Take My Breath Away

Eyes fixed on Colleen, and one hand propped against her chin, the girl sitting next to Wesley explained in a low voice, "You misunderstood my relationship with Wesley. I'm not his girlfriend."

Demanding an explanation from Wesley, Colleen was irritated by his silence and the way he avoided her unblinking eyes. At long last, obviously running out of patience, she asked, "How can that be possible? You know, you're the first girl Wesley has ever brought to—"

"Colleen." Finally Wesley interrupted her. "Weren't you asking about Debbie?" he snapped, eager to change the subject.

"OK. Alright! Mr. Huo, you haven't answered my question yet." At Wesley's hint, Colleen pretended to realize she was off the topic. Promptly, she tuned her gaze to Carlos, the look in her eyes unrelenting, waiting for him to answer her earlier question.

"She's at home, expecting all the papers to be ready, so that she can go abroad," said Carlos, determined to keep everything as laconic as possible.

As he spoke, Curtis could see the gloom on his face. Of course, he knew Carlos and Debbie were still not reconciled yet. So in an attempt to broach the subject with caution, he said, "I've heard that ZL Group's business has been booming lately. The employees have been working extra hours. I hope you haven't been sleeping in your office." He added that last bit with slight emphasis. The gist of his question was to find out why Carlos had not been sleeping at home. Then he added his piece of advice. "You don't have to burst a nerve working overtime, man. If it's for money, do you think it's wise of you to drive yourself so hard at work that you don't even have time to return home?"

Hearing his question, the others exchanged a look.

Damon drew a tile and chipped in sullenly, "It's not like Carlos Huo is short of money. No! That's ridiculous. I suspect, the person driving him hard is his wife. You know how demanding some ladies can be." The tongue-in-cheek way he phrased his words left everyone in stitches. But Damon ignored the giggles and carried on. "Only she can throw him into a vortex of emotions."

Although Damon was known for his wise cracks, Curtis took him seriously on what he had just said. He discarded two dots and with a curious gaze at Carlos, inquired, "What did Debbie do to get on your nerves this time?"

Carlos took a puff on his cigarette and blew the smoke forcefully, betraying his inner tension. Amid the fumes, he opened his mouth as if to say something, but no words escaped his mouth.

Noticing that mood around the place, Megan, somewhat embarrassed, excused herself. "Uncle Carlos, maybe I should go

n idiot. Get your men back here as fast as your legs can carry you! Do you have any idea what and whom you're messing with?"

"I know who he is, but someone reported that he organized gambling. Also, there is a prostitute with him—"

"Shut the fuck up! Do I have to explain to you whoever Mr. Huo is with? You're stupid enough to jump into action without even confirming the reports you get? Who the hell came up with the idea of raising such an asshole to your position? Get the hell out of there now!"

Now with a mixture of panic and embarrassment, the young policeman looked at the four men in the booth. Resignedly, he put his gun away and replied on the phone, "Yes, Chief Li."

Before he left with his men, he looked at Wesley. Confusion was written over his tan face. "You look very familiar. Do you know Colonel Li the God of Warriors?"

Blair laughed. "Handsome, this is Colonel Li."

'This woman called another man "handsome" right before my eyes.' Wesley's face darkened.

The young policeman's eyes glistened with excitement the minute he realized he had met the God of Warriors. Instantly, he stood at attention and saluted Wesley. "It's a great honor to meet you, Colonel Li."

Wesley nodded in response.

The excited young cop wanted to get an autograph, but afraid that he might cause more trouble, two of his co-workers got him out of there quickly.

The booth finally regained its quiet. Carlos tossed the chips on the table and stood up. "Damon, you'll have to drive Megan home later."

Damon stared at the man who was putting on his coat. "Eh? We've just started. Where're you going?"

After glancing at him, Carlos replied flatly, "It seems my wife has become unbridled. I'm going home right away to deal with her."