Melody was speechless, her mind reeling at the audacity of the stranger before her.
His actions not only shocked her, but his words were outrageous. What kind of demand was this?
And she was infuriated by the manner in which he spoke, his tone suggesting that agreement between them was mandatory and she MUST comply with his demands.
Here he was, a criminal whose place undoubtedly belonged behind bars. Allowing him to roam freely felt like a betrayal to every victim he had wronged. Yet he had the nerve to dish out outlandish demands?
"I thought zappers only affected muscle function, not the brain," Melody mumbled, scrutinizing his chiseled features for any hint of the reason behind his behavior.
The memory of shocking him with the device flooded back; he had fallen like a tree, perhaps losing his sanity in the process, because the words tumbling from his lips were sheer nonsense.
How had she come to find herself engaged in conversation with him, the same man who had once threatened her life?
Maverick internally rolled his eyes at her hesitance, though his expression remained impassive. "Just think it through, you're going to need protection," he pressed on.
Melody shook her head with determination, her decision solidified in that instant. "There's no way I'll let a gangster—and a stranger—into my home simply to feel safe."
"You owe me, Miss. It's only fair that you repay me," Maverick insisted. "Let me be your bodyguard, your errand boy, I don't care what role it is—I just need a place to stay until I sort things out."
Her brow furrowed in incredulity. "You know I didn't ask for your help. Sure, you saved me, but I was managing quite well on my own. I meant what I said about having no fear of death, threats, or torture."
Maverick sighed deeply, the air escaping his lips. She was tough.
"I get that you're fearless, but what if something goes wrong? Wouldn't your family be devastated if anything happened to you?" His tone shifted, becoming almost gentle. He noticed the change in her demeanor at the mention of her family.
Everyone had weaknesses and he had just figured out hers. She might not care for herself but she cared about her family, one hundred percent.
Melody narrowed her eyes at his subtle manipulation. He was skilled at bending her thoughts, and she felt the weight of truth behind his words.
Her thoughts drifted to Aunt Nina, who had become her guardian since she left her hometown. The old woman loved her like a daughter—what would her life be if she had to bear the news of Melody's demise? Or something bad happening to her.
The image of her parents, aged and frail, came to mind, their hearts breaking at the thought of losing their daughter. She would cause them endless grieves and problems.
"You don't care about yourself, but how about thinking of them?" Maverick continued, his lips hinting at a smirk as he realized he was making headway.
Eventually, Melody shot him a glare, folding her arms defiantly, a swirl of emotions evident in her body language. "Even if I need protection in this dangerous city, why on earth would I choose you as my guardian? You tried to kill me just days ago."
Maverick took a steady breath, ready to lay out his reasoning. "Look, you know who I am. You easily connected the dots to figure out I'm not on the right side of the law, and yes, you could report me. But that would ruin everything I've fought for. You owe me for the free protection I've offered. I'm ready to safeguard you at no cost, as long as you don't report me and give me a roof over my head."
"How can I have a criminal wandering around in my home? It feels like none of this would let my mind rest," she protested, her spirit wavering as annoyance flashed across her face.
The thought of him going out everyday to commit crimes and then coming back to her house to chill made her skin crawl. She could never accept that.
Maverick noticed the irritation in her gaze, realizing she was seriously considering this conversation.
He took in a deep breath at the thought of relaying an important message to her "Due to a mission failure, my boss granted me a leave, so I won't be on any jobs for now. That should reassure you."
"And even without your boss's orders, you wouldn't act on your own?" she challenged a skeptical inch in her brow.
"I won't," Maverick replied.
"I only follow orders, and for now, I'm essentially out of work. I'm offering to take care of you in exchange for a place to stay."
Melody took a while to contemplate what he had said. The stalker was still out there, he had failed to catch her this time and perhaps would come for her again.
The idea of having someone like Maverick—dangerous yet undeniably capable—protecting her seemed tempting in a twisted way. Still, her trust was far from solidified.
"I know you might not care about this," he muttered, breaking into her thoughts, "but I plan to turn myself in."
Melody shifted her gaze to him, her eyes narrowing at what she had heard.
"After I've dealt with everything, I'll pay for my crimes too, and hopefully, I can find forgiveness and carve out a better life for myself. Someday," he said, his tone resonating with an unexpected sincerity.
As she stared into his eyes, she found herself questioning if this was merely another one of his deceitful strategies or if there truly was a glimmer of honesty behind his words.
Melody took a deep breath, reminding herself that she needed to make a decisive choice.
"I guess I have no choice but to agree to your unreasonable demands. I'll hire you," she stated firmly, trying to sound reasonable.
Maverick nodded, his expression remaining composed. Though his mind reeled from having conquered her.
This was just the beginning for him—to understand her, to uncover the connection that drew him to her so intensely. He was determined to find out why it was her that captivated him.
"I promise to serve you well and protect you from any danger," he assured her.
Melody rolled her eyes dramatically as she walked past him. "Sure, whatever," she muttered, her irritation evident. "Just get your things and move in tomorrow."
Maverick looked over his shoulders, before baring empty hands. "I don't have anything with me... so I'll be moving in tonight."
Melody stopped in her tracks, her gaze locking onto him.
"What?" Maverick asked, curious about her reaction.
"I hope you're serious about wanting to turn yourself in," she replied, a challenging look on her face.
"I am," he stated confidently.
"I hope you'll turn yourself in quickly and pay for your crimes," she thought to herself as she walked into the building.