"Do you want me Chelle?"
Michelle leaned in again, bringing her mouth close to Tony's – he still wouldn't let their lips meet. "Yes Tony."
"Chelle, tell me you do."
Tony was watching Michelle's mouth and so she circled her lips with her tongue, making him take an extra breath. "I want you Tony, I have to have you Tony."
Tony couldn't play games any longer after hearing that. He pushed his body into hers and kissed her deeply. His body was forcing her to lean back and let him lie on top of her and so as she did she helped pull him to her.
The gear stick kept getting in the way. Tony had to keep stopping and try and work around it but it just wasn't really happening that well. "Son of a bitch....these stupid gears!" He was so frustrated. Michelle had him so turned on and was ready for him, yet things kept getting in his way.
Watching Tony get angry with the gear stick because he wanted to get closer to her only turned Michelle on even more. They were both breathing heavily, and couldn't take their eyes off each other. Michelle ran her hand very firmly up his thigh and then chest, "Tony....." She stood up a little and then put one knee on the seat so her body was a little higher, she leaned her body back over into Tony's. He cupped her face again kissing her intensly and then ran his hands down her back. Hiis hands then made their way underneath her skirt, making Michelle push in closer to him. Tony leaned his body back pulling her with him, his hands still on her thighs under her skirt. As they fell down into the drivers seat their bodies pushed against the wheel sounding the horn for a long time. This scared the hell out of both of them and Michelle threw herself back into the passengers seat.
After they caught their breath, they looked at each other and laughed. Tony touched her cheek with his thumb, "you know if I had the slightest bit of rstraint around you it would make things a whole lot easier....at this rate will either get arrested or at least put on a nice show for the neighbours!"
Michelle put his thumb in her mouth and sucked it for a moment, "I know but I just can't help myself with you.....why do you have to be so damn sexy?"
Tony soaked in what Michelle had said to him. Hearing her speak like that to him just made his heart race. He threw the car into drive, "Ok, so we need to get home like now!!" He put his foot on the medal and made his way home. All the way Michelle traced her hand up and down his leg, to Tony it felt like the higher or firmer her hand got the harder it was to breath and the further away his house seemed.
Finally they made it inside Tony's apartment. Before the door had even closed behind them they were wrapped in each others arms kissing, completely oblivious to the house in complete disseray because it was in the middle of being burgaled.
Tony had Michelle backed up near the doorway heading up the hall to his bedroom. Their eyes were closed and they were lost in each others arms. A man hiding behind the doorway reached his hand out and grabbed Michelle by the hair, he used his other hand to pull a gun on Tony.
Michelle had no idea what was going on, she was in the middle of kissing Tony when she felt the sharpest pain in her head – her hair was being pulled so hard she thought it would all come out. Her body flung backwards to follow her hair in the hope of easing the pain – then she felt a huge dirty arm wrap around her neck. All of this happened within a couple seconds – Tony was horrified, standing still with a gun pointed at his head. His eyes darted between Michelle and their attacker, never knowing who to focus on. He watched as the man tightened his grip on Michelle. "I swear to God, if you hurt her I will kill you." Tony found himself speaking in a threatening tone that he had never heard before. He was terrified something might happen to Michelle.
The man laughed a little to himself and then turned his head as if looking for someone else, "Did you hear that CJ? This guy will kill me if I hurt the pretty girl, what a hero!" A second man appeared out of the hallway laughing at what the first guy had said. "Les, give me the gun and lets move this into the other room." Les handed CJ the gun and then CJ told Tony to walk to the other room, all the while keeping the gun pointed directly at him. Les kept his arm around Michelle and forced her into the lounge with the others. Once there, CJ turned and punched Tony with full force in the stomach. "Don't bother threatening one of us again. Keep your mouth shut." Tony was hunched over, the wind had been completely knocked out of him. As Tony was punched, Michelle screamed out 'NO' but Les just covered her mouth, tightened his grip on her and whispered into her ear 'Shut-up.' Tears flowed down her face as she looked at Tony in pain – how the hell could this be happening to them? They were trained agents and these guys were a couple of thugs, but the bottom line was that they had the gun and Michelle and Tony didn't and neither one of them was about to jepordise the other one getting hurt by trying to pull some stupid stunt.
Les pushed Michelle up against the wall so he back was flat against it and she was facing Tony, Les and CJ. He pulled a knife from his belt strap and waved it around in her face. The disgusting man then ran the knife so it was touching her skin but not cutting down over her chest and stomach. He had a sick and twisted look on his facE,
Tony couldn't handle seeing this, he seriously thought he was going to have a heart attack or just pass out. Seeing Michelle being threatened like that was more than he was ready to handle. "Please don't hurt her. Do what you like to me, take what you want just please please leave her alone."
