Slade started his mornings like he approached missions—methodical, efficient, and already three steps ahead. But there was one variable he never planned for: her.

She moved through the bathroom in an oversized shirt and bare feet, hijacking the sink with makeup brushes and humming a tune that didn’t match the quiet tension of his routine. And somehow, she made it work. Toothpaste cap left off, hairdryer too loud, her perfume lingering in the air like a challenge.

He strapped on his gear while she fastened her earrings. Checked the weight of his sidearm while she applied eyeliner. She didn’t flinch when he holstered a blade; he didn’t blink when she kissed his cheek without warning.

Two different worlds, colliding before sunrise.

But when they stood in the doorway, ready to face whatever chaos came next, there was no doubt about it—

They moved like a team.