The workshop for Mia's action stunts had begun. Her breath hitched as Ashley's hands brushed against hers, guiding her on how to properly hold the gun and position her body.

"You're stiffening," Ashley murmured close to her ear, her tone low and teasing.

Mia swallowed hard, her face warming. She tried to focus on the instructions. "Stretch your arms out, legs slightly apart," Ashley said, her foot gently nudging Mia's to adjust her stance.

"You're too close," Mia muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ashley chuckled softly, stepping back just enough to give her space. "How else can I make sure you get it right?" she quipped, amusement lacing her voice. "There, you're in the correct stance now."

Mia exhaled slowly, concentrating as Ashley continued. "Focus on the center of the target. Steady your breathing before pulling the trigger," Ashley instructed.

Mia nodded, gripping the gun tightly. She squeezed the trigger, and the recoil made her stumble slightly, but Ashley's firm hands caught her.

"Not bad," Ashley remarked, pressing a button to retrieve the target sheet. A smirk tugged at her lips as she examined the bullet hole. "Not bad at all for a first-timer."

Mia's face lit up with pride as she looked at the sheet. "Thanks," she said softly.

"Good. Let's reset the target and try again," Ashley said, pressing the button to send it back. "This time, do it solo—from the top."

Mia nodded, brimming with newfound confidence. They continued the practice for the next fifteen minutes, repeating the motions until Ashley called for a break.

"How's your hand? Any numbness?" Ashley asked, taking Mia's hand in hers to inspect it.

"I'm fine," Mia replied, pulling her hand back quickly. The moment felt charged, and she couldn't help but recall that night—the kiss they'd both avoided mentioning since. Was she the only one who couldn't brush it off?

Ashley nodded, oblivious to Mia's thoughts. "Good. Let's take a quick break. Afterward, we'll move on to basic combat training," she said, sitting on a nearby bench.

Maya approached with a bright smile. "Great work out there, Mia," she said, handing her a bottle of water.

"Thanks," Mia said, smiling back.

"And this one's for you, Detective," Maya added, extending another bottle toward Ashley.

"Appreciate it," Ashley said, accepting the water. "But you can just call me Ashley—or Ash. Detective's too formal, don't you think?"

Maya laughed, shaking her head. "Noted, Ash."

Mia stole a glance at Ashley, her heart racing as she realized just how much her walls were crumbling around the older woman.



Ashley jabbed forward, demonstrating the movement, her sharp precision urging Mia to mimic it. Mia mirrored the motion, her brows knitted in concentration.

"Good. Now watch closely," Ashley said, jabbing with her left hand. Mia followed, earning a nod of approval.

"Wow, you're picking this up fast," Ashley praised, her tone genuine. She adjusted Mia's boxing headgear and gloves before stepping back. "Here's the next step. Jab with your right, bring your hand back to guard your face, then follow up with your left. Like this," she explained, throwing fluid air punches.

"Your turn," she instructed, her hands on her hips as she watched Mia attempt the sequence. Ashley smiled as Mia's movements grew more confident. "Great," she said, shrugging off her bomber jacket and tying it around her waist.

Mia blinked, momentarily distracted by the sight of Ashley's athletic, toned physique. The tan of her skin and the faint outline of a tattoo peeking out from beneath her sleeve caught Mia's attention.

Ashley raised an eyebrow, a playful grin tugging at her lips as she leaned forward. "Done checking me out?"

Mia's face heated as her gaze snapped to Ashley's golden-brown eyes. "It's just... the first time I've seen you without your jacket. That's new," she stammered, laughing nervously.

Ashley smirked, flicking Mia's forehead. "Focus, sugarplum. Eyes on your task," she teased, swallowing a chuckle as she resumed her stance in front of Mia.

Mia exhaled deeply, positioning herself correctly. Ashley observed her movements, nodding in approval. "That's better. Now try throwing punches at me. But be reminded that I'm not wearing gear, so keep it light," she added with a laugh.

Mia laughed too, launching punches toward Ashley, who effortlessly dodged them with swift movements.

"You're moving too fast!" Mia huffed, frowning.

Ashley grinned. "What, you expect your enemies to move like turtles?" she teased, her voice light and playful. "Come on, throw those punches, sugarplum."

Groaning, Mia pushed herself to keep up, trying to mimic Ashley's movements. "Good!" Ashley said, dodging another punch. "Now, aim for my face—just don't knock me out."

Mia nodded, her focus sharpening as she threw a light punch at Ashley's abdomen before cornering her against the ropes. Spotting an opening, she delivered an uppercut. But her calculation was off—her punch landed harder than intended.

Ashley winced, rubbing her jaw. "Ouch," she muttered with a frown, though a chuckle escaped her lips. "Taking it personally now, huh?"

Mia froze, her eyes wide. "Oh no! Did I hurt you?" she asked, fumbling to pull off her gloves.

Ashley laughed softly as Mia leaned in, gently cupping her face to inspect the reddened spot on her jaw. "It's fine," Ashley reassured, her voice low.

"It's red," Mia murmured, guilt flashing in her eyes.

Before Ashley could respond, a sharp voice interrupted them. "What are you two doing?"

Both froze, turning to see Natalie standing at the edge of the ring, arms crossed and a skeptical brow raised.

Ashley straightened, chuckling as she opened the ring ropes to help Mia out. "Practicing, obviously. Mia here just got a little carried away with her uppercut," she explained, still rubbing her jaw.

Natalie tilted her head, looking between them. "How's it going?"

"Smooth so far," Ashley replied, glancing at Mia. "She's a fast learner."

Natalie smirked, turning her attention to Mia. "Ms. Tran, I hear you're catching on quickly. Care for a little sparring match? Just for fun."

Ashley's smile vanished. "Nat, she's an actress. What are you thinking?"

Natalie shrugged. "It's not like I'd hurt her," she replied, her tone light but her gaze challenging.

Ashley stepped in front of Mia, her expression firm. "Still, she's my responsibility, and I'm the one handling her training. You're not meddling in my job."

Natalie raised her hands in surrender, backing off with a laugh. "Fair enough. I'll leave you to it," she said, waving as she exited the gym.

Ashley exhaled, turning back to Mia. "Why do you look so pale?" she teased, stepping closer. "Did Natalie scare you that much?"

Mia let out a nervous laugh. "That inspector is intimidating," she admitted, fidgeting.

"And I'm not?" Ashley asked, her tone mock-serious as she held Mia's gaze.

Mia gulped, taking a step back. "You're... not like that," she mumbled, her cheeks flushed.

Ashley chuckled, ruffling Mia's hair. "Don't worry, sugarplum. As long as I'm in charge, you're safe. Besides," she added with a wink, "I'm your personal bodyguard, remember?"

Mia smiled, warmth spreading through her chest as she nodded. "Thank you."