Текст книги "Chains of Frost"

Автор книги: T. A. Grey

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Текущая страница: 4 (всего у книги 18 страниц)

Chapter Seven

Chloe wished she could say she’d spent the night MacGyvering the room up with gadgets and weapons to help her escape or, at the very least, had already escaped but instead she’d spent the night passed out naked in the fluffiest bed she’d ever slept in.

Really, what was this thing made out of—angel feathers?

In her defense which, okay, maybe wasn’t much of one, she’d been dead tired from the flight to London, the craziness at the cemetery, and the, like, thirty minutes of sleep she’d gotten hadn’t been enough.

Climbing off the bed, she found a stack of clothes sitting on the side table. She vaguely remembered seeing the table last night when she’d been busy climbing into bed, but she knew there hadn’t been clothes on it then. Did Tyrian come in here while she was asleep? Did he find her even a hint as sexy as she did him? Because she was almost tempted to stave off her escape until after her new moon.

The man confused her. On one hand, her instincts told her to move away far and fast from him. On the other hand, her mind told her that her father would not have sent her to live with a dangerous man. The man was so cold he was practically ice. It must be the curious side of her that wondered what it would take to see him thawed.

The thought of her new moon sent a flutter of nerves through her. The history of the succubi was mostly misconstrued by everyday humans and even by some supernaturals. The truth was that succubi’s history has always been male dominated. To this day when daughters reach the age of 29, they are given to a special man of the family’s choosing—usually the father’s choosing. This special man was called the Protector. He was the succubus’ chosen male, to have and to hold, forever and ever. For males of her species, or incubi, the same occurs.

Except as men, they are allowed to choose their own Protector. It made her sick just thinking about how unfair it was.

Chloe shivered and went to the adjourning bathroom. At least this castle of death had modern day plumbing. She turned on the shower and waited until it got hot before getting in.

There was only a single, white bar of soap in the shower and she used it for everything.

The fact that her father never abided by the same rules as other succubus families only made what he did even more strange. Tyrian had mentioned a debt. Is this what her father was about? He’d always been a protective man, an even more protective father, but to give each of his daughters away to a man just like every other succubus family? It made no sense. What kind of debt did Tyrian owe her Papa to receive her in return?

The new moon was soon. Two maybe three days tops. A shiver that had nothing to do

with cold rushed over her. Succubi and incubi were always given to their Protectors after their 29th birthday because the following new moon sent them into full sexual maturity.

Chloe ran a soapy hand between her legs and wondered if Tyrian was one of those men who had hundreds—if not thousands—of lovers. She honestly couldn’t see him being the type, though she wasn’t sure why. What kind of women did he like? Tall, petite, curvy, blonde, dark, shaven? She touched her own mound and felt the spring of short, dark curls there.

A wave of self-consciousness sprung from her with its nasty head. She wasn’t incredibly slender, nor was she too short or tall. She’d always been a somewhat plain woman. She knew she didn’t turn heads and for once, she wished that maybe she did. What would it be like to have a man like Tyrian under her power?

She might just learn that sooner than later. The presence of the new moon beat against her skin, tightening it like a cord being cranked tighter and tighter around her. Her virgin body had never held a man. Most succubi saved her body for her Protector, though that wasn’t why she was a virgin. She never cared to wait until her new moon. The truth was that she’d just never found a man she wanted badly enough. She’d experimented in other ways, yes, but never sex.

She’d never felt a man surge inside her, but had wondered about it for long hours.

The new moon sparked a drastic change in her body. She would no longer require food for sustenance, but sex.

Chloe relaxed her head back against the shower wall and didn’t stop her fingers from circling quickly over her bud. Her free hand found a breast and palmed the weight of it. She saw Tyrian’s dark head behind her closed eyes, saw him feasting on her breasts like she was some irresistible maiden he couldn’t get enough of, and saw his cock breaching her unused entrance.

She wanted that, she realized. Wanted to feel what it was like to have him inside her.

Would it ease the dull, empty ache she always felt so deep inside her like she did right now?

Would he hold her close and come hard inside her just as she came apart? Her breath hitched and her orgasm peaked, pulsing waves of heat throughout her body. She jerked against the wall, then instantly her hand went limp.

It was hard and short and left her wondering what more there could be. The possibility of seducing the vampire was tempting, though Tyrian already told her that he wouldn’t be using her for her new moon. Maybe she could use him.

