Under His Protection

Five

For the rest of the day, I stay in my room after Landon leaves. I'm not allowed to roam the house without him, but to be honest, I couldn't care less about this house. It's not a home to be. I'm a foreign being in it. It's like trying to cover s**t with glitter and gold. Looks pretty, but it's still s**t.

I roam about the room a few times, before opening the bedroom curtains. The afternoon sky is gloomy from the extremely coldness outside. No sun in sight. Just great cold clouds, a perfect description of my life at the moment. Huffing, I cross my arms and stare at Crow's backyard. There is land, lots of it. No neighbors or anything. Why would a man want to live in the middle of nowhere? It must get lonely here. Not that I really care, but still. Wrapping my arms around myself, I chill runs down my spine remembering how Crow was earlier. So kind one minute then evil the next. I don't get him and I still haven't put together why Ray was planning to kill him. I mean I see plenty of reasons, but there has to be something more than just f****d up personality traits

Pulling me from my critical thoughts, I hear someone clear their throat behind me. Jumping, I turn and see Landon there "I'm sorry I was gone long. I had to settle in my room"

Without and emotion, I just nod and turn back to the window "It's fine. I wasn't planning on going anywhere. This house is nothing exciting for me."

He doesn't reply as I hear him sit on the couch against the wall. "Can I ask you something?"

Thinking he is going to say no, I find it a surprisingly welcomed change when Landon says yes. Turning to look at him, I find myself taken back as always by his blue eyes "Why was Ray going to kill Crow? I don't understand and nothing I put together makes sense"

Landon frowns before parting his lips "Crow is planning on purchasing a large chunk of properties in the city to build businesses. Ray is part of a group of radical protestors who were fighting to keep local businesses open. He knew Crow could easy buy his way up the ladder and Ray had to get rid of him."

"That's just crazy. Why would Ray care so much about city business? He works for a computer store"

"Politicians cared more than Ray did. They knew they wouldn't be able to stop the kind of business growth Crow was going to bring, but that also meant that a lot of under the table transactions would stop. They hired Ray since they knew he would do it for the right price. Crow found out though."

"How?" I listen most intently.

"A leak. One of the group's radicals were a lookout for Crow. Once the plan was underway, he came and spilled everything"

I frown and shake my head in disbelief "How could I be so stupid? I had no clue. Ray kept me in the dark and now look at me."

"You're alive" Landon mumbles, but I don't want to hear it. I close my eyes and look down at my feet as I take deep breaths to calm my emotions. I can't keep crying, I won't.

"I'm alive in a prison because of Ray. He probably thinks I'm dead and doesn't even care. I literally have no one. No family and the little friends I do have will stop looking for me eventually if they are looking at all" I want to hit something or someone. I want to throw a childish fit out of rage. The desire to make someone feel the way I feel consumes me immensely. Looking over at Landon, I press my lips in a straight line, rolling my eyes "You don't have to stay. I'm not going anywhere."

"And here I thought you enjoyed my company" He says with the shy hint of a smile. I snort, irritated at his attempt to be funny "If only I had a book" I squint my eyes at him as he stands.

"I'm glad you don't. Your aim is too good." He chuckles a bit. "Dinner is at 6:30. I'll be back to get you then"

I nod and he leaves closing the door behind him. Eying the clock, I see that I have two hours till then. Climbing into the large oversized bed, I curl up under a soft blanket as tiredness overpowers me. It isn't so much as lack of sleep that leaves me tired, but the stress of everything going on. I need to shake it off before I make myself sick.

"Cam, wake up" a deep voice tugs at my slumber. The only person who calls me Cam is Ray and I know he isn't here. I part my eyes slightly as see the figure in all black standing at the head of the bed looking at me.

"Landon" I moan out as I rub my eyes. I'm not ready to get back up and I'm tempted to ask for five more minutes

"Dinner will be ready in thirty minutes. Crow wants you dressed"

Barely hearing him, I stare up into his blue eyes and blink "but I am dressed"

"He had a dress delivered for you to change into" Ugh, just great. The beast is high maintenance. What next? Singing tea cups and candles?

Sitting up, I look at the end of the bed and see a silk red dress sitting there. It was pretty, I had to admit, but I didn't want to look like a piece of candy to this man. I take a deep breath and look at Landon "I'll be ready in fifteen"

He nods and strides out of the room, closing the door, surely not going far. I hop off the bed and grab the dress, holding it up. It was long and silky almost like a night gown. I don't know what is going through Crow's mine, but obviously this is his way of making me swoon. Too bad it's not working.

