Page 9 of The Hunter's Empire

Stefano’s gaze settles on me for a moment. "Challenge. Control. The thrill of doing something nobody else can."

A quiet silence stretches between us. I should probably find the entire conversation concerning. Instead, I feel my interest growing stronger with every word.

A man who breached the Keegans’ systems for even a few minutes wasn’t just talented. He was operating on a level most people would never reach.

And for some reason, the idea of convincing someone like that to work with me feels less intimidating than it should.

"There’s a phrase people associate with him." Stefano says eventually.

I look back at him.

"When everyone else fails, they call Domenico."

The words settle heavily in the room. Not dramatic. Not exaggerated. Just cold.

I let out a quiet breath, trying to picture the kind of man people would describe that way.

"And if a job doesn’t interest him?"

"He refuses it."

"That doesn’t sound too terrible."

Stefano’s expression barely changes. "Apparently he dislikes having his time wasted."

Something in his tone makes me narrow my eyes slightly.

"How much does he dislike it?"

Another faint smile. "Enough that people tend to be careful when approaching him."

I hold his gaze for a second longer, understanding exactly what he isn’t saying out loud.

Interesting. Dangerous. Unpredictable. Every description should be pushing me away from this conversation. Instead, it’s pulling me in deeper.

"There still has to be some way to reach him." I say finally.

Stefano stays quiet for a moment before nodding once.

"There is. Occasionally."

I wait.

"He sometimes participates in private auctions."

The words catch me off guard enough that I blink. "Auctions?"

"For contracts." Stefano explains. "Very exclusive ones. Invitation-only circles. Wealthy people, criminal networks, political figures, private organizations…" He pauses slightly. "People bid for his services and people like him."

I stare at him for a second, unsure whether the idea sounds insane or brilliant.

"Does he actually choose the highest bidder?"

"Not always."

That answer somehow feels more dangerous.

Stefano considers his words for a moment before continuing. "Money helps, obviously. But from what I’ve heard, Domenico chooses jobs based on whether they interest him personally. Sometimes he accepts lower offers simply because the challenge appeals to him more."