The meeting was set for midnight, but Alicia insisted on arriving early to survey the area. Marco didn't argue; he rarely did when she used that tone. As they stepped into the dimly lit lobby of a high-end hotel, every eye in the room seemed to follow them. The chemistry between them was palpable—an electric charge that neither of them could fully ignore, especially not tonight.
Alicia walked ahead, her sharp heels clicking against the marble floor, her silhouette commanding attention. Marco stayed a step behind, his gaze flickering between her and their surroundings, his protective instincts on high alert.
"Do you always have to make such an entrance?" he teased lightly, though there was an edge to his voice.
Alicia smirked, glancing over her shoulder. "It's not my fault people can't help but stare."
Marco rolled his eyes but didn't respond. The truth was, he didn't like the attention she drew—not when he knew how dangerous their enemies were, and especially not when it came from the wrong people.
As they approached the private suite where the meeting was to take place, Alicia was stopped by the maître d', a suave young man who clearly didn't miss the chance to offer her a charming smile.
"Ma'am," he said, his voice smooth, "you look stunning tonight. Can I offer you a drink while you wait?"
Alicia raised an eyebrow, more amused than anything. "We're here for business," she replied coolly, brushing past him.
Marco, however, wasn't amused. His jaw tightened as he shot the man a glare that could have frozen fire. He stepped closer to Alicia, his hand brushing the small of her back, claiming the space beside her with an authority that was impossible to miss.
"Do you always have to be so friendly?" Marco muttered under his breath, his tone laced with irritation.
Alicia turned to him, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Jealous much?"
He didn't answer, but the way his hand lingered a second longer on her back spoke volumes. Alicia couldn't help the slight smirk that tugged at her lips. For all his composed demeanor, Marco could be rattled—and it was fascinating to see.
Inside the suite, the tension between them didn't dissipate. Alicia leaned over the table, studying the encrypted file Marco had brought, while he stood behind her, too close for comfort. She could feel his presence, the heat radiating off him, and it was distracting in a way she wasn't used to.
"You're in my space," she said without looking up, her voice calm but pointed.
Marco leaned in closer, his voice low and deliberate. "Maybe I like being in your space."
Alicia straightened, turning to face him fully. The air between them crackled. She was about to respond when the door opened, breaking the moment. A woman entered, her sharp suit and piercing eyes immediately setting the tone.
"Sorry to interrupt," the woman said dryly, clearly noticing the charged atmosphere. "But I assume you're not here to flirt?"
Alicia cleared her throat, stepping back. "Let's get to it."