~Chapter 10!~Kaliegh!
Judy quietly replaced the receiver back on the hook after Taker had abruptly ended their conversation. She was hurt that he had on hung up on her like that. Judy had been so sure that he was different. She sighed, thinking she should have known better. Judy turned and went into the kitchen. Kali had gone in there when Judy had called Taker to give them some privacy. Kali got up from her chair by the table when she heard Judy’s approaching footsteps and poured her friend a cup of coffee from the pot that had just finished brewing. She turned around to hand Judy the steaming cup and was taken aback by the look on her friend’s face.
“I take it that conversation was anything but pleasant.” Kali said as she set the cup down and motioned for Judy to have a seat.
Judy did sit, but said nothing. She just sat there staring down into the brown liquid that filled the cup sitting in front of her. Kali lit a cigarette and sat back, studying her friend. She felt horrible for insisting that Judy call Taker. She hated seeing her friend so upset, especially after all that she had been through lately.
“What happened?” Kali asked softly.
Judy raised her head and looked at Kali with eyes that glittered with so many different emotions that it nearly broke Kali’s heart.
Judy took a deep breath and then began. “Well, I told Taker about Dave’s counter-suit and his refusal to sign the papers, naming Taker as the reason behind that.” Judy stopped and lit a cigarette of her own.
What did Taker say?” Kali asked finally after Judy didn’t say anything more.
Judy took a long drag off of her cigarette and then answered Kali’s question. “He didn’t say anything.” Judy glanced over at Kali and saw the confusion clouding her blue eyes.
“He just hung up on me without saying a word.” Judy stated in a trembling voice.
Kali felt her mouth drop open in shock when she heard this. “He hung up on you?” She questioned, thinking maybe she had heard wrong, although she knew she hadn’t.
Judy replied by nodding her head.
“That son of a bitch!” Kali hissed under her breath, not able to believe he would desert her like this.
“Don’t worry about it.” Judy told her, not wanting to burden Kali with her problems.
“Too late. I am worried about it. I don’t care if he is the one and only Undertaker. No one treats you that way and gets away with it!” Kali’s eyes sparkled with anger.
Judy sighed, knowing first-hand just how stubborn Kali could be. Judy sat back in her chair and smiled. “Thank you. You’re always here for me.” Judy said, already feeling a little bit better.
“You’re Welcome.” Kali said with a smile as she stood up. “Now, what do you say we go out for dinner? We can grab a movie on the way back”
Judy rose to her feet also, liking the sound of that idea very much.
*****
“Have you talked to Taker lately?” Kali asked Kane when she talked to him two nights later.
“Not for a couple of days. He’s sort of upset with me right now.” Kane answered.
“Why is he mad at you?” She asked in confusion. Kane had nothing to do with all of this so Kali couldn’t understand why Taker would be mad at Kane.
“Well Taker thinks this mess that he’s gotten himself into is all our fault since you and I were the ones to set them up. He said if we would have just minded our own business, he and Judy would not have been together that night to get caught by that reporter.” Kane explained, knowing Kali wasn’t going to take to kindly to being blamed for this. He didn’t like it much either.
“Oh, I see how it is. Yeah, he was real happy that we set him up when things were going his way, and then the minute there is a little trouble, he’s quick to blame anyone but himself. Well, maybe if he would have kept his pants on….” Kali trailed off, realizing what was coming out of her mouth.
“Sorry.” She apologized quietly.
Kane laughed softly. Her passionate nature was one of the things he loved most about her. “That’s okay. Go ahead and vent if you want.”
“No, I think I’m done for now.” Kali said with an embarrassed laugh.
“So what are you doing this weekend?” Kane asked once they had both stopped laughing.
“Hmm…I don’t know. I’ll probably just stay home. Rent a movie or something.” Kali looked around her crowded apartment, knowing one of these weekends she was going to have to go house hunting. The thought of moving all of her stuff made her keep putting it off..
“How about some company?” Kane smiled as he waited for her reaction.
“What!” Kali exclaimed, nearly dropping the phone in surprise.
