Chapter 43

Chapter 43
ELENA'S POV

SURPRISING

I let out a low chuckle, the sheer absurdity of the situation making it more amusing than I had expected.

With a smirk tugging at my lips, I quickly typed a message.

"Once I say move, you begin."

I hit send, then reached into my pocket, pulling out a small notepad and a pen. I scrawled the message hastily, every stroke of ink feeling like a well-orchestrated move in a game of deception.

"Meet me at the next alley on the right. I find you attractive, and I want you in me."

I stared at the words for a moment, suppressing a shudder. "Ewww..." I exhaled, my nose wrinkling in disgust. The things I had to do.

I folded the note neatly, stuffing it into my palm before scanning the room. The dimly lit bar pulsed with an ambient hum of chatter and laughter. I needed to move carefully. Keeping my head down, I maneuvered through the crowd, slipping between occupied tables and dodging prying eyes until I reached the restroom area. With a swift glance over my shoulder, I bent down and carefully placed the folded note in a discreet spot before straightening and walking back toward my seat.

Settling in, I retrieved my phone and fired off another text.

"Move to the restroom. You'll see a red folded card, take it to him. Once you've dropped it, give him a seductive stare, then leave the building. Walk to the left and then enter the second alley a waste bin is situated with a cash gift."

My fingers hesitated over the screen before I pressed send. My heart pounded against my ribs. At this point, the whole thing felt ridiculous. What if she didn’t take the bait? What if she ignored the message altogether?

I watched closely as the woman across the bar checked her phone. She was sitting with friends, laughing one moment, then frowning the next as her eyes skimmed the text. Her expression was unreadable from this distance.

Then, my phone vibrated.

"Who are you... and why do you think I'd do this for you?"

I smirked. Suspicious, but not outright rejecting the idea.

"Relax, ma'am. The young man over there is part of a virtual reality show that pre-records its clips before release. You're just helping us set up a scene. You can return to your friends five minutes after grabbing your cash price ."

Seconds ticked by. My stomach twisted as I waited.

Then…

"Okay, glad to help. I'm leaving for the restroom now." She texted back

I exhaled, watching as she lifted her head, scanning the room for any signs of a setup. When she found none, she nodded subtly to herself, excused herself from her friends, and gracefully stood. She walked toward the restroom, her pace steady and confident.

I kept my posture relaxed, eyes half-lidded, but I was anything but calm. Every muscle in my body was coiled tight as I observed from my hidden spot.

Less than a minute later, she emerged. Her hands were folded, fingers wrapped around the red paper.

"Good girl..." I murmured, my lips curving into a smirk as I watched her approach Martinez.

She moved with precision, her hips swaying just enough to catch his attention. As she reached him, she paused, tilted her head ever so slightly, and locked eyes with him—a slow, smoldering gaze. Then, with calculated ease, she placed the red note in front of him, turned on her heel, and strutted out of the bar.

I checked my watch. Five minutes. I set my stopwatch

Tick.

Tick.

Martinez's eyes followed her, curiosity flickering behind them as he reached for the note.

"Move, fool... move," I growled under my breath, teeth clenched as I watched his expression shift from intrigue to amusement.

Then, he smirked.

He stood, pocketing the note as he casually scanned the bar. I held my breath. He took one last sip from his drink, set the glass down, and turned toward the exit.

"Good," I muttered, waiting a few beats before rising from my seat and slipping out behind him.

I followed Martinez from a safe distance, my steps light, and precise. He moved toward the alley—just as I had instructed in the note.

"Fool," I whispered, my fingers tightening around the grip of my gun. My other hand reached for the knife strapped beneath my jacket.

My heart pounded against my ribs as I neared the alleyway. I peered around the corner. Martinez stood there, his back to me, anticipation stiffening his posture.

"Come out, my lady," he murmured, voice low, eager.

Perfect.

I stepped forward. My grip on the gun tightened. I raised my arm…

BANG.

The shot fired a low sharp sound due to the silencer. It ripped into his leg. A strangled grunt escaped him as he staggered, collapsing against the brick wall.

Before he could react, I fired again. The bullet hit his hand, his fingers twitching violently as he let out a muffled cry.

I closed the distance in an instant. My hand shot forward, clamping over his mouth, silencing his scream before it could leave his throat. His body trembled beneath my grip, muscles straining as he struggled against me.

Then, I struck.

The knife plunged into his chest. A guttural noise tore from his throat as his body jerked against mine.

Again.

The blade sank deeper, blood gushing onto my hands, staining my fingers.

Again.

My grip on the knife was unyielding, my breathing ragged.

Again.

A growl rumbled from my throat with each thrust, my vision blurring as adrenaline and rage surged through me.

By the sixth stab, his body finally gave in. He sagged against me before slipping from my grasp, collapsing onto the cold pavement like a sack of bricks.

My chest heaved. My hands trembled. Then, something caught my attention.

A faint glow. It was his phone. The screen was still illuminated. My breath hitched.

He was on a call.

I hesitated, my blurry eyes hovering over the phone

Then, "Martinez…?"

The voice on the other end sent ice-cold dread slithering down my spine.