Carmen looks far too smug as he looks Everest in the eyes. You’re stood behind him, a pair of padded cuffs on your wrists as he straightens his back, confident. Amused. Calm. He stands before her like a jackal in front of a wolf, laughing.

After all, his bait had worked, hadn’t it? Far better than he had expected. Just the night after the night he kidnapped you, Everest and her goons were out, sniffing in his territory and looking for you. It didn’t take long for her to find him and you together, his arm wrapped around your shoulder like you two were buddies of some kind.

“Ah, Ms. Desai! Good to see you again.” Carmen lets a little laugh slip into his voice as he pulls you just the slightest closer to his back. “Misplace something?” He jokes, tilting his head and slightly narrowing his eyes.

“Enough with your games, Carmen.” Everest snaps out, glancing over at you before looking back at him. “I’m not looking to fight if I don’t have to. Just give me the माणिक-”

“Oh, your partner? Your sweet ruby? Your treasure?” Carmen questions mockingly, stepping a bit further, his voice a bit harsher. “I’m going to have to say no, Everest.”

Everest narrows her eyes, glaring over at him and crossing her arms, the thugs beside her straightening, hands going to their belts. “You… misunderstand our relationship.” She replies flatly, glancing back to you, then him. “Regardless, I need them back.”

“And I said no.” He repeated, eyes flicking around the cold warehouse to lock eyes with his own group, hiding in the shadows. “You know, I was a little hurt, smelling you on such a cute thing. I thought we had something special.” Everest glares back at him for the implication.

“What would you want from me, in exchange for the prisoner?” She finally snaps out.