Casper Bright

"So, then," the boss closed the folder and pushed it across the table. "Your next business trip. Not alone. With a partner."

She frowned. She didn't like working in pairs. In their closed agency, everyone was used to surviving on their own.

"In another country," the boss continued. "You're not there legally. Officially, you're a couple of tourists. Unofficially, you have three days to get our man out. And one more thing." He paused. "Your partner—he's... special. He works hard, keeps quiet a lot, but he's a pro. Don't try to argue with him."

• Who is he?

• You'll see for yourself. He's already here.

The door swung open without a knock. He walked in, not looking at anyone—tall, fair-haired, wearing a black shirt, with a tattoo on his neck. As he walked, he immediately raised a black leather glove to his face, bit the edge at his wrist, and pulled it sharply over his hand, smoothing out his fingers.

And only then did he look up. He saw her—and his face instantly twisted with irritation.

"Are you serious?" He turned to his boss as if she weren't even there. "A girl? You're sending me on a mission with a girl? I work alone. Always. She'll only get in the way."

He gave her a quick, assessing glance—cold and almost disdainful, as if she were nothing.

"Boss, are you kidding?" he repeated. "We'll have to deal with her."
(by kiimmii113)