#pmfwiw

Early. Sun just started to reach hill over the forest. Birds singing. Watch displayed 6AM. Too early. Yet everyone around was awake. Insects crawling on the rocks in the tall grass. It moving like a sea, catching the wind. Songs of no man land. Tree trunks cracking. Palm of invisible deity stroking the hair. Wind messing up everything. Hexa running around and hunting flies with her mouth. "Easy there, don't eat a wasp" I said and shook my head. No reaction, of course, that damn dog doesn't hear what she doesn't want. I covered my forehead.

Rays breaching through leaves. German shepherd at last sat next to me. Morning beauty got to her amber eyes too. I patted her back, leaned back when her snout was all over my shirt " Hexa, sit" She whined but got on her back legs to the spot in the grass. Cap didn't help me with burning line of light. Shirt moving with nature's dance. Jeans were a little muddy from our walk near the river not long ago. Slightly damp. Necklace hanging around the collar. Deep breath. " Let's go" My hand went through her fur, tail swings from left to right.

Sometimes I meet old couples in grocery store, nod and that's was the only silent agreement. Everyone here had their own not written rule of not getting into anyone's business. That's why I chose this small village, if you can even call it that. Escape from all the people. Peace and no temptations. Trapped in a box of your own choosing.

Going back to the cabin. My home. Wildflowers catching me by knees and thighs, trying to tie my legs. Dog was bouncing around as it was snow. Running recklessly. Eyes full of light. She found a twig. "Okay, okay" I got my arms up, surrendering myself. She dropped it in front of my feet. Took it in my palm, wide swing back and the swirl of wood disappeared on far right. She went so fast. I smiled to myself. Steps were easy when I got closer to my side of the hill. There were few neighbors, but much further, this area was less livable, it was closer to the edge. People didn't trust nature, it would come to take what's her's.

I stopped. "Hexa" Called out but not a sound. My body turned to direction I threw her nature's chew toy. Whistle. " Come here, girl" Nothing. This was not funny anymore. Animal got to her? A lot of them around, but none would attack her unprovoked. Only humans do that. Going down the hill got a kick in the thighs. Muscle tensed up but my trail was stopped. "If you say so" She said with a big smile, answering the call for my dog. Not meant for her. Not in her place. Hand on Hexa's belly. Stick in dog's teeth. " What are you doing here?" I asked with my hands in pockets. "Came to visit an old friend" Freckles on her cheeks indicated vacation not long ago. Tan line on her finger also showed that she took her wedding ring off. "Yeah, sure" I cleared my throat and scratched neck with a thumb, " What do you want, Gia?" Crossed my arms and moved my palm in the circle gesturing whole silhouette " What's all of this?"

"Not even gonna offer me coffee? You know it's quite a hike to get here" Brownhaired woman exhaled and stood up. In heels too. Full suit. " Yeah, it's gonna be even worse for you to get back, have fun" I smiled, forcefully. " Hexa, go" Patted on my thigh and she ran to me. Eyes up, my maneuver to the house. Passed me and went straight to open doors of the cabin. Commands on her works sometimes, I wished it did on Gia "Come on, for good time's sake" Out of breath. I closed my eyes, brushing my fingers against eyelids. "Okey, cup of coffee and then you're gone" Gia smiled. I didn't. "I almost didn't recognized you with that bear and the hair" She brushed her a finger dark strands while passing me, suddenly all of her strength got back, so typical. "Clearly too recognizable still, how you did tracked me?" I walked slower, didn't try to catch up to her. Tiny waist, the one you could break in half.

Hexa was laying on her armchair. Wiggle of the tail. Didn't feel the threat. I did. "Black?" Gia sat on the sofa next to bookshelf. Collected decent amount of literature in these years. " You know it" White teeth and legs crossed one on another. Silence while I made it. Put mug on small wooden coffee table in front of her and sat in the opposite direction. Both elbows on armrests. " You came all the way here for shitty coffee?" I said and tilted my head slightly, trying to catch her facial expressions, those were hidden behind falling hair strands. Fresh. Barbie out of the plastic box.

