by Lietha Wards
He pushed open the door and saw her. She was watching him in the reflection of the mirror. He was actually wearing jeans and a plain white t-shirt, not his usual dressy attire. She stared at him confused. This was unusual attire for him. She’d always seen him in an expensive suit.
“Don’t you knock?”
He shrugged.
She rolled her eyes.
“I’m going to take you for target practice?”
“Don’t you have normal targets?” she smiled.
The side of his mouth pulled up. “Smart mouth.”
She actually laughed.
“How’s that arm?”
She looked down and clenched a fist. There was a throbbing at the action, but it was tolerable. “It’s better.”
“Do you think you can grip a pistol?”
“I think so, this is my left. I’m a righty.”
“You do need both hands, but if you can form a fist it’ll be fine then. Are you ready? Do you want to eat breakfast first?”
She shook her head. No, she didn’t want to eat with her father or his men. “Is this okay?” She waved down her attire. She’d also worn jeans and a silk beige tank top. It was casual wear but she had nothing planned. Turned out it was a good choice.
His eyes went down her body. His expression, as usual, unreadable. “Yes.” He left the bathroom.
Her eyes followed him, then down to his backside. Gosh, he was sinful in denim. She looked at her reflection again. “Stop it Katya. You’re a job to him. Nothing more.” She was referring to the acceleration of her heartbeat when he looked at her with those incredible eyes of his. She spun around and followed him through the door to his room, and stopped.
He had a large aluminum case open on his freshly made bed. There wasn’t one wrinkle in the blankets either. He’d obviously made it himself. As for the case; in it were enough weapons to start a war with a small country. It was all neatly arranged, like everything else about this man. “Wow.” She walked up and stood beside him looking at the contents in awe.
She spared him a glance. It didn’t bother him at all that she was standing there looking at his arsenal while lifted the bottom layer revealing another compartment.
In the lid embedded in black foam were bits and pieces of what looked like, a rifle. She was sure it was. She bent over and traced it with her fingers. “This is a sniper rifle, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“Why is it in pieces?”
“To keep it clean, and easier for transport.”
“It’s custom made, isn’t it.”
“Yes, again.”
He never said anything else, but removed a few guns, and ammunition, placing them in a smaller black case, obvious for carrying ease. She wondered why he would bring such a weapon into her home. What on earth would he need a rifle like that for?
There were other things in the aluminum case as well. Things that she didn’t recognize, but she sort of felt silly in asking him so many questions that she didn’t further push him.
When he was done, he snapped the case shut and spun the combination locks on it. Then he lifted it off the bed and slid it underneath.
“Aren’t you afraid that might get stolen. I mean my father’s security is good, but Ivan would salivate seeing those toys.”
He shook his head pressing his mouth to keep from smiling. It amused him that she read that man well. “I’ve got a GPS tracking system in it.”
“Smart.” Of course he did.
“Let’s go.” He grabbed the case and opened the door allowing her to leave first.
Jose was waiting with the car. Ryan stopped and spoke to him, giving him directions as she got in. There was a basket on one of the side seats. It was a picnic basket. It was so thoughtful that she found it touching.
She waved at it when he got in beside her, “Are we going to be awhile?”
“I get hungry, and apparently so do you, especially when you skip breakfast to avoid your father. To answer your question though, probably.”
She was okay with that. She had nothing else planned and it would mean she would be away from this place for a day.
***
The drive was just under two hours, and she was actually getting impatient. She finally asked him which gun range they were going to.
“We are going to some secluded property that belongs to a friend. I don’t want anyone to witness your training.”
“Oh.” She never thought of that.
“The more surprise you have on your side, the better advantage.” Actually, the drive wouldn’t have been as long as it was, but he’d asked Jose to take a few odd turns to make sure they weren’t being followed. When he was certain, he gave the go ahead to their destination.
That right there made her know there was more to this man than she could fathom. He was only showing her bits and pieces. Last night when he held her, it would have been so easy to take advantage of her, but he didn’t. In fact, she was sure there was no attraction on his side at all. She knew what she looked like, because like Anna, they took after their mother and she was gorgeous. She was a little conceited in that area too, but he never even indicated that he’d found her pretty at all. It actually bothered her. “Are you married?” He suddenly laughed and she grinned. It sounded wonderful. Well, from his reaction, that was a no. “A relationship, then?”
He shook his head, still chuckling. “What brought that up?”
“I’m curious.”
He studied her for a moment. “This is about last night.”
She swallowed and blushed.
“I don’t take advantage of vulnerable women Kat.”
She should have known. He was just being professional, and obviously, a gentleman. “Do you think I’m pretty?” Oh lord, she should just shut up. She’d always been quite blunt, but not so forward. She had embarrassed herself by asking the question, but he didn’t seem the least bit bothered by it. Fact is, she had to know. She was finding herself more and more attracted to this man. She wished there was a button she could just push to turn it off, but apparently that’s not what happened in this situation. Well, if he said ‘no’ that would definitely push the button. She sighed inwardly feeling the heat climb higher in her cheeks just from thinking about it. What she wouldn’t give to have his steel demeanor at that moment.
