Details

Before you can reply, he quickly pulls you aside and reaches for a decorative blanket hanging up on the wall. To your surprise, it's actually covering up a small passageway that leads into the next room. It's nearly pitch black inside the small area, however, that doesn't seem to impede the man from finding the door located on the other side. Remaining silent, you wonder why he's waiting instead of immediately attempting escape. Your heartbeat quickens when you hear voices in the next room. Biting your tongue, it's all you can do not to urge him forward. Finally, he cracks the door open slightly before glancing around outside. Motioning for you to follow, he begins heading down the dark alleyway. Moving swiftly, you do your best to keep up with his long strides. Just as you're beginning to think you've made it free, there's a sudden shout from behind you. Ethan curses loudly as he falls behind you and nudges you into a run.

The distinct sound of gunshots ring out across the alley as you continue forward. Glancing over your shoulder, you see the thief faced away as he returns fire. Wincing at the noise, you break out into a full sprint and find yourself at the end of the alley. A hand on your shoulder pulls you to the side and your eyes meet a dingy vehicle parked across the way. Rushing over the drivers side, you fumble with the keys you were tossed earlier. The sound of gunfire draws nearer as you finally pry the door open.

"Let's go!" The man yells impatiently as you dive over the seat to unlock the passenger door. "Head straight and follow my directions.

Your heart is still pounding against your chest as you hastily turn the engine over and slam on the gas pedal. Following his navigation, you anxiously speed through the city. Clutching on the steering wheel, you briefly glance over at the man. Wincing again, you feel a bit guilty upon seeing a crimson gash across his cheek where you assume a bullet grazed it. You’re just opening your mouth to break the silence when he quickly glances over his shoulder.

"We've got company." He informs you, another slight grin coming over his face. "Take a left up ahead."

Swallowing nervously, you gingerly ease up on the pedal before swerving in the direction he indicated towards. Somehow you're able to maintain control over the large vehicle as its wheels screech in protest at the sudden change in direction. Ignoring the dangerous speed, the man quickly rolls down his window and leans out. You try to ignore the sounds of gunfire as you race towards the city's border. Regardless, you're still visibly startled when your side mirror bursts into shards when a bullet rips through it.

"Keep heading straight." Ethan calls in as he continues returning fire.

Exhaling shakily, you obey his command and press down on the pedal again. The road is now nothing more than dirt as you make you progress further from the city. Large but sparse trees line and shadow the narrow road you traverse. Leaning back inside, Ethan begins silently reloading his weapon. A million questions run through your mind, however, you know it's not the right time to ask them. Instead, you also remain silent, following the now winding path as you make your way deeper into the unknown.

"Slow down." You hear the man inform you a moment later.

"Are you sure?" You inquire in surprise as your gaze shifts up to the rearview mirror. "They're not too far behind us."

"Trust me." He growls in a sharp tone, clicking a new magazine into place. "Now do as I say."

Nodding wordlessly, you gradually begin decreasing the vehicle's speed. You realize why as the turns in the twisting road become sharper and more sudden. The lights behind you begin to fade away as the other vehicle is **** to also slow their pace. Looking back ahead, you see you're approaching a fork in the road.

"Turn here." The man orders, grabbing the steering wheel and jerking it to the side.

Wide eyed, you try to follow his direction as the car suddenly swerves in between a large set of bushes and trees. You slam on the breaks before you reach one of the trees further down the makeshift path. The man quickly shoves the gear into park and pulls the keys out of the ignition. His other hand roughly grabs your shoulder and forces you down. Glancing over to the cracked side mirror, you're just barely able to make out two other cars as they whizz past. He waits for a few minutes before motioning for you to get out. Wearily, you exit the vehicle and trade seats with him. The engine roars back to life a moment later before he backs out and begins heading back in the direction you came from. Initially, you have hope you might be heading back to the city. However, once the man turns onto a street running parallel to its' border you know that's not the case.

"What is the plan?" You finally break the long held silence. "I can't leave until I get my passport and that is back at my hotel. So, I'll have to go back for it at some point."

"That's the least of your problems right now." The man scoffs somewhat callously. "I suppose I should let you know something so you understand the ramifications of your actions."

"_My_ actions?" You repeat in exacerbation, tired of being entirely blamed for this mess. "I wouldn't be dealing with any of this if you hadn't stolen the dagger."

"Regardless, 'we've' both managed to piss off a very powerful group." He continues to explain in an equally annoyed tone. "They're not happy you took something they consider to be theirs."

"What do they even want with the dagger?" You press the man, still unsatisfied with his vague answers. "Why didn't they just buy it before we- I did?"

The man's brow raises slightly at your obvious slip up but to your relief he doesn't question it. Instead, his mesmerizingly green gaze looks over at you before he replies.

"Who knows why." You're further unsatisfied with his answer as he shrugs disinterestedly before looking back to the road. "Something about it being the key to something or another."

