Happy B-day to my Beta reader, Luv2Game.

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Chapter 11

Rayn left the Bloody Hook with a grin. Almost bouncing on her heels to her vehicle, you could never tell that her big meeting was the next day. Her position as Crime Lord and all her endeavors in racing would be determined in this one meeting. This was her last chance to make an impression. This was her last chance to prove herself worthy of taking over Kras and eventually, the rest of the underground crime.

As anxious as she was about the next day, and coming face to face with that Lucien, she had to remain confident, at least on the outside. Sure, she was nervous. Sure, she knew that all of the Kras Dynasty was at stake. But after a week and a half of observing the races and Jak's success, she really knew that this was what she wanted.

It was no longer about taking over for her father. She wanted this power for herself. This was her fate and no matter what obstacle came her way, whether it is Lucien, Jak's involvement in her father's murder, or a certain dark haired racer, she would grasp her fate with both hands and only death could make her let go.

The meeting was tomorrow and it was the last meeting before the final race. If all went well, she could go into the final race with confidence that upon winning the Championship Trophy, her ownership of Kras would be won as well. The antidotes were ready, but with all the power in the world, there was still one thing she needed to complete her faultless success. Rather, one man, the most relentless driver in all of Combat Racing.

She was sure that after Mizo's demise, if all went according to plan and Jak's final win in the last race, Jak's team would find no reason to continue racing for her. In order to assure her spot as Crime Lord and number one in the fatal sport, she needed a star and one that had no problem enduring the life of crime. Although Jak had his dark sides, he was still considered too much of a 'hero' and would therefore never agree to work under her as Crime Lord, heed the title itself – Crime Lord.

Jak was no criminal, unless it was necessary to 'save the world'. Only one man was fit for the job and currently she had a hard time getting that one man to eat out of her palm. She was sure that the proposal she offered to him was fool proof, but upon his rash response, such as throwing her out of his home and slamming the door, it seemed that he wasn't too thrilled about the conditions.

Rayn considered herself a remotely good-looking woman, and she would be gushing with wealth and power after the races, so why he would turn down such a golden opportunity? It bewildered her. She also viewed herself as a smart woman, and why she would not be grateful that he – accused rapist and murderer – had turned down the offer to bind their marriage to secure his wealth and position as race car driver? It also troubled her. After reading over his file, she should've listened to the fear creeping up her neck and promised herself to never make contact with such a man again.

However, some pieces just did not fit. Sure, he was a killer. She knew that. You couldn't participate in the sport without the potential possibility of killing another human being in a competing vehicle. But upon reading the gruesome graphic nature of the murders he committed in the past, and seeing the man who had run out of the bar earlier to tend to the stain on his beloved coat, she couldn't help but be suspicious.

The man's home was photo perfect and spotless. He could prepare cuisines that would rival those served in the main Kras mansion itself. The books on his shelves were worn from use. She had to wonder what would drive such a man to submit to blood thirst. She had to wonder how such sinful hands felt so welcoming in her hair. She could not help but wonder and that was that.

So much mystery lay behind that smug smile of his and the fidgeting knife in his pocket and she knew none of it. If only she could find a key point, a soft spot to press that would unravel such stories of the past unbeknownst to her, that would grant her the opportunity to gain his trust and therefore create a chance to come to some sort of an agreement in which they would both benefit.

The drive home was quickened by her consuming thoughts. She hadn't even noticed her guards gesturing that she have a pleasant night as she walked in. She was too occupied with the biggest mystery, still unsolved.

The true identity of Mizo. She knew she was close. Her spies came day in and day out, relaying as much information as they could until something useful had finally come in.

Throughout all the history and records of the sport, the only similar crime related to Jak's sabotaged vehicle was the death of News Reporter G.T. Blitz's father. Over a decade ago, when the sport first ran, Blitz's father manifested the tracks, inspiring all amateur racers that would follow. Not a day would pass that his tires did not leave the roads with its graceful marks. There were no particular enemies of his that stood out; after all, in this sport it was natural to gain enemies. Then his mysterious death occurred - his vehicle was wired with explosives just as Jak's vehicle was during a recent race.

