Behind The Mask (Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 [2022] Fanfiction)

- THREE -

The 'safehouse' was a mansion, leaning toward a grand castle. The rooftops reached toward the clear night sky with relentless strength. A pearly white stucco covered the entire surface of the house, highlighting every smooth curve of things alongside the dark brown trims and gates. The courtyard was closed off by a high gate and surrounding wall, keeping outsiders out and insiders protected.

    "It's magnificent."

    "I suppose," I complimented with Hassan, glancing to my rowdy group behind us. 

    The limo rocked to a stop, the driver getting out to assist in unloading the young cargo. Hassan smiled at me as he reached over to open the door, his face awfully close to mine. I leaned back slightly, blinking in distaste. 

   "You are very beautiful." 

   His words heated a part of my gut I didn't want to be lit. I had to glance away from his intense stare, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. This earned a huff from him as he clicked open the door and motioned for me to step out. 

   The heels I wore clicked on the smooth cement of the long driveway as I stepped into the cooler Mexico air, the draft swinging my loose tank. My friends were out, looking around and waving at a few other people getting out of limos as well. Doug slugged my arm playfully as he came to speak with a drunk Hassan. 

    "So where's the party?" 

    "Come," he gave a lazy wave as more people filed to the slightly opened gates. 

    "Why us?" Kelsey linked my arm and whispered; her breath was ridden with alcohol. 

    "I'm trying to figure that out myself," I murmured. "Stay as alert as possible. I don't know if we can trust him." 

    "You're always the stick in the mud," she laughed and released my arm to get ahead. 

    Hassan pushed the gates open just slightly further, heading inside the courtyard of the huge home with confidence despite the armed, masked men guarding just outside; everyone else, including the strangers invited pushed through as well. I entered last, extremely wary, the sound of music and people partying hitting my ears. 

    Hassan hadn't been lying when he said there was a party...with girls and pools. Doug was immediately heading over to one of the mini bars, Spencer on his heels, to go introduce himself to the bikini-clad women. Noelle and Kelsey were quick to run toward the pool, stripping their shorts, shoes, and tanks to leap in. Karin and Donovan rolled their eyes, knowing they'd have to split to babysit the two pairs. 

    I stayed back, eyeing the entire setting in discomfort. I would've much more preferred the quiet of the resort and a bath in the jacuzzi on the balcony of our villa. 

    "Lily," a voice made me look over to my left. Hassan stood, beckoning to the inside of the mansion through big glass doors with windows standing ceiling to ground. "Come, I can show you around while you wait for your ride." 

    "There are vehicles outside," I motioned to the gates.

    "None are leaving. I have to call for one," he smiled. "Come on."

    I felt as if I didn't have a complete choice; there was something powerful about Hassan. My bare legs swept across the deck of the outdoor area to the cooled tile-surrounded building inside. I swallowed as Hassan paused, making sure the glass door swung close. 

    "The guards here will have my head if I leave this open." 

    "Guards?" 

    Hassan glanced over his shoulder as he managed a semi-normal walk through the hallways of the giant mountain home. I examined different expensive decorations hanging throughout the place as we moved through the house. Whoever owned the place was filthy rich and likely not in a good way; no one ever got this much without getting their hands dirty in the process.