Corey dashed quickly down the halls; his heart was racing. He didn't know why but tonight felt different and his concern for Nana was growing by the minute.

Nana was old and barely remembered how to take care of herself so the longer she went missing the worse her health became. Corey found it very odd that Kaya had managed to make an appearance after he discovered the note. He now had a sneaking suspicion she didn't write it.

"Open up Esme" he yelled banging on her cabin door.

The door opened and Esme eyed Corey with distaste, "If it isn't the rainbow troll live in person" she said dryly.

Corey didn't have time for this, "listen here hoe-ella, something's not right, and last time you knew exactly which direction to point everyone. Have you seen Nana or Ben?" he asked frantically.

The reason why Esme knew where to go last night was because she was low key- high key stalking Keith, but she would never admit that to Corey.

Esme wrinkled her nose as she yawned, "I don't have time to play Nancy Drew with you. I don't know where your ancient sidekick dust bowl is, and I haven't seen the third party in Keith's marriage" she muttered.

Corey bit his fingernail growing desperate by the second, "please, I'm going way beneath my standards to beg, but did you see anything odd today? I'm afraid that my friends may be in serious trouble" he begged.

Esme shrugged stepping outside to talk. Her green eyes peered curiously around, "I try to mind my own business,...but I could have sworn I saw Ben dragging Kaya out of his room earlier. I happened to be in the area" she lied.

Corey put his hands up as if he was praising the Lord, "Now you pick to mind your business! The one time you see something that may be relevant?!" he shrieked.

Something was going on, first Ben had taken Kaya away to talk privately and now this.

Corey grabbed Esme's hand, "come on Esme-thot-ta we are breaking into Ben's room! We are going to get to the bottom of this" he proclaimed.

Esme shook her head putting the brakes on his plan, "Whoa! I am not apart of this, I am on vacation whatever love triangle Keith found himself in. I already promised I wouldn't get involved" she said crossing her arms, "sorry I can't help" She shrugged.

Corey huffed, "Do it for your friend Keith, he may be in serious trouble! You owe him everything and who knows this may be your chance to prove your wifey" he winked, trying to bait her into coming.

It worked, Esme's eyes lit up, "you know I suddenly have some free time," she said putting on her shoes.

Kaya sat rigidly in the chair. If only she could enjoy how beautiful and special tonight was. She tapped her metal spoon nervously against the table, drumming it into the silence.

Keith cleared his throat, as they continued to eat. Kaya looked so uncomfortable like she would rather be anywhere but here.

Keith sighed getting up, "come on let's dance," he said extending his hands. Perhaps that would make this moment less awkward.

Kaya got up quickly remembering the plan Ben had set in motion. He told her that she was to entertain Keith through the late afternoon while he packed. So that they could run off into the sunset together, and then she was to tell Keith she didn't love him or else...

Kaya considered just running away or telling someone but she was afraid that Ben would get to her family before she accessed help. She wondered how fast a speeding bullet was?

Ben had dressed her up for the special occasion picking a gown that was worthy of a gem, and then he had kissed her and told her exactly what to say in order to save Nana's life.

He had convinced himself that every true artist needed a living muse, and he would do whatever it took to have Kaya by his side forever.

Keith couldn't see it but a small subtle laser red dot was resting on the back of his head, as a reminder to Kaya to play her part.

"You're quiet" Keith noted with disappointment. He felt the weight of the new ring in his pocket.

Kaya pressed her cool cheek against his, "this is perfect" she blushed, "I'm so happy" she added forcefully.

Keith smiled as he dipped her gracefully down, watching her neck slowly extend like a swan, "I know we both made mistakes in this marriage but I'm here now" he told her earnestly.

His hazel eyes sparkled with warmth and affection as they swayed in each other's arms. Keith held her waist pulling her close so that they could enjoy the hazy sunset view.

"Hey, you're trembling, what's wrong?" Keith noted concerned about Kaya.

Kaya gave him a teary smile, knowing what was coming next.

"I...I...I" she stuttered finding the right words.

Keith kissed every knuckle on her hand, "hey stop it, you're shaking like a tambourine. Tell me what's bothering you!" he pushed, "our relationship needs honesty" he reminded her.

Kaya grabbed his face pulling his juicy lips into hers, "can you stay calm and not react to what I'm going to tell you" she asked quickly.

Keith jerked back looking at Kaya horrified. Her face was drained of its usual rich chocolate color and she was shaking feverishly, "what the...?" he cursed frightened.

