Chloe
A few days after Axel had visited unannounced, I’d managed to finalize the last few details of the start of the trip. I figured we’d start with a First Class flight to somewhere luxurious in Europe, for some sightseeing, shopping, good food and hopefully some partying. Although it was a bit cliche, after hours of internet sleuthing I’d decided Paris had a bit of everything and would be a great first destination. We’d be there for 3 nights, and would then take an overnight luxury train to Prague.
After days of excitement bordering on anxiety, and hour upon hour of manic internet searches I was finally able to relax. And when I did, I found my mind wondering back to my mysterious bodyguard… the way he’d just turned up, standing there at the door with his body almost filling the frame. I had to admit, I was intrigued. At first glance he looked like a hardened criminal, but I thought I’d seen a hidden softness in there somewhere that I hoped I wasn’t imagining.
One thing’s for sure though; I don’t think we’re going to get into any unwanted trouble on our travels...dude looks like a tank given human form.
Seeing Axel at the door had definitely made me feel safe, and I’d started to forgive my Dad for wanting me to take a bodyguard with me. Not that I’d let my Dad know he was forgiven - I’d decided to do that after the all expenses paid trip was finished. Didn’t want a sudden drop in his share price scaring him back to his usual over-cautiousness…
I was awoken from my daydream by the loud ringing of my cell phone, which made me jump. I was reclining on my bed, my legs stretched out. I’d been taking what I felt was a well earned break, having a glass of champagne in quiet celebration after getting the trip booked.
I turned over onto my elbows and looked at my phone. It was Jessica, probably calling for details after seeing my recent Facebook post gloating about the impending trip, tagging both of my friends as well. I took a well deserved gulp of champagne and flicked the green button across the screen of my phone.
“Well if it isn’t my second favourite slut!”
I laughed at my own joke. Jessica could give as good as she got though. I was probably in for it now.
“Second favourite?” she cried, in mock indignation. “You bitch! I thought I was your favourite? Don’t tell me you lied about all those lesbian fantasies you said you’d had about me...!?”
I realised I was on speakerphone on the other end, and could hear Jessica and Amber laughing at my expense.
“No,” I said, “Amber is my favourite. Her boobs are much bigger than yours!” I heard laughter from Amber and a mock gasp from Jessica, followed by what sounded like a slap. In reality, Jessica more than made up for the lack of boobs with an amazing, slim yet full figure and one of the nicest asses I’d ever seen. And her slutty, seductive demeanour meant she had no trouble getting any man she set her sights on.
After the mock fight had finished, Jessica spoke again on the phone.
“Right, so you’ve got everything arranged, yeah? Oh, and if you didn’t book First Class flights I’m not coming. Just putting that out there now.”
She meant it as a joke, probably because she knew damn well I’d booked first class. But she’d probably never flown less than First Class in her life, owing to her Dad’s career as a famous baseball player. Apparently, according to Jessica anyway, at the height of his career he’d made more in indorsements per year alone than most other players earned in salaries, bonuses and endorsements combined.
“Of course I booked First Class, you bimbo. Well, apart from our minder. He’s in business. It’ll be easier to keep an eye on the bad guys from there, I guess.”
“Well if he’s as hot as you said he is, he can always bunk up with me. I don’t mind sharing.” Amber said, in a low, husky voice. “Plus, it’ll give me something to do on the flight…”
“Yeah, he is hot. Sort of. Big, huge muscles, scary-looking but handsome at the same time. But hands off. He’s there to look after us, not for you two sex offenders to bait him.”
“Awww. Little Chloe wants him all to herself!” teased Jessica. “That’s OK though, she can have him first. From the sounds of it there’s plenty of him to go round.”
I could almost hear her winking at Amber.
I decided to change the course of the discussion from what would probably be a recurring subject over the course of the next few days, at least. That was, until they lost interest in him or until one of them managed to get him into bed. And Axel didn’t strike me as the type to risk his job for the sake of a quickie with a young slut. He’d probably be too busy looking mean and scaring the shit out of people, anyway.
“Right so are you two all set? The flight is in two days, we’re flying at 7 so get to my place at 4. If you’re late I’ll get my bodyguard to rough you up. And I don't mean the good kind either!” This got another burst of laughter from the two on the other end of the phone.
“Ok, we’ll be there!” they chimed in unison. They were so alike that people quite often mistook them for sisters. They might as well have been, the amount of time they spent together. They practically lived in Jessica’s house.
“How about me and Cind come over to celebrate? I bet your Dad’s got some nice champagne on ice he won’t miss?” Amber chimed in an instant later, laughing; “Great idea Jess! We’ll be over in an hour.”
“Ok, ok. Come over then. It doesn’t sound like there’s any way I’m gonna talk you out of it. Oh, and I’ve already cracked open the bubbles, so you’d better get over here quick before I finish it all.”
They screamed in mock panic and hung up. I couldn’t help but smile at their antics. They were a pair of pretentious bitches, but they were good fun and actually quite nice to be around when they weren’t trying to egg each other on or wind someone up.
I lay back and took another sip of champagne.
Yup, I think this trip is gonna be a whole lot of fun. I’d Better get ready then if they’re coming over.
I stood, pausing to grab my glass before heading towards the shower.
Axel
I sat in my apartment, deep in thought. I’d managed to prepare everything for the impending trip, but still had niggling doubts gnawing at the back of my mind.
It’s normal. Stop fucking worrying about pointless shit and get on with it.
