Between Duty or Desire

Chapter2

WASHINGTON, DC

FBI HEADQUARTERS

Kimberly Carter

“Hello, Mum. I'm on my way to work.”

“I'm so sorry, sweetheart. Your father and I disappointed you.”

“Oh, Mum, come on. It's not you and Dad's fault. He's simply not what I expected, so the marriage plans simply dissolved. This is better than a broken marriage, don't you think so?” I diverted my car, turning towards the direction of the headquarters.

“When again will you be coming back home?”

“I only left yesterday, Mum. Besides, you know I recently got promoted before my leave, so now I have piles and loads of cases I have to handle. Talk to you later, Mum. I love you.”

“Take care.”

“I will.” I took off the earbuds from my ears as the call disconnected.

Driving through the roads of Washington, DC, it's been one month since my not-so-smooth marriage plans crashed, and honestly, I don't want to see the motherfucker again in my life. I'd be lying if I said I've forgotten him completely. It's my first time falling so hard in love, even after finding out he's a piece of s**t, but thankfully, my monthly leave is over, and with so much work, I would barely have time to think about him.

Driving into the headquarters building, I parked carefully before alighting from my car and strutting towards the entrance, dressed in a designer tailored black blazer and trousers. My hair was packed in a slick ponytail, and I was wearing red-bottom Louboutin heels and carrying a Birkin handbag.

“Good morning, Agent Kim.”

“Good morning.”

“Good morning, Agent Kim.”

“Morning.”

I kept flashing everyone a smile as I made my way to my unit. On getting through the door—

“Agent Kim!” Chloe screamed, almost deafening my ears as she engulfed me in a hug.

“Look who's finally back after a long holiday.” Daniel waved.

“I was missing you to the point that I'm starting to plan to kidnap you from your mum.” Zoey pouted.

“You guys look like you've been enjoying work without me.” I pouted, dripping my bag on one of the desks, folding my arms.

“That's a f*****g lie. I've been losing my mind in this goddamn office. Now I can see your pretty face again, apart from the annoying kiddos.” Clems hugged me from behind.

“Who are you calling a kiddo?” Chloe slammed her bag on his head as I quickly wiggled away to avoid getting my head smashed.

“Damn, can you act like a lady for once?” Clems pointed at her, running from her.

“Fine, I'm starting with you.” Chloe threw him death glares, still chasing after him.

“Did anyone hear the latest news going around this morning?” Zoey muttered, and everywhere went dead silent immediately.

“We are getting a new ASAC (Assistant Special Agent in Charge). I heard he was transferred last week but is starting work this week. News flying around says he's from a prominent and renowned family, but also he's super strict, a workaholic, and…” She paused, looking at everyone's faces.

“And what? Spill it already. I'm getting goosebumps hearing about him.” Chloe groaned.

“Exactly. Finish what you started.” Daniel gestured to her.

“And I also heard people don't last under him. He fires like a maniac.”

“s**t, is he going to give you a tough time?” Clems stared at me.

“I'm not going to let anyone control me,” I said to them.

“But he'll have to be supervising every case we're working on. I'd recommend you avoid him. Now I'm missing our pot-bellied Mr. Leo, because with him, we didn't have to worry about anything. Now we don't just have a nepo baby but also a control freak and a psychopath.” He sighed with a depressed and contorted expression.

“We will be fine. Let's all avoid him.” I flashed them an encouraging smile.

“Sure, we just have to do our thing and stay off his path. Then we'll be fine.” Zoey cheered.

Flicking my fingers, I said, “Exactly.” I winked at them. “I'm going to my office, guys. I have a lot to do. See you guys later.” I waved at them.

“See you.”

My office is not close to my unit, I used to stay together with them until I was promoted so I have to walk a little further before getting to my office. Surprisingly, I saw Grace, one of the cleaning staff, tidying it up.

“Agent Kim.” Her face radiated with smiles upon seeing me.

“I didn't want your office to be dusty and messy, so every day, I collect a spare key from the director to always clean it up.”

“Aww, you're so sweet. Allow me to take you shopping this afternoon during lunch break.”

“Really?” Her eyes glowed with excitement.

“Of course. You know I'm more than capable.” I smiled, dropping my bag on the table, and the files almost sent my brain into a coma.

“Thank you.”

