Page 70 of Pretend
25
ALESSIA
By the timewe walked into the shelter-like room, the attack was over, and everyone was safe. No one was hurt or injured by the mortar attack that landed outside my office building. The war is intensifying, and more people are getting sent home with injuries…and in caskets. Luck was on our side that day when the bombings went off on the base, while the devil kept trying to sabotage any type of fun I sought, especially if it was with Zeke.
I texted Zeke one night before I fell asleep, and we’ve been talking. It’s mostly innocent, with the occasional flirty messages he sends me.
It’s nearing the weekend, and after a few weeks of routine work days, it’s time to go to the shooting range and brush up on my shooting skills.
Unknown: Pretty girls shouldn’t put their noses in businesses where the big sharks swim. That masked bodyguard of yours fits the perfect description of someone who would be involved in such things.
What the hell?
It’s my stalker…and this time, it’s scarier than I thought. How did he get into my WhatsApp? How does he know about my job,where I am, and who Daegan is?
“What’s the matter, Valentine? It looks like you’ve seen a ghost.” He walks next to me, matching my pace, and I quickly shield my phone, digging the screen into my hips. I don’t want him to know what this weirdo has been texting me.
“Nothing.” A high-pitched squeal leaves my lips. “I was wondering if your friend has found the person who’s been texting me. Or shot at my window?” I arch a brow, hoping for an answer. I forgot to ask him if there’s an update.
He changes his death stare and looks at the sandy shooting range before us.
“No.”
We get to the range in no time, and I walk away, heading toward my group of friends. Daegan stops following me and stands next to Staff Sergeant Julian.
“Operator fucking Creature. Well, I’ll be damned. If it isn’t the sniper that never misses. What are you doing here in a place like this?” Julian looks at Daegan with so much respect. It radiates off his bright hazel eyes.
“Orders,” Daegan spits out with no emotion. He looks up and down the range, inspecting our surroundings. He watches the enlisted shoot their targets while I finally catch up with my co-workers.
“Huh...well, we’re fucking honored. Would you mind showing everyone why you hold the title of the best sniper in the world? I could use a little help teaching these kids how to shoot today.”
“Sure.” He replies nonchalantly. His muscles beneath his top tighten as he walks.
“Oh my god...he’s your bodyguard. Stop it right now.” Henderson says to my left.
“I can’t even see his face, and I’d let that man destroy me in all three of my holes,” Guerra says to my right, tugging on her bottom lip hard.
“He’s a tall drink of yummy. Masked McHottie?!” Henderson says, pushing Guerra out of the way so she can get a better view of him.
“What do I have to do to get on that list so I can have him as my bodyguard, too?” Guerra wiggles her brows up and down.
“Right? Why couldn’t I be the Admiral’s stepdaughter?” Henderson complains, frowning. She elbows me in my ribs frivolously.
“Y’all stop. He’s a pain in my ass. I’m not allowed to do anything without him knowing about it.” I roll my eyes as they admire him. They’re making it so obvious as they blush and flutter their lashes at him. They have giddy smiles plastered on display without a care in the world. But Daegan still has his back turned to us as he talks to Julian.
“There are rumors about him,” Henderson softly whispers loud enough for us girls to hear, and we crowd in a circle.
“Like what?” My own curiosity is getting the best of me. I hate gossip. I despise it. But if there are rumors about Daegan, I need to know. He invades my personal space every day.
“I have friends of friends in intelligence and CID. Many tips are pouring in with Hannibal’s name in their mouths. A lot of people think he had something to do with Operator Grim Reaper and his wife’s capture.”
“No! Not my masked McHottie!” Guerra complains with a pout. She peeks over to Daegan, but he’s still deep in conversation with Julian.
“Yup. Supposedly, everything went to shit when he showed up on the teams.” Henderson continues.
“Wow…that’s crazy.” Winters makes her input, shaking her head like she’s disappointed.
“I’ve looked him up and can’t find anything on him. There’s no social media under Daegan Hannibal. No Instagram, no TikTok, no Facebook.” Guerra counts the social media apps one by one, and I furrow my brows.