CJ sighed and walked back over to Tony. "You just don't get it do you? I thought I told you to keep your mouth shut? Seeing as my punch to the stomach didn't teach you the lesson, perhaps you will be more willing to learn when it's you girlfriend we punish." CJ started heading towards Michelle, Tony was shaking his head violently. CJ kept the gun focused on him then he said to Les, "Go ahead." Just like that Les punched Michelle in the face. His hand hit her eye and cheek and a ring on his finger cut her near her eyebrow and she began bleeding. Michelle was crying and trying to struggle. Tony watched absolutely heartbroken. Tears gushed out of his eyes and down his cheeks. He had promised Michelle he would protect her....yet at this point he couldn't think of a smart move on these guys without risking everything. Michelle looked at Tony and he mouthed 'I love you' to her. Les was far too strong for her, and she felt a little dizzy from the blow. He turned back to Tony, "next time I won't be so nice....I'll pick between my gun or my knife."
CJ sat on the stool and kept the gun on Tony, never taking his eyes from him. "Ok, here is the deal, you have a nice place here, you obviously have some cash. Now if you had come home a little later we could have gotten all this over with but now that you have gotten in our way, we need to make it worth our while. Hand me your wallet."
Tony reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet and handed it to CJ. When CJ diverted his attention to rummaging through the wallet, Tony hit 1 and call on his cell through his pants and then just left it there. That was a speed dial to Jacks mobile. Tony knew he had a much better chance of Jack helping them then the police trying to figure out what the call was about. There was about $150 in Tony's wallet and CJ seemed to be impressed. "And what about you princess? What have you got?" Les motioned to Michelle's bag which had been dropped near the front door. As CJ walked to retrieve it he pointed the gun at Michelle who was in a better firing range. He said to Tony, "If you even think about moving or messing with us, I shoot your pretty little girlfriend.....clear?"
Tony had no choice, he had to do as instructed. He would never put her life on the line to play hero.
Jack answered the call coming in from Tony. At first he wondered why Tony was calling him so late on Sunday night, he knew Tony wasn't back at work yet so it couldn't be that. As he answered he heard the words 'shoot your pretty little girlfriend....clear' and then there was silence. He could hear footsteps and Tony's sniffles although at that point he couldn't make out what the noise meant. He grew concerned and kept listening....
Les took a couple steps back from Michelle telling her not to move. Then he spoke to both of them. "You really make a cute couple." He looked at Tony, "are you in love with her?" Tony said yes as well as nodding his head. He turned back to Michelle, "isn't that sweet, he loves you – do you love him?" Michelle responded the same way as Tony had. CJ walked back over, "there was only 20 measly bucks in her wallet. What the hell good is 20 bucks going to do me?" Les asked them if there was anymore cash in the house and they both shook their heads. "This is not making me very happy.....infact you have both disappointed me. One of you is going to have to pay for that dissapointment." As he spoke he waved the knife in Michelle's face and then went over and did the same to Tony. "I am going to leave it in your hands over which one of you will pay for my dissapointment. You can have a minute to discuss this, but, (he directed his focus to Michelle) seeing as we have heard so much already from your boyfriend, I say it's your turn. I'm going to leave the final decision in your hands." With that he and CJ both went and stood in the doorway of the next room. CJ was quick to remind them both that they were watching and if either of them tried anything he would have no hesitation using the gun.
Jack heard every word and within seconds was out the door and on the way to Tony's – he hoped that's where they were. He called a couple of his friends who lived close by and asked for their help. He had a group of 4 of them meeting ASAP out the front of Tony's apartment block on the street level before you had to go upstairs. He'd be there in less than a couple minutes.
Both Michelle and Tony took a few steps towards each other. Michelle just wanted to collapse in his arms, "Who are they Tony? Why are they doing this to us?"
"I have no idea sweetheart, are you in much pain?"
"I am just so scared Tony...."
"Chelle, I called Jack and hopefully he heard some of what is going on. He might be on his way to help us. I know your scared honey but you have to stay strong – we are going to get through this....ok?"
"ok"
Tony spoke with authority in his voice. "Now Chelle, I don't care what happens, no matter what – you just make sure you pick me for the one he is going to hurt."
"I can't do that Tony. How could you expect me to do that?"
"God damn it Michelle, listen to me. I am telling you what to do."
"Put yourself in my position – would you be able too Tony? I'll be ok, trust me."
Tony was so angry. The look in his eyes scared Michelle. "I'm not interested in swapping positions Michelle, don't cross me on this one...."
"Tony your scaring me....this isn't my fault, don't be angry at me."
"I'm sorry if I am scaring you Michelle, but I will be angry if you don't choose me. Just let me try and protect you somewhat from this."
"What about me protecting you? I couldn't handle watching them hurt you Tony, I'm sorry I just can't do it."
Tony was furious. Not at Michelle, just at the situation. He couldn't handle seeing them hurt her again. He wished she would just listen to him. He was desperate to try anything. "Michelle, if you let them touch you – then it's over between us. Do you hear me??? If you don't chose me, then I can't have anything to do with you again." Tony knew it was the most horrible thing he could have said at that point, but he hoped by giving her such a big ultermation she would chose their relationship. Surely she wouldn't give up on their relationship. Of course there was no way Tony would ever leave Michelle, at this point in time though he wanted her to think that though so she would just pick him.
