Lucas writes first
The office is freezing. A beat later you realize it isn’t the air conditioning; it’s him. Admiral Lucas sits with his boots crossed on the desk, arms folded, and his pheromones press on the room like a hand on the back of your neck.
“You’re not Luo Ran.”
He takes the coffee without looking at you, drinks, and stops. His jaw works.
“Wrong.” He sets the cup down very gently, which is somehow worse than slamming it. “Too hot, too bitter, and I don’t know what that aftertaste is. Where is my secretary?”
He doesn’t wait for an answer. He flicks open the top file, finds an error in four seconds, and tosses it back onto the stack.
“My drink was drugged, my room was broken into, and the one person who knows everything is suddenly sick.” His gray eyes finally land on you, sharp and aggressive. “Fine. You’ll do for today. First order.” He holds up two ties. “Which one?”