The morning light filtered softly through the thin curtains, warm and invasive. My eyes blinked open reluctantly, adjusting to the brightness as I rolled over and groaned. On the nightstand sat a framed photograph of Mason, Frank, and me from the first night we went to the bar. The memory of that carefree night, where nothing felt too heavy to bear, tugged a small smile to my lips despite the pounding in my head.

But reality came crashing back in. I had shouted that I remembered something the night before—something I shouldn't have said in front of Adler. His piercing glare had cut through me, making it clear I had made a serious mistake. And was I scared? Absolutely. The weight of my reckless outburst had sent me scurrying to bed without a word, avoiding eye contact with anyone in the room once I realized the implications of my slip.

"Fuck," I muttered as I attempted to get out of bed. The room spun violently the second I moved, and I immediately collapsed back onto the mattress, groaning. My head felt like it was spinning at fifty miles an hour, the dull throb behind my temples pounding in rhythm with my regret. My body ached as if I'd been hit by a truck, and my mouth was dry as sandpaper. "I regret drinking so much," I grumbled under my breath, dragging myself up with newfound determination.

Stumbling into the kitchen in search of coffee—and maybe something to soak up the lingering alcohol—I froze at the sight of Adler. He was leaning against the counter, a cigarette perched between his fingers, its smoke curling lazily upward. A half-empty coffee mug rested beside him, and he was picking absently at the skin around his fingernails, his face set in that familiar, unreadable expression.

I hesitated in the doorway, unsure whether to retreat or brave the inevitable conversation. The tension in the air was as thick as the cigarette smoke swirling around him. He didn't look up, but the weight of his presence was enough to make me feel like I'd walked into a firing squad.

I cleared my throat softly, trying to steady my voice. "Morning," I mumbled, hoping my casual tone would mask the guilt clawing at my insides.

Adler's eyes flicked toward me, sharp and calculating, but he said nothing. Instead, he took a slow drag of his cigarette, exhaling the smoke in a deliberate stream as he set the cigarette down in the ashtray beside him. His silence said more than words ever could.

I moved toward the coffee machine, avoiding his gaze as I clumsily grabbed a mug from the cabinet. The air between us felt like it could snap at any moment, and I wasn't sure if it would break in anger, disappointment, or something worse.

"Morning," Adler mumbled, his voice low and slightly rough. He took a long drag from his cigarette before stubbing it out in the ashtray. He let out a heavy sigh, the weight of the previous night still hanging thick in the air.

"Can we talk about last night, please?" he asked, stepping closer to me. His hand gently rested on my waist, grounding me in the moment. "There's nothing to be afraid of, Bell."

My hand instinctively went to his, resting lightly over his. I let myself lean into him, my defenses dropping for just a moment as I wrapped my arms around him in a quiet hug.

"The look you gave me said differently last night," I murmured, tilting my head to meet his gaze.

His expression softened as his eyes met mine. The hard edges that usually defined him were gone, replaced with something far gentler. "I know," he admitted, his tone almost apologetic. "But I was confused—confused as to why none of you told me."

I pulled back slightly, just enough to look him in the eyes. "We didn't tell you because we knew how much you needed those documents, Russell," I said, my voice steady but tinged with the lingering guilt of our secrecy. "I can't remember all of it yet, but I finally know what happened to me before Stitch."

I turned away and moved to the coffee machine, my hands fumbling with the buttons until the green one lit up. The sound of the machine humming to life filled the silence.

Adler leaned against the counter, watching me carefully. "Bell," he began, his tone shifting back to its familiar firmness, "Stitch is looking for you. I'd rather you be more aware of that."

He walked back to the table, sitting down with his coffee mug. He took a slow sip, his eyes never leaving me.

The mention of Stitch sent a shiver through me, but I tried to keep my composure as I leaned against the counter, waiting for the coffee to brew. "I know," I said quietly. "But what can I do about it now? I can't run forever."

