The Guardian

[Ikely]

Character appearance: http://modelmayhm-7.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/100208/16/4b70afb4b7e0d.jpg

Michael Beaumont adjusted the windage on the rifle. He was shooting at a target almost 500 meters away. The range was in the west Texas Bad Lands so the heat was tough.

Beaumont, whose call sign was Mojo, was shooting the new Barrett sniper rifle that his company, RECCOS Security, had attained and was trying out for use in Afghanistan.

Mojo had just returned from an 8 month deployment on the Pakistan border. They had been assisting the US Military with static security and convoy security.

It had been very boring for Mojo. He had been in the Special Forces and served with an A-team over there. After leaving the army, he had tried to get a job as a police officer but because of the economy, no agencies were hiring. So he took the job with RECCOS. They also did private security for executives and business’. that was the detail he was hoping for.

Beaumont let his breath empty out. At the bottom of his exhale, he squeezed the trigger. The rifle barked. About 4 seconds later his spotter, and good friend, Brett Tyler said, “Hit...center mass.”

Mike came up from the rifle and was saying how good it was when a Ford Expedition came up to the firing line.
“
Mojo, the boss needs you at his office ASAP.” With that, the vehicle sped away.

“Fuck.” He said
“What did you do, dude?” Brett asked.
“I don’t know” I just got back so it couldn’t be anything I have done here.”

They drove the 10 miles back to the company compound and he went into the lodge where the contractors lived in between deployments.

He showered quickly, and then donned a fresh pair of 5.11 khaki tactical pants and a grey golf shirt with the company logo on the left breast. Putting on an olive drab cap with the same company logo, Mojo headed for the Headquarters building.

The company president had a sexy secretary, Pamela, who smiled real big.
“Mojo, when are you going to take me out for a drink and show me all of your guns?” Her shiny white teeth glowed between ruby red lips.
“Real soon, Pam. I promise.” He smiled back at her.

She told him to go on in to the office.

Mike walked in and the company president and an older man in a cowboy hat were seated around a table.

“Mike come on in. Let me introduce you to Mr. Blake Shackleford. He wants to hire the company for some security work. He has some problems with Mexican drug cartels.”

Mojo shook the man’s hand and sat down.

“Son,” Mr. Shackleford said, “I want to hire you to protect my family. Specifically my daughter, Erin.”

Mike, smiled the whole time, but inside, he grimaced. He was getting hired to baby sit.

“Fuckin Great…” he thought.

 

[twelvegaugegirl1989]

Appearance: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/2631545180_f9084f855e.jpg

Erin groaned as her father told her he was hiring a bodyguard for her. "Daddy! I don't need a bodyguard! I can shoot a gun as good as any man on this property!" she told him and he leveled a stern glare at her.

"I dont care Erin. This is a serious matter and you will not dissuade me of my decision" her father replied.

Erin's father was an incredibly successful rancher in south Texas, along the Mexico border and lately drug cartels had been an increasingly dangerous threat to her family. She could tell her father was serious about this bodyguard so she gave him a pouty look but nodded her head.

"As long as he's not some complete ass, Daddy. I won't put up with that" she said stubbornly.

"You will put up with whatever you have to if it means you are safe" her father replied.

Erin spun on her boot heel and headed towards the barn. "I'm going for a ride" she called over her shoulder without looking back. She heard her father yell for her to stick close and threw up a hand in answer.

She quickly saddled up her buckskin quarter horse, Wyo, and spurred him on at a gallop, the wind flying through her hair as they raced along the land.

 

[Ikely]

Michael Beaumont sat and listened to Blake Shackleford as he described his problems.

He was extremely wealthy and owned close to 500 square miles of ranch land that bordered the Mexican border. The drug cartels had cut a major highway across his property for them to smuggle the drugs as well as routes for illegal’s entering the United States. Shackleford had raised so much hell about it that it forced Federal government action.

The cartels had tried to intimidate the old rancher but he would not cave in. So then they threatened his life. He had even had an attempt on his life made by a hit team. They missed. The cartel then sent him some photos of his daughter as she shopped; telling Shackleford that it would be sad if she disappeared then they returned her to him…a piece at a time.

Shackleford had a friend who was a colonel in the Army who suggested he hire RECCOS security to provide protection. Shackleford followed the suggestion and hired a security force for the ranch. But Shackleford wanted a body guard for his daughter.

This is where Mojo came in to the story. Mojo felt better to learn the daughter wasn’t 12 years old. She was a young woman. At least he wouldn’t have to go to Hannah Montana concerts or anything.

The mission was simple.

He was to insure that no harm came to the young woman. No problem.

It was just a boring detail in Beaumont’s mind. With a professional providing security, the cartel would probably move on to a soft target.
The detail would last about 2 months, he thought, then she would get bored or Mr. Shackleford would find that the threat was not as serious as he first imagined, and Shackleford would end the contract.

