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Change Your Outside Space: The Ultimate Guide to Landscaping

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When it concerns creating a lovely and welcoming outdoor space, landscaping plays an important role. Whether you have a tiny yard or a substantial yard, applying the right landscape design methods can entirely transform the look of your residential property. From picking the perfect plants and trees to creating paths and setting up exterior lighting, there are limitless possibilities to enhance your outdoor atmosphere. In this post, we will certainly discover the principles of landscaping and supply you with ideas and ideas to aid you produce your own outdoor oasis.Landscaping is not nearly appearances, but additionally regarding functionality and sustainability. By incorporating aspects such as native plants, water-saving watering systems, and environmentally friendly products, you can develop a landscape that is not just aesthetically enticing yet likewise ecologically aware. In addition, appropriate landscaping can add worth to your property and improve its visual charm. Whether you are a skilled garden enthusiast or a newbie enthusiast, this post will certainly assist you with the vital actions of landscaping, equipping you to produce a backyard heaven that you can appreciate for many years ahead.

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Catching Minutes: Checking Out the Art and Significance of Photography

Photography is an effective medium that has the ability to ice up a moment in time, catching emotions, tales, and memories that can be cherished for a life time. Whether it's a stunning landscape, a candid portrait, or a vibrant road scene, digital photography permits us to see the world from a different point of view and connect with the experiences and feelings of others.In today's

busy world, digital photography has come to be much more obtainable than ever previously. With the surge of mobile phones and social media platforms, every person is currently a potential digital photographer, documenting their lives and sharing their unique viewpoints with the world. This democratization of photography has not just enabled a varied variety of voices and point of views to be heard but has actually likewise cultivated a better admiration for the art type itself.Beyond its artistic

value, photography plays a critical function in maintaining background and society. Photos have the power to document significant occasions, inform untold tales, and shed light on social issues. They work as aesthetic records that can enlighten, inspire, and provoke adjustment. From photojournalism catching the truths of battle and problem to documentary digital photography clarifying ecological issues, photography has the capability to increase recognition and stir up discussions on vital worldwide topics.In final thought,

photography is not nearly taking photos; it is regarding capturing minutes, emotions, and tales that shape our world. It is an art type that enables us to reveal ourselves, get in touch with others, and protect history. So, whether you are a specialist digital photographer, an amateur lover, or merely somebody who appreciates the power of a well-captured photo, let us commemorate the elegance and importance of photography in all its types.

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Understanding Anxiousness: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Coping Strategies

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Paragraph 1: Anxiousness is a common psychological health problem that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is defined by sensations of too much worry, anxiety, and unease. While it is normal to experience occasional anxiousness in action to difficult scenarios, chronic or extreme stress and anxiety can considerably influence an individual's well-being and quality of life. This article aims to supply a detailed understanding of stress and anxiety by exploring its reasons, signs, and effective coping strategies.Paragraph 2: The causes

of stress and anxiety can vary from person to individual, however usual triggers consist of genes, brain chemistry, traumatic life experiences, and continuous anxiety. Signs and symptoms of anxiousness can manifest both literally and emotionally, with people commonly experiencing quick heart beat, shortness of breath, uneasyness, irritation, excessive sweating, and trouble concentrating. It is necessary to identify these signs and look for specialist help when necessary. Luckily, there are various dealing approaches that can aid take care of anxiousness, such as practicing relaxation strategies, participating in regular workout, maintaining a healthy and balanced way of living, looking for therapy or counseling, and using medication if suggested by a health care expert. By carrying out these approaches, individuals can effectively minimize anxiety degrees and enhance their overall health.

