As Justin continued his search for Michelle, he couldn't help but let his mind wander.  Thoughts of the hell she must have been going through with Wade consuming him, filling him with rage.  It was as if the world was playing some cruel and sick joke on him, blinding him to a reality that he didn't know existed until now.  A reality that he could have put an end to if he had only known.

Momentarily squeezing his eyes shut, Justin once again came face to face with his own guilt.  Guilt he felt for missing the signs that he now realized were a cry for help.  Guilt he felt for contributing to her pain and suffering the night he made love to her.  Guilt he now felt for even pursuing her in the first place.

Letting out a heavy sign, Justin realized how much of an effect Wade's comment was really having on him.  His revelation echoing over and over again in his head. 'You know, she might have even saved herself some punishment if she wouldn't have been trying to protect your sorry ass!  Bet that feels real good, doesn't it?  Knowing that she suffered because you' 

"God damn it."

He hated to think that there was even an ounce of truth to Wade's statement, but deep down he knew that every word that came out of his mouth was the cold hard truth.

"I'm so sorry Michelle."  he said, grabbing his phone and once again dialing the number to her cell phone.  "If I had only knew then what I know now, this would have never happened."

Placing it to his ear, he listened with frustration as each unanswered ring only seemed to confirm his worst fears.  Something was wrong.  Something had happened.

Once her voice mail picked up, Justin flipped his phone shut and tossed it back on the seat beside him.

"Where the hell are you?!"  he shouted, fear evident in his voice as he continued to search the various establishments he knew she frequented.

As he continued his search for Michelle, he realized there was one place he hadn't checked. After glancing at his watch, he realized that they would be closing soon and that he had to hurry. After checking in his rear view mirror to see if it was clear, Justin shifted lanes and proceeded to head over to Millennium. He knew the chances were slim that she would be there, but he also knew that he couldn't stop looking for her until every possible option he knew of was thoroughly covered.

After about ten minutes, he arrived back at Millennium and pulled in to the parking lot.  Once he did, he noticed that a few of his dancers were standing in the parking lot talking amongst themselves and prayed that someone had seen her.

Pulling up alongside them, Justin lowered the window and leaned across the passenger seat.

"Hey, has anyone seen Michelle?"

Turning in his direction, Eddie just snickered.  As far as he was concerned, this whole situation was definetly better than anything he had ever read in the tabloids.  He was almost amused by it all.

"No, we haven't seen her since the soap opera that unfolded here earlier.  She's probably with Wade though, I mean because she isn't with you.....or wait...." he said, his comment trailing off momentarily.  "Maybe she is with Marty.  Hell, who knows!  She could be with anyone.  I mean, it seems as if she is fucking everyone but me!  I never have any luck!"  he said, now full on laughing as Justin looked on with disgust.

"You know what Eddie....."

Quickly shoving him to the side, Melanie shook her and headed over to Justin's Escalade.

"Ignore him.  He doesn't have the slightest clue as to what's going on."  she said, glancing back at Eddie. 

"And you do?"  Justin asked, rather surprised.

"I don't know everything obviously, but I did get the chance to talk to Stephanie and Brian after you left. Are you alright?"

Exhaling slowly, Justin shook his head and proceeded to put his truck in park.  He was seriously starting to get worried that he wasn't going to find her in time.

"Do you mind?"  Melanie asked, motioning towards the empty passenger seat.

Without saying a word, Justin reached across and opened the door for her.

"Thanks."  she said, smiling slightly as she pulled the door closed. "So, I'm not really sure I want to know but...why are you looking for Michelle.  I thought she left with Marty earlier?  Did something happen?"

"Honestly...yeah, but it's way more than I care to go in to right now."

"That's fine.  I understand.  You know, Brian is still in there if you want to talk to him."

Glancing down at his watch once again, Justin gave Melanie a questioning look.

"He's still here?  At this hour?"

"Well, let's just say that after the four of you left, it took a while to get things back in order.  Then of course, being Millennium, EVERYONE was asking questions about what had happened.  You know, come to think of it, Chantal was down here too.  Maybe she knows where Michelle is at."

"No, I don't think she does.  I saw her at Michelle's apartment earlier with Wade, but by then, Michelle had already left."

"So, she's not with Wade then.  That's good to know."

"Honestly, I don't know.  I mean, she could be.  I just really don't know where she is or who she is even with for that matter.  I've been calling her cell and driving around looking for her, but nothing.  I'm worried Mel.  I mean, really worried that something is wrong.  I have that feeling."

"So go over to Wade's, go back to her apartment.  Did you even try to call Wade?"

Tilting his head to the side, Justin gave her a look of disbelief.  She seriously didn't just ask him that.

"Ok, stupid question, but you can at least drive over there and look for her car."

"Yeah, I'm going to have to."

"Are you sure you don't want me to go get Brian for you?  See if he knows anything?"

"No, I'll just call his cell on my way over to Wade's.  Time is definetly an issue right now and I want to get going."

Taking that as her cue, Melanie grabbed a hold on the door handle and turned to face Justin.

"Just be careful."

"I will."

"Hey J, when you find her, can you give me a call to let me know that she's alright?"

"Yeah.  Let's just hope that's the case."

"If I hear anything in the meantime, I'll give you a call."

"Thanks Mel."

After shutting the door, Melanie took a few steps back and tried to offer him a reassuring smile as he drove away. After he was out of sight, Melanie exhaled slowly.  Everything that had happened earlier now only seemed to be a launching point for a never ending night of drama.  It was almost surreal. 

With her head now pounding from trying to get a grip on it all, Melanie rubbed her temples and then reached in to the small purse that was hanging from her shoulder to grab her keys. 

"I have to get out of here.  I don't think I can handle anything else tonight."  she said, walking over to her car to head home.

After pulling out of the parking lot of Millennium, Justin headed towards Wade's house and found it surprisingly odd that he was hoping she was there.  Not that having her anywhere near Wade was a good thing, but the comfort of knowing that she was not out doing god knows what to herself offered him at least a some peace of mind.  Dealing with Wade was something he could handle.  Dealing with the possibility that she was alone and in need of help...he couldn't.

Shaking away the thoughts now coursing through his mind, Justin twisted his wrist and glanced down at his watch.  Realizing that it had been a while since he last spoke with Trace, he decided that now would be the prefect time to touch base with him. 

