Adjusting the blonde wig on my head, I did a twirl for the twins.

"How do I look, boys?" I asked, striking a pose in my outfit for the operation. I took my time picking it out, deciding to wear my favorite black mini dress which hugged my curves and showed my best assets. The blonde wig I chose for the night had thick curls that went down my back and with my stilettos and bold red lipstick, I was ready to go.

We stood at the entrance of the Monroe property, getting ready to abduct Owen Donahue, one of the LA shooters and had chased after poor Rosaline. Since Donahue was the only one who left his hotel room, he was our best shot at interrogating for answers. He was expected to be at a bar tonight, the perfect place to snatch him up. With the Anderson twins and myself, we should have him within the next couple of hours.

I checked my watch. We were on a tight timeframe and I needed to get back for a dinner Xavier was hosting with the Campbells, playing as their attorney. If I wanted everything to go over smoothly, we needed to leave in the next five minutes.

Josh gave me a thumbs up, though I did see the disdain on my lipstick color choice. He knew better than to verbalize it, only going to give him a hit in the gut. Julian on the other hand stalked over to me, giving me his full attention. I refused to let it unnerve me, letting Julian admire me from head to toe. It felt like every patch of skin that his blue eyes tracked heated.

With his swimmer's body, dirty blonde hair, and mischievous grin, Julian Anderson was the embodiment of chaos– or a child of one. It seemed he always had something up his sleeve, ready to knock everyone off balance with his brother as his accomplice. His bloodlust and ache for combat could be seen through his missions and concerning collection of knives. In all aspects, Julian was a dangerous man– something my mind and body warred against every single day.

Julian gave me his signature grin, rubbing his thumb along my red lips. I felt them part instinctively. "You look beautiful as always, Jas. Even with the lipstick."

"Good, then I should be able to attract his attention easily. Are you guys strapped?"

The guys scoffed, looking insulted. Julian unzipped his jacket, showing the array of weapons on his torso. My eye caught on his favorite dagger that he lovingly named "Bethany", the one strapped closest to his heart. It was a stiletto knife, the blade having a narrow and tapered edge with a customized handle to fit perfectly in Julian's hand. The hilt was black leather and had a design carved by Julian himself. That blade was his baby and he refused to go anywhere without it.

It would be concerning if a dark part of me didn't appreciate his craftsmanship and dedication.

"Of course, silly me. Let's get this show on the road. Josh, you're driving." I tossed him the keys.

"Yes! I pick the music!" Josh gloated as he ran to the driver's seat.

"What? No way. We were stuck listening to Taylor Swift the entire ride last time. At least throw in a little Britney for me." Julian pleaded as we got in the car. I took the passenger seat, setting up the GPS as the twins continued their usual banter. It was common for the twins to get in some sort of argument, their way of bonding with one another. The strong sibling bond was something that I envied, not having any blood relatives in the country. I haven't spoken to my sisters in years, not since I left to work for MPS and the Organization.

Pushing those thoughts away, I tuned back into the guy's conversation.

"I think the boss will let us extract information on Donahue. I mean, finders keepers, right?" Josh asked with glee.

Julian nodded frantically. "Do you think he would get mad if I used Bethany? I've been wanting to have her carve–"

"We are interrogating him and planning on turning him in– we need him in one piece," I interrupted, stopping the conversation before it couldn't be stopped. "Maybe next time."

Both boys sulked but perked up when I turned up the radio, starting to sing along to the pop hits. I hummed along, watching out the window as we drove to our destination. We made it to the bar in record time, the bar already getting crowded.

"Remember, I'm going to lure Donahue to the back and we'll take him from there," I reminded the guys as I fixed my makeup and fluffed my hair. "One of you heads to the back entrance and another can come in after me. Remember, don't cause a scene. We're trying to remain discreet and not cause any problems."

Without waiting for their responses, I got out of the car and made my way to the entrance. I opened the door and went inside, loud music greeting me. I slowly looked around the bar, looking for my target. I slowly walked around the bar, watching groups of people drinking together or playing pool.

I finally found my target, who was sitting in the corner alone and drinking a beer. I let my stare linger there, waiting for Donahue to notice that he was being watched.

