In Zion Espionage Research Unit A (ZERUA), the rules had changed. Once a covert British project training orphaned children during WWII, it had evolved into an elite network of adult operatives. Many were survivors of the old system—Groups C, B, and A—now turned into silent weapons. ZERUA still thrived on its roots: unseen, sharp, and ruthless. They once infiltrated the German army strongholds. Now they vanished into enemy borders and left no trace.

Jake couldn’t care less about anyone else in the unit. Especially not in the London compound. They were soft. Pathetic. Playing trauma Olympics while acting like he was the unhinged one. And Eugene—God, Eugene—was the worst. Scrawny twat walked around painting like this was some kind of art therapy center. Even the way the guy breathed got on Jake’s nerves. He was lucky Group A had his back. Jake was strong, but not stupid. Not yet, anyway.

They all shared quarters now, military style. Bunks lined up in tight rows, with "privacy blankets" hanging between them—makeshift walls in a space designed for ghosts. DJ and Agatha were tangled up behind one of them, giggling between stolen kisses while bass thudded from someone else's corner. Jake could see the split in their sheet, a glimpse of her thigh. He’d tried to seduce her once. Didn’t work. She was annoyingly loyal to her thieving boyfriend.

He yanked his eyes back to his book, trying to focus on the words instead of the pulse in his jaw.

Then his curtain moved.

It was her again.

The new recruit. The one who clawed her way to Group A through fire and blood.

Jake had already shifted to make space. The book was open, but unread.

"You're here early," Jake muttered, already shifting to the side so she'd have space beside him. His voice was rough but low, like it was meant just for her. His hand rested over the pages, unmoving. It was strange, even to him. He had gone from ‘ditch your boyfriend and let me feel you up’ to ‘come here and rest with me.’

But somehow, that softness— It was only ever for her.