Thread: Caught Between [LeatrixSage x Mr Quixotic]

It was just a thing men did that thing where they flare up and take up extra space, their lats splaying out to make their shoulders look twice as large and imposing shed seen it a thousand times before. So, why is your mouth watering, Valentina? she asked herself as she begrudgingly admired the way Cole looked when he was being intimidating. It was a weakness of hers. Aggressive men, she loved the danger they presented, it was like playing with fire. Val was willing to bet that somewhere deep down, Cole Whittaker was as much a predator as the men he hunted. Or, maybe more so, because he was the hunter of the predators everyone else feared. What did that make her, predator or prey, or both? Val followed the path Coles eyes cut as they dropped to seek out what little of her figure could be discerned through the orange jumpsuit with rapt interest. Particularly as a tingling awareness settled into her skin. Of course, she did not have the good graces to blush, and she schooled her features to remain relaxed. It wouldnt do for the good Marshal to know he had an effect on her certainly not that particular effect. But, what made her heart beat skip into a faster rhythm was the hitch in the good Marshals breath. Her eyes darted to his fingers as he tapped the table, noting the uncomfortable, startled tell for a later date. Cling that control, Marshal, youll need it. First of all, Val sighed as she dunked the last half of her doughnut in her coffee, Cherry-blossom red is a lovely color. Secondly, Im insulted if you believe I had no idea that safe had an alarm system. Youve heard me be sarcastic before. Ah, but that is beside the point, isnt it? She nibbled at the moist bit of doughnut, licking her lips to catch a stray bit of coffee before she gave her attention back to Cole. More importantly, I know damn good and well that the recommendations of the unshakable, unbuyable Cole Whittaker carry more weight with any DA in the country than any legal authority you have to make a deal. The smile she gave him was sweet and toothy, somewhere between cute and creepy. Did you think I called you in particular for your excellent company? Its your reputation that I want. Val dropped her head back to delicately devour the last bit of the doughnut, and then lick her fingers clean of the sugary coating. She couldnt push him too hard, but she had to push back somewhere. It created space for her to think, to put each piece in place and determine the next move. If she planned on maneuvering him, she had to be able to predict him, and she hadnt seen his final offer coming. Surprises made her uncomfortable. Nothing good ever followed something you didnt see coming. I put myself here because I was compromised, Val began carefully, her tone turning neutral and compliant. She wasnt certain where to go from here, so she gave him something he valued, honesty. My well, Alaynas long-term hotel room may or may not have a dead man in it. She shrugged as she leaned forward, setting her coffee on the table and then leaning on her elbows, I actually dont know if he is dead, but I know he was there to kill me. I also know Im not the first troublesome woman Curic ordered him to kill. Val sighed and dropped her head to run her fingers up through her hair. There was a crack in her persona, and she didnt like it. Deep down, bottled up somewhere, she was terrified. The memory of a meaty hand on her neck made her swallow and close her eyes. It wasnt that she hadnt been in her fair share of confrontations, and she knew how to defend herself, but it was the first time shed known her attacker meant to kill her. Not subdue her, not catch her, kill her. To make matters worse, shed never had to kill anyone, either and now she very well may have. Val told herself it was unlikely, surely the metropolitan police would have already found her hotel room by now, and no one was talking murder charges, so it stood to reason he was still alive. But, was that better or worse? No time for that now. Ill do whatever it takes to get you your man, Cole, I just dont want to die. Val sighed as she dropped her hands and looked back up to meet the marshals gaze with a sad smile. And, lastly, I can slip those cuffs, and the catfight would indeed be a blast.