This is my longest chapter so far, it's also very intense. We got to see some of Parker's memories.
Parker didn't quite understand Sophie's line of thought.
-If he likes me why doesn't he want to kiss me?
-He likes you Parker and I can assure you he wants to kiss you badly, he has been wanting that for a long time, but he can't! - The blond frowned at that. "Why?" Sophie shot a glare at her daughter who was doing her homework a few feet away from them. - Because of what happened to you! - Parker started pouting with disappointment.
-But... but Nate said it didn't matter. That I could live normally, love and be loved without that interfering... - Her pout grew, blue eyes getting so sad and so wronged. -Why does it matter?
Sophie squeezed Parker's hand again.
-It doesn't matter, at least I shouldn't Parker, but it always will. You see, Eliot cares for you and what happened to you hurt so much he's afraid of hurting you again in some way... Besides he knows something happened to you when you were younger, he doesn't know details so he didn't know why you were kissing him.
-What do you mean?
-Well - Sophie twisted her hands together not exactly knowing how to say that... He helped you Parker, and the first time you showed interest on him was after that, he might have thought you were convinced you had to pay him on some way...- Parker sudden creeped out stare startled Sophie. - Darling, you have been in that situation before haven't you? - She used her most sweet, soft voice and reached for the girl's arm on a comforting gesture. Wouldn't her pain ever end?
She was fifteen years old and that was her first job alone, a huge diamond she wanted to steal from a museum in Dubai. Archie didn't know she was there and she had planned it all by herself, it was a surprise for him. She was so proud; he was going to be so proud!
The heist did not want according to her plans, some other thief, an older man with brown hair and hazel eyes was there too and their little war for the diamond ended up triggering the alarms. Very mad security guards chased them, one of them shot her on the right leg causing her to fall, they were going to catch her, it was the end. Strangely on the last minute her rival locked her with him onto his harness and they both escaped taking the diamond.
He drove her to a discrete warehouse fairway from the city's downtown. She wanted to walk away; she was fine, it was just a little pain. She was sure she could handle it, however, when she reached for the doo, she realized she couldn't. He walked towards her with a charming smile and lifted her off the ground. He took care of her leg and let her rest for two days... He was nice, or at least he seemed nice...
She tried to leave on the third day; he blocked her path to the door, crossing his arms in front of her.
-Where do you think you're going? - She shrugged, trying to ignore how much her leg still hurt.
-I am fine now, I appreciate your help, but I am going home. - He shook his head; she wasn't going anywhere before paying him.
-You already have the diamond; I have nothing I can give you. - He stared at her and she saw it again, desire and lust on his eyes. She did have something to give him.
-I thought you were my friend! - He smiled manically at her.
-You should know there's no honour among thieves!
Parker left the bed limping in search for her clothes; the sheets were stained with blood. Again. She fought the tears threatening to leave her eyes, she wouldn't cry over this! She dressed in silence not wanting to awake him, the faster she was out the door the faster she could forget about that nightmare...
She was three steps away from the exit when she saw the knife, it was sitting on the table as if waiting for her, she glared at the knife and at the sleeping man on the bed, then she glared at the knife again and grabbed it walking towards him as elusive as she could.
She promised herself that day no men with ever touch her again. The promise was kept.
She also stole the diamond...
It was a matter of seconds: Sophie watched as the expressions on Parker's face quickly changed from contempt to intense fear and explosive anger. As quickly as she could prevent the thief's right hand was grabbing her wrist tight while the other searched for the knife lying on the counter.
-Don't you dare touching me! - She shouted. - Don't approach me ever again!
-Parker, let go! - She tried to free her wrist in vain; the thief was really strong and really mad so she shot a glare at her daughter that fled out of the kitchen screaming for her daddy. - Parker's it's just me...
-I will hurt you if I have to!
The girl was handling the knife with astonishing precision. Sophie, finally free of Parker's hand was walking backwards trying to leave the room, the girl wasn't in herself, and she didn't recognize her family anymore. She threw the knife on the air catching it by the cable again without even looking at it; her smile had changed from sad to maniacal.
- Why are you running? How does it feel; to be frightened for once? It will be the last thing you ever feel!
That was the moment the men entered the room and Eliot tackled her to the ground immobilizing her.
- Eliot, don't do that! It will only make it worse! - Nathan pulled her to him, trying to rush her out the door, keeping her as far from Parker as possible while Hardison covered Eleanor's head, distracting her from all of that.
-No! Get off of me! Stop! - Parker was trying to punch him, trying to reach for the knife again while Eliot kept her steady against the ground, he finally managed to grab her wrist, pinning them above her head so she wouldn't hurt him or herself, he was also keeping her legs still with his knees, her torso immobilized by the weight of his own. She started crying and there was no more anger in her face, only fear. - No, daddy, stop it! Please daddy! Don't do this again please! - The entire room feel to silence and Eliot stood up.
-I told you not to do this! Look at her! - Sophie shouted violently pushing her husband away.
-She was going to stab you! - The mastermind tried to say.
-So what? Look at what you've done! - She lowered herself close to the blonde that was lying in fetal position still crying and begging a father that wasn't there. - Look at what I have done... - Sophie whispered sadly.
They all waited for Parker to stop crying, when she was finally calm the grifter called her again.
-Parker, darling! - She leaned to touch the girl; she flinched way kneeling on the floor.
-Don't touch me!
-Parker...
-No! - And she jumped out the window. They all run to catch her, but it was too late. Not even Hardison with be able to track her that day, she was only going to be found if she wanted to.
Parker was gone, maybe forever...
This was my longest chapter so far, hope you enjoyed it! Let me know and I'll post the next chapter as soon as I can!