158 Chapter 158

Seraphina’s POV 1

The sound of slow, deliberate clapping cut through the night air like a blade, making my blood freeze in my veins.

I scrambled to my feet, my back pressed against the brick wall, every muscle in my body coiled for another fight. My hands were still shaking from adrenaline, but I forced them steady as I scanned the mouth of the alley.

“Who’s there?” My voice came out stronger than I felt. “Show yourself!”

The clapping stopped. Footsteps echoed off the narrow walls, slow and measured, as a figure emerged from the shadows at the alley entrance. A man in a long coat and baseball cap, his face hidden in darkness.

My heart hammered against my ribs. Another predator. Another threat.

“Stay back!” I shouted, raising my fists in what I hoped looked like a threatening stance. “You didn’t see what happened to your buddy? He’s probably still running! Don’t come any closer unless you want the same treatment!”

The man stopped walking, but instead of backing away, he started laughing. A rich, amused sound that echoed off the alley walls.

“My buddy?” His voice carried a slight accent I couldn’t place. “I think you’ve got the wrong idea, sweetheart.”

He reached up and pulled off his cap, revealing dark hair and a face that looked more intrigued than threatening. Even in the dim streetlight, I could see he was smiling.

I rolled my eyes, my terror transforming into disgust. “Oh, perfect. So you’re not a predator, you’re just a coward. You watched that whole thing happen and didn’t lift a finger to help.”

His smile widened. “Maybe I am a coward,” he admitted with a shrug. “Or maybe I was about to step in when I realized you had the

situation well in hand.”

fists raised, not trusting him

I tensed, ready to run or fight, but all he pulled out was

name’s Rico,” he said, holding the

didn’t move to take the

like excitement. “That knee strike

perfectly executed.”

skin crawled. This man had watched me fight for my life and he was

“You’re sick,” I spat.

step closer, and I tensed again. But he stopped just outside what I considered

you an opportunity.”

10:44

113

not interested

matches. Good money. Very good

him like he’d grown a second head. “You want me to

the spot where my attacker had been bleeding on the pavement. “Look, I’ve been in this business for fifteen years. I can spot talent

to fight,” I said automatically. “What you just saw

me like I was a puzzle he was trying

pack facility, but

can get lucky

again. “I think you’ve got training. Military? Martial arts? Doesn’t matter where you learned

to get him to back off than out of any real

you acquiring talent for?” I

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