The clock on the dashboard blinked 10:26 p.m. as Katherine’s Toyota Camry glided into the Promenade Towers parking lot. The night air nipped at their cheeks as they made their way from the garage to the lobby.

  They rode the elevator to her third-floor apartment. Stepping inside, a blend of modern and cozy decor greeted them. Katherine led Kimi through the elongated living-dining area, glancing back as if deciding whether to leave him lounging while she packed.

  Kimi’s gaze roamed the space, inquisitiveness bubbling over. “Katherine, did you buy or rent this place?”

  The question lingered, inviting Katherine to share the story behind her abode. “I bought it about a year ago.”

  “You have roommates? Why?”

  “Why not?” she shrugged, a small smirk tugging at her lips. “I did some renovations, converting it from a two-bedder to a three-bedder.” Then, she added matter-of-factly, pride edging her tone, “Now, I can rent out two rooms, essentially covering my mortgage. All I pay are common charges, utilities, and taxes.”

  Kimi’s smile widened, admiration plain on his face. “You’re brilliant! Is the three-bedder setup why you picked this place?”

  “Yes and no,” she replied, grinning. “The location’s another reason: just two miles from Walter Reed. It’s ideal for medical professionals who want to live near their workplace. They’re financially stable, disciplined, and responsible people. They won’t wreck my place.”

  Kimi chuckled, amusement and smugness blending in his voice. “I’m chuffed! I managed to snag a girlfriend as smart and beautiful as you!”

  Katherine rolled her eyes and elbowed him. “Self-praise is an international disgrace!”

  “Oh, come on! I wasn’t just praising myself; I was praising us both,” he shot back, his retort blurring the lines of self-confidence and shared pride, their nonsensical banter filling the apartment.

  The lively sounds caught Carys’s attention. She cracked her door open, curiosity spreading across her face as she spotted Katherine mid-sentence. “Hey, Kate! You weren’t home last night. Were you working overtime?”

  Katherine waved her over. “Nope, just spent the night at my boyfriend’s.”

  With a quick squeeze of Kimi’s arm, she made the introductions. “Rys, this is said boyfriend, Kimi. Kimi, meet Carys. She goes by Rys, too.”

  “Hi,” they said in unison.

  Katherine’s smile softened, though a hint of seriousness shone through. “Rys, I’ll be away for a couple of months. I’m going undercover. In case of emergencies, can I share your contact with Kimi? He’s working on the case as well.”

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  Carys blinked, surprised. “Office romance? Didn’t you say it’s prohibited?”

  Katherine snorted, dismissing her misunderstanding. “It’s not like that! Kimi is the brother of one of the victims. He’s an attorney, lending legal support.”

  Understanding dawned, and Carys shot her a wink. “Got it. My bad!”

  As the words settled, something clicked in Katherine’s memory. “By the way, do you know Colonel Seven?”

  Carys froze. “If it’s THE Colonel Seven with the Special Forces and trauma specialist at Walter Reed—I’ve heard of him. He’s a legend.”

  Katherine schooled her expression. “Yup, that’s him.”

  Carys’s jaw dropped. “Wait, how do you know him? He’s… I heard he’s a hunk. Only 27 and already a colonel. Rumors say he’s single, practically every girl’s wet dream!”

  A chuckle escaped Katherine. “Calm down, girl! Didn’t know my brother’s such a hot commodity.”

  Carys’s eyeballs nearly popped out of their sockets. “Your brother? Colonel Seven is your brother?”

  “Mmhmm,” Katherine hummed, her response casual yet quietly proud.

  The revelation fueled Carys’s impulse as she fired away. “How long have we known each other? Why haven’t you mentioned him before? Is he really single? You’ve been holding out on your bestie!”

  Before Katherine could respond, Kimi leaned forward, cutting her off. “Carys, he’s already spoken for. My sister’s got him on lock.”

  His eyes flashed with a territorial glint, sharp and unyielding. He’d caught the unspoken chemistry between Sana and Seven. As far as he was concerned, Seven was off-limits. He wasn’t about to let anyone meddle with the bond blossoming between his sister and the only man he’d ever deem worthy of her.

  Carys’s face fell, her enthusiasm deflating like a punctured balloon. “Oh, I see... Well, forget that I asked. I’ll be the bearer of bad news and let all the girls know he’s taken; burst all their pink, heart-shaped bubbles.”

  Katherine laughed at her exaggerated disenchantment. “Are there really no other cute guys at Walter Reed?”

  Carys sighed, feigning despair. “How would I know? I’m an OB-GYN! The only men I meet are my patients’ husbands!”

  Katherine shook her head, sympathy softening her gaze. “Alright, alright… I’ve met a few highly eligible bachelors recently. Let’s get together when I have time, and I’ll introduce you.” Her words carried a promise wrapped in camaraderie and affection.

  Carys brightened instantly. “Bae! It’s not just me; the entire Jones family is counting on you to find me a hubster!”

  Katherine hummed, pulling her coquettish bestie in for a quick hug. “Chill, I’ll work on it. It’s getting late; I gotta pack and bounce.”

  Carys inclined her head. “Stay safe, alright? And yeah, share my number with Kimi. Hit me up when you can.” She waved and returned to her room.

  Katherine walked to her room, only to find Kimi slipping in behind her and shutting the door. The possessive gleam in his eyes was unmistakable as he pinned her lightly against the wall, his words spat through gritted teeth. “So… you recently got to know a few highly eligible bachelors, huh?”

  Katherine raised an eyebrow, looking a tad defiant. “Yep. Got a problem with that?”

  His gaze sharpened with mock severity as he warned, “Stay away from them. And keep that ring on. I don’t want anyone getting ideas they shouldn’t.”

  She scoffed. “So maybe I shouldn’t stay at your place? I was planning to introduce Rys to your brothers.”

  “Phew!” he laughed, relief washing over his handsome features. “You meant my bros! They know better than to mess with my girl.”

  Katherine couldn’t help but chuckle, and just like that, the tension between them melted away.