As Chris made his way through the crowds towards the front door of the club, a million things began to rush through his mind.  Could he really walk out there and tell her he liked having her around?  That he may actually be feeling something for her?  And what if he did.  What would she say?  Would she laugh in his face?  Would she tell him that she hates him and that he disgusts her?  Did any of this even make sense?!

Finally realizing that he was giving himself a headache, Chris let out a heavy sigh and proceeded to brush the thoughts aside as he headed out in to the parking lot. 

Once he opened the door, he began to scan the area outside the club for any sign of her.  After walking several feet away from the building, he finally spotted her heading towards a payphone across the street.

"Michelle, wait!"

Hearing someone call her name, Michelle looked over her shoulder and saw Chris running towards her.  Knowing that she couldn't possibly deal with anymore of his games or yelling, Michelle quickly checked for any oncoming traffic and then sprinted across the street.

Once she got to the phone, she glanced back towards the club to see how close Chris was and then quickly pressed ' 0' for the operator.  Unfortunately, before the operator even had a chance to answer, Chris ran across the street and grabbed her arm. 

"What are you doing?!"  he asked, ripping the phone from her hand and slamming it back down.

"I'm leaving!  I'm going to get someone to come pick me up and I'm going home Chris!"

"Like hell you are!"  he said, pulling her a few feet away from the phone.  "You know what, I tried to do the right thing and let you come outside to get some fresh air, but I'm not about to stand here and let you think that all of a sudden you can do what you want.  If you're pissed off about something, then you walk you ass back in there and talk to me." 

"Talk to you?  That's rich Chris!  Even for you!  Just get the hell away from me."

"What the fuck is your problem?!  You wanna fill me in?!"

"Do you want to fill ME in?!" 

"On what?!"

"On what the deal is with that guy from earlier!" she yelled, crossing her arms over her chest. "I know something happened and I know that's where you were before you came back to the table.  So why can't you just tell me what's going on?!"

"Look, I'm not going to go in to specifics with you.  He just thought he could get away with something and it didn't work."

"Something that had to do with me right?"  Michelle asked, her voice cracking slightly.

Sensing the fear and panic in her voice, Chris took another step closer to her.  He had went out there to try and get some things off his chest and now all they were doing was aguing.  He just couldn't seem to get ahead.  It was like there were outside forces working against him.

Letting out a heavy sigh, Chris knew he had to change the tone of the conversation and quick.  He knew that if things continued at this pace that there would almost certainly be nothing left to salvage.

"Look, it doesn't have anything to do with you.  He wanted to get back at me and he just saw you as an easy way to accomplish that." 

"But..."

"There is no 'but'.  It's over.  I took care of it and there isn't anything for you to worry about.  Let's just go back inside the club.  It isn't safe for you to be out here."

"And it's safe for me to be in there?!  With you?!"

"Yes.  It is."  he said matter-of-factly. 

Shaking her head, Michelle just looked away.

"Chris why can't you just take me home?  I mean, if this mess doesn't have anything to do with Wade, then why am I here?  What are you getting out of this?  Why can't I go home?!"

"Am I really that bad to be around?"

"Do you really expect me to answer that?  After everything that has happened?  After everything you did to me?!"

"Alright, that wasn't a fair question, but can you honestly tell me that every moment you spent with me was a living hell?"

Letting out a deep sigh, Michelle just looked up at Chris and stared blankly at him.  His questions and comments were just so out in left field that she didn't even know what to think.

"Chris what do you want me to say?"

"I want you to be honest with me."

"Then be honest with me!  Why am I still here Chris?!"

Knowing that he just couldn't bring himself to tell her how he felt, Chris just stood there like a deer caught in headlights.  He knew why she was still there.  He knew why he didn't want to take her home, but he just couldn't say it.  No matter how hard he tried.  No matter how much he knew he should tell her, the words just wouldn't come out.

"You know what.  Forget it!  I don't even know why I bother!  You're just..." 

Then before Michelle could even finish her sentence, Chris did the unthinkable. Capturing her face in his hands, Chris quickly pulled her towards him and pressed his lips against hers.  He had kissed her before, but this time was different.  This time wasn't merely a reaction to an act of lust or desire.  This time he was trying to convey a message. 

As Michelle stood there in a state of shock over what was happening, Chris moved his right arm down across her lower back and pulled her in even closer.  Fearing that this was just another one of his games, Michelle let out a soft whimper and quickly tried to put some distance between them.  Unfortunately before she could accomplish the task, Chris slid his left hand even farther back along her neck, entwining his fingers in the softness of her hair. 

With her legs now threatening to give out on her, Michelle knew that she could no longer deny what she was feeling inside.  Her body simply wouldn't allow it.  It was like he had brought her back to life, forcing an overwhelming surge of energy to course through her entire body, warming it from the inside. Letting her body slowly relax against his, Michelle closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around his waist. 

Once Chris realized that she wasn't trying to stop him anymore, he slowly backed her against the building and slid his right hand back up along her jaw, softly brushing her cheek with his thumb as he did.  Grasping her face gently between his hands, Chris continued to savor every second of the the passionate kiss he was now locked in to with her.

Unfortunately it wasn't long after, that Michelle realized she was now trapped between Chris and the wall behind her.  Worrying that her current situation was only the start of what was to come, Michelle quickly brought her arms back from around his waist and pushed him away.

"Stop!"

"What?  What's wrong?"  Chris asked, his heart pounding in his chest as he fought to catch his breath.

"I can't.  I can't do this."

"Yes you can.  Just stop pushing me away."  he breathed out, quickly pushing her hands down so that he could resume kissing her. 

Caught up in the rush once again, Michelle's brain begged her for the strength to break free from what could only be described as the most intense kiss she had ever experienced.  Unfortunately for Chris, it was only matter of seconds until she gathered the strength to stop him once again.

"God...stop!  We can't do this!  It's not right."

Taking a deep breath to try and calm himself down, Chris glanced back across the street towards the club and then quickly turned back around. 

"You know, I can't say I'm experienced when it comes to 'feeling' a lot of things, but this....this feels right to me." he said, exhaling deeply.

"But, it's not!  How can you stand there and act like the last few days didn't happen?  How can you expect me to?" 

Knowing she spoke nothing but the truth, Chris stood there and just stared at her.  He wished he had an answer to her questions, but he didn't.  He had simply took a leap of faith and hoped that if there was something there between them, that the rest would somehow fall in to place. 

"I'm not asking you to forget what happened between us.  I'm sure you probably can't but......it's just....I don't know.  What the hell do you want me to say?"

