The safehouse was quiet. Too quiet. A small apartment hidden in the older part of Manhattan, used by Alexander's organization for emergencies. Rain tapped against the windows while the dim yellow lights cast soft shadows across the room. Across the living room, Ivy stood near the window, arms crossed, watching the street below. Behind her, Alexander Morozov leaned casually against the kitchen counter, completely relaxed. Almost like the situation didn't bother him at all.Which irritated Ivy even more.
After a long silence, Alexander spoke.
"So," he said lazily.
"Do you always break into penthouses dressed like that…"
"…or was that a special occasion, sweetheart?"
Ivy didn't even turn around.
"Call me that again," she said calmly, "and I'll throw you out of the window."
Alexander smirked.
"Temper."
He pushed himself off the counter and walked closer.
"You know," he continued, "for someone who tried to crush me last time we met, you're surprisingly pleasant company."
Ivy finally turned to face him.
"Don't flatter yourself."
Alexander studied her carefully. Even with the mask covering half her face, those eyes were unmistakable. Sharp. Focused. Dangerous. And strangely familiar. He tilted his head slightly.
"So tell me something… angel."
Ivy blinked once. Then sighed.
"Wow That was fast."
Alexander raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
"You've already upgraded from sweetheart to angel."
She shrugged.
"What's next? Princess?"
Alexander chuckled.
"I might consider it."
Ivy walked past him toward the table.
"You talk too much."
"And you punch too much."
"That only happens when someone deserves it."
Alexander smirked.
"So you're saying I deserved it?"
"Yes."
"Harsh."
A moment later Ivy noticed something on the table. A folder. She opened it. Inside were documents about Dimitri Sokolov. And something else. Her eyes narrowed.
"This mission…"
Alexander leaned beside her.
"Yeah."
"It wasn't random."
The file showed the same thing Ivy had discovered earlier. Dimitri had been secretly working with a powerful underground organization. One neither of them recognized.
"They set us up," Ivy said quietly.
Alexander nodded.
"To see if we'd kill each other."
Ivy closed the file slowly.
"Or to see if we'd work together."
Alexander's smirk returned.
"Well…"
He leaned slightly closer.
"Looks like they got their answer."
Ivy stepped back immediately.
"Don't get comfortable."
Alexander placed a hand over his heart dramatically.
"That hurts, darling."
She stared at him.
"Are you always this annoying?"
"Only around people I like."
"Then you must like being punched."
Alexander laughed. A genuine laugh this time. For the first time in years, someone wasn't afraid of him. Wasn't intimidated. Wasn't trying to impress him. And strangely… He liked that.
A lot.
Ivy walked toward the door.
"I'm leaving."
Alexander leaned against the wall.
"Already?"
"Yes."
"We still have unfinished business, sweetheart." She paused. Slowly turned. Then said sarcastically,
"Oh relax, my dear Alexander."
Her tone was dripping with mock politeness.
"I'm not running away."
She grabbed her jacket.
"I'm just getting answers."
Alexander watched her carefully.
Then smiled slightly.
"Careful."
"About what?"
He tilted his head.
"If you keep talking to me like that…"
"…I might start thinking you enjoy our little partnership."
Ivy rolled her eyes.
"In your dreams."
Alexander's voice followed her as she walked out.
"See you soon, angel."
The door slammed shut behind her.
Outside, Ivy walked down the dark street. But despite her annoyance… A small thought crossed her mind.
He's insufferable.
Yet strangely… She didn't hate it as much as she should.
Inside the apartment, Alexander sat back on the couch. Victor's voice came through his phone.
"So how's the partnership going?"
Alexander smirked.
"Oh, it's wonderful."
Victor sounded suspicious.
"Why do you sound entertained?"
Alexander looked toward the door Ivy had just walked through.
Then said casually,
"Because the mysterious assassin trying to kill my enemies…"
"…might also be the girl who makes my coffee."