Page 26

Yes, I was considered a butcher with my skills, the grim reaper often whispered on the street. The term wasn’t a slight, but stated in a moment of respect.

As soon as we walked inside, the madam nodded to the stairs. Without Baris’ knowledge, she’d already sent her girls home for the night. She’d be paid handsomely for the loss of income for use of her building.

The girl in Baris’ room would also be sent away with a hefty tip. Fortunately, the girls knew better than to open their mouths.

By the time the madam reopened her doors at noon the next day, the place would be spic and span, not a single sign a man had died a violent death.

I strolled up the stairs, noticing the only closed door in the hallway. I took a deep breath, shaking my head as a moment of sheer glee entered my system.

While I should be angry, enraged with his behavior, my experience with Genevieve had put me in a much better mood.

She’d been charming, beautiful, sensual, and tough. The combination along with her heightened intelligence was irresistible.

Ignoring my desire for her wasn’t possible. She’d already gotten under my skin. I touched my neck where she’d nicked my skin and grinned just before kicking in the door.

To date, only two men had ever gotten close enough to draw blood. Both had lost their lives in gruesome ways.

Maybe it was the fact her perfume continued to linger on my skin that kept me smiling. Whatever the case, even my men had noticed my decent mood when I should have been pissed.

The girl didn’t scream as I kicked the door in. She simply kicked Baris in the chest in a move that brought a wider smile to my face.

Maybe the girl had a little bit of Genevieve in her.

Baris was already panting and sweating. His expression was a knowing one. He realized the moment I’d burst in that his life was in jeopardy.

“What the fuck do you want?” His English was good enough it appeared he’d had some schooling, either in our country or in the United States or Canada. Not that I cared about his method of education.

“Just to finish our discussion, Baris.” I took out my favorite knife. It was similar to ones used by men in bush country to cut back weeds or use as weapons when challenged by wild boars. The sharp tip was accented by several jagged teeth. I’d found ituseful in convincing men to talk. It was amazing the damage it could do with a single slice.

My soldiers had piled into the room. Baris was going nowhere, but as anticipated, he dove for his personal items, which obviously included a weapon. Kruz was quick to respond, tossing a knife from his collection. The blade went into Baris’ shoulder, pinning him to the wall.

His scream was sharp and annoying and like a fool, he tried to jerk his body free.

I waited for a few seconds before walking toward him very slowly. Blood was already dripping down his arm. Soon, a stream would create a puddle on the floor. It was a shame we weren’t out in the wild. If we were, I’d drive a second knife through his other shoulder and leave him for the beasts to feast on.

But we were in civilization and that wasn’t possible.

I pulled my blade into my hand, pressing the tip under his chin much like Genevieve had done to me earlier. “Now, Baris. I’m curious. What do you know about the murder that occurred at the restaurant last night?”

“What murder?” he gritted out.

“Come now. I didn’t see you leaving when I did so you were there. A highly respected drug lord was killed. You’re going to tell me you know nothing about it?”

There was something odd in his eyes that made me reflect on what I was doing. Was it possible he had no clue? Not by his behavior from the night before.

“I had nothing to do with it.” His fear tingled against my skin, a mere whisper yet pleasing.

“Oh, you just wanted to kill me.”

I’ll be damned if the asshole didn’t offer a smile. Was he out of his mind or did he just not care about the knife in my hand?

“I’ll take that as a yes. I’m sorry you didn’t get the opportunity. I tell you what. If you can get yourself free, you can use the knife and see what you can do. I’ll give you a few seconds to think about it.”

I wasn’t going to get anything from the man even if I cut off his limbs one by one. Some soldiers lived and died by their honor.

My honor was entirely different. I couldn’t care less if he was suffering.

After taking a deep breath, I shook my head. “Time’s up.”