Karma II.

Chapter 13

Houston, Texas:

Journee walked into the FBI headquarters with a steady breath, the scent of coffee and paperwork filling the air as she passed the familiar faces of her team. Phoenix followed closely behind her, his expression unreadable but supportive. It had only been two days since she'd walked out, a mix of frustration and hurt clouding her judgment. But Michael had apologized genuinely and that was enough to bring her back. She was family to him, even if the past few days had felt like she was an afterthought. They could move past it. They had to move past it.

Michael was already at his desk, eyes flicking up to meet hers. His face softened when he saw her, but he didn't speak immediately. He didn't need to. His apology had been said when she'd left, and they both knew where they stood.

"Journee," he said, finally breaking the silence, "Glad to have you back. We've got work to do, but take your time to settle in."

She nodded, returning the sentiment with a tight smile. "I'm here."

As she walked toward her desk, a voice interrupted, and Journee felt her stomach twist.

"Journee," Yvette called, getting up from her desk, her tone carefully measured.

Journee's eyes narrowed slightly. She had been waiting for this conversation. Yvette had been the one to stir the pot by flirting with Legend, Maxi's husband, and it had caused a storm of drama that made things between the team incredibly awkward.

"Can I speak with you for a moment?" Yvette asked, her voice softer than usual. There was an air of humility in her stance, something that told Journee this wasn't going to be the same Yvette.

Journee paused, looking over at Phoenix, who gave her a brief nod before moving to his own desk. It was her decision to handle this, and he knew it. With a resigned sigh, Journee walked toward Yvette.

"Yeah, let's talk," Journee said, her voice controlled.

Yvette took a deep breath, clearly preparing herself. "I owe you an apology," she started, her voice quieter than usual. "What happened with Legend—flirting with him, everything that went down—I was wrong. I shouldn't have put you in that position. I didn't think about how it would affect you, and for that, I'm sorry."

Journee held her gaze. She'd spent the last couple of days stewing over the whole situation, but seeing Yvette this way—genuine, without the bravado—softened the edge of her anger. Still, she had to protect herself.

"You did put me in a tough spot," Journee replied slowly. "But I can't change what happened, and neither can you. What's done is done." She paused, meeting Yvette's eyes. "I'm not going to hold onto it." It was tough for her to say that, but she knew how important she was to Michael and she was happy to be married to Chris in the moment so she was in a forgiving mood.

Yvette gave a small nod, relief washing over her. "Thank you. Really."

Journee offered a thin smile. "Just... don't do it again," she added, turning away before the conversation could get too comfortable. She didn't need to make this more than it was.

But before she could even take a step back to her desk, she heard the voice that had haunted her thoughts over the last year. The one she hadn't expected to hear today.

"Journee."

Luke.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she immediately regretted her decision to come back. She didn't want this, didn't need this. Not right now.