I snort. “This about Jules? That fucker thinks if I move on, he’ll suddenly get more contracts. He can’t even fucking shoot straight.”
No one likes a showoff, my sister used to say. As if she hadn’t gotten into fucking Oxford. But I understand. In this world, it’s better to keep your mouth shut sometimes. Don’t get cocky.
Even Tris would probably agree with that. And he’s the only person in this city who rivals my skill.
Ren’s face has grown eerily blank. My heart beats faster when I notice the press of her disappointment leeching around us.
“It’s not about Jules. I want you to come work for me. I think it’d be good for you and good for me.”
How would it be good for me? Her increasingly pale face stops me from asking. She’s acting like I’ve physically wounded her.
Ren is used to getting her way, but there’s no way I’m changing careers.
“I’ve got a job,” I tell her again. “And I’ve got a lot of contracts lined up.”
Summer in New York City brings a wealth of opportunities.
Ren repositions her arms, though they remain crossed over her chest. “Yeah, about that,” she says with an air of bluntness. “I don’t think it’s a good idea right now.”
“What?”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea.” She enunciates each word, confirming my suspicions that she’s pissed off.
“I’ve got the contracts.” People know I’m good, so I stay booked and busy. Some of these hits have been scheduled months in advance. I’m only waiting on the targets to come to town.
Ren knows this but shakes her head slightly. Great, now she’s snippy.
“I’m putting a pause on them.”
Like hell she is.
“I’ve already got the contracts.” I swear we’ve just repeated the same five things over and over again. But Ren stands there like a perfect marble statue. “You seriously that pissed that I turned down your little job offer?”
Her cheeks flush. “I’m pissed that my best friend keeps getting shot at! Seriously, Isolde, just chill out until we get this figured out.”
“You didn’t fucking chill out when we found five of your ex-boyfriends dead.”
“You hired me a bodyguard!”
“We didn’t know why the fuck your boyfriends kept showing up dead!”
Ren’s brows lift. Her eyes widen. Her mouth becomes a perfect little ‘O.’ “Oh, so you do know what the fuck is going on. You know exactly what’s going on with this Cade guy. Did you expect him to show up? How long have you known he wants you dead?”
My heart starts racing.
Ren blinks, gauging my reaction. “Isolde. . . Tell me what’s going on. Why the fuck is this guy after you?”
I’m shaking my head before she even finishes. “Seriously, it’s not that big of a de?—”
“That’s a fucking lie, and you know it.”
“Just leave it alone.”
“Leave it alone?”
“I’ve got it under control.”
“The fuck you do!”
