Page 16 of Flames of Ruin

“If you want her, you’re going to have to go about it a different way. Pissy and aloof isn’t your strong suit.”

“I don’t want her.”

“Could’ve fooled me.” He shrugs, taking a swig of his fresh whiskey.

“I can’t date in my line of work. I would never subject her to the dangers of my job.”

As he is swirling his glass on the table in a circle, he scoffs, “She may not be completely safe with you, but that’s not your problem. You’re hiding something from her, and it’s not your secret identity.”

“Do you ever shut up?” I snap as I stand up, my eyes scanning the room.

“Not when I’m right.” He chuckles as he takes a swig from his drink.

“Do you want another bullet to match your other shoulder?”

“You wouldn’t shoot me. You need me.” He continues to laugh, feeling satisfied at my expense.

Swiftly grabbing my Glock from its holster, I aim it directly between his eyes.

“You want to try again? That fucking mouth will get you killed with me.”

He holds his hands up nervously, and mumbles, “Chill out, man.”

I begin to lower the gun when I hear him mutter, “Fuck, you need to get laid.”

Pointing the gun at his pants, “Do you want to continue to use this? You’re about two seconds away from having a crater where your dick is.”

Across the bar, I can see CiCi mingling with her co-workers. It’s early enough in the evening that the clientele is still on their best behavior. Perusing the crowd, I notice a few Las Serpientes, some goons from the Silvestri family, and a familiar face I haven’t seen in thirteen years.

Dimitri Parshikov.

Snapping my fingers, I grab Shado’s attention. “Follow me.”

I swiftly stride over to Miranda and CiCi. “You need to get out of here now.”

She whirls around to face me. “Do you not get it? I need this job!”

“CiCi, you are in danger if you work here.”

“You said I was in danger near you. So, why don’t you walk away?”

Grabbing her arm, I drag her down the dimly lit hallway near the restrooms.

“This is the exact opposite of walking away, Drake.” She giggles as I pull her in front of me.

She’s such a brat.

This woman will be the death of me.

Then, as if a light bulb goes off in her head, her eyes begin to twinkle.

“If you don’t want me working here, why don’t I come work for you? I’m good with computers. I can find out intel for you. It’s perfect!”

“Perfect? Is this some game to you?” I growl. Shaking my head, my voice is tense with frustration. “No. I don’t need you. I work alone.”

Looking past me, she scoffs and motions in the direction of my newly acquired mouthy fuck of a partner.

“Are we just going to ignore your shadow that’s standing over there, or is he the ghost of one of your many victims?”

---