"Just some luck, I guess" Shrugged. I don't like these answers. " Very believable" Dry tone. Stepped to the side, for her to walk first. "Cozy" She said looking around cottage house. She didn't mean a word she said. Body language showed it. She liked shiny, pricy, artificial. This too close to earth and at the same time too far from civilization for her taste.

"No, with an offer" I covered my mouth, hiding a smile "Offer? Please, Gia, this might be good" I relaxed in the armchair, head touching soft fabric and raised my eyebrow, already throwing everything out of the window, doesn't matter the cause. " I need you in Prague, pays well" Pouted lips and a nod, like it was impressive, what she said.

" So, rich prick got into some shit and now someone has to keep his heritage from dying? Why he or she is a target?" Gia moved her shoulders and a sip of black mass. Visual disgust. " I was instructed to get the best". Nod from me. "I'm off the grid for any bullshit you think of, okay? You can leave" I moved to the kitchen area, opening cabinet. Hunger spiked. "Okay, I will, I'm just gonna leave some files, if you change your mind" She put a folder from her bag onto coffee table "I won't, good luck to you" I said putting ingredient's wooden top. " Okay, Nathaniel, see you" Perfectly dyed lips said their goodbyes.

"Sorry to hear that you ruined your pricy shoes walking here for nothing" I finished my sentence while breathing out, last words almost went silent. Got up from the armchair " Not interested" Adding to finish the blow. "She looks like Annie" Her voice made my legs freeze into flooring. I didn't turn to her. She can't see my confusion. I cleared my throat and scoffed. " And that's big of a reason for me to go to Europe? To do what exactly?" At last turned to her. Her eyes narrow, the thin winning smile , she already thinks that war was won. " Y/N is a daughter of important man, who needs someone to protect his precious girl for this getaway" I raised my eyebrow.

In the corner of my eye. It was laying there. I took my plate and a mug, right before pouring food for Hexa. Opened it with index finger. Gonna look at it for a second. Your name in big letters. Your picture. You did resemble like her, old love. Still studying. The difference of years. Your smile. Wide and pure. New moon. Hair and the depth in those eyes. So many similarities but at the same time - two different people. Annie died long time ago. It seemed that memories faded, even though it wasn't that, it was me trying to erase her from my mind, from my heart, from my life. And there you were. Different color eyes, hair, lips, but still there was something I couldn't shake off. Turned other page. The only child. In pictures with a man, dad, your smile was tinnier, forced. You didn't want to attend those big events. Squeezed in between old businessman with foxy eyes and handshakes. Yet, there to support him. Mom was out of the picture. In some there was younger woman who was clearly that day's menu. Turned another page.

Half of face covered with palm, other hand on coffee table, fingers tapping surface. I can't just go because you reminded me of someone from my past. Staring at me like an open wound. To the other end of the world. Gia's number at the last page of the folder. Placed there on purpose, she knew I would check whole file. Hexa's head on my lap. This is where I'm suppose to be. I need to stay away. You, you don't need me to stepping inside your life and messing it up, even if I would be staying silent, watching you closely but being a wallflower.

I shook my head, not believing what I'm thinking of committing. Few weeks in Prague to look after you. I am no savior. I've done too many mistakes in my life and this would be another one. Even pathetic in a way. And yet. Phone in my hand. [I'm in] and the few seconds after [I'll text you the details]. She waited and knew I'll write, just like that I made a deal with the devil, having no idea what I'm signing myself up to. The warmth of wooden walls, colorful furniture and the view of mountains changed into 8th century city.

Early flight. Shaved my hair, almost at zero on the sides, just some on the top. No beard. Felt naked. Just a bag with some clothes. Everything else taken care off, like Gia said. My dog at daycare. Felt wrong leaving her for so long. Got used to solitude. Private plane. Oh, those rich people just love spending money. Few other man in suits. I sat next to the window. Wooden small table on the side. Leather seats. Blond curly guy sat in front.

