Mounting Danger

Chapter 7: Dressing to Kill

I hit the center of the target again, square on. It exploded sending red liquid splattering out in all directions. Most of it doused my shirt, not that it made a difference. I'd been drenched from the moment I started training thanks to Damon who insisted on 'being realistic'. Little that I knew that meant all of my targets would contain fake blood to simulate shooting an actual person.

I rested the weapon on my hip after making sure the safety was on. "When am I gonna move on to another gun? I've outgrown this pistol now Damon."

 Damon is leaning against the wall with his large arms crossed over his chest. He also has droplets of red painting his shirt. "There's not enough time for that now. I'd rather you master this one."

I sulked, wiping some of the faux blood from my face. I hoped things never got this messy. I'd never be able to stomach another person's blood splashing all over me. "I need a shower now."

"I know. We also need you to pick which outfit you want to wear to the gala. There are two choices. One from me and Eli and one from Kayle and Ryder."

I gave Damon a knowing look. "I choose your dress."

He laughed. "You haven't even seen it."

I didn't need to. Judging from the way Damon dressed, he had good taste. "Kayle and Ryder will have me in strings. I'll pass. on that."

"Aren't you in strings for a living?" He uncrossed his arms and stood from the wall he was leaning on. Instantly, I became two times smaller in comparison.

"Do you think I enjoy it? It's just for the money. I'd prefer not to always have my ass out in the cold."

Damon was laughing heavily now. "That makes sense. Once you get this job done, you'll never have to bare your butt again." He was still chuckling. His eyes crinkled slightly as his warm voice came out. 

"You say that but my job isn't exactly easy."

"I don't understand why not. In case you haven't realized, you're beautiful. If anyone can seduce Mr. Quinn, you can."

"Thanks." My cheeks caught fire and I began to fan my sticky shirt. I turned away from Damon and began to gather my belongings.

 "You can shower at our house if you want. That way we don't have to make any stops."

"I don't mind but I didn't bring along any extra clothes."

I handed my firearm to Damon and watched him put it away. My pistol looked like a toy next to his rifle. When he was finished he rubbed his neck uneasily. "We had a closet filled for you after you agreed to this. We figured at some point you'd need it."

My eyebrows involuntarily shot up. "That's..."

"Creepy?" Damon interjected. 

"Kind of sweet."

He sighed in relief before folding his arms like a proud child. "It was my idea by the way." 

"Oh really?" I reached out a hand, gesturing for him to come a little closer. He bent awkwardly. I planted a kiss on his forehead right where his scar was. "You're the sweetest."

He cleared his throat nervously. "Uh, well I try to be considerate." 

The more I got to know Damon, the more I realized he was a big sweetheart. I watched him walk over to his car and sit inside, looking entirely too large for the low sports car. "Ready?"

"Won't I ruin your seats?"

"I'll get it detailed later. Hop in." He pushed open the passenger's side for me.