BTW, I have not made any kind of profit in the making, publishing or posting of this story. This is purely for creative purposes.

Plot: His vacation plans went sideways when the country went on Covid-19 lockdown. The girl he literally met by accident is on lockdown with him. How does he avoid cabin fever for 14 days and control the attraction he feels for her? (March 9, 2020 Covid-19 lockdown, Philippines.)

Warning: I use a lot of profanity for this story.

Note: 1. Pedro Pascal is the inspiration for this story. (Of course) 2. I named her Aize /ayz/ or /eyes/

Please don't get confused by my use of pronouns. This is a semi-blended POV. Thanks! Please give me a review and enjoy!

HIDING PLACE FROM HELL

CHAPTER 17

QD4

That girl comes with a graveyard, so if you can't handle a few ghosts,

I think you should go.

~~Caroline Carter

I knew my mouth gapes wide open like a whale shark when she steps down those stairs. The wolf whistle I tried so hard to rein back came out. Thank God she liked it. She absolutely glowed with her happy smile.

I had to compare this Aize to the other one who likes to go roaming around the house barefaced and barefoot most of the time, wearing tie-dyed dresses to this other version of her. "Wow! You look great! Why the CEO look today?" Stirring my coffee, I nodded at Aize: wearing make-up and heels, looking gorgeous in pin-stripe black pants and white blouse.

"Thanks. I gotta talk to some candidates today."

"Candidates? For guards?"

"No, the replacement for the captain. Ben retires in six months."

"Oh really? Do you do all the interviews?"

"Yes, and the tests."

"Tests?"

"Psych, shooting, CQC-"

"CQ...C?" I spread my arms, confused.

"Close quarter combat..."

"Close…Oh." I said, face slack. I feel stupid when it took me a few seconds to understand "Oh!" I look at her; astounded at the idea. " So…you mean, you and they...fight?"

Aize chuckled, "Of course not! We have a combat trainer who does it. I'm not qualified."

"Why not? How do you get to qualify?"

She gave a one shoulder shrug, "I need to have at least a black belt in Karate."

"Hold on. You said at least, that means your belt is...?"

"John," She looks amused when I carefully backed some steps away, "why do you always do that?"

"Do what?"

She shook her head, amused. "Never mind." I got a nice view of that graceful neck when she inclined her head to me playfully. Oh, I love her in ponytail! "Okay, guess my belt."

"Uh...no." Am I sweating? "You're scaring me..."

Aize laughed. "Really? Why?"

"Why?" I gasped out a laugh. "You might fucking break me!"

"I won't do that to you."

"Shit" I burst out, "You said you won't but you could!"

"I don't wanna do that…"She gave me this flirty smile that did things to my body; goosebumps, stirrings and hardening. Fuck! Wait, I need to hide behind the dining chair. "unless…." she said... I got wide-eyed; 'unless?!' Then she blew me away.

"Unless you want me to."

She drawled in that fucking sexy voice! Oh shit! "What the hell?!" I laughed in shock. "Oh, turning the tables! You're fucking good….Karma just kicked my ass!"

"Gotcha!" Aize's laughter faded when she reads her text message. "Damn!" She started tapping a message on her black phone. "They're early."

"They?" I went back to drinking my lukewarm coffee as I lean on the edge of the dining table.

"Yeah." Aize looks pissed at the news.

"Okay, how many is here?"

"The gate says there are five people there now."

"Where's the interview going to happen? Do you need to go out?" Am I feeling some sort of separation anxiety?

"No, just here, at the patio. Open air."

"Oh, good! Hey Aize, can I stay?"

"For?" she quickly looked up from her phone.

"I'd like to observe. I won't be in the way. Is that okay?"

Aize pursed her lips as she thinks about her answer. Those glossy lips are quite distracting. "'Sure you can. You can also bounce for me."

