Under His Protection

Seven

"Have you ever thought about cutting your hair?"

"No, I like my hair the way it is."

"It's beginning to look a bit unruly."

"It's fine."

"I mean it's starting to get into your face and-"

"Oh my God, would you shut your trap, woman!"

Giggling loudly, this is the third time I have found complete entertainment from irritating Landon. Sitting at the table, we pass back cards as we play a childish game of Go Fish. It's not poker, but the cookies we are betting with are a fine replacement for money. After breakfast with CrowFace, yes, I have brought the most fitting name back with a vengeance, I immediately came over to avoid the hustle and bustle of party planners in the house.

Apparently, Crow is throwing some masked ball to celebrate his 48th birthday. And guess who is date is? Yup.

The word around the house is that there will be about 400 guests. Hopefully that's enough people to allow me to roam around and not be on Crow's hip the whole night. He hasn't talked much about what happened yesterday. He apologized for bruising my neck, but told me that I need to be broken in, taught a lesson is manners. I simply nodded, not to agree, but to just keep him satisfied. I don't want trouble.

For the rest of breakfast, he boasted about how people will be jealous and envious of him. He even managed to give me a decent compliment saying that the guest will be in awe of my beauty. All the while, I was just waiting to spend time with Landon. Apparently he felt the same, because by the time breakfast was over, he was grumpy. When I asked him what was wrong, all he said was "How long does it take the bastard to eat?"

Now here we are, playing 21 questions over a silly game of cards.

"So" Landon starts "Tell me about your childhood"

"Well, before my parents died, it was pretty normal. I had friends and made good grades. I played volleyball, softball, and I even had a boyfriend" When I look up, Landon scrunches his nose making me laugh.

"And after" He mumbles.

I sigh "After, I had less friends because they felt like I wouldn't be as fun anymore. My boyfriend dumped me, not that we were very serious. I quit sports because I had to change schools to move with my grandmother. When I turned 18, she died, she left me a bit of money to fall back on. It was hard at first, but death is always hard to deal with" I dealt with it in my own personal way. A way that included a prescriptions. Some mine. Some not. Looking up from my cards, Landon is staring at me. The corner of my mouth turns up and he clears his throat looking down. "Got any 3s?"

"Go fish"

"Bullshit, I know you have it, Cam. Give it up it I'll steal an Oreo!"

Laughing, I pull out the 3 I have and slide it across the table "God, you're worse than Anderson. Big baby"

After Landon wins the game, he clears the table while I go into his room and put on a record. Flopping down on his unmade bed, I stare up at the ceiling. As I look around, I realize there is more of Landon's personality in these four walls than he reveals to anyone. He's messy like any guy, but his messiness is records and neat piles of clothes. On his nightstand is a small blade and a hair tie for that dark unruly mess he keeps pulled into a short low ponytail. As much as I teased him about cutting it, I like it. Ray had long hair, but there isn't a comparison. Landon's just fits him better.

Shaking off thoughts of Landon's appearance, I spot his guitar behind the door. Standing up, I grab it and sit Indian style in the middle of his bed. When I strum the strings, I cringe at how out of tune it is. Taking a minute to tune it, I begin softly singing the lyrics to 'Dreams' by Fleetwood Mac as I play. My mom used to swoon over this song as she and my dad would dance around the living room with me in their arms. I latched on to this song heavily after they passed. Now I can't get enough of it.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see a dark figure. Looking up, Landon is staring at me with a unreadable expression. Walking in, he sits on the side of the bed and continues watching me until I stop playing.

"Sorry, if you didn't want me to touch it" I go to give him his guitar, but he holds his hand out.

"No, it's fine. I didn't know you could play"

I nod "Ray taught me after he kept coming home to find me playing around with his. I guess he got tired of me sounding so horrible" I smile, but it quickly fades as I think about him.

"Do you miss him?" Landon asks and before I can stop it, I nod.

"I know I'm supposed to hate him for putting me in this situation, but he was good to me when I didn't have anyone else. He was caring towards me, but I guess it was just lies."

Laying back, Landon tucks his hands under his head. "I don't think that was the case. It's easy to care about you. Not in a needy way, but in a genuine way. You're kind and even in all of this s**t, you still smile. He cared for you. He was just blinded by other things"

I feel a tinge of tears blur my eyes and I look down at the guitar "I guess."

The room falls quite until Landon taps my knee "Play something else"

"What would you like to hear?" I smile softly.

