Born of Fire

He gave her a deadpan stare. “You have a rundown, piece of shit condo at 3642 Chiton Road, in Gareth Square on Boudran. Your ship, which is older than I am, is licensed through Guidry and Associates and has two liens against it. You pay nine hundred credits a month to keep them from seizing it for back taxes and you’re still paying off your father’s debts, including his funeral cost.”


He paused to give her a mocking glare. “You want I should go on? Remember, I’m one of the best filches to ever live. There’s not a damned thing I can’t find out online about you or anyone else no matter how off the grid you think you are. And I learned all that about you without even trying hard. I can also give you your social and that for all three of your siblings as well as most of the passwords and codes you use to login to everything in your life and theirs.”

A chill went down her spine. What had she gotten herself into? With that kind of information, he could ruin and kill her.

She only had one hope even if it did grate her nerves. “I’m supposed to believe that you’ll take me home and leave me there without killing me?”

Again that taunting, evil smile. “I would swear on it, but I have a feeling you wouldn’t take me at my word. Believe what you will, but really you have no choice. So answer quick before I reconsider.”

She ground her teeth at his offer, hating the fact that he was right. She couldn’t stand being manipulated, especially by a convict. But what choice did she have other than to believe him?

Don’t be stupid, girl. The only thing you can trust is that people will screw you over if given the chance. It’s every man for himself.

Everyone lies.

Even her own father . . .

“What about my weapons?” she asked at last.

“Wait for me in the front room, and I’ll get them. You can have them back once we get to your place.”

Shahara wasn’t thrilled about the prospect of having him in her home.

If only she had another way to get free . . . But, unfortunately, he had her trapped fully, and even when she’d shot him he hadn’t budged.

Time was running out for Tessa. She had to get out of here. She’d already wasted an entire day. Only two were left. Would that be enough time to find another bounty that would cover the cost?

Well, if you hand him in, he won’t be able to hurt Caillen.

Or would he?

He’d escaped prison before. What would keep him from doing it again? Vengeance was a strong motivator. She of all people knew that. And every molecule in her body warned her that Syn was capable of extracting a painful revenge.

First, she needed her weapons. Second, her freedom.

Without a word, she turned around and left him.

Syn sighed at her stormy exit. He didn’t really care whether or not she hated him, only that she give up her quest to see him incarcerated. He’d spent enough time in prison, he had no desire to spend another second of his life like that.

He winced as old memories stung deep. So what do we do with him? No one will take him into foster care. Not after his father’s crimes. They’re all scared of him.

Put him in prison with the rest of the criminals. He might as well get used to it as it’s mostly likely where he’ll spend the rest of his life anyway.

The kicker was, they hadn’t even put him in a juvenile facility. At age ten, and for no other crime than the fact he’d been born his father’s son, he’d been thrown in maximum security with adults.

All because his father was a bastard and people were so afraid of him that Syn was every bit as guilty because he shared a genetic link to a monster.

Yeah, he was tired of being judged for something he couldn’t help.

Shahara was as guilty as the rest and right now, he couldn’t think of anything sweeter than getting her the hell out of his home so that he could get some well-deserved sleep.

He opened the safe, his arm throbbing in protest. She was a lethal lorina and the sooner he expelled her from his life, the better off he’d be.

Shahara spun about as the door opened. A smile of relief curved her lips as she recognized her gear in Syn’s arms.

Could it be possible that he really intended to let her go? She couldn’t believe it.

Don’t get excited yet. It could still be a trick.

Stiffening her spine, she promised herself to stay alert and, if he did try something, she’d be ready for it.

“Here.” He tossed her a worn, leather jacket.

She caught it against her body and frowned. “What’s this?”

He shrugged. “It’s cold outside. You’ll need it.”

Shahara frowned at the dichotomy of the man. How could he be so cruel one moment, then thoughtful the next?

Not caring about that answer, she was going home and that was all that mattered.

Soon Tessa would be safe, too.