Chapter 63

**Blue**


Artemis, Alan, and I are escorted into a basic looking building. The only proof that this is some sort of military base are the soldiers walking around and the vehicles.

“This is the main hub.” The General says as he leads us into a large room.

There are computers everywhere and dozens of people working frantically, not doubt trying to figure out how to keep Artemis’s father out of their system.

“I’ll need an untouched system.” Artemis says.

“We have one over here.” One of the soldiers says.

We follow him to an empty computer and Artemis immediately sits at it and passes their login without any assistance from the soldier standing nearby. He looks at the General in confusion, but he must not know my husband well enough to know what he’s capable. I mean I barely know, but Alan does and he’s smirking like an idiot right now. He seems to get pleasure when Artemis shows up these poor saps. I stand behind the chair Artemis is sitting in and try to follow what he’s doing. Thanks to his weird desire for me to learn coding I recognize a little of what he’s doing.

When he reaches the right area of the system he stops and rolls his sleeves up like he’s about to dive in and get his hands dirty. It’s kind of hot I won’t lie.

His fingers move so fast that I can barley follow them, so I try to focus on each line of code he’s going through. It doesn’t take long for him to find the breech, and he explains to the men that their system is still safe, but he tells them again that he will add a false entrance that will infect any hacker’s system.

“We appreciate you coming Mr. Rhodes.” The General says before shaking Alan and Artemis’s hands. “It was a pleasure to meet you as well ma’am.”

I shake his hand as well and give him a polite smile. “Like wise General. Let me know if you need any help kicking some ass. You saw what I can do!”
He laughs and so does the other soldiers closest to us.

“I’ll keep that in mind. If you ever need a favor, you call me. Got it?” He hands me a card with one number written on it. “That number goes straight to my personal office, and any of the guys would be happy to assist you as well if I’m unable to. Right men?”

“Yes Sir!” The men say in return.

I’m stunned by how loud they all are and touched by their offer.

“Thank you General. I hope it never comes to that, but it helps to have some powerful friends.”

“Of course, ma’am. Now let’s get you folks home.” He walks us back out to the jet we arrived in where a small group of soldiers are waiting.

It touches me when I see all female soldiers standing there.

“Even though I hope none of my other men would do what the Colonel did, I though having an all-female crew would make you feel more comfortable.” The General says to me.

I almost tear up at the gesture. “Thank you.”

“Travel safely and remember what I said.”

“I will. Take care General.” I wave to him before turning back to the jet and following the guys inside.

The female soldiers join us soon after and take seats around us like an impenetrable wall.

“Wow, they mean business.” Alan says about the way the soldiers have placed themselves in a circular shape around our seats.

“They understand how important their VIP guest is.” Artemis says while he looks down at his phone.

“I’m sure you aren’t considered a VIP when these people have probably protected people where more important than you.” Alan says to his friend with a scoff.

Artemis looks at Alan and shakes his head. “Not me. Her.” He points at me, and I look at Alan confused.

“Me?”

“Yes. You charmed the General, and he’s making sure you are safe. You have become a very important person to him and his unit. Congratulations, you have a literal army at your disposal.” He says before returning his attention to his phone.

He doesn’t seem the least bit bothered that the lime light has moved to me. I don’t plan on taking the General up on his offer, and I definitely don’t consider myself a VIP. These guys work for the government and probably met the president and like foreign dignitaries and stuff. They were kind to me and I appreciate that but I don’t think its anything more.

“I doubt any of that is true. Now shush, I need a nap.” I notice my chair has a recline option, so I pull it and get comfortable.

“Here you go ma’am.” One of the female soldier’s hands me a bag and inside I find a bunch of little goodies.

“Is this a luxury jet for special guests?” I ask her.

It’s not as lavish as Artemis’s plane, but they have reclining chairs and goodie bags.

“We use it for special visitors who have to travel far to reach us. The least we can do is provide some small comforts. It isn’t used for regular duty though.” She explains.

“I see. Thank you for this.” She nods and returns to her seat.
I pull out a very soft neck pillow first and rub it against my face to test for softness, as one does. After I conclude it is satisfactory I wrap it around my neck and move on to the next item. There is a sleeping eye mask, ear plugs and a thin blanket as well. I pull everything out and set myself up for a good nap. After Artemis and I slept together for the first time he’s been…ravenous. Hence the quicky in the bathroom. I’m not complaining but wow. Are all men like that?

Anyway, it’s worn me out and I need to recover. We have a shit show to deal with when we land and who knows when I’ll get the chance to rest again.

It doesn’t task me long to fall asleep but it’s not peaceful. Maybe it’s because Artemis is spooning me, but it doesn’t feel right. Who knew I would become addicted to cuddling at night. So much has changed that I’m scared to be so happy. It obvious his parents are furious and I’m an easy target. I don’t have much of a history for them to find out about, but if they are as powerful as Artemis says then who knows. I don’t really care what the world thinks of me, but it could ruin Artemis. If it came down to protecting or protecting myself, I know now that I will always choose what’s best for him.

I’ll never forget what he’s done for me, but none of this is worth him losing everything. I doubt he’ll enjoy slumming it in a train car with me. My dream is filled with my word collapsing around me until I can’t breathe and I end up alone every time. It’s as if I’m seeing a ton of versions of my life, and none of them end happily for me. Some of them end with me dead, and that is not a dream I ever want to have again. When someone lightly shakes me, I spring up like I’ve been shocked by a live wire.

“It’s okay. We’re home.” Artemis says.

“Oh.” I’m still groggy but the apprehension in my voice isn’t from being sleepy. “Let’s do this thing then.”

“I’m sorry to say there are many people outside waiting for you.” One of the soldiers says. “We can protect you until you reach your vehicle.”

“How long do you think they have been camped out there?” Alan asks while he looks through one of the windows.

“Too long I’m guessing.” Artemis says before holding his hand out to me.

I take it and he pulls me to my feet. “Let’s get out of here.”

“Where are we going to go?” I ask since all of our current living spaces have been compromised.

“We’ll figure that out once we get past the vultures.”

One of the soldiers opens the door and immediately there are lights flashing everywhere. We stand back until all of the soldiers take their place holding back the crowed. Once it looks safe, we quickly walk down the steps and through the space made for us. A car is waiting for us, and two familiar men are waiting by it and keeping any one from getting too close as well.

“Welcome back.” Bryant says as he opens the door for us.

I basically throw myself inside the car and slide all the way over to make room for Artemis and Alan. Alan tries to be slick and slide in next, but Artemis grabs him by the ear like a teacher and pulls him aside. All the people outside of the car are throwing questions so quickly and loudly that I can’t make anything out except for the words shot gun wedding and the Rhodes dynasty.

This is going to get dirty and not the good kind.