The early morning light filtered through the windows of Azalea's penthouse, casting long shadows across the room. The tension in the air was palpable as she stood at her desk, reviewing the dossier on their mutual target. Across the room, Ambrose leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, watching her with a mix of wariness and admiration.
It had been two days since their heated confrontation and the kiss that had left them both reeling. They hadn't discussed it, both choosing to focus on the mission instead. But the unresolved emotions simmered beneath the surface, threatening to boil over at any moment.
Azalea broke the silence first. "Our target is Viktor Karlin, an arms dealer operating out of Prague. He's been selling high-grade weapons to terrorist groups across Europe. We both know he's a dangerous man."
Ambrose nodded, stepping closer. "I've dealt with Karlin's network before. He's slippery, but he has a control weakness. He trusts only a handful of people, and even they aren't safe from his paranoia."
Azalea glanced up at him, her expression unreadable. "I assume that's why you're here. You know his movements."
"I know his habits," Ambrose corrected. "Karlin has a villa on the outskirts of Prague. He hosts weekly poker games for his inner circle. That's our way in."
"Our way in?" Azalea arched an eyebrow. "You mean my way in. Karlin knows my face from Scarlet Vogue's gala appearances. He wouldn't suspect me."
"And if something goes wrong?" Ambrose countered. "You're walking into the lion's den alone."
"I've done it before," she said coolly.
Ambrose took another step forward, his voice firm but calm. "This isn't about doubting your abilities, Azalea. It's about covering every angle. You may not like it, but we're stronger together. That's the whole point of this… arrangement."
Azalea stared at him for a long moment, her jaw tightening. "Fine," she said finally. "But if you compromise my mission, I won't hesitate to cut you loose."
"I wouldn't expect anything less," Ambrose replied with a faint smirk.
By evening, they were aboard a private jet en route to Prague. Azalea sat at the table in the cabin, meticulously going over the details of their cover stories. Ambrose sat across from her, observing her with a quiet intensity.
"Tell me," he said suddenly, breaking the silence. "What's your plan if Karlin doesn't take the bait?"
Azalea didn't look up. "He will. Men like him can't resist a beautiful woman with a seemingly innocent agenda. I've handled his type before."
Ambrose leaned back in his seat, his gaze never leaving her. "And what's my role in this?"
"You're my business associate," she said, her tone matter-of-fact. "A wealthy textile mogul looking to expand into Eastern Europe. Karlin will be curious, but he won't see you as a threat."
"And what if he does?"
Azalea finally met his eyes, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Then you'll have to use that charm of yours to distract him."
Ambrose chuckled softly. "I see you've thought of everything."
"Always," she replied, her voice tinged with amusement.
The villa was an opulent fortress, surrounded by high walls and guarded by men armed to the teeth. Azalea and Ambrose arrived in a sleek black car, their roles as wealthy investors flawlessly executed.
As they stepped out of the car, Karlin himself appeared at the top of the steps, his sharp eyes scanning them with interest. He was a tall man with a commanding presence, his every movement exuding confidence.
"Ms. Laurent," he said, descending the steps with a practiced smile. "It's an honor to have you here. Your designs are legendary."
Azalea extended her hand, her smile disarming. "Mr. Karlin, the honor is mine. I've heard so much about your exquisite taste. I thought it was time we met."
Karlin's gaze shifted to Ambrose. "And who is this?"
Ambrose stepped forward, offering a firm handshake. "Ambrose Levi, I'm an investor in Scarlet Vogue and a businessman in my own right. Ms. Laurent insisted I join her tonight."
Karlin studied him for a moment before nodding. "Welcome, Mr. Levi. I trust you'll find our little gathering entertaining."
Inside, the villa was even more lavish than Azalea had anticipated. Crystal chandeliers illuminated the grand hall, and the sound of classical music drifted through the air. The poker table was the centerpiece, surrounded by Karlin's inner circle, each man more dangerous-looking than the last.
Azalea and Ambrose were escorted to the table, their every move watched by the guards stationed around the room.
As the game began, Azalea leaned in close to Karlin, her laughter light and flirtatious. She played her role perfectly, drawing his attention while Ambrose subtly observed the room.
"Tell me, Mr. Karlin," Azalea said, her voice dripping with charm. "How does a man like you balance business and pleasure?"
Karlin chuckled, clearly enjoying the attention. "When you have as much experience as I do, Ms. Laurent, it becomes second nature."
Azalea's smile never wavered, but her mind was racing. She needed to keep him engaged while Ambrose gathered the information they needed.
Across the table, Ambrose caught her eye, a subtle signal that he had found something. Azalea shifted her focus, her tone playful. "I imagine a man of your stature has many secrets. It must be thrilling."
Karlin's smile faltered for a moment, but he recovered quickly. "Secrets are a necessary part of life, Ms. Laurent. But some are better left undisclosed."
The tension in the room grew as the game continued. Azalea could feel the weight of Karlin's suspicion, but she remained composed, her every move calculated.
As the evening wore on, it became clear that their presence was no longer welcome. Karlin's demeanor had shifted, his polite facade cracking as his questions became more pointed.
Azalea exchanged a glance with Ambrose, a silent understanding passing between them. It was time to leave.
As they made their way to the exit, Karlin's voice stopped them. "Leaving so soon, Ms. Laurent? Mr. Levi?"
Azalea turned, her smile flawless. "Unfortunately, we have another engagement. But I hope we can continue this conversation soon."
Karlin's eyes narrowed, but he nodded. "I'll look forward to it."
The moment they were outside, Ambrose leaned in, his voice low. "We need to move. Now."
Azalea didn't argue, her instincts screaming that they were in danger. As they reached the car, gunfire erupted behind them.
"Get in!" Ambrose shouted, pulling her toward the car.
The driver hit the gas as soon as they were inside, the tires screeching as the car sped away. Ambrose grabbed a gun hidden under the seat, firing back at the pursuing vehicles.
Azalea ducked, her heart pounding as bullets shattered the rear window. "You didn't tell me it would be this messy!" she yelled.
Ambrose smirked, his calm demeanor infuriating. "I thought you liked a little excitement."
Despite the chaos, Azalea couldn't help but laugh. "You're insufferable."
"And you're impossible," he shot back, a grin tugging at his lips.
As the car barreled through the streets, their banter was cut short by another round of gunfire. Ambrose aimed, his precision unnerving.
By the time they reached the safe house, both were shaken but alive. Azalea turned to him, her eyes blazing. "Next time, warn me before you play hero."
Ambrose shrugged, his grin unapologetic. "Where's the fun in that?"