Page 52 of Hell Breaks Loose

I won’t let the faintest hint of him bring me to my knees. So I use it, firing up all my anger to clamp down on my doubt.

Taking my place behind his desk, I settle into the chair, crossing my legs a few different ways before leaning back. Closing my eyes, I concentrate.

I only have a few minutes.

But it’s all I need.

Going to that place that Tell helped me find, I center myself first. Then, I get into the same headspace Evan and I used before we danced, before any performance.

In my mind’s eye, I move through the motions of a dance routine I know too well.

Breathe.

Turn, bend, spin.

Breathe.

The character that has been forming over the past few days manifests, in all her furious facets. I draw from every person in my life to find the right attitude.

Planting my hands on the table, I open my eyes when Margaret opens the door, setting the cup of espresso on the table in front of me. Nodding once, I wave two fingers in acknowledgement and dismissal.

And the poor woman scurries from the room.

Breathe.

The men are gathering in the hall outside, making a fair share of noise, more than a few asking who they are reporting to. A short, soft voice says one word and they go silent.

Way to go, Sing.

Apparently, I’m not the only one who he scares.

Okay, Hellena.

Who are you going to be?

Not Marco. Not my style.

And not effective for some woman with no history with these men.

Using every lesson Tell shared with me about his craft, his talent, I sculpt the version of myself that I need for this purpose. A singular purpose.

Command respect. Gain the information I need.

And if that fails, buy their loyalty bit by bit with reward money.

Hey, I’m not above bribes.

In my pose, I raise my chin, relaxing my shoulders slightly, donning Aunt Rachelle’s matronly air. It welcomes openness, truth, but doesn’t allow for any excuses.

A strand of hair falls loose beside my face. Instead of tucking it away, I flick my head, cocking one eyebrow and letting the faintest sneer play on my lips. Alaya would be proud.

Lastly, I harden my gaze just as the first of the men steps into the room, just like Gavin would. Then, just to add a touch of drama, I sigh when I see them, like I’m put out just by their being there.

Exactly the way Evan did it when I first met him months ago. Bleed authority. Exude confidence.

“Gentlemen. I trust you have good news?”

“Who the fuck are you?” A large, hairy brute sticks out his bottom lip and his chin.

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