Isa Moirae

Reverence

Under Oath #1

Copyright © 2026 by Isa Moirae

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters, and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or localities is entirely coincidental.

Isa Moirae asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

This is a dark romance containing mature themes, explicit sexual content, strong language, violence, death, weapons, morally grey characters, and other potentially sensitive subject matter. Reader discretion is advised.

First edition

This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy
Find out more at reedsy.com

To anyone who has ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or forgotten.

Remember this: I see you.

I see your strength, your potential, and the

greatness within you, even when no one else does.

You are powerful. You are capable.

You are destined for extraordinary things.

It’s written in the stars.

And even when no one else believes in you, I always will.

Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.

— Albert Einstein

Contents

Acknowledgments

Trigger Warnings

Author’s Note

Playlist

Reverence

Prologue

1. Amala

2. Amala

3. Amala

4. Amala

5. Amala

6. Amala

7. Amala

8. Amala

9. Amala

10. Amala

11. Amala

12. Amala

13. Ares

14. Amala

15. Amala

16. Amala

17. Ares

18. Unknown Entry

19. Amala

20. Ares

21. Ares

22. Ares

23. Ares

24. Amala

25. Ares

26. Unknown Entry

27. Amala

About the Author

Also by Isa Moirae

Acknowledgments

I’m typing this acknowledgment with so many emotions swirling through my mind. I began writing this book in 2023 and when I say these characters have not only etched themselves into my DNA but they’ve really put me through the wringer.

I rewrote their story probably five times, delaying release dates, switching from third person to first person. It’s been a journey but they deserved to have their story crafted with care and patience because their development is so close to my heart.

There were nights where I’d endlessly edit, delete chapters, rewrite chapters, doubt myself, suffered from writers block and imposter syndrome. I even lost progress at one point and needed to push through my mental breakdown to complete this novel.

Now finally, after all the ups and downs. Amala and Ares’ story will be shared with the world. I can’t wait for you to meet them.

Best believe they’re going to stress you out. Upset you. Make you laugh. Make you swoon. In the end though, I hope you’ll love them as much as I do.

Thank you to everyone who’s been supporting me from the start. I appreciate every single one of you. I wouldn’t be here today without you and because of your support, I’ll always continue writing despite those voices in my head that tell me to stop.

Happy reading my lovelies.

With love,

— Isa

Trigger Warnings

Explicit sexual content

Profanity / strong language

Violence

Weapons / firearms

Death / murder

Betrayal

Crime / criminal activity

Jealousy / possessive behavior

Morally grey characters

Author’s Note

Please be advised that this is Part One of a duet and ends on a cliffhanger.

If you prefer to read the complete duet together, you may wish to wait until both parts have been released.

Part Two is currently in the works, with the release date yet to be announced. However, it is expected to be published soon.

Thank you for being on this journey with me. 🖤

Playlist

New Person, Same Old Mistakes - Tame Impala

Take A Slice - Glass Animals

Headlock - Imogen Heap

No Idea - Don Toliver

Hot Body - Ayra Starr

Escapism (Sped Up) - RAYE, 070 Shake

WE ON GO - BIA

Doin’ Time - Lana Del Rey

Listen to the full playlist here.

Reverence

Prologue

The wicked always lingered in the darkness, bleeding into the shadows where an umbra became their home, where they’d often hide from the luminescence.

When they decided to emerge from their hiding places, they’d disguise themselves underneath a pretentious cloak—masking their true intentions, playing everyone around them like a marionette.

Once trust entered the equation, they’d take advantage of the opportunity only to exploit it. Finally letting the mask slip, just enough for you to see their ferocious nature.

Unfortunately, not everyone who encountered wickedness would live to tell the tale, for silence is what protected their secrets, wrongdoings, and sin.

One

Amala

Resentment often tasted bittersweet.

Your mind warned you of the dangers that came with it, a battle between logic and emotion.

Hatred could potentially consume you, control you, or worse, you’d end up becoming the person you hated.

“Why don’t you just tap out already?” Ares asked, tightening his arm around my neck. He held me in a merciless chokehold.

His condescending tone added fuel to the raging inferno that burned inside of my very being.

I held onto his forearm, digging my nails into the skin until they pierced right through.

He grunted and I watched the blood slowly trickle along his flesh, the crimson liquid seemed like a fitting representation of my abhorrent feelings towards him.

The back of my body was pressed firmly against the front of his. His large frame felt rock solid. “No.” I practically wheezed.

I gritted my teeth, feeling the air slowly escaping my lungs. Asher Braun, our Special Agent in Charge forced us to partner during our sparring sessions. He said he’d keep pairing us until we learnt to cooperate.

If I didn’t escape this manoeuvre, I’d definitely pass out due to the lack of air.

I slipped my left hand underneath his forearm and tightened my hold on the top of it with my right hand.

With all of the strength I could muster, I slowly pried his arm away from my neck and when there was enough space for me to move, I tossed my head back with brutal force.

Based on the sound of his groan and the way his hold faltered I figured I struck him directly against the mouth or nose.

His stance weakened so I flipped him onto his back. The man weighed more than me, so I had to use all of my energy and strength.

He huffed in pain when his body collided with the ground and that’s when I placed my foot on his neck. “You should tap out.” I breathed heavily, my chest rising and falling.

He attempted to remove my foot but I applied more pressure. His glare pierced my soul but I held his gaze.

Combat practice was now officially my favorite activity. He clenched his jaw, nearly crushing my foot with his unrelenting hold on it but I refused to show him any mercy.

He used his left hand, tapping the grey mat underneath him thrice. “Fine. I fucking tap.” He groaned and that’s when I slowly removed my foot from his throat.

He quickly sat up, rubbing the affected area.

If looks could kill I’d be six feet under due to his venomous gaze but he’d be buried right beside me as I glared at him.

I folded my arms across my chest, rolling my eyes. With swift movements he rose to his feet, his biceps flexing as he moved.

This was the first time I caught a glimpse of the tattoo covering the entirety of his right arm because whilst on duty he always wore long-sleeved shirts or jackets.

“You’re always under the impression that you’ve got the advantage but in the end I’ll always reign victorious, Valiente.”

He stepped forward, towering over me.

Despite his height and body mass I wasn’t easily intimidated, especially not by him. I stood my ground, refusing to falter.

He repulsed me but I didn’t want to give him the impression that his presence affected me in the slightest because it sure as hell did not.

“You’re only victorious because I surrendered.” he scoffed, slamming his bicep against my shoulder as he passed by.

I still stood in the same spot, unmoving. “Oh please.” I sneered. “Sore fucking loser,” I muttered under my breath.

I didn’t look back to see his reaction or wait to hear his response.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get far because there was a tight grip on my ponytail and my head was tugged back forcefully.

On instinct, I grabbed his hand but that’s when he pulled me closer by my hair and I hissed.

He was quick, too fucking quick, and before I could process the drastic change in dynamics he held both arms tightly behind my back with one hand and used his free hand to grip my ponytail again.

“Repeat that,” he said calmly, the undertone almost menacing. When I didn’t respond he tugged my hair even harder and a sharp pain seared through my scalp.

“If you don’t release me, I’ll—”

“You’ll what?” he mocked. “Maybe this will teach you to stop running your mouth.” He leaned in, talking directly into my ear. I shuddered at the proximity. “You were just boasting, so show me what you’ve got, Rivera. Escape this simple manoeuvre.”

I hated him. I loathed him. I wouldn’t allow him or any other man for that matter, to belittle me.

Women in the FBI were always seen as less than, never respected, never treated equally.

He tugged my hair again and I groaned softly.

His hold was once again unrelenting. I stepped on his foot, then used my heel to kick him against the shin. He muttered a throaty fuck in my ear and my body tingled.

Something about seeing a man—no, something about seeing Ares in pain brought me immense pleasure. “That’s your plan?” he tightened his grip. “You’re playing dirty?”

“There are no rules when you need to defend yourself from potential harm,” I repeated the action, kicking him harder than before.

“Fucking brat.”

With the last blow, he shifted his leg and that’s when I made my move. I pulled hard, managing to free one arm and elbowed him in the abdomen.

This easily allowed me to pull my other arm free and I immediately gave a high kick, aiming for his head.

He blocked the action and grabbed my ankle but I used his hold as leverage, clutching onto the back of his neck.

There it was.

That look in his eyes.

It was quick but I saw it and for a brief moment his grip loosened. I quickly lowered my leg and used the other to knee him in the left rib.

“Shit.”

He stumbled backward, but effortlessly regained his balance. “You really are dirty as fuck when it comes to combat, aren’t you?”

He asked rhetorically, holding the spot I landed my blow.

I moved back, creating space between us. “Is it dirty or am I just better than you?”

“Better than me?” He laughed humorlessly. “High hopes. Overambitious. Overly confident.” He slowly walked toward me. “That’s what you are.”

I stood my ground. “Arrogant. Brazen. Insolent.” I retorted. “That’s what you are.” He stopped in front of me, towering over me again.

I craned my neck, glaring at him. I wanted to wipe that smug look off his face and I nearly followed through with my inner thoughts.

“Ask me if I give a fuck about what you think of me?”

“I would but I don’t care about anything you have to say.” I spat, turning around swiftly.

Within seconds he grabbed my ponytail again, tugging me back. However, this time his grip was gentle but firm.

“One day that smart mouth of yours will land you in some serious trouble, bruja.” I spun around, forcefully pulling his hand away from my hair.

“People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.” He pushed me away, making me stumble backward. “Did I strike a nerve?”

His blank expression faltered for a split second, anger brewing in his eyes.

He glanced at me for a few seconds, swiping his thumb across his bottom lip. “No.”

He laughed humorlessly. “When are you going to realise that your words mean nothing to me, Rivera?” He didn’t hesitate to exit the training area, slamming the door shut behind him.

I released a heavy sigh, envisioning myself slamming that door against his skull repeatedly.

Two

Amala

“Nicolas and Mariana, you two will handle the kidnapping case in Icarus, Kayden and Trevor will be in charge of the cybersecurity breach in Lacrimosa, Amala and Ares will be on administrative duty.”

My eyes snapped to Asher’s but I remained silent, observing him from the back of the room.

I bit my tongue, I couldn’t afford to be classified as insubordinate.

Ares’ frown deepened and that’s one thing that filled me with immense satisfaction. His demise happened to bring me feelings of blissfulness.

I blinked slowly, dissociating from the meeting. A bad habit that I couldn’t seem to break.

Administration didn’t require my full attention, unless there was important documentation that was unsupervised which was highly unlikely.

“Yes, Ares,” Asher said, nodding his head to indicate the man could speak.

“Sir, with all due respect,” my eyes shifted to the sound of the voice and I gazed at him with a straight face despite my violent intrusive thoughts towards him. “I don’t understand why I’m being assigned to administration.”

Even though he hadn’t uttered the words, I could immediately sense the incomplete sentence.

He probably wanted to question why we’d been partnered yet again.

“Would you really like to discuss the logistics right now, Valiente?” Nicolas and Kayden looked in their friend’s direction, seemingly aware of the logistics.

“Yes, sir.” he challenged.

The formality added a sense of respect but everyone knew how defensive Ares could become, especially when something didn’t go according to his plan.

Asher stepped forward, holding both hands behind his back.

His demeanor screamed authoritative and the stern facial expression made it clear that he didn’t want to be questioned on his choice of assignment.

“You’re incapable of working as part of a team. You’ve always been a lone wolf—determined to do everything yourself, answer to no one, and operate on your own terms. This position requires the exact opposite.”

Ares’ jaw ticked.

“Until you can prove that you’re capable of working with someone else, you’ll remain in that administration office. And while you’re there, you’ll show me that you can handle something as simple as filing, organising, and completing your assignments alongside your partner.”

Asher never missed the opportunity to rip people to shreds.

“Consider it your chance to prove that you’re more than just a liability when you’re not working alone.”

I huffed in amusement and I noticed Ares visibly tensing.

“If you have any issues with that, you’re welcome to take it up with Stephanie.” The Assistant Special Agent in Charge and the woman who happened to be even stricter than Asher.

“Or you could file a formal complaint and try to get a transfer to another department.”

Silence.

Everybody sat quietly as this scene unfolded.

“Have I made myself clear, Valiente?”

He simply nodded, sinking into his seat. When the meeting concluded, Asher told me to hang ten.

Unlike my partner, I didn’t vocalise my dissatisfaction. Especially not in a professional environment.

I bottled everything inside until those ill feelings seeped out of my pores, then I’d consume an endless amount of tea to avoid going into an alcoholic spiral.

“You’re awfully quiet today.” he said whilst gathering the case files that were placed on a nearby desk.

“I didn’t realise I should’ve spoken during that briefing.” his movements ceased as he looked at me.

“Amala.” he sounded like a father figure when he used that tone. “Do you forget that I’ve interrogated criminals before? Even if they don’t confess, their body language and eyes always give them away.”

“Are you saying that I’m a criminal?” I quipped but he looked at me with that blank expression.

“I’m saying that you’re not as subtle as you think.”

I stood up from my seat, tucking both hands into my black cargo pants. “I know you’re not happy about being assigned to work with Ares, but the animosity between you two is almost palpable and I can’t condone that.”

“It won’t affect my ability to do my job or work with him out in the field, if that’s what you’re concerned about, sir.” Asher shook his head, making me clench my jaw.

“I can’t take that chance. If you’re out in the field I can’t afford to have any hostility between my agents. You’re supposed to watch each other’s six. Trust each other. Rely on each other. The slightest hesitation could cost me an agent.”

Arguing with this man would clearly be pointless so I nodded.

Despite my dislike for Ares, I would never be the reason someone else took his life.

If he was going to die, it would be by my hand—and judging by the number of times I’d nearly killed him already, that possibility wasn’t exactly far-fetched.

Not that I’d ever see it through, I refused to have that on my conscience or risk going to prison for a lowly man.

“Okay, understood.” When Asher realised I wasn’t going to discuss this any further he finally dismissed me.

Gabriella and Nicolas glared at each other, whilst I sat quietly and waited for the rest of the group to arrive. “I can’t control who I’m partnered with, Gabriella.” I felt like a child, watching their parents argue.

It wasn’t as awkward but it still made me sink into my seat.

I wasn’t going to get involved. “You could’ve asked Asher to make an exception. I’m sure he would’ve done so, I don’t like Mariana.”

I unlocked my phone, switching from application to application. “Fuck’s sake,” Nicolas huffed. “I’m not doing this with you right now.”

“Of course you’re not,” Gabriella muttered. “That’s what you’ve been doing lately. Diverting the conversation.”

My notes app suddenly became more appealing than usual and I typed my grocery list into it. Trying my utmost best to mind my business.

“Are you serious right now?” Nicolas asked. I didn’t need to look at him to know he was frowning. “Is that what this is about? You’re upset because I don’t want to indulge your arguments?”

“Indulge?” Gabriella asked sarcastically. “Please don’t make me laugh, Nicolas.”

Where the hell was Kehlani when I needed her?

“Amala, please correct me if I’m wrong but did Mariana not throw herself at him just a few months ago?”

Shit.

My gaze shifted from him to her, forcing me between a rock and a hard place.

In the midst of responding, Kehlani, Kayden, and Ares approached the table—easing the tension and saving me from the potential involvement.

Nicolas eyed her before saying. “We’ll continue this later.”

Gabriella scoffed and focused her attention on everyone else.

She plastered a smile on her face and I released a soft sigh of relief.

I greeted everyone except Ares and sat back down. Luckily the restaurant wasn’t crowded and we managed to secure a booth—which provided a sense of privacy.

The guys were having a conversation and Gabriella pulled us along with her to the restroom.

According to the waitress, our food would be ready in approximately fifteen minutes to twenty minutes.

Giving us enough time to calm Gabriella down. “He’s infuriating. If the roles were reversed he would’ve forced me to work with someone else.”

“According to Kayden, Asher can be extremely intimidating and stern. So I understand his point of view but I also get where you’re coming from babe.” Kehlani reassured. “Amala, what’s your take on this? Do you think Nicolas could perhaps request to be partnered with someone else?”

I leaned against the sink, one foot in front of the other. “It’s possible,” I said. “Depending on the reasoning but Braun’s not the easiest to sway. If anything, he’ll force Nicolas to work with her on every case. He’s spiteful at times. To teach us a lesson.”

Gabs sighed, coming to stand next to me. “Perhaps I’m overreacting.”

Kehlani and I looked at each other briefly. “No, you’re not. You have every right to feel that way given the circumstances.” I fixed her curls.

“What I will say though, is that Nicolas loves you, more than anything. He’d go to war for you, so I know he won’t do anything to jeopardise your relationship and you’ve got me. I’ll keep an eye on, Mariana. If she steps out of line, I’ll be there.”

My last sentence made her laugh and she smiled, showcasing those cute dimples. “I love the two of you. Thank you for letting me crash out.”

“Babe, we’ve got you.” Kehlani pinched her cheek. “We don’t tolerate nonsense. Especially, Amala.” I nodded while chuckling, pointing at her in agreement.

A few minutes later we returned to our table and luckily for us, our food arrived and still happened to be piping hot. Ares sat beside me, making me internally cringe.

My gaze landed on Gabriella and Nicolas. He leaned closer, whispering something in her ear.

She gave him a small smile, his plan must’ve been working. “Do you trust me?” Was the last thing I heard him ask before Ares’ voice cut through the air.

“Could you pass me the salt?”

My fork stopped midair and I turned to look at him, his eyes already trained on me.

I didn’t react or move, causing him to frown. “Did you forget your manners at home?” I asked. “Oh, wait. You don’t have any.”

“What would you know about manners?” He retorted. “The salt.”

I pushed the fork into my mouth, chewing my pasta slowly—ignoring him once more.

“No,” I said firmly after I swallowed my food.

“Why are you like this?” His voice was laced with irritation. “Am I supposed to hover across the table? It’s right there.”

“All you have to do is ask nicely.” I taunted. “It’s really not that hard. Could you please pass me the salt, Amala?” I grabbed the shaker, bringing it closer. “I know you can do it.”

He narrowed his eyes, smiling at me in a sadistic manner. “Could you please pass me the salt,” He paused. “Bruja.”

He added softly making me laugh humorlessly, while I handed the shaker to him.

He grabbed it from my grasp, slamming it onto the table after use.

Everyone’s head snapped in his direction and I licked my lips to hide my amusement.

“You good man?” Kayden asked, patting his shoulder.

“Never been better.” He answered sarcastically and I laughed softly, feeling triumphant after witnessing his annoyed state.

Three

Amala

Every woman in this building seemed to be under hypnosis, yet Ares referred to me as the witch.

They were drawn to him like a moth to a flame, inevitably leading themselves to a burning death.

Now that we spent our time in the administration office, every other female agent would surprisingly require administrative support and they’d obviously flock to him.

“Thank you, Valiente.” Mariana grasped his bicep, giggling like a schoolgirl. “Now that you’re here, I’ll finally finish all of my paperwork.”

I could see everything from my peripheral vision and continued typing.

I rolled my eyes at the interaction, wondering why the women were blind to his pathetic antics.

“I’m happy to help.”

Lord have mercy.

When their conversation eventually ended after what felt like an eternity, she reluctantly left the office but said she’d be back later.

The reasoning behind her wanting to return was beyond me because I zoned out.

“Is this what working with you is going to be like?” The sound of my typing on the flat keyboard suddenly turned into background noise when I heard Ares’ voice.

I turned to look at him, raising an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”

“I’ve been speaking to you for the past two minutes but you haven’t heard a word I said, have you?” He stepped closer to me, stopping directly in front of me, hovering like an enigma.

I grimaced, pushing my chair back slightly.

“Should I lie to make you feel better or would my honesty suffice?”

In the middle of spinning my chair around so that I could continue with the endless stream of work, Ares placed his hand on the back of it, forcing me to face him once more.

“Funny.” He deadpanned. “Have you completed the time and attendance?”

He still kept the chair in place, his forearm inches away from my head.

“Last time I checked, I report directly to Braun. Has there suddenly been a change in the hierarchy that I’m unaware of?”

He pulled the chair closer and I nearly choked on my saliva. The man was too close for comfort.

“Sometimes I wish I could strangle you.”

“Yeah?” I laughed, feeling somewhat accomplished. “You’re not my type, Ares. Please keep your sexual fantasies to yourself.” I placed my hand on his chest, shoving him away forcefully.

He looked down at where my hand was situated just a few seconds ago and then back up at me. “Obviously I’m not,”

He straightened his back, returning to his desk. “If I had to guess I’d say your type are men who lack a backbone, the ones who allow you to walk all over them. It’s pathetic really.”

“Is that supposed to hurt my feelings?” I blinked slowly. “You’re not wrong, I love men that I can walk like a dog.”

The look on his face nearly made me cackle. A mixture of pure disgust and disappointment.

“Aw.” He muttered sarcastically. “Is that why you dislike me? I obviously don’t fit into that category and you must be a spoiled brat. Accustomed to getting whatever it is your little black heart desires.”

I tossed my head back, clapping my hands while laughing. “I think you might be confused with your career path. You’re a special agent, not a therapist. So your poor attempt at psychoanalysis unfortunately missed the mark.”

With a grimace, I spoke again before he could respond. “I will give you my observation though. You’re a misogynistic bastard who belittles women to make himself feel better about the fact that the very women he constantly criticises, are the ones who could easily run circles around his ass.”

His jaw clenched and his grip tightened around the armrest of his chair.

“You see, Ares, I don’t know who you think you’re dealing with here but you’re never going to get under my skin. You also know absolutely nothing about me. So if you’re trying to insult me, at least do some research.”

The silence that followed swallowed us whole and if a pin dropped, it would’ve sounded like a nuclear bomb. “This is lovely and I hope it stays this way. I dislike you a little less when you’re quiet.”

He glared at me for what felt like a split second before returning to whatever he worked on before the conversation.

“How’s work been?” Kayden asked, trying to hide the amusement that covered his face.

“It’s been great.” I faked a smile. “My partner is simply the best. A real pleasure to work with.” He laughed, leaning back in his seat.

“With that attitude, I’m certain the two of you will get along just fine. Maybe now you can get to know each other.”

My eye twitched, the involuntary bodily response proof of how much I despised that bastard.

“I’d rather die a slow, agonising, painful death.” Kayden’s eyes widened as he stared at me.

“That’s dark.” He frowned. “Okay, tell me why you don’t like him.”

“Didn’t you end up in a boxing match with him? Surely you should know why.”

I held my hands up to gesture that the reason behind my dislike should’ve been obvious.

“We sparred amicably and resolved our differences.”

“Amicably?” I huffed in amusement. “That explains the blow you took to the jaw and the cut he got on his lip, right?”

“We don’t speak of the past, Amala.” He wiggled his finger back and forth. “You and Ares are cute though, if I didn’t know you personally I’d think you’re a couple.”

I sighed. “I’ve had the worst day and you’re only adding to that feeling of negativity.”

“Alright, alright. I’ll stop, something tells me that you’re going to complain to Kehlani and then I’ll be in the dog box for the rest of the week.” I smirked and nodded. “Come on, let’s get lunch. On me.”

“I like the sound of that.” I smiled mischievously.

“Of course you do. My wife wouldn’t be happy if she heard that I upset her best friend.” Vaanya and Trevor, the other analysts who worked with Kayden, followed suit.

“You off to lunch?” Trevor asked and I looked back, nodding.

“Yeah. The two of you going to join?”

“The day I decline the opportunity to eat, everyone needs to investigate my disappearance because I can assure you that wouldn’t be me,” Vaanya answered, making us laugh.

ARES

My wrapped fists collided with the punching bag, over and over.

The sound of my knuckles making contact with the synthetic leather eased my mind and helped with my frustration.

This week tested my limits and if I didn’t release this pent-up energy, I’d explode.

In the past I would’ve resorted to a rough fucking to clear my mind but that hadn’t interested me in the slightest.

Hadn’t interested me for the past few years.

The chain holding the bag rattled as the item moved back and forth, a sickening, repetitive thud filling the air.

Sweat dripped down my forehead and back, my muscles tensing with each movement.

I heard the gym room door open and then close, soft footsteps following before completely stopping.

When I looked to see who entered, of course she stood there.

Scrutinising me with that judgmental stare covered in disdain. I panted softly, continuing with my punches and jabs.

I’d been going at it for the past twenty minutes but the tension in my shoulders still hadn’t dissipated, if anything it felt worse—especially with her a few feet away from me.

“Is that a snake tattooed on your back?”

Sarcasm. “Seems fitting given how conniving you can be.”

With one more hard punch, I turned to face her. “I’m not in the mood, Rivera.”

For the first time, I acknowledged her attire, the workout clothing revealing every dip and curve.

I held eye contact, refusing to focus on her fucking figure.

“I couldn’t care less.” She shook her head, dropping her gym bag onto the floor.

I swallowed hard, watching her perform basic stretches. My blood boiled, her attitude grating at my nerves.

I released a breath, willing myself to remain calm. “I’ve never told you this before,” She looked at me with a curious expression. “But you’re honestly the biggest bitch I’ve ever met.”

She placed her hand on her chest, pouting. “I’m honored, truly I am.”

Normally the nonchalance would upset me but today I’d finally get a reaction out of her and I couldn’t wait to see the look on her face when I did.

Even if it turned out to be subtle, I’d spot it.

“I’ve been trying to figure out why you behave like this. The defiance, the stubborn nature, the urge to taunt people.”

She crossed her legs, cocking her head sideways like a child who heard a fascinating story for the first time. “Then it clicked.” I snapped my fingers. “You’ve got daddy issues.”

Bingo.

There was a brief crack in her stone-cold demeanor.

A flicker of emotion other than annoyance, anger, or cockiness. This meant I successfully clawed under her skin.

I could’ve classified this as an achievement.

The most rewarding aspect of finally seeing someone crack, even the slightest, is the inevitability of them finally breaking and me being the cause of their ruin.

“Someone did their research.” she spoke condescendingly. “How long did it take you to find that information special agent?”

“Not long.” I crossed my arms. “I mean, being the daughter of parents who divorced at such a tender age and being abandoned by your father. That’s rough. If you weren’t such a fucking bitch, perhaps I would’ve sympathised with you.”

She laughed, like the witch she was, clasping her hands together. “Oh, Ares. You almost wounded me.”

She said. “I’ll give you credit where credit is due though. If you weren’t such a bastard, perhaps we could’ve been friends because this moment is just too precious.”

“Do you ever stop talking or do you need to have a lamentable comeback for everything?”

“I know that the women you normally associate yourself with are timid and submissive but that unfortunately isn’t me.” she stood up from the floor. “So to answer your stupid question, I’ll always have a shrewd comeback.”

I removed the wrapping from my fists, trying to ground myself.

The constant back and forth drove me up the damn wall. “I have to hand it to you.”

“Have to hand what to me?” she moved closer, that smug expression plastered on her face.

“You’re good at baiting people.” I tossed the bandage over my shoulder. “And you easily deflect whenever someone reciprocates your taunting.”

“Deflect? That’s not the correct term I’d use because that insinuates that I care enough to change the topic and quite frankly, I don’t.”

“I see.” I closed the distance between us and she looked at me cautiously, tilting her head back slightly. “It’s genuinely beginning to make sense now.”