Leaning to the side, Justin grabbed his cell phone from his pocket and began to dial Trace's number.  After a few rings, he picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Hey man, it's Justin."

"Hey man, I was just getting ready to call you.  Did you find Michelle yet?"

"No."

"Damn. Well, I'm sure by my previous question that you know I haven't had any luck either."

"Yeah, I kind of figured as much.  I mean, it's getting late, lord knows she didn't want to be around me or Wade back at her place, so I'm beginning to think that if she doesn't want found tonight, we're not going to find her."

Judging by the concern still evident in Justin's voice, Trace knew that they couldn't give up looking.  If for no other reason than to give Justin some peace of mind that he wasn't sitting around doing nothing. 

"Well I don't have anything to do, so if you want me to keep looking I'd be more than happy to."

"I know you would man and I appreciate it, but I think I've taken enough of your time already.  Besides I think I'm just going to swing by Wade's real quick and then call it a night.  There really isn't much more I can do."  he replied, squinting his eyes slightly to try and make out the odd cluster of headlights further down the road.

"Ok, well if you need me just give me a call."

"I will.  Thanks man."

"Anytime."

After flipping his cell phone shut, Justin shoved it back in his pocket and once again tried to make out exactly what was in the road ahead of him. As he got closer, he realized that traffic was now shifting lanes to avoid a mangled vehicle that was now blocking the right hand lane.

"Shit!  That truck is messed up!" 

Merging with the others in to the left lane, Justin did as most people tend to do given the situation and tried to get a better look at the aftermath.  When he got to within a few feet of the vehicle, his eyes scanned the truck and began to notice a slight familiarity to it.  With an uncomfortable feeling now washing over him, Justin frantically tried to make out the license plate that was now hanging at an angle from the twisted black metal.  Once he was finally close enough to read it, he recognized the combination of characters and knew without a doubt that the vehicle belonged to Wade. 

"OH JESUS CHRIST!"

After quickly pulling off to the side of the road, Justin threw his truck in park and jumped out.  Running as fast as his feet would take him, Justin reached the Wade's Navigator and ran around to the drivers side.

"Wade?!"

Hearing a voice come from behind him, the older gentleman who was still holding on to Wade's hand turned around and saw Justin standing a few feet away.

"Do you know him?" the guy asked.

"Yeah.  Ah fuck!  Ah Jesus Christ!"  Justin began rambling as he ran his fingers through his hair.  "Did anyone call for help?"  he asked, frantically aware that he didn't know if Wade was alive or dead. 

"Yeah, there on their way."

"FUCK!  AH FUCK!  Is he......"  Justin began to ask, his face now turning a ghostly white.

"He's unconscious, but he's holding on."  the guy answered back.

"Thank god!" 

Hearing the faint sounds of sirens in the distance, Justin took a few steps back and saw the approaching lights of the ambulance making their way towards them.

Then just as a sense of relief was about to grab hold, Justin felt his heart sink to the pit of his stomach and crouched down beside the older man.

"Oh god!  Is he the only one trapped in here?!  I mean, there wasn't a girl driving with him was there?!"

Now feeling his stomach tie in knots, the guy looked over at Justin and shrugged his shoulders.

"I....I....don't know."

Quickly getting back up, Justin sprinted around to the other side of Wade's Navigator and tried desperately to look for any sign of Michelle. 

"I have a flashlight in my car.  Hold on.  I'll go get it."  the guy said, gently placing Wade's hand down on the road before running back to his car.

"God!  Please don't let her be in here!"  Justin yelled, lowering himself down on his stomach to get a better look. 

A few seconds later the guy returned and handed Justin the small flashlight.

"Thanks."

After pressing the button on the flashlight, Justin placed it through the small opening between what was once a window and the roof of the truck.

"I can't see anything!"  Justin shouted, shifting position slightly hoping to get a better look inside.  "All I can see are these fuckin liquor bottles!  God!  What the hell was he thinking!"

"He obviously wasn't"  he guy replied, being brutally honest.

"Obviously."

Then just as he was about to stand back up, he heard the shuffle of feet coming from behind him and looked over his shoulder. 

"Alright everyone back up.  We need some room to work." 

Jumping back up to his feet, Justin joined the older gentleman on the other side of the truck and watched helplessly as the paramedics tended to Wade.  Seconds later several LAPD squad cars arrived on the scene and began to take statements.

"Did either of you witness the accident?"  one of the officers asked as he approached the two.

"I did. I was right behind him." he guy replied, briefly looking around the officer to see if the paramedics and rescue team had made any progress extricating Wade from the vehicle.

"Alright, I need to get some information from you.  Can you step over here please."

"Sure."

After the older gentleman joined the officer at his car, Justin knew that he needed to call Chantal and let her know what had happened.  Clearly he was going to need her.

Reaching in his pocket, Justin pulled out his cell phone and began scrolling through his list of phone numbers.  After finding her number, Justin hit the send button and took a deep breath.  Making this call wasn't going to be easy by any means, but he knew it had to be done.  Besides, it was better to come from someone she knew than some stranger.  He just prayed that she was home.

Chapter 122

“Chris Carbonell and Jackson Carter.” the man said in a thick South American accent  “I’ve heard a lot about you.” 

“Well then, I guess our reputations precede us.” Chris said dryly, not wanting waste any time on small talk. 

Nodding toward a large silver briefcase that the young woman held, Chris gave the man a questioning look. 

“You got the money?” he asked gesturing to the young woman to keep the case by her side. 

“No taste, no money.” Jackson said mater of factly. 

“What? You don’t trust me?” the man asked defensively. 

“This has nothing to do with trust Mr. Vega, this is business. 1.5 million dollars is a lot of money to part with, so you’ll have to forgive me for not going on good faith alone.” Chris said, his voice still cool as ice. 

As the tension between the four began to build, the man nodded slightly at the young woman to open the briefcase. Lifting the briefcase up, the young lady popped the buckles to reveal two rows of neatly packaged white powder. 
Removing a small switchblade from his back pocket Chris made his way toward the woman. Once he reached her he gently slid the knife into one of the plastic bags exposing the Columbian “gold”. Dipping his index finger into it, he swirled it around for a second before placing it into his mouth, rubbing it over his tongue and gums. 

