On the Run

Chapter First

It was dark, hot, and the harsh rave music blaring from speakers all around him made his head spin. It felt like it was about to explode. He almost regretted ever making the decision to come to the private club set up in an abandoned cathedral, but it was better than his hotel room at the moment. It seemed like a foolish excuse to escape from an argument that always ended up with him leaving and finding a place to drink himself into a drunken stupor. However as he pushed his way through the dense sea of people dancing - their bodies soaked with sweat and reeking with the unpleasant combination of body odor, beer and weed - Orlando Bloom felt good. He felt free.

Once he took his first shot of tequila, his body would willingly give in to the numbness that usually followed shortly afterward. He welcomed it with open arms and hurriedly made his way to the front of the church where services normally were held if the catholic cathedral was still in business. The numerous rows of pews had been taken out long ago, leaving the main floor open for dancing. A makeshift bar was situated in the middle of the elevated dais and a large man with overly sized biceps along with three sexy, underdressed women were serving the drinks. Orlando sauntered up to the bar and ordered three shots of tequila to start the night off. The dark skinned man gave him a once over with an arched brow before retrieving his order.

The young actor took a seat at a stool and leaned over with his elbows on the clear plastic counter. From where he was sitting at the bar he had the advantage of seeing the dance floor and the balcony where the DJ was playing various hardcore techno tunes on his soundboard to liven up the crowd of partygoers. Colorful lights of green, purple and yellow had been strategically placed around the enormous sanctuary along with some hanging in the rafters. They twirled around and the vibrant colors of Mardi Gras danced along the walls and heated bodies of the people out on the dance floor.

Two shots later, and he felt his vision swimming along with his limbs that were more like dead weights at his sides. The lethargic sensations however didn't deter his ability to down yet another shot of tequila without the slightest hint of regret or thought of how he was going to get back to his hotel room since he drove. He cringed, his face screwing in bitterness as the alcohol rushed down his throat. He slammed the shot glass down on the counter just for emphasis toward the bartender that he was ready for another. While he waited, he was surprised by a topless woman thrusting herself forward and onto his lap, placing a large amount of beads around his neck. His muddled senses were sent into overdrive when the unknown woman's lips captured his in a kiss that was filled with lustful need.

Even in his inebriated state, Orlando realized that coming to the rave was a mistake. Disgusted with himself and his surroundings he pushed the woman off his lap none too gently and stood to leave.

"Aw, leaving so soon pretty boy," the woman's voice cooed in his right ear before her tongue lapped out and nibbled on the soft flesh of his lobe. "Why don't I show you a good time..." One of her hands had suddenly found its way below his belt and he almost moaned from the pleasure of it despite himself, as she fondled him none too gently through the fabric of his jeans. "Mmm... seems like pretty boy is enjoying himself."

Orlando threw his head back as ripples of pleasure surged through his tense body, relaxing the muscles and leaving him lightheaded. He almost lost himself right there on the stool, but he shook himself out of his stupor and once again pushed the woman away. "Please... I have a girlfriend."

The woman smirked with a devilish expression. "Why don't you ask if she wants to join in?" The hand that had been momentarily giving him sweet ecstasy was now stroking his strong jaw line, finger pads lightly feathering the stubble on his chin and above his upper lip. "If she doesn't mind sharing, that is."

His hands were on her leather-clad hips and he lifted her up and off of him. "I think she would definitely mind. Now, please leave me alone."

The half naked woman gave him a look as if she was ready to slap him, but whirled around and stalked off instead to find someone else to seduce. The actor turned toward the bartender receiving a raised eyebrow and a light chuckle. Orlando glowered at the older, larger man challenging him to say something he would regret.

"I need another shot... Jack Daniels this time."

The bartender shrugged with the sly grin still playing his lips when he turned to pour the drink. While Orlando waited he pulled the plastic beads off his neck, and wondered why he was still sitting on a stool in a place where he definitely didn't belong. For as much as he loved to party and drink, he couldn't help but feel oddly out of place and so alone.

