Sorry this is so late. Just got over a cold, new job, got accepted into school, lots of obstacles. Here it is and I hope I made the wait worth it.

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Chapter 13

"You told him what?"

Somehow through his entire explanation of the chaos set loose into her life, Rayn had drowned out everything except that one little detail. He just happened to mention it in a blur of words that he hoped she wouldn't catch.

Razer felt a dry lump rise in his throat. He felt like he was walking on eggshells. Any wrong word or any wrong tone would set this woman reaching for her gun again. The first time, he was clever and merciful. He wasn't sure she'd be so lucky the next time around.

Rayn felt her icy fingers clamp around her glass with a squeak. With her eyes threatening to spill tears once again, she settled for another gulp of the alcohol in her glass. It burned, but unfortunately wasn't bitter enough. This was her third glass and she hoped it would somehow transform the night's events into a fuzzy dream-like 'it never happened' bubble that would eventually bury itself somewhere in her head where'd she'd never find it again. So far - it wasn't working.

Her flesh crawled as horrific images still flashed through her mind. The hot, heavy body that was pressing against her on her mattress. Groping and kissing her against her will. The men that barged into her room and were killed, one by one by the same man who had just sexually assaulted her. The strong stench on her once plush carpet that was still fresh in her nostrils. Her confusion that led her into a gunpoint duel in which she was lucky he hadn't shot her when he had the chance.

Then, so easily, he had thrown her a handkerchief and ordered her to clean up in her bathroom while he 'cleaned up' things outside. Little had he known, she collapsed in her bathroom. Clawing the tiles and burying her tear streaked face into his handkerchief shamelessly. She had never felt so alone, so low, so violated and so afraid. A part of her wanted to draw herself a bath to drown herself in, yet some small speck of motivation brought her back to her feet to wash up and change out of the blood stained clothes.

Rayn honestly didn't know how long had passed because the sun was beginning to break into her window before he heard him call out. She didn't answer. He opened her bathroom door, to find her slumping by the tub and staring at the floor.

Once again, Razer offered her a hand. Still, she did not take it. Instead, she clenched the stinging cut against her neck. The one he had inflicted on her. The blood dotted across the white bandage she had placed across it. Rayn couldn't meet his eyes, this time, for a different reason than earlier.

Fear. Betrayal. Pain.

"Do you want to stay here until someone else comes for you? I doubt the next person will be a friendly one," Razer said coldly, quickly taking back his offered hand. Now he no longer trying to lure her gently since he was running out of patience. Now he was giving her an ultimatum. Either way, she didn't feel safe. Either way, she had no choice.

The ride back to his home was a quiet one. He let her hold her gun just so that she could feel a tad safer. Of course, little to her knowledge, he had removed the bullets.

Next thing she knew, she found herself sitting on his couch, listening to the explanation she had demanded of him during her temporary fit of insanity. Now that he was trying to explain, although still vaguely and keeping some details to himself, she couldn't listen.

Then, as if his words had snapped her from her daze, she caught that one part.

"What did you tell Mizo?" Her glare on him was fierce but her hands were quivering with uncertainty.

Razer was calm, leaning against the kitchen counter, his eyes on her back until now. Her body twisted toward him, to face him with anger in her eyes. He lifted a dark brow at the woman. "Is that what's so important right now?"

She shook her head in disbelief. "I was on my back – doing wondrous things to you? You made him think that I was your – your personal tramp?" The words sounded like a cruel joke, even as she confirmed them with her own lips.

"It saved your life, didn't it?"

"Saved my life? Saved my life!" Her glass was sent shattering against his coffee table, splattering pieces of crystal onto the floor and drops of alcohol onto his sofa. He didn't seem fazed by it since one of his windows was already broken - most likely from the attempt to dispose of him before her nightly visit. She stood up, her fists clenching at her sides.

Anger possessed her. She didn't even remember standing up or even wanting to, but now she was. Standing, furious, and not knowing what the hell to do with her rage.

"So you found it necessary to force me onto my bed, and- and put your hands on me, put your lips on me just to make your story believable? Just to draw them in? Just to trick them into thinking we were off guard, you-"

Rayn found herself screeching. Razer didn't move to stop her, nor did he seem to care. Her heel throbbed with the pain of just stomping her foot, which she couldn't remember wanting to do, either. Instincts were just taking over. She wasn't thinking before she took action and she couldn't stop thinking about everything.

"I hate you!" Rayn suddenly screamed. Funny, she had no idea where that came from either.

"Hmm," Razer shook his head. "Very ungrateful, aren't we? I'm still very much obliged to kill you, you know?"

Rayn did not answer. She was getting mighty tired of his smug little attitude. She hissed with disgust before reaching for her jacket.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"There's another race later today and I need to get some things afterward".