"Uh…what is bounce...?" She is making me sweat at the idea of…

"You're my muscle." She smirks. I also get a wink….she knows. Wicked girl.

I snorted; what Aize says is the complete opposite of what my corrupted brain translates. "Your… muscle? You're kidding me, right?"

"No." Aize crossed her arms, sighing like something is heavy for her. "If I call you 'honey' it means I need you."

"Honey…Oh, I like that." I smile at that word and the other word 'need', "Why do you need me?"

"Buffer."

"Why buffer?"

"I need you to do the pushing without physically doing so."

"Mark the territory, something like that?" She gave me that smile again that would add to my nightly…Focus, man.

"Something like that. Sometimes these assholes don't take me seriously."

"…as the boss?"

"Yeah." She sighed. "Some thought I was the secretary, another hinted that I'm sleeping with management."

"What the…"

"I guess it was my fault; I don't write my full name." Aize shrugged as she lifted a case off the floor. "They assume 'A. Bonaventura' is a guy."

"But that's total bullshit!"

"That's reality."

"And what's that?" My jaw dropped when she lifted the lid of the case. "Whoa!" I stand right behind her. "Is it...real?" Our cheeks almost touch when she turned her head to me. We exchanged a look.

"Yes," Aize cleared her throat, "it's for real."

"Why do you have it?"

"It's part of the test." She lifted it off its foam bed and showed it to me, "This is a handgun, called a six shooter or a wheel gun…"

"…because it can revolve." I smile. This is surreal. Me, getting weapons instruction form a girl. How cool is that?

"Right. You know it as the revolver. Here's how you open it. See?" She showed me then closed it again; the weapon making that clicking sound. "Have you used one?"

"Not the real one, no. Just theater props. Uh, by the way, this is a stupid question. Do you know how to fire one?"

"It's not a stupid question. And yes, I know how to use it."

"Wow…"

"No big deal. I had to. Wanna hold it?"

"You sure?"

"Sure. Here. Don't be scared. It's not a snake, John."

"Is it...it's not loaded, is it?"

"No. Not loaded." Aize looked at me, "You wanna load it?"

"Can I?"

"Sure." Aize lifted the foam bottom of the case and took out some bullets.

"Okay." I open the side of the weapon as she showed me. "Then put the bullets in the barrel..."

"Cylinder. This is the barrel." She tapped the long part of the gun.

"Cylinder, right." I pick the bullets from Aize's hand and fill all six chambers.

"Good. So now you close it." Aize look up at me with a small smile. "John, your hand's trembling."

"I know."

"Why?"

I shrug. "I don't know...is it because of your hand around mine or that you are way beyond my reach? Do I like you? Hell, yeah. Very much." I breathed. "Shit. That came out…"

She gaped at me; surprised. "I mean, the gun."

"That too. Here. Better have it back." I would really like to know if she gets the same feeling I do. I wonder if she also yearns to kiss me as much as I want to do right now. I keep on slipping up. This is so not me.

"At least you didn't point it at me..." Aize murmurs as she opened the cylinder and let the bullets tumble down and on to the foam.

"Whoa! What did you say? Point it at you? Who?"

"My brother."

"Shit! Why?"

"Ross was already having some issues that time." she shook her head. "He was high and he found the key to the storage room."

"Was the gun loaded?"

"Not the time he found it..." she cleared her throat. "I didn't think to change the locks."

"Was it this gun?"

"No. He got the Glock. He likes that gun."

"Shit! Aize...you must have been scared."

"Well, months after that happened my hand still shake whenever I remember that night."

"My God, Aize…." I took her hand in mine and rubbed the cold fingers to warm them up.

I didn't think. Despite what I said that she scares me at times I feel like a magnet drawn to her. There was barely a step between us. I looked into her eyes and pulled her in for an embrace. What I didn't expect was for her to melt into my arms. I closed my eyes in relief when her arms went around my waist. That feels so good. I found my answer. Yes. Yes, she does.

