THE STATION

THE STATION
Brianna’s POV

"Brianna, what was that? You just ran out of the coffee shop like you were chasing someone," Gia asked, her brow furrowed in concern.

"It's nothing," I said quickly, forcing a smile. "I thought I saw someone I know."

"Who?"

"Just a friend of mine," I lied without hesitation. I didn’t want to burden her with my lingering thoughts about Dax—not after all this time. She’d only worry, or worse, think I hadn’t moved on.

Gia eyed me suspiciously but let it slide. "If you say so. I think I’ll drink my coffee while driving—I need to get going, or my boss will kill me."

"Fine," I sighed, masking my unease. "I’ll see you later."

"Have fun at work today."

"Thanks, Gia."

I watched her leave, her car disappearing into traffic while my mind raced with unanswered questions. Who was that guy? And why did his voice sound so much like him?

Shaking the thought away, I paid for our coffees, grabbed my helmet, and sped off toward the police department. I had no time to chase ghosts from my past—I had a job to do.

Dax’s POV

"Did you find her?" I asked, irritation creeping into my voice.

"Not yet, sir. I thought you were trailing her," my partner responded on the other end of the line.

"I was—until I lost her," I admitted, clenching my jaw. "I spotted her at a coffee shop, but she must have sensed someone was following her."

"I’ll keep looking and report back if I see her."

"Good. Stay on it."

I hung up, frustration boiling beneath the surface. Another day wasted, another lead slipping through my fingers.

It’s been a month since I took this case, and I was no closer to catching her. If I wanted my promotion by the end of the month, I needed to close this case—fast.

She wasn’t just any criminal—she was a jewel thief, and a damn good one. My partner and I had been assigned to track her down, but every time we got close, she vanished like smoke.

It baffled me how a woman so young could be so skilled—and so reckless. With talent like hers, she could have done anything, but instead, she chose a life of crime.

I had played by the book for too long. If I wanted to catch her, I needed to change my approach.

It was time to use my charm.

Stripping off my jacket, I stood in front of the mirror. I slid off my ID badge and tucked it into my back pocket. My usual no-nonsense detective look wouldn’t work—I needed to be someone else. Someone she couldn’t resist.

A quick trip to the salon left my dark hair styled to perfection. I slipped on my most expensive wristwatch, layered it with sleek silver chains, and pulled on a fitted T-shirt that hinted at the body I worked hard to maintain.

If she had a weakness for men with money, I was going to make sure I was her biggest temptation yet.

By the time I arrived at the bar, my transformation was complete. I had seen her here a few times—this place was her hunting ground. Tonight, she’d be hunting me.

I ordered a drink and leaned casually against the bar, scanning the entrance. Seconds turned into minutes. Minutes dragged into hours. Still, no sign of her.

Impatience gnawed at me. I needed to wrap this case up—she was the last obstacle between me and the promotion I had been working toward for years.

But she was making this personal.

Just as I was about to leave, the door swung open. And there she was—my elusive thief.

She moved with confidence, eyes sweeping the room like a predator searching for prey. I didn’t have to wait long before her gaze settled on me. My watch had done its job.

Bingo.

"Hi," she purred, sliding onto the stool beside me.

I turned toward her, flashing the charming smile that had gotten me out of trouble more times than I could count. "Oh, hello, pretty."

Up close, she was even more stunning—raven-black hair cascading over her shoulders and lips curved in a mischievous smile. But I knew better. Beneath that beauty was a criminal who had evaded us for far too long.

"God, you’re so handsome," she said, her voice sweet as honey. "I love your blue eyes."

I chuckled softly, giving her a playful wink. "It’s a gift."

Her hand stretched toward mine. "I’m Maryann," she offered, her fingers lingering a bit too long during the handshake.

"And I’m Andrew," I lied smoothly. "I’m new in town. I’d love it if a pretty lady like you would show me around—if you don’t mind."

Her smile deepened as she leaned closer, her perfume swirling around me—seductive, but calculated. "I’d love to. Shall we? I hope you have a car."

"As a matter of fact," I said, allowing a smirk to tug at my lips, "I’ve got plenty. Maybe later, I can show you around my place. We could… have some fun."

