the lion's den with a silver tray

in a black arm chair. The suite scented of leather and expensive danger but she didn't flinch. This wouldn

h underneath the sole of her shoes and the vintage decor of the room almo

ith precision toward the man with the relaxed composure of a king w

d. His gaze shifted faster than she could notice, his nostrils twitched and his eyes rubied f

couldn't quite trust. What's worse? The feeling was teasing him, not fully unleashed and yet, still tugging

verwhelming presence. They weren't many people who could stray inches from him a

her black and white maid's uniform was a perfect fit

rossed his legs and set a contract in front of her. He

gn

e remained intact, professional and quiet. She hadn't looked at hi

steal a glance of their master, even though she was itching to see

head, "Isn't tha

he wide-eyed thing she'd locked in the dresser hours ag

entiality contract and nondisclosure. In her opinion she did the girl a favo

Valeria had

man wasn't making moves at her, or participating in any conversation that pro

ed down a fake name. She didn't care what the contract

urely in her hair, her free

ay and she carried it to the mirrored counte

ctor's edition bourbon. It was time to set the counter drink so she unco

n attack. Her fingers brushed her hair and the pin slipped loose, giving w

Just one strike. One lunge. One swift move angled over her s

tened. Something felt off, it couldn't

, Valeria felt what it meant when a bride catches

or suddenly opened. Another girl s

moment she met Valeria's. Recognition flared and th

e didn't look surprised,

curled across his face, one that didn't reach his mouth but lurked in the shado

ed in confusion but she didn't waste a b

ts deep enough to buy death. But this was different. She looked up for the first

with arsenic. Something ancient. Something.

is voice slithered t

An assassin bold enoug

raceful like a ghost ris

locked on hers, glowing faint