“Well, I have Friday and Saturday free and I’d really like to spend those days with you if you don’t have anything planned.” Kane’s deep, husky voice sent a shiver racing along her spine, making Kali wish he were already there.
“Kane, even if I did have something planned, I’d definitely cancel to be with you.” Kali felt her legs go weak at the thought of seeing him again and had to sit down. She could hardly wait to see him again and wondered how she was going to make it through he next two days.
Judy went inside the bank and closed out her account. After finding out about Dave's third mistress, she had opened up a savings account without him knowing about it. The monthly statements were sent to her office. Most of the money she had made since then, had been deposited in to this secret account. Now, she was a wealthy woman! She had one other stop to make when she was through here, then she could go home and pack.
The transaction took all of twenty minutes. The savings account, she left there till she got settled somewhere! Then she would have the money transferred.
Judy pulled around to the back of the office she had worked at for nearly five years, and parked, going in the back door rather than the front. Rachel was coming out of the break room, as Judy closed the door behind her.
"Are you ok?" The petite rookie agent asked her friend and mentor.
Rachel stood all of five feet tall, and that was in pumps! She wore her blue-black hair cut short, add to that her unusual almond shaped sea-green eyes, made Rachel a real beauty.
"I'll survive! Is the boss in?" She asked tiredly! Judy removed her sunglasses, sticking them in her jacket pocket. She had her hair pulled up in a ponytail, and covered with her favorite ball cap. Dressed as she was, she didn't look anything like the professional woman she was!
"Yes, he just got back from lunch!" Rachel said as she fell into step with Judy.
"Did you get the boxes?" Judy asked as she walked briskly toward her private office.
"Yes, they are on your desk! Judy, I'm sorry bout all this!" Rachel was heart-sick for her friend.
"Sweetie, don't worry about it! I'll be fine!" She said warmly as they entered her office. "I want to put my house up for sale, and want you to handle it." She said as she laid her purse down on her desk, meeting the young woman's surprised gaze. Rachel teared up as she left the office to get the necessary paperwork.
Judy had all her stuff packed by the time Rachel returned. They sat down and got this bit of business out of the way! Sooner than either one expected, everything was finished, and she was ready to talk to the old man. Thirty minutes later, she was loading her boxes in the trunk of her car.
"There's just too many bad memories here! I can't stay! I need a fresh start some place!" Judy had said!
Judy opened the door for her friend! "Come on in! I'm glad you could help with this last bit of business!" She smiled as she led the way in to the living room! "If there's anything here you want, please feel free to take it with you! I've put the house with all the furnishings up for sale!" She informed Kali in a quiet voice.
"Oh, Judy! I'm gonna miss you!" Kali was near to tears, just thinking about losing her best friend.
"Let me get some napkins, and I'll be right back." Judy disappeared into the kitchen, returning a few seconds later with a bunch of paper napkins.
Kali was sitting cross-legged on the floor, the pizz and beer on the coffee table. She had already taken a big bite out of the cheesy mess.
"Come on, this is the best!" She said around a bite of the stuff!
Judy couldn't help laughing. This was reminiscent of their college days. She was going to miss Kali something fierce! Long about midnight, the last carton was loaded in the trailer she would be pulling. All she was taking was the dishes, some of the linens, and clothes! Everything else was staying with the house or going to the Goodwill!
"Oh, Lynn! Cut the shit! We both know you were unfaithful first! If you want a divorce, then fine! I don't care!" Taker stared in disgust at the woman who was his wife, then walked out of the house and drove away. What surprised him, was the fact they WEREN'T divorced! He thought they had filed last year! He would have to check into this!
"Funny you should ask! I told you she had been fired over those pictures in that damn paper, well, this morning, she left town! Haven't got a clue as to where she went!" Kali said wistfully!
"What!!!!! She didn't tell you where she was going?" Kane couldn't believe it. Those two were like sisters!
"Said she didn't know. Put her house up for sale, leaving most all her stuff. Took only her personal stuff!" Kali missed her friend.
"DAMN!" Was all Kane said!
