Ch. 601..610
Chapter 601
I stared at the tips of my shoes, lost in thought. "Let's go."
Steve loaded my luggage into the car, opened the door for me, and closed it once I was inside. Only then did he get in and start driving.
"Steve, how did things get so out of hand? It was just a snooker game..." I wasn't blaming him, just lost in
the mess we were in.
What should've been a simple thing had blown up, dragging in Hernan, and now Bruno was involved too. It felt like danger was everywhere, and everyone was on edge.
I remembered what Jace had said. "Who do you think is behind all this? Why target you specifically?"
"I've been wondering the same thing," Steve replied, clearly following my train of thought. "The key is figuring out their endgame."
I let out a bitter laugh. "Seems like they want to catch us all in one go."
"Especially every guy connected to you," Steve added, making me sit up straighter.
Right... Jace, Steve, Hayden-they were all tied to me..
"I'm starting to think this person has some twisted obsession with you," Steve said, half-joking. "Take us out of the picture, and they'd have a clear shot."
A chill ran through me as Wayne's journal flashed in my mind.
"Has Wayne been in Houston recently?" I asked.
Steve glanced at me in the rearview mirror, caught off guard. "I wouldn't know. Why? You think there's one more person to add to the mix?"
Ignoring his teasing, I breathed in slowly, my heart pounding. "He stayed in Houston for four years." Four years-that's plenty of time to make connections and build a network. And if this whole mess was about me, like Steve suggested, then Wayne was the only one who made
sense.
The most suspicious part? The dates in his journal. Even though he was supposed to be in Kehlmark, I found his handwritten journal hidden in a drawer here. That could only mean one thing-he came back secretly.
But why would he come back just to scribble a few notes in his journal? It didn't add up.
And then there was what he wrote-stuff about seizing what you want, about taking the first step.
"Rea?" Steve's voice broke through my thoughts. "Did something just click?"
A cold wave washed over me as I met his gaze. "Do you think it could be Wayne?"
Steve stared at me, clearly shocked. "What makes you think it's him?"
Then, a flicker of recognition crossed his face, like he'd had the same thought.
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Chapter 601
I told him about what I found in Wayne's journal. Steve's expression grew darker, and he was outer for a long moment.
Finally, he spoke, his tone serious. "We need proof. Without it, don't jump to conclusions. And whateve you do, don't confront Wayne about this."
"I'm not that reckless," I murmured.
"If he's behind this because of his feelings for you... then his love has twisted into something dangos Be careful," Steve warned.
A sharp pang of guilt hit me. If all this was because of me, then I'd dragged so many people into this mess -especially Steve. We were just friends, and now he was in the middle of it. This was supposed to be his final competition, and now it was ending like this.
"Don't stress too much," Steve said, trying to ease my mind. "With Hayden's skills, hell sort this out"
His words hit me. It was clear he understood Hayden's abilities even more than I did. They hadn't been close before, but this whole situation had turned them into allies.
"Who is Hayden, really?" I asked, finally voicing the question I'd been wondering all along.
But before Steve could answer, the car jolted, and I looked up to see vehicles closing in from every direction.
"Damn it," Steve muttered under his breath. "Bruno's pulling a diversion tactic."
Chapter
602
We were boxed in. Cars surrounded us, leaving no escape route. Trying to break free would be reckless- we'd never make it.
Steve was right. Hayden had been pulled away, leaving me vulnerable. And without Hayden's skills, Steve was at a serious disadvantage. Bruno's real target? Me.
As the men climbed out of their cars, surrounding us, I turned to Steve. "In a minute, I'll go with them. Don't do anything stupid-just call Hayden." "No way!" Steve shot back, his protective instincts kicking in.
"Listen," I insisted, "Jace is already in Bruno's hands, and Hayden's gone after him. If you get taken too, Bruno will have all of us, and no one to save us."
He hesitated, but I gave him a calm, reassuring smile. "We talked about this earlier. If Wayne's behind this I won't be harmed. So don't worry about me." "But what if it's not him?" Steve didn't seem convinced.
"If it's not him, then we're good. You can reach out to him for help."
I could see the shift in his eyes.
"This is our chance to test him," I continued. "If he shows up to save us, we'll know he's not involved. If he doesn't, and Bruno goes after everyone but me... then we'll know for sure Wayne's the mastermind." Before Steve could respond, the car door flew open, and two of Bruno's men reached for me. I didn't wait for them to pull me out. "I'll go with you."
