?Running With Scissors ?

?c h a p t e r 29?

"Samantha Bullard." I put my hand in his.

"Hans Müller." He plants a soft kiss on the underside of my wrist. "May I ask what such a beautiful blume is doing unaccompanied?"

"Tell him you're looking for Don. If Zaria did her job right, he'll be expecting you." Nate tells me right after having Nick run a check on him. It was just in time too because I was starting to get nervous.

"Searching for my date. Have you happened to see Director Handle?"

An unhappy expression came over his face as he offers me his arm. "Donovan is a colleague of mine. I can take you to him, Fräulein."

"Walk slowly. We still need to identify a hunter."

Hans walks us around, occasionally offering me an appetizer which I eagerly take. Every tray holds a unique trinket, each one tastier than the last. I roll my eyes back particularly enjoying the spicy California spring roll.

"Never have I seen a woman appreciate food as much as you."

Crap!

He's right, rich fancy people would probably turn their noses up and find some fault in them.

My face reddens and Hans laughs.

"Do not be afraid my Blume, I am finding your enjoyment fascinating."

I grab a flute of champagne and take a big swig of the sweet juice to gain a little more bravery. He continues to watch me as I grab at the various food options as we walk towards the staircase and laugh at my reactions.

"Constance, slightly turn left. The computer got a 79% match on a blurry face."

I turn left pretending to look for another server with food. I don't know who the computer is looking for but my breasts do so I point them that direction. My earpiece bings signaling a match has been made but who, I dont know. Every face looks like they belong, no-one stands out. I guess thats why the hunters are who they are.

"Perfect! Constance, go ahead and let this fellow lead you to Handle. I'm about to alert the hunter to Luca's presence."

Hans is watching me look around and when I return my attention to him he smiles. "You are very beautiful, did you know that?"

"Um, no. . ."

His arm wraps around me as he leads me up the stairs. Once we reach the top, Hans brings his face down to mine and whispers. "I know Donovan is my associate but if he... fails to please you in any way, I will gladly remidy that, Miss Bullard."

I try not to blush but my cheeks betray me. It's not that I like Hans, I just find it difficult to take compliments. "Oh."

His smile reaches his eyes. If I didn't know better, I probably would trust him just by the way he carries himself. However, being around spys, agents and hunters puts me on edge. Hans nods to guards as we pass by and when one of them looks away I notice a familiar tattoo on his neck. A snake wrapped around a dying world. DeLeon's gang.

I badly want to tell Luca but I know I can't. Nate told me exactly how difficult this mission would be and how I have to act. To stray from it will mean death to both Luca and me.

Hans leads me down the longest hallway I've ever seen to a large oak door. He knocks twice.

"Enter."

My heart is thumping against my ribcage and my palms are beginning to sweat. I take a few subtle deep breaths and wipe my hands on my dress as my escort opens the door.