Akane bit her lip. Several of her female coworkers had started gossiping about her, the story having spread from one person who’d seen them come in together. She was surprised Ginoza hadn’t found out, or worse, Chief Kasei. She could just imagine the storm that would ensue if they learned she’d slept with a coworker and a latent criminal, no less. Sure, she’d been drunk, but that didn’t change the fact she’d been a willing participant. Still, no matter how much the professional consequences frightened her, she had to admit part of her had loved having sex with Kougami, if her dreams from the past few nights were anything to go by.

She’d not only relived every moment, but had envisioned several other ways the encounter could have played out. One of her favorites was where she awoke in her bed with him still sleeping beside her, her head resting on his arm. Another was where, at some time during the night, he leaned down and kissed her senseless, whispering what she never thought she’d hear. No matter what she imagined, it was always  magical, perfect in every way possible.

“Akane?”

She gasped, realizing Kagari was staring at her, a faint blush on his cheeks. Had she done something embarrassing while daydreaming? She looked around, noticing they were the only ones in the room.

“Where’d everyone go?”

“Kunizuka and the old man went on a case with Gino and Ko’s got the day off,” he explained. “My shift’s just about over.”

He continued to stare at her, making her squirm.

“What is it?” she snapped uncomfortably. He smirked, showing he couldn’t believe she was really that naïve.

“You’re into Kougami,” he said bluntly. She didn’t need to answer, the sudden crimson splash on her cheeks gave him everything he needed. He leaned back, putting his hands behind his head and slowly spinning away from her. It was a minute or two before he spoke again. “He’s into you, too, just saying.”

He heard her choke, chuckling quietly when she got up and quickly left the room. Too bad; he hadn’t gotten a chance to tell her some of the rumors he’d heard. He shrugged, this was already going to be entertaining enough.

----------------------------------------

Kougami had forgotten what it was to feel like lead after a workout. Sure, he’d been sore after his combat training sessions, but nothing like this. He’d rarely touched weights since high school, but for some reason killing a bag or an android hadn’t been satisfying enough. After he’d finished the usual, he’d found himself longing for the clang of machines, the sound of metal plates knocking against each other.

He’d started with squats, easing his way back to his limit of two hundred thirty. He’d have to work on that, now that he thought about it. Next had been lats, then shoulders and finally, the bench press, one of his personal favorites. Sure, he’d managed to smash a couple fingers putting the plates on, but he’d set a personal best of two hundred twenty-five. He’d just finished when Akane came in, looking lost. He grabbed his towel, wiping his face before standing.

“Something wrong?”

She shook her head, averting her eyes. He’d worked up quite a sweat, his skin gleaming. Of course, that just made his physique stand out all the more. She looked up when she heard splashing, seeing he’d poured a water bottle over his head. It was the first time she’d seen him with wet hair, and damn, was it hot. He slicked it back from his face, looking strangely peaceful as he did so. She licked her lips, wishing she could just run over and kiss him.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“Akane?” he cocked a brow, watching pink creep over her face. A devious plan took shape in his mind, making him laugh silently. It might just work. 

He walked slowly toward her, backing her up against the wall. He laid one hand flat above her head, the other going to her chin as he leaned over her. The twin roses on her cheeks had bloomed, her hands clasped loosely to her chest.

“You weren’t this shy a few nights ago,” he was teasing, an attractive smirk on his face. He tilted her chin back, the smirk widening into a sexy smile. “Was I too much for you?”

She cringed, barely looking at him.

“I-I was drunk,” she explained halfheartedly. She shook her head again. “I-I wasn’t thinking.”

He chuckled lightly, his hot breath tickling her ear.

“You only come around when I’m in here,” he whispered. “Is it possible you actually want me?”

She glared properly at him, about to reprimand him when his lips descended on hers. Her soft moan a second later surprised him, her hands creeping over his shoulders to run through his soaked hair. His hand was achingly slow as it smoothed over her breast, following the curve of her back to her butt. He squeezed lightly, resulting in a small gasp that made her break the kiss.

“W-We shouldn’t be doing this…” she murmured. He chuckled again, pulling her against him.

“Too late.”

His tongue brushed her lower lip, sneaking past to play gently with hers. Electricity sparked in his veins when she touched his chest, her shy fingers feather-light on his rough skin. Memories of their drunk night together flooded his brain, along with the dreams that had evolved from those memories. Whispering sweet nothings in her ear, being able to truly make her his. He wrapped his arms tightly around her, almost taking her off her feet. This must be what heaven was like, he thought, pulling away as his lungs burned for air.

She didn’t care what other people thought anymore. Kougami, the desire for his attention, his love, was all that mattered now. Her heart raced when his stormy eyes looked deeply into hers, shining with the most beautiful light. He smiled, the gentle expression making her melt.

“I want you to do something for me,” he whispered. She gazed at him, still panting from their torrid kisses.

“Anything,” she murmured eagerly. He took her face in his hands, leaning close. It was such a simple request, but one that 

would mean the world to him.

“When we’re alone, call me Shinya.”

Her lips parted slightly, then she smiled.

“Okay…Shinya.”

Neither of them noticed the ginger standing just inside the doorway, smiling mischievously.

“Mission accomplished.”