"I wouldn't advise you to go back to that house," Razer lifted a brow at her, warning that she'd be taking a risk if she went back there. She didn't care. And, for that matter, what did he care?

Rayn seized his doorknob, yanking his door open and ready to march outside. "Well I can't stay stuffed in here forever".

He raised a finger, "You don't have a car to go back in". He could tell he was only adding to her anger, but he'd be damned if he took the risk on possibly, sort of siding, with her just so she could go and kill herself foolishly. That would be waste.

"Well, I can walk. I'm not made of glass," she deadpanned.

Just before she stepped onto his porch, she heard him mumble something inaudible under his breath. She wasn't quite sure what it was, but she knew it was one of his smart remarks.

She whipped around to face him, her hair frizzy and wild down her shoulders. Dark bags hung from her eyes and her lips stretched with anger until they were pale. The night had distorted her into a zombie-like shell of the woman who was usually so clever and so secure during the races.

"What was that?" Rayn snapped. Razer did not move to meet her gaze. Instead, he kept his eyes on the floor ahead of him while his finger struck his chin in thought.

"It's your funeral," Razer shrugged, although that wasn't what he said under his breath.

Rayn's deadly glare lingered on him for one last moment before she answered with a quick, disapproving huff. She slammed the door on her way out.

Razer sighed, shaking his head at the wits of this woman. He really should've left her there.

He motioned back towards his coffee maker. He had no intention of following her or stopping her any further than what he attempted. Now she was on her own. She was a big girl. Hopefully, she'd be big enough to stay alive.

His deep green eyes loitered on his coffee mug. "Not made of glass, huh? And yet, you shatter so easily…"

That – was what he had said under his breath.

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"Don't feel like racing today?" Jak questioned, eyeing the suspicious team leader with the curve of his brow.

Rayn crossed her arms along with her expression. "I'm fine, thank you".

"Uh- okay. Well, see you on the other end, then," Jak saluted, deciding it was probably better for his health if he'd just mind his business.

But leave it to an ottsel to lack that kind of common sense.

"Hey, what's plucking your buds? And what's with that snazzy cut on your neck? New tough trend or something?"

Jak's growl was enough to silence Daxter, but it was already too late. Actually, Jak hadn't noticed the cut on Rayn's neck because of the high collar on her racing gear. Now that Daxter mentioned it, perhaps he was onto something.

Jak gave Daxter one last glare so he would keep his trap shut. The furry animal shrunk behind Jak's head with an awkward laugh.

"You okay, Rayn?" Jak extended his concerned look towards her but she didn't accept it. She grew slightly nervous, stepping back to avoid his prying eyes.

She swallowed the heaviness in her throat before she answered, "I told you, I'm fine, Jak. Now go on and race. The last announcement should be soon, and you'll need to be in your vehicle by then".

Rayn could feel his suspicions crowding around her like a cloud of smoke. She couldn't breath. She could feel the heat on her cheeks. She just needed to get away from him, from anyone that would question her about it. She refused to talk about it.

His gaze lingered on her for a moment longer until he decided it was best not to pursue the topic anymore. With a nod, Jak walked away from her with a wave.

Rayn released the puff of air she had been holding in. That was a close one. Just as she predicted, the droning and crackling sound of the announcer came on, demanding that all drivers report to their vehicles.

She didn't feel like racing today. She wasn't quite sure why, but she just couldn't find the motivation to go out there. Not right now. Not like this.

She stepped outside of the garage to watch the race start at a distance. From afar, she could make out the sleek, black Havoc, making its way beside Jak's vehicle. She tried not to notice. She could feel it, anger and fear, stretching its cold fingers around her heart.

It was a long morning. Somehow, drunk and angry, she was able to make it to another Krew property in one piece. The entire walk allowed the night's events to replay in her mind. It was driving her mad. That Mizo, he had some real nerve. And Razer had some nerve, too. Both men, thinking they could make things go their way at the snap of their fingers, doing things without question, walking around with their arrogant grins. It disgusted her. Maybe they really did deserve each other.

Still, something else angered her. She wasn't quite sure what yet. All she knew was that every time she looked in Razer's direction, she just wanted to go up to him and slap him. Slap him and scream at him. Scream all she wanted but- what was she screaming at him for? Sure, the fact that Razer saved her dawned on her during her long meditation and she really should've been somewhat grateful but, she just couldn't find it in herself to be thankful.

That man just made all kinds of things set off in her. Things she didn't even know how to describe. Things she didn't even know what to do with.

Shaking her head at the vehicles passing by for their second lap, she decided to make a call and check up on the status of the antidotes. She wanted to make sure her other resources weren't hit. If she was lucky, the only place Mizo found out about was her home.