“I don’t have time for your riddles, Ares. I came here to work out and having a heart-to-heart with you wasn’t on the agenda.”

“Conversation getting too serious now, huh?”

She looked up at me through her long lashes, a few grey tendrils covering the sides of her face.

The heat in this room felt suffocating.

“The closest we’d ever get to having a serious conversation is if one of us were dying and the other was partially responsible for it.”

“Till death do us part.” she rolled her eyes and turned her back to me, walking towards the weightlifting equipment but I followed suit.

“Now we’re getting somewhere.” I smiled.

“Why don’t you grab your belongings and leave?” she wiped down the seat of the leg press machine before sitting. “I’ve seen enough of you in the span of twenty-four hours, to last a lifetime.”

“No, I think I’ll stay.” I folded my arms across my chest and the moment was short-lived, but she eyed my biceps before shaking her head—lying back, lifting both legs and placing her feet firmly against the platform.

“Suit yourself.” she said, holding the handles before pushing the weight up and then slowly bending her knees. “I’ll be sure to tell everyone that you were watching me exercise like a creep.”

She repeated the motion a few times before taking a break and then continuing.

My gaze drifted to the side of her thighs.

Involuntarily, I swallowed hard as a bead of sweat dripped down my temple.

“They’d never believe you.” Maybe I needed to leave. I couldn’t stay here and keep observing this.

“I swear your sole purpose on earth is to torment me.” she released a heavy breath. “Go do something productive with your life.”

“Tormenting you is considered productive.”

She planted her feet onto the floor, sitting up straight to look at me. Her chest heaved as she caught her breath.

Before she could respond a few other agents entered the gym.

Their chatter sounded louder than usual compared to the quiet, tension-filled space I endured a few seconds prior.

She didn’t complete her sentence, didn’t acknowledge me anymore, just walked away to join the others.

Pretending I didn’t exist.

At this point, I didn’t know which was worse.

The ill treatment, the lack of acknowledgment, her walking away in the middle of our conversation or me being concerned about the above to begin with.

Four

Amala

Kehlani and Kayden planned on celebrating their second anniversary in Vista this weekend.

The city held significance to them and they invited all four of us to celebrate with them, which included Ares.

Tragic.

He just needed to steer clear of me and there wouldn’t be any issues. I happily welcomed the overdue break from work and the drastic weather change.

The sun gleamed, warmth seeping into my skin.

Gabriella hooked her arm into mine as we walked behind everyone else. “Did you and Calisto, resolve your differences?”

She laughed softly, her curly hair bouncing. “Yes. For now.” She peered at me. “Our methods to find a resolution were ..”

“Interesting?” I tried to suppress my laughter, quickly catching onto the subliminal message.

“Something like that.” She chuckled. “Nicolas told me the same thing you did but he also reassured me and validated my feelings.”

I smiled at her, genuinely happy that she found a man who allowed her the freedom and safety to express her dissatisfaction.

“You deserve it Gabs. Besides, if he ever hurts you he’ll have me to deal with and I’m worse than both of his friends combined.” She chuckled, pushing a stray curl away from her face.

“Don’t I know it?” She teased. “His reassurance sometimes isn’t enough though. Is it normal for me to feel suspicious whenever he overexplains something to me?”

I shook my head, tucking my sunglasses into the top of my shirt. “No, that’s valid. Most of the time they’re telling you things you want to hear.”

“That’s what I said.” I side-eyed someone who walked past me and nearly gagged when I smelled the fresh black coffee aroma waft out from their cup.

I hated coffee. It made me nauseous.

“It’s the reason I’ve never been in a relationship. I’m well aware of their tactics and they’re not going to fool me.”

We entered the hotel lobby, spotted the married couple standing at the front desk, and walked up to them.

“Hey, love birds,” Gabriella said, making them turn toward us. “To be continued.” She whispered to me and I nodded, laughing softly.

We exchanged greetings and that’s when I heard Nicolas and Ares behind us, their voices instantly recognisable.

After hugging Kehlani and shaking Kayden’s hand, I frowned when Ares passed me.

The whiff of his cologne should’ve made me gag but the scent was awfully pleasant. Too pleasant.

Then I heard Kehlani utter the following words and my heart dropped into my stomach.

ARES

“We have a slight problem.”

Kehlani approached Amala and I, her gaze flickering between us.

I cleared my throat, shoving both hands into my trouser pockets. “What’s the problem?”

“The hotel messed up our booking.” She grimaced. “They were under the impression that we wanted three suites for three couples.”

Amala let out a disbelieving laugh, shaking her head. “Your rooms were supposed to be separate.”

“You’re joking.” She stepped forward, desperation plastered all over her face. “Please tell me you’re joking.”

“I’ll get another suite,” I interjected.

“That’s the other problem.” Kehlani’s grimace deepened.

Fuck me. “They’re fully booked. There aren’t any other rooms or suites available.”

I stared at her, a muscle twitching in my temple.

“It’s fine,” Amala said. “I’ll just go to another hotel.”

I side-eyed her, but only for a few seconds. I didn’t trust myself to look at her for much longer than that.

“What?” Gabriella frowned, grabbing her friend’s arm. “Amala, that’s insane.”

“My sentiment exactly,” Kehlani said sternly.

Of course, Nicolas and Kayden were nowhere to be found. They’d chosen this exact moment to be chivalrous and collect everyone’s luggage, leaving the rest of us to deal with this bullshit.

“I don’t mind sharing a room with you,” Kehlani offered. “Kayden and Ares can share a room if that’s okay with both of you.”

I nodded.

Of course, the bane of my existence opened her mouth.

“No. You’re married, and it’s your anniversary. I wouldn’t expect you to do that.”

Amala would rather die than stop being stubborn and hard-headed.

“Okay, then we’ll share a room, and Ares can share with Nico,” Gabriella suggested. “You’re not going to another hotel, though. Would that arrangement work for you?”

“I don’t mind.” I shrugged.

“Don’t listen to him.” Amala shook her head, and I sighed, sliding my hands deeper into my pockets. “Both of you came here with your partners. Seriously, I don’t mind going to another hotel. It’s only a few minutes away.”

“I’ll sleep on the couch.”

All three women turned to look at me, but only one of those gazes set my skin ablaze.

“There should be couches in the suites, right?”

Kehlani nodded.

Before Amala could protest, I cut her off.

“Then it’s settled. Amala takes the bed, and I’ll take the couch.”

I said it as nonchalantly as possible, as though sharing a suite with the woman who had spent years getting under my skin was the most reasonable solution in the world.

The weather in Vista could only be described as oppressive. The heat was relentless, the kind that left you sweating after only a few minutes beneath the sun.

Yet Amala’s stare could have frozen the entire hotel.

Her glacial gaze swept over me, sending a chill down my spine despite the sweltering heat surrounding us.

“Are you sure?” Kehlani asked. Using that empathetic tone of voice.

I nodded before Amala could get another word in.

“Absolutely.”

“Thank goodness that’s sorted.” She smiled brightly. “I’ll get the keys.”

The second she disappeared, Amala stepped closer.

“If we didn’t have witnesses, I would’ve dragged you across this hotel floor.”

Her voice was low enough that Gabriella couldn’t overhear us, but every word reached me perfectly.

“What the hell were you thinking?”

“You were overcomplicating the situation.”

“Overcomplicating?”

She smiled menacingly, her teeth clenched.

“I’m living in hell. That’s the only explanation.”

She muttered the last part more to herself than to me.

“Don’t be dramatic.” I shook my head. “We’ll spend most of the weekend with our friends, and at night, we’ll sleep. Separately.” I paused, making sure she understood. “It’s one weekend. You’ll survive.”

The last sentence came out harsher than I intended, but judging by the look she gave me, perhaps that was for the best.

Then her perfume reached me.

Fresh.

Sweet.

Subtle enough that I shouldn’t have noticed it but I did.

My throat tightened, and I cleared it before taking an instinctive step backward.

Amala stared at me for another moment before turning on her heel and rejoining her friends without another word.

I watched her walk away, but the scent of her perfume remained.

It lingered around me long after she was gone, clinging to the air like an unwanted reminder of the mistake I’d just made.

I told myself it was only a weekend.

One weekend.

Three days.

I could survive three days with Amala Rivera.

At least, that’s what I kept telling myself as I stood there wondering whether I’d just dug myself into a hole—or willingly buried myself in it.

Five

Amala

Ares dropped his suitcase off and disappeared almost as quickly as he’d arrived, like a phantom.

Not that I was complaining.

Beige, cream, and gold hues adorned the luxury suite, giving the space an elegant, almost dreamlike quality.

A plush couch sat at the foot of the bed, while sheer curtains framed the sliding glass doors, allowing the afternoon sunlight to spill effortlessly into the room.

I dropped my bag onto the floor and took in the view.

The kitchenette occupied the left side of the suite, while the bathroom sat to the right, concealed behind a large cream-colored door.

Inside were all the essentials—a spacious shower, toilet, and sleek marble vanity topped with an enormous circular mirror.

Fresh towels hung neatly from a silver railing beside two pristine white cotton robes, while complimentary toiletries were arranged along the counter.

The bedroom itself was just as luxurious.

A large flat-screen television was mounted opposite the bed, flanked by bedside tables and lamps that cast the room in a warm, inviting glow.

Needless to say, Kehlani had done her big one because this place was everything my dreams were made of.

Then my nightmare walked in.

Ares casually entered the suite, completely engrossed in a phone conversation with God knew who.

The sound of his Spanish nearly made me forget that I loathed him.

Nearly.

It rolled effortlessly off his tongue, smooth as honey, and I hated how much I noticed.

“No voy a tener esta conversación contigo, Rafaela.”

I immediately decided I had no interest in hearing the rest of the conversation and turned to make my exit.

“Tengo que ir,” he said to whoever was on the other end of the line.

Then—

“Amala.”

Hearing my name in that deep voice made me freeze.

Slowly, I turned to face him.

“Yes?” I grimaced, already wanting the interaction to end as quickly as it had begun.

He stepped closer, reaching into his pocket before pulling out a card. I glanced down at it as he extended it toward me.

“Be ready at seven. Your little friends will come collect you then.”

His condescending tone irked my soul.

I snatched the card from his hand.

“Apparently, that’s the restaurant you’re going to.” He paused, his eyes sweeping over me. “Fancy establishment, so at least try to look the part.”

“Try?” I scoffed. “Sweetheart, there’s never been a day where I haven’t looked the part. And the last person I’d ever take advice from is a man who probably doesn’t even know where the G-spot is.”

I turned on my heel.

I barely made it a step before a firm grip caught my hair, stopping me in my tracks and I winced.

“Probably?” he murmured, a soft laugh rumbling from his chest. It was deep and menacing, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine. “I’ve known where the G-spot was since the first time I fucked.”

The sheer confidence with which he said it made me gulp before I could stop myself.

His grip on my hair didn’t falter. If anything, it tightened.

“No need to lie,” I bit back. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you.”

“Not that you’d ever get the opportunity to find out, of course.” He released me with a scoff.

“Is that supposed to hurt my feelings?”

I laughed, stepping forward the second I felt his grip disappear completely. Then I slowly turned back to face him, a smirk tugging at my lips.

“You could be the last man left on Earth, and I wouldn’t touch you with a ten-foot pole.”

“You—”

“Don’t care.”

I cut him off before he could finish, turned on my heel, and hastily stormed out of the suite.

“The food was subpar at best,” Gabriella said, walking alongside Kehlani and me.

Our heels clicked against the concrete sidewalk, easily drowned out by the sounds of chatter around us on the busy street and cars constantly passing by.

“Honestly, this has been my observation since I began eating at different restaurants,” Kehlani said. “The atmosphere and aesthetic is beautiful but the cuisine? Mediocre.”

We laughed loudly, crossing the street quickly.

“Is this why both of you always opt for fast food?”

“Yes!” They answered simultaneously making me chuckle. We walked towards the beach, spotting the three men in the distance.

We removed our heels, holding them in our hands before stepping onto the warm sand.

The sun had set about an hour ago but it was still quite hot, the breeze providing a little bit of coolness.

Kehlani and Gabriella practically ran to their partners, nearly tackling them to the ground.

Young love.

There was nothing more heartwarming. The moment was ruined when my eyes landed on Ares who sat on the sand, conversing with a random woman.

I rolled my eyes, walking straight towards the water until my feet were submerged in it.

I could hear my friends in the background, their laughter nearly completely dissipating as I stared into the darkness. During the day the ocean was beautiful but at night?

Eerie.

“What are you thinking about?” Ares’ voice instantly brought me back to reality and I frowned, slowly turning to look at him.

“Something dreamy until you ruined the moment,” I said, looking up at the stars.

I loved the night sky. Always curious about what lay beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.

Ares seemed tipsy. His cheeks were slightly flushed and judging by the tone he used to ask me such a normal question as if we were friends, it could only mean he wasn’t in his usual state of mind.

“Why can’t we ever have a normal conversation?”

“Since the day I met you, our conversations have never been normal. You made a terrible first impression.”

He scoffed, stepping closer to me. “I could say the same thing about you.”

“Everybody else who met me that day would beg to differ.”

“And everybody else who knows me would tell you that I’m a lovely young man. You just happen to bring out the worst in me.”

I kicked some water in his direction and held his hand up to block his face. “You’re lucky I’m in a good mood, otherwise you would’ve been eating sand.”

“Go away. You’re disturbing me.”

“You weren’t doing anything.” He gestured with his hands.

“Exactly.” I shooed him away, walking a little deeper into the water.

“I hope you know how to swim.”

“I hope you leave or I’ll drown you.” He laughed softly, holding his hands up to surrender.

“Okay, I’ll go.”

I glared at him as he retreated and released a sigh. The waves crashed along the shore and against my shins.

Dragging away every worry that ever plagued my mind—along with the sudden thoughts of Ares and how that brief moment made me see him slightly differently.

I looked up at the stars, admiring the beauty thereof.

Until my mind was a blank canvas, serving as a clean slate for a new painting.

Six

Amala

Did Kehlani have a strict itinerary for us to follow?

Yes.

It was Saturday morning, and I mentally prepared myself for whatever activities she had planned for us today.

Sitting cross-legged on the bed, I flicked through the television channels, trying to settle on something to watch while I ate breakfast.

Not that there was anything particularly extraordinary on the menu.

It consisted of the usual breakfast staples, with a few additional options for those who didn’t necessarily enjoy breakfast but still wanted to take advantage of the hotel’s offerings.

I was halfway through bringing a forkful of fluffy pancake to my lips when the loud click of the door caught my attention.

The door swung open and Ares strolled inside.

My body immediately went into flight mode.

“Sit. I won’t be long.”

He said, shutting the door behind him.

If he insisted, I wouldn’t deny him.

He walked towards his suitcase, and I quickly redirected my attention to the television, refusing to acknowledge his presence any more than necessary.

I ate in silence, the occasional clink of my cutlery against the plate doing little to soothe my already-frayed nerves. Thankfully, the programme playing on the television provided enough background noise to keep the silence from becoming unbearable.

Ares plugged his phone into the charging port before crouching beside his suitcase and rummaging through it.

Then my throat began to itch.

I swallowed.

Once.

Twice.

The sensation only worsened.

I frowned, lowering my fork as I brought a hand to my throat. A strange tingling had spread across my lips, followed by a tightening sensation that made swallowing suddenly feel like an impossible task.

I coughed.

Once.

Then again.

Harder.

My eyes widened as the familiar sensation settled over me.

No. No. No.

It couldn’t be.

I’d only experienced this once before, when I was a teenager but it never happened again.

Until now.

Anaphylaxis.

The realization struck me like a slug to the chest.

I began coughing uncontrollably, desperately trying to draw air into my lungs, but every breath became shallower than the last. My throat was closing.

My heart hammered violently against my ribcage.

“Rivera?”

Ares’ voice cut through the coughing and wheezing.

A loud thud echoed through the room.

Whatever he’d been holding had clearly been abandoned without a second thought.

I couldn’t breathe and my body trembled as I looked up at him, opening my mouth to speak, but no words came.

“Amala.”

The concern in his voice was unmistakable.

“Are you okay? What the hell is going on?”

He rushed towards me, gripping my shoulders as I struggled to remain upright.

I blinked rapidly, fighting for air.

Nothing.

My lungs refused to cooperate.

I would’ve fallen straight off the bed and face-planted onto the floor if Ares hadn’t caught me.

“Fuck.” His eyes darted across my face. “Tell me you’ve got an EpiPen.”

I pointed weakly towards my suitcase in the corner.

That was all I could manage before my vision began to blur.

My body went frighteningly limp as heat spread across my face and neck. Confusion clouded my mind, and suddenly the room began to spin.

I fell backwards, my head sinking into the soft pillow and the burning sensation around my throat intensified.

Hives.

Shit.

I tried not to panic. Tried to focus.

Tried to remember how to breathe but time suddenly distorted.

One second, it felt as though the walls were closing in around me.

The next, I felt something cold against my skin.

Then a sharp sting pierced my upper thigh.

The EpiPen.

Relief came slowly at first.

Then, suddenly, my lungs opened enough for me to drag in a desperate breath.

I inhaled sharply, panting with my eyes squeezed shut.

When I opened them, the room continued to spin.

Ares removed the epinephrine auto-injector and tossed it aside before lifting me from the bed with alarming ease.

“Amala, can you hear me?” My eyelids fluttered.

I managed a weak nod, a hum escaping my throat. “I’m taking you to the hospital.” His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. “Just hang on.”

As my vision slowly cleared, I caught sight of the deep frown etched across his face.

For once, there was no arrogance in his expression.

No smugness. Only concern.

The life-threatening situation had momentarily made me forget that I hated the man carrying me towards the car.

I didn’t remember leaving the hotel room. I didn’t remember making it downstairs.

I barely remembered the journey from the hotel to the car.

My mind simply couldn’t process everything that had happened.

Ares muttered something into his phone, but despite straining to make sense of his words, they blurred together beneath the persistent buzzing in my ears.

“God damn it.”

He ended the call and slid into the backseat with me, draping an arm securely around my shoulders.

I leaned against him, too exhausted to care.

At some point, my eyes slipped shut.

The last thing I remember was the sound of Ares’ voice somewhere above me.

Then the world faded into nothingness.

“What happened?”

Kehlani rushed to my side, nearly crushing me beneath the force of her warm hug.

“I told everyone else to stay put. I didn’t want to overwhelm you.” I smiled, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me for my friends.

“I don’t know. Something I ate must’ve come into contact with some kind of nut. It’s my fault. I didn’t specify my allergies.” My voice was still slightly hoarse.

She pulled back, looking at me with clear disapproval.

“Even though you didn’t mention it, nut allergies are extremely common. That was gross negligence on the hotel’s part.”

This side of Kehlani rarely made an appearance unless she was in a professional setting, and honestly, I hadn’t realized she could be this intimidating.

“Why do I feel like that’s your occupation speaking?”

“It is.” She nodded. “But it’s also concern and frustration. What if Ares hadn’t been there? This could’ve ended very differently, Amala.”

I’d completely forgotten about him until she mentioned his name.

“I’m okay, though. So let’s not go down the negative hypothetical road.”

“I’ve already contacted hotel management. They saw Ares carrying you.” My eyebrows shot up.

“When I return, I’ll be having a word with them. I’m assuming you don’t want me to take legal action?”

“No.” I shook my head. “The last thing I want is to deal with that kind of administration right now.”

“Well, if we’re not going the legal route, they’ll definitely need to offer some form of compensation. They know as well as I do that the situation was life-threatening.”

I sighed. “You’re not going to accept no for an answer, are you?”

“You already know the answer to that.”

I covered my eyes with my hand.

“Hiding away isn’t going to help.” She laughed softly. “The doctor said they’re keeping you here for six hours just to make sure you’re one hundred percent okay.”

My eyebrows knitted together and when I lowered my hand, she reached over and tapped my forehead with her index finger.

“It’s for your own safety. Kayden and I will be back then to pick you up, okay? Call me if you need anything.”

“Thank you, Kay. I truly appreciate you.” Guilt settled heavily in my chest. “I’m sorry for ruining your anniversary weekend.”

She pulled me into another hug.

“This should’ve been a memorable occasion for you. You shouldn’t have to associate it with something like this.”

Instead, Kehlani found herself standing beside my hospital bed in another city, worrying about me instead of enjoying her anniversary.

Before I could spiral too deeply into my thoughts, the door opened and Ares stepped into the room.

“Nonsense. I’m just glad you’re safe and in good condition. I’ll see you later.”

Kehlani kissed my forehead before turning around and waving goodbye to Ares.

Then she left, the door closing behind her with a soft click. Silence settled over the room.

Ares stood against the wall, both hands buried in the pockets of his sweatpants.

“You’ve never mentioned your allergy before.”

I slowly pushed myself into a more upright position.

“I mentioned it to my chain of command. I didn’t need to disclose that information to you.”

“Given that you went into anaphylactic shock an hour ago, I’d beg to differ.”

He pushed himself away from the wall and stepped closer. “You tell me I’m selfish, but you’re reckless. What if I hadn’t reacted quickly enough?”

His jaw clenched.

“You could’ve died.”

The harshness in his voice nearly made me flinch, but I quickly dismissed it.

“Either I’m high on morphine, or it seems to me like you care about my health.” I gave him a mocking smile.

“I’m aware of how dire the situation was, so your explanation isn’t required.”

“I think it is, because you clearly don’t understand the severity of what happened.”

He scoffed.

“I don’t care about your health, Rivera. I just wouldn’t want you dying on my watch. That would be a hassle.”

“Of course.” I retorted.

“Quite an annoying one, actually.”

I rolled my eyes, tossing my head back against the pillow.

“If you’re going to lecture me about this, don’t bother. You’re wasting your breath. I’m not in the mood, nor do I have the energy to argue with you.”

“Yeah.” His response was dripping with sarcasm. “Next time you’re on the verge of death, I’ll leave you to it.”

“I didn’t need your help, Ares. Because knowing you, you’ll probably hold this over my head for eternity. Everybody knows that’s how you operate.”

He moved to the side of my bed, gripping the railing with both hands and now his face was mere inches from mine but I instinctively turned my head away.

“You and everybody else know absolutely nothing about me.”

His teeth clenched as he spoke.

“At least now I know that you could experience a kiss from death and you’d still be a stubborn, hardheaded bitch.”

“Oh.” I drawled, slowly turning back towards him. “Did you want me to thank you for saving me in my time of need? Is that what this is about?”

“You think I want a fucking thank you? You—”

He stopped himself, his entire body tensed as he swallowed whatever words had been ready to leave his mouth.

“I’m not doing this with you.” He straightened abruptly and turned towards the door.

Perhaps some part of me felt grateful for his swift response but I didn’t want to admit that.

I hated that, out of everyone who could’ve seen me in that state, it had to be him.

The person I despised. He had seen me vulnerable. Seen me terrified. Seen me at my weakest.

And I hated the thought of that more than I could explain.

I didn’t want to be weak.

His back muscles flexed beneath the tight fabric of his compression shirt as he reached for the door.

“Valiente.”

I called his name without daring to look in his direction and he stopped abruptly but didn’t turn around.

“Thank you.”

The words left my lips quietly but sincerely while silence consumed the room.

He didn’t respond and after a few seconds, the door opened and closed behind him.

Hours later, when I finally returned to the hotel, I checked my phone to find an influx of messages.

My mother. Family members she must have informed. Friends. Colleagues.

Everyone wanted to know if I was okay but one message stood out among the rest.

An unsaved number.

Only two words.

You’re welcome.

Seven

Amala

“You scared us,” Gabriella said, squeezing my forearm gently. “Are you sure you’re feeling better? Let me know if you need to lie down and I’ll walk you back to your room. I’ll even stay with you if you like.”

Sometimes I found it genuinely difficult to accept help from anyone, including my friends.

Even affection made me feel peculiar.

My mother told me I’d been the most affectionate child she’d ever encountered.

Constantly reminding her how much I loved her, showering her with kisses on her cheek and always running up to her just to embrace her with the tightest hugs.

However, that changed very suddenly.

Probably because there wasn’t any reciprocation on my mother’s end once I reached a certain age.

I must’ve been eight or nine but she no longer wanted me to hug her or be anywhere near her for that matter and I never understood why until much later on.

For a long time we didn’t have a relationship or a connection and we only really started communicating again in my early twenties.

Even in the present moment, I didn’t have a bond with her.

I suppose I loved her but it seemed to be an obligation, not unconditional.

Navigating my friendships when it came to this particular subject sometimes seemed so daunting but I learned to push myself just a little bit more with each passing day.

“Thank you Gabs.”

I smiled. “You have my word, if I’m not feeling well I’ll let you know but you and Madam over there really need to stop with this. You’re both here with your partners, you shouldn’t feel obligated to constantly spend time with me.”

Kehlani narrowed her eyes. “You’re being ridiculous. We’re here as a group and you’re my best friend. Kayden and I spend time together every day, so of course I’m going to opt for hanging with the two of you.”

“Same here,” Gabriella added. “Besides, you had a medical emergency. Do you really think we’d just leave you alone?”

We waited for the men to arrive while we looked over the menu. Initially, the married couple would’ve had dinner alone at this beautiful establishment but Mrs Sato changed the plans last minute after my unfortunate incident.

The restaurant was approximately five minutes away from our hotel, with a direct view of Vista Beach.

The sunset looked breathtaking and after earlier’s occurrence, I found myself feeling extremely grateful for a multitude of reasons.

“I’m alive, aren’t I?” Joking during serious situations was my magnum opus.

“Somebody asked me the other day if I ever planned on having children,” Kehlani randomly said. “Then I told them that I’ve got friends who stress me out daily, why would I add children to that list?”

Gabriella and I chuckled. “Are you implying that I stress you out?” I asked.

“Both of you, actually.”

“What did I do?” Gabriella gasped.

The men finally arrived, with Kayden at the forefront holding two bouquets in hand. Nicolas followed suit, with a bouquet of roses but upon further inspection, I realised they were satin roses.

When Kayden stopped next to me, holding out one bouquet for me to take I frowned.

“What is this?” I eyed it suspiciously, making him laugh. I heard Gabriella and Kehlani laughing in the background too.

“They’re for you silly.” He said. “We’re glad you’re feeling better.”

“That’s dumb.” I looked up at him with a straight face.

“Amala, if you don’t take the flowers and say thank you, I swear.” Kehlani threatened. “Forgive her, my love. You know accepting gifts isn’t her forte.”

“Tell me something I don’t know.” He laughed softly as I took the flowers and muttered a quick thank you.

At least they were aware of the fact that I didn’t like receiving gifts.

Nicolas handed the roses to Gabriella and the other bouquet Kayden held in his hand was for Kehlani.

Ares sat down across from me, remaining silent.

I thought about the text message I’d received from him but brushed it off, pushing the thought to the back of my subconscious.

“Ares was actually the one who told us to buy you ladies flowers,” Nicolas said as Ares’ eyes flickered to mine. I averted my gaze, looking down.

“Really?” Kehlani asked sarcastically. “He’s always so sweet.” She clutched her chest. “Right, Amala?”

I looked at her with a straight face, pursing my lips.

The conversation shifted to a different topic and I breathed a soft sigh of relief.

This seemed like deja vu. The last time everyone had dinner together, Ares and I sat alongside each other—and as per usual I read him to filth.

