17 Plan in Place 5.3

"Think of me like a bad omen." His sentence was joking but his eyes where far off in the distance, nowhere near here. It made me curious.

"Why a bad omen?" I can't help the curiosity in me since it was really unusual, compared to what I had been expecting. I had figured it be like what you see on tv or in movies, like eagle eye or something. This however never crossed my mind didn't even know what language it was.

He sighs slouching back on the couch again. "You do know what mercenaries' do right?"

I shrug I can guess but I can't say I know for sure. I shake my head.

"We take on my odd jobs if paid enough. I have only ever taken on jobs the jobs that require special handling. Once a person is my mark I never fail. They said I was a bad omen for anyone who was put in my hands. Hence the name was born but Being call bad omens was time consuming so it was submitted as Zenchō meaning omen in Japanese. It was Dodgers idea actually."

"So, you kill people for a living?" The words just blurt out of my mouth. "I mean, were you ex-military or something, to have those skills?" I try to retract my first statement with another question, but it was too late, his expression looks almost scary. "You know you don't have to look so mad, if you don't want to say that's fine." I meant to sound apologetic but instead it came out sounding kind of bitchy. I'm surprised by his chuckle.

He laughs harder, I feel little more annoyed, I glare at him. "What's so funny?" I growl.

"Sorry Jenny, I just found it funny how quickly your expressions change." My face turns read with embarrassment.

"See there again a change." His big hand falls on my head ruffling my hair. "Don't worry so much, I swear I'll protect you from what's going. That's all that matters, I am plenty skilled enough to deal with this situation if you agree to listen to me that is. Dodger and us are seriously looking into the matter; however; I don't know what we are up against so I think the best solution is to pretend we are dating."

My ears ring when he says the last words, I nearly want to choke on the French Toast I had just bitten out of as I listened to him talk. Did he seriously just say date.

****

I watch her face turn white to my last words. I guess, I should have expected that but, was it that bad the idea of having me as a boyfriend. I mean I was no Ren but I wasn't that bad. I remember how Anna also only saw him; Christ was Jenny thinking the same after seeing him. Whatever he's happily married and this isn't for real. This was a job I growl at myself. Why did I suddenly feel so damn jealous of my brother.

"Mal," I hear the soft ton of her voice, it vibrated with anxiety and fear. I glance meeting her eyes. Those deep pools like look like oceans with stars reflecting in them. She had her hands in fists in her lap trying to stay so calm when I can see she's afraid. Like she had a trauma that was resurfacing when she's around a man that's angry or violent.

Reaching out I take one of her hands, she stares back still wide eyed. Rubbing my thumb across the top I feel her hand loosen. I slip my fingers into the palm of her hand. I squeeze it gently. I knew I should let go but I don't want her to fear me. I wasn't that man any more. Thoughts of earlier tonight play through my mind. I realize I was alone once again with this woman who smelled of strawberries? My heart races, the feel of her warm skin as I held her hand, makes my throat dry. I wasn't Ren and she might be into him but, I swallow hard I feel the same desire as the other night. My other hand reach's out scooping her up pulling her into my lap. Brushing my lips against hers softly I gaze into her eyes.

I brush her hair from the side of her face, I lean forward close enough to whisper in her ear. "You don't have anything to fear from me darling, relax." I gently kiss her cheek. I watch her face turn several shades red. Damn that was so sexy. I try to calm myself from acting like a high school boy. Deep inside, all I want right now is to carry her back to that room and have my way with her. She was still far too stiff though I'd be a dick if I actually did anything. She wasn't fighting me but something was off.

I release my grip and take her hands into mine. "Think over pretending to be a couple. I really believe this is the best plan if we want to put an end to your troubles." I look seriously at her "Besides, unlike what happened last time. no one is going to dare actually fucking with me. Plus, perks would be, I would do anything you ever ask, and I mean anything." I smirk at her. Finally, I hear a little giggle., and is grows louder. She falls over off my lap landing on the couch. Her hands slip out of my grasp. I might have been offended she was laughing at my flirting a little but she looked so damn cute. It made me want to help her more to keep that smile on her face.