Unlike Jak's vehicle though, in which the wires were connected wrongfully, causing the weapons to jam instead of the explosives to go off, Blitz's father was not blessed with such luck. Whether the wires were purposely or accidentally set wrong were still unknown, but it seemed that maybe the perpetrator had only meant to send Jak's team a warning. Either way, such a desperate and sneaky attempt had not surfaced since the death of Blitz Senior, so she had reason to believe that the man who threatened Jak, since their current enemy was Mizo, and the man who killed Blitz Senior were somehow connected.

If the man was sent by Mizo to threaten Jak, she was sure such a mindless hoodlum would've sufficed to other, more imprudent ways of going about it. Maybe knives to the throat or a simple private chase down the city streets off tracks. However, to surrender to something as low and fraught as wiring Jak's car, it would have been carried out by none other than Mizo himself. He had already laid out his best cards on the table, and all his best drivers and previous attempts to kill the Eco channeling elf had failed. The explosives were most likely Mizo's trump card, saved for his most desperate moment since he now doubted his ability to dominate the races.

To wire Jak's car unnoticed and in what appeared to be a rush, the man that called himself Mizo had to be amongst them, trying not to get caught. Somewhere lost in the faces they saw on a daily basis, in the crowds and in the garages, one of them was the face they were looking for. Except they still had no idea who it was. And the Mizo that wired Jak's car had to have been the same mystery man that wired Blitz Senior's vehicle so similarly. They just needed to fill in the blanks.

The only way to find out more info on Blitz Senior's death, how and why Mizo would possibly be involved and who Mizo really is, Rayn had to meet with none other than G.T. Blitz himself. He was the source of all gossip and had been hosting the sport for years before her time. Although Jak's attempt to squeeze anything out from him was unsuccessful, she was sure she could get something from the blond. She found his resistance to speak with Jak to be apprehensive, therefore earning her to question why he would react in such a way.

She had to know something by the time the meeting came and that was why she arranged for an interview with G.T. Blitz the following morning. It was risky and she would possibly be in the middle of Mizo's danger zone, but she'd do it to find out who Mizo really was. Blitz had no idea of her plan to draw out answers on his father's death and Mizo's identity. She had agreed to speak with him and give her final thoughts about the upcoming and most important race, and considering G.T.'s habit for getting all the juice and spotlight, she knew he wouldn't pass up the interview.

Hopefully she'd get a step closer to Mizo's identity, leaving her a bit of leverage to her position as Crime Lord and some confidence to walk into that meeting tomorrow afternoon.

That was why she sprung around her bedroom with a grin. She welcomed herself into her bed sheets with a content sigh and she closed her eyes with promises of pleasurable dreams.

Somehow, in some way, she'd get everything she wanted and she would stop at nothing until she had all she desired. As for luring the trench-coat wearing racer to serve under her rule… Well, she'd take care of that later.

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"Would you like for us to escort you inside, Ms. Krew?"

"No, that won't be necessary. Feel free to carry on back home. You are no longer needed," Rayn advised the two large men who accompanied her to Blitz's studio.

They nodded at her command, fists folded against their fronts. "As you wish, Ms. Krew".

She watched as the men stepped into their black vehicle and drove away. She had felt confident on sending them home. If there were any deadly risks, Mizo wouldn't be stupid enough to try them today. It was too obvious, being that she was on this interview with G.T. and having a meeting later on.

If he was connected to G.T., which she was practically positive that he was, any attempts to harm her on the same day she was meeting him would not be wise. And as much as she had her differences about the Eco hero Jak, at least she would know that if something did happen, the team would not just let it be. Not only because Jak felt partly responsible for killing any 'innocent girl's' father, but because only she could grant permission for the antidotes to be handed over after the final race was won.

The building in front of her appeared as any other normal, urban building. Dark bricks layered to create the four-floor studio, glass doors greeting the front. Perfect, square shrubs aligned around the building, meeting at the concrete path at the main entrance. Hovering above the main entrance doors was a large picture of G.T. Blitz next to the name of the network. She could see through the glass windows the way some of the personnel scurried about the main floor. It must've been in preparation for the upcoming show in which she was invited to.

Nothing was suspicious about the building, but Rayn wouldn't let that fool her.

Upon walking through the main entrance, she was instantly bombarded by floating cameras and two staff members wearing earpieces. Wiry looking, one man and one woman, the pair was wearing over grown glasses and had notepads in their hands.

"Hello there, and good afternoon? Are you Ms. Krew?" asked the man.

She tried to swat one of the cameras hovering in front of her face. "Uh, yes, I am. I have an appointment to meet with G.T. Blitz".

