CHAPTER 4

Simon Lee

It wasn't easy to see Laura's contemptuous reaction in front of me. For many years I tried to imagine what she thought about us. Matheus said that she ran away from the subject whenever he touched my name. Now I was sure. She hated me. The way she walked out of the bar, without looking back, wouldn't have been as overwhelming as if she'd slapped me in the face. Laura Anthony didn't want to be by my side, and I needed to do something to change that situation.

And it was determined to make her listen to me as I walked into the condo where she lived and waited at the front desk. Matheus said that she always went for a walk when she was upset. So I called him and asked him to check with Sara to see if my Little One was planning to exercise in the morning. With the confirmation, I tried to get up early in the condominium and waited on the sofa at the reception.

When the elevator opened, Laura went out adjusting her watch, probably setting the timer to run. She was dressed in gray leggings and a gray top. Straight black hair tied in a ponytail. The clothes showed all the curves of that wonderful body that I appreciated from a distance, for years. At the same time my body gave signs of how much I wanted that woman. The way I touched her in her dreams and kissed every part of her body wasn't enough to put out the fire that consumed me. I really needed to feel her. Touch your hair and your skin. Feel the heat of your body and the beat of your heart. I needed your breath as much as mine. Now, here in front of her, I couldn't understand how I could spend so much time smothering my love. Pretending to myself that I could live without her.

The thoughts disappeared as she looked at me. Seeing every detail of his face's expression, transforming again, made me very horny . Laura had a delicious mouth and for the second time I saw her slowly open her lips, highlighting the mole in the right corner. She stopped and blinked a few times, in a movement of pure shock. It was clear that she didn't expect my presence, but unlike what she did at the bar, she walked towards me. I swallowed hard trying to remember all the speech I had prepared for that moment. The heart felt like it was going to come out of the throat. She wasn't going to run away. Me neither. The conversation I've been waiting for was finally going to happen.

Laura stopped in front of me and we stared at each other in silence. I don't even know how much time passed, but I could see her chest rising and falling as she swallowed her saliva, threatening to start the conversation. Our eyes didn't leave each other for a minute, just like the night before. I wanted to decipher her, to know what she was thinking, but she wouldn't speak. So I would be the one to take the first step:

— Hi Laura!

— Hi, Simon! she replied stuttering.

We remained silent for a few seconds, without taking our eyes off, until I spoke again.

— I'm sorry for yesterday. I knew you had already arrived, but Thomas asked me not to look for you.

— He told me.

New silence. The world seemed to spin slowly as I braced myself for some reaction from her. Let's go Laura! A slap , a scream, anything. Nothing! Just your gaze fixed on mine. I decided to resume the conversation.

— Are you going for a walk?

The question made her come to her senses, as if I'd just told her she was naked in the middle of the reception. She looked at her own body, as if to confirm the information for herself, and looked back at me.

— I am.

— I can go with you? Would like to talk.

— Sure! Laura's voice was confused and I could tell she was struggling to maintain control. He was probably holding back from cursing me . I mentally laughed thinking that would be interesting. I would love to see my angry Little One. Many times, as a child, I would tease her just to see that frown on her forehead and hear the anger spilling out of her lips. Then we would make up and go back to playing as if nothing had happened. Any cursing would be better than that silence. At least I would be sure I was messing with her feelings.

— Are you enjoying the apartment? I asked nonchalantly, putting on my sunglasses as we walked side by side toward the condo entrance. I didn't want the silence to bother me again.

She looked at me in disbelief, and took a deep breath. He also put on the sunglasses that had previously been resting on his head.

—Very comfortable— he replied with his chin up.

The curt answers were getting on my nerves. I was there, full of fingers to start a polite conversation, to say the least, and Laura summed up her thoughts in two words. My desire was to take her in my arms and put out that fire that was consuming me. Prove to her that he loved her more than anything and that he would make her the happiest woman in the world. I would die for Laura Anthony. How would I make her understand that?

We crossed the streets until we reached the park. The sun's rays were weak at this hour of the morning and a cool breeze made the treetops sway. I walked that lawn for years, imagining my Little One by my side. I dreamed of our children running around and the two of us walking hand in hand. I always wanted to be a father, to have a happy family. But never with another woman, only with Laura. I watched our arms next to each other, almost touching. Electricity ran through my hair. I could hold her hand, but that would be too rash. So I stood there feeling Laura's atoms attracting mine.

— Do you live around here? The question caught me off guard. I didn't know if she was starting to relax next to me or if it was just a random question.

—I live a few blocks from here.

—The agency…you…— I knew exactly what she wanted to ask.