" Charlie Trond" He said with a smile, stretching his arm to me "Nathaniel" I said looking through the window "Oo-ukey" Kid said wiping his hand on the suit like now it was dirty. "I'm gonna be working with you" excitement in his voice. Actually, the way he looks, guessing he was younger than you. Wind in a jar. " Let's go team" He said with a smile. Okay, that one almost got confused smile out of me " New on all of this? " I turned my head to him , he nodded. Others were laughing, silently, but I knew it was because of this kid. Charlie's smile got smaller.

" Don't give them your time, kid. It doesn't matter" I managed to get my lips just slightly up for it to look like a friendly grin. "Yeah, you are right " His head moving, it was more of a pray for himself than me. Seems like I would need to take care of this one too. "Why are you not wearing your suit?" Curly asked in genuine tone. "Not on my shift, why should I?" He looked at my boots, jeans and hoodie. "I'm here to get my career going as personal bodyguard and they pay really well too, I'll be set for some time" Blue eyed guy was looking at the clouds, proud smile. "Money is not always what you should be chasing after" I said to him, not trying to start any serious conversation, but I think it managed to set fire to it anyways.

"Why are you doing this for then? " Clicked with my tongue " Get a nap or something " I moved my palm, whooshing a fly away, he smiled. Too friendly. "True, I barely slept, never went to Europe either" Eyes sparkling. Rushing to live. " You should get some sleep" I said closing my eyes. " But we will get there in the middle of the night, I think we should be awake" Confusion in his voice "You do that" I saluted him, his eyes narrowing "Are you gonna pretend that you are sleeping?" He asked with distrustful voice " Most likely I will" I said with my arms crossed on my chest.

City lights from above. Alive. Tiny sparkles on the roads, yellow lights on the streets adding feeling of nostalgia. Gia was the one who greed us. " So classy" She said looking at my outfit " You look like a clown on the other hand" I said mockingly and she punched my shoulder , didn't move me from my direction. She worked at the FBI and now she's just someone's goon shoved in a tiny suit? Never would've have guessed she would change her career path. Seemed the one who will always gonna get justice for people, when her little girl got to experience the darkness of this filthy world.

"Who's the clingy ?" She asked looking back, I checked through my shoulder, curly was walking behind me. "Not your recruit?" Gia shook her head. The way her eyes tracked him. Weak. That's what she thought. Everyone who's weak in her mind is not worth living. Be strong or don't exist at all, yet people around her tend to be the weak link "My partner" I said looking at her hazel eyes. " Whatever works for you" Her long nails cut hair strands. It was warm here. The end of spring. " They didn't arrive yet, so detail is first on the scene, guys" She said louder, for everyone to hear, seemed like shouting to me.

More people. More and more. Adding to the group. Until we got to hotel, I counted five cars. Someone wasn't really trusting person. Getting his whole team to another country, the bald man is afraid. We got our phones. Well, the ones they provided. Earpiece too. "Everything else you need will be in your rooms" I walked up to reception, with my glue on the side. " Charlie Torn" he said again and guy in front asked full detail of mine" Nathaniel Harrow" .We got keycards. My room was right next to partner's.

"You wanna go to see th-" Curly asked while I was opening the doors. He didn't mean nothing wrong but I didn't need a friend. " Thanks, I'm gonna crash, goodnight" I said closing the door before hearing his answer to my statement. Dropped the bag on the floor and took my shoes off. Sliding into slippers. Peeled hoodie of myself. Golden necklace on my neck with a oval shape pendant. Room smelled new. But it wasn't. Fresh flowers on the side table next to the balcony door's. Bottle of champagne. Not alcoholic. I walked closer to the windows.

View was something you already saw, something you craved and never knew you needed. Cathedral from the distance. Lights under bridges. Could've slept on the plane , because now my body was starving for rest. Suit was hanged next to wardrobe. For everyone to look the same. Small case on table. Welcome card with Wi-Fi password. Don't forget to connect yourself. Into conversation, into network, into someone else. Be a part of whole organism. And yet, feel alone in crowded room. Urge to be with a label, seen or forgotten. Just something to think about before sleep. Something when the water's silky fingers brush the days waste from your skin. I felt it. Place I were just eight hours ago turned into a memory. White sheets taking freshly washed tired body in. Not even minutes passed. Blackout.

