Chapter 35 NEW ENEMY
“There was no reason to suspect; Heloise had no idea that you came to the old mountain to find a shaman in search of your soul and healing,” Greg defended himself, releasing a sigh shortly after. “Speaking of which, have you made any progress with that?”
“I know you're skeptical about this; believe me, I was too until a few years ago... I've been feeling better, more revitalized, and without pain, but as the shaman said, my fate is already sealed!” I put my hands in my pockets, leaning against the cold wood of the cabin.
“I'm sorry, my friend!” He squeezed my shoulder in a comforting gesture, his eyes heavy with sadness.
“Don't worry. And about the wanderer, what did you find out?”
“Well, he said he was hired by a mysterious and elegant man with a heavy accent,” Greg explained. “He was supposed to keep an eye on Elisabeth. It seems the interest was solely in her. The man wanted to know why she was in the area, who the man accompanying her was, and if the guards were anyone from intelligence, besides asking if Miss was in any witness protection program.”
“Witness protection program? Who was this guy? Did you get a name?” I clenched my fists, worried. The person who was pursuing Elisabeth must be someone dangerous, involved in something illicit. “Greg, tell me there's more to this story!”
“Sorry, according to the homeless man, the man didn't identify himself, and his face wasn't clearly visible, as he met him in a dark alley in the city and paid in cash,” Greg pulled out a cigarette and lit it, looking at the cold night sky. “Sir, the person after Elisabeth is a professional, capable of hiding the traces of both their pasts, and knows how to track and watch her...Maybe it's too risky, at this point in what we're doing, to protect your secretary!”
“Greg, it surprises me to hear you speak like this… You don't seem like the same combat buddy from the army, ready to risk your life for strangers!” I stared at him, nervous. “What happened to you?”
“You know what happened. That's why my only goal is to protect you and help you achieve your plans without distractions!” He sighed, looking into the cabin. “Look, I know she's a good person, besides being extremely attractive... But is it really worth risking everything for Elisabeth?”
“We're not in the army anymore.” I playfully slapped my friend's head. “She's my chosen successor. If she needs protection from someone so dangerous, we'll protect her like one of us!”
“Hmph, with all due respect, sir...” Greg tossed the cigarette into the snow, turning to face me. “You're letting yourself be carried away by her!”
“What can I say? You yourself said she's very attractive.” I smirked provocatively.
“Please, don't start thinking with the wrong head, or I'll regret saving you in combat.” He smiled jokingly.
“If I recall correctly, old friend, I saved you from being shot in that ambush, and thanks to you, we were lost in the desert for days, drinking urine to survive!” I remembered, still smiling.
“Since then, my life belongs to you, as well as my loyalty, noble master.” He theatrically bowed, mocking us, and we burst into laughter. “If it's important to you to protect her, it will be done. Let's find out who our new enemy is.”
“Elisabeth is the only one capable of continuing my empire. I've analyzed her reactions, and believe me, she has suffered a lot. I want the bastard to be captured. Furthermore, I will personally interrogate him!” A malicious smile spread across my lips.
“You plan to personally wear yourself out in the interrogation? Don't be foolish. Remember: I am the strength, the one who does the dirty work, and you are the brains!” Greg nudged my ribs, stepping away. “Stay sharp. We're on alert. We'll leave according to your schedule in the morning.”
“You could have been so efficient when we were in the army, couldn't you? It would have spared me from drinking urine and being in terrible conditions.” I teased, making him laugh and raise his hands in acknowledgment.
“Then you wouldn't have good stories to tell!” Greg chuckled, walking away and disappearing among the trees.
I returned to the cabin, agitated. I sat on the couch and finished the bottle of wine, sighing as I looked at Elisabeth's open book, with details described. Despite being an erotic novel, all the sensations described and the tender treatment seemed like a sign, a need, and a desire to live an intense, daring, respectful, loving, and affectionate relationship.
I spent hours pondering the information I had lost in my thoughts and daydreams. I was awakened by soft footsteps echoing through the cabin, and when I turned, I saw Elisabeth. She had just taken a shower, wrapped in her robe, with red eyes and flushed cheeks.
“Miss, I thought you were sleeping.” I raised my eyes to meet hers.
“I was worried about you. You took a long time to come back, and I didn't see you around the house...I feared something bad might have happened.” She said it timidly.
“I lost track of time talking to Greg.” I smiled and raised my hand to caress her tousled hair, further enhancing her beauty. I brushed my lips against hers. “And here I was thinking you hadn't slept because you were expecting my company in bed.”
She lowered her head shyly, biting her lip and tightening the robe.
“Well, the effect of the alcohol has worn off... I was just worried. Now that I see you're okay, I'll return to my quarters!” She said this, shrugging and moving to leave. But I grabbed her wrists, pulling her close to me.
“We both know it wasn't the alcohol, Miss.” I took her lips in a kiss, feeling her body relax against mine. I smiled and pulled her by the hip, feeling the fabric of her robe against my clothes. “Let's rest. We'll return to Seattle in the morning.”
Holding her hands, I led her to the corridor upstairs. We passed Elisabeth's bedroom door, and she frowned, stopping.
“My room is here.” She pointed to the door, but I smiled and pulled her with a little more force.
“And mine is here, Miss!” I whispered in her ear, still pulling her. “My bed is bigger than yours.”
“Mr. Morgan, we don't need to spend another night together...I'm fine!” She nervously bit her lip, her voice slightly trembling.
I turned her against the corridor wall, placing my arms on either side, trapping her. I lifted my eyes to meet hers, lowering my head to take her lips in a gentle kiss. Furthermore, I slid my hands over her robe, realizing she wasn't wearing anything underneath.
“Miss...” I whispered, turning the doorknob of the next door and opening it. I grabbed her by the nape and waist, kissing her eagerly as I led our bodies into my room.