They turned to look at Steve, and I quickly added, "He's got nothing to do with this."
The man in charge nodded. "Everyone's coming."
I pressed a small knife against my neck, the blade cold against my skin. "Let him go, or you'll be taking my dead body."
I'd grabbed it back at the hotel, just in case. Looks like my instincts were right.
The men hesitated, clearly unsure. One of them stepped aside and made a quick phone call. When he came back, he gave a sharp nod. "Fine. Put down the knife, and we'll let him go." "He walks away first, then I drop the knife," I said, stepping out of the car.
Steve's face twisted with tension and worry. But after a sharp look from me, he turned and left.
The second he was out of sight, I dropped the knife onto the ground.
The men grabbed me and took me straight to Bruno's place.
He was lounging under a pergola in the backyard of his mansion, sipping tea and tossing fish food into the pond, looking far too relaxed for the situation.
Chapter 602
"I'm here. Now release the others," I said, glancing around. Hayden's car wasn't in sight. That could mean Hayden was either on his way here or already being led somewhere else.
"Release them?" Bruno scoffed, taking another sip of his tea. "Why would I do that? We've got just enough players for a nice game of poker."
I knew he was toying with me, trying to make it sound like he had everyone else too.
"If you want to play poker, set up the table," I challenged, hoping for a glimpse of the others.
Bruno saw right through me, though, and just chuckled. "What's the rush?"
Those words made my stomach churn. There was more coming. I could feel it. "What do you want from me?" I demanded.
"You'll find out soon enough," he replied with a smirk, clearly enjoying the game he was playing.
If this was how he wanted it, fine. I clamped my mouth shut, refusing to respond. No matter what he said next, I wouldn't give him the satisfaction.
Bruno wasn't fazed. He continued chatting aimlessly. At one point, while feeding his fish, he glanced at me. "You like feeding fish, don't you? Go on, give it a try. I'll have you know, my fish are just as well-behaved as anyone else's." Anyone else's?
Chapter 603
I knew exactly who had a thing for tending fat-it was Wayne Thinking about what I suspected, I decided to throw Bruno off a bit. "Can your fish actually understand human words? Cause before you dragged me here, I was feeding some fish that, ballieve it or not, actially
respond when you talk to them
I chose my words carefully, hoping to get under his aki
Bruno was way too competitive, especially after the way Hayden had humiliated him. Losing to anyone.
even fish, seemed to get under his skin
"Oh, really?" Bruno smirked, like he had the upper hand Bet thous fish only know one phrase 'Rea, dinner time"
I froze. His words hit too close to home-was he mocking me, or did Wayne actually use that exact when feeding his fish?
Bruno saw my reaction and burst out laughing, that same, knowing laugh. It was clear now he knew Wayne.
Otherwise, how would he know what Wayne said to his fish?
I had always been creeped out by Wayne's obsession, the paintings he'd made of me, and how his house was practically a shrine to me. But now? It looked like he'd even named his fish after me. Great
"Come on, let me show you how obedient my fish are, Bruno said, clearly eager to rub it in. "They don't just understand words-they can put on a show."
He called out to them loudly, "Come on, Moni Moni, dinner time!"
The moment he spoke, the fish swam right over, almost like they were posing for a photo
I couldn't believe it-fish really could do that?
And the name "Moni"? It just showed what kind of person Bruno really was-greedy to the core.
If Wayne was pulling the strings, money was definitely involved.
"So? Aren't my fish better behaved?" Bruno beamed, tossing more food into the water.
He kept feeding them like he was at some kind of circus, completely absorbed in his own little world.
But then, I heard an engine roar to life outside. I didn't even have to look to know it was Hayden.
Just as I was about to turn my head, Bruno muttered under his breath, "Oh Moni Moni, get ready for a taste of human blood."
A cold shiver ran through me. I turned back to him, horrified.
Then Hayden walked in, but Bruno still didn't break his focus on the fish. "Agent Hart, you're late. My fish are practically stuffed by now."
Hayden didn't waste time. "Where's Yara?"
A sharp pang hit my chest. Yara. Of course, she was his main concern right now
Chapter 603
Bruno's eyes flicked to me, his amusement practically dripping. "Really? You're worrying about another woman right in front of your girl? Doesn't that seem a bit heartless?"
