TONY

My hair was wet because I had just gotten out of the shower. It was early morning, and my mother was away, doing something for her "husband". The air was a perfect temperature of 70, and I couldn't wait to get out of the house to enjoy it.

I made myself a bowl of cereal and didn't even get to enjoy it. Someone knocked on my apartment door and interrupted my morning festivities.

I took one glance through the peephole, and my heart sunk into what seemed like oblivion. My nerves sang as my mind told me to get the hell out of the place.

The man I stole from a few days previously had found me—the black one with the goatee. He seemed nice when I bumped into him, but the expression on his face I spied through the peephole was not at all radiating kindness.

Standing beside him was another guy, just a few years older than me perhaps. He had thick, wavy brown hair and gray eyes that stared into the peephole and into my soul.

"Antonio Gomez." The older man's voice boomed through the door. "Open up. We just want to talk."

I did the first thing I thought of and sprinted in the opposite direction. I headed straight for the living room's window, making a quick exit there. Outside, I found myself supported by a set of emergency stairs.

Before my shoeless foot even grazed the first step, a loud bang reverberated from my apartment. I automatically put two and two together and knew that the two men broke down my door.

My mind was spinning as I thundered down the stairs. They had to be cops or the ICE or someone. They were going to take me back to Mexico. I couldn't have that happening. I couldn't go back.

I ran like my life depended on it. I made it all the way to the alleyway and headed for the streets. My heart was slamming against my rib cage, somehow thumping quicker than the pace of my footsteps.

I didn't stop when I got to the street. I ran right through traffic, miraculously making it to the other side of the road unharmed.

I didn't glance back. I surged into an alleyway, out of it, and turned on the next block to change direction. My legs were moving so fast I thought they would fall off.

My breathing was heavy and irregular as my bare feet smacked the dirty ground. I tried not to slow down, but the soles of my feet ached, so without looking back I swerved into a crowded restaurant.

I looked way out of place in my green, Mexican football jersey and sweat pants. My filthy feet didn't help my image, either, so as I gazed around the bustling place and noticed more than a few tables staring, I hurriedly made my way to the back.

I entered the buzzing kitchen, dodged people in aprons and chef hats, and exited in under a minute.

The back door swung open and banged against the brick wall of the building. I cringed and went to shut it, but before I had time to, a click sound made me freeze in place.

Someone just cocked their gun.

I didn't doubt that the gun was aimed at me.

My gut clenched, my heart seizing.

I exhaled slowly and lifted my arms up. Turning, I was greeted with the annoyed look of the guy with the gray eyes. In his gaze, though, I saw something more. Amusement, perhaps. Or impressment.

"Don't you dare think about taking off again or I'll shoot you in the foot." The boy said as he took a step closer and tilted his head.

I remained still, my insides churning. "I did nothing wrong. I swear."

"Well, my boss thinks you stole his watch and wallet, and by the way you took off like a bat out of hell, I don't doubt it." The boy chuckled. "But, we're not here to arrest you."

The guy lowered his gun. Curiosity struck me hard, and I couldn't help but to narrow my eyes and ask, "Then, why did you break my door down and chase me all this way?"

"Because my boss thinks you're good at what you do. He says that good talent like yours should be put into something better than crime. Something like the CIA." The young man explained slowly, but my mind didn't register his seriousness. I burst into laughter.

There was no way the CIA would've wanted me to be a part of it. It was a complete joke. They were tricking me and couldn't wait to put cuffs on me.

I laughed hysterically until I knew that I had distracted him enough. He let his hand rest by his side with the gun in it, so I took the opportunity to take off down the alleyway.

I heard him mutter something before a sudden echo of a gunshot bounced off the alleyway's walls. I froze in place, my heart clenching in that horrible moment. I raised my arms in the air innocently, my hands shaking like I had just been electrocuted.

In a way, I felt like I had been.

I cursed in Spanish and in English as the young man walked over to me, sighing. "I told you not to run again."

I suddenly hated this man with all of me. "Why the hell did you fire your gun? You could've killed me."

He rolled his eyes like I was the intolerable one. "If I wanted to shoot you, I would have."

"Let me take you to the CIA's headquarters. We can talk about your options there." He explained to me softly. Speaking kindly wasn't his strong suit. I could tell he was getting a little impatient.

And, I didn't care. I still didn't believe him, so to make sure he was telling the truth, I said, "Prove that you're a CIA agent."

He did a double take, his eyebrows snapping together. "What?"

I remember loving his reaction. I loved messing with people. "Prove that you're CIA. I don't believe you."

He glared at me for a long minute before pointing to a bottle that was many yards behind me. It was nearly at the end of the alleyway, green and standing atop a dumpster.

It seemed small and insignificant to me, so I didn't know why he pointed it out until his hand jerked up suddenly. He aimed his gun at it and fired. Shattering into several green shards of glass, the bottle was no more.

I cleared my throat after seeing that shot.

He was right. If he wanted to shoot me, he would've.

Good thing he didn't want to.

