He looked from me to the three men and leaned back in his seat. He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose as he let out a deep breath.
I leaned over to Number Two and whispered in his ear, I don’t think he calmed down much.
I listened as None mumble about regretting not putting that bullet in my head and whipped my head in his direction. Anger was starting to take over and I knew that if I didn’t get a grip on it, that I would be in more trouble than I was, but I was pissed. If he regretted not killing me so much, then why the hell didn’t he just do it now ?
What the hell is stopping you from doing it now ? I met his dark, cold eyes.
He studied me a long minute before he spoke, Because I can’t.
That wasn’t good enough for me, Why the hell not ?
The three guys were shifting uncomfortably in their seats as they watched the two of us, their cheeks tinged red.
Because. I. Can’t. Lea. None ground out.
His tone of voice and the softened look in his eyes as he slowly looked me over caused me to shrink back and move closer to Number Two.
His eyes didn’t hold the cold, steely look he had when he fired two shots into that man’s chest or held his gun to my temple, nor was it the look of lust that I had seen almost five years ago in the eyes of the man that made me watch as he beat and killed my sister.
None’s look was one of desire for something that he couldn’t have, of something that he wanted and needed, but feared.
Stop looking at me like that, I finally whispered out, my voice quivering as I spoke.
His eyes met mine and I watched as that desire, that want, that need, that fear vanish and was replaced by cold and hardness once more.
Shit, Lea. Just what the hell have you went and gotten yourself into this time ?
I laid my head back and drew my knees up on the leather seat and wrapped my arms around myself as I closed my eyes.
Lea ? Number Three sounded a little nervous as he spoke.
Yea ? I didn’t bother opening my eyes as I answered.
You do realize you are still in your uniform ? I could hear a grimace in his voice.
Yea, so ? I asked with my eyes closed as I started to drift off.
Put your feet down, Lea, None’s voice was tight.
I glanced toward None and then down at my legs and frowned at my short dress style uniform. Perverts. Haven’t you guys ever seen a woman’s underwear before ? I turned and looked at Number Two as I pulled my knees under me. Mind if I use your shoulder as a pillow ?
He glanced over my head and frowned before looking down at me and answering me through clenched teethe, Fine.
What ? You have to have permission for me to be able to use you as a pillow so I can get some sleep ? Number Two sighed out and gave me a curt nod. Really ? I asked as surprise laced my voice.
I turned and looked at a tight lipped, jaw clenched, fist curled None. I turned back to Number Two and curled into his side and smirked as I tucked my uniform around me. I could hear None muttering under his breath as I started to drift off, A bullet would have been simpler.
Yea, well, suck it up buttercup, because you done went and fucked up, I sighed out as total darkness welcomed me into its arms.
* * * * * * * * *
Lea. I felt a shake of my shoulder. Lea, wake up.
Just ten more minutes. Such a lovely dream. I mumbled and started to drift back to sleep.
Lea, if you don’t get your ass up, None hissed as he pulled me off of Number Two.
Yea, yea, you’ll put a bullet in my head, I muttered as I rubbed at my eyes.
I was really growing tired of hearing his mouth and knew that if I didn’t watch mine, I would end up regretting it, but there again, I was getting annoyed at the constant empty threat. Please, I beg you. Then I won’t have to listen to you whine about not doing it anymore.
I squeaked as None pulled me from the Navigator. I shielded my eyes from the bright late morning sun as he dragged me up a manicured walkway and stumbled as a massive house came into view. It only appeared to be one story. Coming to a point at the front, its stone structure went as far as the eye could see in either direction.
None had a firm grip on my arm as the door opened and an older man dressed in black dress shoes and pants and a white dress shirt stepped to the side.
Welcome home, Mr. Stephens. The man looked me over and smiled warmly, Ma’am.
Thank you, Henry. This is Lea Mason, please see that Mahalia makes sure that she has what she needs.
I scrunched up my nose and scoffed, What I need is to go home.
Henry bowed his head and stepped back as a low hiss escaped None, Lea.
What ? I threw my free hand on my hip, That’s what I need.
Lea. None dragged my name out in agitation.
Lea, Lea, Lea. I mimicked. Is that all you can say, None ? Ow !
None’s grip tightened on my arm as he tugged me farther into the house. The three men walked in behind us and acknowledged Henry with a nod as the elderly man greeted each one.
Brunch will be ready in forty-five minutes, Sir. Henry closed the door and stood in front of our group. Is there anything I can get for you in the meantime ?
Coffees. Thank you, Henry.
Yes, Sir.
Do you always answer for your minions ? I asked curiously.
Henry turned and walked down the hall to the left while None ignored my comment and turned us to the hall to the right.
I tried unsuccessfully to pull my arm out if his grip. I can walk on my own, you know ?
None didn’t answer as we turned down a second hall. He pulled out a set of keys from his pocket and unlocked the french style doors and pulled me in.
This will be your room, Lea. There is a bath attached and you will find a fresh set of clothing on the bed. You have thirty minutes to shower, dress, and be ready for brunch. And don’t try anything stupid. There are guards around the property. None backed out of the room as I twirled around.
Well crap. What now, Lea ? I asked myself as I looked over the room.
Rich cream colored walls with a chandelier in the middle of the ceiling, a queen size bed, a dresser, entertainment stand with a flat T. V. and stereo system, surround sound speakers, floor to wall bookshelves, desk (no phone, no computer.. well shit, Lea), windows, and another door.
HM. A door.
I made my way to the second door and pulled back the rich maroon silk-like fabric that covered the glass. Letting it go, I grasped the knob and squeezed the lever. I sighed out in relief as the door opened onto a stone patio. I stepped out and took in grounds.
A stone path wound it’s way through full rose bushes of every color. Benches were readily available for lounging. Small nooks were tucked back from the edges of the paths, perfect for private reading. A large double fountain, seemingly made from dark granite, towered over the middle of the rose garden.
Ma’am, you shouldn’t be out here.
I jumped back, startled as I took in the man in front of me ; dark clothing, dark glasses, combat boots, and a large rifle slung loosely across his chest.
I, I was just, I turned and stomped my foot. I looked up and came face to face with None.