She ran up and wrapped her arms around me. I'd been hugged by Kasie a million times before but never quite like that. With my friend's arms still around me, over her shoulder I saw the woman getting out of the car. She slowly walked over to us, her eyes wide.
“I can't believe you just shot Paul,” she said, her voice much calmer than the situation warranted. “We have to get out of here.”
I don't know what I expected her to say, but that wasn't it. Part of me was expecting a thank you. Another part of me thought she'd be mad that I just shot who I presumed was her boyfriend.
“What we have to do is call the police,” I said.
“Are you out of your mind?” she replied. “Do you have a death wish or something? Do you realize who you just shot?”
“Yeah,” I answered, “some guy who we all just witnessed attacked you and then me.”
“He's not just 'some guy,'” she said, her tone a little more serious. “That's Paul Rizzo, the leader of the SS.”
“The SS?” I asked. “He's certainly aged well since World War Two.”
“Not that SS,” she replied, annoyed. “The Southie Soldiers. They're one of the most-feared gangs in Boston. If you go to the police, you're a dead man.”
“I'm calling the police,” I said and pulled out my cell phone.
“Wait,” Kasie said, guiding the hand with the phone back to my pocket. “She's right. Think about it. If you call the police, they'll take you in for questioning. They'll take all of us in for questioning. The Southie Soldiers will know we were involved and they'll come after us.”
“I'm sure the police will protect us,” I said.
“Don't be so naive,” the woman replied. “Paul has several cops on his payroll. It'll only be a matter of time until they find you and kill you – both of you.”
It was a lot to consider and I had to make a decision right away. I'd heard of the Southie Soldiers. Everyone in Boston had. They had a reputation for being ruthless criminals and, apparently, I'd just shot their leader. I looked down at him but couldn't tell if he was still alive. His eyes were shut and there was a lot of blood on the ground but I couldn't be sure.
“What if they can save him? Maybe I should call an ambulance,” I suggested.
“Do you have a burner?” the woman asked.
“A what?” I replied.
“A burner. An untraceable cell phone?”
“No, just my normal cell phone.”
“They'll trace the call and then you'll be screwed. You'll both be screwed.”
“And what about you?” I asked.
“Me?” she said and laughed. “I'm already screwed. When the SS hear about what happened to Paul, I'm the first person they're gonna come after.”
I stood there silently for a moment trying to figure out what to do. I looked from the bloody body on the ground to the woman, then to Kasie, and back to the body. There was a lot of blood. Though I couldn't be one-hundred-percent sure, he certainly looked dead.
If what she'd said was true about Paul being the leader of the Southie Soldiers, it would be foolish to call the cops. Well, it'd be foolish for one of us to call the cops. It'd be perfectly reasonable for a nearby resident who heard a gunshot to call the cops, though.
The three of us all looked up when we heard sirens off in the distance. They were getting louder by the second and I knew that I had to make a decision immediately.
“Let's get out of here,” I said.
It occurred to me that I was still holding the gun. I thought about leaving it or tossing it in a nearby dumpster, but that wouldn't have been smart. After making sure the safety was on, which took me a second to figure out, I reached behind me and tucked it into my waistband.
“Come on,” I said, taking Kasie's hand in one of mine, the woman's in the other.
We ran out of the alleyway and down the street a bit. The sirens were getting closer and, when they were just a couple blocks away, I let go of their hands and we slowed down.
“Just act normally,” I said. “Act like we're just three young adults going for a walk, having a good time.”
The three of us slapped smiles on our faces as we walked down the sidewalk. We were several blocks away from the crime scene when the cops came screaming down Mass Ave. They flew past us without so much as a glance in our general direction.
“I can't believe how brave you were, James,” Kasie said, looking over at me as the three of us walked. “I'm starting to think that the story you told me earlier might actually be true.”
I didn't reply. I was lost in my own head, thinking about the fact that I may have just killed a man. He was a bad man, no doubt. He attacked me first. And the world will probably be a much better place without him. But none of that changed the fact that I just shot a man in the chest. I was overwhelmed with emotion – but I was also starting to get hungry.
“Why don't we – the three of us – find somewhere to sit down in private to get something to eat and talk about what just happened,” I suggested.
Both girls agreed. We found a small diner a few blocks up that had some outdoor tables. They were far enough away from each other that we could have a private conversation without worrying about anyone hearing us.
“You guys look like you've had quite the morning,” the hostess said as we walked in, eyeing us up and down. “Just the three of you?”
“Yes,” I replied.
“Would you like an indoor table or would you like to sit outside on this beautiful day?”
“Outside, please.”
“Right this way.”
She led us to an outdoor table and we all sat down. After everything I'd been through, it felt really good to sit and relax. It also gave me a chance to get a good look at the woman who's boyfriend I'd just shot.
It was obvious that she'd had a rough morning. Her hair was a mess and her makeup was all over the place. Aside from that, the woman was gorgeous. Not in the same way that, say, Kasie was, though. Kasie was cute in a wholesome, classy kind of way. This woman looked a lot less innocent. She was short, maybe five-feet tall, wearing a short skirt with some of the sexiest shoes I'd ever seen. They were black open-toed heels with straps that wrapped around her calves almost up to the knee. Her hair was long and black, and she had two of the most-mesmerizing eyes I'd ever seen. They were a shade of green that doesn't exist anywhere in nature. Head to toe, the woman was hot in a slightly-trashy way.
