Chapter 15: Chapter 15

"So what are you going to do about Zack?" I question Calvin as we head back outside to his car. His face remained expressionless as he slides into his seat, buckling his seatbelt. I climb in and mirror his actions, waiting for a response.

Surely he can't just leave Zack kidnapped after knowing about the picture?

Did Zack's Mum show Calvin the picture?

I had way too many questions that hopefully, Micah and I could solve. When I was in the bathroom, I sent him all the pictures and information I had in hopes that he could find something.

"I'm not going to do anything, Mrs Green has it under control." Calvin says calmly however I notice the worried glint in his eyes. He clears his throat before starting the car and backing up out of the driveway. I frown and turn towards him —

"He's your best friend Calvin. We should be trying to find him.”

"God damn it Hunter, drop it! His parents have it under control." Calvin yells, slamming his foot on the brakes. I blink at him in surprise.

"Really? It really doesn't seem like they have it under control. I like Zack, okay? You should be out there looking for him!" I yell in return, clenching my jaw tightly.

Calvin glares at me, his eyes two burning pits of flames. My words anger him beyond belief and he leans forward, closing the distance between us.

"If you care that much about Zack, go look for him yourself.”

He practically hisses the words at me, jealousy dripping from his voice. I narrow my eyes at him, feeling the anger bubbling inside of me.

"Maybe I will." I snap back at him. He challenges me further with his eyes, the green in them darkening considerably. I scoff at him and unbuckle my seatbelt, jumping out of his car. I immediately hear his door slam and his feet storming after me.

"You don't know anything Hunter. You have no idea what you're getting yourself involved in!" Calvin shouts, his words echoing through the air. I turn around, my fists clenched by my side. Calvin storms up to me, his face inches away. I physically wince at the tone of his voice and bring my hands up to shove at his chest.

"I can handle myself." I argue back stubbornly. Calvin grabs hold of my hands, green eyes burning holes through me. I struggle against his tight hold, attempting to free myself.

"No, you can't. You're going to drop it Hunter, forget I ever mentioned anything!" Calvin yells, anger clouding his eyes.

I shake my head, yanking my hands away from him. He grabs them again, holding tighter this time.

"He needs help Calvin! I won't stand back and allow you to do nothing!" I protest. Calvin lets out a low growl in frustration and anger and releases my hands before gripping onto my shoulders.

"I'm just trying to keep you safe!" He explains before yanking my body towards him and slamming his lips against mine. At first, I struggle against him, confusion filling me but eventually, I can't fight against the persistence of his kiss. It's demanding, desperate and passionate all in one.

Hundreds of butterflies break out in my stomach and I clutch his jacket, keeping him tightly pressed against me. The force of his kiss doesn't waiver and he guides me until my back hits the wall. My mind is clouded with passion as he begins exploring my mouth with flicks of his tongue. He brushes it against my bottom lip, letting out a low groan before pulling back. Both of us are breathing heavily at this point and I feel my stomach clench tightly as he rests his forehead against mine, searching my eyes.

His are clouded over with passion, the row of his thick dark lashes protected his eyes.

Beautiful eyes.

"I'm just trying to keep you safe." Calvin repeats, softer this time. My throat is completely dry so instead of replying, I nod my head and close my eyes, the butterflies never disappearing.

*****

"That information you sent me is gold Hunter, complete gold." Micah says excitedly, clicking away his keyboard.

His right leg is bouncing up and down as he works, searching through The Green's entire family history.

"Do you think the boy's parents can take us to Christopher?" Micah says, whirling around in his office chair. I stop throwing the ball up in the air and prop myself up on my elbows, nodding my head.

"Most likely. I think they work very close together. Zack being kidnapped isn't just a coincidence, it's related to Christopher Black's business. Maybe someone is using Zack as bait or revenge?" I suggest.

Micah slowly nods, thinking hard about my comment.

"Yeah, you might be onto something big here Hunter. I'll get this sent off ASAP." He says, whirling back around. I nod slowly, my mind clouded with all the pieces of information. One of them being Calvin Black. I don't know why I can't get him out of my mind.

"How are things going with Calvin? Has he loosened up yet?" Micah asks, making casual conversation.

My thoughts turn back towards the kiss outside Zack's house and I feel my cheeks beginning to heat up.

"Yeah, sort of. Did you get the results back for the clothing brand on Christopher's suit?" I question, changing the subject. Micah pauses, turning back around. When he notices my expression, he narrows his eyes slightly.

"Why are you trying to change the subject?”

"I'm not. I'm trying to complete this mission just like you Micah." I say, rolling my eyes.

"Has Calvin tried anything?”

His words are strained and I pause, breathing deeply. I don't know why I feel the need to lie but I do.

"No, he hasn’t."

"Are you lying to me Hunter?" Micah says quickly, standing off his chair and looking down at me. I let out a low groan, rolling off his bed and standing up. I adjust my clothes and give him a hard stare.

"He hasn't tried anything. We might have kissed once or twice but it's fine. Part of the mission, right?" I mumble unhappily. Micah freezes, his expression turning neutral.

"You kissed him?" He asks in monotone, his eyes flashing dark. I stop brushing off my clothes and turn to inspect Micah, partly surprised.

"Yeah, I have to become his girlfriend Micah. I can't do that without kissing him." I mumble, feeling an awkward tension build between us.

"You didn't actually have to go through with it Hunter! You were doing great just being his friend." Micah argues, his eyebrows knitted together. I frown, full of confusion.

“What?"

"The information you've collected is enough. You didn't have to kiss him." Micah explains. My eyes drift down to his hands that are curled up in fists by his side.

"It's my mission Micah, don't tell me how I'm supposed to carry it out! Why are you being like this?" I argue with him, taking a step forward. He mirrors my actions, closing the distance between us.

"You were so angry with Veronica when she gave you the file! You didn't want to whore yourself out, remember?" Micah yells, his voice bouncing off the walls. His words are a punch in the gut and I inhale sharply. My hand comes flying out, connecting with his cheek in a harsh slap.

An invisible knife stabs deep in my stomach, twisting in several different directions. I stare directly at him and watch as his hand comes flying up to his cheek, eyes flashing with surprise and shock.

"Don't you dare call me a whore." I whisper, my hands trembling by my side. He opens his mouth to speak, his brown eyes filling with regret. Before he has the chance to say anything, I whirl around, storming out of his room and slamming the door as I go.