Giving an inch

Damien pulled up to the compound, an old warehouse that he bought through a shell company for his alternative business dealings. He parked next to a crop of vehicles belonging to the family.

Music reverberated off the frame of a running car that most of the present company seemed to be gathered at. Justin was showing off his new system. Damien took a moment to appreciate it himself. Ace sat in the passenger seat, nodding along to the beat. Jerm leaned against the hood of the car, talking to his cousin, Lynch. Both of their last names were Lynch, but 'Thomas' just didn't have that hardened criminal ring to it I guess. Either way Jeremy ended up Jerm and Thomas ended up Lynch. Those two were some crazy-ass islanders. Jerm could go unnoticed, but his cousin had an accent you couldn't miss.

Ace noticed Damien first and got up, "Aye D, check it out, got some new recruits you should check out."

"Man, what I tell you bout that shit?" Damien replied; Ace was real fuckin stupid for such a smart dude.

"Naw man, it ain't even like that. These boys are for real, just check 'em out."

"Damn it, Ace. We can't just be letting everyone from the block in the family. That shit aint smart. We talked about this." Damien was done having this conversation every fuckin day. And he sure as fuck wasn't trying to hear this shit right now. "Jerm." Jeremy looked to attention. "Let's go for a ride, you get that info I asked you about?" Jeremy nodded, hopping down from the hood. He headed towards his fire-red Mitsubishi Eclipse. Damien held his hand out for the keys, catching them when Jerm tossed them. He began his cruise paying no mind as to where he was going. "So what did you find out?"

Jeremy smiled before continuing, "She ain't no cop that's for damn sure. And I guess she been going around town gettin' information on you. seem like she went down to the police station, my guy down there said she was asking about your charges and shit. She's the one who broke into the office at the club too."

"How the fuck is that convincing me she ain't a cop?"

"Man,  get this, when the boys on the east side pulled off that bank job, looks like she was in that shit. My guy Dulo been lookin' for her. Guess she got all their asses outta that shit. But check it," he paused making sure Damien was listening, "He says she told them that you sent her to help them. Guess cause of her, Dulo thinks he owes us." Jeremy grinned, chuckling, he continued, "I like this bitch already. Shit, how long we been tryin to twist their arm into a deal with us? Bitch shows up and hooks that shit up in a week."

"How you know she been here a week?" Damien was more interested in this than he cared to admit.

"This kid Ace recruitin' says she been takin care of his ass, taken him out to eat and buyin' him shit. I checked out those places too. She been makin' a name for herself cause she got half of them talkin' about how she throws around money like it ain't shit. One of 'em even mentioned her saying something about moving here from fuck chop town called Redding or somethin' up north. I ain't believe that shit till I check for some shit up there, turns out she matches a description of a missing person in a homicide case. Found a guy with his throat slit and she came up missing. Fuck you shoulda seen them pictures, man. That shit was brutal. Get this though, she is missing and so is his BMW bike" Jeremy looked at him knowingly "Remember that BMW in the lot that night we ran into her?"

Damien chuckled, "She sounds like my kind of girl if Ashley is any indication."

"The way she looked at you in the bar, bet." Jeremy was still wearing down from the laughter.

"You don't need to fuck any more psycho bitches. Besides, you know Ashley would kill yo ass if she found out. "

"Ashley ain't gonna do shit. She the one wanna get married and shit. Fuck the second I bought her that ring I haven't seen her for more than a few days. A man's got needs." He laughed still fully aware of how fuckin crazy Ashley could be.

***

" Thought you wasnt fuckin with Death Row?" Nao flicked Veronica's ear, he hadn't really left since she got home, and for the last couple of days, Nao had been the one taking care of her. Veronica groaned at the flex of her stomach. Stitches hurt like hell but she was determined to heal.

"I ain't 'fuckin' with nobody." Vee forced her eyes open batting away his hand as he playfully poked at her face.

"Yeah? Then why Jeremy Lynch come askin' 'bout you?" He said in his know-it-all tone.

Veronica's concern spiked. Maybe the plan went to shit, and now she started some gang war. Veronica laughed at the thought, stitches in her side tugging. "What did he ask?"