The jerk wasn't even trying to hide the fact that he was twisting the knife.
Hayden's jaw tightened. "Bruno, let everyone else go. I'll stay."
Bruno gave him that wicked smile of his. "And what would I want with you?"
Like he hadn't just threatened to feed Hayden's blood to his fish.
"This whole situation was because of me," Hayden continued, his voice steady. "If you want revenge, take it out on me. This is between you and me; it has nothing to do with anyone else." "True enough," Bruno replied, nodding.
But I knew better. He wasn't going to just let everyone go that easily.
Sure enough, Bruno leaned back with a smirk. "But since you're all here now, letting everyone walk away just like that would be way too boring. How about we play a game instead?" The word "game" made my skin crawl. I had a bad feeling in my gut. Whatever game he had in mind, it wasn't going to end well.
Chapter 604
The "game" Bruno had in mind wasn't a friendly round of poker. It was something twisted.
I stared him down, but his gaze flicked between me and Hayden. "The dynamic between you four is fascinating," he said. "Jace Johnston, her ex. She's your ex. And Yara Drago, your new girl. So, tell me... who really loves whom the most here?" "Doesn't matter who loves who," I shot back. "We definitely don't love you, so stay out of it."
He grinned. "This isn't meddling, it's curiosity. Your tangled little love lives could use some sorting out."
Hayden's patience wore thin. "Say what you want and get to the point."
Bruno smirked, pressing his lips together. "Impatient, huh? Fine."
He stood up and headed toward the house.
Hayden and I stayed put, but his guards immediately stepped forward. "If you'd please follow us."
This was Bruno's turf, and we had no clue where Jace and Yara were. For now, we had no choice but to go with it.
Bruno's mansion was massive, and right when we walked inside, we were greeted by a huge painting of a roaring tiger-its jaws wide open, sharp teeth bared. The thing looked like it was ready to eat anyone who dared get too close. Just staring at it made my skin crawl.
It wasn't just that-it was wrong. When I was younger, I loved animals and their art, but my dad never allowed it. He always said that houses should be filled with peaceful things-landscapes, flowers, plants- never anything with aggressive energy like tigers or eagles. He believed that kind of vibe could bring negative energy to the home.
But Bruno? He didn't care about any of that. The whole mansion was filled with predator art. In the center of the main hall was a giant sculpture of a coiled serpent made of jade, poised to strike. Even the sight of it sent chills down my spine.
I didn't know what kind of taste Bruno had, but his obsession with these fierce animals said a lot about him. And now, with all of us trapped in his hands, I had a bad feeling about how things were going to play
out.
But we were already here. No turning back now.
"Do you like it?" Bruno suddenly asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I shot him a disgusted look, which made him laugh. "Just wait. You'll see the real thing soon enough." My nerves shot up, and I couldn't help but glance at Hayden. He was still, his face unreadable.
Even though I wasn't counting on him to save me, there was something about the way he stayed calm that gave me this weird sense of comfort. If things went sideways, he wouldn't just leave me, right? With my stomach in knots, I followed Bruno through the hall and out into the backyard. The air smelled thick, like animal musk.
Was this a zoo or something?
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Chapter 604
I was still trying to figure it out when a voice sliced through the tension. "Hayden! I'm over here!
I turned, and there was Yara, hanging in mid-air, caught in some kind of harness. Hayden was already moving toward her.
I froze, my mind racing. But in that split second of distraction, a big hand slammed over my mouth and nose, stopping me from reacting. My heart raced as I watched Hayden get farther away.
I didn't know if Hayden saw me or just sensed something was wrong, but the second he saw what was happening, he sprinted toward me.
So, he wasn't going to leave me after all.
But Bruno had planned for this. He wasn't going to let Hayden reach me. His men stepped in, blocking him.
As they pulled me away, I watched helplessly as Hayden fought his way through them, trying to get to me.
Chapter 605
By the time I saw Hayston again, I was already hanging in midog, na net le
Below us was a massive pool, and I know the second the rope was cy, die dag ww
I could see Hayden and Jace on the ground below, held by Bruno's men, we
Bruno lounged by the pool, casually stroking something though I was too treated on hy fear of heights had me too focused on not looking down too much.
"So, snooker girl," Bruno called up to me, fals voice dripping with mockery, "josh low spe guys, right? And they've both loved you. But they both betrayed you in the end today to sp you run a little test-to see who loves you more. How's that coundr A test? No. He wasn't testing anything-he just wanted to mess with us.