Almost instantly the potent drug had numbed Chris’ entire mouth. Looking back at Jackson he nodded toward the man and woman with a very pleased smile on his face. Taking a couple of steps forward, Jackson presented a silver briefcase of his own. Popping it open in the same manner that the young woman had, he revealed 1.5 million unmarked crisp American dollars. 

Scanning the contents of the cases one last time, the pairs traded briefcases and more handshakes. 

“Gentlemen if you don’t mind me asking…..how exactly do you plan on distributing these 50 Kilos. I mean, no offense, but you don’t seem like the type to have a clientele like that.” the woman spoke for the first time, her accent even thicker than the mans. 

Exchanging amused glances, the men looked back and forth between the two Columbians and each other. Offering nothing more than a light chuckle they turned and walked away. 

“You know this is the biggest deal we’ve ever made.” Jackson said, as they continued to away. “This is gonna put us on the map!” 

“I know. Now’s the time that we really have to make sure that everything goes off as smoothly as possible. We cant afford a single fuck up!” 

As they approached Jackson’s car, Chris sat the briefcase on top of the trunk. Popping the two buckles in the front, he let the lid fly open. Reaching into the briefcase he grabbed the package that he had cut open moments ago and smiled. 

“You know I gotta have a little fun.” he said answering the question that was written all over his friend’s face. 

“Haven’t you ever heard the saying ‘don’t get high off your own supply’?” Jackson asked shaking his head at Chris. 

“Yeah well if they had 50 kilos of pure Columbian goodness I bet they would have been singing a different tune!” Chris said offering Jackson an even wider smile. 

Both men laughed before Chris closed the briefcase again and handed it to Jackson. After giving each other one last handshake, they each went their separate ways. 

On his way back to the car Chris couldn’t help but think of how much fun he had truly been having lately. Everything with Wade, living it up in the city, and now this. It was definitely good to be Chris Carbonell right about now. 

When he finally returned to the car, he was surprised to find Michelle sitting in the passenger seat quietly listening to rock music.  It looked almost awkward. To say that this was the last thing he expected her to be listening to would have been putting it mildly. 

“I’m sorry I got bored I just wanted to listen to some music.” Michelle rambled faster than any human should be able to, as she hit the power button on the stereo to turn it off. 

“You’re a trip!” Chris said laughing as he got in the car, turning the stereo back on. 

Making sure that his newly acquired package was safely tucked away in his back seat, he set back off for the city. The drive back into the heart of LA surprisingly seemed much shorter to Michelle. Maybe it was because the ride wasn’t completely silent this time or maybe because she had allowed herself to relax some.  Either way, it was a welcome change.

After what seemed like only minutes, they were pulling into a driveway that was all too familiar to Michelle. As the car moved further and further up the long drive, Michelle’s heart began to race. Noticing her rapid change of demeanor, Chris offered her a smile and parked his car next to hers.

Once she heard the driver’s side door open, Michelle took that as her cue and proceeded to get out as well. Walking past her car, she headed straight to the front door and waited for Chris to join her. Taking a deep breath she exhaled it slowly and tried her best to keep it together. 

“Michelle Gianetti…this is your life.” she whispered to herself in an announcers voice. 

When Chris finally joined her at the door he had an arrogant grin plastered on his face that was unsettling to say the least. Nudging her to the side a bit, Chris unlocked the door and allowed her to enter before him. After walking in behind her, Chris locked the door and flipped a switch on the wall that illuminated the entire front room in bright light. 

Taking in her surroundings, Michelle noticed just how beautiful Chris’ home really was. It was surprisingly clean. Meticulously clean actually. There were no signs of the events from just a day ago. In fact, had she not known that this was Chris’ house she would have guessed that it belonged to some business man and his family. 

“Make yourself comfortable. Mi casa es su casa.” Chris said walking past Michelle and up the stairs with her duffel bag.

After Chris was out of sight, Michelle walked over to the center of the roomand took a seat in the corner of the plush sofa to wait for Chris to return. When he finally walked back down the stairs, he wasted no time in joining her and took the spot on the sofa next to her.

“When are you gonna let me go?” Michelle asked looking down at her lap. 

“I haven’t really decided yet.” Chris said, a mock look of concentration on his face. 

Rubbing the small space on the sofa between them, Chris gave Michelle a sinister grin. 

“You know me and you....we made quite an ‘impression’ on this couch” 

“Why wont you just leave me alone?” Michelle asked, choking on the tears that she was holding back. 

“Awwww because I like you baby doll.” Chris said in a high pitch voice, placing his hand over his heart.

Giving him a disgusted look Michelle scooted further into the corner of the couch. 

Shaking his head, Chris watched her as she tried her hardest to distance herself from him and chuckled slightly. He enjoyed playing with her. No matter what it was, seeing her reactions just didn’t get old. 

“Well…..I can see that your in a sour mood!” Chris said with a huff. “How about we negotiate?” 

Placing the package of powder on the table, Chris looked over at Michelle with raised eyebrows and awaited her reaction.
Letting out a breathy laugh, Michelle looked back and forth between Chris and the package and full on laughed. 

“So that’s your plan? You're gonna bribe me with coke every time you want me to sleep with you?” 

“I think we both know that I don’t have to bribe you with anything to get what I want. I’m just simply giving you the option of having a good time in the process.” Chris said in a very matter of fact tone. “Of course if you don’t like that option…..we can always do things the other way.” 

Letting her head fall in defeat, Michelle once again set her gaze on her lap. 

“That’s what I thought.”  Chris replied, watching her nervously play with her fingers in her lap.

Focusing his attention back on the package that sat on the table, Chris tore it open wider from the original cut that he had put in it. Picking up what resembled a pastry spatula, he carefully scooped a large mound of the powder out and began to cut thin lines on the table. 

A few minutes later there were several lines of white powder etched on the table. Glancing over at Michelle, he reached into one of the coffee table drawers and pulled out a small glass cylinder. 

“After you.” he said handing it to her. 

Taking the small glass tube from him Michelle repositioned herself in front of the table and got down on her knees. The powder in front of her looked like pure white snow and surprisingly she could already taste it. 

