For one stolen moment, Maya forgot about witness protection and let herself feel something real. Then the door slammed open and destroyed everything.
Mateo's lips were still on hers when the sound hit. The sharp crack of wood against drywall cut through the room like a gunshot.
Maya froze. Every muscle locked. Every thought stopped.
Mateo pulled back, breath uneven, eyes going wide as he registered what was happening. His hands dropped from her shoulders like he'd touched fire.
Ethan stood in the doorway.
His face wasn't shocked. Wasn't confused or questioning. Just fury, cold and bright, the kind that didn't waste energy on words when action would do.
Oh God. How long has he been standing there?
"Ethan..." Maya started, but the captain was already moving.
