Sorry for the tardy update. As for the beginning of this chap, I couldn't help myself. As for the ending scene, maybe a bit much, but it was deviously fun writing it.

Have devious fun reading it. XD

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Chapter 12

"Why the long face?" Keira offered her prized racer a mild smile to console him, although it didn't seem to lift his worries.

Jak answered with a groan and attempted to return her condolence half-heartedly.

Keira sat in the stool beside him. She reached across to pull away Jak's beer mug and just as he was about to protest, she flashed him a motherly warning. He willingly gave in and sunk his head into his arms on the counter. She sighed.

"Listen, Jak, if it's about Rayn's father, you shouldn't beat yourself up over it. Krew was a bad man and whether Rayn knew it or not, her father got what was coming to him. If it wasn't you, it would've been someone else eventually," her hand patted his elbow as she leaned her head into his.

The sweet, floral scent flowing freely from her hair into his nostrils seemed to put him at ease. His shoulders relaxed and he sighed deeply.

"The last race is coming soon," he reminded her and she rolled her bright eyes.

"Don't worry about that, Jak. You're vehicle is up and ready to go. I've also gotten into the habit of checking for anything suspicious before you head out onto the tracks".

He lifted his eyes to her in surprise, "You have? I mean – gee Keira, I'm sure Mizo isn't stupid enough to pull that again since we're so close to finding him now".

She waved her hands and shrugged carelessly. "I know, I know. Just in case, that's all". She flashed him a quick wink and Jak smiled.

Just then, a deep cough rang through the bar. It belonged to Keira. She caught her breath in her cupped hands, grasping her lips. She felt Jak take a firm grip of her shivering shoulders as she struggled to breath. He rubbed his hand up and down her spine in an effort to calm the poison's effects.

"You're body isn't as strong as some of the others', Keira. You should take it easy. Overexerting yourself will only make it sink deeper into you," Jak's long ears had a slight droop to them whenever he worried.

She wheezed and her eyes flared at him, "I'm a racer too, Jak. We're in this together and don't you worry. I will be there for the final race, whether daddy approves or not. I'd rather die fighting".

"Keira – I don't think it's a good idea…" his words faded as he looked into those glossy eyes of hers, glimmering with determination and passion. Her passion for racing, electronics, Precursor technology and for him. As much as he worried for his mechanic, he couldn't stop her from being herself, even to the very end.

"I'll be fine, Jak. I'm a lot stronger than you think," she gave him a friendly punch in the shoulder and he smiled again. She loved to see him smile. It reminded her that there was still some innocence and some light in him, no matter how dark he got sometimes.

Jak leaned in to whisper through the buzz of the conversations around them. "Are you sure you'll be okay?"

She nodded and gave his hand a tight squeeze, "Don't worry, Jak. I'm not afraid. I know you'll win that race and I know we'll catch Mizo".

"You're that confident in me, huh?"

"Of course. You're Mar, aren't ya? Heroes don't die so easily".

Jak masked his remaining concern with a lingering glare of appreciation. He didn't want to tell her that it wasn't him that he was worried about. Maybe he wouldn't die so easily, but would she? Would she even make it to the final race? She wasn't a war-ridden, gun-slinging fighter like the rest of them. He was the one afraid, afraid that her body wouldn't hold up to the poison.

"I guess I better live up to that title now, huh?"

"You bet!" She gave him a thumbs up. They laughed together lightly and Jak began to zip up his jacket, signaling his leave.

Realizing he was about to head back to the hotel, Keira took a hold of his wrist before he even had a chance to say goodbye. Jak's brows arched when he saw the look on her face. It was a look that he hadn't seen before. It made him nervous as well as lured him into it.

Jak felt his throat tighten and his jacket begin to suffocate him while he tried to unravel the meaning behind this new look on his childhood friend.

Keira didn't let go despite the slight discomfort. Usually she tried to be subtle, tried to give Jak his space. For some reason, at this moment, she couldn't do just that. This was Kras city, people they didn't know and no one they did know was watching. Why should she have to be so subtle about her feelings for him? Especially if there was a chance that they wouldn't make it.