I pull off my clothes and kick them to the side before sliding on the gown. Unfortunately with the thin spaghetti straps, I am forced to remove my bra to where it. Running my fingers through my hair a few times, I let it hang, cascading down my back and breasts. When Landon knocks on the door, I sigh "Come in"

Landon opens the door and his baby blues fall on the scarlet red dress. He quickly clears his throat "Are you ready?"

I nod, looking down at the dress, nervously. "H-How do I look?"

A wrinkle forms as Landon thinks about the question. After a few seconds, he turns away from me "You look fine. Let's go"

I follow behind him as we walk downstairs to meet Crow for dinner. Now that's it's dark, the house is glowing with chandeliers and dimmed lighting. As we near the dining room, Landon falls back a step to let me walk in front of him. Turning my head, I look back at him and clearly he sees the apprehension in my eyes. Softening his expression, he presses his hand firmly against my back "You'll be fine."

"I doubt that. I feel like I'm going to throw up." I whisper.

"Stop stressing. It's just dinner"

"Will you be eating with us?" I slow my walk to prolong the conversation. Landon shakes his head "No. Staff eats in the kitchen."

As we get closer, my hands begin to sweat and shake. My throat tightens as the air fights to release. I can't do it. I won't put up this front like I'm actually trying to fit into this life. Stopping my feet, Landon stops and looks at me "What?"

I shake my head "I can't do it. I'm terrified of him." My voice trembles as. I blink away the tears trying to form in my eyes. Moving from my back, Landon's hand slides to my waist without him realizing. "Calm down. Look, all you have to do is go in there and eat. Listen to him talk, nod a few times, and act interested. Whatever you need to think about to get through it then do it. It's not that hard"

"It's easy to say that when you're not in my position. You don't know how I feel. No matter how big this house is, it's like the walls are closing in on me" I look around fancy prison, trying to convince myself that I will get out of here, but I know it's a lie.

Landon doesn't say anything as his face hardens. He knows I'm right. My fate is as clear to him as it is to me. No use in talking to him about it. His ass is on the line just like mine. Of course he'll do it say whatever it takes to assure his own life. If this doesn't work and I die then at least he can live and say he didn't what he had to do. I turn away from his and sigh "Just forget it. I'm fine."

I walk forward and when I hear him behind me, I stop "I think I can manage from here"

He scowls at me as he falls back a few more steps as I enter the dining room to see Crow sitting at one end of a long table. He stand quickly and floats over to me with even steps. Forcing a smile, I hope it doesn't show in my eyes that I'm dying on the inside.

"Beautiful, my Princess. I knew red would look divine on you." Leaning in his small dry lips press to my cheek as he runs his nose over my cheek. Must he smell me every time we are in the same room? It's getting just plain annoying. Keeping the smile plastered on my face, I nod "Thanks for the dress"

"I will buy you whatever you want in order to make you happy. I want your stay here to be stress free." Prison and stress free are just two things that don't click well. Crow leads me to my seat and he presses his hand on my back like Landon did. However, Crow takes it upon himself to slide his hand down and palm my ass, firmly. I gasp silently as his perv hand grips it, groaning in my ear.

Don't throw up. Don't throw up.

Pulling my chair out, I sit down and Crow takes his seat. On cue, two servers appear with plates. Sitting one in front of me, I see that we are eating pasta. At least the food is good. Taking my napkin, I lay it in my lap as the server pours me a glass of white wine. Giving them a small smile, they turn and leave us. My eyes follow one of the servers and when he pushes the swinging kitchen door open, I spot Landon sitting at a table, drinking a beer with a plate in front of him. As the door swings back open, his eyes fall on mine. For whatever reason, my breath hitches and I want to look away, but I won't. His eyes stay on me until the door stops swinging, separating us again. Exhaling softly, I look at Crow who is digging into his food like a wild wolf. The aroma of the pasts fills my nose and my stomach growls for it. I don't want to waste the hot food so I pick up my fork to dig in.

I eat slowly to avoid conversation but eventually I swallow the last bite as Crow stares at me from across the table. "Did you enjoy dinner?"

I nod, dabbing my mouth with my napkin "It was good. Thank you." Picking up the glass of wine, I damn near chug it. I've needed a drink since the first day I ended up in this s**t situation. When I realize Crow is gazing at me, I slow my sips.

"So Princess, I-"

"Camilla. Please call me, Camilla" Interrupt. I hate when he calls me Princess. It makes me cringe. Crow stares at me for a moment before smiling "Come here"

Whuh? I freeze in my seat.

