Lawyers to lovers

The Decision

    The meeting broke up and everyone went back to their office, Melissa reached hers before Anthony and shut the door that adjoined their offices. Melissa was embarrassed that she and Anthony’s relationship had been outed and she was even more furious that Vincent had the audacity to suggest she get to know him so he would help protect her. Melissa heard Anthony return and half expected him to enter through the adjoining door. When he didn’t she was a little sad but began planning her chat with Paul. Melissa had decided to just go straight to the source. Why beat around the bush and involve other people? Just then, Melissa got a text from Kirk. Hey love we need to talk. Call me when you’re free. It’s important. Xo Kirk. Melissa immediately got suspicious, he never calls her love, Sammy for sure, but NEVER Kirk. Melissa called him right away. Kirk answered with a shaky voice. “Kirk, what’s going on, are you ok?” Kirk took a few deep breather before he responded. “He came here and tore my shop up, he knew we came to visit you.” “Who’s he Kirk?” Melissa wasn’t ready for what she heard next. “Paul came here, his face was messed up, and he brought goons with him. They tore my shop apart they beat me up until I told them all I knew about where you are. Melissa I’m so sorry, I I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t give an address I just told him it was some high rise on the beach.” Melissa’s stomach dropped, she felt absolutely terrible that someone had hurt her friend over all this. “Kirk, I I-I’m so sorry, I had no idea he would come after you.” Tears welled up in Melissa’s eyes, they streamed down her face and she could barely talk. Thinking about her friend and they pain he must be in. “I’ll pay for any damages, medical and to your shop. I I don’t know how to express how sorry I am. Melissa heard the door next door close slightly louder than usual, that was odd. Melissa spent several more minutes on the phone with Kirk, who insisted he was ok and his shop was too. He just wanted her to know that Paul was looking for her. They said goodbye and Melissa stood and went right to the door and was about to open it when she heard a female voice she didn’t recognize. She didn’t want to walk in incase it was a client, but what she heard next was something she wasn’t prepared for. It was Anthony’s voice “We will figure it out, he won’t need to even know. “What about her though?” The female voice asked. Melissa wasn’t sure what to think but she knew she had to get out of there. She went back to her desk to collect her things when a quiet knock came. “Come in.” Melissa called out. “Mr. Whitaker, how can I help you sir?” He walked in with a file folder in his hand. “Melissa I know you have a lot going on, I also know you wouldn’t be in this position if it hadn’t been in part because of us. I’d like you to take this folder look it over when you have a few minutes and let me know if it’s a case you would want to take on. I don’t want to overwhelm you, given that you have a very big decision to make, but the work must go on.” “Of course sir, I welcome the distraction.” Sr. heard the noises from next door and looked at Melissa’s tear stained cheeks. “You should go for the day, think about things and look over that case.” Sr. Whitaker gave Melissa a quick smile and walked out. She heard him quickly enter the door next to hers and took this as her sign to get out without Anthony seeing her. She didn’t know what was going on but she wanted to get out of that office and not talk to him.