Loud knock on the door. My eyes glued to direction of the sound. "Harrow" Voice stated "The family is coming soon, we should go to the lobby" Curly knocked again " Fuck" I murmured " Yeah" I said with louder raspy voice, and deeper, didn't manage to fake it, still stuck in sleep. He stopped knocking " Dude, you were sleeping?" I heard a smile in his voice, even some cockiness. I rolled my eyes and got out of the bed. Pants, shirt, jacket, whole suit. Shoes. Earpiece in. Case had a gun. To the holster. Phone in the pocket. Poured water in me and popped a mint. Opened the door. "If you had longer hair it would be messy" He said mockingly " Fuck you, Charlie" I said with my eyes half closed. Pushed him out of the way. But his steps were following me like a ghost.

"Who is this man?" He asked walking behind. "Pharmaceutical's, so they claim" I yawned and press the button. I felt his glimpse. "What? You think he sells some migraine meds and got all of this? No" I shook my head and pressed back to lacquered walnut wood wall. He didn't ask more about my conspiracy theories. "I'm on his duty today, with others" Curly said looking down at his polished shoes. I didn't move my head but looked at his stance in reflection of the lift door. Uncomfortable. How a kid like him got into this mess? Doesn't seem like his cup of tea. "You'll be fine" I said looking at our uneven shadows in golden color mirror "If they try to do something on their own teammate, well" Wavy imagery but his head was turned to me " Someone gonna lose a teeth or two" I finally turned to him, kid had a proud smile to have a person who was owning a spine.

Everyone looking the same, only the faces change. Clones of a same goal. All in line. I walked to the back of it. Gia was standing with someone from the hotel, didn't read the card on their jacket. Her eyes wider. I shrugged. More suited men and a woman. Tall older man, father, walked in first. Straight as string. Posture so stiff that he seemed like a robot, coded on his command to walk. Power. You can feel intimidation even from afar. Piercing eyes might cut your lenses in half. You could say presence is enough for this one. Charlie will be scared of him. Should I be?

"Ok, Torn, Lerman, Peterson and Castillo with Mr" Following like dogs on orders. "Harrow, Chen and Monroe with Y/N" My last name broke the silence. Footsteps. Crowd of people. Blurring them. I walked to the side. Bright. Aurora in the sky. The only smile in concrete faces. Looking to direction of the stairs. Checking surroundings or understanding that I need to find an exit. Might've pushed myself into a hole without ladders.

You. Hair tied. With hoodie and sweatpants, airport outfit. Unlikely combo but your face,you made it work. Your eyes following a line of faces. You didn't catch mine, your father cut interaction short, asking you to go. I knew staring was wrong but seemed like sun got into this lobby. People looked. Maybe your father made the room cold but you managed to burn it to the ground in seconds. My eyes to marble beneath my feet. I looked at this painting in the gallery before. I ruined it. I can't do this again.

Following you to the lift, one of the suited. Hotel staff taking your bags to next one. I walked last. Pressed the button. Almost the last floor. "A bit crowded" You said brushing your hair, reflection showing me enough. None said a thing. Usually it's best to keep interactions at minimum. "Tough crowd" You said with a lip bite. Ding. And the doors were open. Two in front of you. Me at the back. Perfume trail to follow. Earpiece ringing with talks. Chen unlocked the door with your keycard. She walked in first.

Checking the room like someone could've put a bomb there. I felt your gaze on me. Looking straight to open doors and black haired woman walking around. "Y/N, nice to meet you" Your chin up, head to my direction. "Nathaniel" I said half cut tone. Victory in your face. Someone talked. "Okay, Nate" You said it like we were old buddies and just walked into room. I don't like when people decides to delete some parts of the name and make it their own. But I didn't intervene with it. We stayed behind closed doors. Chen stayed inside. Presence. It felt it through the walls. Ballet and then a party. That's the plan for today? Somehow seems like marketing stunt. No way this person is not involved in something, or maybe it's just my character to judge everyone who I found slightly suspicious.

