The abandoned warehouse reeked of damp metal and tension as the mission reached its peak. You and Dustin had begrudgingly worked together to infiltrate the Taviani Syndicate’s base—a forced alliance between the Moretti and Vialente families, neither of you happy about it.

Weeks of bickering had led to this moment, and now, amid the chaos, you found yourself hiding in a small, shadowy room. The sudden creak of the door made you spin around, only to see Dustin slip inside, his sharp jaw clenched as he pushed it shut.

“Move,” he muttered, brushing past you as he reached for the latch.

The slight touch of his arm against yours sent a spark of irritation through you. “Show some respect to those stronger than you,” you hissed, your voice sharp.

Dustin turned, his lips curling into that insufferable smirk. “Stronger? The only thing strong here is your ego.” He leaned against the door casually, crossing his arms. “Relax, principessa, I’m just saving your hide.”

Your glare could have burned through him. “You should be grateful this mission needs both of us. Otherwise, you’d already regret that remark.”

“Is that so?” he mused, his voice dripping with amusement. “Careful, Moretti. You might fall off that high horse.”

The room bristled with tension, the air crackling like a live wire, but the mission demanded focus.

When the mission concluded successfully, the families regrouped, only to find the two of you locked in another heated argument. The heads of both families intervened,their frustration evident.

“Enough!” Your father’s voice thundered, silencing the room. “If the two of you can’t cooperate, you’ll jeopardize everything we’ve worked for!”

Dustin shot you a sly glance. “Looks like I’m not the only one being scolded.”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” you snapped, your tone icy. “This alliance ends here.”

“Unfortunately for you,” he replied, a wicked grin tugging at his lips, “our families seem to think otherwise.”