"There's nothing you can say.  We can't just pretend that mess at your house didn't happen.  Nothing will ever happen between us."

"I don't believe that."  Chris said, almost shaking his head with disgust. 

"Do you really expect me to just let someone treat me like shit and then be with them?"

"Now I hope that wasn't a serious question!"  Chris said, grabbing her face to quickly bringing her gaze to his.  "I mean, what about Wade?  Are you standing there telling me that you stayed with Wade because he fuckin treated you like gold?!  That he never laid a hand on you?!  Huh?  Because you and I both know that he has.  More than once, and you stayed there and took everything he dished out!" 

"That's not fair!"  she yelled, tears welling up in her eyes as she quickly tried to step around him.

"Life's not fair Michelle!  But it is what you make of it!  I've made a few mistakes, I'm sure you have too.  But that doesn't mean we have to continue to make them."

"Well, I refuse to make another one and that's exactly what getting involved with you would be.  A mistake." 

"You don't believe that for a second!"  Chris yelled, once again blocking her from walking around him.  "Look at you!  You can't even look me in the eye when you say it!" 

Wanting more than anything to prove him wrong, Michelle wiped the tears from her cheeks and glared defiantly in to Chris' eyes.

"I don't want to get involved with you Chris.  Actually, I don't want anything to do with you!"

"God!  You're such a liar."  he replied, the tone of his voice laced with arrogance. 

"I don't!  I don't want anything to do with you!"

"Then prove it.  Convince me that the only thing you feel for me is contempt and I'll drive you home right now." 

Shaking her head in disbelief, Michelle stood there and just stared at him.

"You can't do it, can you?" 

"What do you want me to do?  Tell you I hate you?  Cuss you out....hit you?!"

Raising his eyebrows over her last comment, Chris stood there in a slight state of shock. 

"Do you want to hit me?"

"Oh yeah, I know how that turns out.  I've played that game with Wade many times.  You know how to play it.  I mean, you've played it with me a few times already.  Haven't you?"  she asked, wiping her cheeks once again.  "Although, I have to say you're not quite as good at it as he is, but given some time, I'm sure you could far surpass him."

Hearing her all but detail the hell that Wade had put her through and that she was expecting the same, if not worse things from him, Chris knew that he had probably pushed the sitation farther than he should have tonight. 

"Look, I think we both know that there is something going on here.  I just hope you can be honest with me...and yourself, so that we can find out exactly what this something is."  Chris said staring at the hurt look on her face.  "Oh, and for the record, when 'we' played that 'game', I didn't give a shit about you.  Now I do." 

Staring at the look on Chris' face, Michelle couldn't help but think that maybe he was telling the truth.  That maybe there was something more behind his tough fascade and ruthless behavior. 

Looking down at the hand he was now extending to her, Michelle studied it for a second and knew she had a choice to make.

"It's your call."

After standing there for a few moments debating on whether or not she was going to accompany him back inside the club,  Michelle let out a heavy sigh and reluctantly placed her hand in his.

"Glad to see you made the right choice."  he said, quickly making his way back across the street with Michelle in tow.  "I didn't want to have to drag you back inside."

"What?"

"I'm kidding Michelle.  It was a joke."

"That was funny Chris.  Real funny."  she replied sarcastically, taking a few steps back so that he could open the doors to the club.

"Yeah, I get that all the time."

Shaking her head at him, Michelle couldn'y help but let out a small laugh.

"God, I need a drink."

"Yeah, you and me both!"  Chris replied, letting the doors close behind him as he followed her in to the club. 

Chapter 142

After several minutes of scanning through the numerous items filling his closet, Wade finally found the shirt that he was looking for and slid it off the hanger. 

"So, how long do you think it's going to take you to get ready?"

"I already told you it shouldn't be long Cam.  Maybe fifteen minutes."  he replied, closing the closet door.  "I mean, all I have to do is get dressed and fix my hair."

"Oh god.  I forgot about he hair."  she said, collapsing down on to his bed.  "Now we'll never get there.  You'll probably still be pissing with it when the sun comes up." 

"Yeah, you're definitely helping me out here Cam.  Thanks a lot.  I appreciate it.  Really, I do." 

Letting out a slight chuckle at Wade's heavily sarcastic comments, Cameran shifted positions and continued to watch Wade as headed over to his dresser. 

"So, what can I do to help speed things up?"

"How about stop bugging me for one."  he answered, pulling a pair of jeans out from his drawer.

"Fine, I'll quit bugging you.  To be honest, I'd rather just sit here and admire the view anyway." she said, watching him slid his jeans up over his hips.

After looking over his shoulder at her, Wade saw her checking him out and just shook his head.

"You'll never change, will you Cam?  Wade asked, pulling his zipper up and fastening his jeans. 

"No, and why on earth would I want to?  I'm like the prefect blend of naughty and nice.  Nice when I have to be and of course...naughty when you want me to be." 

Letting out a heavy sigh, Wade grabbed his wallet and shoved it in to his back pocket.  After removing his jewerly from the small box on his dresser, Wade turned around to face her.

"So, the plan is to head to Breakers?"  Wade asked, quickly changing the subject as he fastened his bracelet.

"Yeah.  I mean, we don't have to go there.  I just figured with everything going on that we could both benefit from a little fun. Besides, you know this club is always full of surprises." 

"Well that's definitely the place to let loose and have some fun, but honestly, I don't think anything at Breakers could surprise me anymore."

Letting a small smile creep across her lips, Cameran sat there swinging her legs back and forth over the bed and knew that if things worked out the way she hoped, that Wade would definitely be surprised by what Breakers had to offer tonight. 

"Yeah, it does get pretty crazy there huh?"

"Yeah.  Maybe that's why you fit in so well."  he laughed, walking back towards the bathroom.

"Watch who you're calling crazy buddy.  I'm not the one who got trashed and totaled my truck." 

Peeking his head back out of the bathroom door, Wade gave her an evil glare and just shook his head.

"Don't give me that look!  I didn't wreck your truck!"

"You sure know how to kick a guy when he's down, don't you?"

"Oh come on!  You know damn well that had to be one of the stupidest things you've ever done."  she said, pushing herself up from the bed.  "I mean, I'm all for having a few drinks to relax or get away from it all, but I sure as hell don't do it when I'm behind the wheel of a vehicle.  You're lucky you didn't kill yourself...or anyone else for that matter."