"You're not running," Adler said, his voice sharper now. "You're regrouping. There's a difference. But if he finds you, Bell—if he gets to you again—you won't be able to walk away a second time."

I turned to look at him, the weight of his words settling over me like a heavy blanket. He wasn't wrong, but it didn't make the reality of it any easier to face. "I'll be ready," I said, more to convince myself than him.

Adler gave me a long, measured look before nodding slightly. "You better be," he said, the softness in his voice now gone. "Because we're not losing you,"

Russell stood up from the table and strode toward me with deliberate steps, his piercing gaze locking onto mine. I instinctively leaned back against the counter, resting the heels of my hands on its edge for support, as his tall frame closed the distance between us.

Before I could say a word, his hands found my waist, gripping me firmly yet gently. He leaned down, his lips brushing against mine in a soft yet electrifying kiss. My heart immediately quickened, and I felt a lightness in my head, a dizzying mix of emotions and sensations brought on by the sheer intensity of his touch.

"I want you, Bell," he murmured against my lips, his voice husky and low, each word sending shivers down my spine. "So fucking badly. But let's figure this out first."

I could barely breathe, let alone think. The way he looked at me, the way his hands fit so naturally around me—it was overwhelming. The warmth of his lips pressed against mine again, slow and deliberate, made my head spin in the best way possible.

"I'll take you out tonight," he continued, his lips trailing lightly down my neck, leaving a tingling warmth in their wake. His hand cupped the side of my face while his arm stayed anchored around my waist, holding me close. "We'll talk about what you remember, all of it."

"Okay," I managed to whisper, the word tumbling out of my mouth as my thoughts dissolved into the moment.

A small smile played on his lips as he kissed me again, deeper this time, as though to etch the memory into both of us. Finally, he pulled away, just enough to speak. "See you tonight, Bell," he said, his tone soft yet confident.

Reluctantly, he let his hands drop from my waist, the absence of his touch leaving an almost physical ache. He turned, grabbing his worn brown leather jacket from the coat rack by the door. He slipped it on with practiced ease before casting one last glance back at me, his smile lingering like a promise.

And then he was gone, the door clicking shut behind him, leaving me standing there, breathless and reeling.

"Holy shit," I breathed, still feeling the heat from Russell's kiss linger on my lips. I couldn't help but keep a smile on my face as the memory replayed in my mind.

"That was hot," Frank's voice suddenly cut through the air, and I whipped around to find him leaning casually in the kitchen doorway, an amused smirk plastered across his face.

"Fuck off, creep," I shot back playfully, narrowing my eyes. "How long have you been standing there?"

Frank chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I'm kidding. Not long, maybe ten seconds." He almost doubled over with laughter, and I could see Mason's figure appear from the hallway, rubbing his eyes and yawning as he joined us in the lounge.

"God, Frank," Mason groaned, his face scrunching up in exaggerated distaste. "Your laugh is so loud."

I laughed along with them, feeling the lighthearted energy in the room wash over me. As I took another sip of my coffee, I picked up the book that had been resting on the side table. The warm mug in my hands grounded me, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of calm as I flipped open the pages.

"Fresh coffee in the pot, boys," I said with a smile, the words coming naturally as I stood up and stretched. "Get ready for the day."

As the scent of coffee filled the kitchen, I realized how comfortable I felt here, in this house, surrounded by people who cared about me. Despite the chaos in my life, these small moments made everything feel more manageable. I had the best people around me for once in my life.

"Hudson told me he wants to see you after training," Frank said as we walked to the locker room. "Nothing too important, I don't think."

I turned to face him, still sipping at my coffee. "No problem. Did he give you a time?"

"No, just anytime, Bell," Frank replied with a shrug, his voice casual as if it were no big deal.

"Okay." I nodded, my mind already drifting. The day was moving forward, but my thoughts kept returning to Adler. Did I really want to tell him my real name? Was I ready for that? I wasn't sure, but maybe it was time. After all, I had blurted it out the night before in my drunken haze. Maybe being truthful was the only way forward.

