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Chapter 14

I awaited my target's return, going about my duties as expected, all the while berating myself for my clumsiness. I could not afford to chase away targets as it would hinder my intended objective. Part of my job was to take out my targets without complication, either by making the hit look like an accident, or pinning the blame anywhere but Omega. Such a task was difficult enough to accomplish in and of itself, and the absence of a target's unknowing cooperation made it near impossible.

I had thought to use a poison popular on Illium, thereby diverting attention from Aria and Omega. However, if I could not get close to my target outside of the bar, achieving my objective would be rather difficult and lacking in the finesse I had come to appreciate. I despised shoddy workmanship.

Three nights after my fumbled attempt at conversation my target returned. Relief swept through my body and I forced myself to relax as excitement followed. I enjoyed the hunt, the game, seeking out the weaknesses in my targets without rousing their suspicions. It gave me focus knowing that their deeds had earned Aria's attentions and, per her order, mine as well.

He scanned the lounge, gazing out across the crowds as before, and again his eyes paused as he spied the bar. Once again I feigned disinterest as he approached, busying myself with other patrons and their orders. I continued the charade as he sat down, allowing my turian counterpart to fill his order. Once again he requested a scotch neat, and I observed him out of the corner of my eye as he sipped his beverage.

It wasn't until the rush died down that he motioned me over, leaning on the countertop, his glass empty. I tucked my cleaning rag into my pocket and reached for the bottle of scotch. He nodded in appreciation as I refilled his glass, catching my eye as I put the bottle away.

"Is there something else I can get you?" I asked, my tone purposefully curt.

He shook his head, a wry smile on his face. "No, but I do want to apologize for the other night."

"Oh?" I tried to keep my face neutral as I pulled the rag from my pocket. There was a spot on the counter that required my attention and I scrubbed at it vigorously. It was easy to remain aloof when at work, the many chores serving as useful distractions.

His smile faltered slightly as he took another sip of his drink. "I was in here the other night and I'm afraid I was rather rude."

I said nothing, preferring to remain silent and focused on that damnable spot. I scrubbed harder.

"I guess you could say I had a bad day," he paused as if in thought, searching for the right words. "I believe you were just trying to be friendly and I was ungracious. I apologize."

I halted my work, certain that the spot was forever ingrained in the countertop, and met his eyes. They were hooded in shadow, but seemed almost to twinkle in the dim light. I straightened and turned my full attention on him.

"Apology accepted." I shoved the rag back into my pocket.

He stuck out his hand in the traditional human greeting. "I'm Guy. Guy Herman."

I was unable to keep the surprise from my face, although there truly was no need. A civil, proper greeting was considered a rarity on Omega unless firearms were involved.

I gripped his hand with my own, noting the smooth skin of his palm, the firm grasp of his fingers. I introduced myself as Nya and smiled inwardly. He had used a false name and it was only fair that I should as well. Excitement swelled in my veins once more. The game was afoot.

We visited for a time, the pulse of the VIP lounge occasionally drowning our conversation. I often excused myself to care for other patrons and assist Xel, the other bartender on duty, but always I returned to him. I remained aloof, but appeared interested enough to hold his attention. I had learned that men, especially human men, liked a bit of a challenge so long as it didn't strain their stamina overmuch. If they wanted a chase, then I would oblige. I had intimate knowledge of how to play the prey.

For two weeks we played the game. He would enter the bar, search out his contacts, and meet with me after. Always he would drink a scotch neat, and always I would fill his order. We would discuss random topics, be it his love of antiquities or scotch, and I would lament the scarcity of genuine chocolate. I occasionally questioned him about his business, which he was more than happy to lie about. I found the ease with which untruths passed between his lips amusing, and I listened with rapt attention, although secretly my patience was wearing thin.

It was during the second week of our game that he informed me he would be leaving Omega for a business trip. He expected to be gone at least two weeks and I did not need to feign disappointment. I had put in quality time with my target and now he was leaving? I briefly contemplated the idea of taking him out to the alley and terminating him there, but it lacked art and would be too easily identified as murder. His contacts would suspect foul play and bring Aria unwanted attention. Such a complication would mean I had failed in my duty.

I never failed in my duty.

I cursed my luck, and covered my irritation with a hopeful smile. Perhaps he would not be gone as long as he believed. I poured him a drink and tried to engage him in conversation once more. He shot me a now familiar grin and took his usual seat at the bar. I asked him about his business trip but he responded with only vague answers. I did not press the issue given the results of our first meeting, but I believed he would tell me in time. If not, I could always gather the intelligence after disposing of him. After all, I still had a job to do.

