MUST READ: You must read the other stories I wrote because it has info that ties into the stories.

Ok Ppl Here is the final part to the trilogy. Now you guys who have read my other stuff know the rules. I need 1 review for every chapter. This is already written out so if I get a certain amount of reviews I will update if not I will just email the chapters to the ppl that care. =] Enjoy! READ and REVIEW!

Chapter 1: New Orleans

It was a hot summer's day deep in the south. The sun shined brightly and the heat was rising off the pavement as the city was bustling with excitement from various people moving from place to place. A group of people were welcoming the summer festivities as they played in the center of town in New Orleans, Louisiana. Accents of all kind could be heard from Southern, French, Cajun, and Italian. Mariah stood outside a building sitting on a banister watching all of the cities hustle and bustle unfold in front of her. The bright colors of the buildings of the French quarter reflected the high spirits of those around her out enjoying their day either shopping or getting liquored for the night parade she heard about to come to town. Loud jazz music flared in her ears and one of the older trumpet players came up to her and put a flower in her ear welcoming her to the Big Easy. Never had she went to a place so warm and welcoming as this one. The people were so nice and flamboyant as they spoke and said their pleasantries. She was really glad that she was "tricked" into coming along with Remy to see his hometown and spend some of her summer with him.

"Cher, so how'd you like it so far?" He said in much richer Cajun accent. By simply listening to him speak she knew he was in his element. When he arrived she saw the excitement in his red eyes at being in his playground.

"I think it's pretty amazing Remy." She said as she looked about and got down off the rail. His eyes watched as she dusted her bright red flower dress off. Then she stood up straight to look at him with a smile. "It's really nice here!"

"Well, if you tink dis is amazing, wait til you see it at night." He said as a cab pulled up for them to take. He went and grabbed both their bags and stuck them in the trunk. He then opened the door for her to get in and like a gentlemen he assisted her inside and then got in himself. Suddenly his face lit up and he got loud.

"Hey! Tony!" He yelled as he leaned up to shake the older white gentlemen's hand who was their taxi driver. He had a brown patch of hair on his head and he looked every bit of French.

"Ay! Remy! What you doin back in town? I aven't seen you in years! What's happenin'?" The guy known as Tony responded and his face turned all the shades of red at seeing an old friend. Remy reached in his pocket and handed to Tony a good wad of cash and patted the man on the back. "Same ole, same ole. Got better offers up north an' went to go see if I had a good hand up dere'. Oh and we're headed to my house. You remember where dats at right?"

Tony looked back and smiled. "Of course! How can I forget mon amie?" Then his eyes landed on her and his grin grew bigger if possible. "Good Evenin', Miss." He greeted before shaking her hand. "" I 'ope Mr. Lebeau here, is takin' real good care o' you mam."

Mariah laughed and looked back at a grinning Remy. "Now, Tony, whatever made you tink otherwise?" Remy replied.

With a laugh, they drove off and headed slightly away from the city up north. As they drove the houses seemed to get nicer and more eloquent. Many of the homes donned old plantation style designs with white picket fences. After a while of driving they came to a nice good sized two story house that looked virtually untouched. The cab pulled right up to the locked gate and then stopped. Shocked Mariah turned to Remy with awe. "You live…here? This is yours?"

Laughing he smiled and got out the car holding out his hand for her to take. "Yes petite. I told you before, Remy loves da finer tings in life. Dat includes ma house." Once they were out, he helped Tony get their bags and placed them on the sidewalk. She looked at it and saw the big windows and long driveway leading to the front of the house. She waited and Remy soon came of dangling the keys and unlocked the old black gate. He gave it a push and it slowly creaked open loudly and they began to walk up the long driveway to the lovely ancient home. "When did you get this?" Mariah asked in awe at the architectural design of the building.