Chen walked out first. You right after it. Different clothes. Kept my eyes straight but I saw colors float away. Was this an act too? Or you were just like that? Clear water with nothing to hide. Staying true to what you are? I'm definitely not the best for this role. We got back to the lobby. Your father already there, he smiled but I saw how he grabbed your arm. My eyes went to the grip. "You're late" He said, wearing the mask, it was almost falling now. "Just five minutes" Whisper. Glimpse said it all, not happy. Are you sure you are related? Seemed like two different worlds. Few staying near the door. Others following. Instructions in earpiece. I got shotgun spot. Chen and Monroe in the back with you. Driving to opera house. I didn't need to look , imaging your face was glued to the window. "It's my first time in Prague" talking into the void again. Everyone's job to keep you safe, again, it's not to be your friend.

Your hands on one seat, another squeezing the seat , pulling yourself closer to the driver's and passenger's. I looked to the left. Your face almost touching mine. " You should stay in the back" I said piercing your profile, you looked at me. Questioning authority for a blink of a second. "Whatever you say, Nate" You sat back. I hate that. I hope it won't stick. Driver looked at me. Silent confusion.

You can see blooming magnolia still. Streets full of people. Sun shining in the sky. Busy. Tourists walking back and forward looking at their phones. Construct of their own world. Surroundings was the the background of their game. Your face held by your own palm. My head turned slightly to your direction. You felt it. Your eyes slowly tracking mine. Shared few seconds of contact and drifted my eyes back to front view. It was uncanny. I'm suppose to keep an eye on you.

Memories rushing. It was not yours, it felt like it was. I'm sorry that the moment I looked at you, I saw her. Reading a book you did before. Maybe every tiny detail was forgotten but the further you go, the more you remember. It's wrong, in any case, this was wrong. But I chose to be here, to see you. A clone of a past, different script, different font, different story, just a visual of so called character from poorly written ending. Maybe Gia's plan was to get higher in chain, that way finding someone who would take a bullet for you was the only option, and that's why I came to her mind first. Or was it her seeing the way you look? Digest it as much as you can, it won't make sense yet. I know it was not for my good.

I opened the door. Holding it. Your tiny pressed smile, it was a thank you. Your dress holding itself on the chest, naked shoulders. Hair down. "Liliom, ever been?" Your soft voice touched my ears and I nodded. "Something about tragic love story, I just…" You hands pressing small purse, head turned to me. " Let's go" Chen disrupted whole talk with a gesture. Your father arrived, some people in costumes looking back. Murmuring. Creeping at you? Or just judging? We're always enjoy a smudge of hurt, if there's comfort, or leave us thinking how could've done it better.

Me and Monroe were standing near you. Uncomfortable , I saw. Champagne in your hand. Chen took your purse so you could move more freely, but yet your hand was under your ribcage. The bald man ,your dad was laughing, you standing a little further, looking around, searching for someone you knew, but none was there. Photographers came and he got you. You smiled. He did too. They took pictures. Right after he got back to his vultures. Some snaps of the camera too. Chen got her directions and left your side. You, alone on melting iceberg. Polar bear on slippery surface.

Second glass of champagne. I felt Monroe eyes follow me. Steps behind you, still not too close but in a reach of a hand "I would limit those" Said looking straight. Lots of fake laughs fill in the room. More men with earpieces around, faces I didn't care to know, but I was sure important people was searching here, in their hunting grounds. "It's fine, I can handle my liquor, Nate" Your sassy tone and roll of the eyes. "On an empty stomach?" I asked with my arms behind my back. Assumption? Most likely you didn't eat in plane, there was no room service while I was waiting for you to leave the room. Empty stomach. Pretty sure heard the growl from the beast in the car too.

