Beneath Holy Ground

Chapter Sixteen- For You Claire

Claire's Pov

Leon was currently at the back of his pickup truck, my eyes on the side mirror that showed Leon removing my motorcycle as carefully as he possibly could. His arms and biceps were completely exposed, my teeth sinking into my lower lip without notice, my fingers digging into my shorts. It was fair to say that his body reflected his intensive training in the best ways possible and if women weren't flirting I would be stunned.

As for his diet I was curious, was he just as picky as my older brother? I could not avert my eyes from the veins on his arm and I could only imagine just how easy it was for him to toss a woman over his shoulder.

No, that was the thoughts of a sexually frustrated woman.

I had been without a boyfriend after Tyler and broke up at the end of high school and that was at least seven years ago. Truly I don't think I really cared for one, I believe my brother was right. The male attention I once craved as a teen simply faded once I grew older.

I took a deep breath, if it faded as I mentioned before why was so eager to know what Leon thought of me. From my observation I believe we stood to be very good friends until my trust was broken.

Leon ensured he was extremely careful with my motorcycle, my blue eyes softening somewhat the more I stared. When he did small gestures such as this one I am pretty sure it would be very hard to hate him. It made his persona even far harder to read, was agent Kennedy somehow different from Leon?

I believe Leon was the sweet guy I met in Racoon city.

My bike was pushed to its designated parking area, Leon making his way over to his side of the vehicle. I repositioned my body so that it appeared as though I was not watching him and was actually occupied with something else. He glanced at his watch and I continuously watched him through the side of my eyes with my posture straight. He was yet to enter the car, his eyes on his surroundings as he pretended to be occupied.

I took another deep breath the moment he sat next to me.

"Hot date waiting?" I asked this question because he glanced at his watch ever so often. Leon seemed stunned by my question and I did not need to face him to know that he was surprised to find that I was able to joke in the midst of this.

"Don't you believe I am seated next to her?" he asked and internally I froze. He could not have possibly said what I thought I heard?

No, You cannot fall for this Claire. You already know the woman he is interested in, it was merely a joke that should not affect your feelings. Besides, you were betrayed.

I rolled my eyes but said nothing.

"Claire I know we haven't spoken in months-"

"A year" I corrected and I believe whatever Leon felt but did not show grew to be at least ten times worse. He relaxed against the seat, his head against the headrest as he turned to look at me, my eyes burning from watching his movements through the side of my eyes.

"Well it has not exactly been-" I prevented him from giving me the exact amount of days and months that we haven't spoken. Hell, I believe he would go as far as expressing the hours, minutes and seconds.

"This where we talk, if you say one wrong thing I swear I'll-"

"Punch me like that boyfriend of yours? I believe I will pass on that one Claire" he stated and it actually appeared as though his face expression relaxed somewhat. Oh my god, was I seen as abusive to just about anyone?

I removed my seatbelt and relaxed my shoulders, my eyes on the cars parked before us. It was now eight thirty yet it felt a bit later because it was a bit quiet. I was never the one who went to bed early but the fact that I was quiet around here was extremely strange.

"Are you cold?" he asked and I took a deep breath. It was a romantic gesture yet I failed to believe that Leon and I actually had anything romantic going on. We were just two survivors of a tragedy that became friends.

Well, at least I thought we were friends.

"No, actually it is quite warm" I confessed and Leon took this as an opportunity to replace the heat with the cold by turning the air conditioner on.

"It is really good to see you again Claire" He began with that and it shattered me on the inside to believe that we would sit here and talk in his car.

I reached over and turned the ignition off, my cheeks growing red when Leon cleared his throat. I turned to stare at Leon, his eyes fixed to my blue eyes while my chest remained pressed against his thigh. The desire to be taken returned, a thick lump forming in my throat.

It actually felt good to be this close to him, it was as though I could smell him. I straightened my posture immediately, my throat being cleared immediately. I was not aware of just how much one quick movement could do to us.

I believe enough tension already exists.

"How long will you be on this side of the world?" I asked in an attempt to erase whatever awkwardness that existed. Leon appeared relaxed, his eyes scanning me for a moment.

"Has it truly been that long?" He asked and I nodded slowly.

"It has been a year Leon, why are you here?" I asked and there was a brief silence.

"I am on vacation, I took a few days off to see you" and with those words I froze. I don't believe the word vacation belonged in that sentence and the desire for Leon wishing to see me seemed like fiction.