"I won it!" He said proudly. "Yea, beat a man in ma' favorite game o' poker." The strolled up the walkway which had a rough looking yard but it seemed as if someone had taken care of it since the bushes was somewhat manicured. He reached for the door and began shifting keys for the right one. "He was so lit dat night, da man betted da deed to' his house." Mariah looked at him in slight disdain at his answer. Remy found the right key and opened the door and stopped her before he let her in. "Dat was a joke Cher." He said as he laughed her face. She scrunched it up and just stuck her tongue out at him playfully. "Don' make suggestions like dat. Or Remy will be glad to' take you' up on your silent offer." With that he went in first and cut on the lights.

"You're so charming, Remy." Mariah said in a sarchastic manner before she shut up at how nice and surprisingly empty it was with some furniture and lots of space. She pulled her bag in and left it by the door as Remy snooped around the house to make sure it remained untouched.

"Oh wow…" She exclaimed as she walked around looking at it. In the foyer, she saw some questionable art pieces she was sure should be in a museum somewhere and yet it looked as if it was getting ready to be sold off at an auction. The ceiling was high with a chandelier glistening. The walls were all white and she couldn't help the urge to put some color on the wall but she could see the effort that Remy had put it with the artwork. She took a few more steps into the house and took note of the dust and gloomy look it had to it. It didn't have that "live in" feel to the house. She walked into the dining room which looked completely barren with nothing but more art pieces. His house looked more like a museum then a living establishment. She saw the kitchen which was huge with an up to date refrigerator and stove but she didn't see any dishes or silverware. In the living room there was one sofa paired with a unique glass coffee and end table with a small TV in front of it. Right across from it were patio doors that lead to the wrap around porch. She walked towards it to look out and she could see just a big yard with a lake in the back. She would have never guessed he would have stayed in something like this. It was a house after all. She didn't know Remy was the type of person to stay in one place longer than required. By the way of the house and the dust, she would bet money on it. So why invest in a house?

"Once yo' grow up wit' almost nutin' to ya name petite, yo' learn ta' appreciate what yo' do get when you're older." He said as if reading her mind and standing by her to look out of the patio door. Then she remembered he had that innate ability to do so and sense people's feelings. She looked up to see this forlorn look on his face as he popped a tooth pick in his mouth and chewed on it. He only did that when he felt the urge to smoke which she was very happy he had gotten out of the habit and was trying to stop. But, as a result he developed the habit of chewing on tooth picks when he was in need of one.

"I really like it Remy. But it just doesn't seem like something you would get." She said as she went over to go look at a vase he had. She picked it up and analyzed it realizing how expensive it must have been. Or better yet thinking about how it came about getting here. She sat it down and turned to face Remy who was now leaning up against the wall looking at her. "I always thought you were the type of person to stay in fancy hotels and suites. Maybe stay in a bad one when you're you know…doing what you do best."

He acknowledged her thinking with a nod and a smile. "All those tings' you said are somewhat true. When I'm away, I do love nice tings and when I'm on a mission, I do try ta' lay low depending on how fast I ave' ta' be. Couldn't ever stay fa' too long some place." Then he walked past her toward the kitchen and she could hear his voice. "But, dis' is where I was born and raised. I may not have had da most…fondest of memories here but, New Orleans is a part o' me." He came back with a beer for himself and a glass of water for her. "I need to go to da store to pick up some tings for our stay here. New Orleans gets plenty busy during dis time o' year with da' celebrations." He explained and handed her the water.

"I'm excited!" She said as she took a sip of her water.

"Come mi petite, let me show you da rest of Le beau's abode." He said as he offered his arm to take and he began to lead her to the hallway. They passed a small bathroom and then they were back in the foyer where there was long stairs leading to the second story. When she reached the top it was two bedrooms. The master bedroom had double doors and then there was what she presumed to be the guest room. Next door to that was another bathroom that looked completely empty as well. She followed him to the guest room. It was so big. She walked in and saw a big bed with few sheets on it and across from it was a cherry wooded dresser. On the other side was a large window with curtains letting some of the sun's light in the dim lit room. She turned around and he took and showed her the bathroom. It was just a simple bathroom. Typical brand new bathtub and shower area complete with working toilet. Then he took her hand and brought her to his room. He pushed open both doors and opened them. She stepped in to see it and was actually impressed. It seemed like he used this area more than any other area in the house. The bed was huge with a simple white blanket on it made up with four white pillows scattered across it. Art pieces covered the wall and it had a walk in closet and a small door leading to the bathroom. Across from the bed was a large window overlooking the back of the house and the lake. It had a high ceiling with a fan. She went to the bathroom and she fell in love with it.

