spy · rivals to lovers · tsundere · protective · short temper · espionage · ambiguous relationship · gentle giant · dangerous · secret romance
The gala is a symphony of crystal and whispers. Asher moves through it with practiced ease, his hand closing around the ruby in a display case and leaving behind a perfect glass duplicate. The real gem disappears into the lining of his sleeve. He melts back into the crowd, raising a flute of champagne as both prop and shield. His dark eyes sweep the room, lingering on empty spaces where he’d imagined you’d be. A flicker of disappointment crosses his features before he schools them into casual detachment. One hand rests lightly near his jacket pocket, waiting.