"Wanted to know who you are. I said you're just my homegirl, helpin' me out and shit. Said you was good people" He bowed his head with embarrassment at the admission.

"And?" Vee encouraged him to continue.

"And... uh" he hesitated, Nao seemed concerned at this impending news too, " and he said he thinks it's time you and him get to know each other. He left me a number for you to call." His sour look explained the reason for his concern, Veronica laughed ruffling her hand over his head.

"I suppose it's time I get back around to business anyway." Vee sat up, flinching but still working through the pain. Nao watched uneasily, as Vee walked to the bathroom in a limp, babying her side. If she'd known getting their number was that easy maybe she would have robbed a bank sooner. She sighed with mild frustration.

After a tedious shower and careful preening of her wound, Vee searched her closet for something with formality, settling for a simple black dress. She tied her hair back in a tight knot and slipped on her heels a dab of makeup, she was ready. She pulled out her phone, connecting to the redheaded driver she'd recently learned was named Greg.

"15 minutes, my place." She. Hung up without waiting for a response.

"Naoko you have 15 minutes to be ready to go." She shuffled through her purse retrieving two $20 bills "Feed yourself for the day, I'll be home a little later so bring home food." She said this so carelessly, but once it was out she realized he really did live here. It was comforting to know she wasn't alone. She paused for a moment and then grabbed Nao forcing him into a hug, on a level she really cared for the kid. He was family. She wasn't sure if it was because he reminded her of Reese or if it was because she understood what it was to be alone.

Nao was shocked by the embrace, it took a moment for him to react and wrap his arms back around her. She smelled sweet of dark honey. He could feel the iciness of her skin seeping through his shirt. When he found out about her having been shot just after Jeremy Lynch was looking for her, he was nervous, as much as he was jealous, he was twice as scared of losing her in a much more permanent way. She got it, she knew what being alone was. Even worse when there are people around. It's always worse to be alone in a crowd. To know that there are hundreds of people who know you exist, but wouldn't give a damn if you ever stopped. Finally, he had a reason to give a damn. He had someone who cared if he came home for dinner. Home... She said home. Like this was his place too. Like he belonged here.

Veronica administered one last squeeze before letting go. She straightened up a few things while waiting for Nao to finish getting ready, pondering over her next move. She noted that she still had to retrieve Anna's friend, but first, she wanted to set up things with some real muscle. She decided that meeting with the sergeant looking for her was her first move. She wanted her likeness out of the press and she wanted a resolution to having been assaulted by an officer and left on the street to die. Maybe she could find one that worked for everyone.

Nao walked out of the bathroom dressed for the day. He grinned at Vee, but their 'moment' had passed and she seemed more focused on leaving. He grabbed his bag and walked to the door with Vee behind him.

"Have a good day and behave!" Veronica called after him as she walked to the car.

Greg opened the door watching curiously, Miss Vee did such odd things. When he first met her he thought of her as some hard-ass newbie lawyer trying to prove herself. Now he was beginning to think her a genuinely decent person. She took in a homeless child, hired an ex-drug mule, and spent money on cleaning her up. Promised to also 'save' said drug mules friend, and is apparently some big hero after saving 30 people at a bank robbery. He can't say he isn't impressed. He again headed toward city central.

"Police station, midtown," Vee said as if deep in thought. She was chewing over how to approach this whole situation. How do you make demands when you are the bad guys 'so I know I'm a robber and all but um your cop shot me. Soo.' Vee scoffed silently. Before she could change her mind the car was stopped and Greg was already headed for her door. He opened the door awkwardly and poked his head in stuffing an umbrella towards her. Before she could object with the lack of rain he nodded towards the front steps crowded with people. People with cameras and microphones. She nodded her thanks and stepped out opening the umbrella to shield her face. She pressed through the crowd avoiding all the chatter.

Vee snapped the canopy shut as she entered. A man was arguing with a clerk about his right to free press. He looked back at Vee. She stepped past him asserting herself to the front of the line.

