"You sure you have to go to work? Can't you call in sick or something?" Taker asked as his eyes clouded over with desire for this woman.
"I'm sure...Next time you need to give me a more advanced warning that you're going to be here so I can get more time off." Kaliegh said with a smile.
"Just what do you do anyway?" Taker's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "I bet you're an exotic dancer or something." Taker threw in the last comment as a joke.
"As a matter of fact, I am. You should check out my performance sometime...I've been told that I'm quite good." Kaliegh replied and watched as Taker's eyes grew huge and a look of shock settled over his handsome features. "You should see the look on your face! Don't be so shocked, I have to make a living just like you do."
"I'm sorry. It's just that...." Taker didn't quite know how to say what was on his mind.
"Let me guess....You're thinking about the reputation that alot of dancers have. Am I right? Well, trust me, I am not, nor will I ever be that way. The only reason I still have this job is because it pays so good....that's the only reason."
"I didn't mean to offend you. Please believe me when I say that."
"You didn't offend me. I'll be back around 9:00pm....10:00 at the latest."
"I don't want you to go....I'm not going to let you go." Taker pulled her to him, his fingers entangled in her hair as he lowered his mouth to hers. When the kiss ended, Kaliegh's body ached to be touched once again by him. "Have I convinced you to stay home yet?"
This man left her breathless and barely able to speak. She wanted him so bad she could hardly stand it. A soft moan escaped her lips as his hands ran down her back and then underneath her shirt as he gently caressed her back and anywhere else his hands wanted to roam. She couldn't believe the way this man made her feel. Never before had she felt such powerful emotions such as desire and pure lust, but most of all love and security. "I gotta go. I'll be fired if I don't." Kaliegh finally managed to say.
"Okey, but let me ask you something before you leave." Taker started to say as Kaliegh reluctantly left his arms and turned facing the window, searching the table for her car keys. She had just found them when suddenly the kitchen window shattered and Kaliegh fell to the floor. Taker looked at the busted window and then down at Kaliegh a time or two before he realized that she had been shot. The wound, which was right above her heart was bleeding profusely.
Gathering his senses, he quickly found the phone and called for an ambulance, and then for the police. Going back into the kitchen, he found her to be literally gasping for air. Her whole body was shaking uncontrollably, and not only was she bleeding badly from the wound in her chest, but blood also flowed from her mouth and nose in a steady stream. Taker knew if that ambulance didn't get there in the next minute or two, she wouldn't make it.
Grabbing a towel off of the cupboard, he held it to the would, hoping to slow, if not stop the bleeding. Within seconds, it was blood soaked. Just as he got up to find another towel, the ambulance arrived, the police following right behind.
While the paramedics worked on Kaliegh, Taker stepped back, telling the police what had happened and who had did it. Finally they were ready to transport Kaliegh to the hospital. Taker could tell by the grim expressions on their faces that her chances weren't good.
Once at the hospital, she was immediately taken up for surgery. The doctors worked on her for ten hours, repairing all of the injuries that had been caused inside by one bullet. As the sun rose the next morning, Taker was able to see her for a short time.
The nurse had talked to him about all of the machines and things that Kaliegh was hooked up to in order to keep her alive, but nothing could have prepared him for this. Even though he had only known Kaliegh for a short time, he already knew he loved her. And as he looked down at this woman, tears flowed from his eyes while anger like he had never felt before filled his heart. If it was the last thing Taker ever did, he was going to make sure Blake payed for the things he had done to Kaliegh.
Finally he went back to her house. Realizing that he and his clothes were covered in blood, the first thing Taker did was take a long, hot shower. Then just before falling into an exhausted sleep, he called Kane to let him know what happened and asked him to pass word on to Judy.
As he slept, Taker dreamed of Kaliegh....The first time he ever saw her, that night in Chicago. Her arms around him while they rode on his motorcycle had been like heaven for him. Even then he felt connected to her and detected a deep sadness about her. When they meet again in Indiana, he found out exactly what was making her so sad. As the dream moved on, he recalled the passion that he and Kaliegh had shared and the promise he made to himself to protect her. He was about to ask her to come with him on Saturday when he had to go back on the road. As the dream progressed even further, it became more of a nightmare. All he saw was blood....her blood.