They talked a few more minutes, then hung up. A few minutes later, he went in search of Taker! That one had some stuff to answer for, and Kane was sick of his shit! He had wanted Judy and had used her, without regard for her feelings. Now Taker was acting like a spoiled brat that needed a good ass whipping! And Kane was just the one to give it to him! By the time Kane found Taker, Kane had worked up a healthy dose of anger!
Kali and Judy kept in touch by e-mail. After finding out the WWF was going to be in Asheville, Kane asked Kali to join him. Kali immediately sent a message to Judy asking her to meet her there. Judy agreed, excited about seeing her friend after so many months.
Judy had taken four days off, saying she was meeting family. The Hyatt was beautifully decorated for the holidays. It was hard to believe that Thanksgiving was just next week! Judy was looking forward to celebrating her first holiday season in her new home.
While unpacking, a knock sounded at the door. Walking over to answer it, she was surprised to find Kali there. Squealing happily, the two women hugged each other. They visited for a short while, then Kali finally convinced her to join Kane and her for dinner.
"We have a surprise!" Kali grinned wickedly, as she held out her left hand! She was wearing an exquisite diamond engagement ring. "We haven't set a date yet, but I want you to be my maid of honor!"
Judy was happy for her friend! "I'd be honored!" Then hugged her friend. "Come on, let's go eat! I'm starving!"
Some time later, having finished dinner, the three friends were enjoying a cup of coffee, and catching up on all that had happened since last together.
Kane was laughing at a story Judy was telling about her first time on skis when he happened to see Taker headed toward their table. The grin on Kane's face slowly disappeared, as he glanced in Judy's direction.
Wondering at the change in Kane, Judy looked around, and met those same penetrating green eyes that had hooked her the last time. Finding it hard to breath, she wished her friends a good night, and hurriedly left the restaurant, going back to her room. She wasn't ready for this... she wasn't ready for Taker!
Kali watched Judy's hasty retreat and then looked at Taker, her eyes narrowed in anger. She tossed her napkin down on the table as she pushed her chair back and stood up.
Taker saw Judy leave and changed his direction, intent on following her. His progress was halted when Kali stepped in front of him, blocking his path.
Taker glared down at Kali, his green eyes flashing. "I suggest you get out of my way, little lady." He growled, more than ready to move her himself if need be.
Kali stared up at Taker, her arms crossed in front of her. "Leave her alone!" She said through clenched teeth. "You've hurt Judy enough already. The last thing she needs is your bullshit!"
"Oh, trust me....Once I get Judy alone, she will not be able to resist me." Taker felt more than confident of this.
Kali's eyes widened in shock at Taker's words, and the next thing she knew, she raised her hand and slapped him hard across the face. "Leave her alone!" Kali warned one more time before she turned and grabbed Kane's hand.
"Let's go." She said as she pulled Kane toward the exit. Kali looked back at Taker before going through the door. The shocked look and the red mark in the shape of a hand print on his face brought a smile to her lips.
When Kali and Kane got back to the hotel, Kali paced the small room, worried about her friend and still upset that Taker had ruined their evening. All angry thoughts were instantly banished from her when Kane gently took ahold of her arm and pulled her to him.
"There's something I wanted to tell you during dinner, but didn't get the chance." He stated, his eyes full of love as he gazed down at her.
Kali looked back up at Kane, wondering what he was up to. She knew it could be anything. He was always full of surprises.
"What's that?" She asked curiously.
"Well, I happened to show Vince some of your work and he was so impressed that he wants to meet with you and discuss the possibility of you doing some designs and logos for the WWF." Kane told her, seeing the look of complete shock on her face.
"What! Are you serious!" Kali exclaimed, not believing what she was hearing.
"Yes, you heard me right." Kane replied with a smile, amused by her enthusiasm. "I told Vince I'd talk to you about it and let him know tomorrow. So, what do you think?"
Kali could only look at Kane, still shocked by what he had just told her. She knew she had talent, but to be doing graphics for the WWF was something she had never thought would happen. Finally after several silent moments, she found her voice.
