[ON GOING] All Of Me 18+ Only (Book 3 of Lastor series) #Wattys2020

Chapter 21

Palms flat on the ground away from my body and legs up in the air, I could feel blood rushing to my head as I held the pose. I let out a soft breath, focusing on keeping my balance and emptying my mind.

The dawn was quiet, only the soft hum of the water wading in a gentle current filling the silence. I let out another breath, keeping my eyes closed as I made sure to keep my back straight. I shut out the world and disregarded the growing strain on my neck. But then I heard approaching footsteps stop behind me. Watching me. Distracting me.

I breathed in the icy air, catching the faint scent of cigarette smoke and Sawyer's distinct aftershave that bore a hint of sandalwood and dominant cedar.

"Speak," I said softly.

"Mr. Helsing just reported," Katrina replied. "They're in bound with the package."

I opened my eyes, looking out to the lake. "Casualties?"

"None on our side."

I carefully pulled my legs apart, locking my knees and holding my legs into a wide V position, my bones and muscles aching at being pushed to the limit. I held the pose for a few seconds before letting my body fall back, dropping my feet flat on the ground. My spine embraced the new position and my torso reverberated with thróbbing pain as I held myself up on both palms, my back arched and my front thrust up. I held the position again before pulling myself up to stand, facing Katrina.

"You have Sawyer's scent all over you," I noted, closing the distance between us and sniffing at her as I raked my gaze over her frame. I caught the smell of saliva on her neck and noticed her bare lips were slightly plumper and reddened. "Oh, kitty Kat." I met her eyes, seeing the apprehension in them. "Stress getting to you?"

She pursed her lips, her prominent cheeks becoming flushed but still, her expression remained impassive. "I have no excuse for this improper conduct."

"I don't care who you fúck, Kat," I said dismissively. "I care that I noticed since it's obvious you didn't intend for me to." I glanced at Sawyer as he stood nearby with the others. He made a point to avoid eye cóntact but I knew he could hear us. "How long has it been going on?"

"Four months, approximately," Katrina answered meekly.

"Since Mozambique." She nodded. "You've been at this for four months and I didn't notice anything until now. What does that tell you?"

She clenched her jaw. "I got careless."

"And what does your carelessness tell me?"

Her eyes widened slightly in understanding and she lowered her head. "You can't trust me."

"I can't trust either of you," I said, passing a glance to Sawyer. "Go through every order you've carried out over the past four months. I want a full report and there better not be a single careless mistake which could have affected my judgments and actions."

"Yes, Miss Lastor," she whispered.

I pointed at Sawyer. "That applies to you too. Check all the security protocols and I want individual reports of every security breach incident over the past four months."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Until I know this carelessness is an isolated incident, you're both suspended. You don't do, touch, or say anything that can affect me without my approval. Kat, Art will take over for your responsibilities. Sawyer, choose one from the guys. Brief them and then get working on those reports." I turned for the lake, pulling my hair loose from the tie. "Go away now, both of you. Your presence is distracting."