60

I reached out and punched Miller’s arm.
Ow, what was that for ?
I wanted to laugh as he twisted his face in mock pain but I kept my face straight as I growled out, I. Am. Not. Nor. Have. I. Ever. Been. Bipolar.
Miller rubbed his arm and hissed under his breath, Sure you’re not.
I started to reply but stopped short as a gruff voice filled the room.
Are you two done playing around in here ? Both our heads snapped up to see watchdog number one standing at the door with his arms folded over his chest.
Why does it matter ? I tilted my head and eyed the massive beast in front of me.
Lea, don’t. Miller’s tone changed back to the one I was becoming more familiar with, cold and tight.
Maybe we should call Carter up and let him know that you two are, shall we say, rolling between the sheets ?
I scoffed, Like he’d believe that.
Don’t underestimate the complexity of a man like Carter when it comes to his feelings, girl. All it takes is one seed of doubt to be planted. It doesn’t have to be anything major, in fact, it can be something as small as a grain of mustard, and everything he thinks he feels, will be ripped to shreds.
I stood and made my way to the door, ignoring Miller’s warning to keep quiet as I stopped in front of the monstrosity of a man.
You are an arrogant, pompous ass. I stood nose to chest with the brute and pushed two fingers into his chest. I trust Carter. And I trust in what he feels for me. So go ahead, call him. I stood my ground as the man started to shake from anger, Because I also trust the fact that he has put you on his radar. And I trust the fact that if something happens to me, he will come for you, all of you. It might not be today or tomorrow, but he will come. I paused to let the words sink in before growling out, Now, get the hell out of my way.
Victoria’s guard stepped to the side as rage filled his eyes.
I hadn’t realized that Miller had gotten up and stood behind me until I felt his hand on my shoulder. He spoke quietly as we walked toward the cabin, You shouldn’t talk to them like that, Lea. It’s only going to make it tougher on you.
I reached back and patted Miller’s hand. I’ve already been through hell, Miller. The only thing that will make this tougher for me is if I die.
I sat down beside Lynx as Miller took the seat he had earlier. Victoria had her head tilted back and her eyes closed. So, you decided to rejoin us Lea. It wasn’t a question.
I studied the woman for a moment before answering, For now.
I didn’t miss the smirk cross her face as she opened her eyes and looked me over. We will be landing in a few minutes. Miller and Lynx will stay behind and be sent back to Carter while you and I take a tour of the countryside.
If you are just going to send them back, then why did you agree to let them come with me ?
I didn’t understand it. If Lynx and Miller weren’t going to be able to come with me or protect me from what ever was going to happen, then why did she allow them to come in the first place ?
Because Carter doesn’t trust me with you, Victoria smirked as she watched the two men clench their fist, ‘and it was the only way that he would agree to let you out of the house.
And if I refuse to go with you ?
If you refuse, Lea, then I get the honor of calling up my son and informing him that the love of his life and two of his best friends were killed in a very unfortunate accident.
I looked the woman over, taking in the same steel blue eyes and dark hair that Carter had. Why do you hate him so much ?
It was a question I had found myself curious of since the first night I had seen her in the house.
She snapped her head up and narrowed her eyes on me, The relationship I have with my son is none of your business, Lea. Is that understood ?
I rolled my eyes and leaned up in my chair. Ever since you threatened me into getting on this damn plane it has become my business, Ma’am.
Lea, that’s enough. Lynx sat forward and wrapped his hands around my shoulders, pulling me back into my seat. Some things are best left alone. If I’m not mistaken, I believe you have been told that before.
I turned and looked at Lynx. He seemed so defeated. I’m not going to tell Carter what you said Lynx. I was bound to find out eventually.
Lynx shook his head, You don’t understand Lea. This isn’t about what I said. Yes, Boss will have my ass for that, but that is the least of my concerns right now.
Then what is it about ?
What ever Mrs. Stephens has planned, Miller and I can’t interfere with. If we do, we will be made watch while she deals with you.
Oh. I sat back in my chair and watched the sadistic smile once again spread across Victoria’s face and began to envision her slow painful death.
This woman needs to be pushed out of the plane. Without a parachute. While strapped to a bag filled with bricks. While flying over the Atlantic. With no life preserver. And into a shark feeding frenzy.
I hadn’t realized that I was laughing out loud until Victoria’s voice caught me off guard.
Do you think this is funny Lea ?
What ? No. I shook my head and took a deep breath. I was just thinking, you know, to keep myself from going all bat shit crazy and getting myself into more trouble than I already am.
I heard Lynx and Miller growl out my name in warning.
I looked between the two guys, You two know how I get when I’m cornered. I figured finding something to laugh at would be better than doing something irrational and rash, which we all know would end up with me having a bullet put in my head. Right ?
Miller looked over my head to Lynx, You know, she does have a point.
I threw a hand back toward Miller, See Lynx, Miller gets it.
Lynx sat back in his chair and took a deep breath. Dammit Lea, just please, for once, behave.
I went completely still at the quiet plea. I hated that word. Behave.
I slumped back in my chair and ignored Victoria’s knowing smirk.
God, I just want to slap that damn look off her face. I agreed with my mind. The permanent feature was beginning to get on my last nerve.
I stayed quiet as we touched down, biting back the fear of the unknown that awaited me.
Lea, it’s time to go. Victoria stood at the entrance to the plane.
I squeezed my eyes shut and spoke so low that only my two guards could hear me, I can’t do this.
Lynx spoke softly, Yes you can. You have your brains, your sass, the pendant, and the number you were given. Make them work for you Lea.
What if I fail ?
Miller laid his hand on my arm, You won’t. Believe in yourself. And believe in Carter.
Watchdog number two stalked over and grabbed me by the arm, You were told to move it.
I watched as things seemed happen in slow motion.
Miller growled, And I told you, you touch her again and I would do more than break your thumb.
You won’t have a chance. The guard tightened his grip on my arm and dragged me upwards.
Miller growled and stood, rushing at the man holding my arm. Lynx stood and grabbed my waist, pulling me sideways. He tucked me into a ball, covering my body with his while watchdog number one pull a gun from his waistband and aimed.