Page 29 of The Hitman's Rose

“Ugh,” he groans loudly. “I hate that stupid nickname.”

“Proessional-life-ender is a bit lengthy,” I tease, but he doesn’t laugh. “I’m only joking,” I whisper.

“I know.” He rubs my back and takes a deep breath. “Not that there is justification for what I do; however, only men who have hurt women and children badly or done other unforgivable sins make my list, Rosaline. I promise.”

“Men like Mikolaj?”

“Yes. Men like him.”

“I understand,” I nod.

“I don’t want you to think that I’m a monster since I’m a hitman.”

The wordhitmanechoes throughout my mind. I’ve said it to myself several times. It’s never bothered me, not once. But this is the first time it’s been said out loud by anyone.

“You aren’t the first hitman that I’ve met, Ademaro,” I assure him. His body tenses and I wonder if he’s thinking I sleep with every hitman I come across. “My father had hitmen on his payroll. I met them in passing. Never took interest in them. I promise.”

“Rosaline, I wasn’t accusing you of anything.” There’s amusement in his voice. “I just forget that you aren’t new to this fucked up world.”

“I’m not new but I was naive for a very long time,” I admit. “Your job doesn’t bother me, Ademaro. Not if it’s for the reasons you told me. Just be safe and come back so we can go on another date. Okay?”

“What if I want more than one date?” he teases.

“Greedy ass,” I sigh dramatically, making him laugh.

“Then I guess you better be extra safe than.” I lean over to his ear and whisper, “I command it.”

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