Taker awoke suddenly. Feeling another's presence in the house with him, he quickly jumped up, his eyes scanning the room. As he reached for his jeans and pulled them on, Taker's eyes fell upon Blake standing in the corner of the room watching him.
"That bullet was meant for you. You know that, don't you?" Blake said as he stepped out from the shadows, revealing the gun that he held in his hand. "But oops...I guess my aim was a little off and the bitch got it instead. Don't worry though, soon you and your whore will be in hell together."
Then he pulled the trigger...
**************
Kane had gotten into the habit of spending some of his off time with Judy, especially if he was near enough to make the trip worthwhile. They talked nearly every other day and were becoming fast friends. They enjoyed each others company.
The countdown to King Of The Ring was on! The event was this Sunday. Kane was off till the day before KOTR, so he came to spend the time with Judy. He had to be in Chicago on Friday, so he had four days! He intended for them to leave together.
Judy still had to work, even though she would have preferred to spend the time with Kane, but her vacation would start on Wednesday! That was just two days away, then Kane was all hers! She felt excited about this visit! She felt expectant! She thought this time would most likely be THE time! She got home Monday night, in time to see Raw. Kane would be flying in tomorrow, and tomorrow night, she was meeting him at his hotel after she got off work. They were having dinner. As she was crawling into bed, after raw, the phone rang and she knew it was Kane.
"How you doin, Babe?" His husky, velvet like voice ran all over her nerve endings.
"Just going to bed! You were great tonight. They just didn't show enough of you!" Her voice low and sexy.
A sensual smile curved his lips at the sound of her voice! "Well, there's been a change of plans, I'm flying out tonight. In fact I'm at the airport now. Would you mind picking me up in about an hour and a half?" He asked.
"Sure thing! I'll see you then!" She whispered.
"What time do you work tomorrow?" He hoped it was the late shift.
"HHHMMMMMMMMMM!! I go in at noon!" She said softly! She was already planning to ask Kane to come home with her, and just sleep in the guest room.
"GOOD! Well, I have to go! They're calling my flight! I'll see you soon!" Then he hung up. Grinning happily, she got up and looked for something to put on. She would have just about enough time to get there.
Judy arrived just a few minutes before his plane landed. She watched as he came through the gate, and ran to greet him. Anyone watching would have guessed them to be married or at least lovers, the way they greeted each other! Kane picked her up and spun her around. Her arms went around his neck as she hugged him tight.
"Gawd! It's good to see you! It seems you have been gone forever!" She said with feeling, smiling up at the big man when he finally put her down. Holding hands, they went over to claim his baggage. Once that was done, they headed outside to her car.
"Since it's so late, why don't you come home with me. I have an extra room where you can crash out." She offered, watching as he loaded his bags in the trunk of her car. As he stood up, she was unable to tell exactly what he was thinking.
"You sure about this?" He asked softly. He wouldn't allow himself to hope for her to mean more than just what she was offering.
"No problem! The bed is all yours!" She said, eyes twinkling happily.
"Come on! Let's go! Are you hungry?" She asked as she handed him the keys to her car.
As he unlocked the door for her, she wondered about the smile on his lips and the look in his eyes. When he got behind the wheel of her car, he said that yes, as a matter of fact, he was hungry!
"Waffle House ok?" She asked.
"Fine with me. You hungry?" He asked, looking over at her. She nodded, still smiling, as he pulled out on the interstate. In a few minutes, they were pulling off again, turning into the parking lot of a Waffle House.
After placing their orders, they sat just looking at each other. His eyes greedily devoured her! He was hungry! Yeah! He was hungry!! For her! He wanted her lying naked, her hair spread out all about her, in his bed!! That was what he was hungry for! Some of his thoughts must have shown in his eyes, because she blushed and lowered her eyes to the tabletop. Judy knew exactly what was on his mind, because the same thing was on hers! He reached out and ran a finger across the knuckles of her right hand. The contact startled her, bringing her eyes up to meet his. His touch was electric. In that instant, she knew as well as he did, that he would be sharing her bed, not the one in the guest room.