She was scared honestly, had no clue what her new moon was going to be like. Maybe it was a subtle arousal that made her wet and ready for sex. Or maybe it was something greater....

Chloe shut off the shower and wrapped a fresh towel around her as she tiptoed her way across the cold stone floor to the clothes on the table. She dressed quickly; ready to be warm from the frigid temperature.

She had to get out of this place, because if she couldn’t have the single, albeit it scariest, man she’d ever met for her new moon then she didn’t want anyone. Her emotions had always been lopsided like that. One minute she wanted vanilla, then after a bite she wanted chocolate.

But Tyrian wasn’t an ice cream flavor. Lushalicious. That’s what he’d be called. Or maybe Icey Fudge. Mmm...She’d lick that any day.

She hesitated at the door to her room. Was this just her hormones talking? The man

intimidated the crap out of her and now she was thinking of willingly giving herself to him?

Okay, he already made it clear he wasn’t taking it. Seducing him, that’s what she was really thinking. The more she thought about it the better the idea seemed. Was she turning into one of those women who were attracted to dangerous, dark men? Probably.

She opened her door and peered out, then swung it open wide on a gasp. The warrior

from last night was standing across the hall, a battle-axe strapped to his back like it was every day wear. A sword bigger than her arm hung low on his hip and past his knee. Seriously, how did he wear these weapons as if they were sunglasses and not a huge metal axe?

Maybe she wasn’t getting a hard on for dangerous men because although this one was

very attractive and strong, he did nothing for her. Not even a lick of heat. It was a shame too because he grinned at her like he already saw her naked and riding him.

“Good morning, Ms. Bellum.” The warrior Draven gave a clipped bow.

“Chloe,” she corrected automatically.

“Where to this morning, Chloe? I must say you’re looking fresh and lovely today. Would you like some breakfast?” The compliment didn’t charm her, but the thought of food did. Until that new moon she still needed normal food like humans. What would it be like to have to survive on just sex?

The thought scared the crap out of her on a very deep level. She knew her outcome was grim. She had no real Protector, Tyrian had already stated he wouldn’t “do that” for her. The one she had didn’t want her and she didn’t really want him, aside from on a physical level. A very deep, sexy physical level.

But if she didn’t find a man, a new Protector, then she’d end up sleeping with any and every man just to survive. She’d heard rumors of women who eschewed the dependant living of the succubus life and were forced into whoring themselves to survive. Jumping from man to man just to stay alive. An icy chill swept through her at the thought. She used to think the rumor was merely a nasty myth to keep daughters in line, but now she wondered if perhaps there wasn’t some truth to the grim tale.

“This way then. We’ll get you some breakfast. We don’t have a cook here nor any real food, but commander Tyrian did order in supplies to feed you. Just enough until your big day.”

He looked at her but his grin died. “Sorry, I’m not trying to sound like an ass. This must be hard for you. You don’t know any of us and now you’re gone from your only family. I know I’d be upset to say the least.”

Chloe couldn’t help the small smile that formed. “Thank you, I appreciate that.” He seemed genuine enough and she wondered if he had some experience with this sort of thing.

He pulled her to a stop. In a soft voice he said, “Listen, I know about succubi and their new moon. I also know Commander Tyrian.” He shook his head, dismayed. “If you

need...assistance I promise I’m a gentle and good lover. I don’t want you to feel too weird about it. I’d help you if you need me. Just ask.”

Chloe couldn’t stop the blush from coloring her cheeks. She didn’t know if it was from embarrassment or the compliment that he gave her, but she didn’t have to think about it because a door slammed down the hall and out strode her deadly captor. Her heart beat with each step he came closer to her.

She watched his eyes, watched them narrow on both of them, and darken with something close to menace. “Draven, you’re due for training today. Don’t stop until I send for you.” Draven pulled back into an erect stance that mimicked the commanders. He bowed and marched away.

“But he was going to take me to get food,” she said. Okay, it was a borderline whine, but she couldn’t help it. She hated being hungry, that starving feeling was in her belly and coming in full force. She tried to look at him, but it was hard to meet his eyes. They were too smart, too strong. Eyes of an eagle. “He didn’t do anything wrong,” she added for good measure. She had a feeling that the commander was upset with Draven and naturally, she felt the need to protect him, such was her nature. One dark eyebrow rose at her words.