Thing was, if I had doubts they were usually about something specific. This time I just had a bad feeling I couldn't place.
I fucking hate bad feelings. Gives me indigestion.
I’d also watched Chloe’s house the last few nights, making sure there wasn’t anyone else eyeing the place up for a late night visit. There were a few things I’d learnt I was damn good at when working as a gun for hire. I was patient. You had to be when you were waiting for someone paranoid to show themselves or make a mistake. I was also quiet and quick for a big man, and surprisingly good at not being noticed. I seemed to blend into the background, my nonchalant demeanour disarming all but the most intense scrutiny.
I was also good at noticing things, I’d learned to go into an almost meditative state where I wasn’t distracted by conscious thought and could keep an eye on the telltale details that painted a much clearer picture of the world compared to the casual or distracted viewer. All the while maintaining a blank expression, looking more like an idiot than a threat.
Even so, I hadn’t noticed anything at all. No cars, parked suspiciously or driving past more than once. No lone figures walking past the fence or gate. No sign at all of any attempted entry.
Not a fucking peep.
I checked my gear for the trip, for what was probably the fourth double check.
My guess is they know where she lives, so why do they need to keep an eye on it? They’ve probably already worked out she’s booked on a flight anyway - they probably know what fucking seat she’s in and what she’s ordered for dinner.
I just hoped that the seat booked for Axel Miller in Business Class had passed under the radar. I’d spoken to her dad the day before, as we discussed a few final details; location, transport. Risks. We’d agreed it would be good for me to try and avoid suspicion by sitting in Business class. Firstly, if anyone had access to the flight records, first place they’d look is the seats around Chloe. Secondly, people who could afford First Class wouldn’t be looking to extort money out of their wealthy co-passengers. Finally, I’d be at the front of Business and only a quick run from where they’d be sitting.
I was distracted from mindlessly re-checking my gear by my cell phone ringing loudly in my pocket. I guessed it was probably Chloe. Couldn’t remember anyone else having the new number.
“Hey, Miss,” I said, putting the cheap and small cell phone to my ear. I held it gingerly with my thumb and forefinger. Big hands weren’t useful for most practical things, I’d learned over the years. Good for fighting, though. And women seemed to like them...
“Hey there, mister,” she said, her voice low and dripping honey. “I’m all ready for you. Or I should say, WE are all ready for you.”
She giggled, and I heard her giggles echoed by what sounded like two other girls in the background. I thought they all sounded a little tipsy.
“Good stuff, doll. Just tell me when and I’ll be there. Oh, and you’ll like the transport, for sure. Something me and your Dad got, special like.”
“Ooh, I can’t wait!” she squealed, a little too eagerly.
Sounds like she’s been at her Dad’s whiskey cupboard.
I heard a few comments from her friends in the background, but couldn’t make out what they’d said.
Probably for the best. Gotta be protecting this girl, not drooling over her.
“Be at mine in two days. Thats Thursday. We’ll need to be leaving for the ai... “ She hesitated. “For the destination at about 4pm. Get here about 2 if you can.”
She sounded pleased with her almost immediate correction of her potential slip up.
“I’m guessing my Dad filled you in with the details, you know where we’re going, right?”
I half heard a crude, muffled comment from one of the girls in the background. From what I could hear it was something to do with me filling in Chloe. Chloe gasped in mock indignation, laughing, sounding a little embarrassed.
“Right,” I said. I needed to wrap this up quick. I could hear a slight echo from her end of the phone. Either it was a bad line or her phone was tapped. I didn’t know if it was possible for my location to be discovered from a tap on her phone.
I ain’t no technical whiz, that’s for damn sure. But it don’t seem likely. I don't fucking want to find out the hard way though…
“I’ll be there for sure. See ya.” I hung up.
Damn shame, could listen to the girl talk all day. ‘Specially with her a bit tipsy. I glanced down at my watch on my left wrist. Half past three.
I debated checking over my gear again.
Fuck that. It’s done, I’m prepared. Stop worrying like a goddamn old woman, Axel.
A drink would take my mind off things. Maybe two.
Chloe
“You pair of bitches!”
I guessed Axel probably hadn’t heard what my two crude and slutty friends had said when I was on the phone to him.
But part of me hopes he did. It’d be nice to give him something to think about…
I wouldn’t admit to these two because I’d never hear the last of it, but the more I thought about Axel, the further my mind went in visualising his naked, muscled form…I was looking forward to the trip more and more by the hour.
They both burst out laughing, Jessica poking me in the ribs. “Just admit it!” she said, “and we’ll stop teasing you.”
“Admit what?” I replied, raising my eyebrows with feigned innocence. “I don't know what you’re talking about.”
Amber was the first to respond. “Don’t play innocent little girl with us. I could hear from your voice you can’t wait to get your hands on his muscles…”
“Well, I cannot confirm or deny your accusations,” I said, as seriously as I could, struggling to keep a straight face.
“But either way, hands off! He’s my bodyguard, remember!” I couldn’t keep it together and burst into laughter, falling towards the two girls and slapping them both on the leg.
Wow, that champagne has gone straight to my head.
But I had to admit, I was having fun. And I found flirting with Axel fun too. His serious demeanour made it even more enjoyable, and it was appealing to keep on flirting, just to get a glimpse of the man behind the facade.
Though the quickness of the phone call had barely given me any time to work my magic. All I had time to do was put on a sexy voice. One which had worked like a charm before. If he was at all human it would have given him some sort of rise, I knew it.