    Melissa arrived at her beach house home, everything was just the way she left it. She wasn’t thrilled about being there alone, but she couldn’t keep relying on Anthony. Sure, they were dating, or she thought they were, but she wasn’t sure anymore given that conversation he heard between him and whatever female was in his office. Maybe this was for the best, she needed to concentrate on her safety and career. Melissa took some time and went through the new file that she was given, she needed this distraction. After a few hours Melissa’s phone rang, she was deep in planning the strategy. She looked at her phone and saw it was Anthony. She decided to ignore it for now. She was happy in law land where she didn’t have to worry about any drama. A few minutes went by and a text popped up on her phone. I don’t want to frighten you so instead of knocking I tried to walk around and my path is blocked. Come let me in. Melissa smiled at her fence building skills, but frowned when she also realized he was at her place. She should have just answered the phone. She opened the door and couldn’t help but suck in her breath when she saw him standing there. He was sexy as hell, even if she had no idea what was going on between them. “You just going to stand there and ogle at me, or can I come in?” Anthony smiled and leaned down for a kiss, Melissa backed away and invited him in. “Ouch” Anthony said as he closed the door, following her to the tiny living space. Her view was killer but the space was way too small. “Wanna sit outside?” Melissa spoke quietly, Anthony quickly picked up that something was wrong. “That sounds good.” Anthony sheds his jacket top, no one wants to sit outside in Miami with a full suit on. Anthony follows Melissa to a lounge chain and before she could sit down, he sat first and pulled her into his lap. Melissa squealed and tried to get away, when she realized that wasn’t going to work she calmly asked Anthony to let her go. “Not until you tell me what’s going on. You left without saying anything, you came here instead of going home, you didn’t answer my call, and you rejected my kiss. So I know it’s more than this Vincent thing.” Melissa didn’t know what to say, so she decided on the truth but knew she was about to sound like a jealous weirdo. “I left without saying something because you had people in your office, I came here because I don’t want your place torn apart like Kirks was and I didn’t kiss you because of the conversation you had in your office.” Melissa felt Anthony’s arms loosen around her, she took the opportunity and got up. “Anthony, I’m not a jealous person, but when I give myself to someone I expect that they are mine.” Anthony stood up as he was losing his patience with her, he stalked towards her and wrapped his arms around her. “Melissa, that woman in my office was my sister in law. There are things you don’t know but I’m not in any way involved with her, she a raging b***h and we all hate her.” Melissa sank into Anthony’s embrace. “Also, being here isn’t going to stop that ass hat from destroying my property, he already tried to send a goon while only Mrs. White was in.” Melissa pushed back from him “Is she ok? Did he hurt her?” Melissa was concerned, she genuinely cared for Mrs. White. “She’s ok, she doesn’t let anyone in. When they started banging on the door she called security, they were apprehended and all is well.” Melissa was relieved but that was short lived, the door bell rang. “Are you expecting someone?” “No.” She followed him into the house and almost to the door, “wait here.” Melissa stayed in the kitchen as Anthony went to the door. There were two men out there who weren’t expecting a large man to open the door. “We’re looking for Ms. Young.” “I’m her boyfriend what do you want?” They grew irritated “Sir we’re only allowed to speak directly to Ms. Young.” Anthony stepped back into the house and shut the door in their face. “What do they want?” Melissa asked “To talk only to you, pack whatever else you need were leaving for my house.”