Bending over, she placed the cylinder to the table and quickly sucked one of the lines up her left nostril. This time it didn’t even take a second for the drug to have an effect on her. Quickly bringing her hand to her face, Michelle pinched the bridge of her nose as a serious burning sensation tore through her. 

“FUCK!” she said through gritted teeth, her eyes tearing up immediately. 

Chris looked on with amusement as she hastily brushed tears away from her face and replaced the tube in the opposite nostril to repeat the same action. Watching her just did something to him. He coudln't deny that he found her incredibly sexy, but the danger factor she brought to the game made her even more irresistable. 

After Michelle had taken her lines, Chris leaned forward and quickly put away two of his own. Normally he would savor all the effects of the drugs, but tonight he only had one thing on his mind. 

Getting up from the couch, Chris walked across the room and over to a sleek flat faced CD player. After pressing a few buttons,  the soft sounds of R&B music began to play throughout the entire house and Chris once again joined her on the sofa. 

“Dance for me Michelle.” he said his voice low and husky. 

“What?” she asked softly, a glazed over look in her eyes. 

“Dance for me.” 

Placing his foot on the table, Chris forcefully pushed it back to make more room for her in front of him. Michelle knew better than to ignore his request so she hesitantly stood up in front of him, but she didn’t move. Instead she offered him a timid glance. 

“Look,  I know you can dance.  I saw you at the club.” Chris said his voice still low. "So what are you waiting for?"

Simply shrugging her shoulders, Michelle looked down at the floor. 

“Why don’t you loosen up a little more then.” Chris said nodding toward the table. 

After letting out a frustrated sigh, she squatted down in front of the table and proceeded to snort two more of the thin white lines. By the time she finished the second line, she felt like she was in a completely different place. Closing her eyes for a second, she tried to push her inhibitions to the side and oblige his request, knowing that if she didn’t, it may soon become a forced demand. 

"Come on.  Let's go.  I don't like to be kept waiting."

Moving back in front of him, Michelle began to slowly move her body. Rolling her hips gently, she closed her eyes and allowed the music to take the lead.

Licking his lips, Chris was mesmorized by the sight before him, but knew he wanted to see that innocent look take over her face again.  Smiling to himself, Chris knew exactly what he needed to do. Getting excited at the sheer idea of what he was going to say, Chris adjusted himself in his pants and looked directly in to her eyes.

“Strip.” 

Chapter 123

Michelle all but froze in place. The look on her face clearly displaying that the request alone had taken her very far away from her comfort zone. Tilting her head to the side, Michelle gave Chris a questioning look. 

“You heard me.  Strip.” he repeated himself, giving her a look of his own to let her know that he was sick of waiting. 

Letting out a heavy sigh, Michelle began to slowly move her body once again. After a few seconds, she gently slid her shirt up over her head, exposing her completely flat stomach to him. Sliding her hands softly down her own skin she began to unbutton her pants as tears formed in her eyes once again. 

Chris’ glare raced between her body and her face. Her body moved liked she was working for tips, but her face said the exact opposite. He loved it! 

Slowly sliding her jeans and the satin underwear she wore down her legs, she stepped out of them and closer to Chris. Reaching up, Chris ran his hands up over her smooth skin and felt her shudder beneath his touch. 

Rising from his seated position, he stood so that he was now hovering over her, looking down at her innocent face. Bringing his right hand up to her face, he grasped her cheeks between his fingers and turned her face to the side. 

“You know I’m not going to be gentle, right?”  he softly whispered in her ear before forcing her gaze back to his.

Looking up at him with tear filled eyes, she softly nodded her head. 

“Good.” 

Pushing her toward the couch, Chris motioned for her to lay back. As she laid down on the couch, he quickly removed his own clothes and tossed them to the chair behind him. He wasn't even going to bother with the foreplay of oral sex. He just wanted to be inside of her. He needed to be inside her.

Perching himself on his knees at the end of the sofa, Chris slid his hands up over her legs and gently pushed them apart.  The sight of her laying before him completely naked like this made him grow even harder. 

After positioning himself between her legs, he gave her a classic arrogant Chris smile and forcefully pressed himself into her without so much as a warning. 

Arching her back from the pain, Michelle's eyes grew wide and she tried to focus on anything other than the burning feeling consuming her body. 

Sitting back on his knees a little, Chris pulled her hips toward his own so that there was absolutely no space between them. Leaning back over he slid his arms under hers, positioning himself so that he was now holding her shoulders from behind. 

Pulling her closer to him so that he was as deep as he could possibly get, Chris began to move in and out of her at a steady pace.  As his pace began to quicken, Michelle’s body began to tense up with a fury and he could feel her heart racing against his chest. Studying the look of panic rapidly spreading across her face, Chris wondered why she was acting like he was killing her. He hadn’t even come close to giving it to her like he had before.  It just didn't make sense. 

Then almost as soon as the thought process began as to why she was in such distress, a smile eased across his lips and his entire face lit up. Quickening his pace even more, he began to move in and out of her as hard as he could. 

“Guess it's not the 'X' that marks the 'spot' after all, is it?" he said smiling through his labored breaths. 

Michelle couldn’t speak. It felt as though he were all the way in her stomach. The pressure that he was putting on her body excruciating and amazing all at the same time. All she could do was moan loudly in his ear. 

Feeling her arch her back, Chris backed away from her slightly and looked down in to her eyes. He could honeslty that say that it was taking everything he had in him to just keep his own body in check until the time was right. 

"It's alright baby.  Just relax." he said. "I'll get you there."

Allowing her body to now call the shots, Michelle wrapped her legs around him and allowed him to go deeper than either of them could have imagined. As she molded her body to his, Chris felt her body tense up and shutter around him all at once. 

“Oh GOD!” she cried out now driving her hips against his at a rapid pace. 

Holding her tightly against him Chris rolled them off of the couch and onto the floor. Once they were positioned on the soft carpet he quickly matched the pace that she was now creating. 

“Oh God don't stop!” she shuttered out pulling the corner of her bottom lip between her teeth. 

Hearing those four words leave her mouth both shocked and turned Chris on more than anything ever had. Pulling her arms from around his neck, Chris grabbed onto her wrists and slammed them against the floor. Bringing her arms together above her head he held onto them with one hand and slid the other under her neck and behind her head. 