^^^^^^^^^^^^

The moment they ran into the building, the two young women felt their hopes soar high at the thought of being able to easily hide in a place filled with people. A rave crowded with Mardi Gras partygoers. The music was so loud they felt it vibrate their bodies with each step they took to get deeper inside the old cathedral. With the fear of their pursuers not far behind, they chose a darkened area of the building to hide, and possibly wait. However they knew not what they were waiting for, except hoping against hope that they were not seen coming into the church.

"Did you see him follow us in?" one shouted to the other over the music and bustle of the crowded rave.

Impatiently brushing back strands of curly red hair, Melanie Schuldig scanned the room filled with laser lights and sweating, half naked bodies as she searched around the entrance. She nibbled her lower lip in apprehension, though thankfully she wasn't able to see a flash of long blond hair and an expensive Armani suit anywhere close by. But that didn't mean the man hadn't entered unknowingly behind the two girls when they were in their haste to hide.

"I think he's gone!"

Ami Wilkins let out a trembling sigh of relief and hung her head from the exhaustion, long strands of brown hair spilling over her shoulders. Her lungs were still begging for air, and being inside a room filled with body heat and marijuana smoke she was finding the usually simple task of breathing difficult. She flinched when she felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up to see her friend staring at her worriedly. She gave Melanie a reassuring smile, although truth was she didn't feel the least bit reassured.

Leaning close to the red head's ear, she said, "That was close, huh?"

Melanie nodded, a frown settling heavily on her visage as she asked softly, "What are we gonna do, Ami?"

"What?" Ami leaned closer, unable to hear her friend over the heavy bass pouring out of the huge speakers close by. "I can't hear you!" Her friend just shook her head, her mouth opening to sigh deeply. Ami tried to forget about the fear nearly overtaking her coherent senses and gave a forced, bright smile. "All this running from would-be-assassins sure can make a girl thirsty! I'm getting a drink!" Still shouting, Ami made her way toward the bar that was easily seen from all points of the cathedral and would give away their location without trouble.

Seeing the potential danger, Melanie went into protective mode and grabbed her friend's arm, yanking her back into the shadows. "Are you out of your mind? You can't go to the bar. What if he's still out there?"

The brunette rolled her eyes and tugged her arm free of Melanie's death grip. "Come on! They probably forgot about us, and I’m pretty sure they didn't see our faces.” She paused and tugged fondly on a crimson ear tail spiraling from Melanie's head. “Besides if they did see us it was probably your hair. It's like a beacon in the dark!”

The feisty German crossed her arms and gave her best friend her trademark glare. “I can't help it! If you hadn't decided you wanted to investigate the little mystery in the cemetery we wouldn't be in this situation, running for our lives!”

“We are not running, Mel! I highly doubt that those thugs will spend all of their time chasing us. If we stay here and blend in with the crowd, they'll eventually give up looking.” Ami started to make her way toward the bar, weaving through the crowd, turning this way and that as if she was dancing.

Melanie let out a frustrated growl, and followed her friend. "Fine then! If he finds you and drags you out into the middle of the street to beat you shitless, DON'T EXPECT ME TO COME RUNNING TO SAVE YOUR ASS!" She got louder as Ami got farther, her lithe frame disappearing momentarily only to appear again. Melanie pushed her way through the thick sea of people to catch up, not wanting to lose sight of her friend despite her threat. It took everything inside of her not to lunge forward and strangle her best friend's pretty little neck for causing her so much frustration.

The brunette reached the bar and leaned forward, smiling at the bartender. “Hey Bobve mve me a shot of Vodka!”

"My name's not Bob," he replied smugly without looking at her as he grabbed a shot glass.

"Whatever," Ami mumbled. Her drink was placed before her and she took it all with one upward flip of her head. "Whooo!" Her face scrunched from the fiery sensation rushing down her throat, but she had the urge to have another. She was about to wave at the man to order another shot, but Melanie grabbed her wrist and pulled her down into a stool.

“You're gonna get drunk off your ass. You were never able to handle-“

“That's the point, my dear friend. Hey Bill, give me another!”

"My name's not Bill," he replied again as he slid her another shot.

"Whatever," Ami mumbled again as she picked up the shot glass. She was about to drink it down just as fast as the other, but stopped suddenly when she glanced to her right.