"Lucky huh?  Maybe it would have been a blessing."  he said, placing a small amount of hair product on to his hand as he moved back over to the mirror.  "I'm sure there's probably a lot of people who would have preferred a different outcome."

"Michelle being one of them?"

"Yeah, that one I'm almost certain of."  he replied, rubbing his hands together to evenly distribute the gel.  "I mean, if I almost took your life, wouldn't you want to see me dead?"  he stated rather bluntly. 

Slightly taken a back by his comment, Cameran just stood there and watched him form the trademark spikes he was known for.  Was he being serious?  Had he actually almost ended her life?  How?  Why?

"You're not serious are you?" 

Letting out a heavy sigh, Wade reached forward and turned on the sink.  After washing his hands under the warm water, Wade grabbed a towel from behind him and began to dry them off.

"Yeah."  he replied, checking his look in the mirror one last time.  "I think it was only by the mercy of god that she's still here." he said, his voice soft and full of regret.  "I mean, I certainly didn't show her any."

After placing the towel back down on the sink, Wade turned the light back off and walked around Cameran in to the bedroom.  Once she realized that he was ready to go, she walked over to where he was standing and just looked at him.

"I'm not discussing it with you Cam, so please don't ask me to."  Wade said, quickly picking up on the look on her face. "I don't even know why I brought the damn thing up."

"It's alright.  I wasn't going to ask."  she replied quickly.  "You ready to go?"

"As ready as I'm ever going to be."  he said, motioning towards the hall.

After Cameran walked out the bedroom door, Wade turned off the lights and proceeded to follow her down the stairs.

"Just let me grab my purse and then we can take off."

"Oh shit, hold on."

Sprinting around the sofa, Wade headed over to the small end table and grabbed his set of keys.

"I thought you said you didn't have your keys?"

"I didn't.  Chantal dropped them off earlier."  he said, reaching around her to open the front door.

"Oh." 

"Well, it's now or never.  You ready to go do some damage?"

"You have no idea!"  she replied, a devilish smirk dancing across her lips.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Chris followed Michelle back inside the club, he spotted Jackson and Tanner eagerly awaiting their return and let out a slight laugh.

"What's so funny?"  Michelle asked, looking over her shoulder at him as they approached the VIP section.

"Nothing."

"Everything cool?"  Jackson asked, as Chris collapsed in to the booth.

"Just peachy!"  Chris replied, an overly exaggerated smile plastered across his face. 

"Hey, I'm sorry for putting my hands on you."  Jackson said, turning to face Michelle.  "I was out of line."

"It's ok.  I mean, I'm used to it by now."

Looking up at Michelle as she stood a few feet away from him, Chris couldn't help but wonder exactly what went down between her and Wade.  He knew Wade had hit her, that he was certain of.  He was at her apartment only moments after the police had been called to her apartment for a domestic disturbance, but there was definitely more to the darker side of their relationship and that was bothering him more than he wanted to admit. 

"Well I'm not.  I'm not really down with hitting the ladies."  Jackson replied, quickly stealing a glance at Chris as he stared at her.  "Hitting on them...yeah.  That's more my speed." 

"Yeah well don't get any ideas."  Chris quickly chimed in as he turned his attention towards his partner.  "Go take your game and run it somewhere where you at least stand a chance."

"Are you saying that I don't have a chance here?"  Jackson asked, pointing at Michelle.

Watching Jackson lean towards her with a smile plastered across his on face, Chris knew that he was just trying to get a rise out of him and let out a few fake laughs.

"You're real funny man, but yeah...that's exactly what I'm saying.  Now get away from her."

Letting out a hearty laugh, Jackson grabbed his glass from the table and headed back over to where Michelle was standing.  After winking at Chris, Jackson bent down and proceeded to whisper something in her ear.

"Told you the boy was trippin." 

"You're starting to piss me off man."  Chris groaned through a few light laughs.  "Go harrass someone else."

"Don't worry, I'm going to the bar to have a drink.  She's all yours."  Jackson said, turning around to face Tanner.  "You wanna join me?" 

"Yeah, I could use another."  Tanner replied, quickly finishing off the rest of his drink.  "Do you need anything?"  he continued, glancing over at Chris.

"Yeah, for you to leave us the fuck alone."

"Oooh, you done pissed him off now TJ.  You better leave while you still can."  Jackson said, laughter quickly filling the area as he headed towards the dance floor.  "Keep an eye on him Jayce, he's already on walking on the edge and the night is still young."  he said, patting the security guard on his arm.

"I always do."  he replied, looking over his shoulder at Chris.  "He knows all he has to do is say the word."

Shaking his head, Chris watched Jackson head towards the bar with Tanner following a few feet behind them and wished he was at the bar as well. 

"So, are you gonna have a seat, or do you plan on spending the rest of the evening standing up?"   Chris asked, as he leaned back in the booth.

"Sorry.  I guess I'm just kind of off in my own world."

"Well, time to join the real world.  Come on."  he said, motioning with his hand for her to come sit down.

Letting out a soft sigh, Michelle headed over to the table and sat her purse down.  After glancing towards the bar, she tucked the back of her dress underneath her and slowly sat down beside Chris. 

"Hey Jay, when you see Stacy, can you call her over here for me.  I need a god damn drink."

"Sure thing man."

"You want me to go get us something to drink?"

Chuckling slightly, Chris shifted positions in the booth and turned to face her.  She had only been in that spot for fifteen seconds and she already wanted to take off.

"Why are you in such a rush to get away from me?"

"I'm not."  she said, surprising him slightly by actually making eye contact with him. 

"Yeah, I think you are."  he said, studying the look on her face.  "I mean, first off, you wouldn't even sit down.  Then, when I finally get your ass in this booth you're jumping at the first opportunity to get out of it.   What's the deal?"

"Nothing.  Honestly.  It's just that..I really need one too.  Like really bad."  she laughed, once again glancing towards the bar.

After scanning the crowd for any sign of Stacy or one of the other waitresses from the club, Chris realized that no one was around and that they might end up waiting longer than either of them wanted to for a drink.  Normally, if a girl offered to go get him a drink, he would be all for it, but hearing the news that Rich approached more than one person at the club to seek his payback, Chris knew that he couldn't let her out of his sight. 

"Alright, watch out."

"What?"

"Get up.  I need a drink, you need a drink...l don't feel like waiting."

Looking back over her shoulder at him, Michelle realized that he was serious and got back up.  After moving off to the side, Chris slid out of the booth and grabbed her hand.

"Jay, keep an eye on things for me.  We're gonna head to the bar for a minute."