Both of them led her toward the large front desk, where receptionists gave her a mil-second smile before returning to the phones ringing off the hook. The wiry woman shoved a clipboard into her chest and Rayn almost fell back on impact.

"What in the-"

"You have to sign in here, Ms. Krew, and we need to see your ID. We will phone Mr. Blitz right away and inform him of your arrival," the woman nodded without taking notice of Rayn's irritation to her. She snapped her fingers at one of the receptionists and they nodded in response.

Not even seconds later, the clipboard was snatched from her grasp before her pen finished writing the last letter, and she was shoved into an elevator with the man accompanying the woman who Rayn had decided she didn't like.

The bell rang to announce the second floor and as the steel doors opened, Rayn's eyes widened.

"Step this way please, Ms. Krew. Mr. Blitz will be pleased that you are here," he led her into the large floor. People were scurrying about with cameras, makeup artists rushed to prepare the guests, the sets were being constructed and perfectly aligned, the lights were being flicked on and off for testing. It was obvious that G.T. Blitz was a perfectionist when it came to going on live and interviewing an exclusive.

She hadn't noticed the man walk away and G.T. Blitz walking toward her. A trail of cameras followed, just as they always did. He flashed her a wide, pearly grin before extending his hand.

"Rayn, dear, so glad that you could make it. Welcome to my humble abode," he took a moment to wink at the camera before facing her again. "Please, take a seat on the set and we'll get started".

She was directed to a seat on the main set. The background once again had G.T.'s haughty image blown up too large for her own taste and flashy letters. She tried not to show the disgust she had for this guy's ego. She sat on a blue fold out chair that already had her name on it and an identical chair stood across with Blitz's name.

Rayn thought she finally had the time to breath until a two makeup artists attacked her cheeks with blush brushes and she had to shoo them away. "Would you please!" Rayn scolded the two women who dipped their heads apologetically before leaving her.

She regretted her choice of wardrobe because she had settled on a skirt as an alternative to her usual dressy slacks. The slacks would've aided her fast escape from the studio once this was all over. Not because she would run from danger, but from the commotion in the studio. It was overwhelming.

A countdown began and Blitz ran to the set. Sitting comfortably on the seat and giving a cue to his staff, by the time the countdown was finished, the whole floor grew quiet. It was eerie how every person silenced on G.T.'s very command.

Seeing the astonishment on Rayn's face, he winked at her, "It's cause I'm the star. Alright, roll the cameras".

Finally it had begun.

"Hello, race fanatics, we're coming to you live with an exclusive interview, set up by yours truly," another wink and smile. "Right here, in this very studio is the woman who has caused the biggest talk in all of racing history. That's right folks, the leader of the team opposing Mizo's Dream Team, it is Rayn Krew herself. So, Ms. Krew, how are you feeling?"

Rayn blinked for the first time since she arrived, "W-well I'm doing rather fine. Thank you, Bli-".

"Okay, now – tell me Ms. Krew, what's it like to stare death right in the face? Not feel safe in your own car and know your whole reputation is on the line?"

She could not stand that voice of his and that smile – ugh! "I actually feel very safe in my car, thank you very much. After all, I am a racer myself. As for my reputation on the line, I am hardly worried, seeing that my team will pass the finish line in the upcoming race".

"Ha ha ha, I'm sure it will. If you say so, anyway – ah, this just in!" An arm stretched into the set to hand him a clipboard in which he barely glanced at. "Seems I have some rather interesting juice on you Ms. Krew. Now tell me, are the rumors swarming about like wild fire true?"

"Rumors? I have no idea what you're talking about," Rayn stated matter in factly. She was beginning to get frustrated at the fact that he wasn't giving her a chance to pry him for information.

Blitz nudged Rayn roughly, sending her to grab the sides of her seat to prevent her from falling. "Living proof, ladies and gentlemen, women are master liars. Now Rayn, I think you and I know very well what I'm talking about here. Sources say you blackmailed your team into racing for you, need I say more?" His brows wiggled at her and she was almost rendered speechless.

"B-blackmail? Why that's nonsense! No such thing happened!" Rayn protested, heat rushing to her cheeks.

Blitz only ignored her and continued. "So, tell me, Ms. Krew, how does it feel to know that you can't even trust your own team? I mean, they must hate your stinkin' guts. I'd like to know how you expect to win when your own drivers don't even like you, and hell, you don't even like your own drivers! After all, you remember Jak, takin' out your old man, ey? I'm sure it doesn't run by you too well on the friendship meter and after that sabotage on his vehicle, who knows what can happen next!"

