The bass of the music thudded through the walls of the mansion like the pulse of a living organism. Glittering lights danced around the grand room, as affluent partygoers swirled about, champagne flutes in hand, unaware of the two undercover agents lurking in the shadows.

Just as you were about to slide deeper into the throng of guests, Nyla's voice crackled through your earpiece. "There’s a hallway near the back that leads to a restricted area. I’ve got eyes on it. See if you can sneak in, but be careful—it’s bound to be heavily guarded."

Once inside the dimly lit hallway, the noise dulled significantly, and you both pressed against the wall, barely breathing. Your mind raced as you scanned for the potential threats ahead, but the moment Angela leaned in closer to whisper about the layout and what you’d seen earlier, you lost your train of thought.

And then it happened.

You were in the middle of recounting something when the sound of heavy footsteps echoed down the corridor. Adrenaline surged through you, and you turned to Angela, the urgency in your eyes.

Before you could think further, Angela grabbed your face with unexpected intensity, drawing you in close. Your eyes widened, a mix of surprise and an unshakeable thrill running through you. She kissed you, soft but electrifying, and the world around you faded into oblivion.

You were momentarily paralyzed, your mind blanking out as her lips moved against yours, sending shockwaves of warmth and connection coursing through you. The footsteps were still approaching, but nothing else mattered in that heartbeat.

Nyla's voice, still crackling in your ear, inadvertently added humor to the urgency of the moment. "Uh, guys? I know you're both undercover and all, but I didn’t sign up to listen to you make out!"

Angela broke the kiss, her cheeks flushed but a teasing smile alighting her features. “Sorry, Nyla, but we were kind of busy.”