If you only knew...

4.Count on me

Ana's POV

The warm sunset rays are bathing on my face while my alarm is ringing next to my head. I slowly wake up and wash my face, then head to the living room to see if my partner is awake.

V is still peacefully asleep, holding onto his blanket. As I approach, I can't help but admire his innocent, flawless face, his brown hair, smooth skin, and beautiful lips. It's truly remarkable how someone can be so stunning. I feel a sense of tenderness and the desire to gently caress his skin.

Ana, that is not acceptable! You do not have the right to feel that way about him!

Despite missing my fiancé and feeling a strong connection with him, I can't help but acknowledge that I also feel a strange physical attraction to this boy. While this person may seem perfect from head to toe, my fiancé won my heart with his kindness and the way he treats me. I need to remind myself that I am here to focus on work, especially with an important mission approaching.

As I try to gather my thoughts, I see his sleepy blue eyes widen in front of me. A sudden blush appears on his face, and I can sense his surprise. Feeling my cheeks grow warm, I quickly create some distance between us, struggling to find the right words.

"Don't get me wrong, I was just coming to wake you up! We need to go to the cave soon," I speak with a quiver in my voice, a mix of fear and embarrassment creeping into my words.
He remains quiet, rubbing his eyes, before he glances at the blanket, then at me.

"Did you find blankets?" he asks shyly.

"Yes, I thought you might need one too, but I didn't want to wake you up, so I just covered you," I admit.

"Thank you, I appreciate that," he glances away, his cheeks still flushed from the earlier situation, his voice barely above a whisper.

V's POV

I have an awkward feeling right now. I've never experienced such a caring gesture from anyone before, not even from my parents. She probably thinks it's a normal thing, but I'm the one feeling out of place.
My cheeks are still hot from the earlier moment when her face was so close to mine. Why was she that close?

I rise to wash my face, but as I turn back, a familiar pang of hunger twists in my stomach. I guess it's time for a bite. Just as I'm about to grab our packed meal, Ana swoops in, lifting it with a warm smile.

"Here! You need to eat something before we head out; I can't imagine you're not hungry!" Her voice is cheerful, but it makes me wonder—how does she always seem to know what I'm thinking? And why does my appetite matter to her?

"Thanks, I really am!" I reply, feeling a smile tug at my own lips. "Would you like to join me?" I ask as I start unwrapping the meal, eager for her company.

Ana's POV

After relishing a satisfying meal, we set off toward the cave, anticipation coursing through our veins. I'm clad in a form-fitting black top and high-waisted leggings that allow for ease of movement, paired with tall, sturdy boots. He mirrors the dark ambiance in a sleek black hoodie, complementing it with fitted black pants and a cap pulled low over his eyes, his leather fingerless gloves hinting at the readiness to act.

As we delve deeper into the cave, the atmosphere thickens, and we instinctively tighten our grips on our weapons. An eerie stillness hangs in the air – until it shatters with the murmur of voices echoing through the stone corridors. Our instincts kick in, and we swiftly duck into a shadowy alcove, hearts racing, as we catch sight of more than five armed men blocking our path ahead. The thrill of the unknown pushes us further into the depths of our mission.