"A key?" You repeat to yourself, absentmindedly pulling the item out from your shirt.

You can see the man turn to look at you again for a moment as you unwrap the object. Sliding it out of its sheath, you take another look at the blade and handle. They appear fairly normal, though you're not particularly well versed in mesoamerican artifacts. Sighing, you carefully wrap the item back up and put it away, realizing you should probably take a look at it when you're not quite so weary. It seems the adrenaline is wearing off as you begin finding it increasingly difficult to keep your eyes open. Sitting up straighter, you wrap your arms tightly around your bosom and the dagger. However, try as you might to ward off its effects; it's not long before exhaust has overtaken you. In your dreams you find yourself in a far more pleasant scene. You're sprawled out on a large, comfortable bed much like the one back in your hotel room. Though here everything is just a bit hazy and difficult to focus on. Sighing, you lie back on the bed and close your eyes while enjoying its warm comfort.

A moment later, you feel a shift in the mattress as someone else gets in. Far too relaxed to care, you allow the unseen figure to join you. An appreciative moan leaves your lips when you feel warm, strong hands on your sides. They continue traveling up along your abdomen, causing you to squirm slightly beneath the firm but gentle touch. Another soft moan escapes you when you feel the warm hands move up to your bosom. For a moment, all you can concentrate on is the desirable feeling. However, after a moment, you decide you'd like to see who your mind has conjured up to bring you this pleasure. Opening your eyes, you slowly sit up and look down.

"Ethan." You gasp in surprise as his touch continues to move around your soft skin.

Your mind repeats the name as you hesitantly settle back down. It's almost as if there's something you've forgotten, some nagging threat that's pulling you away from the moment. Frowning, you realize the touch is still very present and realistic. Too realistic. All at once you quickly sit up and open your eyes again. You're awake now and back in the real world.

"What are you doing?!" You demand, pushing hands away that momentarily get caught in your blouse. "Get off me!"

"You didn't seem to mind a moment ago." A deep voice teases, confirming your suspicions as to who's before you. "I didn't realize you caught my name."

Your eyes widen further before a deep blush swiftly spreads over your cheeks. Pulling your shirt closer around yourself, you take a quick look around now that your eyes have adjusted to the darkness. You're in a room and are on a bed, though neither are anywhere near as clean or comfortable as that in your dream.

"Where are we?" You demand, momentarily forgetting the earlier transgression.

"One of my hideouts that the Lobos don't know about." He replies before wincing when he realizes he said more than wanted to.

"Is that what they call themselves?" You arch a brow in slight amusement. "How original."

"I wouldn't let them catch you laughing at them." The man smirks before his tone turns serious. "Despite their flaws, they are quite determined. They won't give up until they've reclaimed the dagger."

"Can't we just go home?" You frown, feeling a hollow pit beginning to grow in your stomach. "You're American too, right?"

"Sure, but it's not that easy." Ethan sighs, sounding a bit weary now. "They'll be expecting us to do that and they're not letting us leave with it."

"What..." You begin reluctantly before forcing the rest of the words out. "What if we give it to them? Then they'll let us go, right?"

"I'm afraid it's too late for that." The man replies, confirming your worst fears. "They're mad and are going to want ****."

"So why were you trying to steal it again?" You snap irately, suddenly remembering his earlier actions.

"I must admit, I'm a bit curious about it myself." He throws you a sly grin before his gaze slips down towards your chest. "And I must say, that's certainly the most appealing place I've had the pleasure of retrieving an item from."

"Then this is some sort of profession for you?" You roll your eyes despite feeling slightly charmed by his attractive smile. "Stealing and reselling valuable artifacts?"

"It's better than your profession." He retorts dismissively before standing up. "At least I'm not taking it somewhere to be kept behind glass and gawked at by thousands of people."

"I told you, I don't work for a museum, I'm -" Your words falter when you realize what you're doing is little better than his description. "I'm just trying to do my job."

"Right." He replies unconvincingly before leaning down towards you. "Anyway, I'd like to see it now. I think it's the least you owe me after saving your life."

Your eyes widen in alarm before you realize he means the dagger. Blushing again, you turn away from him slightly before reaching into your shirt and fetching the item.

"You should have just asked in the first place." You mumble before handing it over.

The man ignores your comment and eagerly unwraps the dagger before looking it over. You can see the look of excitement slowly fade from his expression as he continues to survey the object. Seeming dissatisfied, he carefully covers it up before returning it to you.

"I must say I'm rather disappointed." He remarks as you discreetly slip it back into your bosom. "It's certainly old but it's nothing special, it’s even missing its main stone.”

“Is it missing a stone?” You inquire in surprise, cursing yourself for failing to notice. “Where-”

Your words trail off when you look up to see the man still looming over you. His deep green eyes are locked into yours, sending a slight shiver down your spine. Swallowing dryly, you wait wordlessly for him to either say or do something.