O o O o O o O

For two weeks I tended bar, relegated to Limbo while I awaited my target's return. I kept my eyes and ears open, recognizing a few of his contacts, but never did they meet without Guy present. It seemed he was the glue that connected them and I filed that interesting bit of information away. One never knew what tiny fact may come in handy in the future. I had learned during my time with Aria that information, no matter how seemingly irrelevant, was still a commodity.

It was at the start of my shift, exactly two weeks later, when Guy returned. He stalked up to the bar with purpose, his usual scan of the area omitted in his hurry. I awaited his pleasure with a satisfied smile upon my lips and readied his scotch. He took his usual seat at the bar and sipped on his drink, eyes alight with excitement. I had not long to wait before we engaged once more in our usual banter, barely a hint of the absence that had separated us.

"So I was thinking…" his voice trailed off as he turned his glass, the amber liquid swirling within.

"Yes?" I feigned curiosity. I had seen that look in men's eyes before and excited anticipation flooded my veins; and something else, an emotion that I couldn't quite pinpoint. I ignored the fluttering in my belly and focused once more on Guy.

"I'd like to take you out for dinner some night, Nya. If that's okay with you?"

I plastered a surprised look on my face, brows raised and eyes bright. I froze, embellishing the effect before appearing to steady myself. I babbled something incoherent and looked around nervously, inwardly satisfied at the goofy smile that curled his lips. I fidgeted with the bar towel before gradually meeting his eyes.

"I have to work."

I watched as he nodded slowly, the goofy smile fading from his face. Almost without thought I reacted, surprising myself as the words tumbled from my lips.

"I'm not sure, but I may be able to switch shifts – trade Xel for the early shift." The fluttering feeling in my belly returned, as did the goofy smile on his face.

"I'd like that." He said, and then his attention was wrenched away from me as his omni-tool beeped.

I cringed inwardly at the instrument's incredibly poor timing and almost violently wrung the towel out in my frustration. I focused on the pain of my grip as my knuckles whitened, cathartic actions hidden beneath the countertop. It would not do for Guy to witness my small temper tantrum. He turned his full attention back to me after downing the rest of his drink. I quickly released my grip and suppressed a wince as the blood flowed back into my fingers.

"Sorry about that. I need to go."

I nodded, understanding yet disappointed.

"Are you working tomorrow night?"

"Yes. I'll be here."

A brilliant smile lit up his face and excitement once more flooded my veins, my brief moment of anger dissipating into the ether.

"Good. I'll see you then." And then he was gone, vacating the barstool with such speed that it was left spinning in his wake.

I pulled his glass from the counter and set it in the wash bin, the automatic cleaner activating immediately. An eager sigh escaped my lips as I wiped down the counter, my thoughts wandering idly as the fluttering in my belly persisted. This was a welcome change of pace and I found myself wishing for it to be tomorrow night. I had a game to play and as much as I liked to draw it out, I still had an objective to achieve. Also, I was not entirely averse to the idea of dinner with a handsome man, target or no.

Guy was as good as his word. He returned the next evening, and I felt my nerves tingle with excitement at the sight of him. He scanned the crowds upon entering the lounge per usual, then took his seat at the bar. I nodded to him in acknowledgement as I filled the orders of the merc captain before me. Guy smiled sweetly, waving Xel away as he waited for me to complete my duties.

I took the captain's proffered payment and, when no additional orders were forthcoming, approached Guy. Tossing my bar towel onto my shoulder I fixed him his usual drink. His eyes watched me work and I was ever aware of his gaze. My heart pounded within my chest and the fluttering in my belly returned. I chalked it up to nervous energy as I presented him with his scotch. His took a welcome sip, eyes never leaving mine.

"Nya," he set his drink back down on the counter, the ice cubes tinkling ever so slightly against the glass. "I want you to have dinner with me on your next night off."

I feigned a nervous giggle, sounding once more inane to my ears, but Guy seemed to eat it up. The same goofy smile graced his face, the flickering lights reflected in his eyes, and I found myself almost breathless. In that moment, he was utterly beautiful to me.

I found myself briefly at a loss for words, feebly attempting to gather my wits before making an even bigger fool of myself. "I don't know, Guy."

He took another sip of his scotch, a determined look on his face as he waved over Xel. I turned toward the turian who shot me a curious look, mandibles fluttering slightly. He finished up his tasks and eventually made his way over, crossing his arms almost irritably as he appraised Guy.

"What?" he asked curtly.