"Thank you." she took a reluctant half-step from me but she kept her arms around me. "That feels good."

I'm sure my face is all aglow at her admission. "Anytime, Aize."

She rolled her eyes at the sound of the chime. "Uh…hm…John, could I ask you to put this out to the open patio?" Aize said while hooking a mask around her ears.

I sighed at the interruption too. I hate that doorbell. "Sure. I got it." I told her softly with a smile. While Aize goes and opens the gate I placed the case beside the bigger ones. Wow, she was busy setting this up today. I tried to heft one…shit! That was effing heavy!

When I went back to my room to grab my laptop I took stock of my attire. I'd like to wear the clothes for the part. I'm loving it that he gave me a role in her life even for this day. Ah, I just have the clothes in mind...

Aize is already busy talking to the first candidate. The man got up smartly as he spotted me making my way back to the main area of the house. "Hey. Good morning." I greeted back after the man quickly introduced himself to me.

"This is John." Aize looked back at me with a smile.

"Nice to meet you, sir." The man has a speculative look in his eyes. Speculate away, bud.

"Nice to meet you. Don't let me interrupt. I'm just gonna work over here." I bring my laptop and notes to where I left my coffee on the dining table. When Aize and the candidate resumed their interview I kept an eye at the patio in case Aize needs 'muscle.' So far I think this one's going well. I was aware when Aize and the man stand and open one of the boxes. The man began to explain his knowledge of the weapon specification then I could hear some sounds. There are now smaller items on the table. Aize seems to be timing the dismantling and reassembly of the weapon.

It was a fascinating but lengthy process but after the next two other guys I lost interest so I put more attention to my work. After I got another cup of coffee I banged away at my laptop hoping to solidify a decent plot for play #2.

"Are you okay, John? Honey?"

"Uh…huh?" I looked up and stared dumbly at Aize. Honey…honey…oh! "What is it, honey?" I lean back sipping some coffee as I quickly took stock of the situation.

"You seemed serious."

I beamed a smile at her and my ego got a lot of boost when she blushed. Contender #4 seemed to be taken aback when I made my way to them; looking at me from head to toe. I took a seat purposely close to Aize, spreading my arms at the back of the couch. "Sorry honey. It's the second play." I rolled my neck and before I knew it her fingers were kneading the tired muscles there.

"Is it giving you a hard time?"

I almost jolted when she put a hand on my thigh. I swung my attention to the guy across us and back to Aize and her meaningful look. "Yes," I lifted her hand from my thigh and gave it a kiss. "But just a little. The female lead needs rescuing but the male lead knows she is a badass." I hold her eye to mine softly stroking the back of her hand with my thumb.

"What do you do, sir?"

"I'm a playwright." I told asshole Candidate #4.

"Is writing a play difficult?" The man cleared his throat, looking kinda uncomfortable. Good.

"It has its days."

"When John gets inspired he could finish a play in how many hours, honey?" Aize leaned closer and I'd be damned if she isn't giving me my payback.

"Give or take about ten hours." I chuckled. "Then I had a massive back ache. Good thing Aize gives a wonderful back massage…" I kissed her hand as Aize blushed when I gave her a meaningful look from under my lashes. The applicant reddened when I slid my eyes at him. He was trying hard not to squirm at my cold stare. Good. I hope that's enough. I landed a kiss on Aize's hand one more time before leaving her a charming smile, "Well, back to work, honey."

I continue to observe the two every now and then. I could still feel Aize's hand on my neck and knee. I could still feel her warmth there. Goodness John, are we still in high school? What's with you?

=O=O=

"John?"

"Hm?" I straightened from my slumped position at the table.

"What's up? You looked pissed." Aize pulled back a dining chair and sat next to me. Her face scrunches into a grimace as she slid off her shoes.

"I'm just having writer's block." I motioned her to face me as I held out my hand, "Here. Give."