"No problem man."

With Michelle in tow, Chris headed out of the VIP and across the dance floor to the bar.  Normally mingling with the crowd wasn't his thing.  He liked the privacy and laid back atmosphere that VIP had to offer, but tonight...he was going to have to break tradition and make an exception.  After all, he needed that drink.

"Well, well, well.  Look who strolled out of VIP to bless us with his presence."  Jackson joked, as he tapped Tanner on his shoulder.  "I thought you wanted to be alone?"

"Yeah, well what I want is a god damn drink!  Where the fuck is everyone at?"  Chris yelled, dropping Michelle off beside Jackson and Tanner before making his way behind the bar.

"Working.  You know, incase you haven't noticed, it's pretty packed in here tonight."

"Then maybe Joe should have staffed this damn place properly!  I mean, this is just ridiculous!" 

As Chris began scanning under the bar for some larger glasses, his frustration reached his peek and he yelled down to the opposite end of the bar.

"Hey Phil!  Where the fuck are the rest of the glasses?!"

"They should be down under the second shelf.  If there isn't any down there, there's some up here.  Why?  What do you need?"

"You know, we do have bartenders that do this sort of thing on a regular basis."  Jackson said, leaning forward to rest his elbows on top of the bar.

"Except that they are all busy...and I'm not."  Chris growled before turning his attention to Michelle.  "What do you want to drink?"

"I'll take another whiskey sours."  Jackson laughed, putting his empty glass down in front of Chris as Tanner looked on with amusement.

Giving his partner a look of utter disgust, Chris stood there on the verge of a breakdown.  This was definitely not the time to be fucking with him.

"What do you need man.  I got it."  Phil said, quickly bringing down a set of glasses.

"Michelle, what do you want?"

"Umm...I'll take a vodka and cranberry juice."

"Alright, vodka and cranberry for the lady...Chris, what can I get you man?"

"Set me up for a vodka tonic and pull out a few shot glasses, but don't give that son of a bitch anything!"  Chris snapped, quickly taking Jackson's glass from the bar and tossing it in the sink.  "And Phil, don't put that watered down shit in our drinks either.  I'm going to get the good stuff."  Chris continued, pulling the set of keys back out from his pocket.

Nodding his head that he heard him, Phil placed some ice in Michelle's cup and walked a few feet down to the small refridgerator to grab the cranberry juice. 

"Yo!  What's a brother got to do to get a drink in this damn place!?"  Jackson yelled out, peering down over the bar at Chris as he was crouched down in front of the locked cabinet.

Surprisingly amused at the back and forth bickering that was now going on between Jackson and Chris, Michelle turned towards Tanner and let out a slight chuckle. 

"Oh, now you think it's funny too?"  Jackson asked, slightly laughing himself.

Quickly shaking her head 'no'. Michelle tried as hard as she could to keep from busting out in laughter.  Unfortunately she was failing miserably at it and her small giggle turned in to a full fledged laugh.

"You think it's funny too, don't you Phil?" Tanner asked, moving the shot glasses out of the way. 

"Don't go dragging me in to this TJ.  I like my job."  he replied, stepping to the side so that Chris could sit the two bottle of liquor down on the bar.

"See, the man knows his place.  Might want to take a few lessons from him."  Chris said, handing Phil the bottle of vodka so that he could open the tequila. 

Once Phil had made their drinks, Chris filled the four shot glasses with tequila and sat the bottle back down on the bar.

"Here.  Drink."  Chris said, sliding the shot glass down in front of Jackson.

"Geez.  Thanks man." 

"Well, I don't think tonight could possibly get any worse, so let's just enjoy the rest of the evening and hope we'll have a night to remember."  Chris said, raising his glass slightly.

Chapter 143

Lifting their glasses in unison, they toasted to nothing in particular and tossed back their shots. Everyone’s faces contorting into its own disgust at the potent liquor. Setting his shot glass back down on the bar, Chris grabbed his and Michelle’s drinks and motioned for her to follow him back to the VIP area. 

“You comin’?” he asked over his shoulder to Jackson as he began to head back toward the secluded area. 

“You sure you don’t need your privacy?” Jackson asked back, a mischievous grin on his face. 

Rolling his eyes at Jackson‘s response, Chris waited for Michelle to join him by his side before walking away. 

“What was that all about?” Michelle asked as they walked together. 

“Hmm? Oh….nothing.” Chris responded, slightly uncomfortable. 

Giving him an odd glance, Michelle couldn't help but notice how strange he was acting. The whole evening was just strange. In a matter of a day he had gone from threatening and scaring her, to trying to convince her that he wasn’t as bad as he had originally made himself out to be. 

Once they reached their VIP booth, Chris waited for Michelle to slide in before he did the same. After Michelle sat down, she stared out at the crowd, her eyes transfixed on the see of dancing bodies. Trying his best to be discreet, Chris watched her out of the corner of his eye. She looked like she wanted to be out there so badly as she sat running her index finger around the rim of her glass staring longingly out into the crowd. 

Feeling an odd sensation come over her, Michelle quickly turned her attention Chris’ direction. He wasn’t looking directly at her, but she could tell that he was watching her. He was always watching her. It was almost to the point of being unnerving. Finally deciding that she couldn’t take the awkwardness anymore, Michelle tried to spark up a conversation.

“So…….business umm………good?” she asked for lack of anything better to say. 

“What?” Chris asked, giving her a slightly confused, slightly amused glance. 

Clearing her throat, Michelle repeated herself. 

“I umm…I asked if um business was good?”

Letting out a hearty laugh, Chris took a large swig of his drink before answering her. 

“That’s really the best you could do? ‘How’s business?’ Wow, and I thought I had nothing.” he continued laughing. 

Letting out her own chuckle, Michelle pushed his arm playfully. 

“Hey shut up! At least I tried.” she said, now laughing with him. 

“Well then, an A for effort!” Chris said smiling at her. 

“Aww isn’t this sweet!” another voice chimed in out of nowhere. 

Looking up they both saw Jackson standing in front of the table, his hand over his heart and a cheesy grin plastered on his face.

“I think I just got a cavity.” he continued, smiling at Tanner who was standing next to him. 

“Fuck you man!” Chris shot back, trying to sound angry through his laughs. 

Confused by the scene in front of him, Tanner stood there looking at the three of them like they had all but lost their minds. It was like an episode of the twilight zone! Michelle and Chris laughing…..TOGETHER.  Jackson making jokes about the situation?!  What the hell was going on?! 