Michelle looked at Tony in disbelief......she was just so shocked he could say something like that. His words made her feel so frightened and alone. She could see they were about to come back so she spoke softly to Tony through her tears.
"You are seriously going to end things with me if I don't do what you say?"
"Chelle is it worth ruining our relationship over this? Just have them take it out on me."
"I guess it is over then Tony. Just leave me alone..."
"Michelle....." Tony put his hand out for her but she stepped back.
"No Tony. I'd rather not be your girlfriend then watch you get beat up if I have a choice."
Tony was hurting so much. His idea to make her choose had completely backfired on him making everything so much worse – now Michelle thought she was in this on her own. He felt so ill. He was so desperate, more desperate than he had ever been in his life. He was so scared he was going to lose Michelle in every way. He begged again, "Chelle, please I am begging you, just chose me. I can't handle this, I can't handle watching them touch you. It's not fair, after all this time I finally have you and now I am suppose to just stand back and let them jepordize that? Michelle, please choose me, you just have too.....I love you too much for any of this."
Michelle's heart broke watching Tony. But why didn't he realize that everything he was feeling she would feel too if they had let him choose? Was he really going to be so pissed at her if she didn't listen to him that he was going to break it off with her? She knew he was just trying anything to make her pick him, but there was nothing in the world that could be said or done that would make her willingly point the finger at Tony to be hurt – nothing. Even if Tony hated her for the rest of her life for the decision she was just about to make it would be worth it – she would rather know he was safe before anything else. Tony was pleading with his eyes.
"Tony, I....."
Les and CJ by this point had decided that they had given them long enough. He walked straight to Michelle, "Have you decided between the two of you?"
Michelle took a deep breath, "Yes but you promise you won't lay a finger on the other one, right?"
"I'll do what I want princess, now who is it going to be?"
Michelle looked at Tony who was pointing to himself and nodding his head. But there was just no way in this world Michelle could ever tell these guys to hurt Tony – How could she ever live with herself if she chose herself over Tony. "ME" She put her head down as to not have to see the look on Tony's face.
Tony's heart sank.....he had being hanging onto some shred of hope that she would do what he wanted. He looked at this woman who had just put her own life on the line to make sure he was ok. In hindsight he knew he was so lucky....Michelle was such a special person but how was he suppose to face her after tonight? He had promised her he would protect and look after her - he hadn't done that.
Les walked over to Michelle and ran his hand over her lips and cheek. "You really are my type of girl." He ran his hand from her face down her chest to her waist where he started to stroke it.
Tony was going to kill this guy if he thought he was going to try and have his way with Michelle. He watched her face and saw how terrified she was, she was bloody and pale and her eyes were a window into the horror she was feeling. As Les stroked her waist, Tony noticed how Michelle couldn't even look at him – her eyes were focused on the roof. Tony's entire body tensed up and his fists became so clenched it would be impossible to pry them apart.
CJ looked to be getting bored. "Hurry up, I just want to get out of here."
Les gave CJ a death stare, but at the same time checked his watch and he seemed to agree they had been there long enough. He took half a step back and studied Michelle before clenching his fist and ramming it into her stomach. She dropped to the ground and curled herself into a ball.
Tony couldn't sit there and watch this. The pain of watching Michelle being attacked like that was far too much to bare. He rose to his feet and lundged at CJ who was holding the gun. CJ, a mere thug panicked and fumbled with the gun. Tony kicked his arms with full force so that CJ dropped the gun and it went sliding across the floor.
Les kicked Michelle a couple of times, one at her neck and head and the other on her lower back out of sheer anger watching CJ and Tony. He wondered what he should do - he couldn't get past them too leave, and if he went and got involved in the fight it might end up him that got hurt. He looked at Michelle who was now unconscious from the blows, he knealt down beside her and rolled her onto her back and slapped her face a couple times to make her wake up. He watched Tony and CJ throw punches at each other as they both kept trying to scramble to the other doorway where the gun was. CJ was looking a lot worse for wear than Tony was and Les knew he had do something before Tony got a hold of him. He spat at Michelle, "Stand-up."
"I don't think I can....I can't."
Les grabbed her by her arms and yanked her up, forcing her to stand. She was swaying all over the place. He tightened his grip on her and demanded she keep standing straight.
Tony wrestling on the ground with CJ. He was only half concentrating because half of his attention was focused on what was happening with Michelle. He saw Les forcing Michelle to stand up when she could barely even keep her eyes open. He threw his elbow into CJ's face making him drop to the ground yelping. Tony crawled over him and punched him again. Jack with one of his friends right behind him, came flying through the door and headed straight for Tony and CJ.
"Jack, I am fine here – Michelle, help Miichelle."
