@CFone – You totally do… So you got any hot ideas for me?

@bvhall – Yikes… they are kinda getting on… but not in the same direction…

@m_rave – LOL… That is so funny cos yesterday I printed yours out cos I wanted to read them in peace at home hahahaha….

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Previouslies

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Marinas little helper had managed to trace the transfers of money from six different bank accounts to half a dozen dummy corporations. Now all he needed to do was find out who was behind these corporations. If Marina had solid proof linking either her brother or sister or both to embezzlement, she might be able to force them out of the business without resorting to the kind of tactics her father used to excel in. If not she would well and truly step into her fathers footsteps.

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Oh God, Im so shallow, Alice let her head drop to the table. Shane squeezed her hand.

Of course youre not. Al, youre my best friend and I want you to be happy, Shane paused uncomfortably. She couldnt believe she was going to say this, but it sounded like the best thing for both of them.

Maybe you guys need a break. Alice looked up with tears in here eyes.

Yeah, maybe youre right, she said before she broke into sobs letting Shane envelop her in her arms.

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This little piece of paper is the contract you signed stating that the building was perfectly sound. Meaning that the building collapsing proves you lied. You are in deep ***** Steven, she drew out his name. Jaffes face took on a cold property.

You really want to try proving that?

What makes you think I want to prove anything? Alex face broke into a big grin.

First I catch your wife macking on my girlfriend. Then your building collapses on my best friend. Tell you the truth Ive had quite enough. I dont want to prove anything. Alex got a pensive look on her face.

Come to think of it by the time Im done with you there wont be anything left to prove, Alex said before turning around leaving a dumbfounded Jaffe in her wake.

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Ok, Im sending Ice to come keep an eye on you Im not taking no for an answer.

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HAUNTED

Chapter 11 – Breaking Up Is Never Easy

Dana nearly bounced up the stairs. She was so happy. Shed just gotten back from the hospital where shed walked into Laras room finding her wide awake and even smiling. The doctors had told them that Lara was going to be just fine. Dana had nearly jumped up and down with joy. Over the fast few months she and Lara had gotten real close. They were even better friends than they had been before. But nothing had ever happened between them. Even though part of her still loved her, she would never cheat on Alice.

Dana stuck her key in the lock and yelled out loud for Alice.

Honey, Im home! She heard a faint voice from the bedroom and rushed upstairs because she wanted to tell Alice that Lara was going to be fine.

Hey guess what? Laras going to be what are you doing? she suddenly asked taking in the mess around them. Alices clothes and things were all over the place. She was about to get angry when her gaze swept over the suitcase on the bed. Alice was folding her clothes and was placing them in the bag.

Hey, she said turning around letting the shirt she was holding drop to the bed. Alice sank down on the bed and she took a deep breath. Now Dana, her beautiful Dana, was standing right there in front of her she wasnt so sure anymore she was doing the right thing. Talking to Shane had helped, but then shed come home and had nearly tripped over Danas gym bag. Shed gone to the kitchen and seen the breakfast dishes neither of them had wanted to clear up that morning. Shed actually picked up Danas jumper from the kitchen chair and held it to her face taking in her musky scent. She really did love her, but she wasnt sure if Dana loved her at least not in that way. Then she threw the jumper back over the chair. This was not like her. She didnt pine over women. Shed gone upstairs and done something she never thought she would. She was going to leave the woman she loved and she had never done anything so hard.

Why are you packing, Al? Are you going on a trip? Did you get an assignment or something? Dana asked desperately clutching at straws. The minute she had seen the suitcase she knew what was going on. She just couldnt wrap her head around it. Sure, theyd been having problems but this

Im leaving, Dana, Alice finally managed to get the words out and she saw Danas face change to pure horror.

Youre leaving? But why? I dont understand. Dana started pacing around furiously picking up Alices clothes and throwing them back down.

Dana we need to talk.

Well, obviously we need to talk, because youre leaving. Is this about Lara? Cause Al if it is then youre being an *****. Danas shock was fast turning into anger. She couldnt believe Al was leaving.

No, Dana, its not about Lara. This is about us. Confusion took over now.

Us? Theres nothing wrong with us.

Yes, there is. And you know that.

