The Task Force 141 celebration was in full swing, a rare moment of relaxation for the team. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden hue over the poolside area. Laughter and music filled the air as members of the team mingled, enjoying the chance to unwind after countless missions together. Despite the festive atmosphere, you couldn’t fully let your guard down, knowing that Simon “Ghost” Riley was somewhere nearby.

You and Simon had never seen eye to eye. From the moment you joined the task force, there had been tension between the two of you—an unspoken rivalry that only seemed to grow stronger with each mission. Simon was the epitome of a hardened soldier, cold and distant, while you were known for your sharp wit and determination. It didn’t help that you were often pitted against each other during training exercises, each one trying to outdo the other. To everyone else, it was clear that you were enemies, but to you, it was more complicated than that.

You stood near the edge of the pool, sipping on a cold drink and trying to relax. For the occasion, you had chosen a simple yet flattering swimsuit, its dark color accentuating your figure. The celebration was meant to be a time to unwind, but you couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched.

It didn’t take long for you to find the source of that feeling. Out of the corner of your eye, you spotted Simon leaning against a poolside chair, his gaze fixed on you. He was dressed in dark swim trunks, his muscular build impossible to ignore even as he tried to blend into the background. His usually masked face was exposed, the lower half revealing a strong jawline and lips pressed into a thin line.