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Understanding the Art of Online Marketing: Strategies for Success

Comprehending the Power of Web Marketing

Web advertising and marketing has revolutionized the method organizations get in touch with their target audience. In today's electronic age, having a solid on-line visibility and efficient advertising and marketing strategies is critical for success. Net advertising encompasses a wide variety of tasks, consisting of search engine optimization (SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION), social networks advertising, content marketing, e-mail marketing, and also much more. It permits services to get to a global target market, develop brand awareness, create leads, as well as drive conversions. Nevertheless, with the ever-evolving digital landscape, it is necessary to remain upgraded with the current patterns as well as strategies to maximize the capacity of web marketing.Key Methods

for Effective Online Marketing

To grow in the competitive globe of net marketing, services require to establish a detailed approach that lines up with their objectives as well as target audience. Firstly, developing an aesthetically appealing and also user-friendly internet site is important. This offers as the structure for all other online marketing initiatives. It must be optimized for internet search engine, tons swiftly, as well as supply beneficial as well as interesting material. Furthermore, organizations must take advantage of social media sites platforms to get in touch with their audience, share pertinent content, and also construct relationships. Paid advertising and marketing, such as pay-per-click (PPC) projects, can additionally work in driving targeted web traffic to a website. Finally, services need to focus on creating premium content that enlightens, delights, as well as involves their target audience. This can consist of article, video clips, infographics, and more. By continually giving beneficial web content, services can position themselves as industry thought leaders and also build trust with their audience.In conclusion, online marketing is a powerful tool that organizations can take advantage of to grow their brand name and drive results. By understanding its power as well as implementing key techniques, organizations can stand out in the electronic space as well as achieve their advertising goals. As the digital landscape remains to develop, it is vital to stay updated with the most recent trends and adjust techniques accordingly. With the appropriate approach, services can master the art of web marketing as well as unlock its full capacity.

Read more here Chief Information Security Officer

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Opening the Potential of Internet Marketing: Approaches for Success

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In today's electronic age, online marketing has actually become a crucial device for services of all sizes. With the substantial bulk of consumers now looking to the net to study products, make acquiring decisions, as well as engage with brands, it is essential for businesses to harness the power of online marketing to remain appropriate and affordable. Web marketing includes a large range of methods, consisting of seo (SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION), content marketing, social media advertising and marketing, e-mail advertising and marketing, and much more. By properly leveraging these devices, organizations can reach their target market, drive web traffic to their websites, create leads, and also eventually improve sales and revenue.One of the key

benefits of online marketing is its capability to supply companies with a global reach. Unlike conventional forms of advertising and marketing, which are frequently restricted to a certain geographical area, web advertising enables businesses to get in touch with prospective consumers from around the globe. This opens new chances for growth and also growth, as businesses can touch right into previously untapped markets. Furthermore, web marketing offers a higher degree of measurability as well as analytics, allowing organizations to track as well as examine the efficiency of their advertising and marketing campaigns in real-time. This data-driven method allows companies to make enlightened decisions, optimize their advertising techniques, and optimize their roi (ROI). In today's hyper-competitive company landscape, internet marketing is no more a choice but a necessity for businesses wanting to flourish and also do well in the digital age.

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The Importance of Dental Care: Making Certain a Pleased, Healthy Smile

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Dental treatment is an essential element of our general health and wellness and well-being. Yet, it is frequently neglected or overlooked by numerous people. It is essential to understand that correct dental hygiene goes beyond simply brushing your teeth two times a day. Routine dental check-ups and cleanings play an essential role in maintaining a pleased, healthy smile. Overlooking oral treatment can lead to a host of problems, including tooth decay, periodontal condition, as well as even systemic wellness issues.Regular visits to the

dental practitioner not only aid in the very early detection and avoidance of oral troubles however also add to much better total health and wellness. Dental experts are educated professionals that can identify as well as treat oral concerns before they intensify right into more substantial troubles. They thoroughly clean your teeth, removing plaque and also tartar build-up, which can create tooth cavities as well as gum tissue illness. In addition, dental check-ups provide an opportunity to resolve any worries or concerns you may have concerning your oral health, guaranteeing that you are armed with the knowledge as well as devices to maintain a healthy and balanced smile at home.Paragraph 2: Past the preventive facet, appropriate dental treatment also consists of taking on excellent dental hygiene practices at house. Cleaning your teeth extensively with a fluoride tooth paste at the very least two times a day as well as flossing daily are crucial actions in preserving healthy gum tissues and also teeth. It is additionally vital to take note of your diet as well as prevent extreme usage of sugary and acidic foods and also drinks, which can erode tooth enamel as well as bring about cavities.Moreover, oral treatment encompasses various other elements of dental health and wellness, such as resolving malocclusions or misalignments of the teeth as well as jaws.