“Anthony, I don’t want to be a live in girlfriend. We don’t need to constantly be under each other’s feet. Our relationship won’t work well like that. I also don’t want others bothered by my messed up life.” Anthony was about to say something when the knock came again. Melissa quickly dodged Anthony and opened the door. “Can I help you?” Anthony was furious but right behind her. “We need to deliver a message to you privately.” Melissa scoffed “That isn’t happening, so either deliver the message or tell your boss you failed.” Melissa stood for a second waiting, she began to shut the door. One of them began to speak. “Mr. Marcopie would like you to have this.” He presented a phone and some chocolates. The phone began to ring, the caller ID read Vincent. “He’d like you to answer.” Melissa looked at Anthony, “I’m answering it.” She took the phone from him before Anthony could say anything. “Hello!” “Good evening Ms. Young. I hope you’re well. Not to stressed about the decision you need to make.” “I’m fine Mr. Marcopie, I would be better if you would leave me to figure things out.” “Of course, I just wanted you to have a direct line to me in case you needed anything.” “That’s kind Mr. Marcopie, but I’m just fine, you see Anthony is here with me.” Vincent got irritated with her response. He’d need to show her just how incapable Anthony was. Though that wouldn’t be easy since he technically could, though not without loss. “Very well Ms. Young, goodnight.” Melissa didn’t respond and hung up. This irritated Vincent, but he would be patient. The men had already left while she was on the phone. Melissa went inside where Anthony was sitting on the small sofa, he looked ridiculous and Melissa chuckled. “Something funny about this?” Anthony was visibly irritated. “You look ridiculous on that couch.” Anthony didn’t say anything, so Melissa walked into her room. She began to pack, she knew she wouldn’t be safe there. She also knew that if she fought Anthony on staying he would insist on men being with her around the clock. Anthony was in the same spot when she came out with her bag. “You going to stay there all night? Or did you want to get food and head back to your place?” Anthony didn’t say anything, but stood and walked to the door. Melissa locked the door behind her and walked side by side with Anthony to the car. She noticed that there was a strange black car parked on her street, no one else parks there so she figured it was Vincent watching her. Hence how he knew she was home and sent those goons to give her the phone. “Tony” She never called him Tony outside the bedroom so he and his not so little guy looked up a bit. He stopped “Ya” “Can I ride with you, I don’t want to drive alone.” “Sure but you would have to be seen with me in the morning.” Melissa was cut a little by that statement, she hadn’t realized the toll that her earlier statement had on him. Anthony took her bags and put them in the backseat, they climbed into the truck, as Anthony was getting ready to start the truck Melissa climbed into his lap, straddling him. She locked lips with Anthony, while he was a little irritated at the situation he certainly wasn’t going to turn down kisses from this beautiful woman who was straddling him. He snaked his arms around her and pulled her closer. They made out for a few minutes. Melissa pulled her face back a little, “Kiss my neck I need to tell you something.” Anthony was a little confused, but again wouldn’t turn down her request. Melissa moaned when his lips connected with her neck. She began to grind on him a little losing herself in the pleasure. “Didn’t you want to tell me something?” Anthony said through kisses. Melissa remembered the car that was outside the hose likely still watching. “There is a black car parked next time mine. There is never a car on this street other than mine.” Anthony realized how right she was, Anthony knew this road better than she did. “We need to go.” Melissa slid off Anthony and buckled quickly. Anthony took off.

            “I need you to secure the beach house on the south side. Yes, that’s right. I’d say probably about 15 men along with Mrs. White.” Anthony hung up and drove for a while. Once he was sure he wasn’t being followed he pulled into this long driveway, a gate closed as they neared the house. Which was stunning. “where are we?” Melissa asked with amazement in her voice, sure she had seen homes this size but never been close to one, let alone inside of one. “This is my grandmother’s house, she’s not here so we will be safe and she won’t be in danger. Not only that but her house is deeded to.” Anthony paused “An old friend.” As they pulled up Melissa saw Carl and more men waiting for them. “I need you to go right inside, I’ll be in after I speak to the guys. This area felt oddly familiar though she knew she had never been. Melissa walked through the massive door and was immediately hit with the aroma. She followed the scent and found Mrs. White in a massive kitchen. Mrs. White greeted her with a big smile “I hope you’re hungry dear.” Mrs. White was caught off guard when Melissa wrapped her arms around and hugged her tight. “I was worried about you, I’m so sorry.” Melissa’s eye’s began to water. “I put you in this position, and I’d never forgive myself is something happened to you.” Mrs. White hugged her back tight. “There there dear, we’re all ok, this won’t be the first time that someone has come after someone in the home. Though you are the first besides a Whitaker to care about my wellbeing and I appreciate that." “Well those are harsh words” Carl said as he walked into the room. Melissa let go of Mrs. White and caught her smiling at Carl. Anthony came in breaking up the party he quickly kissed Mrs. White on the forehead “I’m happy you’re ok.” She gave him a side hug. “Alright, that’s enough, you all sit down and eat. Mrs. White laid plates out on the counter. The 4 ate in silence. “Sir I’m going to rejoin the crew securing the perimeter if there’s nothing else you need.” “I need you fresh, get some sleep. Get on the schedule early in the morning before work if you feel the need.” Carl nodded and walked out. Anthony knew Carl was extremely loyal and would work all night until he and Melissa were safe. Ordering him to sleep was necessary. Melissa began to clean her plate and those dishes around her. Mrs. White stood before her meal was complete but before she could get out of her seat Anthony placed his hand on her arm. Indicating that she should sit back down, Anthony normally would let her help, but everyone had a long day and Melissa wanted to feel useful. “Mrs. White, please finish before you join me, I know this is making your skin crawl but I want to help you so we can both get some rest sooner rather than later.” Melissa turned and smiled, Mrs. White tried to be irritated but appreciated that Melissa could tell she was tired. The dishes were finished and everyone disappeared. Anthony lead Melissa to a room and opened the door, this is your room. Melissa was shocked when he began to leave. “Oh ok good night.” She shut the door which flew open before it was ever fully latched. Anthony moved towards her with a furious look on his face. “Did you have something else to say to me?” Melissa was frightened by his actions. “N no, I guess not.” As tears began to form in her eyes Anthony left. When Anthony got to the hallway he saw Vincent standing there.

