Lawyers to lovers

The Deal

Melissa woke first, she was incredibly sore and had this heavy feeling around her hips. She tried to move and when she did she was pulled back in. She realized it was Anthony and smiled a little. She rolled over and saw how peaceful he looked. It was a nice change, since yesterday all she sees from him is worry and a bit of pity. Melissa placed her hand on Anthony’s chest. Anthony opened an eye and pulled her in closer. Melissa winced “Not so tight big guy?” He slightly released her, “Morning, what time is it?” “7:00” Just then a knock came from the door leading to the other bedroom. “Sir, it’s 7:00, are you awake?” “Yes Carl, we’re up, thank you.” Carl shut the door and went about his business, Anthony knew he would be ready to go by 8 but he needed to get himself and Melissa ready. He hadn’t mentioned breakfast to her, and he wasn’t sure how she would react. “Why does Carl care if you’re up?” Anthony turned to Melissa and told her about the conversation with Mr. Maroni. She was visibly frightened, but hopeful that this would end things with Vincent and she could get back to normal. “I’m going to get ready first then I will help you, if you need it.” Melissa watched Anthony get out of bed, she hadn’t even thought about what they were wearing. When she saw him in only his underwear, she looked under the blankets realizing she was completely naked. She laid back down waiting for Anthony to come back out. Sure enough after about 10 minutes Anthony came out with only a towel wrapped around him. “You ready? I’ll help you up” “The hell you will” Anthony was confused and didn’t know where her anger was coming from. “Uh ok, I guess I won’t. Are you not taking a shower or rinsing off?” “Anthony I’m completely naked.!!!!” Anthony began to belly laugh, Melissa almost got mad except Anthony’s laugh was contagious. Anthony slipped on a pair of clean underwear and tossed the towel to Melissa so she could get up.  Additionally, he looked away and began to dress. He wanted badly to get a look at the woman he was pretty sure he was in love with, but he couldn’t breech her trust, not now. He heard the door shut and knew it was safe to look around and do what he needed to do. Melissa dropped the towel and tied her hair up, she just wanted to rinse off quick. She turned the water on and got in, the water stung her skin, but not as bad as last night. Melissa finished up and got out, she opened the door to find Anthony on the couch by the fire. It looked like he was doing work. He looked up and saw her only in a towel, he tried to look away immediately, but he couldn’t. He was quick to recover with “Do you need help with your clothes?” Melissa was embarrassed but knew she would need help. “Probably.” It was 7:45 so Anthony knew they needed to hurry. She laid her clothes out. She picked up her panties, Anthony turned around, “I’m guessing you don’t need help with those. She scoffed and giggled as she slid her panties then pants on. She covered her breasts with her arms. “I need help please, reaching around my back and up in the air is excruciating.” Anthony turned around and was pleased to see that her arms barely covered anything. “What do you need me to do?” Melissa turned, facing away from Anthony and carefully slipped her bra over her shoulders. “Can you buckle this please, I like the middle clasp done.” Anthony was much better at taking a bra off then he was at putting it back on. He finally got it done. “Man that is way easier when I’m taking it off.” Melissa gave him a glare and handed him her button up blouse. “I think if you help me slide by arms in I should be good.” Anthony did his best not to stare at Melissa’s large breasts but it was difficult they fit perfectly in the bra he had just helped her secure. As Anthony slid the last sleeve up her arm he instinctively started to button from the top down. Melissa noticed for the first time that there were marks all over his knuckles, like he had been in a fight. “What happened to your hand?” Anthony was quick to withdraw his hands and put them in his pocket. He was saved from answering when there was a knock at the door. Anthony looked at his watch it was 7:58. Melissa put her shoes on and gave Anthony a reassuring look that their conversation wasn’t over.

              When they arrived at the dining hall Mr. Maroni was standing at the far side of the room having a conversation with some of his men. When they saw Anthony, Carl, and Melissa enter Mr. Maroni quickly dismissed them. Being covered head to toe, if you weren’t in the garden yesterday you wouldn’t know Melissa had any injuries. “My dear girl, you look wonderful. How are you feeling this morning?” Melissa was quick to respond. “I’ve felt better, but I will heal, I’m sure.” Mr. Maroni had already made his way to where Melissa was standing. He gently took her by the hand “My dear girl let’s eat and discuss things while we eat.” He motioned for everyone to sit. Food was brought out, and plates were full and the talks began. Mr. Maroni started “First order of business, Vincent is being dealt with as we speak. Turns out he only took such an interest in Miss Young because my son asked him to bring her to him. Vincent will pay damages for your lost cabin, he will send you money for those you lost during that attack, and he will allow you law form to finish the current work with no more hindrance. Additionally, he will allow the transfer to another law firm if your firm decide to no longer represent him.” Anthony seemed happy with the results of the situation with Vincent, he decided the money he was paid would go to the families of those men who gave their life protecting Melissa. “My fee for this transaction will be something I will call upon you both for in the future, I don’t need anything at this time.” Anthony and Melissa agreed to this, even if it was foolish to sign a blank check to a mob man. “Last order of business, Melissa I want you to know that my son had been dealt with, he will never leave this home unattended again.” There was a great a great deal of commotion coming from the kitchen, then the doors opened. Melissa, Anthony, and Carl were socked at what they saw. Paul was standing there, his clothes tattered, his face swollen and bloody, he had marks on every visible part of his body. He had an armed guard on either side of him. “Do you have something to?” Mr. Maroni boomed at his son. Paul didn’t look up from the ground, “Mel-Melissa, I am sorry for what I did to you, it was wrong and I should never have put my hands on you.” Once he said those last words he was taken back through the kitchen doors and gone. Melissa tried to remain composed while they said their goodbyes to Mr. Maroni. Finally they were making their way back to the room to pack and wait for their helicopter to take them to the airport. The second they were through the door Melissa exploded.

