Page 47 of The Torturer's Target

“All done,” he announced, closing his kit.

Max and Tesiera stood up from the bed, their faces just inches apart, and their eyes locked in a deep and meaningful gaze. The tension in the room was so thick, it could be cut with a knife. It felt as if time had slowed down, and they were lost in their own world, oblivious to everything around them.

Max couldn’t help but marvel at Tesiera’s beautiful eyes. Even though she was injured and was now technically his patient, he couldn’t help but feel drawn to her. Her brown eyes were like warm caramel, deep and rich with flecks of gold that shimmered in the light. They held a world of enigma and depth, drawing him in like a magnet.

Tesiera, was acutely aware of Max's gaze. She could feel the intensity of it pulling her towards him. She knew she should break the connection, that it was dangerous, but she couldn’t do it. There was something about Max that simply drew her in.

Finally, Tesiera broke the gaze and took a step back. “You get some sleep,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. It was a struggle to regain her composure. “I will take the night shift and make sure we’re safe.”

Max shook his head firmly. “No, you took a round to the back. You should sleep. This beach house is protected; no intruder can successfully get in without triggering the alarm.”

“I’m fine. I’m the bodyguard here, and I’m supposed to keep watch. You go ahead and sleep.”

“You’re wounded; you’re tired. Get some sleep, Tesiera.” His voice strengthened into an order, and from the look in his eyes, she saw that he wasn’t going to back down this time.

“Alright, Doc. I’ll do a perimeter check and make sure all alarms are turned on, then I’ll go to bed,” Tesiera reluctantly gave in. She was exhausted and ready for bed, but whether she would be able to sleep was an entirely different matter.

Max nodded. “Alright. Goodnight.” As he turned to leave, he heard his name on her lips.

“Max,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

He stopped and looked back at her.

“Thank you for this,” she said, slightly lifting her injured shoulder.

He gave her a small smile. “You’re welcome, Tesiera,” he said before he exited the bedroom.

When she lay down later, she was able to fall into a dreamless sleep.

Early the next morning, Tesiera was in her bedroom sharpening her collection of knives one by one. It was one of her favorite pastimes—a soothing activity that helped her relax and focus her mind.

Max had told her an hour ago that they’d be staying a few more days there because Hazel had a fever the night before. Then she’d seen him going into the study—probably to work—and that was where he’d been since then.

There was a small knock at her door. “Aunt Tetiena? Can I come in?”

Tesiera paused and glanced at the door. Tetiena? What was the little girl doing at her door? Maybe if she kept quiet the child would go away.

“Aunt Tetiena?” she knocked again.

“Come in,” Tesiera responded against her better judgment.

The door rattled a bit. “It’s locked,” came the little voice.

Tesiera set her Malaysian parang knife aside and went up to the door wondering why the girl came to her room.

She opened the door to see Hazel beaming up at her. The girl wore a colorful dress and a bow wrapped around her curly black hair. “I’m hungry, Aunt Tetiena.”

“What about the doc—your uncle?”

“He’s on the phone for a long, long, time. I’m really hungry. Please make breakfast, Aunt Tetiena,” she pleaded with doe-eyes, her lips pursed in a pout.

Tesiera’s brows furrowed at the strange request. She knew nothing about feeding a hungry child. Living alone and avoiding the company of other people, she cooked most of her meals. But she was almost sure those concoctions would end up poisoning the little girl. She was a terrible cook.

“Please, Aunt Tetiena!? Pleeeease?”

“Give me a minute,” Tesiera agreed reluctantly and went back into the bedroom to put her knives away. Hazel followed Tesiera into the room and saw the knives lying on the bed. Her brows squished together in curiosity.

“Aunt Tetiena, are those knives used for slicing vegetables?” she asked.

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