The Most Valuable Gift

"Ohhh Ed! Such a wonderful way to wake up!" she moaned.

When he made it down to her pelvic bones he was up close and personal with the tattoo she'd had done in her impetuous youth. The large set of red lips on the front of her right hip with a long tongue curling down to just above her clit. He grinned and began to kiss his way along the tattooed tongue. Angie knew where the tattoo ended so she was trembling in anticipation as he got closer. This time he chose not to tease her but gave her what she wanted.

"FFFFUUUUUUUCCCKKKK!" she cried out as Ed's tongue stroked across her wet pussy lips. He gently nibbled on her clit with his lips as he slid a finger into her depths. Angie clung to his head and pulled him tighter against herself. "OHFUCKOHFUCKOHFUCKOHFUCKOHFUCK!!!" she panted as he added a second finger and pumped them while sucking on her lower lips, flicking her clit with the tip of his tongue.

Ed pulled his fingers out and stroked his cock making it slick with her juices. She was very wet this morning and his chin was almost dripping. He quickly wiped his face and hand with the sheets and climbed up the bed until the head of his cock slapped against Angie's clit.

"OH!" she squeaked. Ed made a quick adjustment and his cock was sliding into the wonderful heat of her body. "OH ED! YES!"

Ed drove himself deep into her as he knew she could take him down to the base. When their bodies slapped together Angie wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. He rocked back and forth making her chirp and moan into the kiss.

"You feel so good so deep inside me!" she said looking into his eyes. He appeared to be a little dreamy eyed and she smiled at seeing his pleasure so clearly on his face.

Then he began to stroke in and out, slowly at first but increasingly faster and stronger until he was pounding her against the springy mattress.

Angie was in heaven. The pleasure was threatening to obliterate her ability to think. She clung to him and panted as her release raced up at her. She felt his muscles begin to clench and tremble indicating he was close as well. Suddenly his hips went to double speed and it was too much.

Angie screamed as her orgasm exploded through her senses and her legs wrapped around Ed's hips to hold him against her as tightly as she could as her body shook and trembled. He was so fucking deep, filling her with his cum. She loved that feeling!

"Angie! That's so good! You're so incredibly beautiful!" he breathed as his own orgasm washed over his mind. He kissed her hard and she felt herself lifting free of her senses for a moment then every tingle and spark came crashing back to remind her of the bliss she was floating in. She held Ed's body against her and basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking.

It took a good ten minutes for her to return to the here and now. Ed was resting on his side next to her, gazing at her with a sweet smile on his lips.

"What?" she asked looking over at him.

"Nothing. I was just lying here thinking how lucky I am to be here with you!"

She smiled and he returned it. He leaned over and tenderly kissed her. She felt new sparks firing through her nerves and pulled back with her head spinning.

"Oh my god Ed! You're such a great kisser!" she sighed.

"Only because your lips are so amazing to kiss!" he sighed.

She grinned at him and they got out of bed to walk into the large bathroom. The shower would accommodate both of them so they showered together. They didn't make love again but they did share a long, passionate kiss. Ed washed her hair, massaging her scalp during the rinsing out of the shampoo and conditioner. Toweling dry was an excuse to touch each other's bodies but again they held back. It was enough to just enjoy the intimacy.

They'd had a leisurely breakfast in the room sitting at the little table by the window and Angie had pointed out landmarks they could see.

Once they finished, they went out to visit Rockefeller Centre to see the huge Christmas tree and the ice skating, visited Macy's, took a carriage ride through Central Park, and managed to get in a little shopping in Soho before they had to return to the hotel to get ready for the ceremony.

Angie came back from her memories as the limo pulled up before the red carpet.

Ed recalled Rachel's excitement when they walked up the red carpet at the gala dinner at home. Angie didn't look as excited. He got out the moment they stopped and walked around to open Angie's door. He noticed there was a group of paparazzo behind a security barrier but they looked cold. He helped the lovely blond out of the limo and the flashes started popping. Ed offered his arm and Angie smiled at him demurely as she walked up the carpet to the door. She handed the doorman a card and they went inside.

After they checked their coats Ed and Angie walked into the salon and she accepted some champagne. Ed decided he'd stick with water this evening as he wanted to stay sharp to protect Angie from this Greg guy. He could feel Angie's hand trembling a little on his arm so he stopped and turned to face her.

