So, I don’t really have a prompt for today. I’m just going to jump into the post.

We’ve got a busy weekend ahead of us, and since the baby slept in this morning, I decided to just pick up the Blindfolded piece and see where it took me. I don’t have a clear picture of what this story will be or even really where it takes place, I’m just playing with different scenes and perspectives at this point.

I know that this is a modern story, set in a Genovia-like country (Princess Diaries, if you didn’t catch the reference). I think it will be an island nation that I’ll place somewhere in actual Europe.

This morning I continued from where the earlier scene left off, but from Jared’s perspective. Rose falls asleep and I thought it would be a decent chance to peek at his background and character. He’s some kind of former Special Forces operative, I’ll have to do a little research on which branch. He’s American, which I’m excited to contrast with Rose’s European perspective.

Both characters will probably be late 20s or early 30s. I’d like to keep them roughly the same age. I think it will allow their differences in experience and upbringing really shine.

Anyway, enough ruminating. Here’s a brief scene. There’s never enough time to write as much as I want, so I’m aware that this is quite a short teaser.

***

As she slowly warmed, her body relaxed in my arms, energy and tension draining out of her. Before she slipped and cracked her head on a rock (which would be totally failing as a bodyguard), I lifted her and resettled her between my knees against my chest.

Within minutes, she was asleep, looking for all the world like my four year old niece. Awake, the Princess had a very classy, poised expression. Asleep, she looked vulnerable. Nothing like a damsel in distress to spur the protective instincts.

I propped my head against the wall of the cave, glad that I’d taken this job. Civilian life in America hadn’t suited me well; too calm, not enough structure. Although evading kidnappers before the end of my first week was a little more excitement than I needed, I also knew that none of the other bodyguards on the Princess’s detail would’ve been able to keep her alive. Not that they weren’t capable, but they were too relaxed. Apparently nothing dangerous ever happened in this small island nation.

That and the kidnappers were well trained. Special Forces background, that much was certain, though they were probably mercenaries. They were clearly expecting to deal with one of Rose’s usual bodyguards. Which all added up to a picture of an inside job; she wasn’t going to like that.

I hadn’t been here long enough to get a read on the political situation, and I hadn’t really expected I’d need to. When she woke up, we’d need to discuss who could benefit from killing her. A kidnapping for ransom could be an outside job, but assassination wasn’t likely to be.

I rolled my shoulders and relaxed. Enough thinking, time to rest. The job is simple at the moment, keep her safe. And don’t think about the fact that she’s practically naked in my arms.