The morning light filtered through the curtains as Alex slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Victoria.
She lay tangled in the sheets, her hair spread across the pillow like dark silk, lips still swollen from the night before. He allowed himself a moment to watch her... the gentle rise and fall of her breath, the satisfied curve of her mouth even in sleep.
Last night had been... intense.
He smiled faintly, then dressed in silence and left.
***
The villa that served as Viktor's base of operations sat at the edge of the Roland Estate development... close enough for quick response, far enough for discretion. From the outside, it looked like any other luxury property. Inside, it was a command center.
Alex pulled up to the gate, and it opened before he could reach for the intercom. They were expecting him.
Viktor met him at the door.
"Mr. Hale." The older man inclined his head... respect without subservience. "I hope you're well."
