Chapter 5

Sophie hiccupped in amazement. She was standing in front of Henry's house. The car stopped dead in its tracks and Michael got out immediately.

- You know what you have to do, Michael.

- Yes, boss.

Boss? His theories about the mafia seemed to be confirmed. But what had she gotten herself into?

- Why are we at the Jenkins'?" she heard Jim ask.

- Do you know them?

- Henry Jenkins, yes. I dated him for three years.

- What a huge lapse in taste.

Jim 's tone was full of disdain. And on the one hand, Sophie could only agree.

- You want to get back at him?

Jim had turned back to her, his emerald green eyes locked in his own. His gaze was deep and beautiful.

- What?

- I bet he's the one who dumped you. No offense of course, but you don't seem like the type to leave someone like him.

- What do you mean?

- Rich, popular," he continued as if he hadn't heard her question. He had to play the perfect gentleman's game for you. And left you for a more open. Didn't he?

Sophie 's silence meant everything. Jim smiled almost apologetically.

- That little son of a bitch owes me two million dollars and since you're here, I'd like you to help me.

Sophie hesitated for a moment. Getting back at Henry, what an appealing idea. He deserved to suffer for what he had done to her. So why not after all. This evening was crazy enough as it was.

- Okay.

The dark-haired man raised a questioning eyebrow. He had to expect that Sophie would say no.

- Okay well you're surprising... What's your name?

- Sophie.

- All right, Sophie. It's very simple, Michael is going to lure him outside by the gate. When he arrives I want you to point this at him."

Jim handed her a gun. Sophie stepped back instantly.

- I... I can't.

- Oh, come on Miss Innocence, I'm sure you can.

- I'm not going to kill him!" she exclaimed.

Annoyed, Jim put the gun in her hands and handed her a hood.

- Put this on! You don't want him to recognize you.

Reluctantly, Sophie put on the hood and took the gun. They waited for for Henry to arrive. When Michael reappeared, he was accompanied by his ex-boyfriend, who seemed quite terrified.

Well done, asshole!

Jim uncrossed his arms and assumed an intimidating posture. He towered over Henry by a head and looked at him as if he were a bug to be squashed.

- So, so little Henry. I hear you don't want to pay me back the money you owe me.

- Fuck you...

Michael punched the young man in the face. When he looked up, his nose was broken and blood was pouring out.

- Give me my money back.

Jim was no longer playing. Sophie realized he was ready to kill him. Strangely enough, the thought that should have made her blood run cold excited her. She found him so handsome. So charismatic. She could make love to him, right there, right now. She liked that idea.

She snapped back to reality when she realized Henry was addressing her.

- So, they're hiring hookers to do the dirty work now?

His little chuckle made Sophie mad with rage. He was laughing at her! Again! Without thinking, she rudely approached him and pointed the gun at his throat.

- The bitch will blow your brains out if you don't give the money back.

Michael, Jim and Henry, looked at her dumbfounded. No one had expected her to say that.

- It's okay, it's okay... I'll give you your money back.

Henry looked terrified.

Well done Sophie.

Jim motioned to Michael to go get the money. Sophie took off her hood and handed the gun back to Jim.

- Well! Miss Innocence by day. Bad girl, by night. I like it!

Sophie felt the red creep up her cheeks, not because she was embarrassed, but because she wanted him. Jim was looking at her intensely and she could see in his eyes that he was a very good man. she could see in his eyes that he wanted her too.