I lay back onto the couch and heard footsteps. My feet were lifted and Murphy sat on the other end with my feet in his lap. Conner took the chair and faced me with a guilty look on his face. I smiled at him, "Don't feel guilty, it's normal for someone like me to have people talk about them behind their backs like that. I'm used to it, but I do hope that you will trust me enough to ask me to my face." He nodded and I stared at the ceiling.

I felt Murphy's hands on my legs and they were rough against my soft skin. "Where do you guys work?" "Meat packing plant" Murphy said and I smiled. "You guys know all these different languages and you work there?" I heard them chuckle and I shook my head and stood up. "I guess I'll go put some clothes on so you can talk about me for a few minutes." I stood up and winked at them, then went into my room. Once the door was closed, I sank to the ground with a sigh and touched my side. It was aching like crazy, so I got up after a moment and went to the bathroom and grabbed some pain killers.

I took them dry and then sat on the bed. I saw my belts on the table; I don't remember taking them off. I blinked and realized that one of the brother's must have come in after I went to sleep and took them off. I growled softly and then strapped them on and grabbed a pair of sleeping shorts and sneakers. I walked to the door and opened it to see Conner mumbling something to Murphy, who was just listening barely. "All done?" I said and they both kinda jumped and turned to see me standing there.

"I didn't hear anything if that's what your first question is" I said and plopped down on the couch again beside Murphy. "Before you ask any questions, answer mine and don't you dare lie to me." I said looking both of them in the face. "Which one of you came into my room last night when I was sleeping?" they both looked confused and Conner answered, "Neither of us. After we leave, we just went to sleep." I took a knife out of the belt and twirled it. "I said not to lie. One of you came into the room and took off my belts. How I didn't wake up is a mystery to me too, but one of you did it." they looked at each other and then seriously looked confused.

"We swear that we never went back into your room until you came and got us. I did notice that you didn't have your belt on, but I thought you had taken them off." Murphy said and I closed my eyes and tried to remember if I did. I blinked after a moment and put the blade back. "I believe you two, but someone did." I said and stood up, then walked over to the door, they followed. "What does that mean?" Conner asked and I took a deep breath and faced them both.

"That means my father has learned of Mario's death and sent someone sneakier, someone more like me." I opened the door and we walked out and I locked up and then said "That also means that we are in a lot of trouble now" I hurried down to the bar and saw it was empty. We went outside and made sure it was locked as we did. I was about to take off running, but Conner caught my arm. "We can't go with you. Will you be alright?" I nodded and smirked. "I'm not helpless, even if I know the person. After all they will probably be trying to kill me." I whispered and he nodded and let me go.

He turned and started walking away and Murphy came up to me. "Be careful, if they could sneak into your room like that and you not wake up, they are good." I touched his face and whispered. "Don't worry so much. I know your brother doesn't trust me, but I hope you do." He nodded and his eyes bore into mine. I dropped my hand and started to walk away when I was jerked around and he kissed me.

I kissed back and put my arms around his neck and he held me close. I pulled away and we just stared at each other for a moment, then I backed away. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have done that." I whispered, touching my lips and he just watched me back away from him slowly. "Goodbye" I whispered and hoped he heard it before turning and running down the street.

I ran and ran until my lungs were aching as much as my side. I slowed down and looked behind me, half hoping to see Murphy chasing after me. Why? I don't understand why I feel this way about him. The moment his lips touched mine the first time I kissed back like we had been kissing for years and years. I felt so natural with him and it scared me. I shook my head, turned and bumped into someone. I whispered an apology and went to continue, but a hand caught my arm.

"Marietta?" I looked up and saw Nicholas looking at me with a bag in his hand. "Nicholas?" he grinned and pulled me into a hug. "I didn't see you at the bar yesterday, I thought something had happened to you. Why were you running?" "I was just going for a run." I said and suddenly felt shy. I mean the last time I seen him was when I was standing naked in the doorway the morning after we had sex. "I'm busy now, but how about we go for dinner tonight?" I started to shake my head, but something stopped me.

I didn't want to be alone, and he was a really sweet guy. I smiled and nodded. "Sure, can you come pick me up at about 8?" he nodded and grinned like crazy. He let my hand go and went to kiss me, but Murphy's kiss still lingered. I turned at the last second and he kissed my cheek. "Save it for later lover boy." I whispered in his ear and took a step away from him.

He stared at me with a look of desire in his eyes and I blew him a kiss before turning and hurrying across the street. I sighed and paused to see where I was. I hurried to the police station and walked in. I walked up to the desk. "Is Agent Smecker here?" "Who's asking for Smecker?" I turned and saw Greenly coming out of room. "Officer Greenly, nice to see you again" I said and he looked up to see me and hurried over. "Marietta, what are you doing here?" "She's here to see me." we both turned and saw Smecker walking into the station.

I looked down, unable to meet his eyes and he touched my shoulder. "Come on, let's go." he said and we walked out. We walked in silence until I couldn't take it. "I'm only here to say I'm sorry for what I said yesterday. I was upset about what had happened." "And now you could care less?" "No, I found out not long ago that there is someone else after me, someone more like me, sneakier. They came into my room while I was sleeping and took off my belts and I never woke up." He stopped and turned to me.

"Are you serious?" I nodded and he touched his chin, thinking. "I'll report it-" "No, I want to do this myself. No cops, no reports, no extra people that might get hurt." I whispered and looked him in the eyes finally. We stared at each other for a moment before he nodded. "If you need some help, just come to me." I smirked and touched his chin gently. "I'll be sure to do that." I hissed and leaned in, but then had a knife to his throat. "Is this what is going to happen every time we meet?" he said and I giggled.

"It's the only life I know." I said and quickly put the blade away. I took a step away and turned. "I'll catch you later." He said and I heard his footsteps disappear after a moment. I sighed and continued walking, not knowing where to start my search for my new enemy. I walked into a deli and sat in a booth. A short girl came over. "What can I get you?" "Coffee, black." She rolled her eyes and walked off.

I sat there and thought about what all has happened since I came here. The pros and cons were that I had a good job, a place to live, and potential for a decent boyfriend. Then again, I'm not sure about which guy would be the boyfriend figure, I now have my father after me again, I have involved two people I barely know.

My life is so screwed up.