Chapter 43 - Smart And Manipulative (1/2)

Halia swallowed back the words she was about to say as the man's lips pressed against hers.

His kiss was soft and gentle, but his grip on her hands were tight. She wanted to retaliate, but he had her pinned firmly against the wall.

Finally, he moved away and smirked as he freed her from his grip.

”Why did you kiss me?” Halia asked as she wiped her lips.

Jackson laughed and replied, ”You dared me. I like a good challenge.”

Halia scoffed and glared at the man. Even though she looked angry, her heart was thumping so loud, she could hear it jumping out of her chest. But, she stayed calm. Whatever his reason was for kissing her, she had to remain focused.

Meanwhile, Jackson looked down at the woman as he tried to contain his rapidly beating heart. Ever since the first time she kissed him, he had wanted to taste her lips again. He knew it wasn't right, so he had been suppressing his feelings, but he acted out of impulse today. The kiss had nothing to do with it being a dare or challenge, he simply wanted to do it. It was almost Friday. He was expecting something to happen, and if it did, he wasn't sure if he'd walk out alive. He'd been wanting Halia to stay away from him, but he realized why she kept coming back after he saw the surveillance footage in his home. He didn't know who she worked for, but keeping his distance and trying to scare her away wasn't going to work; all he could do was try his best to keep her out of danger, especially on Friday.

”Didn't you say you want to work for me?” Jackson suddenly changed the topic.

Halia's face immediately lit up, ”Yes, I'm excited to see what weapons you have.”

Jackson smiled at the woman and handed her a piece of paper, ”Come to this address on Friday.”

”Friday? OK,” Halia took the paper and placed it in her pocket. Was he taking her along to whatever he had planned on Friday? Was he meeting with Remy Durand? ”I told you I could help you,” she cheered as she punched Jackson in the arm, forgetting that it was injured.

Jackson quickly grabbed his arm in pain and Halia immediately apologized, ”I forgot for a second! I'm so sorry.”

”It's OK,” Jackson said. ”I'll see you on Friday.”

As he held onto his arm, Jackson disappeared into the men's bathroom.