Kabir pressed his body against Zaya, who stiffened in response. "I know your game, Zaya. You play people for your own gain. Well, you can't play me," he growled.
Zaya pushed him away, her voice hard as steel. "I don't intend to. Now, get the fuck away from me."
Kabir froze, stunned by Zaya's unexpected defiance. She never swore, never pushed back. But the look in her eyes was unreadable, full of some hidden mixture of irritation, disdain, disappointment, and detachment.
Kabir's jaw tightened. He wasn't used to not having control, to not being the one to strike fear in the hearts of those around him.
But Zaya, standing there, calm and unafraid, shattered his illusion of power.
"What do you think you're doing?" Kabir demanded, his voice low and dangerous.
Zaya stared back at him, her expression unchanging. "I'm leaving," she said flatly.