"Uhm…it's okay…." she shook her head, "Continue writing."

"It can wait. Come here." I gave her a soft glare. "What are you doing? Give. Me. Your. Feet." She finally extended one foot in my waiting hand. I placed the foot on my thigh, coincidentally on the same place she touched earlier.

"I hate heels." She groaned low as I applied pressure.

"So don't wear them."

"Yeah, next time I'll wear combat boots instead. Oh my God…!" moaning, she closed her eyes and leaned back as my thumb dug deep into the middle of her instep. NO…this is not good for my sanity. Not good for my self-control.

"John…hm,' she leaned the side of her head on the tall back of the dining chair. "Thank you for the save from that guy."

"You're welcome." I gave her a lopsided smile. "The other foot." I cradle both her feet on my lap as I turn my attention to the left foot.

"Thank God only five came today." Suddenly she hissed.

"Oh! Too hard?"

"Uh…" She shook her head and poked the top of her foot, grimacing. "It hurts here…oh…" she frowns. "Oh, I think I remember! I tripped at the pot at the airport…!"

"I was asleep when you cannon balled me."

Aize's face was comical. "Cannon…balled?"

"Yeah…"

"What's that? I didn't hear that."

"Nothing."

She looked at me in wonder. "Why are you red in the face? What happened there?" she grabbed on to my dining chair and the table's edge and dragged her own chair so she could be nearer to me. She's almost on my lap. What a tease!

"Nothing. You just hit some vital organs…" I raised a brow, eyes vaguely pointing to my lower half.

"Oh my God! I did?" she slapped a hand over her mouth. "Oh no!" The not so little John squirmed when her effing eyes landed on 'that' injured vital organ. "I'm so sorry…!"

I shrug. "You didn't know. It was an accident."

"John…I think I need to explain something."

"Hm? About what?" I look up from pinching her toes and raised a questioning brow at her blush.

"The other day…" she cleared her throat. "The trashcan…inside it…"

"Aize, no….you don't owe me an explanation…."

"No, I got offended when anyone in your position would think the same. It's just…. "She looked down. "It matters to me….what you think…"

"Hey…" I called gently until I caught her eyes. "And it also matters what you think of me."

"My friends were careless about..." she gestured at the bathroom.

"So where are they?"

"They're on their honeymoon in Italy. Reese wants Paolo to meet her parents."

"So Reese is Italian?"

"Both of them actually. Reese and I used to work together."

"Where?" I moved closer so I could be more comfortable with the massage. I am going to enjoy this while I can.

"At a travel agency before I took over the security agency. And….Paolo is our combat trainer."

"Really? So with him out of country..?"

"Exactly." Aize pulled her ponytail off, wavy hair cascaded down her shoulders. "I'm one trainer down."

"What's your alternative? Plan B?"

Aize shrugs, "I could take over the job- the captain, not the combat trainer."

We chuckled. "But...?" I continue to run my hands on her ankle. I pushed up the hem of her loose pants to get to her calves and legs. I am in heaven. Do not judge me.

She nodded and sighed as her tense leg muscles relax under my ministration. "But it's added work for me. I don't mind. It's part of my job."

"So how long have you been managing?"

"Uh, for ten years."

"Ten years?" I was surprised as I try to estimate her age but I'm suddenly unsure when I look at her. "How old were you that time?"

"I was twenty..."

"What?! You were so young!"

"I wasn't given a choice."

"Why?" I felt her leg and her whole body tense at the question.

"My parents died..."

"Parents...?" I hold up two fingers; an incredulous question on my face.

"Yes. Both of them. The same day..."

"Oh, shit! Aize...I'm sorry." I whispered. My hands gave her ankle a consoling squeeze.

"I was at work when it happened." she looked down at my hand massaging her ankle. I let go of her foot when she straightened. She checked something at her phone...then stopped. "Would you like to drink?"

"Uh, fine with me."

