Page 64 of The Torturer's Target

“There are a lot of men out there qualified to protect you. Why did you choose...this?” She gestured towards Tesiera.

This Tesiera woman might have toned, firm skin that clearly showed she worked out, but she had no bulging muscles to indicate someone capable enough to protect someone high profile like her Max.

“That’s enough, Mira. Like I said, it’s none of your business,” he responded harshly.

Tesiera simply continued chewing her gum. She was too lost in her own thoughts to notice the condescension. Like, the incredibly thick sexual tension between her and her boss.

She hadn’t given two shits about what people thought about her since she got out of foster care. Her earlier outburst had bothered her even more than what came afterward. Tesiera could deny it all she wanted, but if she were honest with herself, she had wanted to know what he’d thought of her work, and that desire annoyed her.

The world could burn around her, and she wouldn’t blink twice. So why the hell does she care about what Maximilian Kingston thinks of her?

That man is dangerous for you. It’s best to avoid any involvement other than a professional one with him.

That decision firmly in place in her mind, she leaned against the wall, crossed her arms, and watched Mira crawl all over Max. Tesiera hated everything about her—her petty and condescending behavior, and the sound of her obnoxiously loud, and annoyingly squeaky voice that made her skin crawl.

The woman got on her nerves in a way she couldn’t even find the words to explain. It has to be that infuriating attitude of hers, Tesiera thought.

Max's cell phone rang.

Mira puckered her brows and asked. “Who’s calling? Is it another woman?”

Max ignored her and answered. His mood became lighter as the conversation progressed.

Mira took that opportunity to plop herself on the couch beside Max. She laid her head on his chest, snuggling herself against him as she wrapped her arms around his body. Max spared her an irritated scowl, and continued with his call. Mira grinned and kissed his chest.

Tesiera had the sudden urge to wrap her fingers around Kamira’s skinny neck and see how long she could squeeze before Kamira’s oxygen ran out.

She frowned at the unbidden thought. Must be her torturing instincts kicking in, she decided.

“Hell yeah, I’ll meet you at the bar tonight. I’ll see you after work,” Max said, and after a few more minutes, he hung up the phone.

“You can’t hang out with friends tonight. I planned something special for us,” Mira whispered seductively.

Max's expression remained indifferent, and he responded with a surprisingly even tone, “There is no us. And I have no plans to spend any time of the day with you, Mira.”

Mira whined, “Don’t be like that, babe. I promise, I’ll make up for everything—?

Max cut her off pushing her away from his body. “Go away, Mira. Whatever we had ended a long time ago. It’s only because I respect for your father that I haven’t filed the paperwork for a restraining order. But don’t push it,” he said. “Do not push it.”

Tears filled Mira’s eyes as she looked at Max like a kicked puppy, but Max ignored the façade. What the hell had I seen in her in the first place?

When she saw he wasn’t buying it, she sniffled. “Okay. How about I tag along with you and your friend? Forget about a date; let’s just hang out together. It’s just a one-time thing, I promise. It’ll be just the three of us,” Mira proposed instead.

Max sighed, exhausted. Sometimes he wondered if she was really that daffy or if she was acting like it so she’d get her way.

“Just say the word, and I’ll throw her out,” Tesiera’s calm voice broke the silence.

Max swiveled his head to face her, only to find her examining her nails.

“I won’t hurt her…much,” Tesiera continued. “But she’ll be out of your hair forever.”

Mira rose from the couch and advanced on Tesiera. “How dare you!? Who the hell do you think you are!? I will claw your eyes out!”

Tesiera smirked, unperturbed. “If you come close to me, you will regret it.” Tesiera hoped the woman would accept her challenge. She found herself really wanting to get her hands on Kamira McDonald.

Max quickly grabbed Mira by the waist and pulled her away. “Do you have a death wish?” he hissed at her. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

“I’m done, boss. We can go now.” Bose’s voice filled the air as he entered the living room, with Clinton trailing behind him.

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