What? I love you and I want to be with you. So what could possibly be wrong with us? Dana asked almost defensively. None of this was making sense. Alice got up and started picking up her clothes again and folding them.

I love you too, Dana.

Then why are you packing? Isnt our relationship going good? she asked yanking Alices hideous pink bellbottoms out of her hands. Alice let her and just stood there looking at Dana. This was breaking her heart but she had to do this.

Dana, we dont have a relationship.

What are you talking about?

Whens the last time we slept together? Alice asked crossing her arms over her chest. Dana looked at her confused trying to come up with the answer.

Last week?

Last month, Dana. Its been a whole month. Were not in a relationship. Were roommates. And its great, but I want more. I want the whole thing. I want the friendship. And the love. And the passion. I love you and every time I see you I want to rip your clothes off. I want you to feel the same way, Alice said passionately waving her arms around to emphasize her point.

I do feel that way, Dana said weakly.

Oh stop it, Dana. Every time I want to make love to you, youre to tired. Or you want to finish that chapter. Or youre not feeling well. Im not stupid you know. Alice started picking up her things again, only this time she wasnt folding them anymore. She was just dumping them in her suitcase. She had to get out of there. It was hurting so bad.

Al, I love you. We can fix this, Dana sobbed trying grabbing Alices arm. Alice put a hand on her arm and looked at Dana. Really looked at her.

I love you too, but I cant stay.

Why not? Dana had started crying now. Uncontrolled sobs were causing her body to shake badly. Alice turned to her and pulled her into a hug. She rubbed her back softly and whispered comforting words to her.

I cant lose you, Al, she heard the woman of her dreams whisper. Alice pulled away and cupped Danas head in her hands.

I dont want to lose you either. But if I dont leave now, Im afraid well stop being friends. And that would really break my heart. Dana placed her hands over Alices.

Please, dont leave, she begged her cheeks wet with tears. Alice softly kissed Dana savoring her taste. She felt a small shudder down her spine. Then she turned around, closed her suitcase, picked it up and walked away tears streaming down her cheeks. She heard Dana yelling out her name even after shed closed the front door behind her and gotten into her Mini. Alice sank her head down on the wheel. She was doing the right thing, wasnt she? If Dana really loved her, if they were really meant for each other, they would get back together. Wouldnt they?

*****

Steven Jaffe is one of our clients. Its our responsibility to

Steven Jaffe is an abusive son of a *****, Alex retorted heatedly. Hands on hips she turned her furious glare at the man sitting behind the oak desk. He sighed and turned his chair getting up and walking over to the window.

Alexandra, you cant let personal feelings interfer

With business. I know, I know, but this is different, Alex said rather loudly. She felt she wasnt winning this argument. Normally in a situation like this she would line up the facts and come up with well thought out remarks to back her position. But she couldnt think straight with all these emotions raging through. All she could feel was anger towards this man and his family. She still sometimes was haunted of images of Nicky and Lara lying in hospital. Fortunately they were both going to be fine. But what if they hadnt survived?

Dad, Nicky nearly died because of him

Accidents happen, Alex, he sighed trying to calm down his daughter. He could understand why she was so upset, but he knew that you couldnt let your heart run head. Not if you wanted to survive in their cutthroat business.

He wasnt even sorry about what had happened. Alex walked up to her father and looked him straight in the eye even if it meant slightly tilting her head upwards to the man that was almost a head taller than her. The man that had taken her in on her brothers whim and had treated her like a part of their family regardless of what his family or even his mother had thought of it. He had treated her like she was his own daughter.

Dad, Nickys family. My family. What would you do if it had been Angel lying in that bed? Her father frowned slightly at this. He knew that his daughter was trying to manipulate him. She was very good at it too. *****, he had even taught her how to play people. But he also knew she had a point. If it had been one of his children, he would have gone down there and ripped Steven Jaffe a new one. No matter how important his business was.

Youre right. Nicky is family. Which was the truth. Ever since the two had become friends in high school shed been like part of the family. Shed have dinner with them. Spend the night there. And he and his wife had done everything to include both Nicky and Steve as much as possible, because it was the first time theyd seen Alex open up to someone. Theyd made her happy and that had made him happy.

