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"I'll take a longer lunch, I have some things I need to take care of as well." It was a smooth lie that slid off my tongue like butter.
"Enjoy your time then, just don't be late." Stepan almost sounded as if he was disappointed with how his voice dipped a little.
With a small wave, I quickly removed myself from the chair, darted across the room, and slipped through the door after cracking it just enough.
Fucking hell, that was suffocating.
I hadn't realized how heavily his energy weighed on me until I was safely on the other side of the door.
A part of me wanted to challenge him back there.
'I suggest you take the chance I'm giving you.'
I silently mocked him under my breath as I made my way out of the building. I mean, just who in the hell does he think he is? Giving me the chance? Basically giving me permission like some petulant child. Damn asshole.
God, maybe this job would be a mistake.
Well, too late now, because no way in hell was I backing out of this trial. I ain't no fucking quitter, even if my potential boss was a hot asshole.
Chapter 6
Stepan
At least her control seemed impeccable, so I have to give her props there.
Her irritation was clear by how the corner of her lip twitched with her clenching jaw when I pressed her. This wouldn't be the end of it, though. I needed to test her boundaries to see where the break would be. I didn't need some impulsive worker who would cause me more trouble than benefits. Hanna was a wildcard from my research when I called around to her sources. Everyone boasted about her skills and abilities, but they were consistent about how unpredictable she could be with a very sharp tongue.
"What's on your mind?" Lev's voice rumbled in the air, disturbing the silent peace that had filled my office for minutes after Hanna left. "You don't think she's a cop, right?"
"Honestly? No, unless she's a very stupid cop. But, no, I really don't think so. But, there is something we're missing when it comes to her." My chest rose and fell heavily as I ran a hand down my face and rested it on my chin. "Unless she's some damn secret billionaire, there's no way she should have the resources she did, so we're missing something big."
Her sources and access to things amazed me because they were almost as good as our connections, ones we've obtained through our bratva reputation and rather questionable means. Was that what we had missed? Was she mafia? No, it wouldn't make sense for her to work for me if she was. Unless she was sent as a spy, which would be a risky and stupid.
"Look into her sources. I want to know how she made her connection with them." If I couldn't dig up anymore through electronic records, then I'd just have to go at it the old-fashioned way after Lev was done.
Releasing another heavy exhale through my nose, I stood from my chair and ran a hand through my hair. "See what you can dig up until we have to meet back up with her. I am going to see what our little mouse is up to."
"Our little mouse? Nah, you mean rat." Lev corrected me with an amused chuckle before getting up from the couch himself.
"Oh please, give her a little more credit. A rat is disgusting, and she's not." I remarked in a light tone before making my way out of the office.
It didn't take me long to locate and tail her from a distance. I probably wouldn't be catching her doing something nefarious, but any little peek into her life was better than none right now since I knew very little about her.
As much as I expected, nothing exciting. All Hanna did was go to a few stores, specifically a makeup store, a grocery store, and a little sandwich shop.
Hanna did take a quick detour to her place before she made her way to our designated meeting spot, but I already knew where she lived because the address was on file. I knew it was a shady part of town when I saw it on her paperwork, but to walk into the area was a stark reminder for me as to how shitty it really was.
The fact Hanna lived in such a place unsettled me. Even if she seemed more than capable of handling herself, this was no place for anyone to settle for one night—let alone on a daily basis. God, I wish I could whisk her away from this place into a more decent area—like my place. I doubt she would like that very much, if any.
Squaring my shoulders and plastering a friendly smile, I approached Hanna from the side. "Early, I like it." I mused with a faint chuckle. "Do you want to grab something to drink from the cafe?" I offered with a slight nod towards the small, bustling business.
"Hmm I guess something to pep me up wouldn't hurt. Where's Lev?" She replied after tapping her plush lips in thought for a quick moment.
It was hard to hold back the smirk from pulling at the corners of my lips as I replied to her. "Oh, he's busy, so you'll be with just me for the remainder of the time." I quite liked that it would just be me and her, but I couldn't help the tinge of jealousy towards Lev because of her question.
Perhaps it was a mistake to have Lev stay behind because his presence might have eased her walls since the two seemed to be on the same playing field. Honestly, I was a little surprised at how they didn't tear at each other during the interview given how much tension choked at the air. Also, given how similar they were as individuals, I was surprised their impulsiveness didn't take over.
"So, just surveillance?" Hanna asked, looking up at me with a quirked brow as we stood in line.