"Okay. That was pretty cool." I remarked as the guy perked a boastful eyebrow. "But, I still don't believe you."

The man rolled his gray eyes as he tossed his hands in the air. I flinched a little, hoping he wouldn't accidentally fire the gun that he was so carelessly slinging around. "Fine. Fine. Either believe me, or don't. I don't care. I was told you have some skills that are of interest to my boss, so I thought I could help him recruit you, but obviously you like this life so much that an opportunity with the CIA seems like a total drag."

I opened my mouth and shut it, not really knowing what to say as he turned on his heel.

Okay. Maybe he was telling the truth.

"Wait." I said, taking a step toward him. There was no way in hell that I was going to let him leave me after all that. I didn't like the life I was living. I wanted more. I needed more. "Okay. I'll come with you."

My gut told me he was a good guy, even though the rest of me was weary. When he faced me and smiled, though, I knew that I was headed for an adventure.

Little did I know that my adventure would boomerang back to Ethan. Little did I know I would find a family and a new way of life which I ended up loving.

Well, end up loving sometimes.

Right now, I'm not enjoying it so much. I'm stuck in a van with Ajax and Felix. We're following Drake, Ethan, and Vanessa around and have been all day.

They've gone to eat an elegant breakfast, they've visited a few fancy stores, and now they're walking into the Smithsonian, arm in arm. Felix is busy tinkering with objects, Ajax is busy typing away at his computer and sipping a RedBull, and I'm awkwardly sitting behind the wheel of the van, bored and picking at the crumbs of our leftover breakfast pizza from this morning.

"I wonder what Vanessa thinks." I say out loud with a soft smile. "Being pampered and all."

Ajax shrugs as Felix glances my way. Neither of them say anything, so I sigh. "I'm sure she's enjoying it... Enjoying it a lot more than this."

Felix sends me a look. "Not every mission is going to have a beautiful blonde that you have to distract."

I roll my eyes, remembering the mission he is referring to. "If only."

Ajax chuckles. "I bet E is enjoying this mission. You know, he hasn't been with a girl in what seems like forever."

Jealousy stings my gut. "None of us have, and I wanted to be the one to go undercover with her."

"Under covers, you mean." Ajax snickers. "There's no way you could go on this mission with her. You'd get a little carried away."

"What?" I gasp, pressing a hand to my chest. "What on earth are you talking about? I mean, I know my charms are irresistible, but-"

"Shut up." Ajax cuts me off with a roll of his eyes. I smirk in triumph, knowing I've annoyed him a little. "Why don't we just sit in the peaceful silence?"

"Ugh." I grumble, lying back in the seat. I glance at the roof of the vehicle. "But, I'm so bored."

"Then, what do you suppose we do?" Felix's gentle tone, like always, is comforting and understanding.

"Well, we can't really do anything right now." I sigh sadly. "But, how about this? Let's hit the bar later. Rounds on me after Ethan and Vanessa and Drake get to the hotel tonight."

"Can't turn down free drinks." Ajax smirks as he meets my gaze. "Sounds like a deal."

Felix opens his mouth, but Ajax points a finger at me and interrupts him. "But, you have to let us remain in peace and quite for a while. It's only fair if you want us to go to the bar with you."

Ajax glances away before he can see me roll my eyes, but I end up nodding anyways. "Okay. As long as there is at least some fun in our day."

"Speak for yourself. We're having fun." Felix says in response as he lays out all the pieces of an electronic device that he has just taken apart.

My eyebrows rise, and I gaze at Ajax to see if he agrees, and the bastard nods. I can't help but laugh. "Of course you guys are."

I shake my head, unable to quit smiling. "Well we'll have more fun tonight. I promise you."

•••

"I dare you to go talk to that woman in the blue shirt." I say as I take a sip of my beer. Felix is the designated driver tonight and shakes his head as his brother accepts the challenge.

The three of us sit atop bar stools alone, booths around us busy and tables full. An old man tips back drinks a few seats away, and on the other side of the wraparound counter sits a woman in a blue blouse.

She appears to be of Asian origin the way her face and eyes are shaped. Her brown hair is loose over her hourglass figure. She's drop dead gorgeous and smiles when Ajax walks over to her.

I can't help but grin as I watch Ajax run a hand through his blonde hair and black stripe in it. He smiles at the woman, his ego soaring.

I roll my eyes and take another drink of my beer. To Felix, I mumble, "Wow. It's too easy for him. Too bad you didn't inherit any of those charms."

Felix's scowl is priceless. "Just because I don't swoon over every woman with a rack doesn't mean I can't handle winning a woman's interest."

"Right." My smirk remains.

Felix mumbles something inaudible to himself, and I glance at my now empty glass. I'm thinking of buying another one, but before I have the chance to do so, I notice something moving fast in the corner of my eye.

To my surprise and my amusement, there is a man who looks as pissed as hell. He is charging toward Ajax, his darkening eyes flickering back and forth from him and the woman he speaks to. Alarm doesn't ignite in my veins. Instead, I burst into laughter and nudge Felix's shoulder.