"I'd love to meet with him!" Kali's blue eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Wonderful!" Kane said as he picked her up, kissing her lips as he swung her around.
******
Judy sighed as she flicked her cigarette out over the railing of the balcony and then turned and stepped back into her room. The cool air outside had helper her clear her mind and settle her agitated nerves. She closed the sliding doors behind her, then walked over to the table, picked up her room key, and slipped it down into her jeans pocket.
She wanted to go see Kali and Kane and apologize for the hasty way she had left the restaurant earlier. She had just stepped out of her room and walked around the corner when she ran into the solid wall that was the chest of the Undertaker.
~Chapter Thirteen!~Judy
Judy knew even before looking up, that WHAT she ran in to, was TAKER! She knew the touch of his hand, as he steadied her, as she stumbled backwards. With grim determination, she slowly lifted cold blue eyes to meet him compelling green gaze! She steeled herself against the pain and excitement, meeting those eyes was sure to bring.
"Judy, How you doing? I was just on my way to see you! Can we talk?" His deep, husky voice, his penetrating stare, was almost too much to bare!
"I don't think so! You made yourself perfectly clear when you hung up on me!" Her soft voice was cool to the point of being politely indifferent! It was the voice she used with clients! He would never know how hard it was to use that particular tone with him.
"Please, let's go somewhere and talk, if not your room, then let's go have a drink or cup of coffee. Please!" He pleaded softly, reaching out a long fingered hand to caress her cheek.
Judy pulled back, away from his touch! If he touched her now... she didn't want to think along those lines. Trouble lay there! She would surely give in to the desire his mere presence invoked!
"I really don't think that would be wise! We don't have anything to say to each other! I suggest you find some other lonely woman to seduce, or better yet, spend the time with your wife! But leave me the hell alone! Don't talk to me, don't try to see me! That's all I want from you!" Judy's eyes shot blue daggers at him. Although her voice remained soft and low, her message couldn't have been clearer if she had been shouting!
Lips drawn together in a tight thin line, green eyes, cold and unwelcome, Taker turned on his heels and walked away. At the elevators, he looked back, but she was no longer there!
Judy quietly closed the door behind her. Tears streamed down her face. Stumbling across the room, she fell across the bed and cried till there were no tears left. Even then, when she thought she was cried out, his memory brought on a fresh wave of tears!
Kali couldn't wait to tell Judy the good news! She was going to work for the WWF! She had tried ringing Judy's room several times late last night, then again this morning, but STILL no answer! After lunch, when she still couldn't reach her, Kali called the front desk to see if she had checked out, but was told she was still registered.
As she replaced the phone, she turned eyes filled with confusion, to her gentle giant.
"I don't understand it! Unless..." Her mouth thinned angrily as the thought occurred to her, that maybe Judy MIGHT not be ALONE! "Kane, sweetie, I'm going to Judy's room! I have to know what the hell's going on!" She turned eyes pleading for understanding up to his.
"You really think you should?" He asked having arrived at the same conclusion she had, last night, but decided against mentioning it.
"This isn't like her! I've known her for years, and this isn't like her!" Genuine concern filled her eyes, as well as anger!
"Then you go on! Do you want me to go with you?" He asked softly, watching her closely.
"No! Thanks anyway, sugar! But it would be best if I went alone. Something tells me she's hurting!" Kali's intuition was working over time.
Slipping her cigarettes, lighter and door key into her back pocket, Kali hugged the love of her life, kissing him passionately, then left before he could talk her out of it.
Kali could not prevent the gasp of concern when Judy opened the door. She looked like hell!
"I KNOW you're going to let me in and tell me what the hell happened! ALL OF IT!" Kali did not doubt for an instant that Taker was the cause of this! Judy stepped aside so Kali could come in.
Judy began to cry again. She had cried so much already, that she had a headache and was stuffy. The emotional woman led the way into the room, sitting cross-legged on the bed. She blew her nose and wiped her swollen eyes, then lit a cigarette.
"Where do you want me to start!" She asked, her voice hoarse and raspy.
