"I—I didn't..." The cold muzzle of the gun pressed against his temple, and the man's eyes—once glazed with greed—snapped back into focus. No one is truly unafraid of death. Some die for their beliefs, like the soldiers who defend their homeland. Their sacrifice is glorious, their legacy heavier than Mount Tai.
But others, like this bastard, are only brave when they hold the upper hand.
The moment they realize they're outmatched, fear takes over. This wasn't the era of swaggering bandits who boasted about reincarnation or claimed to act in the name of justice—robbing the rich to feed the poor. No, this man was just jealous of Jiang Hai and had come to extort money.
But they'd severely underestimated Jiang Hai's combat skills. Worse, they hadn't expected him to be armed.
"No?" Jiang Hai's smile faded, his expression hardening. "Then let's stick to your original offer. A hundred thousand U.S. dollars—or both of your hands."
The man trembled, his bravado gone. Desperate, his gaze flicked to the woman beside him, her body shaking with terror. He remembered how Jiang Hai's eyes had lingered on her ample curves earlier. She was his mistress, but survival trumped loyalty now.
"Take her!" he blurted, shoving the woman into Jiang Hai's arms. "She's yours—do whatever you want with her!" His eyes pleaded, hoping Jiang Hai's desires would spare him.
Jiang Hai glanced down at the woman in disgust. She wasn't his type—who knew what diseases she carried after being with scum like this? But then an idea struck him. A change of play might be amusing.
"She covers one arm," he mused, tightening his grip on the gun. "What about the other?"
The man's jaw clenched. With a grimace, he snatched up his dagger and plunged it into his own left arm. Blood sprayed as he collapsed, writhing in pain.
Jiang Hai raised an eyebrow. This one's ruthless.
"Get out." He couldn't afford to kill them here. Puerto Rico had laws, ties to the U.S.—murder would bring extradition headaches. Best to let them go, a warning to others.
The man scrambled up, his crew fleeing behind him.
"Boss," Bell ventured, eyeing the woman still pressed against Jiang Hai. "Taking her back to the ship?" He knew better than to touch Jiang Hai's "spoils," but this woman didn't seem like his boss's usual taste.
Jiang Hai scoffed. "Keep drinking. Have the wine sent to the ship. I'll take a walk." Fast food wasn't his preference, but he wasn't above indulging.
With a glance, he signaled the woman. Though her body still trembled, she followed him out.
Across the street, a small-town hotel awaited. Jiang Hai booked the best room and led her inside.
"Shower?" he asked casually.
"Whatever you like," she whispered, resigned. If she pleased him, he might let her go unharmed.
"Then together."
She stripped without hesitation, revealing a lace thong beneath her skirt—bold, even by South American standards. Jiang Hai shed his clothes and pulled her into the bathroom.
As the tub filled, she eyed him, surprise flickering in her gaze. She'd heard Asian men were lacking, but Jiang Hai defied stereotypes. At his nod, she knelt, her lips and ample chest put to skillful use.
By 9 p.m., Jiang Hai returned to the boat. Darlene and Marianne relaxed visibly, though neither spoke.
Bell grinned. "Took your time, Boss."
Jiang Hai shot him a look before addressing the crew. "Listen up. We're staying at sea tonight—no docking. If trouble comes, we need to move fast. Everyone stays in their rooms unless I say otherwise."
Nods all around. They dispersed, leaving Jiang Hai to steer the boat into deeper waters. Bell and the others retreated with their drinks, but Azarina lingered, slipping into the captain's quarters.
Jiang Hai shut off his navigation app. "Something wrong?"
In answer, she lunged, capturing his lips in a searing kiss. Her tongue invaded, and Jiang Hai—after a stunned moment—fought back.
Azarina broke away, licking her lips. "No strange taste. You didn't kiss her." Her eyes narrowed. "But Bell's look said you went hunting. So how?"
Jiang Hai rubbed his neck. Azarina was sharper than Bell—trained in psychology, interrogation, reconnaissance. She saw through him effortlessly.
She sighed. "My room key's under your pillow. Stop risking yourself outside. If you need... protection, I'm here." A pointed glance. And cleaner than your escapades.
As she swayed out, Jiang Hai exhaled. She wasn't wrong. Between Aphra's history, Darlene and Marianne's familial ties, and Cindy's unpredictability, his options were complicated.
Lost in thought, he barely noticed two hours pass. Then—the boat's bell chimed.
They'd arrived.
(To be continued.)