Zayn’s POV
I watched him wipe the blood off his face, each stroke slow and deliberate, as if he’d done it a thousand times before. I sat still, saying nothing. When his gaze met mine, he smiled—wide, showing every tooth. That smile wasn’t ordinary; it was the kind that made your stomach twist.
For a second, I thought maybe I was the crazy one. But no—my madness only shows when it’s about Alina, when someone tries to take her from me. Banjo, though… he’s something else entirely. A killer.
“Don’t look so shocked,” he said, grinning like he’d just read my thoughts. “I’m a killer. You’ll get used to it.”
My throat tightened. “This isn’t the life I want,” I said flatly. “I can’t get used to this.”
Banjo threw his head back and laughed—a loud, careless sound that echoed in the room.
“You’r