"Glad to see things have lightened up a bit."  Tanner said, moving around to the other side of the booth.

"Yeah, you and me both."  Jackson replied.

Once the laughter had died down a little, both Jackson and Tanner slid into the booth to join them. After everyone had gotten settled back down, Chris reached into his back pocked and pulled out a small vile. Once Michelle saw the small glass tube emerge from his pocket, her demeanor changed immediately. Seeing her become visibly uncomfortable, Chris leaned over and whispered in her ear. 

“Relax, you don’t have to.” he said trying to ease her mind a little. 

Nodding her head that it was ‘ok’ Michelle sipped at her vodka cranberry as Chris began to draw out lines on the table. Once he had two perfectly even lines drawn out in front of him, Chris bent over and quickly disposed of the powdery white substance. After passing the vile to Jackson, Chris took another gulp of his drink. 

“I didn’t know you….you know?” Michelle said softly to Jackson, nodding at the container full of coke. 

“Hey, I like to enjoy myself too.” Jackson said shrugging his shoulders. “Just not as much as some people.” he continued, glancing over at Chris before drawing out two lines of his own. 

After about fifteen minutes of passing the small cylinder around, all three of the men looked as if they had a case of bad allergies. Throwing his arm over her shoulder, Chris pulled Michelle in closer to him, causing her to tense up almost immediately. 

“W-What are you doing?” she couldn’t help but ask. 

Looking at her as if that had to be the dumbest question he had ever her, Chris leaned back a bit. 

“Well I was under the impression that I was putting my arm around you, but I mean if there’s some hidden meaning behind the gesture….please, enlighten me!” 

Shaking her head no, Michelle tried to let her body and mind ease into the situation. Ease into the idea that he was actually being somewhat descent to her. After all, she figured that she’d better enjoy it while it lasts, because if there was one thing that she had learned, it was that it WOULD inevitably end. 

Moments later, the four had settled into some sort of comfort zone with each other and finally started to have the low key evening Chris had wanted all along. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sitting in the passenger seat of Cameran’s sleek black Audi, Wade stared dejectedly out the window. They had only left his apartment ten minutes ago and she was already getting on his nerves. There was once a time that he had genuinely enjoyed her company, but he couldn't say he felt the same way anymore. Nothing had changed really, but then again maybe that was the problem. 

Glancing briefly over at Wade, Cameran let a devious grin ease across her face. Reaching into her center console, she pulled out a shiny disc and slipped it into the CD player.

Seconds later, Wade heard a familiar sound coming from the speakers and physically cringed. 

You don’t have to say what you did 
I already know 
I found out from him 
Girl there’s just no chance for you and me 
There’ll never be 
And don’t it make you sad about it 

As the lyrics poured out from the speakers, Cameran sang along, a smug look on her face. 

“Real fucking cute Cam!” Wade snapped, glaring at her. “Real cute.” 

“Oh, if this is bothering you, I can put something else in.” Cameran said, trying her best to sound sympathetic. 

“Are you trying to make me smack the shit out of you?” he asked still glaring at her. 

“Moi?” She asked placing her hand on her chest. “Never.” 

Turning his attention back out the window, Wade tried to tune out the sound of Justin’s irritatingly whinny voice and that stupid song. He knew it was going to be a long night putting up with Cameran, he just didn't expect that he'd want to kill her this early on.  Now he wished he was still back at his place.

After letting the song play for a few more seconds, Cameron ejected the disc and put it back in the console. She didn’t know why she felt the need to antagonize him every time they were together, but she did and always chalked it up to the fact that she was still in love with him.  She knew that he wasn’t in love with her, but sadly any emotion he would throw her direction worked for her. Whether it was positive or not. 

“Would it kill you to even pretend to be grateful that I bailed you out?” Cameran asked unable to stand the silence any longer. 

“Gee Cam….thanks.” Wade replied dryly, still staring out the window. 

“Maybe if I was more like little Miss fucking perfect….” Cameran’s voice trailed off as she continued to mumble under her breath.

Sighing heavily, Wade pinched the bridge of his nose squinting his eyes shut. 

"Trust me.  You can try all you want, but you'll never be like her."

“You’re such an asshole!” she continued 

“WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU WANT FROM ME CAMERAN!? HUH? YOU WANT TO BE LIKE HER SO I CAN SMACK YOU AROUND A LITTLE? WOULD THAT MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER? SCREAM AT YOU?! IS THIS WHAT YOU WANT? IS IT?!” he screamed unable to contain himself “JUST…..SHUT THE FUCK UP AND DRIVE!” 

“Wade...” she started, but was quickly cut off. 

“DIDN’T I JUST TELL YOU TO SHUT UP?!  GOD DAMNIT!  I SWEAR YOU WERENT THIS FUCKING STUPID WHEN WE FIRST MET!  YOU’VE BEEN HERE FOR LESS THAN 24 HOURS AND ALL YOU’VE DONE IS GET ON MY LAST DAMN NERVE!” Wade continued screaming. 

Taking a calming breath, Wade let out an audible sigh “Look Cam, I didn't want to come out in the first place, so listen to me and listen good. Unless you want this ride to get real ugly, I suggest you keep your eyes on the road and your mouth shut!” 

Doing as she was told, Cameran gripped onto her steering wheel tightly and continued toward their destination. After a couple of minutes of silence, she carefully slipped her right hand into her expensive oversized handbag and pulled out a small bag that resembled a zip lock. Reaching over, she sat the small bag in Wade’s lap. 

“Sorry.” she said softly as he picked up her peace offering. “It’s better than anything you could get in LA…..even from Chris.” she finished just as softly and said nothing more. 

Opening the small bag Wade scooped a small mound of powder onto what looked like a tiny shovel that was sitting in the bag and took a hardy snort up each nostril.  After wiping the traces of powder from his nose, Wade turned his attention back out the window without even saying a word to her. 

Chapter 144

Watching Wade withdraw from her and the situation even more, Cameran felt a sudden wave of urgency wash over her and she glanced down at her watch. She knew there was only one thing that would give her an advantage over Michelle and she was determined to get to the club so Wade could see it first hand. Pressing her foot down harder on the gas, Cameran now drove with a fury. 

“Jesus Christ Cam!” Wade said sitting up straight in his seat. “You realize that the club isn’t going anywhere, right?” 

“Hmm? Oh! Just really excited to get there I guess.” she replied not taking her eyes off the road. 