With his hand on the back of her head he grabbed a handful of her hair, giving it an aggressive tug, while he continued his assault on her. Chris fully expected her to cry out in pain, but the reaction he got from her was nothing short of amazing. 
Moaning loudly Michelle arched her back continuing to drive her hips into his. For the first time since he had met her Chris was absolutely speechless. She was REALLY into this. 

Not being able to control himself, Chris completely lost it. Burying his face into her neck he inhaled her sweet scent while continuing to take himself to a new depth with each stroke he gave her. 

Finally releasing the grip he had on her wrists Chris wrapped both of his arms around her so that he again held her shoulders. With his head still buried deep in her neck, Chris began to pant slightly as he felt himself getting closer and closer to his release. Quickly coming to the same point, Michelle dug her nails into his shoulders to prepare for yet another explosion that she knew was on its way. 

Holding on to each other as if they were clinging to life, they simultaneously reached that point of elation that few people ever felt. That feeling that can only be experienced when both people truly let go and give in to their raw animal passion. 
As they lay there still holding each other, Chris felt her smile against his shoulder and couldn't help but smile as well.

“Whooooooooooo” she breathed out shakily in a light voice. 

Pushing himself up a little bit, Chris tried to catch his breath as he studied her once again. Her entire face was glowing. No innocent or bashful look, no looks of regret or disgust. Just absolute satisfaction and he liked it. Sure, her eyes still held a hint of sweetness, but her face looked like one of a WOMAN who had just been thoroughly pleased.

"Told you I would get you there." he said, a look of pride dancing across his face as he winked at her.

After moving away from her, Chris got up and pulled his boxers back on before heading into the kitchen. When he finally reemerged carrying two bottle of water, he noticed that Michelle had gotten off of the floor and was now sitting on the couch wearing the shirt that he had taken off earlier.  Smiling at the sight in front of him, Chris turned off the stereo and plopped down on the couch next to Michelle.

"Here.  You look like you need to cool down." he said, laughing slightly as he handed her a bottle.

Placing her hand to her cheek, she realized that her skin was flush with excitement and instantly grew embarrassed. 

"Thanks."

“So, you wanna watch a movie?” he asked, staring at the tv as he headed for the On Demand menu screen. 

“Sure.” 

Michelle sat quietly as he quickly flipped through the selection of movies that were playing, until something caught her eye. 

“That one” she said as the highlighted bar illuminated the title for the movie Goodfellas. 

“This one?” he asked giving her a questioning glance. 

“I love gangster movies.” she said a blush creeping over her face once again. 

Selecting the movie, Chris sat back and propped his feet up on the coffee table. 

“You know this doesn’t change anything right?” he asked taking a long sip of his water. 

“I know.” she replied doing the same. 

“Good.  I just wanted to make sure.” 

The two sat watching the movie in complete silence, only occassionally stealing glaces when the other wasn't looking. By the time the movie was over, Michelle was fighting to keep her eyes open. 

“Where am I sleeping?” she asked in a groggy tone. 

“In my bed.” Chris said, watching the credits as if they were interesting. 

“Then where are you sleeping?” 

“In my bed.” he answered, still staring at the television intently. 

Michelle shifted on the couch, that uncomfortable feeling sweeping over her yet again. Didn’t he have a guest room or something?! Surely he didn’t plan on them just sleeping in the same bed together as if they were a couple. Did he? 

Chris watched Michelle out of the corner of his eye as a series of contemplative glances swept over her face. She looked confused, or maybe even disturbed. Whatever it was, she was obviously a little shocked at the sleeping arrangements.

“Something on your mind?” he asked, finally looking at her. 

“No.” she replied half-heartedly “I’m just tired…I think I’ll go to bed.” 

Offering little more than a slight nod of approval, Chris returned his attention to the tv.

"Upstairs, second door on the right." he called out.

As Michelle headed up the stairs and toward Chris’ bedroom, she couldn’t help but think about how uncharacteristically calm she had been the entire evening. From accompanying him to his “business meeting”, to the surprisingly amazing sex. It was all just…so not her. 

When she entered his bedroom for the first time, she was again speechless at how meticulous and seemingly formal everything was. The room was completely spotless and like the rest of his house, looked uninhabited. 

Walking over to the king sized bed, Michelle pulled back the thick cream comforter and crawled into its warmth. Snuggling herself deep between the mattress and comforter that were too comfortable for words, she closed her eyes and reveled in her newfound sense of carelessness. 

She still couldn't understand how she could be so comfortable around him, but tonight it had happened. Sure, he still scared the living daylights out of her and he was a terribly ruthless, arrogant person, but there was really no fighting his charm. No matter how terrible he seemed, he just had a way of making you forget how big of an asshole he could be. Well, that was of course until the next time he decided to remind you just how big of an asshole he could be. 

Finally deciding that trying to read too deeply into Chris was neither productive or possible at this point, Michelle yawned hardily and allowed herself to drift off into sleep. 

Chapter 124

As Justin listened to ring after ring, he began to get worried that Chantal wasn't home. Then just as he was about to hang up, he heard someone pick up the other end.

"Hello?"

"Hey Chantal, it's Justin."

"What do you want Justin?"  she asked, exhaling harshly in to the phone.

"Look, I don't think there is any easy way to say this so I'm going to just come right out and say it."

Before Justin could even finish telling her what happened, she cut him off.

"If this has anything to do with Wade or Michelle, I don't want to hear it.  I'm through dealing with all his bullshit. I can't take it anymore and I'm tired of being treated like I'm the one in the wrong. You deal with the mess.  I mean, you're involved in this more than me anyway!"

"Chantal."

"I don't want to hear it Justin!"

"God damn it!  Will you just stop for a second and listen to me!"

Letting out a heavy sigh, Chantal grew silent on the phone waited for Justin to continue.

"You need to head over to UCLA Medical Center."

"For what?"  she asked nonchalantly, completely unaware of the situation her brother was involved in at the very moment.

Slowly exhaling to keep himself calm, Justin glanced back over at Wade and knew he had to do this.  After clearing his throat, Justin hesitantly continued. 

"Chantal..........Wade was in an accident."

