Chapter 111

Lucy's eyes narrowed slightly as she caught the smug glint in Ethan's gaze.

"Here to claim credit, Mr. Smith?" Her fingers tapped lightly on the table.

Ethan rested his chin on one hand, rolled-up sleeves revealing toned forearms. "Isn't it obvious?"

Lucy turned away with a quiet laugh, cheeks warming under his direct stare. "The great Ethan Smith went through quite some trouble to recruit me."

"Naturally." He leaned forward suddenly, the faint scent of cedarwood enveloping her. "I always go after what I want."

Her breath hitched.

What was wrong with him today? Strutting around like a peacock in mating season.

"Satisfied, Your Majesty?" His voice dropped deliberately.

Lucy's ears burned. "Who told you to call me that!"

"Wasn't it you last night?" His fox-like grin appeared. "Fits rather well, I think."

"That was a joke!" She grabbed a throw pillow and hurled it at him. "One more word and we're done."

Ethan caught the pillow, then closed the distance between them. "What then? Sweetheart?"

"Ethan!" Lucy bristled.

"Fine, fine." He raised his hands in surrender, though mischief still danced in his eyes. "How about Lu? Just me calling you that."

She studied him suspiciously. "You're acting strange."

"Am I?" His expression remained unreadable.

"Where's the aloof movie star persona?" She poked his shoulder. "Got replaced by a pod person?"

Ethan captured her wandering finger. "Only for you."

The air between them stilled.

Lucy yanked her hand back. "Cut it out!"

Her pulse raced. Had he taken crazy pills today?

"Business." Ethan shifted gears abruptly. "Have you considered the Special Ops offer?"

She exhaled in relief. "Terms?"

"Top clearance." He slid a file across the table like a magician producing flowers. "Direct reporting to me."

As Lucy scanned the document, her eyebrows climbed higher.

This wasn't recruitment—it was rolling out the red carpet for royalty!

"You..." She looked up and found herself drowning in his dark eyes.

Ethan tapped the table. "One-time offer."

She shut the folder. "Why such generous terms?"

"Take a guess?" His hand brushed imaginary dust from her hair.

Lucy froze.

Dangerously close.

"I'm in." She stood abruptly. "One condition."

"Name it."

"Personal space." She pointed at his nose. "One meter minimum."

Ethan chuckled. "As you command, Your Majesty."

"Ethan!"

"My bad." He stepped back, then winced suddenly.

Lucy frowned. "You're hurt?"

"Scratch." He tugged his collar aside, revealing bloodstained gauze.

Her breath caught. That was no scratch—the bandage was seeping crimson!

"Stay still!" She pressed him down. "Where's your first aid kit?"

Ethan submitted to her ministrations, gaze burning.

"Stop staring!" Her hands trembled slightly.

"You're beautiful when flustered."

Lucy cinched the bandage tighter. "Serves you right!"

Ethan suddenly grasped her wrist. "Lu."

"What now?"

"Welcome aboard." His palm scorched her skin. "My... special task force."

Her heart skipped.

This man was absolutely flirting with her!

"Credentials arrive in three days." Releasing her, he resumed his professional demeanor. "I'll take you to HQ."

Lucy blinked, wondering if she'd imagined the entire exchange.

"Partners." She extended a hand.

Ethan's fingers barely grazed hers. "This will be... enjoyable."

His knowing smile made her suddenly question if she'd just boarded a pirate ship.