Orthodontic treatments, such as dental braces or clear aligners, can not only improve your smile yet likewise enhance your bite and also total oral function. Dealing with your dental wellness from a very early age is crucial, as it sets the foundation for a life time of strong and healthy and balanced teeth.In conclusion, dental treatment is not just about appearances; it is an essential part of maintaining oral health and wellness and also total well-being. By focusing on regular dental check-ups, adopting correct dental hygiene practices in the house, as well as attending to any kind of oral issues promptly, you can ensure a delighted, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.

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Letting loose the Power of Leadership: Inspiring Others to Reach Their Full Potential

Paragraph 1: Leadership is not simply a title or a placement; it is a state of mind and also a collection of skills that can transform people, companies, and also also whole neighborhoods. Efficient leaders have the capacity to influence, inspire, and also overview others in the direction of attaining meaningful objectives. Whether it is in the work environment, in social circles, or within families, management plays a critical role in driving progress and also cultivating positive change. In this blog article, we will certainly explore the essence of management, its vital top qualities, as well as just how it can be established to unlock the complete capacity of people and also teams.Paragraph 2: While some people may have all-natural management abilities, the truth is that leadership can be learned and cultivated. It includes a mix of self-awareness, psychological knowledge, communication skills, and the capability to make challenging choices. Effective leaders are not just skilled at setting a clear vision and also objectives yet additionally at empowering and also sustaining their employee to achieve them. They lead by instance, showing stability, strength, and a commitment to constant growth and enhancement. In enhancement, they understand the importance of constructing solid connections, promoting partnership, as well as developing a favorable and also comprehensive job setting. By buying leadership growth, people as well as companies can create a ripple effect that not just boosts productivity and also success but also inspires others to come to be leaders themselves.

Read more here Belief

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5 Simple Ways to Kickstart Your Personal Development Journey

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Personal development is everything about buying oneself to enhance abilities, expertise, and general lifestyle. It's concerning taking the time to mirror, learn, and also grow as an individual. If you're looking to kickstart your personal growth trip, here are 5 easy ways to start:1. Set objectives: Recognize what you intend to accomplish and set realistic objectives to work in the direction of. Damage them down right into smaller sized, achievable actions to assist you remain inspired and also make development.2.

Read as well as find out: Take time to read books, articles, and blogs on subjects that interest you. This will certainly aid widen your knowledge and subject you to originalities and also point of views.3.

Practice self-care: Self-care is essential for both physical as well as psychological wellness. Make time for activities that make you really feel excellent, such as exercise, meditation, or hanging out with enjoyed ones.4.

Look for feedback: Request for comments from others to assist recognize areas for enhancement as well as deal with developing new skills.5.

Reflect and also adjust: Take some time to mirror on your development and also change your objectives as well as techniques as required. Personal development is a trip, as well as it's important to be adaptable and adaptable along the way.By following these easy actions, you can start your individual advancement trip as well as start working towards accomplishing your goals and also boosting your total lifestyle. Remember, individual growth is a long-lasting process, so hold your horses, stay dedicated, as well as take pleasure in the journey!

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Simple Ways To Get Rid Of Pests

Pest control is a topic that most people must become familiar at one point or another due to an unexpected infestation. Information is the key to managing the thorny dilemma common pests can pose. Apply the advice that follows and prepare to be victorious when confronting pests within your own home.