Kane's eyes darkened with desire as he read her correctly. "Are you REALLY hungry?" He asked softly, his eyes not leaving hers, his voice deeper and huskier than usual.
Unable to utter a word, she simply looked at him. Taking her hand, helping her from the booth, he handed the waitress $50.00, cancelling their order. As they left, she stared at the couple, amazed at the size of her tip.
Never before had the trip home been made in so short a time! Not a word was spoken, yet each knew that tonight the waiting was over. Each one knew they were going to make love.
Kane whipped her car into the driveway, skidding to a stop! Gravel flew every where!! He was out of the car, and opening her door, then all but ran to her cabin. Once inside, he took her in his arms, tilting her head back so he could look into her eyes.
"You know what I want. But if you DON"T feel the same, then tell me now! I'll leave and you won't be bothered by me again." He had bared his feelings. His husky voice thick with lust.
Her emotions were in turmoil. She didn't want him to leave, and she did want him in her bed. Without saying a word, she stepped back away from him, drawing a deep breath, her eyes dropped to the floor.
Completely misunderstanding, Kane dropped his head, having a hard time swallowing passed the lump in his throat. Lifting his head to tell her he would have her car returned in the morning, the words stuck in his throat, as he watched her slowly removing her clothes. First her blouse, then her slacks. His mouth dropped open in surprise. Standing before him in nothing more than her underwear, Judy took the big man by the hand, leading him back to her bedroom. Turning on the lamp and the radio, she got up in the middle of the bed on her knees, waiting.
Kane stood there, completely speechless. His eyes took in the beauty of her. Her hair all loose and hanging down her back, the navy blue bra and lacy panty her only clothing, she was truely beautiful.
"Kane, honey, have you changed your mind?" She asked in her most seductive voice! The look she gave him, made his pulse race and his blood run hot. He felt like this was his first time, suddenly. She made him THAT anxious! And they had yet to touch each other.
-------------
"Janey, I'm not going to be able to come in. I'm coming down with something!" Judy's hoarse, raspy voice sounded like she was sick.
"Ok! You take care of yourself! You sound awful!" The woman on the other end said.
"Yeah, good thing vacation starts tomorrow!" Judy said, then hung up the phone, on the third try.
Kane's thrusts went deeper, stronger, as he held her by her hips. Burying her head in the mattress, her fingers grabbed hold of the sheet, just as she screamed out her relief. Kane grunted, as he emptied himself in her. He collapsed across her back, supporting his greater weight as he rolled over, pulling her with him. They lay spoon fashion till they could breath normally. Sleep and sex was all they did since she picked him up at the airport. Smiling, she drifted off to sleep.
------------
They had dinner in an out of the way seafood restaurant that Kane had been to before. The food was good and the service was excellent, the atmosphere was VERY romantic. Seated at the small, round table, Kane ordered some wine. They laughed and talked quietly until their food arrived.
Judy had ordered barbequed shrimp. Feeling very sexy, she looked across at Kane, watching as he consumed his surf and turf meal. Catching his eye, she picked up one of the shrimp with her fingers and ate it slowly. She licked the sauce off her fingers, in a very sexual way. Kane paused, a bite of steak half way to his mouth, his eyes wide. Fascinated, he watched as she ate another shrimp. Sticking the tip of her tongue out, she licked a stray drop of sauce from the corner of her mouth, instead of using her napkin.
Her eyes never left his, even as they darkened with desire. Kane was aware of why she was doing this, and was enjoying every minute of her display. His eyes never left her face, loving every minute of watching her consume her meal. He forgot all about his own. Then he felt her foot against his groin. He ALMOST jumped, but caught himself in time, this being TOTALLY unexpected.