His eyes moved over her face. He wasn’t smiling anymore, and the humor left his expression all together. “Yes. You’re quite beautiful, in fact.”
She flushed further, and her heart jumped, but kept her gaze steady on his. He had such stunning grey eyes. “I slept really well.”
“I know.”
Yes, he did. She woke up under the covers with her robe off. “Thanks for being there.”
“You’re welcome.”
And that’s all he said. She turned and looked out the side window unbeknownst that Ryan studied her further after she looked away. Yes, he knew she slept well, because he’d watched her that night. Memorizing her peaceful expression, and the rise and fall of her breasts against him as she breathed. She looked like an angel. He’d lifted his hand and brushed ebony strands off her face to see her better. She murmured something softly with those entrancing full pouty lips at that gentle caress, but didn’t wake. She had thick black lashes, high cheekbones and a perfect nose that curved down the bridge slightly and turned up at the end. Everything about her was completely attractive. The bruise on her eye was just barely noticeable now, and the ones around her neck were gone. He traced his finger down her jaw to her neck, then slid the robe off her shoulder. Her shoulders were even delicately curved, just like the rest of her, and very kissable. Her whole body was a piece of delectable art. She was graceful, elegant, and possessed an aura of class that was admirable to her sex. It was natural for her too, no matter the boarding schools and governesses. It was because of her pride. She fought tooth and nail to keep it even though she’d been through hell. Not many of her social status could brag about that. She didn’t even know how ra
re that was. His gaze lowered to her breasts, then her jean clad legs.
The car came to a stop then, and he immediately got out, needing fresh air.
Katya got out the other side and looked around. “Where are we?” The sparsely travelled road ended in a densely forested area, but there was a visible path ahead.
“In the middle of nowhere.” He walked back to the trunk as Jose popped the latch. He removed his case and indicated toward the path. Jose got out and removed the basket, and followed them.
It was about a fifteen minute walk through the trees, and it was very peaceful. Then it opened up into what looked like a huge empty gravel pit. She could see actual targets set up at the far end. There was an old rusty brown ford truck parked near the middle and an older man with a cane standing there. He had grey hair and about three days’ worth of stubble on his jaw. Beside him were two tables, set up with some chairs, and a large umbrella over for shade. She supposed he did that for them. He waved when he saw them.
“Who’s that?”
“My friend. He’s a retired colonel. His name is Jimmy Jackson. He’s Jackson or Jack to us. Come I’ll introduce you.”
“Ryan, you are a sight for sore eyes!” Jimmy limped over and gave him a genuine hug.
“Jack!” Ryan grinned, “I thought you died.”
“I may have and no one told me.” His eyes went to Katya with curious surprise.
Ryan introduced them.
Jimmy gave Ryan quirky smile before addressing her. “Well, it’s nice to meet you Katya. Any gal that wants to learn how to shoot is always welcome. And any gal that Ryan brings along is even more welcome.” He shook her hand. “I could quite possibly fall in love with her too.” He shot a look to Ryan and grinned wide.
That expression made him seem a lot younger to Katya. By about ten to fifteen years. She wondered if this whole cane-beard thing was a ruse. Regardless, liked him instantly. He had unspoken amusement in his eyes, and there were crow’s-feet at the corners like he laughed a lot.
“I’ll leave you to it then. Don’t blow anything up.” He winked directly at Katya. “Like last time.”
“I’ll try not to.”
Jackson got in the truck and left.
“Last time?” her eyes went wide.
“Long story, and it wasn’t my fault.”
“I’d like to hear it.”
“Someday.” He set the case on the table and opened it.
Jose set the basket down and started to look interested in what Ryan was doing.
Translation; never. Oh well, Katya couldn’t have expected anything different. Maybe someday he would share a little more. She didn’t push him because she certainly wasn’t forthcoming about anything that happened to her.
She returned her attention to the contents of the black case he’d opened up. He was arranging the firearms on the table. She was more eager to get started but he wouldn’t even let her touch the gun for the first hour as he went over all the safety components, showed her how to dismantle it, clean it, and put it back together properly. Then he made her do it. Then he spent another half an hour showing her how to draw it out of a holster, and hold it correctly, sighting, and using the proper stance; knees bent, arms straight. Then she got the cardinal rules;
1. Always treat every firearm as if it were loaded. No excuses. Even if you know the gun is unloaded, still handle it as if it were loaded.
2. Always keep it pointed in a safe direction.
According to Ryan, even the most proficient break this rule all the time. They’ll take a gun and start pointing it all over the place when distracted.
“They don’t even know they’re doing it,” said Ryan, “which makes it even more dangerous. It only takes one careless moment to end a life. Best area to point it, is downrange.” He pointed to the targets. “What you see on television, isn’t the way to handle a gun. Only fools imitate that.”