Later on she'd have to go back there. As much as she really didn't want to, there were things she had to go back for. Numerous files, money, confidential information, her father's diary and so on. It was too risky to leave those things behind.

Then again, it was risky to go back. It crossed her mind once or twice whether there would be more men, lurking in her corners awaiting her arrival. She also wondered what happened to the bodies that were sprawled about her room that Razer said he 'cleaned up'. Then again, maybe it was better not to know. But surely he hadn't been able to get rid of all of them. The guards, the assassins, and whoever else. Had there been survivors, some of her servants, her cooking staff? There had to have been a few poor souls who ran from the mansion, never to return, leaving her for dead.

It also crossed her mind, that if something did happen while she was there, would she be able to fend them off? Would her quick wits enable her to survive? What could she do against multiple men, attacking her with weapons? She was only one woman and although she could hold her own with a pistol, it wouldn't take too long before she went down.

The words 'It's your funeral' echoed through her mind. This time, she'd have no savior to flip a mattress over her from the gunshots. Not that she wanted him to be her savior or anything, especially since he had attacked her in his own way against her will. Really, she could've done without the hard kiss on her lips and his heavy body suffocating her. Was that really necessary? Then to add to it all, the rumors he had spread about her being some sort of skank. It made her palms itch against her nails every time she thought about it.

"Damn it to Mar!" Rayn cursed. She couldn't stop thinking about him. 'Go away' She mentally scolded herself. She wanted to forget his smirk, his cocky laugh and the feel of his lips on hers. Forget it. Forget it. Forget it.

By the time her eyes looked back up on the tracks and she had made her phone call, the race was over. Once again, as expected, Jak won the race, much to Razer's dismay, of course. She was beginning to think that the only reason Jak was winning so much against Razer was because he knew his life was on the line, literally. Not just because of Mizo but because his body was slowly disintegrating with the poison she had given him and his friends. Too bad Razer didn't know this. It might've saved him some pride.

"Stop it, Rayn!" she told herself again. Once again he popped into her head randomly and she shook it away. Just as she tossed her head, a pair of eyes met her across the distance. The same pair of eyes she was trying so hard to get rid of.

For a moment, their gazes lingered. For all she knew, he couldn't have even been looking at her. Still, he stared and so did she. It felt long but it was only a few seconds before she coughed and looked away. She guessed he probably turned away with that signature grin of his.

The race was over and now she was wasting time. The antidotes were prepared. The final race was already tomorrow afternoon. Time had flown by so fast.

Less than 48 hours, and her fate would be determined. Somehow, she wasn't as excited as she should have been…

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Just as Razer expected from her, Rayn looked away, trying to avoid any contact with him. Honestly, he couldn't blame her. After applying some thought to the situation, maybe he had instilled some unnecessary fear into the woman, especially since his records held him as some accused rapist of some sort.

Knowing her, she had misinterpreted a lot of things about him. Still, he had no control over what she thought, and the effort to change her mindset on him seemed too bothersome. So whatever she thought of him, she'd have to sort it out herself and that was that.

He didn't have time to go dawdling and batting his eyelashes at her so she wouldn't treat him like some dangerous animal. It was better for her to feel that way. Safer for her to feel that way. Not only safe for her but also safe for him.

Never again should he make such close contact with that woman and never again should he maintain being in her presence in his home alone. He was finding it a bit strenuous to understand these new things beginning to stir in him. New things he hadn't felt in years and things he wasn't even sure of what they were.

He didn't fear danger. He didn't fear death. But slowly and maturely, as time drew on, he was beginning to fear her. She was getting too close and too close would only result in disaster, for them both…

Still, it was amusing to see the way she scurried from him so. The way her eyes adverted themselves in the opposite direction. And the way he'd catch them on him when she thought he was off-guard. He didn't understand her. He didn't understand himself.

Why had he bothered saving her? He had risked so much, and for nothing. At the rate she was going, returning to the very same place in which he warned her not to return to, she'd probably be dead by next sunrise and he'd have no Crime Lord to follow. His riches would mean nothing and either way, he had no desire to work for Mizo any longer.

That was why he tried his very hardest to take in every piece of his atmosphere. From the roar of the crowds and his tire marks blackening the concrete below his feet, he hadn't realized how much he had missed racing after he retired. It was because of that woman that he had set his vehicle back on the tracks, because she had brought that driver on her team.

He had retired because he was the best and there was no competition left. The thrill had long run dry and there was nothing he hadn't accomplished. Once Jak came into the race, as much as he hated the green rooted elf, the fire he once had to scream his presence on the road returned. It burned and made him alive while he drove. It made the blood coursing through his veins boil in fatal excitement. Now everything was drawing to an end and as the end would draw near, some things would have to end for him. Racing. Luxury. And Kras City.