Moving his chair slightly closer to the table, and laying his napkin across his lap, Kane's hand covered her foot, pressing it tighter against his crotch. When she started to pull away, he held it firmly in place. She felt the hardness there, felt it getting bigger, even harder. This excited her even more. Gently, she rubbed her foot up and down against the bulge found there. His hand felt warm as it covered her foot, pressing it even more firmly against him.
The old couple across from them, continued to glance in their direction. Suddenly, Judy noticed a smile on the old woman's lips, and a slight nod, as memory of her doing the same thing to her husband years ago. Kane and Judy very nearly didn't make it home.
His lips and hands were everywhere! His touch stirred her senses. Moaning, she arched her body, wanting to get even closer to him, not wanting to break the contact with him.
"Kane! Please! Now! I want you now!" She pleaded, her eyes begging for him to take her.
Kane's passion equalled hers and he gladly covered her body with his own! His groan, as he buried himself in her velvety softness, was almost HER undoing. As he moved against her, Kane had to use ALL of his self-control. Sensing just HOW close he was, she pushed him away. At his surprised look, she rolled with him, straddling his hips. Not daring to move, Judy threw her head back and gasped loudly, as he filled her completely. Kane grabbed her by the hips, holding her still! If she MOVED ANYTHING, he would be lost.
Groaning deeply, Kane clenched his teeth and closed his eyes tightly. Gradually, the urge passed, but it had been a near thing! Slowly, he opened his eyes. Judy had grabbed a hold of the headboard of the bed. Breathing deeply, she locked eyes with him, then began to rock back and forth. Within minutes, waves of pleasure washed over them both! She cried out his name as it happened a second time. Kane's grip on her hips was nearly painful, as he emptied himself deep inside her.
Totally exhausted, she collapsed against him, as his arms went around her holding her close. Their ragged breathing gradually returned to normal, as did their heart beats. With their bodies still joined, they rolled over on their sides and fell asleep. Sometime later, she was awakened as he began to move against her again.
They slept late the next day. Kane still had two days before they had to leave. Judy would be going with him this time. After breakfast, Judy fried some chicken, made some potato salad, and baked an apple pie. When the food was ready, she got her picnic basket out of the hall closet, and carefully packed the food inside. She had a thermos of iced tea ready as well. It was a perfect day for a picnic and they were going on one. She added a loaf of sweet italian bread to the hamper.
While she was packing the food, Judy heard Kane talking on his cell phone. Just as she finished packing their lunch, Kane came into the kitchen. He had a stricken look on his face. Something was wrong.
"What's happened?" She asked, alarmed for some reason.
"Judy, that was Taker. I have some bad news Kaliegh has been shot." Kane told her as gently as he could.
"Oh! No! Why? Blake did it, I'd bet money on it!" Concern for her friend and fury at the asshole responsible nawed at her.
"What do you want to do?" He had to ask.
"I'd like to go there. Can we?" She asked with tears in her eyes.
"I was hoping you would say that." He said with a grin.
"You call the airport while I pack!" She said anxiously, then disappeared down the hall.
An hour and a half later, they were on a plane, having just made the flight. After arriving in Minnesota, Kane rented a car after getting directions to Kaliegh's street, they were soon on their way.
Kaliegh's car was in the driveway, so they knew Taker was here. Kaliegh had told Judy once where she kept her spare door key, and when she looked there, the key was missing. Kane noticed the door ajar, so they went inside. But it didn't feel right....Taker wouldn't have left the door open. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end. Just as Kane quietly closed the door behind them, a gun shot was heard from the back of the house.
"Go outside, and call the police." Kane said quietly, handing her his cell phone, and all but shoved her out the door.
With her safely outside, Kane ran toward where the sound of the gun shot came from. Standing in the corner of the bedroom, Kane saw a man holding a gun, and Taker struggling with him. Kane calmly walked over, took the gun away and hit the man in the head with it, rendering him unconscious.
"Bout time you got here!" Taker said, surprised by Kane's sudden appearance.
"Looked like you could use some help!" Kane said, grinning. "This the asshole that shot Kaliegh?"