Troubled eyes looked up into his.

"I won't let him near you and if he tries anything stupid trust me that he will regret it. I'm not going to do something stupid like get into a fight with him but I will deal with him. I'm here for you." Ed said firmly, holding her eyes with his.

Angie visibly relaxed and her smile spread across her lovely lips. Ed gasped at the sudden flash of her beauty and her eyes twinkled with joy at his look of awe.

"Angie!"

They turned to see Taj and Lakshmi approaching with two stern looking men following in their wake. Ed took in their sour expressions and guessed these must be the husbands that chose not to join them the night before.

Reg Saxon was a big man. The drummer was not a tall man but he'd been muscular once. His body was wide and thick and his arms still looked powerful. His receding grey hair was cropped close to his scalp and his mustache and beard looked like it had just recently been groomed into submission. His black rental tux was ill fitting and he tugged at the collar unconsciously. Taj's red leather dress popped against his wall of black.

Theirry Dumas was the polar opposite of Reg. Tall and almost skeletally thin, the keyboardist had long flowing grey hair to mid-shoulder and a clean shaven face. His hands had strong looking, long fingers which made sense to Ed considering his choice of instruments. He'd chosen to wear a deep violet intricately patterned silk Nehru jacket with black silk pants to compliment his wife's lovely hot pink sari.

Angie grinned and hugs and kisses were exchanged. He saw both men soften and lighten up as Angie kissed their cheeks. There was obviously some affection for the blond in both men and for a time their animosity towards each other took a back seat.

Ed shook Thierry's hand and barely managed to get his hand back intact when he shook Reg's. He grinned at the mischievous look on the shorter man's face and scored some points with the drummer.

"What a pathetic group of misfits this is!" boomed a voice from behind them. The group turned and looked at the grinning speaker. Tall, maybe two inches shorter than Ed, dyed jet black hair to his shoulders on the side but tied back in a man bun on the back. Broad shoulders but soft in the middle, his tuxedo looked a little rumpled like it had just been carelessly and quickly pulled on. The collar was open and there was a streak of pink against the white.

Ed noticed the woman standing behind him. Her eyes looked a little glassy and her face was flushed. Her lovely violet and black striped dress was crisp and tidy and her dark plum lipstick didn't match the pink on the collar.

"Hey Greg." Reg said without much enthusiasm.

"Hello Jillian." Angie said, ignoring Greg.

"Hey! Where's the love? Where's my hug and kiss, Angie?" Greg's voice was a little too loud for the space and eyes were turning in their direction. Greg surged towards Angie with a leering grin on his cruel lips.

Ed felt Angie's fingers dig into his right arm as his left came up and planted his palm on Greg's chest with the force of a battering ram. Greg staggered back and looked incredulously at Ed. His rage built quickly.

"Who the fuck are you to touch me?" he bellowed.

"Angie doesn't wish to 'hug' or 'kiss' you. You will keep your distance tonight." Ed said calmly looking the man in the eye. He could smell the booze on Greg's breath. That wasn't a good sign.

Jillian gripped Greg's arm to pull him back. Greg yanked his arm away from her. "Let go of me you stupid cunt!" The woman shrank back from him. He turned to look at Ed. "This isn't over junior. I'll be seeing you around." Greg leered once more at Angie and headed for the bar at the far side of the salon. Jillian immediately followed him into the crowd.

"He's such a prick." Reg grunted.

"Then why the FUCK didn't you say that to his face and move to protect Angie yourself?" Taj growled. Reg looked at her in surprise then a guilty look flashed over his face. He glanced at Thierry who also looked guilty. Both looked away. "I thought so. All words and no action." Taj stormed off with Lakshmi and Angie in tow towards the bar at the opposite end of the salon. This left Ed with the two men.

There was an uncomfortable silence. Ed needed help understanding if he was going to protect Angie. He looked at the two men. "If you don't mind, could you tell me why Greg is so fixated on Angie?" Ed asked. Their guilty looks just got worse. It was Thierry who finally managed to break past that.