Almost instantly the shallow breathing he once heard on the line all but disappeared and he wasn't sure if she had hung up the phone or not.  After several seconds without a response, Justin finally spoke up.

"Chantal?  Did you hear me?"

"What happened Justin?"  she asked softly.

"I don't know exactly.  I just happened to be on my way to his house when I came across the accident scene.  Once I realized that it was his Navigator, I stopped."

"Oh my god!  I knew this was going to happen!  I knew it!  God!  Why is this happening!"

"I think you know why.  He's obviously been on a path of destruction for some time."

"Is he alright?" 

"Honestly, I don't know.  They are still trying to get him out."

"GET HIM OUT?!  WHY CAN'T THEY GET HIM OUT?!"

Now worried that he was giving her way more information that he should have at this point in time, Justin quickly tried to change the subject.

"Do you want me to come and pick you up?  So you don't have to try and drive over there?"

"WHY CAN'T THEY GET HIM OUT JUSTIN?!"

Knowing that she deserved to know the truth, Justin took a deep breath and answered her question as truthfully as he could without causing her to get any more upset.

"The Nav is a mess Chantal.  They just have to be careful and they have to go slow.  The paramedics are with him now though so if you want me to come and get you I can."

"No!  Justin please stay with him.  I don't want him to be surrounded by people he doesn't know.  Please.  Promise me you won't leave."  she begged, quickly searching through the contents of her purse for her keys.

"Alright.  I'll stay with him."

"I'll be there as soon as I can.  If you can, tell him that I love him and that I'm on my way."

After hearing Chantal hang up the other end, Justin flipped his phone shut and watched as several members of LA's fire and rescue began to cut a section of the driver's side door away.  It looked like something you would see on the set of a movie, but the fact was that this was real and someone that he once considered a close friend could be fighting for his life in front of his very eyes. 

"God!  This is a nightmare."  he said, checking on his own truck before glancing back over to the scene once again. 

However, as he looked back he noticed that the older gentleman was pointing in his direction and gesturing back to Wade's Navigator.  Curious as to exactly what was being said, Justin shoved his phone back in his pocket and proceeded to head over to where the two were standing.

As he was getting closer to the scene, the police officer who appeared to be overseeing the operation motioned to a few of the firefighters and they immeadiately moved to the other side of the vehicle.

Feeling a panic sweep over him, Justin quickly picked up his pace and met the officer head on as he was approaching him.

"What's going on?!  Why are they moving to the other side?"

"Sir, I'm Officer Chicardi.  I need to ask you a few questions."

Looking past the officer, Justin once again focused on the team of men now hovering around the passenger side of Wade's Navigator.

"Sir, I'm told you know the driver of the vehicle.  Is that correct?"

"Yeah."  Justin replied quickly, trying his best to see what was going on in front of him.

"Are you aware of any other occupants in..." the officer began before momentarily glancing down at some notes he had scribbled on a small tablet. ".....Mr Robson's vehicle at the time of the accident?"

Feeling his heart sink to the pit of his stomach, Justin straightened back up and tried to remain as calm as he could while looking directly in to the officer's eyes.  Clearly there was a reason for his questions and he hated the fact that he knew where this was heading. 

"Sir do you happen to know if Mr Robson had a female companion in the vehicle with him?" 

Feeling tears well up in his eyes, Justin began to head over to Wade's Navigator when the officer stopped him.

"I'm afraid I have to ask you to remain over here sir.  The scene isn't safe and we don't want anyone else getting injured."

"Is she in there?  Is that why you're asking me?"  Justin said, his voice cracking as he pointed back to Wade's truck.

Before the officer could even attempt to answer his question, he heard his name being called over the small walkie talkie perched on his shoulder.

"IS SHE?  IS SHE IN THERE?!"

Raising his index finger, the officer motioned for Justin to 'hold on a second' and turned sideways.

"Go ahead Martinez."  the officer replied, walking a few steps away from Justin so that he wouldn't be able to hear what was being said.

"Thompson thinks he has a name on the female in question, but we still haven't been able to gain access to the rear area of the vehicle to see if someone else in still trapped inside."

Grabbing his pen, the officer flipped to a new piece of paper and once again pressed the small button.

"Alright, go ahead."

After getting the information, Officer Chicardi turned back around and headed over to where Justin was standing. 

"ANSWER ME DAMN IT!  IS SHE IN THERE?!"  Justin yelled, now frantically aware that they were looking for someone else.

"Sir, do you know if a female named Michelle was in the vehicle when the accident occured?"

Feeling like he was going to be sick, Justin slowly lowered himself to the curb on the side of the road and watched helplessly as they continued to move frantically around the overturned mess of metal.

He knew something was wrong the second members of the rescue teams assembled on the passenger side of the truck and he knew without a doubt what they were looking for, because he had been looking too.  Unfortunately, he under estimated the effect of  it would have on him once he actually heard someone say her name.

"Sir?  Was Mr Robson driving with a female occupant?"  the officer asked once again, this time growing annoyed with the lack of cooperation he was receiving from Justin.

After running his hands through his hair, Justin laced his fingers together below his chin and rested his elbows on his thighs. He just couldn't believe this was happening.  It was bad enough that he had been driving around looking for, calling her, worrying about her.  But now on top of all that, he now had to deal with the possibility that he could be losing her?!  It was almost more than he could handle. 

"I don't know if she was with him or not."  he said, his voice barely above a whisper as he hung his head.

"Do you have a number we can try and reach her at?"

"If it was only that simple."  Justin replied, shaking his head with frustration.  "I've been trying to get a hold of her all night!  GOD!  THIS JUST CAN'T BE HAPPENING!"

"I understand this is a difficult time right now, but Mr Robson made several mentions of the female in question while we were trying to extricate him from the vehicle.  Calling for her.  We're just trying to determine if she was in the vehicle with him."

After raising his head back up, he noticed that the paramedics were slowly pulling Wade from the wreckage and immeadiately jumped to his feet.  He needed to find out what was going on whether the scene was secure or not.

"Sir!  Stop!  You can't go over here!"

Ignoring the demands of the officer, Justin ran over to the back of the ambulance just as they were about to load Wade in.  Deep down he knew what he was doing was wrong, but the sheer panic and fear of not knowing was driving him with a force even he couldn't explain. 

