Paint the World Red with Me (Tord x Reader) (REWRITE)

Chapter 11: The Veil Starts Slipping

The pool balls clacking together from Tom's shot fell on my empty ears. It was hard to focus on the game we were playing in the lounge when all that occupied my mind was the night before. Images of Tord flashed, causing me to try and hide the heat in my cheeks.

"Matt, hurry the fuck up."

"Shush! You're ruining my shot, Tom!"

Suddenly a loud alarm began to blare, messing up Matt's shot.

"Aw, man!"

Red lights complimented the shrill noise, ebbing in and out. Gunfire sounded in the halls. Every other soldier in the lounge had already rushed out. Drawing their weapons, Tom and Matt turned to me. Tom set a hand on my shoulder.

"Stay here. Stay hidden."

"What, no! I shouldn't have to, I'm a soldier too! No matter what Tord says!"

"I'll send Matt to check on you in a few minutes."

They left me with no further argument, running off to join the commotion. Doing as they asked, I quickly squeezed into the small space between the wall and couch. The lights momentarily plunged the room into darkness, then lit it up in red, over and over again. It gave an eerie feeling to the now silent room. Realization hit me like a hammer. I was alone in here. Unarmed. And someone was attacking the base. Attackers that could easily find me. Why did Matt and Tom leave?? This was horror movie logic!

The door opened. I froze. It slammed shut. There was no way it was Matt. He would have called my name. How much time had passed while I was sitting back here? Tord? No, his footsteps were sharper.

I held my breath as the footsteps drew closer. My heart beat rapidly. This was it. This was the end. I was going to die here.

The couch was shoved away and I fell back from the force. I braced myself for the inevitable gunshot, but it didn't come. My eyes had been shut tight, but I chanced a peek.

Air caught in my throat. No way. No, I'm already dead and this is the afterlife.

The familiar lazy grin appeared, and a pale hand reached out to me. The purple eyes bore into me. It was a warm feeling, but something uncomfortable resided in the back of my mind.

"You gonna sit there and look surprised, or take my hand, Lieutenant?"

It was real. He was here. Gray Leader.

"Chandler!"

I couldn't stop myself. I tightly hugged his tall ass.

"Where have you been? What happened in the jet? Are you okay?"

He laughed, glancing around.

"The questions can wait. We need to get back."

Gray waltzed over to the door and threw it open. Only to be met by a circle of guns pointed at us. Standing at the center was Tord himself, grinning with a devilish charm. Beside me, Gray let out a low huff.

"Red."

Tord stretched out his hands, as if giving a grand house tour.

"Gray Leader! You should have told me you were coming! Barely gave me time to prepare the welcome party!"

"Cut the bullshit, Red. I'm here to take my Lieutenant back home. That's it."

Tord laughed, lighting a cigar. The lights were still pulsing red, making him look even more like the devil. He blew out smoke before walking closer.