I tried to push those thoughts aside as I focused on the training session ahead. I ran and ran, each step propelling me forward until my lungs burned and my chest felt like it was expanding with every breath. Maybe I needed this training every day. I wasn't sure yet, but it was starting to feel like the kind of release I hadn't realized I needed.

Mason was right on my tail, nearly overtaking me, but I managed to dig deep and push my pace. A laugh escaped my lips when I glanced over at him and saw the look of mild disappointment on his face. He wasn't expecting me to pick up speed like that, especially after the way I'd been dragging earlier.

Frank was trailing behind us, his bandana flying all over the place with each gust of wind. I couldn't help but chuckle, and then I caught sight of Hudson, who was shouting at Frank to keep up.

"Come on!" Hudson shouted, frustration clear in his voice.

I almost stopped running, overcome with laughter as Frank flipped Hudson off when he wasn't looking. The whole scene was so ridiculous that I couldn't contain it.

Eventually, I crossed the white line, slowing to a jog as I passed the finish. I glanced behind me—Mason was only seven seconds behind, and Frank, still struggling with his bandana, was twelve seconds behind me. We all slowed to a stop, catching our breath, and I felt a sense of accomplishment settle in my chest.

"Nice pace," Mason said between breaths, his face flushed but with that familiar smug grin. "Wasn't expecting you to beat me."

Frank came up beside us, still fiddling with his bandana and shaking his head. "I swear, the wind has it out for me."

Hudson gave us a smirk. "Got your ass beat by a girl, boys. Good on you," he said with a cheeky grin. I couldn't help but laugh again, the adrenaline from the run still buzzing in my veins.

"Go get cleaned up, finish training, then we need to talk," Hudson added, his voice more serious now.

I nodded, acknowledging his words as I wiped the sweat from my brow. As we walked back to the locker room, I couldn't stop thinking about the conversation ahead. The kind of conversation that weighed on my mind, one I couldn't escape no matter how fast I ran or how hard I tried to ignore it. Adler, my real name, the secrets in those documents—everything was circling back around.

"Fuck this shit, man." Frank's voice broke my thoughts, and I glanced over to see him bent over, hands on his thighs, breathing heavily from the run.

Mason was standing nearby, chugging water, sweat dripping from his face. "You good, Frank?" he asked, clearly amused.

"It's fucking hot today," Frank muttered, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand. The heat was oppressive, and I couldn't deny that I was sweating just as much. The sun beat down on us, but there was something oddly comforting about it, despite the sweat streaming down my back.

Beads of sweat ran down Woods' face as he slowly made his way across the pitch, clearly exhausted. "Come on, Woods. You look tired," Mason teased, a grin spreading across his face.

"Piss off, Mason," Woods shot back, clearly frustrated, but his tone made it clear that he wasn't really mad. We all burst into laughter at his response, and the camaraderie of the moment lightened the mood for a while.

Training went on for a little longer, and it was time to work with pistols again. I took up the 1911, its cool metal against my skin reminding me of how much I missed the feel of weapons in my hands. The weight of it, the power that came with it, made everything else fade for a moment. I focused on the target, letting the rhythm of the practice clear my head. It was familiar, comfortable, and for a while, it kept my mind off everything else.

Eventually, training wrapped up, and I made my way over to the warehouse, where Hudson had told me to meet him. The building was buzzing with activity—people rushing past, papers and files in hand, focused on their own tasks. The air was thick with tension and purpose, and I couldn't help but feel out of place as I made my way through the cluttered space.

"Watch it!" someone called out as they narrowly avoided bumping into me, and I had to step aside to keep from getting knocked over.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm not invisible," I muttered under my breath, brushing myself off.

"This way, Bell." Hudson's voice cut through the noise, and I turned to follow him, my footsteps echoing in the warehouse. He led me down a hallway, past more people working at their stations, before finally stopping in front of a door.

