Shadows of Regret

CHAPTER THIRTY

THREE WEEKS LATER
Vincent Castillo
Third POV

[Messages]

Vincent:
"Did you miss me today? Be honest."

Amara:
"Please, I’m too busy being fabulous to miss you."

Vincent:
"Oh, is that what you’re calling it? Because I distinctly remember you liking my attention."

Amara:
"Liking it? I just tolerate it at this point. You’re lucky I’m generous."

Vincent:
"Tolerate? Hmm, I’m pretty sure the last time we talked, you said I was the highlight of your day. Care to explain?"

Amara:
"Auto-correct must’ve betrayed me. I meant to say you were a light, not the light."

Vincent:
"😂 Good save. You know what? You’re a handful, but I like it."

Amara:
"And you’re too much, but somehow, I’m still texting you back. It’s a mystery."

Vincent:
"Must be my charm. Or my face. Definitely the face."

Amara:
"Must be your ridiculousness. But maybe... the face too. Just a little."

---

Vincent was sitting at a long, dark oak table in the conference room, barely listening to Ryujin as he laid out the plan for infiltrating the Vipers' warehouse. His phone buzzed again, and without even thinking, he glanced down at it under the table. Another message from Amara. He couldn’t help but smile.

Amara:
"Busy saving the world or just pretending to be a responsible adult?"

Vincent:
"Both. Mostly pretending though. You know how it is."

Amara:
"Well, try not to get yourself killed pretending. I don’t want to have to explain to anyone how I ended up texting a ghost."

Vincent:
"Trust me, I have way too much to live for now. Who else is going to put up with your sass?"

He was about to send another text when Ryujin’s voice suddenly cut through his focus.

“Vincent! Put the damn phone away!” Ryujin snapped, his tone sharp, cutting through the room like a knife.

Vincent jerked his head up, eyes locking with Ryujin’s. His jaw tightened for a moment, but he complied, slipping the phone back into his pocket. He couldn’t help the slight sting of irritation that flared up in his chest, though. Ryujin had yelled at him like a child in front of everyone. He didn’t like that. Not one bit.

The rest of the meeting dragged on, but Vincent’s mind wasn’t really there. As soon as Ryujin wrapped up the briefing, everyone else filtered out of the room, leaving just the two of them. Vincent stood up, casually adjusting his jacket, but before heading to the door, he turned to Ryujin.

“Hey, man,” Vincent started, his voice a bit more serious than usual. “About earlier…”

Ryujin raised a brow, crossing his arms. “What about it?”

“I didn’t appreciate the yelling,” Vincent said bluntly. “I get it, I was on my phone, but you didn’t have to do it like that. We’re not kids here.”

Ryujin sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, I know. I just—this plan’s important, and I need you focused. But you’re right. I shouldn’t have yelled. My bad.”

Vincent nodded, a small smirk creeping up on his face. “Fair enough. And yeah, sorry for not paying attention. But…” His smirk widened as he leaned casually against the table, “You know, there’s this girl.”

Ryujin shook his head, exasperated. “Is that what had you so distracted?”

Vincent chuckled. “Yeah, and it’s not just any girl. It’s Amara.”

Ryujin’s brows lifted slightly at the mention of her name. “Amara? As in, from the dinner? You two are still talking?”

“Talking, texting, thinking about her more than I should,” Vincent admitted with a grin. “Man, I can’t stop. She’s something else, you know?”

Ryujin looked at him, his expression softening a bit. “Sounds like she’s got you wrapped around her finger already.”

Vincent laughed, shaking his head. “Maybe. She’s got this vibe, you know? Like she doesn’t take anyone’s shit, but she’s still sweet. Beautiful, obviously. But it’s more than that. She’s… different.”

Ryujin leaned back against the table, arms crossed, a knowing smirk on his face. “Different, huh? Never thought I’d see the day Vincent Castillo gets all starry-eyed over a girl.”

Vincent rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t hide the smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up. But seriously, she’s special. I’m thinking I might actually—”

“Do something about it?” Ryujin finished for him, smirking.

“Exactly,” Vincent nodded. “She’s not like the others. And I don’t want to screw it up.”

Ryujin gave him a small nod, a rare, softer expression crossing his usually stoic face. “Well, don’t let her slip away then. Women like that? You don’t get too many chances.”

Vincent grinned, feeling a strange mix of excitement and nerves. “You think she likes me back?”

Ryujin chuckled. “If she’s still texting you after three weeks, I’d say you’re in the clear.”

Vincent laughed, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. “Alright, alright. Guess I’ll have to make my move soon, then.”

“Just… not during my meetings,” Ryujin added dryly.

Vincent smirked, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Deal.”