Page 8 of Hard Bargain

Cassian frowned. “Problem?”

“Yes.”

“What kind?”

“The kind I should’ve handled last night.”

Cassian studied him a second longer, reading between the lines, then gave a small nod. “Do you need backup?”

“No.”

“Doesn’t matter,” he said, stubborn as always. “I’m coming.”

Dominic didn’t argue. Cassian tagged along more often than not, and today, he didn’t mind the company. He grabbed his keys and headed for the elevator, Cassian falling in step beside him. “Where are we going?” he asked.

Dominic’s gaze remained fixed on the doors as they slid shut. “To deal with my mistake.”

The elevator descended in silence, except for the soft mechanical hum and the faint click of cables sliding into place. He stood with his hands clasped loosely behind his back, his attention already shifting ahead.

After a moment, Cassian spoke. “You want to tell me what kind of mistake we’re talking about?”

“I spared someone I shouldn’t have.”

Cassian’s brow creased. “That’s not like you.”

“I’m aware.”

The elevator slowed as it approached the garage level. “A witness?” Cassian asked.

“Yes.”

Cassian let out a low whistle. “That’s not a mistake. That’s a liability.”

Dominic’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “You think I don’t know that?”

Cassian raised his hands. “Just saying, you don’t usually leave loose ends. So why is he still breathing?”

The doors slid open and Dominic stepped out, the echo of his shoes loud against the concrete. The garage was wide and spotless, rows of vehicles parked with military precision beneath bright overhead lights.

“Because killing him felt… wrong,” Dominic said, heading toward the black SUV parked at the far end.

Cassian blinked, then gave an incredulous laugh. “That’s new.”

“Don’t get used to it,” Dominic said as he unlocked the vehicle and slid into the driver’s seat. The engine turned over smoothly and moments later they were pulling into morning traffic.

Cassian leaned back in his seat, glancing out the window before looking over. “So what’s the plan? You scare him straight? Make him disappear? Recruit him?”

Dominic’s hands settled firmly on the wheel. “I haven’t decided.”

Cassian gave him a look. “You brought me along without a plan?”

“You decided to tag along. I allowed it because you may be useful.”

Cassian tilted his head, amused. “You trust my instincts with this?”

“I trust that you’ll tell me if I’m being stupid.”

Cassian grinned. “Fair enough.”