IN ANOTHER LIFETIME

Seifer was pulling out a cigarette from his right trench coat pocket when Irvine, Master Loire's main sharpshooter, stood next to him.

"This is going to be fun," Irvine Kinneas said as he tilted his cowboy hat forward and leaned his back against the black limousine.

"You can say that again," Seifer said as he took a couple of puffs from his cigarette.

"Of all people, why did the boss have to put us in charge of this whole thing? We have better things to do than babysit his son."

"The boss wants his son to be protected by the best, Kinneas. You should feel honored. Now stop complaining, alright?"

"I'm guessing that you never actually worked for Master Squall," Irvine shook his head as he thought of his past experiences with the boss' son.

"Nope," Seifer replied. "So what, what's the big deal? He can't possibly as bad as what the others said about him."

Kinneas laughed. "You're in for a surprise, Almasy. Master Loire's son can be a major asshole. He doesn't talk much, but when he does, you better listen to what he says. One wrong move and he's going to get you for it. He's also very protective of his fiancée, in case you don't already know. If he catches you checking her out, he'll make sure that you never again."

Seifer took another puff of his cigarette. "Never again? You've got to be kidding me."

"Don't say that I didn't warn you," Irvine said. "Experience it for yourself, if you don't believe me."

"I just might," Seifer replied as he and Irvine watched the Loire private jet land on the strip.

---

Master Squall was the first to step off the plane. After quickly looking at his surroundings and then at the men waiting for him at the foot of the stairs, he called out to his fiancée without even turning his head back.

A few seconds later, a beautiful young blonde stepped off the plane. She was wearing a short pink floral dress with matching pink sandals. Her long hair flowed freely down her back and she walked down the stairs following her fiancé.

Seifer, who was completely taken aback by her beauty, couldn't help but look at her. Irvine noticed this and gave him a quick nudge in hope of snapping him out of it.

"Like what you see?" Seifer turned his head and noticed Master Squall standing right in front of him; anger apparent in his eyes.

"Welcome to Galbadia, Master Squall," Seifer greeted. "We hope you and your…"

"What is your name?"

"Seifer Almasy, Sir," Seifer replied as he slightly bowed his head.

"It's nice to meet you, Almasy," Squall replied. "But do me a favor and don't let me catch you drooling over my fiancée ever again, alright? If I catch you with that look on your face again, you'll wish that you didn't have eyes in the first place. That goes for the rest of you," he said as he looked at the rest of the men. "Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Master Squall," the men answered in unison.

"Where's our ride?" Squall asked a few seconds later.

"Right this way, Sir," the limo driver answered as he stepped forward and introduced himself.

"Let's go, Quistis," Squall said as he held her hand and led her towards the limousine.

Quistis kept her head down as Squall led her to their ride. She didn't want to attract any more problems. They just landed in Galbadia a few minutes ago, but she already managed to get someone in trouble because of her beauty. Sometimes she wonders if her beauty is a curse, but then she wonders if getting involved with the mob boss' son started it all.

Seifer stared at the ground as the couple passed him. However, the minute she passed by, he couldn't help but raise his head up and look at her. The sweet scent of her perfume intoxicated him somehow.

"Quistis," he whispered under his breath as he watched her 5'6" slender frame gracefully enter the limousine. "So that's your name."

"Irvine shook his head. "Don't even think about her, man."

Seifer turned to Irvine as they walked towards the Mercedes Benz behind the limo. "Why not? Thoughts don't hurt anyone."

"That's true, but that love struck look on your face gives you away. Do that look on your face in front of the boss' son and I swear you'll find yourself as tomorrow night's shark bait." Irvine replied as he started the car and followed the limo.

"Maybe she's worth it, hmm?"

"Forget about her, Seifer. Believe me, you don't want to get involved with her. If you do, you'll turn this syndicate upside down."