Unmasked (Simon Riley)

Chapter 18

*Ghost's POV*

I knock on the door in front of me, shuffling inside paired with a muffled voice lets me know I was heard.

The door opens a moment later, and I'm left staring down into those captivating grey eyes, which flash from shock to confusion below me.

I gently push her back as I enter the room, shutting the door behind me. "Ghost?" I sigh, seeing the hurt she's trying to hide, "I'm sorry."

Her face relaxes, a small upturn coming to her lips. My eyes dart down to them, just for a moment, before I meet her gaze again. "It's okay, I understand. I'm not.. leaving you, you know."

I just nod. It sure feels like it. "Simon," her voice is soft and inviting, my name on her tongue causing that all too familiar feeling in my stomach.

I feel myself smiling slightly under the mask as I look down towards her, lifting a hand and pushing her hair behind her ear. "I'll be here love, whenever you're ready to come back. I'm not going anywhere."

I watch her face turn pink, her smile gracing her face as she looks down towards our feet, trying to hide her reaction.

I move my hand to lift her face again, facing me once more. I stare into her eyes, enjoying every second of it as I slowly lower my head to hers.

Her slender hands reach up, ever so gently tugging the fabric of my mask, allowing me to kiss her. Her thumb swipes my cheek, her lips moving against mine, then slowly pulling away.

I pull the fabric back down, slowly straightening back up, "your ride is waiting." She sighs, and turns to grab her bag. I glance around the room, noticing it is painfully empty with her things packed.

I grab her bag from her, following her out to the hall. "Hang on," I state, walking into my room. I grab something off my chair, walking back out to meet her, and handing her the fabric.

She adjusts it in her hands, holding it out to see what  it is. "A hoodie?"

"Don't want you cold," I remark, earning an eye roll. "Righttt.." she drags out, a smile plastered on her face. She pulls it to her chest, and I follow her through the base.

We head outside, the helicopter turned off and waiting just a few feet away. Price is out front by himself, turning to greet us as we arrive. He smiles towards her, and she smiles back. "You're welcome back any time," he tells her kindly. She nods, "thank you, I'll be back. I just, need some time."

"Take as much as you need."

She thanks him, and to my surprise, goes in for a hug. I watch her body tense against him, but soon relaxes as his arms wrap softly around her. "Thank you," she whispers, though I catch it.

Price places a soft kiss on top her head, his fatherly instincts kicking in. I smile, and soon she is pulling away. I walk with her to the helicopter, setting her bag inside, the pilots getting ready to get going.

She faces me, a mixture of emotions on her face. Fear, guilt, nervousness. "I'll be back," she states, though I can't tell if it is for me or her.

"I know," I reassure her. She gives me one last hug, arms wrapped tightly around my waist as I pull her against me.

"Simon, I lo-"

"Hey," I cut her off, "don't make this sad. You'll be back."

She just nods, smiling slightly as she steps up into the chopper. I pull the large door shut, the engine starting a moment later.

I step back, watching her leave with Price beside me. His hand lands on my shoulder, just for a minute, before he heads back inside.

Stand outside a bit longer, the sound of the helicopter becoming farther and farther away, as I imagine what she was going to say.