Terror Ship
Page 15
Damon quickly approaches her, hesitates, then unzips the dress.  He steps away from her.  Harley carelessly removes her dress and tosses it to the floor.  Damon eyes her with some surprise and takes another step back.  He appears uncomfortable and removes her shoulder holster from the bed.  He nervously fiddles with the straps to adjust the fit for her.  Harley slips into a shirt and a pair of pants.  She grabs a pair of sneakers and quickly slips into them.  She glances at Damon while she ties her shoelaces.  He continues to fiddle with the shoulder holster and avoids looking at her.  His discomfort is obvious.  Harley snorts a soft laugh.

                                                                                HARLEY
                                        So you're a ruthless henchman and a gentleman.  Quite a contradiction.

Damon casts a glance at her then returns his attention to the shoulder holster straps.

                                                                                DAMON
                                        I never said I was a henchman.

                                                                                HARLEY
                                        Well, you're certainly not an everyday bodyguard.

                                                                                DAMON
                                        I retired from a lengthy career with the Marines last year and didn't know what to
                                        do with myself.  I thought being a bodyguard might be something I'd enjoy.
                                                                                (pause)
                                        But baby sitting disrespectful rich men using their power and influence to seduce
                                        innocent women isn't really my idea of entertainment.

Harley studies him a moment then manages a tiny smile.

                                                                                HARLEY
                                        You've certainly described your current boss to the letter.

Damon snorts a soft laugh.

                                                                                DAMON
                                        Yeah, he's a real winner all right.
                                                                                (tiny smile)
                                        For the record, I knew he didn't have a chance in hell with you.

                                                                                HARLEY
                                                                                (humored)
                                        What brought you to that conclusion?

Harley removes the shoulder holster from him and slips into it.

                                                                                DAMON
                                        You had the wrong attitude for his games.

                                                                                HARLEY
                                        Ironic, isn't it?  What I had considered to be the most important moment in
                                        entire career suddenly means absolutely nothing to me.

                                                                                DAMON
                                        Yes, life is full of bittersweet irony.
                                                                                (pause)
                                        We'd better go.

Harley grabs her jacket and slips into it.  Damon retrieves her rifle.  Harley studies him a moment and smiles.

                                                                                HARLEY
                                        Damon--

Damon glances at her with a curious look.  Harley moves closer to him and appears timid.

                                                                                HARLEY
                                        I never had a chance to thank you for saving me back there.

Damon snorts a soft laugh.

                                                                                DAMON
                                        Save my life and we'll call it even.

Harley takes a step closer to him and stares into his eyes.

                                                                                HARLEY
                                        No, I want to thank you.

Harley places her hands on his shoulders and kisses him warmly on the lips.  She pulls back and meets his gaze.

                                                                                HARLEY
                                        Thank you.
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