Chen got back to her spot, so I got back to my position. Intended, not the one I tried to achieve. You slowly looked through your shoulder, tracking from the head to toes, following my steps. " Don't try to reason with her, she doesn't listen" Monroe talked at last. " Everyone has their approach, if you know how" I said stretching my back by moving shoulders a little. "Woke up on the wrong side?" He asked with a smirk. " Every day" I shrugged. He laughed like it was the best joke. His gray hair bounced. Side eye from me, but he didn't care. Wrinkles in his lips showed that he usually breaks the skin with wide smile.

Smile hidden with a glass. Peripheric view, blurred movement. " Shouldn't you mind your business as all of them?" A little dry, a little salty. Where's your sun now? Is it because your father acted like you were not here? I looked at you finally. Gaze met, your face challenging me, I shared one back, but it was empty " Well, you are my business, so it would be my best interest if you didn't fall from the stairs" Scoff out of your lips" I liked you better when you talked less" You shook your head a little and eyes searching in the crowd. Did I put too much salt on the wound?

"Chen, can you come up?" Radio silence. "Shit" I said to myself, maneuvered around the armchairs. Squatted down. " You're okay?" My had on one of the armrests, it took you some time to look to my direction " Yeeah" Sleepy smile. Not convincing. "Let's go," I said getting up and my hand to your waist, your arm on my shoulder , no resistance. " What the hell are you doing?" The man's voice, didn't hear him before " Sorry , sir, but she's not feeling well" I said without turning back. Your head placed on my chest, feet getting tied up with each other.

Lodge. Just few faces. Me and Monroe inside. Charlie was near the door too. Another glass for you. In dim light, only from the stage, I saw your half closed eyes, slightly open mouth. Tiredness or alcohol, both could be the case. Holding in a cough or something worse "Where's Chen?" I asked quietly. Monroe shrugged, pressing his earpiece of assistance. She's the only woman on our team and I saw that soon there will be an emergency to the bathroom. Your head moving slightly to one and other side. Fingers massaging lips, it won't help to hold down what's trying to erupt like a volcano.

Empty corridor. Holding you to place, my embrace. "Can you stop for a minute" Your eyes closed "My head is spinning" Your palms on your cheeks. Forehead holding it's center pushed to my collarbone. My hand on silky dress. In half made hug, palm on your back. I saw three at least but there were more. Could smell it. Women's bathroom sign seen from afar. Don't throw up on me , please. "Okay, Y/N, let's go" Silence and deep breathes onto my shirt. Nod. Walking slowly. I opened the door. Some older lady putting on the lipstick " Tohle jsou dámské koupelny" she said with anger, covering her neck, clenching her diamonds. " I know, but she doesn't feel well" I said and opened one of the stalls, you on your knees right after, couldn't hold back anymore. Hand on the toilet. Women walked fast out of the area, heels tapping the floor.

Gathered strands, they kept falling on your back and shoulders. I took your hair in my palm at last. Creasing it in a tail, few strands still managed to fall on your face. My back bent. Liquid from your mouth. Body trembling and twitching while you were throwing up. Just water. Just champagne going though the drain. Your mascara stayed even when eyes were filled with tears. Cheeks red.

"All good" I said , I wanted to place my hand on your back, it was naked, but kept fingers in your hair instead. Soft and silky. " I hate this" You said with tired voice, wiping your wet lip " Well, you had too much to drink" I said squatting down next to you, locked between my knees, not enough space for two people. " Not this, him" Your lip shaking a little, eyes glassy. Face to me. " Your father?" I asked to be sure what where talking about. You nodded. " Whatever I do, I'm not enough" You bit your lip.

Hands around the toilet. Dress was a little to tight on the chest. Legs scattered on the floor. "He didn't even look" Gaze on the floor, lost in your own mind. Was this on purpose? To make him flinch? " I don't think you should ruin your day for someone's approval" Letting your hair go and placing myself on the floor. Legs bent. Hands on the knees. Back to the stall. And moment was cut short. You started to vomit again.

