It didn’t take long. He leaned against a rail in the center, one hand warming in his pocket, the other on the coffee. He switched hands periodically to avoid burns from the hot cup.
Footsteps jogged up the ramp. Could be anyone.
Fuck. He wasn’t just paranoid. Cole swallowed the cuss, masked his fury, and smiled like they were old pals. Close enough, anyway.
As Guillaume neared, Cole said, “Fancy seeing you here. Amazing coincidence.”
“My thoughts exactly.” Guillaume’s voice was harsh, garbled.
Cole didn’t hide the smirk, knowing he’d done that. “Why Guillaume, you sound… hoarse.”
“Fuck you.” Guillaume didn’t mess around, getting right to the point.
Under the loose sweatshirt, Cole knew there were arms that could crush a walnut with his bicep and a fist that could shatter a brick. The concussion still blurred his mind when he watched a movie or played on his phone for too long.
Guillaume’s raspy voice rattled as he stalked close, fists clenched and ready to knock him out. Again. “You have two choices. I kill you now, and we make headlines in this sweet little town. Or, you come quietly with me.”
“Come on,” Cole said, choking on a breath and shaking his head. “If you’re looking for an eye for an eye, we’ve nailed that. No vengeance due.”
“I am satisfied with my revenge, but it is my employer who would like a word with you.”
“I’m out of the game. Quit. As civilian as it gets.Myemployer has my complete reports, and they can choose to use those however the fuck they want. Honestly, I’m surprised you’re not all fighting extradition right now. If you’re looking to silence me, it’s too late. Debriefing done, reports filed. I have no secrets anymore. Go after my employer.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“Of course it is. I was a tool, just as you are. I’m out. I don’t give a fuck about your boss or her secrets, and there is nothing she could possibly want from me.”
“As you say, we are nothing but tools at their disposal. Personally, I have no beef with you. I am here to return with your head. It’s up to you if it’s still attached to your body.”
Cole pushed off the pole, stepping close but keeping enough distance while he gave his target one last chance. “I said, I quit. Now fuck off so I can enjoy my vacation.” He held his arms out, presenting his complete innocence and disinterest.
Guillaume crossed quick for a guy who’d had his knee shot out not too long ago, but Cole supposed he’d come a long way, too.
Patience. Timing. Cole waited.
Guillaume didn’t depend solely on his beefcake bod. At the last second, Guillaume juked and came in from the back instead.
Cole ducked and turned. This was going to hurt. He winced, anticipating the pain as he slammed his hot cup into Guillaume’s face, liquid splashing over his own hand in the process. Could have gone for the throw, but he wanted maximum burn.
Guillaume cried out and pressed his hands to his eyes.
Next time, Cole would have to ask for it straight-up boiling in a thermal mug.
The surprise had bought him half a second. He used the distraction and nailed a closed-fist punch to the nose.
He flinched and shook off the pain, before quickly shifting and grabbing Guillaume by the hair and slamming the asshole’s face into his knee.
Not giving him an inch, Cole stayed on the offensive. His shoulder throbbed, pushing past what his physical therapist would approve of.
Guillaume howled and teetered to stay standing.
If Cole hesitated, he’d be unconscious and in the back of a trunk in seconds. He rotated. Smashed elbow into nose.
Blood already pooling at the base of his nostril, Guillaume moved to protect his injured face.
No mercy, Cole shoved his thumb into Guillaume’s eye socket.
Loud enough to echo off the concrete of the garage, Guillaume cried out.