“As a matter of fact he did. Yesterday he allowed one of his hurt team members to carry you just for a laugh. That is unacceptable and for that, he shall train twice as long. A fledgling would know better than to do that.” His words moved to some hollow place in the back of her mind leaving her to focus all her thoughts on his scent, his body. Her heart skipped a beat. He smelled good. Really good. Was the new moon making her hormones go crazy or was this all real?

Her tongue felt too heavy to speak. “I’m sorry. You really shouldn’t punish him. He’s really nice.” It was a sore argument and she knew it and what was worse, he gave her a cold look that said and this is why you aren’t a warrior. She was sure he was right too.

“I will take you to get food and then I will show you the parameters of the castle within which you are allowed and the areas where you are not allowed.”

She made a mental note to go into all the rooms from which she was banned first. His eyes narrowed a fraction on hers. She smiled big and sweet. He couldn’t mind-read, could he?

She’d heard vampires could have powers, but a vampire mind-reader sounded ridiculous to her.

Time to test it out. I came in the shower while thinking about you fucking me.

Okay, so it wasn’t the best of mental projections but he didn’t even blink so she was pretty sure she was safe. Even the iceman would have some kind of reaction to that.

He held out a hand to indicate the stairs. “Follow me.” She did. She also kept looking at the way the hard strength of his back tapered to a tight, lean waist and wondered what it would feel like to wrap herself around him like a pretzel.

He cut her a sharp look and she blinked at him innocently.

“Are you a mind reader?”

He didn’t scowl at her, because the man didn’t show any emotion on his face, but she sensed that he was scowling at her. This man could easily win any poker contest he entered. And he wouldn’t even need sunglasses.

“No.” He led her through a massive room with high, vaulted stone ceilings and large archway windows, again with no covering of any kind over them. Seriously, put a screen up or something, she wanted to say. She was actually surprised not to see any torches on the walls.

Electric sconces lit the castle walls where needed. Alongside old paintings, pieces of cloth that looked like old blankets and swords hung in an X pattern on the wall.

Chloe quickened her pace to keep up with his long one. “How did you know my father?”

He didn’t answer as they entered a small kitchen. Considering the size of every other room in the house, which could easily house a giant, this room was like the kitchen in a studio apartment.

“Of course, vampires don’t eat.” A blush crept over her cheeks as Tyrian spun slowly on his heel to peer at her, just the slightest tilt to his head said he was curious...or thought she was mad. “Sorry,” she mumbled. She swore that every time he looked at her, she had to remind herself how to breathe.

The sensation reminded her of being back in high school. She’d had a crush on A.J.

Hammer, a name barely sexier than the real boy himself. He wore a black leather jacket, short cut black hair, and dark eyes. He was nice, too. He sat in front of her in geometry and about once a week he’d turn around and ask to borrow a pencil or paper, and her lungs would freeze up as he looked at her and her heart would race so fast.

Twelve years later and she was experiencing those same sensations all over again.

Although this time she wasn’t some shy girl, and he was one of the greatest leaders in the world.

“The food is in there. Make something now and be quick about it. I do not have much free time.” Chloe scoffed at his attitude but moved to the fridge he indicated. She found enough items to make a decent sandwich. When she was done making it, she started eating with flourish. She hadn’t even realized how hungry she was until now. And now that she thought about it, she hadn’t eaten since that little airplane meal on the flight to London. When she finished he started to leave the room. She hurried to keep up.

“So how do you know my father, again?” He moved his arms behind his back and gently held his wrists. The look clearly stated that he was indeed a commander.

“I fought with your father in the Great War.”

Chloe’s feet stopped moving, and she could only gape at his back, stunned. The Great War was legendary among supernaturals. It was the battle between supernaturals and demons.

One thousand years ago, the rift that now separated the two worlds was open and demons rampaged among the earth, wreaking havoc and destruction. Though now some argue that that wasn’t the case. Only certain demons harmed anything, the idummi. Others were honorable and family-oriented.

The infamous Atal Warriors was an organization that was created just to combat these magical, strong demonic beings. While not alive during the Great War, Chloe had heard enough stories and even epic poems written about the event. The war lasted for eighty-five years. When it was over, the Atal Warriors had prevailed and driven the demons into the rift that lead to the nether-realm, a space beneath the earth from whence the demons were born.