Les stood behind Michelle and held the knife up to her neck and face. Jack stopped in his tracks and held his hands up to show him that he wasn't holding any weapon. He tried to reason with him, "Calm down, I am not going to hurt you – I just want to make sure no one gets hurt here."
Tony now had complete control of CJ and had him pinned by his arms. He called for Jacks friend to first call the police and then come hold CJ so he could go over to Jack and Michelle. Once free of CJ, Tony walked over beside Jack. "It's over, just let her go and we will make sure neither one of you gets hurt." Tony had absolutely no patients left for this guy.
Les was panic stricken, "All I want to do is get out of here. If you come near me, I'll use this knife on her."
Michelle felt so weak but knew she just had to get through this and she would be ok. She looked at Tony and when they had eye contact she lowered her eyes to the ground to tell him that she would duck to the ground. Tony nodded that he understood. He felt all of his body tense ready to pounce on him the second Michelle dropped to the ground.
Michelle could see the knife out the side of her eye. Les was holding it up to the side of her neck with his right hand. She could smell the sweat pouring from his body and hear him breathing heavily. She lifted her left arm in the air to divert his attention for a moment and then she pulled her right arm in and forced it behind her as to elbow him in the neck, in the same motion she dropped her body to the ground. Before she had even hit the ground Tony's body flew over her at Les. It had all happened so quickly that Les had no idea what was going on. Both Jack and Tony wrestled him to the ground, they stepped on his wrist forcing him to drop the knife and then as Jack held him Tony punched him unconscious. Although he felt like just standing there punching him over and over, Tony knew there was no need and his training would be used against him if he continued to injure this guy when it wasn't necessary.
Another of Jacks friends came flying through the door. Jack called him and asked him to help keep Les down. Tony was finally free and able to go to Michelle.
Michelle lay on the ground, face into the floor trying to put her thoughts into order. Her body felt like it was crawling with his (Les) hands. Her muscles kept moving as if he still had a grip on her. He had been so rough that she felt bruised everywhere he had touched her. His body odour still consumed her making her want to gag. When she tried to remove the images from her head of Les and CJ all that came to mind was Tony and the anger he had in his eyes for her before. The words that he would break up with her swam in her head and with every passing second her love grew for him with the realization of how close she had been to losing him but also anger brewed he had been so angry with her that she may have lost him anyway.
She sensed a body was approaching close to her and she felt her heart rate again rise and her body tense up. A hand touched her shoulder and she immediately jumped up to get away from the touch – she couldn't handle anyone being that close to her right now.
Tony had sat next to Michelle and then put his hand on her shoulder. He didn't know the extent of her injuries so he was a gentle as possible but still Michelle had flown into the air and scurried into a crouched position against the wall. He tried to slide his body closer to her but she held her arm up and spoke with a weak voice, "No one come near me, don't touch me....don't touch me."
"Chelle it's ok, it's me Tony. You are safe now and everything is going to be ok." He again started to slide near her but again, "Stay there, I am ok don't worry I am ok, I just need to be on my own."
Tony didn't know what to do. He understood how scared Michelle must be but he wanted to be the one to soothe and comfort her. His threat to her about having to choose either him or their relationship played over and over in his mind – she might not want a bar of him. His own emotions were all over the place – at this point he just felt relieved at seeing Michelle would be ok. She needed medical attention but after that she would be alright. He was disappointed with himself for saying what he had to her, but on the other hand he knew how desperate he was at the time, and the fact was, was most girls would have given up then and chosen the relationship. Not his Michelle though, she was far too generous and courageous – she would never put her own well-being in front of someone else's. Something he loved and admired about her so much, yet after situations like they had just been through he hated it. He tried again. "Chelle I'll be gentle with you....it's ok, it's me. I just want to make sure you are ok. I want to hold you."
"I thought it was over between us Tony. Just let me be....I need to leave."
"Chelle I was desperate when I said that, I thought you would choose the relationship. I could never end things with you sweetheart. I love you so much. It was a stupid altermation and I am so sorry."
"I had to do what I did Tony – there never was a choice for me.
Michelle leaned in again, bringing her mouth close to Tony's – he still wouldn't let their lips meet. "Yes Tony."
"Chelle, tell me you do."
Tony was watching Michelle's mouth and so she circled her lips with her tongue, making him take an extra breath. "I want you Tony, I have to have you Tony."
Tony couldn't play games any longer after hearing that. He pushed his body into hers and kissed her deeply. His body was forcing her to lean back and let him lie on top of her and so as she did she helped pull him to her.
The gear stick kept getting in the way. Tony had to keep stopping and try and work around it but it just wasn't really happening that well. "Son of a bitch....these stupid gears!" He was so frustrated. Michelle had him so turned on and was ready for him, yet things kept getting in his way.
