23

23
Red’s in my mind. Just by the mental image I can find her measurements. A walk around a high end boutique. I wish I had planned better, I would’ve had it tailored

It’s important. Even if I don’t intend to love her, Red is not the sort to give and not receive. I will have to convince her I love her. 

My eyes snag on a red dress. But then…I see gold behind it. Shimmering. It reminds me of her eyes. Of her skin in the light of day. 

“This one. Let me see this one.”

It's a soft gold, the neckline gathering, at the swell of her beasts. It’s wispy like her hair, golden like her eyes, but soft like her skin.

My hands brush the soft fabric. 

“I’ll take it. Show me the shoes.”

I have a harder time with the shoes. Truthfully, I’ve never seen her wear any, so I don’t know what kind she prefers. Heels are sexy, but can be painful. 

I purse my lips, and decide to just ask. For the first time since we exchanged numbers, I call her. 

“To what do I owe the surprise, Kyro?”

A shiver runs through me. “Heels. Can you wear them?”

“Why?”

“Can you wear them?”

There’s a pause.

“Yes. I can.”

“Good.”

I hang up and continue my task, looking at the collection of shoes that’s been presented. 

My phone rings. She’s calling back?

“What’s wrong—?”

“Hey don’t you just hang up like that you bastard, didn’t anyone teach you manners?!”

Bastard?

“You’re calling me a bastard but asking if I have manners? And to answer your question: no.”

“Okay well let me help you out. It’s rude to just hang up on people with saying goodbye.”

But I always do that?

“At least to me. You got it?”

I nod. “Yes, I understand.”

“Good. Bye.”

“…Bye.”

The line clicks. That was all. I chuckle. So spirited about such a little thing. She’s really quite demanding. 

My eyes scan the shoes now. I have a bit more shopping to do, then more working, and then, finally, I’ll have her as a reward.

Like a child I can only swallow the bitter medicine if I candy right after, wash the taste out of my mouth. And killing is such bitter medicine.

I pick out the accessories next, every piece I imagine on her, how it would fit, how she look if she would smile. 

I ship it to her address.

It doesn’t take long, I track it while I do my work here. I watch it get delivered.

I expect her to call and fawn over it, but the week flies by and she doesn’t. Maybe she’s used to it. Back then…those guys had money, I’m sure.

My eyes flit up at the man I’m supposed to be getting intel from. I wanted to do this nonviolently, but I’ve been here a week and getting chummy isn’t cutting it. 

He leaves the bar humming a jaunty tune. I understand why he’s not hyper alert. He’s a scientist not a spy. But fuck, talk about a lack of awareness.

It’s past 2am now, all the bars are closed, the clubs are too, everyone has cleared out, their drunken stupors moved to their vehicles or Ubers.

But he’s stumbling back home. He must live close. I follow a ways behind, though it seems there’s no need. He doesn’t notice me.

Aren’t scientist supposed to be smart? 

He gets into his building. My hood is up, and I tilt my face down, away from the camera, making sure to never look up at any of them, despite the angle. My mask makes it bit hard to breathe but it won’t take any effort.

I can tell by his gait. 

He’ll squeal like a pig as soon as I apply pressure. He gets into the elevator. I watch it, and take the stairs. By the time he gets there, I’m waiting in the stairwell for him to unlock his door.

As soon he does I rush him in, and lock the door behind me.

She’s probably used to a lot, isn’t she? Getting flowers, fancy clothes, dinner dates. 

I’d forgotten about that. I made myself forget.

“So…I hear you’ve been working on something interesting,” I murmur closing in on him. His eyes dart around looking for an exit, for help.

There’s neither. It’s the window or through me out the door. He won’t get through me.

“A weapon? Why don’t you tell me all about it,” I smile, cracking my knuckles. “And why don’t you rustle up some blueprints, hm?”

“I-I don’t have those! They don’t let me take it home! A-And also—I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

I cock my head. “Aren’t you supposed to be smart? You’re supposed to lie about not knowing first, dumbass.”

He slaps his forehead. “Right.”

“So? Are you gonna squeal? Or am I gonna make you?”

“Who sent you?” He asks.

“Santa Claus,” I see, crossing my arms, “Hurry up, I have somewhere to be.”

“I-I have a flash drive. It’s not completely up to date but…it has the basic schematics. Anything else I’d have to the office—“

“Get the flash drive. But I’m warning you…if you do something stupid, I’m going kill you with my bare hands. I’ve been itching to see Red.”

His eyes dart between mine. He’s not so dumb after all. He recognizing what this is. He’s prey. I’m the predator. I will snap his neck, feast on his flesh, and enjoy it.

“It’s in my office.”

I nod and follow him. He seems calmer somehow. 

“I knew it was insane…but I never imagined I would get caught up in this mess. Honestly, I never felt right working on it,” he grumbles, almost to himself, pushing up his glasses. 

He's cooperating, but hands are shaking. Balled in fists, blood is pumping through my ears.

“You might wanna hurry,” I grumble.

She would’ve gotten it. Not even a text? I think I’m going to have to treat her roughly after dinner. Rip that dress off her, and make her show a little bit of gratitude.

He hands me his flashdrive, and I hand him mine.

“Plug this into your work computer as soon as you get in Monday. If you don’t I will hunt you down and stick that flash drive so far up your ass you’ll be shitting code for a week. Got it?”

He nods hurriedly. Perfect. Wrapped up quite nicely. back home.