𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 4

Learning to Live a Little| Smut

Leon hands me a mug of something warm before joining me on the sofa. The TV is playing some movie neither of us are paying attention to, it's one of those evenings where we're happy with each others company and could probably sit up for hours just talking about everything and nothing. It's been this way since Leon rescued me from the Los Illuminados in Spain a few years ago, after we'd escaped the clutches of the cult I asked if Leon would join my detail, and to my surprise he accepted. We've grown close since then, probably closer than we should be, but he's become my best friend and favourite companion. I sigh, eyes glancing at the TV that's showing some beautiful lake in the summer- even though I'm pretty sure we're watching a slasher movie- it still looks amazing. 

"That takes me back." Leon murmurs, nodding at the screen as I sip my mug and tilt my head in confusion. Leon chuckles, reaching out to ruffle my hair. "When I was a kid, I was actually a boy scout, we'd go on all these camping trips and spend days on end in the woods, I remember being the happiest when I was free." His voice takes on a nostalgic tone, as if he yearns for that same freedom. I nod, letting a small laugh slip free at the picture my mind is painting of little Leon and his wide blue eyes. 

"That sounds like fun, I...I've never been camping, or anywhere really. I mean my dad's taken me on vacation to some beaches and cities, but that's mostly for work events and safety precautions," I let out a ragged breath, heart panging for a memory I don't have, "I guess that's the joy of being the president's daughter, freedom isn't a perk, it's like everything has always been accounted for and planned." 

Leon frowns, leaving me alone for a few seconds so I can wallow in my self-pity, then he nudges his shoulder against my own, giving me a warm smile as I tug a blanket over my lap. "I can imagine how tough that must be, knowing you've missed out on what people take for granted," He murmurs sympathetically, his tone only makes me feel even sadder, "but don't worry, you've still got time to do everything you've ever wanted to. I'll even see what I can do to help." 

I huff a laugh, finishing off my drink as I peel my eyes away from Leon to avoid feeling even more stripped and vulnerable. "Good luck with that, we couldn't even get clearance to take the weekend off and go see a movie, I doubt a trip to the wild is in the cards." I half joke, sounding disheartened and on the verge of tears. Leon must know I'm right, because he goes silent and we both turn to the TV though we're not watching it. I try to focus on the fun horror movie I've seen a few times but my mind isn't in it, not when I feel overwhelmed by the disappointment of what I'm missing. After a short time I call it an early night, I thank Leon for keeping me safe for yet another day before retreating to my room. I let a few tears slip, but wipe them away as I climb into bed and dream of a life where I'm not the daughter of the president. 

The next morning I'm shook awake. Startled I sit up, rubbing my eyes as I look around in a panic. "What's going on? Are we under attack?" I ask out loud, noticing how Leon's crouched by my bed already dressed in a simple tee and some cargo pants. He shakes his head, a small smile tilting the edges of his lips upwards. 

"No, we're safe. But I've got a surprise for you, I need you to get dressed as quick as you can, we've got a long day ahead of us." Leon's voice is teasing, happy even. My brows knit together in confusion, but the blonde man leaves my room before I can ask what the hell is going on. I get dressed and ready for the day, applying some simple make-up and leaving my hair down, then head into the kitchen where Leon's zipping up a backpack and holding out a breakfast milkshake for me. I arch a brow, taking it with a 'thanks' as I look at him weirdly. 

"Gonna tell me why you look like you're up to something?" I muse, but Leon shakes his head and grins at me. 

"No, you'll just have to trust me. Make sure to bring a book or something, we've got a long car journey." He says, before turning his back to me and grabbing a few things from the cupboards. I don't question it, instead I go to my shelf and grab a book as well as my headphones, then follow Leon outside into the warm sun. It's early summer, and already warm. I smile at the breeze, I can tell already that it's going to be a nice day regardless of where we're going. Leon opens the passenger door for me then closes it once I'm settled, then he gets behind the wheel and leaves the guarded premises with a flash of his ID. I try my best to not look like I'm being kidnapped, smiling at the security as they mumble under their breaths about Leon and I. I've heard enough jealous chatter and unwelcome suggestions about mine and Leon's 'affairs'.