Far from the reach of law and justice, nestled deep within the chaotic underbelly of the world, stood a high-end bar pulsing with indulgence and secrets. The first floor was alive with soft, swaying bodies moving to the rhythm of a sultry beat. Laughter mingled with the clink of glasses, and neon lights bathed everything in a sinful glow.
Ivan Markov stood above them all—on the upper floor balcony, leaning lazily against the gilded railing, a half-smoked cigar in one hand and a whiskey glass in the other.
His eyes weren't on the music, or the women.
They were far, far away.
"Leah Davies," he murmured to himself, lips curling into a crooked grin. "What a fascinating creature you are... walking into a lion's den as if you owned it. That fire in your eyes—mmm—rare."
There was a glint of madness behind the calm in his tone. A tone not of admiration, but obsession. The kind that didn't seek to love—but to possess.
"She dances with danger and smells like rebellion."
He chuckled, slow and deliberate, then took a sip of his drink.
"Let's meet, darling. Properly this time."
With that, he turned to a man in a black suit behind him and whispered something inaudible. Whatever the order was, the subordinate stiffened.
Markov simply smirked—dark, dangerous, thrilled.
---
Leah's POV
Back at Team T headquarters, things were in motion. The sleek space was alive with movement—holograms spinning, codes cracking, and voices echoing with tension and focus.
Leah leaned over the main console, her eyes narrowing as data poured in.
"Elara, Kessa, David, Chris, Stefan," she called, and they gathered around.
"I found a match," she said, tapping the screen. "Markov's signal. He's in Chesua… the same location where the next major drug trafficking exchange is rumored to take place."
Kessa scoffed. "Markov doesn't sleep, does he? Wherever he goes, chaos follows."
David grinned. "Sounds like my love life."
Chris raised an eyebrow. "Only your reflection loves you, David."
Leah didn't look up, but her tone was dry. "Can we all focus before I decide to partner you with the toilets?"
Everyone smirked—except Stefan, who chuckled a beat longer than the rest, his eyes lingering on Leah with a subtle warmth.
The others exchanged a look.
Leah didn't notice.
"We're going in," she continued. "The club targets couples—they allow pairs in more easily. We'll go in disguised. Blend in. Get what intel we need, and if we're lucky, intercept the exchange."
She scanned her team and began pairing them based on skillsets.
"Stefan, you're with me. I'll need your help on the logistics side with the cartel rep."
Stefan's eyes widened for a split second expression cool.
Then Stefan gave a swift nod, trying to hide the grin tugging at the corners of his lips.
Chris elbowed David, who raised his eyebrows knowingly.
The room buzzed with a silent, teasing energy.
"We leave at 2200 hours. Chesua's waiting," Leah said, sliding her comm into her pocket. "Let's bring the storm."
Stefan's eyes widened for a split second, then he nodded, expression cool. "Understood."
---
Cruising to Chesua
The cruise ship glided over gentle waters, moonlight dancing on the sea's surface. Team T blended perfectly with the vacationing crowd, dressed in stylish, relaxed attire.
Chris and Elara posed as honeymooners—Elara rolling her eyes at his overacting. David kept cracking jokes while Kessa pretended to be annoyed—but failed to hide her smile.
Meanwhile, Leah and Stefan walked the deck. Leah in a sleek emerald dress, hair curled over one shoulder. Stefan wore a fitted dark blazer, acting the perfect partner.
"You're oddly quiet," Leah said.
"Just playing the part."
Stefan matched her stride in a clean-cut tuxedo, his arm confidently around her waist.
"You're a natural at this," she said flatly, eyeing his act.
"I've been rehearsing this moment in my head for years," he said with a smirk.
Leah blinked, caught off guard.
For a rare moment, she was speechless.
Stefan winked. "You okay, partner?"
She cleared her throat. "Focus, agent."
The team chuckled behind them.
____
High above on the top deck, far from the crowded lounges, a figure stood against the breeze. Daniel Blackwood.
He looked down at the deck below, his sharp eyes trailing the disguised couples.
His eyes narrowed—not on the group. Just on her.
Leah. Even with the dyed hair, even in disguise, he'd know her anywhere.
Even with a new look, he recognized her in an instant.
Leah Davies.
His jaw clenched as he saw Stefan lean a little too close.
"He's getting comfortable," Daniel murmured, voice like ice.
He turned slightly, not looking away. "They don't know... this is my cruise."
His lips curled into a faint smirk, but there was no warmth in it.
.....