"Wade?!  Where's Michelle?  Was she in the truck with you?!"

Hearing Justin's voice, Wade's eyes flickered open and he turned in his direction.

"Get....Michelle." 

"Hey man!  Back up!"  one of the paramedics yelled out, as he shoved Justin backwards.  "Can someone get this guy please!"

"WADE!"  Justin yelled once again, moving around to the other side of the stretcher.  "WAS SHE WITH YOU?!"

Before Wade could answer, he slipped back in to unconsciousness and the police officer who had been in pursuit grabbed a hold of him from behind.

"I thought I told you to stay put."  the officer yelled, spinning a frantic Justin back around. 

"Look, I know what you said.  I just needed to find out if she was with him.  I can't just sit here and wait!"

"Yeah, well you're not the one calling the shots here.  We aren't members of your little boy band or under age groupies willing to jump at your every whim.  You either play by our rules or you'll be spending some quality time in the backseat of my squad car.  You got me?!"

"Was that really called for?  I mean really?"  Justin asked, now growing increasingly annoyed with the patronizing tone the officer was using with him. 

Ignoring his question, the officer proceeded to pull Justin back away from the ambulance and over to the curb.  After he forcefully sat him back down, he heard his name being called on the walkie talkie.

"This is Chicardi.  Go ahead."

"The vehicle is clear sir and we haven't been able to find any traces that he had an occupant with him." a fellow police officer stated.

"Any chance that she was ejected from the vehicle?" 

"No.  Stevenson questioned the gentleman who was following behind the Navigator and he confirmed that no one was tossed from the vehicle."

"Alright.  Just make sure the investigators have everything they need before Culver Towing moves their truck in to get that thing flipped back over.  And make sure they know they are taking it back to the county impound lot.  That truck and everything in it is now evidence."

"Yes sir."

"Well, looks like you can head over to the hospital to see your friend now.  The vehicle is empty."

Glancing back over to the scene, Justin saw several firefighters moving debris away from Wade's Navigator and he let out a huge sigh of relief. 

"Thank god!"  he said, quickly standing back up.  "Am I done here?"

"You're done."

After running his hand down over his face, Justin quickly made his way over to his truck and prepared to head to UCLA's Medical Center.  Once he was in route, he grabbed his cell phone and tried to called Michelle again.  As suspected, both numbers went unanswered and he groaned with frustration.  Clearly this night wasn't going to get any better.

As her voice mail message started to play, Justin ended the call and dialed the number to Trace's cell phone.  Before it even rang a second time, Trace picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Hey man, are you busy?"

"No.  I'm at the house.  I was just gonna hang here a while and wait for you.  Why?  What's up?"

"Can you meet me over at UCLA Medical?"

"UCLA Medical?  Why?  What happened?  Is it Michelle?"  Trace asked, fear evident in his voice.

"No, I still don't know where she is.  It's Wade. He totalled his Navigator and they took him to the hospital by ambulance.  I had to call Chantal and I told her I would be there waiting for her."

"Yeah man.  Just let me grab my keys and I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Thanks."

After flipping his phone shut, Justin shoved it back in to his jeans pocket and prayed that by nights end, Michelle would be found and that things would be back to normal. 

Chapter 125

As Justin continued to drive to the hospital, he found himself worrying more and more about Wade's condition.  Sure, their friendship had seen better times and lord knows that Wade needed knocked down a peg or two, but he would never wish anything like this on him or anyone else for that matter.

"Come on damn it."  Justin growled, quickly maneuvering through traffic.  "God! Could this night get any worse?"

Finally breaking free of the traffic, Justin sped up and made quick time getting to the hospital.  Once he spotted the entrance to the hospital, Justin put his turn signal on and pulled in to the parking garage.  Not wanting to waste any time, he took the first open spot he saw and threw his truck in park.

As he was making his way through the parking lot, he spotted a nurse unlocking her car and quickly sprinted towards her to ask for directions.

"Excuse me, can you tell me where the entrance to the emergency room is?"

After giving Justin a quick once over, the startled lady turned her gaze to the other end of the lot and proceeded to offer him some assistance.

"You see that red car parked over there by the gate?"

"Yeah."

"Make a right after that car and then go down about fifty feet.  There is a set of double doors on your right hand side.  Just go right in there."

"Ok, thanks."  Justin replied.

After shoving his keys in his pocket, Justin followed the directions he was given and sprinted his way across the parking lot.  Then just as he was about to turn the corner, he spotted a familiar yet unwelcome sight across the street.

"Great.  You know when I was asking if tonight could get any worse, I wasn't looking for an answer."  Justin mumbled, casting an annoyed glance to the skies above him before turning back to the papparazzi's who now had cameras pointed in his direction.

"Fuckin media whores."

Trying as best as he could to limit their opportunity for any photos, Justin lowered his head and shielded his eyes as he headed through the set of doors.

"I didn't think you were coming." Chantal sobbed, immeadiately wrapping her arms around his neck.  "They just brought him in about ten minutes ago.  The nurse said once they know anything they'll send someone out."

"Did you get to see him?"

"No, they were unloading him as I pulled up.  By the time I parked my car they had already taken him in."  she replied, backing away from him slightly to wipe the tears away that were now running down her cheeks.  "I'm scared Justin."

"Hey, don't worry.  He's gonna get through this.  Wade's a fighter."

"I used to think so, but not anymore.  I don't even know who he is.  He's not the brother I used to know."

"Don't give up on him.  He needs you, you know that right?" 

"Needs me?!  He doesn't need me!  According to him, all he needs is a nose full of coke and a bottle of liquor, which I'm sure you know is the reason we're here right now!"  she said, breaking out in tears.

Not wanting to upset her anymore, Justin softly stroked his hand up and down her back and kept his comments concerning Wade's 'problem' to himself.  There was a time and place for that and right now wasn't it.  Clearly she already knew there was a problem.

"Come on.  Let's go sit down.  I'm sure someone will be out soon." he said, guiding her over to the waiting room. "Did you call your mom yet?"

"No.  I wouldn't even know what to tell her.  She has no idea what Wade has been up to these last few months.  It would be bad enough to tell her he was in an accident, but to tell her why?  It would kill her!"

