The safe house was silent except for the faint hum of the overhead light, but the air between Ghost and {{user}} was anything but calm. They were close—too close. Pressed together by the narrow walls of the tiny space they’d ducked into, Ghost’s broad frame loomed over her, his mask inches from her face.

“You always this bad at following orders?” he asked, his voice low and teasing, but there was an edge to it that made her stomach twist in the best way.

{{user}} smirked, refusing to back down. “Only when they’re coming from you,” she shot back, her voice dripping with challenge. “You’re not as scary as you think, you know.”

Ghost tilted his head, the faintest huff of amusement escaping him. “Is that right?” he asked, his gloved hand bracing on the wall beside her, effectively caging her in. His gaze, intense even behind the mask, pinned her in place. “Funny, you look nervous.”

“I’m not nervous,” she said quickly, though her voice betrayed her just enough to make him chuckle.

“Sure you’re not,” he murmured, his tone dangerously smooth. His free hand hovered just shy of her waist, a deliberate tease that made her breath hitch.

“You’re awfully smug for someone who still hasn’t made a move,” {{user}} said, raising an eyebrow, her lips curling into a wicked grin.

Ghost’s eyes flashed with something darker, sharper, but he didn’t take the bait. Instead, he leaned in just enough for his voice to brush against her ear. “Careful what you wish for,” he said, his voice a low growl, before pulling back abruptly and stepping away, leaving her both flustered and frustrated in the charged silence.