Page 13 of Targeted By Vengeance

THE AGENT

“Get up,” Lexie demanded as she ripped the blanket from over my body.

The glare from the lights penetrated through my closed eyelids, and goosebumps ran across my arms from the novel chill. Groaning, I turned my head into the pillow. “No,” I mumbled.

Hands wrapped around my ankles. In one smooth yank, I flew across the mattress and landed on the floor.

“Hey!” I exclaimed, finally opening my eyes to look up at her. “The fuck was that for?”

“We’re done with the moping,” she said, setting her hands on her hips. “Even though I loved watching sappy movies and eating junk food with you the past few nights, I’m not letting you rot in this bed any longer. We’re going out.”

“Out where?” I raked my eyes over her attire, noticing the black form-fitting mini dress and stilettos she was wearing. “Don’t tell me we’re going clubbing.”

“Fine. We’re going dancing. Does that sound better?”

I almost rolled my eyes. “Lexie, I’m really not in the-”

“Sorry, I don’t remember the part where I asked.” She turned on her heel and walked towards my closet. She flipped through the garments she’d hung up for me the other day. “Now, get in the shower and wash up. An outfit and matching accessories will be ready when you get out. Oh, and don’t touch your hair. I’ll handle that for you too.”

Sighing, I reluctantly pushed myself up on my feet and headed into the bathroom.

I didn’t think about much as I showered. My groggy brain was still trying to wake up, and quite frankly, I didn’t really feel like dwelling on any of the somber feelings I’ve been surfing lately. It’s only been a few days, but the emptiness in my chest from Mateo’s abrupt absence was really bothering me.

I couldn’t believe he really plopped me into the facade of a new, perfect little life and left. Had he really expected me to accept the gift and move on? Did he think it’d be that easy? Was it that way for him?

Judging from his abundance of scars, I couldn’t imagine it was.

As promised, a blue dress and silver jewelry was waiting on the bed when I returned to my room. A bottle of my favorite lotion and a pair of lacy undergarments accompanied the outfit.

“Come here,” Lexie commanded. She was standing at my vanity dresser, lines of hair and makeup products lined up on its surface. “We’ll do your makeup and hair first.”

I sat down in the cushioned stool in front of the vanity and let Lexie get to work.

She started with my hair first, coating it with heat protection before using a wand to create small curls. Her fingers were gentle with my hair, treating each strand with care.

She sat atop the vanity and leaned in close when she moved on to my makeup. Her lips pursed in a concentrated pout as she brushed different products over my face. Again, her hands were soft and gentle while she blended in my foundation and swiped eyeliner over my eyelids. As she was working on my lips, she glanced up at me a few times, noticing my stare.

“What?” She asked.

“I’m…I’m trying to figure out how to thank you,” I replied, trying not to move my mouth too much.

She finished applying the lip liner and reached for a tube of lipstick. “You don’t need to. This is what I’m here for.”

“But, you…you barely even know me, yet you’ve treated me as if we’ve been friends our entire lives. It’s been a rough couple of months and I…I really appreciate the effort you’ve put into making me feel safe.”

“Well, there aren’t a lot of safe spaces in this world for women like us,” she said as she ran the flat tip over my lips. “It only seems right to build some whenever I can. Now go like this.” She pulled her lips in, pressing them against each other and quickly popped them out.

Smiling, I obeyed her command.

I didn’t recognize the woman in the mirror when she was finished with my makeup. She had my father’s brown eyes and my mother’s plump lips, but she didn’t quite look like their daughter. Her high cheekbones and defined jawline were no longer hiding behind curtains of hair. The glow from the perpetual fire in her eyes burned brighter now without restraints. Her plump lips, free of the faux smile, sat in a natural pout.

I didn’t know I could ever feel so beautiful. So light. So free.

Lexie smiled at me through the mirror. “And you wanted to rot in that bed,” she teased. “You’ve gotta trust me. I know what you need right now.”

I raised a brow. “And what exactly is that?”

“A strong ass drink and music loud enough to drown out the bad thoughts.” She grabbed my hand and tugged me up. “Now, get dressed. I’ll be in the living room when you’re ready.”