The City of Astan [2]

Ace

I knock on the door and am let out, the exit sealed behind me. With another sigh, I walk back to my throne and sit down. A follower comes up and reports to me about the results of the waterboarding. Nodding, I dismiss him and get thinking.

Bella

I look up and walk to the bed, bored.

Ace

I snap and the follower returns, "What did you say earlier about the leader of the Bloods?"

"He has women escorted in every night," he says. "They come back out every morning, of course. We all know what they are."

I look at the door where Bella is and smile lightly.

"Go pick something sexy up," I order the follower. "For a friend of mine. I've got an idea."

Bella

I pull out a lighter and light a cigarette, sucking in smoke and then blowing out.

Ace

I remember her weapons and walk up to my own room, locking them with my own. Lighting another cigarette, I lie back on my bed and breathe in.

"What am I doing anyway? Caring about a kid..." I whisper, shaking my head at myself.

Bella

I sigh, humming.

Ace

I put out my cigarette and kick my shoes off, turning in for the night.

Bella

I take out my phone again, bored as hell.

Ace

I try to sleep but can't, restless as ever. Groaning, I slip my shoes back on and wander the warehouse until reaching her door again. I put my jacket on again and order them to open up, standing in the doorway, "You run and I'll cap your a*s. Follow me."

Bella

I look up and hesitate before standing, following him.

Ace

I lead her out the door, flanked by one of my own before I signal him off. Walking down the dim streets, I scan for trouble and hope to God I find some, slipping her knife out, "If I give you your knife back and you turn on me, you'll never see that sister of yours again. I don't deal in kids, as I said, but I could start."

Bella

I hesitate before taking it, "What are we doing?"

Ace

I shrug, looking around, "Robbery, mugging, murder... I don't give a sh*t. Something. What do you feel like?"

Bella

I smirk, "I don't think you should ask me that question, knowing the answer."

Ace

I study her, smirking back, "Answer it anyway, and lead the way."