Rynn crossed her legs, her chin propped on her palm and her eyes drooping with boredom.

The bar was empty, not even a bartender stood behind the counter. Well, it was fair enough, considering the fact that she broke in to get free drinks. Thankfully she wasn’t one to get easily drunk. She was sat at a high table, a glass of mead in front of her, as well as a glass of red wine placed delicately in front of the host: an unknown man who had called her over, yet still hasn’t spoken since they ordered drinks.

Eventually, the man in front of her raised his gaze to meet hers.

He spoke, his velvety voice cutting through the silence, “Let’s skip the pleasantries, shall we? You and I both know we’re not here for small talk.”

Rynn arched an eyebrow, “I understand, you’re a man of business.” Flattery was the tactic for tonight, he looked like the man who could appreciate compliments.

A small smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. Seemed like flattery was the right course of action.

“Alright,” The man straightened his spine and clasped his hands together, “we both know that there has been an escape from the most fortified prison on earth.”

Rynn nodded wordlessly.

“This person, Spence, is a danger.” He said flatly.

“To civilians?” She guessed, when there was no response, she tried again, “You wish to eliminate the threat to help people?”

“No, to help people like us.”

“I’m missing your point, sir.”

The man leaned forward, his voice lowering, “I know who you are, Rynn, so quit the act.

“Amd… if you look just a bit closer, you may recognise who I am, too.”

Rynn let her gaze search his face. Handsome, late twenties, black hair, grey eyes… oh…

“A…” she cleared her throat, “A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Reeve.” She managed to conceal her surprise.

The smirk returned to Reeve’s face. He paused, then continued, “well, _criminals_ like us need zero competition. And Spence, he will definitely be competition.”

“So?”

Reeve tilted his head, his hand running through his hair, “We need to eliminate the threat.”

“You mistake me for a killer.”

“You’ve killed before.”

The blunt statement caught Rynn off guard, “And never again.”

“That doesn’t change a thing.” Reeve stared at her, a suggestive glint in his eyes.

She swallowed, but stood from her chair. Her killing life was behind her… even if she yearned for it. “I’m afraid I have to decline, sir. I appreciate the offer.” She turned to leave.

A hand clasping around her wrist stopped Rynn in her tracks. A sharp tug from Reeve caused her to stumble into him. They were both stood up now, almost chest to chest.

“Dont lie to me, you enjoy it. Enjoy taking lives.” Rynn opened her mouth to protest, but he cut her off, “It’s obvious, Rynn. Once a killer, always a killer. Why leave that life behind? The only thing ahead is death. Why not make the path to it fun?”

Rynn lowered her gaze. He was right, he was so, so right. Her promise to stop killing was just a small wish, a small glimpse of who she could have been, who she should have been. But she was a murderer. Her old life stood in front of her in the presence of a handsome bargaining assassin. What could be more desirable?

“You tempter.” She muttered, but there was no harshness in her voice.

Reeve squared his shoulders proudly, knowing Rynn had given in, “Well, little miss innocent, how about we get rid of this ‘Spence’ moron?”

A grin plastered on her face, “I would want nothing more.”

-I think it’s a bit rushed, but I am not entirely sure how to help the pacing. Do you think it just needed more backstory as well? I’d love to hear your feedback-