Germany X Thief Reader Chapter Three

                 “Ludwig ay? I guess that would look pretty good on a tombstone.” Shaking my head, I looked down at my bound hands.


         “I can tell you’re a very optimistic person; which is good, we’ll need all the help we can get.” He posed like an angry parent would: crossing his arms at his center.  


         Uncrossing them, he said, “However that will have to wait till morning. I’m exhausted.”


         Looking around the room, I came to a very obvious conclusion: there was only one bed. Perfect! Once he falls asleep I’ll sneak out of my cuffs and disappear like a shadow in the night. He’ll never know what hit him.


         I continued to praise my perfect plan until Ludwig pulled out a second pair of cuffs.


         “What are you doing?” Those things were really starting to get me nervous.


         “Think of it as a security.” He then proceeded to loop one of the cuffs onto my chain and bound his hand into the other.


         “Gute nacht.”


….
          I awoke started until I remembered where I was. Sitting up, I looked to my right and saw Ludwig was still very much asleep. Poor guy, even in his sleep he was frowning.


         Very good officer, very bad judge of character. There was no way in hell that I would help him catch F.A.C.E. I folded my body into myself so my knees touched my forehead. I quickly pulled out a secret pin I had hidden in my hair. Yanking it out, I worked on the first cuff.


         Insert, poke and prod, and then release. I quickly did the other and slipped Ludwig’s cuff out of mine.


         “Sayonara sucker. Nice knowing you, but it’s time for me to go,” I whispered into his ear. Thinking about it twice, I leaned down and pecked his cheek.

         Maybe in another life, we could have been something. Sighing, I stood up silently. When Ludwig shifted, I froze and let my heartbeat be the only sound heard. He finally stopped moving and continued in his slumber.


          That was extremely close! I took two more steps, stopping when the floorboard squeaked. No reaction, good. I took two more and fell flat on my face. Bewildered, I noticed a rope was craftily tied around my ankle. Cursing, I crossed my legs, trying to tear the rope from me.


         I heard a chuckle then turned towards the bed. “What kind of amateur do you think I am?” He gave me an infuriating smirk that made me want to tear his eyes out!


         Cursing, I got up and gave him an angry frown. “Well, the jokes on you genius, ‘cuz I have to pee.”


         Blushing, he got up and pointed to a door I didn’t notice before. I pulled open the door, but when he didn’t move, I gave him a rough pull with my leg.


         He didn’t budge, but he still kept that blush on his face. Oh, God no!


         “I can urinate on my own thank you!”


         “Until I can trust you, I’m not taking any chances.”


          Three heartbeats went by with me staring at him, incredulous.


         “I won’t look at you.”


         It was my turn to blush now. Look at me, getting all flustered! Oliver would be having kittens if he saw me now.


         After putting my dignity beneath me, I walked into the bathroom with a heavy feeling of humiliation. When I finished, I poked Ludwig in the back so he could turn around.


         “Well, now what?” I stretched my arms out while I gave a final yawn.


         “Now, we talk. But first, breakfast.”


         He led me downstairs to a luxurious kitchen. It looked like something out of one of those TV cook shows. It was really modern, and the wooden table gleamed with a brilliant polish. The dogs were there too.


        They were perfectly lined up in a row, waiting to be fed. He petted them affectionately, and pulled out a bag of dog food from one of the lower cabinets. The Doberman didn’t move as all the bowls were filled up. He stared at me intently, and then tilted his head. I could’ve sworn he smiled at me.


        This whole house seems so… peaceful. It’s like those perfect homes you see everywhere. If I was really honest, I would say I was jealous. Jealous of his perfect life. He had everything he could ever want and more.


         Daydreaming a bit more, I was slapped back into reality when the Albino from yesterday sneaked up behind me.


         “So you actually decided to stay. Gut for you, or should I say gut for Luddy.” He wiggled his eyebrows perversely and patted Ludwig’s back.