—If you want to know if I was here when you met the agency, the answer is no. Every time you came, I was traveling on some mission. In fact when I was on active duty I spent more time outside than in the Phoenix — I spoke looking straight at her. It ran through her mouth, neck and chest. She looked straight ahead and didn't look away, but I knew she felt my eyes on her.

—I'm sorry about your father. I didn't find out until much later— she said in a subdued voice.

— I know. Matheus told me that you never asked about me.

Laura hugged her arms in front of her and moved her head from side to side, stretching the muscles in her neck. At the pace we were at, this was far from being a physical exercise.

—I don't think we need to go back to the past. I'm here for another reason— she said dryly. Finally the slap in the face I've been waiting for.

— All right, Laura! I will not force anything. When you want to talk about it, I'll be here.

We walked to an iron bench and sat down. The smell of nature was incredible. Surrounded by all those buildings and avenues, the park was the place where families took refuge to connect a little with themselves.

—Tell me about the threats. My uncle didn't anticipate anything. What's going on and why do you need me? —She was direct and rude. That just turned me on more.

—Well… the threats started three weeks ago. There were two letters left in the dressing room during the events I did,— I reported, pushing my glasses away with my index finger.

—And how are the investigations going?— Laura was still staring off into space. She didn't even move when I turned my body to face her.

—The security cameras were deactivated minutes before I found them. As the bars are crowded we cannot identify the person.

—Any suspicions? — Some enemy, an ex-girlfriend, a fan, some lover...? At that moment she removed her glasses and her face turned to me. It was so sexy that my dick moved inside my pants. Her brow arched and I could tell there was a certain derision in her tone. What was she implying with that question? Destabilize me ?

—We've tried everything, Laura. But it was just two letters. After that I didn't receive anything else.

— It makes no sense. It might have been a joke. Why would my uncle involve me in this case if there's no proof beyond that? Her brow furrowed and she clipped her glasses to the top of her head. It looked confused.

— Because the letter cited personal moments that the public is unaware of. And I said that in a few weeks I'm going to have a bomb in my house — I was emphatic.

— A bomb? But it's just tightening security, not allowing gifts.

—Laura, my father didn't die of a heart attack as you've been told.

— What? — At that moment she widened her eyes and turned her whole body to face me, bringing her hands to her mouth.

— He was murdered. And Thomas thinks that for some reason the same person is trying to kill me.

—This is very confusing. I need the investigation reports, I need to see the letters.— She straightened up and brought her index finger to her lips.

—Does that mean you'll accept to be my bodyguard ?— I couldn't contain the joy that came into my voice.

—I don't understand why you need me. You are an infinitely better agent than I am. Much more prepared for this situation.— She looked back at me curiously.

—You're right, I'm infinitely better than you— I mocked.

— Serious? She arched an eyebrow and pursed her lips into a thin line. Damn, I loved pissing that woman off.

— Joke! I followed your whole life. I know how well Thomas prepared you, but the professional you have become is your credit, your determination.

—I still don't understand.— His gaze was still incredulous.

—Laura, it's not just my life that's at risk. My mother's too. We managed to hide it, but you know it. She won't be able to stand being isolated for long. In addition, the band is entering its best phase. We are starting to get recognition in the media. I am participating in many events. I can't be aware of what's going on around me while I'm in the middle of a show or an interview.

— I understood. Let's do this. We'll meet at lunchtime so you can show me what you've gathered of information. ok ? she proposed.

— Okay ! But it can't be at the agency. Only Jonny knows you're here.

— I know. My uncle thinks he has a leak. I confess I still don't believe it.— She threw herself on the back of the seat. I was much more relaxed.

—For safety's sake, we think it's best that no one know you're here. We don't know who these people are. With such personal information it could be any of my relationships.

— Do you trust your musicians? Laura ran a hand through her hair, playing with her ponytail, like she used to do when we were kids. That image warmed my heart.

—I don't trust anyone, Laura! Only you and my mother— I said in a nostalgic voice.

— Okay! Simon. Let's make an appointment at my house at 2 pm. Can be? Bring all the information. She took the glasses off her head and put them back on.

— Okay , my bodyguard!— You command and I obey.— I gave a sarcastic smile.

— Need to go. See you later.

Laura got up and walked towards the lawn. And I swear to God, I had to stop myself from running after her and grabbing her. What a fucking sight! Watching her walk away from me after being so close was like a torture session. All I wanted was for her to tell me what she thought of me all these years. But today I would try to get that answer. I needed to know how she felt, if she ever loved me or if I was the one who created illusions. Today I would have my answer.