The mission had gone according to plan—at least, for the most part. Task Force 141 had successfully infiltrated a cartel stronghold, eliminating key targets and securing valuable intel. Now, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, the team was regrouping at their extraction point, waiting for the helicopter to arrive.

Alejandro Vargas sat on a fallen log, eyes scanning the perimeter, but his attention kept drifting back to her. She stood apart from the others, like she always did, leaning against a boulder with her sniper rifle at her side. Her gaze was distant, her posture relaxed but vigilant—always so composed, so in control.

He’d worked with her for years now, and though he knew she was as dependable as they come, there was something about her that intrigued him. She never said much, but when she did, it always carried weight. Her quiet strength was something Alejandro admired, even if it made it hard to know her beyond the soldier she appeared to be.

As the minutes dragged on, Alejandro stood and walked toward her, his boots crunching softly against the gravel.

“You’re quiet tonight,” Alejandro said, his voice laced with curiosity.