Watching Tony get angry with the gear stick because he wanted to get closer to her only turned Michelle on even more. They were both breathing heavily, and couldn't take their eyes off each other. Michelle ran her hand very firmly up his thigh and then chest, "Tony....." She stood up a little and then put one knee on the seat so her body was a little higher, she leaned her body back over into Tony's. He cupped her face again kissing her intensly and then ran his hands down her back. Hiis hands then made their way underneath her skirt, making Michelle push in closer to him. Tony leaned his body back pulling her with him, his hands still on her thighs under her skirt. As they fell down into the drivers seat their bodies pushed against the wheel sounding the horn for a long time. This scared the hell out of both of them and Michelle threw herself back into the passengers seat.
After they caught their breath, they looked at each other and laughed. Tony touched her cheek with his thumb, "you know if I had the slightest bit of rstraint around you it would make things a whole lot easier....at this rate will either get arrested or at least put on a nice show for the neighbours!"
Michelle put his thumb in her mouth and sucked it for a moment, "I know but I just can't help myself with you.....why do you have to be so damn sexy?"
Tony soaked in what Michelle had said to him. Hearing her speak like that to him just made his heart race. He threw the car into drive, "Ok, so we need to get home like now!!" He put his foot on the medal and made his way home. All the way Michelle traced her hand up and down his leg, to Tony it felt like the higher or firmer her hand got the harder it was to breath and the further away his house seemed.
Finally they made it inside Tony's apartment. Before the door had even closed behind them they were wrapped in each others arms kissing, completely oblivious to the house in complete disseray because it was in the middle of being burgaled.
Tony had Michelle backed up near the doorway heading up the hall to his bedroom. Their eyes were closed and they were lost in each others arms. A man hiding behind the doorway reached his hand out and grabbed Michelle by the hair, he used his other hand to pull a gun on Tony.
Michelle had no idea what was going on, she was in the middle of kissing Tony when she felt the sharpest pain in her head – her hair was being pulled so hard she thought it would all come out. Her body flung backwards to follow her hair in the hope of easing the pain – then she felt a huge dirty arm wrap around her neck. All of this happened within a couple seconds – Tony was horrified, standing still with a gun pointed at his head. His eyes darted between Michelle and their attacker, never knowing who to focus on. He watched as the man tightened his grip on Michelle. "I swear to God, if you hurt her I will kill you." Tony found himself speaking in a threatening tone that he had never heard before. He was terrified something might happen to Michelle.
The man laughed a little to himself and then turned his head as if looking for someone else, "Did you hear that CJ? This guy will kill me if I hurt the pretty girl, what a hero!" A second man appeared out of the hallway laughing at what the first guy had said. "Les, give me the gun and lets move this into the other room." Les handed CJ the gun and then CJ told Tony to walk to the other room, all the while keeping the gun pointed directly at him. Les kept his arm around Michelle and forced her into the lounge with the others. Once there, CJ turned and punched Tony with full force in the stomach. "Don't bother threatening one of us again. Keep your mouth shut." Tony was hunched over, the wind had been completely knocked out of him. As Tony was punched, Michelle screamed out 'NO' but Les just covered her mouth, tightened his grip on her and whispered into her ear 'Shut-up.' Tears flowed down her face as she looked at Tony in pain – how the hell could this be happening to them? They were trained agents and these guys were a couple of thugs, but the bottom line was that they had the gun and Michelle and Tony didn't and neither one of them was about to jepordise the other one getting hurt by trying to pull some stupid stunt.
Les pushed Michelle up against the wall so he back was flat against it and she was facing Tony, Les and CJ. He pulled a knife from his belt strap and waved it around in her face. The disgusting man then ran the knife so it was touching her skin but not cutting down over her chest and stomach. He had a sick and twisted look on his facE,
Tony couldn't handle seeing this, he seriously thought he was going to have a heart attack or just pass out. Seeing Michelle being threatened like that was more than he was ready to handle. "Please don't hurt her. Do what you like to me, take what you want just please please leave her alone."
CJ sighed and walked back over to Tony. "You just don't get it do you? I thought I told you to keep your mouth shut? Seeing as my punch to the stomach didn't teach you the lesson, perhaps you will be more willing to learn when it's you girlfriend we punish." CJ started heading towards Michelle, Tony was shaking his head violently. CJ kept the gun focused on him then he said to Les, "Go ahead." Just like that Les punched Michelle in the face. His hand hit her eye and cheek and a ring on his finger cut her near her eyebrow and she began bleeding. Michelle was crying and trying to struggle. Tony watched absolutely heartbroken. Tears gushed out of his eyes and down his cheeks. He had promised Michelle he would protect her....yet at this point he couldn't think of a smart move on these guys without risking everything. Michelle looked at Tony and he mouthed 'I love you' to her. Les was far too strong for her, and she felt a little dizzy from the blow. He turned back to Tony, "next time I won't be so nice....I'll pick between my gun or my knife."
CJ sat on the stool and kept the gun on Tony, never taking his eyes from him. "Ok, here is the deal, you have a nice place here, you obviously have some cash. Now if you had come home a little later we could have gotten all this over with but now that you have gotten in our way, we need to make it worth our while. Hand me your wallet."
