Apocalypse Queen: My Space, My Rules Chapter 29: I Won't Tell Anyone

Chandler calmly swept his gaze across the now-empty room, his tone steady. "I saw you go downstairs, so I followed you. I wanted you to check the soundproofing on the diesel generator."

Diesel generator?

That was when Mariella remembered the task she had given him. It also reminded her that every assignment she had handed him had been completed perfectly, including the modified nail gun.

The grip of her fingers around his neck loosened slightly, but her guard stayed up. "What exactly did you see?"

Chandler answered, "I heard Lucky barking in the storage room, so I came over and knocked. There was no response from you. He kept barking, and I was worried something had happened, so I picked the lock."

Mariella's pupils tightened, sharp as blades, as they fixed on him. "So... what did you see?"

Chandler met her gaze without avoiding it. "You have an ability."

Mariella froze.

He was so damn direct that she didn't even know how to respond.

"There were that many supplies in the storage room, including a diesel drum weighing over 2,200 pounds and 200 gas canisters. No one could clear all that out in an instant without a trace. When I opened the door, I only saw Lucky. You were gone, too." Chandler paused, his voice lowering. "You have another storage space, don't you?"

It was the only explanation that made sense.

Mariella's eyes darkened. "That's my secret. I don't want anyone to know."

"I didn't tell anyone." Chandler paused, then looked straight into her eyes. "Are you going to kill me to keep me quiet?"

Mariella didn't respond.

She had never fought Chandler, but she had seen him in action.

He was an extremely skilled fighter, and he was fast with a gun too.

If they went head-to-head, she wasn't certain she would win.

After a moment of thought, she said coldly, "Unless you swear you'll never reveal my secret. If you do, I have ways to make sure you never speak again."

Chandler didn't hesitate. "I swear I won't tell anyone your secret, unless you plan to kill me."

Then he turned the pressure back on her. "If you try to silence me, I'll make sure your secret gets out before I die."

So he wasn't someone who let himself be pushed around.

Mariella believed his threat wasn't empty bluff. He had the guts and the ability to back it up.

She released his neck and lightly patted his shoulder, forcing out a small smile. "As long as you don't betray me, I won't treat you badly. I'll keep putting you in important roles. To be honest, the apocalypse is coming..."

Chandler fell silent.

Not only was she secretive, but she was starting to sound a little unhinged.

Mariella went on, saying all kinds of persuasive things, then added with confidence, "Stick with me, and I guarantee you'll have everything after in the apocalyse! Food, booze, girls, you name it!"

Chandler finally cut in, "Can you... let go of me first?"

That was when Mariella realized that most of her body was still pressed against him. She had been so tense that she hadn't even noticed.

Her movements earlier had been a little too rough. Several buttons on her pajama collar had come undone, exposing a large stretch of skin.

It was the peak of summer. Through the thin fabric, she could clearly feel his body heat and catch his scent.

Thinking about how she had pinned him like this, threatened him, and then talked to him seriously the whole time, she felt like her brain short-circuited.

Mariella quickly stepped back and fumbled to fasten her buttons.

Chandler turned his head away, but the tips of his ears were already red.

Once she fixed her clothes, Mariella looked straight at the tense man and warned, "Watch your mouth. What happened tonight stays here."

"I swear I won't tell anyone, unless you plan to kill me," Chandler repeated, holding firm to his bottom line.

Mariella believed he was a man with principles.

"I'm not going to kill you. The end of the world is coming, and I need capable people. You're useful. Why would I get rid of you?"

Chandler didn't respond.

Here she goes again.

Chandler left the storage room first. Mariella followed shortly after.

Lucky rushed over right away, pressing against her and sniffing her all over. Only after confirming she wasn't hurt did he settle down.

Mariella caught a glimpse of a figure quickly slipping out of sight and called out, "Who's there? Come out!"

Number One stepped out from the corner of the stairs.

Mariella fixed her eyes on him. "What are you doing here?"

Number One glanced between the two of them, then answered, "I wanted to go over tomorrow's training plan with Captain Zimmer."

"He's still busy." Mariella turned him down to keep Chandler. "Go get some rest. We'll talk about it tomorrow."

With that, she gestured to Chandler.

Chandler followed her without a word to the newly set up temporary storage room. He opened the door and stepped inside.

Number One stood there, stunned.