"You do know that I'm gonna be in here right?" She asked elated at the sight before her. Everything seemed to be dull and boring but his room and the bathroom. The bathroom was filled with towels and it was quite big as well. It had a large Jacuzzi style tub with a glass shower stall across from it that looked big enough for three people. The toilet seemed to be hidden away on the other side separated by an enclosed area. It even had its own separate sink for him and her with a glass water bowl. Everything was made from marble and the ceiling held in-house lighting.

Remy leaned up against the door frame watching her scan and touch objects. A sense of pride and conformity filled him as he watched her get excited about something as simple as interior designing. "Had I known you'd get dis excited, I would've done a lot more to it."

"Oooo can I help decorate it please!" She said happily as she bounced up to him with excitement. "Just a few things! I promise, you'll like it!"

Grinning he decided to push his luck. "And what do Remy get in return Cher? After all, every man has his charge an' a price to pay."

Rolling her eyes she responded, "A better looking house."

"You're gonna have ta' do better than that petite. What kind of a tief, do yo' tink I am?" He asked with mock astonishment. He stepped closer to her and looked down at her small 5'2 frame. "What you got to bargain wit?"

Sighing she walked around him. "Well I guess you're just gonna have to take a gamble on it, Remy." Then she turned around faking sorry. "Oh excuse me, the great Gambit!" She laughed and turned around. "You like to gamble. Why don't you do that and see what happens." Then she left to go downstairs leaving him there.

"Jus' so yo' know, I'm da' wrong one ta' play games wit' Chere." He said as she rubbed his shin in thought of all the wonderful possibilities this could lead him. Then he went downstairs and saw her already pulling out her phone looking at nearby furniture stores.

"Make sure yo' get a small kitchen table!" He said as he reached down and took her bag and his to put it upstairs.

She turned to him with excitement, "I was thinking of cherry oak. What you think?"

"I don't care. I'm jus' excited bout' da lovely effects o' dis' arrangement." He grinned and began walking toward the stairs. "Besides, wit' wat' I had in mind, I don't plan on usin' it for much eaten anyway."

Turning to look at him leave the room all she could do was blush at what he was implying. "This is gonna be a long summer." She muttered to herself. "Lord, please be with me."

Later that night they had just came back from doing a little exploring of the neighborhood. In the back was a small garage with his motorcycle inside still intact looking every bit shiny and red which was his favorite color. They rode around the area and just took in the landscape of his home. Mariah found it very enjoyable and calming to ride on the back of his bike. Not to mention giddy with the engine purring and Remy right between them she couldn't help but feel elated at the prospects of this vacation. They stopped at a nearby restaurant and ordered some food and sat outside on the veranda to enjoy the outdoors. Now they were back at the house going through their luggage and getting comfortable in their new surroundings. Mariah went to go put her things up in the other room when Remy came up behind her and grabbed her by the shoulders. He began to maneuver her to his room and toward the walk in closet which was completely empty on one side. On the other side were his clothes and shoes. In the back were two duplicates of his fighting attire and combat boots.

"You do come prepared…" she said as she placed her clothes there.

"What kind o' gentlemen would I be if I didn't give yo' da' best I ad' ta' offer?" He said with a sly smirk. After a few moments of packing and showering they both prepared for bed. He walked past her door and noticed her long white empress style night gown bustling about the room and she maneuvered around in it. Her curly black wet hair sat pulled up on top of her head and he couldn't help but think she looked every bit of an Egyptian queen at the moment. He continued to watch her fluff up her pillows and pull back her sheets preparing herself for the night.

