Under His Protection

Eleven

Having this secret friendship with Landon is something I never thought would come to be. When I'm with him, it's like everything around me is calm and okay. Almost fairytale like as I keep describing this whole situations. I mean Landon is the knight and Crow is the monster. I'm the lonely princess stuck in the tower waiting to be saved. Only in this story, my knight needs saving too.

For the two weeks, Landon has been completely different with me. In front of Crow, he is just as uptight and orderly as ever, but alone in his room with records playing softly, he runs his fingers through my hair, rubs my back, kisses my neck when we are laying together. The little time I get with him is like a normal life with a normal guy. It makes me miss the outside world even more. I can't go to the fresh food market on Saturday mornings like I used to with Ray. I can't hold his hand when I want or sleep with him all night. None of those things are possible, especially with Crow breathing down my neck every chance he gets when we're in the same room. I know what I feel for Landon isn't love. And even if it were, I'd never tell him. He said it himself, it's just support. Two people leaning on each other. Friends.

Yesterday while in his room, he kissed me as gentle as ever "I thought about you last night" He mumbled as he ran his fingers down the bridge of my nose. Looking at him, I couldn't help but smile "Really? And what did you think about?"

"I thought about having you here with me all night. What it would be like to wake up to you here."

"That would be nice" I whispered as I slid my hand behind his neck, tangling my fingers in his hair to rub his scalp. He closed his eyes and sighed. I knew he liked it after the first time I did it days before. He had turned into a little puppy, getting scratches behind the ear. Wrapping his arm around me, he pulled me close and rested against the pillow we were now sharing. As I stared up at him, a smirk spread across his lips, but he didn't say anything. He was getting used to me staring at him, but I would never get used to looking at him.

Being with him made me both happy and sad. It's so bitter sweet being around him. I loved it the physical contact. I needed it, craved it in the deepest form. But I knew sooner or later, Crow would have me.

Over the two weeks, I also began noticing how much Crow's patience was wearing thin. He is irritated that my feelings haven't swayed for him. He grabs me harder and leaves more finger prints when he's in a bad mood. His s****l frustrations have turned into physical altercations. Twice this week he hit me, leaving bruises on my back and side. I didn't want Landon to know, but when he tried to take off my shirt and I wouldn't let him, he knew.

Something is beginning to wear thin in Landon as well. I can't pin point it, but he isn't as quick to stand up for Crow like he was before. He lets me vent and even agrees with me. Whenever I catch him gazing off, his expression is hard and deep like he is making a list that's always missing something. I've tried asking him what he's thinking, but he brushes it off saying that it's not important.

Today though, I won't get to see Landon at all. Crow sent him and the guys out for escort Claudia out of town. If it's one thing Crow doesn't play about, it's protection for her, his ex-wife. Claudia had expressed that Crow was a good guy at one point. I assume being cheated on made him rather cold, but at what point did he forgive her. When did he start treating her like the victim? Those bits and pieces will probably never get filled in for me.

As I'm sitting at the table for breakfast, Crow stares at me. His gaze is the usual cold, yet hot as his eyes flicker over me. It makes me uncomfortable to me this alone with him. The guys are gone and I won't be able to roam around without Landon. It's just me and Crow all day. I wonder if Landon is thinking about me. Worrying about me perhaps. He knows Crow and knows his intentions. Maybe Crow will just leave her be for the day like he does the other days. God, I really hope so.

Taking a bite of an orange, a drop of juice manages to drip on my chin. Biting my lip, I take my napkin and wipe it away and when I look up, Crow's lips are parted slightly as he exhales softly. "Princess?"

"Yes?"

"Come here" He orders and my stomach suddenly becomes full of nerves. I wait for a moment before pushing my chair back and walking to him. By his side, he pulls me down on his lap and breathes in my hair like always. "How are you enjoying your stay? It's going on seven weeks. You've comfortable here right?"

