The neon snake sign of the Serpiente casino coiled and uncoiled above the Bangkok rain. Inside, the air was thick with jasmine smoke and bad intentions. Kandy didn’t breathe it in. Kandy tasted it—like old silver and betrayal.
The tuk-tuk vanished into the wet, electric glow of the city. Somewhere behind her, a casino alarm began to wail. Kandy didn’t look back. That was her secret weapon—not the speed, not the sapphires, not even the kicks. The neon snake sign of the Serpiente casino
“I think I haven’t broken a sweat,” Kandy said. “And these are Manolos.” Kandy tasted it—like old silver and betrayal
He lunged—not with fists, but with a neuro-toxin spat from a gland in his throat. Kandy twisted. The venom sizzled past her ear. In the same motion, she chambered her right leg and unleashed her signature move: the Hi Kix Kick Ass —a question-mark kick that started low, then snapped over his guard and smashed into his temple. Kandy didn’t look back
She smiled. “I’m dressed for a photoshoot . The fight is just cardio.”
“Kandy,” he hissed. “You’re not dressed for a fight.”
“Serpien is sleeping,” she said. “Drive retrieved. And tell wardrobe I need new heels. These have blood on them.”