Rogue agents 1: The prima ballerina

Trust issues

*Sebastian*

I chase after Karolina, my heart pounding as I watch her sprint into the night. Just as I'm about to call out again, I see Ryan step into her path, grab her around the waist and pull her in close.

First I am relieved, but then confusion floods my mind.

“How the hell did you get outside?” I ask Ryan, eyeing him closely. He looks slightly rumpled and somewhat dirty, like he has just been through a storm.

Ryan smirks, though there’s a hint of exasperation in his expression, nodding upwards. “She pushed me out the window, the little hellion.”

I can’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it. “Seriously? You let her do that?”

“Not my best moment,” he admits, running a hand through his hair holding on to Karolina with the other, her face showing both defiance and frustration. “But she was determined.”

I take a step closer, trying to gauge her reaction. “Karolina, you can’t just run off like this. We are trying to protect you here, not harm you.”

She shakes her head, still trying to pull away from Ryan’s grip. “I’m not staying here to be told what to do. I do not trust any of you.”

“Then what’s your plan? Just to run into the night?” I challenge, hoping to make her see how reckless this is.

Ryan holds her a little tighter, but there’s a gentleness in his demeanor now. “You are not in danger here, not from us and not here at the chateau, but you can’t just leave, there are people out there who are very much dangerous to you.”

Karolina’s gaze shifts between us, uncertainty creeping in. I can tell she’s unsure what to believe right now. “I’m not going to be a pawn in this,” she finally says, her voice firm. “I just want to go home.”

“None of us want you to be that,” I reply. “We’re all trying to figure this out, but you need to trust that we’re on your side.”

She hesitates, her eyes searching mine for a moment. I just hope she realizes that running away won’t solve anything.

*Karolina*

I’m caught between Ryan’s hold and my own racing thoughts, trying to ignore the warmth radiating from his hard body. How did I end up so close to him again? It’s infuriating. It is like he is some kind off weird magnet and I constantly end up in it’s pull or something.

I glance at Sebastian, who stands a few steps away, his expression earnest. He’s always been kind to me, and I have always felt safe with him there. But that doesn’t make it any easier to trust either of them. My instincts scream for me to break free, yet deep down, I know I have nowhere to go.

“I just want to go home,” I mutter, the weight of my words heavy in the night air. The truth is, I don’t even know where home is anymore.

Ryan’s grip tightens slightly, but there’s a gentleness there that I can’t ignore. “I get that sweetheart, but right now it is just not possible.”

“Just promise you won’t run,” Sebastian says, his voice steady. “It will be much more comfortable for you if we can trust you not to.”

I take a deep breath, the fight leaving me for a moment. “Okay. I promise,” I finally say, surprising myself with the admission.

“Good,” Sebastian replies, relief washing over his face. “Let’s get inside, then. Holly has been cooking up some dinner, and I think we could all use that right now.”

As Ryan releases me, I step back, creating a small space between us. I can’t shake the feeling of his presence lingering, but I focus on Sebastian instead. I nod, not entirely sure what to expect, but knowing I can’t stay out here forever.

When I turn to walk toward the door, I feel Ryan’s hand rest gently on my lower back, guiding me forward. It’s an unexpected touch, one that sends a mix of irritation and warmth through me. Why does he have to be so close? It unsettles me.

When we step inside, the aroma of food hits me like a wave. “Just in time! Dinner is ready!” Holly calls out from the kitchen. I’m relieved to hear her voice all relaxed and friendly… It's a welcome change from the tension outside.

She sets a steaming plate of pasta on the table, and I wonder if I am even capable of eating anything. I sit down, and Ryan takes the seat beside me, much too close for comfort. I can’t help but shoot him a sideways glance. “Do you need to be in my private space?” I ask, trying to keep my tone light, though there’s a hint of annoyance in my voice.

He grins, that infuriating smirk spreading across his face. “You have to forgive me, but I don’t exactly trust you either. You know after hitting me, throwing me under the bus and pushing me out the window.”

I roll my eyes but can’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. “Fair enough.”

As I dig into the pasta, a wave of hunger washes over me. The first bite is heavenly, and I realize how famished I’ve been. I start to really dig in, savoring every mouthful.

Ryan gets up to grab a bottle of wine from a rack on the wall, and my heart races a bit at the thought of alcohol. He pours a glass for each of them, then one for me, handing it over with a casual smile. “Here you go. A little something to help you relax.”

I hesitate for a moment, unsure. I’ve never had any alcohol before, my father wouldn’t let me, but the warmth in his gaze is inviting. I take the glass from him and bring it to my lips, letting the rich liquid flow over my tongue. It’s sharp but smooth, and I can feel the warmth spread through me almost immediately.

“Not bad, right?” Ryan asks, watching me with a keen eye.

“Actually, it’s nice,” I admit, surprised at how much I enjoy it. The warmth settles in my chest, making me feel a little bolder, a little more at ease.

“Just don’t drink too much,” he warns, though his tone is playful. “We do not want you all knackered.”

I nod, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease slightly as I take another sip. At least I am pretty sure by now that they are not going to hurt me.