"I would like to speak with Sargent Mercer," Vee announced with assessed confidence.

"Regarding?" The lady seemed annoyed. Her round chin pulled back in a 'not going to happen' kind of way.

"That is between me and him." Vee pressed

"He is a very busy man. He doesn't..."

"I'm sure he is. Let him know I don't intend to stay long"

"Ma'am, He is very busy at the moment and is not accepting any visitors." She expressed clearly that this was the end of the conversation

"Mmm," the sound Veronica made held all the indignation of being told no. "Well... Ma'am, while I'm sure he's not accepting just any guest. I have some very important business to conduct with him that is better not explained in front of the press, So unless you want to explain why his business is in the papers tomorrow, you have all of 3 seconds to get on that phone..." 

The lady sighed heavily the weight of the same conversation on repeat wearing on her, but complied, picked up the phone, and mumbled tired words into the receiver. Vee turned to the man behind her and winked. His face hadn't settled on an expression but was primarily washed with bewilderment. She looked back at the desk and after what seemed to be a short explanation she walked back, her face pulled into the exasperated pout of someone whose manager just went over their head to reward a snarky customer and said, "Sargent Mercer will see you now." A buzz sounded and doors in the back of the room swung open.

Veronica was impressed with herself. She strutted past the doors and followed signs indicating the direction in which she should head. Metal double doors labeled 'elevator' seemed like a good bet. Inside the elevator, a floor list accompanied by a list of names belonging to those floors declared the fourth floor the desk home of Samuel Mercer. The slow instrumental version of what might have been a popular song droned along, leaving Vee with a faint urge the crush the speaker. Finally, on the 4th floor, a ding sounded allowing access from the elevator into a well-lit lobby. A blond woman with exaggerated assets displayed neatly in a too-tight blouse sat at a desk her hand splayed for better nail filing. A bottle of clear polish awaiting its turn on her right. an overwhelming sense of judgment boiled up in Veronica. She decided to skip the underqualified conversation and instead opted to glance around for an office door. A small wooden plaque on a closed door led her way. She marched to the door swinging it open to find a frail elderly woman sitting across the desk from her subject of interest.

"That's her!" She proclaimed "That's the young woman right there!" The woman's voice was familiar, Veronica had a moment of panic before the tender woman rose from her seat and continued, "Young lady I owe you my life." The woman approached Vee wrapping her arms around her in a soft embrace. Veronica's surprise was evident, surely unused to the gentleness of the touch but also of the words.

Veronica was at a loss for words. "Not just once but twice. You not only helped us escape but when you dove in front of that bullet for me... I, I just don't know how to thank you." The woman tightened her clutch on Veronica, tears seeping from her face. Veronica stumbled through several thoughts before she finally recalculated the situation. 

Vee was eager to end the contact. "I-It really wouldn't have been necessary if that officer had known not to shoot into a crowd of hostages." Veronica patted the lady's arm awkwardly addressing the sergeant "and to lay my cards on the table that is precisely why I am here."

Samuel quirked an eyebrow. This was a much different kind of creature than what the old woman had painted. He somehow smelled a lawsuit that his department, nor promotion could support right now. He processed the ways he could convince her to dust this under the carpet. Then nodded gesturing for her to take a seat. "of course," he glanced at the elder and smiled politely "I thank you for all your wonderful help, Mrs. Tabitha. Although I do need to give my time to miss...." He looked at Veronica quizically

"Vee" she introduced herself with a nod.

He returned the nod and continued

"To miss Vee. But do bring those by when you get a chance" he smiled softly reaching across the desk to pat Tabitha's hand. Tabitha nodded chipperly and took her leave.

When the door closed Samuel stood moving around the desk

"Let's cut the crap, and get to why you are here." He towered over her trying to shake her reverie.

Veronica raised her lip in contempt, "cut the crap?" She hated when men tried to intimidate her, at five foot nothing what is there to prove? Oo big man, real tough pushing around someone half his height.

"Ok I'll cut the crap" she air quoted as she stood practically chest to chest, or rather at her height closer to chest to belly button. "Your intimidation routine will not work on me, I know your type. And the only way through this is my way."