This time he didn’t speak, somewhat zoning out which was highly unlike him.

The two of us may not have indulged in conversation but he would liaise with everyone else.

Now he didn’t utter a word, staring blankly ahead.

That facial expression was oddly familiar as I’d seen my mother experience the same thing after my first case of anaphylaxis.

I kicked his foot underneath the table which immediately snapped him out of his trance. He glared at me, placing both arms on the table.

“Oops,” I said nonchalantly.

“Clearly, you did that on purpose.” Annoyance rolled off him in violent waves as I tapped the pointy stiletto on the floor.

“My foot slipped.” I shrugged.

“Your acting skills could use some work.” He countered, seemingly back to his normal demeanor.

“That’s why I never pursued acting as a career path.”

“Whatever.” He said grumpily. “Perhaps you should consider wearing heels that aren’t so lethal. Before your foot slips again.”

I crossed one leg over the other. “Thank you for the suggestion but I’ll have to decline.”

I leaned back in the chair, eyeing the waiter who passed by before looking at Ares again.

“Respectfully, of course.”

He watched the waiter with a sharp deathly expression which I found odd. “When have you ever been respectful towards me?”

He deadpanned, eyes meeting mine. “Don’t make me laugh.”

“I aim to please.” Ares didn’t continue the conversation but judging by his facial expression I could sense his irritation and that in turn nearly made me cackle.

The waiter returned to our table, taking our orders and after skimming the menu I settled on steak basted with garlic butter, roasted potatoes and breadsticks. “Could I also have a glass of white wine please?”

“Of course.”

The waiter smiled at me before focusing on the group again. “Will that be all for this table?” He questioned and everyone answered with a yes.

“Your food will be ready soon.”

When the waiter disappeared and the chatter amongst us continued, Ares threw a question in my direction. “Should you be drinking?”

“What are you on about, Valiente?”

“Alcohol after an allergic reaction could potentially worsen symptoms.” I blinked slowly, suddenly knocked off my axis.

“One glass should be fine.”

“Are you sure?” The sudden shift in his tone vexed me. I didn’t appreciate the random sympathy. Especially not from him.

“Why do you care, Ares?”

“I don’t.” He answered immediately.

“If you don’t care then don’t question me.”

That silenced him but the unexpected concern both, unnerved and confused me. Causing a strange sensation to bloom in my chest.

ARES

Amala Rivera, truly was the thorn in my side. I watched her intently, observing how carefree she seemed even after a traumatic experience.

She constantly found humor in every situation, even one where she could’ve been dead right now.

It irked me.

Clawing its way into my chest, carving into whatever organ resided there.

She experienced the reaction but she didn’t see what that moment truly looked like from an outside perspective.

Her face paled, hands gripping her neck, those scrutinising eyes nearly dipping to the back of her fucking head.

The wheezing sounds of her trying to gasp for air but the attempt being futile.

The way her body slacked and then hit the mattress, her chest rising and falling in rapid motions.

This mini vacation quickly turned sour and now that dreadful image was seared into my brain.

My sister experienced the same thing when she was ten years old, nobody knew she was allergic to shellfish.

Back then I didn’t know what to do and if my parents weren’t present, I don’t know if she would’ve been alive today.

Of course, Rivera didn’t know that but if I could grab her shoulders, shake some fucking sense into her, and tell her why I reacted the way I did. Maybe, just maybe she wouldn’t be so nonchalant about it.

I returned to the hotel first after dinner while the rest explored Vista. My time for exploration had come to an abrupt end because my mood shifted drastically.

I could still feel her warm body in my arms as she dipped in and out of consciousness. Her head lulled backward, eyes fluttering.

Thank Christ for the mini bar.

I grabbed a miniature bottle of vodka, even though I hated the taste, and tossed it back.

Yes, I despised vodka but they didn’t have whiskey, and my disdain for her was far superior.

The liquid burned my throat, coating my stomach as I relaxed against the couch.

I laid my head against the backrest, closing my eyes.

The silence engulfed me like a flame, slowly burning me alive. I didn’t know if my anger was directed at Amala or Asher.

How could you be partnered with someone yet unaware of their allergies? That seemed like a recipe for fucking disaster.

The vodka started taking effect, giving me the slightest buzz and I let the small bottle drop to the floor.

When would I catch a fucking break?

The door handle moved up and down before the door opened wildly as Amala stumbled into the room, clearly drunk out of her mind.

I sighed, too exhausted to deal with this shit. I turned my head sideways, unintentionally glancing at her derrière.

Did she—fuck no.

I shouldn’t have allowed my train of thought to wander in that direction.

Her long, pitch-black hair cascaded down her back, swaying from side to side as she moved towards the bed.

The grey tendrils in the front of her hair shone underneath the lights. I always found her hair unique.

Never really saw anyone else with the same style.

“Ares.” She slurred. “Are you here?”

“Yes,” I answered. “Now shut up. You’re ruining the peace.”

Darkness enveloped the room, a slice of moonlight illuminating the bed and her looming silhouette.

She slowly turned in my direction, smiling at me.

This felt exactly like the scene of a horror movie where the supernatural entity would look at the idiotic main character and grin before brutally killing them.

Given it may have been less creepy but it still felt unnatural.

“You don’t know anything about that because you’re always disturbing the peace.

With wobbly legs she walked toward me, nearly tripping in the process. I caught her, holding her arms steady.

I groaned as she pressed her fingers into my thighs. “How much did you drink, Rivera?”

She raised one hand, holding her thumb and index finger a few inches apart.

“A little.”

She laughed, even though nothing funny occurred.

“Fuck’s sake,” I muttered mostly to myself, standing up from the couch, allowing her to drape her arm around me as I walked her to the bed. “You need to sleep.”

“Why?”

She questioned childishly. “I’ll agree but only if you sleep with me.”

My eyes widened and I nearly choked on my saliva.

“You’re drunk,” I stated, gently pushing her onto the bed.

I grabbed hold of her ankles and removed her heels, tossing them aside before lifting both legs onto the bed.

Her skin felt extremely supple and warm.

“No.” She propped herself up on her elbows. “Not true. Sleep with me.”

“Would you stop saying that?” The clothing I wore suddenly felt uncomfortably tight, my body involuntarily reacting to the innocent words.

I loathed this feeling.

Loathed my reaction to it. “It’s lay with me, not sleep with me and I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“You’re drunk,” I repeated, not mentioning the fact that we fucking hated each other’s guts. “Get some rest, Amala.” She sat upright, fisting my shirt.

“Sleep with me.” She repeated as I tried to pry her hands away but for someone who couldn’t even think straight, her strength made me question my own. “I need you.” She slurred.

What the hell was going on right now? “Amala,” I warned, trying once more to tug her hand away.

“Ares.”

She murmured sweetly, the shocking tone sending heat straight to my face and nether regions.

For the first time since the day I met her, I looked directly into her eyes.

Holding eye contact without the need to stare anywhere else.

Her eyes softened tremendously, her usual expression, tone, and demeanor completely gone.

Vanished into thin air.

If she was hardheaded whilst being sober, I could only imagine how persistent she’d be right now if I didn’t agree.

“Okay, will you let go of my shirt?”

“Only if you agree.” Her words slurred even worse than before.

“Fuck.” I sighed. “Okay, I’ll lie with you.”

She pulled me closer, nearly making me fall directly on top of her.

My body didn’t touch hers but I could feel the warmth radiating from her.

She still held onto my shirt tightly as I lay on my back, staring at the ceiling.

How the fuck did I find myself in this predicament? When I looked down I could see the bulge in my pants and cursed internally.

Luckily her back faced me and I sighed softly.

“Thank you again.” She muttered, sounding like she was drifting into a slumber.

“For what?” I turned my head, focusing on the back of her neck.

“Helping me earlier.” She murmured. “I really appreciated it.” The twitch in my pants nearly made me groan but I swallowed hard. Snapping my eyes up to the ceiling.

Focus, Ares.

This shouldn’t be happening. There should’ve been no reaction to this witch whatsoever, especially not one of this nature.

I blamed my celibacy for this unusual turn of events because my touch-deprived body acted on its own accord.

Not only due to the proximity between us but also due to her words. Echoed in the dead of the night.

So sweetly.

Minutes passed by and Amala’s breathing evened out, a telltale sign that she’d fallen asleep.

I swallowed hard, trying hard to free myself from her grip but still to no avail.

It’s like her strength intensified while she was intoxicated and then doubled when she slept.

She stirred in her sleep, turning onto her right-hand side, curling into a ball—her knees brushing against the side of my legs.

The vodka pulsed through my bloodstream, making me both tipsy and slightly tired and before I knew it—my eyes slowly closed and I drifted away into a peaceful sleep too.

Forgetting about the events of today, the infuriating specimen lying beside me, and the situation in my nether regions.

Eight

Amala

The sunlight streaming through the curtains made me groan as I reluctantly pried one eye open.

The sight before me nearly sent me scrambling off the bed.

I released Ares’s shirt from my fist so quickly that I nearly fell over the edge, scrambling backwards until my feet found the floor.

“What the fuck?”

I whispered the words to myself, struggling to steady my uneven breathing.

Ares slept peacefully beside me, his chest rising and falling in slow, steady movements. He looked completely undisturbed by the fact that we were sharing a bed.

I glanced down at myself and frowned.

I was still wearing yesterday’s dress.

The last thing I remembered was drinking cocktails with the girls.

Or had they been shots?

I wasn’t entirely sure.

Perhaps we’d had both.

That would certainly explain the pounding in my head—and, apparently, why Ares and I had ended up sharing a bed.

He looked harmless in his sleep. Peaceful.

Almost angelic.

Then again, everyone looked innocent when they were motionless and unconscious.

My head throbbed violently, the sunlight only making my hangover worse.

There was nothing on our itinerary today, so I decided to spend Sunday by myself. I needed the solitude. More than ever.

I moved as quietly as possible, careful not to wake him. The last thing I needed was an awkward conversation or another round of our pathetic bickering.

The shower was equally quiet.

The steady rush of water filled the bathroom, somehow sounding louder than usual against the eerie silence of the room.

I stood beneath the hot stream for longer than necessary, trying to piece together the fragments of last night.

When I heard shuffling on the other side of the bathroom door, I hurriedly finished showering and got dressed.

Thankfully, I’d packed everything I needed into my travel-sized bag that sat neatly on the bedside table, practically begging to be grabbed.

I snatched it and hurried past Ares.

He undoubtedly watched me as I gathered my belongings and escaped the room within seconds.

The moment I stepped into the hallway, I sighed in relief.

My shoulders finally relaxed but my skin crawled at the mere thought of sharing a bed with a man, let alone a man I wouldn’t hesitate to kill if the opportunity ever presented itself.

How drunk had I been to allow that?

To allow myself to cling to him so tightly.

To fall asleep beside him.

Disgusting.

Yet, there was one thing I couldn’t ignore.

He had been lying peacefully beside me.

Which meant he had willingly stayed.

Why?

If he’d wanted to leave, he could have.

So why hadn’t he?

I grimaced and pressed the button with the upward arrow. The elevator doors opened with a soft ding, and I stepped inside, clutching my bag tightly against my side.

The sigh that escaped me sounded heavy, as though the weight of the world rested on my shoulders.

Perhaps it did.

This weekend was supposed to be about relaxation. An opportunity to unwind, forget about work, and temporarily escape everything that plagued us on a daily basis.

Yet, I couldn’t seem to relax.

The elevator doors closed, and I immediately realised I hadn’t pressed a button.

“Jesus.”

I hurriedly selected the ground floor before leaning against the handrail.

My head spun.

I couldn’t tell whether it was the lingering effects of the alcohol or the movement of the elevator.

When the doors finally opened, I stepped out slowly, dragging my feet as I made my way through the hotel lobby and outside.

I’d done enough sightseeing during the weekend to know there was a cute little bookstore not too far away.

That’s where I’d spend my Sunday.

I loved reading, and bookstores had always offered me a strange sense of comfort. There was something peaceful about being surrounded by shelves upon shelves of stories.

A lot of people disliked silence.

I relished it.

My occupation threw me into noise and chaos every single day, forcing my mind to work overtime.

My demons needed silence and so did I.

Otherwise, I’d lose whatever little sanity I had left.

Thankfully, the bookstore was relatively empty and I internally jumped for joy.

I smiled at the staff members as I entered, offering them a polite nod when they welcomed me warmly.

Then I headed straight for the romance section.

I picked a random book from the shelf before settling at an empty table tucked away at the back of the store.

My brown mini skirt rode up my thighs as I sat, so I tugged it down before crossing one leg over the other.

Vista had forced me out of my usual comfort zone when it came to clothing. The heat here was relentless.

My cropped cream shirt matched my sneakers perfectly. One thing I would never be caught wearing outside, however, was slippers.

Absolutely not.

I became so engrossed in the novel that I failed to notice the unwelcomed presence taking the seat beside me.

Until his voice skated across my skin.

“I didn’t know you could read.”

My eyes narrowed slowly as I turned my head.

Ares.

Of fucking course.

“You’re like a demonic entity that simply refuses to leave me alone.”

“I wanted to talk to you.”

“Why on Earth couldn’t this conversation wait until I returned to the room we share?”

I forced a smile, keeping my voice low to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.

“How did you even know where to find me?” I asked under my breath. “You’re creepy as fuck.”

I abruptly stood, returned the book to the shelf, thanked the staff, and headed for the exit.

“Amala.”

Ares’s voice followed me but I kept walking.

“Amala.”

I ignored him until his hand wrapped around my wrist, pulling me toward a quieter street.

“Let me go.”

“Would you stop behaving like a wild animal?”

He glared at me. “For fuck’s sake.”

He released an exasperated sigh before placing a hand against the wall beside me, effectively trapping me against the side of the building.

My gaze dropped to where his other hand still held my wrist.

When he noticed this, he immediately released me.

“Well?” I demanded. “What’s so important that you couldn’t wait until I returned? I haven’t got all day.”

“What happened last night is bothering me.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“What happened last night?” I folded my arms across my chest.

His gaze briefly dropped before he quickly looked away.

I noticed but I chose to ignore it.

I couldn’t remember much of what happened after returning to our room, so I waited for him to explain.

“You got drunk out of your mind,” he said casually, “and then you begged me to sleep with you.”

My jaw dropped.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

I refused to believe I’d actually done something that humiliating.

“Of course you don’t remember.” His mouth twitched. “I suppose that’s what happens when you can’t handle your liquor.”

“If you’re here to bicker, I’m not in the mood, Ares.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Why can’t you leave me the fuck alone?”

“Bicker?” He let out a humorless laugh. “I don’t care to fucking bicker with you, Amala.”

His expression hardened. “What I don’t like is you putting me in an uncomfortable position. Not once, but twice.”

“Excuse me?”

“I know we’re not fond of each other, but for the love of fucking Christ.” He dragged a hand down his face. “You could’ve told me about your allergens.”

My expression hardened.

“You seem so fucking carefree about the whole ordeal, but had I not reacted quickly, your family would be planning your funeral right now.”

“Oh, fuck you.” I shook my head.

“You don’t know me, and you sure as hell don’t know how I’m feeling. So don’t project your bullshit assumptions onto me. You got your thank-you, didn’t you? What else do you want from me?”

“You still think this is about a thank-you?”

He stepped closer.

“This is why I fucking loathe you. You’re so goddamn dense, and I often wonder how you’re supposed to watch my six with that intelligence level of yours.”

I stared at him in disbelief.

“Your mother’s dense.”

The words had barely left my mouth before his eyes blazed and somehow, that only fuelled my own rage.

“You’re the most misogynistic bastard I’ve ever met. Your outdated ideology about women makes me fucking sick. You’re just like every other man in the Bureau.”

“Mention my mother again and I—”

“You’ll what?” I cut him off, stepping closer.

I kept enough distance between us to avoid having to crane my neck just to look at him. I refused to stand beneath him as though he were some kind of god.

“What the fuck are you going to do?” He said nothing, obviously. “That’s what I thought.”

I scoffed.

“Why did you even come here? Why do you insist on being such a fucking pest?”

“I came here because I clearly overestimated you.” His jaw ticked. “Why did I ever think we could have a civil conversation?”

“I’m never going to have a civil conversation with you outside of work. Never.”

I spat the words between us.

“So forget about that stupid fucking thought.”

I stepped around him.

“You’re like a disease, honestly. Just fuck off.”

For some reason, he looked genuinely taken aback.

Only for a second.

Then his expression hardened again.

He nodded once, shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans, and turned on his heel without another word.

I watched him walk away, anger simmering beneath my skin.

I exhaled slowly, trying to calm myself and rein in the emotions threatening to consume me.

Because somehow, despite everything, his words had gotten under my skin.

And I fucking hated that.

Nine

Amala

The city that never slept stayed true to its name, hustling and bustling despite the hour.

Most nights, it kept me awake simply because if the city refused to sleep, apparently, so did I.

I stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, entranced by the sea of lights stretching across the skyline.

Usually, my overactive mind was the culprit behind my insomnia.

It picked apart every thought, every conversation, every mistake until sleep became an impossible luxury.

Yet somehow, I slept peacefully beside him.

More than eight hours.

Straight.

That baffled me almost as much as it annoyed me.

Hours passed since we returned from our trip to Vista, yet I still found myself sitting in the same spot in my apartment, trying to make sense of everything that happened.

Ares and I hadn’t exchanged a single word since our argument.

He stayed in his lane, and I stayed in mine.

We didn’t need meaningless conversations, and, at this point, I actually preferred working in office.

At least there, we weren’t obligated to speak to each other or forced to keep an eye on one another in the field—because apparently, Ares didn’t think I was capable of looking out for him.

A decade passed without a single allergic reaction, and then, in the blink of an eye, everything went downhill.

That stupid heathen actually thought I was carefree.

That was the only way I knew how to cope.

Pretend everything was fine. Laugh when I wanted to scream.

Smile when I wanted to break something.

Convince myself that nothing could touch me because admitting otherwise meant confronting the truth.

And God knew I couldn’t do that.

Because if I stopped pretending to be optimistic, even for a moment, the demons that had always danced alongside me would finally have the chance to swallow me whole.

With each passing day, it felt as though I lost another piece of my sanity.

Being confined to the office was slowly chipping away at my soul. After spending the bulk of my career in the field, being chained to a desk felt like the ultimate form of torture.

Click. Click. Click.

I slowly turned my head toward the source of the sound, my eyes narrowing on Ares as he mindlessly clicked his pen.

The entire administrative team had filled the office that morning—one of the many joys of Mondays.

Printers whirred. Scanners beeped. Keyboards clattered. Paper shuffled. Staplers snapped.

Every single sound grated against my nerves, and the irritating man sitting beside me only added fuel to the fire.

“Stop,” I muttered, releasing an exasperated breath. Of course, he continued.

Click. Click. Click.

“Stop what?”

I rolled my chair closer to him and snatched the pen straight from his hand.

“Stop being a disturbance.” I scoffed. “How am I supposed to concentrate when you’re being so damn irritating?”

I shoved the pen into my pocket before rolling my chair back to its original position.

The rest of our coworkers remained engrossed in their own tasks, blissfully unaware of the argument unfolding beside them.

Ares stared at me, his eyes narrowing as he scratched his jaw. He looked like he was one wrong word away from snapping.

“I’ll take it out of your pocket,” he warned.

“If you’d like to keep all ten fingers attached to your hand, I suggest you don’t.”

His jaw clenched as he balled his hands into fists.

“If you weren’t aware, I’m proofreading important documentation, and the physical stimulation helps me remain focused.”

“Then sit somewhere else.” I gestured vaguely around the room. “Preferably in a corner where nobody can hear or see you.”

One by one, our coworkers began filing out of the room until, eventually, the office fell silent.

When I glanced at my wristwatch, I realised it was lunchtime.

Ares remained seated, watching me in silence until we were the only two people left.

Then, abruptly, he stood.

“You’re really pissing me off, Amala.” I looked up at him. “I don’t take orders from you, so stop trying to control everything.”

I rose from my chair, refusing to be intimidated by his towering presence.

“Control?” I scoffed. “I’m telling you to move. Why are you even sitting this close to me in the first place? You do things purely to piss me off.”

“The world doesn’t revolve around you.” His voice sharpened. “The sooner you accept that, the better. And another thing, I can sit wherever the hell I want.”

“You’re the reason we’re even here in the first place. If you weren’t—”

I bit my tongue, cutting myself off before the words could fully escape. Ares took a step closer.

“If I weren’t what?” I said nothing, pursing my lips but his eyes remained fixed on mine.

“If I weren’t what, Rivera?”

“Nothing.”

I turned away, making quick work of locking my computer.

“If you’ll excuse me.” I barely made it a step before his hand closed around my bicep, stopping me in my tracks and I froze.

Slowly looking down at his hand before meeting his gaze. Neither of us spoke.

His grip tightened ever so slightly, the pressure burning through the long-sleeved compression shirt covering my arm.

“Why don’t you finish that sentence?” he urged, his voice deceptively calm as I stared at him.

“If. I. Weren’t. What?”

“Get it off.” I said calmly. “Get your hand off me.”

My voice was low, each word carrying a warning. Ares let out a quiet, almost maniacal laugh beneath his breath.

“It’s simple.” His eyes flickered over my face. “Show me that fire and tell me what you were going to say. Then I’ll let go.”

For a beat, neither of us moved but the air between us felt suffocating.

Then I yanked my arm from his grasp.

“If you weren’t such an impulsive, condescending, arrogant maniac, we wouldn’t be in this predicament in the first place.”

His eyes narrowed and instead of backing down, he stepped closer.

“Oh, I see.” He nodded slowly. “I’m the flawed agent, and you’re the perfect little teacher’s pet.”

His lips curled into a humorless smile. “Always striving to outshine everyone else just to prove that she actually belongs here.”

My blood boiled.

“At least I know my place.”

I stepped closer, refusing to let him tower over me. “I don’t walk around acting like I’m above the law.”

That wiped the smile from his face but I didn’t give him the opportunity to respond.

I stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind me hard enough to make the glass rattle in its frame.

“I don’t want to hear another word from either of you!” Asher bellowed.

Ares and I stood rigidly in front of his desk, our hands clasped behind our backs, spines straight and shoulders squared.

“The two of you constantly disappoint me. It’s making me question why you were chosen to be agents in the first place if you can’t—or should I say, won’t—act accordingly.”

The tension in the room was suffocating. Neither of us dared to speak.

“Clock out.”

I frowned.

“Sir?”

“Both of you. Clock out and report for duty at 07:30. You’ll finish every incomplete task then, including your coworkers’ assignments.”

My brows lifted.

“The time you leave tonight is entirely up to you. You’re dismissed.”

The clock struck nine when I finally completed the last of the incomplete work that had been piling up throughout the week.

I pushed myself away from my desk, gathered my things, and headed for the exit.

“Where are you going, Rivera?”

Ares followed behind me, his voice cutting through the bullpen.

The usual hum of conversation and activity had long since disappeared, leaving the office eerily quiet.

There were analysts stationed on the opposite end of the building, security personnel posted at various positions, and a handful of cleaning staff still working. But for the most part, the field office was empty.

Too empty.

I continued down the dimly lit hallway, my footsteps echoing against the walls.

“Amala.”

“What?” I snapped.

“I asked you a question.”

He caught up to me, effortlessly falling into step beside me.

“My work is complete. I’m leaving.” I glanced at him. “Is there any other information about my life you’d like to know?”

“We still have work to do.” This is when I stopped walking. “Or did you miss the stack of paperwork sitting beside the printer?”

I turned to face him. “Let me rectify that for you. You have work to do. We split the responsibilities equally. Your inability to manage your workload efficiently is not my problem.”

Ares pinched the bridge of his nose and tilted his head toward the ceiling.

“You’re extremely difficult to work with.” He exhaled sharply. “Why can’t you just cooperate with me? Jesus Christ.”

“Says—”

Bang. Bang. Bang.

We snapped our heads toward the sound and instinct took over.

Our hands immediately went to our holsters, firearms drawn within seconds.

“Shots fired,” Ares said, his expression hardening. “East wing.”

I nodded, reaching for the portable radio clipped to my belt. Another series of gunshots echoed through the building.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

I pressed the transmit button.

“Shots fired! Shots fired! This is Special Agent Rivera at the Synapse Field Office. We need immediate backup. Special Agent Valiente and I are responding to the scene now.”

Then we moved. Firearms raised as we advanced through the corridors with measured urgency, careful not to expose ourselves unnecessarily.

We reached the stairwell and ascended toward the second floor, the sound of distant movement growing louder with every step.

Whoever had opened fire made one hell of a mistake.

Within minutes, every available agent would be responding. The Bureau would be placed on lockdown, and local law enforcement would begin converging on the building.

There would be nowhere for the shooter to go.

We reached the corner and stopped.

A man stood several yards ahead, a firearm visible in his hand.

He scanned a keycard and entered one of the restricted rooms.

“The CCTV room,” I whispered and Ares nodded.

Then we moved closer, following the suspect. We scanned our credentials, and the electronic lock released with a soft click.

The light above us flickered as we entered.

I raised two fingers, signalling for Ares to follow my lead.

My heart hammered against my ribs, loud enough that I could hear my own pulse in my ears. Beside me, Ares’s breathing was controlled but shallow.

We approached the CCTV room and noticed the door was slightly ajar.

I held up a hand and Ares stopped.

For a moment, neither of us moved.

Then he slowly pushed the door open.

Inside, the man stood with his back to us, staring at the enormous screen displaying feeds from throughout the headquarters.

“Hands where we can see them!” Ares commanded and the man froze.

“Now!”

Slowly, he raised his hands above his head

“Turn around. Slowly.” He reluctantly complied.

His eyes darted between us before settling on our weapons.

I kept my firearm trained on his centre mass, finger indexed along the frame, ready to react if he made a sudden move.

Ares and I exchanged a brief glance and then I stepped forward.

The man remained still, but something about his body language felt wrong.

He looked apprehensive—almost as though he were caught between surrendering and making a desperate attempt to escape.

“Don’t move,” I ordered and approached carefully to secure his wrists behind his back before placing him in handcuffs.

Ares retrieved the firearm from the man’s waistband and secured it.

I tightened the cuffs, keeping a firm grip on his arm. “You’re inside a restricted area,” I said. “Do you have authorization to be here?”

We escorted him out of the CCTV room and into the hallway.

“Y-yes.” His voice trembled. “I’m part of the security team.”

Ares and I exchanged a look but neither of us believed him.

“We ran his credentials through the system and it’s fake. The access card used belongs to Special Agent, Dean Witley and he’s currently on a leave of absence, outside of the country. I also contacted Dean and his card is in his wallet, where he always keeps it.”

I said, leaning against the cabinet.

Asher listened attentively, hands on his hips.

“He won’t give us a name and he’s sticking to his story. He’s part of the security team.” Ares stated.

“We need to figure out where he got the access card and who he works for. I just spoke to the head of the security department and they don’t know who he is.” I said.

“I understand but if we don’t get any substantial evidence against him within the next 48 hours, we’ll be forced to let him go,”

Asher said, visibly stressed. “The reason we’re keeping him detained as of right now, is because he entered a restricted area inside of the Bureau which is a federal offense, he’s got fake credentials and he fired shots at security. Not to mention the access card with an agent’s name and picture on it.”