Giving her a questioning look, Wade rolled his eyes and continued staring out the window. She was up to something, he knew it, he knew her. He didn’t know what she had cooked up in that conniving little head of hers, but their past would tell him that it couldn't be anything good.

After several more minutes of silence between them, they finally reached their destination...Breakers. 

Staring at the discreet building, Wade couldn't help but think back to the memories that this place held for him. Looking at the place you would never imagine what went on inside. His mouth watered at the mere thought of what awaited him on the other side of those doors.

“Nostalgic, huh?” Cameran asked with a smile as she came to his side. 

“Indeed.” Wade replied, a sideways smirk on his face. 

Letting his body relax as the effects of the potent drug began to take over, Wade walked next to Cameran toward the club. She was right.  This stuff definitely did a job on you.

Almost as soon as they walked through the double doors, Cameran sprung into what Wade could only describe as covert action. Like her brother, she had made connections all the way from the bottom to the top, but in some ways she had an edge on Chris.  She hid her deviance under the cloak of her girl next door innocence. She conducted her schemes with a stealth that the secret service would envy. So under the radar that even her brother was clueless as to what she was capable of.

Looking over at her as she worked her magic, Wade knew that this is was what he had loved about her. Cameran was a master. Whereas most people were either good or bad,Cameron turned it on and off like a switch. She had an aura about her that made people trust her. Maybe that’s what had originally drawn him to her, because when she was running her game, she was nothing short of amazing. Cameran could walk into a room where everyone knew her and become just as obscure as the next person…..if she really wanted to. 

It was in these moments, the times when he knew that no one knew her the way he did, that she seemed enticing to him. She was a contradiction of herself, and to Wade, there was nothing sexier. He licked his lips.

“Hiding from someone?” he asked, leaning into her so that he could be heard over the music. 

“And who exactly would I have to hide from?” she asked in return, her voice taking on a slightly husky tone. 

Giving her a look as if to say ‘who do you think your talking to?’ Wade let out a slight chuckle. 

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out.” 

Shooting Wade her signature 'innocent' look, Cameran shrugged her shoulders and continued to walk toward the bar. Once they reached the long surface, Cameran wasted no time ordering a drink. 

“Hey can I get a JD on the rocks?!” she yelled over the music to the bartender’s back. 

Phil froze mid motion as he heard the all too familiar voice shout out the familiar order. He knew it was her. He didn't even need to turn around. In all his years of bartending there were people that came and went, people you remembered and forgot. And this voice he knew all too well. 

“Cameran.” he said reluctantly as he turned around. 

“Hey Phil.” she smiled.  “Can I get that drink?” 

“Yeah sure. For you?” he asked glancing over at Wade. 

“Same.” Wade replied not bothering to look at Phil. 

Nodding his head, Phil began making the potent drinks, a lump rising in his throat as he did so. This wasn't good. Not good at all! If Cameran was back in town there was definitely something very wrong and he would bet his life that Chris didn’t know. What was she doing here and with Wade?!  Of all people! 

“You ok Phil? You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.” one of the waitresses asked walking behind the bar. 

“More like two.” Phil replied turning around to place Cameran and Wade’s drinks in front of them. 

“So ummm…..your brother know you’re here?” Phil asked, his eyes darting between the two. 

“No Phil.” Cameran replied sternly, raising her eyebrows at him. “My brother doesn’t know that I’m IN TOWN.” 

“So Chris has no idea that...” Phil began before Cameran quickly cut him off again. 

“Like I said Phil. Chris doesn’t know that I’m in town.” giving him the same look she continued. “I’d like to keep it that way for now. OK?” 

Giving him a trademark Carbonell grin, she took a sip of her drink. That definitely wasn’t a grin that said she was happy, it said that she dared him to tell Chris that she was here. 

“You know he’s gonna find out sooner or later, right?” he asked, giving her a knowing glance before turning his attention to Wade. “And when he does…..you shouldn’t be here Cameran.” he said not finishing the thought. 

“C’mon Phil you know me better than that. Chris isn’t going to find anything out……at least not until I want him to.” 

Shaking his head at the young girl, Phil threw his hands up in defeat. Once again glancing back at Wade, he quickly turned his attention back to the girl that he had known for so many years. 

“Ya know I wouldn’t dare tell you how to live your life Cam, but your not Chris and your not your dad. Your better than this.” Phil said before walking away. 

“Well wasn’t that just an ‘After School Special’ kind of moment.” she said sarcastically, before taking a large gulp of her drink as she watched Phil walk away. 

“What the fuck was that Cameran?!” Wade asked, his irritation over the situation evident in his voice. 

“Nothing.” She replied nonchalantly, firing back the rest of her drink and signaling for another. 

“Oh don’t give me that bullshit! Do I look stupid to you?” Wade asked forcefully grabbing her arm. 

“Listen to you Conspiracy Theory. Good lord take a chill lozenge. Paranoid much?” she asked half laughing, a playful look dancing across her features. 

And just that quickly she was on his nerves again. 

“Everything is just one big fucking game to you, isn’t it Cameran?!” he asked through gritted teeth. His face now just a breath away from her. 

Running her tongue across her lips, she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth letting it slide out slowly. Closing the gap between them, Cameran leaned in toward Wade’s ear. Taking in a long breath, she let out a seductive moan before she spoke.

“I like playing games.” she whispered, her voice low and seductive.

Letting out an annoyed laugh, Wade threw Cameran’s arm back at her. 

“And you wonder why I would never be with you.” he snickered, lifting his drink to his lips “You’re pathetic.” 

“I’m pathetic? That’s a laugh. Lemme ask you this Wade. Whose the one that needed ME to fly across the country to bail them out of jail when their precious little girlfriend was nowhere to be found?” she asked not waiting for a response. “Oh that’s right it was you! But I’M the pathetic one? That’s rich.” 

Feeling his blood begin to boil at her cocky attitude, Wade slammed his now empty glass back down on the bar. 

“YOU KNOW IF IT WASN’T FOR YOUR FUCKIN CRAZY ASS BROTHER SNATCHING MICHELLE, I WOULDN’T EVEN BE IN THIS MESS!” he screamed at her. 

Not being able to keep a straight face any longer, Cameran burst into laughter. It was quite amusing watching him blame this all on Chris. Sooner or later he was going to see the truth, and given that her little plan was already put in to action, Cameran knew that it was definitely going to be sooner. 

“If that’s what you really believe Wade, you seriously might wanna consider laying off the junk. If you think for one second that little Miss Perfect isn’t eating up every minute that she is with my brother, well then you’re more dense than I could have imagined.” 