"I don't need your help! Let me down!" I yelled, defiant.
Bruno ignored me and turned back to Hayden and Jace I'm going to lower this girl now. But fane fac she'll end up in the water. And you might've noticed what's swimming in there... They haven't een ins week. They're hungry."
The way he said it made my blood run cold. I froze, but I couldn't help it-I glanced down.
And what I saw made my heart stop.
The pool was full of crocodiles, not just one or two. Bruno was even petting one like it was a freaking lap
dog.
No wonder the place smelled like blood and decay.
Even if they hadn't been starved, if I fell in, I'd be eaten alive. Bruno's sick game was using Hayden and Jace as distractions for these monsters.
"Sick bastard! If you're so tough, fight me one-on-one!" Yara shouted, cursing him from where she was tied up.
Bruno might've been talking to me, but Yara was up there for a reason, too. He was using both of us against them.
"Sick bastard?" Bruno sneered. "Actually, you just gave me a better idea."
He turned to Hayden, eyes gleaming with cruelty. "Up there we've got two women-one's your ex, the other your new girlfriend. So which one do you love more? Want to prove it?" "Bruno," Hayden said, voice steady but low, "let them go. I'll stay and feed your crocodiles."
"Hah! So you love them both, huh? Bruno laughed. "Not enough for me. I want to know who you love
most"
"He doesn't want Keira anymore! Obviously, he doesn't love her," Jace spoke up, his voice sharp. "This whole game is pointless
I knew he was trying to make Bruno stop this twisted game, but his words cut deep.
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hapter 20s
Love lan't something you just say, Bruno unwered to when we out
He was clearly out to torment Hayden
And he wasn't just messing with him he was messing with all of us.
If Yara and I were dropped into that pool, Hayden would rush to save her, and how stu Bruno knew that. And he'd set it up so neither of them would make it out alive.
It was the perfect trap. Bruno could wipe out everyone
once or leave we in the only regu
I hadn't confirmed it, but everything pointed to Wayne Being the real maswanos
Wayne was using Bruno to get rid of Hayden, destroy Jace, and crush any feeling bad at the t could take the Johnston family throne and swoop in to declare his love without ay
It was a sick, calculated move to take multiple targets down at once.
"The game's about to begin. Ready, everyone?" Bruno grinned. Then he whistled, and the rope holding me loosened.
Chapter 606
"Aah!"
The sensation of falling tore a scream from my lips.
"Real"
It had to be Jace-Hayden would've called me Kiki.
A huge splash followed, and for a terrifying moment, I thought I'd hit the water.
But there was no cold, no wetness. Instead, I heard frantic splashing below.
I opened my eyes to see I was still hanging, suspended above the pool. But Jace-he'd jumped in. He was fighting the crocodiles, locked in a brutal struggle for his life.
In that split second of danger, Jace had acted without hesitation to save me. And Hayden... he hadn't
moved.
My heart, already shattered, felt like it was being encased in ice.
Bruno had said his crocodiles hadn't been fed for days, and now they were attacking Jace with the fury of starving beasts. Watching him fight, struggling against snapping jaws, I couldn't stop the tears from pouring. There was nothing I could do but scream at Bruno. "Jace! Jace...!"
"Well, snooker girl," Bruno taunted, thoroughly enjoying the chaos, "do you see now who really loves you?"
"Let him go! I know who put you up to this! Tell him if anything happens to Jace, I'll feed myself to the crocodiles right after him!" I shouted, voice thick with rage.
Bruno paused for a second, his grin faltering, but then he just laughed. No sign of stopping.
Meanwhile, Hayden stood there, motionless. I turned to him, desperation flooding my voice. "Hayden, please! Go save Jace! Please, help him!"
Bruno cut in, voice dripping with mockery. "If he goes in there, he's only gonna get himself killed too. Seems like the one you love more is the one in the water."
Bruno was still trying to stir things up, but it didn't matter anymore.
Hayden clearly didn't love me-not even a little. If he did, he would've moved when I fell. He would've jumped in after me.
But Hayden just stood there, still as stone, even as Jace's arm was caught in a crocodile's jaws, the beast dragging him under. Jace was losing the fight, and it was only a matter of time before he was torn apart. "Hayden, please!" My voice cracked. "Please, go save him. I'm begging you."