She nodded behind me, "That's the wet bar; get what you like in there and I'll have the vodka." she went to the kitchen and got busy with things.

"Awesome collection!" I got myself a bottle of scotch and I found her vodka.

"That's my dad's."

"Is it okay?" I held up the bottle.

"Yeah. I don't drink that stuff."

I follow her to the living room depositing the bottles on the coffee table. The doorbell rang and Aize breezed outside to the gate. When I took a peek from the screen door a motorcycled guy was just handing her two large boxes. I ran out before she could even take a step back and relieved her of the two pizza boxes.

"This is perfect." She huffed in amusement.

We shared a smile. "Yeah. I love your idea."

"Food and booze. Awesome!"

"But don't turn now, the neighbors are looking." I murmured to Aize's ears.

"I know." Then the damn woman put an arm around my waist!

I almost dropped the fucking boxes! "What the hell are you doing?" I hissed. "Do you want them to..."

"Yes. I don't care." Aize pulled open the screen door to let me in.

"But..." I put down the boxes on the coffee table, untied it and opened the box on top.

"You're my husband, right?" she winked at me.

"Uh, yeah..." I gulped. I don't know where this is going. "Technically..."

Aize shrugs. "No one knows that."

I sit on the carpet with Aize. "You don't mind they'll gossip?"

Aize poured herself some spiked pineapple juice then added more vodka to her glass. "Yeah."

"When I leave..." Oh shit.

We exchanged looks, "I'll manage..."

"I'm sorry, Aize. Because of me you'll be saddled with..."

She waved it off. "I'll miss the company..."

"Really? You would?"

"I would." She raised her glass to me. I clinked back with mine.

"No, by that time you'd be fed up with me. You'd want to kick me out of the house."

"Has anyone?" I froze and Aize looked wide-eyed. "Oops..."

"Yeah, that happened."

"What happened?"

"I got too busy and the relationship kinda dissolved..."

"I've never been in a relationship..." Aize quipped as she dropped her crust on the plate.

"Huh? Ever?"

Aize nodded, mouth full of pizza, "Ever."

"How? Why?"

"I was too young and then…."

"Ah…your parents..."

"Yes and my brother. He took it badly…my parent's death."

I leaned against the seat of the couch. "You became his parent."

Aize shook her head, putting down her cocktail, "Not at first. He seemed to function well. He goes to 'La Retraite'...

I perked up. "Oh, I remember. I wanna ask you; what does it mean?"

"'The Hiding Place'. It's his BnB...When the lock down loosens up maybe we could drive up there. But it's a three hour drive, one way."

"Wait…didn't Ross die there?"

"Yeah."

"Wouldn't it bring up any bad memories for you?"

"This house has more bad memories for me but…" she looked away but not before...

"Aize...?" I moved closer to her as soon as I saw her shoulders shake. "Aize..." I gently pulled her towards me where she collapsed in my arms, face buried in her hands. Pained whimpers struggled to escape from her..."Cry. Cry Aize...you must..." I run my hand on her rigid shaking back, she's a ball of tense wire. "Is it worth keeping all that pain?" She shook her head; gasping painfully. I lifted her off the floor and cradled her in my arms like a child.

The dam broke.

It came with a soul-breaking howl I have never heard from any person and in my own heart something snapped.

I cried with her. I cried for my own loss as well; for the woman who gave me life but was taken from me before I truly knew her. Aize lost three people in her life. That kind of loss could numb you beyond understanding. But she forced on because her brother needed her while she set aside her own grief. Who held her heart while it was breaking apart? When her brother passed away who did she turn to? She took care of the agency and its people but who took care of her?

"Gods…" I whispered. I have no reply for that. To be surrounded by so much memory…and tragedy. I look at her. I don't think I'd be as sane as her if our roles were reversed.

I was right all along; that this woman is a category that is way out of my reach.

=O=O=X=O=O==O=O=X=O=O=