86: No Talking

He turned his head to face me, his gaze locking onto mine. "Your car was nowhere to be found, and my soldiers searched everywhere. Why do I have this nagging feeling that Axel was waiting for both of you? Why are my instincts screaming that somehow that jerk knew who you were even before you set foot in that back alley? Are you still deceiving me, Emily? Because if you are, I won't hesitate to punish you severely."

"I..." I swallowed hard, my throat dry with apprehension.

"You better tell me the truth, or I swear to God, our agreement is shattered."

"And then what? Are you going to abandon me on the streets?" Horror washed over me, for I knew all too well that was exactly what he would be compelled to do.

"I do what needs to be done, and no one makes a fool out of me. Not even the woman I..." He trailed off, a derisive snort escaping him after a few words.

"That you might unintentionally care for?" I finished his sentence, my anger flaring along with the overwhelming sense of inju