"My type huh? And what exactly is my type?"

"You are the kind of man that will spend fifty bucks on a suite but pay out the ass to keep a prostitute as a desk ornament."

He wrinkled his brows and glanced at said desk ornament.

"Hey, Diamond is a nice girl."

"Diamond? Oh please, my mother is a nice girl that is a walking blow job. "

"So you intend to extort me?" He said pressing a button to shut the blinds.

"No, but I do have a business proposition for you."

He smirked glancing over Veronica "Is that so?"

"Not a chance in hell," she said flipping her hair.

"So you just going to waste my time"

"Cool your tits, Jesus, I operate a... local business. I just think you'd make the perfect customer."

"You're a pimp?"

"I am a businesswoman" She corrected "Escorts. I sell the pleasure of company, what you do during that visit is your own business."

"So basically a pimp?"

"Call it what you want, I run a legitimate, legal operation."

"I'm not judging, I just don't see the connection to why you are supposedly here."

"Well Sam, it's Sam right? I'll call you Sam, a girl has to eat. I'm a very hungry girl. And if my business doesn't take off soon I just might have to starve especially since I have those medical bills. Yeah, its kind hazey I don't really remember why. Oh wait because one of your officers shot me!" Vee snipped, the stitches strained from this, and Vee pressed her hand against it.

"Do you realize you are extorting the Sargent?"

"Do you realize you really should clean off your desk?" He seemed confused till Vee picked up the stack of papers he was working on earlier, ones that depicted the budget cuts and ones that spoke of his promotion. All the cards were in her hand and he had no other play. He sighed heavily.

"Aww don't seem so down, I have a girl who's just your type." Veronica pinched his cheek and smiled sweetly, he gripped her wrist angrily

"What's to say you're not my type? Huh?" He grabbed her hips pinning her to the desk.

Veronica ran her hands through his hair entangling a mess of it in her grasp she pulled him closer so her lips grazed at his ear. She whispered in a pur "I really wouldn't do that because, you see, I have this friend. And he really doesn't like other men touching me. Wanna know his name?" Her voice was seductive and her words were almost a moan. He pulled away from her grasp only to be lured back in "his name is Damien Cruz." Samuel went ridged frozen in place. He took a deep breath and stepped away releasing his hold on her entirely.

Veronica let her hand fall to her side. Saying in a business-like manner "good then we have an understanding. So we shall meet for an introductory dinner on say Friday, 2 days give you enough time? Of course it does, youre the boss after all. In two days call me at this number" Veronica scripted her number across his arm.

"Don't leave me waiting. It's awfully rude to leave a girl waiting." Vee smiled politely and pranced out the door.

Her heart beat feverishly, it was definitely time to actually meet Mr Cruz. All this talk needs some backup. She walked with a hastened pace eager to put distance between Samuel and herself. She fumbled through her phone and glared at the number labeled Damien Cruz, nerves eating at her. She stumbled over what to say to him, how should he be approached?

By the time Veronica reached the car she had chewed a thorough hole in her lip. Mindlessly instructing Greg to head for the dry cleaners she used for the borrowed outfit. With a deep breath, she hit call and watched the numbers dance across the screen. The first ring tied her stomach in a knot. The second forced her into a nervous tapping, drumming her fingers across the armrest.

"Hello?" The voice was husky, and Veronica's heart stopped. She swallowed down her twisted intestines which she was sure were trying to climb out of her throat.

"Hello, Mr Cruz." She forced out a low purr. Her voice may have quivered.

"Who is this?" He asked suspiciously.

"You know precisely who this is. You wanted to speak with me, so here I am."

"How did you get this number?" He gave nothing away.

"Phonebook."

"I'm not listed"

Veronica was anxious to move forward with this conversation, "Well then let's call it cards on the table, you know what I am capable of."

There was a soft chuckle on the other end that twisted up her spine and made her shutter.

"So what is it you would like from me, Veronica?"

Shock stunned her for a moment enough to clue him in on her surprise.

"Cards on the table, you're not the only one with capabilities."