Ares frowned, arms crossed over his chest. His intimidating demeanor intensified.

“We’ll need to conduct a background check, complete facial recognition, and run his fingerprints through the system. If we’re still unable to find anything on this guy, then this creates a larger problem for us because we don’t know who he is or who he’s working for.”

“Agreed.” Asher nodded.

“A few members of the tech team are currently working overtime. We’ll have them check any devices and electronics on his person. I’ve contacted the analysts, they’ll search for facial recognition while we do fingerprints.”

Then he paused before speaking again.

“The Deputy SAC and SSA have already been briefed and they’ll be here shortly. The headquarters are now on lockdown, nobody comes in or out without my permission. All external staff members are to be thoroughly checked and security is reviewing footage as we speak. This is a security breach and we don’t know if this man is working alone or not.”

Life always remained unpredictable.

One minute I complained about being stuck in an admin office and the next I found myself dealing with what could potentially be a major threat to the Bureau.

ARES

“You and Rivera, head home. You’ve been here longer than you need to. We’re not going to get through to this guy tonight. Get some rest, recuperate. You’ll pick up where you left off, first thing in the morning.”

“Sir, let me question him again. He’s bound to crack under pressure.” I argued.

“That wasn’t a suggestion, Valiente. That was an order. Drop Amala off, you know her situation.”

My jaw ticked and I watched him walk away, approaching the Director who seemed both pissed and concerned.

I spun around, looking for the witch who’d been forced into my orbit yet again.

“Rivera,” I called out, immediately ceasing her conversation with the tech team. I signalled for her to come over and albeit reluctant, she obliged, walking toward me with a deadly glare on her face.

“Did you miss the part where I was in the middle of a conversation?”

I ignored her antics. “Grab your belongings, I’m taking you home.” I braced myself for the resistance and the defiant attitude.

“You’re not taking me anywhere. I came here by myself and I’ll leave by myself.” She frowned like a petulant child.

“Boss’ orders.”

When I said that her demeanor shifted, her irritation still present. “I’m assuming Braun knows about your incident, that’s why he asked me to drop you off. I don’t want you in my car in any case.”

She looked at me in disbelief. “Screw you.”

“I’m sure you’d love that.” She got under my skin so easily, so I needed to reciprocate that energy.

“I’d rather chew on barbed wire.” She said casually. “If you’re done wasting my time, may we leave now?”

She didn’t wait for me to respond and walked away, uttering something to Asher before exiting the building. I followed suit, bidding everyone goodnight.

“You’ll have to pick me up tomorrow too.” I raised an eyebrow, wanting to ask why when I realised her car would remain at headquarters overnight.

“You’re a grown woman, you can call a cab.” I countered.

“No. Seeing that you’re so eager to follow your boss’ instructions, you’ll pick me up and I will report you if you don’t.”

“This is your fault. I’m not the one who’s unable to drive at night.”

“That happened once.” I clicked the button on my car key to unlock the doors. “Why you even know about that, is beyond me.”

We climbed into my vehicle, the passenger door closing with a loud slam.

I whipped my head in her direction. “Amala.” I gritted. “Slam my door again and I swear to God ..”

“You swear to who?” She asked sarcastically.

“The devil doesn’t usually communicate with God, but I suppose life is full of surprises.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose, slowly exhaling. “I’ve had enough of you,” I said lowly. “You’re getting on my last nerve.”

I closed my door, then put the key into the ignition.

“Do you think I care?” She scoffed. “Whenever you’re ready princess.”

This woman would eventually be the death of me. Never in my lifetime, has anyone managed to sink their claws into my skin so deeply but she pulled it off effortlessly.

The only thing I felt whenever she happened to be in my presence was stress.

If we worked anywhere else, I would’ve most likely been addicted to some kind of substance.

Alcohol, cocaine, anything to take the damn edge off.

She forwardly entered her address into the GPS, an indication that she clearly didn’t plan on interacting in conversation of any sort.

Not that I wanted to have a fucking conversation with her.

The drive remained silent, the street lights shining above us and flickering in the distance.

With one hand on the steering wheel, I leaned back as the car came to a slow halt at a red light.

I loosened my tie with my free hand, trying to ignore the simmering hatred for the woman beside me.

The sooner she exited my vehicle, the better.

The second the light turned green I sped off.

Amala gripped the seat with her left hand, turning her head slightly.

I could only imagine the look on her face. “Slow down.” She demanded, that stern tone leaving no room for argument.

However, I wasn’t obligated to adhere to her demands. I stepped on the accelerator, going slightly faster.

“Valiente.” She warned.

The breeze slipped through the window that had been rolled down a crack.

I ignored her, eyes flicking to the infotainment screen. Three minutes remained before we arrived at the destination.

One second I focused on the road and the next I pulled the brake when I felt Amala’s nails digging into my thigh.

The car jerked forward due to the abrupt stop, my head whipping in her direction as I glared at her.

She removed her hand, meeting my deadly stare with her own.

The loud car horn behind us brought me back to reality and I pursed my lips, driving off again.

When we reached her apartment, I didn’t bother acknowledging her and unlocked the door, patiently waiting for her departure.

Then I felt her tugging on my tie, forcefully pulling me towards her.

From an outsider’s perspective, it would’ve seemed like we were in the midst of sharing a kiss.

We were inches apart, my eyes widening for a split second. “That shit you pulled will get you killed. If not by a crash then by me, reckless bastard.”

“Let go of my fucking tie, Rivera.” This only made her grip tighten.

“If you didn’t behave so immaturely, we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now.”

Fuck’s sake.

The proximity added to my already tense state.

“I’ll let go when I feel like it. You’re selfish.”

“Amala.” I frowned, seeing her facial features up close and personal felt bizarre.

“It’s frustrating when someone ignores your requests, isn’t it?”

When I inhaled, her perfume infiltrated my senses making me swallow hard.

“You made a request? Seemed like a demand to me.” I tried moving backward but her grip was relentless. “I’m anything but selfish.”

“I don’t think you’re really grasping the seriousness of this situation, so let me break it down for you.”

With her free hand, she gripped my face. Shit.

“When you’re driving by yourself, you can be reckless. Drive yourself off a cliff for all I care but when you’ve got passengers, you really should be more mindful.”

I didn’t want to touch her but I needed to get her wretched hands off me.

With swift movements I grabbed both her wrists and held them down against her thighs with one hand, using the other to yank her head back by her hair.

She hissed, trying to fight me.

My blood sizzled, cheeks flushing in the process.

The turn of events gave me a rush of adrenaline and .. I didn’t know what I felt right now but I despised it.

“Who do you think you’re talking to?” I narrowed my eyes. “You’re not my fucking commander.” I spat.

“I’ve been patient with you, not that I should’ve been but you’re pushing me. I drove faster because I don’t want to be around you longer than necessary. Do you understand that?”

She ripped her wrists free and shoved me, forcing me to release her hair.

“I understand.” She mocked. “I understand that you’re pathetic. If I were spineless I would’ve handed in my resignation ages ago because who in the fuck actually enjoys working with you? I surely don’t.”

She climbed out of the car aggressively. “You better not slam—” Thunk. Of course she slammed it shut in any case. “My fucking door,” I whispered to myself, sighing softly. “Jesus.”

I swiped my hand down my face, shaking my head in disapproval.

If my occupation didn’t turn my hair grey before forty, dealing with people like that definitely would.

Ten

Amala

Thirteen hours, forty-five minutes, and thirty-three seconds. That’s how long the suspect had been detained.

Without a confession or solid evidence against him, we didn’t have the authority to keep him any longer than forty-eight hours.

With my arms crossed, I watched intently through the two-way window as Ares entered the interrogation room.

His black attire made him seem menacing—like death hovering close to you before your final moments.

His facial expression remained stoic as he grabbed the chair and dragged it right next to where the suspect sat. The man looked visibly nervous and angsty.

Ares’ shirt clung to his muscular frame, his biceps flexing when he leaned forward, resting his forearms on the back of the chair before sitting down.

“Eric, was it?”

He asked calmly, almost too calmly. The kind of question that would leave you feeling unsettled even though it lacked any danger or malice.

The suspect nodded.

“How would you like this to go, Eric?” Ares tapped his thumb against the chair. “Either way, I’m leaving this room with answers.”

“I swear I don’t know anything man. Somebody hired me to do this.”

Five minutes hadn’t even passed by but this Eric character already sang like a canary.

Ares shook his head. “Who hired you?”

“I don’t know his name. I swear on my life.”

The menacing look on Ares’ face was bound to have anybody shaking in their boots. “Are you married, Eric?”

I couldn’t help but wonder where Valiente was going with this. “Y-yes.” The man stuttered. “I just got married last month.”

“Do you think Beverly would be thrilled to hear about your escapades?” Eric’s eyes widened and I knew by that look of sheer despair on his face that we hit the nail on the head.

“Essentially you’re putting her at risk by agreeing to do extracurricular activities of this nature. Surely you should know that.”

“I didn’t have a choice.”

“We always have a choice, Eric,” Ares said nonchalantly. “Sometimes life forces us into impossible situations, makes us choose between two things we never wanted to choose between. But no matter how difficult the decision is, it’s still ours to make.”

“He threatened to hurt her. You don’t understand!” Eric’s eyes widened, his breathing becoming heavier. He looked uneasy, scared, nervous.

“Who’s he?” Ares asked. “You might not have a name but you should have a description.”

The man trembled.

“I couldn’t see h-his face clearly.” Eric stuttered.

“He had a beard and moustache, dark curly hair, and his physique seemed muscular. When his SUV approached me I was walking to the bus stop.”

“You’re telling me,” Ares leaned closer. “That a random man pulled up next to you and you just willingly stopped to chat?”

“Of course not!” Eric exclaimed. “He mentioned Beverly’s name and that’s why I stopped. He was baiting me because he knew that would work. Told me to get in and I couldn’t decline because the man in the passenger seat had his gun pointed at me.”

That’s when Asher stepped into the room with me and I nodded. “Any breakthrough yet?”

“Almost,” I answered with a frown. “This doesn’t make sense, Asher. It seems more sinister than what meets the eye.”

Braun looked at me curiously. “When you watch the tape later and listen to the whole interrogation you’ll understand why I’m saying this.”

Our conversation ceased and our focus shifted when Eric spoke again.

“The man in the passenger seat told me not to look at the one in the back and I obeyed his command but I swear to you, that’s all I saw. The full thick beard and the curly hair.”

“Can you describe the person in the passenger seat to me?” Ares asked but Eric shook his head.

“What about the driver, what did he look like?”

“I don’t know.” He sounded scared, his voice cracking. “I didn’t see their faces, it was dark.”

“What about accents? Did they sound like they were from this area?” They clearly used someone innocent to do their dirty work.

“T-the one in the passenger seat had a Russian accent.” Asher and I looked at each other for a few seconds. “The driver never spoke. The curly-haired guy sounded Hispanic.”

“Doesn’t explain what you were doing here and where you got that uniform. What did they send you to the Bureau for? What were you supposed to retrieve, Eric?”

Ares locked in, a sliver away from becoming a drill sergeant who expected to see results from his soldiers.

“Files. Camera footage. Access cards.” He blabbered. Spilling the truth like hot tea. “They gave me the uniform, the card, even showed me the layout of the Bureau.”

Who the hell were these people?

“Why you? You’ve got a clear criminal record.”

“I don’t know.” He lowered his head. “I don’t know. I just did what they asked of me. I didn’t want to do this you have to believe me.”

Ares glanced into the two-way mirror and even though he couldn’t see me it felt like his gaze pierced right through me. He shrugged and then turned his attention back to Eric.

“You were supposed to retrieve access cards but you already had one that got you into the CCTV room. That’s quite the conundrum.”

Ares laughed but clearly the situation didn’t amuse him. It happened to be a classic tactic and always threw the suspect off course.

“T-the card they gave me only had access to the CCTV room and entry into the building. From there on I should’ve retrieved everything else. I-I was informed that there wouldn’t be any agents present and if they were, they wouldn’t be on the ground floor.”

“Ah.” Ares nodded.

“What happened here was a case of wrong place, wrong time and you my friend were definitely in the wrong place at the wrong time. You also confessed to multiple different crimes. Even if you didn’t want to commit them, you were still complicit.”

“No!” Eric stood up but his hands were cuffed to the desk. “No! Please, man. Please you’ve got to help me. I told you everything I know.”

He pleaded, while Asher and I exchanged looks.

“Turn it off,” Asher instructed and I clicked the button next to the little window, which meant we could no longer hear them. “Do you understand what this means, Rivera?”

I turned my back on Ares and the suspect, focusing solely on the SAC. “This is extremely malicious,” I confirmed. “Something tells me this is connected to the case Nicolas worked on. How were they always one step ahead? They must have an accomplice on the inside.”

“You’re saying it could be a mole?” I pursed my lips, trying to avoid thinking negatively of my colleagues.

“Yes, sir. It’s the only explanation.”

I said, tucking my hands into the pockets of my leather jacket.

“The motive is unclear but from my observations I can tell whoever this mystery man is, obviously wants to infiltrate the Bureau and destroy it from the inside or perhaps he could be leading us elsewhere while he does whatever illegal activity is on his agenda.”

The door swung open and Ares stepped inside, I didn’t look at him but could see him in my peripheral vision. “There’s only one man who matches the description he gave me but that’s a dead end.”

“Why?” Asher asked, turning to face him.

“Went off the grid over two decades ago but used to cause a lot of chaos. Only problem is, we don’t have a name. Only a call sign.”

“Military?”

“Something like that.” I silently scrutinised the conversation, making mental notes. “A lieutenant. The issue is, everyone who knew his real name is either dead or missing. Case files have been erased.”

“So the man clearly doesn’t want to be found.” That’s when I finally spoke.

“What’s his call sign?” Ares’ gaze flicked to me and aside from his obvious annoyance, he answered.

“Dominion.”

Eleven

Amala

After interrogating our suspect, we were forced to let him go because his confession wasn’t enough to hold him any longer and we needed to delay an official arrest because we were still trying to identify accomplices.

Or in this case, our main suspects.

We were back in the administrative office, everybody on edge after the incident that occurred last night.

“Valiente and Rivera.” Kayden appeared out of nowhere. “Asher needs to see you.”

When Braun summoned you, it meant one of two things.

We didn’t complete a task to his standard and needed to face the repercussions or we’d be briefed on a new case that required urgent attention.

I grabbed my jacket that was draped over the back of my chair and quickly put it on while walking towards his office, Ares followed behind me judging by the footsteps but I didn’t pay him any mind.

When we reached his office, the door was already open but I still knocked. Waiting for the signal to enter.

When he nodded his head, Ares and I entered simultaneously. “I’ll be removing you both from administrative duty. You’ll be handling the dominion case.”

For some reason, I knew this would be the next move.

We were present when the shootout at the Bureau occurred, so from an analytical standpoint this partnership made sense.

However, that didn’t mean I was onboard with this decision.

In the end, it didn’t really matter how I felt about the situation because it wouldn’t make a difference.

In this field, you were required to accept change and be adaptable.

Regardless of personal preference.

“There’s been a homicide reported downtown and we suspect that it may be related to this case. I need you both to head there now.

The air downtown felt colder, crisper. Every inhale burned the inside of my nose and lungs, the sharpness of the morning settling deep into my chest.

When we arrived at the scene, several police cruisers were parked outside a local corner store, their lights still flashing against the surrounding buildings.

Crime scene tape cordoned off the sidewalk, enclosing the area where a body lay beneath a black body bag.

A police officer who looked to be in his late thirties approached us, both hands buried in the pockets of his jacket.

“Mornin’. I’m Officer Williams.”

He turned and led Ares and me toward the crime scene.

“We’ve got one DOA. Male, no identification. Three gunshot wounds to the chest and one to the head. No suspects at this time. The only witness is the store owner, but he couldn’t give us a clear description of the man who fled the scene.”

“I’m Special Agent Valiente, and this is my partner, Special Agent Rivera.” Ares folded his arms across his chest. “Do we know when this happened?”

“About an hour ago.” Ares nodded. “Can we see the body?”

Williams nodded, lifting the crime scene tape and gesturing for us to duck underneath.

“Forensics have already processed the scene. They’ll be removing the body shortly.”

Ares crouched beside the victim and carefully lowered the zipper of the body bag, exposing his face.

My breath caught and my eyes widened.

“Eric.”

Ares immediately looked at me.

“We interrogated him a few hours ago,” I whispered, unable to tear my eyes away from the body. “And now he’s dead?”

My blood ran cold. I straightened, instinctively scanning the surrounding streets. Left. Right. Across the road. The alleyway beside the store.

This wasn’t a coincidence. Someone killed him.

Cold-blooded murder.

A warning, or perhaps an attempt to erase a loose end.

Ares’s jaw clenched as he reached for his phone.

“Call Braun.” I looked at him as his expression hardened. “This is definitely connected to Dominion.”

ARES

Amala’s maroon and gold Van Cleef bracelet currently hid underneath my jacket sleeve, wrapped tightly around my forearm.

Should I have divulged that information to her?

Perhaps.

Before leaving the hotel room on our last day, I spotted it lying on the ground beside the bed but by then, Amala already left.

Initially I intended to return it to her but now for some reason I wanted to hold onto it a little longer.

Apparently the flimsy piece of jewellery cost quite a penny so I wanted to make her sweat.

Keep her blood pressure rising.

Though it seemed like my plan worked against me because the weight of the item dragged me down, burning my skin.

I entered the bullpen, nodding at the other agents and analysts as I passed by and came to a standstill next to Nicolas.

“You’re late.” He muttered, slowly turning to look at me. “You should tell your conquests that you’re only available some weekends.”

Nicolas wasn’t in the office yet when Amala and I were sent downtown but I didn’t feel the need to explain myself, so with a straight face I looked at him before answering.

“I haven’t gotten my dick wet in years if that’s what you’re insinuating.”

I deadpanned.

He laughed and shook his head. “I don’t believe that.”

The bullpen buzzed with chatter, phones ringing, endless typing, and of course Asher’s voice slicing through the air with Stephanie right behind him.

“Alright people listen up.” He clicked a button on the remote in his hand, an array of information popping up on the screens in front of us. “We’re all aware of the incident that happened two nights ago. This headquarter is currently being closely monitored to prevent any possible threats.”

Stephanie stepped forward, pushing her glasses back. “Our suspect, Eric, who mentioned Dominion, was found dead this morning which surely is no coincidence.”

She said, “Did we manage to find anything relating to that call sign?”

“Did we manage to find Beverly, Eric’s wife?” Asher spoke to a few other agents, the chaos ensuing around us nearly made my brain short-circuit.

“We’ve completed a deep dive.” Kayden entered the conversation. “Unfortunately we still haven’t found any relevant information about him but we can easily turn nothing into something.”

He spoke confidently. “If someone managed to clean sweep their existence, it meant they’re not trying to be found.”

He paused, handing a file to Stephanie.

“Now there are only two individuals who can accomplish something of that magnitude.” He said.

“Hackers or someone working on the inside,” Amala spoke and Kayden snapped his fingers.

My gaze flicked to her for a few seconds, scanning her attire and posture.

Those black jeans clung to her legs with her phone fitting snugly into her back pocket.

“Exactly. If this Dominion character disappeared a decade ago and served in the military as a Lieutenant then surely there should be information we can find. Even the best of the best are prone to slipping up. I’ve gathered the list of names of the people who served in the military a decade ago from various bases but we’re most likely going to find what we need in the Army branches but we’ll look into the Navy, Air Force, and Marines just to be sure.”

“Thank you, Kayden.”

Stephanie smiled but her expression quickly turned serious seconds later.

“What we’re dealing with could be a real threat to the Bureau or it could be a pawn. A distraction from something more sinister. Either way, we’ll need to ensure we’re covering all our bases.” she said.

“If there is a mole, we’ll need to be discreet because it would most likely be someone in a position of power and we wouldn’t want to alarm them.” Nicolas and I looked at each other, raising our eyebrows.

“Vaanya, get me the footage of the street Eric walked along before being approached by Dominion and see what you can find. A license plate, the car’s make and model, anything identifiable that will help us find more information.”

“We found a link between this case and the Antonio Freeman investigation,” Trevor spoke and this made Nicolas’ eye twitch. “Messages from Antonio to an unknown number via an encrypted chat with the call sign being used once.”

“Antonio Freeman was involved with the distribution of narcotics. Are you saying there’s a possibility the head of this operation is someone else?” I asked, stepping forward.

“Seems that way,” Asher confirmed. “Nicolas, I want you to retrieve the case files on Antonio and see what you can find. If there’s a witness, a lead, follow it and take Mariana with you.”

Nick nodded, grabbed his jacket, and waited for his partner to follow before leaving with haste.

“Amala and Ares,” Asher paused.

“You’re going undercover.”

Twelve

Amala

The Bureau had booked the hotel room under an alias, while Nicolas waited downstairs in the parking lot, posing as our chauffeur for the evening.

I couldn’t remember when my life had taken such a drastic turn.

There was a time when you couldn’t have paid me to willingly associate with Valiente. Now, I’d been forced into his orbit, and he’d been shoved into mine.

The man could’ve passed for the plague.

An infectious disease lingering in the air, slowly invading my system with every breath I took.

While he changed into his formal attire in the bathroom, I dressed quickly in the bedroom, determined to avoid an accidental flashing incident. The last thing I needed was for him to walk out while I stood here half-naked.

Ten minutes passed. Then another and my patience finally snapped.

I marched toward the bathroom and pounded my fist against the door.

“Hurry up, princess. We haven’t got all night.” I huffed.

The lace lining my corset itched against my skin, only adding to my growing irritation.

I raised my fist to knock again, but the door swung open.

Ares strolled out as though we were preparing for an ordinary evening together rather than going undercover to investigate a potentially dangerous criminal organisation.

His gaze swept over me once before he adjusted his cufflinks and walked past.

The burgundy shirt beneath his charcoal-grey suit matched my dress perfectly.

From an outsider’s perspective, we probably looked like the quintessential power couple.

The thought alone made me want to scream.

Every day, I contemplated asking Asher for a transfer. I wouldn’t have cared if it came with a demotion.

How long could I realistically work alongside this man before I finally malfunctioned?

Every interaction pushed me closer to the edge.

I stepped into the bathroom and glanced around, searching for something—anything—that could help me with the godforsaken zipper.

Then I spotted the hangers.

Perfect.

Except they were scattered across the bed, and there was no way in hell I was walking out there with my entire back exposed.

“Do you need help with your dress?”

Ares’s voice pulled me from my thoughts and I looked up.

Our eyes met through the mirror making me frown before looking away.

“No. I’m fine.”

He leaned against the doorway, arms crossed over his chest, one eyebrow raised. The muscles in his arms strained subtly against the fabric of his suit jacket.

“Why do you always have to be so stubborn, Amala?”

His deep voice seemed to linger in the air before settling against my skin and a shiver ran down my spine. My heart rate spiking.

I didn’t understand the reaction and I certainly didn’t appreciate it.

Why the hell was he looking at me like that?

Ares pushed away from the doorway and approached.

He stopped directly behind me, his height towering over mine.

Before I could protest, he gathered my hair in one hand and swept it over my shoulder.

He stood close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from his body.

Too close. I could hear every breath he took.

Feel the faint brush of his fingertips against my skin.

A quiet exhale escaped me before I could stop it.

“Am I stubborn?” I countered, forcing my voice to remain steady. “Or are you simply not accustomed to women who challenge you or refuse your help?”

His fingers caught the zipper and he drew it upward slowly.

“You’re the only woman who challenges me.”

His voice was lower now as he reached the top of the zipper and gave it one final tug, pulling me subtly closer in the process.

“We’re partners,” he said firmly.

His gaze met mine through the mirror.

“The sooner you come to terms with that, the better. You’re only making things more difficult for yourself.”

“Accept it and make things easier for you?” I scoffed. “I don’t think so.”

He studied me for several seconds then his hand came beneath my chin, tilting my head backward.

The sudden movement caught me off guard but I quickly recovered, clearing my throat.

“Get your hand away from me.” I slapped his hand aside.

“You need to change your necklace.” He completely ignored my protest. “There’s a camera hidden in this one.”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver necklace, dangling it beside my face.

A deep-red ruby sat at its centre, a silver serpent coiled around the stone.

I reached for it but Ares immediately pulled it out of reach.

“Hold your hair up.” I didn’t move, didn’t comply.

He reached forward, gathered my hair into his fist, and gave it a small tug. “Hold it.”

I hissed, glaring at him through the mirror.

“By the time I’m through with you, you’ll be saying please after every one of your demands.”

The corner of his mouth lifted after my words echoed in the air.

A smug grin.

“Either way, I’ll get what I want, with or without politeness.”

He tugged my hair again, clearly daring me to continue the argument. Clearly, he still hadn’t learned that I wasn’t the type to back down.

I drove my elbow into his stomach and he released a grunt, stumbling back half a step.

Satisfaction coursed through my veins and I lifted my hair, smiling sweetly at him.

He glared at me, one hand clutching his stomach.

“Better?”

His expression promised retaliation but he recovered quickly.

A moment later, his fingers brushed against the back of my neck as he fastened the necklace.

I ground my molars, forcing myself to tolerate the contact.

“We’re leaving in ten minutes.”

He tossed my earpiece onto the bathroom counter. “Don’t forget that.”

Then he turned and walked away.

I slammed the bathroom door behind him and pinched the bridge of my nose.

Tonight was going to be a disaster.

I was honestly surprised we’d managed to work together this long without one of us committing murder.

Then again, Ares wasn’t worth going to prison over.

I stared at my reflection before picking up the earpiece and inserting it into my ear.

Once we activated the small black button, the recording would begin, capturing every conversation within range.

If there was even the slightest indication that anyone in attendance knew our suspects, or knew anything about Dominion, we’d have it recorded.

That was how we’d build our case.

Our objective tonight was simple: gather intelligence.

Because right now, we were operating almost completely in the dark.

We didn’t know who we were looking for.

We didn’t know who could be trusted.

And we certainly didn’t know what we’d find.

The camera hidden inside my necklace would transmit a live feed to our analysts, allowing them to run facial recognition on everyone in attendance.

On paper, it sounded simple. Blend in. Use our aliases.

Engage in casual conversation without drawing attention to ourselves.

Observe. Listen and analyse the room for anything that seemed suspicious.

Simple.

At least, that was the plan.

We arrived at the venue, the sleek black rented Mercedes blended into the darkness of night as Nicolas swerved into the vacant parking spot.

“I’ll be parked down the street. Lay low, listen to anything and everything. Slip-ups happen fast and if you’re in trouble weave 404 into the conversation and we’ll send back up.”

Ares and I nodded, climbing out of the vehicle. “Be safe and please return in one piece,” Nicolas added.

“Your concern for me is extremely heartwarming. I’ll use that as my motivation to return safely.”

Ares said sarcastically and I ignored the urge to roll my eyes.

Expensive, luxury cars were lined up on the street—showcasing just how wealthy these people actually were.

Which definitely raised alarm bells in my head.

What did most of the people do for a living?

Where were they getting these amounts of money?

Ares placed his large hand on the small of my back and my body tensed. “Do you need me to cuff you?” I snapped, looking daggers at him.

“Will that help you keep your hands to yourself?”

