Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

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"Irene."

Kenzo's voice cut through the room. "Step outside for a moment. I need a word with him."

Irene raised an eyebrow but didn't argue. Once she was gone, the room settled into an uneasy quiet.

Jaired stayed seated, his eyes drifting to the disheveled bed. With a smirk, he said, "Thought you were into Brielle?"

Kenzo pulled out a cigarette, lighting it with a flick of his lighter. It was one of Irene's, a slim, lady's cigarette he'd lifted from the bathroom. "Spill it, Jaired."

When had Jaired joined their ranks? Had he known about his true identity back in Beaconsfield?

Jaired shrugged, picking up a glass of water from the table and taking a sip.

"Not much to say. I know as little about this place as I do about you. So, what's the deal, Mr. Kenzo? Got someone you need taken out?"

Kenzo blew out a ring of smoke, a habit he'd picked up only when diving deep into a character for a screenplay. Since coming back to North America, it seemed he couldn't quit. "I need Max gone. You game?"

Jaired squinted, probably weighing the truth in Kenzo's words.

"When the boss gives an order, I follow."

Typical, Kenzo thought. Only the truly twisted got into their circle.

Flicking ash from his cigarette, Kenzo turned to gaze out the window, his back to Jaired.

Their paths had first crossed in Beaconsfield, and no one could've predicted this reunion.

Of their group, only Andrew's loyalty was unquestionable.

After a pause, Kenzo stubbed out his cigarette.

"Take out Brielle, no matter the cost."

Jaired's grip on his glass tightened before he stood up, "Just make sure you don't regret it."

Kenzo didn't reply, and by the time he turned around, Jaired was gone.

Irene had once told him that Jaired was the most lethal assassin they had, responsible for countless hits.

This time would be no different, Kenzo was sure.

Lighting another cigarette, he watched as his fingers grew pale.

Soon, Irene returned, holding an intricately designed box.

"Honey, is this yours? Someone dug it up from your old place, said it might prove you're a traitor."

Irene's face lit up with a mischievous

grin as she violently pried open the box with a blade strapped to her wrist.

Inside was nothing but a shriveled, blackened skewer of candied fruit, clearly aged.

She raised an eyebrow and tossed it into the trash.

"It's not yours, is it? Why hold onto such junk?"

Kenzo didn't move to retrieve it, just exhaled more smoke.

"No, it's not."

"What task did you give Jaired? He disappeared pretty fast."

"Has he ever botched a hit?"

For some reason, Kenzo felt the need to ask.

If Jaired was the organization's

secret weapon, maybe he'd

paths with Brielle before, crosspet

once.

just

Given Brielle's life under constant watch and Jaired's mission profile, their paths must have intersected.

Irene laughed.novelbin

"He's never failed, so don't worry. He'll get it done."

Kenzo's lashes fluttered at her words.

It was a strange mix of relief and a heavier burden.

Maybe it was for the best. They were all living in hell anyway.

Brielle would just be leaving a bit sooner.

"Alright."

Kenzo never questioned why or when Jaired had joined.

A member of the Beaconsfield Riddle family, deeply rooted in the elite circles, yet engaging in such clandestine activities. If discovered, it could bring suspicion upon the entire Riddle family.

These people played a dangerous game.

Kenzo smiled faintly.