He thinks about it for a moment "Landslide"

"Second favorite Fleetwood song" I nod and begin finger picking the song. A softly sing the lyrics as Landon closes his eyes. The lyrics somehow mean more to me now than they did in the past. So into playing the song right, I almost don't notice the soft sensation over on my knee. Looking down, I see Landon's hand lying next to me knee and his index finger just barely stroking over my skin. I don't understand the gesture, but I don't want him to stop. Friends caress other friend's knees, right?

The house fall silent for the most part. Landon lays in the bed while I play and finger pick different songs that I know. I catch Landon smiling when I start to play 'Stand By Me' by Ben E King. For someone who doesn't smile much, it sure looks good on him.

At lunch, the guys come in and Anderson makes Mac and Cheese for everyone. He was in the house first and saw Landon and I come from the room. The look he gave Landon was a teasing expression and in return Landon softly punched Anderson in the side of his stomach. "Mind your business old man." He says before saying something else that I don't hear.

Landon fixes my food for me and brings it to the table before sitting next to me. However, I don't get to eat much because Landon's phone starts vibrating. When he looks at the screen, his eyes flicker to me. "Crow wants you in the house for a bit."

With that, my good mood is gone. I wonder what he wants. He is usually busy doing his own villain duties during lunch. Sliding my bowl away, I stand and Landon follows.

In the house, Crow is standing in the living room with a woman. "Ahh my sweet. I'm sorry if i interrupted your free time, but this is Claudia. She's here to make sure you fit your dress properly for tonight." He looks at Landon "And since your here, you can go try on your suit"

Landon nods as Claudia takes my hand and leads me upstairs. In the bedroom, she goes into my closet and pulls out the dress bag that was brought yesterday. "Okay, Dear. Strip"

I clear my throat "Getting right down to business, huh?"

"I'm all business when it comes to Crow. He pays me well." She holds he dress up as I pull my shirt over my head before ridding my shorts. Her eyes flicker over me and she nods "Lovely figure, darling"

"Thank you. So have you known Crow for a long time?"

"Known him?" She snorts "We were married, sweetie"

My eyes widen and she holds the dress out for me to step into. When she catches my express, she giggles "Oh, stop. I'm not the jealous type. If he wants to date young ladies then that's his business."

I want so badly to tell her that we aren't dating and that I'm a prisoner, but what good would it do. "So why aren't you two together anymore?"

He probably was beating the s**t out of her or making her a slave like he is doing me. I wouldn't be surprised if he locked her in a dungeon.

"I cheated on him. I know it was wrong, but I was dumb at that age. Crow was nothing but good to me. I see he is treating you like a princess" she smiles as she turns me to the mirror to look at myself. The navy blue dress is long and pretty. The thick straps just barely rest off my shoulders. Claudia digs into the bag and pulls out a matching blue mask with a feather in it. Holding it over my eyes, she smiles "Gorgeous. Crow is a lucky man"

I ponder over everything she told me. Crow was nice? I don't understand. When did he become such a monster? Cheating is horrible, but can it really cause a person to turn into a violent gargoyle?

When I'm done trying on my dress, I head back down stairs to find Landon at the bottom waiting for me. Claudia comes down behind and goes to Crow. "Everything is perfect. She looks gorgeous in the dress. You'll be quite satisfied." She smiles and Crow kisses her on the cheek. Frowning at the kindness he is showing her, he catches my expression and chuckles.

"Oh, Love don't be jealous."

Jealous? Me? Ha! I wish you two would run off together and leave me be! Two nut cases clearly belong together.

Dropping my look, Crow frees me to do as I please, telling Landon to have me in the house at 7 to get ready. Instead of going back to the guest house, we walk outside for a bit. Barefoot, I let the grass tickle between my toes as the sun beats down on me, making the cold air not so cold.

"You're going to get sick" Landon says, pressing his lips together.

"I don't care. It just feels nice to feel a little warmth with all the frigidness that's been surrounding me lately" I look up at the sun, letting it warm my face as I smile. Then, darkness "Hey!" I yell as something covers my face.

"Hush" Landon says as he pulls the material over my head. When the darkness is gone, I realize he is putting his black fleece on me. I slip my arms into it and it rests on me loosely. Now wearing nothing but a fitted black shirt, I frown at Landon "Now you're going to be cold"

"I'll be fine." He says as he looks around at the open yard. I follow his gaze and sigh "It looks so easy to just take off running, but I know it would never be possible."

"Yup. You'll trigger the alarms he has set up along the parameter."

"When did he become so....I can't even find the words." I huff and Landon sighs.

"When I met him, he was already like this. Paranoid and livid. I was going back through some things and for some reason he gave me a chance to get myself together before hiring me. I'm not saying give the man a chance, but he has his moments."

