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I hurry down the street, thoughts of Dario drowning out the noise of the city that surrounds me. My heart races with every step, torn between the desire to return to Dario's embrace and the need to uphold the oath I took when I became an undercover agent.
The coffee shop comes into view, and I spot Elena sitting by the window, her eyes scanning the street for me. As soon as she sees me, her eyebrows knit together in concern, no doubt reading the turmoil etched on my face.
"Jasmine, what's going on?" she asks, pulling out the chair opposite her for me to sit in.
"Here," I say, sliding into the seat and taking a deep breath to steady myself. "Let me tell you everything."
I recount the events of the masquerade, leaving out any mention of the intimacy shared with Dario. It feels like a betrayal to reveal those stolen moments to anyone else, especially Elena.
"And this Ghost?" Elena asks leaning back and looking like she needs a moment to take everything in. "Can you tell me anything about him? Height, build?"
"I swear Elena, he's always there and we've seen nothing. He truly is a ghost..."
Elena nods and takes a few seconds before continuing. "And you spent the night at Dario's?"
"He insisted after I played damsel in distress. That's what you told me to do, right? To get close to him?"
"I never told you to sleep at his place," she inhales, sharply.
"I know," I admit, guilt reeling through me for the lies I'm spewing."But he was adamant."
Elena leans back in her chair, her gaze fixed on mine. "How are you holding up? This can't be easy for you."
"Of course it's not," I snap, my emotions getting the better of me. "But I have a job to do, and I'm going to see it through to the end, no matter what."
Elena's eyes narrow as she studies me, searching for any hint of weakness or vulnerability. The sound of coffee cups clinking and the low hum of conversation from other patrons fills the air between us, but I can't shake the feeling that we're teetering on the edge of a precipice.
"Jasmine," she begins cautiously, "I have to ask – are you getting too close to Dario? I know your commitment to this mission, but it seems like you might be... emotionally compromised."
I grit my teeth against her accusation, my grip tightening around the warm ceramic of my cup. "You think I can't handle this?" I retort, the words sharp and clipped.
"That I'll suddenly forget why I'm here and let my feelings cloud my judgment?"
"Jas, I'm not saying that," Elena replies, her voice level and calm, in stark contrast to my rising anger. "But you've been spending a lot of time with him, and I can't help but worry that it could affect your ability to do your job."
"Spending time with Dario is part of my job," I snap back, my heart racing in my chest. "Infiltrating his world, gaining his trust – that's how we take down the Marchetti empire. And besides, I'm a damn good liar when I need to be."
"Maybe too good," she murmurs, her gaze steady and unyielding. "Look, I just don't want to see you get hurt, Jasmine. If you're not careful, you could end up losing more than just your cover."
"Enough, Elena," I interrupt, slamming my hand down on the table, causing our cups to rattle. "I know what I signed up for, and I'm fully committed to this mission. Don't question my loyalty or my ability to separate my emotions from my duty."
"Okay," she concedes, holding her hands up in surrender. "I'm sorry if it seemed like I was doubting you. It's just... this is a dangerous game we're playing, and I need to know you have your head on straight."
"Trust me," I say, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. "I know what's at stake here, and I won't let anyone – not even Dario Marchetti – stand in the way of justice."
"Good," Elena nods, satisfaction flickering in her eyes. "Because we're going to need you at your best if we want to bring down this empire once and for all."
"I am on my best."
Elena's eyes soften as she studies me, the severity of her gaze replaced with a glimmer of sympathy. "I understand that this isn't easy for you, Jasmine," she says quietly. "But just remember – we're all in this together. We've got your back."
"Thanks, Elena," I reply, feeling a small weight lifted from my shoulders.
"Alright, let's wrap up here. Keep me updated on any new developments, and be careful around Dario." She gives me a final, stern look before adding, "And keep your head in the game."
"Will do," I assure her, rising from my seat. As I exit the coffee shop, I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what lies ahead. With each step towards Dario's apartment, an unsettling mixture of anticipation and dread churns within me.
When I arrive at his place, I find him pacing the living room, his brow furrowed in concern. The moment he sees me, his expression softens, and he crosses the distance between us in three strides.
