Chapter Eight

The mail room is same as always Mrs. O'Conner gives me less grief about my wardrobe now though. It seems like ages since I had seen Ren or anyone from the clan thinking about it I realize how I had gotten use to that life and the people there. I mean they're the mafia clan but the people I had gotten to know where nice and warm. Sometimes I long for that warmth now that my world is back to being so cold. I haven't had issues with the Golden Dragon Clan or even David since I said good bye to Ren and to the Feng Clan. I rub my right thigh where my gun is holstered; still just in case.

After work, I decide to go back to the park, to that bridge over seeing the stream. It's hard to imagine it's been two months, I sigh as I look into the sunset the dark orange almost amber reminds me of his eyes. I feel so depressed now, rather than cheered up. Leaving I look up and see the big building that stand above all others, Hashiro's company. I want to see him one last time but I don't think I would be able to leave if I go in. I stand in front of the building as I hear familiar voices coming from behind me turning around to see Ren, Maliki and a very beautiful and elegant woman with long brown hair and a beauty mark by her right eye. Maliki looks as surprised as me, Ren's eyes though are unwavering when they notice me. I simply lower my head bowing I shouldn't have been standing here. That must be his bride to be I look up and turn to leave but am surprised when my arm is grabbed without a single word said. When I look back though it isn't Ren who stopped me but the woman.

"Hey girl, maybe you can help me with something." I look puzzled by her sudden need to talk to me, Ren and Maliki look equally surprised as me.

I try to smile at her, ignoring Ren and Maliki acting as if we are strangers. "What can I do for you I try to say with earnestness, but worried what she would ask."

"Brittany, I don't got time for your games lets go and leave her be." Ren says looking annoyed.

"Oh poo", she pouts.

"Your no fun I just wanted to settle your argument." I look at them then her again feeling a little intrigued what they would be arguing about.

"What is it the idiot twins are arguing about?" I say while smiling back at her.

"Who the hell are you calling an idiot Anna?" Ren blurts out furious, startling his fiancée.

I try so hard not to laugh thinking how easy it had been to piss him off. I look at Maliki who tries to hide his laugh as Ren turned to him.

"Oh, so you know each other that's even more perfect." She bounces excitedly holding my hand.

"You see, Anna, was it? I'm a delicate flower and being with this hunk of a man I need protection don't you agree. However; they keep arguing if I should have a guard or not and who it will be." She says it so bluntly, does she think I know them as Feng or as Hashiro not sure I feel a little troubled.

"Brittany shut it!" Ren now barking at her.

"Brittany, it is a pleasure to meet you, as for the argument though I am unsure what you would fear with Ren around but, if you feel you need protection wouldn't it be good to have Maliki train you to protect yourself, he is very skilled in doing so and patient when you have issues." I try to sound genuine though I am a little annoyed that she even wants a guard when I was told the candidate had to be combat trained in martial arts, and in shooting.

"Oh, how do you know he is skilled in teaching?" She asks surprised.

"Oh well he trained with an ex-boyfriend of mine. I met them through him so I learned a few things." I say trying to smile as I lie through my teeth but I can't tell Ren that Maliki and Mike and been teaching me up till I had left and I been taking classes since then and going to the shooting range. I have become really good and fast at least that's what I'm told by the instructor.

"Oh, well thank you." She says believing it but sounding disappointed in the fact that I told her to practically protect herself, but if she doesn't know I know who they really are then this could all become a very big mess. Ren, and Brittany turn to go inside but Maliki lingers behind as he smiles at me apologetically.

Struggling to say what I was thinking I manage to mumble out the words I want to say as to whether she is his future bride.

"Yeah, that's her; Brittany is an air head and worthless if you ask me. Why the elders agree that it had to be her from the Black Panther Clan is beyond me. It should have been you." He adds that last bit in which kills me to hear as I smile weakly back.

"Is he resting?" Is all I can muster to ask. Maliki looks to the entrance my eyes follow to see Ren watching us he eyes filled with hate. Why the hell does he get to be angry.

"He misses you Anna, I hope you know that. The day you left he.."

"Maliki, we got work to do talk to your girlfriend later!" Ren exits the door shouting as he walks towards us interrupting Maliki.

"And you I don't know what you're playing at coming here and spouting nonsense about Maliki training her to protect herself, you left me so stay clear and avoid us or do you want to be targeted again. Or is it that you miss me so much you were hoping for one more go." His mischievous and venomous smile appears as he grabs my hair and pulls it hard toward him. Ren looked so mad, but it wasn't my fault. I tried to leave without a word but she grabbed me. I feel my own temper growing.

"Ren, stop and think about what you are saying." Maliki protested trying to calm him down looking panicked.

"Why you stupid conceited jerk!" Frustrated I shout in his face knocking his hand from me that still held my hair breaking it free. I want to ring his neck.

"What the hell did you call me!" Ren isn't used to being challenged head on and is easy to bait as usual but what he said hurts. To think I was actually worried about him.

"You heard me; I wouldn't sleep with you even if you begged me too, you pompous idiot." I swing my hand ready to knock him flat when he catches it by the wrist.

"Say that again and I'll **** you, you little brat." His threatens never change. He squeezes my wrist. I wince in pain.

"Try and I will make sure that weapon gets blown to smithereens and you can say good bye to your blood line." Maliki who had given up stopping our argument suddenly starts laughing startling us as we turn to him confused.

"Hey man, I have seen that first-hand Mike still cringes at the thought. Might want to back down." He manages to say but barley as he is laughing so hard. In turn, I start laughing too remembering how disturbed Mike had been.

"You might as well kiss her already, considering you came out here just because you know you still wanted to talk to her you just wanted an excuse." Embarrassed from Maliki's remark I feel my face flush so I try to hide it looking away while I hear Ren telling him to Shut up and get inside before he kills him.

As they head inside I feel lonely again I notice Brittany watching us intently as if she's jealous.

"Please take care of yourself." I mumble as we part ways whether they heard me I don't know.