Guy met my eyes and I thought I caught a glint of humor in their shadowed depths. "I need to borrow Nya tomorrow evening. Will that be a problem?"

Again Xel's mandibles fluttered and I recognized his expression as one of surprise. Xel was aware that I had used aliases in the past, as did many female bartenders, but there was no way he could know I actually wanted this date with Guy. I quickly intervened, clearing my throat to gain his attention rather conspicuously.

"I told Guy that I would have tomorrow night off if you agreed to trade shifts with me."

Xel shot me another curious glance.

"I could use a night off, Xel."

Again a curious look and he wiped a hand down his face as if in resignation. "Fine. I'll change it on the schedule, but you better be able to make it in by first shift tomorrow."

I smiled brilliantly at Xel, noticing the look of excitement on Guy's face out of the corner of my eye. Yes, I could play at being coy, at being excited, nervous at dining with a handsome stranger. I could let him pursue me, allow him to believe he had the upper hand, all the while enjoying the company and information he provided. He was playing my game unwittingly and I relished the chase.

Guy remained at the bar until my shift ended and offered to escort me home. I refused him at first, but so insistent was he that I was forced to relent. I grabbed my jacket, carefully securing my knives within and out of sight. Weapons had a tendency to raise suspicion and drive targets away. I was too far involved in the game to risk such an act and suffered the discomfort. I zipped up my jacket and crossed my arms almost protectively as we walked through the alleys toward my apartment. I ignored the building heat and the bulge of my knives beneath my clothing, and attempted to maintain the aloof persona I had cultivated.

We chatted amiably, ignoring the random vagrants that dotted the streets, focusing instead on pleasant conversation. I innocently questioned him about his business trip, unsurprised at his vague answers. Once more I ignored the lack of specific information, choosing not to pursue any topic he obviously did not want to discuss.

I paused as we approached my alley, my apartment just around the corner. His body was lit by the garish glow of the street lamps, highlighting the chiseled line of his jaw. I met his eyes in the lamplight, noticing for the first time that they were grey and sparkling with desire. I felt fluttering in my belly once more as nervous energy coursed through my veins.

He cupped my face in his hand, running a smooth finger across my lips. "Can I kiss you goodnight, Nya?"

A ripple of confusion followed the wave of nervous energy, and I doubted my ears. He was asking my permission? I was unaccustomed to such manners, such courtesy, and I stuttered as I tried to form a response.

"Y-yes."

It was a chaste kiss and his lips were feather light, yet firm against my own. Scorching heat pooled within and I was loath to tear myself from his touch, but I could not afford to lose control of my senses. I had already pushed the game too far this night, and yet I wanted more.

"I have little to offer, but would you like to come inside?" The words spilled out before I realized I had spoken. Mentally I berated myself and my impulse of folly. Such rookie mistakes would be my death.

"I would love to, but I must decline." He brushed my lips with his thumb, my skin aching with want at his touch. "I have an early morning meeting tomorrow and a special evening I must plan."

I sighed, unsure if I was grateful that he had declined. "Very well," I sputtered. "I will see you tomorrow night, then."

He shot me a brilliant smile before he turned to leave, the image of his grey eyes etched in my memory. I stood immobilized for a time, watching his form disappear into the maze of Omega's alleyways, running over the night's events in my mind. Where had I gone wrong? Where had I lost my better senses? Why had I invited him in?

I reminded myself he was a target, repeating the fact over and over again like a mantra, clinging to it as if it was the very fabric of my reality. The echo of his kiss had faded and I steadied myself once more upon entering my apartment just in time to receive Aria's communiqué. I brushed a hand down my face, certain it was still flushed, but unable to do anything about it, and answered her call.

"Report."

"I've made contact." I stated bluntly. "We have a date tomorrow night. It seems he's taken a shine to me."

Aria snorted, her image flickering slightly in the holo. "That's no surprise, Jin."

"I believe I will have sufficient opportunity tomorrow's eve to terminate."

Slight lines creased her brow as she frowned ever so slightly in thought. "No. Keep him alive for now. Get close to him and see what he knows, and then terminate. We might as well get some use out of him while we still can."

Fear slithered up my spine, icy claws digging into my flesh at her orders. I suppressed a shudder, glad that I had kept my jacket on. Never before had I been confused regarding a target, and I fought for control of my emotions. I would not lose face in front of Aria, and so nodded brusquely.

"Affirmative. I will keep you updated."

"Have fun," Aria smirked and then cut the connection. I was left alone in the dark of my apartment, surrounded with a thick blanket of silence.

Fun indeed.