Keira stood up from her stool to lean into him. Standing stiffly, Jak didn't move an inch. She whispered in an almost teary voice, "Jak, let's go back to the hotel together".

"Oh, don't worry about that, Keira, I was gonna offer to go back togeth-"

"No," she hushed him. Her finger on his lips so suddenly made all kinds of things in his body set off an alarm. Where was this Keira coming from? Why was she being so forward all of a sudden? The look in her eyes answered his every question until his mind could barely muster up another thought.

"I mean, take me with you, Jak. I wanna spend as much time with you as I possibly can before the final race comes, where no one will bother us".

It took everything he had to keep his jaw from hanging wide open. Still, he wasn't completely sure if the ingenuous woman was implying the kind of vibes he was getting off of her. However, he couldn't find it in his heavy heart to turn her down. This was the woman he had known all his life and had hoped would always be there for the rest of it. Time was wasting away and fate might not wait for pretty rings and white veiled weddings. Fate might not wait for the world to be at peace or for bad people to turn good. Either way, he'd give her the time she desired, however way she wanted it.

Her palms met his chest and he cautiously raised his hands to hold hers. He leaned his forehead onto hers, fully capturing the meaning of her request. For what felt like the longest moment in all their lives, they stared at one another until finally, he nodded with understanding.

She responded with the gentle tug of his collar and a kiss to his lips. He obeyed and contently returned the favor. Her fingers lightly caressed his cheek, full of deep devotion for the man. He leaned into her warmth.

"Let's go then," Jak whispered and she nodded. Leading her out of the Bloody Hook, his fingers linked with hers on their way out. No one seemed to notice and they didn't seem to care.

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Rayn sighed heavily at the scene before her. The two were so wrapped up with each other; they were oblivious to her presence. She shook her head as the couple made their way out of the dimly lit bar.

'Strange how such things happen in a place like this', she thought.

She had almost felt bad upon seeing Jak sulking at the bar when she walked in. Since his head was buried either in his mug or in his arms, he hadn't noticed when she walked in. Ever since the race with Shiv, no one bothered her when she walked into the bar. Yet, no one would show her the respect as boss until Mizo was put to an end without a doubt. It was the easiest place to waltz in unnoticed whenever she just wanted to be alone but be around people at the same time.

Maybe, the whole poison thing was a bit harsh, but that was business and she couldn't help it if daddy's plan was genius. She knew well that they wouldn't race for her deceased father willingly and it was too bad that they didn't know she was a part of it all. She had found herself growing a bit attached to them since the races took place. Maybe, she'd even go as far as calling the group her friends.

She couldn't deny that she was feeling slightly guilty, especially after witnessing such a scene between Jak and his mechanic. She knew that Jak wouldn't lose the race, so there were no worries as far as the antidotes went. But she decided to make up for the lie she was putting them through - she'd at least give them the right to know that she was a part of it when the time came.

Love. She had found herself pondering the meaning of that word a little more than usual.

She had also found herself pondering about someone a little more than usual. The thought brought heat to her cheeks and she shook it out of her head.

She remembered how much of a fool she made herself the night before. Crying on a murderer's back like a child. Clinging to him like some lost orphan. Really, she should've been ashamed of herself.

Yet, she found herself growing a tad too fond of his warmth. She made that discovery last night when her tears had dried and their silent embrace lingered. It was only when she heard him clear his throat that her eyes widened and she released him.

She barely mumbled a clear apology before she flew out his door with her jacket in hand.

Ever since, she had made every effort to avoid the man. She found herself fumbling with her fingers like a shaking schoolgirl every time his form passed hers on the tracks. All the power she thrived on the day before instantly evaporated once his solemn eyes met hers. Of course, she'd look the other way and paid no mind to him. She was sure he'd look away wearing that smug grin of his, knowing that he had her in such hysteria.