By sunrise, she might be dead. And whether she was or not, by the next sundown, he would be gone. The final race would be his last, not just for all the drivers this season but also for him and for good

He could think of no better way to end this legend of his than to race one last time, before he was never to be seen again…

He wasn't too fond of the girl and he was sure she wasn't too fond of him - although, at times they served each other as good entertainment and a few – awkward moments. Still, he knew that somehow, in some way, maybe he owed her a thank you; but of course, he couldn't' find it in his solemn self to thank her, even in his mind. All he could muster up was a goodbye.

Farewell, Krew princess…

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Rayn's heartbeat seemed to quicken at every creaking step she took upon her familiar wooden floors. What should've been comforting, stepping into the warm arms of her main Krew mansion, was now a barren territory, one that she felt she shouldn't trespass.

It terrified her. Brought chills deep down into her bones. The thought that she could turn a corner and discover something unsightly like what Razer 'had cleaned' up only made every turn a nail raking mystery. Every hall and every door that opened to her, she prayed not to step or fall onto something unnatural, something that would scare her witless and have her running out of her mansion like a chicken without a head. Her stomach already churned its acids, bubbling up to the back of her throat at the stenches of the dead surrounding her.

To add to it all, she had to keep her eyes wide and alert, for anyone still trying to get rid of her and attack her. Her fingers clamped onto her pistol and it was her only security. The cold metal however, did nothing to rid her fear of finding a mutilated dead body. Of course she knew they had only been shot or stabbed, but still, her imagination had run wild since she had pondered 'Razer's cleanups' and she had sorted all kinds of things he could've done with the bodies, 'just for fun', maybe.

She shivered just thinking about it again. The pale moonlight pooled through the shades of the long halls and high ceilings, as if nothing had happened at all. Quiet and peaceful, if none of this had happened, she would've been soundly asleep in her silky bed sheets. Silently she wished that it was so. She wished that right now, she would be walking down the hall in her warm slippers, yawning and waving off her servant to enjoy a nice, hot bath before bed.

She had never realized it, but she had begun to miss her servants. Sure, they were only there because they were being paid, but they were the only company she had. Now she was alone. That only made things worse.

A small feeling of relief swept over her when she neared her bedroom entrance in which everything had transpired. With a cautious creak, she cracked the door open and looked around. The coast was clear and she felt it was safe to step in and go about her business.

She walked over to a picture frame she had, removing it to reveal a small safe. Carefully inserting the combination, within a few short clicks, she opened it and pulled out a stash of orbs and her father's diary. Once packing that into the bag she held on her shoulder, she scurried over to her desk. It was hard to see in the dark but flicking on the desk lamp would attract too much attention if someone were still lingering.

She mumbled angrily as she shuffled through her papers and files, reaching for only the ones that were most important to her. Getting on her knees to stuff them into her pack, one folder managed to sway away onto the carpet. She crawled towards it with another curse before lifting it up and realizing what it was. None other than Razer's file. Fate must've had fun amusing itself with her.

With a sigh, she resisted looking at his young face in the picture and stuffed it in her bag, as well. Her fingers shook as she closed the zipper and, finally, it had dawned up on her.

The final race was nearing, and soon, it would be all over. She was sure she'd gain her position as Kras' most powerful Crime Lord, but other than that, there wasn't much left. Besides the trophy, the riches and the power, after the final race, Jak's team would have no reason to stay any longer. Therefore they would go their own way to lives that were much warmer than her own. Lives with lovers, friends and fun times.

All the people she had paid to be close to her were either dead or had run off, most likely to never be seen again after her attempted assassination. Her father, although distant and irritating at times, was the closest she ever had to a family and he was dead. Nothing but a large hologram, floating and directing her life.

And Razer…she didn't know what to refer to him as anymore. She felt so lonesome and as she dwelled deeper on that single thought, a small draft made her huddle her arms and almost whimper. She couldn't remember ever feeling this alone and this helpless. She was always so full of authority and so full of power and yet, here she was now, no one to guide her, no one to be by her side.

She looked around her bedroom, and even though she could hardly call this place her home because she had never really felt much at home anywhere, she truly, deeply wanted nothing more than to be embraced in her bed right now, like everything was just a bad dream.

As she closed her eyes and hoped that, by some spark of magic, that everything would go away when she opened them, a set of footsteps sounded outside the bedroom door.

With a gasp, she dropped her pack onto the floor and aimed her gun at the doorway. Even though her intention was to defend herself from death, a small part of her was willing to welcome it.

No! Stop it, Rayn! You can't let yourself do this!