Shared silence. Your eyes to the front as mine was, not meeting halfway through. You moved, trying to fix the dress, which was slipping. Hair sticking to your lipstick. " Such a great impression" Smile of shame and a sniffle, this time it was genuine. You cleared your throat right after it. "Could've been worse if you thew up on my shoes" I said crunching my knuckles and a chuckle left your lips "True" Another after that. Still dizzy and a little bit drunk, it wasn't that funny. Alcohol smell reeking from the distance. You twisting your rings. A lot of them on your fingers. Anxious. A habit? A tell? My fingers tied between each other. No rings on mine.

You washed up your face enough not to be a massacre. Mascara crumbles under lashes. Chen walked in. " You're okay, Miss?" She asked with scared undertone and you nodded, looking at her through mirror. " I'm taking her back" Chen looked at me, shaking her head " We should be her until nine" I reached for your purse "I'll take her back" I said again, she hesitated "Then I'll ask Monroe to drive" Blackhair walked out. Your front of the dress was wet from the water. Lips dripping of it. "Fuck" you said under your breath, looking at your reflection. Wiping face with a towel. " I can't go like this" Covering your face and then hugging yourself. There was vomit on your dress which didn't wash.

Your legs straight, flat on the surface. Blinking slow. " I know you have orders" You said looking at me, but the target was my chest, maybe my shirt wasn't buttoned up fully. " Can you take me back to the hotel? I don't want to stay at the party" Sa frown. Stomach gurgling. I can't. Breaching the rules. Rearranging the plan, your father might fire me for that. Seemed like a guy who needs everything to go exactly to his plan, even if tornado would hit. People should get new directions to change their positions. Everything placed in their own designed spot on the chest board. " Y/N , I don't.." You eyes followed trail to my face" Please" Soft, hurt and lips into thin line after the words. Deep breathe." Okay" I said getting up from the floor. Gave up too fast.

Purse on the sink. I took my jacket off and put on your shoulders. You looked up. Sliding your arms inside sleeves which was too long for you. "There, covered " I said taking into my hand the tiny purse and giving it to you. " Thank you" Your eyes watery from brushing. Chen got back with Monroe by her side and we walked out. You step by step near me, bumping into me from time to time. Tripping on your own dress. Charlie looked at me with a question mark on his face. I shook my head, later, not now. Walking the stairs was the hardest for you. You almost fell but the arm, your fingers caught on my elbow. Holding yourself closer.

"Sorry" You said looking at your feet, not to catch another wrong step.

Sun was not even set yet. Just a orange strike in the sky. Balloons hanging in the entrance at ballet, to indicate that Liliom is showing today. You got in the back of the car. Flat on your stomach. Me passenger's seat. Your face covered with hair. Hand near your lips. " You know he won't be happy about it" Monroe said looking at the rear mirror. " I don't really care what he thinks, he can fire me if he wants" My pupils followed pedestrians. Groups of tourists walking to Charlie bridge. Probably that's what Charlie wanted to offer to see yesterday. " Losing a lot of money for a mistake" Monroe looked at me for a glimpse. I shared one back to him. Enough for bodyguard to stop talking.

"Let's go" I said with open doors. Your head unglued itself from the seat. "Oh" you just said sitting up, I stood on the side, so you could get out of the car. A stumble. Heels didn't help with uneven sidewalk. Monroe drove right after to park. "Such a mess" Lips pressed together , your hair fuzzy, palm on forehead. Walking to a lobby. Slow but more confident. To the lift. Push of a button. Melody in the back. You pressed in the corner. My back to you. No sound. Just breathing. I saw your eyes in reflection. Following my figure. Scanning for a reason to be here? I was no a threat. Not to you.

