The team regrouped in a dimly lit safe house just outside Budapest. The air was thick with tension as they processed their latest victory. Viktor Sokolov, Volkov's last remaining ally, was dead. But there was no time to celebrate. They still had to take down the man behind it all.
Dominic sat at the head of the table, his jaw tight as he cleaned his gun. Alyssa paced near the window, arms crossed, deep in thought. Marcus, Eleanor, and Julian were spread out, tending to minor injuries and reviewing intel.
Eleanor spoke first. "With Sokolov dead, Volkov has no one left to supply him with weapons. That means he's vulnerable."
Julian nodded. "Yeah, but he won't just roll over. He's going to come at us hard."
Alyssa finally turned to Dominic. "We need to end this. No more waiting. No more reacting. We take the fight to him."
Dominic's eyes met hers. "Agreed."
Marcus leaned forward. "We know Volkov's holed up somewhere in Romania. Our best bet is to hit him before he regroups."
Eleanor pulled up the latest satellite images on her laptop. "I think I found his base. An abandoned mansion outside of Bucharest. He's using it as a stronghold."
Julian smirked. "So, what's the plan? Knock on the door and ask nicely?"
Dominic loaded his pistol. "Something like that."
The safe house had gone quiet, each team member preparing in their own way. Marcus double-checked explosives. Eleanor ran final surveillance. Julian cleaned his weapons.
Alyssa, however, found herself drawn to the balcony, where Dominic stood, staring out at the city lights.
She stepped beside him. "You're brooding."
Dominic chuckled. "I'm thinking."
"About?"
He hesitated before saying, "What happens after."
Alyssa's heart skipped a beat. "After we take down Volkov?"
Dominic nodded. "For so long, I've been focused on revenge. On winning. I don't know what comes next."
She placed a hand on his arm. "Then let's figure it out together."
Dominic turned to face her fully. The way the moonlight caught her features made his breath hitch. "Alyssa…"
She didn't let him finish. She pulled him in, pressing her lips to his in a kiss that was filled with every unspoken word, every near-death moment, and every stolen glance they had shared.
Dominic's hands found her waist, pulling her closer. The world, the mission, Volkov none of it mattered in that moment.
When they finally pulled apart, Dominic rested his forehead against hers. "No matter what happens tomorrow, know this, I love you."
Alyssa swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. "Then make sure we both survive this."
Dominic smirked. "I intend to."
The team moved under the cover of darkness, approaching Volkov's mansion with military precision.
Marcus set up explosives along the perimeter. Julian and Eleanor took sniper positions. Alyssa and Dominic moved in through the side entrance.
The mission was simple kill Volkov.
The moment they breached the mansion, all hell broke loose. Gunfire erupted from every direction. Volkov's men were prepared, but so were they.
Alyssa moved like a shadow, taking out enemies with brutal efficiency. Dominic fought beside her, every movement precise and deadly.
They pushed forward, clearing room after room, until they reached the grand hall.
Volkov stood there, waiting, a smug smile on his face.
Dominic raised his gun. "It's over, Volkov."
Volkov laughed. "You think so?"
He snapped his fingers. Suddenly, armed guards flooded the room.
Alyssa and Dominic went back-to-back, outnumbered but not outmatched.
Volkov smirked. "Let's see if your love survives this."
Dominic's grip tightened on his gun. "Let's finish this."