Being a grifter taught me to slip into different personas like a second skin. Each personality came with a unique body posture, behaviors, and ticks that came with each role. It was just as easy to read people and manipulate them to believe they are getting what they desire.

I read a bit on Owen Donahue's file and movements. He was a red-blooded man who had been trapped in a hotel room for the last few months, keeping himself completely off the radar. Even the best soldier needed to release pent up energy and Donahue did it by coming to a bar for a quick and faceless hookup.

He wanted a beautiful woman to claim for the night and I was going to give him the illusion of one.

As soon as Donahue's eyes met mine, I gave him a sultry smile before turning on my heels to the bar. I made sure to sway my hips as I walked toward the stool, waving to the bartender. I turned my head, seeing Donahue watching with heated eyes.

Hook, line, sinker.

I gave him another smile before facing the bartender.

"Can I get an Old Fashioned, please? On the rocks."

The man nodded and started making my drink. I twirled a strand of my hair, waiting for my prey to take the bait. When he sat in the stool next to me, I fought not to smirk.

"Mind if I join you?" Donahue asked with a drawl.

"Certainly." I breathed out dramatically, letting him believe that I was entranced with him as much as he was with me. I replaced my usual Arabic accent with an English one, which seemed to draw Donahue even more to me.

Men always want an exotic woman.

We stared at each other, not moving a muscle even as the barkeep gave me my drink.

"So what's a gorgeous girl like you doing here by yourself?"

I tilted my head, giving Donahue a smile. "Just passing through for the night. I thought that I could explore and see if I could find anything...exciting."

I took a sip, licking my lips slowly so he focused on them.

"Do you happen to know of anything like that?" I purred as Donahue moved closer, trapping me between the bar and his body.

"I think I might know the exact–"

"Excuse me! You're in the way."

Donahue was shoved to the side with a grunt as Julian appeared by my side. I glared at him as Julian ordered something.

"What are you doing?" I hissed, not wanting Donahue to hear. Julian only grinned, leaning down to run his lips down my jaw. My breath hitched, my body reacting to his presence unlike Donahue's. I fought the urge to arch my body for more contact.

"Sorry, Jas. I couldn't help myself. I happen to be the jealous type." Julian whispered in my ear, but I could feel the smile on his face. His amusement of the situation oozed off him and a part of me enjoyed seeing him like this– while the other and larger part was pissed off at him for ruining my game.

"Hey, back off. The lady is mine for tonight." Donahue said, puffing his chest up to look more intimidating. He was taller and more muscular than Julian, making it seem like an uneven fight.

Key word– seem.

What Donahue had in military training and experience as a mercenary, Julian covered with his merciless combat skills and lack of fear. Which was why Julian lazily pulled away from me to face Donahue, giving him a wicked smile.

"Now I'm not the most civilized person, but I'm pretty sure that women don't really like to be called anyone's property." Julian tisked, causing Donahue's face to go red with anger.

"Leave before I make you and regret it." Donahue growled, resulting in Julian cackling.

"Now you're just trying to give me a good time. What a flirt." Julian said with a fake swoon.

Here we go again.

I sighed when Donahue lunged at Julian. Julian quickly dodged, punching Donahue in the face. Donahue stumbled as Julian shoved him across the room, making him crash into a table and spilling drinks. With shouts from the patrons and more shoving, a fight quickly started. Glass was beginning to chatter everywhere as things began to escalate.

I took a sip of my drink, exasperated by the chaos. I pulled out my phone, calling Josh.

"You got the best Anderson twin on the line. State your business."

"I think you have earned that title for tonight," I sighed in annoyance, the fight making it hard to hear. "Your brother caused a bar fight. Get the car out back and we'll meet you there."

"What? And miss out on the fun?" Josh whined.

"Yes. Be there in two," I said quickly and hung up. I put a pile of hundreds on the counter, giving an apologetic look at the bartender who was getting ready to call the police. "Sorry about all of this. Can you keep this quiet?"

The bartender's eyes widened at the money and quickly nodded, putting his phone away. "Get those two out of here and you have a deal."

I nodded, quickly getting up to where Julian had Donahue in a chokehold.