None the less, Mojo laid out what would happen for Shackleford.

“Mr. Shackleford, this is the way I work. It is not negotiable. You take it or you leave it.”
Shackleford leaned back in the chair and listened.

“First, I have the final decision on anything concerning her. When she moves, where she goes, how long she will spend at that location…everything. If I say it is NO GO, then that is the way it works. If there is any objection, the contract is over. My only concern is accomplishing the mission. I don’t care about feelings or opinions.

Second, the principle, in this case your daughter, will have to deal with me listening to her calls, opening her mail, going with her everywhere. I may have to stand outside the door while she uses the toilet. She doesn’t move without me. I will have to move in.

And last, I bring my own weapons. No one touches them or objects. They are my tools and I really hope I do not need them, but if I do, I must have them ready.”

Shackleford agreed to the stipulations and he wrote the check to the company right there.

They agreed that Mojo would arrive at the ranch in 2 days.

Mojo spent most of the 2 days at the firing range. He was continually honing his craft.

On the day he was to leave for the ranch Mojo put on his grey golf shirt, and olive drab tactical pants. He put on his desert colored Oakley assault boots. His Glock 22 rode in a Blackhawk tactical thigh holster. He put on the olive drab contractors cap with the company log on the front and his call sign, MOJO, on a Velcro patch on the back of the cap.

Shackleford sent his corporate helicopter to pick Beaumont up.

The helicopter flight was about 45 minutes long.

The chopper landed on a helio pad, and then Beaumont transferred to a Range Rover 4 wheel drive for a 20 minute drive across the ranch to the main house.

Along the way, Mojo saw acres and acres of cattle. He also saw some of the finest horse flesh grazing.

Mojo was an accomplished horseback rider.

While in Afghanistan, his Green Beret unit worked with the Northern Alliance forces who, in the early stages of the war, moved by horseback.

In fact, Mojo had taken part in a game of Buzkashi, the national sport of Afghanistan.

The game consists of 2 teams of riders. The object of the game is to gain control of a headless carcass of sheep or goat, and bring it into the scoring area. The first team to do that wins the game. That seemed easy. But the game was brutally physical on both men and horses.

The game that Mojo played in lasted 2 days.

The Range Rover arrived at a huge, elegant ranch house.

Mr. Shackleford led Mojo into the house.

“Erin! Erin, come down here. I want you to meet our new employee.”

Beaumont waited, looking around the house.

Then the daughter came down the stairs.

When Mojo saw his principle, he knew that this detail was going to be unlike any he had ever worked.

She was stunning.

 

[twelvegaugegirl1989]

Erin took a short ride after her encounter with her father. That afternoon, Erin's father took off to hire her new bodyguard. Erin was home and wished him a safe trip.

"Erin, stick close to the house please" her father requested and Erin rolled her eyes at him.

"Daddy, I'm fine" she said before kissing his cheek then walking away.

***

Two Hours Later

Erin had once again saddled Wyo up, and was planning on taking a nice long ride. Her father was overreacting. This was their ranch, how could she not be safe. She had barely made it a mile when all of a sudden she heard hoofbeats behind her. She turned in the saddle to see one of their ranch hands, Zack, riding towards her. Zack was one of their newest hires, a greenhorn, only 22, a year older than Erin.

"Miss Erin, your papa asked me to make sure you stick close to the house. He said you arent to go out riding until he returns" Zack said, his face flushing red at the annoyed stare Erin turned on him.

"Zack I'm fine, I've even got my shotgun with me" she said, indicating the Remington Model 870 Wingmaster on her saddle by her leg. Zack grimaced a bit and shot a look back at the barns.

"Look, Miss Erin... your papa said... and I- well I just think its better if you head back" Zack replied.

Erin said some un-ladylike phrases beneath her breath before turning Wyo, again, back for the barns. It wasn't Zack's fault, he was just doing as her father had said.

***

Two Days Later

“Erin! Erin, come down here. I want you to meet our new employee.”

Erin had heard the vehicle pull up to the house as she was sitting in the office, working on some college work. She was taking online classes in business in order to gain her degree. She hoped to eventually take over the ranch from her father; she knew everything there was to know about it anyway.

She stood from behind the desk and stretched, her tight t-shirt, complete with a barrel racing logo, riding up on her lean body as she did so.

"Coming, Daddy!" she yelled, as she made her way to the stairs. Coming down, she caught a glimpse of a big- make that huge- man standing there in what reminded her of war clothes almost.

She came to the bottom of the stairs and stopped as she looked him over. He was pretty much gorgeous, in a "don't fuck with me" sort of way. She was suddenly aware that her jeans had dust on them, and her hair was falling out of the messy bun she was wearing it in. She wished she had taken a moment to tidy up before coming down.

"Uh, hey" she said lamely when her eyes met the "new employee's".

