Page 272 of Fatality

I lock eyes with Neo and Varek. They stare at me as if I've just unleashed a demon, satisfaction gleaming in both their faces.

Then I tighten my hold and keep pulling, every muscle in my body screams with the effort.

His head is anchored to that transparent metal body of his.

I keep pulling.

He kicks wildly, his bionic fists hammering into my forearm, trying to force me to let go.

The wires grind against my skin under the strain, then we all hear it as they begin to tear.

“You touch her,” I whisper. “You talk about her, you even dream about her... and you die.”

“I-I'm sorry!” he gasps, struggling to break my hold.

“Too late.”

“N-No!” he screams, his hands digging into my skin.

I don't feel it.

I pull harder, gritting my teeth.

The wires snap with a sharp whip crack, followed by a spray of glowing green fluid as the tubes rupture, splashing across my body.

With one final wrench, I feel the last connection give way.

His body collapses behind me with a heavy metallic thud.

His head hangs in my hand, dripping green fluid, his face frozen in a silent scream.

“Damn, Evren.” Neo lets out a long breath. “Cold. Even for you.”

I drop his head and head for the basement stairs without a word.

“Neo, find the device.” I pause. “Varek, take everything here that's worth something. Then bring me the device and deal with the rest.”

I glance toward the exit.

“I've got a fucking ball to get to.”

The device sits in the inside pocket of this stupid suit that cost a fucking arm.

My hair is slicked back.

The dress shirt is perfectly tucked under my waistband and wrinkle-free—just like the tailor promised—the jacket is fitted and buttoned at the waist.

The pants are surprisingly comfortable.

Loose enough to move in, not squeezing my balls until they can't fucking breathe.

Perfect, in a way but I still hate wearing the damn thing.

There was no fucking way I was wearing the tie. My collar is open just enough to show the tattoos on my collarbones and pectorals.

The sleeves are rolled up to my mid-forearms so my tattoos are on full display.

So are the bruises and cuts from the fight with that thing who dared threaten what was mine when she had nothing to do with any of it.