Lawyers to lovers

Vincent

The sunlight came through the curtains, Melissa was hoping that everything was a nightmare. Though the way her body felt, it told her it hadn’t been a nightmare but her reality. Melissa fully opened her eyes and knew she was in Anthony’s pent house, she slowly looked around the room, Anthony, was nowhere to be found. Melissa was instantly disappointed. She then saw a massive man standing near the door. It looked like he was talking to his sleeve. “Where’s Anthony?” before the man could even answer the door opened. Melissa was surprised when Mrs. White came in. Melissa couldn’t hold back the tears. Mrs. White pulled Melissa into a gentle hug that still hurt, but Melissa did care. She knew she was home. “You frightened me Ms. Young. Please don’t ever do that again.” Mrs. White pulled away and smiled at Melissa with tears in her eyes. “Where is everyone, last thing I remember Vincent he uh um shot Paul and then I blacked out. I never even saw Anthony.” Mrs. White didn’t know how to tell Melissa what happened so she would leave that up to Carl. “I’m going to get you something to eat, Carl will come in and explain what happened.” Mrs. White opened the door, Carl was already there waiting to come in. Melissa smiled big when she saw him, then immediately became worried. He was limping and his arm was in a sling. Carl noticed “you should see the other guy.” He smiled and hugged Melissa. “Are you alright?” Melissa was teary again, she knew he was only hurt because of her. “Melissa were all alright, we had on fatality and his family has been taken care of. It won’t make up for the loss, but it will ease the burden.” Melissa was shocked “Where’s Anthony, Vincent, and the man that was shot right in front of me Louis.” Carl put his head down. “Vincent is in his home resting and being well cared for, Anthony and Louis are in the hospital.” Melissa threw the covers off of herself and began to get out of bed. “Ms. Young please, stay in” Before Carl could finish he had to catch Melissa before she fell flat on her face. “Ms. Young, you have a sprained knee and ankle from when Paul fell on you.” Melissa cried out in pain as Carl helped her back to bed. “I should have started with your injuries, I’m sorry I didn’t.” Melissa was determined to visit them all. Mrs. White entered the room while they were in the middle of what happened. She placed the tray of food on the bed and sat to listen.

 “Before Paul got to you and Louis, Anthony was tracking him down, they both ran out of bullets right before their encounter, they didn’t have time to reload, so they began beating on each other. Anthony wanted Paul to himself and we were all advised to let them be. But obviously, Paul’s men didn’t care. A few came around the corner and we were able to deal with them, but one turned the corner and opened fire. He hit me, and Anthony twice.” Melissa covered her mouth as tears began to fall. “I’m so sorry Carl.” Carl reached his hand out and held Melissa’s arm. “Paul took off to find you thinking Anthony was a goner. I stayed with Anthony until our medics could get to us. Vincent had already gone ahead to find you, since Louis had called him. That necklace is the only way we were able to find you.” Melissa reached for the necklace that was no longer around her neck. “Louis said something about the necklace too. What was so special about it, other than the fact that Mrs. White gave it to me?” Carl didn’t want to get to deep into that, it wasn’t his place. “Boss will need to explain more about that to you.” Melissa pouted a little but understood. “So how do I get out of this awful bed and go see them all?” This was hard for Carl to say but he knew she needed to know. “Melissa, about Anthony. He lost a lot of blood and died twice on the way to the hospital. They revived him and did surgery successfully. But he’s been in a coma since coming out of surgery.” Melissa couldn’t believe her ears. It was full water works after that. Through her tears “I need to see him Carl.” Mrs. White looked at her, and pushed the food towards her “First you eat, it’s been 2 days.” Melissa complied and ate. Carl came in with the phone in his hand. “It’s for you.” He said with a slight smile. Melissa took the phone and was a little nervous. “I’m so happy you’re awake my kitten.” Vincent laughed. “Vincent, I’m so happy to hear your voice, are you well?” Vincent smiled and told Melissa he was fine. She asked when she could come see him. “I’ll come to you tomorrow, after all I’m more mobile than you.” Melissa was pleased, she had a lot of questions. “See you tomorrow Vincent.”  

Melissa’s journey to the hospital was a painful one, and one that was inconvenient for many. Paul was locked up in the hospital recovering from his gun shot, but he had several loyal followers that wanted Melissa captured and back under Paul’s control. She required around the clock protection as well as those she was going to see. Louis was first on Melissa’s list, he wasn’t in a coma but he was in critical condition. Melissa got awkward looks as she was wheeled through the hospital with an entourage behind her. When she got to the ICU the entire floor was empty, the only patience were Louis and Anthony. Sr. had paid for the other patience to be transferred. Not only for their safety but also for his son and Louis. When Melissa arrived at his room he was asleep, she didn’t want to wake him, but it would seem that the commotion outside his door did. She smiled at him and asked to be wheeled into his room. “Melissa, it’s good to see you.” Louis’s voice was hoarse and shaky. “Louis, I I don’t know what to say other than thank you. You saved my life, and I’ll be forever grateful. If I could get up and hug you I would.” Melissa began to cry when she heard someone to her right clear their throat, Melissa turned her head and saw a woman sitting in a small chair. “Melissa, this is my wife Teresa.” Melissa shifted towards her in her wheel chair. “Your husband is my hero, he saved my life. I’m grateful to him and you for this sacrifice.” Teresa didn’t look amused but still managed a thank you. “I’ll leave you two alone, I will find you for that hug when we’re both well.” Melissa smiled and asked to be wheeled to Anthony’s room.    

