The tension between them had been a constant undercurrent, but that night it felt different.

After dinner, the usual ease and banter were replaced with a strange quietness. Winter noticed it in Karina's glances, the way her fingers toyed with the edge of her shirt, and the fleeting moments where she seemed lost in thought.

Winter couldn't bring herself to break the silence. Her own thoughts were tangled in knots, a swirling storm of guilt, fear, and something far more dangerous-attachment.

As they prepared to sleep, the atmosphere grew heavier. Karina lay on her side, her back turned to Winter, who found herself staring at the faint outline of Karina's shoulder in the dim light.

"Trying to sleep?" Winter muttered, unable to help herself.

Karina didn't answer immediately. Instead, she turned her head, meeting Winter's eyes with an expression that made her heart skip a beat.

"Yes," she said simply, her voice soft, almost hesitant. Then, as if proving her point, she shifted onto her side, closing her eyes.

Winter huffed and flopped back onto her pillow, trying not to feel unnerved by Karina's sudden change in demeanor. She shut her eyes and willed herself to sleep, but it was impossible. The bed felt smaller than it should, every movement from Karina magnified as if it were meant to tease her.

After what felt like hours but was probably only minutes, Winter groaned softly and turned over again. "If you don't stop moving around, I swear-"

She froze mid-sentence. Karina was already facing her, eyes wide and dark, as if she'd been waiting for this moment. Before Winter could say another word, Karina leaned forward, her lips brushing against Winter's in a soft, deliberate kiss.

For a second, Winter froze. Karina's lips were soft, warm, and unhurried, lingering with a tenderness that made Winter's heart stutter. Then, Karina's teeth grazed her lower lip, a teasing bite that sent a jolt through Winter's system. A low groan escaped her, and as if on instinct, she kissed back, her hand finding Karina's arm and holding on.

Karina didn't hesitate. She rolled on top of Winter, her knees on either side of her hips, her hands bracketing Winter's head as she deepened the kiss.

Winter was lost in the sensation. Karina tasted faintly sweet, and her citrus-scented shampoo filled the space between them. Winter's fingers curled into the sheets as Karina's tongue brushed against hers, teasing and slow, igniting something in her she couldn't suppress.

Karina tilted her head, changing the angle, a soft sigh escaping her lips as their kiss grew hungrier. Winter matched her pace, her body arching slightly as warmth bloomed deep in her chest.

Karina's hands moved, pinning Winter's wrists gently against the mattress. Winter didn't resist-couldn't resist. She was caught, captivated by the weight of Karina's body against hers, the press of her lips, the way her touch sent shivers down her spine.

Finally, Karina pulled back, panting softly. Her forehead rested against Winter's, their breaths mingling in the charged space between them.

Winter stared up at her, her chest heaving. Karina's face was flushed, her lips swollen, and her dark eyes burned with a mixture of desire and uncertainty.

"I'm sorry," Karina whispered, her voice shaky. She slowly released Winter's wrists, climbing off of her clumsily. She sat at the edge of the bed, avoiding Winter's gaze as she fidgeted with her shirt. "I... I couldn't help it. I just..."

Winter pushed herself up on her elbows, watching her. A small, teasing smile tugged at her lips. "It's fine," she said softly. "Honestly... I might feel it too."

Karina's head snapped up, her surprise quickly melting into a smug grin. "Of course you do. I mean, who wouldn't? Look at me. I'm perfect."

Winter raised an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth twitching. "Sure, Karina. Whatever you say."

Karina's grin faltered, her nose scrunching in annoyance. "You're so annoying." She turned away, scooting to the far side of the bed.

Winter's smile widened. She leaned forward, grabbed Karina by the waist, and tugged her back against her chest in one swift motion. "Gotcha," she whispered, wrapping her arms around Karina in a bear-like hug.

"Winter!" Karina yelped, her voice a mix of indignation and surprise. She squirmed in Winter's grasp, her attempts to escape only making the hug tighter. "Let me go!"

"Nope." Winter tightened her hold, snuggling closer until her chin rested against Karina's shoulder, her breath warm against Karina's neck. "You're stuck with me now."

Karina wriggled again, her complaints growing more half-hearted. "Ugh, you're so annoying," she grumbled, though her cheeks were still blazing red. "I'm serious-let go."

Winter hummed, her lips quirking into a playful smile as she nuzzled into the crook of Karina's neck. "Are you sure?" she asked softly, her voice dipping into something almost teasing. "Do you really want me to let you go?"

Karina froze, her body going perfectly still as Winter's question hung in the air. After a long pause, she muttered, barely audible, "No."

Winter chuckled, the sound low and warm. "Good girl," she said, her voice carrying just enough authority to make Karina's ears turn red.

Winter chuckled, pressing a soft kiss to Karina's temple. "Now, sleep."

Karina let out a small sound of frustration but didn't move. Winter smiled against her hair, her own heart slowing as the tension ebbed.

Winter smiled against her shoulder, her own heart finally calming as the tension melted into something softer, something undeniably theirs.

-

The morning came softly, sunlight filtering through the curtains. Winter blinked awake, her senses stirring to the quiet warmth of the room. She turned her head, her gaze landing on Karina.

She was still asleep, her features peaceful and her dark hair spilling over the pillow. For a moment, Winter let herself stare. There was something achingly beautiful about the way Karina looked, her guard down and her breath slow and even.

A strange warmth bloomed in Winter's chest, bittersweet and fleeting. She wanted to hold onto this moment, to pretend that nothing else mattered.

Then, her phone buzzed.

The sound jolted her, and she grabbed it quickly, slipping out of bed so as not to wake Karina. She padded into the living room, her heart sinking as she glanced at the screen. Agent Owl's number.

She hesitated, her finger hovering over the screen before she answered in a low voice. "What?"

"Only just waking up?" The voice on the other end wasn't Agent Owl. It tone, was casual, almost amused.

Winter's heart dropped. "Agent Parrot?" she asked, suspicion lacing her tone.

"Bingo. Morning, Winter. It's time to deliver."

Her stomach twisted. "What? Why now?"

"It's day seven," Parrot said breezily. "You know the drill. Morning's the best time for a quiet exchange. I'm sending you the location now."

"No," Winter snapped, her voice rising. "That's not what we agreed-"

"Relax," Parrot cut her off, mockery palpable. "What's the problem? Don't tell me you've gone soft. You were the one so eager to get this over with, remember? Or maybe... decided to keep her? Wouldn't blame you, though. She's a looker."

Winter's breath caught, her hand tightening around the phone. She opened her mouth to argue, but the words wouldn't come.

Parrot's chuckle grated in her ears. "Thought so. Don't stall, Winter. You've already been paid half. Bring her in, and don't make us come get her ourselves."

The line went dead.

Winter stared at the phone, her heart pounding. Her chest felt like it was caving in, and the room seemed to close around her. She turned, her gaze falling on the closed bedroom door.

The fragile bubble she and Karina had built had finally burst.