Page 145 of Nemesync
“God, you’re intense.”
I consider the offer, it’s a risky alliance, but if Brian holds the key to find information on the organization, it might be worth the gamble. And she seems to hold a lot of hate for these people, she seems genuine about her goal, I don’t think she’s the enemy here.
Still on high alert, I eye Brian warily. “I need you to be more precise, because why wait for me if you’re the best hacker as you say. What’s in it for you exactly?”
“I’ve been tracking these guys for a while. They ruined my life, just like they did you. But I’m not stupid. I knew I couldn’t take them down alone. That’s where you come in. You’ve been causing quite a stir, hunting them down one by one. I figured we could pool our resources, take them down together.”
Though still suspicious, I listen intently. Brian continues, “I’ve been following you, trying to guide you without blowing my cover. I’ve seen your efficiency, your little superpower you just used against me now. We need someone like you in this fight. Oh, and I’ve been quite entertained watching your little life. Especially the tension between you and one of the Venom Reapers. You got yourself the Pakhan, it’s impressive.”
The comment about him makes me want to rip her open.
“Don’t play with me. We’re not friends.”
She smirks, not scared at all, “Fine, fine, to be honest you’re more my type than he is, no worries. No need to get all worked up. Let’s just focus on taking down all of them. Deal?”
We continue to discuss our potential partnership. She provides me with a burner phone number, telling me that we should use this line to communicate. She explains that her best friend is like one of the biggest names in the Colombian mafia.
Though still cautious, I find myself considering her offer. “I’ll think about it.”
Brian nods, smiling, “Take your time. When you’re ready, give me a call, okay?”
I put away the phone she handed me. “I’ll be in touch.”
“A pleasure meeting you, Huntress,” she says, before disappearing.
I return to my car, head full of questions, excitement and a weird sense of satisfaction.
I reach for my phone and call Miranda to update her, like I promised. “Hey, still alive, nothing to worry about.”
“Thank God! Also, about that,” Miranda hesitates, “Niko and Elijah finished sooner than planned. Elijah noticed your car was missing, and he’s been trying to reach you. He seems pretty angry and stressed.”
I check my phone and find a barrage of texts and missed calls from Elijah. Shit, I was in for a storm when I got back home.
He’s pissed off, text after text it’s like escalating in threats. ‘If you’re not Zanae behind this fucking screen, I’m going to fucking destroy you.” is the last one I received. Ok, it’s bad,reallybad.
“Thanks for letting me know,” I say to Miranda. “I’ll handle it.”
Ending the call, I brace myself for what’s waiting for me in the penthouse.
When I arrive, I hesitate to enter the living room. The Venom Reapers and Benny were there, waiting for me.
Cold, angry,worried?
Elijah took a sip of his vodka, he is calm, way too calm.
His gaze found on me almost instantly.
Nikolai, who had been on the phone, quickly ended the call and made his way to me. Despite the anger, relief flickers in his brown eyes. He just hugs me, and whispers, “Never do that again Little Z, I thought they took you.”
Benny did the same, a small hug, before checking my face, his clinical eyes studying me, assessing every detail to ensure I wasn’t injured or hurt in any way, and then whispered, “Thank God, you’re okay.”
Oh, they thought I was kidnapped again.Fuck.
I smile at the two of them and reassure them, “I’m fine, guys, no need to worry.”
But Elijah cut our little moment with a cold voice, “Leave us alone.”
After they left at Elijah’s command, the room felt smaller, the silence made it less breathable.
