The Stand In

Chapter 9

'Tori, clear in the puppet room.' The earpiece cracked in my ear, causing my eyes to roll over to the corresponding camera.

All tour guides as well as security were issued with earpieces when at work, the idea was to keep the museum running smoothly and not having tour groups overlapping. The system works perfectly, despite the reviews online about it being a quick tour.

"Nice quiet evening." One of my security guards says sitting back and looking across the cameras.

I nod in agreement, missing the little zip of excitement I got when I saw Elle outside the museum. I had watched her on the cameras make her way through the rooms and heard her defence for Dr Jack Kevorkian. I shared the same view, but hadn't told anyone else.

After meeting her 'date' and listening to his stream of talk, I departed not wanting to attract a crowd, there was another group waiting to come in and having a back up on a tour because I wanted to talk was not a good idea.

However, I couldn't help but intervene and stop Elle going in to see the Dybbuk box. The moment I arrived today, I walked through my life long possessions, checking to make sure everything was within it's place since I had came back from an investigation. I had no doubt that the General manager of the museum kept a tidy ship, but I wanted to check too. Which is how I noticed the vibe in the Dybbuk box room.

It was heavy and after being in there for a few minutes, I developed a headache as well as a stomach ache. The energy levels were high in there today, that was for sure.

I don't know what keeps drawing me to Elle, maybe it's the vibe she gives off, maybe it's being able to see what effect I have on her. Despite her attempts at denying it. I noticed the way her eyes danced over my face, the short little pants she did when I got closer to her face and how her breath went uneven. 

Maybe it was the way her eyes flared when she got heated up in an argument, or how she tried to defend a man she had only just met?

Maybe it was her defiance or the way she acted around me? She was different from the rest, there was no aim to please with her, you accepted her or you didn't. She didn't bend to my will and only proved that she had attitude.

I liked that. A lot.

I also liked the wave she had in her hair, the light dusting of make up across her face and the smell of perfume that lingered on her hair and skin. 

Her off the shoulder top showcased her delicate collar bone and neck, it was one I wanted to sink my teeth into.
She bought out a different side of me, which is why I had to entice her out to play. She was unnerving me in some weird way and I wanted to know what it was. 

"Yo boss, your girl is back." The security guard speaks, bringing up the camera.

I look to see Elle, very much back at the museum, this time alone. I smile, glad that I had riled her up enough to return. "Go get her." I tell them, causing the two big burly men to rise up and leave the security room.

My smile widens when I see the impatient tap of her foot and the folded arms. She was a hell cat, you could see it in her. It takes a couple minutes for the security guards to get outside and whisper into her ear. She glares up at the camera before throwing a finger up at it and stalking after the men, coming to me.

Turning, I perch myself on the desk and wait.

"This one?" I hear her voice. Before the guys have had a chance to answer, the door swings open and she strides in locking eyes with me.

"Give us a minute." I tell the guards who exchange a quick look at her approach. When they leave, I gesture for Elle to go.

"You! You!" She points angrily.