Chapter 64

-James-

"I love you, J," I whispered to Jianna as she drifted off to sleep. I kissed her shoulder and pulled her closer to me. I smelled the familiar lavender scent that Jianna had always had, which lulled me to sleep.

When I woke up, Jianna was still sleeping. I poked her lightly to ensure she was actually there, not just a dream. She scratched the arm that I prodded, and it made me chuckle. I looked at her, and she was sound asleep. Her quiet snores were melodious, and the way the sliver of sunshine that was peeking through the curtains played on her skin was exquisite.

My thoughts were interrupted by a rapping on the bedroom door. I glared at the door and then looked back at Jianna, who was still sound asleep. I sighed in relief and quietly got out of bed. Jianna turned slightly but remained asleep.

I walked towards the door and opened it. A man stood there accompanied by two goliaths.

"Mr. Barnes," said the man who was standing up front. "We have given you your request. Now. If you please." the man stepped to his left and gestured for me to leave the room.

I turned around and looked at Jianna, sleeping peacefully still. "Give me a minute," I said to them, closing the door. The man held the door.

"One minute, Mr. Barnes." he held up a finger and glared at me.

"Understood," I said in a stone-cold voice.

The man chuckled. "There's the killer I heard so many stories about."

I glowered at him and closed the door. I sprinted towards Jianna and started to wake her up.

"Hey baby, hey. We gotta go, ok?" I whispered to her as I slowly and cautiously shook her awake. She turned around and looked at me, still half awake.

"What are you talking about?" she whispered. "James, we're fine."

"Baby, we have to go," I said urgently. "Are you able to fight?"

"Am I able... Am I able to what? James, slow down. What's going on?" Jianna finally sat up and started dressing.

"Are you able to fight?" I asked again.

Jianna looked at me, her confusion turning into concern. "James, what's happening? Why do we have to leave? Please, you're scaring me." Her voice quivered as she hastily pulled on her jeans and grabbed her jacket.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself as I explained the situation. "There are men outside, J. And they're not here for a social visit." I started. "They want you. They think I will give you up, so they let me spend one last night with you. I am never leaving you ever again." I leaned towards her and kissed her left cheek, then her right cheek, and then I passionately kissed her lips. I felt her take a deep breath in my mouth.

When we stopped for air, I leaned my forehead to hers. "Jianna, please. Just trust me, ok? Please." my voice started to quiver. And she finally looked at me and placed her hand on my cheek.

"Baby, whatever it is, I'm with you a hundred percent, but you're going to tell me what's going on after this is all done." Jianna sat up and held her pinky up. "Promise?"

I had to admire her childish side, sometimes such innocence. But I don't have time to waste. The men outside are counting down the seconds until they barge in that door and take her away from me.

Jianna nodded, her determination shining through the grogginess. Without a word, she finished dressing up and put her hair in a ponytail. I caught her lavender-scented hair and couldn't help but lean in slightly to breathe in the heavenly scent I love so much.

She stood up and was dressed in a skin-tight, all-black outfit. She was breathtaking. I took a deep breath and looked at her. When she looked back at me, I knew she was already in her game face.

"You ready?" I asked, placing a knife in my back that the men didn't find when they searched me yesterday.

Jianna cracked her neck and leaned forward, her head towards the floor. She was stretching. Jianna went from zero to deadly in no time. I feel bad for whoever is going to be dealing with her.

I grabbed my pack and headed to the door.

"You ready?" I asked her.

She walked towards me and gave me a kiss.

"Let's go."