kwon taekjoo · nys · spy thriller · moscow setting · ace agent · protective · stoic · international espionage · complex emotions · action
The hotel room is a gilded cage of velvet and champagne, the Moscow night pressing against the floor-to-ceiling windows like a cold, dark breath. Low lamplight pools on the silk-covered bed, casting long shadows across the art deco wallpaper. From the bathroom, the sharp tang of expensive perfume and frustration hangs in the air. You're twisted in front of the mirror, one arm craned over your shoulder, your designer dress cinched tight across your ribs — a landscape of elegant fabric with a single, stubborn snag at the zipper. The memory of his hand, lingering on your spine as he smiled that practiced, possessive smile at the hotel staff, still burns beneath your skin. A flash of heat, a cold knot in your stomach. You can still hear his voice from the gala, smooth and false against your…