Kaya grabbed him again, "damn it Keith follow my directions. This is not a game!" she snapped.

Keith was dazed and startled he had never seen Kaya act this way.

"Just smile and nod, we are being watched" she explained.

The dinner had taken a strange turn but Keith smiled and nodded listening to his wife.

Kaya let out a deep breath, "good because our lives depend on it" she mumbled bitting her lip anxiously.

It wasn't hard to find Ben's room, especially since Corey had been the one to invite him and book his reservation.

Esme and Corey crept slyly through the shadows, passing by people without so much as a notice. Most people were preparing to leave anyway, as the ship neared the shores.

Corey turned the handle on his door and cursed, "shit it's locked" he snapped his fingers disappointed; He had hoped with a little luck that it wasn't.

Esme tapped him on the shoulder, "why are there gold chips all over the floor?' she asked pointing to a trail that was leading down the hall.

Corey gasped tears welling in his eyes, "the bastard has Nana!" he sobbed.

Esme pulled out her phone, "let's call the police" she suggested.

Corey nodded, "fine, but also let's follow the trail and try to find Nana before I beat Ben's painter ass!" he said angrily.

Kaya pretended to laugh flipping her hair off her shoulders, "Ben is sick. He thinks we are meant to be and he's probably nearby with a gun" she chuckled half-heartedly as her eyes scanned the deck nervously.

Keith raised his eyebrows, "do you need medication?" he asked uncertain of whether or not this was a prank.

Kaya kissed Keith drawing him close so she could whisper, "No I'm serious he's lost his mind and taken Nana. I don't have a lot of time to explain but we need to leave here immediately and call the authorities, but act normal! We can't afford for him to get ticked off," she said stepping on Keith's foot with her black heels.

Keith gritted his teeth in pain, "I'm normal even though it hurts" he groaned.

Kaya poured a glass of champagne raising her glass calling for a toast, "He said he was going to go pack but he should be back any second" she said speaking quickly.

Kaya looked deeply into Keith's eyes touching his face, "now say you love me!" she instructed.

Keith blinked letting her words process, "Oh hell no!" he screamed turning over the table.

He slammed his fist down, "that little bitch has messed with my family for the last time!!!" he roared.

Kaya groaned as she heard a clicking sound behind her as if someone was loading up a gun. She quickly dived to Keith's side knocking him down, "BE CAREFUL!" she cried closing her eyes waiting for a loud bang.

Nothing went off.

Kaya lay on the floor panting as she looked around confused. Where the hell was the rain of bullets Ben threatened to deliver?

They looked around and Keith's beautiful dinner was destroyed, there was broken glass and food everywhere. The roses were crushed and the music came to a stop.

Keith shook himself off as they slowly rose to their feet. He wiped off the food on his new suit, "damn it, Kaya, if you didn't want to be here then that's all you had to say! Is this one of your little drama stunts?" he spat angrily.

Ben walked out of the shadows pointing a gun directly at Keith, "sadly no!" he growled.

Keith stood in front of Kaya protectively raising his hands, "Hey man" he stammered.

Kaya screamed calling out for help at the top of her lungs. Where the hell was everyone? she wondered. 

Kaya groaned remembering that Keith had shut down the entire upper deck for this private affair. No one would be coming to help....

The winds howled blowing Kaya's hair in her face as the sea tossed and turned into choppy high waves that sprayed the sides of the boat with its salty spew.

"Where's Nana?" Kaya asked above the noise.

Ben laughed showing his true colors, "I guess you will never know. Oh and by the way don't expect your friends to come rescue you, I sent them on a little treasure hunt" he said proudly.

"I trusted you, Ben. You were so kind and sweet to me when I first met you. How could you be this person before me standing here hurting the people I love?" Kaya asked sobbing.

Ben swiveled the gun at Keith, his fingers on the trigger, "I still am my rose, but I'm also very protective. You are mine and I won't let anyone get in the way of our love; we make the best art together" he whispered.

His blue piercing eyes looked benevolently at Kaya. He worshipped the ground she walked on and he had no life or purpose without her. It was clear to everyone this is was a crime of passion. Ben staggered back with tears in his eyes, as emotions drove him to the edge of sanity. He blinked while the gun slightly shook in his steady hands. 

Kaya sighed as her inner voice clapped dryly and said, "look at what you did?"

The sun was dropping from the sky like a full belly, birthing red and purples tones under the canvas of the dark rippling sky. The birds flew in a picturesque migration as the golden beams glinted in their eyes. All was quiet except for the creaks and moans of the ship.

