1 ||RUTH||

As I stood in front of my dresser, carefully applying lipstick, I stole a glance at the wall clock. Its hands pointed precisely to 11:30 p.m. Time seemed to be slipping away, but I remained focused on perfecting my appearance.

Surveying myself in the mirror, I couldn't help but notice a change. There was a newfound air of sophistication, a subtle refinement that seemed to emanate from within. My lipstick glided smoothly over my lips, adding a final touch of allure to my ensemble.

I stepped back, taking in the reflection before me. There was a confidence in my gaze, a sense of self-assuredness that hadn't been there before. With a hint of satisfaction, I thought to myself, "I look way more expensive than last time."

I kiss my reflection while wearing a long, tight red dress that fits my waist in the most flattering way possible. The dress has a deep v-cut; it is lifted at the hip from one side, and a thin thread keeps it up. I paired the dress with black high-heeled boots.

I open the drawer, take out my most prized possession, a jewelled dagger, put it in my purse, and head out of my apartment.

As I stepped out into the cool night air, a sense of relief washed over me like a soothing balm. The weight of the recent events still lingered, but for now, I allowed myself a moment of respite.

My eyes scanned the dimly lit street until they landed on Lucas Rodriguez, a beacon of familiarity in the chaos of the night. With his easy smile and charming demeanour, he had a way of making even the darkest of days seem a little brighter.

"Hey there, eye candy," I said to him with a playful smirk, using the nickname I had given upon him long ago. It was the proof of his undeniable charm and magnetic presence, qualities that never failed to lift my spirits.

Lucas's laughter filled the air, a melodious sound that warmed my heart. "Well, if it isn't my favourite troublemaker," he replied, his voice tinged with amusement. Despite the gravity of the situation, he always managed to find a way to lighten the mood.

I fell into step beside him, the rhythm of our footsteps echoing in harmony as we walked. At that moment, I felt a sense of peace wash over me, a rare respite from the chaos that had consumed my life.

Lucas was one of the few people in my chaotic world, a steadfast presence that I could always rely on. Whether it was a shoulder to lean on or a listening ear, he was always there for me, unwavering in his support

''You look ravishing,'' he said as he leaned against his car.

''I know, babe, don't start flirting just yet; we're getting late,'' I said as I winked at him.

'' Ugh, fine, get in, he said as he rolled his eyes.

''Do you know anything about that bastard's life?'' I asked as I sat in the passenger seat.

''Well, he's a multimillionaire, auctions girls for beautiful prices per night, and owns several clubs around here; in short, he's an asshole with a lot of money.'' He smiled at me and asked, ''Are you sure you can do this?''

''Of course, it's nothing new; I just need your lead, and I'm sure he won't be able to resist this,'' I laughed.

''Haha, that's true; no one can resist,'' he said as he drove faster.

''Yet you're still driving and not all over me,' I mocked.

''You know I'm not going to make a move on you,'' he said, looking over at my side.

That was true; he was the only man in the world who would keep his hands to himself, respect me, and keep our friendship as a friendship. Lucas is undeniably attractive, with his black curly hair, blue eyes, and strong body; who wouldn't fall for that?

Well, I did not fall for him that way. Sure, I find him hot as fuck, but he is more of a brother than a boyfriend.

I simply smiled at him and took a deep breath when we arrived at the club to meet our next target. Silas Victor

Lucas went inside first, and I waited about twenty minutes before entering. I put a cigarette on my lips and took a long puff. I scoff at myself and go inside with a wide grin.

The security guard checks my ID, and I walk inside feeling powerful and confident. The air is filled with the smell of cigarettes, drugs, and money. Perfect

As I walked through the dimly lit pub, I couldn't help but notice a group of men nodding across the room. There was electricity in the air, an unsaid understanding that hung between us like a quiet agreement.

In that moment, I understood exactly what was required of me. With a flick of my wrist, I dropped my half-smoked cigarette, allowing it to fall to the floor with a muffled hiss. It was a modest but significant gesture, indicating my readiness to participate in whatever game was being secretly choreographed.

I sit on the stool. A shot of Martini Extra Gin, I say. "Take it slow, baby girl; you are here for a purpose, not a night out," the bartender says to me.

''I need to get in the mood,' I told the bartender; it was Lucas acting as the bartender.

''Of course, you do; you remember the plan, right?'' he asked as he poured me a drink.

''There's nothing this girl can't remember; simple seduction is simple, and where is my baby boy anyway?'' I stated that I was leaning forward.

''The man is in his forties; I don't know much about baby boy Ruth; it's eight o'clock,'' he chuckled, setting my drink down.

I gulped my drink and smirked at Lucas before looking over at that man's side, where, to my surprise, he was already looking at me.

That man was playing a game of poker; there were bodyguards around him and many girls on that table all over him.

I turn around to face him, and he raises his glass of beer in a toast, while I ruffle my hair and raise my empty glass in unison.

One of his bodyguards came towards me and said, "Miss, our boss is calling you". He whispered in my ear.

"Why doesn't he gather up the guts and ask me himself?'' I asked the bodyguard with a sweet smile.

'' That is for you to discover on your own, he sneered at me.

