Hard to Get (Killer of Kings 4)

“What else?” he asked.

“Something about a distinguishing mark. A tattoo that he needs to get rid of.” She looked toward him for a second, and he didn’t like how focused she was. “A hit. Okay, I know my movies and a hit in the movies means a kill, right? Murder? He’s part of your job, but you said you deal with investments. Are you really a hitman?”

Shadow stared at her.

Time ticked by, and still he couldn’t find words.

“That’s it, isn’t it? That’s your big secret. You’re a hitman, and you’re on assignment. This is just another clue. Not to mention that nasty looking guy you were talking with the other week. Then of course your skills with a knife and a gun. You’ve got something about you that screams you’re a man who can take care of

himself.”

He folded his arms, and waited for the freak out. Getting close to a civilian was a fucked-up idea, and he knew better.

Riley grabbed her wine, and took another sip. “Well? What is it going to be? The truth or another lie.”

Silence fell between them.

Shadow had never dealt with a situation like this, and he didn’t know what the hell to do. Gritting his teeth, he looked around the restaurant, wishing he could find the right words.

“You know what, deal with this shit on your own.” She threw down her napkin, and glared at him.

He watched her stomp off, and he waved the waiter over. Shadow rushed through paying just as Riley tripped, falling into the man that he was investigating.

Fuck!

He tensed up as Chains entered the restaurant. There was no way for him to help Riley. He also didn’t want to risk Chains seeing him.

Killer of Kings wasn’t an exclusive company, and any of the members could do whatever the hell they wanted, including taking other contracts. Chains was not obliged to stick it out with Boss.

Shadow had no choice but to use the bathroom, and to actually find an exit that didn’t put him into contact with anyone. Within ten minutes he was out on the street, checking left and right as his car was brought around.

After paying the valet, he climbed behind the wheel, and began driving away, keeping his gaze on the streets. He didn’t like Riley being alone, even if she was in a public place.

Their date hadn’t gone well at all. A love life just wasn’t in the cards for a man like him. Allowing himself to hope for more was like chasing the wind.

Pulling around the first sharp bend, just ahead, he saw Riley resting against the wall, her arms folded.

He slowed down to a stop, and she came to the car, climbing into the passenger side without a word.

“What the hell was that all about?” he asked.

Shadow was so pissed. Not only could she have gotten hurt, she’d fucked up days of grueling intel.

“You didn’t want to have dinner with me. All you wanted was to find out what that guy was all about.”

He heard the disappointment in her voice, and it hit him like a punch to the gut. Shadow wasn’t used to caring. Damn it, he shouldn’t feel bad about using her.

Driving for a couple of minutes, he tried to think of what to say. “I’m sorry.”

“No, you’re not.”

“I am. Don’t even bother trying to tell me what I’m thinking and not thinking. I wanted to have dinner with you. You’re wrong about me. I enjoyed our time together.”

He glanced over at her, and saw her watching him. She had big, expressive eyes, a sweet innocent air about her. He was falling down the fucking rabbit hole and couldn’t get out now if he tried.

“So … you don’t want this?”

Shadow saw she held a cell phone in her hands.