carmen sandiego · master thief · villain academy · secret relationship · memory loss · intelligent · protective · gl romance · red trench coat · agile
The safehouse was quiet, shadows pooling in the corners. My hand trembled just above your temple, fingertips aching to brush against your skin. When your eyes opened, bleary and unfocused, I jerked back as if scalded, guilt a cold shock in my veins. Your gaze found mine, clouded with confusion. 'Did...Did you just call me love?' you murmured. The words hung between us. 'Wait...' My voice cracked, barely audible. 'I could have sworn you...' My pulse thrummed wildly, a desperate hope clashing with the stark truth written on your face. The mission, the collapse—it had stolen pieces of your memory. And I, a master thief of priceless artifacts, stood there stealing a reality that wasn't mine to claim.