“I'm really sorry about everything that just happened,” I said to her. “I was just trying to help.”
“Don't be,” she replied. “I'm not. As far as I'm concerned, that was the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me in my entire life. Your friend was right: You were brave. You are brave.”
“I'm Kasie, by the way,” my friend said and offered the woman her hand.
“Nice to meet you – both of you,” she replied. “I'm Amber. Amber McGuinness.”
“Nice to meet you, Amber,” I said and offered my hand. “I'm James.”
She held my hand for twice as long as she held Kasie's. It was one of the softest hands I'd ever felt and Amber maintained eye contact until she finally let go. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Kasie looking away as if she didn't approve of the lengthy hand holding.
“So, Amber, I have to ask: Why were you with that jerk?” I asked, then turned toward Kasie. “And see? See what I mean? The assholes always get the hottest girls.”
When I said “hottest girls,” Amber's face lit up and Kasie scowled. It was true, though. Amber was one of the hottest women that'd I'd ever talked to.
“I'm sure she wasn't with him because he's a jerk,” Kasie replied. “I'm sure he had some redeeming qualities, right?”
“That's right,” Amber answered. “At first, Paul was great. We always had a good time together. When I first met him, I didn't know he was the leader of the Southie Soldiers – I thought he was just an auto mechanic. That's what he told me and I had no reason
to doubt him. He was nice at first and I really liked his confidence and cocky attitude. But, before long, he started getting more and more possessive and became increasingly violent. I tried to end things with him but he wouldn't let me. When I tried to break up with him, he nearly broke me in half. For months I've wanted to get away from him but had no one to turn to, no one to help me. Then you came along and saved me from him. I really can't thank you enough. I'll forever be in your debt, James. I know I don't have much to offer but, if there's anything I can do for you, anything at all, just ask.”
The thought of Amber being willing to do anything for me got my mind racing. There was no question about it: She was being sexually suggestive and not in a subtle way. When she said “anything,” Amber ran one of her heels gently up the side of my leg. I might not have been great at communicating with women but there was no way to misinterpret that. Amber was flirting with me and I liked it. Kasie, however, did not. I could tell by the look on her face that she was a little jealous, something I'd never picked up on from her before.
“I'm just glad you're alright,” I replied, doing everything I could to take my mind off Amber's flawless body. “I'm glad all of us are alright – for now, anyway. But what if the police figure out we were involved? And what are you going to do, Amber? You said it yourself: Paul's gang is going to come after you.”
“I wouldn't worry about the police,” she replied. “They know very well who Paul Rizzo is – well, was. I bet they're just as happy as I am that he's dead.”
“We don't know for sure that he's dead,” I said.
“Oh, come on,” Amber replied. “Did you see all that blood? He's dead. If he wasn't dead when we left, he certainly would've bled out by the time the paramedics got there.”
“I guess you're right. So what are you going to do?”
“The only thing I can do: lay low and hope the SS doesn't find me. I'd leave town but I don't have any money. I really don't want to leave, though. Boston's my home. I've lived here my entire life.”
“How long is that?” Kasie asked. “How old are you, if you don't mind me asking?”
“I'm twenty-four,” Amber replied.
“Do you have anyone you can stay with?” I asked. “Anywhere you can go?”
“Unfortunately, the only friends I have, the gang knows about. Paul was very possessive. He always wanted to know where I was and who I was with. I really don't have anywhere to go.”
I didn't know why I said what I said next. It just felt like the right thing to say, I guess.
“Why don't you stay with me for now,” I said. “I'll protect you.”
“You will?” Amber asked, a big smile on her gorgeous face.
“You will?” Kasie asked, a look of confusion and surprise on hers.
“It's my fault that your boyfriend is dead,” I replied, accepting that Amber was right: He probably was dead. “You can stay with me until we figure something out.”
“Stay with us, you mean,” Kasie said.
“Right,” I agreed. “Stay with us. Kasie and I live together.”
“I really don't want to impose,” Amber said. “Are you guys...?”
“No,” Kasie and I both answered at the same time before Amber finished asking her question.
“We're just friends,” I added. “Best friends.”
“Oh,” Amber replied and smiled, once again running her heel up my leg. “Good.”
The three of us had lunch and continued to talk. I could tell that Kasie was a bit jealous of Amber and, truth be told, I loved it. They were being nice to each other but I could sense a tiny bit of jealousy coming from my friend. Amber continued to flirt with me in not-so-subtle ways and, every time she did, Kasie would make a face or cough or something. Anything but actually admit that Amber's flirting was bothering her.
We finished lunch and our waitress brought the bill. I paid for all three of us. Usually, Kasie and I took turns paying for meals and it was my turn.
“Thank you so much,” Amber said. “For everything. Don't worry: I'll figure out a way to repay you.”
“That's not necessary, but thank you,” I replied.
