My Escort

Freedom

But Why do I love this? It's been always my dream to get stuck in a place without civilization. Except . . . I had no idea it would be with my bodyguard.

Red glances at me with a creased eyebrow as he tries to finds the signal, his phone up in the air. He's surprised that I'm laughing instead of freaking out. Can I blame him? Not really. I've lost it and I'm aware.

Everything happening in my life recently has been like a planned script in a soap opera. I wonder what can surprise me at this rate. I've caught my husband cheating, I've been chased my someone unknown, a killer possibly, and the police can't find any lead, and I'm losing my business.

What a fancy life I have! "Oh, this feels good!" I take a few steps around, looking heavenward to see if the great man upstairs still thinks of me.

At times it feels like he's abandoned me. Why I know some people have it worse so I shouldn't complain too much. I cast my gaze back to my hot bodyguard . . . my guardian angel.

A smile finds a way onto my lips. "It's not far from Longview and I think people live nearby," Red articulates after a while. His eyes are on the ground as he adds, "Do you see the shoe prints?" I follow his gaze. "Oh, yes." I nod, impressed.

Well, he isn’t my protector for nothing now, is he? I flush. "I'll go check," he tells me. "What? And you're leaving me here?" I snap. Hell no, I'm not staying here on my own. "I'm coming with you!" I state sternly.

Sighing softly, Red remarks, "I wasn't going to leave you on your own, Madam." Oh? My cheeks burn, deep is the feel of complaisance in my heart. I'm flustered by his unweaving composure. He always knows how to respond.

"Good. I'm safe with you," I blurt and the intensity of my statement gets instantly reflected via the stun in his eyes. What have I said? "We're taking the car. A small drive won't be a problem," Red states, and whatever he says I feel inclined to oblige.

It's the effect he has on me, quite

unlikely. "Sure." I slam the backdoor shut and retreats into the front passenger seat.

Red looks surprised by this. "What? Must I seat in the back? I want to sit here." I wriggle my ass to sit more comfortable. He doesn't say a word. He locks the doors and pulls on his seatbelt. I do the same and our ride continues moderately.

The scenic view helps me calm my excitement down. Am I this desperate to get away from my reality? I wish to get lost. To get lost with him. "Um—" Red clears his throat, and off from the train of thoughts I hop.I gaze at him responsively.

"Are you okay?" he asks, concern lacing his voice. I can behold my reflection through his eyes, as though every time he breathes he takes me in. I smile softly, my heart aflutter. "Yeah. I'll be fine in time," I answer, trying to delude myself.

But I know I will. I'm my mom's daughter and she taught me to never succumb to fear. It doesn't take long until we come across a small town. Red was right. It's old and so is it architecture, the land a bit barren.

I hope we can find the mechanic and get

something to eat, for I'm starving. "I think we should stop here and try asking around," I say suggestively, and Red is

busy scanning the surroundings. "Hello!" I stroke my fingers to get his attention.

"Yes, Madam." He respond Before us stands a rugged, two-story building that seems to go way back to colonial era. It's a small hotel, and its lobby contains a bar . . . or dinner? I fail to grasp.

We go toward it nonetheless. It's a small tavern, but it seems quite popular among the folks. We receive weird glances as he walk in, and I'm sure our appearances stand out more than we think. The men inside are mostly big and strong, covered with many tattoos. Good Lord!

I hope this doesn't turn out to be like the scenes in the action movies where they bully new comers in small towns. I subtly cling onto Red's arm as I whisper, "These people are scary."

"Act normal," Red purrs. "Hey-yo!" Some guy, long-haired with a cowboy hut, snaps at us. I hold my breath, but strangely my bodyguard doesn't totter.

"New around here? Never seen ya

before," he says while nearing us, a bit intimidating. "Yeah, we're passing by. Had a breakdown. Any mechanic nearby?" Red replies confidently.

The guy puts us under intense security,toothpick between his lips. "Your wife?" He tips his head to my direction,and the othe men's eyes glisten at the proper sight of me.

I can feel many gazes on my quarter-covered thighs. Perverts! But can tell they mean no harm.

Red seems hesitant to respond, which makes me hold his arm tightly, a big smile on my face. "Yes, I'm his wife," I say proudly.

Red's muscles tense in my hold, startled, and his face puckers as he glances at me.Whatever, hon. I won't let these country bumpkins keep ogling me as though they're watching their favorite ice cream topping.

The guy looks suspiciously at us. Doesn't he believe me? I ponder, and Red's arm slides around my waist, clutching me possessively. Oh my! My insides unfurl, a tingling sensation lacing his strong touch.

"My wife and I were heading to Astoria but the car is giving us trouble. Can we find someone to check it thoroughly?" he asks him. Staring at us without breaking the contact, the guys tell, "Hey, Simone! Is Josh available in his shop?" He eyes the bartender behind the counter. "No!" Simon replies while pouring some beers a gigantic glass.

"He's done for the day. Taking care of some s**t in the city."

"Tough luck, huh? No service till morning. Can you wait?" he tells Red, who's still appalled with everything. "Worry not, ma man. We may not have a five-star, but our place is decent enough.

Can't let babymama sleep in the car now, will ya?" My eyes widen as Red gives me the you-started-this kind of look, his eyes condescendingly firm. "Sure. We can wait till morning," I boldly reply. What?

"Cool. You hungry, Lady?" The tough dude asks, smiling at last. "You bet I am." I grin, my tummy rumbling. "It's on the house.

Jules! Bring them something to eat!" he shouts towards a young lady behind the counter. "And find them the best room available," he adds, and a sharp breath escape my lungs. Am I going to share a room with Red? We quickly glance at one another, shocked.