Undercover Love

Chapter Twenty-Two: Ace's Guide to Making Me Want to Die

As we step into the hotel room, Ace's laughter still rings in my ears, teasing me about my earlier slip-up. "I can't believe you said that! 'Not the one who swallowed my cum last night'—classic, Adriana!" He's practically doubled over with laughter.

"I want to die," I mutter, shaking my head in exasperation. I can't believe I made that comment in front of a café full of strangers. I feel my cheeks heat up again, but it's more from annoyance than embarrassment now.

"Die? You should be grateful! You've just become the local legend!" he jokes, still chuckling as he flops onto the bed, a grin plastered across his face.

I roll my eyes but can't help the smirk that forms on my lips. "You know, one of these days, I'm going to throw you out of a window for this."

"Yeah? Good luck with that," he replies, still grinning. "I'll just catch you first."

I let out a huff of frustration, but it's accompanied by a reluctant laugh as I make my way to my suitcase. I pull out my spy suit, a sleek, flexible, skin-tight outfit that hugs every curve. As I slip it on, I can feel the fabric mold to my body, making me feel both powerful and ready for action.

"What? No fancy clothes today?" Ace calls out, watching me with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Please," I shoot back, rolling my eyes again. "This is way better. You should see how much I can move in this."

I throw on my combat boots, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline course through me. I grab a pair of jeans and a hoodie to throw over my suit, wanting to keep a low profile until we're ready to make our move. After slicking my hair back into a high ponytail, I strap a gun into the belt around my waist, tucking it securely under the fabric of my hoodie.

When I turn back to Ace, he's standing there, leaning casually against the wall, his eyes widening slightly as he takes me in. "Damn, Adriana. If you weren't my partner, I'd be scared shitless of you right now."

I flash him a confident smirk, tossing my hair over my shoulder. "You should be scared, regardless."

"Scared? Of you?" He arches an eyebrow, the playful challenge in his tone. "Why's that?"

Before I can think too much about it, I walk up to him and start to palm him, but then I suddenly stop, biting my lip as I feel the heat radiating from him. "Maybe because I can take you down without breaking a sweat," I say, my voice low and teasing.

"Bitch," he laughs, the tone playful rather than mean, and then he pulls me onto him, so I'm straddling his hips. "If you think that's gonna scare me off, you've got another thing coming."

I meet his gaze, the air between us crackling with tension, both from our playful banter and something more. "I don't know, Ace. You seem awfully comfortable with danger."

"Oh, I thrive in danger," he replies, his voice low and teasing. "Especially when it comes with a side of you."

I chuckle, rolling my eyes again, but my heart races at his words. The way he looks at me, the way he pulls me in closer—it's intoxicating. Suddenly, Ace closes the gap between us, capturing my lips in a kiss that sends sparks through me. It's electric, and for a moment, I'm lost in it. But just as quickly, I pull back, forcing myself to focus. "We can't have pre-mission sex," I say, trying to sound firm but failing to hide the slight breathlessness in my voice.

He groans dramatically, throwing a pillow at me as I slide off his lap. "You're such a buzzkill, Adriana!"

"Someone has to keep us focused!" I retort, smirking as I grab my purse, filled with an assortment of weapons. "And besides, you're the one who can't seem to keep your hands to yourself."