Chapter Thirty Two: A Craving Just For Him.Lima had never been romantically involved with anyone before. From her early teenage years to when she attained legal age, she had looked forward to the feelings that many girls her age have fondly spoken of; butterflies in tummy, mushiness, desire, passion, but she had never felt those—until Cruz.She remembered the first time she saw him and her breathing almost stopped. It was as if a magnate was drawing her towards him— like a part of her finally found its core.Reasoning left her for a moment that day, like her brain was frozen. When she regained herself, it became a battle to function afterwards.And when she learnt he was married to the daughter of her mother's employer, her heart broke; like he had literally lured her on and then dumped her.She had always felt ashamed of how she was longing for someone who she couldn't have; someone who belonged to another.What if he had wanted her while he was still married, she knew she wouldn't

Chapter Thirty Four: A Visit to Armstrong Holdings.From the Intel gathered, the underworld at CrestForte were spooked by his last operation. The coordinated drone strike of that operation destroyed a major player in the crime world, but it also left a trail.Before the strike, the organization was infiltrated in his signature style—fund and dismantle.There was already a footprint marker established by the underworld that if any of its cells were brought down in such a manner again, it will be an indication that the secret agent whose identity was being auctioned at the darkwed some years back was still active; not neutralized as made to believe.His last operation had set off the trail alarm. A different agent was behind the infiltration, but it was his operation. An operation he had overseen from Cadbury with the agent he trained.Now, at the time his identity was almost blown, several speculations started roaming the underworld that the agency had an operative with unusual means.

Chapter Thirty-six: The Chase on the Freeway.The next thing, Lima was in view with a takeout in hand. She trotted towards him and wrapped him in a hug."Damn!" Cruz mumbled under his breath.Cruz's expression shifted to a shade of concern as his eyes roamed the perimeter."I was just about to call you... Thank you for helping my mom with the job... How did you..."Lima paused her words as her gaze finally met Cruz's. The whole time she had been nested against him, she didn't notice his concerned expression.Was he bothered by her presence or was her obvious desire for him a turnoff? Lima wondered.Was the man still hoping to reunite with his wife? And was her popping around him hampering his chances?But Lesley was already engaged to the mayor's son and in a very public way at that."C'mon, get in the car!" Cruz's voice jolted Lima from her assumptions.The words had come as an order so she acted on impulse before giving it a thought.Cruz ushered her towards a Prius and opened the

Chapter Thirty-eight: The Penthouse Suite.Cruz turned to see Lesley and Laura; his expression shifted to a frown.Lima froze.The attention of the people in the reception turned towards them.Cruz gently held Lima's hand to reassure her."It's okay... I'll handle this"Lima nodded in fright."You seem to be very bothered about someone you claim to not want anymore..." Cruz fired back."Oh yeah, I don't want your broke ass anymore...deal with that!" Lesley responded defiantly."So what is this about?""Let's say, I want to watch how you pimp your whore to the highest bidders because you cannot afford to fend for her" Lima chorused and all attention landed on Cruz."Yeah, you got that right...he is as worthless as shit!" Lesley reiterated to the curious eyes and ears.The security personnels at the exit became alert as the conversation veered towards an altercation.Whispers started to pierce the awkward silence that festered after her comment.Lima's face flushed with embarrassment, e

Chapter Forty: A Budding Romance.Her voice finally found expression."Cruz..." she began, exhaling sharply."Can you please clear my confusion... I feel like I have been in an alternate universe since the other night? First, we were being attacked at the alley ... And then, that was the last thing I remember... then we were safely in my apartment... The next thing, you got my mom a job with BlueShield Apartments, I mean, the BlueShield... Then today we were being chased on the freeway by strange people who were shooting at us or at you—I'm not sure...and suddenly the chase ended... And now, we are in a penthouse worth more than a hundred grand...How..."As Lima spoke, the calmness of her voice sent a sensation through Cruz.His proximity to her on the couch made her scent permeate his nostrils unrestrictedly, and he was starting to swoon.The hole Lesley left in his heart began to absorb Lima gradually until every space of emptiness in him was completely saturated by her.His chest r