Chapter 564
I didn’t answer right away. Instead, I put on my best “thinking” face.
Hernan gestured toward a lounge chair. “Come, sit down. Take your time.”
Little did he know, I didn’t need to think. I already had my request locked and loaded.
He settled back in his chair, casually crossing his long legs in his crisp white slacks, sipping his wine with all the cool, effortless charm of a guy who knew he looked good. And damn, did he ever. His deep-set eyes had that smoldering, “I’m-about-to-pull-you-in” vibe.
I quickly looked away, focusing on a corner of the pool table instead. “After this match, I want you to promise never to mess with… Steve again.”
In the snooker world, Steve was untouchable. If Hernan and his crew were using shady underground matches to rake in cash, they wouldn’t stop at one round with Steve. They’d try to pull him in, make him their personal player forever.
And Steve? He’d rather break his own arm than let that happen.
Hernan’s brow furrowed for just a second. I saw it, but didn’t let it slip. “You did say, if I won, you’d agree to any condition I asked.”
Hernan swirled his wine, unbothered. “No need to get all worked up. I’m not going back on my word. But there’s something you should know first.”
I scoffed, tossing my cue aside and pretending to storm off. “Yeah, right. You people never keep your promises.”
His voice was smooth, calm, like he was playing a different game altogether. “The reason I brought you here was to use you against two people.”
I froze, my steps halting. “Two people? I thought you were only after me because of Bruno.”
I hadn’t mentioned asking him to deal with Bruno’s fan club—that was a personal issue I wasn’t about to waste my bargaining chips on. But now that I had his attention, I wasn’t about to let this moment slip by.
Hernan hadn’t made any move to hurt me, and it was clear he wouldn’t let anyone else touch me either. Why he was so protective, I didn’t know. But for now? I wasn’t asking questions. I just wanted to stay safe.
He took a sip of his wine, his eyes never leaving mine. “No one here would dare lay a hand on you.”
I relaxed—just a little. That was enough for now. But I kept up my unimpressed act. “You say that, but who are you really saving me for?”
He met my gaze, calm as ever. “One person is Steve. The other… is Haddy.”
I wasn’t surprised by his answer. I’d figured it out as soon as he mentioned two people.
My breath caught.
Hernan smiled faintly, watching my reaction. “This is your one and only chance. You’ve chosen to protect Steve. As for the other…”
He stood up, strolling toward me with that slow, confident stride of his. His finger sliced across his throat in a chilling gesture.
He was going to kill Hayden.
A cold shiver ran down my spine, and suddenly, my legs felt weak. The ground beneath me seemed to shift.
Hernan leaned in, his face dangerously close to mine, that malicious grin stretching across his features. “I’m giving you a chance to reconsider. Change your request, and maybe we can work something out.”
I didn’t want to look into his eyes. I didn’t want to see that cold, lethal determination. But I had no choice. I raised my gaze and met his, the truth clear in his eyes.
This wasn’t just a scare tactic.
Should I change my request? If I did, Hayden would be safe. But Steve? He’d be in danger.
My heart churned, torn between the two. The turmoil inside me was a mess. But after a split second of hesitation, I finally answered. “No. I won’t change it.”
Hernan’s eyes narrowed. He let out a short, mocking laugh. “You really hate Haddy that much?”
My throat tightened, but I didn’t look away. “He dumped me, then turned around and moved on with someone else. Shouldn’t I hate him for that? And now, when I’m in danger, where is he? He doesn’t care about me at all. Why should I care if he lives or dies?”