In the last several hundred years there have been many beings whether vampire,

shapeshifter, or even succubi who have spoken out against the war. These people stated that the war was a huge injustice, that the demons were not at fault, but we were; that the war was all lead by one man for vengeance. And that man was Tobius en Kulev, Tyrian’s father and the original commander of the Atal Warriors.

“Wait, my father was never in that war.”

Tyrian stopped walking and turned around to face her. “I do not lie, Ms. Bellum.”

Chloe shook her head to clear it. “Just call me Chloe. Listen, my father and I were close.

He never once mentioned anything like this. You must be wrong.”

“Ms. Bellum, I did not just fight in the war with your father, I fought beside him. He was one of our Generals. A fine fighter.”

Chloe was shaking her head. “Impossible. Papa always said that the war was wrong. That he believed what the Atal did was wrong. That the idummi demons were the only problem, not all of them.”

Tyrian’s brow furrowed, a small show of emotion. “I am not surprised by that. People do change, especially when one has lived as long as Francis did. I assure you that we fought alongside each other. How else do you explain my debt to him?” He turned around and started walking. Chloe stalked after him.

“Wait, what does that mean? Did he save you or something? How is it that he never told me he was a general in the organization? That’s huge. Oh my God, I can’t believe he never told me.” Something in her voice had him turning back to her. His hand rose as if to touch her but dropped back in place.

“What would it have changed if he had told you? Perhaps he did not want you to know about something so ugly. You are his daughter, after all. And the Great War is not something one tells a delicate daughter. Everyone has a dark side.”

Shock and dismay were quickly replaced by anger. Delicate? She was too delicate to be told bad news? It wasn’t even that bad really, just shocking. She stalked to him, bumping into his chest, which pushed her back rather than him.

“Listen here, Commander. I am not some delicate thing that has to be coddled. I don’t whimper, and I don’t whine. No, I’m not some tough as nails warrior vampire like you, but that doesn’t make me some simpering female who needs a man to protect her—”

“Obviously your father felt differently seeing as you are here under my protection now.”

Her mouth fell open. A second later, her palm shot out towards his face. He moved so fast she didn’t see it. His hand caught hers easily. She was breathing fast, each gasp brushing her sensitive breasts against his hard chest. Anger diffused quickly into something darker, wetter.

She licked her dry lips and his eyes fell to the movement. Something dark and toe curling unraveled in his dark eyes.

She had no idea how many moments passed, maybe even minutes, which they just stared at each other with her wrist held in his hand up in the air. She knew her breaths had deepened to languid pulls that slowly, achingly grazed her hard nipples up and down across his chest. A blooming, wet heat pooled between her legs. Never had she wanted a man to kiss her so badly in her life.

Suddenly he let go of her wrist and stepped away from her. His steps were just as sure and slow as before. He wasn’t even breathing hard. Now she wished she’d gotten in that slap.

Chloe followed him. He showed her clearly, even making her repeat after him, the areas of the castle she was not to wander into, and which ones she could. When it was done, she saw that he had her marked off into the living area, the tiny kitchen, her bedroom, and a couple of hallways. Considering how big this place was, he was being stingy. She kept her mouth shut, though, and nodded at him as he looked expectantly at her.

One thing Tyrian didn’t know about her was that she’d always been a poor listener, and even worse at obeying the rules. Obviously her papa had left out that little bit of info.

She had only a vague idea of where he slept so as he went into elaborate detail over how she couldn’t leave the castle, she debated over searching and exploring his bedroom first or the entire wing he’d said was off limits. Office first, then the bedroom, she thought and gave him a big smile.

He faltered for the barest of seconds in his speech then continued. The fact that he wasn’t immune to her didn’t go unnoticed. Perhaps this vampire commander was not so cold. Maybe he just needed to be warmed up and she had just the heat to do it.

Chapter Eight

Henry paused. Dammit, there was that sound again. Closing the door to the training room harder than necessary, he stalked down the hall to find out what it was. Quieting his steps as he neared the door to the study, he leaned close to the door and sniffed. As he swung the door open, an easy smile broke out over his lips.

The succubus spun around with a gasp, a quick blush creeping over her cheeks. Her eyes were big and round. She peeked behind him as if searching for someone else.

“Don’t worry the Commander isn’t here. You’re lucky I caught you and not him. He

doesn’t allow anyone in his study unless he’s in here and usually then it’s under orders.”