Veronica smiled releasing a nervous giggle, this partnership had a brighter outlook than expected.

"Well then, Mr Cruz, all I would like from you is a moment of your time to talk business."

***

Damien couldn't help but laugh. The girl had some serious balls. He usually wouldn't make any of his knowledge known but it was worth it to trip her up. He liked the sense of power and control she displayed, it reminded him of his younger self.

"Business huh? Alright. When and where?" He grinned into the receiver. Amusement was evident in his tone.

"Well, are you free right now?" she asked.

So eager he thought to himself; she had a thing or two to learn. "Yeah, my schedule just freed up. Where am I meeting you?"

"Corner of 6th and New Hampshire, room 108."

Odd place for a business meeting, He thought. Ain't nothin but junkies in that shit hole.

"Done. I'll be seeing you soon miss Veronica." he laughed ending the call and tossing his phone to his bedside table and stretching out. Rolling over to see a pissed-off Ashley glowering back at him. He quirked an eyebrow and rolled back over not ready to hear the shit storm that was about to go down. As he lifted himself from the bed Ashley started in.

"Who the fuck is Veronica?" She sat up staring him down.

"Ain't none of your damn business who the fuck Veronica is."

"I'm your wife! Anything you do is my damn business."

"There you go with that shit again. Ash I ain't even tryin to hear this shit right now."

"Well you about to, runnin around with these whores! Why can't you be a normal grown-ass man and get a normal job? You ain't a fuckin kid anymore D. You can't hustle all your life! I want a family. When are we gonna do that?"

Damien had enough he headed down the stairway, when something struck him in the back of the head. He turned around to see Ashley aiming another shoe in his direction.

He was getting sick of this shit real quick. He stormed toward her fire in his eyes.

"Go ahead throw that shit at me. I dare you, Ashley. I am tired of your bullshit. You know damn well when you asked for that fuckin ring on your finger that this is who I am. Shit ain't goin to change! And we talked about this family shit, ash, ain't no way we goin to have a fuckin kid with you leaving all the fuckin time. Shit ain't conducive to raising a damn kid! So don't start on my ass about being a grown-ass adult until you get your shit under control."

"Fuck you!" She screamed into his face.

His voice went calm, which was usually a good indication of when he was really pissed off. "Fuck me? Huh? Fuck me? Ain't going to see your ass in god knows how long and that's what have to say to me?" Damien shook his head and turned to leave.

The other shoe came flying by and hit him in the head once more. He turned around slowly and locked eyes with Ashley. It was then she seemed to realize the mistake that was, and she slowly began backing away. Damien walked toward her calmly at first but as she started moving away he rushed her all at once, shoving her backward onto the master bathroom floor. Slamming the door shut. Still pissed off he flung the bed, frame and all, across the floor trapping it against the bathroom door. Ensuring her cage would be impossible to escape.

He pulled on some faded jeans from his closet and a button-up shirt. He swiped the phone off the end table and looked back at the door that trapped Ashley in. Her sobbing could be heard from behind the door. And he almost changed his mind about leaving her there until she said "fuck you, Damien, I fuckin hate you!" So then he figure fuck it, and sauntered out the door with a shrug.

***

Veronica paced her room nervously. Then went, yet again to ensure his clothes were wrinkle-free. While inspecting the shirt she spotted her purfume on the dresser and grinned. It was childish, but the idea enticed her so she decided maybe just a little. She fumbled the bottle and puffed a small mist across the collar of his shirt. The knock at the door twisted her stomach up, knowing the sound was too heavy to have been Nao. She breathed in deep and set down the bottle crossing the room toward the door. She glanced over the room once more to ensure the tidiness of the place. She swung the door open and stood before him. He was much taller than remembered. Her head barely reaching his shoulders she grazed her eyes over him once more stopping for a moment at the tattoo on his neck. It intrigued her, the mix of graffiti and calligraphy; it was beautiful in a way. She finally eased her eyes up to his face. His expression seemed to permanently be set in amusement. After a moment's study, she nodded and extended her arm to invite him in. He accepted sauntering around the room. She glanced outside for any "backup up" so to speak.

