Agent 003

The calm before storm

Valentina's POV

It's been two months since everything that happened. After I was released from the hospital, Monica and Mstaphen blade wouldn't let me go back to my own house. They knew I lived alone, and they insisted I stay with them. So, for the past two months, I've been staying at their penthouse.

Monica apologized to me in the hospital, explaining that she wasn't thinking straight when she shot me. Her apology seemed really sincere and I told her that I understand why she did it and we moved on and in fact we have gotten a bit closer however I made no progress with Mstaphen. He always kept his distance but was nicer than before.

Kaiden also started checking up on me more often. Sometimes he'd come into my room just to talk, which left me confused and made me put my guard up. I don't know what he really wants. But I enjoyed hanging out with Baron and Tristan the most; their constant bickering was oddly entertaining. I haven't seen Ayleen at all. From what I've heard, she's always on work trips that take a long time. And I know what kind of work they really mean.

As for Anastasia, we became incredibly close. She was always by my side, taking care of me in ways I never let anyone else before. In the first days after leaving the hospital, she would take me on walks since I couldn't really walk alone. She cared for me so much that I started to feel like I was being babied. But I didn't really mind—having her there made everything easier.

The agency hasn't contacted me since then as they know I'm in enemy territory, but I'm finally meeting with Michael today. And now that I'm better, I'm heading back to my house.

As I'm getting ready to head back to my house, Anastasia walks into the room. She sees me packing and immediately wraps her arms around my waist from behind, pulling me close.

"Don't go yet," she says softly. "You're still not fully recovered."

I smile, feeling her warmth. "Baby I already told you. I'm feeling better now. And it's all thanks to you."

Anastasia nuzzles her cheek against my back, her voice full of concern. "I know you're better, but I just don't want you to push it too soon. What if you need more time? Or you suddenly start feeling pain? And you are all alone there."

As Anastasia wraps her arms around me, I turn in her embrace so I can see her face. "I appreciate you looking out for me," I say, holding her and gently rubbing her cheeks. "But I really need to go home now. I need to get back to my routine and work. I can't just sit around doing nothing."

She leans into my hands and says, "You can work and stay here. What's the difference?"

I just look at her and smile and she understood what I mean. She sighs and says, "Alright, but promise me you'll take it easy."

"I promise. Plus, I know I always have my doctor just a phone call away," I say with a teasing smile, referring to her.

"True, but I'd rather have you here where I can keep an eye on you," she says, playing softly with the back of my hair.

"You know, you're going to be an amazing doctor," I say.

"You really think so?" she asks, her eyes sparkling.

"I know so. You know why?" I reply.

"Why?" she asks.

"Because you have a beautiful heart. You genuinely care about people," I say, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. "You have so much compassion and always help others in need. You make them feel better." I pause, then add with a grin, "And you're crazy hot, too."

Anastasia leans her head on my shoulder and laughs, She then lifts her head, looking into my eyes with a playful glint, then wraps her arms around my neck and gives me a quick kiss on the lips.