            In a hushed ton “What are you thinking she could have seen you?” “Well she didn’t and we need to talk now.” They went to the office down the hall, Anthony didn’t want Melissa to hear. He shut the door and instructed a man to stay outside her door and one outside the office. He needed to know that she wasn’t going anywhere. “What’s so important you had to come here?” Anthony ran his hand through his hair, he was furious with himself. He didn’t like to treat her that way. He had to make sure he pushed her in Vincent’s direction. Anthony knew that Vincent would be the best way to keep Melissa safe while he dealt with Paul once and for all. But Vincent wasn’t supposed to be here. “What happen after I sent my men with the phone? Paul called and told me he needed my help. Told me you two were basically f*****g in your truck.” Anthony was furious upon hearing this. They both assumed it was Vincent and to be honest it felt f*****g amazing. “So what now?” They both looked at each other as Vincent’s phone rang, the caller ID said it was Melissa. Vincent answered “Melissa, I wasn’t expecting to hear from you so soon, I figured you’d make me wait the full 48 hours.” Melissa cleared her throat, “I I uh have a question and a demand.” Vincent smiled “Oh do you, please share with me.” Melisa paused “First, I agree to come to you but not for a whole week, just a weekend. And I also want you to give me Paul’s number.” Vincent and Anthony were taken aback by her demands, especially the last one. “Well well look at you making demands, it’s really cute.” Melissa was irritated already and he wasn’t making things any better. “How about 5 days and no to the number.” Melissa countered “How about 4 days and I need to call him to end this. So please give me his damn number.” Melissa was losing her patience with him. “Ok doll, since I know we’re going to enjoy our time together I’ll settle on 4 days, but I can’t give you his number. Melissa he’s a dangerous man.” Melissa sighed and began to cry “I just want this to be over, I can try and reason with him, or make a deal or something.” Anthony was ready to explode, knowing she was so upset was killing him, her being so naïve made him want to go slap her. Which he would never do. “Melissa ill pick you up tomorrow after work, I can’t wait to show you who I really am, I know you will fall in love with me. As far as Paul goes, I won’t give you his number, but we will call him while you are here. That’s more than fair.” It wasn’t the outcome she had hoped for but it was better than a hard no. “Deal I’ll see you tomorrow.” Melissa hung up and began crying. She was so confused with her relationship with Anthony everything had been perfect until today. There were more ups and downs in this one day than there had been since she met him. Melissa was exhausted and fell asleep thinking about Anthony.

Meanwhile, Anthony had turned to a bottle of Jack. He couldn’t for the life of him come to terms with what he had agreed to. After Melissa left the office, everything was laid out for him. The danger of Paul was something his family couldn’t take on alone. They had to team up with Vincent. Thought there was a weird twist since Stacy and Vincent were really together and having a baby. Anthony chuckled at that and thought how lucky he was to dodge that pullet. But he quickly went back to his somber feelings. Melissa couldn’t know, it was easier this way. But would she still want to be with Anthony when this was all said and done? Would she understand why they left her out of the loop? Anthony kept drinking until he passed out.