Under His Protection

Fourteen

The next morning, I wake alone. However this morning is different. I could walk out of the room alone without Landon escorting me anywhere, which is fine since I'd rather see a roach on the floor right about now. Victor was right. Landon hasn't spent time with me since we got here and it does suck, but I'm not going to compete for anyone's time. I may be a lot of things, but desperate for a man isn't one of them. Out of bed, I shuffle into the bathroom and brush my teeth and wash my face. Looking in the mirror, I notice that I don't look as miserable as I did at Crow's house. Obviously, being a semi free woman can change a lot of things. Now if only I could just go home. Everyone knows that I have nothing to do with Ray, yet I'm still in hiding and still on the run.

When I'm done freshening up, I pull my hair into a tight neat bun and pull on a sun dress that Crow bought that I never wore. Easy access was something I didn't want to give him. Speaking of which, the warmer weather makes me believe that we are somewhere south of wherever Crow is. There isn't snow and the sun is shining brightly through the trees. It makes me wonder what state me are in, but nothing in this house gives it away.

As I look in the mirror, I can't help but smile. I can wear what I want now. I can actually allow myself to look adorable like I did back home. While slipping on my Vans, a soft knock on the door pulls my attention from my reflection. "Come in" I mumble, thinking that it's Viktor. When the door opens, I'm surprised to see that it's Landon. Hmm.

"What do you want?" I ask, rolling my eyes.

"I want you to kill the attitude." Landon groans as he sits on the edge of the bed. His eyes scan over me as if we are meeting for the first time. I hope he doesn't think he is getting his hands on me. Not after touching that b***h, Adrianna.

"I just came to see if you were doing okay"

Turning back to the mirror, I adjust the straps on the sun dress to fit to my height "I'm fine."

"Are you really?" I look at his reflection and he is eyeing me like I'm going to break down in tears. "Yes really, I'm fine. How do you expect me to feel?"

He doesn't answer. Of course he doesn't. He knows he is a douche bag. "Look, I just want you to know that me and Adrianna-"

"Please, spare me the explanation. I don't really care what you and Adrianna are or aren't. You don't owe me anything. I'm just someone you had to had to watch over, but you don't now." I shrug and see a frown develop over Landon's forehead.

"I still have to watch over you. We aren't out of danger yet"

"Fine then watch away. Just don't act like you owe me reasons for doing anything. I don't care."

"Wow" Landon whispers softly as he forces a chuckle.

"What?" I turn to look at him.

"Nothing. I just didn't know you were such a brat. I thought you were a little more mature. I guess I was wrong"

"I'm a brat because I could care less about you and Adrianna? I'm a brat because I'm not doing back flips for your attention? You sound like a sexist asshole. I didn't know you were so greedy for attention. You're a typical man, can't handle a little rejection."

"Coming from you, that's rich."

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

"You act like you're so great with rejection." Landon raises a questioning eyebrow.

"I'm fine with rejection when it's real. Your rejections were just you not knowing what the hell you wanted. There is a difference. You were so hot and damn cold all the time. One minute you're touching me and kissing me then the next you're pushing me away. Grow up and figure out what the hell you want in your life and stop letting people make decisions for you. You're a grown man, Landon"

No reply. Landon just sits there and looks at me for a moment. Shaking my head, I go to walk out when he grabs my hand, nearly causing me to fall into his lap. "Let me go"

"No. Look, you're right about everything. But I do know what I want."

"Oh, really? What do you want, Landon?"

"I want you"

Forcing a laugh, I pull my hand from his. "Did you want me when you were climbing into bed with Adrianna last night?"

Nothing. I walk off and leave him sitting there. I walk downstairs and fine Viktor in the kitchen, eating breakfast. Thankfully, Adrianna is nowhere in sight. "Good morning, Vik"

"Morning, Cam. Sleep well?"

"Yes, you?"

"Like a little baby lamb" He smiles as he looks up at me from his chair. "I saw Landon heading up there. I assume you two spoke"

"And how did you come to that conclusion?"

"Just a hunch. He seemed a little quiet earlier like he was guilty of something"

"Well, I saw him in Adrianna's bed last night so maybe the realization that he is an asshole is weighing on his mind." I roll my eyes and sit down next to Viktor who passes me a plate with a small stack of pancakes on them. I fumble with the syrup as Viktor watches me like I'm a kid in need of supervision. As I'm eating, I can feel Vik's eyes burning into me and I look over and smirk "What? Is there something on my face?"

