The Badass Protector

COLT

“YOU WERE the one who suggested not to let her stay, so what changed your mind? And don’t give me a shit even if it’s because she’d grown on Lois.”

“I don’t know,” I said truthfully. “You also don’t seem to care about other people we encountered during the run. So what did you see in her that you let her stay for as long as she wanted? Your words, not mine.”

Gael laughed. “Since when did you run out of opinion?”

“Since you planned on letting them spy on Iris. Why don’t you spy on me, too? You’re good at being tight-lipped nowadays.”

“This is nothing personal, Colt Danger.”

“The fuck it isn’t.”

“I wanted to protect this place, all of you. I don’t want to compromise our location, Colt. And you are aware there are dangerous people out there. So, I want you to do your part-”

“By what? By playing the role of James Bond?” I shook my head. “No, thank you. Not gonna happen, Gael. Find someone else capable of doing it because I am not good at lying.”

“She seems to like you.”

I snorted, no matter how flattering it was. “You misread it. She hates my gut. We can’t be friends. We will fight every day because she’s damn stubborn and tenacious to defy me. You’ve seen it yourself.”

“Fine. I’ll let Templeton do your part.”

“Damn it, Gael. What is your agenda exactly?” My gaze delved fiercely at him, but he ignored to acknowledge my point.

“I already told you.”

“No, you did not. You’re up to something, and I wish I could read your mind.”

“You will take the blame if something happens to this place and our group, and you know the price you must pay.”

“If you have proof. I’ll take it.”

***

FOR THE past few days, we’ve been eating the same mushroom soup, green salad, and a small portion of potato. Surprisingly, none of us complained, except for Cora, but the guys were used to her tantrums and ignored her annoying shits.

I was late to come to the kitchen since I had to cool down after my confrontation with Gael. Iris instantly caught my attention.

The guys were already sitting at the long table, waiting for their lunch to be served. I knew she was trying to help, but she missed the memo that her kindness was being abused by these fuckers.

Anna and her husband were scared to scavenge for their own food because they had kids to look after. Gael accepted their reasons since we could not care for the kids if something terrible happened to them.

“Get your fucking asses up and get your own damn lunch, or you won’t eat at all!” Being a server was not a part of Iris’ task. The last time I checked, everyone was capable of feeding themselves, which pissed me off.

Everyone stilled, including Iris. I eyed her fiercely, and she was about to say something when I raised my hand to stop her.

“They used to feed themselves before you came. Don’t let them get used to it because I haven’t been sitting with them lately.”

“Right we are.” Frost whistled, then smiled.

“I honestly don’t mind,” Iris said, shrugging.

“You have a new task, Iris. Get your lunch, eat, and do what I tell you to do.” I walked past her. “And don’t question me. That’s an order.”

Iris frowned. Everyone stood up willingly except for Cora, who rolled her eyes and sighed exasperatingly before leaving her chair.

After taking my share, I sat beside Frost like I used to. Cora was beside Darick and me. Lois and Iris were sitting across the table, and the empty chair beside her was my brother’s.

We ate silently for several minutes until Frost spoke, “What’s Iris’ assignment?”

“She’ll take the night watch with me?”

“Seriously?” Cora reacted, mocking Iris. “Does she even know how to handle a toy gun?”

“She handled just right.” And she threatened my dick. How could I forget that? That was enough to prove that she could protect what belonged to her.

My propriety idea made my dick harden. I inwardly groaned at that thought. As good as it sounded, this was not the right time to think about pussies.

“Colt taught me how to shoot, and I’m sure you will learn faster than me.” I expected how Lois would react. Cora treated her like shit and body-shamed her. When she was with Iris, I knew she slowly regained her self-esteem.

“I told you, man. She should come with me to hunt sometime. Iris could be my partner one day, right, Iris?” Frost grinned evilly. Who would have thought a damn billionaire’s son adjusted to this kind of life pretty quickly and became our shooter?

“That’s absurd,” Cora said. “Does Gael know about this?”

“Yes. His order,” I answered bluntly.

“What’s absurd if she comes with me.” Darick rolled his eyes at her. He didn’t talk much, but he always had a point when his words came out.

Cora snorted.

“What?” Darick asked her.

No one was surprised if the two of them didn’t get along.

I hadn’t asked him what really happened when they went out together for a run, but I had a feeling that what went wrong during that night was planned out.

It was all my fault. I should have been with Cora then, but I tried to stay away from her after we slept together, and Darick ended up going out with her and got shot.

“Meet me at the armory at twenty hundred.” I met Iris’ gaze. I took a moment to admire the most fascinating shade of blue I’d ever seen.

She nodded.

Cora took her plate and fled to the kitchen without finishing her food. Frost snorted like a pig, making Lois laugh.

“Serves her right. Just be careful, Iris. She will do everything to get rid of you.” Lois’ warning made me realize something. Her hand.

“Yes. And she already did.”