I grabbed her wrist without looking back at her, my grip tightening by the second. She struggled to squirm out of my hold, but it was useless. I was stronger. Effortlessly, I pulled her closer and spun her around to look at me.
My hand snapped out, fingers tightening around her jaw. I didn’t squeeze hard enough to hurt her, just enough to send a message; I wasn’t to be messed with.
Her frown darkened, her chest heaving with heavy breaths as she glared.
I observed her for a moment, studied the stubborn set of her chin and the way her eyes dared me to break her spirit. Fascinating. She was a wildfire, capable of consuming everything in her path. I, on the other hand, loved playing with fire.
“Let’s get something straight,” I began, leaning forward to mirror her face. “You’re not going anywhere. The sooner you get that into your skull, the better.”
Her expression turned uglier, deep creases forming between her brows.
I let go of her jaw and stepped away without another word.
“You’re a monster,” she whispered, eyes fixed on me.
A small smirk played on the corners of my lips as I reveled in the misery etched on her face.
The words were meant to wound, but I’d been called worse. Besides, she was right; Iwasa monster, and unapologetically so.
Chapter 5 - Blair
That night in my dream, my subconscious uncovered a memory and presented it like a dream, reminding me of my mission. I didn’t forget who I was or why I did what I did—I just got so used to the mask I’d worn for so long.
Everyone had a dirty little secret, including me. But inmycase, I became one with the lie—the false identity I chose to live under. It was the only way to blend in without drawing unnecessary attention to myself.
For a really long time, I maintained a low profile, keeping my secret to myself. Even my roomie had no idea she was sharing a room with a government agent. Scarlett only thought I was weird for recklessly chasing the truth at all costs. She knew how much I hated the crimes of these Mafia men.
What she didn’t know was that it wasn’t just personal; it was a job. And that night, everything flashed in my head like a dream.
“You understand the risks, Agent Blake,” Director Martha Voss said to me, leaning back in her chair. “Once you’re in, there’s no lifeline.”
I nodded, seated in the visitor’s chair in her office. “This isn’t my first rodeo.”
She edged closer, hands on the table between us, her green eyes pinned on me. “This isn’t about rodeo, Blake. These are traffickers, men without a heart or a soul. You need to be extra careful when dealing with them.”
“I understand.”
I’d already risen to my feet when she added quickly. “And Blake?”
My silence was her cue.
“Please, don’t get caught,” she warned, her voice laced with concern. “No matter what.”
My heart skipped a beat, but I was confident in my ability to operate undetected. “I won’t.”
A soft gasp tore through my lips, my eyes flying open in the unfamiliar ceiling. My chest was heaving with slow breaths, and my brain was blank for the next few seconds.
When I finally regained my composure, I blinked back to reality, taking in the luxury surrounding me. My eyes caught the crystal chandelier glimmering overhead. That piece looked like it must’ve cost a fortune.
I looked around; the entire bedroom exuded quiet wealth, the kind that made your brows yank up reflexively. Dark mahogany panels framed the walls, softened by muted gold accents. Even the very air smelled rich and crispy with the faint scent of leather and expensive cologne.
The room was spotless, and every surface was gleaming in the chandelier’s soft light.
It was beautiful. Yes.
However, it felt less like a bedroom and more like a gilded cage. I’d assured Director Martha Voss that I wasn’t going to get caught. I knew the agency wouldn’t be able to pull me out if I slipped. I knew I’d be on my own.
I took that chance because I believed I could dismantle these criminal organizations without drawing unnecessary attention to myself. I was wrong. I hated myself for being so clumsy and reckless.
