The dim glow of the desk lamp cast a golden hue over Sana’s study, illuminating the scattered documents she had been reviewing. The clock on her desktop read 10:30, signaling she’d lost track of time again.
With a sigh, she stretched her arms above her head, letting out a yawn as her muscles protested. Finally recovered from her injuries, she no longer needed the wheelchair, yet her body still bore the reminders of its recent traumas.
Pushing back from the desk, Sana switched off the lights and padded toward her suite, already anticipating the embrace of the thick duvet. She wore a fleece pajama set with a cow print pattern, its ultra-soft fabric comforting against the encroaching winter chill. Curling beneath the covers, she let out a contented hum. Sleep was a welcome luxury she rarely allowed herself, but one she indulged in every chance she got. If sleeping were a sport, she’d be the world champion!
Meanwhile, Seven had just returned from giving James his acupuncture treatment, a routine he had upheld since the latter’s discharge. The session left him sticky with perspiration, so he jumped into the shower. After toweling off, a faint trace of steam still clung to his bare torso. His damp hair curling slightly at the ends, a reminder that he needed a haircut. He slipped into a pair of sweatpants and stepped into the suite. His heart melted at the sight of the small mound beneath the covers. Sana, wrapped up like a cocoon, barely stirred at his entrance.
Seven ambled to the other side, lifted the duvet, and slid in. The mattress dipped slightly under his weight. Sana, sensing his presence, instinctively moved, pressing against him, her cheek resting lightly against his chest, seeking his warmth.
Then, without intention, her knee brushed against his crotch.
Seven tensed, stiffening at the contact. A rush of heat surged through him, a reaction he fought to suppress. Sana, oblivious in her half-asleep state, sighed in serenity, her breath tickling against his skin. Seven exhaled sharply, his jaw clenching as he willed himself to remain composed.
His mind battled against itself. He wanted to pull her even closer, to lose himself in the way she fit so perfectly against him. But he was acutely aware of their circumstances. They were living under her family’s roof; just hours ago, her grandfather had barely concealed his displeasure at their cohabitation. Though the rest of the family was supportive, Seven couldn’t shake the feeling of being disdained by Aaris.
He drew a deep breath, pressing a kiss to the top of her head before whispering, “G’night, Sleeping Beauty.”
A small smile ghosted Sana’s lips as she murmured, “G’night, my human pillow.”
Seven chuckled breathlessly, tightening his arm around her as he mentally repeated a calming mantra. He soon relaxed, the steady rhythm of her breathing lulling him into sleep.
……
The next morning, the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air as the family gathered for breakfast. Sana sat beside Seven, her fingers wrapped around a hot, frothy latte, still groggy from leaving the comfort of her bed.
Across the table, Kasra decided to get his sister’s input on Lara’s replacement. “Sana, have you considered whether your new bodyguard should also serve as a double? Someone like Lara?”
She turned to Lara, her expression softening. “Lara’s been with me for a long time; she knows my quirks. Not to mention, it’s probably hard to find someone my height. Even Lara’s a little taller.”
Seven nodded. “With me around, maybe it’s not necessary. But the right candidate could make things a lot easier. No matter what, it’s worth considering.”
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Sana sighed, propping her chin on one hand. “I don’t know... Let’s see how the interviews go.”
She paused, then said to Lara, “You don’t need to worry about me anymore. I’m so happy you’re my sister-in-law.”
Lara placed a palm over her. “What are you talking about? I’ll always worry about you. I’ll work with the new bodyguard to ensure a smooth transition.”
……
They arrived at TITAN Group an hour later, where three candidates awaited their interviews.
The first, Sandra Shaw, stood tall and lean. Her dossier boasted years in tactical combat and risk assessment, marking her as a strong contender for high-security assignments.
The second, Rae Jordan, had an imposing presence, her broad frame and no-nonsense demeanor commanding attention. A former SWAT officer, she specialized in high-stakes hostage situations and crisis intervention, her experience a bulwark against unpredictable threats.
Then, there was Lia Lin.
Seven paused mid-step, his gaze locking onto her. Lia looked up, her dark hair swept into a neat ponytail, her eyes sharp with a flicker of recognition she quickly masked with professional calm. She stood at ease, posture crisp, but a quiet intensity simmered beneath, like a coiled spring.
Kasra, oblivious to the undercurrent, flipped open her dossier. “Lia Lin. Former Special Forces, top marks in counterintelligence, covert surveillance, infiltration, and close-quarters combat. High-risk security detail experience in private and government contracts.”
Seven’s jaw tightened, his impeccable memory pulling up their shared past: Blackgate Division, a covert Special Forces unit where they’d been seconded two years ago for a high-stakes infiltration op. Lia’s razor-sharp instincts and silent efficiency had matched his own, their teamwork seamless under pressure. But Lia’s appearance here was a puzzle. What was she doing here?
“Lia,” Seven called, voice neutral, acknowledging their history without betraying it. “Didn’t expect you here.”
Her lips twitched, a shadow of their old rapport. “Didn’t expect you to be here either.”
Sana raised a brow, catching the subtle charge in their exchange but staying silent. Seven offered no explanation, and Lia’s expression remained unreadable.
To determine the best candidate, Seven insisted on testing their close-combat skills. He sparred with each individual, then in a group, assessing reflexes, adaptability, teamwork, and endurance.
Sandra’s strikes were precise but telegraphed, her patterns too rigid. Rae’s power was undeniable, but her movements lacked fluidity, her bulk slowing her transitions. Lia, though, moved like a shadow. Her steps were silent, her strikes calculated, each motion a study in lethality. She was able to anticipate his moves in a way that impressed him.
After the final sparring round, Seven glanced at Kasra, sweat beading on his brow.
“The decision’s clear,” he said evenly.
“Lia Lin,” Kasra announced, “you’re in.”
Lia inclined her head. “Looking forward to the assignment.”
There was a faint smirk, a glint of determination. Whatever history lingered between them was shelved, buried under duty.
Sana offered her a courteous nod. “Welcome aboard.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” Lia replied, her tone clipped but sincere. “I’ll do everything to ensure your protection.”
With the decision made, Kasra dismissed the candidates and instructed Fui Chapman to head to his office. Upon his arrival, Kasra turned to Seven. “Now, let’s talk about your PA. You’ve been working with Fui for a while. Do you want to keep him, or would you prefer someone else? I’m fine with whatever you guys decide.”
“You’ve been managing everything well,” Seven started. “But I need to know—would you rather stay with TITAN, or would you be open to working for me? I’m new to this; things will be messy at first. If you decide to join me, I’ll increase your salary by 30 percent.”
Fui blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the generous offer. While he respected and admired Seven, his loyalty to Kasra ran deep. The decision wasn’t an easy one.
“Chief,” he began, “who would replace me if I accepted VP Kav’s offer?”
“I’ll have Conall manage both roles until James fully recovers. He would be a strong choice as your successor.”
Fui paused, weighing his options before turning to Seven. “VP Kav, since James will take my place, I’d be honored to work for you,” he said sincerely. “However, I’d like to continue assisting at TITAN until James is ready to step in. But rest assured, I won’t neglect my duties to you.”
Seven studied him for a moment before saying, “No pressure, Fui. We’ll play it by ear. I have no idea how hectic things will get until my companies are fully operational, so if it ever becomes too much, I need you to tell me straight. Deal?”
A small smile flickered across Fui’s features, but he remained composed.
“Deal. I won’t let you down.”
With the decisions finalized, Seven drove Sana and Lara back to The Cliffs before heading to Data Dynamics.
Everything seemed to be falling into place.
But for how long?