Nodding, I tense up as his hand slides up and down my back "Yes, I'm comfortable" I mumble as I try not to let my lie become transparent. I was never comfortable in this house. My room was never comfortable and neither was the bed. I hated sleeping in it. No matter how many feathers are places in it, it's like I can feel a million lumps digging into my back when I lie down. The only place I can really sleep is in the unmade full size bed that Landon sleeps in. His bed lacked feathers and plushness, but provided so much comfort.

"I want to talk to you about how this relationship is moving along, or rather not moving. I told you I'd give you time and I've given you plenty. I think it's time for us to take this to the next step, Princess. I know you're ready."

Wanting to jump out of my skin, my eyes widen as a small smirk grows on his lips as he strokes my thigh. I don't know what to say that would get him to back off a bit longer. I've been trying to prolong this for forever, but I' sure he knows that by now. He knows I'm stalling.

When I don't speak, he continues "That's why I sent Landon away. He didn't need to watch you today. I woke this morning with you on my mind and you only. Your body in my bed has been a dream that I'm ready to make into a reality" Crow slips his hand down and cups my backside causing me to cringe. My chest begins to hurt as the walls begins pulling in on me. Crow lifts me off of his lap to stand up before gripping my nightgown at the sides. I slap my hands down over his and he gives me a stern look "Move your hands"

"No" I whisper, shaking my head. "Please, don't do this. I'm not ready"

"I don't' car if you're ready anymore. You're mine and when I want to f**k you, I damn sure will whether you're ready or not." Instead of pulling my night gown up, he slides his hands up my arms and suddenly rips the thin straps, causing me to gasp in shock. I hold the gown up as he licks his lips. "If I have to tell you to move your hands one more time, I'm going to beat the s**t out of you. Then you surely won't be able to fight. Now move them" He yanks my hands down and the silk fabric falls, revealing my bare chest. A groan rumbles from him as my body begins to shake. Crow pulls the gown down and it falls to my feet. My eyes begin to water and when a tear streams down my cheek", Crow leans down to me and flicks his tongue out, licking the tear away. "Mm, you taste amazing, Princess."

Grabbing me around the waist, he backs me into the table, lifting me up to sit on it. I hear glasses and things fall on the table and floor, breaking. A part of me wants to fight him, but I'm afraid. Afraid of being beaten to death. I'd never thought that the fear alone would make me compliant in my own downfall. Gripping the table cloth, I look down as Crow begins undoing his pants. I feel like I need to throw up, the vomit just rests in my throat, leaving me feeling nauseated.

When his pants are undone, he steps between my legs and kisses my neck. As his hefty body leans into me, I lean back. Placing my hand back to lean on, I knock over a brass candle holder. My hand grips it and squeezes it tightly, waiting for my brain and body to come together.

"Baby, I'm so happy you're letting me in. You're going to love the way I make you feel" He mumbles as his reptile like tongue slithers over my skins and his rough hands grip my sides. Sniffing, my vision becomes blurred "Please stop" my voice cracks, but all Crow does is moan against my neck. "Stop trying to fight it, Princess. This can go very badly very fast. I don't want to force you, but I will and I will like it"

I don't know when it happened or how it happened so quickly, but my arm swings with the candle holder, knocking Crow in the head. Gasping at my own action, I watch as he stumbles back, holding the side of his head. "You f*****g b***h" He shakes his head and suddenly, he charges at me. I swing again, but he catches my wrist, back handing me with his free hand. The sting along makes my vision blur over to where I'm seeing two of him. I yell out as he pulls me off the table, letting me fall to the floor. On my hands and knees, he kicks me hard in my stomach. I bite my lip as the pain runs through me. Reaching down, Crow grabs my hair and begins dragging me across the floor. Screaming loudly, I kick and squirm trying to free myself.

"I guess I'm going to have to show you just how serious I am. You brought this on yourself, Princess. Hopefully, after today you will be a little more compliant to my needs." He grits his teeth as he pulls me to the stares. Lifting me to my feet, I try to push away from him, but he slaps me again.