Tony reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet and handed it to CJ. When CJ diverted his attention to rummaging through the wallet, Tony hit 1 and call on his cell through his pants and then just left it there. That was a speed dial to Jacks mobile. Tony knew he had a much better chance of Jack helping them then the police trying to figure out what the call was about. There was about $150 in Tony's wallet and CJ seemed to be impressed. "And what about you princess? What have you got?" Les motioned to Michelle's bag which had been dropped near the front door. As CJ walked to retrieve it he pointed the gun at Michelle who was in a better firing range. He said to Tony, "If you even think about moving or messing with us, I shoot your pretty little girlfriend.....clear?"
Tony had no choice, he had to do as instructed. He would never put her life on the line to play hero.
Jack answered the call coming in from Tony. At first he wondered why Tony was calling him so late on Sunday night, he knew Tony wasn't back at work yet so it couldn't be that. As he answered he heard the words 'shoot your pretty little girlfriend....clear' and then there was silence. He could hear footsteps and Tony's sniffles although at that point he couldn't make out what the noise meant. He grew concerned and kept listening....
Les took a couple steps back from Michelle telling her not to move. Then he spoke to both of them. "You really make a cute couple." He looked at Tony, "are you in love with her?" Tony said yes as well as nodding his head. He turned back to Michelle, "isn't that sweet, he loves you – do you love him?" Michelle responded the same way as Tony had. CJ walked back over, "there was only 20 measly bucks in her wallet. What the hell good is 20 bucks going to do me?" Les asked them if there was anymore cash in the house and they both shook their heads. "This is not making me very happy.....infact you have both disappointed me. One of you is going to have to pay for that dissapointment." As he spoke he waved the knife in Michelle's face and then went over and did the same to Tony. "I am going to leave it in your hands over which one of you will pay for my dissapointment. You can have a minute to discuss this, but, (he directed his focus to Michelle) seeing as we have heard so much already from your boyfriend, I say it's your turn. I'm going to leave the final decision in your hands." With that he and CJ both went and stood in the doorway of the next room. CJ was quick to remind them both that they were watching and if either of them tried anything he would have no hesitation using the gun.
Jack heard every word and within seconds was out the door and on the way to Tony's – he hoped that's where they were. He called a couple of his friends who lived close by and asked for their help. He had a group of 4 of them meeting ASAP out the front of Tony's apartment block on the street level before you had to go upstairs. He'd be there in less than a couple minutes.
Both Michelle and Tony took a few steps towards each other. Michelle just wanted to collapse in his arms, "Who are they Tony? Why are they doing this to us?"
"I have no idea sweetheart, are you in much pain?"
"I am just so scared Tony...."
"Chelle, I called Jack and hopefully he heard some of what is going on. He might be on his way to help us. I know your scared honey but you have to stay strong – we are going to get through this....ok?"
"ok"
Tony spoke with authority in his voice. "Now Chelle, I don't care what happens, no matter what – you just make sure you pick me for the one he is going to hurt."
"I can't do that Tony. How could you expect me to do that?"
"God damn it Michelle, listen to me. I am telling you what to do."
"Put yourself in my position – would you be able too Tony? I'll be ok, trust me."
Tony was so angry. The look in his eyes scared Michelle. "I'm not interested in swapping positions Michelle, don't cross me on this one...."
"Tony your scaring me....this isn't my fault, don't be angry at me."
"I'm sorry if I am scaring you Michelle, but I will be angry if you don't choose me. Just let me try and protect you somewhat from this."
"What about me protecting you? I couldn't handle watching them hurt you Tony, I'm sorry I just can't do it."
Tony was furious. Not at Michelle, just at the situation. He couldn't handle seeing them hurt her again. He wished she would just listen to him. He was desperate to try anything. "Michelle, if you let them touch you – then it's over between us. Do you hear me??? If you don't chose me, then I can't have anything to do with you again." Tony knew it was the most horrible thing he could have said at that point, but he hoped by giving her such a big ultermation she would chose their relationship. Surely she wouldn't give up on their relationship. Of course there was no way Tony would ever leave Michelle, at this point in time though he wanted her to think that though so she would just pick him.
Michelle looked at Tony in disbelief......she was just so shocked he could say something like that. His words made her feel so frightened and alone. She could see they were about to come back so she spoke softly to Tony through her tears.
"You are seriously going to end things with me if I don't do what you say?"
"Chelle is it worth ruining our relationship over this? Just have them take it out on me."
"I guess it is over then Tony. Just leave me alone..."
"Michelle....." Tony put his hand out for her but she stepped back.
"No Tony. I'd rather not be your girlfriend then watch you get beat up if I have a choice."
Tony was hurting so much. His idea to make her choose had completely backfired on him making everything so much worse – now Michelle thought she was in this on her own. He felt so ill. He was so desperate, more desperate than he had ever been in his life. He was so scared he was going to lose Michelle in every way. He begged again, "Chelle, please I am begging you, just chose me. I can't handle this, I can't handle watching them touch you. It's not fair, after all this time I finally have you and now I am suppose to just stand back and let them jepordize that? Michelle, please choose me, you just have too.....I love you too much for any of this."
