UNBROKEN BONDS OF LOVE

The Lioness unleashed

"Captain, thank the heavens you arrived!" Malik exclaimed as Zanaya approached.

"Of course I came," she replied, her tone clipped.

With Zanaya reinforcing the squad, their teamwork ascended to new heights. Malik and his colleagues operated with renewed confidence under Zanaya's commanding presence. They managed to subdue most of the attackers, and with police backup arriving, the crossfire eventually ceased.

Zanaya studied the damage to the three bulletproof Lexus sedans caught in the crossfire. The first car's windshield had shattered from the barrage of shots. Zanaya surmised that was how Tai had been hit.

Around them, police officers questioned her team members, paramedics tended to the wounded attackers, and crime scene investigators snapped photos and collected evidence.

"Anyone else injured?" Zanaya asked Malik.

"Tai's en route to the hospital. Nolan just took a graze. He'll be fine," Malik reported. "Johnson and Rick are unharmed."

"And the client?" Zanaya paused, finally remembering the "prized jewel."

"Mr. Andresson is unscathed. His car's reinforced glass held, and his personal guard instructed him to remain inside," Malik explained. "Sentinel has dispatched two additional Lexus sedans to retrieve him. These vehicles must remain for evidence collection."

Zanaya averted her gaze from the newly arrived cars, knowing Enzo would soon be transferring to one of them. She couldn't bear to face him, afraid she might disregard protocol and harm the client herself.

Instead, she said flatly, "Then I'll be leaving now–"

"Ah!" Malik raised a brow. "Aren't you going to debrief the client? Technically, you're our commanding officer. Shouldn't you speak with him?"

"I have nothing to say to him. Continue with the escort as planned. I'll have Sentinel send additional personnel to protect the jewel until he departs Riverton," Zanaya responded curtly before turning on her heel toward the lead detective.

Malik had to jog to catch up. "Wait, wait, wait. What's the rush, Captain?"

Shifting her attention to Malik, Zanaya reminded him, "I need to get home, remember?"

She proceeded to give her statement to the detective in charge, who studied her identification with intrigue. "Quite the exciting career you have here, Captain – part-time National Guard, full-time private military contractor for Crimson Talon. Any openings at Crimson Talon?"

"You're welcome to apply anytime, Detective," Zanaya replied casually.

"I just might do that, Captain. I've always thought Crimson Talon operatives were a cool bunch," the detective laughed. "We're all set here. You're free to go, but we'll be in touch."

"I'm not hard to find, Detective," Zanaya assured him.

As she brushed past the officer, Zanaya realized she lacked transportation – she had wrecked the police motorcycle in her collision with the truck.

She was about to request a ride from one of the officers when Malik called out from behind, "Captain! Captain, Mr. Andresson would like to give you a lift to–"

Zanaya froze mid-stride. It took her several seconds to regain her senses before she continued walking, pretending not to hear Malik's words. But he persisted, calling, "Captain! Zanaya! Boss!"

A black, armored Lexus sedan pulled up, blocking her path. Malik exited the car, saying, "Boss." He inclined his head toward the vehicle. "Mr. Andresson would like a word and to take you to the airport. The groundbreaking has been postponed due to the attack."

Zanaya saw the confusion etched on Malik's expression – a look that screamed, 'Be professional, Boss! What the hell are you doing?'

Left with no choice, she unwillingly entered the car, immediately overwhelmed by the man's presence from within. Enzo's energy seemed to envelop her, yet she refused to meet his gaze as she settled into the backseat.

Malik took the front passenger seat opposite Enzo's driver. Zanaya noticed the other Lexus take the lead as they departed.

"Mr. Andresson, this is our operations director, Captain Zanaya Vega. Like myself, she's with the National Guard," Malik made the introductions.

Zanaya remained silent, staring resolutely ahead. Beside her, she heard the man's deep voice. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Captain Vega."

Of course, what had she expected? He had abandoned her without a word. Now, he was practically denying their past by pretending not to know her!

The truth stung a little. When he had disappeared, Zanaya had shed an ocean of tears, yet this was how he treated her now? Then again, perhaps it was better this way. She couldn't handle a confrontation, not now, not ever.

Enzo drew a deep breath. "Thank you for coming to my aid–"

"You're mistaken, Mr. Andresson. I didn't come for you. I came for my team," Zanaya cut him off, finally turning to face him. Her tone was icy, her expression grim.

At last, she caught a glimpse of Enzo. She had to admit, what she saw gave her pause.

This was...a completely different Enzo Andresson.

The man she had once loved always bore a gentle countenance, his build modest. But the Enzo before her now was muscular, as if he had spent those missing years in rigorous training. The muscles strained against his clothing.

Moreover, his uncompromising, domineering demeanor suggested he had been through hell and back. Zanaya found that distinctly odd.

He looked more mature, his dark eyes sharp as they bored into her frame. His skin had a sun-kissed tan. His face sported a neatly trimmed beard, and she didn't miss the long, thin scar gracing his left cheek.

For a fleeting moment, concern washed over her. She wondered what had happened to Enzo all this time and why, of all things, he now faced a level-three assassination threat.

A tiny part of her yearned to cast her pride aside, throw her arms around him, and unleash a torrent of anger and anguish. But she held back, letting her bitterness overpower her. Besides, much had changed on her end as well.

'Yes, that's right. I have Rafe, my fiancé,' Zanaya reminded herself as she studied the man beside her.

Enzo wore a crisp black suit over a deep purple dress shirt. His legs were crossed, left elbow resting on the armrest as his fist cradled his chiseled jawline.

He sported the latest edition Omega timepiece and exuded the rich scent of Versace cologne.

He reacted calmly to her curt words. "Ah, no wonder Crimson Talon commands such an impressive reputation."

"You're a private army led by a lioness." Enzo chuckled, glancing at Malik through the rearview mirror.

As Enzo spoke, the car moved at a brisk pace, but to Zanaya, everything seemed in slow motion. His presence beside her was agonizing, threatening her composure.

"Lions have always symbolized power, bravery, courage, strength, and ferocity." Enzo's gaze returned to her. "I witnessed how fearlessly you took down those men, Captain. You were a force to be reckoned with out there."

She responded with stony silence. From the corner of her eye, she caught Malik's panicked expression – the poor man likely feared he wouldn't get paid given how she treated the client.

"I'll ensure you and your team are generously compensated for your efforts today. I'll increase the pay to five times your standard rate. I'll also cover your colleague's medical expenses," Enzo assured, holding her gaze.

Zanaya didn't react, merely looking ahead with her arms crossed over her chest.

"Don't I get a thank you?" Enzo pressed.

At that, Malik shot her a glare, seeming to forget her superior rank. But understanding his reaction, Zanaya turned to Enzo with indifference. "Thank you, Mr. Andresson."

Finally, silence reigned as they rode on. When they reached the airport, Zanaya was ready to exit the car, but Enzo unexpectedly asked, "Will I see you again, Captain Vega?"

"I think...never," Zanaya replied.