3. Always keep your trigger finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.
“Do not shoot with only one hand either. You are no cowboy—or girl in this case. Both hands on the gun at all times, to steady it. If not, you’ll end up with one hell of a black eye, broken nose or even a concussion from the kick,” he added.
“Kick?”
“The opposing force emitted on the gun from the expulsion of the bullet. All that energy has to go somewhere, and it will cause the gun to kick back.”
“Oh.”
4. Always be sure of your firing line, target, backstop, and beyond.
“You got that Katya?”
She nodded. “I think so.”
“Repeat it, then.”
She did, bit by bit. She was really good at memorization. It served her well today.
Somehow Jose ended learning right along with her and Ryan went through the same motions with him.
Then to her excitement, they finally got to shoot.
The first bullet she shot missed the target completely. She saw it explode the rocks and dirt next to it. The shot also had a strong kick like Ryan said. Now she could see that the stance he taught her kept her from falling on her ass. She could also see how easily it would to get a black eye or a broken nose if she didn’t absorb the effect with her arms and shoulders. She could also feel the impact on her wrist. It ached, but she didn’t care.
Jose’s hit the target, but barely.
She narrowed her gaze at him. “Teacher’s pet.”
He laughed.
This was the first time she could admit to actually enjoying herself since she came home. Jose, had always been quiet but polite, but now she got to see a side of him she never knew about. Ryan was very respectful to him also. Most people treated him like hired help, which he was, but Ryan spoke to him as an equal. She could tell that Jose really appreciated him for it.
“I’m terrible.” Though she wasn’t discouraged. She was laughing at her own terrible aim.
Ryan told her to try again. This time he stood behind her, reached in front and adjusted her arms. She could feel the heat from his body, the strength of his arms, and the hardness of his chest at her back. Then he leaned down and spoke in her ear, “Concentrate.”
Yeah right. “I’m trying.” She sounded a little breathless. Hopefully he didn’t catch it. Who could concentrate with a man like that standing close enough to feel his body heat?
“Eye your sights. Get them in line. Widen your stance.”
“Okay.”
He released her and backed up.
She fired again and actually hit the second outer ring of the target. She squealed her delight.
“Good job.”
She turned and grinning from ear to ear. That was it, she was hooked.
They spent the next few hours shooting, then they took a break and ate.
She took in her surroundings. There was a small breeze and she enjoyed the feeling of it over her skin and turned her face toward it. “I could spend all day, every day out here, just away from everything.” She said absently.
Ryan watched her thoughtfully. Her cheeks were flushed from excitement and she looked radiant. “It does look good on you.”
She smiled at him and took a drink of water. “This is your territory isn’t it?”
“The outdoors?”
“Yes.”
“Of sorts, yes.”
“I’m beginning to think that you honestly don’t do much bodyguard guarding.”
He smiled at her. “Not much, no. I’ve done my fair share, though.”
“You’re not so bad Mr. Casey,” she teased.
“I’m glad you think so.”
They made it back home before supper and Katya rushed upstairs to change before dinner. They were dusty from the gravel pit.
Ryan watched her disappear upstairs. He had gotten the results back from the note and the package. It was messaged to him on the way home. Katya had fallen asleep next to him. She’d slid against him and was resting her head on his upper arm. He was trying to
be as careful as he could to not disturb her. He’d found himself staring at her more than he usually did. He couldn’t help it. She was bewitching today. There was just something about this woman. She was smart, sexy, and had spunk. Then you add on her perseverance to recover from a traumatic event and take steps to protect herself from further harm. He really admired the drive she had. It wasn’t as if she needed something else to make her more attractive to him. She already was. He shook his head and returned his attention to his phone.
He spent the next hour conversing with his superiors. There were no traceable prints or DNA on the letter. There was however, some interesting news about the finger.
It wasn’t Anna’s.
That information was being kept to himself. He needed Peter afraid and weakened. Although it did raise some questions. Katya moved and sighed in her sleep and he took a moment to look down at her again. He had to keep himself in check around her. It was becoming quite clear that he was getting a little over his head.
He rubbed his forehead and turned away from the stairs. While Katya was getting cleaned up, he sought out Peter to give him the news.
Katya, however, never made it to her room right away.
“Oh darling there you are!” Porsha stopped her outside her room in the hallway. She was wearing a skintight stretchy white skirt and a red blouse that was unbuttoned enough to show the black bra she wore beneath.
“Hello.” Katya was going to try and be polite. It wasn’t the woman’s fault that her father was a pig. She also didn’t want to ruin the mood she was in.
“I wanted to ask you if we could go shopping tomorrow—together, you know, for some girl time. Your father seems to think it would do us some good to bond, and get you out of the house.”
Eck, girl time? Katya wanted to blow the other woman off, but she just had a great day and was still on a high. Not only that, Porsha was like her and alone in the big house. She nodded and agreed before she could change her mind. “Okay.”
“Maybe we can do lunch too,” she turned to walk away, paused, then turned back, “Oh and bring that sexy beast of a bodyguard.” She wiggled her manicured eyebrows and wandered off giggling to herself.
