I know, I know. I just like throwing random characters around in different situations and settings. I'm sorry. Like it or leave it. Thank you for reviewing!

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The door was kicked in at Melina. She jumped back as a young man, who looked to be no older than 16, stepped one foot over the threshold. His hair came a little bit higher than his chin and it was silver. He seemed to have two disciples. Both sharing the same shade of hair, but at different lengths. The other two seemed to be a few years older as well.

"Who are you?" Melina tried not to show her fear.

"Where's mother?" The man, who seemed to be the eldest, spoke out. His body was racked with muscles, unlike his younger counterparts.

"Be quiet, Loz." The first young man shushed him. Then he turned his lizard-esque green eyes to Melina. "We want the girl."

"What are you talking about? And who are you?" Melina seemed a bit more firm this time.

"Look. We know you know what we're talking about. Let's make this quick and painless." The young man revealed a double-bladed instrument. Melina stood silent.

"Kadaj." The long-haired lad urged the young one. Kadaj thrust his arm out and caught Melina by the throat. Melina, choking, grasped at his gloved hand.

"Where is she!"

"No need to shout." Reno had come from the bedroom and he whipped out his weapon, a retractable metallic rod, at Kadaj's face. "Let go."

"I see you have company." Kadaj loosened his grip on Melina's neck, but didn't let go. He then looked back at Loz. Loz shook his head. "We'll come back when you least expect it. And we'll be taking the girl with us." Kadaj let go of Melina. She clasped her hands over her throat and gasped. "Yazoo. Loz." The three walked off into the night, where they belonged. Reno put his hand on Melina's shoulder.

"Are you okay, babe?"

"I think so. I never knew this would happen. I've never seen them before in my life."

"Why would they want Elsie? That's who they were talking about, right?" Reno put away his rod.

"I'm not sure." Melina turned her eyes to the bedroom where Elsie was. "Reno, I'm scared. What if they come back?"

"It won't matter if they do. You're staying in my house."

"Reno, no. You've already done so much for me."

"I'm not asking you. Go pack your things and Elsie's." Reno looked serious. Melina decided not to argue with him. She knew how he could get when was provoked and even when he wasn't. She went to pack and get Elsie.

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"You and Elsie can sleep here. My room is right down the hall. If you need anything, just let me know." Reno finished giving Melina the grand tour. Elsie slept through the whole thing. How was she ever going to know where everything was?

"Reno, I can't begin to thank you--"

"Stop. You've thanked me enough. I'll be in my room." He flashed one of his sexy smiles at her and kissed Elsie on the forehead. Melina put one of her two suitcases in the corner after laying Elsie down on the bed. They weren't able to bring the cradle, but the bed and a lot of pillows would be sufficient for now. She opened the other suitcase and took out her nightgown. She felt so blessed to have Reno looking out for her.

A few minutes later, Reno heard a knock on his bedroom door. He turned off the TV, threw on a button-down shirt and opened the door. He thought he was having a vision. Melina stood before him wearing a see-through blue nightgown. He could clearly see her undergarments. So this was the kind of lingerie she wore. Reno was pleased.

"Yes?" Reno tried to look as sexy as he could. He was hoping Melina was afraid of the dark and needed him to tuck her in. Melina smiled at him.

"I just wanted to say 'goodnight.'"

"Uh, goodnight then, Melina." He didn't expect that. Melina stood for a moment in his doorway.

"Well?"

"What is it?" Reno was confused.

"Aren't you going to give me a 'goodnight kiss' like last time?" Melina looked a little embarrassed.

"If you want me to." He looked happier. Melina nodded. Reno moved close to her and instead of kissing her cheek, he tilted her face up to his and brought his lips to hers. Melina felt a tingle go up her spine as he placed his other hand on the small of her back. She held onto his biceps. The kiss was magical to her. She could tell that Reno enjoyed as well because he tried for more, but Melina pulled back. She didn't want to get caught up in anything too soon.

"Goodnight, Reno." She squeezed his arms and proceeded to her room. Reno leaned against his doorway and watched her walk down the hall. He sighed deeply and bit his lower lip. He liked her. She was really sweet. He wanted to make sure that nothing bad happened to her or Elsie.