The Badass Protector

Iris

20:00

“YOU’RE LATE!”

“You’re early,” I said as I wandered around the small armory room.

They had a good supply of guns for a small group. Automatic guns like AK-47s, two sniper rifles, handguns, knives, and ammunition boxes, had several explosives like hand grenades and putty.

I thanked my brother, who introduced me to the different types of weapons in their base. I learned how to shoot, some tricks, and self-defense.

“Just on time.” He picked up a 9mm just like he had and took two magazines.

“I don’t have a watch, you know.” I grabbed a grenade.

“Whoa!” He stopped me and took it back from me with a groan. “That’s not a toy, twig.”

“I know that. Once you take off the pin, you have less than five seconds to escape before it explodes. Then boom!” I did a hand sign, and he was not impressed. I picked a knife; if I recall correctly, it was a Bayonet.

His brow cocked. “Really? For a girl who hadn’t killed a single living thing, I’m impressed.”

If I hadn’t known he always had this sarcasm in him, I would be offended, and I would rather sleep tonight and take care of the garden in the morning, but on the other hand, this was a better idea.

I wanted to be exposed to weapons and taught myself that surviving in the world we were living in right now was always tough.

“And that girl who’d been through hell had a brother who protected the country for a living. So, yes, she knows shits.” I rolled my eyes.

Colt eyed me blankly. “Everyone here has been through hell, but you need to undergo a shooting practice before you get a permanent gun on your own. Just like everyone around here.” He had a point because guns and knives were not toys, and once you pointed at someone, you placed their life in your hand.

“Boring,” I sang.

“A shooting practice.” Colt was right.

“It’s just a waste of ammo.” It had been a while since I held a gun. I may be a little rusty, but I could shoot when in time of emergency.

“Gun is dangerous, Iris.”One step at a time, Iris, but I was just flippant to accept the fact.

“I know because my brother died with a bullet hole on his head, not from the damn virus.”

“Run, Iris!” he shouted, eyes filled with horror. He pushed me away, but I held tightly onto his arms.

“No, no. Not until you come with me. Remember what you said? We’re in this together. We can get out of here alive, Nuke. We have to!” I cried and begged, hoping it would change his mind, but there was no luck as I watched with horror as those men came marching toward us.

Nuke looked me in the eye and shook me hard. “We don’t have much time to discuss this, Iris. Remember that I love you so much. I don’t want you to live there alone, but you have to go and search for a group you can trust. Trust your instinct and keep your head low so they can’t find you. Promise me that you will stay alive and survive. Promise me, Iris.”

“Iris, are you okay?” I was startled by Colt’s worried voice. He looked at me with furrowed brows.

“I’m good.”

“You still have to practice before you get your own.”

“If you say so, sir. So, I’m just gonna burn the midnight oil with you without a gun?”

“You’ll have one, but only temporary. You keep the safety all the time.” He offered the pistol he had taken earlier. “Always keep it pointed down when not in the holster. Point down when you rack a slide.” He continued demonstrating, but he kept his finger off of the trigger. “Keep your finger out of the trigger when you don’t shoot. When you’re firing, ensure your fingers are away from the slide and the hammer. Get into your proper stance, aim, and pull the trigger. And most of all, don’t threaten my crotch again.”

“Yes, sir.” A smile curved up my lips.

“Here.” His gaze roamed over my face, studying me before releasing his hand. He looked deadly and… hot. Colt was like every girl’s dream; dark, handsome, mysterious, sweet, and thoughtful. He seemed to be possessive, overprotective, and not to mention bossy.

I wondered if he was also bossy in bed. Was he the type of guy who tied a girl up? Was he a kinky fan? Did he like vanilla kind of love or rough and hard? I think I’ll go for the latter.

“What are you smiling at?” My face instantly heated. “Now, who’s blushing?”

“I’m not blushing.” I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Whatever floats your boat.”

“I won’t threaten you unless you press a knife against my neck again. And don’t get used to stealing something that doesn’t belong to you.”

“Good,” he agreed despite the fact that it contrasted with the look on his face. “Let’s go then. Have you checked the entire camp?”

“Just the garden, clinic-”

“Not the inside.”

“Nope.” I wanted to check the parameter, but I felt it would bother Gael if I asked him. I knew someone was watching me, and I couldn’t let their suspicions grow.

I badly wanted to stay in this camp, and by any means, I would do everything to gain their trust, especially Colt’s. I could see in his eyes that he would protect everyone, and I would do everything to protect them as well.

The lamp and the moon served as our guide as we strolled at the back of the cabins. We swept the area to the west side toward the small lake. They placed booby traps and trap wires outside the camp that were triggered when there were intruders.

“Hamid, the Egyptian, and Fischer, Anna’s husband, got the south and east covered. You and I will be on the north and west. The camp is not big, but we can’t allow anyone to slip inside.”Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

“Copy that.”

He looked at me one more time before stepping up the ladder.

I couldn’t read his expression if he was annoyed or impressed. This guy certainly did know how to mask his emotions.

I followed Colt to the watchtower-both were made of wood logs from pillars, walls, and flooring. Hamid already checked in on Colt’s walkie-talkie about the status.

“About time you two showed up.” Frost grinned wickedly at Colt.

“Shut that grin off and get the fuck down.”

“Aye, aye, captain!” He saluted and set the rifle to stand on its bipod. “Take care of my baby, and good luck, Iris. And Colt, please, stay focused and pull your shit together. We don’t want an intruder or a bore to slip inside, right?” He side-glanced me, then looked back at Colt with a half-smile playing across his lips.

“Just get down before I throw you off the tower, and hand her the nocs.”

I took the binoculars from him.

“Damn!” Frost laughed and went down, leaving me with Colt alone.