“I gotta get going to class,” Kasie said. “I'm still shaken up from everything that happened, but I can't miss today's lecture. Will I see you back home when I get out of class?”
“Yeah, we'll be there,” I answered, then turned to Amber. “Actually, we should get going to the apartment now. The longer we're out in public, the more likely you are to be seen by one of your boyfriend's acquaintances.”
“Ex-boyfriend,” Amber corrected.
“Message me if anything new develops,” Kasie said and gave me a long hug, then a quick peck on the cheek – something she'd never done before. “I'm so glad nothing happened to you. I don't know what I'd do without you.”
“I will. See you after class.”
Kasie took off down the street and, before long, was completely out of sight. For the first time, I was alone with Amber and I started to get a little nervous. I was always nervous around women, especially attractive women. And Amber wasn't just attractive – she was smoking hot.
“Should we get going back to your place?” she asked.
“Yes,” I answered. “Yes we should.”
Amber and I walked back to me and Kasie's apartment. We talked along the way, getting to know each other a little bit. I found it nearly impossible to keep my eyes off her sexy legs, especially in those shoes. I'm not sure if she was doing it intentionally or not, but Amber would walk just far enough ahead of me that I could see her perfect butt swaying side to side under her short skirt. I was so aroused that the walk went by in the blink on an eye.
We got to the apartment and I locked the door behind us. I went into the kitchen to get something out of the fridge and offer Amber a drink. With the refrigerator door open, I turned around to ask her if she'd like something, thinking she was across the room. Much to my surprise, Amber was right next to me.
“Is there anything I can get you?” I asked.
“As a matter of fact,” she said in a seductive voice, taking a step closer so we were almost touching, “I would like something.”
I swallowed hard and replied, “What?”
“You.”
4.
Amber grabbed my hands and pulled them around her, planting them firmly on her butt. I couldn't help myself: I had to give it a little squeeze. Her butt was round and firm – perfect, really. With my hands on her backside, she ran hers up my chest and grabbed my face, gently pulling it toward her.
“You saved my life, James,” Amber whispered in my ear. “You're my hero. Now I'm gonna show you just how thankful I am.”
“That's not... You really don't have to...”
Amber wrapped her arms around me, pulling me toward her so our bodies were touching. I could feel her breasts pressing against my chest and it turned me on even more. We looked each other in the eyes as our faces slowly drifted toward one another. Our lips met and we stood in the kitchen kissing for what felt like an hour. It couldn't have been more than a minute or two, but time felt like it was standing still as we made out in my apartment.
I was getting more and more aroused by the second and Amber seemed to be, too. We were both breathing heavily, our hands exploring each other's bodies. I ran mine up Amber's flat stomach, grabbing her perfect breasts with both hands. She ran hers down my back, firmly squeezing my butt. I was going to tell Amber that it wasn't necessary to thank me but, after touching and kissing her for a few minutes, I was starting to get in the mood for some serious thanking.
“I want you so badly,” I whispered in Amber's ear, pinning her against the refrigerator, kissing her neck.
“Then take me into your bedroom and have your way with me,” she whispered back.
I grabbed the backs of Amber's sexy legs and picked her up, effortlessly. She wrapped her arms around my neck and I carried her into my bedroom. She was really petite,
but I was still surprised by how easily I picked her up. Just as surprising was the fact that I picked her up at all. I'd never been a pick-you-up-and-carry-you-into-the-bedroom kind of guy. I was always weak and passive, not strong and aggressive. Just like with the fights I'd been in, I found myself acting in a way that was totally out of character – but I liked it.
Before long, Amber and I were both totally naked – well, almost. I told her to keep her sexy shoes on. Aside from Kasie, Amber was the first girl I'd had in my bedroom since my last girlfriend broke up with me almost two years earlier. I was about to end a celibacy streak that would've impressed even a Buddhist monk.
Naturally, I was afraid that I wouldn't last very long. I'd never exactly been a stallion in the bedroom. But, once again, I surprised myself. Amber and I had sex for the better part of an hour all over my bedroom and in a dozen different positions. We did things that I thought were only experienced by rock, movie, and porn stars. It was wild.
“You were incredible,” Amber said as we laid in my bed cuddling. We were now both completely naked. The shoes came off somewhere between when we were doing it on top of my dresser and when she was riding me on the floor.
“No, Amber, you were incredible,” I replied. “That thing you did with your tongue when we were on the floor was quite possibly the sexiest thing I've ever experienced in my entire life.”
“I'm glad you liked it,” she said and smiled. “That was some of the best sex I've ever had.”
“Better than with your gang leader ex-boyfriend?”
“Oh yeah. Way better.”
I don't know why but that put a big, stupid smile on my face. Knowing that I was better in bed than him made me feel really masculine – something I didn't feel very often. In fact, everything happening that day made me feel more manly.
We cuddled and talked in my bedroom for a little while longer. Then, we got dressed and went into the living room. All Amber had to wear was her skimpy short skirt and tank top, so I let her borrow an oversized Red Sox tee shirt of mine. It definitely looked better on her than it did on me.
Ordinary Hero Page 3