The man doesn't stop moving his lips to breath, only to blind her with his smile. Rayn finally had enough. She exhaled a loud sigh and Blitz eyed her with warning for possibly ruining his image on live TV.

"Speaking on the sabotage, Blitz, I have some juice of my own. I'm sure the best host of Combat Racing would love to be the first to spill it out to the public".

Blitz thought for a quick moment before nervously grinning at the cameras and nodding. "Of course, that's why I'm Blitz. All the juice, all the gossip, all the news, comes to me first! Now spill the beans!"

"Well, rumors say that the explosives wired on Jak's vehicle were the same ones that were used on a certain racer's car years ago. Sources say, that the two incidents were related and that the same man who killed this racer is the Mizo out to get my star racer Jak," Rayn let the words slide from her mouth smoothly. As her smile widened, Blitz's smile shortened.

Blitz gave another nervous laugh, "Really now, ya don't say? Well, sucks for that poor racer and tough noogies for Jak, but who knows-". It was obvious that Blitz was trying to shrug Rayn's comments off and go for a change of subject. She wouldn't let that happen.

"Now, what I find most interesting, is that not only do the two incidents involve the same explosives, but the racer who was killed by the explosives were none other than-"

"Okay! We're short on time. We'll continue this thrilling conversation after this commercial break, folks," Blitz gestured the chopping signal at his neck and the cameras shut off. He gave a smile to his staff before leaning closer to Rayn, hiding his stern expression.

"Listen here, I don't know what you came here for but what the hell are you trying to pull?"

Rayn brought her fingertips to her lips roguishly. "Nothing at all, Blitz. I thought this was what you do. You wanted the beans, didn't you?"

Blitz growled at her and Rayn gave him a satisfied grin. She lowered her head to whisper and cover her expression as well. "Alright you listen up, rumor has it that your father was killed by the same explosives that were wired on my racer's car. That means that the same man that killed your father is most likely Mizo himself and from what I hear, you're not very reluctant on finding your father's killer".

"What are you implying lady?"

"I'm implying that you probably know who this Mizo is and that you are on his side. If you are, then this race is fixed and how do I know he's not right here in this studio! Now tell me, where is he? Who is he?"

Blitz sat back and released a trail of arrogant laughter. "Now if you think I'm gonna give that up, you must think I'm suicidal".

"I do know that if you don't tell me, I will find out myself and I'm sure your co-host would love to hear the beans before you".

A finger came rushing up to her face, "Listen, you can forget that little bird brain and as for my father and Mizo, I think it would be in your best interest to mind yours and keep your-" Upon seeing the staff members beginning to catch the conflict between the two with wide eyes, Blitz scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.

"Nothing to see here, just discussing our next set of questions," he assured them with a wave.

"Hmm," Rayn sat up and straightened her skirt. "Enjoy the rest of your show, I'll be taking my leave. It has been entertaining," she could almost feel the burn of his glare as she stepped off the set.

"Oh, and be sure to tell Mizo not to try and attempt any funny tricks again. Anything funny happens, I spill the beans," this time she winked at him and walked back to the elevator.

"See you at the final race, Blitz. It's been a pleasure". Those were the last conniving, sweet words she mocked him with before the steel doors closed.

As the elevator went down, she crossed her arms over her chest with confidence. It didn't take much to make the hair sprayed host break. After exchanging such little information, she already knew who Mizo was. She just needed a little more confirmation and she knew just the person to do so.

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A very pleased and catty grin grew on Rayn's face as she watched the seven men sitting at the round table, watching the recording of Blitz's show shot earlier in the day. With chins propped on their knuckles and nods of approval, they observed the bit of scene recorded live between Rayn and the host G.T. Blitz.

As for the bit of conversation they had off the camera, she would keep that to herself. All they needed to know was that she was close and therefore had an advantage that they did not. The large TV screen went black and they all turned their attention to the only woman in the room. Actually, some were finding it difficult to keep their attention elsewhere, since she had decided to show up with her long waves of gray-ish hair falling gracefully down her spine. Her bangs seductively covered her eye and one of her blouse buttons just happened to be open.

Lucien cleared his throat loudly with a twitch of his mustache before speaking up. "Is this supposed to convince us of anything, Ms. Krew?"

