Page 10 of Fractured Memories

But I don’t want to lie to him. Guess my cold heart isn’t completely dead yet.

“Just this once, I’m asking for a bit of privacy.” My tone softens ever so slightly, and it reminds us both I’m at least a little human. “Can’t I get that?”

Jude blows out a breath and sinks in his seat. After what happened with his wife, I know his loyalty is with me above everyone else.

“You got your weapons on you?”

“Always.”

“I’ll give you fifteen minutes. After that, I’ll be coming in.” His eyes meet mine in the mirror. “You think you can handle a fight that long?”

A smirk tugs at my lips. “Why don’t we test that theory in the morning?”

He rolls his eyes. “Your clock is already ticking.”

Chuckling, I shove open the door and step out into the bright afternoon. This time of year, the days are lovely, but the nights can turn bitter. Not that I mind. It’s even colder up at the compound than in this part of the city, so I’ll take a bit of warmth.

Thankfully, the area is still elevated enough that I don’t need a mask. The air is clean—though not as pure as at my home—in the upper class area, so I don’t have to cover my face as I stalk down the narrow alley to the cages.

This entrance is only for those who work the matches—the fighters, guards, and medics. The audience members come in on the other side of the building, but I know that none of those doors will be open. Regardless of where I approach, though, I’ll be given access. It’ll take one look at the camera to send someone running to let me in.

That is what I expect happened when the door at the end of the alley swings open just as I approach. What I’m not ready for is to see a familiar lithe form step out, black curls pulled back from her face and golden-hazel eyes focused on me.

Well, it looks like luck can be on my side.

I slow to a stop as her eyes scan me up and down. I know I shouldn’t let the amusement show on my face, but there is no stopping the grin that overtakes my lips as she steps toward me and cocks her head.

“If you’re looking to watch, you’re early.” Her gaze rakes down my form again. “If you’re looking for trouble, I have no doubt it follows you everywhere.”

A chuckle rumbles through my chest. “Are you insinuating that I look dangerous?”

“You look like you think you are.”

I press a hand to my chest, finding myself far too enamored. “Ouch. I knew your blades were sharp, but I didn’t realize your tongue was.”

She raises an unimpressed brow. “If you’re just here to fawn over me, then you’ll have to come back later.”

She starts to move past me, but I can’t let her go. My hand whips out, grabbing her wrist, and she reacts instantly. Her hand comes up, about to shove me back, but I spent my entire life training to be an excellent fighter. I use her balance that is now shifted forward against her, pulling her closer and spinning her. Her eyes narrow as her back hits the wall and I pin her hand to my chest.

“Why would I do that when you’re here right now?” I breathe, stepping closer. She’s not short by any means—even if there’s a six-inch difference between us—but I like having her stare up at me.

Her eyes are even more mesmerizing up close.

“I’d advise you not to start something you can’t finish, Mr. Kelly.”

I shouldn’t feel such a surge of pride at her knowing my name. “You can just call me Kieran.”

“I don’t think we’re on a first name basis.” She slides her palm up until her fingers brush the base of my throat. My hand is still wrapped around her wrist, but I give her the illusion of the upper hand. I’m not ignorant enough to think she is touching me for any other reason than to have easy access to cut off my air supply if needed.

But I’m not going to push her that far.

I lean my other hand on the wall beside her head and tilt my face down to hers. “Why not?”

“Because I’m not easily seduced by power and pretty faces.”

“Are you saying I’m pretty, Miss…”

She weighs her options before finally supplying, “Resnick. And I’m not saying anything you don’t already know.”