 

[Ikely]

Mike was so glad he was wearing his orange lens Oakley sunglasses. She was absolutely mesmerizing to look at.

He stepped up and offered his hand while removing his sunglasses, “Hi, I am Mike Beaumont.”

Her hand was soft and warm.

Yeah, this was going to be a problem. He could become distracted quickly by her appearance alone.

“Mr. Shackleford, I would like to get my things and put them in my assigned room. Then we could meet and go over what’s going to happen with Erin. I would like to hear what she has to say and if she has any ideas on how we should proceed.”

Mojo got his bag with his clothes and went to the bedroom he was shown by the maid.

The bed was large and the window had a view of the flat pasture land with about 7 horses grazing. The window looked to the south, the direction from where the trouble would be coming.

As he was bringing up his M-4 assault rifle and ammunition he saw the swimming pool. In the Texas heat that would be really hard to resist.

Mojo staged his weapons throughout the room. His assault rifle was near the bed. A Remington 870 shotgun with alternating slug rounds and double ought buck shot was positioned near the door. On the opposite side of the bed he positioned his MP-5 submachine gun. His bailout bag had extra ammunition for all the weapons as well as 2 fragmentation grenades and 2 smoke grenades. It also contained a blow out kit to stop bleeding.

Mojo moved his Glock from the tactical rig to a standard law enforcement holster.

Just as he finished adjusting his cap, he heard someone announce that dinner was prepared. That was good, he was hungry.

He walked down the stairs and into the dining room.

Erin was already down there and she was more beautiful then she was earlier…if that was possible.

Mojo, get it together, get your head in the game, he thought to himself.

 

[twelvegaugegirl1989]

"Erin Shackleford" Erin replied to Mike's introduction. She listened as he spoke to her father, and her back stiffened when he mentioned what she thought about the setup. She had quite a few thoughts about the setup, but so far the man had been nothing but polite to her, and he was extremely attractive.

Mike was shown to his room and Erin returned to the office to study some more. It wasn't long before she heard the cook call that dinner was ready. She stood and headed down to the dining room. Moments after she walked in, Mike did too and her eyes automatically traveled to him. She gave him a small smile and then averted her gaze to the meal being spread out before them.

"Daddy, I would really like to go on a ride after dinner" she stated softly. "I havent been allowed to all day long". She gave him a pouty look from across the table. She shot a glance at Mike too. She was sure he would be tailing her every move from now on. Her eyebrow raised slightly as she looked at him. She hoped he was able to ride a horse... He looked able but looks could be deceiving.

 

[Ikely]

They ate a hearty meal.

Mojo didn’t know he was so hungry until he ate everything on his plate, then enjoyed a second helping.

Following the meal, Mojo, Mr. Shackleford, and Erin sat around the table.
Mojo started.

“Alright, Erin, my job is to insure your safety. I will be shadowing you from now until the threat is over. For me to do my job, I need to know everything about your movements. But most importantly, you have to do exactly what I say, when I say it. Especially if…when trouble happens.” Mojo let that statement sink in.

“Now, I heard that you want to ride. That is fine. I can ride a little and we can go. I can hold back and just watch you. That is fine. But I have to know where we are riding. What direction? How long will be gone? This is how your life will be from now on until the threat passes. Erin, you have to understand, these people have threatened your life and they are capable of doing exactly that. I reviewed all the evidence that your father has collected and there is no doubt in my mind that your life is in danger.”

Mojo went on to outline how the rest of the RECCOS Security detail was deployed around the ranch. It was a 12 man security detail providing static and mobile security for the ranch and its employees. If Erin had to go anywhere they would provide the mobile security. But it was Mojo who was the close in security. The body guard.

When he finished answering some of Mr. Shackleford’s questions, Mojo turned and looked at Erin.

She was such a natural, breathtaking beauty. What Mojo really liked was she didn’t act like she knew it.

She clearly still had some teenager in her. Wanting to go play, and ride her horses.

At least, he wouldn’t have to escort her to a Hannah Montana concert or anything. Well, at least he didn’t think so.

“Erin, do you have anything you want to add. I am open to suggestions from you. It’s your life that is under the threat. What you think is important and I am willing to hear you out, as long as it doesn’t impede my mission. If you have nothing, we can saddle the horses and ride.”

Mojo sat patiently while she collected her thoughts, staring at her.

Erin Shackleford was definitely the most beautiful principle he had ever protected.

 

[twelvegaugegirl1989]

Erin felt a chill skitter down her spine as Mike spoke. It was kind of starting to sink in. She and her family were truly in danger. She hated the fact that this man was being forced to follow her every move... Now if he was doing it willingly that might be different, she thought, fighting back a smile.

