Free Ocean Kills (Ocean Breeze) by Jade Hart Page A

doors pinged open to a gaudy, over-the-top office with black veined marble on every surface.
    Behind a shiny desk sat a primped, youngish receptionist that was fake everything. Eyelashes, boobs, lips. Botoxed to the max. She screamed tackiness—exactly like the office space. “I'm here to see Atsu Bazeer,” I said, walking toward her with a sashay I'd perfected.
    “And you are?”
    “His newest money-maker.” I winked.
    “There is no mention of an appointment for today. Your name?”
    I leaned over the counter, purring, “Ocean. My name is Ocean, and Mr.Bazeer will be so disappointed if you don't allow me to see him.”
    “No, he—”
    “Sandy. I'll see her,” said a gruff voice behind me.
    I tossed my hair, hitting the receptionist in the face, and eyed Atsu Bazeer. I uncurled from the desk and cocked my hip. “Good choice, Mr. Bazeer.”
    His eyes widened as he licked his lips.
    Gross son of a bitch. I plastered my smile to high wattage and beamed. This was my only chance to come across as a savvy woman who begged for sex. Guaranteed to capture his attention from the research I'd conducted.
    “Follow me, miss.”
    Got him. Thank God for that. Thembi. I'm coming.
    The door slammed closed behind us. I jumped despite myself, but covered it up with a theatrical stretch, making sure Bazeer noticed.
    His eyes were calculating as he prowled to his desk. He wasn't as tall as the online photos suggested, but he was lethal. I didn't have to read body language to know—one slip and I’d end up dinner for hyenas.
    Once seated, Mr. Bazeer stared at me. His pastel green suit was radiant against his ebony skin.
    True to his vain nature, there were a multitude of mirrors of every size hanging behind him. Each one captured my every move. My every twitch. My heart rate picked up and a heavy pulsing headache warned me to be careful.
    Adjusting his cuff links, he asked, “What is it that you want?” His Afrikaans accent was strong, his voice a rumble.
    Don't screw this up, Ocean. “I want what you want.” I cocked my hip in a seductive pose, but without over doing it. My act was to be sexy, strong. Not slutty and sloppy.
    His eyebrow rose, while a sharp gaze dropped to my jeans. I resisted the urge to shudder as his eyes snaked over my figure. I smiled instead. A memory of Callan Bliss appeared, unsettling me. He didn’t look at me like Bazeer did. 
    “And what is that, pretty little girl?”
    “You want to make money. I want to make money. I'm a specialist in grooming young women for—” I coughed pointedly. I didn't want him to miss this. “Let's just say. . . new ownership.”
    He froze, and his hand disappeared into a drawer. Was he reaching for a gun? His eyes narrowed, glinting with evil. “Go on. I'm listening.”
    “I've come to gain employment. I can guarantee you won't regret it.”
    His eyes slithered over my body again, stroking his chin with the hand not in the drawer. What was in there?
    This man was a loathsome reptile. Repulsive. My fingers itched to reach for one of my knives. I didn't need proof to know poison lurked in his veins. I’d take pleasure in ridding the world of him.
    Bazeer smiled a cold smile. “How did you find me? I don't just hire anyone, you know. What are your credentials?”
    With each word he spoke, I wanted to scream and launch myself across his desk and stab him till he told me where Thembi was. Swallowing my thoughts, I took a step closer. “I assure you, I’m qualified.” And don't pretend you aren't interested, you bastard, because you are. “I know you were business partners with Mr. Suaziki.” I used my trump card. My past of hunting malevolent assholes allowed me a wealth of information.
    Bazeer stiffened, but a new interest glimmered in his eyes.
    “I was a trusted member of his. . . staff,” I murmured, allowing Bazeer to draw his own conclusions. I killed Mr. Suaziki a few years ago for trafficking, raping, and killing women. I knew his sick tastes and had no