Love Without Measure

15. Shadows of Betrayal

Agent Evelyn Carter blended into the crowd, her trench coat buttoned to her throat, her hands tucked into her pockets where a concealed pistol and a forged passport rested. 

 She had a mission: locate and intercept the Soviet double agent known as "Vera Mikhailova." A woman known for her ruthless efficiency, her ability to vanish without a trace. 

 But as Evelyn's eyes found her target—a striking figure leaning against the entrance of a smoky café—she felt something stir in her chest that had nothing to do with duty. 

 Because Vera wasn't just her enemy.She was the woman Evelyn had spent the last three nights dreaming about. 

Their first encounter had been unplanned. 

A gala, two weeks prior. Evelyn had been undercover, playing the role of a diplomat's wife, champagne glass in hand, pearls glinting at her throat.Vera had been there too—dark red dress, cigarette between her fingers, smirking at Evelyn from across the room as if she knew exactly who she was. 

 They had danced. 

 Slow. Intentional. A game of power and seduction. 

 And when Vera leaned in and whispered, "You're not as discreet as you think, milaya," Evelyn had known she was in trouble. 

Now, on this rain-soaked night, Evelyn watched as Vera lit a cigarette, her lips parting just slightly as she took a slow drag. The sight sent a shiver down Evelyn's spine, but she forced herself to stay composed. 

 This wasn't personal.This was the job. 

Vera turned suddenly, her piercing green eyes locking onto Evelyn's from across the street. A small, knowing smile tugged at the corners of her lips. 

Then, to Evelyn's horror—Vera nodded. Motioned her over.Evelyn hesitated. Then, against every ounce of training, she crossed the street.Inside the café, they sat in a shadowed booth, the scent of coffee and smoke curling between them. 

 "You've been following me, printsessa," Vera murmured, stirring her drink.

"Should I be flattered?"Evelyn kept her expression neutral.

"Should I be concerned?"Vera laughed—a rich, throaty sound.

"That depends. Are you here to kill me?"Evelyn leaned forward slightly, her pulse quickening. "Not tonight."Vera studied her for a moment, then smirked. 

"Then that means I have time." 

 "Time for what?"Vera tilted her head, eyes dark with something unreadable. 

"To make you forget you were ever supposed to stop me." 

The air between them shifted.A dangerous game. A line neither of them should cross.

But when Vera reached across the table, her fingers brushing lightly over Evelyn's wrist, Evelyn knew—She was already losing. 

 Their meetings became frequent. A stolen night in a safe house. A whispered conversation in an alleyway. A touch too lingering, a glance too soft.It was reckless.It was inevitable. 

 And when Evelyn finally kissed Vera—pinned against the wall of an abandoned apartment, their breaths heavy, their bodies pressed together—she knew there was no going back. 

"I should arrest you," Evelyn whispered against her lips.Vera smirked. "

You should."But she didn't. 

 Because somewhere along the way, duty had turned to desire. 

And the woman she was supposed to capture had already stolen her heart.