Erin nodded her understanding to his words as she sat there, idly running her fingers through her hair. "I got it, I don't go anywhere without my shadow. I guess I can handle that" she said, throwing a cute grin in his direction. "I would like to go riding. Wyo needs to keep limber; I have a competition in a week". Her eyes widened as that crossed her mind. "Will I still be able to race?" she asked, her gaze darting to Mike.

She was having a great year and was high in the state standings. If she missed races she would lose it all. Her pretty green eyes all but pleaded with him to answer yes to her question. She shifted her small body in the chair, nervously awaiting his answer.

 

[Ikely]

Mike had reviewed Erin’s lifestyle prior to arriving and knew that barrel racing was a huge part of her life.

He didn’t like the idea moving the principle to such a location. It had too many entry points to cover. It had too many people entering to race or to watch and be a spectator.
There were just a lot of unknowns.

He asked that they wait for a minute while he reviewed the schedule.

Mike had brought the file down for this discussion and he pull it out and began to study it again.

The next race was in 2 weeks, in Houston. The problem there was the amount of people that would be present. That was a problem but not one the PSD, or Personal Security Detail, could not handle.

There were also races in Lubbock and another in Corpus Christi. Again, there would be the issue of watching the people.

But there were 2 scheduled that had him really concerned.

First, there was one in El Paso. That city was shot up regularly from across the border by drug cartels. The danger factor for that would be through the roof.
The other one that was causing concern was a race in Mission, Texas. That would be a tactical nightmare because of its location to the border and that the PSD would have no control of entry points.

“Erin, to be honest, the barrel racing is going to be a nightmare for us. I would prefer you did not go until threat has passed.”

The look in her eyes was one of total dejection.

Watching the beautiful young woman’s face drop was sad. Mojo saw how much it hurt her.

Then she let him have it.

When she was done he saw that the strong will in her was going to be an issue and that it would make life a little easier if he took the time to plan these outings, and then get her to the races.

“Ok. I am willing to coordinate these trips. But you will do exactly what I say, no questions asked. I will start tonight. We will have you in Houston for the next race. But understand, if anything goes pear shaped then you are out of there and that will end the racing season for you. Erin, every time you go outside of this ranch, you are making yourself a target for people who will kill you at the first opportunity. Do not ever forget that. People want you dead.”

Her mood appeared to change immediately knowing she was going to race.

“The last thing I have is I need Erin fitted for soft body armor. I brought a vest that I think is close to the right size. Erin, before we saddle the horses you need to come up to my room and get the armor and try it on.”

Mike gave a few more words then shook her father’s hand.

He retired up stairs and sat down his desk. He used his cell phone to notify the security manager and the supervisor of the detail protecting the ranch of the new operation.

Mojo sensed rather heard movement at bedroom door. He had left it open.

He turned and saw Erin at the door.

She was amazing to look at. For an instant, Mojo tried to imagine what she looked like in her underwear. Oh shit…get it together man, he thought. He had not been here a full day yet and she was in his head. It had been a long time since he had been with a female, and that had to be what was happening…what was distracting him.

“Erin, wait just a second.” Mojo got up and went to the closet and pulled out a Second Chance Summit model ballistic vest. It was waterproof and rated level 3A.

“Erin, go put this on and come back. I need to make sure it is fitting correctly.”

Mojo watched as she took the armor and turned to go put it on.

 

[twelvegaugegirl1989]

Erin waited patiently as Mike reviewed her racing schedule. Then he said no. At first Erin was devastated. She knew her face fell. Then she was pissed. No, not just mad, enraged. She didn't mean to, but she couldn't hold her tongue. She raged at Mike.

"I'll be GOD DAMNED if I let a bunch of gun-toting druggies stop me from pursuing my one passion in life!" she screamed. "What, don't you think your security can handle it? Cause if not then I'm sure we can find someone who can! I will not stay home from those races, I REFUSE!" she raged. "I will find a way, whether you men are with me or not!"

"Erin that's ENOUGH" her father said calmly, glaring at her, and Erin shut her mouth, leveling a glare at Mike.

Mike spoke again and agreed, although she knew it was reluctantly, to figure out a way to at least try it. This appeased Erin some. She took a shaky breath. She hadn't meant to blow up but racing was the one thing she truly loved and she couldn't give it up.

"Thank you," she said when Mike finished laying down the law. "I will do whatever is necessary if it means I can race".

Mike mentioned needing her to try on body armor so a few minutes after he, she went upstairs to the office he was using. He sensed her before she even made a noise, and that made her feel safe. He was a very alert man. He handed her the armor and she went to try it on. It took her a minute to figure out how to put it on, but she finally came back out, wearing it, for him to see.

"Uhh, is this right?" she asked, laughingly, when Mike looked up. She held her arms up a bit to let him look and then pretended to strike a pose. "I think its the newest fashion statement" she said grinning.