Make sure that your house is sealed at all times so that the bugs from the outside cannot get in. You can place a rubber barrier under your doormat, which is a common entryway of bugs from the outside. This will help to seal your house so that bugs cannot come in and disrupt you.

If you notice that there are mice lurking around the house, set up a mouse trap. Peanut butter is the best thing that you can use to lure the mice in, as this will help to catch them. Try to place many of these around the house to increase your chances of catching it.

Do not assume that pests are completely gone just because you have not seen any. If your exterminator wants to come back for a follow-up, you should follow their advice. There is a good chance that there is still a small population in your home that could have come from eggs, so listen to the professional and stick to the follow-up appointment.

One of the ways that you can reduce the amount of centipedes and bugs in your house is to get a dehumidifier. This device will help to take the moisture out of the air, which is an environment that bugs love to go to. This will help to curtail your bug problem in the summer.

Never buy a home without a thorough pest inspection first. There is now way of knowing the type of pest is actually hiding unless you've stayed inside the home.

If you want to avoid attracting small rodents, bugs and other pests, you want to be careful what you leave sitting around. Make sure that food is put away into containers and stored properly. Also make sure that crumbs are cleaned up and garbage is put away. A lack of attraction will surely keep those pests away.

Do you feel like you can take a proactive stance when it comes to the pests in your home now? Go ahead and start implementing the advice you've read, and you will notice how much of an improvement it brings. Continue to learn, and you will take back your home.

Read more here wildlife removal services near me

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‘guns for hire’ — behind the mask #1

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synopsis — leo’s life is turned upside down when he sees his boss getting murdered. what’s worse, was that he witnessed the mercenary behind the hit taking off his mask, and saw his face. leo promises not to go to the police with his identity, but the mercenary decides it’s not worth letting him go.

content warnings: minor character death, murder, use of guns, blood, failed escape attempt, manhandling, non-con drugging, slightly intimate whumper

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Leo was tired.

Exhaustion lay upon his skin like a disease, weighing the dark circles under his eyes.

It wasn’t unusual for his boss, the CEO of the company, to stay late like this. It also wasn’t unusual that Leo, his secretary, was also forced to stay late alongside him, to do the occasional coffee run and complete any new work he deemed necessary. He knew his boss, Jacob Williams, was capable of surviving the night without him, but insisted on Leo staying too.

A quiet, involuntary sigh slipped past his lips, jabbing the buttons on the coffee machine lazily. It whirred, a steaming black liquid filling the cup. 

It was almost three in the morning, and Leo was dying to go home. It was still the weekday, and that meant a bright and early start the next morning. It wasn’t easy to replace a secretary for the day, and his boss was a strict man. 

Too strict, and maybe a little cruel, but despite his small frame and height, Leo was a lot studier than he looked. 

Wedging the plastic lid on top of the cup, the blond haired man was satisfied with the finished product, swiveling on his heel to return to Jacob’s office. He speculated he would have enough time to complete his tasks before he finished the drink, and mentally prepared to throw himself into his work. 

He was severely overworked, and he couldn’t wait to collapse into the comfort of his own bed, wrapped in his blankets. 

The thoughts made his eyes droop, watching the elevator doors close. 

It was pleasant to stretch his legs and give his weary brain a rest, and a change of scenery always worked well in massaging those tight knots in his brain. The melodic beeping sound cut him from his trance, the automated voice ringing out through his skull, informing him of the number of the top floor. The doors spread open, and Leo stepped out, loosening his tie slightly.

A loud banging noise caught his attention, his head whipping to the left in surprise. The office desks were completely empty, the chairs tucked in and computers switched off. Only the dim ceiling light was left on, as well as that eerie feeling of being alone in a huge building. 

Leo’s stomach rolled with dread. 

It was only him and Jacob here, and possibly a janitor, if they hadn’t left already. It seemed the sound had come from his boss’ office, the blinds snapped shut and door open a jar. His shoes were muffled against the carpet as he skittishly approached the room, glancing at his own desk on the way. It was exactly how he left it, except…

A frown graced his brows, reaching forward and setting his picture frame right. 