He was driving her mad. Upon hearing his life's story, not only had she found herself gaining his trust, but she'd begun to trust him as well. Who would so easily tell such a tale? Surely, he had not told anyone about it before. Now, she was the victim of one of his deepest secrets, as well as his victim to other things. After revealing her tear-weakened state to him, she uncovered the spoiled lonely princess without even realizing it. Just her tears alone told him of a past of hers that no one knew.

Then lost in an embrace, that she coaxed him into, they stood there, naked of all secrets and veils. Unmasked and vulnerable. How they had drawn themselves into such a predicament, she could no longer remember.

As much as she tried not to think about it anymore, she couldn't help but wonder. Why had he let her hold him in the first place? Why had he told her such a story? Yes, she wanted his trust, but why did he give it to her? Most of all, what did he think of her now? Surely his impression of her must've been a bad one. Barging into his home uninvited, demanding and prying into business not her own, then crying onto his back and sputtering about a love she never received. It was pitiful even for her to think about it. She'd never felt so low.

With a groan, she finished the last of her drink. Setting it on the counter with a bill, she gave a nod to the bartender and made her leave outside.

To tell the truth, she was envious of Jak and Keira. Right now, somewhere, they were together. Keira was basked in Jak's strong arms and he did so willingly. She tried not to take heed to the relationships on her team, including one of that redheaded Amazon woman with her tattooed commander. Even Jak's orange rat seemed to have a blond little mate rooting for his wins back at Haven. A rat! Or whatever he was…

It really sucked knowing that in less than two weeks, she could be overflowing with wealth and power, but there would always be something missing. The same something that had been missing most of her life.

In less than two weeks, she'd be the most successful, most prevailing and the most lonesome woman in all of Kras city. Frankly, she wasn't looking forward to it as much as she should have.

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Earlier…

"Shit!" Razer mumbled under his breath. The sun glaring down onto the hot, hard concrete was unkind and so was his vehicle. The engine was giving him some trouble so he had to make a few last minute adjustments out on the track. He usually wasn't very fond of working on it while other racers spied on the gears inside his unbeatable car, but he had no choice.

He rubbed the wet oil between his fingers with disgust. He hadn't planned on getting so messy before the race. Luckily his coat was draped over his seat, away from dirt's harm.

He cranked the wrench and he couldn't deny that he really did love the feel of the oil on his hands. It brought back memories, although they were bittersweet.

It was rare for him to be out on the tracks without his proper attire, that including his trench coat, so some people raised their eyes in awe as he continued to adjust his engine. Really, what had they thought he wore under there? Perhaps they thought his chest was bare, or that he was hiding some bodily freak of nature?

Was it really so damn surprising to see the man wearing a T-shirt? To say the least, the female passerby's didn't seem to have a problem at all. Instead their eyes stood drawn to the sweat trickling down his biceps, now exposed to the world. It was as if they were also amazed. He really wasn't that old now. Retired didn't mean he was shedding young skin and muscle just yet.

With a satisfied grunt, he cleaned his hands with a nearby towel he had brought along. As the cloth went around each black digit, it was then that he felt it. Her eyes were on him.

He turned subtly, meeting her gaze only momentarily before she frantically looked away. It was hard to contain the smirk on his face.

Interesting…

Running his fingers through his dark hair cleaned the remaining oil on his hands. He threw the towel to the concrete and hopped into his vehicle.

It amused him that she had taken the night before so personally. Judging by the way she released him and ran out the door, he guessed he probably wouldn't cross paths with her anytime soon.

Rayn. The woman whom he told his past to and who lured him into an embrace in response.

He hadn't really applied much thought to it since she left. It was a bit frightening at first, to be letting his guard down like that. The moment he felt her arms surround him, his body went tense, itching to lash out on her. Yet, at the same time, he felt himself submit, as his body slowly comforted by her warmth against it. It wasn't really under the traits of a murderer to go hugging up on some woman, especially the enemy, but he couldn't find a better way to explain it besides an act of understanding between the two. That was all he would refer to it as, a moment in which they were both cut from the same string and shared minimal compassion for as long as their tough exteriors would allow.

