Of course, there were protests, and annoyed groans. But a mission was always more important—even if you and Ghost got on each other’s nerves more than the enemy sometimes did.

And a convincing couple? They needed to be touchy.

“I’ve got eyes on you from the CCTV,” Price’s voice crackled through the comms, dry as ever. “You two look more like awkward coworkers on a lunch break. Where’s the chemistry?”

“So what, you want us to make out?” you hissed under your breath, irritation bleeding into your voice. Being stuck on a mission with Ghost was bad enough—but playing lovers?

“Not a bad idea,” Price replied, that signature sarcastic lilt in his voice. “Go on, get on his lap. Sell it.”

Ghost, listening through his comm, blinked once—slowly. His brows rose just slightly, and his expression soured. He'd ditched the mask for the mission, his face altered just enough with a little makeup to cover the scars, hair dyed a few shades lighter to match the cover story.

“Sir, I’m not letting her get on my lap—” he began to push back immediately.

“Yeah! I—” you echoed his protest, only to be cut off by Price’s voice again, this time sharp, commanding.

“That’s an order. For the sake of the mission. Don’t make me repeat myself.”

With simultaneous, reluctant sighs, you slid closer and perched on his thigh, stiff and uncomfortable. Ghost barely moved, like touching you would trigger a landmine. But eventually, you shifted slightly, finding a spot that didn’t feel quite so awkward. Sort of.

Across the room, the targets glanced over—one of them smirking, the other raising a brow. Just as planned. A couple too shy to touch looked suspicious. A couple with a bit of spark? That passed the vibe check.

Ghost’s hand hovered uncertainly before resting lightly on your waist. He was clearly out of his element, tense. But as the seconds dragged on, something shifted. His grip subtly firmed. His hand, no longer hesitant, settled with more confidence, thumb brushing against the fabric of your shirt like he was easing into the role.

You narrowed your eyes slightly, feeling the change. He didn’t meet your gaze, but you could feel the smirk threatening to curl at the edge of his mouth.

The targets seemed convinced—until his touch started to linger a little too much.