Judy's blue eyes were nearly swollen shut, and her face was all splotchy. Kali could tell she had slept in her clothes, what time she HAD slept, and had not combed her hair.
"You start anywhere you feel comfortable!" Kali said, her sympathys with her friend. She too, lit a cigarette, as she sat across from her friend.
Judy shredded yet another tissue, thinking where to begin! Dropping her head, she sighed shakily, then lifted her eyes to meet Kali's!
"Well...you know Dave threatened to name Taker in his counter-suit! I stopped that by paying Dave $125,000.00 to sign my papers and drop his suit! That was most of what I had saved, but it got me my freedom! And it kept Taker's name out of a very messy divorce! This, even after he hung up on me! I thought I had been hurt all I could be, but Taker managed to do it in ways Dave never thought about! I actually TRUSTED the son-of-a-bitch! Then, last night, he came up here thinking to charm his way back into my life! I was on my way to apologize to you and Kane, but ran into Taker instead!" Judy took a deep drag off her cigarette.
Kali studied her friend with compassionate eyes. Just wait till she saw that ass-hole! An idea occurred to her.
"You go take a hot shower, I'll order pizza and a six-pack, then we'll have a good old-fashioned pity party!" Kali would not be dissuaded!
"I really don't want to do that!" Judy protested.
"No, but you are! Honey, go on and take a shower! You'll feel better, and I'll bet money you haven't eaten since yesterday!" Kali's knowing look brought a faint blush to the other woman's pale cheek! "Now you go on and do as I say! You'll thank me for it later!"
Judy had to admit the idea of a hot shower did sound inviting! And the last time she had eaten had been last night at dinner, almost 24 hours ago!
"Wellll.... Ok! A shower DOES sound rather appealing!" Judy said calmly.
Getting off the bed, she pulled an old night shirt out of her duffle bag, and headed off in the general direction of the bathroom. She stopped and looked back at her best friend!
"OH, and a, Kali? Order some of those cheese bread sticks!" She even managed a shaky smile before disappearing into the bathroom. A few minutes later, Kali heard the shower running!
Kali got on the phone and called Kane, telling him what Judy had said. She told him she would be a while. Kane swore repeatedly as she repeated what Judy had said about Taker and her ex-husband! Kane also told her to stay as long as she wanted.
"If you need me, give a holler and I'll come right down! Any thing to make a little lady feel better!" His husky laugh sounded decidedly dirty!
"You WISH! Big boy! But thanks!!" Kali made kissing sounds to him just before hanging up.
She looked up the number of the local pizza joint and ordered a large pepperoni with a side of cheese stix. They were also able to bring the beer and a four-pack of coolers! Now Kali and Judy were all set!
Judy came out of the bathroom just as Kali hung up the phone. She had a towel wrapped around her head turban style, and wearing her favorite old night shirt! She looked ten times better!
"We all set?" She asked curiously, feeling rather hungry all of a sudden!
Grinning wickedly at her friend, Kali answered brightly! "We damn sure are! Now! For some music!" Kali fiddled with the radio till she found some soft rock! "A little music, a little food, a little drink, and some of the best company! What more could two beautiful women want!"
Judy's smile froze for a second, her eyes lowered as the thought of Taker crossed her mind! Mentally shaking herself, she looked back at her friend.
"You're right! What more!" But her voice held a note of longing that Kali couldn't miss!
They sat cross-legged on the floor and played a game of poker till the pizza came! Judy was thrilled about Kali's new job! A few minutes later, there came a knock at the door! Their food had arrived! Kali paid the bill and generously tipped the delivery guy! By the time the pizza was gone, Judy was very nearly drunk! Not use to drinking, the two coolers and one of the beers had given her a good buzz. By the time Kali left a short time later, Judy was cursing Taker heartily!
Kane went in search of Taker! He found him in the bar downstairs, talking to a blonde bimbo!
"I'd like to talk to you privately!" Kane said, controlled anger making his normally warm voice, sound cold!
Taker merely lifted an eye brow at the man, then whispered something to the blonde before getting up and following Kane to a corner table! After ordering a beer neither one especially wanted, Kane looked at Taker for several minutes before speaking! The way he had treated Judy was rather callous, and Kane intended to have his say... not that it was any of his business!
