Chapter 3 #3
His brows furrow, and I know that this one, he’ll argue on. “You will not.”
“A few minutes. That’s all I need.”
“Grand.” He reaches for his door. “It’ll be quick then.”
“Jude,” I growl, and he doesn’t even flinch, the bastard. There’s only a handful of people that don’t back down from me, and I’m currently stuck arguing with one of them. “I’m telling you to stay here.”
He barks out a laugh. “You ordering me around now?”
“If you won’t listen, I will.”
That has him turning to look at me. I never talk to him like this, and I can see his mind working as he assesses me. He’s trying to figure out what I’ve got going on in my head.
“You up to something I shouldn’t know about?”
My jaw works. I could say yes. Even though there hasn’t been a part of my operation that Jude hasn’t known about in years.
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.”
There is no give to her tone. She says the words like they are insults, and I’m enjoying every second of provoking her.
I typically enjoy putting people in their place. Very few have the luxury of talking to me so blatantly, but I only want to encourage it when it comes to this woman.
“What if I'm not trying to seduce you? I’m only asking for what’s fair. You clearly know who I am. Should I not be extended the same luxury?”
Her thumb strokes over the pulse in my throat, but I don’t stop her. “I’d say that you live in the lap of luxury, and I don’t believe you are here with pure intentions.”
A full smile pulls at my lips, one that rarely ever surfaces. “I never said I was here with pure intentions. Just that I want to know your name.”
“I still won’t let you call me by it.”
“That’s fine.”
She huffs, clearly not having expected to find her match in me. “It’s Eden,” she bites out.
“Eden Resnick.” I hum, tasting her name on my tongue. It’s delicious. “What a lovely name.”
She rolls her eyes, and damn, there is something wrong with me. Because that action only makes me want to push her further.
“Still not here to seduce me?”
“I wouldn’t dare.” But my smile directly contradicts those words. “Do you have a fight tonight?”
“Tomorrow,” she answers slowly, and I’m surprised that she didn’t just lie to me.
“So you are free tonight.” I am so tempted to dip my head closer, but I’m afraid that any movement will spook her.
“I wouldn’t say that.” Her thumb keeps stroking over my skin.
“No?” I take the chance, bringing my lips to her ear. “Because I have an enticing offer if you were.”
She arches into me so subtly I wonder if she even notices it. “An offer from you sounds like a dangerous thing, Mr. Kelly.”
I’m dying to hear my name on her lips.
“You don’t strike me as someone who shies from danger, Miss Resnick.” I lift my head slowly, pausing as she turns to look at me. Our noses are nearly brushing. “Come with me. I promise I’ll make it worth it.”
Her tongue swipes out, wetting her lips as she stares into my eyes. The tension between us is so thick that I think it’s the only thing holding me back right now.
Her chin tips up, a move so slight it shouldn’t matter. But it has me focusing on that gorgeous mouth, on the way her lips part. I’m about to snap when she says, “No.”
Her hand flattens, pushing against my chest and shoving me back a few steps. There were a dozen other ways she could have gotten out of my hold, but I know that she chose to test if I’d let her go.
Which is why I don’t stop her as she walks away from me, thick hair swinging behind her. I’m still reeling, enough so that I don’t even call after her.
She told me no. No one tells me no. Well, Rohan and Lochlan will. Definitely Jude. But she knows who I am, and she still told me no.
It has me shaking my head with a smile, fighting not to laugh out loud. I have a severe reputation, and still, she didn’t back down. I shouldn’t find that so attractive, but there doesn’t seem to be a thing this woman can do that I won’t.
Just before she turns the corner out of my sight, she glances back at me with a smirk toying at the edges of her lips. “Try harder next time, Kieran.”