“Careful.” He whispered in my ear, sounding calm. Dangerously calm. “I’m certain you wouldn’t want the analysts overhearing this interesting conversation.”

I clutched my purse tightly, hand itching to grab the knife in my thigh holster and plunge it into his eye.

“Your sarcasm could use some work.”

He pulled me closer, knowing I couldn’t do anything about it.

Elite businessmen and women surrounded us as we walked towards the entrance of the building.

“Oh,” He paused to look at me. “You must’ve mistaken my hand on your back for me giving a fuck about your opinion. Trust me, nothing’s changed. I’m just doing my job.”

“Oh,” I mocked him. “You hardly do your job thoroughly in any case so I assumed you required some pointers.”

He laughed softly, observing our surroundings.

His fingertips dug into my skin before he slid his large hand around my waist and forced my body disgustingly closer to his.

At this point, I didn’t know where he ended and I began.

“If I were to accept pointers from anyone, it wouldn’t be you.” We smiled and nodded at the concierge as we entered the building.

This quality made us good agents, the ability to continue with our facade despite wanting to kill each other.

I turned to look at him, the smile still gracing my face. “Mi amor.”

The sarcastic term of endearment made his eye twitch and I relished the expression.

“That’s why your coworkers aren’t fond of working with you. Perhaps if you learned to accept criticism you’d be a better agent.”

We came to a standstill and he gripped my chin, gently yet firmly.

His touch sickened me but I didn’t display my disdain.

“Mi corazón.” He mimicked my tone, leaning in to speak directly into my ear.

“The day I care about anything my coworkers think of me is the day hell freezes over. Fuck them.”

He released me as if touching me both disgusted and burned him simultaneously then disappeared among the crowd.

I stood there, glaring in his direction—trying to make sense of the altercation that just transpired between us.

Thirteen

Ares

My sanity, my willpower, my fucking patience hung by a loose thread that was on the precipice of snapping.

Amala made meaningless conversation with a grey-haired woman, laughing and smiling like she didn’t continuously push my buttons day in and day out.

She seemed like an angel but she happened to be the devil in disguise.

A witch who used her dark magic to manipulate the people around her.

The vicinity buzzed with subtle entitlement, everyone silently competing with each other.

Whose net worth was higher, whose bank account had more zeros in it, who could use their power to weave their way out of sticky situations.

“Jonathan Freeman.” A man with a Russian accent said, the voice coming from somewhere behind me.

I smoothed a palm over my tie, listening attentively. “I almost thought you’d taken a rain check tonight.”

I slowly turned around, only to get a glimpse of their faces.

Amala had a camera hidden in her necklace and I had one embedded into the buckle of my belt.

When I fully turned towards them I heard Kayden’s voice through my earpiece. “Got them.”

“No facial recognition for the Russian.” He said. “At least we’ve got the voice recording.”

I couldn’t respond because that would’ve been suspicious but I walked past them, making a beeline towards the bar.

“Where’s Enzo?” Jonathan asked and the Russian clicked his tongue.

“Business trip. Rodrigo needed his assistance for closing a deal in Vista.”

I frowned, making mental notes of the names.

Hoping the audio would be clear enough for the analysts to work with. Could Enzo or Rodrigo be Dominion?

When I reached the bar, I requested water.

Internally cursing at the fact that I couldn’t drink any alcohol. I needed it.

The two men walked by, moving toward a secluded section.

“Let’s discuss this in my office.” The Russian said and then they disappeared around the corner.

The bartender pushed the water towards me and I nodded.

I couldn’t follow them because security seemed to be tight and I couldn’t risk blowing my cover, getting caught, or endangering us.

Shit.

This could’ve been the break we needed. I kept looking in the direction both men walked and that’s when two bodyguards appeared, clad in black with earpieces in.

No doubt those men were high flyers with wealth and power.

Why else would you need men guarding your office if you weren’t hiding something?

I twisted my body around, scanning the crowd for Amala and that’s when I spotted her conversing with a man.

Tall, blonde hair, pristine beige suit. He held his hand out for her to take and she gracefully accepted.

Maxime Rodriguez’s Vivo Tango drowned out the sounds of chatter, each beat punching me in the gut as I watched the scene unfold.

He pulled her towards the dance floor, holding her close as they moved to the rhythm of the song.

There were a handful of people surrounding them, dancing along but my sight was only set on her and I found it disgusting—how I couldn’t get myself to look away.

I swiped a knuckle across my jaw, scowling at them.

At this point, I didn’t know if it was the thump of my heart pounding in my ears or the loudness of the track blaring throughout the room.

“I’ve got some information on the man you’re dancing with,” Kayden spoke and I bit my tongue.

Not wanting to say anything out of line. Amala couldn’t respond but she made conversation with the man.

“His name is Ian Rossi. Seems to be Enzo’s brother. They’re all under investigation.”

My jaw ticked, the vexation hitting me out of nowhere.

I didn’t know why but the scene before me, of the strange man’s hands roaming over Amala’s body angered me to the core.

Maybe it was because I now knew his identity or maybe it was something else. Something I couldn’t quite name yet.

“He’s extremely dangerous. Wanted across several states.”

There was static and then I heard his voice. A subtle Italian accent. “What are your plans after this?”

“I don’t think I’ve got anything on my agenda.”

She said with a voice that dripped with seduction. “Why do you ask?”

“Perhaps we could do something.” He suggested, leaning down to talk into her ear.

“You’re just my type.”

“Oh, I’m sure.” She retorted sarcastically but I couldn’t handle the scene playing out anymore.

The rhythm got progressively louder, their movements more passionate.

My body moved on its own accord and I strutted across the room—approaching them with full-blown rage coursing through my system.

In the midst of him spinning her around, I grabbed hold of her hand and pulled her flush against me.

Of course he couldn’t protest because another woman filled his arms in a split second.

He still eyed her, seemingly upset that I interrupted the moment.

Fuck me.

I never knew someone’s skin could be this soft.

Her hands fit perfectly in mine and for a moment I forgot the reasoning behind my disdain.

Only for a moment.

A low gasp escaped her lips as our bodies connected and we moved across the floor. “What the hell are you doing?”

She muttered angrily as the sharp notes of the song slowly built, forging a path for the climax.

I pushed her away from me then pulled her closer once more, her back melting into the front of my body.

“Saving you the trouble of wasting your time. I found the targets.” I swallowed harshly, the familiar feeling washing over me.

The same feeling I experienced when she was drunk and begged me to sleep beside her. “He’s a target too.”

I wondered if she really couldn’t remember what transpired that evening—all those sweet nothings she whispered into the stillness of the night.

“Did you get any information out of him?”

“No, but I was in the process of arranging something.”

“Arranging what exactly?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Did you plan on going home with him? Our objective was to spot them, have a clear visual for our analysts, and then remain subtle for the rest of the evening.”

I knew she could handle the situation and most likely coerce more information out of him but the feeling in my gut told me to intervene.

“Obviously I wasn’t going home with him.” She scoffed. “Your buckle’s digging into my back.”

She grimaced and I cursed under my breath, spinning her around before wrapping her leg around my waist as I dipped her and pulled her back up.

Our faces were now inches apart, her cheeks flushed and it was a sight I’ve never seen before.

One that sparked illicit emotions inside of my chest.

“That’s not my buckle.”

She blinked rapidly, her leg dropping to the floor just as the track came to an abrupt end.

She eyed me, her chest heaving as people around us clapped. “We should leave.”

Amala didn’t wait for me to respond and elegantly walked away, disappearing amongst the crowd before effortlessly heading straight to the exit.

I cleared my throat but followed suit and once we were outside of the building, I aggressively removed my belt and ripped the earpiece out—throwing it onto the floor before stepping on it.

What the fuck just happened?

Luckily the bulge wasn’t evident.

Amala must’ve done the same thing I’d done because the necklace no longer adorned her neck.

The crisp air hit my skin as I walked down the empty street and pulled my phone out of my pocket, dialling Nick’s number.

“You good?” He asked. “We just lost comms.”

“Yeah. We’re good, on our way to you right now.”

While walking I eyed Amala, her heels clicking along the sidewalk. Judging by the pace, I could sense her anger.

“Wanna tell me what happened before you get into the car?” I laughed bitterly, releasing a breath as condensation formed in the cold air.

“Rather not.” I pulled the device away from my ear, hitting the red button on the screen. “Fucking hell,”

I whispered to myself.

My hands trembled as I shoved the phone back into my pocket and pulled out a cigarette from the inside of my suit jacket.

The ember glowed when the flame of the lighter touched it and I inhaled sharply, then blew out a puff of smoke.

Nothing calmed me more than the taste of tobacco on my tongue and the burn of nicotine coating my lungs.

The car door slammed in the distance and I already knew that could only be Amala’s doing.

When I finally reached the vehicle, I killed the cigarette butt and flicked it into the street.

The partition in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class was rolled up, the air tense as I climbed into the backseat. I could always count on Nicolas to abandon me in my time of need.

The second my door closed, the car hummed to life and then he drove off.

“Why did you do that?” She spat, throwing her purse onto the floor.

“Do what?” I asked nonchalantly, dropping my belt next to the purse.

She’d been annoyed, irritated, and slightly worked up in the past but this felt different.

Her facade crumbled, cracking with each passing second.

“Don’t do that, Ares.” She scoffed. “Don’t sit here and play dumb with me. Are you fucking insane?”

I focused on the city, staring out of the window. “Insane? I don’t recall doing anything wrong.” I turned to face her.

“You touched me, practically pressed your dick into my back. You don’t consider that wrong? How many times do I have to tell you this? I don’t like you, I hate being near you. Then you pull something like that, it’s sickening and distracting me from the task at hand.”

My temper flared and I lost it, wrapping my hand around her throat.

My grip wouldn’t cut off her air supply but I dominated the situation and caught her off guard.

“How do you think I feel?” I pulled her closer. “Do you think I want this? I couldn’t stand the sight of you and now you’re plaguing my fucking mind. That’s sickening.”

She held onto my forearm, looking at me with an expression I couldn’t decipher.

“Why do we keep doing this? Why are we always going back and forth? Jesus, you’re a constant affliction. I hate you but I couldn’t handle seeing you dancing with another man.”

Her pulse quickened underneath my fingertips. “I could snuff the life out of you.”

“Then why don’t you do it?” She countered. “You’re the source of all my misery.”

“Then why haven’t you pushed me away?” We held eye contact, both of us rigid with tension.

“Answer me, Rivera. Why aren’t you pushing me away?”

The partition rolled down and I quickly removed my hand from her neck, creating distance between us.

We probably looked guilty, despite not having done anything to be guilty of.

Nicolas looked at us through the rear-view mirror, then shifted his gaze toward me. “I’m checking to make sure you two aren’t killing each other.”

Amala laughed softly and I smiled lazily. “We’ll be at the hotel in a few minutes then we’ll head back to headquarters.”

“If I were going to kill him, I wouldn’t do it when there are witnesses around,” Amala said but I refused to look at her.

I could still feel the lingering effects of the heated discussion.

Nicolas chuckled, coming to a slow stop at a red light. “Who says I wouldn’t happily be an accomplice?”

Despite her attempt at easing the tension, my chest heaved and my blood simmered.

Pulsing through my veins and spreading like wildfire.

We glanced at each other and I shifted towards the door, trying to create more distance between us but that didn’t help.

If anything I could still feel her skin against mine, her warmth seeping into my fingertips and her pulse beneath them.

I was utterly fucked.

Fourteen

Amala

After going undercover last night, we now had an inkling of information regarding the Dominion case.

Granted it wasn’t much and it still felt like we were trying to find a needle in a haystack, we at least had some sense of direction.

“Mamá, estoy bien.”

I held the phone against my ear, plopping onto the couch. I held the bowl of strawberries in my left hand and placed it onto my thigh. “I’ve just been extremely busy with work.”

The memories of last night kept replaying in my mind and it irked me. I could still feel him pressed up against me. Talking into my ear.

Touching me so tenderly.

That’s not my buckle.

“Work.” She muttered and it snapped me back to the present, the disapproval evident in her voice. “At least check in with me. Todos los días me preocupo por tu seguridad.”

“Can we please not have this conversation again?”

My mother and I clashed every time I called or saw her. She’d nag about my occupation, reminding me of the dangers that came with the job.

“You’re just like your father. Stubborn and hardheaded. Santa María.”

I bit into the strawberry, the sweetness overridden by the bitter memory of my deadbeat father and Ares because he used those same words to describe my personality.

Fuck them both.

The common denominator of my hatred would always be men.

My mother, Marisol, refused to discuss anything pertaining to her ex-husband, though—except when she’d compare me to the man in these situations.

I didn’t know what his line of work was but apparently it was extremely dangerous and that’s why she left him.

She couldn’t bear the thought of anything happening to him and gave him an ultimatum.

Unfortunately, he wanted the best of both worlds but she wasn’t willing to lie awake every night, wondering if the man lived to see another day.

Made me wonder what the fuck he was doing.

“You’re intelligent, Amala. You’d be successful in any career path, why do you have to put yourself in harm’s way?”

She sighed and I shook my head, twirling strands of hair around my index finger.

I needed to keep my free hand moving or I would’ve ripped my hair out of my scalp.

“Mamá, we’ve already talked about this. I enjoy my job and I’m good at it.” I frowned. “Please don’t compare me to your ex-husband.”

“You mean your father?” She asked.

“I don’t know who you’re referring to but that’s no father of mine. All I remember about him is his name but what I do know is that you’ve been divorced for twenty years and in that timeframe I haven’t seen him ever again. Some father he is.”

She knew this subject pissed me off but she kept pushing. “Forgive and forget.”

“Forgive him for what exactly?” I questioned. “I can assure you I’m not spending my days thinking about him but you’re always bringing him up. Why is that?”

“You’re resentful, that’s why. Let it go.” She exhaled softly. “Harboring those feelings won’t change anything. When we were married he was a good man and a great father. Besides, you had me didn’t you?”

I laughed humorlessly. “I’m resentful?”

Disbelief hid in my tone of voice.

The work device on my coffee table buzzed, the screen lighting up and my gaze flicked to it. “Ma, I have to go. I’ll call you later.”

While she responded, I ended the call.

Normally I’d bid her goodbye but she ruined the good mood and now I was too agitated to concern myself with useless pleasantries.

I checked the message on the government-issued device and noted an arms deal gone wrong in the same area where the attempted homicide took place two weeks ago.

Clearly, that area of town could’ve been a potential hub for this group’s illegal activity.

Something about this case didn’t sit right with me and when I asked relevant questions, nobody could give me a straight answer.

This is exactly what I fought against every day. To me, it seemed as though Ares knew more than I did.

The idea of information being withheld from me not only angered me but it unsettled me deeply. There was a loud knock on my door and it startled me.

My eyes snapped up and normally I would’ve ignored it because nobody that I knew would ever stop by unannounced on a weekday but the banging became more insistent.

I tied my robe, grabbed my sidearm strapped underneath my kitchen counter, and walked closer to the door before looking through the peephole.

Whoever it was covered it with their hand which immediately raised red flags for me.

I checked the magazine, ensuring there were bullets in it, and then clicked it back into place before removing the safety.

The banging happened one more time and that’s when I unlocked the door and abruptly pulled it open, pointing my pistol at the person.

Ares stood before me, looking directly at the barrel of the gun with an expression I couldn’t quite decipher.

“What the fuck, Valiente? I could’ve shot you.”

My eyes dropped to the hand gripping his bicep and I immediately noticed the blood soaking his white shirt.

He panted softly, looking at me with those cold eyes. “Somebody already beat you to it.”

My heart pounded against my ribcage and without thinking, I pulled him into my apartment—looking down the hallway to check if anyone followed him and when I didn’t see any movement I shut the door, then locked it.

“What the hell happened?”

The question I really wanted an answer to was why he decided to grace my doorstep with an injury when there were hospitals available, the headquarters, or his friends’ homes but I chose to save the enquiries for later.

“Isn’t it obvious?”

I pushed him onto the couch, assessing the blood staining his shirt.

It seemed to be severe which meant I needed to call Asher to inform him of this fucking mess.

I walked to the kitchen, grabbed a clean dishcloth from the draw and handed it to him.

“Apply pressure to the wound,” I said and he obliged. “Sit quietly and don’t get blood on my couch.”

I grabbed my phone, quickly hitting Asher’s name in the speed dial.

“I’ll try my best.” He said sardonically. Ares looked pale, beads of sweat coating his forehead.

Shock was setting in and fast.

“Who are you calling?” He questioned which caused me to raise an eyebrow.

Asher picked up after the second ring, splitting my focus between him and the bleeding man before me.

“Braun, speaking.” His deep, authoritative voice boomed through the speaker.

“Asher,” I answered, keeping my eyes on Ares.

He shook his head no, trying to grab hold of my phone but I moved backward.

“Rivera, is everything okay?” Asher asked and that’s when Ares got up, nearly collapsing on my floor while trying to snatch my phone.

He was successful in his endeavour and clicked the red button to end the call.

“What is wrong with you?” I snapped. “Sit down and give my phone back, Ares. Are you demented?”

“No.” He panted. “If I give you the phone back, promise me you won’t call anyone. Not even Braun.”

I furrowed my brows, looking at him in confusion.

“Why not, Ares? What’s going on?”

The alarm bells sounded in my head. If this case felt off for me, then surely he shared the same sentiments.

“Just listen to me for once. Just this once.”

Normally I wouldn’t have considered listening but the crack in his voice wasn’t normal. It was extremely uncharacteristic.

“Tell me why?”

“I think this has something to do with the case we’re working on. I don’t trust anyone.”

“Do you trust me?” I asked and he looked at me with hooded eyes.

“I wouldn’t be here right now if I didn’t trust you. Just please, listen to me. If you want to call someone. Call Nick or Kayden.”

“How are you sure it’s related to the case?

“We went undercover last night and all of a sudden this morning I’m being shot at?”

He made an extremely valid point and I pursed my lips.

“Fine. I won’t tell our superiors yet.” I said sternly. “Now sit down,” I said before walking towards my bathroom, heading straight for the cabinet to grab my first aid kit.

ARES

Amala returned with a first aid kit in hand, concern etched onto her face.

Life had the best sense of humor I’d ever experienced, except I didn’t find anything amusing about this predicament.

“You’ll need to remove your shirt.” She instructed and I watched her with hooded eyes.

Trying my best not to succumb to sleep. “I understand your feelings of suspicion but Asher needs to be informed about this soon and why didn’t you go to the hospital?”

“Normally we’d go on a date first and feign interest in each other before I remove my clothing.”

I joked but she looked at me with a straight face, blinking slowly.

The expression screamed really motherfucker?

“Who did this to you, Ares?” I hissed as I removed the cloth from the wound, slowly unbuttoning my shirt.

Amala stepped forward, helping me pull it down my arms.

My exposed upper body shuddered as pain shot through my left arm. “That’s the thing, I don’t know. A black SUV pulled up beside me while I drove and started firing shots. I didn’t get a license plate or see their faces.”

She set the kit down next to me, disappeared into the kitchen, and then returned with a bottle of alcohol.

“You can let Asher know soon, just hold on. Your apartment was the closest. I managed to lose them by swerving down an alley and I didn’t want to risk them following me to the hospital.”

Amala cracked open the bottle of vodka, grabbing hold of my chin. “Look at me.”

She demanded. I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the warmth of her hands on my skin. “Stay awake, Valiente.”

I hadn’t realised that I started drifting as I looked up at her with slow blinks. “This is going to hurt.”

She said, holding my left arm steady before placing a clean cloth doused with alcohol directly over the wound. Applying immense pressure.

“Fuck!” I groaned, tossing my head back. The burning sensation shot through my nervous system, stinging my skin while she cleaned around the wound.

“I know, I know.” I couldn’t comprehend the situation or my surroundings, feeling extremely dizzy. “Looks like the bullet is still lodged in your arm.” She released a soft breath. “You’re going to need medical assistance, Ares.

“Shit.” I whimpered.

“I can patch your wound to slow the bleeding but you’ll still need medical attention. I can’t remove the bullet or it might cause severe internal bleeding.”

My chest heaved, sweat dripping down my face and neck. “Later. I need to rest.”

She gripped my hair in her fist and I looked up at her angrily. “No, you need to stay awake.” She said. “Focus on me.”

I watched her intently, her delicate hands working swiftly and efficiently as she cleaned the area, applied gauze, and wrapped the bandage around my bicep.

“Never thought I’d be listening to your commands.”

“Yeah?” She cleaned up, working with haste, and answered without glancing in my direction.

“When your life hangs in the balance, you’re left with no choice but to comply. Your arrogance and ego will only speed up your journey to the grave.

“You think I’m arrogant?” I questioned, my dry throat making my voice sound hoarse.

“Is this the appropriate time to discuss your god-awful personality traits?”

She asked and now that the blood loss had been slowed, I could finally focus on my surroundings again.

My eyes raked across her figure, my jaw clenching as I willed myself to look away. “I think now’s the perfect time.” I huffed. “I could’ve died.”

“You could have but you didn’t.” She sassed. “Unfortunately.”

For the first time since the day I met her, I laughed.

Fucking laughed at a joke that involved me dying. “If I die, I’m taking you along with me so pack your bags.”

“Do you think hell has air conditioning?”

Fifteen

Amala

“I’ll get you a t-shirt.” My eyes lingered on the tattoo on his chest and the full sleeve of ink on his right arm.

Briefly. “Though I doubt it’s going to fit you.”

“That’s fine, unless you want me half naked in your living room when Nick and Kayden arrive.”

I shook my head, thinking about how that’d look. I’m certain in these circumstances it wouldn’t be an issue, given the injury the man sustained.

“I doubt they’d think anything of it. Unless of course I should’ve left you to bleed out on my doorstep.” He smiled, leaning against the couch’s backrest.

“I took my chances knowing that could’ve been the outcome.” He said. “Why did you help me?”

“I’m not fond of you but I wasn’t going to let you perish unless I were the cause of it.”

He huffed a laugh, the lack of animosity in this conversation and in the air nearly threw me for a loop.

“Let’s talk about this.” He muttered. “Seeing that you didn’t answer any of my questions that night.” I looked over at him, nearly distracted by his physique.

“Wait, let me get you the t-shirt first.”

I didn’t allow him to say anything else as I scurried into my bedroom, rummaging through my closet to find the most ridiculous garment I owned.

When I entered the living room, Ares’ eyes were closed, his breathing even. “Wake up.” I threw the item at him and surprisingly he caught it with ease.

“I wasn’t sleeping.” He deadpanned. “Always knocking a man while he’s down.”

He opened the tee and looked at it, then shifted his gaze to me. “Overworked and underfucked.” He said monotonously.

The bright pink oversized t-shirt looked even funnier on him than the wording itself. “I figured that would summarise your life perfectly.”

“You’re hilarious.” He fake-laughed. “I’m going to be honest with you, Rivera. My disdain for you stemmed from many things but this would be one of them.”

I walked closer, sitting on the couch across from him. “Oh, don’t keep me in the dark. What are the other reasons?”

“You’re stubborn, defiant, and the first time we met you were insubordinate. Refusing to cooperate with me, despite it being your first day out on the field.”

I laughed, tossing my head. “Is that how you remember it?”

“Yes because that’s what happened.”

“I reciprocated your energy. You weren’t my superior but you surely acted like it. You were arrogant, dismissive, and acted like a complete know-it-all. For someone who needed to make a good first impression, you didn’t do a very good job.”

“When have I ever done that?” He asked in disbelief. “We introduced ourselves and somebody asked what to expect. I gave them an honest answer.”

“Yes, you did but in a condescending manner.”

He swiped a hand across his face, laughing bitterly.

“Every other encounter with you was the same and I’ve always hated people like that.”

“People like what?”

“Who think they’re better than others because of something materialistic like their rank or job title. You acted like you were above us, as if you didn’t start at the bottom on your first day too.”

“You baited me, Amala. Disrespected me in front of my colleagues and my superior, was I meant to smile at that?”

“You were meant to acknowledge that I wasn’t going to accept any disrespect either. Years have passed by and to me it seemed like you’d just gotten worse. Besides, you’re the one who refused to work with me.”

“Because you weren’t willing to collaborate with me. How would we have formed a successful partnership?” His eyebrows creased, a tendril in his neck protruding.

“See,” I exasperated. “This is what happens every single time. Doesn’t matter what we’re talking about, we’re always at each other’s throats.”

“Okay,” He sighed, placing a palm on his forehead.

“Okay. Let’s just agree to disagree. Seems as if we got off on the wrong foot, let’s start again. What do you say? We’re partners now in any case and it would be in our best interest if we learned to work together without the need to argue.”

I glanced at him sideways, watching him outstretch his right arm and hold his hand out.

I sneered at him in disgust, as if his hand were a poisonous object.

“I’m trying to make amends here.” He turned his palm sideways. “Don’t leave an injured man hanging.” With a heavy sigh, I caved—gripping his hand firmly.

“This doesn’t mean we’re friends,” I said with finality to which he responded with a chuckle.

His awfully cheerful mood unnerved me but I overlooked it.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” His calloused hand enveloped mine but I broke the handshake, pulling away as though it scorched me. “We’re acquaintances.”

“Colleagues.”

“Partners.”

I rolled my eyes, crossing one leg over the other and for a brief moment—almost too quick to capture with the naked eye his gaze dropped to my legs causing heat to bloom in my chest.

“I’ll accept the term partners,” I confirmed. “Work partners.”

“Obviously. What other kind of partners would we be, Rivera?” He mocked.

I opened my mouth to say something but a knock on my door stopped me.

Then Kayden’s voice penetrated it. “Amala.” He called out urgently.

We made eye contact for a split second, the prior conversation still hovering above us. “Well, time for you to head to the hospital.”

I got up, replying with a coming as I walked to the door.

As I passed Ares, he grabbed my wrist and I turned to look at him. “Hey,” He said in a softer tone. “Thank you .. for helping me.”

My eyes widened, blood rushed straight to my face for some reason and my heart thrummed in my fucking eardrums.

He looked vulnerable, almost grateful and I didn’t know if I found it pathetic or admirable.

His grip burnt the skin on my wrist and I coughed, which caused him to release me.

“Don’t worry about it.” I gave a small smile and he returned the gesture, baring a bit of teeth in the process.

Forget air conditioning in hell, at this point, I needed to turn up the air conditioning in my apartment because it felt one hundred degrees hotter.

Sixteen

Amala

While Kayden drove Ares to hospital, Nicolas and I returned to headquarters—providing our superiors with a debrief.

“According to the information Ares gave me, it was a black SUV that ambushed him. No license plate obtained and no facial identification either.”

“It’s in correlation with Dominion,” Nick said and I looked at him in confusion.

“What makes you say that?” I asked and that’s when he turned to me.

“Mariana’s been injured too.” Shocked was an understatement. I felt the dread seeping into my stomach like a disgustingly thick liquid.

“Is she okay?” I asked, feeling a bead of sweat trickling down my back.

“She’s fine, it was a gash to the leg. She should be returning to work in about a week or two.” He leaned back in his chair, a dark expression on his face.

“Which hospital is she at?”

“Kingsbury,”

Asher answered before Nick could. “If you’re planning on visiting, you’ll have to go together. While both of your partners are recovering, the two of you will be working together. I want both of you to be careful. Until we know who the mole is, we won’t be able to let our guards down.”

