Bulletproof

Chapter 8

You walk to the car and slam the door. A few seconds later Jersey follows you. You feel the tension in that car. You also feel her eyes on you every so often. When you finally look up, you find yourself locking gazes with her. 

She had a concerned look on her face. This staring contest continued throughout the entire ride. The only sounds breaking it were the occasional buzz of static from the radio coupled with the steady rumble of the car engine.

You were still squished in between two of Jersey's men in the back of the car. It was cramped and you barely had room. You couldn't stretch out your legs. You prayed to god that the trip was nearly over.

[30 minutes later]

You felt the car braking and gently slow to a stop. The driver turned off the headlights of the vehicle and the static of the radio playing in the background shut off. It was still pitch black out. However, you could slightly make the shape out of an industrial grade building in front of you.

"We're here," said Jersey, stepping out of the car, "home, sweet home."

"Damn, kid," you mumble as you strain your neck to try to see the entire building. It looked like a company's headquarters mixed with a Caribbean cruise and a Floridian paradise. There was everything.

"Jersey, why don't you go ahead and make your own small society away from the rest of the human race?" You nudge her playfully and smile. Genuinely. You liked that feeling, the ability to smile because you're actually happy for once.

Everyone filed out of their respective vehicles as we all strolled toward the building in silence. Entering into the building was like a furnace at first but your body temperature quickly acclimated.

Jersey's men dispersed casually as they made themselves at home but Bruce and Jersey lingered next to you.

"Aye Brucey, can you show gramps the shower, get him some fresh clothes while I make us something to eat?" Jersey instructed.

"I can handle myself," you said, proceeding to head towards the nearest hallway.

You didn't like the fact that they were treating you with kid gloves. You were a full grown man goddammit. You wanted them to know that you could take care of yourself. You didn't need any help. You didn't want any help.

"That's the wrong way," laughed Jersey, she pointed in the other direction, "that's where you're supposed to go."

Your face flushed with embarrassment. You allowed yourself to be led by Bruce to the correct hallway.

"So...what's up big guy?" You ask Bruce. He looks at you and smiles.

"Nothing much, you?" His voice reverberates. You immediately get goosebumps. You like his voice, the way it carries, the way it rumbles like a storm.

"K-kind of everything, if you ask me." Your voice quivers slightly.

You sound like a squeaky child compared to his masculine voice.

Shit, stop thinking that that, stop it, you think, berating yourself in your head.

You can't fall for another man, not again. Not after Afghanistan.

[Flashback]

It was hot and humid and it felt like it was a hundred degrees. The sun was shining brightly outside and it was a beautiful day. White, fluffy cumulus clouds dotted the cerulean skyscape. However, you weren't outside to enjoy it.

Instead, you were in the cool airconditioning of the temporary military base placed in a small village in Afghanistan. However, you didn't think that it was cold in the room. Rather, it was burning hot, just like the sun. Sparks flew as you confronted the ebony man before you.