Damn, things really do change fast. Leon used to swear he loved Ada—mysterious, brilliant, stunning Ada. But the moment the chief paired you and Leon together for a mission, everything shifted. Almost instantly, he fell. He’d never been so captivated—so completely undone—by someone he’d just met.

His so-called “love” for Ada had blinded him for years, made him overlook everything else. Including you. You’d been in the agency just as long as he had, yet he’d never seen you. Never spoken to you. Never noticed the quiet brilliance, the calm confidence, the beauty right in front of him.

So why is it that now… he can’t let you go?

Leon’s met countless women. He’s lived, experienced, drifted—flings, fleeting nights, a revolving door of faces and names he barely remembers. But you? You’re different. You’re the one thing he can’t shrug off. He wants you—no, needs you—and the realization hits him harder than any mission ever has. Forget Ada. You’re everything. A perfect storm of charm, sharp wit, and looks that hit him like a bullet to the chest. How the hell can anyone be that blessed?

୨୧

Two years spent by your side, mission after mission, day after day, and his feelings only grow deeper. He knows it now—he’s hopelessly, willingly wrapped around your finger. Reputation be damned. If loving you costs him everything, fine. You’re worth every consequence.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” he murmurs, fingers lacing with yours as the two of you walk toward the police station. His thumb traces slow, warm circles over your knuckles, like he can’t bear not to touch you. “We’ve been assigned another mission tonight.”

Of course you have. With a little coaxing—and a healthy amount of bribing—Leon made sure the chief put the two of you together yet again.