"I hate to ruin this catfight, but can we do this outside?" I asked, going back to my regular accent. Donahue's eyes widened as he tried to get out of Julian's hold with no avail.

"And will I get a reward for that?" Julian asked innocently, but I saw the intent.

"Sure..." I trailed off. "If you're good for me. Let's go."

I bite my lip for good measure before going to the back where the exit was. I didn't need to look back to know that Julian was quickly following my orders. I opened the back door when Julian finally released Donahue in the back alley.

Donahue breathed heavily, pulling out a gun and pointing it at us.

Damn, I didn't have time to pat him down for weapons.

"Who the hell are you? Who sent you?" Donahue demanded. He pointed the gun at Julian, aimed perfectly to hit him in the heart if Julian so much as twitched. I knew we needed to distract him to get the advantage. Donahue was a cold-blooded killer and wouldn't hesitate to shoot.

"That's crazy, because we want to ask you those questions." Julian said mockingly.

"You are not helping," I snapped at Julian before addressing Donahue. "Why don't you put the gun down and we can have a nice chat?"

"Sorry, but I can't risk it. And I was really looking forward to tonight. Maybe in another life." Donahue said with a chilling smile as he cocked his gun.

"Not today." A voice said in the darkness when Josh appeared to knock the gun out of his hand. I moved quickly, kneeing him in the crotch and giving him a roundhouse kick to the head, knocking him out cold.

"That felt good," I said with satisfaction, wiping my hands as Josh began tying him up. "You came just in time."

"No, I was able to get in on some of the fun. I should've gone in there." Josh grumbled to himself.

Children. I am surrounded by children.

I shook my head, checking the time. "We need to get moving. The dinner is going to start soon. Toss him in the trunk."

I was about to get in the car when a hand tugged me around, trapping me between them and the car.

"I believe I am supposed to receive a reward for my heroic act?" Julian asked with a smile. I raised a brow, putting an unimpressed expression on my face even though my heart rate increased.

"I was meant to get in and out without causing a mess and you interfered. You then caused a bar fight and got us put at gunpoint. You believe that deserves praise?"

Julian batted his eyes. "Why yes. Come on, that was way more exciting than having a killer paw at you all night."

"And you aren't one?" I asked as I tilted my head back.

"Why Jasmine, are you insinuating that I would like to touch you all night? Because you would be right. But I'm not just some mediocre killer, Jas." Julian murmured as he slid his lips against mine. "I happen to be your killer. And I would do anything for you, even carving that man's heart out for even thinking of touching you like that."

Then he kissed me into a tailspin, my head going groggy as I wrapped my arms around his neck and met his passion with mine. I opened my lips, giving Julian access to deepen our kiss. It was strange how easy it was to lose myself with Julian. He made me feel lighter and freer with his dark yet lighthearted view on life, reminding me that the world wasn't as gloomy if there were people like him around.

The sound of the trunk closing knocked me back to reality. I pushed Julian away and turned to see Josh look at us with a grin on his face. "Come on lovebirds, we got some interrogation to do! I call dibs on the first five minutes!"

Josh got in the car, leaving us alone for a moment. I cleared my throat, nodding my head.

"I believe that you have been rewarded for your behavior tonight. Is there anything else that you need at the moment?"

Julian was breathing rapidly, his chest moving up and down from our quick make out session. His blue eyes met my hazel ones, swirling with an emotion that gave me goosebumps. I wasn't sure if I wanted to run to or away from him.

I knew Julian was attracted to me, but I had been uncertain about how serious he was about being in a relationship.

I had been in many fake relationships, seducing my marks to get what I wanted. I can't remember the last real relationship I had, with things such as innocent hand holding or getting gifts from my partner just to romance me. I thought that one day when I was done with this life, I could retire and meet a man outside the Organization, like an accountant or doctor.

But is that what I even wanted? Why have all that when I can have a knife wielding man who already fits into my world?

I defended my reasons for staying away from Julian to the girls, saying that he was immature and wouldn't be able to commit. But based on his actions tonight, I realized he was very determined to win me over.

And I think he maybe did. And that's the scariest part of all.