Hailey’s eyebrows lift. “Do you live here?”
Being a Russian in a small Swiss village, I don’t exactly blend in, and that’s obviously caught her attention.
Again, I keep the reply short. “Yes.”
She begins to nod. “So, I’ll see you again?”
I just nod.
Sooo,” she stretches the word out this time, “you know my name, but I don’t know yours.”
Knowing I’ll probably run into her again, seeing as the town is small, I mutter, “Carson.”
“Enjoy your drink, Carson,” Hailey says, giving me a smile that makes the dimple appear before she walks away.
Picking up the tumbler, I tell myself to relax. Hailey was asking typical questions.
This is the human part of life I struggle with, simply interacting with someone. I’ve been so desensitized by my work it’s hard to feel emotion and have normal conversations. God only knows how my brother does it. Unlike me, Alexei doesn’t have any problems communicating with people.
My phone begins to ring, and taking it out of my pocket, the corner of my mouth lifts when I see Damien’s name flashing on the screen. He’s the closest thing I have to a friend. My circle is small, consisting only of my brother, Demitri, and Damien, so it’s always good to hear from one of them.
“It’s been a while,” I answer, my eyes gliding over the other patrons before they return to Hailey. Her movements as she pours drinks are hypnotizing and relaxing.
“I thought I’d check if you’re still alive,” he jokes.
Damien was supposed to be my custodian like his older brother is for Alexei, but that went to shit when Damien was auctioned off to protect Winter. In the end, it was for the best. He’s happy with Winter, and I prefer working alone.
“Still breathing,” I say before taking a sip of my drink.
“Where are you?” he asks.
“Switzerland.” Only my brother knows where my house is even though he’s never been here. It’s a safety precaution should shit go sideways for me.
Hailey laughs again, and I watch with weird fascination how her full lips curve up and her eyes sparkle.
Fucking beautiful doesn’t begin to describe her.
“Any new contracts?” Damien asks.
This is how our conversations always go. To the point.
“Yes. Afterward, I’ll check in on Alexei and Demitri.”
“Watch your back.” I can hear the worry, and it gives me a glimmer of emotion, but it quickly fades.
“I always do.”
We end the call, and I tuck the device back in my pocket, then I try to relax while enjoying the vodka.
Even though I’m surrounded by a peaceful village, I can’t fully relax. Every sudden sound makes my muscles tense. Every movement draws my eyes.
It’s the price you pay for being an assassin. At any point, I can become the hunted, so letting my guard down is not an option.
HAILEY
Five months ago, I gave up my dead-end job, packed my stuff, and left Bolingbrook to explore the world. I tried saving up so I could travel, but my living expenses kept eating away at my savings. I spoke to my parents about my problem, and they told me to work my way through Europe, and if I needed money, they’d send it to me.
Honestly, I have the best parents. My dad’s in construction, and my mom’s a first-grade teacher. I know they’re saving for their thirtieth anniversary to have a second honeymoon, so I don’t want to ask them for financial help. I want to do this on my own.
Leading a normal life was never for me. I get bored quickly and crave excitement and experiencing new things. I have a passion for different cultures. I want to explore every country and indulge in local cuisines. I plan to travel off the beaten path, wanting to find the little gems tourists always miss. Who knows, I might just become a nomad for life. It would be perfect.
Glancing over the tables and the bar area, I notice Carson’s done with his drink, and I head in his direction. Just like earlier, his eyes snap to me before I’m even halfway to him.
He caught my attention the moment he walked into the bar. He’s hot, and the mysterious vibe hanging around him only makes me more interested.
His tanned complexion and dark bristles on his jaw are in total contrast with his blond hair. It’s obviously dyed and not natural, but it makes him look badass.
There’s something else, though… something I can’t quite put my finger on.
I heard him speaking Russian when he took a call. At least, I think it was Russian. All in all, I get a vibe from him.
Maybe he’s an introvert?
Or maybe he’s just trouble?
I don’t like judging people by their first appearances.
“Hey,” I smile when I reach him. “Another one?”
His eyes lock on my face, and it’s freaking intense as if he’s trying to figure out what my darkest secrets are. I don’t have any, so it doesn’t bother me but instead makes me feel super aware of him as a man.