The door creaked open and masculine hands appeared through the crack. Hope ignited in her. Maybe – just maybe Razer had come. Maybe somewhere, deep inside that cold-hearted killer, there was a heart that was actually concerned for her life.

And just as that hope began to set in, it was quickly shot down when an unfamiliar blond stepped into the darkness.

"Who the hell are you?" Rayn demanded, unlocking the safety on her pistol with a click.

A cigar fell onto a carpet, which the man coolly snubbed out with his foot. With a cocky grin that she was getting very sick of seeing on men, he gave her a wave.

"Hey, baby, you should be more careful about how ya go about this place. It ain't very safe for ya".

She cringed at him, pet calling her with a very amateurish slang accent. Even with her gun at him, he didn't seem the slightest bit intimidated.

"Name's Jinx, lady. Don't worry, my orders weren't to get rid of ya, although I'm sure the Governor would love to see me do that".

She lifted a brow suspiciously at Jinx. "The Governor?"

"Oh, you know, the Governor of Haven City, of course. I still like to refer to myself as the Commander's main man though, that's who I really take my orders from anyway".

"Well, that's all sugar and crumpets, but what the hell are you doing here and what do you want with me if you're not here to kill me?"

Jinx strode towards the large window, observing the scene of tattered pieces of silk and the blood stained carpet. "Nothing at all, just pretend I'm not here. I'm only here under orders of the Commander to confirm the rumors that the Krew mansion was raided. The Governor knows nothing of this."

"She doesn't? Why not?"

"Because…well, let's just say that the Commander sometimes likes to check things out first before bringing it to her attention, you know, takes half of the load from her and deals with it so she doesn't have to worry about getting her hands dirty if she doesn't need to. So this place was torn to pieces, ey? And you're still in one piece, minus the wound on that pretty little neck of yours".

Rayn blinked, confused and feeling put on the spot. "How does Torn know where this place is and how does he know what happened? How do you know about the cut on my neck?"

Jinx grinned, "Like I said, the Commander likes to be informed but he wont' take any action unless it's necessary. That's what I'm here for. I get the info and he decides what to do with it. Right now, it seems that you are being targeted and it wouldn't do anyone any good if you were dead 'cause you're the one with the antidotes. You die, and then they all die. So, as much as the Governor wouldn't mind something happening to you, the Commander knows that you're essential to their survival. That's why I'm here".

Rayn lowered her gun. "Wait – so you're here to make sure I don't die? How long has the Commander been keeping tabs on me and what I have been doing?" Rayn was shocked. She had no idea that Haven's Commander was so slick with his sources and spies, and so well informed on things she was sure she had kept secret.

"Yeah, you could say I'm your personal hero until the final race," he gave her a wink and Rayn winced in response. Jinx laughed, "And as for the Commander, he knows a lot more than you think, but like I said, only what is necessary gets passed onto the Governor. She can be a little hot headed at times so Torn is the one that keeps the situation at bay. Everything that's happening, what I have just told you and what I am doing now, stays between us? Got it?"

"Uh…yeah," Rayn locked the safety on her pistol before putting it away. "I'm a bit confused, but whatever, just get me the hell out of this place".

"Sure, no problem, lady. You can count on good ol' Jinx here. Of course, I'm sure you were wishing I was that dark haired racer instead though".

Without a second thought, she fisted Jinx's collar into her hands. "What? What do you know of him!" She demanded. Heat was rushing to her cheeks at the thought of this Jinx guy spying on her the entire time, even when she had traveled to meet Razer.

Jinx shook his head with another grin, "Don't worry. I spared those little details from the Commander. It was amusing for me but don't worry, you're secret is safe".

She released him with a growl. She didn't even know him, but she already hated him. Cocky, stupid accent and another smoking chimney. What is it with all these damn men smoking like industrial factories all the time?

"Do me a favor then, Jinx. From now on, after we get out of here, you are to get off my hide and never ever come across my path again. If I catch you spying on me, I will kill you myself".

"Don't worry, I told ya. I won't be around much longer and we can all go home happy, all right?"

Rayn walked on ahead. 'Go home happy' huh? Well, she didn't really have a home at the moment, but she knew where she was heading after this. Straight to the very same racer who had yet to show up to her rescue and probably never would. Once again, all she could think about was the anger he instilled in her, just of his mere thought.

"Smoke, babe?"

"No!"

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Razer sat on his heels, pushing the remaining boxes aside with a strained sigh. Although he hadn't chose to pack much, he put some of his most important items in boxes so that later on, he could come back for them. Although he was leaving this life, the only thing he wanted to keep was his racing trophies, the golden marks of the one thing in his life that he didn't regret.

