Part 3

Dante smiled at the woman who stood in his private office, her features highlighted by the ruddy glow of the firelight, framing her stark black and white beauty with hints of red.

Tacy Keaton was the second most beautiful woman he had ever seen, second to Gabrielle. Both mistresses of darkness, but Tacy seemed more...feminine.

She stood there, eyeing him suspiciously. "You want something," she said bluntly. Her voice was light, somewhat musical, but with a hidden chill factor.

"What makes you think I want something?" Dante asked with a stunning smile of his own. He lounged back in the comfy leather office chair.

Tacy's eyes rolled. "Don't be coy, Dante," she snorted. She took a seat on the silky red couch, her dark hair spilling over the back. "Tell me what you want, so's I can go and do it."

Dante chuckled. "How kind of you."

Tacy smiled, her full red lips curving. "Well, you're paying me for one thing."

Dante let the remark go. She was one of his favourite agents. She'd do the job he asked her to without much question - for the right payment, as she said.

He shrugged, and told her what was required of her. He remained relaxed, watching her carefully. Tacy was eyeing him as if he were nuts.

"You can't be serious," she said, full of contempt.

Dante frowned. "Deadly. If you won't do it, I'll get someone else who will."

Tacy remained silent for several minutes. Dante really didn't want to bother with getting someone else. Tacy was the best person for the job.
Tacy sighed, and stood up. "All right, all right, I'll do it." She stood up and turned to go.

In a movement faster than she could blink Dante was on his feet and beside her, a painfully tight grip on her arm. Tacy looked at him, her face blank, but even he could see the alarm sparking in her eyes.

"Don't fail me on this Tacy," he said into her ear. His own voice was as soft as snowflakes falling, but he knew she could sense the malice underneath. "It would upset me greatly, and you don't want to see me upset."

He let her go. Tacy shuddered and left the office. Dante sat back in his chair, turning to stare out the dark window. The assignment was simple enough.

So Tacy shouldn't have any problems. So...

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