"Not with me. I'm either his punching bag or...." I stop, not wanting to think about real reasons I'm here.

"I'm sorry for defending him. I know he hasn't showed you any form of kindness." Landon says as I stare out at nothing, feeling like nothing. Wrapping my arms around myself, I'm suddenly colder now that the sun has dipped behind a small cloud. Not talking, I look down at the ground and my sadness washes over me. It's hard to be constantly in a good mood in this place. It's so clear that everyone here is treated better than me. Even Landon sees the good in him. How can I understand that? It makes it hard to look at Landon as a good guy when he is basically thanking Crow for his life.

Taking a deep breath, I turn head to the house. "I'm tired" I whisper as I peel off his fleece, handing it to him.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I'm just really tired." I pick up my pace and open the door, nearly bumping into Viktor who had a garment bag hanging on his arm for tonight. Landon follows me upstairs and into the room.

"Cam, what's wrong?" His face is irritated.

"I said nothing. Now please leave."

"No, I'm not going anywhere until you tell me what's wrong?"

"Why do you care? Clearly everyone sees the good in Crow expect me. Claudia basically praises the ground he walks on and you....you act like he is some damn father figure."

Landon turns and closes the door before step towards me "You misunderstood what I said Cam."

"How? You said it yourself. He helped you. He has his moments. Blah blah blah" I roll my eyes

"His help was for his own benefit. He knew my military background and wanted me to work for him. He only hired me because I'm a f*****g killer. That's why he hired all of us. We are dangerous men who can protect him. That's all. Yes, he helped me, but it wasn't intentional. He sent me to therapy to make sure I wouldn't go crazy and shoot him" By now, Landon's ears are red with anger and frustration.

"Well I wish you had" I cross my arms and turn away from him.

"You don't mean that"

"Yes, I do."

"Killing people isn't easy, Camilla. It leaves a lasting mark on you. You think about it every day and night. You dream about it. It becomes a part of you like a scar. So no, you don't mean it. You don't understand what killing someone means" Landon's tone is softer and it brings me down from my own anger.

Tears fall into my cheeks and I sniff "I'd kill him without thinking twice about it. You don't know what it felt like. He....broke me down. He weakened me. Invading my body and he's going to don't again and again and again. So I'm sorry for wanting him dead."

Landon doesn't say anything and I don't turn to look at him "Please leave" I says, wiping my cheek.

When I hear the door open and close, I sigh feeling alone again. I didn't want to push Landon away, but it happened naturally. It's easy to put my wall back up. Yes, I understand where he is coming from, but still I'm so angry.

I stay in my room for hours, alternating between the bed and the window. I can't help, but look down at the tiny guest house. I keep fighting with the one person I want to have around. I keep pushing him away. Landon is just a target that's there for me to throw darts at when I'm mad. It's not like I can express my feelings to Crow. I tried that and all it got me was a slap to the face for disrespecting him. Landon is so different. He listens and tells me the truth even when I don't like it. He is right though. I don't know what it means to kill someone and the impact it has. Landon knows firsthand and I can tell it invades his every thought.

As in standing that the window, I hear a knock on the door and Crow comes in "Princess, it's time to get ready"

I look at him and he is already dressed in a tux. It's fitted causing his slight stomach to poke out. A few sit-ups wouldn't kill the man.

He comes over and runs his hands down my arms causing me to cringe noticeably. Crow leans into my ear "I hope you aren't still upset with yesterday. I don't like punishing you, but I want you to learn. I only want to make you feel good" His hand slips down my back and palms my backside. Holding my breath, I count to myself as he sweeps my hair to the side to kiss my neck. It's like bugs crawling over my skin.

When Crow grabs my ass, I inhale sharply, closing my eyes. He presses his nose against my neck and inhales slowly, moaning "God, you smell so heavenly. When will you realize that I just want to bring you pleasure?" Crow presses his groin to my backside as he wraps his arms around my waist. When I open my eyes, a pair of blue eyes are burning into mine from below, outside. I keep my eyes latched on Landon's as his express questions why I'm standing here. Suddenly, Crow runs his hand up my front, palming my breasts through my shirt and he kisses my cheek. When Landon sees, his expression stones.

My throat tightens and I feel embarrassed that he has to see this. When Crow's hand slides back down and starts to slip down my pants, I flinch and grab his wrist.

"No no, Princess. Don't fight it."

I squirm only to have his other are wrap tightly around my stomach. Digging my nails into his hand, Crow moans "By now, you should know that pain only makes me harder for you, baby" His hand moves down and he palms my s*x. Against my better judgment, I open my eyes and see that Landon is gone from below. A part of me is relieved. I don't want him to see me like this.