Melissa was never going to be prepared for what she saw when she was wheeled into Anthony’s room. His face was black and blue, swollen and had cuts all over. He had leads coming from all over his body that lead to machines. Melissa wheeled to his side and grabbed his hand. She wept for over an hour while laying her head on his bed side. Carl slowly entered the room, “Ms. Young, we should get you home. Mrs. Whitaker is here to see her son and would like privacy.” Melissa didn’t want to leave Anthony’s side, but she didn’t want to fight someone who had closer ties to Anthony than she. “I understand Carl.” Melissa kissed Anthony’s hand and placed it back by his side. As Melissa was being wheeled out Mrs. Whitaker was entering the ICU floor with her own set of protection. There were a lot of men with black and white suites on. Mrs. Whitaker passed Melissa without even a glance. She was certain that Mrs. Whitaker hated her, and blamed her for what happened to her son. As Melissa was being wheeled into the elevator a man that had walked in with Mrs. Whitaker walked up to Carl and said something to him quietly. Carl nodded and turned the wheel chair around. “Melissa, Mrs. Whitaker would like to speak to you, she would like to come over to the house after she is done visiting with Anthony. Will you be up for it?” Melissa agreed, she knew she had to face her at some point. Though she would be grateful for the rest in between.

Melissa woke a little while later to see a figure sitting at the end of her bed, she didn’t recognize the figure and became frightened. She sat up quickly as the figure spun around. “Ms. Young I didn’t mean to frighten you.” Mrs. Whitaker was elegant and slightly intimidating. Melissa didn’t know what to say so she smiled. “I won’t keep you, I know you have had a rough few days.” Melissa smile “It’s very nice to meet you Mrs. Whitaker, Anthony had spoken very highly of you.” Mrs. Whitaker returned the smile but it quickly faded. “Ms. Young, I have been struggling with what to say to you. I see your love for Anthony is strong, but my love for both of my son’s is strong as well.” Melissa had forgotten about James and what he did to her, until this very moment. She had been thinking about Anthony and the people that saved her. But Melissa hadn’t done anything to James, he’s the one that hurt her? Before Melissa could speak Mrs. Whitaker continued. “James is clinging to life, same and my Anthony. I know my husband and son have seen something special in you from the day they each met you. I couldn’t understand until seeing you laying with Anthony.” Melissa smiled slightly, but was still confused. “I wanted to come here and apologize to you for James’s behavior. I know it won’t make up for what he did. But he was in pain as well. He was hoping to get his wife Becky back from that pig Paul.” Melissa’s mind wondered back to the women who had forced her to wear little things, who made her parade around Paul and the woman she watched give Paul a blow job. “I know it’s hard to understand, but he was hoping to trade you for her.” Melissa was certainly confused “Becky didn’t seem.” Melissa was interrupted when Carl came into the room. “Mrs. Whitaker, Ms. Young the doctor called, Anthony had woken up.” Both women were overjoyed, Mrs. Whitaker took her leave and promised to call from the hospital she Melissa could speak to Anthony.

Melissa waited for what seemed like forever to hear from Mrs. Whitaker. Finally her phone rang, Melissa answered it. “Melis, baby. I’m trying to get out of here. They won’t let me out for a few more day.” Melissa’s heart skipped a beat when she heard Anthony’s voice. “Oh Anthony.” Melissa couldn’t get anything else out before she started to cry. “Don’t cry, I’ll be there in a few days. We will talk every day until then.” Melissa agreed and they spoke until the doctors came in to see Anthony. “I’ll call you tomorrow morning and we will talk all day okay?” Melissa barely able to speak agreed and they hung up. Melissa called for Carl. When he appeared Melissa asked “Is there any way I can go back and see him? Please Carl.” Carl was still doing everything for Mr. Whitaker, though he was answering to Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker Sr. and was told no visitors. Especially not Melissa. It could draw unwanted attention to the hospital if she were to return. “Ms. Young, I’m terribly sorry, I can’t take you back. Not tonight.” Melissa was devastated but she understood, safety is always Carl’s number one priority. Melissa cried herself to sleep, waiting to hear from Anthony again.