"Showed up alone. Now that's a move I didn't expect." She said turning around to find him very close in front of her.

"Just because you can't see them, doesn't mean they're not there." He smiled not bothering to move or create a rational amount of distance between them. She was beginning to think he enjoyed making her uncomfortable. She wouldn't let him. If it's a game he wants... She had no objection.

She held out her hand flicking her eyes up at him.

"As you already know, Veronica, but you may call me Vee."

"Damien, but you can call me D." He grinned a deviant half-smile, and accepted her hand into his own. He turned her hand over changing the formal handshake to a more delicate one. He was good at this game, had to give him that. But back to business.

"Do have a seat. Can I get you anything? Water, coffee?"

Damien settled into a seat on the couch, shaking his head. "So, Vee," he gestured for her to join him in sitting. "it is pretty rare that I give the time of day to someone I don't know let alone giving you my undivided attention like this. So please tell me you have something good for me. I don't like my time wasted."

Vee settled herself down in a chair crossing one leg over the other dramatically still wanting to enjoy their silent game. "Cutting to the chase then, I have a business proposition for you. I run a small operation of women. And it could be very well in both our interests if I could, say, contract you in the interests of security. I would be willing to part with a portion of my profits right off the top."

*

Damien grinned, operation of women. Quite interesting, he has been looking for a way to get into the prostitution ring in this city. And she shows up ready to give him exactly that. For the right percentage, he would be happy to provide more than just security.

"what percentage are we talking about? I'm looking for no less than 30% off the top."

"In not interested in playing cat and mouse with numbers, if you provide full protection for me and my girls and allow 'blacklisting' rights at my disposal you may have 50% right from the top. I'm looking for a partnership. Not to waste your time" Vee sat waiting for his response.

He considered this for a moment finally at a loss for words. Vee was proud to have won this reaction from him. "at 50% we are at your disposal entirely. If you need anything just ask."

"Excellent. I believe greed is an awful way to start out a partnership. I give... you give. Fifty-fifty." Veronica smiled openly happy to have discovered the kind of man he is.

Damien seemed to study her for a moment with that same amused look. "I think we should have a meeting to introduce my men to your ladies. So everyone can know everyone." He watched her carefully

"That's an excellent idea when are you thinking?"

"Friday. " he tossed out a day.

"Deal. You are welcome to join me here if you like. But before you leave I do have something that belongs to you." Vee stood walking to the closet retrieving the hanger with his clothing on it. She could smell the soft scent of her perfume on the collar, suddenly embarrassed for having been so childish. She also retrieved his briefcase and walked back around the corner.

*

When she came in sight again he laughed aloud, unable to hold it back. His chuckle filled the room. His damn pants she stole, he had forgotten all about it until now.

"I had them dry cleaned, and I'm sorry for borrowing them."

"Stealing them you mean" he laughed

"I'm giving them back. It constitutes as borrowing." Vee pouted her lip.

Grinning he pressed "borrowing without my permission."

"Yeah because that conversation would have gone well. 'hey can I use your pants, I need to inconspicuously escape the hospital so people don't question this bullet wound and the bag of cash. '" she mocked, it went silent for a moment while Vee's words caught up to her. Her smile slank away and she watched him mull over his next phrase.

"So that was you." His amusement shifted and Vee suddenly felt like a fly caught in a web Damien being that spider stalking up to his prey to suck the life from her neck. She wasn't sure what made her more nervous Damiens foreboding silence or the embarrassment. He raised his eyebrows as if expecting an answer.

She felt the need to defend her actions.

"I don't know how that shit went down but I wasnt able to control it because that swing-happy bitch kinda gave me a damn concussion, and it's kinda hard to think passed the whole trying not to die thing. And especially because once you have had a concussion before like they get more serious after and...." Vee stopped her rambling when she noticed him laughing. "why are you laughing?"

"So you are tellin' me you brought an armed stranger into your house where you have 1/3 of a million dollars stashed? " he looked at her carefully.