''Oh, I will. I chuckled at him and walked towards him. That man shoves the girls off him and looks at me. He licked his lips and looked at me from head to toe. Disgusting.

He put a cigar in his mouth, and now every man's eyes were on me. I personally enjoyed the attention. I sat next to my target, and he put my leg over his. I would have stabbed him the second he touched me, but I have to control myself for exactly fifteen minutes.

What a beauty, he said as he touched my face with his hand.

I chuckled and faked a smile. I can say the same'', I said as I took the cigar out of his mouth and smoked it.

The other men around the table groaned and cursed each other as he smirked and threw three ace cards to win the game.

''Congratulations, Tiger,'' I said, as he stood up and gently dragged me away from that table.

''Thank you, doll; you're a charm, he said as he pinned me to a wall. He cupped my face in his hands and took a step back to check me out again.

'' Well, why don't we go celebrate?'' I took a quick glance at Lucas, who pointed at his watch. I knew it was getting late.

''I would love to; where would my doll like to go? he said, taking a step closer.

Oh, just follow me. I brushed my hands on his chest and walked away from him, making my way to the exit.

Oh, an alley; you like to play in the streets, huh?'' he yelled and laughed as he went outside.

Oh, I love it in the streets; it gives the perfect vibe for everything. I winked at him.

The man's eyes widened in shock as he realized his grave mistake. His grip on my hand faltered, and I seized the opportunity to retaliate. With swift precision, I drew forth the concealed blade from within the folds of my clothing, its cold steel glinting ominously in the dim light of the room.

He recoiled as the tip of the knife grazed his stomach, a sudden fear flickering across his face like a fleeting shadow. His actions had consequences, and now he was about to face them head-on.

"Didn't anyone tell you not to touch a woman without her consent?" I hissed, my voice laced with a righteous fury that burned hotter than the flames of vengeance. Each word dripped with the weight of centuries of oppression, a reminder that my body was not his to command.

As the sharp edge of the blade pressed against his flesh, a shiver ran down his spine, a premonition of the pain to come. But it was too late for remorse, too late for redemption. He had crossed a line that could never be uncrossed, and now he would pay the price.

He groaned. "Oh, you little bitch!'' he exclaimed, taking out his gun, but I kicked him in the wound, causing him to fall. It took his gun to shoot six bullets into his body.

I shrugged and texted Lucas one word: done.

I walked out of the alley and took an Uber back to my apartment. My hands were still covered in that man's blood, and it drove chills down my spine just to think about that scene again.

I looked out the window and rubbed my finger lightly on the scar on my lips. My body started to shake slightly, and somehow the night seemed even darker than it did before.

You must be thinking about how I ended up as an assassin in the first place. Well, let's travel back in time.

Five YEARS ago

I was coming home from high school i was about 17 I believe and; it was mid-September, I had just gotten done with my exams and had a terrible day. My body was shivering, and I had no words for how to tell my parents what I had just experienced. I rang the bell, but no one opened the door.

Maybe they weren't opening the door because they got a call from the principal. God, I was about to tell them anyway.

I knocked several times at the door, but no one answered. I called them many times and texted Mom that I was sorry for dropping out, but she didn't respond.

A tall man in a formal black suit opened the door. I came inside and saw my parent's bodies on the floor. Blood was everywhere on the floor

My parents lay lifeless on the floor, their bodies contorted in unnatural angles, surrounded by a pool of crimson. Blood stained the pristine tiles, a stark contrast to the warmth and laughter that once filled our home.

Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision as I stumbled forward. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat a painful reminder of the nightmare unfolding before me. I fell to my knees beside my beloved parents, reaching out to touch their cold, lifeless hands.

A voice, dripping with malice, shattered the silence like a jagged shard of glass. I looked up to see the figure of a man, cloaked in darkness, standing in the corner of the room. His eyes bore into mine with a chilling intensity, sending a shiver down my spine.

"You must be unaware of what happened, darling, so allow me to explain," he sneered, his words dripping with venom. I recoiled in horror, bile rising in my throat at the sight of the monster who had taken everything from me.

"You are a monster!" I cried out, my voice raw with anguish. "For what reason did you murder my parents?"

The man's laughter echoed in the room, a cruel symphony of madness and despair. "Do you think I'm a monster?" he spat, his words like poison on his tongue. "What do you think of your parents, who took my money and squandered it?"

The realisation hit me like a physical blow, knocking the air out of my lungs. I strained to absorb the gravity of his words, the betrayal burning like a fire inside my chest.

"And now you're going to pay their debt," he declared, his voice laced with cold determination.

I staggered to my feet, my mind reeling with disbelief. Before I could protest, two shadowy figures emerged from the darkness, their hands like vices around my arms. I screamed and struggled against their grasp, but it was futile.

As they dragged me away, the last thing I saw was our home engulfed in flames, the flames dancing like demons in the night. My parents' bodies were consumed by the inferno, their cries of agony echoing in my ears.

A part of me died that day, consumed by the flames of hatred and despair. But amidst the ashes of my shattered world, a spark of defiance ignited within me, a determination to seek justice for the ones I loved and lost.

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