“You're welcome.”

She was done, so she was leaving at this point, but on getting close to the door, she paused and turned to me.

“I almost forgot. The director said to let you know the new ASAC would be coming in today and that you should walk him through every unit and corner of the quarters when he arrives.”

“Sure.” I smiled at her, and she left.

Looking at my table, the files were almost the height of a wedding cake, and I didn't know where to start from. Opening my drawer, I began to look for a pen because I almost forgot to bring one from home, but I'm sure I have a few of them here.

There was no pen in the first drawer, so I opened the second one.

I heard the clicking sound of my door.

“Grace, did you forget something?” I asked without raising my head.

“It's me, Adrian Blackwell, Assistant Special Agent in Charge.”

As soon as I heard that name, my brain went into shock. As I slowly lifted my head, standing before me was no other than the devil I had been trying to forget for the past one month.

Dressed in an expensive tuxedo and looking so unacceptably handsome, I hated to admit it.

“We meet again.” He flashed me his perfect set of teeth, with vampire canines and a smirk dancing at the corners of his lips.

I unconsciously stood up and took a step forward.

“Are you stalking me now? Why did you follow me here?”

“Stalk?” His gray eyes shone. Taking a step forward towards me, they darkened. His hands were tucked into his pants pockets as he drew closer, while I took steps backwards.

“You're so spoiled. You always think everyone's life revolves around you.”

He cornered me, caging me within his grasp. My back hit against the wall, my breath hitched, and his scent engulfed me. He slammed a hand against the wall over my head and leaned towards me, his face close to mine.

“What are you doing?” I gritted out, fighting hard not to blush right now and not to stare into his eyes. I might lose the remaining senses I have left if I do. I can't give him the upper hand.

“Are you nervous people might find out about your undying crush on me?” His breath hit my face, his lips inches away from mine, voice husky.

My toes curled inside my heels, and I swallowed unconsciously. I finally mustered the courage to look into his eyes, so I tilted up my head.

“Stop feeding your delusion. A thousand of you and I won't even blink.”

His hand suddenly circled my waist. He yanked me forward, and I slammed into him.

“Adrian…” I gritted, wriggling, but his grip was firm, pressing into me.

“Come here.”

He dragged me to my working chair and sat down.

“What are you…?”

I hadn't completed my words when he forced me onto his lap, my body settling against him, his arms pressing me down while I faced him.

“Are you so sure about the statement you made a few seconds ago?”

His hot breath fanned my neck from behind. I clutched onto my desk, hating the tingling sensation coursing through me.

He suddenly grabbed my thighs and shifted me to the side, leaning towards my neck. His nose grazed my sensitive spot, sending waves of—

Shit!

I hate to admit this. I won't.

“You're nervous. I can smell it,” he teased.

“You're insane.” I groaned and tried pulling away, but his grip tightened. He suddenly grabbed my jaw, yanking my face to the side.

Our gazes locked.

His eyes were unreadable, unfathomable. I could feel it in my bones. He's a nemesis I need to run from, a damnation.

“Running from me?” His eyes were teasing, his smile lines widening upward, a victorious smirk plastered across his face.

“You can't escape me, baby. I'm here to stay.”

“I hate you.”

“Really? Your body says otherwise.” A low chuckle escaped his lips, the corners of his lips curved in a smirk.

Catching me unawares he suddenly slammed his lips against mine. I pulled and tried breaking free until a sharp pain sank into the skin of my lower lip.

“Ouch…” I hit his chest as he pulled away, smiling like a psycho. He swiped his thumb across his lip that was tainted with my blood and right before my eyes he dipped it into his mouth, sucking it off like a lunatic.

“You're crazy” I shook my head. I touched the spot where he bit and my finger came away tainted with blood.

“Why don't I believe any words coming from that pretty, annoying mouth of yours?” His gaze dark, his grin taunting.

“Why did you do this?” Anger surged through me.

“I f*****g want to punish that pretty, annoying mouth of yours for daring to say it hates me.”

“You're a psychopath.” I shook my head in disbelief.

“Kim baby, I…” Chloe waltzed into my office, but upon seeing the both of us, she immediately covered her eyes and turned around.

“See what you caused?” I glared at him and stood up immediately.

But he sat comfortably with a proud smile.

“Want to continue from where we stopped?”