"I'll have what she's having," Melanie said to the bartender and he nodded. She glanced over at Ami, and her smooth, elegant brow furrowed. "What are you looking at?"

Ami glanced at her, and then back to her right. Melanie followed her gaze until they lay to rest on a young man who sat by himself at the other end of the bar. He ran a hand through his shoulder length, raven locks of curls as he ordered another drink. He seemed to be upset about something, and he took no time in waiting before he pressed the drink, the bartender had just handed to him, to his bow shaped lips and took it all in one gulp. He made a face and shook his head as if to try and clear it. He ran a hand over his face and sighed. His olive toned skin glistened with perspiration as he ordered another shot of tequila. He was gorgeous.

Ami's hazel eyes sparkled as they met Melanie's, and she grinned devilishly.

The red head rolled her eyes. “Here we go…” She took her drink and gulped it down as if trying to save herself from the embarrassment she knew her friend was about to place on her.

Grinning, Ami leaned over thenternter, "Hey Bud, coul- "

"Look lady! My name is not Bob, it's not Bill, and it sure as hell ain't Bud!"

Ami blinked in surprise and Melanie snorted, but then the edges of Ami's full lips began to curl in amusement. "Okay then…?"

"Brian," he answered grudgingly.

"Well, at least I was on the right track with the 'B' names! So Brian, can I get a lime…" She passed a glance at the handsome young man who sat by himself, before turning back to the bartender with a playful grin, "…And some salt?"

The bartender glanced in the direction she had looked and turned to her with a smile. "Sure thing doll," he said as he grabbed some salt and a slice of lime from under the bar.

Ami took the treats and was about to walk over to the lonely looking man, but stopped and turned back to where she had left. She scooped up her shot of vodka and quickly gulped it, slammed the glass down on the counter, and grinned at Melanie before once again heading over to the lonely raven-haired man.

Melanie rolled her eyes, but couldn't stop the small smirk that formed on her beautiful full lips. She ordered another shot and watched with amusement as her friend made her way over to the man.

The brunette smirked when she reached him; he was about to drink down the contents in the next glass when she cleared her throat softly into his ear while placing her fingertips on his wrist to stop him from lifting the glass. He jumped slightly and looked over at her startled, and Ami saw the glazed look in his eyes from drinking one too many shots of tequila. He looked about ready to collapse, and she laughed softly as she hoisted herself onto the counter. She slowly scooted over until she was directly in front of him, a seductive smile playing her lips. He peered up at her through long dark lashes, a questioning look on his unusually handsome face.

Ami knew she hit the jackpot. Her long brown hair fell off her bare shoulders as she looked down at him. She picked up the lime and salt and met his confused gaze with a burning fire in hers. Momentary feelings of fear quickly vanished the instant she had landed eyes on him, drowning in the pools of his gorgeous brown eyes. She almost lost her balance from the look in his eyes, but quickly regained her composure and asked, "Wanna do a body shot off me?"

His beautiful, dark brows shot up in surprise for a second, but then Ami saw the desire darken his chocolate orbs. It sent a shiver down her spine and she choked back the girlish giggle that threatened to break free.

The edges of his bow shaped lips curled seductively as he lifted his glass to her with a slight nod of his head. Ami grinned and lifted her shirt up to the bottom of her breasts to reveal a well-toned, tan midriff. She smeared the salt just above her navel and held the rim of the lime in between her teeth. The man tipped his head back and took the drink into his mouth before coming forward and making contact with her stomach.

Ami gasped when she felt his lips and tongue move across her skin, and her eyes fluttered closed briefly. Her muscles fluttered in earnest along with her eyes from the sensuous movements, and she had the burning need to devour him right there in front of everyone in the rave. When he pulled back, he had a devilish smirk on his face, and his eyes glimmered from the affects of alcohol and lust.
Looking down, the brunette met his gaze, and was a little shocked when he leaned forward again to lick up the remnants of salt still lingering without breaking eye contact with her. She almost melted just by his gaze alone, but with the tip of his tongue barely touching her skin, and then moving until it twisted and twirled around her bellybutton ring seductively, it was as if the room temperature had picked up another few degrees making her limbs feel like Jell-o.
When he reached up to suck on the lime, Ami felt the room spin in crazy tilts and whirls. She was getting dizzyingly drunk simply from his touch, his lips barely skimming over hers as if just to give her a taste of what he was capable of doing in bed. The thought made her stomach do somersaults, which wasn't helping in her inebriated state.

