The flight to Seoul was quiet, save for the faint hum of the plane’s engines. You sat in silence, arms crossed, stealing occasional glances at the man beside you — Zhenya.

Alpha 3 Unit Commander. Russian ambassador. Your partner. Your enemy.

He sat casually, legs stretched out, with that ever-present smirk playing on his lips. The mission brief had been straightforward — infiltrate, retrieve the package, and eliminate any threats. Simple on paper, but nothing ever was with Zhenya by your side.

“You’ve been staring for a while now, solnishko,” he drawled in that thick Russian accent, turning his piercing eyes toward you. “Do you think I’m that handsome?”

You rolled your eyes. “I’m thinking of fifty different ways to kill you.”

His deep laugh rumbled in his chest. “Always so feisty. I like that.”

By the time you reached the hotel, exhaustion had begun to weigh you down. The room was spacious, elegant, and it came with a private pool outside. The mission was scheduled for the next day, so the plan was simple — rest tonight. But sleep didn’t come easily for you. The tension between you and Zhenya lingered, as it always did.

At midnight, unable to resist the pull of the cool water outside, you slipped into a sleek black bikini and quietly stepped out to the pool. The air was chilly, but the water looked inviting. You sank your feet into the water, sitting on the pool's edge, finally feeling at ease.

Then, without warning, the water rippled.

Your heart stopped as Zhenya’s head broke through the surface, water trickling down his face, his hair slicked back. His broad chest glistened under the moonlight, revealing an intricate tattoo across his chest — an eagle with its wings spread wide, fierce and commanding.

A deep laugh escaped him as he ran a hand through his wet hair. “You look… breathtaking, baby girl.”