 

[Ikely]

Mojo made a call to the site supervisor running the security for the ranch. He advised him that shortly, he and the principle would be riding out on to the ranchland. He needed some guys on 4 wheelers to shadow them and to have a QRF, or Quick Reaction Force, standing by in case the shit hit the fan. He then let him know he needed to start prepping for a big movement in 2 weeks for the race.

There was a debate over this, as Mojo knew there would be. The supervisor did not like endangering his personnel more than was absolutely necessary. In the end, Mojo got the man to understand what was happening and he said he would start the planning later that evening.

As Mojo rung off, Erin reappeared.

"Uhh, is this right?" She asked, and then struck a fashion model pose.

It made him smile.

“Here, let me help.” He said.

The vest was riding too high. It had pulled her shirt up a little, exposing a bit of her tanned, flat stomach and cute belly button.

Mojo had Erin hold her arms out to the side and then he removed the Velcro shoulder straps and let the front plates drop down a touch. As he positioned the plates correctly, explained how the body armor worked.

“Erin, the term “Bullet Proof Vest” is not really accurate. It is not bullet proof. Certain rifle rounds will cut through this like a knife through hot butter. But it will resist pistol ammunition. This thing is made of layer upon layer of Kevlar,”

As he cinched the straps tight to her body, he felt her shoulders and arms. She was built, for sure. She either worked out or was a hard worker on the ranch, either way her body was fit and athletic. That would help, if the situation spun out of control. He also gathered in the fresh scent she gave off. He stood so close to her, he felt her breath on the side of his face.

He also felt a surge in his crotch.

“The Kevlar will bend and stretch when impacted by a bullet, but the round won’t penetrate. The material will spread the energy of the projectile across your chest.”

He stepped back and looked at her.

Her face was radiant. She smiled at him and he saw her white teeth between two pouty lips. She was tanned and her hair fell across her face nicely.

She was dazzling to look at…even in body armor.

“Ok, that’s the fit you need. Let’s get our things, get those horses saddled up and you can show me around the ranch.”

 

[twelvegaugegirl1989]

Erin tried to hold as still as possible as Mike fixed her vest. His large hands were gentle as he maneuvered it around, and it sent electric currents coursing through her body. She could smell his cologne or aftershave and it smelled divine. Her body was reacting to him in a lot of ways. Her nipples hardened beneath the vest, her panties grew damp, and her body trembled. She tried to ignore the sensations coursing through her.

She focused on his words, shuddering when he mentioned the vest not protecting her from ALL bullets. Finally he got her straight and she sighed in relief.

He said they could ride and Erin absolutely beamed. She spun on her heel to go put a shirt on over the vest and met Mike down in the mud room. There she pulled on her boots and a denim jacket over her button up plaid shirt.

"Ready?" she asked Mike, grinning, and showed him the way to the barns. She helped him pick out a horse. Jackson was a black gelding and could be a handful but she figured Mike could handle him.

She showed Mike the tack room and then went to get Wyo. Wyo was prancing in place, ready to head out as she saddled him and she patted him. "It'll be a long one this time I promise" she whispered to the horse.

She pulled the cinch tight and then in one easy, graceful, movement swung onto his back. She grinned down at Mike who was finishing up too. "What of the ranch do ya wana see?" She asked him.

 

[Ikely]

Mojo followed Erin out to the barn.

Jackson was a handsome horse. Mojo had a ritual he did every time he encountered a new or unfamiliar animal. He stroked the animal’s neck and whispered into his ear.
“Look out for me. It’s alright, we are friends.”

Erin was busy readying her horse and he thought she had not caught him talking to the animal.

He had again switched his Glock to the tactical thigh holster. He also had his bail out bag with extra rounds of ammunition in it draped over his shoulder.
As he easily climbed onto the saddle and adjusted his hips, Erin said, "What of the ranch do ya wana see?"

“I want you to show me everything.” He replied smiling at the gorgeous young woman.

As soon as they cleared the barns, Erin and her mount took off at trot.

Mojo saw 2 of the security personnel readying the 4 wheelers. They would be paralleling them at a distance as back up. He nodded very slightly at them.

Mike caught up to Erin.

“Your father has a big spread here.” He said.
Erin talked about it and then her life as the only daughter of the richest rancher in Texas.
The pastures were flat for the most part, but there were some small rolling hills.
The sun was starting its decent to the west. He figured they had about 4 hours of daylight left.
He could not help but look at the woman. Her legs, in jeans, draped over the horses back, were incredible to look at.

He asked her what she was studying in school.

They continued the ride for a while, and then in the distance, a stand of trees appeared. They were the only trees around.

Erin then looked at Mike and smiled her beautiful smile.

She then spurred her horse to a full gallop and took off for the trees.

The last time Mike had a horse at full gallop was in 2003 when he and his A-team were taking part in an operation with the Northern Alliance against the Taliban. It was something straight out of the 19th century. It was a full on Cavalry charge. It had been one of the most exhilarating experiences of his life.