Everything in his loft, he'd leave the same. It would be as if a ghost had lived here and moved on, leaving everything untouched, even a small book left open on his kitchen counter. That was the way he wanted it. If anyone would come searching for him, they'd find his home left untouched, as if he was just spirited away. The only things that were coming with him were a stash of orbs and a suitcase full of clothes. He even wished he could take his Havoc, but his vehicle was his trademark and sadly, he'd have to leave it behind for a less conspicuous car.

If he was lucky, Rayn would live and Mizo would be defeated. Therefore he'd have no one to go searching after him, attempting to kill him. And even if Mizo stood in power, after his last unsuccessful attempt on his life, maybe he'd just leave him be.

Either way, his mind was made up. The only thing left for him to do, was to finish that final race tomorrow.

He got up, dusting his hands off and rotating his shoulders in cracking circles. Sweat pricked through his white t-shirt and caused him to remove it. He threw it on the floor with the intention of heading to the shower.

Just as he was about to step into his bathroom, a sound caught his attention from his doorway. With a creased brow, he approached his front hall. The silver knob jiggled until he heard a swift kick and a curse on the other end of his door. He snickered.

"I took the key out this time, my dear," he mocked the woman on the other end, knowing full well that it could be no other.

"Open the door this instant, Razer!" Rayn demanded, her hands in fists at her sides.

"This instant, hmm? And why should I do that, Miss Rayn?"

She was alive. Lucky girl…

She stood silent on the other end. She hadn't really thought this through well enough. What was she coming here for? Just to yell at him and ask him why he didn't come to her rescue? She should've expected that though. What explanation was she supposed to give him for opening the door? Why had she really come here?

Sensing that she must've been torturing herself outside in her mind, Razer opened the door and turned away before she could enter. The gust of air and the slam of the wood announced her presence rather abruptly for his mood but, what the hell, why not?

As usual, she made herself welcome. Trying to contain his smirk, he watched as she made straight for his sofa, draping her jacket over the side.

"Comfortable as usual, I see. So, you're alive? Luck is on your side".

"No thanks to you," she hissed.

Razer's head fell back in laughter. "Me? I don't know if I'm recalling correctly, but last I know, my part was done when I saved you from being assassinated after your lovely evening bath".

She stood silent, obviously searching her thoughts for something. He observed her. Why was she here? And why had he opened the door? He was such a fool.

"So, does this mean that you have thought on my proposal? Have you accepted me as your boss?" Her chin rested on her shoulder, although her ear was to him, she didn't face him behind her.

His back rested on his kitchen counter, a small towel hung around his neck. "Your proposal? Oh, I see. You think that I'm on your side now, is that it?"

Rayn turned to him, lifting a brow. She was confused. If he wasn't siding with her and agreeing on her proposal for the counterfeit marriage to secure his wealth and her power, why the hell did he bother rescuing her? What benefit did he have?

Razer shook his head, "Ms. Krew, I will never, ever take orders from you. Is that understood?"

"Excuse me? Then what the hell do you plan to do with yourself once Mizo's gone, go sell yourself on a street corner?" Rayn stood up, her anger beginning to set in once again.

Rayn's hot temper only provoked Razer to toy with her. "Sell myself on the street? You know, that may not be such a bad idea".

"Oh, stop joshing me".

"Me? Josh? Never," he replied with his smirk finally revealing itself at full power.

Now he was mocking her accent. "I don't- I don't understand you!"

Razer nodded, "That's makes two of us. I don't understand you, either. Like why the hell are you here? Why are you wasting my time? Do you want me to kill you that badly?"

"Oh, yeah? Well, why did you rescue me and then not rescue me last night? Why did you open your door?"

Razer shrugged carelessly. "I suppose you provide me with some good entertainment every now and then".

"Entertainment!" Rayn clenched her teeth. "Damn, I hate you".

Razer nodded again, "Yes, I'm fully aware of that. You made it known to me last time you were here, too".

Rayn was speechless. She was running out of words and running out of excuses to stay here. Now she just looked like a spoiled child, bickering about who knows what and screaming nonsense. Really, she was an imprudent one.

For some odd reason, she suddenly felt out of place. Like she should go, but she – she didn't want to. Something about being here made her want to stay here. She couldn't understand herself.

He drove her mad. He scared her witless at times. And yet, something about this loft, something about his presence, made her want to stay near it. As scared as she could be at times, somehow, in some strange way, she felt the safest here. It didn't make any sense and her head was beginning to throb.

Suddenly, an object under the sofa caught her eye. It seemed that he noticed it, as well because his mouth opened to say something before she got on her knees and investigated it for herself.

'Shit!' Razer thought.