Melissa woke with the sun beating through the window, she looked at the time and was anxious to hear from Anthony, though it was only 8 am so she knew she had time to figure out how to shower. Melissa couldn’t believe she was admitting this but she was also anxious to see Vincent today. Melissa heard a quiet knock at the door. “Come in.” Mrs. White opened the door carefully while balancing a tray of food. “Good Morning Ms. Young.” She smiled sweetly and returned the greeting. “Good morning. You really don’t have to do all this.” Mrs. White placed the tray next to Melissa “if I didn’t you wouldn’t be eating. Besides you’re the only one for me to take care of for now.” “Well thank you very much I appreciate it.” Mrs. White disappeared into the bathroom for a while, and Melissa ate. Mrs. White reappeared from the bathroom. “I’m going to draw you a bath, do you think you can lower yourself into the tub if I get you in there?” Melissa was elated to hear that “Oh Mrs. White, you are too good to men, I would love a long bath.” Mrs. White started the water while Melissa finished eating. The two were a sight to see on the trip to the bathroom, they had some laughs along the way, something they both needed.

Melissa spent over an hour in the bathroom, when the water would get cold she would let some out and fill it with hot. It felt great on her sore muscles, and she never wanted to get out. Not until Anthony got home anyway. Melissa decided to use the weightlessness of the water to move her knee and ankle, she didn’t want to be useless when Anthony got home. It was pretty easy to move the knee under the water but that ankle was a lot stiffer and sore. Just then there was a small knock on the door. “Melissa, Mr. Marcopie is here to see you.” Melissa was happy to have company but she didn’t really want to get out. “Alright, I’ll get out, it will take me a few minutes though.” “I will wait right here until you are covered, let me know when you’re ready and we can begin our adventure back to the bedroom.” Both of the ladies chuckled. Melissa found the towel that Mrs. White had left for her, Melissa pulled the drain and stood using her good leg. She sat and swung her leg over the side. That wasn’t so hard she thought. Taking the towel and wrapping it around her body, she called for Mrs. White who appeared with a robe. Melissa slipped the robe on and let the towel sink to the floor. The trip back to the bedroom was uneventful. Melissa got dressed in something comfortable and asked Mrs. White to stay, at least for the initial meeting with Vincent. She hadn’t seen him since NYC where he tried to do awful things. Sure he recently saved her life, she hadn’t seen him since and didn’t know how it would go.

Melissa’s heart was racing, she was getting nervous now that Mrs. White went down to get Vincent. She heard them coming down the hall, she held back tears as they both walked in. “Melissa, you look radiant as always.” Vincent hugged Melissa tenderly, they were both still sore, so Melissa appreciated the gesture. “Vincent, thank you for coming. I would normally come to my savior but we both know the condition I’m in.” Vincent smiled “Melissa, I have a few things I would like to say to you, it might not be easy but I need to say them to you. “Melissa lowered herself to the lounge and gestured for him to sit as well. “I want you to know, everything I said to you in NYC was because of what I was hired to do. That obviously doesn’t make it right.” Melissa shifted uncomfortably but went on listening. “I never would have hurt you in the gym that night, I was always supposed to subdue you and take you to Paul. He has so many women that I thought you were just another w***e that he was after for some stupid reason. It wasn’t until after his father beat the s**t out of him did he get wasted and tell me why he wanted you.” Vincent signed and continued “Melissa I’ve done some terrible things in my life, it’s what I do as a mob man. But I’ve lived by a code until this and I’m sorry. It’s reminded me why I live by that code. I kill men who kill innocent people, sell drugs and kill kids. I look at it as picking up after the sloppy job the cops do in some of the neighborhoods. Eye for and eye I guess. Anyway, I just wanted to speak to you face to face and sincerely apologize to you. You’re nothing like that he makes you out to be.” Melissa couldn’t keep the tears in, though she knew what she wanted to ask Vincent she wasn’t sure how to go about it. “Vincent, can I ask you about everything that just happened? Carl says there are certain things that Anthony needs to explain and I understand that. But how did I get out? All I know if you brought me to a meeting place.” Vincent knew he had to be careful, there were things that needed to come from Anthony and not him. “Sure love. I had already had a man on the inside. I figured it would come in handy at some point. He’s been in with Paul for over 6 months. He called me when he had you and let me know where you guys were going. After he was shot, I followed the sound of the gun shot, and saw him dragging you up the stairs. Really you saved yourself when you dropped your weight. That was brilliant.” He smile at Melissa hoping to lighten the mood a little before moving on. “I just grabbed you and went back the way I came. I gathered men and support on the way out. Really you were our main priority and once I had you it was time to go.” Melissa remembered what she was made to wear and went red in the face. Vincent picked up on it. “I’m the only one who saw you in that attire, I ordered someone to get a blanket and covered you before anyone else could see you.” Melissa was grateful for that. “I’m not thrilled you saw me like that, but I appreciate you covering me.” Melissa hugged Vincent tight. She cried on his shoulder for a while. Vincent cleared his throat, “I should get going, if Anthony saw me holding you, he’d probably kill me.” They both chuckled but it was a fact.