But Hayden remained indifferent, colder than I ever thought possible.
1 couldn't speak anymore. I could only cry, helpless.
"Looks like Agent Hart needs a little extra motivation," Bruno said with a sly grin. He whistled again, and
Chapter 606
suddenly, the rope holding Yara was released, sending her plummeting toward the water.
The moment she started falling, Hayden sprang into action, dashing forward without a second's hesitation.
That instant, my heart shattered like glass.
This was it. The final blow that destroyed everything.
When I had fallen, he hadn't moved. When I begged him to save Jace, he stayed cold and still.
But for Yara, he didn't hesitate. He jumped to save her without thinking. That leap... it took not just his body but every last feeling I had for him, sending them into a dark abyss,
I couldn't bear to watch anymore. I felt this surge of strength, this desperate need to break free. I clawed at the rope holding me, pulling and yanking with all my might, trying to tear it apart.-Ldidn't care if I fell-I just needed to reach Jace. It wasn't that I wanted to throw myself to the crocodiles. I couldn't let him face them alone.
But no matter how hard I struggled, the rope wouldn't budge. Desperation fueled me as I screamed curses at Bruno. But then I heard sounds of fighting below.
I looked down. Hayden and Yara were attacking the crocodile that had Jace's arm in its jaws.
So, in the end, they hadn't just let him die. There was still some decency left in them, after all.
Bruno watched them, irritation flashing across his face. He wiped the smirk off and gave a cold chuckle before patting the massive creature beside him. "Alright, big guy. Your turn."
Chapter 607
As Bruno Topped the massive crocodile on the head, the creature lunged toward Hayden and the others.
The pond was already swarming with crocodiles, but now there was a dominant one among them. Even with Hayden, Yara, and Jace working together, they probably couldn't hold them off.
I couldn't even breathe-I couldn't bear to watch.
"Aah
Yara's sharp scream broke through, and I saw her stabbing at something with everything she had. Hayden grabbed Jace, throwing him toward the shore.
Then, he pulled Yara up and, using the crocodiles' heads as stepping stones, jumped to safety with her.
They'd actually made it out of the jaws of death.
Just as I was about to exhale, Bruno's mocking applause filled the air. His face was eerily calm. "Agent Hart really is extraordinary," he said, not an ounce of panic in his voice.
Before the words even left his mouth, Yara lunged forward, pressing a knife to Bruno's neck. "If you don't want to see your boss bleed, let her go!" she yelled, directing her words toward the high platform in the distance They'd escaped... and now they were trying to save me.
I couldn't help but feel a flicker of surprise. Yara's first instinct had been to rescue me.
But her threat didn't work. The people on the platform didn't move.
Bruno wasn't fazed by the knife at his throat. Instead, he taunted, "It's useless. They only take orders from me. If I die now, that girl will just hang here and dry out in the sun."
"Let her go," Yara barked, pressing the blade harder against his neck, drawing a thin line of blood.
Still, Bruno remained unfazed, his gaze cold. He turned to Hayden and said, "The test game is over. Now it's time to settle things between us."
Hayden's face was unreadable as he answered, "Fine. I'll settle it with you. Let the others go."
"No problem," Bruno said, too easily, as if he'd been expecting this.
Yara exchanged a look with Hayden before turning back to Bruno. "Well? Let her go already."
Bruno smirked, tilting his neck. "Move that knife away from me. I can't stand people pointing blades at me.
He made a gesture, and suddenly, I was dropping again. This time, I was so close to the water that my feet dipped into it.
I saw a swarm of crocodiles surging toward me.
"Ah!" I screamed, terrified.
But before they could reach me, I was yanked back up, Hayden's angry shout echoed, "Had enough of
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your games yet?"
Bruno laughed, a cruel, mocking sound Then, slowly, I was lowered back down to the ground.
Yara rushed over, cutting my ropes and helping me up. She nodded at Hayden.
"Let them go," Hayden ordered, his voice firm.
Bruno didn't reply. I shook off Yara's support and made my way to Jace.
He was hurt, badly, especially his arm. His clothes were torn, and blood was still pouring out.
He'd bled for me.....
Neither of us could afford to lose too much blood.
"We need to get you to a hospital," I said, trying to steady him.
Hayden turned to Yara. "You leave, too."
"I'm not going. I'll stay here with you," Yara replied, like she and Hayden were in this together, no matter what.
