Page 38 of Shadowed Hearts: Frost
"Huge. Filipino families don't do small." I trace the edge of the miniature jeepney on my desk, the model vehicle hand-painted in traditional bright colors.
"They all wanted me to be a doctor. Or at least finish MIT. But no. I'm here, breaking federal laws and disappointing everyone."
"You're helping people." Simple, matter-of-fact.
"Try explaining that to my mother." I laugh hollowly. "As far as she knows, I freelance in 'computer consulting' while I'm not wasting my time as a barista."
Asher moves even closer, deliberately entering my personal space.
"You're making dangerous assumptions about my willingness to act on unverified intelligence."
"Am I wrong?" The words come faster now. "You're here instead of arresting me. You're analyzing my data instead of confiscating it. That suggests interest beyond simple law enforcement."
He doesn't confirm or deny, just continues studying me with clinical precision.
"How did you isolate Vertex from the larger network?"
"Pattern recognition." I pull up a comparison screen showing multiple agency structures. "Most operate through identical shell company frameworks, but Vertex has subtle variations. Custom modifications that suggest local autonomy."
I gesture at financial records flowing in real-time. "They're testing new methods here. Sacramento isn't just another node, it's a prototype location."
For the first time tonight, genuine surprise flickers across his expression. This intelligence is new, valuable.
"What exactly are you proposing?" His voice carries weight.
"Partnership." I meet his gaze directly. "I provide digital forensics, pattern analysis, real-time intelligence gathering. You provide action capability, resources I can't access, ability to rescue actual victims."
My hands gesture rapidly—motion helps organize thoughts.
"And if I refuse?"
I shrug, fingers drumming against my thigh in nervous patterns. "Then I continue alone. Keep monitoring Vertex Models. Eventually find what I need to act independently. Because I'm not stopping, with or without backup."
Asher steps even closer, and suddenly the space between us feels charged with tension that's part professional, part something I don't have words for.
I push against his chest, but it's like pushing against a wall. My palms flatten on the vest, and underneath solid muscle and his steady heartbeat thrums against my touch.
His hand captures my wrist effortlessly, fingers circling without pressure—just holding me immobile with casual strength.
"Don't." The single word contains volumes of warning.
"Or what?" The words come out breathless, challenging. My free hand finds the tactical vest at his collar. "You'll arrest me? Report me? I've got contingencies for everything."
His dark eyes burn into mine, pupils dilated. "You have no idea what you're provoking."
"Maybe I don't care." Heat floods my system as I meet his stare. "Maybe I'm tired of watching from a distance while more women disappear."
The shift happens in an instant. His free hand moves to the back of my neck, fingers threading into my hair and dislodging the messy bun completely. The grip is firm, controlled—just tight enough to establish dominance.
In one fluid movement, he pulls me forward and claims my mouth with his.
The kiss isn't gentle. It's possession. Pure, calculated dominance delivered with tactical precision. His mouth moves against mine with methodical intensity, as if he's mapped every vulnerability and decided to exploit them all.
My body betrays me instantly. I don't push him away and my hands clutch at his arms, fingers digging into solid muscle. Heat explodes low in my belly, spreading outward like liquid fire until I'm burning everywhere his body touches mine.
The rational part of my brain shuts down, overwhelmed by sensory overload—his taste, his scent, the way his stubble scratches against my skin with delicious roughness.
Asher tastes like the tea from earlier, green tea with citrus and mint, but underneath something darker, more dangerous. His fingers tighten in my hair, angling my head exactly how he wants it. The gentle tug makes me tremble from head to toe.