To his surprise, Rayn's smile widened. It almost struck fear into his heart. Last time they had met, this woman was meek; weak hearted and struggled for her words. Now she walked in glowing with confidence, long legs bearing through high slits in her skirt and a fire in her eyes.

"It's not supposed to convince you at all, actually. Let's just call it my way of saying that I have Mizo right in the palm of my hand," she expressed with her palm held out, slowing clenching as her words came to an end.

Another man spoke, "Right in the palm of your hand you say? Might I ask, who is this Mizo then?"

A swift movement brought her fingers curling at the elderly man's chin as she replied deviously, "That – my friend, is my secret and mine alone. I would be a fool to tell all of you. Rest assured that he will be disposed of".

Lucien's cheeks began to flush. She wasn't sure if it was from embarrassment, anger, or both. The very woman who he was trying to rip down from power during the last meeting was now snaking her way between them all to get to the top. It was too much for him to handle.

He sent a stiff palm on the table before he stood up rebelliously. "This is ridiculous! Whether you know the identity of Mizo or not, that still does not prove that you are capable of taking over after him and ensuring that the underground can continue it's crime sprees unnoticed!"

Rayn shot him a daring glare. Lucien's firm expression did not flinch. She released the man in her grasp with a smile before slowly making her way to Lucien.

What do men want? Power. Money. Danger. And Sex.

"Lucien – Lucien, Lucien, Lucien," her finger wagged at him as little by little, her body inched toward him.

What do I want? Kras and all it has to offer.

"It's seems you lack trust in me," she purred as her body finally made its way next to his. She could already feel a heat burning between them.

If you want something bad enough, go and get it. Know your consequences but don't fear risks.

In moments, he had found himself suffocated in this snake's deceit. Every doubt he had for this woman instantly vanished the moment a bare leg rubbed against him and sent unwanted hormones afloat. He cleared his throat once again, pulling the collar of his shirt for some air.

"You should know better, Rayn, there is no trust in this business. We just stick together for a common goal".

Rayn released a feminine laugh, "Ahh, so now it's first name basis. It seems that there's more familiarity in you than you believe". She punctuated this fact with a light tap on his nose and his eyes widened with shock.

Rayn's ego was skyrocketing. She had never felt so powerful, so in control. It was amazing that the little things she had picked up from her time with Razer had actually paid off.

Just as she thought she had Lucien under her hypnotism, he grabbed her wandering wrist nearby his jaw. He pulled her close with a slick smile to her face. "You know, two can play this game, Ms. Krew. You are not the only one with power and a way with words in this room," he reminded her with a whisper between them. It was a battle between the two biggest influences among the gang lords, not including Mizo.

Rayn's brows furrowed, her expression now serious. "Well there is one difference, Lucien. I have the wealth that you currently lack and not only that, but I know who Mizo is".

She felt his fingers tightly nudge between the bones of where her palm and her wrist met. "Wealth isn't everything, Ms. Krew…" It was then that she felt a sting of cold metal, warning her through the thin hem of her shirt where the others could not see.

"Why Lucien, is this a threat?" She arched a brow at him in challenge. Although her eyes flared with determination, her insides wretched with the possible fear that he would kill her here and now. None of the others would care or attempt to stop him from stabbing her. After all, he was second in power after her and every being in the room in reality were enemies. She prayed that he couldn't feel the sweat beginning to tickle down the back of her neck.

"Not at all. It's more like a promise. The word threat – is such a harsh word," Lucien retaliated. He wasn't going to let himself fall for that sexual finesse of hers so easily. Although to her advantage, it did manage to stir some undesired arousal on his part, but he had to focus on his goal. She had wealth and she had words but did she have guts? Could she last in such a dangerous world, a world only made for men?

It was almost as if the thoughts passing through his mind were read by her eyes. She answered with a rigid, solid piece of steel, sticking to the side of his abdomen. She too, came prepared.

"You shouldn't make promises that you can't keep. Did I ever tell you that one of my father's favored trades were that of weapons? I may not look much like him, thankfully, but I did happen to inherit his lust for guns. They are useful, wouldn't you say?"

Lucien's head lowered in defeat. She could swear she saw a grin form as if he was impressed. "Useful, they are and might I add, much faster than a blade to the side". She slowly felt his weapon pull away from her body and she kept her eyes on his until she was sure his weapon was safely put away. Once she was sure, she replaced the safety and slid the small pistol back into the waist of her skirt.

