Page 51 of Submit

“Me too,” I echo.

She nods to him and then turns to me. “In that case, come with me, dear. Let’s let the men work on a plan. I have something to show you.” The last thing I want to do right now is leave Casper’s side. Based on the timing of this letter, we have until noon tomorrow to make a plan. There’s no way that’s long enough. I look to Casper for his approval that I can go with Bea - it’s clear he’s in charge and his word is the law in this house. When he looks at me, it causes my breath to catch in my throat. Fear, adrenaline, fighting for your life - they all put into perspective what really matters and as terrifying as they are, they shed blinding light on what it is that you really want, what’s important, what’s worth fighting for. It’s obvious that he’s thinking the same thing as he moves his hand from my waist to the back of my neck and pulls me to him, kissing me possessively. The roughness of his five o’clock shadow that always seems to be present sends lighting through my nerve endings.

Aware of our audience, I have to bite back a moan, but I let my hands fly to his shirt. This kiss only makes me want more and if I’m going to die tomorrow then by God, he’s going to give it to me tonight.

When Casper breaks away, I audibly whimper.

“Go with Bea,” he says, his voice low and full of gravel. Facing Beatrice he says, “When you’re done, bring her to me in the silent room. She’s not to be left alone.”

“I understand, Cas.” Beatrice takes my hand and leads me away from the men who are now whispering in hushed tones. “Libby, we need to get you some different clothes. That dress won’t be helpful if you have to carry a weapon or run.”

Weapon?

“Bea, I’ve never used a gun or a knife or anything.” She’s ushering us down a side hall I haven’t noticed before. Looking down, I see she’s changed into pants. And she has a pistol tucked in the back waistband.

Who is this woman?

My question must be plainly written on my face because she catches me staring and pats my arm in that motherly way she has. “I’m still the same woman, but when people started making threats against my family, I learned quickly. Just like you’re about to do.”

She enters a code into a hidden keypad on the wall. It blends in so well I never would have seen it on my own. No beep or ding notifies us that the code is correct before a large painting slides out of the way to reveal a small door.This house is seriously badass.

Beatrice hops through the opening with the agility of someone much younger than her age and holds out a hand to help me over the threshold before immediately setting to work. The room makes me feel like I quite literally just stepped into a mafia war room. There are stainless steel drawers that make me assume they’re full of various ammo sizes and types of firearms based on the labels on the handles. A work table is littered with magazines and in the center of the room are two medium-sized brown barrels full of loose bullets.

“Holy shit,” I whisper. The room has the distinct smell of gunpowder and cleaning oil and I smile realizing Cas must spend a lot of time in here which is why he always smells so good.

Beatrice hands me a pair of pants that match hers with pockets everywhere. “I think these should fit. Let me know if you need a different size.” Before I can ask how they have all of this up here, she answer’s my question, “We have to clothe our personal guards. A few of them are women.” Next, she hands me a black t-shirt that fits snuggly across my chest, and what I think is a bullet proof vest to go over that. “Oomph, this thing is heavier than I expected.” She says nothing as she hands me a belt and shows me how to slide the pistol holster in place. Last are a pair of boots that look very similar to Casper’s. With the whole ensemble on, I feel like Angelina Jolie in Tomb Raider.

I don’t hate it, which doesn’t surprise me much, but it feels fairly natural and comfortable whichdoessurprise me.

Beatrice and I spend the next two hours going over parts of a gun, how to load, reload, aiming, recoil, etc… It reminds me of learning the parts of the board and kite and I try to approach it the same way. My hands are jittery when I try to reload a magazine - I’m pretty sure my heart rate has been well over two hundred for way too long at this point.

Beatrice packs my pockets with two pistols, extra magazines, and a knife. When I raise my eyebrows at the knife she smiles and says, “Nothing to that one, dear. Just pray you’re not close enough to have to use it and if you are…well, try to make contact before they do and always aim to kill.”

~

STRANGELY, AN APPETITE has made an appearance after our lesson and I ask Bea if we can swing by the sandwich cart before heading to thesilent roomto meet Cas.He and Richard beat us there anyway and the two of them fall silent when we walk in. Beatrice crosses the room and walks into Richard’s waiting arms.

Casper looks…well, he looks turned on.Reallyon. His eyes are black with lust, his lips are parted and I’m almost positive he isn’t breathing. He scans me slower than he ever has before and he’s no longer trying to hide the fire in his eyes. If that weren’t enough to give him away, he tries to discreetly adjust himself.

Sorry, Cas, I’m watching your every move. Including that one.Especiallythat one.

Feeling bold under the heat of his gaze, I go for playful over seductive because otherwise we both might shed every last layer - including our dignity - and drop down naked on this floor right now. “Tactical gear is what does it for you, huh? I’m really going to have to step up my bikini game.”

Besides the bikini, he’s even seen the dress, heels, and full face of well-done makeup…but the tactical gear with a pistol on my hip is what makes him lose his mind? I make a mental note to ask Bea where I can order an entire wardrobe that matches this outfit.

I hear Richard and Bea both fail to stifle a chuckle before Bea says, “Looks like the man isn’t immune after all.”

Casper clears his throat, clearly embarrassed, but still hasn’t found words.

“Why don’t you guys go back and try to get some rest. Libby, Cas can fill you in on the plan while I talk to Bea. We’ll meet back here at six for dinner to confirm that everything is in order.” Richard kindly dismisses Casper and I.

Casper gives Richard a quick nod, his eyes never leaving mine and takes my hand before turning on his heel and striding purposefully from the room.

Nineteen

CASPER PULLS ME DOWN the path that connects the two houses and body slams the back door while simultaneously turning the knob to make sure it doesn’t stand in the way of our destination any longer than necessary.

Instead of undressing me as quickly as he can however, he pushes my back to the cabinets and starts surveying my pockets, frantically checking my magazines, making sure my pistol has a bullet in the chamber with the safety on. He tugs at my tactical vest ensuring a snug fit and makes a few minor adjustments. Satisfied with the front of my ensemble, he spins me around and pushes my chest down onto the counter now in front of me, and repeats the process.

---