Nicolas shifted in his seat, only nodding in agreement.

We worked together prior to this, so I knew that wouldn’t be a problem. “There’s something that’s been on my mind since, Valiente showed up at my doorstep this morning.”

“We’re all ears, Rivera,” Asher said and I blinked slowly, looking out of the window for a brief moment. Then—

“How trustworthy are the people in that bullpen?”

I asked and all three of us looked towards the door. Catching a glimpse of agents a few feet away, engrossed in work.

“Incredibly trustworthy.” Our superior confirmed.

“I interviewed every one of them myself. Conducted thorough research and background checks and have tested their loyalty on multiple occasions.”

He answered. “Why? Do you have any reason to doubt them?”

The question should’ve been sarcastic or rhetorical but that wasn’t Asher’s character.

The man prided himself on honesty, integrity, and accountability.

“I’m not doubting them, I’m just finding it difficult to trust anyone at the moment. Our partners were injured and we don’t know where the threats are coming from. It’s like we’re in a maze, trying to find the exit but we keep going in circles. Running into new obstacles that appear out of nowhere.”

“I completely understand your point of view and I can understand the frustration.”

He said supportively. “This is why we’ll rely on each other. In moments like this, our enemies are trying to break us from the inside out, and what better way to do so than to sever our trust?”

I shoved my hands into my jacket pocket, the blood that stained them earlier long gone but it still felt like the thick crimson liquid had never been washed away.

“We’re going to uncover this organisation and who’s in charge of the operation but all we need is an open mind from our agents. We know it’s a difficult time, especially when one of our own has been caught in the crossfire.”

Nicolas finally spoke after minutes of silence. “Ares was there for me when I needed him most, especially in the moments where I never thought I’d catch Antonio. Best believe, we’ll find whoever did this. Even if it’s the last thing I do.”

Ares and I weren’t friends but we were building a relationship of mutual respect—or somewhat trying to, so I could second what Nicolas was saying.

Not only because I patched up his wound when he nearly bled out on my couch but because this is the reason why I joined the Bureau in the first place.

There were many organisations like this that thrived on the fear of people who were helpless against them.

In our case, we were able to make a positive change and to stop the chaos from spiralling out of control.

Still, even after this conversation there was something gnawing at my subconscious.

Asher never had a reason to lie to me, so I doubt he’d start now but there was uncertainty and in this organisation—when your trust started to waver, it became extremely difficult to find people you could wholeheartedly rely on.

Seventeen

Ares

My head spun due to the painkillers and the influx of memories that surrounded her.

I could still feel her touch lingering on my skin and the worst part was—I didn’t hate it.

In fact, I didn’t want to leave her apartment earlier.

Amala’s swift response to my dire situation despite her obvious hatred towards me was somewhat admirable and gave me slight heart palpitations.

For the second time this month, I found myself mindlessly flocking towards her.

I didn’t lie when I said her apartment happened to be closest to my location but in that moment—I couldn’t think of anyone else that would’ve assisted me in that manner.

Both Nick and Kayden were too far away and she handled it well.

Just like she was trained to do.

She kept me awake, remained calm under pressure, and handled me with both gentleness and roughness.

She forced me to focus on her but if only she knew that I always focused on her. Even when I didn’t want to.

In a room full of people, my eyes would always find her.

Involuntarily but inevitably.

The knock on my door dragged me back to reality and I clenched my jaw as I stood up from my lying position on the couch.

There were two officers stationed outside of my house, for safety purposes.

Asher called me after I left the hospital, informing me of the recent discovery in the case and assigning the officers to watch over me.

Leaving no room for argument.

I opened the door, swallowing hard when Amala stood before me. “Hey.” I greeted. “Come in.” Not waiting for a response.

She smiled, not fully but it definitely overrode her constant scowl.

“Thank you.”

She said and I inhaled sharply when that gourmand cherry scent hit my nose. “How are you feeling?” She asked almost awkwardly and I could relate.

Yes, there was some progression in our partnership but this wasn’t normal for us.

I hadn’t even noticed the bag in her hand and gestured toward the couch. “I’ve been better,”

I answered truthfully, distracted by the perfume and her long, luscious hair swaying from side to side.

“I brought you food. Figured you’d need it after today.” This woman was smart but so oblivious to the fact that she was currently making matters worse. “Asher partnered me with Nick while you’re recovering.”

“You didn’t have to but I appreciate it.” We sat down simultaneously and she set the bag down onto the glass table. “I heard, he gave me a courtesy call which obviously included a scolding.”

She laughed softly, a sound that I suddenly wanted to hear more of. “Obviously.”

She crossed one leg over the other and I willed myself to focus on her face and nowhere else.

“Seems like this case goes much deeper than we thought and Eric was just a ploy in the grand scheme of things.”

I straightened my spine and ran a hand through my hair. “Are you okay?”

I asked.

Normally the question was out of habit.

Returning pleasantries but this time I was genuinely concerned about her.

If the men who shot at me were involved in this case then it was only a matter of time before they came after her.

“I’m good.” She answered quickly but I knew it wasn’t the truth.

“Be honest with me,” I said, searching her face for any tells. “Are you okay?”

She hesitated for a moment, giving me that look of disapproval.

One that said she still resented me, despite having helped me in a time of need. “I’m okay, Ares. Just concerned.”

“About the case?” Her eyes locked with mine and she nodded.

“Yes.” She looked away from me, focusing on the view behind me.

“Normally we’d have some idea of what we’re dealing with but I feel like we’re in the dark. It’s moments like these where people get hurt.”

“I understand but that’s part of our job unfortunately. Being in the dark at times and people around us getting hurt.”

“I’m aware.”

She frowned and I wanted to smooth the crease on her forehead with my thumb and remind her to relax during these stressful moments. “Can I ask you something?”

I blinked slowly, nodding once. “Yes.”

“Despite our history, if there was a breakthrough of any sort in this case and I wasn’t made aware of it. You’d tell me, sì?” The question seemed random. Out of character almost.

“Yes,” I answered truthfully. “We’re still partners at the end of the day and this won’t work unless we’re completely honest with each other,” I said, eyeing her intently. “Why do you ask? Is everything okay?”

“Yeah,” She breathed, rolling her shoulders backward. A clear indication of stress. Then she deflected, changing the topic. “Mariana got injured too.”

She sounded and looked distressed, despite trying her best to conceal her emotions. “I visited her at the hospital earlier before she got discharged.”

“She’s a strong woman, I’m certain she’ll be fine.” I tried to comfort her, which wasn’t my forte.

“That’s besides the point.” She sighed, massaging her temple with her index and middle finger.

“Two agents were injured on the same day, literally hours apart. After years of working on the field, nobody’s ever been injured. Yes, we might have taken a few hits but it’s never been this serious.”

“Amala,” I said calmly, making her look at me almost instantly. “You’re getting worked up.”

I noticed the signs, knew when a panic attack was coming. Studied the signs. “Can you take a deep breath?”

Her shoulders relaxed slightly and she nodded, breathing in and out a few times. “You’re okay.” I nodded once, never breaking eye contact with her. “Repeat it. Say you’re okay.”

“I’m okay.”

She repeated and I needed to bite back the urge to praise her.

“Surely you can’t be this stressed just because I took a bullet to the arm, right?”

I tried to lighten the mood and it worked because she rolled her eyes, standing up from the couch.

I watched her movements, scanning her figure and the way her clothing always seemed to fit her perfectly.

The outline of her hips, the way her jacket barely covered the swell of her breasts.

Fuck.

“It was never about you.” She said bluntly but it didn’t contain the usual venom. “Or did you miss the part where I said Mariana was injured as well?”

“No need to be embarrassed. Were you worried about me?”

She walked towards the front door, only stopping to turn around so she could glare at me. “Is that why you were trying so hard to keep me awake, huh?”

“I’m not good at planning funerals but next time, I’ll be sure to make an exception for you.”

She yanked the door open and slammed it shut behind her—making me laugh softly as I sank into the couch.

Eighteen

Unknown Entry

Eric

Beverly

My hit list had grown considerably over the past few months. At the very top sat not one, but two Special Agents who needed to be dealt with accordingly.

They were two of many. For now, the others weren’t major threats.

Yet.

I watched the live surveillance footage, observing countless people as they went about their lives, blissfully unaware that I was watching.

They moved, laughed, spoke, loved—never once considering the possibility that someone was observing them from the shadows.

I had been in those shadows for nearly twenty years.

Twenty years of watching.

Waiting.

Learning.

I had seen everything. Everyone.

And I was waiting for the moment when history would repeat itself.

Because I had lost everyone I had ever loved.

Now, I would watch as these people suffered the same fate.

One by one, I would strip away everything they held dear until there was nothing left but blood, grief, and despair.

Until they bled themselves dry right before my very eyes.

Nineteen

Amala

Ares was currently still on bed rest while we were tirelessly trying to find any other information on Dominion.

This seemed to be a recurring pattern.

Whenever we made progress, it would lead us absolutely nowhere.

There’d been reports on this exact case but it never reached the light of day because those case files had been discarded which again confirmed our suspicions of someone working on the inside.

This syndicate was responsible for drug trafficking, kidnapping, illegal distribution of firearms, and cold-blooded murder.

“We found articles dated back to November, 2006. The disappearance of an entire military unit has caused unrest amongst civilians.” I read the article aloud. “You’re telling me that Dominion led this operation and his entire task force was wiped out. Now he’s back?”

The agents in the bullpen looked at me, others working in the background, some entering and exiting.

Stephanie and Asher looked at me with laser focus. “That doesn’t make any sense. It’s been twenty years since this article was released. Is it just him? Did anybody else survive? What happened to that task force?”

“These are questions that we’ve been trying to find the answer to, Amala,” Nicolas said, rubbing his temples.

“What were the names of the Italian brothers?” I asked, despite knowing the answer.

“Enzo and Ian?” Nicolas answered, leaning against the desk with his arms folded across his chest.

“Yes, their surnames are Rossi, correct?”

“Yes,” Asher spoke, his tone wasn’t harsh but it was firm. My eyes flicked to his and I nodded.

“What’s the Director’s name?” I enquired, shoving my hands into the pockets of my jacket.

“Which director?” Asher asked, raising an eyebrow.

He stepped forward, standing at his full height now. No longer leaning against anything.

“The director of this department.”

Stephanie and Asher glanced at each other for a brief moment before looking at me again.

“Giovanni?”

“Giovanni who?” They shook their heads, the agents standing stiffly in their spots. Nobody moving or breathing.

“Giovanni Rossi.” The silence was loud in the bullpen, with the sounds of somebody typing on a keyboard in the background.

“What are you insinuating, Amala? If you’re going to make accusations about a director you’ll need to have evidence and your facts straight.” Asher said.

“I’m not making any accusations but that surely can’t be coincidental.”

I huffed. “We’ve all concluded that there’s a leak from the inside. Are you telling me the Rossi’s aren’t connected or related?”

“He’s been working for the Bureau for years, Amala,” Stephanie said, looking poised and composed as always. “We have no reason to believe that he has any involvement in this.”

“Unless proven otherwise.”

I retorted swiftly. My tone was still graceful and respectful but she’d no doubt deem it passive-aggressive.

“Rivera,” Asher warned and my eyes snapped to him. “My office. Now.”

I blinked slowly, releasing a soft breath through my nose but complied.

Following Asher to his office. He gestured for me to enter first and then closed the door with a soft click.

“You’re out of line.” He placed his hands on his hips, looking at me with a serious expression.

“I haven’t done or said anything wrong.”

He sighed, rubbing a palm over his face. “You might not have said anything but you’re being passive-aggressive.”

“Respectfully sir, I disagree. I’m simply making my observations.”

I challenged and his eyes narrowed. “Look me in my eye and tell me this doesn’t seem coincidental. I saw the way you and Stephanie looked at each other. Surely this exact thought has crossed your mind.”

He shook his head, scratching the stubble on his jaw.

“If it were Ares, you wouldn’t have hesitated to agree with him.”

He looked at me in disbelief, as if I insulted him. “That’s not true and you know it. I value your input but this is a line that’s difficult to cross. We’re going to be under fire if we accuse our director of foul play. Do you understand that?”

“I understand, sir but when we joined the Bureau we took an oath.”

I looked at him, waiting for anything. A nod of agreement. A blink. A sigh. Something.

“In life, all of our choices will have consequences. So what are we choosing today? Justice or avoidance?”

Asher dropped his hands to his sides, staring at me for a brief moment. “We’ll continue this conversation later.”

He said, clenching a fist. “Stephanie and I will need to sit down for this one before we make any drastic decisions.”

I nodded, turning around to exit his office. “Rivera,”

I paused, my hand hovering on the door handle. “You’re a commendable agent and I don’t ever want you to doubt that.” I looked down at my boots for a few seconds but didn’t say anything.

Seconds passed before I spoke. “Thank you, sir.” I turned the handle, exited his office, and returned to the bullpen with a heavy heart and a nagging conscience.

Friday evening crawled out of the depths of despair rather slowly and sank its claws into my veins.

After I’d been avoiding Gabriella and Kehlani for the past few days, I allowed the weekend festivities to persuade me into the endless possibilities of the night.

All my heart desired was the indulgence of alcohol.

Normally it would be for leisure but tonight it was simply to forget.

To forget about every single thing happening at work, in my personal life, and with someone who I shouldn’t even have been thinking about in the first place.

The lights in the club were dim, red hues covering every surface in the crowded space.

I stepped into the crowd, squeezing past drunk people just so I could reach the bar. “Vodka shots please. Two.”

I signalled to the bartender who nodded and pushed two shot glasses in my direction before filling them with the alcoholic liquid.

Almost immediately I downed both, hissing as the liquid travelled to the depths of my stomach.

Leaving behind a burning sensation.

A trail of heat that seeped into my organs and skin.

Why did I wake up every night in a cold sweat after nightmares of Ares bleeding out in front of me?

Better yet, why did the thought of him bleeding out bother me so much?

After requesting several more shots and two cocktails, I finally felt the effects of the liquor.

The music turned into a warped sound that forced me to the dance floor.

My feet moved before my brain could comprehend anything and my body moved on its own accord.

The vicinity was filled with people but for some reason I’ve never felt lonelier.

I allowed the melody to control me, fully immersing myself in the upbeat tune.

I’ve always followed the rules, always tried to be the best at everything I ever did.

Having dealt with a mother who constantly sought male validation after my father left and who resented me because I looked like him, I knew that wasn’t the life I wanted for myself.

I suppose it was the reason behind my aversion towards men.

Now I found myself feeling something other than hatred towards a man whom I’ve loathed since the day I met him.

With no logical explanation for how I ended up in this predicament in the first place.

At this point I was too far gone to care about the fact that someone slid their hands up my hips and was dancing too close to me, practically pressing their body flush against mine.

If I’d been in the right state of mind I would’ve knocked their teeth out of their fucking mouth but right now?

I welcomed the distraction.

Gripping it with both hands, in hopes that it would steer my mind in the complete opposite direction.

The music felt like a warm embrace and I happily allowed it to consume me wholly.

For the first time in years, I allowed myself to be completely free.

No self-control.

No discipline.

No thoughts of Ares, a case that seemed to eat me alive every waking day, and a life that constantly seemed to throw curveballs at me from every direction.

Twenty

Ares

Iwatched her from across the room, as I leaned against the bar countertop, both elbows situated on top of the cool surface.

She seemed more relaxed than usual, more careless, more free. That’s how I knew she was clearly intoxicated.

My jaw ticked, my jeans suddenly feeling tighter.

Amala swayed her hips sensually, those pitch-black tendrils, cascading down her bare back. I looked away for a few seconds.

After she stopped by my house a week ago, I hadn’t heard from or seen her since.

That’s why I didn’t hesitate to locate her when her friends said she’d been missing in action—only to find her in this overcrowded club wearing the most revealing dress I’d ever seen.

I closed my eyes for a few seconds, tossing my head back.

I don’t know what pounded harder.

My heart, the beat of the song floating through the speakers, or the throbbing sensation in my arm where I’d been shot a week ago.

I released a heavy sigh, slowly opening my eyes. This time Amala wasn’t alone. Somebody was practically dry humping her in the middle of the dance floor.

She pushed her ass against him and that’s when I lost all sense of control.

It was like the undercover mission all over again. My eye twitched and my trigger finger itched.

I pushed myself forward, slowly stalking towards them.

My eyes never left her form, and when I was close enough I tapped the man on the shoulder.

In terms of height and muscle, I easily overshadowed him.

He turned around, eyeing me with a raised eyebrow.

He released his hands from Amala’s waist. That’s when she turned around as well, visibly paling when our eyes connected.

“Move.” One word, dripping with malice. The man furrowed his eyebrows.

“You talking to me man?” He asked loudly, over the music playing. I moved my head from side to side, at a slow pace, and then looked at him once more.

“Does it look like I’m talking to anyone else?” I asked calmly.

“You her boyfriend or something because she told me she’s single?” He grinned at me.

The smug look on his face tipped me over the edge.

I grabbed him by the shoulder, applying pressure to the muscle, and pulled him closer to me.

He winced in pain and when he was close enough I pulled my gun out of my waistband and pressed it against his torso.

“Ares.”

I finally heard Amala’s voice, she sounded slightly panicked.

I didn’t look at her though, I kept my gaze on the brazen man next to me with a gun pressed to his abdomen.

His eyes widened and he shook like a leaf. “Boyfriend or not, I told you to move. Didn’t I?” He nodded frantically.

“I’m sorry man. I—”

I cut him off. “Unless you feel like getting shot tonight, I suggest you shut the fuck up and walk away.”

I removed my hand from his shoulder and tucked my gun back into the waistband of my pants.

I’ve never seen a man tremble like that and then proceed to walk away at that speed.

On the field, I dealt with men who were too arrogant for their own good, even in the face of death.

Now my focus was solely on Amala. “Let’s go,”

I said sternly but when she didn’t move and just looked at me with those dark, brown eyes I could feel my blood pressure increasing.

“What are you even doing here?”

She slurred, her legs wobbly as she stepped closer to me. “You had absolutely no right to do that. You’re not my fucking keeper.”

“I don’t care.” I deadpanned. “We’re leaving.”

“No.” Stubborn little thing. “I came here to dance, so that’s what I intend to do.”

She swayed from side to side, clearly drunk as fuck.

When she tried walking away from me I grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward me.

The back of her body collided with the front of mine and I wrapped my hand around her throat.

“Seeing that you want to dance so badly, start moving.” I squeezed her pulse points, feeling her inhale sharply.

“What is wrong with you?” She fought against me but I wrapped my arm around her waist.

I lowered my head next to her ear. “Remember the way you moved against him.” She stiffened, grabbing hold of my arms. “Dance on me just like that. Do it, or I’ll find him and shoot him in the fucking head.”

I didn’t know what possessed me at this point but I couldn’t control myself.

A slow, sensual song played through the speakers and Amala moved her hips to the rhythm of the beat. Her ass pressed firmly against my dick.

My cock had been hard since I laid my eyes on her, now the feeling only intensified.

I could feel the arousal leaking from my tip. I matched her movements, grinding against her.

“Ares.” She gasped. I knew she was drunk because this version of her was too compliant, too submissive. “I can’t breathe.”

“Why not? Do you need some fresh air?” I pressed myself firmly against her, our bodies nearly melting into one gigantic puddle.

“Yes.” She whispered.

“Too bad. Keep dancing.” I caressed every inch of her skin, sliding my fingertips up and down her bare arms.

She leaned back, resting her head against my chest and closed her eyes.

Blood rushed to my ears and to my dick, pumping at a vigorous pace. I felt lightheaded, completely intoxicated by this woman who drove me up the fucking wall.

I knew she could feel my erection because her cheeks were a deep shade of crimson and it wasn’t due to the temperature in this place. “Do you feel that?” I asked her.

“Feel what?” She asked breathlessly.

Shit.

Why did she have to sound so sexy? So delectable. So enticing.

“How hard I am for you.” She shook her head but didn’t stop winding her hips.

“You’re drunk. You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Denial at its best. I chuckled in her ear.

“You’re the one that’s drunk,” I murmured, continuing to grind against her. “I’m as sober as a judge.”

I gathered her hair in my fist, moving it to one side, and let my lips hover above the skin on her neck. She shivered, releasing a soft breath.

“You’re lying.”

“I’m many things.” I broke my own rules and kissed her neck softly. “A liar, however, is not one of them.”

Another soft kiss had her knees buckling. “You smell so fucking good. Your body is soft, warm, tempting. Pity your personality doesn’t match.”

“Suck a dick, Ares.” I held her hips tightly, preventing any further movement.

“I don’t swing that way.” I bit her in the neck, making her back arch. I groaned softly, repeating the action. “I devour pussy though.”

“What are you doing right now, Valiente?”

She asked, closing her eyes tightly. My lips brushed against her cheek and I could sense she was close to losing her composure.

“Do you think that because I’m intoxicated, I won’t remember this tomorrow?”

“That’s just the thing. I know you’ll remember.” I whispered against her skin. I moved my hands to her thighs, slowly sliding them upward. “Tell me you don’t feel it too?”

“Feel what exactly?” She questioned, her nails digging into my forearms.

“That obvious attraction,” I muttered into her ear. “The lust. The heat fuelled by hatred.”

“Is that what you’re feeling?” She asked, completely ignoring my question.

“Yes.”

“You don’t mean that.”

“Do you think I’d be hard as rock right now, if I didn’t mean that?” She shook her head, furrowing her eyebrows.

“This doesn’t make sense.” She sounded frustrated. It’s as if she’d rather be tortured right now than admit she felt the same way.

“Can I tell you a secret?” I murmured in her ear.

“Don’t think that this is an exchange of some sort. I’m not telling you any of my secrets.” She sighed when my fingers skimmed along the apex of her thighs.

“Soon, you’ll be spilling all of your secrets to me and I’ll be drinking every last drop like a parched man.” I bit her earlobe.

“I’ll tell you mine anyway. Since the day I met you, I haven’t fucked anyone.” Amala gasped softly. “No use trying to get with anybody else when all I could think about is you.”

“You said you weren’t a liar.” She tried to escape my hold, but her attempt was weak and futile.

“I’m not lying.”

I slid my finger underneath her lace thong but just kept it there, I didn’t move any further.

Judging by the warmth radiating from her core, I knew she was probably soaked.

“Nobody matches your fire. Nobody challenges me like you do.” I could’ve sworn I heard her whimper.

“Nobody turns me on and God knows, I’ve been thinking about ways to shut that mouth of yours for years now.”

Her body finally went limp in my arms, it’s like she gave in to whatever was happening right now. I easily held her up, listening to the sounds of her heavy breathing.

“Every time you made a sarcastic remark,” I started. “I’d envision, wrapping this luscious, long hair,”

I twirled a few strands around my index finger. “Around my fist and face fucking you until the mascara you always wear, trickled down your cheeks.”

“Shut up.” She wiggled against me. “I don’t feel good, Ares. Let me go.”

I didn’t know if she was telling the truth or using it as an excuse to escape.

Either way, I wasn’t letting her go. “Then I think it’s time you called it a night yeah?” I easily lifted her into my arms, making her yelp.

“Put me down!”

She writhed in my hold.

If the woman was sober right now I wouldn’t have stood a chance but tonight I had the upper hand for once.

“Unfortunately, I can’t do that,” I said, walking through the crowded club. Everybody swiftly making way.

“Your friends asked me to find you because you’ve been off the grid for the past few days. I never intended to leave this club without you.”

The tension between us felt palpable, nearly smothering me to death.

Everything leading up to this moment had brewed since the night we first danced together.

I didn’t know why this inexplicable, overprotective feeling possessed me but seeing her dancing with a stranger in her drunken state incinerated the last shred of logic I had.

I shouldn’t have been anywhere near her, other than in proximity at work but for some unknown reason I’d been in her presence more often than not.

The harsh words she spewed at me didn’t faze me anymore after I felt the gentle caress of her fingertips while she patched my wound.

“Why did you do this?” She huffed, climbing out of my car.

This time she didn’t slam the door, she left it wide open and walked towards the electronic gate. “I’m going home.”

I followed suit, hot on her heels. “You’re drunk, can’t find the keys to your apartment and humor me. Are you going to walk home?”

I asked sarcastically. “Please tell me what you plan to do once you get home. Will you stand outside of your door and wait for a miracle to happen?”

She spun around, glaring daggers at me. “I’m tipsy, not drunk. Vast difference.” She spat. “Not that it concerns you but the building security would’ve made a plan. They’ve always got spare keys.”

This woman frustrated me to no end. “Then they’ll make a plan tomorrow. Come inside, Amala.”

I instructed, raising an eyebrow when she started laughing.

“Inside of your house? No.”

“It’s freezing out here and you’re wearing that ..” I paused, slowly dragging my gaze from the tight dress to her face.

Her hair blew slightly, the cold gust of wind making her shiver.

“What?” She sneered. “Wearing what?”

I stepped closer, narrowing my eyes at her. “That skimpy fucking dress.”

She scoffed, turning toward the gate. “Open it. I’m leaving.” She demanded. “Fuck you and your misogynistic ideals.”

“You’re not leaving, not in the state you’re in and for the love of fuck—I’m not misogynistic. Your dress is skimpy.”

I muttered angrily. “Or would you rather I use another term to describe your outfit?”

“Just open the gate, Ares.”

“No,” I said with finality. “Come inside or I’ll carry you in.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Are you daring me?”

I asked, taking another step closer and that’s when I noticed her shivering. “You’re fucking freezing, why can’t you just stop being so stubborn for once in your life?” I snapped.

“Ares.” She moved backward as I stalked closer. “You—”

She couldn’t finish her sentence because I easily tossed her over my shoulder, holding her steady with my palm on her lower back. “Son of a bitch!”

I couldn’t concentrate on the punches she threw against my back or her poor attempt at trying to free herself because her ass and the back of her thighs were inches away from my face.

I walked to my front door with ease, grabbed the keys from my pants pocket, and unlocked it before stepping inside, then kicked the door shut with the back of my foot.

My hand itched to slap Amala’s ass but I refrained from doing so. “If I put you down, are you going to behave?”

She wiggled, still attempting to break free. “Behave? I’m not a fucking dog, Valiente.”

“No, you’re not but I’d be more than willing to put a collar on you and treat you like one.”

The crude comment worked in my favor because her movements immediately ceased.

This is when I set her down, holding her wrist tightly. “See, you do know how to behave.”

She glared at me, her body still swaying slightly. “I’ll take you home first thing in the morning. The guest bedroom is the last door to your left. Check if anything fits you and answer your phone, your friends are worried sick about you.”

I spun around, wanting to walk away when I felt something hit my back and then land on the floor with a thud.

I froze, slowly turning back to her. She threw me with her damn heel and had the other one in her hand, getting ready to aim it at me.

When she threw it, I easily caught it. Looking at her with narrowed eyes. “Amala,” I said calmly, holding her shoe in my hand.

“You can’t keep me here.” She took a step forward. “Just take me home or I’ll find a way out of here.”

This moment felt like a major setback.

We’d gotten to a good point in our partnership and now this incident was sending it all to shit.

“You can try,” I observed her movements.

“However, you won’t get very far.” She took another step toward me but I stood my ground.