It seemed to have fallen over, and he was grateful the glass hadn’t cracked. Was that what made the noise? He stared at the picture of his mother, but turned towards the door in dismissal. Leo was more than happy to finish the day. He gripped the handle, pushing it open slightly. He could hear faint voices, and he froze. 

Was Jacob talking to someone on the phone? He couldn’t be. Calls got redirected to Leo automatically. Out of curiosity and respect, he silently nudged the door open further, giving him a better view. 

What he saw made his blood run cold. 

There was somebody else in the room, dressed up in black and a mask covering his face. He was pointing a gun. He was pointing it directly at Jacob. The man was shaking behind the desk, tears streaming down his cheeks uncontrollably. His lips were quivering, no doubt trying to form words. It was the most emotion the stoic man had ever shown; he looked absolutely terrified.

The masked man seemed to say something, too quiet for Leo’s eavesdropping ears, tilting his gun. Jacob’s eyes widened, shaking his head widely. 

Leo heard his voice rise in a pique of panicked desperation. “No, wait, please.” 

Then there was a sickening bang, and Leo slapped a hand over his mouth. He suppressed the urge not to let out a horrific scream, watching in horror as Jacob’s body slammed against the cabinet behind him, before dropping to the ground lifelessly. Splatters of blood littered the glass in streaks, pooling onto the carpet by his lifeless body. Nausea stirred in the pit of Leo’s belly, tears pricking at his eyes. 

He’d just been shot. Jacob had just been shot. 

The secretary’s breath hitched in his throat, panic gripping him. God, was he going to die too? 

The masked man’s shoulders heaved with a sigh, before he slid the gun into his belt wrapped around his waist. Those gloved fingers dipped under the fabric of his mask, before slipping it off his head, revealing tousled black hair. He pressed the back of his hand against his forehead wearily.

Leo didn’t see anymore than that. His feet staggered backwards, knocking the coffee cup with the heel of his shoe, causing him to flinch violently. He didn’t remember dropping it, but the black liquid was staining the floor under his feet, specks of steam rising into the air.

He felt a wave of dizziness slam into him, sending him into his desk. He threw his arms out to steady himself, whirling around in terror. He snatched the phone, his fingers barely even finding enough strength to punch in three digits on the black body. He pressed the cold object against his ear, the piercing rings vibrating through his skull. He could hardly keep his breathing under control. 

He couldn’t stop replaying that moment, where the gun had gone off, and the bullet had embedded straight through his skull. The blood that followed, the useless slump of his body and the noise it made when he hit the floor. Leo felt tears burn in his eyes. 

God, he didn’t want to die. He really didn’t want to die. 

The door was pulled open, and Leo whirled around, his heart lodged in his throat. The killer stepped outside, but he instantly halted as his eyes landed on the secretary. A shudder raced down Leo’s spine when a female voice rang in his ear. 

“911, what’s your emergency?” 

He pressed himself against the desk, the edge digging into his hip so hard, he was sure it would bruise. The words couldn’t leave his lips, clogged in his throat.

The man’s eyes were piercing, slicing straight through him, leaving him paralised to the spot. It felt like he was being stared down by the grim reaper himself. His face was still in clear view. He hadn’t even put the mask back on. Leo’s bottom lip quivered, heart banging against his ribs. 

The man blinked, before his brows relaxed, and he slowly reached for his belt. He pulled out the gun, and when the barrel pointed in his direction, Leo almost burst into tears. 

“Hello?” 

The killer raised a brow, nudging his gun downwards. The command made his stomach sink to his boots. Leo opened his mouth to speak, but the man’s gloved finger thumbed at the metal contraption, and a sharp clicking sound pierced through the air like a bullet. The sound alone spurred Leo into action, fumbling to slam the phone back down into its slot on his desk. A trembling sigh left his lips, feeling a hot tear bead down his cheek. 

