Page 59 of Rugger: The Huntress

“Why haven’t you called? I’ve asked far too many times. Your silence is insulting.”

“My silence should be telling if nothing else. I made it clear that you shouldn’t hold your breath atBar Balgaria. I had and still have no intention of calling you.”

“I thought you might’ve had a change of heart, so I asked again. And again. And again.”

Chuckling, I adjusted in my seat, unsure of what he was referring to.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I found your favorite fragrance,” he deflected, pushing the box across the table.

He’s holstered his weapon. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t follow suit.

“Smart boy.”

He looked up, straight into the skybox hovering over us.

“Accuracy International AXSR.”

“The push of a button, Rugger,” he cleared his throat and placed his elbows on the table.

He was closer. Sexier. Bigger. Bolder.

“See, the issue is, I’m always ten steps ahead. You won’t win this game we’re playing.”

“I don’t play games, Psalms.”

“You forfeited that belief weeks ago. You became the game, Rugger. And, I’m going to win that motherfucker, too.”

“Interesting.”

“Why haven’t you called?”

He rested a clipped news clip on the table, one after the other. Numbers that meant absolutely nothing to me were strategically placed at each scene. The authorities were counting on the public’s help to solve what they believed was a code.

While the last three clippings meant nothing to me, the first one pushed my heart from my chest to the pit of my stomach. Hermen’s body was stretched out in his bed. Suddenly, the smell of the food in front of me was repulsive and I wanted nothing more than to end the impromptu meeting so I could plot the death of Psalms. He’d made it clear I needed to be eleven steps ahead. He’d discover just how helpful that information was seconds before he took his last breath. I’d make sure of it.

“I don’t read the newspaper or watch the news. And, tagging a scene with credentials is immature.”

“So is the smell of your fragrance.”

My eyes turned into slits.

“Stop fucking over my assignments.”

“Stop fucking them and I’ll consider it.”

“That wasn’t a request. That was a direct order.”

“Let me take you on a date, Rugger.”

Scoffing, I rolled my eyes, “Don’t hold your breath, Sonnie.”

“Not only am I gifted with guns, but I have an extensive background in kidnapping.”

“You won’t get very far. We both know it. You’ll be hunted. You’ll be found in a matter of hours, possibly minutes. And,then you’ll be slayed like a fucking animal. You’re only ten steps ahead. Imagine how manyheis.”

“You have a point. And, so do I.”

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