A low moan rose from the man's throat as he pulled away, jarring Ami from her current fantasies. She looked down at him and arched a brow with a lopsided grin. His hands slowly traveled up her thighs and around her waist, almost startling her as he pulled her down on his lap. She gave in and straddled him, lazily draping her arms over his shoulders.

All this while Melanie watched her friend with a look of amusement. She shook her head and toyed with the next shot she had ordered, not particularly in the mood to drink it. She didn't know how Ami did it. Sure she too could be forward if she wanted to, but she chose the men that she advanced on wisely, but in Ami's case she would give a body shot to whatever attractive man she saw! The red head would always be close by however, not allowing her friend out of her sight unless absolutely necessary. Ami's safety was her responsibility, with the brunette being two years younger than Melanie's twenty-three years. She felt as if she was given the role of big sister, and strangely, Melanie welcomed it.

The red head sighed, placing her index finger in her mouth to lick off the remains of alcohol on it before pushing away the shot she had ordered. She could ill afford to have them both drunk and out of their minds by the time they decided it was safe to leave. She decided it was her turn to stay sober that evening in order to get themk tok to their hotel room in one piece. She just hoped that along the way they wouldn't run into big mobster-like men with guns. A cold shiver of fear slithered up her spine at the thought, but she tried to ignore it and turned her attention back to Ami.

"So why is a good looking man like you getting drunk off his ass over here all by himself," Ami shouted over the music as she smiled down at the dark haired beauty.

"My girlfriend won't have sex with me," he replied bluntly and then hiccupped. Along with a slur, his voice held a very attractive British accent.

Ami's brows shot up in surprise and she laughed. "Is that possible? I mean, if I were you're girlfriend, I don't think I could keep my hands off of you!" She ran her hands lightly over his neck, and felt him shiver.

"I think she's cheating on me," he replied again with his brows furrowed, and Ami saw the pain that caused it. She sighed, feeling crestfallen. He was in pain from it, and she knew that if she did anything with him tonight, that he would regret it deeply in the morning. She was going to have to let this one go.

"Oh bloody hell," she grumbled, and the man looked at her strangely. "What's your name, hon?"

"Orlando!"

"Nice to meet you Orlando, I'm Ami!" She smiled at him again and he returned it with a beautiful grin revealing a set of perfectly straight white teeth.

Just then, a very attractive girl with long, auburn hair strode up beside them announcing, "And I'm Danielle!"

In unison Orlando and Ami looked over at the girl. Ami arched an eyebrow and stared at her questionably. "Uhm, ok? Nice to meet you Danielle," she said, with annoyance as she saw that the girl hadn't even looked at her, her eyes were only on Orlando.

The auburn haired woman leaned in and began to whisper into his ear. Ami, still straddling the man, crossed her arms and glowered at them.

Orlando broke out into a smile and laughed lightly at whatever the girl was saying, but then his laugh was cut off by a soft moan as she flicked her tongue out and brought his earlobe into her mouth.

Ami's jaw dropped as she stared at this new girl in utter disbelief. She looked sharply over at Melanie, and to her astonishment her friend was laughing! Or trying not to rather. Ami glared at her before turning her attention back to the man whose lap she still sat upon.

Danielle pulled back and took Orlando's hand. She smiled triumphantly at Ami as she began to pull Orlando to his feet. The fuming brunette fell back, and caught herself on the bar before she tumbled off his lap and onto her butt as he stood with the girl. She glared at them as Danielle led him out onto the dance floor and wasted no time before she was grinding into him with the beat of the music.

Ami walked hastily over to her friend as she growled in anger, "BITCH!"

Melanie grimaced slightly, but laughed. "Come now Ami, It's not like he's your boyfriend," she reasoned.

"I know, but I saw him first!"

Melanie raised a brow as a devilish smirk formed on her lips. "Well?"