Before he could dwell on it any longer, he noticed the rambunctious news host, known as G.T. Blitz making his way toward him.

Apparently he had become the next victim of Blitz's next interview, but he knew better. Razer was probably one of the only few men that knew who Blitz really was. Mizo chose to keep it that way and, to be honest, Razer didn't care about his phony disguise.

Sometimes he had even wondered how the hell Mizo had gotten into such power being just a news host during daytime hours. Rumors say the wealth his father attained in the races was left to him after his untimely, 'mysterious' death. Funny how his father didn't know the money he was leaving behind for his poor, neglected son was also the money for who became his reaper.

The look on Blitz's face already sent Razer a message loud and clear. With his phony grin, Blitz shot him a wink before retreating. Razer started his engine, slowly pulling it back into the garages. In a moment, where eyes could not pry, it seemed Mizo wanted a word with him before the next race.

What Mizo would want to discuss, he could hardly imagine. He thought this with an amused grin.

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It was dark in the basement of the garage. Hardly a soul came down here unless to scrap up some spare parts disposed of in its webbed corners. The dust floating in the air made it an unwelcome place. With the race starting soon, no one would come to interrupt this private meeting between the esteemed driver and the man who held his luxurious life in his hands.

"Did you hear my latest news report?" Mizo asked, eyes to the floor and cigar to his mouth.

"Hmm, I have. So you're entering the final races?"

Mizo nodded, "Sometimes, if I want to achieve a goal, I'll have to obtain it myself. Some people under my command aren't as dependable as I'd like them to be".

Razer flashed him a slick smile, "Why, Mizo, whatever do you mean?"

"Oh, nothing much. First man I sent out to dispose of Rayn barely made it out of his vehicle alive".

Razer shrugged as he opened a fresh box of cigarettes. "So?"

"The man's car was a fiery abyss in an area in which he claimed that he raced alone just for fun. Funny, how a racer could lose control over his own vehicle, without anyone else there".

"Yes. It is very funny. Sounds like that man can't drive as well as he thought he could".

He could almost hear Mizo's fists tighten, knuckles crack in frustration. Nothing gave Razer more joy than to toy with him.

"Lucky for him, he's well enough to race now but I'm sure he won't be up to the task. So the next man I sent, the one I sought to be more dependable and merciless still has not shown me results. Why is that?"

"The woman's our enemy. She's always around her team and her little Eco hero. It's very hard to get a clean grasp of her without being noticed".

Mizo arched a perceptive brow. "Ah, but I thought – you were close to her".

Razer grinned again. "It's rather difficult to dispose of a woman when she's on her back and doing such a wondrous job on me. Kind of makes me want to keep her sometimes. Really – she is quite talented".

Rayn would kill him if she heard this, he thought. Wait. Was he trying to save her?

Mizo nodded, "Really now? Well, you enjoy those wonders of hers because I'll assure you; you won't be able to keep her for long. If you're not up to it, then I'll also have to take care of that. Of course, you wouldn't be one to object, since she's nothing more to you then another sex toy".

"Of course. Just don't' spatter her blood on my front door," he shrugged again, carelessly.

They eyed each other before a moment of silence passed. Mizo judged Razer's carefree posture, leaning against a wall, arms crossed and smoking his usual fix. Razer was a tricky and clever man, but he surely wasn't capable of having feelings for the woman. He was a cold-blooded murderer, a blood lusting racer, and an alleged rapist. He was far too intelligent and risking his life of luxury by betraying Mizo would not be a smart move.

Then again, Razer was full of surprises and with his snake-like charm; Mizo decided he'd have to keep an extra eye open just in case.

The roaring crowd signaled the primary preparations for the next race. With a quick nod, Mizo left the room and headed up the stairwell, getting back into Blitz mode.

