Page 168 of Shadowed Hearts: Frost
"Traditional system architecture assumes linear thinking." I continue, words coming faster as my fingers dance across three keyboards. "But if you structure access based on concept proximity rather than arbitrary categories—"
"—you reduce cognitive load and access time for non-linear thinkers," Asher finishes, appearing behind me.
My heart does a little flip at his voice. I don't turn around, but I feel him there, understanding exactly what my fingers are doing across keyboards.
"She's creating a personalized interface that maps to her neural pathways," Asher explains to Cole. "Looks chaotic but maximizes her processing efficiency."
"Exactly!" I beam, still typing. The fact that he gets it, really gets it, makes my chest feel warm and tight.
"I've never seen someone integrate systems this quickly," Cole admits, watching my screens fill with layered protocols and customized access points.
"The servers are ready for the racing circuit intelligence gathering," I announce, giving my chair a satisfied spin.
I step out of the elevator into the basement parking level, exhausted but buzzing with strange new energy. The concrete walls feel cool and quiet after the busy tech division below.
"First official day complete." I stretch my arms overhead. My fingers still tingle from hours of typing, brain humming pleasantly with the memory of all that computing power.
"From barista with a side hustle to... whatever this is." I wave toward the building behind us, feeling a small laugh bubble up from my chest.
Asher walks beside me, posture perfect as always, but something's different now. Less rigid. He watches me with that intense stare that used to unnerve me, but now feels like being wrapped in safety.
"You were never just a barista, little bunny." His voice carries absolute certainty. His hand slides to my lower back, firm and warm, sending heat spiraling through me.
A month ago, I might have bristled at the gesture, seen it as another cage. But now it feels like shelter, being anchored when my thoughts want to spin in several different directions.
"Your sister was right about one thing." He continues as we walk toward his car. "I was either real or an excellent actor. Lucky for both of us, it was the first."
I smile, remembering Kaela's warnings. "She'll absolutely demand to know if you brainwashed me when she finds out I have an actual job with benefits."
The parking space feels different too—not just empty concrete, but entrance to a world where my chaos has purpose. Where my constantly moving mind is useful. Where my brother works two floors below me, our family secrets finally aligned.
"Think they'll let me redesign the encryption protocols?" My mind races ahead to tomorrow already. "The current system routes through too many redundant—"
My phone buzzes. A message from Kuya Migs lights up my screen.
First day on new job complete. Diagnosis: This family just got a lot more complicated.
I laugh and show the message to Asher.
"Your brother adapts quickly."
"Reyes family trait." I settle into the passenger seat, skin still humming from his earlier touches. "We bend so we don't break."
Asher starts the engine, and I catch him glancing at me with that look—the one that says he's thinking about more than just driving home. Heat pools low in my stomach as his hand finds my thigh, thumb tracing small circles that make my breath catch.
The drive home suddenly feels very long and not nearly long enough.
Thanks for readingShadowed Hearts.Hope you enjoyed Asher and Vanessa's story! Asher never has anyone over to his house, but I have a special bonus chapter for you!
Shadowed Hearts Bonus Scene
Some missions require specialized equipment. Others require surviving Vanessa's last-minute cooking lessons and learning Tagalog phrases. When tactical precision meets Filipino family chaos, even snipers need backup.
Be sure to grab it here! https://author.emeryrowan.com/shadowed_hearts_bonus
Want to read "Nitro" Jax's story? Be sure to check it out in Shadowed Sins: Nitro – it will be available September 2025!
Like to hang out with like-minded readers? Join us on Facebook in Emery Rowan's Syn Squad