So youll cut him? Alex asked feeling her dad was about to cave. She was barely able to contain her glee.

Yes, Ill cut him, Michael finally sighed and felt the breath being knocked out of him when Alex threw her arms around his neck and nearly hugged the life out of him.

Thanks, dad. With a satisfied grin she walked out the door. Part one of her plan was completed. The plan being to annihilate Steven Jaffe. By getting her father to throw Jaffe off the client list, she was sending out a message to the rest of the business world. At least it would send out the message after shed had a few informal chats with some people in high places. Then it would be on to the next step.

*****

Marina was pacing up and down her office almost oblivious to her surroundings. She didnt quite know what was more unnerving. Knowing that her siblings were willing to go to great lengths to get rid of her. That they had actually had someone break into her office and her home to find out what she knew. Or the fact that she couldnt go anywhere without a bodyguard shadowing her. Of course it did help that her bodyguard could be described as eye candy.

Shed flown in the night before and Marina had discussed the situation with her making it very clear that she thought that it was quite unnecessary for her to be there. But Ice had been unrelenting. She had given her word to Alex that she would not let Marina out of her sight and she wouldnt. Marina had cried out in frustration and almost called Alex to give her a piece of her mind. But she knew that wasnt really fair. Alex was just worried about her and with good reason Marina reluctantly had to admit. If anyone knew what her sister was capable of, it was Alex. Who knows where shed be right now if it hadnt been for Shane and Alex finding her. And even now she had helped her tremendously by getting her cousin Eric to go to work on the embezzled funds. He still hadnt been able to link Angelina or Paolo to the missing funds, but he assured it was only a matter of time.

Marina was woken from her reverie when Ice knocked and walked in without waiting for an answer. Marinas gaze traveled over her body from her smooth face with those ice blue eyes to her subtly revealed cleavage to her slim hips and gorgeously shaped legs. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail and she was dressed very conservatively and professionaly. Dressed for a day at the office. After all, while she was here she was Marinas personal assistant as far as everyone else was concerned. In fact nothing pointed to who Ice really was, except maybe for the cold, focused look in her eyes and the slight bulge beneath her left arm.

This package came for you, Ice said handing Marina a plain brown package. Marina took it and their fingers brushed together causing a small electric shock travel up Marinas arm. She turned around and smiled. It had been a long time for her. Not since she had broken up with Angela. She turned back to Ice a mischievous look on her face.

Come on. Lets get out of here. I cant even remember the last time I had some fun. Before Ice could say anything, Marina pulled her out the door leaving the package on her desk.

*****

Shane rearranged the roses in the middle of the table. Again. For the twelfth time. She was feeling a bit nervous. She hadnt done anything like this ever before. Being romantic wasnt really something she exelled at. Shed never had any reason to be. Women flocked to her whether she was nice to them or not. But with Alex it was different. Things had been so hectic between them, she wanted to do something nice for her. She was a little scared though. And extremely excited. She just hoped Alex liked it. She rearranged the roses one last time when she heard a key in the door.

Alex dropped her bag on the floor next to the door and walked to the living room picking up the mail from the hallway table. Bill. Bill. Junk. Bill. It wasnt untill she was standing in the middle of the living room that she noticed the soft music in the background and the dim lighting. She looked up surprised and looked around her until she saw Shane standing beside the dining room table.

Shane. Her eyes rested on the beautifully set table. The candles were lighting up the dining room casting a romantic glow over everything including Shane. She smiled when she saw the yellow roses. Alex dropped the mail on the coffee table and walked towards Shane holding out her arms. Shane smiled and felt her nerves just glide away as she hugged Alex to her tightly.

Its beautiful. Whats the occasion? Alex asked pulling away but still holding onto Shane. Shane smiled shyly. She wrapped the edges of Alex shirt around her fingers feeling a little nervous again.

No occasion. I just felt like cooking for you.

You cooked? Alex asked surprised. She didnt even know Shane could cook.

Yeah, I cook, Shane said a sliver of indignation in her voice now as she playfully punched Alex on the shoulder.

And dont worry I put 911 on speed dial, she joked. Alex laughed and leaned forward and kissed Shane softly.