Seeing the blond vanish up the steps, Razer disposed of his cigarette on the concrete. With a solemn expression, he stuffed his hands into his pockets and began to make his way to the tracks as well.

Right now he was angry and he couldn't exactly pinpoint why. Mizo trailing on his ass wasn't making his mood very good. Knowing that this Eco freak might once again win this race wasn't making it any better. Losing pride over someone else trying to complete his job drove him mad. If he was told to do something by Mizo, he was very territorial with his kills. That's why Cutter got it.

Now he had to worry about disposing of the assassin that would attempt to kill him later who would, of course, fail because he'd reach him first. The comfort and luxury of his retired life was on the line and there were only two options of securing it.

One – get back into Mizo's good graces by disposing of Rayn as asked before. Or two – accept Rayn's earlier proposal on marriage papers and take the risk of siding with her. Siding with her had more risks since her position as the next Crime Lord in power was not really guaranteed yet. Not to mention his cold and glorious reputation wouldn't really hold so well amongst the other criminals if he was married. What kind of criminal got married?

Of course it was just a front for the public but still… The sound of it just made him want to crack up into a drunken fit of laughter.

He tried to forget about everything once he entered his vehicle and pulled up to the starting line. When it came to racing, he never let anything distract him. He'd go as fast as he could, aiming his missiles at whoever got in his way. He still hated Jak and whether he ever decided on siding with Rayn or not, that wouldn't make him hesitate passing him at the finish line.

It was when he felt her glare on him again that all these thoughts re-entered his mind. His arms stiffened on the wheel and although he didn't look, he knew. He heard her engine rumble and her tires make their way to the starting line as well.

He sighed. Nothing would make his hesitate passing Jak on the finish line, so why couldn't his foot move when her vehicle was so near?

Damn obstacles in my life! There's only one way to solve them and that's to get rid of them.

He smiled deviously. Someone's going to die tonight…

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Arms stretched high as Rayn let out a cat-like yawn. Flexing her fingers and slumping her shoulders, she closed her bedroom door behind her. It was a long day, one that was worth it since Jak once again won another race.

The taste of alcohol was still fresh in her mouth and her hair beckoned to be released from its braided bun. With a sigh, she pulled out the pin and her hair fell down her back. With a lazy groan, she let herself fall onto her silky bed.

She was tired. Physically and mentally. She had raced and her mind dwelled on both necessary and unnecessary things.

Kras City. The Final Race. Becoming Crime Lord with Lucien's vile existence. Checking up at the lab for her team's promised antidotes. Going over her father's diary to take notes of plans and schemes. Mizo's identity and how that could shorten her life span. If Razer would side with her or not.

A drink couldn't sooth it and now she was wondering about stupid things like relationships and love. Sulking in her own self-pity because of a warmth she lacked in her life.

It was stupid and it made no sense. With all the money and power she had, why linger on such small things? Her cheek stuck to the soft bed sheet and with another groan, she lifted herself out of bed.

"What every woman needs after a long day of stress is nothing more than a nice hot bath," she comforted herself.

She slipped off her shoes and made her way towards her bathroom. The tiles sent a chill up her spine. Once the porcelain tub was full of warm water, she undressed, dropped in a few drops of Jasmine bubble bath and stepped in. Her hair strung messily on the top of her head as she leaned back to relax.

It had been about a half hour as she sat there, continuing to drive herself crazy in her mind. Her wrinkling fingers told her it was time to get to dryer territory and she obeyed.

She dried herself quickly before slipping on a lacy, lavender robe. It was in the middle of tying her sash that she heard it. It was a sound coming from the window.

Any ordinary person would excuse it as a mouse, but there were none in the Krew mansion. It couldn't be anything outside when she was a good three floors up. The wind was too weak to be making such a sound.

Did I close the window before I left? Did I lock the door before I came in?

