Nikki's gaze darted between the armed men, Rum, and the man walking away.
"Wait!" she shouted, fixing her eyes on his retreating figure.
The man stopped. Beside her, Rum studied her out of the corner of his eye.
Nikki drew a deep breath. "You said you came to see us because you thought you could recruit us. Let's hear it."
Rum frowned, though he wasn't surprised.
Nikki had turned her back on people who had been loyal to her—people like Lukas, who had stood by her through the good and the bad. If she could abandon them, abandoning Rum would be easy. They had never shared that kind of bond.
"If you think you're that smart, let's hear your offer," she continued. "I assume you've already heard what kind of person I am."
The man looked back, interest flickering in his eyes.
"Take her to my office," he ordered the men surrounding them.
Nikki didn't sigh in relief. Still, she knew she had bought herself a little time.
As she rose, she slapped away a hand reaching for her.
