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Mark nods in understanding. "I can imagine. But I’m sure you’re making progress with the investigation, right? You'll get to the bottom of it."
I shift uncomfortably, feeling the weight of Mark's gaze on me. I take a sip of my coffee, buying myself a moment to gather my thoughts.
"Yes, we're making progress," I reply, trying to sound confident. "But there's still much work to be done. We're following every lead, examining every piece of evidence."
Mark's smile widens, a glimmer of something unidentifiable in his eyes. "That's what I like about you, always dedicated to your work. You're thorough, and it shows."
I nod, grateful for his praise, but inside, I'm desperately searching for an escape route from this conversation. I need to distance myself from these weird encounters and focus on the task at hand.
"Well, I should get going," I say, my tone clipped as I try to sound busy. "Derek is probably waiting for me already."
Mark's expression flickers with frustration, but he nods understandingly. "Sure, I don't want to keep you. Just remember, if you ever need any assistance or if there's anything I can do to help, don't hesitate to ask."
I offer a brief thank you before swiftly making my way towards the elevator, eager to leave the awkward encounter behind. The stress of recent events presses down on me, intensifying the sense of urgency in my steps.
I internally curse when someone steps up beside me as I’m waiting for the elevator, thinking it’s Mark joining me for the trip. But then I’m wishing it was Mark when I catch sight of Agent Decker beside me.
He’s focused on the closed doors as though waiting for the elevator to arrive, but I can see the corner of his lip twitch as he holds back a smirk. I narrow my eyes and look over my shoulder thinking maybe I could just skip this elevator or walk around the long way, but Agent Travis is behind me.
He isn’t subtle about the fact that he was looking at my ass as he looks up into my eyes with a smirk of his own. I force yet another smile onto my face and look back to the elevator doors knowing I am not getting out of this new hell.
As the elevator doors open, I step inside, feeling the heaviness of their stares following me. Travis reaches past my body to press the number for his floor, his arm brushing against me.
The air inside the elevator feels tense, and I try my best to focus on the numbers lighting up as we ascend.
Agent Decker stands beside me, his posture relaxed, but I can tell he's enjoying this awkward situation. Agent Travis is behind me, and I can sense his lingering gaze, making me uncomfortable. I take a deep breath, reminding myself to maintain composure, even as my mind races.
"Busy morning, huh?" Agent Decker finally breaks the silence, his voice casual but almost with a knowing edge to it.
I nod, keeping my responses brief. "Yes, it's been quite busy."
"And how's the investigation going?" Agent Travis chimes in from behind me, his darkly amused tone not lost on me.
"We're making progress," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady despite the unnerving situation. "But you know I’m not going to discuss the details with you."
Agent Decker chuckles lightly, turning his attention directly to me, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "Of course, we understand the need for confidentiality. But you must admit, it's a fascinating case, and both it and you have definitely captured our attention."
Suppressing a sigh, I refrain from engaging further. I don't want to fuel their curiosity about the investigation or give anything away about the tangled mess I find myself in. Thankfully, the elevator reaches my floor, and the doors open. I quickly step out, feeling relieved to escape the confined space.
Just as I think I'm free from their gaze, the sound of the elevator doors being held open makes me look back. Agent Travis smirks, releases the doors, and speaks with a tone that sends shivers down my spine, "We'll see you around, Darling."
Chapter 21
Alex
Myheartfeelslikeit's trying to leave my chest the fastest way possible.
I’m standing frozen staring at the closed doors of the elevator long after it has moved away from my floor. The ding of the elevator arriving on my floor again startles me moments before Derek steps through the doors with a scowl on his face.
"Hey, are you alright?" Derek's concerned voice breaks through my daze as he approaches me, his frown deepening when he sees my distressed expression. "You look like you've seen a ghost. Is something wrong?"
I force a smile, trying to appear composed despite the chaos of emotions swirling inside me. "I'm okay, just a lot on my mind. You know how it is."
Derek studies me for a moment, clearly not fully convinced by my response, but he nods in understanding. "Yeah, I get it. It’s all really taking a toll on us. Just remember, I’m always here if you need me, alright?"
I take the opportunity to change the subject and divert the attention away from myself. "Thanks, Derek. I appreciate it. And how about you? Are you okay? You seem a bit... tense."
Derek exhales, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Yeah, just some personal stuff. Nothing I can't handle."