“Yes, well, I was just bored and wanted to take a look around the place.”

“I thought the Commander showed you around earlier today?” He cooled his smile into a flat line, though inside he was laughing. Several emotions flitted over her face as if she was quickly trying to come up with a lie.

“Yes, well, he did take me around but he didn’t really let me stop to enjoy anything. I couldn’t sleep and thought I would explore the castle.”

Henry jerked his head to the hallway. “Come on, out with you. If I leave you here

knowingly it’ll be my arse on the line.”

She stumbled out quickly and he shut the door behind her. She was a pretty one, he

thought looking at her. Her hair was brown with just a hint of copper in it, and her gray eyes sparkled from excitement.

“Okay, I’ll just be going to bed.”

“Be sure you make it there. You’re safe from the Commander and anyone else here

but...” he hesitated over his words then said, “he isn’t the kindest of men.”

Chloe nodded quickly and started away. She turned back, “Wait. Do you know when the next new moon is?”

His face pulled into a frown. “Why?”

“It’s important. It’s a...succubus thing.” She might as well have said it’s a feminine matter. He literally took a step back.

“Two days.”

“How sure are you?”

He thought about it. “Very sure.”

“Okay, thanks a lot. What’s your name?”

“Henry.” She poked out her hand and he shook it.

“Chloe,” she said. “Well goodnight, Henry. Thanks for the info.”

“Stay out of trouble,” he warned and a devilish grin broke out over her face.

Henry waited until the succubus disappeared up the stairs before he went down into the training room. He flicked the fluorescent overhead lights on; the buzz of the lights already soothed an ounce of tension from him. Opting for the punching bag, he went to the corner of the room to tape up his hands. Working out always soothed him. He wrapped the tape carefully around his bare hands for the perfect fit. He flexed his taped hands to make sure the binding was not too tight or loose.

He started slowly, with a one-two rhythm. His muscles warmed in his arms and stomach and bent legs. He faked left and right as he landed a rapid succession of blows to the bag. Soon he hit the bag harder, cutting into it, pounding it with his fists with deeply satisfying strikes that eased the thoughts on his mind while also setting them free.

Yesterday he’d kissed Nanu. His right hook caught the bag and sent it soaring high into the air before it swung back down. Beautiful, golden Nanu. He shouldn’t have. Fuck if he didn’t know that, but some selfish part of him had been desperate to know how she tasted.

Some part had even wondered that maybe if he just got one taste, a sample, then he could move on from her. Stop thinking about her every time he returned from a mission, every time he walked the halls and wondered if he’d run into her, every time he lay his head against his pillow at night.

It hadn’t worked. If anything, it was worse. She was like a drug he’d tasted and now craved with every fiber of his being. He’d thought she’d invaded his thoughts before, now she had moved in, unpacked and was sleeping there. Nanu with her sharp mind, steady hands, and husky voice. Nanu and the way she looked at him with innocence and desire. Nanu, the golden goddess, he couldn’t have.

He shoved all his anger and energy into his punches, felt the distant slick of sweat beating down his face. Each thud pounded, echoed in his ears until all thoughts of her were pushed from his mind and all he saw was the red blur of the bag swinging with each of his hits.

A soft touch at his back, had him spinning around with a growl, his arm pulled back ready to throw. He stopped, shaking with the force to stay his arm from finishing the punch.

“What the hell are you doing here?” he growled, his voice laden with hot anger.

Nanu trembled and looked from him to his fist as he slowly lowered it. When she looked back at him, he saw fear there and wanted to laugh. See, this was why. That look.

“I, I heard noise down here and wanted to see who it was.”

Shaking his head, he sat heavily on the bench and started pulling the tape off his hands.

“Why?”

“I was just curious.” He didn’t look at her, couldn’t. For all he knew she had a fling going on with one of the other warriors. It wouldn’t surprise him in the least. She was gorgeous, smart, gentle. What kind of man could resist? He was on the verge of asking her which warrior it was, but bit his tongue until pain lanced through him.

He finished pulling the tape off and grabbed a towel to wipe up the sweat from his face.

His shirt and shorts were plastered to him but whatever. She’d seen him at worse times. And she was fucking off limits.

“You know you really shouldn’t be exercising so soon. I gave you a four day reprieve from any training.” She sounded concerned. She probably was. There was so much sweetness in her. Things he didn’t know how to deal with.

