In The Company of Your Shadows || Phillip Graves x OFC

10 - Best Friends Don't Hide Anything

"My god..."

I sighed, shaking my head in disbelief as I followed behind Phillip and Oz, our footsteps echoing through the halls of the Shadow Company HQ.

"You really are something else," I said sarcastically, unable to hide the amusement in my voice.

Phillip turned to me with a shameless smirk, clearly reveling in the moment.

"Hmm? Oh I know, but please, do tell me why I'm so amazing," he teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he glanced back at me.

Just an hour ago, Shadow Company held an emergency meeting with all of our contractors and operators. The revelation that our commander, Phillip Graves, was still alive had sent shockwaves through the room. After months of mourning his supposed death, the news was almost too much to comprehend.

But now, standing before his stunned and incredulous men, Phillip stepped onto the stage with a commanding presence.

"My fellow shadows," he began, his voice ringing out with authority, "Did you miss me?" A smirk danced across his lips, his tone playful yet powerful. "I've clawed my way out of the fiery depths of hell and returned from the dead to lead you all once more."

He paced around the stage, his arms folded behind him as he looked at his loyal men and subordinates.

"Shadow Company is called to clean up the uncleanable messes, and take out the targets other outfits can't touch. We're a magnet for missions too sensitive to ever get declassified and too messy for those who don't know when to bend the rules of engagement."

"To put it bluntly, we get the job done"

The room fell silent, every eye in the assembly hall fixed on him, including mine as I stood behind him. His familiar stance, the confidence in his voice-he truly was a born leader.

"All of you are the cream of the crop, the elites gathered from all parts of the world, serving under one badge, one symbol, and one true leader-me."

"Now..." Phillip started slowly, his voice building with intensity, "Are you with me?!"

A resounding chorus of affirmation filled the room as the shadows enthusiastically responded, "Yup-yup!" Their voices echoed with determination and loyalty, ready to follow their commander into whatever challenges lay ahead.

"I said, are you with me!"

"YUP-YUP!"

Looking back at that scene, I was honestly taken aback. The sheer joy and reverence the shadows showed for their leader was palpable, and I swear to god, I could have sworn I saw even the most stoic of soldiers get a bit misty-eyed after Graves' powerful speech.

But then again, it's not surprising why he's so highly regarded, why he commanded such respect from his subordinates.

Graves isn't your typical CEO who can only bark orders from the safety of his office walls. No, he's out there in the trenches with his men, risking his life and limb just like the rest of them.

He was fearless, a true soldier and leader.

"Can't believe they really treated you like some kind of messiah," I joked, playfully rolling my eyes at him as we walked.

He flashed me a playful grin, throwing a wink my way. "Oh, come on now. Don't pretend like you didn't cry and sobbed in my arms when you saw me again," he teased. "You look absolutely adorable when you cry, sugar."

"You're insufferable," I huffed, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks as I tried to dodge his playful gaze.

Oz, who had been quietly observing our banter, chuckled and shook his head. "It's been a while since I've seen this side of you two. It's nice to have things go back to normal."