His dark eyes narrowed, tilting his head slightly, scanning me with that usual calculating gaze. Lord how badly I wanted to poke his eyes out. "What are you doing here?"
I froze, feeling the heat rush to my cheeks. Think, Sera. Think fast. My mind raced for an excuse, any excuse that could justify my presence in his office. "Oh! Uh, nothing…" I blurted out, awkwardly grabbing the edge of the desk as if steadying myself.
The brooding man just narrowed his eyes more into slits until he was blocking the door with his bulky body and crossing his arms across his broad chest. "You have whole apartment to yourself and you found his study to lounge in?"
My heart leaped into my throat. I swallowed hard, glancing over the desk and brushing off imaginary dust. "I-I was just… cleaning… he hired me as a maid… old habits die hard…" I gave a sheepish smile, trying to avoid his sharp gaze.
I hoped he couldn't see fear behind my nervousness. If he told Judas, I'd be done for. And I'd have to worry about my funeral rather than exams or whatever mess I was in.
To ease myself, I raised my chin, feigning courage and reciprocated his action. Trying to act intimidating even though I knew he could knock me out with one punch.
Kyle's eyebrow shot up, his lips tugging into a small, amused smirk. "Cleaning?" He took a step closer, arms crossing over his chest. "You expect me to believe that?"
I nodded quickly, too quickly, and then turned around to the nearest bookshelf. I grabbed a random book and began dusting off the top of it, hoping he wouldn't question it further. And why the hell were these books so clean? "Yeah, just thought I'd, uh… tidy up. Kinda getting bored in here. I can clean dishes if you want."
Kyle scoffed, stepping further into the room, eyeing the papers I had hastily rearranged and then redirecting his eyes on me. "Right. Tidying up… with your tongue or what. Cause I damn well don't see anything else," he added dryly and I resisted the urge to punch him in the face.
Oh God.
I forced out a nervous laugh, awkwardly patting the book as if I hadn't just been caught red-handed. My pulse hammered in my ears, making me feel light-headed. Play it cool, Sera. Play it cool.
He came closer and his dark boots echoed in the quiet space as I tried not to cringe at his knowing look. "You're a terrible liar, you know that?" he teased, his smirk deepening as he finally stopped just a few feet away. "No wonder you're so easy to play."
And that I took personally. My smile dropped and I glared at him. "I told you I was not doing anything. And even if I was, what is your master hiding that I am not allowed to look? I know he's a murderer for the hell's sake, what more of a criminal he can be?"
Kyle looked at me for a second and then to my surprise, he chuckled in that ow, rumbling sound that made my skin prickle. "Right. The highest sin a man can do is murder, right?"
I stilled, my breath hitching. I did not like the tone he was talking to me with. He was mocking me. Like killing a man was normal thing for him. And maybe it was. But for me, life was meaningful. I knew what death was like. I had seen it with my wide eyes. I felt it.
And I have touched it.
When my father died. When he saved me and sacrificed himself. An accident. But I knew what it was. I promised that day I'd not blame myself, but a little part of me did.
The men Judas killed that night. Five men. They were disgusting, vile and evil men. But he had no right to kill them. He was no god.
But before I could say anything, he waved me off with a dismissive hand. "Doesn't matter. Just be careful, Rosewood. You're too young to see death."
I felt my throat tighten at the sound of his voice. He knew exactly what buttons to press.
My fists clenched and unclenched as I reminded myself to calm down. It was not worth it. One wrong word, and I'd be done for.
I swallowed hard and forced myself to meet his eyes. "I've already seen death," I didn't realise my voice trembled unless I felt my throat constricting. "It doesn't scare me anymore."
Kyle's expression shifted, the smirk fading just enough to reveal something deeper lurking beneath. "Then it should. Cause the man you're dealing with is far worse than death. You've seen him. And let me tell you. He's far more terrifying when it comes to his toys."
I clenched my jaw, heat rising to my face. "I'm not his toy."
He stepped closer. "I never mentioned you."
I flinched at his words as he shrugged his shoulders and ran his fingers along the files on the table. "Anyways, dinner's ready. Have some."
I wanted to say something back, but what could I possibly say? He was right. Judas was dangerous. And I couldn't afford to make any mistakes. It just made it all more simpler. I needed to get out of his radar before he make me his toy.
And Lucius was only one I could rely on. Even though I knew he was as dangerous.
I followed Kyle out of the room and heard him locking the door behind us. He was suspicious of me. I needed to be careful. I caught him putting the key in the drawer next to the small table, and when he turned back, I turned my head around.
My hands clasped together.
I could sneak in there again after Kyle retired for the night.
I silently followed Kyle into the kitchen where he had already prepared food. It was still hot. And I glared at him as he served me. It was strange watching a man as dark and brooding as him cooking and doing normal things. To be honest, guns looked better in his hand than that spatula.
"Your highness," I rolled my eyes and he scoffed at me.
"You don't have to make everything. Just order take out."
"And spend my money on you? I'd rather cook."
"Cooking also requires ingredients which unfortunately comes with money."
"His money, not mine."
"He doesn't pay you?"
"Handsomely."
"Then?"
"Then what?" He dismissed indifferently. I narrowed my eyes.
"Can you have a decent conversation for once?"
A smirk curved his lips as he raised his head. "Nothing's decent unless it involves guns and drugs."
I scoffed, picking at the food without much interest. "And here I thought you were more than just a thug with a death wish."
His smirk faded, replaced by a sharp look. "Don't pretend you know me. You don't."
I held his gaze, unflinching. "Maybe I don't. But that doesn't change the fact that you're a heartless man working for the more evil bastard."
"I'd watch my mouth if I were you."
I ignored him and ate the food. He faced me with an exasperated look. "Your mouth runs more in front of me than him."
"That's because… you're… you're you. And he's he."
He raised his brow. The fork in his hand stilled along with his eyes. "No. There's one thing you're mistaking here, Seraphina." A strange look passed his eyes. "We are monsters. Raised in darkness, made with it. We are murderers. Taking a life is as easy as breathing. The sooner you accept it, the better."
His eyes never left mine. My throat tightened. "You chose this life-"
"No man is born a monster, this world makes him into one."