"What do you want from me?" she whispered to Ben.

Ben motioned for Kaya to come by his side, "paint with my love, let our sweet colors be like a cherub to commence our love" he said poetically.  

Keith took an angry step forward, "I'll smash your body into this wall" he snarled raising his fist.

Ben kissed the cold metal tip of his gun pointing it towards his own head, "She chooses, either I take a bullet tonight or you do. There can be only one man she gets of this ship with" he said coldly pointing it back at Keith.

Kaya trembled as she touched Keith's chest, "don't provoke him" she whispered truly afraid.

Corey continued to follow the trail of golden chips. They had been running around for the last ten minutes. He paused rubbing his chin, "this is too easy..." he muttered.

Esme rolled her eyes, "what?" she asked.

Corey's eyes lit up, "this is a distraction! We need to be where Keith and Kaya are on the upper deck" he said firmly.

Esme raised her hands, "wait... that makes four of us against one. If Ben orchestrated this...then he wouldn't take Nana to the upper deck. He needs leverage right? I'm guessing he would be near Kaya, right?" she asked excitedly.

Corey had to admit she was a quick thinker, "damn bitch how many people you snatched before?" he asked impressed.

Esme laughed perhaps Corey wasn't so bad, "I watch a lot of murder mystery shows" she confessed.

Corey looked at his watch,"fine let's split up. I'll look for Nana and you go get Keith and Kaya" he ordered.

Esme nodded and they dashed against clock to save their friends.

Ben grabbed Kaya by the throat prying her from Keith's arm as she screamed. Her blue shimmering dress snagged against the glass table ripping apart as Ben dragged her.

She saw the look of anger on Keith's face as he took a step forward.

"Don't! Don't please" she cried out to Keith. She knew he was fearless and would do anything even if that meant taking a bullet for her.

Ben gritted his teeth as he held her in his arms and the gun in the other.

"Let's paint now to show him our love!" he demanded, bringing Kaya to her knees.

"Leave her alone and take this out on me!" Keith cried out helplessly.

Ben smiled sourly, "this isn't about revenge it's about love" he spat, "she loves me and I need her to admit it" he said shoving a thin tube of paint in her hands that had been in his pockets.

Kaya took the paint slapping it in her hands. She mustered all the strength in her body and slapped Ben hard across the face, "I don't love you!" she yelled angrily.

The slap stung so hard the whole ship felt its vibrations. Kaya jerked her hand back as a pain shot up her arm.

Ben closed his eyes and inhaled, "ooooh I love it when you are angry, do you remember the last time what happened when you were this upset?" he paused thinking of the fiery sex they had had.

Kaya dodged his lips as Ben tried to kiss her, paint spilled everywhere. It coated the colors of the rainbow on her bare body, "I just wanted to feel something in that moment when you met me, Ben! I'm sorry I used you but none of those times we had were real for me" she confessed crying.

Something in Ben ticked, perhaps it was the truth smashing him like a wrecking ball. His eyes hazed with a burning hurt, as he looked at Kaya devastated. His eyes turned shallow blue like someone had stolen his joy and he wiped the first tear of his paint-covered jaw catching it as it slid down.

Ben screamed, "AAAAAAHHHH!" angrily and kicked Kaya on her side. His pointed metal boots rocketed deep into her ribcage with a bone crushing, "CRUNCH!"

Kaya coughed rolling into a weak ball, as the air left her lungs violently. She crumbled and shriveled into a tiny ball as pain pivoted up her spine causing her to gag. A blinding torment left her eyes bulging and lips blue as she struggled for air. She moaned weakly as the pain let her paralyzed but twitching.

"Get up my dark angel!" Ben screamed taking the gun and pointing it at her head. He reached for some paint again smearing it across her lips as he tried to suck the air from Kaya with the kiss of death.

Enough was enough, Keith lunged at Ben and the first round was shot.

There was a loud powdery bang that ended in a sizzling whistle; it rang through the whole deck creating an eerie and definite sound.

The smell of smoke clung to their skin like a bad cigar, and then Keith stumbled and fell with a loud "thud" onto the hard floor.

Silence...

Kaya sobbed as Keith laid on the floor lifeless and still. She reached out a shaking hand in his direction , "nooooooooooooo!" she wailed like a banshee until her voice was raw and blistered

Ben clapped dancing and prancing around. His eyes were demonically blue, glowing like a cat. He was lost in his own ravaged mind, "Now we can spend together in love," he chanted in a demented hallow voice.