Helt numb. I knew I couldn't help by sticking around.
I helped Jace to the exit, but as we moved, Bruno chuckled behind us. "Snooker girl, don't you want to stay and see how we settle this?"
I didn't care. I didn't want to watch-wasn't interested in their twisted game.
Chapter 608
Bruno kicked back in his chair, flashing that smug de
demeye
#core?
It was obvious he already had something planned the whole thing was just hom mesung with sup
mimasting
trying to get under his skin.
Hayden, as usual, didn't flinch. "However you wanna settle it
I could see it now-Hayden was the kind of guy who never cracked. No matter how much y Herman tried to mess with him, he just stayed cool, like nothing could phase him Bruno twirled a colorful snooker ball in his fingers. "Were enemies now,nght he said, looking at Hapan
Hayden didn't reply.
Bruno's gaze drifted over to me.
fill
"How about you and I play a few rounds? Bruno suggested, his grin widening. "If you win, grant youre condition. That includes letting Hayden off the hook.
1 knew what he was up to. Ever since the first time he saw me, he'd been obsessed with playing against me. This guy was relentless.
But seriously, what was it about me?
I'd never faced him, never humiliated anyone, never played to show off. So why was he so hell-bent on getting a game?
I couldn't help it-I had to ask. "Why me?"
"Why not?" Bruno shot back,
if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "You've got something about you. Played a perfect game just a few days ago in the tournament, right?" So now it was on. A challenge.
I knew if I refused, he'd make me play anyway. I might as well agree, but I wasn't gonna make it easy for him. I locked eyes with him. "If I win, you'll really let go of this grudge?"
I left Hayden out of it. The way he acted to me-so distant and indifferent-made me think, There's no way I'm begging Bruno for him. Not like that.'
"Of course," Bruno said, grinning wider. "When I make a promise, I keep it." Then he threw in a twist. "But if you lose? What do you think should happen?"
I clenched my jaw. "Whatever you want."
Clap, clap.
Bruno applauded. "Bold. No wonder you
got so many guys wrapped around your finger."
He waved a hand, and his men set up a pool table..
"We're playing here?" I frowned.
Chupter end
"What, don't like it? Bruno smirked.
"It reeks here. The vibe's awful. It'll mess with my mood, and you know that messes with my game," I shot back, making sure he knew I wasn't impressed.
I could get away with being demanding because Bruno had to answer to someone higher up. Whoever was pulling the strings wanted me alive, which meant Bruno couldn't push things too far. Sometimes, acting like you're important works.
"Fine," Bruno said, standing up and motioning for us to follow. "We'll go to my pool hall.
As he passed Jace, he stopped, eyeing the wound on his arm. "Get a doctor to patch him up. All that blood's gonna ruin the mood."
As if this wasn't all his fault in the first place.
Jace stayed silent, his face pale from the pain.
Bruno wasn't wrong-the wound was bad, I couldn't even look at it directly. Instead, I focused on Jace's pale face. "Can you hold on? Maybe we should get you to a hospital."
"I'll be fine. I'll wait for you," Jace said, voice strained.
I helped him toward the door, with Hayden and Yara following behind.
When we reached Bruno's pool hall, I had to admit-it was impressive. The pool table was made of rare material, and even the cue sticks had tips made of the same stuff.
It was clear-Bruno's thing with snooker wasn't just a hobby.
Chapter 605
hapter 609
"Alright, here's the deal-clear the table in one go. If you sink every ball, you win. Mins even one, and it's your loss. You've got fifteen minutes," Bruno announced, his tone dripping with confidence.
I didn't have much of a choice, so I shot back without hesitation, "Fine."
"Once you're ready, we'll start the clock," he sai
settling back on a couch like some VIP.
I stepped up to the table, took a deep breath, and nodded at the timer. At their signal, I went for it.
Thud, thud, thud..
Ball after ball sank smoothly into their pockets. Ten minutes in, only two balls were left on the table. Victory was practically mine. I focused, steadying myself for the final shots. One more strike, and it was done. With a precise hit, another ball dropped in, leaving just one remaining.
Clap, clap..
Bruno started clapping again, trying to throw me off. I ignored him and lined up for the last shot. But just as I was about to strike, something cold and slithery brushed against my foot, like something crawling over it.
I screamed, leaping up and sprawling across the table, the cue slipping from my hand.
The cue ball hit another ball, sending it rolling across the table with a sharp clack....