"Yes. Is Judy with you?" Taker asked.
"Yes. She's outside calling the police." Kane grinned hugely.
"You two ok?" Taker asked with a knowing grin.
"Better than ok!" Kane grinned smugly.
About that time, police sirens were rapidly approaching the house. "Cavalry's here!" Taker said pulling on his jeans.
Judy ran through the front doorway, just as Kane and Taker carried the body of the man in to the living room. This was Blake. They had him hog-tied.
Taker told the police what happened, about Blake saying he was suppose to have been the target, rather than Kaliegh, and where they could find the gun.
"He shot at me, so you'll find a bullet hole in the wall just above the bed." He told them.
"How's Kaliegh?" Judy asked once she was reassured both men were unhurt.
"She's serious. But I hope she'll be ok." Taker was worried. "When can we see her?" She asked.
"We'll go as soon as we get finished here." Taker said. "Kane, she's going with me, as soon as she's able to travel. I won't leave her here." He said seriously.
Kane understood. He glanced at Judy, wondering if she would stay with him. He hoped so. He intended to talk to her about it as soon as he had the chance.
A couple of hours later, the three people entered Kaliegh's hospital room. She looked deathly pale. Her condition was listed as guarded! She had a better chance of NOT making it, then she did of pulling through. Tears filled the big man's eyes as he looked at her laying on the bed with all the machines and tubes running to her. She looked so fragile..... So delicate. Kane felt Taker's pain. He knew the big guy cared a great deal for Kaliegh. His actions, not to mention his words, told THAT story. Kane had never seen Taker respond to a woman the way he had to Kaliegh.
Judy was in shock.... She was nearly as pale as Kaliegh. Tears welled up in her huge blue eyes. One thing was on her mind! The bastard that did this terrible thing. He had to PAY.
"Are you ok?" Kane asked, alarmed by her palour, wondering if she was going to faint. She nodded, not taking her eyes off Kaliegh. Kane was concerned about Judy. He didn't like the strained look around her eyes and mouth.
"Taker, I'm taking Judy to a motel. I don't like the way she looks. I'll be back! You going to be ok here for a while?" Kane was concerned about all three of them. That bastard did a number on ALL of them.
"Yeah, I'll be here. But you stay with Judy. I'll call you later. Maybe go get something to eat." Taker had gotten control of his emotions.
Kane looked at him, reading him. Finally deciding he'd be ok. "You do that! We'll get something to eat then come back for another visit. Judy should be ok, then. She hasn't had much sleep lately." Kane said with a smart ass grin.
Taker grinned back. He understood exactly what Kane meant. He just wondered why he had waited so long. "I'll see you later. Oh, and a, Kane? You take care of that lady. She seems special." "She is!" Kane said. A few minutes later, Judy and Kane left.
They drove to a motel not far from the hospital. After checking in, Kane and Judy entered their room. Kane put their bags down, then took her in his arms, pulling her close.
"You ok?" Kane asked softly. His hand rubbing her back.
"I'll be ok. But I'm worried about Kaliegh. I'm afraid for her, Kane. She's like a sister to me." Tears once again filled her huge blue eyes.
Kane lead her into the bathroom, sat her down on the toilet, then ran her a hot bath. He went back into the other room, picked up her bag, got out her bath oil, then returned to the bathroom. Taking off the top, he poured too much into the steaming water, then turned off the water. Helping her to her feet, Kane undressed her, and helped her in the tub. She had started trembling uncontrollably, tears streaming down her face.
Kane talked to her in a soothing, quiet way, as he bathed her like a child. She had said once, that a hot bath was her cure-all. She gave her tears free reign. After the water cooled, Kane helped her out and wrapped her in a thick cotton towel, drying her gently.
As Kane dried her body, her tears gradually stopped. Finally lifting her eyes to Kane, she wrapped her arms around him, pressed her body against his, and kissed him hungrily.
"Kane, I want you." She said huskily, fear and desire in her eyes.
Kane stared at her for a moment, then took her to bed.