Page 7 of Hellfire
“Snake, where is the little bird?” the President called out.
Damn, I really need to learn his name.
Another man pushed through the door with a grin on his face. This guy was smaller than the other two. Maybe five foot ten and lean, but not skinny. His head’s shaved, showcasing an intricate scale tattoo along his skull and down one shoulder before disappearing under his jacket. His smile grew when his eyes found mine.
“Leona is safe with Steele,” Snake answered as he walked toward me.
“Did the other parasite get away?” Tank asked, his deep voice vibrating against my back.
Snake laughed. “Naw, he never stood a chance.”
“Where is my daughter?” my voice barely above a whisper.
“Come, I’ll take you to her.”
Snake held out a hand for me to stand, but I hesitated. His bright green eyes danced playfully as he watched me.
“Go on, pretty girl,” Tank encouraged.
He slowly stood, pulling me along with him. I turned over one shoulder to look up at him. He made me feel so tiny at five foot two. Tank gave me a small smile.
“I’ll be right behind you. Just have some cleaning up to do first. Trust Snake.”
Snake laughed again at that. “Naw, don’t trust me, baby. My name is Snake for a reason.” He gave me a playful wink, and I smiled back at him.
“Lead the way then,” I said, waving him on.
Snake looped his arm through mine and led me through the trees outside what looked like a bunker. All around us was thick foliage. I’d be lost if I was alone.
“Do you know where we are going?”
“Yes, so don’t worry your pretty little head ’bout it. I gotcha, and Leona is safe.”
I looked over into his green eyes, expecting to see a mischievous smile, but his face was somber.
“Thank you.” The words got stuck in my throat.
“No need to thank me, baby.”
His serene smile returned as he unwound our arms and pulled me into his side, making me flinch at the contact against my bruised ribs. Snake stopped abruptly and turned to face me.
“What?” I asked, glancing around the trees.
“Show me,” he demanded, all traces of humor gone. His green eyes were almost glowing.
No, no way am I showing him.
“No.”
“No?” He tilted his head slightly. The setting sun’s rays highlighted his sharp features. I shook my head and crossed my arms.
“Your President said no one can lay a finger on me,” I warned when he took a step closer, and that grin of his returned.
“I promise you when I tell him I was lookin’ for injuries, he will want to see ’em for himself.”
Tears welled in my eyes as shame washed over me. “Snake… Please don’t.”
I panicked as he took another step toward me. Just as I thought he would force my shirt up, he didn’t. But instead, pulled me into his arms. His nose found the crook of my neck as he cradled me.