9. HATE TO HATE.

Angel.

My day at the office was uneventful, to say the least. I still had to write my report on what happened last night, and that was exactly what I was doing when Dan left the office.

After writing a comprehensive report on last night’s events—omitting some details, of course—I submitted it to Cyrus.

He sure would call for a debriefing soon—after going through my report alongside Dan’s—so I settled down in my office, sorting paperwork while waiting for his call.

My head throbbed as I tried to focus on what I was doing, but to no avail. All I could hope for was that Cyrus would call for the debriefing soon, so I'll be free to go home, shower and rest.

Placing my head on my desk, I closed my eyes and tried to shake off the heavy pounding in my head. It was at this moment that Dan strode in, noisily.

“Looks like someone didn't get enough sleep last night,” he quipped but I didn't reply. I didn't have the strength to engage with him.

“So tell me, who was the top? Gold masked stranger? Or you?”

My eyes shot open at his question. It was so brazen and crass, and I was sure I was looking at him with a mix of irritation and bewilderment.

“Judging from the look on your face, I'd say you got the short end of the stick. How are you able to sit comfortably then? Not your first time?”

The sound of hands slamming on the desk shocked him into silence. I didn't even know when I had lifted my head from the desk.

“Dan, I would prefer if my personal life stays personal. First, because it's none of your goddamn business. And secondly, this is a professional setting…” I paused as I stared into his eyes, wanting him to understand just how much I meant the next part of the statement.

“…and I would appreciate it if my partner can understand that certain boundaries are not meant to be crossed.”

His jaw tightened, betraying his anger before he let out a short wicked laugh. Crossing the short distance that separated my desk from his, he leaned in so close that I could see the tiny flecks of gold in his brown eyes.

“Never ever use that tone on me, Di Cristina. You wouldn't want the career you've spent years building to be gone…” he snapped his fingers in my face and continued, “just like that.”

There was a staredown as neither of us wanted to back down. To an outsider, we were definitely in a compromising position.

I was sitting on my chair while Dan was leaning over my body as he stared deep into my eyes, his body almost melding with mine.

Knowing that any minute from now, Cyrus might send for us—or worse, come and get us himself—I broke the stare first.

Dan has a smirk on his face as he straightened, looking like he had solved a puzzle.

“I don't want trouble, Angel.” His hand moved to brush against mine that rested on the arms of my chair, and I stiffened. What the hell does he think he's doing?

“So be a nice little boy and tuck in those claws for now. What I want is simple: I want to be the head of the next mission we're placed on,” Dan finished.

“What? You know I don't decide those things. If you have a problem with it, you can talk to Cyrus but you're sorely mistaken if you think I have the power to change shit.”

I was annoyed, and not just because of the unreasonable demand he had. He knew that I could not do it, but he just wanted an excuse to make me suffer.

Dan licked his lips and smiled, “Oh, you have the power to say no to Cyrus, Di Cristina. You're just too chicken to do it, but guess what? I have the right motivation, and he wore a gold mask last night.”

He chuckled and went back to his desk. I didn't even have time to dissect his words when our office line rang.

I glanced at Dan who looked on in disinterest, so I stood up and reached for it.

“Agent Di Cristina speaking.”

Seconds later, Dan and I headed to Cyrus' office. He had requested our presence and I was glad the debriefing was finally taking place.

As we sat, Cyrus looked up with a serious expression.

“There's a new case being brought in. I got a call from the CID this morning, and Federal Judge Helena Mendez has been murdered.”

I sigh and slump into my seat. So much for debriefing.

“Agent Di Cristina, I want you to head this mission. You are to cooperate with the CID. Also, there was a witness—the house help. I want you to interrogate her and bring her into witness protection, for the time being.”

I was already nodding along, filing the information in my head when a pinch on my thigh made me jerk my attention to Dan.

He discreetly inclined his head to Cyrus and that was when I remembered his words in the office, just a few minutes ago.

“I want to be the head of the next mission we're placed on.”

But I couldn't do it. This wasn't a game, it was real life. And to be frank, Dan didn't have the skills to spearhead a mission.

I wasn't about to let him run this mission to the ground, especially not when a witness is involved.

“Alright sir. Noted. Agent Flair and I would get started immediately,” I told Cyrus as I got up, expecting Dan to follow.

But when I looked back and saw him still in the chair, I knew what he was about to do.

Quickly weighing the pros and cons in my head, I decided that doing what Dan wanted was actually the lesser evil. If he exposed what happened last night, I'd lose everything.

So I turned to Cyrus and said, “On second thoughts sir, I'm afraid I would have to step back from this mission.” My heart ached as I spoke those words.

The reason I joined the agency was to revenge my father, yes, but also to make sure I protect innocent people and bring justice to those who can't be protected.

Even Cyrus was confused by my statement and his brows furrowed.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean that I don't want to go on this mission.”

“And what are your reasons?” He asked, clearly giving me time to redeem myself.

But I closed my eyes, my hands curled into fists as I replied, “None.”

And as I peeked at Cyrus' confused face, I knew that my fate was sealed. I sighed heavily and braced myself for the punishment to come, hoping it wouldn't be too severe.