The man’s lip quirked into a small smirk. “There we go.”

The secretary’s hands were shaking as he lifted them weakly into the air, sticking close to his desk. The mercenary reached up to something on his shoulder, pushing his fingers against it. A loud crackling sound was heard.

“We have a bit of a problem,” he sighed. His voice was smooth, and it was making Leo shiver. “Can you make room for another?”

There was a muffled voice on the other end as Leo’s breathing picked up. Make room for another? What did that mean? The man released the communication device, redirecting his attention straight back to him. Leo’s eyes instantly flickered to the ground, pinching them shut.

“I-I didn’t see your face,” he shakily whispered.

The man scoffed in amusement. “It’s a bit late for that.”

“I won’t tell the cops, I promise! Please!”

“You just called them.” He raised a brow. “How can I trust you?”

Leo dissolved into a series of more tears. It felt like the gun was burning a hole straight through his forehead, unable to stop imagining that small bullet embedding in his brain. He shook his head from side to side. “I promise, I-I promise, please just let me go...”

The mercenary hummed, his eyes lacking any sort of compassion. He head turned aside for a moment, surveying his surrounding with one languid sweep. His heavy boots trailed along the carpet, coaxing Leo from his paranoid state. He cracked open one eye, too afraid any movement would cause the man to shoot him.

He gripped the back of one of the chairs, jerking it out from under the desk. The wheels smoothly rolled across the carpet as he swivelled it towards him, back facing Jacob’s chair. His gloved hand patted the top, nudging the gun firmly.

“Sit.”

Leo didn’t need to be told twice. It took him a few horrible seconds to force his legs to move, staggering under his own weight. His fingers dug into the arm of the chair as he lowered himself down, shoulders tense. He half expected to feel the gun on the back of his skull, and a jarring pain before darkness, but the mercenary strode in front of him instead, gun hanging limply from his fingers.

Leo pressed his hands into his lap.

“You’re the secretary, aren’t you?” The man asked, his eyes flickering towards him. His mouth flopped open uselessly, before he quickly nodded his head. The man’s expression tightened.

“You weren’t supposed to be here,” he sighed, nonchalantly rubbing the gun against the side of his head. Maybe with some luck, he might accidentally shoot himself. “I didn’t see you when I disabled the cameras. How annoying. Where were you hiding?”

The gun tipped in his direction. Leo’s breath hitched in panic.

“Getting coffee!” He practically shrieked, pressing his back into the chair. “M-Mr Williams sent me on a coffee run, p-please don’t kill me!”

The mercenary’s eyes landed on the discarded coffee cup on the floor, before sliding back up to Leo’s pale face. He dragged his hand across his forehead, lowering the gun to slide it back into his belt. The secretary let out a trembling breath of relief, like a small weight had lifted off his shoulders.

“This is troublesome,” he groaned softly. “If you’d just stayed at your desk, this would have gone a lot smoother.”

Leo’s eyes widened in horror. The thought of never seeing the attack coming, throat being sliced from the shadows and soiling his own desk with blood. The mercenary seemed to read his thoughts easily.

“No, I wouldn’t have killed you,” he almost chuckled. “Just would’ve put you to sleep for a while. It’s always convenient to have somebody wake up and find the body. You got real unlucky, Mr Secretary; you even saw my face, too.”

He pulled out a bottle of liquid and a syringe from a pouch across his chest. Leo released a terrified sob, jolting in the chair. “No! Please, please don’t! I-I won’t tell, I swear, I won’t tell anybody, please!”

“Back in the seat,” the mercenary warned. Leo rigidly sank back, eyes burning with tears. He watched as the thin needle was pressed into the glass vial, and the plunger was slowly pulled outwards. He watched it fill the syringe, shaking in his boots.

“Please,” he croaked. The man ignored him.

“Like I said,” his voice echoed. “You weren’t supposed to be here tonight. I like to think I’m very thorough with my plans, so I find it odd you were in the right place, right time.”

