The tension in the safe house was palpable as the team regrouped around a wooden table cluttered with weapons, laptops, and hastily drawn maps of Volkov's known hideouts. Despite the brief respite, they all knew the war was far from over.
Dominic leaned against the counter, his fingers absently tracing the edge of a knife resting beside him. Alyssa stood beside him, arms crossed, her expression unreadable. Marcus, bandaged but still sharp, sat with a grimace while Eleanor and Julian scanned through intercepted messages.
"We got lucky tonight," Julian muttered, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Volkov could have killed us at that dock."
"But he didn't," Eleanor countered. "Which means he still needs something. If Volkov had everything he wanted, he wouldn't have let Dominic walk away breathing."
"Agreed," Marcus said, shifting in his seat with a wince. "He's playing a longer game. The question is what's his next move?"
Alyssa straightened. "We're not waiting around to find out. We need to take the fight to him."
Dominic nodded, his jaw tight. "Eleanor, what do we have on his remaining allies?"
She pulled up a file on her laptop. "We know Orlov backed out after the dock incident. That means Volkov is losing allies, which makes him more desperate. His last remaining contact is Viktor Sokolov, an arms dealer operating out of Budapest."
Julian whistled. "Sokolov's a lunatic. Volkov must really be out of options."
Marcus cracked his knuckles. "Then we pay him a visit."
Eleanor frowned. "Easier said than done. Sokolov's compound is a damn fortress. If we want in, we're going to need a way past his security."
Dominic's mind raced. Then he turned to Alyssa. "Sokolov still has a thing for you, doesn't he?"
Alyssa stiffened. "…Unfortunately."
Julian smirked. "Well, well, well. Looks like you've got yourself a date."
Alyssa groaned. "I hate you all."
Hours later, Alyssa adjusted the plunging neckline of her dress, her scowl deepening. "I swear, if one of you makes a single joke about this..."
Dominic, standing behind her, smirked. "I wouldn't dare."
She turned, catching his expression in the mirror. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
"Not at all," Dominic said smoothly. Then, after a beat, "Well, maybe a little."
Alyssa sighed and reached for her thigh holster, but Dominic caught her wrist.
"Not this time," he murmured. "Sokolov will check."
She met his gaze. "Then how am I supposed to defend myself?"
Dominic leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "You won't need to."
Alyssa swallowed hard. "And why's that?"
Dominic's eyes darkened. "Because the moment he so much as touches you, I'm putting a bullet in his skull."
Heat curled in her stomach, but she forced herself to smirk. "Careful, Hayes. That almost sounded like jealousy."
His lips barely brushed against her ear. "It was jealousy."
Before she could react, Julian's voice crackled over the earpiece.
"Lovebirds, focus. We're on the move."
Alyssa exhaled sharply, stepping back. "We'll finish this conversation later."
Dominic smirked. "Count on it."
The Budapest club was bathed in neon light, filled with the stench of cigars and cheap perfume. Alyssa walked in first, head held high, her every movement dripping with confidence.
Sokolov spotted her instantly. The hulking man grinned, spreading his arms. "Alyssa Monroe! What a pleasure."
She forced a smile. "Viktor. It's been too long."
Sokolov pulled her into an embrace, lingering too long. Dominic, watching from the shadows, clenched his fists.
Alyssa played her part perfectly. "I hear you've been busy. Thought I'd drop by and see what you've been up to."
Sokolov chuckled. "Always a temptress." He gestured for her to sit. "Come, let's talk."
She settled into the seat, pretending to be engaged while secretly scanning the room. Dominic and the team had already slipped inside, weapons drawn, waiting for the signal.
Sokolov leaned closer. "I must say, Alyssa, you're even more beautiful than I remember."
Alyssa suppressed a shudder. "And you're as charming as ever."
Sokolov grinned, reaching for her hand. "Stay the night. We have much to catch up on."
Alyssa's smile didn't falter. "Actually…"
She leaned in and whispered, "I'd rather watch you bleed."
Before Sokolov could react, a gunshot echoed through the club. Dominic had fired the first shot.
Chaos erupted. Sokolov's men scrambled for cover as Marcus, Eleanor, and Julian stormed the club, bullets flying.
Alyssa spun, grabbing a knife from the table, slashing across Sokolov's arm before kicking him back.
Dominic moved like a shadow, taking out two guards before reaching Alyssa's side.
"You looked like you needed saving," he quipped.
She rolled her eyes, breathless. "I had it under control."
Another shot rang out.
Sokolov, bleeding but furious, raised a gun aimed directly at Alyssa.
Dominic didn't hesitate.
Bang.
Sokolov crumpled to the ground, dead.
Alyssa turned to Dominic, her chest heaving. "You…"
Dominic smirked, lowering his gun. "Told you I wouldn't let him touch you."
She exhaled sharply. "You're insane."
"Only for you."
The team finished off the remaining guards, and within minutes, the club was eerily silent.
Julian sighed. "Well, that was subtle."
Eleanor checked the bodies. "We need to move before reinforcements show up."
Alyssa, still staring at Dominic, finally whispered, "We need to talk."
Dominic smirked. "I know."
As sirens blared in the distance, the team vanished into the night.