Stuck with you

Chapter Two

Kate's POV

It was sundown. I could see the sky from here — the kind of magic that happens when the sun goes down.

I began to think this place wasn't so bad.

But then I looked down at the handcuffs on me, remembering my current situation, and sighed.

The room was big and luxurious — Colonel Marcus's home was, too — but I still didn't understand why they'd put me in a room like this and still keep me cuffed.

I knew I had to get out of here, but I didn't know how. I needed to avenge my father's death. I knew I couldn't possibly die here.

The footsteps approaching the room were slow, deliberate — as though the person wanted me to know he was coming.

Please don't let it be him, I thought quickly.

The door opened, and it turned out God hadn't answered my prayer.

Colonel Marcus stood in the doorway, his eyes fixed on me.

I struggled against the cuffs.

"You know it's better you save your strength for later," he said, closing the door behind him.

My strength, I thought.

I sat still on the bed I'd been perched on for hours.

"Just let me out," I said quickly. "Please. I won't come back here anymore."

Instead, he asked, "You're not from here, are you?"

"No," I answered, my face turned down. I didn't want to look anyone in the eye.

"I have an offer for you," he said. I was surprised, but I kept my face lowered.

He stepped closer. I shivered as he gently lifted my chin.

My eyes met his — he wasn't what I'd expected.

He was Black, and his eyes made an exception for him.

Brown eyes, I thought.

"Don't look down. It's a sign of weakness." His voice was cold and gentle at once. "In a person's eyes — that's where your answers and your weapons lie," he said, releasing my chin.

I nodded slowly, unable to find words.

He smiled — the kind of smile that leaves more questions than it answers.

"Be my personal maid," he announced, "or be punished for talking back."

If there was a word stronger than surprise, that was me. Colonel Marcus was asking me to be his personal maid.

Why, I thought.

"Why would you want me to do that?" I asked, meeting his eyes — mastering the first lesson.

"Because I want you to." His answer was honest, but I could tell there was more to it than that.

"Okay," I said. "I'll do it."

I knew I had nothing to lose but something in me still rejected the idea.

He didn't seem surprised. He simply leaned in to uncuff me, and I caught his scent in the process.

He smelled good — almost like the vanilla I used to bake with.

As soon as he freed my wrists, he headed for the door. I was caught off guard.

"Are you leaving me here?" I called out.

"No."

"But I can't get up like this…" I started knowing I wasn't looking good on whatever I was on.

"You'll have someone in your room soon." And with that, he was gone.

I sat back, my head pounding. If he really wanted me to work for him, then this was my chance to stand on my feet again.

Maybe God is really answering my prayers, I thought.

______

Marcus's POV

Night had fallen. I sat on the balcony couch, staring straight up at the sky.

I found myself replaying the conversation.

She was like a little kitten to me — just trying to survive.

And I was just a man protecting everything that needed protecting.

Even at forty, my life still felt like it belonged to my thirties. Nothing had really changed about my appearance, but I knew I'd spent my life protecting everyone who needed me — except myself, and the ones I actually cared about.

Dark memories brushed past me as I stared at the moon. It wasn't full, but it was there.

The same way I always thought Jane never really left. Even after ten years — ten years of hating myself.

My thoughts were interrupted as my Sergeant Major, Frank "Tank" Morrison, stepped into the room.

I already knew why. I'd known Tank my whole life, and sometimes I thought he understood me better than even my father did.

"Marcus," he called out.

"Over here," I said, without turning.

He came and stood by the balcony. "I heard you brought a young lady back from the roadside.

Why?"

If there was one thing about Tank, it was that he was curious about almost everything.

"She'll be my personal maid," I said.

"Really? Does this mean you're finally moving on?" His voice lifted with excitement.

I hated to break it to him, but I did. "I brought a lady on as a personal assistant. I'm not marrying her."

He frowned — I knew he would. "Still, I think this is more progress than you've made in a long time."

I decided not to say anything. Arguing with Tank was never worth the effort.

"What have you heard about the kidnappings?" I asked, changing the subject.

"Yes." He stepped forward. "I think they're all connected — tied to the recent ones."

"Hmm," I said, thinking it over.

"I've always wondered why criminals are so careless — they never clean up their trail."

"Be prepared. Brief the soldiers, too," I said, standing now.

"I already know exactly where to go tomorrow."

"Copy that." He gave a short nod and left.

As soon as Tank was gone, my gaze drifted back to the sky.

These people were my responsibility. But so was I.

Today marked ten years and ten days since I lost the one woman I ever cared about.

Jane.

And somehow, I'd never forgiven myself for her death. She was just like this one — I thought of the kitten-like woman sitting in my guest room.

All she wanted was to survive.

And yet I couldn't save her.

Silence took over as I sank back into my thoughts.