“This is unethical.” She taunted. “I could report you.”

“Are you baiting me?” I mirrored her movement, stepping forward when she did.

Her chest moved up and down rapidly, a clear indication that her breathing was becoming erratic.

“You’re ridiculously easy to bait.” She said, looking at me with a defiant glint in her eyes.

“Yeah?” The heat between us felt undeniable in this moment and I was seconds away from carrying her to my bed.

“Yeah.” She mocked, taking another step closer. “Easy to upset. Easy to rile up.”

“Keep pushing me and I’ll show you what happens when you continuously rile me up.”

“Oh, I’m so frightened.”

The response was sarcastic but it was the words she uttered next that completely disintegrated my composure and control.

“You’re not going to do anything because you’re all talk, no action.”

Twenty One

Ares

Within seconds I grabbed a fistful of her hair, pulling her along with me towards my room.

She resisted—obviously—so I picked her up.

“Ares!” She snapped, thrashing in my arms. Before she knew it, I threw her onto my bed.

Watching her body bounce slightly. “Oh, this must work like a charm huh? Manhandling women in your spare time.”

I licked my lips, eyeing her from head to toe. I always denied it. Her beauty, the attraction I felt towards her. Her physique.

Never allowing those thoughts to consume my mind but as she lay on my bed—looking at me with those eyes.

I couldn’t resist or deny it any longer. “It makes them wetter than a water slide.” I scoffed, wrapping my hand around her throat as I pushed her backward.

“Well, I’m drier than a saltine cracker.” I laughed softly, nudging my knee between her thighs.

“Yeah?” I scoffed, pressing my thumb and middle finger against her pulse points with more pressure. She held onto my forearm, digging her nails into the skin. “Show me.”

“What?” She breathed softly, her chest heaving.

“Take off your underwear, spread your legs wide open, and show me how dry you are.”

She blinked slowly but obliged, hooking her fingers into the band of her underwear as I watched her slide it down her smooth legs.

I removed my hand from her throat, took a step back, and folded my arms across my chest.

“You’re a sick fuck.” She glared at me, placing the lace thong next to her.

“Yet you’re still obliging.”

“Fuck you.”

“That’s what I intend to do,” I said. “Now spread yourself open for me. Go on.”

I could hear her soft panting as she hiked her dress up and slowly parted her thighs.

Even from this distance I could see her pussy glistening. “Do we perhaps have the same definition of the word dry?” I asked sarcastically.

Stepping closer before slipping a finger against her clit.

She hissed, trying to close her legs but I pried them apart. “I truly despise you.”

She scoffed, still fighting me. Even in this position.

“That’s rich coming from the woman who’s dripping all over my fingers.” I looked down at her. “Do you want this?”

I asked, slipping my finger close to the entrance of her pussy.

“Yes,” She choked, grabbing my wrist. “No.” Her clashing answers made me chuckle and I removed my finger from her clit, taking a step back.

“So which is it? Yes or no?”

AMALA

Yes.

I was on all fours, gazing at our reflections in the mirror.

Ares ran his palm along the length of my back, his caress making me shiver in anticipation.

He grabbed the back of my neck and head with both hands, pressing my face into the mattress. “Your tattoo is pretty.” He murmured.

I asked for this.

Demanded we skip the foreplay and now my stomach was in knots and I found myself in a compromising position.

Blood pounded in my ears, my body burning.

Perhaps it was the after effects of the alcohol, maybe it was lust or maybe it was everything combined into one.

Causing my skin to burn hotter than lava.

That’s when I felt it.

The tip of his length lingered at my entrance before he slowly pushed forward.

Tears welled in my eyes and I felt relieved at the fact that he couldn’t see my facial expression.

I didn’t tell him that I’d never done this before but the man was bound to figure it out in a few seconds.

The pain seared through me as I whimpered loudly, but the sounds leaving my lips were muffled by the pillow.

Ares groaned, filling me halfway. “Shit, you’re tight.” He inched in slowly, providing me with a little bit more until the fullness had me clawing at the sheets.

My entire body burned, hot sticky heat dripping through my bloodstream.

Then he pulled out and his movements came to a complete halt. I gripped the sheets tightly, breathing through my nose. “Amala.” He said huskily.

I didn’t respond, didn’t make a sound.

He bunched my hair into a ponytail, pulling my head up until our bodies were flush against each other.

“Don’t tell me you’re a fucking virgin.” He whispered into my ear. I gulped softly, the tears streaming down my cheeks.

“I’m not.” I lied.

He gripped my jaw, forcing me to look at us in the mirror. “Christ, Amala.” He sighed, wiping my tears away.

“Don’t do that.” I released a soft breath. “Don’t go easy on me now, Valiente.”

“You want me to fuck you rough? Is that it?” He murmured, moving my head sideways.

I nodded, holding onto his arms. “No.” He deadpanned. “Get on your back.”

I furrowed my brows, wanting to look at him but he quickly pushed my head to the front so we were looking at each other in the mirror. “Hurry.”

The look in his eyes resembled one of a deranged man, a man holding on by a loose thread. I obliged, wincing when I moved to switch positions.

He spread my legs slowly, placing both of his palms on either side of my head. “Just so you know, I’m not going to be rough with you. I shouldn’t even be fucking you at all but your blood is covering my cock right now and I want you to know what that means.”

He slowly pushed back inside of me, and it still hurt badly.

He kissed me in my neck, whispering sweet nothings. “What does it mean?” I moaned softly, digging my nails into his back.

“It means,” He pulled out, only to slowly enter me again making me whimper as he panted in my ear. “That you now belong to me.”

He stilled, resting his forehead on mine.

“Why didn’t you fucking tell me?” He whispered, slowly rolling his hips. Torturously slow.

The tears streamed down the sides of my face as I gaped at him, scratching along his back muscles—earning me a sharp intake of breath from him.

“Did you think—” I couldn’t finish my sentence.

“What?” He hissed, moving slowly. “Did I think what?” His breath fanned my cheeks.

“That I was a whore?” He froze, his broad, firm chest pressed against mine.

“The urge to fuck you senseless right now is overwhelming, especially after that bullshit you just spat.”

He groaned. “God. You frustrate me. You drive me mad.”

“Why?” I tossed my head back, feeling the pain spread through me like wildfire.

“I shouldn’t have been your first, Amala. What have you done?”

He still hadn’t moved and I clung to him, desperate for him to manhandle me.

He was being too gentle for my liking and I hated every second of it because that implied that he cared.

Ares Valiente didn’t care about anything or anyone other than himself.

“I didn’t do anything.” I closed my eyes, trying hard to steady my breathing. “Aren’t you going to fuck me?” I asked, my voice barely recognisable—sounding strained.

He only looked down at me, his gaze soft compared to his usual fiery glances. “Like you’ve fucked all of the other women you’ve been with, Ares?” His eyes darkened the second the question left my mouth.

He held my left leg up, caressing my thigh with his thumb. “Trust me.”

He lowered his face. “If it weren’t your first time.”

He got onto his knees and I gasped when I felt him go even deeper as he wrapped both hands around my throat. “I would’ve been drilling you into this fucking mattress.”

“Have you suddenly grown a conscience? Suddenly developed empathy?”

I held onto his forearms. My legs trembled and my breathing quickened.

He slowly withdrew before easing back into me. The tears didn’t stop. “Shit.” I furrowed my eyebrows, holding back a moan.

“No.” He repeated the motion and I bit my lip. Hard. “But I’m not going to be responsible for tearing this pussy in half.”

I whimpered softly, digging my nails into his skin. “Don’t flatter yourself.” I managed to say. Though the words were a breathless murmur.

“Even when you’re in pain you’re still mouthy” He tossed his head back. “I knew you’d be soaked.”

He hissed. “And really, really fucking tight but not a damn virgin.” He angled his hips upward and I nearly lost my bearings. “And for the record, I never thought you were a whore but I’ll happily fuck you like one if you say that to me again.”

He kept his pace, slow and steady, the blood mixed with my arousal covered his lower belly.

“You—” I lost my train of thought when he circled his hips, his movements sensual.

“Moan for me.” I shook my head, swallowing hard. “Stubborn woman.” He withdrew completely, removing his hands from my throat.

I looked at him, blinking away what seemed like never-ending tears.

He ran a hand over his face, sighing heavily. “Fuck me.” He groaned before climbing off the bed. His large, naked body looked absolutely monstrous under the moonlight.

My breathing finally steadied and the tears had stopped, drying on the side of my face.

The sting between my legs nearly made me wince but I refused to show weakness of any kind.

I closed my legs, slowly. “I knew you wouldn’t last longer than five minutes.” I mocked bitterly.

His back still faced me and he clenched his fists.

The muscles in his back rippled and I could see him tensing.

The snake tattooed on his back seemed to mock me.

“Always baiting me.” He said calmly. “It won’t work though because you and I both know what would’ve happened if I kept going.”

“What would’ve happened?” I gripped the sheets tightly, staring at him with pure anger in my eyes.

He slowly turned to face me, glancing at me with fire in those chestnut coloured eyes. “I would’ve torn you in half Amala, that’s fucking what. You couldn’t stop crying and all I did was stick my dick inside of you.”

My chest heaved and I felt tempted to punch him in the fucking face. “I loathe you.” Did I feel rejected?

Perhaps.

“Is that why your blood is drying on my cock right now?”

He moved closer and grabbed a fistful of my hair. I hissed in response. “I’m not going to do this with you. So you can lay there all night and feel sorry for yourself but I refuse to fuck a virgin.”

“The deed is already done.”

“Because you weren’t honest with me.” He tightened his grip.

“I always knew you were a fucking liar.” He released me and scooped me up in his arms. “All you do is raise my blood pressure and cause me unnecessary stress.”

I instantly wrapped my arms around his neck.

“Don’t look at me like that.”

He said as he carried me towards the bathroom. “Like what?” My voice sounded shaky.

“With that innocent look in your eyes.” He kicked the bathroom door open.

“Does it make you feel like a horrible person?” I mocked but he ignored the rhetorical question.

“Will you be able to stand?” I nodded as he set me down on wobbly legs, wanting nothing more than to have his hands far away from my body.

He ran a bath, throwing Epsom salts into the water.

We didn’t talk, the sound of water running was the only thing breaking the silence. “Feel if it’s okay.”

“What?” I snapped my head in his direction.

“The water. Feel if the temperature’s okay for you.” He said gruffly. He didn’t spare me a glance. I stepped forward, swirling my hand through the soapy water.

“It’s fine.” He didn’t warn me and once again, easily picked me up, before gently placing me in the bathtub. I winced, digging my nails into his shoulder blades.

He released a throaty groan that caused me to shiver. “The Epsom salt will alleviate the pain and I added eucalyptus liquid soap.” He turned around, slowly retreating. “Will you be okay?” He asked without looking in my direction.

He must’ve taken my silence as an answer and slammed the door shut.

Leaving me alone in his lavish bathroom. I sank deeper into the water, allowing the hot tears to stream down my face.

Twenty Two

Ares

With a cigarette between my lips and a glass of whiskey in my hand, I leaned back against the couch.

Darkness surrounded me as I sat in my living room. I removed the tobacco stick from my mouth and blew out the smoke.

Then in one gulp, I downed the strong, amber liquid. I tossed the cigarette into the glass, the last bit of alcohol, killing the butt instantly.

I heard her footsteps and felt her presence before I laid eyes on her. “Go back to the room,” I said calmly.

The footsteps stopped and then there was silence. I showered in the other bathroom before tossing on grey sweats.

The scalding water couldn’t erase the feeling of her lips grazing my skin or the memory of her pussy gripping me so tightly that she nearly pushed me out of her.

I could still feel her warm, soft hands clinging to my body. Feel the sticky, wetness of her blood and arousal on my cock.

“How romantic of you. Pop a woman’s cherry and then banish her to your bedroom.”

Something in me snapped and I threw the empty glass across the room.

The glass hit the wall with a thunderous smash and then it shattered into pieces.

I slowly rose from the couch, turning around and that’s when our eyes connected.

I could see the look of shock in her eyes but she quickly regained her composure—giving me that nonchalant glance.

She stepped back a few paces, but I kept stalking toward her. “Don’t back away now,” I said. She wore a short, tight-fitting satin night dress that she must’ve gotten from the guest bedroom.

“Are you upset, Amala?”

She continued moving backward, but I caught up to her, wrapping my hand around her throat. “Why would I be upset?”

I pulled her closer, tugging the front of the dress down to expose her tits.

She gasped softly, and that’s when I leaned in to bite her bottom lip.

I pierced the flesh then sucked on it. The metallic taste of blood coated my tongue and I groaned.

Shit, I wanted to kiss her badly, wanted to ruin her. She whimpered softly, placing both hands on my chest.

Those little sounds of pleasure made me feral as if it were the sweetest melody I’d ever heard.

“Upset that I didn’t continue our endeavour.” I pushed her against the wall, watching her back arch.

I peppered hot, wet kisses along her jawline, swiping my tongue along the skin.

“No.” She answered quickly when I pulled away. “I don’t care. I figured you’d be a disappointment in the bedroom.”

“You clearly want a reaction out of me.” Her eyes would send me straight to hell. She frowned deeply, involuntarily pouting while peering at me.

“I want you to die.” I leaned in again, nipping at the skin in her neck before grabbing her plump ass and hoisting her up. I sucked on her left nipple, biting down hard.

She released a heavy breath, scratching my upper back in the process. I soothed the sting by pressing my tongue, flat against the area I’d bitten.

“Yeah?” I spoke against her skin. “Lies. It’s all lies.” This time I bit the top of her breast, sucking hard, and when I pulled away a string of saliva formed.

It was fitting really because I’ve been salivating at the thought of this infuriating specimen for years now and successfully suppressed it for so long.

The bite mark instantly formed on her tan skin and I repeated the process with her right tit. “Still not going to moan for me?”

She panted, looking at me with droopy eyelids. “Perhaps if you make me climax, I’ll finally moan.”

“You’re my perpetual burden, you know that?”

“Who’s going to clean up that glass you just shattered?” She murmured, tightening her legs around my waist. My erection poked against her thigh which completely made me forget about the fact that she ignored my question.

“You.” I bit her in the neck again, the urge to eat her alive nearly sent me into cardiac arrest.

“Stop biting me.” She whimpered. “You’re not an animal.”

“You make me behave like an animal.” I squeezed her ass cheeks, pressing my fingertips into her bare skin. “You’re not even wearing panties.” I hummed in disapproval. “It’s like you’re trying to tip me over the edge.”

She scratched my back and shoulders, panting when I ground my pelvis against hers. “That’s nothing compared to what you’ve done to me. You’ve broken me.”

I lowered my head, resting it on her shoulder. “Don’t remind me.” I gritted.

“Do you prefer plausible deniability?” She mocked.

With one hand gripping the flesh on her bottom and the other holding her jaw, I forced her to look at me. “I’d prefer if we kept our fucking distance but look at the predicament we’re in right now.”

“And whose fault is that?” She sassed, digging her nails into my shoulders—the pain making me groan softly.

“Yours.” I tightened my grip on her jaw. “Everything is your fault. My downfall will be your fault.”

She peered at me with those pretty brown eyes again. The eyes truly were the window to the soul because I could see everything.

Beneath her strong facade, she was merely a broken woman with high walls she’d built to protect herself. “You’re the cause of your own downfall.”

“You’re the cause of my madness.” I countered. “My insanity. My possessiveness. My jealousy.” It took everything in me to remain controlled while I lowered her onto the ground.

“I don’t recognise the version of myself when I’m with you,” I said, fixing the top part of the silky dress.

She observed my movements, pursing her lips. “What kind of man would I be if I only removed your clothing but didn’t help you put it back on?”

When she didn’t look at me, I gripped her chin. “Amala.”

“This is all wrong.”

“What is?” I frowned.

“You’re not meant to be a gentleman.”

“Then what am I meant to be?” She pushed me away, running a hand through her black and grey hair.

“An arrogant, self-centred man.” Normally those words wouldn’t have affected me but tonight it stung. “A man who doesn’t care about anyone other than himself.”

“If that’s how you’d like to perceive me, who’s stopping you?”

“You’re stopping me!” She snapped, breathing heavily.

“You run me a bath, fix my clothing, help me during a medical emergency, came to me when you needed medical attention, feeding me all these lies about how I’m the reason you’re behaving in this manner. You’re being nice, the man I’ve been working with for the past few years was never nice.”

I ran my tongue along my upper teeth, then breathed through my nose. “Is that what’s upsetting you?” I asked, stepping closer. “The fact that I’m no longer the villain in your story?”

When she didn’t answer, I continued. “Or is it the fact that you finally have someone in your corner? Someone willing to do anything for you.”

She looked away, swiping a hand across her face.

“Maybe you’re upset that you finally let someone in and that someone is me. The man you’ve always abhorred.”

The silence stretched between us like an endless void. “I understand it now. You paint me as the villain in your story because it’s easier to loathe me, than to admit you feel anything other than disdain towards me.” More silence. Deafening silence. “Tell me I’m wrong.”

Amala looked up at me, her eyes shimmering with an unknown emotion. She pursed her lips, a deep frown settling on her beautifully sculpted face

“Take me home.” I expected her to make that demand but it didn’t hurt any less.

“Is that really what you want?” I asked and when she didn’t look at me, I gripped her chin and forced her to make eye contact with me.

“Answer me.”

“Yes.” She responded swiftly. “Just take me home, Ares.”

I dropped my hand to my side, clenching my fist and creating space between us.

She already seemed distant so the physical space only made matters worse.

I didn’t mean to be so cold but the words just tumbled from my lips. “Get dressed. We’ll leave in five minutes.”

Twenty Three

Ares

The events of last night replayed in my mind like an endless, tormenting loop. The guilt clawed its way into my chest, piercing right through my fucking heart.

I should’ve known something was wrong when she demanded we skip the foreplay. She knew I wouldn’t have fucked her if I was made aware that she’d never been intimate before.

Fuck’s sake.

I’d called her immediately after I got home after dropping her off.

She forced me to help her look for her apartment keys which happened to be in her make-up bag, buried underneath the shit ton of cosmetics she owned.

Then I needed to help her into bed because she told me it was my fault that her legs ached.

Which was her putting it nicely.

After that she gave me her keys, commanded me to lock the front door when I left and then I needed to slide the keys underneath her door.

The Lord was my shepherd.

During our phone call, she requested we meet up the next day at a restaurant. Gave me a time, location, and strict instructions to follow but I didn’t question it.

Fast forward to the next day, I found myself entangled in a web of strange circumstances.

My phone rang loudly and it almost made me sigh until I saw Amala’s name flashing across the screen. I swiped to answer, holding the device against my ear. “Yes, princesa?”

“God, you’re pathetic.” I chuckled at her response. I’d been observing her for years so I knew she was either grimacing or rolling her eyes.

“And you’re peachy.” I deadpanned. “What can I help you with?”

“Where are you, Valiente?” She sounded irritated. “You’re late, so don’t ask me stupid questions.”

I leaned back against the concrete wall, holding the phone between my ear and shoulder while I put on my black latex gloves.

“Thank you for that information, I had no idea,” I said sarcastically, eyeing the man tied to the wooden chair, his mouth covered with duct tape. He screamed—well, attempted to scream as he thrashed in the chair.

“What is that noise?” I pushed myself off the wall, stalking towards the bastard.

“It’s just the television,” I said nonchalantly. “Listen, I’ll be there shortly. I’m behind schedule as you can see, so I’d rather not waste any more time with this trivial conversation.”

“Your existence is trivial.” She didn’t wait for me to respond and ended the call abruptly. I laughed humorlessly—locking the phone and sliding it into my pocket.

“Sorry about that,” I said to my … guest. He looked at me with wide eyes, breathing heavily through his nose with tears streaming down his face. I bent down so we were eye level. “Now, where were we?”

The question was rhetorical because one, I didn’t give a fuck about anything that’d come out of his mouth, and two, he couldn’t answer me given the circumstances.

The knife on the table directly next to him glinted, catching my eye. “You should’ve danced with someone else, Benjamin.” I sighed. “I suppose I could give you grace because you didn’t know any better but I’m not that lenient.”

He thrashed again, sobbing uncontrollably. “Your tears disgust me.”

I placed one hand on the back of the chair, causing him to flinch. “Easily frightened?” I asked before grabbing the duct tape covering his mouth. “I hope for your sake that you’ll keep your mouth shut.”

I ripped it off, making him groan. “Please, man. Let me go. I didn’t know she had a boyfriend.” He begged and I looked down at him with a bored expression. “You have—

“I don’t give a fuck.” I cut him off, pressing the knife against his throat. Hard enough to draw blood which made him wince.

The truth of the matter is that I wouldn’t have done this if I hadn’t fucked her. I already felt feral before that intimate moment but of course she happened to be a virgin.

That really set me off and I needed someone to take my frustrations out on. As if the unexplainable, intense emotions I felt towards her weren’t fucking tormenting me enough.

I’d been her first and the thought alone made my blood pound in my ear with possessive need. The need to kill an innocent man.

To dispose of him in an attempt to make myself feel better about the situation at hand.

The restaurant was dimly lit as I entered it, the hostess gracefully welcoming me into the establishment. “Good afternoon sir, do you have a reservation?” She asked politely with a smile.

I reciprocated the action, fixing the cuff links on my suit jacket. “Yes, table for two under Rivera.”

“Of course. Miss Rivera has already arrived, right this way.” The blonde woman led me towards the back of the restaurant, in a secluded corner where Amala was already seated.

She looked so elegant.

Poised.

Stoic.

You’d never know that just last night I had her body underneath mine as I took her innocence. Fuck.

The sensation in my groin nearly made me groan but I swallowed hard. Trying to rid my mind of the image.

That snake tattoo on her back looked absolutely beautiful—a replica of mine.

“Your waiter will be with you shortly.” The woman said as she gestured towards my seat and then swiftly disappeared. My chair scraped against the tiled floor before I sat down.

Amala watched me intently, crossing one leg over the other.

Her dress hugged her figure perfectly, leaving very little to the imagination. “Nice of you to finally join me.” She uttered but it lacked her usual bite.

She broke eye contact, picking up the toothpick with an olive on it that had been submerged in her martini and slowly took a bite of it.

I zeroed in on her lips for a few seconds then cleared my throat, eyes flicking to hers again.

“It’s been a busy afternoon.” I lied. “A man’s work is never done.” She tilted her head sideways, probably analysing me.

“We agreed to meet here at a certain time. Emphasis on we.”

She said calmly, almost too calmly. “Whether a man’s work is done or not. Doesn’t concern me.”

I chuckled softly, shaking my head while leaning back in my seat. “You’re seriously going to pick a fight with me right now? I thought we were making progress.”

“The term progress is all dependent on perspective. You have your views and I have mine.”

“So you don’t agree?”

I raised an eyebrow. Spreading my legs slightly while resting a hand on my thigh. Her eyes dropped down for a split second but I saw it. I saw everything when it came to this woman.

Another reason why I’d been fuming. Anger simmering in my fucking veins. I saw things I didn’t want to notice but I couldn’t control it.

“We’re definitely cordial. I don’t know if that’s really considered progress.” I ran a hand through my hair, huffing in annoyance.

“Cordial,” I said in disbelief, leaning forward. “I took your virginity last night and you’re telling me we’re fucking cordial?”

There it was. That crack in her stoicism. I watched her throat bob as she gulped before looking away and that irked me. I reached across the table, gripping her jaw firmly. With just enough pressure to make her look at me again.

“You’ve never had an issue holding eye contact before so don’t start looking away from me now, Amala.” This section of the vicinity was vacant but even if it weren’t, I wouldn’t have hesitated to react in the same manner. “You vex me.”

“You infuriate me.” She scoffed, gripping my forearm to help remove my hand from her face. “I don’t understand you. I don’t understand this dynamic. I didn’t call you here to discuss it or overanalyse it.”

“Then why did you call me here?”

“There’s been a breakthrough.” She eyed me, clasping her hands together on the table. “Off the record. We think that the director is somehow involved in this case.”

I frowned, looking at her in disbelief. “Giovanni?” I questioned. “The man who’s been working for the Bureau for the past thirty years? That director?”

She looked around the restaurant, slowly. Observing.

The type of paranoia that most agents had when their unit was compromised. “Yes.” She said in a hushed tone. “A few days ago I spoke to Asher about it.”

“Is that what happened?”

I enquired, finding it a bit hard to believe that she just had a civil conversation about something this groundbreaking. “You just had this conversation, as per normal?”

“Well,” She tilted her head sideways, shrugging. “It didn’t start smoothly. You know the Bureau doesn’t take these accusations lightly. I briefly mentioned it during our discussion but that’s when Asher pulled me aside.”

I nodded, listening attentively.

“This is the reason I told you not to call anyone the morning I got shot. I still don’t know who to trust. Something about this case seems off.”

“I’m going to be honest with you.”

She hesitated. “I have the same gut feeling. Call it intuition if you will but I think there’s more to this case than what meets the eye and somewhere along the line, we’re missing critical information that is being withheld from us.”

She paused. “I don’t think it’s Asher or Stephanie but I think it’s someone in their inner circle.”

The waitress arrived which halted the conversation, the air thick with tension.

It surrounded us like a cloud of smoke. I ordered nothing but a measly salad, just wanting the waitress to leave because this wasn’t a casual conversation.

“Neither do I.” I agreed. “I don’t know who to trust, Amala but I trust you.” The words slipped before I could stop them and now they hung in the air, circling us.

She looked at me with those brown eyes that softened—slightly.

Regardless of our history, the woman was trustworthy and loyal to a fault. She’d never betray her comrades. “I can’t believe I’m saying this but—“ She released a soft breath. “I trust you too. I really do.”

The air shifted, like this was the first real progress we made since the day we met. “I’m honored,” I said sincerely.

“You should be.” She scoffed. “I don’t even trust my own mother.”

I raised an eyebrow, contemplating whether to ask for an explanation or not. “Don’t ask.” She waved her hand and I held mine up in mock surrender.

“Yes, ma’am,” I said, clearing my throat. “Let me ask you this,” She shifted in her seat, watching me. “Do you think the Rossi’s are all related?”

Her eyes flicked from mine to the window for a split second.

“Yes.” She answered. “If he’s not doing this willingly then he’s definitely being blackmailed. Ian and Enzo are almost two decades younger than Giovanni so I don’t think they’d be close in that sense.”

“I trust your judgement.” The waitress returned, placing our food on the table and told us to signal her if we needed anything else. I clenched my jaw, watching the woman walk away.

“One more thing.” I reached out, brushing a strand of hair out of her face.

Twenty Four

Amala

After the events of last night and the prominent ache between my legs, my feelings towards Ares were ambivalent.

I swallowed hard as his fingers brushed my skin and he stared so deeply into my eyes—making me want to disintegrate.

“I’m listening,” I said, poking at my food. Ignoring the burning sensation on my cheek.

“How do you suggest we move forward after last night because if I’m being honest, it’s not something I take very lightly.”

“It’s not that big of a deal. We move on. It’s fairly simple. Most men do it all the time, don’t they?”

“I’m not most men,” He tilted his head sideways. “We move on and then what? I pretend you didn’t bleed all over my dick?”

The shift from discussing the case to this gave me whiplash and I stared at him in disbelief.