Doors opened and you walked, dragging your feet on carpet. Flowers in vases placed on every tiny table next to a painting. "Keycard" I said pinning myself next to your room's door " Yeah" You tried to open metal bubble looking things on your purse, fingers slipping,, clip didn't open " Let me" I took it from your hand and it was wide. Phone, lipstick and keycard. Beep. The door's were not longer an issue for you. I walked in to look around. Your clothes in the bag still. Nothing. Balcony open. Checked it too. Empty. " All good, you can go" I said passing you. Your fingers on my wrist stopped me. "Thank you, truly" Lips formed into hesitation. There's more to it, but you didn't speak. I looked at the gesture. I nodded and walked out. Breaking the handcuffs you tried to put on.

Closed the door behind me and stood next to it. Hands in front of me. One palm covering the burn on my wrist. Earpiece was filled with voices but I didn't hear them. You could be more like your dad, more of a prick, rich person but you weren't. Too normal. Not looking at someone below you to be less of a human than you were. That made you even harder to resist. I know I already painted your image because of the way you looked and it hurt, but this can't and won't happen. I just hurt people and make them go down deeper into the dark, I won't do the same for you. I won't do that to you.

"Your jacket" Your voice interrupted my inner monologue. You were standing with wet hair, no makeup left, with shorts and tank top. "Thank you" I said taking top of the suit from your palms. Your shoulder resting on the door frame. "Actually a life saver, so you might be good fit for a bodyguard" Sparkle in those eyes was proof that not all lose it in time. " Might be ? " I asked looking through my shoulder but getting back to surrounding's right after " You don't seem that, to be clear" I scoffed and turned my head to left. " What?" I still could smell alcohol from you, just with shower gel mixture. You used yours, it was not the same smell as the one hotel provided.

" You know , you have that" You moving your head, putting a play in your head " I could kill you with my bare hands" Your voice got deeper and you made a angry grin. " That's your impression of me? " I shook my head " I don't sound like that" I put my jacket on. Your perfume was already written into the fabric. " But you do" You smiled because you got a reaction out of me, not amused. " Fuck the rules, punch someone in the face" You pouting your lips and chin up. Damn, you're still drunk. "Y/N , I think you should go to sleep" I looked back at you. "Yeah, I actually felt like shit" Whisper, confirmation to yourself. Back to your voice, not the mockery of mine.

"I didn't really sleep in plane" Resting your head and eyes up to the ceiling " Goodnight, Y/N" My eyes drifted to the side, not catching your gaze for the wishing. "Goodnight, Nathaniel" Sounded more like a promise. Doors cracked and it was shut. I stood there for few hours. Until my shift change came. Charlie. "What happened?" He asked quietly, if it was a secret. " She just got too drunk" Blu eyed whistled " Old man was not happy" I exhaled with a scoff " Sure he wasn't, but I'm pretty sure he's still at the party?" Charlie nodded, I raised my eyebrows and shook my head, father of the year indeed. " You should go eat" Charlie stood in my place " Yeah" I brushed my hair with fingers.

Walking to my room, in my cell. Same floor but much further from yours. Another suit in the room. Hanged this one for dry cleaning. It was getting rid of the evidence , the smell of your hair, your skin. I got into my casual clothes. Took my phone. Gia wrote few messages, politely saying why the fuck I did that. [none died, it would've been worse is she stayed], not a fan of messages, but it would be better than see her face in person. Out. With my headphones on. Some 'Alice In Chains' was the great choice for evening. Spring air filled my lungs. Small restaurant owned by a family. Food made me feel complete again. Walking around Prague's old town. Sitting near clocktower. Even in nightfall, square was full of people.

Stretched my legs. Gia was in the lobby " Nathaniel, let's agree you won't do this again, I had to talk him and confirm that you are great at what you do" She still in a suit, living with it like second skin " What you thought I would do? " I passed her, taking my headphones off "I don't know, maybe let her throw up and get back? " She said it slow, trying to push a nail into my skull. " Uhu" I said walking to the lift. " Come on, I vouched for you, stop doing this" She walking next to me." I'll try, crossing my heart" She walked inside golden rectangle too "Uhu" Mimicking me. People just love to do that I see. "She does look like Annie" I said quietly and Gia looked at me "She does" Brown hair woman fixed her collar.