Hunter

Detachment

Hunter

I learned to detach from my emotions at an early age. It helps when you have a piece of shit father. You know not to cry or feel anything and stay that way. Letting people get close to you isn't an option. It protects you from emotional trauma.

That was until I met Gail in the park. She was the only one who broke through that wall I built around my emotions. Not when Luciana could reach me like Gail did. And Luciana came pretty fucking close.

Words meant nothing to me. Actions spoke volumes.

Gail questioned my feelings for her, but she didn't need to. She owned my body, heart, and soul. I paid no other woman attention. The woman I wanted was with me. She would never question my loyalty. She had it.

We finished high school through online classes and tutors and graduated high school. Gail packed for college while I got ready to leave for special ops training. I had to endure eight weeks of basic training with little communication to anyone. I would detach from my emotions while away.

Gail kept her goodbyes brief so that she wouldn't break. I reassured her I would see her again. She didn't know it, but I had plans to see her on leave. Mason offered those visits as a graduation gift. Who was he kidding? He wanted to keep me on a short leash.

Mason never offers anything without strings attached. I learned his tricks well.

I arrived at the military base and got settled. I would learn flying, combat training, and conditioning. It didn't bother me since I had survived in the woods.

Eight weeks until I saw Gail.

******
Gail

That damn Hunter. He made me keep my goodbyes brief, so he didn't see me cry when he left. He could have let me break down and bawl before vamoosing. Nooo, not him.

Mason and Carrington drove me to Saintwood College to get me settled. I didn't understand why they took me to school and not Luciana. Shouldn't a woman help you get settled? Nope, I got the pleasure of having Mason and Carrington helping me.

We pulled up to an apartment building and exited the car. I looked up at the building in confusion.

"Is there a problem?" Mason asked.

I cocked my head slightly. "I thought I was staying in a dorm."

"I prefer if you didn't. The apartment complex offers better security."

"How so?" I looked across the rooftop of the car.

"You'll see." Mason smiled.

A man dressed in a jean jacket, black leather vest, blue jeans, and motorcycle books exited a door and strolled toward us.

"Gail, this is Mr. Brandon. He will ensure your safety," Mason said.

"Not to sound rude, but how old is he?" I pointed to the biker dude.

"Richard is twenty. He owed me a favor for my help."

I looked at the guy with a short haircut and clean-shaven face before turning to Mason. "What happens if Hunter finds out you have a biker protecting me?"

"Hunter is busy with his training." Mason smiled as I arched my brow.

Does Mason have any clue what Hunter will do if he finds out another guy is protecting me? Hunter will lose his shit. I shook my head and walked toward the guy. "I wish you luck with Hunter when he discovers Mason made you my protection detail."

Richard arched his brow. I patted his chest and headed inside to my apartment.

A few minutes later, Richard entered with my luggage and tossed the bags to the ground. "No offense, but I'm not your servant. Next time, carry your fucking bags yourself."