Chapter 16

Miles' POV

"Rise and shine, my little starlet," I purred from the shadows as the warehouse door creaked open. "It's time to put those much-vaunted talents of yours to the ultimate proving ground."

Hailey started like a spooked fawn, eyes wide and bloodshot from what was doubtless a sleepless night.

Good - let the anxiety fester and gnaw at her wits ahead of the torments to come. A tree is always more satisfying to fell when it's already off-balance.

"Wh-what is all this?" she managed in a tiny voice, watching Igor set up an array of lighting, cameras, and sound equipment with ominous efficiency.

Sauntering over, I traced the line of her jaw with one knuckle, feeling her instinctive flinch at my proximity. "Why, just a few... audition scenarios I've arranged to truly put your skills through their paces. You did insist on being considered a professional, after all. What better way than to subject you to a professional's gauntlet?"

H