Fated

As the first snowflake settled, it whispered secrets of a winter tale waiting to unfold. The trees and the leaves seemed to match the intensity of the wind blowing. I have just finished the drink I had in my hand and am leaning on the balcony. I have been up since 2 a.m. working writing on a novel that will hopefully win a contest. At least I have the rest of the day though to do what I want. I’m used to at least five hours of sleep most of the time. I spy a bird flying high in the breeze. It must be an eagle. I trace the outline of the eagle in the air. There usually isn’t many eagles around in this area. I take a swipe through my hair. Maybe I should visit my parents today. It has been awhile. Well, no, actually it hasn’t but the holidays got totally messed up this year. I sigh. I will visit around 11 a.m. The cold air blows through me. Exiting through the bedroom door, I go to look for some clothes.

Then I pull some jeans on. I go back into the kitchen to get some more tea. The phone rings. I wonder who it is. I pull something out of the pantry. I look at the number. Unidentified. Figures. Popping a donut in my mouth, a sudden huge crash sends me bolting for my gun in disbelief. It’s too late though, because the figure traps me on the kitchen floor. The box of pastries are all over the floor, red fruit smearing everywhere. I try to kick it out. It’s no use, the attacker has me pinned, with my face on the floor, and I can’t see him. There are still noises outside. I think about my next move, but before I do, the attacker says

“I’ll let you up in a minute.”

“In a minute?”I spit out.

What the hell. He reigns true on his promise. He lets me up, and pushes me toward the front door. I kick out though, high enough to kick him in the balls. He lets go.

“Before you run,” he says, “Just know that Armani asked to see you.”

I sag on the couch.

“Of course this has something to do with my parents.”

I cross my legs.

“You might as well tell me where we are going.”

“Of course,” he says. “We are going to the Adrionacks hideout.”

I laugh, shaking my head. I finally take in the full height of this man. He has to be at least six foot. His short light brown hair is glimmering in the breeze. Blue eyes that look cold as ice stare back at me, unrelenting.

“I don’t think we’ve met before.”

I look at his shirt, his stomach is rippling, with the tightness of it. He stares at me, eyes me but not up and down.

“No, I don’t think so.” I laugh.

“Where has my father hidden you away?”

I turn to the door, noticing the two other large men, one waiting in the car.

“Damn, how many men does he think he needs...?”

I laugh again, this time uncontrollably.

“You know you almost hurt me, pounding me to the ground like that.”

I shake my head.

“Just let me get a couple things.”

He doesn’t argue. When I'm done, he’s still there, standing as still as a statue. I sigh.

“Are all the bodyguards my parents have this boring?”

He surprises me by grabbing my wrist.

“Oh, I’m the last thing from boring.”

Instead of a smile on his face, I am surprised to see a cold stare in his eyes.

“Did you just grab my wrist?”

I double take, because that is the first time any of my parent’s bodyguards have done that.

“Maybe you are a bit more interesting than the rest.”

I look him up and down then, and realize what a bad idea that was. All six feet of this man, who is inches away. His toned chest muscles; the tight black pants.

“Damn.”

I think. I’m pretty sure my face is on fire. He lets go.

“I’m sorry.”

He stares at you.

“We have to get going.”

I start for the car. He opens the door. I push back on the window, to see outside. It’s still early morning. Yawning, I let out a yelp when his hard body is sitting next to mine.

“Damn, what are you doing?”

I slide over automatically.

“If you didn’t notice, Jayme, all of the other seats are taken.”

I look at the driver and the front seat. He’s right. I don’t remember ever sitting next to dad’s bodyguards. I ignore him, and close my eyes.

here