"I said. Come. Here. Now" He repeats and I stand, knowing that he is has to say it again it won't be as kind. I walk to his side and he slides his chair back before pulling my down in his lap. Placing one arm around my waist and his hand on my thigh, he strokes softly "I know I haven't made myself as clear as I should have these past few day, but now that you're here I would like to break down a few rules. For starters," He grips my thigh firmly "Don't ever tell me what to do. I will call you what I see fit. If I want to call you Princess I will. If I feel the need to call you a dirty f*****g w***e then I will and you will answer, understand?"

I nod "Yes"

"Yes, what?" He squeezes harder, making me flinch "Yes, sir."

"Now, about our relationship, we will have breakfast and dinner together every day. Lunch is at your free will. Like I said, you're free to roam the property with the company of Landon. He is your guard, not your friend." Crow begins pulling the dress up and I inhale sharply, pressing my hand on his to stop him.

"Baby, you will have to relax. I'm going to touch you wherever and whenever I want so I advise you to stop being so shy around me" he chuckles lightly. There is a different between shy and not wanting to be touched by his grimy hands.

Under me, I feel a rise in his pants and I jump up, knocking over his glass of wine. Instead of him getting angry, he chuckles loudly, placing his hand on his stomach. "Your innocents only arouses me more, Princess." I'm not innocent. I just don't want your damn hands on me.

He stands up and paces over to me before pulling me close. The smell of garlic on his breath makes me want to toss a mint down his throat. Crow's hands slide down my arms before catching my wrists is his grip. With one of my hands, he presses it against the tent in his pants. A small tent, might I add.

"Your hesitations makes me excited to bed you. You won't be able to run then, trust me. I'm only giving you a short amount of time to accept this relationship." When I yank my hand away, he pushes me to the side where I fall on my hands on knees.

Standing over me, his smiles grimly "I like this position. Bowing down to me and my manhood." Crow walks off and I sit back on my knees, rubbing my stingy hands from slapping against the marble floors. Soft footsteps appear behind me before stopping. I don't need to look to know who it is. Ignoring his presence, I continue to sit there, rubbing my hands even though the sting has long gone. I just don't know what else to do right now. I don't want to be in my room and going off the property is a no no.

Turning my head slightly, the quiet figure remains. "Hope your dinner was better than mine"

Landon doesn't reply as he holds his hand out to help me up. Refusing it, I stand on my own. Hissing at the soreness in my knees, I straighten and look up at him. His lips are pressed into a fine line and his hands are now tucked into his pockets. "What do you want to do?"

Shrugging, I shake my head "Wither away and die."

Landon sighs as he presses his hand against my back. The same gesture from two different men, yet they feel nothing alike. "Come with me"

I follow him through the kitchen and out the back door "Where are we going?" I look around wondering if I'll get into trouble for this. When my eyes adjust to the darkness, I see guardsmen posted around the parameter of Crows property. There is no way in hell I'm getting out of here. Landon leads me to a guest house and I become confused. "What if Crow looks for me?"

"He knows you're with me"

Landon opens the door and I immediately hear arguing among men.

"You cheating son of a b***h!" One deep voice yells as something gets slammed down causing me to flinch.

"How am I cheating!? It's not my fault your ass can't play poker. Grow some balls, mama's boy!"

"Hey! Don't talk about my motha' !" A hint of mob boss mixed Italian comes out. Loud chuckles erupt and even Landon snorts before looking down at my confused expression. "I'm sorry for the acts of immaturity you're about to witness from men older than me"

We turn a corner and at a round poker table are three men. One of them being the guy who has been driving me everyone. I don't remember his name though.

"Ah, Camilla!" He jumps up and comes over to me, giving in me a bear hug. I squeal in pain as his steel monster arms squeeze me. When he lets go, I blink a few times letting the blood circulate back through me.

"What's going on?" I whisper, tucking a string of hair behind my ear.

"Poker night" Landon says.

"More like ass whoopin' night. These assholes can't play. I'm taking all their money" a short mob boss guy says.

"He is cheating! And plus, this d**k over here is trying to play with Russian money!" The driver guy yells as throws a wad of foreign money at the man across from him.

Landon clears his throat "Anyways, this is Camilla. Camilla, this is Viktor, Barry, and you know the cheating son of a b***h Anderson." I force a small smile and wave before Landon tugs at my arm. "Come on. Leave them before they try to teach you about poker and cigars"

I follow Landon into a quieter part of the house. When he sits down on a couch, I stand, staring at him "Why did you bring me here?"

"I presumed, you didn't want to just go to your room the rest of the night. Just thought you'd want to kick back a bit"

"I don't get it though."

Rolling his eyes, he sits up and places his elbows on his knees "What's there not to get?"

