Double Agent

Calaway Headquarters

The ride through the streets was smooth and taken at speed. My blindfold remained in place, keeping the route a mystery to me, or at least, so they thought. Of course they had no idea that I was aware of exactly where their place was located, and how to get there. With my sight obscured, my other senses went into overdrive, picking up the mixture of seductive scents within the car, the heady combination of spice and fresh citrus, injected with a sweet hint of vanilla and something else that I couldn't detect. My skin tingled from the close proximity of Dashiel's body, the slight space between us filled with heat, creating a ripple of electricity against my side. I listened for any sounds that could be interpreted as impending danger, someone seeking to make the most of my momentary vulnerability, but there was nothing to hear other than the rhythmic breathing of the other four, and a rapid clicking from the front seat, that I assumed was from the woman texting.

I felt eyes on me, ones that lingered and made me feel like I was suddenly under a microscope. I smirked slightly as I imagined what kinds of thoughts were going through their head at my complete lack of fear in this circumstance. It was always frustrating for me when I couldn't get a read on someone, and I knew that I was doing just that same thing to them, it was a thought that brought me an amusing sense of comfort.

"Why the smirk?" Dashiel asked, his smooth voice breaking the silence.

"Because I find it entertaining that you're trying to figure me out." I shrugged, my arm brushing against his and sending a jolt through me as though sparks had run across my skin.

A light laugh came from the front seat, but I ignored it as I turned my head to face the place where I knew he was sitting.

"Trust me when I say that it would take far longer than this car ride to manage that." I teased.

A small vibration shuddered against me and I detected the slight chuckle that he tried to hide.

Before long, the car took a sharp bend and slowed to a stop. The engine was cut and doors began opening. I felt the cool breeze against my face as my door was opened, and a hand rested on my shoulder, guiding me out of the car. Large, strong hands tugged at the blindfold, pulling it off, as the fabric came away from my eyes, I blinked to clear the haze and came face to face with Luke. He shot me a teasing wink, clearly happy with our leadership reversal, then stepped aside, allowing me to see the large, guarded house behind him. It's dark grey, sloping roof stood out sharply against the pale stone walla, which looked golden like sand under the glow of the mounted lighting. The few visible windows were long and thin, perfect for giving minimal visual inside to anyone attempting to target someone within. Each was covered by sheer, white drapes and currently illuminated from the lights inside. A small green tree stood on either side of the dark, wooden framed, glass front doors, amid a tiny patch of perfectly manicured shrubbery. On the outer side of each of those were two built in archways that encased dark wooden, double doors, that presumably housed the cars of the home's occupants. It was a beautiful place, large and classy, but without the grandeur of most criminals that I'd come into contact with.

"Before we head in, I think it's time for introductions." His brother announced, stepping closer and pulling my gun from his inside pocket. "After all, you're about to be staying with us for the remainder of our business."

"Fair enough," I replied, tipping my head toward Luke, "I already know the irritating one's name."

I threw him a smug smile, and was surprised to see him return it, even managing a light laugh.

"I prefer to go by Luke, but I suppose 'the irritating one' works too." He replied snarkily.

"There's a bunch more that you'll probably hear soon enough too," The woman added, propping her elbow on top of his shoulder and crossing one leg in front of the other, "I'm Sage by the way." Sweeping her eyes over me.