Blood rushed straight to my cheeks and I knew he could see that.

He reached out to touch my cheek, swiping his thumb across the skin. “What? This getting too real for you, Rivera?”

I released a breath through my nose, moving my face sideways. Wanting his touch to disappear. “No,” I answered sternly. “These conversations don’t faze me.”

“If it doesn’t faze you then why are you so flushed?”

“It’s hot in here.” I lied, clearing my throat. “I’ll be sure to leave my review. Perhaps the next time I come here, their air conditioning will be better.”

“Perhaps you should work on your lying, make it a little more believable.”

Over the past few weeks I learnt to tolerate Ares but I didn’t want to acknowledge the fact or say it aloud.

I ran my tongue along my upper teeth and shifted in my seat. I’ve always been honest and vocal about topics that people often found uncomfortable so I wasn’t going to start avoiding the hard truth now.

“Look,” I started, making him lean in—an indication of his undivided attention. “Since the first time I discovered the meaning of sex, I envisioned my first time to be a little more,”

I paused, tapping my nails on the table. “Romantic, if you will.”

He frowned, his hand dripping onto the table.

“Yes, the circumstances weren’t ideal and I should’ve been honest with you but everything happened so fast. When I was younger I thought that having sex for the first time should’ve been slow, thoughtful, sensual but those expectations died a long time ago.”

“What are you implying, Amala?”

“I don’t regret that it happened,” I answered before I could think but there was no turning back now.

“It happened, it’s done and we can’t change the past,” I said. “Which brings me back to your question, that I’m now going to ask you. What would you like to do moving forward? Did that moment mean something to you?”

He licked his lower lip, rolling up the sleeves of his jacket and that’s when I noticed the bracelet on his arm.

My bracelet.

I opened my mouth to speak but he stopped me, holding his arm up in front of me. “I’ve had this since our trip to Vista.”

He admitted and my heart nearly leaped out of my damn chest due to shock. “If that doesn’t answer your question, I don’t know what will. We’ve been in an endless loop. Going back and forth. We were forced to work together. Kept spending time together. Last night one thing led to another and I discovered that I’m the first man you’ve been with. How do you think I plan on moving forward?”

I didn’t have an answer but his answer crept up my spine and lingered in the back of my mind.

He reached across the table, gripped my chin, and tilted my head back slightly.

“Give me an answer.”

“I don’t know, Ares.”

“You don’t know?”

He laughed humorlessly.

“I don’t.” He said simply.

“I don’t move on and I don’t move forward. What happened between us last night might not have meant anything to you but it meant something to me and I don’t speak to fill the silence. I speak to express my deepest thoughts. I was serious when I said that you’re mine.” He paused before saying.

“We’re tethered now, whether you like it or not.” He added, my lips parting slightly in disbelief. “This is your own doing and you’ll have to learn to live with the outcome.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “Can I at least have my bracelet back?”

“Nah,” He shook his head, looking at me with a smug expression. “You and the bracelet belong to me now.”

Twenty Five

Ares

Icouldn’t get her out of my head. The sound of her whimpers.

The feeling of her soft body. How tightly she squeezed me. Those tattoos and the scent of her perfume and body lotion.

Jesus Christ of Nazareth I was down bad.

Hooked to her as though she were narcotics. If this is how I felt after one moment of intimacy that didn’t even last long, then God only knew how I’d feel after fucking her thoroughly.

The bullpen buzzed with agents all working on different tasks. Different sounds all mixed into one which was enough to overstimulate anybody who felt sensitive to chaos.

Keyboards clicked, multiple conversations took place, somewhere in the distance we could hear police sirens, phones rang and it wasn’t even 9 a.m. yet.

I nearly reached my desk when I heard Asher’s voice. “Valiente.” He called out from his office, gesturing for me to enter.

He never summoned us this early unless there was an emergency and my first thought immediately went to Amala. I glanced around the room and didn’t see her which left a bad taste in my mouth.

“Yes, sir?” I asked, stepping into the large office—a drastic change compared to the bullpen behind me.

“Come in, close the door.” I didn’t question him or display my concern outright but for some reason my hands felt clammy and I instinctively tucked them into the pockets of my jeans after the door closed with a soft click. “Have a seat, Ares.”

“Is everything okay, Asher?” Now that we were alone, I could refer to him by his first name. After years of working together, we formed a friendship outside of the office. I relied on him whenever I needed support and vice versa.

Our line of work often became overwhelming to deal with, hence why you constantly needed someone in your corner who could understand your experiences.

“About an hour ago,” He paused, resting his forearms on his desk. He seemed hesitant. “Kayden found crucial information on Dominion and we discovered his real identity.”

“That’s the breakthrough we wanted right?” I didn’t understand why he looked somewhat upset while relaying this information. “Why do you look disappointed, Asher?”

“When I tell you who he is, you’ll understand my feelings towards this.” He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “This remains between us, it’s confidential. You’re not allowed to share this information with anyone. Not even your partner.”

That’s when the wheels in my head started turning and I narrowed my eyes, leaning back in my seat.

“Wait, wait.” I held my hands up. “What do you mean by that, Braun? We’re partners. The relationship is built on trust. She’s your agent.”

Asher clenched his jaw, blinking slowly. “I understand that, Ares but when you’re in the position I am you need to make difficult decisions.”

“And that decision ends with you not being honest with one of your agents?” I sat upright now. “One who’s actively working on this case.”

“Calm down, Ares.” He said to me in that firm tone that made everyone else in the building fall over their own two feet. “This isn’t a negotiation. I’m telling you this so that you know what the plans are moving forward.”

“Asher, this is ridiculous and you know it.” I snapped. “If she finds out about this, it’s not going to end well.”

“She won’t.” He said with that finality in his tone. “You’re going to make sure of that.”

At this point, I was utterly fucked. Stuck between a rock and a hard place. “Who is it?”

Amala wasn’t at the field office today due to personal reasons but the information Asher shared with me, weighed me down.

I ran a hand down my face before drinking the entire glass of whiskey in one gulp.

She was currently on her way here and I didn’t know how I’d tell her the truth. If I’d even tell her at all. My hands trembled slightly because I was damned if I did and damned if I didn’t.

If I kept this from her and she found out, it’d sever everything we’d built this far, and whatever bond we established already wasn’t much but if I told her the truth, I’d have to face the repercussions thereof.

Either way, I’d have to make a decision and fast.

The doorbell rang once, twice and I opened my eyes slowly—sitting up straight before rising to my feet. The walk towards the front door felt like an eternity, each step heavier than the last.

When I opened the door and those brown eyes peered up at me, I knew I wouldn’t have been able to share the information with her.

Not when she looked so angelic standing before me in a black mini skirt, a black halter top with a red dragon pattern embroidered, and black boots that made me want to drop to my knees in front of her.

“This is uncalled for,” She scoffed. “Did Asher at least tell you why we’re being pulled from the case? We didn’t do anything wrong.”

I stepped aside, allowing her to enter. “Unless you stirred the pot. What did you do this time, Ares?”

“Why would you automatically assume I did something?”

“Clearly it can’t be anybody else’s fault.” She walked towards my couch, still looking somewhat nervous or maybe, a little anxious.

She’d been here twice before and one of those consisted of me taking her virginity.

“Sit.” I nodded. “Sorry to disappoint princesa, but I didn’t do anything. You know better than anyone else—challenging Asher never ended well so I didn’t bother. Now we’re back on administrative duties.”

“You’re fucking joking.” She shook her head, crossing one leg over the other and my eyes immediately zeroed in on her thighs. “We didn’t come this far just to get tossed aside. Are you certain we can’t have a conversation with Asher about this?”

“Nothing’s stopping us from attempting to have a conversation with him.” I brought a cigarette to my lips, flicking my lighter as I inhaled slowly. Watching the ember burn before smoke wafted in the air. “The question is, will he listen to anything we have to say?”

She observed me for a few seconds and I suddenly felt anxious under her scrutiny.

“Can I try?” Amala asked, peering at me with those expressive eyes. I took another drag of the cigarette as I shook my head no.

“Have you ever smoked before?” I blew the smoke in the opposite direction, holding the stick between my middle and index finger.

“I haven’t.” That’s when I did something completely unexpected.

I patted my thigh while spreading my legs slightly—gesturing for her to sit on my lap. She hesitated at first but then stepped forward, slowly taking a seat.

“And you want to try smoking, why?” I enquired.

“Curiosity.” She answered simply, making me chuckle. She was seated on my thigh but I wanted her ass planted firmly against my dick.

With the cigarette between my lips, I pulled her closer, positioning her the way I wanted. “Stress. Disappointment.” She added before gasping softly, the sound nearly sending me into an orbit.

I removed the stick from my lips before speaking. “You shouldn’t let your curious little mind persuade you so easily and stress is nothing but a silent killer,”

I murmured, grasping her chin. “However, I’d be willing to let you try.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” I whispered hoarsely. “Open your mouth.” She furrowed her eyebrows but slowly obliged. I took one last drag and brought my lips closer to hers, blowing the smoke into her mouth.

I watched as her pupils dilated, her breath fanning my face as she exhaled. “More?” I asked and she declined, wrapping an arm around my neck.

“I’m good.” She stared at me with those expressive eyes and in this moment, I forgot about everything and everyone else. The case. Dominion. The bureau. My sole focus was her, my mind wandering as I got lost in her gaze. “Tastes fucking disgusting.”

I laughed softly. “Does that mean the taste of tobacco would deter you from kissing me?” I moved my face closer to hers. She looked at my lips for a brief moment.

A second at best, leaning forward. Our lips almost touching.

“No,” She murmured sweetly and it nearly sent me into a downward fucking spiral. This side Amala currently displayed was one I’d never witnessed before. “I don’t do kisses though.”

“Neither do I,” I admitted aloud. A fact nobody knew about me. I’d kissed someone once. My first girlfriend. It disgusted me. It was sloppy, her lips tasting like cheap beer. Ever since then I hadn’t done it again.

Now I wanted—no, needed to taste her lips. I could already foresee the effect it would have on me. Amala liked chamomile, mint, and green tea. Always chewed gum and only drank vodka or a strong cocktail so I knew she’d taste delectable. Just like she smelled.

“I’d make an exception for you though,” I said, my voice sounding unfamiliar. She shifted on my lap, pushing me backward. Until my back hit the couch before straddling me.

I tossed my cigarette onto the floor, stepping on it with my foot to kill the burning ember.

A low, rough groan escaped my lips and my hands instinctively rested on her hips despite the urge of wanting to move them a little lower. “You would?” She asked in a tone that screamed mockery.

Her hands wrapped around my throat, pushing my head back. “Should I feel honored?”

My breath hitched and I’m sure she noticed. For the first time ever I allowed a woman to handle me in this manner. To take control. “I can make you feel a lot of things.”

She moved her lips closer to mine again, but quickly swerved.

Nipping at my jawline. I swallowed hard, my throat bobbing. Normally I’d be able to control myself, practice restraint but this time I couldn’t.

I grabbed her ass, forcing her down onto me, and judging by the sound of her soft gasp I’m certain she could feel my erection.

The thin fabric of her stockings did nothing to separate the space where our bodies connected.

Fuck me. What was I doing?

This opportunity should’ve been used to share the reasoning behind us being pulled from the case but instead she sat on top of my dick like this is exactly where she belonged.

“Don’t start shit you can’t finish,” I said hoarsely, breathing through my nose.

“When have I ever started something I couldn’t finish, Ares?”

She sank her teeth into my neck, biting the flesh and it instinctively made me raise my hips, groaning softly. “Or did you forget how I took every single inch of you without complaint?” She whispered against my skin and my cock twitched in my pants.

Memories of that night replaying on an endless loop. “Yeah,” I slid my hands up her bare back, thanking the Lord for the style of her top.

Open back. Warm skin. Delicate underneath my fingertips. “You took me so well, like you were made specially for me.”

She hissed, probably turned on by this moment as much as I was. “Just one taste.”

“No,” She said sternly but it lacked its usual venomous bite. “You don’t deserve it.”

My hands slid higher, tangling into her long hair. I tugged her head back roughly and she almost made a sound but quickly bit her lower lip.

“Then tell me what I can do to deserve it.”

I changed the dynamics, trailing soft kisses in her neck that was now perfectly exposed by the way I angled her head backward. “You’re in control mi corazón,” I murmured into her ear, licking the spot below it. “Tell me what you need and I’ll give it to you.”

Desperate.

I sounded fucking desperate. This wasn’t me. Wasn’t something I ever indulged in. I’d never begged anyone in my life before but today I was willing to do just that.

“Beg me.” She panted softly, digging her nails into my shoulders. “Beg me like a good boy.” Jesus Christ. If I had zero self-control, I would’ve came in my fucking pants.

“Please,” It sounded unnatural coming from my lips. Even more so when I realised who I directed the plea to. Amala, the woman who’d been nothing but a thorn in my side for years.

Now she straddled me while I spoke against her skin. Begging for a fucking kiss. “Please, princesa. Just one kiss. That’s all I’m asking for.”

She swallowed hard and I felt her throat moving against my lips. Amala held onto my jaw with one hand, leaning in.

Closing the distance between us. Blood pounded in my ears. Our eyes remained locked, neither looking away.

I wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her body closer until her chest was flush against mine.

When our lips touched, just barely she stopped. “The answer is still no.” I could feel the vein in my neck protruding, frustration dripping from every inch of my skin.

“You fucking tease.” She smiled mischievously, pushing me back until my body collided with the couch. The breath left my lungs abruptly as she climbed off me.

“What you can do though is get us back on that case.” That sentence was like ice water being poured directly onto my skin after a hot day.

Shit.

I looked down, shifting my hips and adjusting the evident bulge. I ran a hand down my face, laughing humorlessly.

Of course she’d do this. Nearly make me fucking burst at the seams just to leave me hanging. High and dry. Then ask the impossible of me.

“I’m a Special Agent, Amala. Not a magician. How the hell am I supposed to do that?”

She gazed at me, like someone peeling back the layers of my skin to dissect me. “You’ll figure something out. You always do. We didn’t come this far, just to come this far.”

She retorted, standing a few feet away from me with her arms crossed over her chest.

This woman.

“Are you going to stand beside me while we negotiate with someone as hardheaded as Asher?”

“I’ve got your back.” She nodded, giving me a slight smile and that moment shattered something within me. Amala never smiled at me before.

Not unless it was malicious. I didn’t know what to do but I couldn’t say no to this request. If I did, she’d definitely find it suspicious.

“Also, if I didn’t dislike you I would’ve probably given in,” She added before I could respond to her. “Hearing you beg like a pathetic loser really excited me.”

I laughed softly, standing up from the couch. Stepping closer, watching as she craned her neck to look up at me.

“Keep playing with me.” I bent down slightly, talking directly into her ear. “There’ll come a time when I’ll have the last laugh.”

“Is that so?” She turned her head sideways, her eyes lingering on my lips for a split second.

“Yeah,” I kept both hands locked behind my back. “We’ll see if you have this same energy when you’re restrained while I pound that pussy.”

She placed both hands on my chest, shoving me away. “Shut up.” She scoffed. “Hurry up, cabrón. We haven’t got all day.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “Give me ten minutes. Want some tea while you wait?” I mocked, but she only narrowed her eyes at me.

How scary.

“Nine minutes,” She sassed. “I’ll take chamomile tea and make it snappy.”

Twenty Six

Unknown Entry

Amala Rivera

Ares Valiente

Nicolas Calisto

Kayden Sato

Asher Braun

Stephanie Leeds

There were only a handful of people I had ever trusted with my life.

Most of them were dead.

Brutally murdered in enemy territory while I fought for my own survival—before I was captured, abducted, and tortured.

If these people refused to end their manhunt for me, then I would make certain they experienced exactly what I had endured.

Only tenfold.

I never imagined I would live long enough to watch my own daughter become the very thing I hated most.

She had her mother’s face, but everything else was unmistakably mine—my intensity, my stubbornness, my ambition.

And ambition had a way of getting people killed when they weren’t careful.

I had never been afraid to get blood on my hands.

Not even when the blood belonged to my own flesh and blood.

There was a saying I used to tell my comrades:

Todo el mundo es un villano para alguien. Solo depende de qué lado de la línea estés.

Everyone is a villain to someone. It just depends on which side of the line you’re standing on.

Twenty Seven

Amala

Chamomile tea always calmed me down, and God knew I needed it.

My heart was still hammering against my ribcage after what had happened between us only minutes ago.

I exhaled slowly, lifting the cup to my lips and took a cautious sip. I held it between both hands, my feet planted firmly on the footrest of the barstool.

My eyes wandered from the kitchen toward the living room. Ares’ house had shocked me to my core.

The décor was minimalist yet sleek, everything neat, tidy, and deliberately placed.

During my last visit, I hadn’t paid much attention to my surroundings, but now, with sunlight filtering through the blinds and nothing but silence accompanying me, my eyes had the freedom to wander.

The color scheme was predominantly black and grey, broken only by stainless-steel appliances and the occasional pop of red.

My gaze drifted toward the coffee table, where magazines and loose papers had been stacked neatly beside a lone candle.

That’s when I noticed something slightly out of place.

A manila folder.

Tucked beneath the stack of papers, almost as though it had been deliberately hidden.

My brows furrowed, I set my cup on the countertop then hopped off the stool and moved closer.

We weren’t allowed to take case files from the Bureau and this certainly looked like a case file.

I could have been wrong though.

I slowly pulled the folder free, careful not to disturb the stack above it. Something about this didn’t feel right.

My intuition was practically clawing against my skin, slowly ripping me from the inside out.

I opened the folder and my heart nearly stopped.

A bright red confidential stamp stared back at me.

I glanced over my shoulder, half-expecting Ares to materialise behind me like some entity from a horror movie.

Nothing.

I flipped the folder open as adrenaline surged through my veins.

My eyes widened as they landed on the name printed across the first page.

Rodrigo Montes.

My father.

I didn’t remember much about him anymore. Not his face. Not the sound of his voice. Not the little details that should have remained etched into a daughter’s memory— but I’d never forgotten his name.

When my parents were married, I carried his surname. Amala Montes.

When they separated, my mother made damn sure that connection disappeared with the divorce.

She never told me much about his life. Only what he had been like when they were married.

A good man and a great father. She said it with such conviction that I’d never thought to question her—but a good man wouldn’t be responsible for this.

Would he?

My eyes skimmed over the page.

Primary suspect in the rise of organised crime.

Illegal firearms distribution.

Human trafficking.

My stomach twisted.

My fucking father.

My fingers tightened around the folder and then I saw the next line.

Call sign: Dominion.

Everything clicked. Every unanswered question. Every strange coincidence. Every piece of the puzzle I’d been too blind to see.

The man worked for the military. That’s why my mother had always been so fucking paranoid about my occupation.

That’s why she’d fought so hard against me following this career path.

That’s why she’d severed every connection between him and us so completely that there was nothing left to salvage.

I stumbled backward and the folder slipped from my grasp, landing on the floor.

Ares knew. He knew about my father and he withheld it from me.

Just when I finally offered him a semblance of trust.

I shook my head, struggling to comprehend what I was looking at.

My hands trembled. A knot formed in my throat.

Then I heard footsteps.

They grew louder with every passing second.

I felt his presence behind me before he even spoke.

“What’s—” He stopped and the footsteps came to an abrupt halt.

“Amala.” His voice was gentle. Too gentle.

I blinked rapidly before slowly turning around to face him.

“I should’ve listened to my intuition.” His expression changed. “I trusted you.”

“Listen to me—”

“No.” I cut him off.

His hands curled into fists at his sides, his jaw ticking as he restrained whatever he wanted to say.

“How long have you known about this?” Silence. I took a step toward him. “Answer my question.”

His throat bobbed as he swallowed and it seemed like there was regret lingering in his eyes.

“Let me explain.”

“Answer the fucking question.” My voice was calm and on the inside I was anything but.

Inside, my mind was racing a hundred miles per hour.

My throat constricted, making it difficult to breathe.

“A few hours,” he finally admitted. “I’ve known for a few hours.” I stared at him in disbelief.

“Yet you didn’t tell me when I walked into your house earlier.” His silence was answer enough.

“Instead, you’ve been fucking sweet-talking me.” I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. “Am I a joke to you, Ares?”

“It’s not like that.” He stepped forward and I immediately stepped back.

Then something flickered across his face. Hurt maybe.

“I wanted to tell you.”

“Come any closer and you’ll leave your house in a body bag.”

My heart hammered harder and a bead of sweat slid down my neck.

Despite the resentment consuming me, I knew I wouldn’t kill him.

I couldn’t.

Somehow, that made me hate myself even more.

“You have to believe me,” he said. “Do you really think I wanted to keep this from you? How was I supposed to tell you, Amala?”

“Oh, now I’m supposed to believe you had my best interests at heart?” My voice cracked but I cleared my throat. “This could’ve been your plan all along.”

I pointed toward the folder lying between us. “You said you’d ruin me, and you’ve accomplished exactly that.” My shoulders were tense, every piece of jewellery on my body suddenly feeling heavier, weighing me down both literally and figuratively.

“Are you happy now?”

His expression hardened.

“When I said I wanted to ruin you, I meant for other men.” He stepped closer. “Not like this.” Another step. “Never like this.”

My chest heaved and my throat was dry.

I looked down at his feet for a split second before meeting his eyes again.

“I’m done with you.” I turned toward the couch and grabbed my belongings. “I want nothing to do with you.”

“Amala—”

“I don’t want to see you again.” I shoved my things into my bag. “And you’re no longer my partner.”

“Just wait, please.” His voice cracked with desperation. “Mi corazón, please.”

I froze for half a second.

“I would never hurt you. Not intentionally.” He swallowed.

“I wanted to tell you. I just—”

“You couldn’t bring yourself to do it?”

I turned around and when he didn’t answer. I suddenly understood.

That feeling.

The one that had been curling inside my gut for days.

The nagging voice in the back of my mind.

The inexplicable unease I’d kept pushing aside.

It had never been paranoia.

It had been the truth trying to make itself heard.

ARES

I panicked, grabbing her wrist before she could walk any further.

“Tell me how to fix this.” I’ve never experienced this before. This ache in my chest that simply worsened as time passed by.

She gazed at me with that empty look in her eyes, pursing her lips. It was evident she wasn’t going to talk anymore. “Princesa—”

“Don’t call me that.” She stepped back, tugging her wrist free. “I’m leaving.” She said bitterly, glaring daggers at me.

Leaving?

Amala wanted to leave? “No.” I followed her movements. “You can’t leave. Not until we’ve resolved this.”

Judging by the look on her face, I couldn’t instantly sense she didn’t appreciate my response.

“You think a simple conversation is going to restore this? I thought we developed trust between us. A real bond.”

Fuck.

Her words stung more than I ever thought possible.

“Don’t do that. Don’t question our progress. I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I wasn’t honest with you. Please, you have to believe me when I say that I had the best intentions.”

“What progress, Ares?”

It felt like her words knocked every ounce of air out of my lungs.

Like a brutal punch to the gut. “Amala.” I sounded desperate, moving closer to her. “How can you even ask me that question?” My eyebrows furrowed.

“Why didn’t you just tell me?”

Her voice cracked slightly but she was the strongest woman I knew. Easily controlling her emotions.

“This ..” She paused, inhaling sharply. “This is exactly what happens to me every single time I trust someone. I let them in. Give them a finger and they take the fucking hand.”

“I was trying to protect you.”

She moved back every time I moved forward until she had nowhere to go.

Ultimately trapped between myself and the large cabinet behind her.

“I thought I was doing the right thing. I didn’t want to hurt you. Physically or emotionally.”

She looked away from me and I couldn’t fucking handle it. “Please. Please look at me..”

Did I ever think I’d be in this predicament?

Fuck no.

Especially not with her. I’ve never yearned for a woman like this in my entire life.

“Tell me what I should do to mend this.” I placed my hand on her cheek, sliding my fingers into her hair.

“I’ll do anything. You could order me around and I’d fucking do it but please—please don’t shut me out or push me away.”

Her bottom lip trembled slightly, her glossy eyes fluttering to blink back tears.

“Stop.” She said, breathing rapidly. It sounded like she was hyperventilating. Amala swallowed, biting her bottom lip hard. An attempt to stop it from trembling.

“Amala, please.”

I got onto my knees, wrapping my arms around her midsection—resting my forehead against her belly.

“Get up, Valiente. You’re embarrassing yourself.” She tried to push me away but I held her tighter.

“No.” I realised she used my surname to address me. We were back at square one and God knew, I wasn’t going to allow that shit. “Tell me what to do.”

“You’re so pathetic.” She grabbed a fistful of my hair, yanking my head backward. I groaned softly, welcoming the stinging feeling.

“I’ll be the most pathetic fucking man you’ve ever seen, so long as you forgive me.”

“No.”

Is all she said, pushing my head back but I didn’t release my grip around her waist.

“Ares.” Her voice was stern, unforgiving, cold. A replica of how she spoke to me before.

The disdain in her voice was evident. That look on her face made me feel like my heart was physically being ripped out of my chest.

“If you don’t let go of me in the next five seconds—” She warned but I didn’t listen. If she left I knew there’d be no salvaging this.

Whatever the term for this was. Was it a relationship? A partnership? A friendship?

I clutched the fabric of her shirt into my fists. “Please, Amala.”

She looked down at me with disgust, pressing her fingers into my shoulder and that made my hold on her falter.

I whimpered in pain, lowering my head slightly.

That’s when she shoved my head sideways, stepping past me. Her footsteps were quick, moving towards the front door with purpose.

I breathed heavily, rolling my shoulders back and then stood up.

Following after her. The sun hit my face and I squinted.

She practically dashed to her car, yanking the door open with trembling hands.

Her movements were so quick and unexpected that I barely had time to react before she drew her firearm and pointed it directly at me.

I froze.

“Don’t,” she warned.

I slowly raised both hands, swallowing hard. “Amala—”

“Don’t follow me.” Her voice shook, but the gun in her hand remained steady enough. “Leave me alone.”

I took a chance and stepped forward.

“You don’t have to do this, Amala. Please, believe me when I say this isn’t how I wanted things to go.”

“Ares.” My name came out as a stern warning. “Don’t come any closer, or I’ll fucking shoot.”

Her hand trembled.

A part of me hoped she wouldn’t pull the trigger.

So I took another step.

And then another.

“I’m sorry.”

I was only a few feet away now. Close enough to reach her if I just took one more step.

“I’m sorry, Amala.” My voice softened. “Please. Just listen to me.”

She said nothing.

Her eyes remained fixed on mine, her finger resting dangerously close to the trigger.

I took one final step.

And then—

Bang.

The shot rang out beside my ear.

For a fleeting second, there was nothing but the deafening ringing in my ears.

Then everything went dark.

About the Author

Isa Moirae writes dark romance for readers who like their love stories complicated, their characters morally grey, and their happily-ever-afters hard-earned.

Her stories explore obsession, power, betrayal, vengeance, and the dangerous pull between two people who should never fall in love.

She believes the best love stories aren’t always about finding someone who saves you.

Sometimes, they’re about finding the person willing to destroy the world with you.

You can connect with me on:

https://isamoirae.carrd.co

Also by Isa Moirae

UNDER OATH SERIES

REVERENCE #1

BOOK #2 - COMING SOON