AFTER THE STORM
The city had settled into its usual rhythm, but Alicia remained on edge. The adrenaline of the warehouse ambush still thrummed in her veins. She leaned against the balcony of her penthouse, staring down at the rain-slick streets below, letting the quiet wash over her. He joined her silently, standing close enough to feel the warmth radiating from him without touching. For a moment, neither spoke. Words felt unnecessary. The night had tested them, pushed them to their limits, and revealed truths neither could ignore. “You handled yourself well tonight,” he said finally, voice low, measured. Alicia allowed herself a faint smile. “I’ve had good partners,” she replied, letting the meaning linger in the air. His gaze softened, a rare vulnerability she wasn’t used to seeing in him. “Not many
- Writer