“I know,” he said gruffly. He snatched a bottle of water from the mini-fridge and downed the whole thing.

“Then why are you here, Henry?” She sounded exasperated.

Well good, let her be pissed. She shouldn’t have kissed him. I shouldn’t have let her.

Gotta get out of here. He made for the door, but she stepped in front of him. It was either brush by her to get around her or push her away. He couldn’t make himself do either.

“I was working out, as you saw. Move out of my way, Nanu.” Her lips were dark, the

color of dark cherry.

“No,” she said with a lift to her chin. “I want to talk about what happened.”

He sighed loudly and peered over at the punching bag. He could probably work the bag for at least another couple of hours. He started towards it, but a soft hand pulled on his arm. He looked down, his eyes narrowing on the stark contract of her bronzed skin to his lighter skin. It made his gut clench.

“There’s nothing to talk about, Nanu.” He watched her jaw tighten. The same way it did when she was working over a warrior, stitching him up. It was her look of pure, raw determination. Her I-will-not-fail look, and it was aimed at him. He was screwed. “Fine, talk fast. I need to get out of here.”

“Why have you been avoiding me? I sent a note that you should check in with me today so I can rewrap the gauze with a clean one.”

“You know why I didn’t come by.” He looked at her, his eyes unflinching in their

honesty. He watched her swallow hard. Her cheeks darken with color. Dammit. He needed to get out of here.

“Because of the kiss,” she said softly. He took an unsteady breath, his tongue rubbing over his lips in remembrance. Her taste no longer lingered, that he’d made sure of with half a tube of toothpaste and a bottle of mouthwash. But none of that could wipe away the memory of how her lips felt pressed softly against his. Like warm satin.

Her eyes softened, the golden specs around her pupils sparkling up at him. “I liked kissing you, Henry.”

Whoosh. All the air in his gut left him, and his dick hardened in his shorts.

“Yeah, well it isn’t going to happen again. In fact this will be the last time we speak of it, ever.” Shit, there was no hiding the thick arousal that filled his voice. He could only hope she wouldn’t pick up on it.

“Why not? I think we both enjoyed it. You did enjoy it, didn’t you?” She looked so

unsure. How could this woman ever doubt her ability to knock the socks off a man? She was stunning, and when she kissed, it was like a dream. Maybe she was just playing him up, trying to be coy. But no, that wasn’t her way. She was an upfront woman. She wanted to know why he couldn’t be with her? Shit he had (at least) two good reasons.

“It doesn’t matter if I enjoyed it, Nanu, because it isn’t happening again.”

She stepped up into him, pressing her body lightly against him, cautious of his stomach injury. Her hands perched like hummingbirds on his pecks.

“Why can’t it happen again? I think about you, Henry. I dream about you.” Her voice was a bare whisper, a gentle tickle over his ear. Her warmth permeated his body, making him want to pull her closer, wrap himself around her. Bitterness crept in. He stepped back, welcoming the chill over his sweaty skin.

“It doesn’t matter why.”

“Of course it does,” she said with a shake of her head. Her dark hair whipped side to side.

Her hair shined in the light. He’d always wondered how it would feel if he touched it. Slightly coarse, satin soft, or something altogether different. “Henry, please just tell me why we can’t be together.”

Henry stilled and looked away from her. She was so adamant. Frustration laced her voice.

It hurt to know that he was denying her. Fine, he’d tell her. He’d tell her then never speak of it again and avoid her at all costs. Even if that meant disobeying his commander, because after she knew the truth, he wouldn’t be able to hide his bitterness or anger.

Henry locked gazes with her and marched up to her, cupping her face in his hands. She stretched towards him as if she’d been waiting for this moment. Her eyes fluttered like they wanted to close, her lips moved toward his. If he wasn’t as tall as he was, she might have come close to reaching them too.

“Open your eyes. Look at me when I tell you this, Nanu.” She did, the crinkles at the corner of her eyes pulling tight with concern. “I won’t be with you because I can’t do what I do and come back to someone like you. I take lives for a living, you save them. It doesn’t mix. It won’t work. Blood is on my hands every single day, no matter how much I wash. It’s always there. The faces of those I take are always with me. I kill fathers, brothers, sons, people with families. I am a killer, Nanu, not a man for you.”