Chapter 151 - Brink of death

In the middle of a colorful crowd at the side of the road, an elegantly dressed man in black stared at the departing ambulance. Smiling, he slipped his bony hand into his black coat and took his cell phone out of his pocket before dialing a specific phone number.

"This was a lousy job. You should have guessed that you couldn't get rid of the girl like that and your signature is too obvious. Remember, the other side has their connections, too. His voice was calm despite the rising rage.

"She wasn't the aim anyway. If she had died in the process. Fine, it would have been just the cherry on top. I have already done my part." It boldly echoed through his ear.

"Ha!" Mocked the man in black and watched the car with the girl set off to follow the ambulance. "What was your job? I can't remember that you were supposed to kill the Duke de Valois. By the way, not a hair on the girl's head was harmed. Merely as a recommendation from a veteran, if you want to continue this career in the future, try not to act so obvious and don't rely on drug junkies. You, as a beginner, still have a lot to learn. Arrogance is not something you should boast about. You more than blew the job. After today, the Duke will be even more cautious and you'll have an even harder target to hit than before. Otherwise, it'll be your head that'll end up being hunted."

He hated working with other Hitman. Especially when they were youngsters trying to make a quick buck. But didn't really understand the job.

"Remember, you haven't finished this woman yet. Your job is more complicated than ever, and there is no case closed."

His partner breathed into the phone. " You don't get the joke. It doesn't matter what happens to the woman in the end. Whether she dies, gets hurt... Everything should happen in front of him. That's what they pay me for. In any case, you better take care of yourself!"

They both had different employers, but they shared more or less the same job.

In the past, he had never bothered to deal with less qualified men. But the targets were a tough act to follow. The de Valois family had maintained a close relationship with the Morgatti family for generations and every man in the underworld knew who was messing with the Morgatti clan did not have long to live.

But who would have thought that his mighty employer had just that in mind and would reach out his hand? He had been longing for a challenging task for a long time. So, why not?

Even if he were to be sent to the brink of death, he would never regret it. At least he'd have a good time before he kicked the bucket. He had no fear anymore since a long ago. Just longed for the feeling of being alive.

✿

Bright light blinded him as his eyes flared open. He stared at the merciless radiance of the ceiling lights. The room he was in was painted with a cold white. The thick white curtains let no light into the room. He didn't know whether it was late at night or already in the middle of the day. He was lying on a soft bed with a white railing around the sides. His head had sunk deep into the fluffy pillow. Next to his ear a beeping sound was ringing, in a monotonous rhythm. His head felt heavy. He tried to turn it slightly. At first, he didn't know where he was. His hands were wired with transparent tubes. A needle was stuck deep in the back of his hand, fixed by white tape. Under his nose was another tube that ran across his face. He raised his hand to free himself from the disturbing plastic tubes. But suddenly, a delicate white hand gripped his hand. Her fingers were cool, almost icy. She trembled as she pulled his hand to her.

"Thank God you're awake. How are you?"

Alexandra turned his head to the side and saw this beautiful face. He couldn't help himself and stared at her. Her eyes glowed softly. Despite the deep dark circles under the bright blue eyes. Her face was as white as chalk. Even brighter than ever before.

She looked tired and exhausted, as if all strength had escaped from her delicate body. And yet she was one of the most beautiful women his eyes had ever seen. She looked like an angel that had come down from heaven to tempt him. The reddened and tear-drenched face of an angel.

A smile poured over his face. He was so happy. So incredibly happy. He nearly had lost her. Now he knew perfectly well what kind of a fool he was. Only now did he realize that. Finally, seeing himself. A deep gratitude flowed through Alexandre. Only in that desperation did he realize what he could lose. He would not let it happen to him a second time. Never again!

"Lily." His voice was hoarse, but her name was like sage to his heart. He wanted to stand up to finally take her in his arms. But the burning pain at his side reminded him of what had happened. He flinched, grimacing in pain.