She continued to chastise herself, searching the bathroom for the nearest weapon available. Soap and shower caps would do no good. Finally setting her eyes on her back scrubber, she reached out and grabbed it swiftly. It was the only thing that might cause some damage with a good whack or so. At least enough damage to make a run for her pistol.

The sound was long gone and the only thing filling her ears were the sounds of her thrashing heart. Cautiously, she cracked the bathroom door open. Mist spilled out from beneath her feet onto the carpet outside of it. Her eyes darted to the corners of the room and nothing. There was no obvious presence in the room.

Perhaps I'm being too paranoid…

It was too quiet and she didn't trust it. Taking a firm grip of her back scrubber with both hands, she slowly crept into her bedroom. Water was still trickling down her back and through her robe. Her feet were bare and deliberately careful with their steps.

She eyed her window when she realized there was no sign of anyone entering her room. The window was cracked open a bit, but she couldn't remember if she had left it that way this morning or not. She exhaled a frustrated sigh and just as her arm began to lower with the back scrubber in hand, a swift throw sent her flying onto her bed.

Rayn gasped and kicked with all her might. She didn't bother turning her bedroom light on when she came in and now her eyes were struggling to adjust and make out the masculine shape hovering above her.

A cold blade stung her throat and she inhaled sharply. Rayn froze and so did the man currently on top of her. Her legs straddled him as he forcefully pinned one arm to the bed with one of his, and his other arm held the weapon to her neck. Her breathing grew heavy.

Don't panic. Don't panic. Don't panic.

"Don't panic".

Rayn blinked, a baffled expression sweeping over her face. "Wha- what?"

He warned again in a whisper, "I said, don't panic. It won't be long and I'll make it as swift as possible".

Oh Precursors! What won't be long? What will be as swift as possible? All the thoughts flashed through her mind. Death. Rape. Torture. What?

Her eyes finally began to adjust to the night in her room. She blinked, squinting and trying to make the burglar out. It took her a moment but the dark hair and the emerald eyes peering down at her were unmistakable.

"Razer?" She tilted her head at him, painfully pressing her to the mattress. A new anger boiled inside her. Heat tinged her cheeks and power began to spread through her fingers.

He must've sensed it.

"If you dare to attack me, you'll only make things worse for yourself".

"So I'm supposed to let you do - do whatever?" She hissed at him and he hushed her.

He leaned in close to her, not removing the blade from her throat. Eye to eye, he whispered, "Just shut up and cooperate".

Before she could protest or scream for her guards, the breath between them came to a close. Her eyes widened as she felt him press his lips on hers, hard and fierce.

Her body panicked, begging to get this intruder off of her. The knife was still at her throat and her arm still pinned back. With a struggle, she managed to free her other arm and started to fist his back. He only pressed against her more, delving his mouth into hers and she welcomed him unwillingly.

If only she had her pistol but it was in her nightstand and too far away. She was helpless. A tear escaped her eye. Was he – was he going to….

Her damp body went numb and limp. Fear possessed her. She had no weapon. She had no strength. The very man, whom she let herself get too close to, was now straddled between her legs, painfully pinning her down and having his way.

All she could think about was how stupid she was. How weak she was. How could she let her guard down so easily? It was all a lie. The little bits of sympathy she had for him, the small piece of her that believed that he wasn't just a cold murderer or rapist, it was all a damn lie.

In an instant, the door slammed open and Razer lingered only for a split second before lifting off of her. The blade that was at her throat now flew with a flash of red across the room towards the doorway.

Into someone else's skull?

The man dressed in black fell to the floor. Razer quickly turned to grab the ends of the mattress.

"What are you doing?" She cried through broken and confused sobs.

He barely glanced at her before lifting the mattress, successfully rolling her off. She fell to the carpet with a thump and before she could get up, the mattress was thrown on top of her.

Her hands were tempted to push it off and demand what was going on but the gunshots stilled them in place. Gunshots? Who had come here? Had Mizo really risked an attempt on her life before the final race?

Rayn crawled beneath her bed frame, dragging herself with her elbows. All she could make out was the pair of feet that belonged to Razer and the black veiled bodies that hit the floor in seconds.

