Annabelle's pov:
The drunk man toppled over, crashing to the floor along with the stool he sat on. The impact drew attention. Those near him stumbled as they tried to avoid being crushed only to cause a domino effect and many more fell.
The sight was pleasant, to say the least, and I found myself smiling widely without even realizing it.
My fingers ached, but the contentment was still there.
I needed a release, and the man was kind enough to offer himself on a silver platter.
The dance floor became a full-on brawl. The music died, replaced by groans and screams. Cusses, broken furniture and glasses replaced the songs along with punches thrown left and right.
"At least it's still lively," I whispered, placing my elbows on the counter as I watched.
The man I punched slowly rose to his feet, shaking his head as if just waking from sleep. Then he found me. His face twisted into anger as he yelled,
"You b*tch!" and he charged at me but I didn't move an inch.
The moment he swung his fist at me, his hand was caught midair by another and I smirked.
I knew they wouldn't let me get hurt.
After all, I was a 'good' that raked in money and shouldn't be 'damaged'.
The security guard twisted the man's arm until the sickening sound of bone breaking was heard and I winced, feeling the pain myself.
A loud cry tore from the man but it only added to the already existing chaos, no one paid attention. Then the guard turned and threw a glare at me.
"Be careful. The boss won't always turn a blind to your actions," he warned before dragging the man away.
I rolled my eyes, but I also knew he was right.
Ace was a devil in human skin.
He may not harm me physically, but he would surely find another way to do it if I provoked him.
While the chaos continued, at the far end of the bar, I caught sight of someone who looked so out of place in the midst of it all but was well too familiar with the place.
Sam.
Ace Frost's right-hand man and most trusted subordinate.
He stood there watching the chaos with a detached expression. His hand raised to fix his glasses back in place. The other hand clutched an iPad to his chest.
For a moment, our eyes locked.
He was the first to look away but only to signal a guard. When the guard reached him, he said something to him and the guard nodded before he began walking through the sea of people towards me.
"Mr Sam's calling you," the guard said after reaching me. "I will guide you to him."
I wasn't even allowed to respond or declined and he began walking. I sighed and followed.
We went through the crowd, my hand held tightly in his own. He shoved aside anyone in our path and soon I was standing before Sam.
For a good while, he just stared at me in silence. His gaze was unreadable.
I didn't speak either.
"Come with me," he finally said. He turned and headed outside toward the parking lot. I followed behind in silence.
For the two years that I have worked with these people, I still could not understand him. Ace, his boss was crazy and cruel, but this man here, he was too quiet and calm to be working for a man like that, but I've also heard that still waters run deep and silence didn't mean kindness.
Who knew what this man was truly capable of?
"Why did you do that," he asked after reaching his car.
"Who knows," I shrugged. "Maybe this place is rubbing off on me."
For the first time, I saw him glare at me. I smirked, happy to have ticked a nerve.
I shouldn't be the only one unnerved this evening.
"What? Is it a lie?" I pushed. "I can swear that I wasn't like this until I started working with you people."
He took a deep breath, his fingers massaging his temples. "Get inside," he ordered, as he opened the door and got inside himself.
I went around the car and got in. He immediately passed the iPad to me, the screen lit.
I looked down and I saw the same photo that Ace had shown me and it immediately made sense why he came to find me.
"You should already be aware of who that is, right?" He said after a long silence.
I didn't respond, my eyes still on the information displayed on the screen.
"There's nothing complicated about it, infiltrate the Nova Empire, find Shadow, gain his trust and get the seal of authority from him. If that's too difficult, find out where it is hidden, kill him and then get it. Do that and you are free to go."
I stared at him wondering what part of what he said was nothing complicated?
And did he say to kill him?
They want me to kill a person?
A human being?
I laughed.
I laughed at the ridiculousness of this whole situation.
"You want me to kill a person," I said, still laughing.
"Succeed before that you and you won't have to," Same replied flatly.
"You people are truly mad," I hissed.
He didn't react as if he was used to hearing that.
"The information will be sent to you," he continued as if my outburst didn't reach his ears. "You start by morning so go home tonight. Rest well, you'll need all the strength and brain power you possess."
The hell!?
I stared at him, disbelief written all over my face. I thought Ace was the only mad man in the group but apparently, even madness is contagious. Because this man in front of me right now couldn't be sane.
"I know it isn't easy for you, but this is your only chance to get rid of your contract," he said and I couldn't tell if the sympathy I saw in his eyes was genuine or feigned.
"I will send all the information to you. Take your time and go through it. The young master's instructions will be included in it. Take note."