         “Will you knock it off! She’s not my girlfriend! She’s not my anything, so just stop it already. The only reason she’s here is to help me take down the biggest criminals of all time.” He puffed out angrily.


         Ouch. I know it was coming, but it still stung. He was just like them. They only had me around so they could use me. Well, at least he doesn’t hit me. At least, not yet.


         “Not cool Lud. I don’t care what this girl has done to you, but you will respect her.”


         That was shocking; this guy didn't look like he had such high morals. He held his chin up high and walked back to me.


         “So, what would you like to eat?” He gave me a wide smile, encouraging me to speak.


         Swallowing a wise-ass remark, I simply stated, “Some pancakes would be nice.”


         “Coming right up! I know a friend who makes the best ones ever.”


         After trying some, I had to admit, they were some of the best ones ever. But there’s no need to tell them that.


         Ludwig cleared his throat, and looking me straight in the eye, he said, “Now that you’ve eaten, let’s get to business. First off, let’s start with were their location is at.”


         “How about no. There’s a nice boutique down Marienplatz. If I’m going to stay here, I need a new outfit. Maybe even three or four.” I closed my eyes and smirked. If he wanted the honey, he had to show me the money.


          Scoffing, he said, “You’re crazy! There’s no way-”


         “Fine, have it your way. But don’t be complaining if I reek of dead things after wearing the same thing every single day. Maybe you could attract F.A.C.E through my smell.” I put my elbows on the table and leaned on my hand. I really wanted to see his response to that.


          He dragged his hand down his chiseled face. This is going to be a lot of fun.


….
          We got into his car, and he put on his seat belt and stared at me.


          “What?” Was there something on my face?


          “Article thirteen, section two, ‘All officers of the law shall follow all public laws and regulations without determent.’ That includes wearing your seatbelt.”


          He reached over and tightly belted me in. Gosh, how much more anal can you get? What next, is he going to give me a lecture on civic duty?


          Rolling my eyes, I watched as the lovely houses turned into elegant stores and restaurants. Each shop was unique and sophisticated, and I could only drool as some of the lovely dresses were displayed on the white mannequins. I must’ve looked like a kid in the candy story, because it wasn’t long until I heard Ludwig laughing at my expression.


         “Well sorry for not be used high society. Not all of us have your perfect life.” I frowned as his good humor slowly started to vanish.


          He looked shocked by my statement. Shocked, and hurt. He said nothing as he parked and opened the door for me. I was greeted by silence as he took my elbow and led me to the first store.


         “Look, I’m sorry. Whatever I’ve done, I’m sorry.”


         “You don’t have to apologize, now hurry up and pick something.” He gave a small smile, and it made me feel tons better. It worried me though; I could not fall for this guy. My world would be over if it ever happened.


….
         “Seriously! You’ve tried every single article of clothing in every single store we’ve been to! You have more than enough clothing to last you a life time! Now let’s go!” He rubbed at his temples furiously as I spun around in a beautifully tailored yellow dress.


         “Aw, lighten up! I can’t even remember the last time I’ve been on a shopping spree, much less when I didn’t have to pay for it. Besides, a girl’s gotta look good! Don’t you think? I can’t help you take down F.A.C.E looking like a hobo, now can I?” I gave one last twirl and smiled sweetly at Ludwig.


          “So, what do you think?” I stepped in front of him, waiting for his critique. His face turned cherry red and he turned away from me.


          “It looks nice, now let’s go.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me to the cash register. The lady looked from me to the dress. Shrugging her shoulders, she scanned that tag. Ludwig paid and mumbled a thank you.


          He was still grumpy as we stepped into his car. After putting on our seat belts, he looked at me and said, “Thank you.”


         Confused, I asked, “For what?”


         “I don’t know if you realized it, but in the store you said you were going to help me.”



Blushing, I realized my error and mumbled, “Don’t thank me just yet. It may be my fault if you end up killed.”


He gave another rare smile. “You know, I just can’t bring myself to believe that.”