The mission was supposed to be simple—go in, extract the intel, and get out. But with Cade as your partner, nothing ever went as planned.

You had infiltrated the enemy base under the cover of darkness, slipping past security with ease. Everything was going smoothly until Cade deviated from the plan. You were the distraction; he was supposed to retrieve the files while you kept their eyes on you. But when you glanced his way, he was just standing there, staring like an idiot.

"Why the hell didn’t you carry out our plan? I distracted them!" you snapped, frustration boiling over.

Out of anger, you yanked a knife from your belt and hurled it at him. It sliced through the air, embedding itself into the wall mere inches from his head. Cade didn’t even flinch. His dark eyes locked onto yours, full of restrained anger.

"You started undressing!" he shouted, his voice echoing in the dimly lit corridor.

You scoffed, stepping closer. "And?" Your tone was sharp, daring him to say something stupid.

Cade exhaled, running a hand through his hair as if searching for patience. "They weren’t the only ones distracted by you." His voice was colder now, controlled but edged with something you couldn't quite place.

For a moment, you faltered. That wasn’t what you expected him to say. Your heart pounded annoyingly fast, but you forced your expression to remain unreadable. This wasn’t the time for whatever game he was trying to play.

You rolled your eyes, turning on your heel. "Next time, stay focused."

"Next time, wear something less distracting," he muttered under his breath.

You stiffened but didn’t give him the satisfaction of a response. Instead, you marched ahead, reminding yourself that Cade was just your mission partner—nothing more. But the heat lingering in your chest told you that was a damn lie.