"You are a very conniving woman, you know. I'll make sure you don't last in this business," he gave her one last warning before releasing his grip on her wrist and sitting back in his chair.

Rayn paid no heed to his threat. She smiled back at the other men with her hands on her hips. "We're running out of time, I'm afraid. The final race is a little more than a week away. I think we can all agree that my team will be winning that upcoming race and you can rest your concerns for the underground crime with me. In the hands of the Krew crime family, you can expect nothing but success".

An elderly man spoke up, "And what if, for some reason, you cannot fulfill these promises and your team does not make the final race? What if you cannot dispose of Mizo as you say? What will you do for us then, Ms. Krew?"

"Trust me. Jak will win and Mizo will come out of hiding now that I have him where I want him. If such thing happens, feel free to take over as you please to secure what's worth most to you," Rayn said these things in assurance that her plans would not fail. They couldn't. Not with Jak racing as her star driver. Not now that she knew who Mizo was and even if she wasn't entirely sure, there was one person she could pry for information. That person, as well, could possibly be working under her rule if she dealt her cards right, and if she could do that, then they'd be no stopping her.

"It's getting dark. We shall meet again after the race to determine our final steps. We pray that you are successful, Ms. Krew, for your sake…"

With that and some last lingering glares at the woman, they all stood up and began to head out of the warehouse room, one by one. Each heading to his destination discreetly until once again, she was left alone with the round table. She did so often to gather the last pieces of her thoughts and to be sure no one would follow her out if she left before them.

Even though she did have a pistol tucked in her skirt, she wasn't very fond of the idea of actually using the thing. She was never much of a hands-on kind of girl. Blood and gore, she'd rather leave to someone under her command. Now that Lucien had a much stronger grudge against her, since she was closer to obtaining her goal, she had to be extra careful. Who knows what a man like him would do to make sure she didn't take over Kras.

She sat in a chair for a moment to breath. Of course it hadn't shown, but the entire time she was a nervous wreck. It wasn't exactly sugar and crumpets to flaunt around the room and tickle her fingers on perverted old men. There was no guarantee that her act would work. Then there was a possibility that her act might've worked too well, well enough to cause some unnecessary groping of some sort or worse.

She could have angered them, she could have aroused them, and there were so many things that could've gone wrong. Thankfully, she kept her cool and despite the fact that she had a knife pulled on her, it went fairly well.

With a sigh, she lifted up her arms to pin her hair loosely around her face. She had remembered why she had rarely left it down. It was long and annoying, clinging to her back and into her eyes at times. What a woman has to do to feign vanity…

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Her teethe chattered at the gust of wind that aimed straight for her face. It was a cold night and being by the ocean didn't make the weather any kinder. She took a second to observe her surroundings once more as a precaution. She walked briskly to her vehicle, hidden by the side of the warehouse in the shrubs.

Before stepping into it, she got on her knees to look under the car for anything strange of suspicious. It was a habit she was developing after Jak's car was wired. Couldn't be too careful these days. She made one last look in the trunk and once she was satisfied, she closed it and dusted her hands. That was when she noticed the small note left on her windshield.

Her first thought was, 'A ticket? Out here?' but she knew that wasn't possible. Still, the thought was amusing so she smirked. Snatching the note from the glass and bringing it to her view, she realized the handwriting was familiar.

Short and simple as always. All it said was 'Here'. There was no 'Thank You' or 'Oh, this works really well', just 'Here'. Rayn rolled her eyes before looking at her windshield wiper, noticing the taped item wrapped around it.

"You're very welcome," she said sarcastically as she pulled the stick of detergent off the wiper and slipped it into her pocket.

As her engine rumbled and she pulled out of the grass, she shook her head.

Don't worry, Razer; you're just the person I need to see. And I will get a 'Thank You' out of you, too.

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Razer looked up from his cup of coffee as an undesired presence rushed through his front door with a slam. He shook his head with a half-hearted smile.

"Hmm, I really should get rid of that spare key," Razer thought aloud with a tilt of his head.

Rayn ignored him. "Where is he? I know who he is, now tell me!" She threw her jacket to his sofa before slamming her fist into his kitchen counter.

"Sure, my dearest, feel free to make yourself comfortable," he eyed her fist for a moment before returning his attention back to his evening drink.

