Max met his eyes but didn't respond right away. He let out a long breath, the fatigue clear on his face.
Yes, he could force her.
He had the power. But right now, Max didn't want to exert control–he wanted peace.
A break.
A way out of the pressure.
Maybe even time away with Diana.
Francisco noticed Max's hand and narrowed his eyes.
"Looks like you hurt your hand again."
Caught off guard, Max glanced down.
"Yeah... I did," he said, his voice heavy.
Francisco exhaled, returned to his chair, and leaned back.
"Take a break, Max. Go clear your head. Or spend time with someone who matters."
Max raised an eyebrow.
"Are you trying to fire me?"
Francisco chuckled, arching one brow.
"I wish I could. With the way you've been messing things up lately, it looks like you're going to ruin us anyway."
Max sighed, frustration and understanding flickering across his face.
"Go refresh yourself. And don't worry... Liam's on his way," Francisco said, typing steadily on his laptop.
"Liam?" Max's eyes lit up, concern momentarily replaced by excitement.
"That bastard called you? Did he land the weapons?"
Francisco met his gaze with calm assurance.
"Yes. The weapons are secured, and he's coming back."
"Damn. That was weighing on me," Max admitted, finally letting go of the tension he'd carried for weeks.
He smiled, the first real one in a while.
"So... are you actually taking time off?"
Max took a deep breath, nodding slowly.
"You're right. I need a break—or I won't even be able to hold my gun."
Francisco let out a long sigh.
As Max stepped back from the daily pressure, a flicker of worry returned to his eyes.
"You need to stay sharp, Francisco. We can't afford any mistakes."
Francisco nodded.
"I'm being careful."
"Do you have any idea who might be behind the attack?" Max asked.
Their world was full of shadows.... any one of them could be the enemy.
Francisco hesitated, then admitted, "There's more. Hazel might've gotten pulled into this."
Max's brows tightened.
"What are you saying?"
"She saw part of what happened last night. Now I have to keep her safe... without saying too much."
Max stepped closer, his voice low with concern.
"Bro... are you sure you're not giving her special treatment?"
Francisco looked down at his open palm, took a deep breath, and answered quietly.
"Do you remember the night death knocked on my door?" Francisco asked quietly.
Max's expression shifted as the memory came rushing back.
"How could I forget? We nearly lost you that night."
Francisco looked up, his gaze steady.
"Hazel saved my life."
Max froze, eyes wide.
"You're serious?"
"I spent years looking for her. And then... I found her."
Francisco leaned back, "We met again at the port. That was the first time I failed a mission."
Max's brows rose.
"You mean she was with those girls?"
Francisco nodded.
"Yes."
Max leaned in slightly, his voice tense.
"Did she recognize you?"
"No," Francisco said flatly. "She didn't."
Before Max could respond, the door creaked open. Both men turned to see Hazel standing in the doorway, her hair loose, cascading over her shoulders. She looked effortlessly beautiful, her eyes locking onto Francisco's.
Max stepped aside, offering a polite smile.
"Good morning, Miss."
"Good morning, Mr. Max," Hazel replied, her voice composed.
Max glanced between the two, sensing the thick, unspoken tension.
He cleared his throat, breaking the silence.
"Well, Francisco... I'll head out. I'll check in when my break's over."
Francisco didn't respond to Max's farewell. His eyes stayed fixed on Hazel.
With one last look, Max gave a brief nod and quietly left the room.
Hazel stepped forward, feeling the weight of Francisco's intense gaze. Her face remained calm, but nervousness tugged at her composure. She took a slow breath.
"Good morning, Mr. Francisco. Thank you for the car," she said, trying to keep her tone steady. "But I really don't need it. I'm your PA… this feels like too much."
Francisco rubbed his forehead and looked at her.
"Your safety is my priority."
Hazel's eyes flickered with unease. "But I think I should report it to the police."
Francisco met her gaze, firm and direct.
"Hazel, tell me... do you have anyone who would want to hurt you?"
She hesitated, then slowly shook her head.
"No... I don't think so."
"Then what's the point?" Francisco asked. "What if it was just a thief?"
Hazel opened her mouth, but then paused, realizing she had no real answer.
Francisco watched her quietly for a long moment. Finally, he gave a small nod, acknowledging her concern.
"Did you sleep well last night?"
Hazel met his eyes and gave a faint smile.
"I was a little scared... but I managed."
Francisco pressed his lips together, his fist clenched on the armrest. Sleep had escaped him the night before. His thoughts had been consumed by Hazel... the pull he felt toward her, the memory of her soft lips, the silent longing he tried to ignore.
Hazel stood unaware, calm and composed, a quiet contrast to the storm inside him.
"When will your friends be back?" Francisco asked, his voice steady, tinged with curiosity.
"I'm not sure. I don't want to bother them," Hazel replied softly.
Francisco nodded, pausing for a breath.
"Hazel, there's a party tonight. You're coming with me."
Hazel gave a simple nod and stepped out of his office.
She returned to her desk. Their cabins faced each other, separated by a panel of Thai glass... transparent enough for their eyes to meet.
Francisco had placed her cabin deliberately within his sightline.
Hazel focused on her screen, typing quickly, trying to drown out the tension that lingered between them. Still, something made her glance up... just for a second.
Francisco was on a call, lips moving, his expression unreadable.
Hazel tried to read his lips discreetly.
Their eyes met.
She froze, startled... but didn't look away. Neither did he.
Then his lips moved again. Hazel caught the words clearly.
"SEND THAT IN MY DRIVE."
The phrase echoed in her head.
Drive?
Which drive was he talking about?
She lowered her gaze, curiosity sparking inside her.
What drive is that? Why did it sound… different this time?