The Princess Of The Field Office.

                                        

                                              
CHAPTER: 24
*
Angel.
I'm a fucking fool.
There was no way to sugarcoat it. No way to twist the logic that would make it make sense.
I let him in again, even though I knew better. But the second his mouth wrapped around my dick, I gave in like some rookie drunk on his first taste of lust.
And now, he's gone again—nameless, faceless, and still out of reach.
I should've cuffed him the second he said Little Falco but instead, I let him wreck me.
I slammed my car door harder than necessary and crossed the street to Starbucks, because I couldn't stand the idea of another cup of that break room mud they called coffee. 
I needed something stronger, something to trick my brain into feeling awake even though my body was already running on empty.
The barista gave me a smile but I didn't return it. I ordered black coffee, no sugar, no cream, and waited by the counter as if I was waiting for my sins to catch up to me.
Well, news flash: they already have.
By the time I walked into the Bureau and swiped my badge, my mood was already circling down the drain. 
But what I saw next was enough to shove my patience off a cliff.
Dan Flair was sitting behind my desk. My fucking desk.
My step faltered, and for a full three seconds, my brain flatlined. He had his legs kicked up like he owned the place.
Wasn't he suspended yesterday? What the hell is he doing back? Did Cyrus suddenly decide suspension was optional?
He noticed me and flashed a smirk that made my jaw twitch in annoyance.
"Well, well," he drawled as he walked up to me. "If it isn't the princess of the field office. Miss me?"
I walked past him without a word, set my coffee and keys down on the edge of the desk, and sat in my chair. 
He followed me, leaving against my desk and I barely held back the urge to throttle him.
Dan let out a mock sigh and spoke again.
"I'd love to be back on the case, you know. Maybe you could talk to Daddy Cyrus for me. You know, make him see reason. That would really make me happy."
I stared at him for a beat, then I scoffed.
"You want back on the case?" I asked, with a deceptively calm voice. "Go see Cyrus and talk to him yourself. But given your track record, I think you'd make a better receptionist than an agent. You clearly don't have the qualifications for the field."
His smile faltered, and I saw the anger in his eyes. But I didn't stop.
"I've got better things to do than babysit your fragile ego today, Dan. So why don't you run along before I file a harassment report and make sure your desk gets relocated permanently?"
He stood straight abruptly. "You think you're untouchable?"
I raised a brow. "No. I just think I'm better than you."
Dan leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a hiss. 
"I wonder what Cyrus would think if he found out what you were doing the night of the masked ball. You think the Bureau will keep you once they get wind of your extracurricular activities when on a mission?"
Ah. So we're back to blackmail.
I let out a quiet laugh and sipped my coffee before replying. 
"Do what you want, Dan. I'm done playing your game."
Because I really was. I was tired of feeling like I was tiptoeing around this agency, of trying to please a spoiled brat that didn't even know what he wanted, all because of one mistake. 
If it meant a few weeks of suspension and some reprimands, so be it. I'd rather be dragged down on my own terms than to be dragged along by cowards like Dan.
He stormed out and for the first time all morning, I actually felt something close to relief.
Now the only thing I needed to deal with was the Mendez case. 
And also, if only my dick would stop twitching every time I remembered his voice whispering mine, then maybe all would be well in my world.
***
Just as I was beginning to enjoy the calm after Dan's storm, Carla's voice came through my earpiece, soft but clipped.
"Agent Di Cartina, Director Cyrus would like to see you in his office."
And just like that, my stomach dropped. The timing couldn't be worse. 
I took my time finishing the rest of my coffee, but the bitterness tasted a lot more like regret than caffeine. 
Cyrus looked up the moment I knocked and stepped inside. His face was unreadable but tight, as if he was barely holding onto his temper.
Great.
I shut the door behind me and sat down with my spine straight, despite the tension pressing down on my shoulders.
If this was about Dan's little threat, then fine. Let it be. 
If they took me off the case, at least I'd finally have time to dig into the one person I couldn't stop thinking about. Mask. Whoever he really was.
Cyrus didn't speak immediately. He just sat, staring at me like he was trying to determine something as he tapped a pen slowly against the desk.
Finally, he spoke.  
"How far have you gone in the Judge Mendez investigation?"
I blinked. That wasn't what I expected, but I guess he was trying to ease us both into the terrifying conversation.
"I've made progress," I said. 
"The witness—Judge Mendez's housekeeper—provided a small but useful description. Said the suspect was wearing a hoodie with a snake or dragon on the back."
I paused for effect.
"I'm currently cross-referencing that with local gang intel. I've also requested surveillance footage from two streets down, and forensics should be coming in today. We might have something solid soon."
Cyrus nodded, his brows tight as if he was ruminating over my words, but I could tell that his mind was far away. 
"Good. You've done a great job so far, but that's not the reason I called you here."
There it was. The moment I knew was coming, but still dreaded.
My jaw clenched slightly, but I said nothing as I braced for what came next.
He leaned forward, clasping his hands together on the desk. "As you've probably noticed, Dan Flair is back."
I nodded.
Cyrus exhaled. "He came to me this morning with a very disturbing statement. One I'd need your help clarifying."
And just like that, the floor tilted slightly beneath me and I bounced my feet nervously.
My heart thudded loud and thick before settling back into a steady beat. I didn't ask what the statement was, because I already knew what he was going to say.
He was going to bring up the masked ball, the footage of me kissing a masked man outside and us driving away from the venue.
Even though I knew all these, I still met Cyrus' eyes with a curious look and said, "I'm listening."