Page 126 of Devil's Claim

She licked her lips in response.

“What did you do?” Her question was barely audible.

Sighing, I looked away briefly. For the first time in my illustrious career, I’d thought about what I’d say if asked any questions about my whereabouts and activities. “I erased a problem.”

Her swallow was tight. “How many?”

Was she really asking me that? I unfastened my jacket, pulling both the gun holsters and knife into my hand. “Enough.”

“How many?”

“Thirty-five, give or take.”

Her skin paled, but she stood staring at me. “Including women and children?”

As I cocked my head, I narrowed my eyes. “You should know me well enough by now to realize I don’t hurt women and children.”

Christine looked relieved.

“Fire, knife, or gun?”

I couldn’t believe she was asking me that. “All three.”

“You’re right. Enough.”

We stood silently and I shook my head, trying to find the right words to assure her everything would be alright. “You’re still wearing the ring.”

She lifted her hand, smirking in the process. “Well, since my fiancé hasn’t gotten down on his knee and actually proposed marriage, I thought this one would do. A little gaudy, but what the hell.” There was amusement in her voice, but also a hint of truth.

“Do you want me to get down on my one knee and propose?”

“Not without a proper ring.”

I laughed. “Let me guess. You’d prefer something more personal instead of flashy.”

“Perhaps you do know a little bit about me after all.”

“Then I’ll see what I can do.”

“I can’t wait to see what you come up with.”

After placing the weapons on the table, I tried getting closer once again. She threw her arm out vehemently. “What is it? Do you hate me that much, Christine? It’s my job to eliminate issues. The men of that cartel threatened you. They hurt you. They’ve scared you. They almost killed my drug lord’s wife. That’s unacceptable. I had to do my job. I thought you understood that.”

She stood quietly, her mouth twisting.

“I’m not going to apologize. I’d do it again ten times over. I’d paint the sky red if I needed to so I could keep you safe. I’d burn down hundreds of buildings, slash a thousand men’s throats. I’d face a fucking fire-breathing dragon with nothing but my bare hands if it meant keeping you alive and protected from the evils of this goddamn world. Don’t you know me well enough by now to realize the danger I’d place myself in if that meant making you happy?”

Her silence was… frustrating. “Fine. I’ll go to the guest room for the rest of the night.” I turned abruptly and she cleared her throat.

“I know you would do all those things and more, Kruz.”

“Then why act like you hate me?”

“I don’t hate you.”

“Then what? What?” I spun around again, hating myself for the commanding tone in my voice.

She pointed to me then slowly lowered her finger to the floor. “You stink and you’re covered in blood. That’s not attractive.”

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