Kissing Steel (Book 1) *UPDATED*

Chapter 5

"Everyone on the ground, now!"

People screamed in terror when they heard a gunshot in the bank. Bane was a part of this. And how are they supposed to start off without money right?

"Put the money in the bag," Says a man after throwing an empty bag at the bank teller with his gun pointed at him. Other men did the same.

Bane was just walking around with his hands clinging to the strap on his chest, observing the civilians shivering in fear. He liked the smell of that.

"Do not fear us, we are only here to take your money. No harm is done." He bluffed with enthusiasm.

The bell rang.

"Who pressed the f*ckin button?!" One of the men started to panic,

Bane took a grip on his shirt and held him, "It's okay brother. We'll get out soon." He said with heightened enthusiasm. But his tone completely changed when he turned to his righthand man standing near the door. Bane whispered, "Any update?"

The man shook his head and Bane nodded in response. He took one big breath before stepping away.

"The cops will be here in any minute."

"Whe-where are you going?" One of the men asked Bane.

"Why, out of here of course!" Suddenly, his enthusiasm is back.

"There's a way down at the sewage, it'll lead to an alley with a car waiting."

"Very well. Hurry up, gentlemen. Don't waste time now, carry on." Bane says and hurries down at the manhole.

"I could feel the Police coming."

"Hurry, men!"

One of them yelled, "We got the money!"

"Everyone shoots at them as we head outside--"

"The main door?"

"What other choice do we have? Now!"

And as the men opened the door, the street they expected to be filled with cops was empty. Not even a soul was present. They all looked at each other and hurried back to their cars.

✦

Bane was walking at the narrow alley leading to another manhole to escape on his own. He clambered then leapt down. The tunnel was still empty. It left Bane and his thoughts in peace for a short while.

The silence was deafening, but not as deafening as the silence between him and Amy. She had been doing her job and kept quiet like he asked her to—which was quite harsh now that he thought about it.

What was he supposed to do? Tell her that he didn't want her to go because he wanted her there? For the past few weeks, he had been burying the thought down in the back of his mind. But after that conversation with Amy, Bane was left to admit to himself that he starved for her presence.

That's why when he heard her voice at the underground facility, shivers went through his whole body.

It was just them alone. The rest of the men were finishing on the heist.

Amy was in front of one of the computers. She didn't even turn to look at him.

"No need to hurry, the cops won't be there," she said, knowing it was Bane. She turned to look at him and noticed confusion in his eyes.

She proceeded to explain, "That alarm was traced back to Brooklyn's National Bank. Not our target bank. So technically, your boys will look pretty stupid trying to shoot an empty street outside."

"And Francis?"

"Your tech guy? I fired him." Amy returned to face the computer. "He doesn't even know how to work the trail line."

Bane was sure he didn't give her the power to fire anyone. It made him laugh but he kept a straight face. "You did all that alone?"

"Did I tell you I also took up IT? I didn't really finish it. It wasn't fun for me. But this? This was fun."

He finally let out a laugh.

He laughed.

She paused for a moment. Then, she stood from her seat and faced him, staying a feet away from him. There's that silence again.

"Listen," she finally spoke.

"Amy—" he spoke, too.

"Sorry," she bit her lip. "I wanted to apologize about the last time. I don't know what's gotten into me. But I'm here to do what I'm asked to do. But not as someone you can just boss around. I'm here out of my own volition."

"I see," Bane replied. "I'm glad to know you've decided to stay." He didn't know how else to say it without showing too much...emotion.

But those words echoed inside Amy's head. She wasn't sure how to respond without baring her soul. She couldn't do that again.

Fortunately, the alarms blared off the computer.

Bane looked at the screen, concern etched on his eyes. Amy quickly reaffirmed him that they won't get caught. "It's just a reminder for me to do post cover-up. I have to go back home."

She wasn't sure how he'd react.

"I'll see you in two days, let this all die down a bit to be safe." She continued.

Bane nodded. "Two days," suddenly, his enthusiasm is back.

"Don't miss out on your getaway car," Amy teased as she pointed up.

Bane stood there, watching her run to the other side.

He proceeded to go on his way and ride the car. Surely, he trusted her. But there are things that need to be done to make sure of that.

When he passed by a cop car, an idea crossed his mind.