Rayn's lip curled. She knew he was only trying to piss her off. Maybe they hadn't been on good terms since the last time she shoved marriage papers into his face but for now, they had to be put aside.

"Don't toy with me, Razer. Tell me where Mizo is this instant," she sent her furious gaze to stab into him and it had no effect. He calmly set his mug on the counter and crossed his arms.

"So you solved the big mystery, have you? Found out who the great and notorious Mizo really is?" His hands gestured into the air just like the time he mocked Jak and his reputation. Now he was mocking her. He didn't think she was serious.

Rayn took a deep breath, resisting the temptation to grab his white button down shirt into her hands and yank his neck. "I know who Mizo really is, I just need a little more confirmation, now would you plea-".

"How do you know he is who you think he is? Do you have any solid proof? How do you know he's not in this very house, sniping from my roof?" With every question he laid out to her, he grinned wider. Rayn was fuming.

With the silence that followed, her fingers began to twitch. "You really don't care if you lose everything, do you?"

Razer shrugged, "Hmm, hmm, maybe not".

"You're heartless!"

"That may be so".

"I should've expected that kind of response from a rapist and someone who killed his own-" Her hands made an attempt to cut off the rest of that sentence but it was too late. She had already said it and he had already heard.

Before she even knew what happened, she was face to face with Razer, his killer intent breathing onto her cheeks. "Maybe I've been a bit too lenient with you but don't you forget whose home you're in. Don't you forget who I am and what I'm capable of!"

Another long silence followed and neither of them budged. After all the confidence she bubbled with all day, it immediately came to a low, dying simmer among the presence of the man before her. She was trembling, wondering why in the hell she would let herself say something like that. Why would she provoke him knowing who he was and what his reputation entailed?

It was true. She had become too cocky, failing to realize that this man was still her enemy and could kill her at will. She had let her words slip and now she found herself in a slightly dangerous situation.

Razer let his gaze run over her form, now shrinking in his presence. He gave it his all not to crack a smirk that still, she was so weak when caught in certain corners.

"So that's what you really think? I'm a rapist and a murderer who would go as far as killing his own sister. I'm surprised, Rayn, that your judgment of people is so easily swayed before you get all the facts. Makes me think everything you've learned up 'til now was a waste".

Rayn was stumped. She had no idea what to say. He couldn't be saying he wasn't a murderer because he was, in more ways than one. But as far as killing his own sister, she hadn't really applied much thought to it after going over his file.

As for being a rapist, that was a whole other topic in itself. As much as she hated to admit it, Razer was a reasonably attractive man, and with his charm she found it a bit hard to believe he would go through such means to satisfy his lust. He didn't seem to be the kind of man who indulged much on bodily pleasures. Only pleasure he had, as far as she knew, was his racing.

Rayn lowered her head in shame, turning away from his disapproving glare. "I'm sorry, you're right. I jump to conclusions before gathering all the information I need".

Razer did not respond. He hadn't count on her apologizing. If anything, he expected she'd high tail it out of there as fast as she could before he withdrew a weapon. He turned away from her and grabbed his coffee mug. She watched as he walked to the living room to stand by the glass doors that led outside, his back facing her.

She wasn't sure what to do next. She fumbled with her fingers nervously as she watched the man standing by the sliding doors in deep thought. She wondered if she should leave or continue to pursue her goals.

She didn't know Mizo's whereabouts, but that was something she could find out elsewhere. She was sure he was already feeling desperate and that he would be forced to come out eventually. However, there was another goal she had in mind. Razer's trust.

She needed him to side with her – more than anything. He was too much of a valuable asset to let go and if he decided not to side with her, there was a chance that he would have to be disposed of since he might cause trouble for the Krew Crime Family in the future. There was so much that she didn't know about this man and something continued to peck at her interest. She couldn't help but come back to meet him, just to draw more out of his mysterious essence. She couldn't explain it. She just couldn't stop herself from learning more.

Rayn carefully made her way towards the retired racer, sitting on the sofa and observing his broad frame standing a few feet away. She whispered, "I'd like to know – what really happened". He seemed like he was about to refuse until she spoke again, more eagerly, "In exchange, I won't ask you about Mizo anymore and I'll leave afterwards".