Her fingers trailed along my chest, sending a chill up my spine—not from desire, but from knowing exactly who and what she was.

"I love fun," she whispered, biting her lip seductively. "Especially when you’re around."

Hook. Line. Sinker.

"Let's go then, we don't have much time to waste," I said, leading her to my car. I never expected it to be this easy.

Promotion, here I come. Finally, I can get a new partner.

Brianna’s POV

"Thank you so much, sir."

"That's okay. You can start working tomorrow, and a partner will be assigned to you. He or she will guide you for the time being."

"Okay, sir."

"Welcome, Detective Anna. Your ID card is ready, so please head to the building across the field to collect it."

"Okay, sir," I said, saluting him before leaving to get my ID card.

I stared at it for a long moment—Detective Brianna Cromwell. The bold letters looked so official, so real. But hearing the head officer call me Detective Anna had an unexpected warmth to it. It sounded… better. I had planned to use Brianna, but for some reason, Anna felt right.

I couldn’t wait to meet my partner tomorrow.

As I walked back to get my bike, a car screeched to a stop in front of the station. My attention was drawn to a man stepping out, dragging a woman with him. Her resistance was obvious—she struggled fiercely, trying to free herself, but he shoved her against the wall.

A wave of unease washed over me. Was this a couple’s quarrel? Or something much worse?

I didn’t hesitate. I marched toward them, instincts kicking in.

"Let me go, you bag of sand! I can’t believe I actually thought you were some rich dude!" she snapped before wincing in pain.

The man had tightened his grip on her wrists, and it was only then I noticed how forcefully he held her. Anger burned inside me.

Without a second thought, I struck.

"Let her go, or I’ll break your bones!" I warned, shoving him against the wall. His grip loosened slightly, and that’s when I noticed something.

Handcuffs.

I froze. My heartbeat faltered as I stepped back. He wasn’t just some aggressive man—he was a cop. And I had just attacked him in the middle of a police station.

Slowly, he turned around to face me.

"Miss, what is your problem—?" His words trailed off.

Our eyes locked, and my breath hitched.

Those eyes.

That voice.

The same voice from the coffee shop.

A storm of emotions crashed over me. Shock, disbelief, anger. No. No, this isn’t real.

My hands trembled. My legs felt weak. My mind screamed at me to run, but I was frozen in place.

He took a cautious step toward me. "Brianna, no, please don’t leave. I need to talk to you—"

I didn’t let him finish. My body finally responded, and I spun around, running toward my bike.

I barely registered the sound of him calling my name as I revved the engine and sped off.

Dax’s POV

I stood there, unable to move, watching as she disappeared into the distance.

She was in Chicago the whole time. Right under my nose.

I clenched my fists, frustration and something deeper—something raw—twisting inside me.

She wasn’t happy to see me.

She was furious.

Her eyes… they weren’t filled with longing or surprise. They burned with anger.

"Let me go, you psycho!"

My grip tightened on the woman I had detained. My patience was gone.

"Shut the fuck up! I couldn’t go after her because of you. I’d suggest you keep your mouth shut unless you want me to break your teeth."

My temper flared dangerously. I had never been this close to losing control. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to refocus.

I couldn’t afford distractions. Not now.

Dragging the thief inside, I handed her over and finished processing her case. Just as I was about to leave, I was summoned to the head officer’s office.

"Sir, you called for me?" I asked as I stepped inside.

"Yes. Congratulations, Detective Dax. You’ve been promoted. Starting tomorrow, you can begin forming your own team."

I exhaled in relief. Finally.

"You’ll also be getting your first partner. Her name is Brianna Cromwell. She’s highly skilled and will make a great addition to your team."

I froze.

My blood turned ice-cold.

Brianna? Brianna is a detective?

A thousand thoughts stormed through my mind. Why the hell would they let her do this kind of dangerous work?

"Detective Dax, is there a problem?"

I forced myself to shake off the shock. "No, sir. I’ll see you tomorrow."

As soon as I left the office, I rushed to my desk and flipped open my laptop.

I needed answers.

I needed her address.

I needed to see her.

And this time, I wouldn’t let her run.