Kaya crawled over to Keith's side holding her side as she pushed past her own blinding pain. She touched his limp warm body, "baby! I'm sorry" she sobbed.

Ben was too busy celebrating to hear Keith move slowly and put his lips to Kaya's ear for one last whisper, "run" he groaned.

The next few moments were a ball of chaos. Keith used the few seconds to his advantage to bone rush, Ben. He was swift and had the element of surprise.

Ben didn't see it coming as Keith hurled the anger of the world into his fist delivering pounding blows over and over again to his skull.

Kaya scrambled grabbing the gun as it flew up in the ear. More gunshots flew into the night sky and the world consumed them.

Esme who had just arrived mistakenly attacked Kaya who had just picked up the gun, "You psycho bitch!" she yelled yanking Kaya's hair.

Keith continued to beat Ben, blood splattered the clear walls as Ben swallowed his own teeth. "THAT'S FOR TOUCHING MY WIFE!" he said letting his rage be his strength.

Kaya punched Esme in the face, "I'm not hurting him you dumb bitch!" she hissed pushing Esme to the side.

Kaya ran to Keith's side trying her hardest to pull him off Ben, "don't kill him! He still has Nana!" she sobbed.

Corey ran onto the scene hollering, "I still can't find Nana!" he sobbed.

Keith shook Ben like a ragdoll, "where is she?!" he demanded.

Ben laughed like the joker, coughing as he swam in his own pool of blood. His blue eyes rolled in his white socket as he groaned in a weak daze, "in the ocean" he laughed weakly.

Everyone ran to the side of the ship looking out at the ocean helplessly. A tiny red boat bobbed away in the far off distance. The waves retreated with each powerful gust of wind carrying the boat away, far from safety.

Kaya ran around looking for something to grab but everyone knew it was too late. There was nothing they could do but call a coast guard.

"It was pretty easy to convince the old bat to sit in the boat and drift off to nowhere" Ben chuckled spitting up blood. His face was seriously disfigured and covered with bruises as the swelling set in. Ben looked like the monster he truly was.

Corey lunged at Ben punching and kicking him through tears, "how dare you?! I will kill you and then give you just enough life to do it all over again" he bawled.

Kaya sobbed crumbling in Keith's arms, "she's as good as dead!" she wailed breaking apart.

Even Esme cried at this sad moment.

"The police are on their way" Esme whispered knowing that it wouldn't help make anyone feel better.

"I'm hungry!" a tiny voice chirped coming up behind them

Corey stopped, "is that...?" he asked unable to believe it.

Everyone turned around to see Nana walking towards them calmly. Kaya rushed into her arms and hugged her tightly, "you're alive! You got off the boat?" she cried.

Nana scratched her head oblivious to everything, "I got on but then I got off before it sailed bye bye" she shrugged.

Corey picked her up happily, "how did you know to get off?" he asked overjoyed.

Nana made a face shrugging, "I remembered,... that I don't trust white people" she said calmly.

Everyone laughed except Ben.

He laid sprawled out on the floor, but slowly found his balance using the railing to pull him up. He stood up swaying nauseously from the beating, "if I can't have you, Kaya, then no one will!!" he cried taking something out of his pocket as he rushed towards her.

Everyone was crowding Nana so they didn't notice Ben until it was too late.

"Kaya!" Esme screamed last minute, noticing the sharp blade Ben had in his hand.

Keith stood in front of Kaya like a shield and took the knife straight to his shoulder. He gasped feeling the blade penetrate his flesh and then dig deep into his bones. Keith tumbled back taken in shock as he fell exhausted into the arms of his friends and family.

Ben sighed satisfied as he saw what he had done. Footsteps marched frantically towards him as a whole swat team of officers crowded around him.

"Don't move, you are under arrest!" an officer shouted as Ben surrendered.

Ben smirked putting his hands up, he turned to Kaya and winked, "I'll wait for you to bloom" he whispered as he was dragged off the boat.

Corey rolled his eyes, "this is why I don't trust artist" he mumbled.

Nana started to sing, "row row row your boat, gently down the stream..." she belted out.

Kaya was by Keith's side trying to mop up the streams of surging blood that gushed out from his wounded body.

Kaya held his head in her lap as he laid down looking at her with wide eyes, "sssshhh it's okay, it's okay" he told her trying to stop the loud piercing screams that were coming from Kaya's cut lips.

Kaya rocked back and forth, "no, noo. No, I caused all of this!" she sobbed, "you were right, you were always right" she sobbed burying her head next to his bloody shoulder.

