Page 236 of Fatality

I frown.

“But she said it was tied to the Lower Layers.”

He nods.

“It definitely is. It could be tied to a gang that wanted money from the heir, or he could've been living a double life.”

He pauses.

“But everything on Laordie Kyle, except the basic information, is locked down.”

“So, someone...” I clench my fist. “Someone doesn't want us to find out what happened to the son of one of the most powerful men in the city, and they used her when she was twelve as bait in their game.”

I sit there, in my Charger, watching her put her gloved hands-on other people, picking up that hellish machine and working on their skin.

It's fascinating how focused she is. I can even see the tip of her tongue peeking out in concentration.

I can't see what she's tattooing, but the fact that she doesn't use a printing machine is impressive.

I step out of my Charger and walk toward the door, unbothered.

The melody that rings out as I cross the threshold is a detail I didn't care to notice when I was with her, buried deep inside her.

My gaze lands on the girl at the reception desk—where, forty-eight hours ago, Riven's ass had been. Her smile falters for a second, and her skin pales.

I don't linger on it. Instead, I turn my head and see that Riven doesn't even look up to see who's entered her studio.

How rude of her.

“Troublemaker.” I say, my voice low.

She doesn't lift her head, but I see her shoulders tense.

“What do you want, freak?”

I grin.

“We need to talk.”

“About what? I'm busy.” she says, still focused on the vibrating machine she holds like a pen.

“Yeah, and I've got some information.” I take a step forward. “So get your ass up. I'm not a patient man.”

“I'm finishing my work.” She still doesn't fucking look at me. I can feel my blood boiling. “We'll talk later, so sit your ass down in a chair or go do your job.”

In three strides, I'm behind her.

I bend down, leaning close.

“Don't test me,” I murmur, breathing in her scent. “Because I don't give a fuck about your work. If I say you need a reminder, I'll bend you over your client's back and fuck you right here if you keep being a pain in my ass.”

“Try and I’ll stab you in the eye with my needle.” She says deadpan, not even looking at me.

I throw my head back and laugh.

It's not an amused laugh, it’s because it's thrilling, so specifically vivid and so fucking her.

When it subsides, I take a step back and lean against the wall.