Disclaimer in part 1
Miss Parker woke up pleasantly warm. She was bundled up in a blanket and her leg was bandaged up. She looked around and she groaned at the reality of where she was. Her eyes widened at the realization that she was half-naked, only wearing her bra and underwear, beneath the blanket. She saw Jarod by the stove across the room and yelled at him. "Jarod! What happened to my clothes?!"
"They were wet, Parker," he answered calmly as he continued to stir the contents in the pot.
"YOU took my clothes off?!" she asked in anger and disbelief.
"I’m sorry, Parker, my maid didn’t show up this morning so yes, I took your clothes off."
Miss Parker was dumbstruck. Jarod? Sarcastic? Now there’s a twist.
"A little sarcastic, aren’t we?" she questioned.
"You bring it out in me, Parker." Were they teasing each other just now? Not possible...they both have to be more careful.
"Are you hungry?" Jarod asked.
"What are you fixing?"
"Chili"
"Pass"
"Why are you here, Parker?"
"What do you think?" she asked pointedly, as if he asked the dumbest question in the world.
"I will not go back and you can’t make me," he said lightly. He’s quite sure he’s at an advantage at this point.
Miss Parker conceded. He was right. She can’t make him. She was at his mercy and she hated it. She hates being stuck somewhere where she has no control or no one to torment. Where’s Broots when she needed him?
"You actually chose to live like this?" she asked, changing the subject, disgust evident in her voice.
"Some people actually enjoy the great outdoors, the serenity and solitude it provides. You should try it sometimes, you might like it." Jarod looked at her and grinned at the grimacing expression she had. "Guess not," he mumbled.
"You’re in the middle of nowhere, with no running water, no electricity, eating something that resembles dog food, and you call that fun? And to top it off, you’re by yourself. I think I’ll pass again."
"You make it sound so inhuman."
"Not inhuman, insane. How long are we stuck here?"
"Two or three days. And for your information, Parker, I CHOSE to be here. I WANTED to be here. Alone. By myself. Solo."
"Well, now you have me," she smirked in mock pleasure.
"I guess that would make me stuck." He surprised himself at the lack of spite he meant to say that. He even said it in a semi-teasing way. What has gotten into him?
Miss Parker buried her head under the covers when she couldn’t come up with a snappy remark. She felt Jarod come near her but she didn’t uncover her head.
"I need to check your leg."
She stuck her leg out of the blanket without protest. Jarod inspected it gently, removing the bandage and running a finger around the wound, pressing slightly at spots. Miss Parker didn’t have a problem with that, it’s his other hand that was making her uneasy. It cradled her leg firmly, but his fingers were making motions that felt like caresses. It’s a good thing he can’t see her face. She might be imagining it all, but something about strong but gentle hands against her skin. A touch of crazy. And with Jarod, whether she’ll admit it or not, she trusts him. Definitely wouldn’t admit that to him. Heck, he probably knows already, but why let him know? It’s all part of the game they play. She was so lost in thought she almost didn’t hear him telling her about how much blood she lost and to stay on the couch a little longer as he tucked her leg back under the blanket.
A few moments later, she felt a light weight by her feet. She peeked out and found a pair of pants (not hers), a flannel thing, and her silk shirt laying there. "Ugh," she complained. The thought of wearing ‘outdoor’ gear again was making her head hurt. At least her nice blouse will be what’s touching her skin. She could just walk around in her underwear, but that would probably create some problems...not for her, of course, but for Jarod. She chuckled at the thought. But she decided to be civil and not cause trouble. He has been nice about mending her leg and even lending her his clothes. Damn, she’s getting soft.
"Thank you," she said sincerely. That should take him off guard.
Jarod looked at her bemusedly. "Well now, Miss Parker, that actually sounded sincere," he chided.
"Don’t get used to it. It’s not a permanent condition." she retorted. Betrayal from the inside again. From the look on his face, it didn’t phase him a bit. Does he know something she didn’t? Does he not believe that this Miss Parker is a tough, hard-nosed, stubborn person who only cares about herself, and doesn’t know the meaning of nice? Why doesn’t he get that?
Miss Parker dressed on the couch and when she finished, she lay her head back down and stared at Jarod. He walked towards the fire and stoked it. He then sat on the floor, his back on the couch that Miss Parker occupied, and stared at the flames. Maybe this won’t be too bad, he thought, especially since she’s not saying too much. Hope it stays that way. Miss Parker continued to look at him, waiting for him to bring something up about the Centre, or the past, OR her mother, or anything, but nothing. She sat up and stared at the fire, too. If he won’t start a conversation, neither will she. Quiet is good. Odd enough, it was a comfortable quiet, a peaceful silence. That’s a first.
That peace didn’t last long. Without warning, the door of the cabin burst open, a wave of cold air whipping through the room, and three strangers blockaded the entry way. One of the men shut the door and the other two cocked their rifles.
"Well, lookie here, boys, I think we’ve interrupted a little romantic getaway," the bigger man slurred. Jarod stood up swiftly but calmly, urging Miss Parker to do the same by holding her up by the elbow. He instinctively shielded her with his own body as he defensively stood to face the three men. Miss Parker tried to see beyond Jarod but he wouldn’t let her.
"Thanks for the protection, Jarod, but I’d like a look at the situation, too," she whispered harshly in his ear.
"Miss Parker, please," Jarod gritted out.
The men drunkenly meandered toward the two and Jarod more urgently tried to put his form in front of Miss Parker. She, on the other hand, was getting annoyed. She shoved him aside and stood beside him.
"Did you hear that? Her name is MISS Parker." One of the men got close to her face, making her sick at the rank smell of his breath. Jarod fought to reach out and slug him but Miss Parker grabbed his arm. "What’s your first name?"
"I’d tell you, but then I’d have to kill you," she responded.
The men laughed dumbly, but that was short-lived. In the next few minutes, Jarod and Miss Parker were thrown into a twisted game that would require them to join forces and to come up with a plan to survive.