Asa's POV
A few days had passed since the shooting incident. The warehouse was quiet this morning, the hum of distant machinery filled the air as usual: men were moving crates, running checks and doing their jobs like clockwork.
I stood near one of the tables with a cigarette between my fingers and my eyes fixed on an open folder before me.
"Boss." Marco called as he stepped in. "We finally got him."
"The guy with the insignia?" I said as I looked up
Marco nodded, walking closer and placing a new file on the table.
"Yeah. We tracked him down through one of the ports near the East District. The bastard's been working under a fake name. So far, nobody knows his real identity yet, but we've got photos, routine patterns, and a few men tailing him."
"So it's true. He's Syndicate." I exhaled smoke, glancing at the pictures.
"Looks like it, Boss." Marco confirmed, crossing his arms. "He was seen with two of their cars yesterday. We're assuming he handles cargo for them— probably part of the team that intercepted our crates."
I ran my thumb over one of the photos— the man's face was half-hidden by a hood, the insignia faintly visible on his wrist.
"You're sure it's not one of the Russians still trying to play smart?" I asked.
"Positive." Marco replied. "The Russians haven't made a move since the last deal. The Syndicate's been quiet too, but the guy's been moving like he's got backup. We think he knows we're watching."
"Then we'll have to move before he disappears." I tightened my jaw.
"That's what I thought." Marco said, a smirk tugging his lips. "I've already told the men to stay low and keep eyes on him. Just say the word, Boss, and we'll take him."
"Not yet. Let him move first. I want to know who he's reporting to." I said, tapping the table once, decisively.
"Got it." Marco gave a curt nod.
The silence that followed was almost comforting. I stared at the photo again, the faint insignia burning into my thoughts. But even as I tried to focus on the work, my mind drifted to Eliana.
I didn't plan to think about her. I just did. The sound of her laugh, the light in her eyes when she teased me, the way her voice softened when she tried to hide her curiosity.
I had no business letting her exist in my head. Especially not when I had people to find, debts to collect, and a Syndicate to dismantle. But she was there anyway.
I closed the folder, crushed out my cigarette, and made the decision to give her a call.
It had been days since I saw her. I wanted to hear her voice. She had texted the day after that night, though I didn't respond.
****
Eliana's POV
My phone buzzed against the table just as I was sorting through a pile of client fabrics.
I glanced at the screen and saw Asa's name, and my stomach did that little flip I hated admitting I liked.
It had been days since the club — no calls, no replies. I'd told myself I didn't care, but… who was I kidding?
I picked up before I could overthink it.
"Wow. You actually called." I said, trying to sound casual.
His voice came warm and deep through the line.
"You sound surprised." He responded.
"I am." I said, smiling faintly. "You kind of disappeared."
"I've been busy." He said easily. "But not too busy to think about you."
"Smooth..." I said, letting out a soft laugh.
"I wasn't trying to be."
"Sure." I said softly, pretending to sound skeptical, though my heart did a little dance inside.
"What are you doing right now?" He asked.
"Working." I replied. "I'm trying to convince a client that her dress doesn't need to sparkle like a chandelier."
"Sounds like a tough battle." He chuckled under his breath.
"You have no idea."
There was a small pause after I said that before I spoke again.
"What about you?" I asked. "You sound… distracted."
"Just handling a few things." He said after a second.
"Not dangerous things, I hope?" I asked, half-teasing, half-curious.
"What makes you say that?"
"I heard about a shoot-out a few nights ago— the night of the club." I said quietly. "It was all over the news and I… thought about you."
"How sweet. It sounds like you're actually worried about me." He said teasingly.
"I'm not!" I said quickly, even though I was. "Just making sure you're okay."
"I'm fine, Eliana." He said, letting out a soft laugh. "I can take care of myself."
"I know." I responded, my voice coming out softer than I had meant it to. "You just… sounded different."
"Different how?"
"Like your mind was somewhere else for a second."
"Maybe it was." He said. "But not in a bad way."
"What does that mean?"
"It means I was thinking about you." He said plainly.
For a moment, I didn't know what to say as I stood there with my lips curving into a shy smile.
"You flirt."
"I've been told." He chuckled, and I could literally hear the smirk in his voice.
"So why'd you call?" I finally asked.
"To hear your voice."
"Hmm...that's a dangerous line, you know." I said, already getting turned on listening to him.
"Then I guess I'm living dangerously."
I bit my lip in an attempt to control myself.
"So," He continued, "will you let me take you out after work?"
"Hmm..." I hummed, pretending to think. "Depends. Are you planning to vanish again after?"
"Not if you tell me not to."
"You're unbelievable." I laughed quietly.
"That a yes?"
"It's a maybe." I teased. "Pick me up at five and we'll see."
"I'll be there." He said, before ending the call.