She sobbed uncontrollably, she began to yell through her tears “How could you do something like that to someone? He’s a terrible person, but what you did makes you terrible too.” Anthony looked down at his hands, he knew he should have explained his involvement before they went down, but he had no idea they would display him like that. “Carl please wait outside and let me know when it’s time to go.” Carl left and Anthony hoped Melissa would listen. “Melissa I didn’t do that, sure I got a few swings in, but you have to believe me when I say I didn’t do that to him.” Melissa shot him a look that could kill, as tears still flowed from her eyes. “You knew they were doing that to him and didn’t say anything?” “Melissa it’s the Fu*in* mob, Mr. Maroni asked me to come down. Should I have politely declined and hope he didn’t beat me? I hit the ass hole maybe 6 times and I did it for you, and what he put you through. So shut me out, or hate me, but he should be dead for what he did to you.” Before Melissa could respond, Carl knocked and entered. “Sir our ride is here.” Melissa followed Carl out the door and Anthony followed. Melissa wasn’t sure how to feel now. He had done that for her and so much more since she was attacked. She didn’t want to be ungrateful but she hated violence, though he almost r**ed her so f**ck him. When they got to the roof Melissa had never been so happy to see a helicopter. Anthony got in first and reached out for Melissa’s hand while Carl made sure she was steady before climbing in next to her. She was a little squished between Anthony and Carl but she felt extremely safe. Carl leaned over with her head set, handed it to her and said “Are you comfortable, do you need anything?” Melissa smiled and shook her head no. Anthony was quiet the entire way to the airport and didn’t say much until they got onto the private jet that would take them straight to Miami. Carl and the other staff were instructed to stay out of the cabin for the remainder of the flight. If they wanted something they would call for them.

Melissa was seated when Anthony came from the front where he had been giving instructions. Melissa didn’t know what to say and he looked pissed, so she sat quietly. It wasn’t a long flight, but Melissa started to think about everything that happened and where she would go from here. How would she do being alone, she hadn’t been without Carl or Anthony in over a week. Melissa was overcome with fear and didn’t know what to do. She stood up and realized Anthony was watching her. “What’s wrong?” Melissa didn’t say anything, she climbed into his lap, buried her head in the crook of his neck and began to cry. Anthony held her as tight as he could without hurting her. She didn’t need to say anything, he could feel her shaking and knew she was afraid. Melissa was a strong woman but she had been through a lot and needed some time before getting back out there on her own. Melissa fell asleep on Anthony, he didn’t have the heart to wake her, not even for the landing. Once their car was waiting for them, Anthony text Carl for some help. He stood and handed Melissa to Carl. “Take her to the car, I’ll be right behind you.” Carl took Melissa with great care and ease. Carl was a big man and carrying Melissa was easy. Anthony’s hands were killing him and he had to pee. He made his way to the car where Melissa was curled up on Carl’s lap. Anthony was furious at the sight, had it been anyone else he would have punched them in the face. “Sir she wouldn’t let me put her down, I don’t think she realized it’s me and not you.” Carl whispered taking care not to wake Melissa. The truth was after saving her twice he’s become fond of her. Anthony got in and took Melissa from him. She quickly nuzzled against him and let out a sigh. “Sir where should I tell the driver to go?” Anthony didn’t hesitate “Home.”

