Assassins at Your Service : The Bartender

PROLOGUE

The rain hammered against the window, filling the quiet room with its steady rhythm. He sat there, alone, staring out into the storm. They called him Thadjie now, but in his old life, he had carried many names. After his last mission got messy, they had given him no choice but to disappear.

The decision hadn't sat well with him. He was a man of action, not one to fade into obscurity. But orders were orders, and disobeying them wasn't an option. With a new identity, and the vague instructions to blend in, he had landed a bartending job at a local dive. It wasn't exciting, but it passed the time. Pouring drinks, wiping counters, small talk-it was all dull, but it kept him in the shadows.

Tonight, though, was quieter than most. The bar was nearly empty, the streets outside drenched and desolate under the downpour. Thadjie cleaned a glass out of habit, eyes flicking toward the door just as it creaked open.A girl stumbled inside, soaking wet, her hoodie pulled tight over her head. Her hair was sticking to her face, drenched from the downpour. She took a shaky step, then another, before her legs gave out. Thadjie moved quickly, catching her as she fell through the doorway.

Their eyes locked for a moment. She was trembling, barely holding herself up. His instincts kicked in-his hand hovered near the hidden blade tucked under his jacket. If she recognized him... if she knew who he really was... he might have to act.

But before he could make a decision, her voice broke the silence.

"I know you," she whispered, her eyes searching his face.Thadjie's mind raced-did she know the truth? Was she sent for him? His thoughts screamed, Kill her.

But then, she smiled faintly and said something that left him frozen in place."You're my future husband."

For a second, he didn't know how to react. He stared at her, dumbfounded, as her hoodie slipped back, revealing a streak of blue dye in her hair, still dripping from the rain. Slowly, his hand brushed his own head. Beneath his fingers, he felt it too-the same streak of blue dye.