Chapter 3 The Thin Line Between Hatred and Fear

Michael's POV

The bright lights of the supermarket shined above me, casting a white glow over the neatly stocked shelves.

The scent of freshly baked bread and aroma filled the air, an odd contrast to the tension twisting inside my chest.

I pushed the shopping cart down the aisle, gripping the handle so tightly my knuckles turned white.

Ashley strolled beside me, scanning the shelves for something sweet.

She was humming softly, utterly at ease, completely unaware-or maybe just ignoring-how fucking angry I was.

I turned to her, exhaling sharply.

"I let him intimidate me" I said.

Ashley grabbed a bag of gummy bears and tossed it into the cart without looking at me.

"Mhm."

I scowled.

"Don't mhm me. You don't get it."

She finally turned to face me, her lips twitching.

"Oh, I get it." Her voice was laced with amusement, which only fueled my frustration. "Fernando caught you sneaking out of Marlo's room half-dressed, and he played with you like a cat with a mouse."

I gritted my teeth.

"That's not funny."

Ashley chuckled.

"It's a little funny."

I slammed a box of cereal into the cart harder than necessary, making a few customers glance our way.

I ignored them, my jaw tightening.

Ashley sighed, her amusement softening when she saw how tense I was.

"Look, Michael, I get it. It pisses you off that he got under your skin." She touched my arm gently, grounding me. "But you're still in the game. That's what matters."

I exhaled through my nose, forcing myself to calm down.

"I just- I hate that I was afraid of him. Even for a second."

Ashley's blue eyes searched mine, and I could see the empathy there. She was the only person who truly understood why this case meant everything to me. Why failing wasn't an option.

She lowered her voice.

"Michael, fear isn't weakness. It keeps you alive."

I looked away, staring at the rows of canned soup like they held all the answers.

"I don't want to be afraid of him."

"Then don't be," she said simply. "But don't be reckless either."

I scoffed.

"You think I'm reckless?"

Ashley crossed her arms.

"You had sex with Marlo to get a party invitation, didn't you?"

I winced.

"I had to."

She smirked.

"Uh-huh. And how was it?" she asked and I could see the amusement in her eyes.

I shot her a glare.

"Don't."

Ashley burst into laughter, attracting even more unwanted attention.

"Keep your voice down," I muttered.

She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, still grinning.

"Okay, okay. So, tell me about this party."

I sighed, shifting my weight.

"It's an exclusive gathering. Only the prominent members of Fernando's inner circle get an invite. If I can get in, I'll be one step closer to him."

Ashley's expression grew serious.

"And Marlo's tag gets you in?"

I nodded.

"Yeah. I managed to take it before Fernando showed up."

Her eyebrows lifted.

"You managed to take it? So, you weren't sure you'd get it?"

I clenched my jaw.

"It was risky."

Ashley exhaled.

"Jesus, Michael. You have to be careful."

"I am careful."

She gave me a look.

"Are you? Or is your hatred for Fernando clouding your judgment?" she asked.

That made me pause.

Ashley was the only person in the FBI who knew about my past-about what Fernando's Mafia crime family did to my sister. She was the only one I trusted with that information, and we both knew that if the Bureau ever found out, I would be taken off this case before I could blink.

I couldn't let that happen.

"I'm not losing focus," I said.

Ashley studied me for a long moment, then nodded.

"Alright. But promise me something."

I lifted a brow.

"What?"

"Don't let him see what he does to you." Her voice was softer now, filled with quiet concern. "You want to take him down? Good. Do it. But don't let him see your hate. Don't let him know he gets to you."

I swallowed hard.

"I won't."

Ashley held out her pinky.

I rolled my eyes.

"Are we twelve?"

She wiggled it like a ten year old child.

"Humor me."

Sighing, I brought my pinky to hers.

"Fine. I promise."

A satisfied smirk curled her lips.

"Good. Now, let's get out of here before you kill someone over a loaf of bread."

I snorted.

"Shut up."

She laughed, and just for a moment, some of the weight in my chest lifted.

Ashley and I walked out of the supermarket, the bags of groceries weighing down our arms.

The night air was calm, cool, a welcome relief from the heat inside.

"I'll see you later," she said as we reached her car.

I nodded.

"Yeah. Be careful" I said as I watched her begin to open the door of her car and placed the groceries inside before heading to the driver seat.

She smirked.

"Always" she replied and I could tell she was okay.

I didn't feel fine if I wasn't sure was was completely safe.

Working in the FBI meant we were prone to a lot of dangers and Ashley was the only person in my life I cared about to ensure her safety.

I watched her drive off before making my way to my own car.

My mind was still racing, replaying every second of my encounter with Fernando.

Next time, I wouldn't let him get the upper hand.

I reached into my pocket for my keys, gripping them tightly as I approached my car.

Then-

Darkness.

A big black bag was brought over my head, and before I could react, strong hands grabbed me.

I struggled to be free.

"What the-"

A sharp blow to my stomach knocked the wind out of me.

Pain exploded in my ribs as I was forced forward, my knees falling against the pavement.

I struggled, adrenaline surging through my veins, but they were too strong.

The world tilted.

My body felt heavy.

The last thing I thought before unconsciousness swallowed me whole was the name that fueled my rage.

Fernando.

And my hatred for him burned hotter than ever.