              It wasn’t a long ride, when they pulled up in front of the high rise Anthony carried Melissa to the elevator that took them to his home. It was 3pm when they arrived at his place, Anthony laid Melissa on the couch. He didn’t want her to wake in a strange place. Mrs. White came rushing in from the kitchen, she hadn’t heard about all of the ordeal, she just knew that Melissa had been hurt and she was to make up a room for her and make some lunch. She hugged Anthony tight, and drug him into the kitchen so they could talk while Melissa slept. He was reluctant but went with her after she tugged a little. “You must be starving dear, I’ve made sandwiches and cut fruit.” Anthony was starving they hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast, he thought about waking Melissa but she needed the sleep. Anthony ate and talked with Mrs. White a while, he didn’t completely fill her in, but he gave her a good idea of what had happened to Melissa. Anthony’s back was to the door, so where Mrs. White got up suddenly he got jumpy, she walked quickly to the doorway where Melissa was standing, she wrapped her arms around her gently. Melissa hugged her back like it was her mom she was embracing. “Come dear, you must be starving, what can I fix you? I made sandwiches but I can make you anything.” Melissa smiled warmly at Mrs. White, I would love a sandwich, when Mrs. White looked disappointed Melissa added a salad and tea to her order. “Coming right up dear.” Melissa sat down next to Anthony and leaned her head on his shoulder. “You could have woken me, you didn’t need to carry me the entire way.” Anthony kissed her head without thinking and said “Carl helped.” Melissa looked up mortified until Anthony held up his hands as a reminder he was in a little pain too. “Here you go dear, ill step out and let you two chat. I’ll be cleaning so shout if you need something.” Melissa was starving and scarfed her sandwich and salad like it was her first meal. “She’s amazing isn’t she?” Anthony said excitedly. Melissa finished and began to wash the dishes. Mrs. White came rushing in, “I thought I heard the water, unhand those dishes missy.” Mrs. White swatted at Melissa with a towel. Melissa backed away from the sink with her hands in the air. “I just wanted to help you.” “if you do all the dishes I won’t have a job, now go rest, both of you.” Anthony took Melissa by the hand and guided her out of the kitchen to the couch in front of the window. “She’s pretty fierce about her kitchen.” Anthony laughed. Melissa and Anthony sat on the couch talking about their next steps for the firm. Anthony’s dad and other partners would be home on Tuesday, it’s was Thursday and they were both instructed to take some time off and rest before they returned next Tuesday for a half day.

              Neither, Melissa or Anthony knew how to bring up the next subject, but it needed to be discussed because they both had been thinking about it. After a few silent moments Anthony blurted out “Hey, I was thinking, maybe these next few days you stay here? Or we can stay at your place, it’s completely up to you. Wherever you are most comfortable.” Melissa let out a sigh of relief, she was terrified of staying on her own and she didn’t want to have to admit it. “I would like that, a lot. Maybe we can change up the venue throughout the week?” Anthony liked that suggestion, he loved her little beach house and the beach, it would be relaxing to be at her place. “Deal! Mrs. White has already made you a room and Carl had some things brought over from your place. Our phones were destroyed, so in the morning we can head out and get new ones. The firm will be paying for your phone while you are with the company and if you leave, we will cover it for a year after.” Melissa was confused and it was clear to Anthony. “It will be a completely private phone with no attachments to the company, we will just pay the bill. Everything that happened was on company time and we take care of our own.” Melissa wasn’t going to argue about not having a phone bill, and Anthony had a point, her phone was destroyed while she was working. “If you’re ready I’ll show you around quick and let you get settled. “I’d like that.” Melissa put her hand in Anthony’s. This caught him off guard but he was happy she did it. They climbed the stairs, “This first room on the left is Carl’s room. He’s across from the office.” The office was smaller but had a stunning view of the ocean, beach and other high rises. Anthony opened the door down the hall from Carl’s it had a stunning view of other beaches and buildings but nothing compared to that office view. Next Anthony took Melissa to the 4th and final room on that floor, his room. “You can’t be serious?” The view of the water and beach was stunning. “This is my room, and this is where I will be if you need anything.” Melissa forgot about everything for a moment as she stared out the window at the amazing view. She was brought back to reality as Anthony hugged her from behind. “Stunning isn’t it?” She turned quickly, so quickly Anthony thought he had frightened her. Melissa buried her head in his chest and hugged him back. There was a beautiful chase lounge in front of the window, Melissa put her hand in Anthony’s and led him to it. She sat first and pated the seat indicating she wanted him to sit. Anthony sat, he looked at Melissa, she had no makeup on and was completely stunning. “Anthony, I wanted to say a few things to you. First, thank you for keeping me safe and putting me with Carl and your men. You knew I would be safe with them. Thank you for punching Paul, he deserved everything he got and I was wrong to yell at you. I was just so frightened, I didn’t know what else to do. You’re a good man and I’m glad you came into my life. Oh and thank you for letting me stay with you, the thought of being along right now if terrifying.” Anthony didn’t know what to say, he pulled Melissa onto his lap, this was becoming a place that made them both feel comfortable. “Melissa, I’d do anything for you, I meant it when I said it at Maroni’s place and I mean it now.” Melissa and Anthony’s lips crashed together, it quickly became a passionate kiss. Melissa’s heart began to race and she pulled back. Anthony immediately felt terrible. “Anthony I’m sorry I’m just not as ready as I thought.” Anthony pulled Melissa into a hug and apologized profusely. “Will you walk me to my room? I’m dying for a shower and bed!!” Anthony stood up, making sure that Melissa was firm on her feet, he took her hand and lead her down the hall to where she would be staying. Anthony showed her where everything was, it was stocked with everything she would need. “Do you need help with anything before I head back to my room?” “Turn around.” Anthony did as he was asked. After about 30 seconds she asked him to turn back around. Anthony was shocked at what he saw in front of him. “Would you please unhook my bra, you did say it was easier this way right?” Anthony chuckled as he unhooked her bra. “All set, if you need something there’s the intercom, there’s one in the bathroom as well.” Melissa looked over her shoulder and smiled at Anthony. “Goodnight.” Anthony left and went to his room. He was hard as a rock right now but he was exhausted and fell asleep before he even hit the bed.