"No. You just look very beautiful today. Not all covered up in long sleeve shirts and sweat pants. It's nice" He gives me a genuine smile, nudging my knee with his. "Don't get all sappy on me, Vik"

"It's okay for a man to have a moment of sensitivity. There is no shame and complimenting a woman on her beauty. Men in in Russia would make you their wife in a heart beat. You'd be popping out little Russian babies"

I nearly choke on my food "Oh gosh. I don't want to be a baby machine."

Vik chuckles loudly. "I understand. I myself only want two. A boy and a girl. The right woman is out there for me."

"And you'll find her. She'll beat you in cards and tell you great jokes" I giggle and Viktor smiles at me. "Ahh, that sounds a lot like you."

Heat creeps over my cheeks "I've never beat you in cards. You've always let me win"

"It's takes a humble man to let a woman win sometimes. Too much pride with make a man seem like an ogre." I nod at his words. "Very true."

The realization that Viktor may or may not have feelings for me settles in my mind. There is no denying that he isn't a catch. He's got a nice, short scruffy beard with specks of gray in it that suits him nicely for a man in his late thirties. His eyes are a hazel brown that could he gazed at if it weren't weird. And his politeness is commendable. But, I just don't see it between us. I don't know. It's flattering that he likes me, though.

"Viktor, you like me don't you?"

"Very much" He confesses with no hesitation "But I know that you're not mine and I'm fine with that. I will treat you no different. You're still my Cam."

Turning to him, I can't help but still overjoyed having someone like Viktor in my life. Catching him off guard, I lean over it him and hug him. He returns the gesture, wrapping his arms around me tightly. "Thank you, Vik. You're a great man"

"Yes, I am great, aren't I?" He chuckles deeply and I feel the vibration in my chest. "You're a little cocky too"

"No denying that." He says "But you humble me, greatly. You've carried yourself very gracefully thought this whole ordeal."

When I pull away, Viktor his smiling at me "You think so?"

"I know so" He says, reaching over and running his hand down my arm. We've had more physical contact here than we ever did in that house. It's weird, but very much welcomed. It shows that Viktor is very human. Landon could learn a thing or two.

After breakfast, Viktor and I go out to the back yard and find a soccer ball and goal. After some trash talking, I convince him to play. I'm not that good at the game, but I played for a season when I was 7. As we start playing, it is quickly revealed that I've found one game that I can beat Viktor at. I even watch him trip over his own feet which makes me wonder how the man made it this far in the military. Laughing loudly, feeling the wind blow through my hair and happiness in my veins. Viktor however groans "This is not the way this is supposed to go! I'm suppose to be winning. You're kicking my ass right now"

"Finally, you see what it's like to lose" I says as I roll the ball under my foot. Out of the corner of my eyes, I see two figures staring at us. When I look, Landon and Adrianna are standing by the house, talking. Adrianna has a look of disgust on her face and Landon's expression is unreadable. Taking advantage of my lack of focus, Viktor kicks the ball from under my foot. Smiling, I run after him. We go back and forth with the ball, breaking all kinds of rules. As I try to get the ball to the goal, Vik grabs me around the waist, pulling me away from the a ball and I squeal "Cheating!"

"Oh, didn't you know this is street soccer. There are no rules"

"Sorry I didn't get the memo" I laugh as he puts me back on my feet and when I catch sight of Landon, he looks pissed. Who spit in his oatmeal? I turn my attention back to Vik who now has the ball. I go after him, catching him right before he gets to the goal. As I steal the ball, his shoulder clips mine and I fall to ground. Viktor immediately stops and kneels down, only to be suddenly pushed away by Landon "What the f**k is wrong with you!?" Landon yells as Viktor as I get up, unhurt. Viktor pushes Landon back "Calm down, it was an accident"

Anger fumes from Landon as he pushes Viktor again "Maybe you should watch what the hell you're doing"

I step in front of Viktor and turn to Landon "I'm fine. God, calm down. We were playing for Christ sake. Get a grip." I look at Landon and he doesn't say anything else. Turning, he walks off, pushing past Adrianna to go back into the house. She gives me a weird look before turning to go after him. "What the hell is his problem?" I ask myself, but Viktor answers "He knows he is a jack ass for treating you like crap"

"Well he needs to figure his s**t out and stop taking it out in you" Frowning, I walk over to the ball, kicking it. Game over.