“Come on Jackson! Let’s ride!” and he used his heels to encourage the horse to run

And run he did.

He had forgotten to remove his ball cap and it flew off as the horse hit top speed.

In the distance he saw Erin, her ass bouncing in the saddle.

As hard as he tried to focus on his mission, he could not shake the fact of how sexual this young woman was.

 

[twelvegaugegirl1989]

Erin noticed the gun strapped to Mike's thigh and winced. She hated the fact that they had to be this careful at her own home. Then Mike smiled at her and his face transformed. He wasn't the stern sercurity guard that she had been seeing him as. He looked carefree and gorgeous as he smiled. She smiled back at him, finding herself extremely attractive all of a sudden.

They rode the ranch for a while before Erin saw the group of trees that hid the small pond. Grinning, she spurred Wyo on faster and raced towards the pond, not thinking that danger might lurk there. She heard Mike urge Jackson on behind her. Wyo flew across the ground, his feet eating up the distance.Erin threw her head back and laughed out loud, her hair flying behind her. She raised her arms high above her head, letting Wyo have free rein to run. There were other horses in the pasture, and they all turned and scattered as Wyo fled past, making Erin laugh louder.

She finally reined him in as they approached the trees, turning back, with a radiant grin to Mike and Jackson who had caught up to her.

"This is my favorite spot on the ranch" she said, breathless from exhiliration. Her face was flushed a pretty pink as she grinned. "Its gorgeous here" she said.

The trees opened up to a small but gorgeous pond, surrounded by flowers and reeds. There were animal tracks all along the edge of the water from wildlife coming to drink.

 

[Ikely]

Clearly, she was an expert rider.
She was in complete control and it must have been one her greatest enjoyment, as he could hear her laughter even over the sound of his mounts gallop.

He reined Jackson in. He saw the pond that had been hidden behind the trees and the terrain.
It was like an oasis in the middle of miles of pasture land.

Mike climbed down and asked if it was alright to let Jackson graze.
He turned loose of the reins and strolled to the edge of the pond.

She moved along side of him.

Her stunning good looks were highlighted even more by her being in this place. She radiated her good mood, and he found himself drawn in by that attitude…and her good looks.

“Do you come here often?” he asked

They strolled casually around the edge of the pond.

Erin, clearly, loved this place and her life.

“Erin, I don’t mean to pry, but do you have a boyfriend or friends that come here. I will need to check them out…for security reasons, you know.” Mojo’s first and only priority was to accomplish his mission. So he intended to do that.

Erin seemed to not really like that question, and Mojo decided to let the issue go, for now. Half way around the pond, Mike could see the land sloping down, towards the South and the border.

As they completed the circuit around the pond, Mike apologized.

He decided he had picked the wrong time to discuss work. She just wanted to enjoy this beautiful place. Her place and the peace and tranquility it represented.

They reached the stand of trees again. The horses were enjoying the grass. It was beautiful, and he understood now why this part of the ranch was her favorite.

The whizzing sound was the air being forced out and away from the point of the projectile. The popping sound next to his ear was the sound of the projectile as it broke the sound barrier. The smacking sound was the projectile hitting then flattening out against the hardwood tree.

Mojo recognized it immediately, and he reacted.

He dove towards Erin, wrapping his arms around her and driving her to the ground.

Another shot zinged over their heads.

He felt Erin’s body against his. She squirmed and wiggled underneath him.
“Erin..Erin calm down. On my count of 3, I want you to run with me so we can get behind the tree.”

Erin was a tough, and she calmed down immediately.

On the count of 3, they both scrambled to their feet and ran the short distance into the trees.

When they fell down, Erin landed on top of him. A bullet whizzed through the trees above them.

Mike rolled their bodies so that now he was on top of her. He felt her heart beating through the clothing.

He looked into her eyes, as he lay on top of her.

 

[twelvegaugegirl1989]

Erin nodded in response to Mike's question of whether she came here often or not. She did. As often as she could. They strolled in relative silence around the pond and then he brought up the subject of boyfriends. Erin didn't say anything at first. She didn't have a boyfriend, hadn't ever had one. Her daddy was too strict to allow that to happen even though she was 21 now. She had dated a few times but the men had always been intimidated by her rich father and nothing had come of it.

She was about to tell Mike that when he apologized. Erin let it slide, deciding she'd tell him later on that day. Erin noticed when the horses picked their heads up, ears forward and alert. She didn't hear the whizzing sound but she did hear something smacking into the tree beside them. The next thing she knew, Mike was knocking her to the ground and rolling on top of her. Erin's breath was temporarily knocked out of her but Mike's words calmed her. She took several deep breaths and listened to what he was saying.