Rayn looked even more confused. She stood up, holding one of the boxes and finally taking notice of her surroundings that she was too angry to observe upon her entrance earlier. There were some boxes lying around in the corners across the carpet living room. By the front door where she had so eagerly barged through, a suitcase rested against the wall. Finally it dawned upon her. Her eyes widened with surprise.

"Y-you're going somewhere?"

Razer didn't really want to answer, so he didn't. He approached her to take the box from her hands and set it on the kitchen counter. Since she already knew, there was no point in hiding it any longer. So as she stared at him in awe, he opened a new box and began placing some things in it. That was her answer.

"What about the race tomorrow? It's the last Championship race of the season".

"I'll be at the race tomorrow, but unfortunately it will be my last," he said coldly. Within moments, he had reverted from the man who was teasing her accent back to the icy murderer who left grown men shaking in their boots.

"Where do you plan on going?"

"I don't know. Anywhere but here".

He kept his eyes away from hers. She kept hers on him the entire time. Slowly, she made her way to the counter, facing him and speaking across the marble block between them.

"But what of your luxury? Your fame? Your legend? Your life here in Kras? You're just going to leave it, just like that?" Her head tilted at him in curiosity. She didn't know why she was bothering to question him. Had she wanted him to stay? Why? Why was she beginning to feel like she was slowly falling apart as each word parted from his lips. Is this- that feeling? The one she had always been looking for that she had been deprived of her entire life? No- it couldn't be. Whatever it was though, it was painful.

"Nothing matters anymore. I have nothing here that I want to stay for".

Those words unexpectedly shot through her, opening a wound she hadn't known was there until now. Now she was starting to realize it. She wasn't completely sure, but all she knew, was that she couldn't let this man leave. Not until she figured out what this was that she was feeling.

"Nothing? You have nothing to stay for? But you have to stay. I'm going to be Kras' biggest Crime Lord and I'll need you to ensure my success".

"You'll do just fine, Rayn. You can be irrational at times, but you're an excellent negotiator and have a power over people. Don't refer to me like I have to mentor you for the rest of your life". He was so cold. So closed off. So distant. He didn't realize what he was doing to her. He didn't realize why he was doing it.

"But together we can make Kras one of the most revered cities all over the country and with our influence in Combat Racing, there's no end to the possibilities in our reign".

"I'm sure you can do well with that on your own. I wish you luck".

Rayn was getting frustrated. He wasn't seeing. He wasn't listening. The final race was tomorrow. Her father was a hologram. Her mansion was destroyed. And her team would leave her to live off their lives. She didn't want to be alone. Not again, she couldn't bear it.

"You don't understand, Razer. I need you to stay here in Kras".

Razer did not answer. Instead he closed off the box on the counter and made his way back to the living room to pick up some more storage cases. He tried to ignore her. He regretted opening the door but something in him wasn't letting him kick her out.

It wasn't until he heard a soft whimper that he stopped. He didn't turn to face her, to save them both dignity. Standing firm and silent, he listened. She wasn't crying, but she was on the brink of it. Why was she reacting this way? Did she really think she couldn't do it alone?

It turns out, that wasn't it at all…

"Razer, it's not that I need you to stay in Kras…I want you to," she whispered. She was uncertain. She was lost. She wasn't even sure what made her say the things she was saying. She was tired of trying to understand herself, so now she was letting herself go. She had nothing left to lose.

"I can't, Rayn. I won't," Razer said. He tried not to sound as harsh, but the words most likely sounded that way to her either way.

Once again, he was sure she'd misinterpret him. Just like she misinterpreted his attack on her. Hurting her was an honest mistake. His blade had slipped in her moment of panic. He hadn't thought she'd take it so personally, but he should've known better.

She misinterpreted how he didn't show up the night before. It wasn't because he wasn't concerned, as much as he'd deny ever caring. It was because he trusted her, knew that she was strong enough to survive and that she didn't need him.

She was misunderstanding him now. It's not that a small part of him didn't want to stay in Kras and continue living on his life of fame and luxury. He just felt like a new life was the answer, to repair his old and hopefully find the warmth he had been robbed of since childhood. Now he was starting to wonder, about that warmth…

The click of a gun on his back reverted his attention back to reality. He smiled. There was still a lesson she still had to learn after all.

He spoke with his back to her, "You know, you shouldn't always resort to violence just to get your way".

"Like you're one to talk".

"True".

"Razer, if you plan on leaving Kras, you still pose a threat to me. If you're not on my side, you're a danger and you should be disposed of".

"Hmm, well said, milady. But there is one problem with that".

Rayn raised a brow at him, challenging him and trying to keep her firm stance although her fingers trembled.

"You can't shoot me. You won't," Razer stated matter in factly. He turned around, opening his arms as if offering her a bull's eye.

