Nobody Slaps Me

Rheya's POV

The little girl fell asleep in my arms in the back of the taxi. Kendra…that’s her name. She had written it down before she dozed off. The car ride was silent, with only the sound of her heavy breathing. Her breathing told a story of exhaustion. And judging from the address she gave me, I’m not surprised. 

It really is a long way from the city.

A part of me is glad I found her. God knows how far she was willing to go. Her backpack was heavy. She covered her bases- a toothbrush, toothpaste, a small towel, some lotion, bodywash, a little body spray, a wallet with some money, a notebook, tablet, charger, two extra dresses and some snacks.

Her packing skills are impressive, even I wouldn’t have been able to pack everything so neatly in there. I wonder where she was trying to get to. With each mile, I could tell that we were going to a much quieter area. Traffic reduced until our car was the only one on this long winded road. 

We were stopped at a big gate. The guard there wore all black. He wore a bulletproof vest, and I could see his gun in its holster. There was an earphone hanging from his right ear. There was another guard in the little booth behind him. 

Whoever lived here was a big deal. Most guards I have seen are well equipped, but seem quite inexperienced. These guards looked like they had seen wars. Their energy was confident, dangerous even. He went to the driver, who quickly informed him that he was only transporting passengers.

I rolled down the window and let him know that I had brought Kendra home. He peaked and saw Kendra sleeping in my arms then spoke to someone through the earphone. After a minute, he told us to get out of the car and let the driver go. After waking Kendra up, we stood outside as the taxi left. 

A black limousine came to pick us up. We sat in the car quietly. The scent in the car was like a soft musk, the rare expensive kind. This was the kind of car that would cost a fortune to rent, yet they own it. The mansion was quite far from the gate.  A butler stood waiting for us. He had a friendlier face than the guards, but he also carried a nervous energy. His eyes gave a message of their own- “Good luck”. 

Seems like I have entered the lions’ den.

Luke’s POV

Kendra entered the living room. She was holding this strange woman’s hand. I barely looked at her. Whatever her story was, I will deal with her later. My biggest concern was seeing if Kendra was alright.

“Kendra, come here,” I called, stretching out my hands to her. I felt her hesitation. She gripped the hand tighter, her face almost panicking. She must be scared that I am angry with her for running away. I am angry, but not at her.

I am mad at the incompetent staff. So many people here but no one noticed her leave.

I tried my best to soften my expression towards her. “It’s okay,” I encouraged. She let go and walked towards me. I hugged and lifted her, my eyes quickly scanning her. She looked fine, no bruises, still clean except for her muddied shoes. This woman who brought her back didn’t hurt her, but I still don’t trust her yet.

“Go upstairs. Let me and your new friend have a little talk,” I instructed. She didn’t move immediately. Instead she looked at the lady who whispered, “Go ahead.”. I don’t like how obedient she is to this stranger. I waited until I was sure that she was out of sight before I fixed my attention on our guest.

“Who are you?”

“Rheya Wilson,”

“How long have you known my daughter?” 

“Not long. We met for the first time today outside a cafe. She was being harassed by a strange man. I managed to help her then she gave me her address and here we are,”

I scanned her face. She didn’t show signs of lying. Either she was telling the truth or she is a well trained spy. 

“I don’t believe you Rheya,”

Her face turned red and I could see two frown lines on her forehead. She still maintained her composure, but looked offended.

“I said I don’t believe you,” I said sternly, walking towards her. 

“Is it a coincidence that my daughter was being harrased as you say, and you just happened to conveniently be there to save her?”

“What do you think happened then?” she retorted.

“I think you planned this whole thing to establish trust with Kendra,”

“Motive?” she asked, her fists balled up, nose flared yet voice still calm. Damn she’s good. 

“I haven’t figured it out,” I said as I scanned her outfit. I walked closer to her. I circled around her a few times, still silent. She maintained her composure well. If I wasn’t observant I would have believed the act, yet her hand shook nervously before she grabbed it with the other quickly.

She had a curvy figure. Her dress was a halterneck, tight on the upperbody and flared from the waist down. Her legs were long and glistened. Her heels were simple and her hair was tied up in a bun with strands of hair hanging on the sides of her face. 

I lowered my head to her face and calmly spoke to her.

“You save my daughter, show up at my house, seduce and slut yourself out to me. Maybe for the money, or the status, but probably for the secrets. I’m…”

Before I could even utter another word, she delivered a backhand slap to my face. 

For a full second, the world went silent.

Nobody slaps me.

Nobody.