Landon's POV
Who was I kidding, letting this kid know my identity?
The only people who knew who I was were my family and my lieutenant. Now, guess as she's part of that exclusive circle. That makes three.
Was I even supposed to tell her that?
Keeping a low profile and staying hidden from the world is what makes my job easier. I can blend in, slip through places unnoticed, and complete secret missions without leaving an attack. No one suspects a ghost.
Still, I trust this kid. She won't spill.
We arrived at the kitchen, still a mess, courtesy of Lila and me. I scanned the space, looking for Kelsey.
Then I spotted her by the door, talking to someone.
Who the hell is that?
Oh. A delivery. Get it together, Landon. I didn't want her talking to anyone. Have I lost it?
She noticed us and immediately glared at both of us, but especially me. She looked like a kitten ready to claw. And I just wanted to run my hands through her body...
I mean, fur. Her fur. Damn it.
She signalled us to kneel.
Kneel?
She's telling us to kneel?
I looked to my side and saw Lilla already kneeling.
"Don't worry Daddy, I know Marshals aren't supposed to kneel. I'll take the blame for everything," Lila whispered.
Funny, but brave.
I smirked, kneeling beside her. His eyes widened in disbelief.
"Daddy! You're not going to kill Mommy for making you kneel, right?"
"Hmm, I'll think about it," I replied and she nearly gasped in horror.
We heard footsteps approaching. She signalled me to shut up. Her mom couldn't know I could speak.
Kelsey entered the kitchen, carrying two boxes. Without glancing our way, she set one down on the kitchen island and opened it.
"This is from the school, Lila,"
"School? Am I going to school, Mommy?" She asked sweetly.
This girl. A shy little angel in front of her mom, but the second she's with me, she flips. I can't tell which version is real.
"Yes, sweetheart. You'll be going to school..." Kelsey said, pulling an envelope from the box.
Her expression shifted. Confused. Like she hadn't been the one to apply.
"There's a mistake in the name... I'll come with you tomorrow to change it," she said, shoving the envelope back in.
For a second, I saw the angry look on her face. Was it because of the mistake in the name?
She pulled out a uniform next. Neatly ironed and packed in transparent nylon. Something about it felt so familiar.
Wait!
She's going to that school?
OMA. Onyx Military Academy. The one I own.
Her eyes lingered on the brown jacket, white shirt and red pleated skirt. Even the name tag was included. She ripped through the packaging, tearing the name tag off.
"Tsk! That fucking old man!" She muttered under her breath.
And I... got excited?
Hearing her curse stirred something in me. This woman is turning me into a damn pervert.
"You see... Mommy hates to see bad Grandpa's name near hers or mine," Lila whispered.
Bad Grandpa? Interesting. My background check on her isn't finished yet, but it will be. Soon, I'll know everything.
She stuffed the uniform back in the box and turned to us.
Finally! The punishment.
"Lila, what have I said about never using the cooker?"
"Uh... you never said anything about that Mommy," Lila replied, fidgeting.
Kelsey paused. Then, she ran her fingers into her hair.
Finally, eye contact.
I want to see only myself in those deep brown eyes of hers. She's so cute when she's pissed. Maybe next time, she'll be on top of me again. Or maybe, I'll be the one on top. Then, I'll have the privilege of watching her squirm...
Ah! Kelsey Prescott, what the hell are you doing to me?
"Are you even listening to me?" She snapped her fingers, dragging me out of my thoughts.
"You... Ugh! Just stand up, both of you!" She ordered. We stood.
"Lila, go get ready. You'll be going shopping with your father and Sylus,"
"Why does Sylus have to come with us?" Lila asked.
Yeah, why? I don't like that guy.
Doesn't she trust me with her daughter yet?
"Because your father can't speak. How would he communicate with the shop owners?" She replied.
I nodded. Fair enough.
"But..."
"Sweetheart, you need things for school. I'm also starting a new job tomorrow, and Mommy needs to prepare, okay?"
"A new job?"
"Yes baby, no more questions," she said to Lila and walked to me.
"Make sure you protect my daughter with your life, Landon,"
Then she was gone, walking away with the second box.
We watched her climb the stairs. She came down moments later with a grin... fake, obviously.
"You two better clean that kitchen until it's spotless or no breakfast for you!"
"Yes, Mommy!" Lila yelled as Kelsey finally disappeared into her room.
"Mommy's scary whenever she's angry,"
"She's angry?" I asked watching Lila grab a napkin.
When I'm angry, I don't stop until I see red. Yet, Kelsey's little pout and bossy face make it look like she's angry. It's oddly... adorable.
"Someone probably pissed her off during her run. The last time... She ran into her ex-fiancé and best friend,"
"Ex-fiancé? Wait, how do you know about them?"
"I've gone through Mommy's things. She has a diary! I saw both names in there and I recognised them when she mentioned them at the mall..." She explained.
Ex-fiancé, huh?
I owe that bastard a drink for letting go of Kelsey. I just have to work hard to make her mine.
Lila and I started cleaning the messy kitchen and I came across the name tag Kelsey had thrown away.
I picked it up, staring at the name on it.
Lila Blackridge.
Blackridge?
The Blackridge?
If that's Kelsey's family, why is she going by the name Prescott?
My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out. It was a message from my lieutenant.
Lieutenant: Marshal! I've gotten information about Kelsey Prescott. When would you like to see it?