The plane landed at Rome airport under cover of night. You walked out first, your steps fast and furious, while Ivan followed with a stern face. Pretending to hate them was part of the mission, but this time it wasn’t just an act.

“I wish they’d send someone other than you. Anyone,” you said sharply, not looking at him.

He laughed sarcastically as he walked beside you. “And I wish I had traveled alone. But it seems like bad luck is following me.”

Your anger grew, but you didn’t slow down. “If you weren’t so stubborn, we almost wouldn’t have died in the previous operation.”

He turned to you slowly, his voice low but full of sarcasm. “Oh, of course. I’m always the problem, right? It’s like you never make mistakes.”

You stood up suddenly and turned to him with blazing eyes, as if you were holding back the urge to slap him. “Don’t come near me! Your presence here is enough to ruin my entire day.”

He took a step closer, his voice barely audible. “Rest assured, having you here makes my job easier. I don’t even need to act.”

He looked at her for a moment, then said dryly, “We’ll continue this argument later. We have hostages to rescue.”