When a few clouds start blocking the sun, it gets cool so we head into the house. Viktor heads upstairs while I roam around a bit to get a good look at this house. There are a lot of side rooms do guest rooms which makes me wonder just how people have came here for refuge. It's nice to leave your house open for people, but I just don't like Adrianna. If it wasn't for Landon she would probably put me out or kill me.

I make my way into an office and by the pictures of herself on the walls, I quickly realize it's Adrianna's office. On her desk, there is a small radio playing music. I reach and turn it up and Wasting All These Tears by Cassadee Pope starts playing on the station. As I wonder around the large office, I softly sing the words. I look at the military certificates for Adrianna and I have to admit, she is quite the accomplished woman. As the second verse of the song starts, I get more into the song, swaying my hips slowly. This songs speaks the truth to me when it comes to Landon. Ugh, such a teenage things to think a song was written specifically for my life.

"What are you doing in here?"

I turn quickly and see Adrianna standing at the door. "Oh, sorry. I was kinda giving myself a house tour and wandered in here. You have a lot of awards" I point to the all as she crosses her arms. "And?" She c***s her head to the side as if I'm going to make some snide remark.

"And nothing. You're very accomplished. Most men don't have this much recognition under there belt. I'm sure you're very proud" I shrug and walk past her, leaving the room so she can feel like a fool in the privacy of her office.

Smirking to myself, I bounce upstairs to find Viktor. When I get it his door, it's cracked and before I push it open, I catch him pulling his shirt off. My hand freezes inches away from the door and I watch against my better judgement. As he pulls the shirt over his head, his back muscles flex and when he turns around, his defined chest and abs nearly take my breath away. For someone who is almost 40, he looks good. Pulling myself from the thought, I tap the door before pushing it open. "Hope I'm not disturbing"

"You're not. He chuckles "you've been standing there for a minute"

My cheeks flush and I stutter "H-how did you know?"

"I just know. It's an military thing. You are so paranoid that you know when someone is watching you"

"Ah, yes. Landon is the same way. I could never stare at him longer than a few moments without him calling me on it." I shrug and flop down on the bed.

"You're a good looking old man, Viktor. You should online date" I smile, flopping down on the bed, tucking my hands under my head. Viktor chuckles. "And what would my profile say?"

"Hmm lets see. I'm going to just talk off the top of my head.

Profile name: RussianSexGod36.

Relationship status: single.

Tag line: Make love, not war.

Occupation: Unspecified.

Hobbies: Card games, joke telling, eating, soccer, artillery.

Perfect first date: A nice dinner, preferably an open buffet.

What you look for in a woman: Someone with a good sense of Humor and open to trying new things. A traveler, preferably a road tripper. Someone who can cook.

Favorite Color: Black

Favorite Food: Everything

Favorite Book: The Art of War.

Favorite TV Show: M.A.S.H

Favorite Music: Classical

How does that sound so far?"

When I look at Vik, he is just smirking at me. "You are really something else, Cam"

"I know." I laugh and Viktor reaches and tickles me "And you have jokes, I see. How dare you make fun of me"

I laugh loudly as Viktor pokes and tickles my sides "That's a perfect dating profile. Women will be filling your inbox in seconds asking to cook for you!" I laugh out, falling back on the bed. Viktor stops tickling me as he leans over my body. When I look up at him, he is shaking his head. "Landon is a stupid stupid man for not realizing how special you are."

Sighing, I nod "He just doesn't see me the way you do. He has a lot of things clouding his judgement."

"It's more than obvious that you're the better choice. I hope the woman I find to be my wife is just as funny and beautiful both inside and out as you are. Don't ever let anyone make you feel like you aren't special. Understand?"

I nod "I understand. Why are you so good to me, Viktor?"

"Because you deserve to be treated like a queen" His words pull at my heart strings. "Thank you for not saying Princess"

Viktor nods, understanding that the word only makes me think of that monster, Crow. I hated him calling me that. I never want a man to call me princess. I'd probably vomit on their shoes.