She set down his items getting ready to plan an escape. He stood slowly. She held her ground not willing to show fear. He closed the distance between them. He took her face in his hand and looked at her burrowing deep in her eyes, the contact felt very intimate. "Whats keeping me from stealing your money and forcing you to pay me anyways?" His voice was quizzical and curious, studying her face and reaction.

Veronica never broke eye contact. Instead, she raised her hand to his wrapping her grip around his wrist.

"Because that's not the kind of man you are."

"Appealing to my better self? Interesting move to use on a thug." He smiled his amusement returning.

"Or maybe because dulo owes me a favor and a pretty damn big one at that." Vee tightened her grasp on his wrist.

*

"If dulo owes you this favor then why come to me?" He collected the knowledge of who she was all guards down. When she was faced at ends without the upper hand. And if he thought she had balls before, literally in the palm of his hand and she still took control.

"Because I wanted the best. I know who you are. I know what you are capable of." She readjusted his hand from her face to her throat. "if you think that you can prove you are any more powerful to me by wrapping your hands around my neck than sitting across from me in this room you are wrong. I came to you simply ready to give more to this partnership than I wanted to take. And I expect that you will honor that by accepting what I can offer without greed or a lust for more than I can supply. Because that is the man you are. Wouldn't you say so, Damien? "

Veronica held his eyes for a long while.

He finally smiled dropping his hand from her neck. Her hand still grasped around his wrist she reached for the briefcase placing it in his hand before letting go.

*

"Consider that a start-up payment" Veronica turned her back allowing all her pent-up fear to devour her face for a moment. She had questioned for a moment whom she involved herself with and shuttered. With a heavy inhale she turned around posting a smile to her face. Trying desperately to disguise her shaken confidence.

*

Watching her wrap his hand around her throat was an interesting mix of crazy as hell and sexy as fuck. Damien had to keep reminding himself he was married, especially after his fight with Ashley left him feeling... less married. He had no legitimate intention of robbing her, but he is starting to understand why she needed him. The girl had balls but she needed more caution. After she turned away from him he continued to watch her. Had he shaken her up? Really got to her? Good. She needed it. She can't just go running into shit without thinking. Otherwise, she would be creating more problems than her small-time business was worth. Damien noted that the briefcase seemed a bit heavier than usual he opened it looking in at stacks of cash wrapped with bank fresh bands there had to be around 100k in the bag. He laughed looking up at Veronica. She intended to give him the money anyway. She turned back around and flicked her eyes up at him. Seemingly having regained her confidence. Damien grinned his half-cocked smirk getting in her space he tapped her nose and said "Stick with me kid, you'll be alright." The look he received was not what he was expecting. There was no quivering of her knees or doe eyed hypnosis, she only smirked back at him.

*

Veronica returned his gesture tapping him on the nose and asked "Does that work for you? This whole bad boy cutesie shit?" She laughed "Does that get all the girls going?" She didn't know what she hoped to gain from calling him out, but something about doing what he didn't expect excited her.

Damien leaned in close to her and whispered "You tell me."

The intrusion of her space broke her guard but she held her ground quirking an eyebrow and giggling she could feel the skin rise at ends in anticipation, and a shiver climbed up her spine. "Hardly." She scoffed in her most self-assured voice. This seemed to perplex him, his disappointment had been won. She held down her glee at having won this game.

Damien's tone changed he straightened up and in a business tone said "Friday then, you have my number. " he grabbed his suit and headed out the door.

When the door clicked shut Vee released her breath letting her body shiver. What was it with this man that made her so nervous? A knock set her on edge and she scrambled at the door opening it to a surprised Nao. He looked at her with confusion and a bit of hurt. "So you ain't fuckin with death row, huh?" He said walking in. Tossing a crumpled bag on the table. Veronica forgot about Nao having been supposed to return.

"It was just business talk. Not that it's your business kid." Vee tried to be playful but she saw the injured puppy look in his eyes. She reached over pulling him into a hug.

"you ain't gotta lie to me, Vee. I ain't stupid." He said leaning against her. "Anyway I brought food."

The bag had Chinese symbols on it that only indicated delicious food to Vee. She dropped her arms and headed for the food.