Sweeter Than Honey

Chapter 11: Promise Unbroken

Cassia's POV:

A few days had passed since my kidnapping, but the terror still lingered. The comforting presence of Spencer at my side helped me feel safer. He had been adamant about staying with me at my apartment until I felt secure enough to be on my own. Currently, he was in the shower, washing away the remnants of our passionate afternoon, while I was in the kitchen, preparing pasta and chicken for dinner.

As the savory aroma filled the apartment, I allowed myself to relax a little. The rhythmic sound of the shower was reassuring, a constant reminder that Spencer was close by. Just as I was about to stir the pasta, there was a sudden knock on the door. My heart raced, fear kicking in instantly. I grabbed my gun from the counter, my hands trembling slightly as I approached the door.

Taking a deep breath, I opened it cautiously, only to be met with the sight of my eldest brother, Mateo Alorez. He looked disheveled and exhausted, his eyes reflecting a mix of worry and fatigue.

"Mateo?" I said, my voice a mix of surprise and concern. "What are you doing here?"

"Can I come in?" he asked, glancing around nervously.

"Of course," I replied, stepping aside to let him in. As I closed the door, I suddenly remembered Spencer was in my shower, freshening up. I silently cursed, hoping Mateo wouldn't notice.

Mateo collapsed onto the couch, rubbing his face with his hands. "I need your help, Cassia."

I sat down beside him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "What's going on?"

"It's my friends," he said, his voice strained. "They're going missing. All of them are people I served with during my tour in Iraq."

My heart sank at the desperation in his voice. "Have you reported it to the authorities?"

"Yes, but they aren't taking it seriously," he replied, frustration evident in his tone. "I thought maybe you could help. You have connections, resources..."

I nodded, feeling a sense of dread. "I'll do everything I can, Mateo. I promise."

Before I could say more, the bathroom door opened, and Spencer walked out, a towel wrapped around his waist, his hair still damp. He froze when he saw Mateo on the couch, and I saw the realization dawn in his eyes.

"Uh, hi," Spencer said awkwardly, glancing between Mateo and me.

Mateo's eyes widened in surprise. "Cassia, who's this?"

I took a deep breath, standing up. "Mateo, this is Dr. Spencer Reid, my good friend from the BAU." I hesitated, unsure how to explain our relationship. "He's been staying with me since... everything happened."

Mateo looked between us, his expression softening slightly. "Thank you for being here for my baby sister," he said to Spencer.

Spencer nodded, still looking a bit flustered. "Of course. It's, um, no problem."

I turned back to Mateo, trying to refocus the conversation. "Tell us everything you know about your friends' disappearances. We need all the details."

Mateo nodded, taking a deep breath before he began recounting the troubling events. As he spoke, Spencer and I exchanged a glance, both of us understanding the gravity of the situation. This was more than just a family matter—it was a case that needed our immediate attention.

Hours passed as Mateo explained the details, and Spencer took notes, his professional demeanor returning as we worked together. Despite the tension and worry, there was a sense of unity and determination between us. We were a team, both personally and professionally, and we would face this new challenge together.