****

I didn't mean to laugh. Seriously I didn't, half a second ago, I thought my anxiety was about to over whelm me when his became so distorted. I had no idea what he was thinking about but the PTSD became so real, I fought my body trembling in fear. It got worse when he suddenly touched me in that moment. I can't handle scary men let alone being man handled. I either become a bitch to keep them away or I run. However, I was tired of running so instead when I could I stood my ground or fought against the urge to run away. Because in the business I was in, I get man handled a lot I can't escape it and I can't hit anyone. However; when this tough man became as gentle as a bear then even attempts to joke with me, I lost to insanity laughing so hard I couldn't breathe. I take a deep breathe, sitting up to look at him. He looked serious.

I was surprised by his suggested idea and worried when he said he was looking into the matter with who was behind this. Just how much would he find out, that's what I was thinking. However; it didn't sound like a bad idea, to pretend to date if it ended this quickly. Besides maybe he can help me get over my fears. He did say he would help me with anything.

"Would you really do anything?" I ask as I adjust myself not wanting to look at him. I curl my legs up under me, picking at my shirt, then switch my legs to other side of my body, then I move pillows near me as if it's in my way. I feel my eyes on my yet he says nothing.

"Look; if you didn't mean it when you said anything that's fine, you can just leave now." I bark getting uncomfortable from the silence.

His lips crash on my like yesterday night but even more passionately. His hand wraps around my waist pulling me close. His tongue licks my bottom lip, giving into the feeling I open my mouth. His tongue dives into my mouth. The sweet taste of the French Toast with strawberries and sugar enter my mouth though I hadn't tasted it after I had put my food down. It was almost like an aphrodisiac with how the taste alone made me want more of his taste his sent hell his touch and I never want the from men so pushy. His body weight pushes me back my legs sliding of the couch as I'm laid on my back. My arms draped around his neck desperate to not break this kiss and break the spell. Till his hand slipped under my shirt Panic floods me I cry out. I feel his body freeze on top of mine. I feel the tears trickle down as visions play through my mind the chains pinning me down when I wouldn't listen so many things, they did to me. All the pain rushes back. I begin sobbing under this man's gaze it was still hot but it was filled with worry. I never let anyone see me cry and I was hating myself that I couldn't hold it together.

"Leave." I whisper.

"What?" His face flashes with a pained expression.

"I said leave!" I shout I could feel my body shaking. I watch his expression change to almost a flat line as he climbs up off me. He however, didn't leave. I sat up adjusting myself. His hand fell on my head.

"Sorry Jenny, I was a dick." He sat there silently one arm on his knee the other petting down my hair. I wanted to cry more but not from hear but from the warmth. Can I trust this man after all? I swallow hard trying to choose my next words carefully. I didn't want him to see me as a slut.

Shutting my eyes, I take a deep breath. "I'm sorry too, I over reacted. This is what I need your help with I can't get past my fears." I look at him pleadingly. "I know this is a stupid request as you are only going to pretend to date me to help me. So now, asking this I probably sound selfish. However; With you I think I can move past this trauma I can't have a normal relationship because of it."

I hear a sigh escape. He was looking at me from a sideways glance. "I 'm the one that said anything even if I was trying to joke around and flirt. Seems I should take lessons from my brother Ren." He gives me a sideways smirk.

"Do you mean, tall, dark and brooding? That man was scary as hell why would you ever take advice from him?" He looks at me in disbelief.

"You do realize that was Ren Hashiro, who was worlds sexiest bachelor, though he's no longer single?"

"So!" I don't even wait, to think about his question.

I can't believe the perplexed expression on his face did he think I was attracted to that evil man?

Lost in thought I am surprised by his next words. "Alright you got a deal, the plan is in place and you got yourself a hired boyfriend."