Felix smiles as well when he watches the hulking man tower over Ajax. He shouts at him, saying, "What the hell are you doing talking to my girl?"

Ajax, of course, has to speak his mind without a second thought. He replies honestly, with a sneer. "I didn't know she was your girl, man, so you can take a step back. Plus, what the hell were you doing leaving her all alone?"

"He was late." The woman rolls her eyes and takes a sip of the fruity liquor which rests before her. Her supposed boyfriend's ego wavers as he glances her way.

"I told you, I got held up at work." He grumbles, basically shoving Ajax out of his way as he takes a seat beside her.

Ajax turns and glances at me and Felix. We haven't stopped laughing since the exchange started, and honestly, we don't stop, even when Ajax flips his middle finger up at us. He leaves the angered couple and heads our way, all the while his face bright red. I almost sense fumes coming out of his ears as if he is part bull.

"Don't say a word." He groans as he takes a seat next to us. He quickly orders a drink, side-glancing my way.

I literally bite my tongue, but even that doesn't work to stop words from falling off my lips. "Yeah... That was great. You know what this reminds me of?"

Ajax sends me a look, but the words keep rolling. "It reminds me of the time when your girlfriend kissed Felix, thinking she kissed you. That was quite hilarious."

Felix tries to hide a smile as Ajax shakes his head. "That was back when we first started training, yet you still haven't let us live that one down."

"Nope." I signal the bartender to pour me another, and after he does, I take a long gulp from it. "And I never will."

"Well, let me remind you of the time you got a boner when Mrs. Semore accidentally brushed up against you in our kickboxing class." Felix says out of nowhere, making me snap my head his way.

I open my mouth, but no words come out. Instead, Ajax's voice rings in the air as he pats my back and cackles. "That's right! I totally forgot about that. Thanks, Felix, for reminding me."

I nudge Felix jokingly. "Hey, I thought you had my back!"

"He did a 180." Ajax sticks his tongue out at me like we are children having a verbal comeback war. "Joined the smarter, better side."

"Oh, so there are sides now?" A laugh escapes my throat. "Well, me, myself, and I can handle our own. And you know what? If Vanessa was here, she'd take my side. That'd me four people on my side."

Ajax's smile slowly fades, but Felix's remains. He lifts a challenging eyebrow. "I don't know about that. Vanessa likes me a lot."

"Not as much as she likes me." I say confidently, taking a swig of my liquor. "Women can't resist a handsome Mexican boy."

Ajax clears his throat, halting our discussion. The still look on his face puts my smirk to rest and brings Felix's lighthearted eyes to dim. In his raspy voice, Ajax interjects. "You two don't need to be getting too close to Vanessa now. No competitions on getting her to like you. You know the CIA doesn't like outsiders knowing about us."

I hesitate, but then I decide to go with my gut and say exactly what I'm thinking. "You know what? Vanessa was tortured for hours on end, and without even knowing us, she trusted in the CIA and didn't give up any information. Not one bit. Whether we trust her or not, she trusts us, and that in itself is amazing."

Ajax stares at me, his face void of emotion, but I notice something shimmering in his eyes. Felix on the other hand, nods his head slowly, agreeing with the facts I spit. I continue. "She doesn't know who we are. She knows faces, a few mannerisms. She knows Drake can be an ass, she knows that you're always honest, Ajax, and Felix, she knows that you're the nicest out of this crew. She knows I hold respect for her, and she knows that Ethan is in charge and won't let his team or her down."

"But," I take a breath, shaking my head. "She doesn't know that Drake is gay. She doesn't know what pain he has been through to make him have that hard exterior. She doesn't know what you two have been through... Why you're so closed off. She doesn't know about me... About where I've been or what I've seen. And, she has no idea who the hell Ethan is. She really doesn't."

"And she trusts him." Felix concludes softly. "She trusts us."

"Throwing a little trust her way wouldn't be so bad." I say to Ajax. "She was held against her will and said nothing. What makes you think she'll say something about us to people, especially when she knows the real us, especially when she breaks past our cold exteriors?"

"She won't break past our cold exteriors." Ajax's eyes are flaring with frustration. "She isn't one of us, Tony. She trusts us because she has to. She was dragged into this mess. Literally."

"Plus," Ajax lets out a long breath, and I can smell the alcohol in the air. "Knowing us would just put her in danger." Bitterly, Ajax laughs. "Plus, if she knew us, if she really knew us, she wouldn't want to. I bet my life on it."

His life?

I swallow a lump that has formed in my throat as Ajax stares sadly into my eyes. He whispers. "If she knew what we all have done..."

I nod then, silencing him to say no more. My gut tells me to argue, tells me to fight him on his subject, but my brain is fighting the instinct because he is right. Ajax is right. If Vanessa knew the real us, she wouldn't want to know us anymore.

Right now, she's dancing with angels. Fake angels.

If she knew us, she'd be drowning in our demons. Our very real and very scary demons.