Dollface

Part 7

The screech of metal sliding across the ground was bitter and returned the second I thought it was over. I felt my nails dig deeper into Simon's back than before, but he still didn't seem too fazed.

Suddenly a bright light flashed above our heads, we both quickly ducked, we hid behind the slope of the hill and waited patiently and anxiously for any more signs of unwanted presence.

?: Are you sure they didn't just blow up the car?

A rough tone asked, seeming impatient and annoyed. Another voice chuckled, sounding cocky as he opened his mouth.

??: Yes, but I'm sure they're long gone. Knowing Mr. Gates, they're probably on their way up.
?: Tell me why we need that little bitch anyway?

I frowned at the word he used to address me, Simon tensed but made no move.

??: She's valuable Francis! Jasper wants the girl and we're getting her for him, as long as she's a gate and has what we need it's all good.
?: Well it's clear they're not here. Maybe she just died back there.
??: She didn't die! There were a few chemical restraints from grenades and other explosives. Riley is good with explosives.
?: I can't wait to rip that curly head off his neck. I've waited too long to get it back for that scar on my face.

The footsteps became muffled and a thick silence left its mark. How am I valuable? It's all my father's fault that I'm getting dragged into this bullshit.

Simon sighs deeply, turns around and sits on the dirt.

S: Don't ask questions, you know I won't answer them.
I: I think I deserve to know. They're looking for me. This is about me too. I need to know why they want me.

His eyes narrow and glare at me.

S: I'm following orders, Isabell. Your father said-
I: I know what he said!!

My mouth was running on its own. I was angry but mostly trying to understand who I was running from and why.

Simon must have found that unacceptable and he stood up, towering over me. I stood up too, swallowing at his menacing size, staring up at him, I saw his jaw clench and his hands clench into fists at his sides.

S: I won't say it again, the less you know the better. I don't care if you need water, food or sleep, we're walking until we get picked up.

He said firmly, his harder gaze making me unconsciously nod yes.

~~~~
I gave up. I kept walking slower and slower with each passing minute. I even considered crying because I'm so stressed and uncomfortable. Just as I was about to plead, we take a break, my goodness lack of attention knocked me out. I tripped over a weed bush, shrieking as I felt my bad ankle bend at a weird angle.

I: Fuuuck!

I fall to the ground, sobbing quietly. Simon crouches down next to me and examines my ankle. His fingertips brush against it, a sharp pain shooting through my leg. I throw my head back, wincing in pain as a tear escapes from the corner of my eye.

I: Shit, shit, shit.

I continued to sob and sniffle as he held my foot more carefully in his hands this time.

I: Simon, it hurts.

He said nothing, just frowned in concentration and raised his thumb to his lip.

S: I'll just carry you, I guess. It swells up pretty quickly, there's nothing else I can do.

Although I was in absolute pain and discomfort, Simon showed no signs of sympathy, he then brought one arm under my legs, the other wrapped around my torso. He stood as effortlessly as if I weighed nothing.

~~~~
That night I began to feel myself falling asleep. I hate to admit it, but Simon was warm and his shoulder was a tempting place to lay my head. I leaned against him, not caring what he would say. I'm tired and I'm sure the pain in my ankle will be unbearable when I wake up.

He kept walking without getting tired, there's no way that's possible, there has to be some robotic explanation for him.

S: Are you falling asleep?

I nodded against him, not bothering to respond verbally. He sighs and adjusts me so my head is at a better angle on his shoulder. He's nice to me, I smile to myself.

S: Stop smiling, this is only temporary.

~~~~
S: Isa. Isabell...Isabell!

I wake up immediately and feel myself being laid on the ground.

I: What? What?
S: Relax. There's only one car coming from the south, it's only a minute away.

I rub my eyes exhausted and force myself to my feet, careful not to put any weight on one foot. Simon loads his gun and locks it in place. We both stood on the side of the road and as I stood there I realized what Simon was planning.

I: Simon... don't kill the driver, just knock him out somehow.

For the first time ever, Simon fucking laughed. He laughed.

S: You're just too nice, aren't you?

He rolled his eyes before turning to the car that was quickly approaching us. Simon raised his hand in the air, asking the driver to stop.

S: Sir, my girlfriend and I-

When he said that, I stared at my feet with a face full of hot, boiling embarrassment, the thought making me shudder.

I heard the gun go off in a flash. I flinched in shock and closed my eyes as I heard the commotion, Simon grabbed the body from the car and threw it down a hill.

S: You can open your eyes now.

He was in the car, strapped into the driver's seat, I stared at him, worry and tap dancing for this man reddening my face. Simon groaned in annoyance.

S: Don't look like that, get in the car Isa.
I: You just killed him! The man was kind enough to stop for us and you shoot him, damn it!!
S: I'm going to get out of this truck and throw you in. Come. In. Now.
I: I'm not getting in! You're a murderer!

The door on Simon's side flew open and it only took him five steps to get in front of me.

He growled and pushed me against the metal of the car. I flinched and closed my eyes as I felt his body press against mine, scaring me even more. Our intimate distance killed the rest of my breath and increased the pounding of my breath and heart.

S: Get in the car. Don't make me tell you a third time.

He snapped angrily, I feel him grabbing my chin, merciless to my feelings of fear.

S: Open your eyes.

The tone of his voice was like a password to my impulse. My eyes shot open and I inhaled sharply at the sight of his beautiful but terrifying dark eyes. I gave in to him, grumbling under my breath as I climbed in and buckled my seat belt. Simon began to drive slowly without us exchanging another word.