He paused for a moment, pocketing the now empty vial. “Well, I guess now it would be wrong place, wrong time, huh?”

He took a step forward, and Leo’s heart began rising to his throat. The wheels on the chair stirred under his movement as his legs tensed underneath him. The accusation stabbed straight through his heart, scrambling against the arms of the chair.

“No,” he sobbed, careering backwards. “Don’t touch me!”

“Don’t make this any harder than it needs to be.”

The chair jerked backwards and when the mercenary was close enough to touch him, he struck him as hard as he could with his leg. He felt his shoe sink into his stomach, successfully knocking the wind out of his lungs. The syringe clattered to the ground, and Leo wheeled backwards, scrambling out of the chair as it smacked abruptly into the wall.

He knew it wouldn’t take long for a man that size to recover. He was stronger, broader and larger than Leo in every way shape and form, and he didn’t doubt he had a horrible chance of escaping from a hitman.

But he tried. Leo was a fast runner.

The adrenaline pumped through his veins in a merciless rush. His shoes were smacking against the hard ground, ricocheting up to his thighs, but he couldn’t care. Couldn’t think.

He reached the doorway and skidded around the corner, slamming into the wall. He leered off it like he had been burnt, using the sturdiness to give himself a firm boost. Just as he was about to begin his descent down the stairs, something firm wrapped around his waist, jerking him back. His feet swept off the ground and a second arm slipped around his neck, pulling him into a hard chest.

Leo let out a terrified scream and thrashed his limbs frantically, desperately, trying to tear free. He felt a gloved hand wind through his hair, yanking his temple painfully against the concrete wall. Leo saw stars burst across his vision as he was shoved violently into the ground, still flailing, still screaming for help.

He felt a burning pain shoot up his shoulder blades, the knee digging painfully into the flesh. His wrists were locked together by a single hand, twisting his arms back at an uncomfortable angle. Another pressed against his mouth, muffling his screams. He heard the mercenary sigh above him.

“Jesus, you’re quick!” He exclaimed, the grip on his wrists bruising. Leo only squirmed desperately, sobbing against his hand. “Did you do track at school? You really covered some ground there.”

The secretary pressed his head into the ground, shaking with fear. The man was far too strong to shake off, and he didn’t think he was going to get another chance for escape. The gloved hand slid from his mouth, and Leo did the only thing he could.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he wailed, dragging his shoes against the ground. “Please let me go! I-I won’t say...anything, just please let me go. I’m begging you!”

“Yeah, you are,” the mercenary shrugged. “But it’s not working.”

He felt a sharp jab in the side of his neck, tearing a pained gasp from his lips. A cold feeling starting spreading through his skin, causing a whimper to catch in his throat.

“No, no, please...” He whispered shakily, but the man wasn’t listening. There was another sharp crackling sound from the man’s shoulder.

“You here? I got another body, I’n gonna need you to—” He stopped, his voice becoming a little sharper. “No, not dead, a live one, you idiot. I can’t climb out the way I came with another person, can you...? Yes, the cameras. Can you get him to do that? No, look, how do you expect me to scale down the building with somebody on my shoulder? Right. Make it quick, there’s a chance the cops could be coming. I’ll...tell you later, get it done.”

Leo’s hearing was starting to go funny. A tingling sensation began building up right in the tips of his fingers, making him feel ridiculously sluggish. It looked like the walls were moving.

His movements quickly began to die down, until he could hardly gather enough strength to move anything at all. A small moan escaped his lips, his eyelids drooping. The mercenary’s weight lifted off him, turning him onto his back.

“That feels better, right? Like you’re floating on cloud nine,” he chuckled, a handsome grin gracing his lips. Leo whined softly as he was scooped off the ground, head rolling against the man’s chest. “Keep flying for a little bit. Just relax.”

So Leo did. He felt a gloved thumb brushing away the tears on his cheek, before his vision was completely consumed in a black mist.