On three, she ran as fast as she possibly could. They made it behind the trees and Mike was rolling on top of her. Erin's green eyes were wide with fear but she was fighting to stay calm. She knew having a panic attack wouldn't help them. She focused on Mike. On his hard body pinning her to the ground, his gaze searching her face and body. And then she turned her head.

Wyo and Jackson had bolted at the shots being fired, but they were still within sight, standing still, eyes wide with fear, sides heaving.

"Wh-who is it? What do we do?" Erin whispered, looking at Mike for reassurance.

 

[Ikely]

Mike rolled off of her body.

He pulled his weapon, and crawled up to the base of the largest tree.
“Stay down!” He barked at Erin.

He reached into his bailout bag and pulled a small, portable radio and called to the support unit that had been shadowing their trip.

They said they had no target location but felt that the shots came from the west.

Mike believed that the shooter was a distance off…and that he was an amateur at long distance shooting.

Mike stood up and walked to the edge of the stand of trees and looked to the west.

Shortly, he saw the muzzle flash, and then heard the round strike a tree to his right. Yeah, the shooter’s windage was off on his sights.

Mike then dropped back down and crawled to Erin. She had a stunned look on her face.

“He is new at this.” Mike said calmly.

On the radio he advised the support unit of the location.

“Be advised, the shooter is about 500 meters out, west of our location. He is actually lower then our location.”

In the distance, Mojo heard the high pitched whine of the 4 wheelers moving in the direction of the sniper.

Mike crawled over next to Erin.

She was scared, but was hanging in there.

Over the radio, Mojo heard the support unit say they had found the firing position but that the shooter was on the move to the south, towards the border.

Standing, Mojo helped Erin up.

“Erin, you did good, but understand, this was an amateur. There will be more attempts and by people who won’t make the mistakes this person did. It only gets worse from here.”

Erin listened and seemed to understand.

“I sure hope you can wrangle those horses back up, otherwise it’s going to be long hike.”

 

[twelvegaugegirl1989]

Erin couldn't have moved an inch if she wanted to. When Mike rolled away she felt unprotected which was silly, he was only a little way but it made her feel vulnerable. Then he was back. Erin grasped ahold of his arm just to feel his strength. The horses, right. Taking a deep breath Erin let out a shrill whistle and both horses came over, reluctantly.

Erin asked if it was safe and Mike said it was so Erin stood up. Her shoulder protested a bit, she must have hit it when they fell, but she mounted up easily enough and waited for Mike's orders.

 

[Ikely]

Mike grabbed Jackson by the reins when he trotted up and they both mounted the horses.

“Erin, lead us back to the ranch, but don’t go the same way we came out here.”

Erin spurred her horse with her heels and they took off at a run.

Mike and his horse followed.

They made it back to the ranch house and they were met by the security personnel there. The medic began looking Erin over and checked her shoulder after she complained of some pain. She hadn’t been shot so it was just a little soreness from the contact she had with the ground.

“Erin, we are done for the day. Go ahead and do whatever it is you do at this time. I am going to meet with your father then I want to talk to you.”

The group broke up and Mojo found Mr.Shackleford.

“I am not going to lie to you. We got lucky today. Had that sniper been even remotely qualified, he would have killed us both.”

Mr. Shackleford was clearly upset. He did not like the idea of being pinned into his house. And, his beautiful daughter was almost killed today.

“I will put a stop to her gallivanting all over the place.” He promised.

Mojo then went up to Erin’s bedroom.

He knocked softly, and then entered the room.

Erin was sitting quietly on her bed.

“Erin, we got lucky today. This is only going to get worse from here. This was just a hint of what is to come. Now you can see and fully understand the steps we are going to have to take to get you to your races.”

Mojo sat on the bed next to her.

She seemed lost in thought.

“I need you to be tough right now. You are doing great, but we are going to need you alert and aware.”

Still silence.

“Don’t you worry; we will get you to your race.”

Mojo draped his arm around her….it felt good.

 

[twelvegaugegirl1989]

Erin treaded slowly up to her bedroom when Mike went to talk to her father. There she sat on her bed, her mind reeling over what had just happened. It was like it was finally setting in. She had almost been shot, killed, murdered in cold blood. Erin's body trembled slightly. She heard Mike's knock on the door and he came in to sit next to her. He spoke, and Erin was litening but she didn't have any replies. Out there she had acted like it wasn't really phasing her but what happened had really shaken her up inside. Mike put his arm around Erin's shoulder and she instinctively leaned into his warm body.

She felt safe, protected, with him; which she supposed is what she should feel since he was her bodyguard. But she also felt drawn to him for some reason. He took his hat off and ran his hand over his head. It was then that Erin noticed his hat said Mojo on it.

"What's that mean?" Erin said pointing to the label. She hadn't noticed it before. "Is it like a nickname?" When Mike nodded she asked "Howd you get it?"

 

[Ikely]

He could not help it. He hugged her when she leaned into him.