"Greg and Danny were rivals for Angie when the group was just starting out. We were all so young and stupid then. Greg brought Angie to a party and Danny wooed her right out of his hands. It was love at first sight for Danny. For Greg, she was just another conquest. Angie picked that up pretty quickly so Danny won but Greg holds grudges. He said he would have her. We became famous, we let it all go to our heads and we got into the drug scene pretty bad. It was years after that first party on a night Danny was out of town and we decided to have a little fun. Reg and I were the ones who convinced Angie to join us. Truth is, we all loved Angie as she was the heart of the band. Danny was the brains but Angie kept us all together." Thierry paused and Reg struggled to swallow.

"Greg spiked our drugs. The ladies worse than us. He raped Angie while she was unconscious. We did nothing as we were stoned as well but we saw it and did nothing. He threatened to do it to our wives if we said anything. I've never been so ashamed of myself but Greg scares the piss out of me. Always has. He's dangerous in that 'I don't give a shit' psychopathic way. Scary as fuck! He's also a mean drunk and he never gives up. He wasn't satisfied with his conquest as she wasn't conscious but Danny never forgave him or gave him another chance at her. He was the only one who protected her. The band broke up after that."

Ed was stunned. "The strength it must have taken for Angie to come here and face him... She's incredible!" He immediately left to be at her side. Greg would not get near her again.

Thierry shared a look with Reg. "She's shown more strength than either of us."

Reg nodded. The shame had become too much to carry any longer. "We need to apologize. About everything. To Angie and our wives."

Thierry nodded and the two men followed Ed into the crowd.

-=-

Greg slammed back his drink and watched the two cowards follow the big kid towards the other end of the salon. He followed at a distance knowing the annoying little bitch was still behind him. Why he'd married her eluded his mind. Nag nag nag. At least she stayed out of his way when he wanted to have a little fun like that young server he'd fucked in the storage room.

They'd made it all the way up to the bar area and there was his target. God damn it if she didn't look even more beautiful than she had when he'd fucked her. He wanted to fuck her again but this time she'd be looking up into his eyes and calling his name as he blew his load into her and choked her out. Taj and Lakshmi looked pretty good too but Angie... fuck she was a sweet piece.

He just had to get her alone. The kid she had with her was a solid fucker. His pole arm to the chest really hurt.

Greg patted his pocket ensuring the blade was still there. A quick punch to the kidneys with the knife and junior would be out of the picture. He wouldn't have any trouble with the cowards but the ladies would be noisy. He'd have to wait until Angie and the boy were separated.

"Greg?"

He sighed. Fuck.

"What is it now?"

"Maybe- maybe we should just go. Go home I mean." Jillian whined.

"Why the FUCK would I want to do that?" he growled as he glared at her.

"I- I could do that thing you like," she said timidly.

"For fuck's sake. You can't even say it. Anal. You're so useless. Why don't you do something helpful for once and try to draw Angie away from the others so I can talk with her," he sighed.

She nodded at him with big eyes and rushed forward. "Good little cunt," he chuckled to himself.

-=-

Thierry and Reg were each holding one of Angie's hands and were speaking quietly with her. Angie was smiling and she had tears in her eyes. She suddenly pulled the two men forward and hugged them. Taj and Lakshmi were also looking like they needed to cry. Once Angie released them their wives immediately rushed forward and hugged them. The big one was handing Angie a tissue which she used to dab her eyes. It looked like the perfect opportunity to speak with Angie. Jillian moved forward.

"Angie? Could- could I speak with you?" Jillian asked timidly.

"Sure." Angie said and turned to face her. The big man faced her as well.

"Uh, could we speak alone- in private," she stumbled over the words.

"No, not until you've broken free from Greg's control." Angie said firmly.

Jillian flew into a rage as she always did when others spoke ill of Greg. "You don't know what you're talking about! Greg doesn't control anyone! He's not like that! How can you be so mean?"

"This is what I was talking about Ed. She's become his puppet." Angie said sadly to the big man, Ed.

Ed looked at Jillian. "If you want to talk I'll talk with you."

"Greg doesn't want to speak with you," she barked.

"I thought you said you wanted to speak with Angie. Were you just going to bring her to him?" Ed asked.

Jillian saw she'd fucked up. Greg was going to be so angry with her. Her face dropped. She looked at the sympathetic but sad look on Angie's face.

Angie turned and looked towards the washrooms. She looked at Ed and patted his arm. "I have to use the ladies room while it's still empty." He nodded and they left.

Jillian was trembling. She couldn't go back to Greg empty handed. She turned and rushed back to where he was waiting.