Wade opened his mouth to retort, but was cut off by the almost nonexistent ring of Cameran’s phone. Looking at the display, Cameran rolled her eyes and flipped her phone open. 

“I thought I told you that I would get in touch with you in a couple days?” Cameran asked annoyed into the small phone.

“Change of plans. I need it now.” the man spoke into her ear. 

“That was NOT our agreement!” she yelled into the phone, her anger building. 

“Yeah well plans change. You should know that better than anyone Cameran.” 

“FUCK!” She shouted running her fingers through her blonde hair. “Ok look Logan. Just gimme a couple hours and I will meet you anywhere you want.” 

“No Cameran.  I’m gonna give you twenty minutes to meet me in Mullholland with what I want.  If you think I’m anything less than serious....try me.” 

Before she could get another word out, the other end went dead. Letting out a frustrated breath, Cameran looked over at Wade. 

“I’ll be back.” she announced, getting up from her seat and grabbing her purse.

“Take your time…..Please.” Wade replied dryly not bothering to look at her. 

Knowing that time was something that she couldn’t afford to waste, Cameran didn’t bother saying anything else to Wade before she headed toward the door.  If there was one thing she hated, it was that the fact that the shit could hit the fan before she got back and she wasn’t going to be there watching with an umbrella over her head. 

Chapter 145

After Cameran walked out of the club, Wade looked back at the small, half full glass of dark liquor. Bringing the glass to his lips, he polished off the remainder of its contents before setting it back down on the bar. After staring at the empty glass for a moment, he motioned that he was ready for a refill. 

When he finally came back over to him, he gave him a sideways glance. 

“Sure you need another?” 

Not bothering to answer. He only looked up at him as if to say ‘are you serious?’ and patiently waited while he poured him yet another drink. 

"Thanks."  he replied sarcastically.

Almost as soon as he pulled his hand away from his glass, Wade replaced it with his own and brought the glass back to his mouth hurriedly. 

After drinking what he considered a sufficient amount, he placed the glass back down and once again sat staring at its contents. His mind wandering in all directions.

How had it gotten this far? When did he let his life turn into this? He could remember a time not too long ago that he seemed to have it all. The girl, the money, the fame, even the power. And now....now he was nothing more than a disappointment to himself and everyone around him. The thought alone made his head ache something awful. 

Reaching into his jeans pocket, he pulled out the small white baggy that Cameran had given him earlier. He held it in his hand, examining it for a moment, before emptying part of its contents on the bar. Drawing out two uniform lines, he quickly snorted them before replacing the small bag in his pocket. 

“Tsk tsk tsk.” 

Glancing over his shoulder, Wade saw one of the waitresses that he knew from his previous times at the club walk up behind him and sit her tray back down on the bar.

“Now Wade, you know better than that. You forget where you are?” she said in mock disapproval. "I mean, it hasn't been that long."

Taking a deep breath, Wade removed the bag from his pocket once again and drew two more lines on the bar. Giving him a sly smile, the young lady did away with the two lines and quickly looked back up at Wade. 

"It's been a while."  she smiled, wiping the faint traces of powder from her nose. 

"Yeah, it has."  he replied, letting out a heavy sigh.  "Didn't really plan on coming backhere to be honest."

"Didn't really expect to see you back here.  I thought I heard you got your shit together?"
"Things change Deb."  he said, tracing his finger along the rin of his glass. "Life has a way of knocking you on your ass when you least expect it, you know?"

Starring at him as he seemed to drift off to his own subconscious, she took a few steps closer to him and leaned forward.

“You want some advise Wade?” she asked sounding almost concerned. 

“Not particularly.” he replied dryly.

“Well I’m gonna give you some anyway.” she said placing her hand over his gently. “Go home Wade. I mean it. Don't let this place suck you back in.  I don't know who or what did this to you, but you're better than this.  You know that."

Letting out a breathy laugh, Wade finished his drink and hopped off the bar stool. Thinking that she had knocked some sense in to him, the young waitress watched with a satisfied smile on her face as Wade turned to walk away from the bar.  Unfortunately she realized her celebration was a bit premature when Wade turned around sharply on his heel and took a step back toward the bar.

“I'm just heading to the bathroom.” he said with a sly smile and a wink. "It too late to turn back now anyway."

Once he turned to walk away, the young girl let out a heavy sigh and waited for Phil to get her drink order.

As Wade headed back towards the bathroom of the establishment, an all too familar voice echoed from the VIP area off to his right and he froze dead in his tracks. After slowly turning towards the sound of the voice, Wade eyes widened and he felt his heart drop to the pit of his stomach. It was Michelle.

He wanted to go to her, to take her in his arms and tell her how much he loved her, but he couldn’t. His feet wouldn’t move. 
Unfortunately as he stood there staring at her, waiting to get up enough courage to approach her, something else caught his eye. She wasn’t alone. Sitting next to her was Chris, with his arm draped lazily over her shoulder. 

Suddenly, the headache that Wade had felt earlier intensified tenfold as a million different thoughts and questions began to race through his head. Why was she in a club like this? What was she doing there with him? How long had she been with him?  These were questions that needed answered and was determined to not waste a second more in getting them.

Finally breaking free of the trance that seeing her put him in, Wade began to make his way toward the small VIP area to get some answers. As he maneuvered through the crowd, everything seemed to move in slow motion. It was as if he had tunnel vision and all he could see was them. 

When he finally reached the small secluded area, he was quickly stopped by the bouncer for the area. 

“Sorry, this is a PRIVATE area.” the man said, stressing the word private. 

“I’m aware of that.” Wade replied, rolling his eyes. “Look man I come back here all the time. I know the owner.” 

“Yeah, you and half of the entire west coast know the owner. Your still not getting in.” 

Taking a deep breath, Wade rubbed at his temples clearly aggravated. 

“Ok look. You see that girl right there.” Wade said pointing at Michelle. 

Looking over his shoulder the bouncer glanced over at Michelle and then back at Wade. 

"Yeah and?"

“That’s my girlfriend. I just need to talk to her for a minute. Just give me one minute and then I’m gone.  I just...” 

Before Wade had the chance to even finish what he was saying, the man burst into a fit of laughter. Unfortunately the sudden outburst caused most of the people in the VIP to look in his direction, including Chris and Michelle.

"Oh my god."  Michelle gasped, her voice cracking as she took in the sight before her. 

As panic began to set in, Michelle’s eyes raced over to Chris, who wore nothing but a look of sheer amusement on his face. 

