Chapter 57
At the auction, Tyshawn was chilling in a corner spot that wasn’t the best, eyeing the crowd. He leaned over to his buddies and muttered, “Hey, have you guys caught the bodyguards circling like they’re on a mission?”
Keith just shrugged it off “With the high–end stuff they’re auctioning and the Empire’s blessing, it’s no biggie they’re on edge, especially if someone slipped in unannounced”
The auction had been dragging on for two hours, and they’d only sold one piece–for a crazy price. Xavier shook his head. Even if they had that kind of cash, they wouldn’t be splashing it around like it was nothing
Xavier pushed up from his seat. “Gonna hit the head, he announced, making his way to the back. As he got to the restroom, he nearly bumped into a tall, slender woman stepping out. Her eyes were bright and full of life, with a hint of defiance.
“Quiana“” Xavier blurted out, surprised.
Quiana raised an eyebrow. “Mr. Larson, small world, huh?” she said with a casual tone.
Xavier closed the gap, intrigued. “What are you doing at this gig?” he asked.
Quiana just gave a lazy grin. To here, aren’t I? That’s all that matters,” she replied.
“You.” Xavier started, thinking about the pill and trying to keep his cool. This isn’t really your kind of place,” he said, his brow furrowing
Quiana just raised an eyebrow again. The auction’s got two and a half days left, and we’re stuck on this boat until then. Unless I’m supposed to jump ship?” she joked, tilting her head.
Xavier was left speechless. “You” he stammered.
But before he could finish, a rush of noise from the back interrupted them. “This way! Move it! We can’t let him get away! someone shouted, urgency in their voice.
Quiana’s gaze ticked away as she made to leave.
“Quiana, wait up!” Xavier called out, his hand finding her arm. “I’m not done with you. You’re..
“Drop ic” Quiana warned, her tone slicing through the air.
Xavier let go, the chill in her eyes enough to give him pause.
The commotion around them brought him back to the present. Quiana’s black get–up jogged his memory about the tighter security on the ship. He frowned. “Are they after you? What’s the deal‘ Quiana, this isn’t a place to thess with_”
His words were interrupted by a group barging in
“Save it” Quiana said, pulling her mask up. She broke free from Xavier’s grip and, aswift move, used his body to spring into a flip, vanishing into
Xavier hit the deck, dazed. When he got his bearings, he saw the guards who’d charged in were now down.
Quiana stood among them, her black antire a stark statement. Her hair whipped in the draft from the window, a picture of defiance. Even with most of her face hidden, her eyes held a fierce glint, like a fighter ready for action.
Xavier, about to retort, was left speechless, staring at her in disbelief. “Did you did you take them down?
Quiana just rolled her eyes behind her mask. “Idiot,” she muttered, pulling her jacket’s hood over her cap. With a nonchalant stride, she turned to leave. Her voice was a cold snap, “Suay quiet if you want to stay out of trouble.”
As she disappeared, the tension dissipated. Xavier felt the ache in his back, and he stumbled back, leaning against the wall. His legs gave way, and he slumped to the floor, his body slick with cold sweat
His mind spun with confusion. How could Quiana, from the slums, be so formidable? Who is she, really?