Greg was looking at her in disgust. "You couldn't even do that one small thing."

Jillian squirmed under his scorn. "She's gone to the ladies room. It's empty. I can draw Ed away as he said he would talk to me. That leaves Angie alone."

Greg jolted in surprise. She'd come through. He smiled at her and Jillian felt the world spinning off its axis. He was happy with her! She basked in that glow until he gestured for her to move. She quickly headed for the ladies room to draw Ed away for Greg and he followed at a distance.

She saw Ed standing by the entrance. She began to cry and walked up to him. "You said you'd talk with me?" she whimpered.

Ed saw her tears and wondered what Greg had done to her. "Are you ok?" he asked with concern.

She saw it was working so she closed her eyes and shook her head like she was really upset. She took a step then two, slowly moving away from the entrance and her shoulders shook like she was really crying. Ed went to check on her.

-=-

Greg smiled to himself. Jillian was really outdoing herself with the tears. He'd have to do something nice for her... later. He slipped past the big guy and listened to the noises from the washroom. It was really quiet. He'd never have another chance like this. He slipped inside and walked briskly down the hallway. He pulled the knife from his pocket and flicked it open. Stepping around the corner he saw Angie standing by the sinks with a smile on her face. Standing right in front of her was a female police officer. Spotting the knife the cop went for her gun. Greg spun and ran for the exit. As he shot out of the hall into the salon he ran straight into Ed's outstretched arm which clotheslined him across the neck.

His feet went out from under him and he went down on his back, hard, slamming his head against the floor. The cop burst from the hall with her gun drawn and saw Greg on the floor, dazed. She radioed for backup and glanced at Ed. He smiled at her and bent down to flip Greg onto his stomach. The officer put the cuffs on him as her backup arrived. Ed stood up and walked over to Angie who was standing by the entrance of the ladies room.

Ed smiled at Angie who actually looked more relaxed than she had all night. "How did you know he'd do that?"

Angie smiled at him. "It's how his sick mind works. He's a predator. When I saw the police woman standing outside the entrance of the ladies room I knew I could catch him because I knew Jillian would tell him where I went. As I wasn't drugged this time he'd have to have a weapon on him. Where's Jillian?"

Ed was still looking at Angie in awe. She was incredible! "Oh! Uh, when I went back to the doorway she shrieked and ran off."

The officer who'd cuffed Greg came over to speak with Angie as her partners took the groggy prisoner with them.

Ed went to stand with the others.

"Where did you learn to take someone down like that?" Reg asked Ed with a big grin on his face.

"I played football in high school. Our quarterback taught me that move. It's a nasty tackle but it seemed appropriate to use it here." Ed confessed.

Reg and Thierry chuckled and nodded approvingly.

-=-

Jillian was completely lost. Everything had gone wrong! Ed didn't stay away from the hallway for more than a few seconds to listen to her pretend to cry and when he left her to go back to the hallway she panicked. Greg would be caught in the women's washroom. When she got her wits back she returned to see the police leading him towards the front door. She ran to the coat check and got their coats. Inside an inner hidden pocket in Greg's jacket was a small handgun. She could still save him. She hustled outside and saw the police walking him down a service lane towards a police cruiser. She ran after them and called out to Greg.

The group stopped.

"Stop right there!" one of the police yelled. He couldn't see the gun in Jillian's hand as Greg's coat was draped over her arms.

"Greg! I'm sorry!" she cried.

"You stupid slag! You're fucking useless and you led me right into a trap. This is all your fucking fault!" Greg screamed at his wife.

"I didn't know-"

"NO! You know what? We're done! I'm done supporting you're dead weight! Consider this notice that our marriage is officially over! I never want to see you again, stupid cunt!" Greg growled.

"Sir! Shut the fuck up!" one of the police said.

"But- but I love you! I need you!" Jillian gasped.

"I don't fucking care. I don't love you. Who could?" Greg laughed.

The first bullet went through the right ventricle of Greg's heart, the second through his neck, severing the carotid artery. Greg toppled to the ground, dead before his face hit the pavement. The police dove in opposite directions and pulled their guns.

"DROP THE WEAPON" they screamed at the woman who stood looking at her husband. Dead. She was lost once more. Her reason for living, gone. She lifted the gun one more time and followed her husband into the darkness.