"How you all are so laid back? I don't get it. You know what kind of man Crow is and what he is forcing me to do yet you all laugh and play poker while I'm in the house with a man who may rape me at any moment. I'm sorry if I'm a bit too stressed and afraid to kick back."

Landon's face hardens "It's none of our business"

"Then stop trying to be nice to me. Stop trying to get me to make friends with the people keeping me captive here. It's not going to happen! If you don't care about what happens to me then don't act like it." I wrap my arms around myself, shifting my weight from one foot to the other while Landon sits their quietly.

"I'm sorry" He mumbles. "I'll take you back to the house"

I walk in front of him as we pace down a hall to go back to the front of the house. Walking past rooms, I look into a slightly open bedroom door. When I see a record player on the floor, I pause. "Whose room is that?"

"Mine"

Pushing open the door, I go in and walk over to the vintage record player. I run my fingers over it. "What kind of records do you have?"

"Um, all kinds. The Beatles, Bob Marley, some blues, a little jazz, Fleetwood Mac" He scratches his head trying to remember more, but I could care less about the rest.

"Fleetwood Mac? I love them. Do you have the Rumours album?"

Landon reaches in front of me, just barely grazing the top of my arm as he reaches over into a box and pulls it out. Slipping the album out, he places it on the player and sets the needle. 'Dreams' begins to play and I can't help but smile. "This is my favorite song"

As the song plays, I take the time to look around the room. It's cleans for the most part, but the bed isn't made and there are gun cases on the floor. All the reminder that Landon isn't someone I should be interacting with. Sighing, I look at him "Every time I think you could be a nice guy, I remember this" I look down at the case.

"A gun doesn't mean I'm not nice"

"Kidnapping does. I know you're just doing what he asks of you, but don't you ever feel guilty or wrong?"

A long pause lingers before he speaks. "I don't agree with everything Crow does, but he has helped me. I wasn't always this calm and collective. Being a Marine means sometimes having to do far worse things than what I've done to you."

"Like what?"

"Three tours overseas. I've seen friends and innocent people die.....I've killed people. I've almost died. It does things to you." He clears his throat.

"I'm sorry, Landon."

"Don't be sorry. Be grateful that you will never have to see the things I've seen and still see every time I try to sleep." I feel for him. To hear him talk about such dark things in such a calm manner only says that he is so used to them happening. It doesn't even phase him anymore. He suffers though. I sigh and catch sight of a small bullet on the floor. Bending over, I pick it up and hold it in my hand, looking at it. Landon reaches up to take it, but I close my hand. "I want to keep it"

"Why? Plan on throwing it at Crow?" A small smirk creeps on to his lips and I roll my eyes. "No, you pompous smart ass. I just want to keep it to remember that things could be a lot worse for me"

I'm starting to realize that my life isn't the only one that sucks right now. Clearly, Landon is struggling too. I just wish he could do something to stop this, but he doesn't have the authority. I'm sure if he even defied Crow the slightest, he would be a dead man. It hits me that all the men who work here are the same. They probably share the same thoughts, but stay quiet about it. They know Crow has done things that I know nothing about. I'm sure he has killed and kidnapped countless people and I'm one in the same. I'm not different. I'm a job to them. Nothing more. I can't keep expecting them to feel for me and save me like good men should.

After listening to a few more songs, Landon walks me across the field to the house. I look up at the stars and I can't bring myself to fully enjoy them. Nothing is enjoyable when I know I have to be around Crow. When I get to the house, I reach for the door, but Landon grabs my hand, stopping me "Wait, Cam"

I stop and look at him as the light from the kitchen window shines over us. "About what you said earlier about Crow planning to rape you"

"Yeah" I cringe at the thought.

"I wouldn't let that happen."

"You can't be around every minute of the day. When Crow tells you to leave, you leave and I'm alone with him. When he wants it, he will take it. It's my fate whether I give in or not. And honestly, I'd rather just give in. I'm tired of getting hit and pushed and threatened every time I try to go against him. It's killing me. So just let it go, please"

I open the door and go inside, leaving Landon there for a few seconds before he follows me in. As we are crossing through the living room, Crow is sitting on the couch with another man. "Ah, I was just talking about you, Princess" Crow stands and walks to him.

He takes me around the waist and pulls me to meet the man "Darling, this is my dear friend Nigel"

The man stands and I shake his hand "She is indeed a beauty as you described"

Crow leans into the side of my face and groans as his hand cups my backside, clearly trying to show off his manliness. He squeezes tightly and my boy stiffens, knowing Landon is behind of having to watch. I stay still, keeping a straight face as Crow smiles. "Good girl" He whispers into my ear, proud of my state of submission. I squeeze the small bullet in my hand as I wait for it to end.