Page 93 of Ruthless Touch

Elise goes on to explain how the Cheongryong are convincedhe’sthe real assassin they’re hunting, and how his face is probably plastered on wanted posters throughout their network by now.

KD just shrugs like she’s telling him the weather forecast.

“So? Me and Vanguardareafter them. You used to be too, EQ, ’til you started sleeping with the enemy.”

I slam my hand down on the table hard enough to rattle every cup and saucer in a three-foot radius.

The noise is even louder than usual in such a small café, drawing stares from other patrons and baristas.

I couldn’t give less of a shit about our cover right now.

“Hey!” I snarl, half rising out of my chair. “Don’t you ever disrespect her, or I’ll cut your fucking tongue out.”

KD holds my eye contact, completely unfazed by the threat. “I’ve always respected EQ. It’s you that doesn’t… which is why she’s been bruised and hunted ever since you two got involved. I always protected her. Can you say the same?”

“Get up. We’re going to the alley outside. I’ll show you exactly how I can protect her.”

“Stop!” Elise interjects. “People are staring. If you two don’t stop right now, I’m out of here, and you can argue over air.” She turns to KD with fire in her eyes. “And you’ve never protected me. Because I don’t need anyone to. I stand on my own and always have.”

KD’s jaw drops open, suddenly mortified. “I didn’t mean it to sound like?—”

“We thought it was fair to keep you in the loop about what to expect from the Cheongryong,” Elise cuts him off. “Now that that’s out of the way, I have nothing else to say.”

She starts to stand, but KD hasn’t had his last word yet. He can’t help getting another judgment in.

“You’re making a mistake being with him, EQ. And if you go rogue against the Cheongryong, then you’re compromising the agency’s operation. I’ll have to take it to the director.”

“Are you threatening to snitch on me?” Elise spits out in disbelief.

“Yes,” KD answers without hesitation or apology. “If it means protecting you from him and them.”

Elise makes a sound of pure disgust. “Then we’re not only no longer partners, KD. We’re not even friends.”

She storms out of the café, leaving behind a trail of shocked silence from the others seated around the room.

I follow only after shooting KD one last glare that promises this conversation isn’t over.

Not by a long shot.

If he does anything to hurt or ruin Elise in any way, I’ll do more than slam a pipe down his throat like I did that Jeokpa.

Outside, Pangyo’s afternoon bustle swallows us up, the crowds impressive given how far out we are ’til the holiday season.

I catch up with Elise, reaching for her by the elbow.

“Slow down or you might mow someone over,” I tease.

She gives me a look that’s half angry, half amused, like she’s fighting the urge to smile despite the fury still radiating from her in waves.

I dart in front of her, walking backward through the plaza because she clearly needs some cheering up after that disaster of a meeting.

“Is that a smile I see on the Ice Queen’s face? I think it is. So it’s possible after all. What do I win if I get you to laugh?”

Elise rolls her eyes with theatrical exasperation. “First I’m a feline. Now I’m an Ice Queen?”

“I’d say it’s fitting. FelinesareIce Queens, Goyangi.”

We slow our pace halfway down the plaza as my hands slide around her waist and we come together for a series of small kisses.