Feeling her entire body tense at the mere sight of Wade, Chris slid a hand over Michelle’s thigh and gave it a light comforting squeeze.

"Chris, you know this clown?"  the bouncer asked, placing his hand on Wade's chest.

Letting out a slight laugh, Chris gave Wade a quick once over and motioned for the bouncer to let him past.

Once Wade was past the bouncer, he immediately began to make his way over to Michelle, who’s face was turning more and more pale the closer he got. 

“Nothings gonna happen to you.” Chris reassured Michelle as he kept his eyes locked on Wade. 

“Michelle, what are you doing in here?!”  Wade all but screamed once he reached them. 

Before Michelle could even think of an answer, she felt Wade’s hand grab her wrist and forcefully pull her out of her seat. 

“C’mon I’m getting you out of here.” he said, trying to pull her toward the exit. 

“The fuck you are!” he heard Chris’ voice from behind him as he jerked Michelle’s small body the opposite direction, causing a small moan of pain to escape Michelle’s lips.  “Michelle isn’t going anywhere.” he added more calmly as he gently pulled her back down in the seat beside him. 

Taking a deep breath, Wade turned around slowly and faced Chris once again. Not saying a word, Wade only stared at Chris. The anger that was bubbling up inside of him written all over his face. 

Chris however, didn’t seem to be fazed by Wade’s threatening glare at all. His face still had the same amused expression on it that it had when he first laid eyes on Wade. 

Unfortunately, Michelle didn’t find the situation nearly as amusing as Chris did.  She knew that look all too well.  She had seen many times before.  But it wasn’t so much the look on his face that scared her,it was what the look meant.  Suddenly the hell Chris had put her through paled in comparison to the hell Wade would put her through if he got a hold of her.  She could just tell by the look in his eyes. 

Scooting as close to Chris as she possibly could, Michelle took on that all too familiar sheepish posture. She wished that she could just disappear into him at the moment.  That she could somehow be dreaming and that this was all a nightmare she would wake up from.  Sadly though, she realized that wasn't the case and the staring match that was going on between Chris and Wade was beginning to make her feel sick. 

Finally adverting his glare away from Chris, Wade looked at Michelle and felt his blood begin to boil. 

“I said lets go.” he said, through gritted teeth. 

Scooting even further into Chris so that her body was half way turned into him, Michelle cast her eyes downward and began to play with the hem of her dress. As she did, Chris threw his arm over her shoulder once again and gave Wade a cocky grin.  A grin that only seemed to fuel Wade's anger as he once again focused on Michelle.

“Michelle get that stupid fucking look off your face and get up NOW!”  Wade screamed, reaching out to grab her wrist once again. 

Seeing Wade make a move for Michelle, Chris quickly intercepted his hand, squeezing it tight enough that Wade’s face distorted slightly from the unexpected pain. 

“You don’t wanna do that.” Chris said still holding onto Wade, his voice and his face both taking a serious turn. 

Michelle’s eyes raced back and forth between the two men and she felt like she was going to be sick. The tension that was now filling the small space was making it hard for her to breathe. Quickly looking around at her surrounding, she realized she wasn’t the only one to feel the tension either.  Looking up at Jackson, she saw that he was fully aware of the drama that was unfolding before him.

“I think its time for you to go Wade.” Chris said tossing his hand away. 

“I’m not leaving here without Michelle.” Wade spat back paying no attention to his throbbing wrist. "And you're fuckin crazy if you think I would!"

Standing up, Chris walked around Michelle and stepped directly in front of Wade so that they were now nose to nose. Seeing their friend and business partner getting ready for what looked like a fight, Jackson and Tanner stood up on the other side of the table.

“I got this.” Chris said over his shoulder, knowing that they were behind him ready to pounce. 

“You sure?” Jackson asked hesitantly. 

“Positive.” Chris replied before turning his attention back to Wade. “Now, you ARE going to leave here without her. Whether or not you walk out or get carried out is all up to you.” Chris said in a matter of fact tone. “It doesn’t make much difference to me either way.” 

Taking a step to the side, Wade walked around Chris as if he hadn’t said a word. As he got closer to Michelle his face softened a bit as he began to speak. 

“Michelle, you cant want to be here…..with….him.” 

“Wade I...“ she began, but Wade continued. 

“Michelle I know your confused right now, but I promise we can get through this.  You just gotta talk to me.  There's a lot you don't know.” Wade said, beginning to get choked up. "A lot of things I've kept from you."

Seeing the look of despair on his face, Michelle felt a lump rise in the back of her throat. He looked like he was in so much pain and she couldn’t stand to see him this way. Even after all the times he had hurt her, to see him like that just ripped her heart into pieces. Unable to hold back any longer, Michelle lowered her head and allowed the tears to fall. 

Seeing the power that Wade had over her, Chris couldn’t help but feel a slight pang of jealousy. After all that he had put her through, she was still in love with him. It was written in her eyes. 

“Wade I can’t.” Michelle whispered out, the pain evident in her voice. 

Looking back at Chris and then to Michelle, Wade crouched down and took her hands in his. 

"Is he for real?"  Chris laughed, as he looked over at Jackson.

"Sure looks that way."  Jackson replied, letting out a soft chuckle of his own.

After momentarily glancing over Wade's shoulder at the two men as they stood a few feet away, Michelle turned her attention back to Wade.

“You don’t have to stay Michelle.” he pleaded with her. “All you have to do is say the word and we're out of here.”

"Wade...."

"He can’t make you stay!"

“He’s not.”  she finally managed to get out through her tears. 

“Michelle this is insane!” Wade said, his voice getting a little louder as he began to get increasingly annoyed. “You don’t even know this guy...or what he's capable of for that matter!"

Wiping her tears away, Michelle looked back up at the man she once loved and then at the man who she barely knew. 

“You're right Wade. I don’t know him…..but I do know you. And I can't…..I can't do this anymore. I don't want to be with you.”  she said coldly. 

As the words came out of her mouth, a sly smile spread across Chris’ face. 

Searching her eyes for any sign that she hadn’t meant what she said, Wade stood straight up and looked down at her.

"You don't mean that.  You love me.  I know you do.  Please don't turn your back on me now.  I need to talk to you.  You need to know what's going on."  he said, his voice so soft it was barely audible.

Squeezing her eyes shut, Michelle turned away from Wade in an attempt to drive home the fact that she meant every word. Granted she wasn't sure how she truly felt about him anymore, but she did know that at this point in time, she wanted nothing to do with him.