"Well, mi petite. It seems sleep has eluded me at da' moment." He said as he leaned his frame against the door. She turned around to see his naked muscular torso clad is red pajama pants as he leaned to the side and began to shuffle a deck of cards in his hands. "Would yo' be interested in a quick game?"

Smiling she stood and walked toward him with a smile. "Christening up the place already with a card game?"

"Trust, dis is far from what I would like ta do t' christen my household." He said with a smirk at her laughter.

"Pick a venue, sir."

He stood straight and offered her his elbow which she graciously took while as he escorted her down stairs to sit on the couch. They separated to give them some playing space. He began to shuffle as if he was preparing to perform a trick. Mariah just sat back and watched him watch her.

"So how does it feel being home?" She inquired as he began to pass out the cards.

"It feels…like home." He replied nonchalantly. "The game of the evening is spades by the way."

She picked up her hand and began to manipulate her hand to resemblance some kind of order. She looked at her hand in assurance then peered through her dark eyelashes at her opponent who seemed too smug at the moment.

"We bettin?" He asked with a smirk of satisfaction.

"No, Mr. Lebeau. Tonight, it's just a game." She said with double meaning.

With a smirk he played his first card. An ace of diamonds.

"Oh playing big are we?" She said as she laid down another diamond for him to take.

"Oh I don't jus' play big, I play ta. win." He said as he threw out another diamond card.

With a smirk she scooped up his diamond with a higher card of her own. "I see this is going to be a very interesting night." She murmured with a smirk.

Two weeks had passed and life was pretty tame for them. Mariah had gone to a nearby furniture store with Remy's card and made simple purchases of furniture for the house. She purchased some couches, throw pillows, plates and silverware, and a red comforter set for Remy's room that she thought he would enjoy. Against her better judgment, she even bought a dining room table. Remy was fascinated to see her get up and clean the whole house like she had lived there her whole life. The whole house now smelt like lemon and vanilla. There was hardly any speck of dust in the house now. She changed the curtains and would open them to allow light in the house. He stood back to see how different the house looked now. It looked homey for once. He doubted it was just the furniture that made it feel that way with her presence in the house. Red was the dominating color with little specks of green thrown in to balance it out. Apparently, green was her favorite color and she loved fabric. Pillows were everywhere and so was color as it brightened the house. He now sat on the couch preparing to go out and get her the paint she wanted to fix the fence outside.

"Okay! I need one more tub of paint for the other side of the fence and it will be finished!" she said happily as she came in wearing tattered jeans and a white tank top holding paint brushes.

"When I asked yo' ta' come down here, I didn't have house work in mind." He said with amusement.

Smiling she walked up to him and sat on his lap. "I know! But, I like it. And besides you have me to yourself the whole summer."

Remy grinned the devilish smile he was known to have. "Oh the endless possibilities."

Kissing him really quickly she got up and helped him stand which was quite something to see. No one would ever estimate such great strength in such a small body. "Ok, now hurry up! The sooner you get back the quicker I can finish." He pulled her to him and leaned down to kiss her neck.

"And…"

"The faster we can do what you had in mind." She said laughing at him as he kissed a ticklish spot.

"I like those odds." He said with a smirk and quickly kissed holding her in his arms.

She put her index finger to his lips. "But nothing too extreme you perve! You got to put in some serious time and work into this."

With a smirk he let her go and headed toward the door. "Well good ting' I came prepared fo' da fight." With that said he closed it behind him.

Smiling she went into the kitchen to make a fruit salad for them to have. She couldn't help herself. Playing house with the Cajun was just too fun. But where will this go. Then her features fell at that thought. She never been one to push relationships yet alone hope for one. But she couldn't help herself, she had grown attached to the Cajun over the last two years. But lord knows he left her feeling all kinds of worried and questionable if he was even ready for a full relationship. He certainly never said anything to her to make what they have into something. She couldn't help but hope for at least a label but it seemed he didn't want to do that. She certainly didn't want to push him away for something like that. After that thought she looked down to see she had practically minced the apple to bits.