"What happened to my guards? Guards!"

"They're dead! Don't you get it?"

She heard him yell and her head sunk onto her knuckles.

A long, dreadful silence passed. All she could hear were her worries and the slight movements of Razer walking around. A good three bodies were dumped in her room and that wasn't counting the ones out in the hall if what Razer said was true.

She didn't realize it, but her eyes had shut themselves in the moment. When she finally opened them, she saw his feet face the bed.

"You can come out now".

The first thing she wanted to do was get the hell out of there. But for some reason, she couldn't move. She was lost in terror and her mind was still trying to figure out what had just happened. From Razer breaking in, forcing her down with a knife, possibly sexually assaulting her and then killing some random men that came into the room. It was too much at one time.

She heard Razer's solemn voice soften slightly, "They're all dead. It's safe".

She didn't want to say it, but that wasn't what she was afraid of. Meekly crawling out from under the bed, a hand was offered to her.

She blindly jumped by the sudden movement, and once realizing that it was just Razer's hand, she didn't take it. She got up on her own and made her way to the other end of the room by her nightstand. She was shivering, scared shitless, and now reaching for her pistol.

She unlocked the safety and cocked her gun at Razer, standing across from her. His posture stood tall and unrelenting.

"What the hell is going on?"

Razer didn't answer. There was no simple answer that he could give her. Unless she calmed down and put away her weapon, he couldn't explain.

Her hands shook with the piece of metal in her hands. Her fingers itching for the trigger and her palms sweating. Everything happened so fast. She couldn't think straight. All she could think about was shooting anything that posed a threat. That even included the body-groping racer in front of her.

"I thought – I was beginning to trust you".

"I'm your enemy, Rayn. Trusting your enemy wasn't a wise choice to begin with".

She shook her head. "I know that already but still - for some reason, I was. I can't explain it and now here you are, my neck bleeding because of you!"

Razer stood silent, his gaze following the shaking gun in her hand. In any other situation, he would've made his way to her and forced the gun out of her grasp. However, in the turmoil and kind of condition she was in, any wrong movement could mean a bullet to his head. Jumping at her when she couldn't even think straight was too dangerous.

There was no other option. Shoot her first.

He lifted his arm to cock his gun at her with a click. Her eyes widened with shock.

Rayn pursed her lips in anger. "I don't understand…"

"Put the gun down, Rayn or I will shoot you. It's my job anyway," he confessed. If she hadn't figured it out by now, then it was better this way. She had let her guard down too easily, walking into her home so passively, involving with criminals without thought to her consequence.

She needed to learn. Never trust your enemies.

"You were sent to kill me? Is the only reason why you released me was to kill them first? Then you were going to lure me into what I thought was safe so you could finish me off?"

"Put the gun down, Rayn!"

"No!" She screeched. Tears threatened to spill onto her cheeks but her pride held them in. She felt violated. Dirty. Scared and foolish.

Razer had finally made his gamble. He shot a bullet at her feet and she jumped with a scream. The shot ricocheted off the ground with a spark and his body tackled her onto the carpet. Her pistol flew under the bed frame.

She thrashed about wildly. Screaming of betrayal and threats to kill him once she was set free. Somehow, he managed to grab both her wrists into his hands.

"You betrayed me, you bastard! You told me that sob story to make me feel bad for you and it was a lie!"

"Rayn!"

"If you kill me, I'll haunt you for the rest of my afterlife until I meet you in hell!"

"Rayn!" He yelled louder. His nose against hers. Without realizing, her tears finally managed to fall from her trembling amber eyes.

She finally shut up. Her body trapped beneath his on the carpet, his hot breath on her face just like it was less than fifteen minutes ago. She was finally listening.

"You're alive, aren't you?"

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Cliffy! I think if I were Rayn, I would've passed out long ago. Blood, gore and bodies on my floor – would've been enuf to make me go OO and boom…