Page 24 of Targeted By Vengeance

“Why? So you can count down the minutes you have to enjoy this?”

“Well, I’m assuming this assignment came with a deadline.”

“Most do, but not all. Not this one.”

“Why not? Who wants him dead in the first place?”

“Not our place to know or care. We just roll with the instructions we’re given.”

I turned in his grasp and looked up at him. “You never wonder? Never question?”

“Wonder, sure, sometimes. But, it’s not my role to question - and neither is yours. Understand?”

I nodded.

“Good.” He kissed my forehead. “Now, enough talk about work. His next party isn’t until Friday, so we’ve got some time to kill. You up for a late night swim?”

I smiled. “I thought you’d never ask.”

We dug through our suitcases for our bathing suits and changed out of our clothes.

The cool breeze brushed against my skin when we went back outside. I wrapped the ends of my sheer cover up tighter around me as we stepped off the wooden deck and onto the warm sand.

We walked to the edge of the shore, where the sea stretched to kiss the land. The water was cold as it splashed over my feet.

Mateo ignored the chill and continued his trek into the ocean. His scars glimmered under the moonlight, decorating his brown skin in silver tattoos. He dived into one of the small waves rushing towards the shore.

The water clung to his skin when he came back up, glistening like tiny diamonds around his muscles. He turned around and grinned at me. “You coming?” He asked.

I was too caught up in his smile to respond. It was the first time I’d ever seen a genuine one on his face before. Before, there was always a sinister tint over his smirks. One that was both exhilarating and terrifying.

Seeing him like this, with a touch of pure joy on his face, gave me a glimpse of the person he used to be - the one he’d buried deep down inside. I hoped one day he’d let me in enough to see that side of him in all it’s glory.

I yelped when I felt arms wrapping around my waist and legs. By the time I realized he’d grabbed me, it was too late - my legs were already off the ground. “Hey!” I yelled, wriggling in his arms. “Put me-”

He threw me into an upcoming wave before I could even finish my sentence.

Some of the saltwater went into my mouth as I went under. Grimacing at the bitter taste, I fought the water and pushed my way back up to the surface.

Mateo chuckled as he watched me spat the water out.

“Is that what we’re back to?” I asked, a smile spreading across my own face. “Cheap shots?”

“Wasn’t cheap if you were looking right at me.” His grin widened as I charged towards him and shoved him backwards into the water. “Damn, you ain’t tired of fighting with me yet?”

“How could I when it’s so fun?”

“Fun? Oh, I’ll show you fun.” He ducked his head and wrapped his arms around my legs.

I giggled as he lifted me off my feet and spun me around.

The longer we stayed in the water, the further the world drifted away. The ocean became our own little bubble.

Out here, there was no danger or violence or blood. It was just me, Mateo and the emotions we haven’t had the chance to explore.

Swimming around, laughing, rough-housing, reminded me we were still ordinary people underneath all the chaos. Gave me hope someday we could have a somewhat ordinary relationship.

And in the case we never do, I was grateful we got to experience it at least once. Even if the fantasy only lasted until the end of the night.