'Ding dong'

Quickly she took off her gloves and went to answer the door. She opened it and smiled. "Hello-"

Some strange guy threw a punch at her and she backed up dodging it. She grabbed his arm and twisted it causing the man to scream out in pain as the sound of his arm popping. She shoved him out of the door and ran at him to kick him further down the driveway. Another man ran at her and she roundhouse kicked him sideways, causing him to go in her new neatly manicured bushes. Suddenly two more men came out of nowhere at her dressed in the same likeness. They all had on black suits looking like they were part of a mob.

"This isn't Remy! It's a chick!" One of them exclaimed as they backed up. The man that she broke his arm, crawled back on the floor. The guys looked at him in shock at how she handled herself. "Are you sure he's here?"

"Yeah!" The one crawling on the pavement said.

"Maybe she brought his house from her, stupid." One of the guys said. "Either way we got to keep her quiet." Then he ran at her and threw a punch that in Mariah's opinion was sloppy.

She caught it and did the same thing to him. She twisted it and then planted her foot to his face right in the nose. A crunch noise was heard as she let go and threw him at his friends.

"Who sent you?" she yelled as she got into fighting position. The other guys got out of the bushes and tried a backwards assault. She jumped up and flipped behind him before hitting him in the spine and then kicking him forward. He ran right into the other one who caught him and fell.

"Let's get out of here!" One guy yelled as the rest ran to get away. He tried to make a run for it too but, he didn't get far before a hard fist met his face sending him backwards. Suddenly before he could register what was happening he was picked up and his eyes met with Le Diablo Blanc. Remy had long dropped the paint and was now holding the man by his collar off the ground.

"You picked de' wrong house ta' attack, monsieur." Remy said darkly.

Mariah looked around to make sure no neighbors saw what was going on. Nobody seemed to be outside luckily. "Remy, we should take this inside." She suggested looking around for anymore visitors.

"Mariah, dere is duct tape in da basket by da garage. Go get it, s'il vous plait." He said as he took the man in the house. She ran to go get it and came back and saw Gambit looking furiously at the man with no mask now who was now dangling in the air by his shirt.

"Why did he send you, Pierre?" Remy asked with anger.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Mariah said as she walked in holding the duct tape. "You know him?" She asked looking between the two.

"Oui madam." The man confirmed breathing shallowly trying to get the man to let him go. "We were sent to do a check of your ability to make sure you would still be up for the job."

"What job?" Remy and Mariah asked at the same time.

"Can't breathe…" The man known as Will said before he was dropped to the floor. He coughed and heaved.

"You're letting him go?" Mariah asked shocked as she went towards him. Remy grabbed her and held her back.

"He's of no harm now, Petite." He said calmly.

"The hell he is!" She said as she got out of his hold. "What's going on? Explain! Now!" she demanded.

The guy got control over himself and straitened up his suit. "I'm so sorry Madame. I didn't know you were Mr. Lebeau's wife." The man stated thoroughly apologetic.

"Oh I'm –"

"Why did you attack her?" Remy cut in quickly.

"We thought it was just you here." The guy explained. "We know the excellence of your skills. They don't call you Ragin' Cajun for nothing. Anyway, we were just ready for anything and soon as the door opened, we attacked. It just so happened, she answered the door. You know the guild code. Take them out. He sent us to make sure you were on your toes and he requests your audience immediately."

"Guild code?" Mariah asked looking at Remy remembering bits and pieces of his past. "Didn't you use to be a part of that?"

"Use to." He muttered darkly. "I'm no longer associated wit' dem. You can tell him, I decline his offer."

"He knew you would say that. So he wants to make a deal. If you come help him this last time, he will officially wipe you off the books. You will no longer be required to help the family out."

"Family?" Mariah muttered. "Who is he talking about?" Mariah asked.

Remy closed his eyes and turned to go get his fighting stick. "Papa".

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