Suddenly, there is a loud knock on the door. "What?!" Crow yells.

"Sir, guests are arriving. Claudia is here to get Camilla ready" I freeze at the voice in the other side of the door. Landon.

Crow groans in frustration and his hand disappears. He steps away and brushes down the front of his tux "As much as I would like to stay. I am the host. Be quick, Princess." He walks off and I breathe a sigh of relief, leaning back against the wall. My head spins and I feel faint from holding my breath for so long. Whenever he touches me, it's like my lungs collapse.

I look at the door and Landon comes in after Crow leaves. Through his calm expression, I see pure lividness. He walks up to me and cups my neck "You okay?"

I nod and suddenly my knees give out. Landon catches me before I fall on my butt and pulls me up "I got you" He scoops me up and carries me over to the couch. Sitting down, Landon sits me on his lap and I rest my head on his shoulder.

"Where's Claudia?" I whisper.

"Downstairs getting drunk."

"But I thought-"

"I lied. You were right, Cam. I don't know how you feel and what you're going through. I'm sorry" His warm tone, sounds kind and calming.

"I'm sorry too. I keep pushing you away. I can't make you hate him the way I do." I mumble inhaling his intoxicating cologne.

"Well I hate him a little more now. I'm sorry you're going through this. I'm so sorry"

"Please stop saying sorry. It's not your fault. I didn't even want you to see that. It's embarrassing. Every time he touches me I feel dirty and gross." I sit up and Landon reaches up swoops my hair out of my face.

"You have nothing to be embarrassed about." His gaze burns so deep into mine that it sends heat to my belly. His face looks so confused and mad. "I just wish I could do more."

I don't say anything as I take a few deep breaths. Standing up, I take my dress off the bed "I should get ready"

Landon nods as he gets to his feet. He scratches the top of his head and nods "Yeah, me too. What does your mask look like so I can find you later?"

I reach on the bed and hold it up. Landon nods "I'll be the one in all black"

"Typical" I mumble and he snorts as he exits the room.

When I get out of the shower, I almost jump out my skin when I see Claudia sitting on the edge of my bed waiting. "Great. You're done. Now let's do some magic!" She claps her hands, clearly half-drunk already. In my robe, I sit down as she takes the towel from my hands and begins drying my hair.

Two hours later, Claudia zips up my dress and steps back. Her eyes are lit up like a Christmas tree "My God, you are gorgeous."

I walk over to the mirror and can't help, but gasp softly at the reflection. My hair is is curled and pinned up in a style that reminds me of a Victorian woman. With my mask on, my eye makeup is dark and smoky and the dress is still as pretty as it was earlier. As great as I may look, it makes me feel lousy. If Claudia thinks I look great then I know Crow won't be able to keep his hands off.

Forcing a smile, I thank Claudia before leaving my room. She follows close behind as I head downstairs. Let the night begin.

As I'm coming downstairs, it immediately turns into the weird f****d up version of Princess Diaries. All eyes fall on me and when I look at the bottom of the stairs, Crow is waiting for me. I want to roll my eyes at him, but I keep composed. My foot barely hits the floor before Crow's arm is around me. Leaning into my ear, Crow whisper "So f*****g sexy."

He turns to the people and shouts "Let the party begin!" Everyone claps and cheers as music begins to play. Crow rotates me around, introducing me to people. I don't speak, I just smile as the men ogle over me and their wives give me dirty looks. I can't tell what none of these people look like from behind their masks and they don't know what I really look like. If someone in here were to know who I am, they wouldn't know I was in the room and vice versa. Suddenly, it dawns on me that maybe that's the reason for this whole masked get together. Crow hasn't even introduced me as Camilla. He just calls me Princess or Cam.

After an hour of standing by his side, he tells me to go find Landon. I nod and walk off, but not before he swats my butt causing the men with him to chuckle. Under my makeup, I'm sure my cheeks are red with embarrassment. Walking around, I look for Landon. As I'm passing by the front door, a woman opens it and walks out. I stare at the door for a moment, wondering if I can just slip out without anyone noticing. A lump of nerves rise in my throat and when I reach for the door, my hand is slapped away. I hiss, pulling it back and when I look up, I see a tall man in all black. Even with the black mask, I know it's Anderson.

"Bad idea, Camilla. There are guards outside. Come, Landon is looking for you." He presses his hand in my back, nudging me forward. As we are walking, Anderson leans into my ear "You look quite lovely by the way"

"Thanks. You look mighty fine yourself" I smile.