He opened it, gesturing for me to step inside. "We need to talk." His voice was steady, but there was an edge to it that made my stomach tighten.

I stepped inside, and the door closed behind me, the world outside fading into silence as Hudson locked it.

----

"Do you want to use the name Diana?" Hudson asked, his gaze sharp behind the ever-present glasses he never took off. His tone was serious, but there was a subtle curiosity in his voice.

"No, thanks. Bell is just fine," I replied with a firm nod, crossing my arms over my chest. I wasn't about to let the past name define me—Bell felt more like me now, even if it was all I had left.

Hudson didn't press further. Instead, he moved to the next question. "And those documents? Can you remember what they were?"

I sighed, feeling the weight of everything crashing down on me. "No, Hudson. Everything in my life over the last few years has been a lie. You were right, I was drugged... badly. That's why I can't remember." My fingers pressed into my temples as I tried to gather my thoughts. "I'm trying, Hudson. I really am, but this isn't easy."

He watched me for a moment, his expression unreadable as always. "It won't be easy, Bell. But you need to keep us in the loop with this, and if anything else comes up, you need to let us know,"

I nodded, absorbing his words. The weight of them was heavy, but I knew he was right. I couldn't do this alone anymore. I had people here, and they were willing to help. I just needed to trust them.

"You're free to go," Hudson said, his voice returning to its usual calm tone. I stood up, pushing my chair back towards the table as I grabbed some papers scattered on the surface.

"Tell Adler to stop by tomorrow if he's out," Hudson added, his voice carrying a hint of something unspoken in the way he phrased it. It wasn't a request, but more of a nudge.

"Will do. See you later, Hudson," I said with a small smile, though it didn't fully reach my eyes. I turned and made my way toward the door.

As I left the warehouse, the weight of the day lingered. I was still piecing everything together, still trying to make sense of the chaos in my mind. But at least I had some answers now, and I wasn't as alone in it as I had been.

The air outside felt like a relief, the cool breeze hitting my face as I walked back toward home. I had a lot to think about, and tomorrow would bring more uncertainty—but for now, I just needed to get back, to reset, and maybe find some clarity.

As I walked back, the sound of an engine approaching caught my attention, and before I knew it, a car pulled up beside me. I looked over to see Mason, wearing a pair of sunglasses, the windows rolled all the way down.

"Get in!" he called out, grinning from ear to ear.

Without hesitation, I pulled open the door and climbed into the passenger seat, the warm air rushing at me as I did. I sighed, leaning back in the seat. "It's so warm!" I laughed, trying to take in the heat.

"It is. That's summer in Berlin for ya," Mason chuckled, the familiar sound of his laughter making everything feel a bit lighter. He had his arm casually draped over the window, his sunglasses reflecting the bright sunlight as he looked over at me with a smile.

"Yeah, it's nice," I agreed, slipping my own sunglasses on to shield my eyes from the harsh sunlight. "Can't say anything apart from I agree. I'd love to live here forever."

Mason gave a small nod, his gaze drifting to the view as we cruised through the streets. The vibrant city unfolded before us—people strolling along the sidewalks, some heading to the beach, others stopping at little cafes or restaurants lining the streets. There was a relaxed energy in the air, a carefree hum of life as the dust kicked up behind us, swirling in the wake of Mason's sedan.

The scenery was perfect—peaceful and alive at the same time. It was everything I'd hoped for in a place to start over. The summer heat was intense, but there was something grounding about it. For the first time in a while, I felt like maybe I could truly belong here. It was a moment of calm in the chaos of everything else going on in my life.

"This city..." I trailed off, my eyes scanning the horizon, taking in the beauty of it all. "It's kind of magical, don't you think?"

Mason shot me a side glance, a knowing grin pulling at the corner of his mouth. "Yeah, it's got a way of doing that to you."

The car hummed down the road, the streets of Berlin stretching ahead like a never-ending adventure. For a moment, I let myself just enjoy the ride.

