Trying to come closer

Hazel's eyelids fluttered open slowly, consciousness seeping back into her. The familiar surroundings confirmed her location, and the hand firmly grasping her waist belonged to none other than Francisco.

Last night, he had slept with her.

Hazel took a moment to steady her breath, aware that her first task was to extricate herself from his lingering touch.

She could feel his hot breath against her bare neck, a sensation that both intrigued and unnerved her.

'Hot, steady breath!'

She observed quietly, the realization dawning on her.

'It seems as if his breaths are calculative.'

The notion that Francisco's breaths were measured and purposeful stirred a peculiar blend of curiosity.

She pressed her lips together, contemplating the implications of the intimate proximity.

Determined to disentangle herself from his embrace, Hazel slowly moved his hand, mindful not to disturb his slumber. The way he held her suggested a protective embrace, as if fearing she might attempt to escape.

Hazel gingerly touched her toe to the floor, attempting to navigate the room without disturbing Francisco's apparent slumber.

As she glanced around, her eyes settled on the table, adorned with the crucial papers detailing Francisco's plans.

Quietly making her way to the table, Hazel couldn't help but marvel at the significance of the documents before her. The meticulous markings on the paper revealed the intricacies of Francisco's next dealing spots, each location holding its own secrets.

'Georgia.'

'Maine.'

'Texas.'

These three places stood out prominently, marked by Francisco for reasons Hazel needed to unravel. The gravity of the information began to sink in as she delicately traced the lines on the paper.

Hazel bent down to study the documents more closely.

Unbeknownst to Hazel, Francisco's eyes were fixed on her as she bent down before the table, seemingly engrossed in studying the marked papers. His gaze, moving from her toe to her lips, betrayed a mix of fascination and internal conflict.

'Who are you?'

Francisco questioned in the silence of his thoughts.

'I don't like the way you are controlling me.'

'I hate this feeling.'

'I hate it when you leave my gaze.'

'I hate it when you don't talk.'

'I hate it when you don't smile at me, just like you smiled at Rafael.'

'I hate it when I feel I can't make you my prisoner.'

At an abrupt moment, Francisco's internal musings were interrupted as he uttered Hazel's full name, breaking the silence that enveloped the room.

'Hazel Somerset.'

With a fluid motion, Francisco sat up on the bed, his first order of business being to light a cigarette. Exhaling a puff of smoke, he spoke with his characteristic, tempting voice, his gaze locking onto Hazel.

"What are you doing, Hazel?"

Hazel's eyes widened so that Francisco could not catch her, so she started tidying the scattered papers. In an attempt to explain herself, she spoke hastily, "Sorry, Mr. Francisco. Those papers were everywhere untidy, so I thought about fixing it."

Efficiently arranging the documents on the edge of the table, Hazel composed herself. Turning back to Francisco, their eyes met, and she quickly bowed her head, expressing her gratitude.

"Thank you for everything," she added sincerely.

"As a PA, I will take care of everything because you are helping me. And let me stay here in your mansion," Hazel continued, her voice measured and respectful.

"So, I thought I would take care of your health and food. I will take it as compensation."

Francisco, known for his enigmatic expressions, couldn't help but smirk at Hazel's earnest declaration.

"That's all?" he questioned, his tone holding a hint of amusement.

Hazel nodded, keeping her gaze lowered.

A sudden sharp laughter emanated from Francisco, filling the room with an unexpected vibrancy.

"So how are you going to take care of me?" he inquired, his voice laced with a challenge.

Hazel looked up at Francisco, his piercing blue eyes sparking like marble in the sunlight. As she took a deep breath, a resolve settled within her.

'I will do it.'

Hazel stepped forward, her gaze locked with his. Bending down on the bed, their eyes maintained a steady connection. Intentionally closing the distance between them, Hazel reached for the cigarette dangling from Francisco's lips. His blue eyes remained fixed on her, captivated.

With a deliberate touch, Hazel took the cigarette from his lips, her fingers brushing against them. A curious silence enveloped them, and Francisco offered no resistance, allowing Hazel to take the bold step.

Holding the cigarette between her fingers, Hazel spoke without breaking eye contact.

"It's bad for your health."

With a purposeful gesture, she discarded the cigarette into the ashtray.

"It's my habit," Francisco spoke abruptly.

"Sometimes, we need to change our habits for our own good, Mr. Francisco," Hazel replied calmly, her words carrying a subtle implication.

With those parting words, she rose to her feet, a sense of determination radiating from her.

'I don't know how much more I can do this.'

'I just want to finish this mission as soon as possible.'

Hazel swiftly exited the room as the door was unlocked with Francisco's voice. Left alone, Francisco closed his eyes, leaning against the bed cupboard.

'Do you even know what you have done?'

'Are you testing me, Hazel?'

'No one dares approach me first, but why is it always you? Why do you always come first to approach me?'

Hazel locked the door behind her as she entered Diana's room, a sense of urgency enveloping her. Deep breaths steadied her nerves; it was time to send the crucial message to the higher authorities. The waiting agents seek any clues or hints that could aid their mission.

From her small purse, Hazel retrieved a compact transmitter, a tool for clandestine communication that she always carried with her. It was a lifeline to her network, a means of sharing critical information with the agents waiting on the other side.

Stepping into the washroom, Hazel connected the transmitter to a wireless communication microphone, adapting it for the covert task at hand. The seconds ticked away as she prepared to transmit the crucial information.

With determination in her eyes, she uttered only three words onto the device, "Georgia, Maine, Texas."

The names of the marked locations held the key to dismantling Francisco's next dealing spots.

As soon as the message was conveyed, Hazel swiftly disconnected the transmitter. Aware of the need for secrecy, she disposed of the device by tossing it into the commode. Without hesitation, she flushed it away, erasing any trace of covert communication.

Hazel stared at the water as it carried away the evidence, a silent prayer echoing in her thoughts.

"Rafael, I hope you will stop the dealing."

The weight of the mission rested on Hazel's shoulders, and she could only hope that the transmitted information would aid in bringing an end to the illicit activities she was tasked with uncovering.