With her head lowered, she walked toward him.When she reached him, he demanded to know where she had been and what she had been up to staying out past...her curfew.She looked at him with puppy dog eyes and told him she had just lost track of time. She told him that her and Steve had been listening to music and dancing at his house and she had not paid attention to the time.When she had realized what time it was, she hurried home.Biting her lower lip, she waited for his reply.He just looked at her. ?Please Melanie, stop it !? My eyes were full of tears as the next blow struck. ?Aggghhhhh ! No ! I give in. Please stop beating me.? There was a pause. ?Are you sure ?? Melanie?s voice was icily mocking.?Yes, yes. I surrender. Please don?t hit me again,? I sobbed.?You can have some more if you want.?I didn?t want. ?No. No. I?ve had enough,? I begged. ?Okay then.? Suddenly there was another strike, this time to my thighs.?Owwww,? I cried in outrage, tears forming again.?Just a reminder,?. ’ ‘Do you enjoy writing what you write?’ ‘Yes of course I do.’ ‘That is what counts. What everyone else thinks should not matter as long as it brings you enjoyment.’ ‘Thanks Frank. You really are a friend. You know exactly what to say to get me back on track.’ She sat and listened to the saxophone play for a little while. Then she said, ‘I think I ‘m going to head home and try to get some writing done. First, can I get another one of these to go?’ ‘Sure.’ Frank handed her another iced mocha.. Iris's smile faded as quickly as it came, when she remembered the stranger.He had been so big! So powerful, and yet he had also been so respectful of her father.Last night she had met the wolf, and today she would meet the man.Her lips parted on a soft pant as she felt a thrill of excitement at the prospect; but then the image of James Atherton wiped away the feeling, leaving her feeling confused and on edge.There was a light rap on her door, and Laurie came strolling in, looking fresh and.