Baby I'm Yours (MxM)

CHAPTER TEN: Loyalties

The message from Adrian lingered in Roman's mind like an echo, a haunting reminder of the man he couldn't forget. Roman's days at the FBI continued with the usual rhythm of investigations and briefings, but there was an undercurrent of anticipation, a sense that something was brewing beneath the surface.

Roman spent hours piecing together fragments of information about Adrian, delving deeper into his past and trying to understand his motivations. He knew he was walking a fine line, balancing his duty as an agent with his growing obsession with the enigmatic assassin.

One afternoon, as Roman sat in his office, his superior, Agent Turner, walked in, a serious expression on his face. "Roman, we need to talk."

Roman looked up, setting aside the files he was reviewing. "What's up?"

Turner closed the door behind him, lowering his voice. "There's been some concern about your involvement in the Adrian case. Higher-ups are questioning your objectivity."

Roman's heart sank. "I'm fine, Turner. I can handle this."

Turner studied him for a moment, then sighed. "I believe you, Roman. But you need to be careful. If they think you're compromised, they'll pull you off the case."

Roman nodded, his resolve firm. "I understand. I won't let it interfere with my work."

Turner gave him a brief nod before leaving the office. Roman sat back in his chair, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He knew he needed to be more careful, to ensure that his personal feelings didn't cloud his judgment.

That evening, Roman decided to visit Ian again. He needed someone he could trust, someone who understood the complexity of his situation. As he walked into Ian's apartment, he was greeted by the familiar hum of computers and the sight of his friend deeply engrossed in his work.

"Ian," Roman said, closing the door behind him. "We need to talk."

Ian looked up, concern etched on his face. "What's wrong?"

Roman sank into a chair, running a hand through his hair. "Turner warned me that the higher-ups are questioning my objectivity. They think I'm too close to the Adrian case."

Ian's eyes widened. "Are you?"

Roman hesitated, then nodded. "Maybe. I don't know. There's something about Adrian... I can't explain it."

Ian sighed, leaning back in his chair. "You're in a tough spot, Roman. But you need to stay focused. If they pull you off the case, we lose our best chance of catching him."

"I know," Roman replied, his voice heavy with frustration. "But it's more than that. I need to understand him, Ian. I need to know why he's doing this."

Ian nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "Then we need to be smart about this. We need to find a way to get ahead of him."

Roman leaned forward, his determination renewed. "What do you have in mind?"

Ian pulled up a map on his computer, pointing to several locations. "Adrian's movements have been erratic, but there's a pattern. He's been avoiding certain areas, almost like he's trying to stay away from something—or someone."

Roman studied the map, his mind racing. "You think he's being hunted?"

"It's possible," Ian replied. "If we can figure out who's after him, we might be able to use that to our advantage."

Roman felt a spark of hope. "Can you dig deeper? See if there's any chatter about someone targeting Adrian?"

Ian nodded. "I'll get on it. But be careful, Roman. You're walking a fine line."

Roman left Ian's apartment with a renewed sense of purpose. He knew the road ahead would be fraught with danger and uncertainty, but he was determined to see it through. He had to.

Back at his apartment, Roman poured himself a glass of whiskey, letting the warmth of the liquid soothe his nerves. As he sat by the window, looking out at the city lights, his phone buzzed with another message.

This time, it was from Ian: *"Found something. Meet me tomorrow. Usual place."*

Roman's heart raced. He knew that whatever Ian had discovered could be a game-changer. The following day, Roman arrived at the secluded cafe early, the familiar sense of anticipation gnawing at him. When Ian arrived, he looked more serious than usual.

"I've been digging," Ian said as he sat down, pulling out his laptop. "And I found something big."

Roman leaned in, eager to hear the details. "What is it?"

Ian turned the screen towards Roman, showing a series of documents and encrypted messages. "There's a group, a shadow organization that's been operating under the radar. They've been targeting high-profile assassins, trying to eliminate the competition. Adrian is on their list."

Roman's eyes widened. "Who are they?"

"I'm still piecing that together," Ian replied. "But they're well-connected and dangerous. If they're after Adrian, it means he's not just another assassin. He's a threat to them."

Roman's mind raced as he absorbed the information. "We need to find out more. If we can use this, we might be able to corner Adrian."

Ian nodded. "I'll keep digging. But you need to be careful, Roman. This is bigger than we thought."

As Roman left the cafe, his thoughts were consumed by the new revelations. Adrian was being hunted by a powerful group, and Roman knew he had to act quickly. The lines between ally and enemy were becoming increasingly blurred, but Roman was determined to find the truth.

That night, as Roman sat in his apartment, his phone buzzed with another message from the unknown number: *"Meet me. Midnight. The old church on Maple Street."*

Roman's heart pounded. He knew it was Adrian. And this time, he was ready.

As midnight approached, Roman made his way to the old church, his mind a whirlwind of anticipation and dread. The church was a haunting silhouette against the night sky, its once-grand facade now crumbling and overgrown.

Roman stepped inside, the air thick with dust and the scent of decay. He moved cautiously, his hand hovering near his gun. And then he saw him—Adrian, standing near the altar, his presence commanding and enigmatic.

"Adrian," Roman called out, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

Adrian turned, his eyes locking onto Roman's. "You came."

Roman took a step forward, his heart pounding. "I had to. We need to talk."

Adrian's gaze softened, and for a moment, the dangerous edge was replaced by something almost tender. "I know. There's a lot you don't understand."

"Then help me understand," Roman pleaded. "Why are you doing this? Why are they after you?"

Adrian sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "It's a long story, Roman. One that started long before you and I crossed paths."

Roman moved closer, his voice softening. "I'm here. I'm listening."

Adrian hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. But you need to be prepared. Once you know the truth, there's no going back."

Roman nodded, his resolve firm. "I'm ready."

And so, in the dim light of the old church, Adrian began to unravel the secrets of his past, revealing a story of betrayal, survival, and a quest for vengeance. Roman listened, his heart breaking and hardening with every word.

As dawn approached, Roman knew that their lives were now inextricably linked, bound together by a dangerous truth. And though the path ahead was uncertain, he was more determined than ever to see it through. Because in Adrian, he had found not just a target, but a kindred spirit—a man worth fighting for.