Path Of Hate || Phillip Graves x Reader ||

Chapter 2

As we exited the briefing room, everyone dispersed in different directions, their footsteps echoing down the long corridors. I was alone now, or so I thought, until I caught the sound of deliberate steps closing in behind me.

"Y/N..." The voice was unmistakable. Graves.

I stopped, feeling the simmer of irritation rise in my chest. "What do you want, Graves?" My tone was flat, unamused.

He took his time, as if savoring the moment, smacking his lips before finally speaking. "Just want you to know that..." His gaze hardened, voice dropping to an ominous whisper. "If you snitch to the task force, I might hesitate to kill you... but I won't hesitate to take them out before they can even react."

A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as he continued, every word laced with an air of menace.

"Is that supposed to be a threat?" I asked, my patience waning fast.

"Threats?" he chuckled, voice dripping with smug confidence. "No, doll. I don't make threats; I make guarantees."

I turned to leave, unwilling to indulge his theatrics. But before I could take a step, his hand shot out, gripping my neck—not tight, but rough enough to make a point. I met his gaze, unflinching, digging my nails into his wrist in response.

He leaned in, his eyes narrowing as he spoke, "I warned you, Y/N. You don't want the blood of your team on your hands." His tone was a low, dangerous murmur. "Understand?"

I didn't answer, defiance blazing in my stare as his grip tightened, making it harder to draw a breath.

"Understood?" he demanded again, his voice sharper this time.

"Go fuck yourself," I spat, my tone cutting.

He tilted his head, studying me with a cold, almost amused expression. "I'm not your enemy in this... so don't make me one," he said, easing his hold. "I'm trying to be peaceful. The others will find out soon enough, just... not now." He gave a lazy shrug, as if we were discussing the weather.

"Fine," I exhaled, rolling my shoulders as he released me.

"Atta girl." His whisper was almost mocking as he walked away, leaving me alone in the hallway, the tension thrumming in my veins.

Graves wouldn't kill me, that much I knew. But it was my team I was worried about. He'd go after them without a second thought if I stepped out of line. I had to get him to trust me, to let his guard down. And he already had that strange attraction to me... I could play that to my advantage. I'd make him think he had the upper hand. This time, that son of a bitch wasn't going to get away unscathed.

The Next Day

I knew staying quiet would mean digging myself in deeper with Graves. If I wanted leverage, I'd need to turn the tables, and I was more than ready to use his own twisted attraction to do it. When I reached his quarters, there was no sign of him—until he walked out of the bathroom, fresh from the shower, water droplets catching the light as they trailed down his toned chest. Damn him. Graves might be a coward, but he sure as hell didn't look like one.

"Can I help you, doll?" he drawled, toweling his hair, his gaze trailing over me with blatant interest as he stepped closer.

I shook off my momentary distraction, focusing. "Yeah, you can. Since I'm keeping my mouth shut for you, there's something you'll have to do in return." My voice was steady, coaxing.

He raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharpening. "Oh yeah? And what's that?"

I kept my expression cool, moving a step closer, feigning innocence. "You'll need to admit you threatened me, Graves. To cover for me. Let them know you'd do anything to keep me quiet."

He leaned back, a skeptical look crossing his face. "Hm," he muttered, as if weighing my words.

Smiling, I reached out, my fingers trailing along his bicep, feeling the solid muscle beneath my touch. "Would you do that for me, Commander?" I asked, voice softening, allowing a hint of flirtation.

He groaned, head tilting back, as if my touch were the only thing keeping him tethered. "You're driving me crazy, you know that?" He exhaled, eyes dark with a mix of frustration and intrigue. "Fine. I'll play along."

My smile widened, and as I turned to leave, I let my hip brush against him, just enough to make it seem like an accident. He tensed, eyes following me as I sauntered out, not bothering to look back.

He thought he was holding the reins, that I was in his grasp. But I knew better. I was the one with the upper hand now, and this time, Graves was the one dancing to my tune.