The charm of a good-looking guy really was something else. When Natalie took Lucky downstairs, Cassian had already opened the door for them. Yesterday, they had agreed—meals would be cooked on his floor from now on. That way, she wouldn't have to run downstairs for groceries and then back up to cook. As soon as she stepped in, she asked about his arm, like she always did. "How's it going? Still can't use it?" Cassian's calm face tightened, his brows furrowing. "It hurts." Natalie asked in confusion, "I saw you fighting yesterday, and you looked fine." He paused before answering. "It had just started healing. I pushed too hard during the fight and messed it up again." Natalie sighed. "You need to take good care of it. Don't let it turn into something permanent." Really, what am I thinking? Why would I be twisting his arm in the first place? She tied on an apron. Today's menu: french fries and beef burgers. Cassian handled the sauces while Natalie worked on the potatoes. As she peeled, she kept sneaking glances, trying to learn his tricks. Cassian noticed, amusement in his eyes. "Come here. No need to sneak a peek." Natalie kept her face calm, but inside she was delighted. She leaned closer, carefully watching every move and memorizing how much of each spice he used. The food was prepped, the sauce mixed, and they were just about to start cooking when a knock came at the door. They looked at each other.Who would come here? Lucky stood by the door, tense and ready to attack. Natalie grabbed the bayonet she always carried and moved toward the door, cautious. Dogs could sense danger better than humans, and whoever was outside made Lucky uneasy. Cassian stopped her, tapped the gun at his waist, and went to check first. Natalie relaxed a little. If he had his gun, he could take the lead. The door opened—and there stood the last face they expected. Amber, the dancer, smiled brightly like a blooming flower. "Kash, fancy seeing you again!" Cassian's brow furrowed. Natalie poked her head out from behind him as soon as she heard the voice. "Amber?" It's her? No wonder Lucky had been growling. It wasn't a real threat—just someone the dog couldn't stand. Yesterday, if Natalie hadn't stopped her, Lucky would've lunged at Amber already. Amber's smile froze when she spotted Natalie, but she quickly recovered and spoke in her sweetest voice. "Sis, what a surprise to see you again!" Sis? Natalie rubbed her arm as goosebumps broke out. This woman looked mature, yet she was pretending to be some innocent teenage girl. Still, Natalie gave her a polite nod. Amber kept smiling brilliantly and explained, "My old place got hit with a pest problem, so I had to move here. From now on, we're neighbors! Please take care of me." So she was the new tenant downstairs. Natalie's guard went up. From what she saw yesterday, this woman seemed pretty close to Magnus. Maybe he sent her here to dig for information. Natalie was thinking fast as she forced a polite reply. "Oh, hi." Amber's eyes flicked to the apron on her. "Are you two having lunch? Doesn't our base deliver meals?" Natalie shrugged. "We were bored. Just messing around." Amber's interest seemed to grow. "Really? Then maybe I could join you? I know a thing or two about cooking." Natalie glanced at Cassian. This was his home, so the answer should come from him. Cassian's face stayed blank as he spoke for the first time. "I don't think so." Amber froze, embarrassed. "Alright then, I'll go unpack downstairs. I won't keep you." Natalie shut the door behind her. Amber headed downstairs, cursing inside. What an impossible man! Yesterday he threw me to the ground. Today he shuts me out. Who does that? I've never been treated like this by any man.And Magnus—why did he even need me to step in? If he wanted to chase someone, he should've done it himself. Instead, he pushed me into seducing this cold, stone-hearted guy. Ugh, this is so annoying! And that Bonnie ... isn't she supposed to live on the third floor? What is she doing on the second floor? Don't tell me she and Kash already hooked up. A sharp sense of danger hit her. If those two really became a couple, she'd fail Magnus's mission. The price for failure would be brutal. Amber hurried back to her room and dragged out her luggage. She had to think of a way to catch Kash's eye first. Amber pulled out every outfit she owned that was designed to attract men. Not this one—the neckline wasn't low enough. Not that one—the skirt wasn't short enough. This one? Too trashy. While Amber was downstairs trying on half her wardrobe, the two upstairs had already finished cooking. Natalie handled the pan, but the sauce was Cassian's. Natalie tasted a bite of the beef and thought it was even better than the fries. The two sat together, eating and talking as if nothing outside mattered.