[ Woooo! I'm back and I'm better than ever! Took another little break, but now there should be regular updates, if my health permits. ]

" You son of a bitch!" exclaimed an irate Tash as her hands wrapped about the material of Dakota's vest. She slammed the larger man back into a wall, yet he still gave no resistence.

" Tash, wait a second. You don't understand," said Dakota as he managed to pry her hands from him. "I'm just here to protect you. Don't you realize how Raven is? He uses women. The only difference between you and Beulah, or Francine, or anyone else he's dated is that fact you've got a ring ... er ... tattoo of a ring on your finger. Now, listen. You helped me when I needed you. You helped me succeed in this business. I'm gonna help you now. I'm gonna help you get away from that bastard. Don't you see? He has you under his control!"

She was so angry now that that vein in her head was beginning to become visable. Her fists clenched so hard that her nails pierced her own skin. She didn't believe it. It couldn't be true. Her and Raven ... they were meant for one another, right? Soul mates ... Kindred spirits ... Partners for life. She wasn't just another notch under his belt. She couldn't be.

" You have no idea about me and Raven... He loves me. The only man to ever truly do so!"

" I'll believe it when I see it," he tipped down his hat politely to Tash as he started on his way down the hallway. He cared so much about that woman. Sure, she was mean, crude, and ... well ... even a little insane a times; but underneath it all, she had some good in her. He had seen it when she gave him that money to persue his dream. He wouldn't let Raven hurt her. Never.