Page 15 of Malicious Claim (Dark Inheritance #1)

Interference

LEILA'S POV

“What are you doing here, Leila?” I could see the controlled anger on his face no matter how hard he tried to mask it. “I asked you to watch over Vanessa.”

“Well, that's why I'm here,” I replied. “She’s clean. But on the other hand, one of her bodyguards, Dan, is an agent.”

He let out an amused sigh. “And how did you deduce all this in such a short time?”

I smiled, enjoying the moment. “It’s all about observation, Makros. But I guess you are not a very observant man.”

He crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. “Go on.”

Even though I've started to realize that my sharp tongue doesn't work on him, it was still worth a try.

I took a slow step forward, lowering my voice slightly.

“Vanessa’s clean because she doesn’t move like someone who has something to hide.

Her reactions to questioning are natural, she shows mild irritation, confusion, and even a bit of defensiveness, but nothing rehearsed.

When I casually mentioned a few key dates, she didn’t hesitate.

A liar would have stumbled, even if only slightly.

She also doesn’t overcompensate, no forced friendliness, and no unnecessary explanations.

She exists in her own world, comfortable, unbothered.

That’s not the behavior of someone playing a role. ”

Makros gave a slow nod, waiting.

“But Dan on the other hand?” I scoffed, propping my leg onto a chair. As expected, his gaze immediately flickered to my thigh.

I reached out, gripped his jaw, and tilted his face upward the way he always did to me.

“Hey, I’m right here,” I said, my voice firm.

He chuckled, running his tongue over his lips. “Honey, your thighs are as much a part of you as your face.”

“Oh really? And yet you force me to look you in the eyes every time,” I shot back, arching a brow. “Like the rest of you isn’t part of your body?”

He smirked, his chin shifting slightly under my hold. “The eyes tell me everything I need to know. Your thighs?” His gaze lowers for half a second before returning to mine again. “They’re a distraction.”

I let out a dry laugh, releasing him. “Exactly. And that’s Dan’s problem.

He’s too disciplined to be only a bodyguard.

A normal man, even a highly trained bodyguard would be distracted by the strippers in the club or something else.

But Dan? He doesn't even flinch. No reaction, no distraction. He’s too aware, too um. ..controlled.”

I draw in a deep breath before continuing.

“He tries too hard to be forgettable in the room, keeps a relaxed posture, and doesn’t engage in conversations longer than necessary.

At first glance, he does seem like a regular bodyguard, but his microexpressions give him away.

When I was testing Vanessa, he watched me instead of her.

A true bodyguard prioritizes their client, watching for external threats, not analyzing the person they’re speaking to. ”

I could see the flicker of intrigue in Markos's eyes, but he didn't say anything, didn't interrupt my flow.

“Then there’s the way he moves. Agents, real ones, walk with controlled efficiency.

No wasted movement. Dan’s reactions are too precise, too anticipatory.

When I dropped my fork at the table, he reacted before it hit the ground.

Normal people hesitate, even if only slightly.

And the final nail in the coffin?” I smirked, enjoying what I was about to say next.

“I slipped something into Vanessa’s bag, a simple trick to see if he’d react.

Five minutes later, he faked accidentally brushing against her bag and removed it. He thought I didn’t notice.”

Makros hackles rose. “What did you put into Vanessa's bag?”

Oh Leila you are back on track. Look at the way you made him worried. “Relax Makros, it was only a chewing gum wrapper. I mean he wouldn't know I was testing him, he'd think I was being childish or something.”

Makros let out a low chuckle and said, “Damn.”

“So, how'd I do?” I asked with a smug smile.

“Impressive,” he replied.

I tilted my head, a smirk playing on my lips. “I know.”

He paused, his amusement fading slightly. “But Leila, you can’t be here. I have to get to business.”

My expression darkened. I stepped around the table to his side, my movements slow and deliberate. Placing a hand on his shoulder, I felt the slight tension beneath my touch. Then, leaning in, I whispered hot against his ear.

“Alright, but let me tell you a little something, Makros,” I murmured, savoring the way his name rolled off my tongue. “You’ve seen how sharp I am, haven’t you? You know exactly what I’m capable of.”

His breath hitched, so brief, so controlled, but I caught it.

My teeth nibbed his earlobe before continuing. “So if you ever humiliate me again, if you ever try to put me in my place, I won’t just be a problem.” My fingers tightened slightly on his shoulders, feeling his muscles coil beneath them. “I’ll be the fucking disaster that ruins your business.”

Makros exhaled with a quiet chuckle. “Leila,” he murmured, removing my hand. “You like playing with fire, don’t you?”

“Only when I know I won’t get burned,” I said smoothly.

A knock at the door cut through our conversation. A second later, Stefanos stepped in, guiding Vanessa inside.

I turned to her with an easy smile. “Vanessa,” I greeted, my tone shifting effortlessly. “I hope you’re enjoying your night. How do you like the party?”

Vanessa smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. “Well, it's loud, expensive, and full of people who won't stop looking in my direction.”

I chuckled. “Sounds exhausting.”

She gave me a tired smile. “You have no idea. The only decent part was the champagne.”

I nodded in agreement. “Gosh, I love champagne.”

I glanced at Makros, who was watching us in silence and gave him a wink. Without another word, I walked out, leaving him to his business.