"You have to call her Chantal.  She needs to know he's here.  God forbid something happens.  Do you really think you could live with yourself knowing you kept her from being here with him?"

"I know she needs to know Justin.  I just hate to be the one to break her heart."

"You're not responsible for this mess.  He is.  He's the one who is gonna break her heart.  He's going to be the one who has to deal with the consequenses, not you."

"Yeah, except he hasn't been dealing with anything.  I'm dealing with it.  You're dealing with it.  The staff at Millennium is dealing with it and Michelle is definetly dealing with it.  God, if there was ever someone that was feeling the brunt of his mistakes, it's her."

After making several glances toward the emergency room doors, Chantal turned to face Justin.

"Do you think Michelle knows?"

Feeling that helpless feeling consume him once again, Justin pulled his cell phone out from his pocket and glanced down to see if Michelle had returned his call before proceeding to answer her question.

"As far as I know, she doesn't.  It's not like those two are on the best of terms right now."

"That's putting it nicely."  she replied, hesitating slightly before she continued.   "Do you think I should call her?  I mean, I know that things probably couldn't get any worse between them, but I know he loves her and she loves him.  I think she would want to be here."

Growing uncomfortable hearing Chantal talk about the so called 'love' she claimed Wade had for Michelle, Justin stood up and walked towards the window.

"Even if I thought you should, which I don't by the way, it wouldn't matter.  No one knows where she is at.  Another thing we can thank your brother for."  he said, momentarily glancing at her over his shoulder.

"Look, I know that Wade is responsible for a lot of the hell that Michelle is going through right now Justin and I feel bad for her, I really do. But you can honestly tell me you played no part in this mess?  I mean, as far as she is concerned."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes, I'm serious.  How the hell did you get involved in all this?  You knew they were dating.  Why in the hell would you sleep with her knowing that she was with my brother?"

"Who said I slept with her?"  Justin asked, quickly turning around.

"So you're saying it isn't true?  That you didn't sleep with her?"

"I don't have to answer that Chantal.  Whatever happened between us is our business."

"Just come clean Justin.  You know you slept with her!"

"Hey, whatever.  You seem to think you know it all anyway.

"How could you Justin!  He loved her!"

"Yeah and I loved Britney, so what!  That didn't stop your brother from sleeping with her!  Why is this any different?!  Why is it so bad when I do it?!"

In shock, Chantal stood there and let it all sink in.  Now it all made sense. This wasn't a case of falling in love with someone you couldn't have.  This was about revenge.  Pure and simple.  This was his payback for what happened with Britney.

"So, does Michelle know she was just a little pawn in your game?"  she asked, completely disgusted.

"You know what, don't go trying to turn this in to something it isn't.  Regardless of how or why I originally pursued her, what happened between us happened because we cared about each other.  We were happy Chantal."

"Well that's just lovely.  It warms my heart to know in the midst of trying to ruin Wade's relationship, that you found happiness.  Nothing like a good friend to give you that last little shove when you're standing on the edge."

"HOLD UP!"  Justin snapped, quickly walking back over to the couch where she was sitting.  "I didn't ruin his relationship with her!  He did that all on his own the moment he laid a hand on her!  And how dare you try to blame this on me!"

"I'm just saying....."

"No!  You are way out of line!  You want to blame someone for what happened to Wade, blame him!  No one forced that liquor down his throat.  No one shoved that coke up his nose or made him drive wrecklessly.  He did that all on his own!"  Justin yelled.  "I mean, God forbid I can't find her tonight, because in case you didn't know, she was about to pound down a handfull of perscription pills a few hours ago.  Of course, your brother decided that the best way to handle things was to lay his hands on her AGAIN and she took off.  Now....if something happens to Michelle tonight, I wonder who I should blame.  Wade for putting her through this fuckin hell or you for knowing it was going on and not stopping it!  What do you think?!  You think that's fair?!"

"Whoa!  What the hell is going on in here?!"  Trace asked, walking through the door of the waiting room with a puzzled look on his face.  "I can hear you yelling all the way down the hall!"

After running his hands down his face in frustration, Justin laced his hands on top of his head and proceeded to walk back over to the window.  This was just ridiculous and he was now beginning to wonder if being here even served a purpose.

"Are you alright?"  Trace asked, turning to face Chantal who was still sitting there like she just been sentenced to death.

After softly nodding her head, Trace briefly glanced over at Justin who was now mumbling to himself.

"Everything cool man?"

Only offering him a slight wave of his hand, Justin pulled his cell phone from his pocket and quickly made his way across the waiting room and out the door.

Hoping to break the tension in the room, Trace let out a heavy sigh and turned back around to face Chantal.

"How's Wade?  Does anyone know anything yet?" 

"No, not yet.  They said once they know something, they'll send someone out."

"Did you call anyone to come down here with you?"

"No."

"Well it might be a good idea, because honestly, I don't see Justin hanging out here much longer.  Not with the tension as thick as it is in here."

After letting out a deep breath, Chantal nodded her head that she understood his concern and pulled her cell phone from her pocket.  Once she began dialing a number, Trace gave her a slight smile and headed towards the door to find his best friend. 

As he made his way in to the hall, he spotted Justin crouched down against the wall a few feet away. 

"You alright man?"  Trace asked, shoving his hands in his pockets as he joined his best friend.

Lifting his head slightly, Justin saw Trace standing above him and let out a slight snicker.

"Do you believe her?! 

"Uh, you're going to have to fill me in on that one.  I just got here man.  All I heard was a bunch of yelling."

Letting his head fall back against the wall, Justin exhaled deeply and looked back down the hall towards the waiting room.

"You know what.  It's not even worth it.  Let's just say that the Robson's definetly like to place the blame on others."

"She's trying to blame this accident on you?!"

"I don't know what the hell she's trying to blame me for, but she's trying to lay the blame on me for something.  Maybe it's just the stress of all this.  I don't know." 

"Yeah, well if she is that's pretty fucked up.  This is Wade's fault.  No one elses"

"I'm just in no mood to deal with this right now. I should be out looking for Michelle."  Justin said, glancing down at his watch.

"Yeah, I kind of figured you were gonna be heading out so I made sure she called someone to come sit with her so she isn't alone while she waits for word on Wade's condition."