She cut a glare at him. “I’m a soldier, Hadrian. That license is to protect me from facing charges when I protect my own life and those I love. It’s not the same as cold-blooded murder.”
He wanted to argue, but she was right. He’d taken his own fair share of lives. Not because he’d wanted to.
Because he’d had no choice.
Kill or be killed.
The universe sucked and those who lived in it refused to let him live in peace, free of their meddling. Sooner or later, someone always came for him.
And honestly, it felt good to have someone call him by his real name for once. Not even Nero used it anymore for fear of someone overhearing it.
But how could he trust a licensed assassin who’d been sent after him?
As she said, if she didn’t kill him, they would kill her.
Kill or be killed.In this world, it was that simple.
That harsh.
Her comm rang. She tapped her ear to answer the call. “Yeah?”
Unbeknownst to her, Hadrian could hear the feminine voice on the other end.
“Jaynie? You okay?”
“I’m fine.”
“Where are you?”
Jayne glanced at him. “Where I wish I wasn’t.”
“Don’t play evasive with me, you little bitch! Where are you?”
A tic started in her jaw. “I acquired the target someone told me would be easy-peasy. Neither of us is happy, thank you for asking. I’m heading to my—”
“Stop where you are. Now!”
“What?” Jayne slammed on brakes.
“Killamon just sent a group of his assholes after your target. I got the notice a few minutes ago. Stop in your tracks. He thinks you’re me and tracked your fighter. They’re waiting at the hangar to jump you and claim your target. Are you using the comm I gave you?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. Find a hole and stay there. Jinx is en route, and I’m right behind him. Stay low until retrieval. We’ll find you and get you out.”
Hadrian watched as she tapped her ear and let out a disgusted sigh. “Well, that’s just fucking awesome. Take this easy assignment, Jaynie,” she mocked in falsetto. “You can do it in your sleep. No problem. Don’t worry.” She slammed her hand against the wheel. “Thanks a lot, you minsid harita!”
“Having a bad day?”
Jayne froze at that calm, dispassionate question. The fact that it came from her target succeeded in instantly calming her down. “Well, I guess it’s not as bad as yours, is it?”
“Guess that depends.”
“On?”
He inclined his head toward her side of the windshield. “Whether or not that bastard is accurate. And if he hits you before me.”
She cursed as she saw the assassin targeting him. Without thinking, she hit the gas and ran straight for him.