"This is about Judy! And the way you treated her! Taker, we've been friends for a long time! I've watched you pick up women, and toss them aside once you finished with them. But Judy is not a ring rat, or a bimbo! She's different than most of your women! Did you know she paid off that husband of hers, just to protect you? Even after you hung up on her when she called you!" Kane eyed the man, wondering if it even mattered!
Taker was surprised to learn this, but hid it well! He felt guilty having hung up on her! He felt like a heel! As he sipped his beer, he thought about what Kane said!
"You're right about that! I HAVE treated her like a shit! But I want to tell YOU something! I found out right after that rag hit the news stands, that my divorce isn't final! I thought Lynn had signed the papers, but she didn't! My attorney is working on it right now!" Taker felt drained! He looked down at the table between his hands. "It disturbed me to learn Judy was still technically a married woman, especially in view of what happened the last night we were together! I only meant to try and protect her!"
Taker finished quietly. He lowered his eyes, looking at the table miserably! "God knows what Lynn will do if she finds out anything about Judy! That's one ordeal Judy doesn't need to have to face! She's been humiliated enough!" Taker said quietly. He finally raised his eyes to meet those of Kane. Taker saw the anger was no longer there and had been replaced with compassionate understanding!
"Have you told Judy this?" Kane asked curiously. He believed Taker. The honest sincerity could be easily read in Taker's haunted, guilty green eyes.
"I tried last night, but she wouldn't hear it! Not that I can blame her! I've really screwed up, big time! What I wouldn't do, for a second chance!" Taker said, humility ringing in every word. He sat there, playing with the half empty bottle. Glancing up and meeting Kane's eyes, "You got any suggestions on how I can reverse this mess?" Taker asked hopefully!
Kane laughed heartily! Here was the Taker he knew! "Hell no! You got your big ass in this, you get your big ass out!" Kane couldn't prevent the amused grin anymore than he could wipe away the miserable expression from Taker's face!
Taker thought about the predicament he was in! Suddenly, an idea occurred to him. The grin started off as a mere twitch of his lips, but as the idea grew, he laughed out loud!
"Well... I think I know how to get her alone! But I'm gonna need your help and Kali's!" Taker explained what he had in mind. Kane's look of amazement gradually changed to one of speculation.
"That just might work!" Kane studied Taker.
"Judy, I'm sorry to have to do this, but I have to go to the arena early for a meeting. Kane has to go with me. We'll send somebody back for you later!" Kali told the lie to her best friend. She couldn't believe the story Kane told her last night when she got back to their room.
"Ok! OH MAN! I really need to stay away from alcohol!" Judy moaned, holding her aching head! She was hung over!
Laughing at the agony in Judy's voice, Kali said she would see her later. Turning to face the two big men in the room, she eyed them warily.
"If you hurt her again, I will personally cut off your balls and shove them up your ass!" With Kali's soft conversational tone, it took Taker a minute to realize his "jewels" had just been threatened. Kane gaped at her in disbelief, then burst out laughing.
Taker eyed the feisty little woman curiously. He had no doubts at all, she was capable of DOING that very thing. Picking up his cap, Taker left the room after promising to see them later. He still had the car and a jacket to pick up!
Chapter Fourteen!~Kaliegh
Kali watched Taker leave, unable to believe that she had actually agreed to this ‘plan’ that Taker had come up with.
“Don’t worry. Taker won’t hurt her again.” Kane told her, seeing the concern in her eyes. “Not if he values certain body part, he won’t.” He added, still laughing at Kali’s threat to the big man.
“He better not.” Kali still felt unsure. She turned and looked up at Kane, finding the re-assurance she needed in his eyes.
An hour and a half later, the phone in Judy’s room rang with the desk clerk on the other end, telling her that the limo to take her to the arena for the event that night had arrived. Judy thanked the woman and then replaced the receiver back on its cradle. She grabbed her purse and cigarettes, anxious to get out of her room for a little while.