Razer hesitated. His thumb massaged the rim of his empty mug. He wasn't sure why she wanted to know, and he wasn't even sure why he was even considering confessing to her such a secretive past. She couldn't possibly understand, being that she grew up with the life that he never had. Luxury, great food and clothes on her back. Why would he even bother? Yet, something tugged at him, beckoned to release the weight he had held onto for all these years.

Razer sighed and Rayn thought he was going to stand there quietly for the rest of the evening until she retreated. Just as she was about to lift herself up from the sofa and try not to push her luck any further, she heard a low whisper.

"Alright – but I doubt it'll be a fairy tale to your liking…"

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About two hours had passed. It was late at night and he had finally finished his story. He was right. It was anything but a fairy tale.

He had told her about his country, the kind of life he lived and the childhood dreams he once had. He told her about Rosetta, what she was like, how he admired her in every way. He told her of the job Rosetta had consumed herself to, in order to fulfill his every wish, although against his will. He told her about how he was first introduced to racing and how the web of trickery would soon lead to the dreadful events that would follow. Marcela, Macen's murder, Rosetta's dying body and finally Burgra's murder, all brought upon just by living the miserable life that he was born into.

He had confessed his prison stories, the tale of his first trench coat and the mysterious promising letter he had received from Mizo one day. The scar he had received from getting caught on the barbed wire while he escaped the borders and the life he was then enslaved to afterwards because he had nothing left. He'd do anything to keep the only dream he had left alive – racing, even if it meant working for a scumbag like Mizo.

Razer did not move from the spot by the doors once during the whole thing, nor did he turn to face her. Motionless, he stood holding his mug as he stared through the glass. After he was done, Rayn was lost for words. So much of his story had made her feel such indescribable despair, to the point that she was almost at tears. As his story drew to its climax, where he had lost everyone he had ever loved, everyone he had ever considered a friend, she couldn't help the few tears that escaped her eyes unwillingly.

Now she had never felt so low. She made herself believe that every man branded as a criminal was made into one on their own will, brainless, blood thirsty, and evil. She had never stopped to ponder what if they had hearts of their own? What could make an innocent man into a murderer? She, more than anyone, should've known that nothing is as it seems, especially in a world such as this.

She was also victim to a stereotype. A spoiled princess as some would call it and yet, no one knew the loneliness she suffered or the hardship she went through being the daughter of one of the dirtiest Gang Lords. No one ever knew what it was like to have the world against her, just because she had wealth, although it was all illegal. She never had any real friends, any real boyfriends, no one ever made an effort to know the real her. No one had ever cared and her father had shown his affection through the occasional parcel sent through the mail along with promises of the Dynasty when she was of age.

The room was dead. The night had spread its darkness through the glass. Razer had almost thought she had left until he heard her subtle movements behind him. His body stiffened as the sound of her footsteps neared him.

Rayn didn't know what was possessing her. She didn't know what had given her this idea. Razer was not a man for sympathy, therefore she could not express any. However, she could not just sleep soundless tonight as if she hadn't heard such a story.

Razer's eyes widened when he felt two slim arms slowly encircle him from behind, clasping in the middle of his chest where his heart beat. He did not move, his arm stood in the air holding his mug. He was clearly confused.

He felt her head nuzzle between his shoulder blades and the heat of her body against his back. It was the scariest thing he had ever faced in all these years, feeling the warmth of another. Everything in his body itched to push her away, to yell her out of the house. Yet, he didn't move, he didn't speak.

The last few stray tears were soaked into the material on his back. She tried to hold it in but it was as if his story had also resurfaced the sadness she had been holding in for years as well. Her tears, might've been more for her than him.

"At least – there was one thing you were lucky enough to have that I did not…"

Razer's body relaxed and she continued, "Because of Rosetta – you were able to know what love felt like".

He was a bit surprised. Maybe, he too, was guilty of judging her too quickly without gathering all the factsm but he couldn't bring himself to admit it.

Instead, he set his mug on a nearby shelf and that was when she felt him cross his arms. Although he was silent, she knew he was letting her hold him. That was his way of showing his sympathy for her. Until she was satisfied and until he could no longer stand, he would let her hold onto his back, for their dreadful pasts and for each other.

Now he understood why he had been reminded of Rosetta upon meeting Rayn. Somewhere inside Rayn was a person who yearned for someone she could sacrifice the world for just as his sister had done for him.

In a way, maybe her story was sadder than his.

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Now we have some more Razer and Rayn interaction setting in. Hope it makes up for all those chaps I did on his past without Rayn.