workers but went straight to the back, to Zan’s office.
“Zan, it’s Liz.” She knocked. She didn’t get a response so she opened the door. No Zan. “Hey, Clare, where’s Zan?” She walked back to the front and asked the cashier.

“Boss Zan said he was going on an important errand. To tell you that he’s sorry. He looked really stressed.” Clare replied. “He left just a little while ago. He was mumbling something about fighting back as he left.”

Liz frowned, where could Zan have gone off to? Why would he leave work an hour before his shift ended? And what was he going to fight back?

Oh no. She gasped. He couldn’t possibly be doing what she thought. ‘No Zan’ she thought. ‘Don’t do anything rash. Not when you have a court date soon.’ She prayed he was ok.

~*~

“I want the best prosecuting attorney there. I want this kid to rot in jail.” Jeff hung up the phone. Everything was set. He took another sip of his brandy and sighed. “I’m finally going to get rid of that damn boy.”

“I don’t think so Mr. P.”

Jeff spun around in his chair. He looked up at the cold eyes of the young man standing in his office.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing here?” Jeff shouted angrily.
“Fighting back.”

TBC...