Kiss me if you dare [ENGLISH]

Chapter 5

Charmey

Satisfaction.

The word sounded beautiful and was almost enjoyable to Charmey's ears. She would argue that various things gave her that kind of emotional rush. A warm cup of coffee after a long day at work, for example, or exerting control over someone—especially people who initially considered themselves stronger, more intelligent, and powerful. And, of course, the absolute state of mind she found herself in when she extinguished a life.

Of course, it was only temporary. After each assassination mission, she constantly struggled to cling to the small thread of hope that made her feel somewhat human before it disappeared, and she fell back into numbness. But she had never felt as much satisfaction as when she took James Bisous's life. It wasn't the act itself and the fear in his eyes that gave her pleasure. No, it was the thrill. How far she would dare to go, considering that she was surrounded by people who could put an end to the luxurious life she had indulged in until now? Charmey had never killed a police officer before, nor planned to. It was dangerously close to the heart of society, easy to get caught, and she refused to spend the rest of her life behind bars with other lunatics. It occurred to her that Urban was probably feeling worried - more like terrified. Otherwise, he wouldn't have hired her.

The TV continuously broadcast reports about the incident. They deliberately had the residents follow the investigation - not that they would get anywhere. Clumsiness wasn't in Charmey's DNA. Serial killers were clumsy, not professionals—certainly not her.

Her ice-blue eyes studied the ring as she lay on her back on the couch, legs crossed over the armrest. The glassy diamonds sparkled in the lamp's light as she angled the small piece. It looked expensive but not half as costly as the ones she owned and kept locked away in a jewel-adorned box, nestled in genuine fur. Despite that, she found it peculiar in its way. Charmey had meticulously cleaned it to remove any traces of blood, and now it was almost like new. Probably a wedding ring. She observed it with fascination, committing every detail of its appearance to memory. Then she put it on and examined it from a distance. Hopefully, the ring would also provide her with satisfaction for a while.

She wanted to be anything but bored now that she hadn't received any new calls for eight days. There wasn't much to do in Thornhill, and she didn't have the energy to pack her suitcase and visit another place. Moreover, the wisest thing she could do right now was to remain hidden until the commotion blew over.

The police uniform she had acquired hung on a solitary chair in the left corner by the fireplace. She had no idea whether she should burn it or not. It could come in handy in the future, of course, but it could just as easily end up at the top of the mountain in the closet, among clothes she hadn't touched in years.

The sound of a powerful engine sliding into the driveway put her on edge. She sat up and turned toward the window to get a clear view of what was happening outside. A black monster truck parked haphazardly at the entrance, leaving smoking tire tracks behind. Three men in suits got out, one of them wearing a stylish coat she recognized all too well.

Finally.

Charmey got up and adjusted her white blouse. She didn't usually have much patience for overdue payments, but she made an exception for Urban. Since he was a businessman, he paid his debts sooner or later, and she didn't want to step on his toes. There were times when even someone like her had to think twice.

She headed toward the kitchen, took out two miniature porcelain cups, and began preparing the coffee machine with Kopi Luwak coffee beans. She preferred solitude, but when she did have visitors, it couldn't hurt to offer them a cup. Besides, she had a feeling that Urban wasn't in the best mood, judging by the mighty thud that followed when the car door closed. Coffee had a magical effect on people struggling to control their anger.