Picking me, Crow throws me over his shoulder as my head spins. I notice him walking past my room and down the hall to his. I want to fight, but my head hurts too bad, throbbing as the blood rushes to it from being upside down. Crow pushes his bedroom door open and he tosses me on the bed like a rag doll. Groaning, as my head continues to spin, I see two sets of Crow pulling his shirt and pants off. Sitting up, I try to get off the bed, but a hand catches my jaw, sending me back onto the bed. This time, I could taste the metallic tinge of blood. The tears come more as I slide back against the bed. My hand slips under his pillow and I feel a gun. I go to wrap my fingers around it when suddenly, I'm pulled away by my ankles. I kick my legs and when Crow loses his grip, I slide back and grab it. Pointing it directly at him, despite seeing more than one of him. I know which one is the real him.

Holding one hand to my mouth, I point the gun at him as my other hand shakes. "Please, leave me alone" My voice trembles with fear. I don't even know for sure if I can pull the trigger. I told Landon that I'd do it in a heartbeat, yet here I am afraid to pull the damn trigger.

Crow stares unaffected by me "Put it down, little girl."

"Please, just leave me alone" I repeat and as Crow steps forward, my finger flinches a bit over the trigger causing him to freeze. Suddenly, I see it in his eyes. Fear. He is afraid that I will actually kill him right here and now.

"I just want to go home" A steady flow of tears spilled over as they drip onto my bare chest.

Crow forces a smile "You can go home. I will let you go right now. Just put the gun down, Princess"

"Stop calling me that, you liar!" Just then, I hear footsteps, running, getting closer.

A smirk spreads over his lips as he hears people coming up the stairs "They are going to kill you for this. I hope you know what you're doing, you stupid, stupid cunt" He snorts and it makes me want to just end it all. I want to see his life leave his body. I can't take this anymore.

When the door swings open, I flinch hard as Anderson and Viktor rush in, guns pulled, but not in the direction of my abuser. They are pointed at me. I eye them as I keep my position, keeping the gun facing Crow.

"Put it down, Cam!" Anderson yells and me like I'm a terrorist. Shaking my head, I sniff. "I can't. I can't do this. I won't let him hurt me!" In Anderson's eyes, I know he feels sorry for me. He knows things would boil over eventually, leaving me dead in the end. I doubt he thought, he'd be the one threatening to kill me through.

Viktor on the other hand, was looking at Crow. Anger in his eyes as his hand grips the gun tightly, pointing it to the floor. I know what he wants to do, but would he? I doubt it. I doubt neither of them would risk their own lives saving me. That was clear from the beginning. We stay there in silence as Crow stands at the end of the bed "I'm giving you a chance to save yourself, Princess. Just put it down and you'll be fine. I won't even punish you, I promise"

Sobbing now, I am stuck on the fine line of living and dying. I could be dead in a second and the thought of that suddenly becomes overwhelming. Gun still up and aimed, I let my head fall as I cry out. "I just want to go home" What I want more than home though, is Landon. Where is he?

Answering the question, he finally appears in the door way with a look of mixed emotions. He doesn't say anything as I look at him. I don't even know what to say. All this had happened too fast for me to process. Landon's blue eyes say so many different things that I can't decode. Suddenly, he speaks "Camilla" No, don't call me that. I don't want to be Camilla. I don't want serious Landon. I want the Landon who holds me and kisses me. "Put it down, now before you get hurt"

My stomach drops at his words. Was he willing to let me get killed?

"I can't. He's going to hurt me and no one cares if I live or die, but I do, Landon. I care and I will die if I put it down or don't put it down. You know that." My chest heaves up and down as Landon sighs. He is in a position I'm sure he doesn't want to be in. He expressed his need to keep his distance and this is why. If he had stayed away from me, he probably would care if I died or not. Hell, he'd probably kill me like he did that man at the party. But now, in his eyes is doubt.

Becoming fed up, Crow yells "Put the f*****g gun down or get shot. Your choice. You should have just given in." He chuckles loudly "You stupid, stupid girl. You not going to win this. You're not going to shoot me so just put it down so we all can go on with our day."

