Page 34 of I See You

For the first time, something shifted in his expression. A low chuckle left his lips, deep and quiet, the first sign of emotion that she didn’t have to search for, didn’t have to read through his energy.

"You're mistaken."

His voice was smooth, but distant, like the conversation already bored him.

Hissharpeyesmovedawayfromher,scanningtheemerald green and white decor of her office, taking in every detail like he was committing it to memory.

Then, his gaze landed back on her.

Sevyn saw the slow flick of his tongue over his lips, the way his eyes dragged over her in quiet admiration. She didn’t react to it. Didn’t letit show that something about his stare sent a subtle shiver down her spine, tightening something in her chest that she couldn’t quite name.

Was it fear? Nervousness? Or was it something else entirely? Because Hassan Gaines had a presence.

One that drew people in—even when they knew better. "Well, thank you for delivering me the package, Hassan."

Hisnamerolledoffhertonguesmoothly,effortlessly,likeit belonged there. It must have been the way she said it—

Because she caught it.

The smallest, most fleeting smile ghosting across his lips before he masked it again.

A second later, he nodded, reaching for the door.

Sevyn exhaled, watching him. He was a man of few words, she could tell that already.

But she had a task. One that wouldn’t get done if she let him walk out.

"Hassan."

Her voice was softer this time, carrying just a hint of nerves.

He turned. His unreadable eyes met hers, freezing the air between them, making the room feel ten degrees colder.

Sevynswallowed.Thismanradiatedsomethingdark.Something powerful. And yet, here she was—

Trying to reach inside of it.

"Umm… you mind if we talk for a little?"

Sevyn’s voice was soft, but the slight shake in it betrayed her nerves. She couldn’t believe she was really doing this—trying to convince a killer to take therapy.

Hassan mugged her, his expression cold and unreadable. For a second, she thought he was just going to walk out.

"Idon’tdothattalkingshit."Hisvoicewaslow,firm."Ijustcameto give you that."

His fingers gripped the door handle, ready to leave. "I figured."

That made him pause. His gaze flickered back to her.

"That you weren’t the talking type." She inhaled slowly, gathering her courage. "I just had something I wanted to tell you since seeing you at the club."

Hassan stayed silent, but his piercing eyes locked onto hers, waiting.

She swallowed, her heart slamming against her ribs. "You’re not broken."

She didn’t just say it—she meant it. Her voice carried no hesitation, no doubt. And that? That made him tense.

She felt it in the air. The shift. For the briefest second, his mask slipped—just enough for her to see something.