I don't know how Viktor kept the most precious parts of himself through everything overseas, but I'm glad he did. He managed to hold on to his charm and humor while others would easily break after the things he's been through. Clearly, it wasn't as easy for Landon. It's not hard to see that he battles with internal scars from the military. I wish I could help him, but that's something he has to do on his own.

Later in the day, Viktor and I venture to the kitchen for something to eat. As we are about to walk in, we hear Adrianna talking. "Clearly they have something going on. I don't know why you're pining over her. She has moved on to the next man. Obviously, she lets whoever in her pants"

"You don't know what you're talking about" Landon mumbles and Adrianna snorts "So you never slept with her?"

"No"

"Well surely, Crow had his ways with her. The horny bastard can't keep his hands to himself." Adrianna laughs and its makes me angry. It makes me even angrier that Landon doesn't reply. I stand there as tears swell in my eyes at the thought of Landon sitting there letting Adrianna talk about me like that. Sighing, I walk into the door way and look at him, then Adrianna. When she smiles, it makes me want to punch her in the face, but I don't. I just nod "Wow, Adrianna. You really hit the nail on the head. Crow couldn't keep his hands off me. I'm just some w***e who lets a man force me over a desk while he..." I stop when anger and vomit rise in my throat at the memory. I've never even said it out loud before. Putting my hand over my mouth, trying to push it down, by it doesn't work. I turn and run to the hall bathroom. I fall to my knees at the toilet, throwing up as the memory plays in my head. My own screams ring in my ears like a blow horn.

When my stomach is empty and I'm just painfully dry heaving, I feel someone behind me. When a hand touches my back, I flinch. My shaky fingers reach up and flush the toilet before turning around. When I do, I come face to face with Landon. "Please, get away from me."

"I'm sorry, Cam"

"No you're not. If you were you would have said something to her. You would have stopped her. It's not even about liking me. It's a it having the decency to speak up for yourself. I would never let someone slander you like that. You don't deserve it and neither do I."

Landon opens his mouth to speak when Adrianna interrupts "God, I hope you didn't get any vomit in my floors."

"Adrianna, please" Landon mumbles.

"What? I'm just saying. It wasn't that serious. The girl needs to grow a back bone and-"

"Adrianna, shut the f**k up for once!" Landon yells at her, catching the both of us off guard. A frown grows on her forehead and she doesn't say anything. "Landon, I-"

"Just leave, please. You've said enough." He gives her a stern look and her her frown falls as she turns to leave. When she is gone, Landon looks down at me "You okay?"

I nod, not able to form a proper sentence. Landon stands up and grabs a towel. Wetting it, he kneels down and wipes my mouth before helping me to my feet. "Thanks"

"Mhm" he says as he grabs a small paper cup and fills it with water before handing it to me "Drink" he orders. I take the cup and take a few sips. When I'm done, Landon takes the cup and throws it away. I walk past him and when I get to the kitchen Viktor is leaning against the counter. I smile softly and walk to him. "How you feeling?" He cups my jaw.

"Better. Hungry" I smile.

"I'll fix you some lunch" Viktor goes to walk to the fridge when Landon clears his throat "I'll do it"

Viktor gives me a look and smirks a bit "Alright. Be sure to make some for me too. I'm going to go on the porch and get some fresh air"

Viktor leaves us and Landon heads to the fridge, pulling or various things as I sit at the table. We don't exchange any words as he makes something involving chicken breasts. Every few moments, he looks at me with an unreadable expression as always. I know he is pondering up something to say, but it won't be said any time soon.

After eating a freshly made salad with chicken strips on top, Landon leaves me and Viktor. A part of me wants to follow after him and thank him for finally shutting Adrianna down, but a part of me is still mad that he slept with her. Hell, i'm mad that he even put his hands on her. They don't fit like Landon and I do. She doesn't treat him right.

I don't see or hear from Landon for he rest of the day, but Adrianna makes an appearance, although she doesn't make a peep to me. She just grabs something to eat and goes to her office. When it gets late, I head to the room and take a long shower, getting some deep thinking done about this whole situation. This whole day has been kind of weird and I'm glad it's almost over. Out of the shower, I dry off and pull on a long shirt before crawling into bed around 11.

