“Are we just gonna pretend like you’re not in here?” she asked, staring into the shadows. “I know I’m not alone. I can smell your cologne.”
My brows arched reflexively. She wasn’t just a brave woman with a pretty face; she was also observant.
Remarkable!
My shoes scuffed against the concrete as I stepped out of the shadows, one hand in my pocket.
“So you’re the big bad wolf, huh?” She stared at me with contempt. “The one who sent his goons to kidnap a defenseless woman.” Her voice was steady, yet laced with disdain.
Silence.
“What do you want with me?”
“I’m not sure you understand how interrogations work,” I replied. “I’ll be asking the questions.”
She clenched her jaw.
“What’re you doing poking your nose in my business?”
She sneered, her lips curling into a faint smirk. “I’m a lawyer. It’s part of my job to look into criminal activity.”
“You think that makes you brave?”
“It has nothing to do with bravery,” she replied, glaring at me. “Some of us can’t stand monsters like you, and we’re dedicated to flushing evil from this world.”
I let out a dismissive scoff at the ridiculousness of her statement. “Yeah, good luck with that.”
“I can guarantee you, you’re not gonna be that tough when you stand before a judge, atoning for your crimes.”
Slowly, I began circling her chair. “Your faith in the justice system is remarkable…Kiera.” I swiped my fingers through her golden-brown hair. “But unfortunately, that’s not how things work in real life.”
“Is this the part where you tell me you own half the city, including the cops and the lawmakers?” The sarcasm in her tone couldn’t be more glaring. “Newsflash, you don’t.”
I stood in front of her again, a small smirk tugging at my mouth. “You underestimate the power of money. With enough, anyone can be bought.” I leaned in, my face mirroring hers. “Anyone.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” she replied through gritted teeth. “Not everyone is corrupt. Not all of us want your dirty money.” Her frown deepened.
Naïve girl. She had no idea how the world really worked. This wasn’t some Hollywood movie where the good guy always won. This was real life, where the good guys were trampled by men like me.
Everyone had a price. She didn’t know that yet. Or maybe she just didn’t want to accept it.
“You’re a criminal, and your place is behind bars,” she growled, eyes flashing with unfiltered hatred.
“Who’s gonna put me there, you?” I bent forward, my eyes boring into hers. “You’re like a tiny bug in the palm of my hand, and all I have to do is squash you.” My expression darkened, and my voice deepened.
She paused for a moment. “I’m not afraid of you.”
“You should be.” With that, I straightened, tucking my hand back into my pocket. “You’re out of your depth, little lawyer. I’d tread carefully if I were you.”
“Is that a threat?”
I fished out a cigarette from the pack in my pocket, set it between my lips, and sparked it. “Why threaten you when I can snuff out your life in a single breath?”
Silence.
She didn’t speak another word, didn’t break eye contact either. She just glared at me like she’d jab a knife in my neck without hesitation if she had the chance. The woman refused to shrink—refused to show any sign of fear or intimidation.
And I was intrigued by her audacity.
