Page 105 of Unlocking Ruin

“I got over my fear of flying.”

His eyes narrow. His ax doesn’t feel cold; the heat of my body has warmed it. “If you think fear stops your enemy, it doesn’t, Anders. It motivates them to get over it so they can stab you in the back.”

“Little girl, you’re not my enemy. You’re not even skillful enough to be considered prey.” He drops the ax along my shoulder, down my chest, resting it over my heart.

“I will be if you don’t lower your blade.” I nod my head toward the front door. Just next to it, a small black box sits.

“Boom,” I smirk. “Only I know the code to disarm the bomb. Walk out the door, and it ignites. It’s motion-sensed, set to trigger on the second alert.”

He actually grins. “Talk.”

“I need a favor, and you’re the only one batshit enough to do it.”

His eyes sparkle. “Keep talking.”

I tell him why I came and what I need him to do. The entire time he stands looming over me, that ax on my heart like a hungry, snarling dog nipping at my heels.

“That’s considered an attack.” He stands; the air rushes between us as he drags his ax away. “I need permission from the others to do it. Get out of my chair.” He motions with his head.

I move, standing as I allow him to sit.

Anders sinks into the leather with a hint of annoyance, as if the chair betrayed him. He sits back, resting the ax on his right thigh.

“It’s not an attack,” I argue. “Consider it a meeting. Like this.”

“Who says you’re walking out of here, Rylan? It’s my right to attack an intruder.”

“I didn’t intrude.” Glancing over my shoulder, I look at the bomb. “I even brought a welcome gift.”

He flashes his teeth as he watches me.

“I’m not stupid. I called Cillian right as I took off. I told him I was coming to warn you.”

He arches his brow. “And what did that oaf say?”

I shrug. “He started yelling and demanding I didn’t come here, then conveniently the line disconnected.” I smirk. “Nonetheless, he knows I came here to talk to you, so killing me would be seen as an attack on BANKS Corp.”

“And what about blowing me up?”

“Would you like me to dismantle it?”

“I can.” He raises the ax and reels his hand back.

“No!” I shout.

“Liar.” Anders stands and grabs me by the collar. “You hesitated. The bomb isn’t active, is it?”

“I’m not that insane.”

“You must be to come here,” he snarls. “I should kill you, but consider this a gift.”

“Gift?”

“For my cousin,” he admits, as his eyes roam over my face.

“So, you will do it?”

“No, you have nothing to offer me.” He drops me, steps back and returns to sitting.