Sunlight spilled through the slits in the curtains, gentle and golden. I blinked slowly, stretching as warmth radiated through the soft sheets. For a moment, I forgot where I was until I turned and saw him.
Marvis. Still asleep. Still here.
And I was in his room.
I smiled faintly, watching the way his dark lashes brushed his cheeks, how peaceful he looked without the constant burden of control weighing on him.
Last night had been… unexpected. Not just the kiss. The dance. The silence that followed. But the way he looked at me like I wasn't just someone he wanted to protect, but someone he couldn't lose.
I reached for my phone on the nightstand, trying not to disturb him.
The screen lit up with a single notification.
Text Message – Agent L. 7:03 a.m.
He's on the move. Heading south. No guards this time. Looks like he's going to meet someone. Location ping attached. You'll only get one shot at this, Melody. Be ready.
My heart skipped.
This was it. The boss, the man who'd been hiding for months had finally slipped. No guards? No decoys? That never happened.
I slipped out of bed quietly, still in the oversized shirt I borrowed from Marvis last night. I padded across the room and quickly changed into my black jeans and hoodie, tying my hair back. Focused.
I couldn't waste time. If I left now, I could beat him to the meeting point.
I moved toward the door.
But before my fingers even touched the handle, I felt it.
A tug.
Arms around my waist. Strong. Familiar. Pulling me gently but firmly backward.
"Not again," Marvis murmured, voice hoarse with sleep. "You're not sneaking out again."
I froze.
He buried his face in the crook of my neck, still half-asleep, still holding me tightly like I might vanish the moment he let go.
"I wasn't-" I started.
"You were," he cut in softly, his voice almost hurt. "Same way you left after the warehouse. Quiet. Like I don't matter."
"That's not true."
"Then tell me what's going on," he said, sitting up now. His eyes still heavy with sleep searched mine. "You look like you're about to go to war."
I hesitated. How could I explain this?
That I'd sent a spy. That I'd gone behind his back again. That this wasn't just about revenge anymore it was about finishing what I started.
I bit my lip. "I got a message. The boss… he's on the move. Alone."
Marvis blinked, his expression sharpening.
"You tracked him?"
"I planted someone on the inside months ago. He's finally useful."
"You were going to go alone?" His voice had lost all traces of sleep now. "Melody-"
"I didn't want to waste time waking you up-"
He stood, towering over me now, frustration swimming in his eyes. "So you were just going to disappear again? Without a word?"
"I didn't want another fight," I said, quietly. "This is my past. My closure. My risk."
Marvis ran a hand through his hair, trying to stay calm. "You don't get to carry this alone anymore. You're not alone."
I looked away.
"You danced with me last night," he said, stepping closer. "You kissed me like I meant something."
"You do," I said, louder than I meant to. "But this… this is personal."
His jaw clenched. "Then let me be personal with you too."
I turned, not wanting him to see the conflict all over my face. But he reached for my wrist again, just like last night and gently pulled me to face him.
"I don't care how dangerous it is," he said, softer now. "I'm coming with you. Whether you like it or not."
I met his gaze. He wasn't challenging me. He wasn't trying to take control. He just… didn't want to be left behind again.
"I'm scared," I admitted in a whisper. "What if I freeze? What if I miss my shot? What if he escapes again and-"
Marvis closed the space between us in one swift step, cradling my face in both hands. "Then I'll be there to finish what you started. Or pull you out. Or carry you home. But you won't face him alone, Melody. Not this time."
I let out a shaky breath.
He leaned down and kissed me, not slow like last night, but sure. Like he was sealing a promise.
When we pulled apart, I looked at the phone still in my hand. The map. The location ping. The opportunity.
"Okay," I said finally.
He nodded once, firmly. "Let's end this."
Together.