The Price Of Love

Chapter 21

Jay's POV

I sigh as I shut my computer off, too tired to read another word of Atlas's report.

Before we blew up Abigail's warehouse, we took around seven of the guys there. Whoever looked important we took. I'm letting Atlas take the lead on them for now, but according to his report, they don't seem to be talking. Meaning I'll have to do it myself.

Tomorrow's problem, I decide, since I can't bear to stay here any longer. It's been way over twenty-four hours since I last slept, and it's starting to affect me.

Getting up, I grab my phone and blazer before leaving my office, locking the door behind me.

I walk down the hallways towards the exit, ignoring all the people who avoid my eye and hold their breath when I walk passed. When I finally get to my car, I slam the door shut hard and finally drive home.

***

When I step inside the house, it's quiet.

I feel uneasy, and suddenly my guard is up as I look around the empty living room and kitchen. When I see nothing, I turn and look outside, also seeing nothing.

I brush my feeling aside and close the door, surprised when I see Talia standing behind it. She moves and less than a second later a knife is being held to my neck again, another pressed into my stomach.

I stare at her, wondering what her plan is this time. Her grip is firm, as is her glare.

"Talia," I say, a warning. If she cuts this shit out now, I'll forget it. But she doesn't seem to be backing down willingly anytime soon.

"I'm quitting" Talia mutters, and I hold back an eye roll. She's still mad about this. It's been two days. Surely she should be over it by now.

"Put the knife down," I tell her slowly, and she digs the blades harder into my skin. "Or what?" She mutters, her eyes fucking challenging me.

"I told you yesterday-" "Or.What" She spits, and I clench my jaw, fucking done with her shit.

I grab both her wrists and pull them away easily.

I've been training my whole life for situations like this. Did she really think I wouldn't be able to get out of this?

Besides, Talia's not a killer. Nor is she stupid. She's doing this to prove a point, maybe, but not to kill.

I keep a firm grip on her wrists while she pulls against my hold, struggling. I keep my eyes trained on her as she lets out a frustrated groan.

"Drop the knives" I order her, and she scoffs, still trying to get free. I tighten my grip on her wrists slowly, and a few seconds later she winces and drops the knives. I loosen my grip while she glares.

"Did you think that would work?" I whisper, and she scowls. I see her next move coming a mile away, and turn my hips just as she brings her knee up. She hits my thigh instead.

I take a step forward, forcing her to take on back. I take another one, and her back hits the wall. Her eyes widen while I pin her hands above her head.

"Well? Did you?" I ask again, and she rolls her eyes. "Fuck you" She mutters, tilting her chin up, not shying away. No- nervous Talia seems to be long gone. And I fucking love it.

"Why do you want to quit Talia?" I ask since I'm still not sure what her problem is. She doesn't seem happy that I don't know.

"Because you were willing to risk my life!" She yells right in my face. "You're mean and rude- the biggest asshole I've ever met! And I don't feel safe" Talia snaps, and my head tilts to the side.