• Yara's voice rang out, "This doesn't count! Bruno, you cheated."
Still shaken, I looked at Bruno, trying to figure out what just happened.
He raised his hand toward the floor, and that's when I saw it-slithering across the ground, heading right toward him. A yellow-and-green striped snake.
So that's what had freaked me out. I've been terrified of anything slimy or crawling since I was a kid-even caterpillars freaked me out. And now, a snake? Yeah, no thanks.
Bruno picked up the snake, letting it coil around his arm as he petted its head. "Naughty little thing. running off like that. Look at how you scared her."
He shot me a smirk. "It's harmless, you know. Really gentle. Come pet it if you don't believe me."
Like hell I would.
Even with the snake in his grip, I couldn't bring myself to leave the table. My heart was still racing, but I shot him a glare. "Bruno, if you're gonna play, play fair. No cheap tricks." "Can't take the loss?" he taunted.
"If you hadn't set that thing on me, I wouldn't have missed."
"A true snooker player ignores all distractions," Bruno said smoothly, acting like he was some kind of snooker god holding me to the highest professional standard. Now I got it-he had no intention of letting Hayden go, even if I won.
Chacer 600
Hayden, who'd been silent up until then, finally spoke. "Enough with the petty stunts. Just say what you want, and let's finish this."
Bruno walked over to him, still petting the snake, and met his eyes. "You humiliated me, physically and mentally. Tell me, how should I repay you to make it even?" Hayden's face tightened, but he didn't rise to the bait.
Bruno's grin turned dark. "An eye for an eye. How about I return the favor and humiliate you the same way you did me?"
He was itching to disgrace Hayden.
Before Hayden could respond, Yara cut in, voice full of fire. "Bruno, if you think you can take him down, then do it on your own merit."
She wasn't even trying to hide the dig-basically calling him out for being too scared to face Hayden straight up.
She knew Hayden well enough to be confident Bruno couldn't control him. If they'd just met because of the engagement, I wouldn't believe it. But clearly, they had some history, or at least something deeper going on. "So, you think you're that capable, huh?" Bruno sneered "Fine. Let's put that to the test today."
With a flick of his wrist, someone brought over two full buckets of snooker balls.
A chill ran down my spine. It was clear-Bruno was about to settle this using those balls.
Chapteinid
Chapter 610
When Hayden found himself surrounded by dozens of hen, each with a bucket of balls in front of them, t know exactly what Bruno had planned.
They were going to turn Hayden into a human target.
"If you've got any guts, face Hayden one-on-onel This gang style ambush... what kind of man does that make you?" Yara shot at him, unable to hold back. "This isn't something a real man would do. Word will get around, and people will laugh at you," Jace added, his voice steady despite the fresh bandages on his arm. I stayed silent.
It wasn't that I didn't care or didn't want to speak up for Hayden. I just knew the more we tried to reason with Bruno, the more he'd dig in his heels.
Bruno wasn't someone you could easily talk sense into, I'd barely been around him, but already, I could tell he was unpredictable-like a storm waiting to tear through everything in his path. The more you tried to stop him, the harder he pushed, Sure enough, Bruno's answer was exactly what I expected. "People haven't laughed at me enough? Like I care what they think."
"This isn't fair," Yara tried again.
She was beautiful, capable-but still naive when it came to guys like Bruno.
"Oh, you want fair?" Bruno sneered. "Fine. Then join him. You two can play together."
With a snap of his fingers, Yara was shoved into the circle.
Hayden's face went hard. "Why did you provoke him?" he asked, irritation flashing in his eyes.
"I had to, or how else was I going to help you?" Yara said, standing strong beside him.
As I watched them, a single word flashed through my mind: matched.
It clicked-Yara wasn't clueless about what Bruno was trying to do. She just wanted to protect the person she cared about.
"This is between you and me, Bruno. It has nothing to do with anyone else. Let her go," Hayden said, his voice steady, but I could see the worry in his eyes.
Bruno chuckled darkly. "Oh, it has nothing to do with her? She's your woman, trying to protect you. You two make quite the heroic couple. Really nauseating, you know that?"
Then he turned his gaze to me. "Isn't that right, snooker girl?"
He was baiting me, trying to get a rise.
I stayed silent, not giving him the satisfaction.
"Aren't you going to step in and help him out?" Bruno taunted. "You two shared something special once, didn't you?"