The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the streets, and the air was light and humid, carrying a sense of summer. As we cruised along, Mason glanced over at me, his expression curious.

"Were you only ever stationed in London?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

I looked out the window for a moment, collecting my thoughts. "As far as I'm aware. London mostly, for sure," I shrugged, adjusting the papers in my lap. "It rained a lot, but other than that, it was an okay place."

Mason nodded, a thoughtful look on his face. "Seems to be." His voice was casual, but I could tell he was mulling over something in his head.

Before I could respond, I spotted the house in the distance, and a feeling of relief washed over me.

"Ah, finally," I sighed, looking out the window. "Listen, thanks for the ride," I said, turning back to Mason with a grateful smile. "I'm going out tonight with Adler."

A huge smile tugged at the corners of my mouth, and I could feel my cheeks flush bright red. I didn't quite know how to explain the nerves mixed with excitement, but the warmth spreading through my body was undeniable.

Mason's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Woods told me," he said, leaning over with a grin that threatened to spill into laughter. "Have fun."

I couldn't help but laugh, even as my face heated up. "Very funny, Mason," I said, rolling my eyes as I gathered the papers in my lap, trying to hide the grin that was threatening to spread across my face.

"I am funny," he said, his tone light and teasing.

"Don't think so," I shot back, winking at him before opening the passenger door.

Mason burst out laughing as I stepped out of the car, and I waved him off. "Excuse me?" he called, still chuckling.

I smirked, giving him a playful wave as he pulled away, his laughter fading into the distance.

"See you later, Mason!" I called after him, the warmth of the day and the excitement of the night ahead bubbling inside me. As I watched his sedan disappear around the corner, I couldn't help but feel a little lighter, a little freer. Maybe tonight would be the start of something new.

The familiar smell of coffee filled the air as I paced around the kitchen, trying to steady my nerves. Training, coffee, then sleep—it had been the routine lately, but tonight was different. Tonight, I had a date with Russell.

Was I nervous? Hell yes. Every time I thought about it, my stomach did flips, and my mind couldn't seem to settle. But I had to get it together. I wasn't going to let myself get tangled in nerves.

I continued to brew my coffee when Park walked in, her footsteps light but unmistakable.

"Good day," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice as she poured herself a cup.

"You too," I replied with a smile, stepping aside so she could get to the counter. I kept my focus on the coffee machine, trying to keep myself out of her way.

My mind was still whirling with the thought of tonight, but I didn't want to let on. I kept the whole document situation to myself. Only a handful of people knew what had really happened to me—the memory loss, the lies, the mystery of it all. Adler only knew the basics: that I had my memories back and that the rest was still a puzzle I was working on, bar the documents he knew about. All of them were after those exact documents. Park, Sims, and the others were in the dark, and I planned on keeping it that way. Although, something told me Park and Sims knew more than they'd let on. And after all, me going out with Russell was my chance to tell him more. 

"Mason told me you've been absolutely smashing training," Park said, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she pulled out the kitchen chair and plopped herself down with a thump.

I followed her lead, sitting across from her and taking a deep breath. "I wouldn't say I've been smashing it, but I'm getting the grips again," I said, trying to downplay it a little, even though I was proud of how far I'd come.

I lifted my coffee to take a sip, but immediately regretted it when the heat hit my tongue. I let out a sharp screech, setting the mug down quickly.

"Be careful, Bell," Park laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

I shot her a playful glare, but couldn't hold it back and laughed too. "I know, I know," I muttered, shaking my head. "I just need to get a hold of myself."

I took a deep breath and set the mug aside. "Listen, I gotta go get ready. See you later."

Park waved me off with a grin as I made my way down the hall. It felt like the butterflies in my stomach were about to take flight, but I shoved them down and focused on what lay ahead. I had a night to get ready for, and I wasn't going to let anything ruin it. I took a quick shower, getting dressed in something simple but nice, feeling a little bit of confidence return as I looked at myself in the mirror.

Tonight was going to be interesting.