He was really feeling stress. He wanted to kiss her, but the rules forbid it. Company policy as well as the unwritten rule of security specialists.

He took his hat off and ran his hand over his head.

Erin saw the hat and asked about the velcro patch on the back, with his call sign, MOJO in big black letters.

"Yes, that is my call sign. They started calling me that when I was in Afghanistan. I had an ability to get things, equipment, good food, ammunition from places. They said I had the "Mojo" or I put the "Mojo" on them. It stuck."

He was looking in her dazzling eyes. It made him smile.

As the afternoon wore on, Mike decided it was time to shower off the sweat and grime that had collected.

He grabbed a towel and walked down the hall, past Erin's room to the bathroom.

He closed the door, but being unfamiliar with the home, did not know he had to jiggle the door knob to get the door to latch closed. With his back turned, the door slipped open.

He turned on the shower to just below scalding and stripped naked.

He climbed into the water and let it wash over him.

He started lathering up his body.

When his soapy hands started washing his crotch, his cock responded and his thoughts turned to Erin.

It would have been great to have her young, naked, eager body in the water with him...

 

[twelvegaugegirl1989]

Erin's body responded to the closeness of Mike's, aka Mojo's. She laughed softly at his story about how he got the name. She wondered if the name stemmed from his ability to get girls as well. His hug had made her body quiver, definitely not from fear but from arousal. Once he left the room Erin had lay back on the bed, thinking once again, though this time about Mike, not near death experiences.

She heard Mike walk past her bedroom door and watched him walk in the bathroom, not closing the stubborn door fully. He yanked his shirt over his head and Erin's mouth literally began to water. He was gorgeous. And then he stripped, completely, strip-starch naked. Erin couldn't help it, she quietly got out of bed and walked to the bathroom door, peeking in.

He had stepped beneath the water and was washing his body, including his cock. Erin felt herself go bright red. She had seen a penis before of course, but she had never seen a man blatantly stroking himself like Mike was. She was still a virgin; men were too intimidated by her father. She must have made some sort of noise because suddenly Mike stopped moving and turned to face the bathroom door.

Erin felt her face blush scarlet and darted back to her bedroom, wondering if he had seen her or not.

 

[Ikely]

It was that 6th sense that combat veterans develop. Maybe it was a sound. Maybe it was just a change in the energy of the bathroom. Whatever it was, it made Mike stop what he was doing and spin towards the door.

Through the fog in the room, he saw that he door was partially open.

He knew he had closed it. Now it was partially open and he could see into the hall.

He rinsed off and turned the water off.

When he had dried himself, he put on some shorts and his Florida State t-shirt.

He put his dirty clothes in the bag and walked very softly to Erin's door.

He was praying silently that she had not caught him.

He listened to the door and heard nothing coming from the inside.

Then he decided to knock and see what she was doing. He would be able to get a better judge on whether she had been at the bathroom.

He knocked and waited. He heard some shuffling fromt he inside. Then there was a bump.

When she opened the door finally, she looked anxious.

"Uhh.. Erin, can you tell me where the laundry is?"
Being so close to her wearing only shorts and a t-shirt made him very excited.

"You better get your head in the game," the voice inside his head said.

 

[twelvegaugegirl1989]

Erin heard Mike approach her door and then knock. Erin jumped off her bed too fast and stumped her toe on her dresser, cussing softly under her breath. She opened the door, hoping she looked calm.

"Hey Mike, enjoy your uh shower?" she said and cursed herself when her face bloomed red. "The laundry is downstairs, room to the right of the back door". Her pulse was racing. Mike looked casual now, but still had a dangerous edge to him. She had seen him through that door but she wanted to see him in person. She shook her head trying to dislodge the thoughts.

 

[Ikely]

She looked flushed and anxious. She was putting on a good show at appearing that nothing was out of the ordinary. But Mike knew better. Then she said. "Hey Mike, enjoy your uh shower?"
There was nothing left to do but laugh. Then he said, "It could have been better."
He smiled as he looked into her eyes and she squirmed

"I'm sorry, I thought I had closed the door to the bathroom but I guess I didn't" he continued.

He saw that she was sort of hobbling. That thump that he heard must have been her crashing into something when he knocked.

"Did you hurt your foot today?" he asked looking at her toes.
"Come on, have a seat on the bed."

She went and sat on the bed, Mike sat next to her.

He grabbed her leg and pulled the foot up to his lap, careful to not lay the foot on his rapidly thickening cock.

He held the foot in both hands, and used his thumbs to massage the sole for a few seconds, then he focused on the toe.

"You must have stubbed the toe." Mike grabbed the toe and moved it softly back and forth, "Does that hurt?"

She did not reply. He looked up and she was staring at him with a look of...is that desire in her eyes?, he thought.

"Ok..its not broke. you should be as good as new, tomorrow."

Erin swallowed hard.