"She said he's been right under my nose the whole time. What could that mean?" Nick squinted his eyes shut and dragged his hands through his hair as he thought.

Melissa shook her head as she tenderly smoothed his hair. "I don't know, Nick . . ."

"Nobody knows!" he exploded as he stood up abruptly from the edge of the bed before pacing the room. "Nobody fucking knows!" His hands were clenched into fists as he stomped back and forth across the room. "The cops, security . . . nobody. What kind of father am I to not know where the hell my son is?"

"Nick . . . don't blame yourself for this . . ." she softly said, trying to calm him down.

"Oh, shut up . . . I don't need your pitiful attempts at helping me. I don't need - or want you here right now. . ." he growled. He stopped his pacing and looked at her with immediate regret, his blue eyes wide as he realized what he had just said. "Mel . . . I'm so sorry. I'm just . . . I didn't mean it . . ."

She held up her hand in a motion for him to stop as she stood up. He could see the tears in her eyes as she whispered, "I won't bother you anymore, Nick . . . Prowl around the room all you wish . . . I'll be up later to get my things and Mackenzie and we'll go home so you can be alone to find Sebastian . . . Just let me know when you find him." With that said, she ran from the room. Even as he followed after her, she disappeared into the elevator.

"Dammit!" he cursed as he kicked the metal doors. He leaned forward and rested his head on the cool metal in frustration. "Nick . . . you're an idiot," he mumbled to himself as he blindly reached for the down button. I still have a chance to catch her . . . He looked up at the numbers above the elevator and agonized as they seemed to slow down. He turned and sprinted to the entrance to the stairs and ran down five flights to the lobby, hoping he'd make it in time.

Bursting through the door and into the crowded lobby, Nick skidded to a stop on the marble floor and started searching for her small form. "Melissa!" he yelled as he spotted her heading toward the hotel's restaurant and bar. She flinched for a second before continuing her way. "Mel, please stop!" He pushed his way past people until he was finally right behind her. His hand closed around her elbow and pulled her to a stop. "Please . . . I'm sorry."

She turned to face him, tears streaking her cheeks. "I'm sure you are, Nick." She then turned away from him and started walking again.

"Dammit, Mel! I can't lose you . . . I need you with me, especially now." he called as he started to follow her once more. He stopped her at the entrance to the restaurant and fell to his knees before her. Taking her hands in both of his, he looked up at her. "Please . . . forgive me? I don't know what I was thinking . . . this thing with Sebastian is just . . . it's hard. I can't fight her alone . . ."

Melissa looked around at the crowd of on-lookers and paled at the realization of what Nick was doing. She looked back at him and whispered, "Let's go talk somewhere else, Nick . . ."

Nick followed her back up to their room like a predator stalking it's prey. He remained only one step behind her the whole time, his hands twitching to touch her, wanting to make sure she wouldn't leave.

As Melissa sat on the edge of the bed, Nick knelt in front of her and took her hands again. "I really didn't mean it. Please don't leave me . . . you know I need you here." His fingers played with the delicate wedding band on her hand. "For better, for worse . . . remember?"

She nodded as she lowered her eyes. "I don't think your temper is 'for worse' . . . it's absolutely horrid."

"I know . . . and I told you that I'm working on it." He smiled as she raised her eyes to look at him. "Gimme a kiss . . ." His hand came up to her jaw as she leaned closer to press a kiss to his lips. Soon she found him pushing her back onto the bed as his mouth traced over her jaw and neck.

"Nick . . . Nick, stop!" she said as she tried to push at him.

"What is it?" he murmured against her collar bone as his fingers started to unbutton her shirt.

"What about Mackenzie?" she gasped as his tongue flicked over her pulse.

"Joe and David have her for the day . . . she wanted to go to the zoo . . . and I wanted you . . ." His hands finished her shirt and spread it away from her body as his mouth continued lower.

"Oh . . ." Nick didn't know if she was acknowledging what he said or sighing in pleasure . . . but he didn't really care at that moment. All he knew was that his groin was aching and she was the only remedy for the problem. He pressed against her, hungrily feasting on her soft skin as she fumbled with his clothing.

They were soon lost from the world, their naked bodies twisting together and tangling between the sheets. Her hands flattened over the muscles of his back, her nails scraping the skin as he thrust inside of her. She was shocked at the forcefulness and need of his lovemaking . . . so different from his gentle tenderness. She opened her eyes and watched him, his face battling emotions as he moved within her. It was as if his survival were on the line . . . She closed her eyes as sensations took over her body, and they soon climaxed together with such intensity that neither could move for moments afterwards.

"Nick . . . " she sighed as he rolled to his back and pulled her against his side. "Why . . .?"

She didn't have to finish as he answered. "I told you that I need you . . . I was so scared that I'd lose you . . . I don't know . . . but you're mine. Don't ever leave me . . ."

Pressing a soft kiss to his shoulder, she smiled. "I won't . . ."