As my arms become tight and tired from holding them up, I let the gun fall an inch, not loosening my grip any though. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Landon step forward "Give me the gun, Cam" He said softly as if we were in his room, lying in bed.

I shake my head as I watch him climb onto the bed next to me. "Please, give it here. I promise you won't get hurt"

"That's not true." I whisper as Landon eyes the gun. He lifts his hand up, causing me to flinch. Freezing his movement, he waits a second before reaching up again. "You're okay. I promise. I got you"

Sighing, I don't know whether to believe him or not. I can't tell if he was lying or not. My head is all over the place with fear, anxiety, and nerves. Maybe Landon wasn't lying. Maybe he could talk Crow into not hurting me. Crow values Landon that much. I just don't know. Confusion washes over me as Landon's hand covers mine. Feeling defeated in the worse way, I let him take the gun from me. I'm not sure what I really expected from Landon, but getting off the bed and walking across the room without another word sure as hell isn't it. Gaping at him, he stares at me with a cold expression. Suddenly, Crow regains his madness and comes at me. Grabbing me by my hair, he pulls me onto the floor by the bed and hits me repeatedly all over my body. I scream loudly, feeling so betrayed by Landon. He fooled me.

Crow curses loudly, filling my ears with his deep voice as he slaps me over and over with either the back or front of his hand. After a long while of being punched and slapped, I begin to become numb. I don't know how long the beating lasts but when he is done, he is out of breath and sweating as I lay there, every inch of me throbbing. When I tell myself to move and I don't, I fear that I'm dying already. Wiggling my fingers and toes a bit, I realize that I'm not, I'm just tired. Tired of trying.

Crow disappears from my sight and I hear silence fall over the room. A tear slips down the side of my face when I realize, Landon has disappeared too. Rolling onto my side, flinching, gritting my teeth, I close my eyes and let the silence cradle me into a slumber. I need some form of peace right now. Something to give me a small slice of relief from the pain.

I don't know how long I'm sleep, but I wake to a figure carrying me. Parting my eyes open a bit, I see darkness all around me. It was night time. I have been out all day and who knows how far into the night it was. As the person carries me, my body aches and throbs with every step they take. My body is wrapped in a blanket, from Crow's bed, the only thing keeping my naked body from being displayed.

I can't see the face of the figure carrying me, but their scent gives them away so well. I don't want him holding me, or carrying me though. I want his hands off, but can't express it from my state of weakness. I want to scream and kick, but the pull to pass back out is stronger. When I feel a cold breeze it my body, I freeze and groan, but he remains silent. I know we're outside. He's taking me to the guest house, to his room where I don't want to be. I wish he would have just left me of the floor.

In the house, I lose the ability to hold my eyes open, but I hear shuffling around. A lot of movement that I can't make out. "Is she okay?" I hear a thick accent. Viktor. My carrier doesn't answer though. He keeps walking until the movement stops. I feel my limp body being laid on a bed, hard yet comforting.

Feeling my hand being lifted, I feel him place something small and cold in my palm. Closing my hand, I recognize the object. My bullet, the one I was safe keeping. Squeezing it in my hand, I hear him "That's my girl. You hold on to that." He whispers in my ear as I feel myself slipping into the darkness.

"I'll be right back, I promise." A warmness presses against my sore face, gently, causing me to groan a bit. "I'm so sorry, Cam. I'll be right back" I hear him leave the room as I slip off into unconsciousness.

In my dreams, I hear faint weird noises and yelling. I don't know what kind of dream this is. The sounds seem so real. A distinct smell enters my senses. Smoke, but I don't understand why I smell it. What is this dream supposed to be telling me?

In my state of unknowing, I feel myself being carried again. His arms, molded around me, his scent mixed with smoke. Cold air hits my skin again and I hear mumbling that I can't make out. What's going on? I feel him lay me on something warm before hearing a soft slam of a door. Seconds later, I'm moving. I'm in a car?

"I got you, Cam" Is all I hear.