Michelle's heart broke watching Tony. But why didn't he realize that everything he was feeling she would feel too if they had let him choose? Was he really going to be so pissed at her if she didn't listen to him that he was going to break it off with her? She knew he was just trying anything to make her pick him, but there was nothing in the world that could be said or done that would make her willingly point the finger at Tony to be hurt – nothing. Even if Tony hated her for the rest of her life for the decision she was just about to make it would be worth it – she would rather know he was safe before anything else. Tony was pleading with his eyes.
"Tony, I....."
Les and CJ by this point had decided that they had given them long enough. He walked straight to Michelle, "Have you decided between the two of you?"
Michelle took a deep breath, "Yes but you promise you won't lay a finger on the other one, right?"
"I'll do what I want princess, now who is it going to be?"
Michelle looked at Tony who was pointing to himself and nodding his head. But there was just no way in this world Michelle could ever tell these guys to hurt Tony – How could she ever live with herself if she chose herself over Tony. "ME" She put her head down as to not have to see the look on Tony's face.
Tony's heart sank.....he had being hanging onto some shred of hope that she would do what he wanted. He looked at this woman who had just put her own life on the line to make sure he was ok. In hindsight he knew he was so lucky....Michelle was such a special person but how was he suppose to face her after tonight? He had promised her he would protect and look after her - he hadn't done that.
Les walked over to Michelle and ran his hand over her lips and cheek. "You really are my type of girl." He ran his hand from her face down her chest to her waist where he started to stroke it.
Tony was going to kill this guy if he thought he was going to try and have his way with Michelle. He watched her face and saw how terrified she was, she was bloody and pale and her eyes were a window into the horror she was feeling. As Les stroked her waist, Tony noticed how Michelle couldn't even look at him – her eyes were focused on the roof. Tony's entire body tensed up and his fists became so clenched it would be impossible to pry them apart.
CJ looked to be getting bored. "Hurry up, I just want to get out of here."
Les gave CJ a death stare, but at the same time checked his watch and he seemed to agree they had been there long enough. He took half a step back and studied Michelle before clenching his fist and ramming it into her stomach. She dropped to the ground and curled herself into a ball.
Tony couldn't sit there and watch this. The pain of watching Michelle being attacked like that was far too much to bare. He rose to his feet and lundged at CJ who was holding the gun. CJ, a mere thug panicked and fumbled with the gun. Tony kicked his arms with full force so that CJ dropped the gun and it went sliding across the floor.
Les kicked Michelle a couple of times, one at her neck and head and the other on her lower back out of sheer anger watching CJ and Tony. He wondered what he should do - he couldn't get past them too leave, and if he went and got involved in the fight it might end up him that got hurt. He looked at Michelle who was now unconscious from the blows, he knealt down beside her and rolled her onto her back and slapped her face a couple times to make her wake up. He watched Tony and CJ throw punches at each other as they both kept trying to scramble to the other doorway where the gun was. CJ was looking a lot worse for wear than Tony was and Les knew he had do something before Tony got a hold of him. He spat at Michelle, "Stand-up."
"I don't think I can....I can't."
Les grabbed her by her arms and yanked her up, forcing her to stand. She was swaying all over the place. He tightened his grip on her and demanded she keep standing straight.
Tony wrestling on the ground with CJ. He was only half concentrating because half of his attention was focused on what was happening with Michelle. He saw Les forcing Michelle to stand up when she could barely even keep her eyes open. He threw his elbow into CJ's face making him drop to the ground yelping. Tony crawled over him and punched him again. Jack with one of his friends right behind him, came flying through the door and headed straight for Tony and CJ.
"Jack, I am fine here – Michelle, help Miichelle."
Les stood behind Michelle and held the knife up to her neck and face. Jack stopped in his tracks and held his hands up to show him that he wasn't holding any weapon. He tried to reason with him, "Calm down, I am not going to hurt you – I just want to make sure no one gets hurt here."
Tony now had complete control of CJ and had him pinned by his arms. He called for Jacks friend to first call the police and then come hold CJ so he could go over to Jack and Michelle. Once free of CJ, Tony walked over beside Jack. "It's over, just let her go and we will make sure neither one of you gets hurt." Tony had absolutely no patients left for this guy.
Les was panic stricken, "All I want to do is get out of here. If you come near me, I'll use this knife on her."
Michelle felt so weak but knew she just had to get through this and she would be ok. She looked at Tony and when they had eye contact she lowered her eyes to the ground to tell him that she would duck to the ground. Tony nodded that he understood. He felt all of his body tense ready to pounce on him the second Michelle dropped to the ground.