"I look mighty fine all the time" He smiles hard as he turn down an empty hall. I see Landon's figure standing in the hall, looking stiff and in security mode. His stance is strong and domineering. I can't help, but think about how extremely handsome he is in his tailored suit and mask. And the ponytail is really growing on me. When he turns around, his eyes fall on mine and I smile softly. Anderson clears his throat "The dove is in the coop" Anderson mumbles and I giggle as he walks off. Turning back to Landon, his expression is hard and dark.

"You look very handsome" I says as he just stares at me. I bite my lip as my skin burns under his hot gaze. Reaching forward, Landon lifts my mask, letting it rest against my hair line. "You look stunning"

A sense of giddiness rushes through me and I look away "Stop"

Landon cups my face, turning it to look at him "Seriously, you look gorgeous, Camilla" My name rolls off his tongue like warm honey.

"Thank you, Landon"

Landon pulls my mask back down over my eyes before talking my arm and looping it through his. "Let's go mingle"

"Aren't you working?"

"Yep, Mingling is a part of my duties. I can entertain you and keep an eye out for any trouble. Crow doesn't intend on dancing with you. He just wanted to show you off and no offense, but I don't blame him." Compliments coming from Landon are so different than the ones from Crow. Landon is kind hearted and caring towards me without ill intentions. I like him a lot.......as a friend, of course.

As Landon leads me around, we stop at the bar and he hands me a glass of Sprite. Hugging the glass, we stand still as Landon looks around before whispering something. It isn't till then that I notice a clear piece in his ear. Must me talking to the other guys. He leans down into my ear "Come outside with me"

I nod and he talks my hand. We make our way outside and the cool wind hits me. Landon takes off his tux jacket and wraps it around me. "Why are we outside?"

"I just needed a moment. Crowds bother me a little. I switched positions with Viktor. He went through the side door. So having fun?"

"Not at all, but I guess I'm okay." I shrug as the music blares from the inside. All those people in there for the birthday party of a despicable man. Either they are all delusional or just two faced. The thought is cut short when I feel Landon tap under my chin. I look up at him and smirk "What?"

"You were staring off into space. What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing important. By the way, the ponytail is nice." I reach up and tuck a loose string of his hair down. "How long did it take to grow after the military?"

"About five months. I like the length so I just keep it trimmed. I'll probably never cut it." He shrugs.

"You shouldn't. It's nice. Makes you look mysteriously handsome" I giggle as Landon gives me a smoldering model look. I go to push his shoulder when he catches my hand. I stop laughing when his expression turns a bit serious. "Dance with me"

Nodding, I step forward and Landon slowly, pulls me closer, his eyes never leaving mine. His places his hand on my upper back. We sway to the slow song and for once, I feel properly handled. No force, no fighting, just respect. It's easy for my body to press against his without me even realizing it. Holding my hand in his, Landon gives it a soft squeeze every few moments.

I don't know what it is about this moment, but it's the most peaceful I've been this whole time. It's like a weight off my shoulders to just be held with care. I'm not afraid or worried when I'm with Landon. He makes me feel a way that I can't explain or understand completely. Crow keeps trying to break me, but moments like this just make me want to fight harder. I can't give in to him. If I he hits me then he just does, but he'll never get the satisfaction of knowing he broke me. I'm going to fight for more moments like this.

"Cam"

"Mhm" I moan, pushing the thoughts away.

"I know you're going through a lot and it may not mean much to hear, but I do care." He pulls back and looks down at me, his blue eyes breaking through the darkness like the moon. A smile plays at my lips and I sigh "I know."

Landon looks at me for a long moment before taking my chin between his index finger and thumb. Tilting my face up to him, he licks his lips "Can I kiss you?"

Taken back a by the fact that he asked for my permission instead of just going for it, a soft chill runs down my spine and I nod "Yeah, you can"

Landon leans in and gently presses his lips against mine. They are soft and perfect. When Landon pulls back slightly, my breath hitches. When his mouth comes in contact with mine again, I feel his lips curl into a little smile. He cups my face and deepens the kiss as I part my lips. When I inhale, the taste of peppermint rolls across my tongue.

Suddenly, the moment crumbles down when the sound of gunshots ring out from inside. I gasp, jumping back and Landon pulls his mask off. Turning to me, he cups my face "Go in the guest house and wait for me"

I nod as he runs into the house, pulling a hand gun from the holster on his hip. My heart thuds as I stand there for a moment in complete shock. When another gun shot is fired, I jump and quickly run to the guest house. He better be okay. Landon better come back.