Ami turned her pouting face from the dance floor where the auburn haired girl was still grinding her bottom into Orlando's groin, to look at her friend. Her brows shot to her forehead with a questioning glare in her hazel eyes. "Well what?"

The red head crossed her arms impatiently. "Well, aren't you gonna go out there and claim what was yours first?"

Ami smiled as she looked back at the dance floor. "Think I should?

"Hell yeah! Hey B- uh whatever the hell your name is, give my friend here another shot!"

The bartender rolled his eyes before sliding another shot of vodka over to them. Melanie took it and handed it to Ami.

"Now go give him the best damn head spin of his life!"

She grinned and drank the contents swiftly before she slammed the glass down onto the counter and stalked off to the dance floor. The red head smirked and crossed her arms as she prepared to watch with pride as her friend went to stake her claim.

Ami marched up to the dance floor and began to weave through the many dancing bodies, and even pushed a few away from her as they tried to grab her up in a dance, before she finally reached them. The brunette watched the two for a moment, her anger rising steadily.

The woman's arms were raised above her head and she swayed her hips from side to side while he rested his hands on them. The auburn head turned to the left then to the right, Danielle's hair whipping over her shoulders. Orlando's hands ran up her back then down below her bottom, and he squeezed as she leaned in for a kiss.

At that moment, Ami had had enough and she stepped in, tapping the woman on the shoulder. The two stopped dancing looklooked over, Danielle glaring icily at Ami.

“Can I cut in?"

Orlando just smiled at her, but made no move otherwise. The woman still in his arms looked as if she was ready to ram Ami's head into a wall to mar her beautiful face, but she only said, "Hell no! Find your own toy!"

"I did! And your ass is grinding into him at the moment, so if you don't mind…" Ami grabbed the girl and roughly shoved her away, and without missing a beat, grabbed Orlando's head and brought his lips to hers roughly.

Melanie cheered and shouted from where she stood. "That's my girl!"

For an instant, her eyes flickered over to the entrance of the club, and her heart skipped a beat. A tall man with long blonde hair tied back and wearing a dark suit stood at the entrance looking around. “Scheiße!” She cursed in her native German, searching frantically to locate Ami. Quickly, Melanie bolted into the crowd and struggled to get through to her friend. She had to get to her before the man saw her.

Back on the dance floor Orlando's lips were tense, but slowly they began to move against hers freely. His tongue flickered out and grazed her lips, and Ami couldn't stop the slight tremor and shuddering sigh that coursed through her body. She opened her mouth to him, and their tongues began to duel vigorously. Soon the teasing grew into a hungry, feverish kiss as she wove her fingers through his dark, silky curls and brought his head closer to deepen the kiss even more. To her pleasant surprise Orlandond hnd his arms around her slim waist, and he pulled her in closer until their bodies were pressed together. Ami felt the lovely sized bulge pressing against her middle, and she practically choked on the moan that made its way past her throat.

Her moment of passion was suddenly ruined when her arms were gripped tightly, and she was yanked from the fullness of his lips and the taste of his mouth. She whirled around, expecting to see the auburn haired girl standing there, but her eyes widened when she saw that it was Melanie.

"What the hell are you doing?" She couldn't believe that the red head would interrupt such a thing, and her friend wouldn't unless it was something important, but Ami didn't care. She felt as if all hell could be burning around them, and she would still want to be latched onto those beautiful bow shaped lips.

"He's here!" Melanie almost cried, her hands latching onto Ami's arms as if her life depended on holding her friend. She wasn't about to let go, either.

Ami's brows furrowed. "Who's here?"

The red head growled and grabbed her head, directing it towards the entrance. It was then that not only did Ami see him, but also he saw them. His eyes widened in recognition and he started towards them by roughly pushing people out of his way.

"We've got to get out of here," Melanie shouted and she began to pull Ami through the crowd.

Ami gasped and resisted as she turned suddenly and grabbed onto Orlando's shirt. She yanked him into one last kiss before she pulled away. "Thanks for that," she whispered into his ear, before she let him go and allowed her friend to drag her off the dance floor, leaving Orlando's head spinning now not only from the alcohol.