Hunter-Hunted

Chapter 8: Playing with Fire

Mon rested her head against the cool tiles lining the walls of her shower, allowing the warm water to cascade through her hair and down her back. It helped her slightly aching muscles a bit after Sam had drilled her for most of the day at the shooting range. If she had to be honest with herself, it ended up being kind of fun, if not scary. However, what scared her more than carrying and using a gun was the fact that Sam's unwavering attention had sent her heart into overdrive most of the time. She kept trying to tell herself that it was just the adrenaline, but everytime Sam touched her arms or guided her hands, her thoughts were drawn back to the night in the woods. She had wanted the vigilante that night and would have given herself freely amidst the rain. Sam had left her shaking with desire and mad with arousal. Even now as she thought about that night she could feel the burn low in her abdomen. She had no idea how she would deal with her newly appointed shadow when every second Sam was around her she could feel her sanity slipping.

Mon was still lost in a mixture of memory and fantasy as she lathered her wet skin slowly, painfully, achingly, when she heard a knock on the door to her room. Startled, she quickly rinsed herself and grabbed her light blue towel robe, then headed for the door. Slowly opening it and peeking out, her heart jumped into her throat when she saw Sam's dark eyes staring back at her. She knew her shadow had been patiently keeping vigil outside her room at this late hour, refusing to wait inside her room while she took a shower. She respected Sam's dedication to the job, though at the same time she felt frustrated that the archer seemed to be doing everything she could to not place the two of them in a combustible situation.

"How many times am I going to have to remind you to not simply open your door?" Sam spoke in a low tone that sent tingles down Mon's spine. Her view slowly travelled from Mon's blown pupils down the water still trickling along her neck and the rest of her skin not wrapped up in the robe. Mon swallowed. Hard. "Anyway, I'm sorry to interrupt your shower, but I just wanted to say goodnight. I'll be right next door. Just scream if you need me."

Mon wanted to scream for Sam alright, but as Sam stepped away and left, Mon's eyes landed on the beautiful blonde that was hiding behind the dark beauty. Freen was leaning against the banister of the walkway, her elbows casually hooked over to support her relaxed posture. Dressed down in black slacks with white sneakers and vest, she smirked at Mon in a way that the young woman recognised. She was there with the intention of more than just saying goodnight. "Hey there beautiful, had a good shower?" She breathed out, slowly, taking in the vision that was her paramore. Mon swallowed hard. Again. "Mind if I come in?" Mon stared for a few long seconds, somewhat dazed and confused, before she finally opened the door wider and stepped aside.

In the next room Sam leaned her back against her door, listening to the sound of Mon's door locking slowly.

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Mon awoke the next morning with the rays of the sun piercing through her sleepy eyelids, telling her it was time to get out of bed. She leaned to her right, expecting to find Freen there, but caught nothing but cold sheets and empty space. A night with her girlfriend where she would simply disappear early in the morning always left Mon feeling a little cheap and a little dirty. It left her briefly wondering whether it would be the same if it were Sam she had gone to bed with.

Sam has been playing on her mind on repeat, especially now that they were basically attached at the hip under Freen's orders. She both hated and loved it, though she never knew which emotion was the strongest. Pulling her silky robe over her shoulders and fastening it, she headed for a nice hot shower to wash away the shame she felt regarding both women, though she knew she wouldn't be able to scrub it all away. She might as well simply just steel herself for the day ahead.

When she was done and dressed, she made her way downstairs where Freen, Kirk and Sam were sharing breakfast at the table in the courtyard. She observed a silent, brooding Sam mostly listening to the talks being had between Kirk and Freen, merely listening to their conversation. It was Sam who noticed her descending the stairs first and her facial expression changed immediately, though why she didn't know. It seemed like a mix between relief and anticipation, with a hint of apprehension. Their eyes locked for a second or two and the feeling was thrilling and exciting to Mon.