They could hear more frantic feet rushing up the stairs, this time it was the medical team.  They rushed in with bags, oxygen, and bandages.

Keith spoke slowly, feeling weak and tired. He shook as beads of sweat and blood trickled down his suit, "hey reach in my pocket please" he croaked.

Kaya did what he asked, her hands wrapped around a little velvet box.

Keith applied pressure to his shoulder to stop the bleeding as he winced in pain. He took out the ring slowly, his fingers shaking clumsily "will you marry me again?" he gasped out of breath.

Corey cried, Nana clapped and even Esme smiled.

Kaya gasped covering her face as tears streamed down. She looked around her at all the eager but bruised faces. This was the moment she had been waiting for. Her husband had been brave today, he had been forgiving, and most importantly she felt like the happiest woman alive.

She admired the glowing ring in Keith's bloody hand. Their clothes were torn, stained and painted neon pinks, greens and yellows but they were alive.

"Say something so I can go eat!" Nana screamed calling Kaya back to Keith's attention.

Kaya bit her lips nervously as she looked into Keith's smiling eyes, she sighed hugging him, "no, I can't" she whispered sadly.

Keith nodded feeling the last orbs of light flicker from within his dying body.

Kaya kissed him passionately, "please understand that I said no because you don't deserve me,... you deserve better. You stepped in front of a man with a gun for me today. You took a blade for me and even though I can't give you kids. You are willing to sacrifice your job and life for me.

You have nothing because of me I stripped you of everything, love, trust, and happiness. So I'm giving you something better today than my good for nothing love, I'm giving you freedom and a chance to live again" she sobbed closing the box as she held his hand tightly.

Keith cried too until his eyes became a dark despondent color. He laid still while he bled out all his love for Kaya.

His lips weakly trembled, "okay, okay, okay" he repeated over and over until the ambulance came.

This time it didn't feel like heartbreak but somewhere in limbo.

Her rejection had cut deep but he knew he had to let her go. She was right,..Dr. Drew was right. He had been trying so long to force love but Kaya wasn't ready...and that was okay.

Keith's heavy eyelids sunk into his tired face as sleepiness set in like dewy clouds and he inhaled slow deep breaths.

Corey wrapped Kaya's body in a shivering blanket, "I'm proud of you" he whispered rubbing her shoulders.

Kaya sniffled as she slowly walked away from it all a better and more honest woman.

The night quickly drew upon them like a cloak which disguised all things and all the lively chatter of the world hushed in awe. The stars fell from the sky, like a broken heart and they burned in the flames of lust; comets.

The boat docked on the bay finally returning to land. And life was whole and centered as people shuffled out with their luggage unaware of the events that had changed so many lives that day.

Keith was rushed to the hospital, and Kaya made her choice and walked off the boat alone in the search of hope and self-love.

The blue ocean parted into red seas drinking from the goblet of a lustful man who loved all the wrong things in the name of art; agony in rhythm. Times were hard but golden like the last strokes of a lovesick artist wrapped in infinitely vibrant colors.To be loved is to find true honesty within yourself...

The end.. (MAYBE)

               THREE YEARS LATER....

The phone lines in Keith's new office were ringing like crazy and business was at an all-time high.  First, it seemed impossible but now life was better than Keith could have imagined and he couldn't help but smile as he reviewed several cases in his paperwork.

The funny things about bullets are even when there gone you can still feel then, and there wasn't a day that went by that Keith didn't remember the hole Kaya had shot in his heart. However, time healed all mistakes and this time he was doing things the right way.

His new assistant Matt ran frantically into his office spilling coffee everywhere, "YOU'RE WIFE IS IN LABOR!" he screamed happily.

Keith jumped up grabbing his coat, "I'm going to be a father!" he said hysterically. He ran around nervously sweating this was his first child and the day he would finally meet his new son Luke.

"Esme!" he cried out tripping over things as he dashed out the door.

Esme hobbled in flashing her new engagement ring and a very swollen belly, "is it time?!" she squealed clapping.

Keith nodded yes, giving his friend Esme a high five, "Matt which hospital are they taking my wife Angelia too?" he asked with bright eyes a silly grin.

Matt gave him the address scribbling down everything, "should I call Nana and Corey at the strip club?" he asked.

Keith nodded smiling. He wanted all of his friends and family to be apart of this special moment, "I have to go now!" he laughed grabbing his car keys.

Author's note: Please let me know did you love it? comment please! <3

Oh, and I have special surprise to share just read the next chapter!