Chapter 1
First chapter of Alexa and Yassen's meeting is strange and familiar.
Alexandra Joan Rider was finished. She was so finished.
She was the only one in the cafeteria. James and Kyra were still trying to find a way out of this death trap and all the "drones" were hopefully somewhere else. Up until now, she realized how much she hated being dragged into this mission in the first place. Her uncle, Ian, died Alan Blunt's man and how was he repaid? With hurt, discomfort and betrayal. The arse who had killed her uncle was still out there and these nimrods at this stupid academy had to know something.
Oh, Alex hated keeping this bottled up and not having anyone to share her problems with. In addition to that, she hated lying to James and Kyra. She just wanted to tell them why she was there, but Alex knew that they would not be happy with her and probably turn on her when they had the chance. She hoped they could leave soon because she was tired of Blanc Academy. Honestly, what were Mrs. Jones and Blunt thinking? She’s not cut out for this.
Sighing as soon as the lights turned off, Alex took her tray and threw it on the rack before she quickly left the room, hoping to see where James and Kyra were at finding those missing children.
Yassen Gregorovich, a man who displayed an unwavering facade devoid of any hint of regret for his actions, or so it seemed. Deep down, the weight of the Rider family's influence weighed heavily on him, particularly the tragic incident involving the demise of Ian Rider at his hands. The photograph he had provided to Dr. Grief, featuring "Alexandra Friend" and a young boy named Tom Harris, left him questioning the nature of their relationship. Nevertheless, he made a conscious effort to shield his emotions, a skill honed over years of dangerous missions and encounters. Ever since the day John Rider had saved his life from a notorious black-market arms dealer, Yassen had learned that emotional attachments were a liability in his line of work. This pivotal moment, etched in his memory from fifteen years past, served as a stark reminder of the necessity to remain detached when navigating his perilous world. As he cautiously turned the corner, little did he anticipate encountering the last person he ever expected to see.
Alex felt a wave of discomfort wash over her as the man's intense gaze scrutinized her. His unsettling eyes lingered, making her skin prickle with unease.
“Can I help you?” she says, not bothering to hold the suspicions out of her voice.
"Alexandra Friend," Yassen said after a moment of silence between the two.
The name was so weird coming out of his mouth because he knew that name was fake. She was Alexandra Rider. The photograph he had acquired from Wilby had not done her justice. In-person, the girl truly did carry her mother's warmth and her father's determination. He could tell. Yassen couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. What was she doing here, and why did he suddenly sense she might be a flight risk? For the first time, he couldn't help but let a small, knowing smirk play at the corners of his lips, an acknowledgment of the intriguing puzzle she presented.
Meanwhile, Alex puzzled over the mysterious man who seemed to know her name, furrowing her brow as she racked her brain for any connection. Though she'd never seen him at the academy, his knowing look made her uneasy, as if he held a piece of her past she couldn't remember.
"Who are you?"
Yassen studied the young girl before him, taking in the familiar features that blended her parents so perfectly. Her father's bright blonde hair and blue eyes were unmistakable, yet the gentle look in he eye, her nose and jawline were undeniably her mother's. This girl was definitely Helen and John Rider's child. No doubt about it.
"Just visiting."
She couldn’t know his story with her father. Not yet.
"Another time, maybe," Yassen said, giving Alexandra a small smile before he turned the other way, leaving the girl completely confused at who that man was.