Lines Blurred, Traces Found (Published Under Ukiyoto Publishing)

Chapter 20: Shrouded In Secrecy

Shrouded In Secrecy

Morning light crept through the blinds, casting a warm glow on the room. Hyunjie stirred, her eyes fluttering open to find Eros beside her, his chest rising and falling with each gentle breath. Their hands remained intertwined, a testament to the connection forged overnight. She slowly sat up, disentangling her fingers. "I have to go," Hyunjie whispered, her voice laced with urgency.

Eros' eyes opened, his gaze locking onto hers. "Back to Champ's?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

Hyunjie nodded, tossing aside the covers, her swift motion betraying her urgency. "My excuse won't hold for long," she stated, her voice tinged with concern.

She avoided Eros' piercing gaze, instead focusing on the plush carpet beneath her feet as she slid out of bed. Eros mirrored her actions, his movements deliberate. "Even if I can return tonight," Hyunjie continued, her words measured, "I cannot stay here with you, Eros. Champ's men might follow me or track me." Her brow furrowed, worry etched on her face. "As a police officer, many recognize you. The risk's too great."
 
"Not much," he replied, his deep voice calm. "But I can handle it if they discover us together. You can easily explain my presence by saying I'm your boyfriend." His words dripped with conviction, his gaze intensifying. "We'll make it believable."
 
Hyunjie's eyebrows shot up, incredulity etched on her face. "What? Why would I say that?" she wondered, her tone laced with skepticism. "They'll only grow more suspicious if they think I've got a connection to the police or FBI. That's why I've kept my distance."

Her eyes narrowed. "And what's gotten into you, Eros? We're in the middle of a deadly operation, not a romantic escapade. I need to focus on taking down Champ, not pretending to be your girlfriend." She rolled her eyes, exasperation evident in her voice. "This isn't a game; lives are at stake."
 
A sly smile spread across Eros' lips, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "So, what about in Arlington?" he asked, his voice low and husky. "What do you think happened between us that night? And last night, for that matter?" He paused, his gaze piercing. Eros' hand slipped into his pocket, his stance relaxed, but his eyes intense. "Don't downplay it, Hyunjie. Something ignited between us. Denying it won't change the truth." His voice was smooth, but laced with understated emotion.

Hyunjie's face reddened, her cheeks burning with intense annoyance. "Goddammit, Eros! Stop mocking me! Are you completely out of your mind?!" she exclaimed, her voice rising sharply. Her slender hands clenched into tight fists, eyes blazing with frustration.

Eros' smirk persisted, his lips curving upward in a maddening smile. His bright eyes sparkled with amusement, clearly unfazed by her growing irritation. He seemed remarkably pleased, knowing Hyunjie's defenses were slowly crumbling. "If you want me to stay here for a moment, then go get me some breakfast," Hyunjie demanded, her tone firm. "And for goodness' sake, get rid of that infuriating grin!" she added, throwing a plush pillow squarely at his retreating back.

Eros chuckled, dodging the pillow with ease. "Coming right up," he replied calmly, his voice laced with dry humor. With an air of nonchalance, he strolled towards the door, leaving Hyunjie seething. As Eros exited, Hyunjie's gaze lingered on the empty doorway, her thoughts swirling. She paced across the room, frustration and confusion warring within. The tension between them was palpable, yet she couldn't deny the spark ignited by Eros' teasing smile.

The sound of sizzling bacon and brewing coffee wafted from the kitchen, mingling with Eros' low humming. Hyunjie's stomach growled, betraying her hunger. She hesitated, then made her way to the kitchen. Eros stood at the counter, expertly flipping pancakes. His eyes met hers, warm and inviting. "Morning sunshine," he said, his voice smooth.

Hyunjie's resolve faltered. "Just coffee," she muttered, attempting to maintain distance.

Eros chuckled, pouring steaming coffee into a mug. "Breakfast, too. You need fuel." Eros handed her the mug, their fingers touching briefly. Hyunjie felt a jolt of electricity but quickly withdrew her hand. Hyunjie pulled out her phone, her thumbs hovering over the screen. "I'll just text Maya. We can coordinate a meeting spot and head back to Champ's hideout together." Her eyes narrowed, focusing on the message.
 
Eros' eyes narrowed, curiosity sparking within them. "What exactly drew you to that café last night?" he pressed, his voice tinged with intrigue. "Were you genuinely planning to meet Maya, or was there another motive? Something unfinished, perhaps?"
 
"Everything began in Arlington," Hyunjie explained. "During Leonid Volkov's high-profile party. They finalized the Asia-Pacific Logistics agreement and discussed your ongoing investigation." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Shipment irregularities, suspicious cargo, and underworld connections – all linked to Champ's empire."
 
Eros' voice was laced with urgency. "We've reviewed the Volkov case extensively with the CID team and FBI. Yet, Gabriel Shields' true involvement remains unclear." His piercing gaze sought answers. Hyunjie's eyes locked onto Eros', her expression unreadable, silence hanging heavy.