"You underestimate me," She replied. She closed her eyes and a shot fired across the loft. The sound echoed around her and she gasped in fear. She didn't know how it happened but when her eyes were open, there he was, right in front of her.

With a startled squeak, he grabbed her arms. Her gun fell to the floor. They struggled a bit until they were backed up to a wall. Rayn gasped at the sight of the small cut on his shoulder. She had grazed him, although he successfully dodged her shot. Of course, she had never meant to shoot him seriously, but she was running out of options.

His hot breath blew against her hair. His face above hers with an expression she couldn't identify. His dark hair was wild and falling over his emerald eyes as they glared down at her.

His fingers wrapped tightly around her wrists. It didn't hurt. He wasn't trying to hurt her.

"Woman, you are mad".

Rayn looked up, not knowing what to say. A moment lingered until he became aware of the small blotches of red, bleeding in a straight line on her neck. Her wound had opened during the commotion. She hadn't seemed to notice.

His hand released her wrist to pull the towel from his shoulders, pressing it to her neck. She backed away with a wince of split second fear, and he froze.

"Do you fear me, Rayn?" He searched her expression. His voice was deep, husky and solemn. No ill intent could be sensed from his tone. She answered softly.

"I do, but it's not how you think…"

She looked up to meet his gaze, trying to make out what was running through his mind. She was telling the truth, she wasn't afraid of him hurting her, or killing her. She was just afraid of whatever this was that was brewing inside of her.

Instead of waiting for a reaction, she let the moment take her, take her into doing something she had not expected.

She pushed herself up and kissed him. After all the complaining she had done about him kissing her against her will, now she was kissing him. What the hell was she thinking? Was she bi-polar? Sick? Suffering from schizophrenia? She didn't know, but all she knew was that she had to have him close.

It felt dangerous. It felt a bit scary. But it was the warmest and safest thing she had ever felt in all her life.

His body went stiff. He didn't expect that and she did a great job catching him off guard. He felt himself panic inside. Her body pressed against his, her arms pulling away from his grasp so that she could wrap herself around him. No, she couldn't. This couldn't happen. For Mar's sake, she was a good decade younger than him.

Before Rayn could melt herself in his embrace, he abruptly pulled away, not giving her much of a chance to savor it. Releasing her quickly, he turned away.

"I think- you should leave now".

Right then she heard it. Her heart was breaking. Funny, she didn't know he had it until now. When did this happen?

"Razer, please-".

"Please. Leave," he asked of her one last time.

With a nod, she walked over to fetch her jacket. She fought the burn in her eyes. What the hell was she doing? And what was she going to do now?

She made her way to the door, halfway expecting him to change his mind and pull her back. Of course, Razer was not that kind of man, to go grabbing a woman and confessing some fairy tale love. She almost wanted to run out the door, as fast as she could, away from him and away from whatever this was. Her feet wouldn't go any faster than what they were.

As the door creaked open, her hand squeezed the knob. She stood firm, ready to offer her words wisely in case they were the last things she'd be able to say to him before he vanished.

"I don't know what this is. And, it frightens me. I-". She wanted to keep going but she felt that her words were in vain. "Kras and Combat Racing will not be able to prevail the way it used to - when you're gone".

Here she was, trying to hide the real meaning behind her words. She knew she was doing an awful job of it. Before she could shame herself anymore, she nodded and closed the door behind her.

Razer stood motionless in his kitchen. He was speechless, his breath was swept away. Replaying everything that just happened didn't make any sense. She hated him, she shot him, then she kissed him? Truly, the woman needed help.

Her sweet smell still lingered behind in the air. Perhaps, he too, needed help.

His eyes stared at the box he was packing and the gun she had left on his floor. Things had become a lot more complicated than he had anticipated. The final race was tomorrow and it was up to him to accept a proposal that would steer his life in a completely different direction.

But why would he consider it? What was this 'thing' with her? How could he explain the leniency he's given her? How could he explain the towel to her bleeding neck and the split second in which he almost let himself fall into her touch? Surely, he had no such feelings.

He shook his head with a sigh. He couldn't seek any help for his deranged mind but the least he could do was get a smoke. Pulling a fresh cigarette from a new pack and placing it in between his lips, he grinned to himself.

My curiosity of you has led me farther than I had ever hoped to get myself into…

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I 3 Torn and Jinx, best team ever.

Yes, Luv2Game, I am getting better with this comma thing. Maybe I'll get so good, I won't need a beta. Nah, I'm j/k. I'll always need a beta as long as I write things like 'kitchen round table' when I'm half asleep. Maybe I should start writing these anagram sentences like 'blue tile square' lol. j/k again. :P