The soft hum of the elevator filled the silence between them. The dim golden lights above cast a faint glow over the metal walls, flickering slightly as the lift ascended.
Leah stood still, arms folded, eyes fixed ahead—but her senses were sharply aware of the man beside her.
Daniel.
He hadn't spoken since they stepped in, but his presence was impossible to ignore. Calm. Collected. Dangerous.
His scent—clean, crisp with a hint of expensive cologne—lingered close. His broad shoulders relaxed, but Leah knew better than to assume he was ever unarmed or unaware.
The doors slid shut. Time slowed.
She let out a breath. "If you're going to say something, now's the time."
Daniel turned slightly to face her, but didn't move closer. "I wasn't sure if you wanted me to speak… or stay quiet."
She glanced at him, sharply. "You're rarely quiet. That alone is suspicious."
That drew the faintest smirk from him. "I've been accused of worse."
Silence again. The space between them buzzed with unspoken things.
"I didn't expect you," she said, voice lower this time. "Back there. With Markov."
His jaw tensed, but his voice remained smooth. "I didn't like what I saw. So I changed it."
"You didn't have to."
"I wanted to."
Leah's gaze turned to him, meeting his. His eyes were steady—dark, quiet storms hiding behind a calm surface.
"You're interfering," she said, though there was no real bite to her tone.
"I prefer the word involved." He stepped closer. Not invading, not aggressive. Just… near.
Her fingers twitched by her side.
"Leah," he said, her name like a vow on his tongue, "I'm not here to complicate things for you. But I won't pretend anymore."
Her breath caught.
"I want to pursue this," he said softly. "You."
A long silence stretched between them. Her heartbeat thudded in her chest—too loud, too fast.
She turned her head away. "You don't know me."
"I do," he said immediately. "Maybe not everything. But I know what I see. A woman who hides steel under silence. Fire under frost."
He paused.
"And I want to know more."
The elevator slowed.
She didn't reply—not yet. But she didn't look away either.
"You will regret this".
" I have never regretted my decision ".
She smirked slightly and said " Aren't you too confident"
The doors opened. She stepped out first, her voice echoing faintly behind her. "You'll need more than charm to keep up."
He remained in the elevator, his smirk barely hidden. "Challenge accepted."
---
Back at the hidden HQ, Leah entered alone. Her boots clicked against the sterile floor, her expression unreadable.
The team was gathered—David by the monitors, Luna and Kessa on the sofas, and Stefan at the table with files spread before him.
Stefan looked up immediately. "You alright?"
Leah nodded, brief. "Physically. Mentally? Ask me after a drink."
Kessa grinned. "Markov's whole business is crumbling. He's basically bankrupt."
David's eyes widened. "Wait, how is that even possible? Overnight?"
Luna tilted her head. "Maybe he offended the wrong person. Or maybe… someone powerful doesn't want him tracked anymore."
Leah narrowed her eyes, her thoughts turning. "Find out who's behind it."
She didn't voice her suspicion. Not yet. But a quiet voice in her head whispered one name.
Daniel.
She shoved it away.
Chresav leaned forward. "Good work. Let's move fast before the trail grows cold."
Everyone nodded. Leah slipped away after the short debrief, feeling the weight of unfinished business on her shoulders.
---
Later that night, Leah exited the black ops facility, changing into her casual hoodie and jeans before heading toward her designated cover apartment.
The streets were quiet. City lights reflected off puddles from an earlier rain.
As she approached the gate, a familiar voice called out from the shadows.
"I was wondering when you'd return."
Leah stopped, instantly alert.
Daniel stepped into the glow of a lamppost, hands in his pockets, gaze steady.
"I thought I told you to stay out of this," she said, crossing her arms.
"You did." He didn't deny it. "I ignored it."
She rolled her eyes. "Of course you did."
"I meant what I said," Daniel said, walking closer—slowly, carefully. "I'm not playing games. I want to pursue something real with you."
"You think this is the time for feelings?" she said sharply. "We're in the middle of chaos. Missions. Threats. I don't have time to explore romance."
"I'm not asking you to pause your life," he said, voice steady. "I'm asking for the chance to be part of it."
Leah's heart clenched. She hated how calm he sounded. How sure.
"You don't get it. I've spent my life building walls. Letting you in could destroy everything I've worked for."
"I'm not asking you to let me in overnight." His voice softened. "But let me stand at the gate, at least."
She hesitated.
Daniel stepped close—so close she could see the flicker of emotion in his eyes.
"I see you," he whispered. "And I'll wait. As long as it takes."
She looked away. Her voice came out flat. "You're wasting your time."
"Then I'll waste it gladly."
Silence stretched between them again. The air between them pulsed with something deep, unspoken, unresolved.
Before she could reply, a sharp noise echoed from the alley.
Both turned.
A shadow darted away—quick, too quick.
Leah instinctively reached for her concealed weapon.
Daniel's eyes darkened. "We're being watched."
Leah narrowed her gaze. "Stay alert. This isn't over."
A new threat loomed in the dark. And neither of them was backing down.
---