I own no part of SON

Peace and love to you all!

As I slide the door shut behind Spencer I prepare myself for the onslaught of my so called "friends". I knew people would be sent to check on the progress of things, especially after I had a little panic attack.

The loud knocking at the door and laughter means one thing, they sent the girls. Opening the door to their smirking faces makes me want to slam the door shut.

"Hola chica."

"Hey Ash."

Both girls pass into my loft as if they own the place. They are both dressed identical to me. Long, black trench coat with a blank sleeveless shirt underneath and black cargo pants.

Of the two girls I actually almost like Chelsea but I'd rather deal with Aiden than Madison. Chelsea is a dark skinned young girl about my age. She's pretty chill but deadly in hand to hand combat and she's smart as hell. Madison might be even more dangerous because her temper drives her every choice and she's completely unpredictable, even to those who work with her.

Maybe that's why these two girls make such a good professional working pair, combined they are lethal.

"What do you guys need?"

Madison collapses on my couch and rests her feet on a stack of my books. God I can't stand her.

"We came to see your little pet. Where she at?"

Madison's smirk is becoming unbearable so I look to Chelsea for answers. Chelsea's eyes are darting around the loft and when she spots the breakfast mess she frowns.

"Seriously Ashley where is she? We need visual confirmation that everything is going according to plan, then we'll be on our way."

Chelsea sounds calm, collected very much the opposite of her hot-headed Latina partner. I notice Madison's hand hovering over her pistol and her green eyes studying my every move. They're treating me like some sort of traitor that can't be trusted.

Chelsea's request to see Spencer causes my whole body to tense up and I instantly want to deny her demands. What the hell? I shake off the feeling of attachment and nod once.

Madison goes to get off the couch but pauses when I raise my hand.

"You stay here."

Her eyes narrow in distrust and her lip curls up into an almost snarl. A growl vibrates in my throat and my hand rests on my Glock.

"Easy you two, Ashley just show me the girl and Madison chill."

Shooting one last glare at Madison I take a deep breath and walk to my bedroom where Spencer is hidden. I quietly pull open the doors and my gaze searches for her, I see her asleep on my bed.

"Is that her on the bed or one of your little flings?"

Anger flares up within me at Chelsea's accusing tone and disgusted expression.

"It's her, now you two can go."

"Oh no I gotta see her face, make sure it actually is her."

Again I feel a protective need surge through my body as Chelsea approaches the sleeping girl on my bed. It takes me two steps to end up in between Spencer and Chelsea.

"What the hell Ash?"

Raising my hand I take a moment to compose myself and then gently lift the covers back revealing the slumbering blonde. The dark girl next to me takes a moment to study Spencer's face before she nods once and exits the room. I hear them leave together, my door clicking safely closed once more.

Spencer mumbles, turning over in her sleep with a slight frown on her face. I feel guilt wash over me at what must be done.

These feelings in me need to stop, these feelings of protectiveness over her, of maybe even enjoyment. It's natural for me to be protective, that's what my mission is. Protect the girl but I know it's more than just keep her safe.

I want to hold her when she's scared and whisper assurances in her ear.

My God I have the potential to ruin everything we've been working for. I could destroy us all. What has gotten in to me? Where is my detachment that I usually have?

Maybe all of this is stemming from when I found out her age. God she's so young, she has so much life to live. I feel like I should protect her in a older sibling way. That will be easier to deal with.

"Ashley?"

Her voice is rough with sleep as her eyes flutter open, revealing the deep blue of her eyes. I lick my dried lips and take several steps away from the bed.

"They're gone, you can come back out if you like."

She tilts her head and squints through the darkness at me.
"What were you doing standing over me?"

The look in her eyes is pure curiosity not fear or distrust like previous instances. Her eyes are shining in the dark and my body quivers with…is that desire, want?

"I was just checking on you. I'll be in the other room if you care to join me."

It takes me longer then it should to tear my gaze away from hers. As I walk back to the kitchen I curse myself, I curse my body's reactions to her presence. She walks back to the living area with my comforter wrapped tightly around her small frame.

"Are you cold? I can adjust the room temperature, you just have to let me know. I'm not used to someone else living here with me."

I'm thanked by a warm smile and a head nod. I watch her walk over to my bookshelf and pull down an old, tattered book.

"Do you mind if I read this?"

She quirks an eyebrow at me when I don't answer before settling down on the couch with her newly chosen book.

Cleaning up the kitchen mess keeps my hands busy and keeps my eyes from staring at her. I admit I'm fascinated by my new roommate. Once the kitchen is once again spotless I stand at my window staring back into the rain.

Her body radiates heat as she stands next to me. My whole body tenses at her presence as I try to keep my face neutral to her proximity to me.

"I remember the last time the sun was really shining."

When I don't answer her she continues talking, her shoulder occasionally brushing my own.

"I was 10 and my whole family went out for a picnic. We went to this lake by our house. It was one of the only times my mother was really around."

Her soft hand brushes mine as we stand in the dark and she must hear my breath hitch because she pauses before continuing our story.

"I didn't ever think that things would end up this way. I remember everything happening back then but I didn't ever know what it all meant. I didn't know we were basically in a civil war."

I focus on keeping my breathing even as she moves closer to me, her fingers dancing across the back of my hand.

"We had a fair amount of money back then so I was sheltered from it all. But you, it was different for you wasn't it? You were in the thick of it."

Her words are bringing emotions to the surface that I'd stored away deep inside me. Memories of my parents and my former life surge through me.

I can feel her staring at my face studying my expression. I want so bad to cave in, to hold her close, this girl I know almost nothing about, this girl that I must…no don't think about it.

My eyes meet hers in the darkness and she's looking at me with such concern that it makes me feel sick. I don't want her pity nor do I need it.

"Yes my life was very different from yours by the sound of it."

Her fingers are still tracing the back of my hand, driving me insane, so I bring my arms to my chest and fold them.

"Is that all you're going to tell me?"

Her eyes are probing me, trying to dislodge more answers but I know I've already said more then I should have.

"You should keep reading that book, it's a good one."

Spencer releases a frustrated sigh and retreats to the couch. I miss the warmth from her body immediately and I close my eyes taking deep, calming breaths.

My God she's reducing me to someone I don't even recognize. She's bringing out feelings that only Aiden used to elicit. The memories of him cause another wave of sadness to pass through me.

Shaking my head clear I remember who I am now. I'm a trained killer, a skilled thief, and I have a mission that I need to stick to.

That means not giving into those deep, blue eyes and charming smile.

I know what I'll have to do eventually.

I cannot fail.

Thanks for all the reads and reviews! You guys are wonderful. And for those of you who read My Paradise. It's coming along don't worry, it'll be back soon!