Moments of Malevolence by T.L. Smith

Alaska \n \nI lie to one of the city’s most ruthless men. \nAnd it feels so good. \nDeception is a drug, and I’m quickly becoming an addict. \nEach time we speak, Zuko has no idea it’s me. \nThe lie tastes sweet leaving my mouth. \nI couldn’t stop now, even if I wanted to—which I don’t. \nHe thinks our conversations are more than just sex. He’s wrong. \nThe intimacy he feels is all a facade. \nUntil the day an embodiment of my darkest fantasies walks into my bar, and his unmistakable voice sends a shiver down my spine. \nIt turns out I’m not the one in control. \nBut when he calls tonight, and he will, I’ll be ready… \n… with a lie. \n \nZuko \n \nMy job is to hunt. Dispose of problems like they never existed. And I’m incredibly good at my job. \nIt’s brutal and violent. But, then again, so I am. \nI crave destruction. Death is merely a consequence of my dark pursuits. \nAnd I won’t lose a wink of sleep over it, either. \nNothing bothers me. \nNo one affects me. \nExcept the vixen with the lilac hair. \nWhen I reveal my true self to her, she laughs it off, enticed by the game we play. \nShe’s keeping secrets. \nAnd I know all about prying information out of people. \nShe won’t like my methods. \nBut I’ll keep playing her little game until I decide what to do about her. \nI can’t tell if she is destined to be my wife… \n… or my next victim.