Unfortunately, sleep doesn't stay with me. Around 2am I hear the low road of thunder wakes me up as lightening flashes in the window. Sitting up, I sigh and throw the covers back to go get a glass of water. I shuffle through the darkness and when I get to the dark kitchen, I grab a cup and fill it. Turning around, I jump "Jesus Christ, Landon. You scared the crap out of me" I walk to the wall and flick the light in, but it doesn't turn on.

"Power is out" He mumbles lifting a glass to his lips. When a flash of lightening illuminates the kitchen, I see a bottle of Jack Daniels sitting on the table in front of him. Pacing to him, I grab his cup "I've never seen you drinking before"

"I usually don't, but I've had a long two days"

I sit the glass back down "Understandable. Um, I never did thank you for earlier, in the bathroom. You didn't have to"

"Yes, I did. You were right this morning. I needed to figure out what i wanted. And it wasn't hard to figure out that it wasn't Adrianna. I've just been used to her always being there. No one else understood me, until I met you. I guess it took today to realize that. I've never been so damn jealous in my life"

"Jealous?"

"Yeah. Of you and Viktor. He had his hands all over you outside. I hated it. And you've spent all day with him, laughing and talking when you usually do that with me."

"Well I had to talk to someone when you left me to hang around Adrianna. Viktor warned me that you would though." I shrug and Landon looks up at me as the storm gets closer.

"I didn't sleep with her."

I don't say anything.

"I know what you saw, but I left before anything happened. I couldn't do it. I wanted to come to your room and talk, but you were mad at me so I didn't. I slept on the couch in the living room."

"Oh, well thanks for telling me." I shift my weight from one foot to the other and the movement draws Landon's attention. His eyes run up my body until they meet my gaze. Taking his cup, he drinks the last bit before standing up and walking to me until he is standing over me. Landon places his hands firmly on my waist and pulls me to him. "I don't like feeling jealous" He whispers as he looks down at me.

"Yeah, well I don't like feeling it either. I'm still mad at you though. It didn't feel good to see you with her when we had spent so much time together. You were different" I look down at my feet as the patter of rain fills the room. Cupping my face, Landon makes me look at him. "I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to make you feel like that. I was just confused about some things. But I'm not anymore. Adrianna just isn't what I remember her to be. Or maybe she was like that the whole time and I didn't realize it."

"But you realize it now. So that's what matters. And apology accepted. I know she used to be your confidant and all that. You were attached to her." I shrug feeling a tinge of jealously, wishing we were that close. Even in the dark, Landon notices my chance in expression and rubs my jaw with his thumb. "Hey, our relationship is different than the one I had with Adrianna. She has nothing on you, okay?"

Nodding, I rest my forehead on his chest as he pulls me in tightly. "Not to be blunt, but I'm having a hard time concentrating with you in this shirt. Please tell me there are shorts underneath"

"I wasn't expecting anyone to be down here. And yes, I have on shorts......boy shorts."

Landon lets out a low groan and I can't help, but giggle. "How about I put on some proper shorts and you can sleep with me tonight? Sound good?"

"Yeah, but I won't be able to sleep. I'll be too busy trying to keep certain things under control" he mumbles and I pull back "Jeeze, two days as a free man and you've become quite mannish"

Landon runs his fingers through his hair "Sorry"

"No need to apologize. Come on" I take his hand and we head upstairs. In the room, I close the door as Landon peels out of his clothes down to his boxers before climbing into bed. I can't help but bite my bottom lip at the thought of sleeping in the same bed with him without a curfew or a warden. Climbing under the covers, I turn to him and rest my head on my hand "Well, this is different"

"Very. If you're uncomfortable then I can sleep on top of the covers"

"Don't be silly. I'm fine. I know you're not like him Landon. You'd never hurt me like he did. And I'm fine, really. Believe me, I'm really fine. So fine that it's hard to lay next to you and not think of the different ways this scenario could go."

"Oh really? Do tell"

"I think I can show you better than I can tell you." Sitting up, I straddle Landon and his inhales shapely, placing his hands in my waist. Landon looks and me and frowns "Wait, you didn't put on shorts."

"Hmm, I must've forgotten to." I smirk as I lean down and kiss him, catching him off guard. His lips are warm and the taste of alcohol is still on his tongue as it flicks over mine. His hands slide the shirt up and run over my backside, squeezing gently. When I pull back, Landon looks at me "Just say the word and I'll stop. Understand?"

I nod "I understand"