Bold and in Italics- German

Italicized- French

Normal- English

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I slid threw the flour that had spilled from earlier — quickly moving about the small kitchen cleaning up as much of the mess I could before the timer went off. My heart was beating a mile a minute as I frantically threw dishes into the sink and wiped down the counters.

My apron hadn't done its job for my pastel blue dress was covered in flour. I would have to worry about that later; right now, I needed to clean up. A glance at my wristwatch resulted in me cursing under my breath. They would be here in a mere five minutes. I could hope they would be late.

My fingers wrapped around the metal bar of the stove and I thrust it open, hot air blew in my face and fogged my glasses I ignored it and reached for the pan with a clothed hand. I set the scorching hot pan on the counter, kicked the stove shut and wiped my glasses clean with a swift handle of my hanker chief.

My eyes darted to the front door of the bakery when I heard an engine. My heart dropped. They were here! I quickly piled the cookies into a metal container noticing at the last minute that it was a Christmas container from home. I set the tin onto the counter, shoved the apron behind the counter pushed my glasses up and waited.

A car door slammed. Two more followed and I wondered how many were coming in. My fingers fixed my hair, and I stiffened when I felt the flour and the crust it made around my dark red curls.

My bakery was located in the heart of Paris' markets. I had come to own it from my Father, who had died five years ago to a heart attack. I had come from America to care for it after he was buried. It was a quaint little shop, very warming.

A sitting area was beside the window in the front, and a few tables were to the far left. My father's Grandfather clock ticked the seconds by as I waited for the bell to ring.

Ding!

My eyes shot to the door as it was swung open, and the men in the green/grayish uniforms stepped through. They were tall and intimidating. I swallowed hard as they eyed me like I was some edible food. Their metals were scarce, and I realized they were probably low on the totem pole. Their heels clinked hard against the wooden floor as they made haste towards me.

"Are you, Miss Gallagher?" The one on the left had spoken. My German was spotty, but I understood him well enough and answered to the best of my knowledge.

"Yes, Sir, " I said. The one on the right who hadn't spoken only grunted and I flushed under his gaze- it was dark and cold his blue eyes narrowing at me into slits. Scared of having them in my store any longer than necessary, I reached for the box, and my sudden movements shocked them because the one to my right shot his hand out. It engulfed my wrist tightly, and I gasped wincing as he twisted it.

"Do not move!"  He sneered.

"I mean no harm," I strained as his hold tightened. He pulled me forward against the counter, squinting his eyes.

"Does not mean we will show you the same, right Boris?" His voice was low, and I shuddered as his cold eyes traveled to my chest before glancing at his counterpart who chuckled and nodded.

"You're hurting me, please!" I cried out in broken German.

Both men seemed to find my pleads humorous because they began to laugh. I watched in horror, confused about how it was so funny. My wrist screamed in pain as his fingernails dug in, and I took my chance. Using my other hand, I pinched at his skin with my nails, and he cried out in shock, releasing me to nurse his wounded flesh.

I was thrown back into the stove, my back making contact with the metal bar. I hissed as the corner jabbed into my hip, and looked up into angry eyes and a raised hand. A shriek escaped me as I readied myself for the blow.

"What the hell is going on here?" They immediately went to attention saluting the man who was now visible.

He was in the black uniform — his white gloves and various metals a stark contrast against the black. He was beautiful- I hate to admit, his eyes were a striking blue. His slightly tanned skin blended with his sandy blond hair. Loose strands of hair perfectly framed his oval-shaped head. Wide blue eyes brought out his natural beauty, and I couldn't help but stare. His thick light eyebrows showed content, but friendly at the same time. His jaw was masculine and square it was clenched tightly in irritation as he eyed his men.

Neither had answered him, and he seemed not to like to be ignored in front of a witness for his next words were harsher, louder, and well out of my knowledge of German.

"Did not you hear me? I will not be ignored. Answer me!" His voice was deep and filled with hate as he yelled. I watched his lips as he spoke. They were full and light pink. I swallowed hard letting my gaze travel over all of the things fastened to his uniform. None of it interested me; I only wanted to stop looking at his face, glancing at his collar. I noticed three silver pips and two silver stripes on a black collar patch, and the SS patch on his left. It dawned on me instantly that he was a Captain. His men had answered him while I was busy ogling him. Feeling eyes on me, I glanced at the two lower ranks who were watching me with hate before I locked eyes with the man with the strong jaw.

"Did you lay a hand on my officer?" His voice demanded as he had already asked me once. I frowned not understanding what he had said.

"I know a little German," I told him meekly. I was heating up under his gaze. He studied me his eyes raking over my body. They dropped to my chest then back up to my eyes. He seemed to give up sighing and pinching his nose.

Gesturing to the two, he spoke, "Grab what I came for, and we will be on our way."

The one whom I had pinched looked at me, "Cookies?"

That I understood entirely, reaching for the very case that he had reacted too. He seemed embarrassed and glanced at Boris, who just grinned. I handed him the canister, and he nodded.

"Goodbye," The Captain said, spinning on his heel with his two lackeys following close behind. The bell rang signaling they had left, and I let out a sigh.

I hope that this is the last time I ever have to make Schnecke for these Nazi Bastards.