Judy walked through the main entrance of the hotel and was a little surprised when the driver did not get out to open the door for her like they usually did. She sighed and pulled the door open herself and climbed into the back of the limo..
She got herself settled into the seat, waiting for the driver to go. Judy was further surprised when the locks on all of the doors engaged and the windows also became locked. She looked around frantically, suddenly feeling fear. Finally, not really knowing what else to do, she pounded on the partition that separated the front of the limo from the back, wanting to know what the hell was going on.
The partition slowly began to go down. Judy felt her mouth drop open when she saw the driver, who was still facing forward. Although she could not see his face, she knew that dark red hair anywhere.
Taker heard her shocked gasp and turned his head until his stunning green eyes met hers. Judy could only sit there and stare at him for what seemed like hours, but in reality was only a few moments. After getting over the initial shock, the first emotion Judy felt was anger.
She moved quickly, trying again to get the door open, but it was useless. Taker had taken advantage of the master switches up in front, locking all of the doors and the windows. He was the only one who could let her out of the car.
“What the hell are you doing?” Judy demanded to know. “And how the hell did you pull this off?”
Taker smiled slightly at her, and Judy felt her heart speed up. She looked away, knowing all would be lost if she didn’t.
“I had a little help.” Taker simply answered, his deep, husky voice sent a tidal wave of desire rushing through Judy’s veins. She quickly shook it off, remembering the way he had treated her.
“What do you mean, you had a little help?” Judy asked angrily, swearing that if she found out that Kane and Kali had anything to do with this, there would be hell to pay for those two.
Taker said nothing, only continued to look at her.
Judy could feel his green eyed stare on her and had to tell herself several times that she would not fall under his spell again. Taking a deep breath, she lifted her eyes to him.
“What do you want?” She asked, anxious to find out and then get as far away from him as possible.
“I just want to talk.” Taker replied as he turned completely around and studied the woman before him
“I think we’ve said all there is to be said.” Judy said stubbornly, refusing to budge an inch.
“No, we need to talk.” Taker said again as he reached out and gently turned her head until she had no choice but to look into his eyes.
Judy was amazed by what she saw there. His eyes were filled with caring as they silently pleaded to her to give him a chance to explain himself. She sighed, her anger quickly dying. “Alright, go ahead.” She said softly, ready to hear what he had to say.
“Hang on….” Taker turned and started the limo’s engine, and after putting it into gear, he drove out of the hotel parking lot. He drove for a few moments before speaking again.
“I know this isn’t the most conventional way to go about things, but I really did not know what else to do. I understand the way I treated you was uncalled for…I only thought I was doing what was best.” Taker slowed the limo down and turned to go outside of the city.
They drove in silence for twenty more minutes before Taker turned again onto a county highway. He went a few more miles until he found an off road and turned onto it, bringing the car to a stop. He quickly got out and went around to the back and got back in with Judy.
Taker turned to face Judy, taking her hand into his. She felt the jolts off electricity racing through her from his touch and knew she was in trouble. Taker took a deep breath, as he tried to figure out where to begin.
“This is a long complicated story, but to make it short, after that piece of tabloid trash hit the stands, I found out that I was still married to my wife, Lynn. I had thought that she signed the divorce papers, but she did not. Lynn is a vindictive little woman, and trust me, if she would have found out anything about you, she would have used it to make your life a living hell. That’s why I hung up on you that day. I thought I was protecting you from her, but I now know that I was making a huge mistake. I know I hurt you and I’m so sorry. I never meant for anything like that to happen.” Taker stopped, looking into Judy’s face for her reaction. Although, Judy registered no emotion while she listened to him, Taker did not become discouraged and pressed on.
“I know what you did to keep my name out of your divorce and I want to thank you. I never expected you to do something like that and I want you to know that it really means a lot to me.” Taker finished finally
Judy sat there for several minutes, silently contemplating Taker’s words. She knew he was being completely sincere with her, but Judy just wasn’t sure if she was ready for all of this again. Taking a deep breath, to calm her nerves, she lifted her blue eyes to his green ones and opened her mouth to speak…
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