DANCE WITH THE ENEMY

CHAPTER SIX

ZARIYAH

(THREE YEARS LATER)

Marco's voice was laced with concern. "You sure you'll be good?"

"Yeah, I will," I replied, rolling my eyes.

Jack's tone dripped with malice. "Just so you know, bitch, you'll be in deep shit if you get caught."

I threw a glare his way. "Didn't we already agree you're the bitch here? Now run along and play with your dolls."

He clicked his tongue, winking before leaving.

Marco's grip on my arms tightened. "You'll be careful, okay? If anything happens and you snitch..."

I cut him off. "And give your dog reason to slit my throat in my sleep?"

Marco's expression turned reassuring. "Not happening."

He pulled me in, his lips brushing against my forehead. "Be safe, Princess. I'll keep an eye on you."

I nodded, attempting to pull away, but his hands kept me locked in place.

"I have to go, Marco," I groaned.

He sighed, his breath whispering against my skin. He pulled away, leaving another kiss on my cheeks.

"Shoot anyone who stands in your way, Princess. Do not fucking hesitate," he added.

I slid into the car, checking everything was in place. The familiar hum of the engine and soft leather beneath me provided a sense of comfort.

Snapping my seatbelt in place, I pulled the car into gear and sped out of the estate.

I was on my first mission today after three months of intense training. Thankfully, Marco gave me thirty-three months to have my baby and nurture him. I wanted him out of this life, so I set up a place for him and Nanny Rose in France, where they could have a peaceful life, away from chaos.

The GPS beeped, indicating my arrival at a rundown duplex with peeling walls and dilapidated structure.

The crumbling gate squeaked as it opened. I slowly drove in, heading for the open garage.

Two menacing men emerged, their bulky frames radiating hostility. I slowly slid out of the car.

My job was done. I tossed the key over, ready to leave, when one grabbed me and pinned me to the car, patting down my body in search  of what I assumed to be weapons.

"Hey! Get your hands off me," I groaned, swaying my feet and connecting with his shin.

"You wait till we confirm the merchandise is intact and this car isn't bugged," he growled.

"Why would it be?" I snapped, my anger rising.

"We don't trust you, bitch, so sit the fuck up and let me do my job," he snarled.

I rolled my eyes at his annoying tone.

"Fucking bitch," he muttered, heading forward, but barely made it halfway before a police vehicle burst through the gate.

"Shit!" I groaned.

Kicking the man who held me down and twisting out of his grip, I used him as cover for the bullets raining at us.

"Lay your gun down!" the officer yelled.

I weighed options: shoot, get killed, or get taken. But I had my son to protect and justice to give my parents.

I slowly but begrudgingly laid my gun down.

"Hands behind your head!" he yelled.

My hands found their way to the back of my head.