Michelle could see the knife out the side of her eye. Les was holding it up to the side of her neck with his right hand. She could smell the sweat pouring from his body and hear him breathing heavily. She lifted her left arm in the air to divert his attention for a moment and then she pulled her right arm in and forced it behind her as to elbow him in the neck, in the same motion she dropped her body to the ground. Before she had even hit the ground Tony's body flew over her at Les. It had all happened so quickly that Les had no idea what was going on. Both Jack and Tony wrestled him to the ground, they stepped on his wrist forcing him to drop the knife and then as Jack held him Tony punched him unconscious. Although he felt like just standing there punching him over and over, Tony knew there was no need and his training would be used against him if he continued to injure this guy when it wasn't necessary.
Another of Jacks friends came flying through the door. Jack called him and asked him to help keep Les down. Tony was finally free and able to go to Michelle.
Michelle lay on the ground, face into the floor trying to put her thoughts into order. Her body felt like it was crawling with his (Les) hands. Her muscles kept moving as if he still had a grip on her. He had been so rough that she felt bruised everywhere he had touched her. His body odour still consumed her making her want to gag. When she tried to remove the images from her head of Les and CJ all that came to mind was Tony and the anger he had in his eyes for her before. The words that he would break up with her swam in her head and with every passing second her love grew for him with the realization of how close she had been to losing him but also anger brewed he had been so angry with her that she may have lost him anyway.
She sensed a body was approaching close to her and she felt her heart rate again rise and her body tense up. A hand touched her shoulder and she immediately jumped up to get away from the touch – she couldn't handle anyone being that close to her right now.
Tony had sat next to Michelle and then put his hand on her shoulder. He didn't know the extent of her injuries so he was a gentle as possible but still Michelle had flown into the air and scurried into a crouched position against the wall. He tried to slide his body closer to her but she held her arm up and spoke with a weak voice, "No one come near me, don't touch me....don't touch me."
"Chelle it's ok, it's me Tony. You are safe now and everything is going to be ok." He again started to slide near her but again, "Stay there, I am ok don't worry I am ok, I just need to be on my own."
Tony didn't know what to do. He understood how scared Michelle must be but he wanted to be the one to soothe and comfort her. His threat to her about having to choose either him or their relationship played over and over in his mind – she might not want a bar of him. His own emotions were all over the place – at this point he just felt relieved at seeing Michelle would be ok. She needed medical attention but after that she would be alright. He was disappointed with himself for saying what he had to her, but on the other hand he knew how desperate he was at the time, and the fact was, was most girls would have given up then and chosen the relationship. Not his Michelle though, she was far too generous and courageous – she would never put her own well-being in front of someone else's. Something he loved and admired about her so much, yet after situations like they had just been through he hated it. He tried again. "Chelle I'll be gentle with you....it's ok, it's me. I just want to make sure you are ok. I want to hold you."
"I thought it was over between us Tony. Just let me be....I need to leave."
"Chelle I was desperate when I said that, I thought you would choose the relationship. I could never end things with you sweetheart. I love you so much. It was a stupid altermation and I am so sorry."
"I had to do what I did Tony – there never was a choice for me.
Please let me go home, I just need to be on my own." Michelle didn't really want to be on her own, in fact was desperate for his touch but she was too scared. She wasn't exactly sure what she was scared of – maybe he would be too rough like Les, maybe he really did want to end things, how could she let him see her so beaten and battered?
I can't take you home, an ambulance is on its way and they need to check you out. I know you don't really want to be on your own Chelle, you are just pushing me away. I need you Michelle. God I need you…..please."
The police had arrived by the point and had escorted the two men to the car. After having a few words with Jack and his friend they approached Michelle and Tony with an ambulance officer. "Excuse me folks, I need to ask some questions and have you both checked out. Maam this is Officer Johns, he is a medic and he will help you out ok?"
Michelle couldn't stand the thought of another stranger touching her. She looked at Tony and then at the medic who was beginning to make his way over. She mustered up all the energy she had left to stand up and began to make her way for the front door. "I'm fine, don't come near me, Tony don't let anyone come near me." As she stood her body began to feel jelly like and her head became heavy and clouded – she felt dizzy.
Tony watched Michelle's face become even paler. He had never seen her look so alone and scared. He raised his hand to signal for the medic to stop, which he did, and then he moved at a face past to Michelle. Every second that past with her feeling like this was going to make the situation worse – he had to help her. He stood in front of Michelle and put one hand on her shoulder and the other on her cheek. Her entire body flinched to shake him off, she stepped back and he tried again but she still deflected his touch and moved away from him. Finally her threw both his arms around her and drew her body in close to his and held her pressed against his body. He could still feel her trying to struggle so he tried too soothe her. "Baby, it's me – I am not going to hurt you. I just want to hold you. Everything is going to be ok. Tell me how you are feeling, tell me Chelle."
His body felt so good next to hers and his familiar scent blocked the odor she was still gagging on from Les. She didn't know how t o feel – she just knew she didn't want to feel like this anymore. She burst into tears and in a hysterical cry told Tony, "I am so scared, I am so scared. I thought you were going to leave me. I disappointed you, I've disappointed myself. My body hurts. Tony he hurt me so bad."
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