Chapter 6: Lila Discovers Fidel’s True Identity

“I never pegged you as the type to drink tea over coffee,” Lila said, leaning casually against the counter, her eyes scanning Fidel’s movements.

“And I never pegged you as someone who’d admit to judging people by their drinks,” Fidel replied, a teasing grin playing at his lips as he set the kettle on the stove.

“I’m not judging, just observing,” Lila shot back with a playful smirk. “It’s what I do.”

“Oh? And what exactly have you observed about me so far?” Fidel asked, crossing his arms and leaning against the counter across from her.

Lila tilted her head, pretending to consider. “Well, let’s see... You’re confident, charming, and far too smooth for your own good. Definitely trouble.”

Fidel laughed, the sound warm and inviting. “Trouble? That’s a bold assumption for someone who just met me this morning.”

She shrugged. “Call it a sixth sense. Besides, you’re not exactly subtle.”

“What gave me away?”

“Everything,” Lila said, chuckling softly. She couldn’t help but notice the way his grin faltered slightly, as though her words had touched on something deeper.

As Fidel turned to pour the tea, Lila’s smile remained steady, but her mind raced. The folder she’d stumbled upon earlier, filled with detailed records and photographs, sat fresh in her memory. Fidel Blackstone. Second-in-command to Lucas King. The very man she was supposed to be avoiding at all costs was standing in front of her, completely unaware of who she really was.

 The realization hadn’t sent her into panic. On the contrary, it had made her laugh. The irony was almost too perfect.

“So, Fidel,” she said, her tone deliberately light, “what’s your story? You don’t seem like the kind of guy who spends his afternoons flirting with strangers in cafés.”

Fidel raised an eyebrow as he handed her a cup of tea. “Who says I was flirting?”

“Oh, please,” Lila teased, taking the cup. “You might as well have had a neon sign over your head that said ‘available and interested.’”

He chuckled again but didn’t deny it. “Alright, you caught me. But it’s not every day you meet someone who keeps you on your toes. That’s rare, you know.”

Lila sipped her tea, hiding her amusement behind the rim of the cup. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“You should,” he replied smoothly, leaning back slightly in his chair, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “It’s not often I hand those out. You’ve earned it.”

“Earned it? By doing what, exactly?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “Drinking tea and tolerating your shameless attempts at charm?”

“Exactly,” he said with mock seriousness. “I knew you were quick.”

Lila laughed softly, but her mind remained sharp. “Alright then, if we’re handing out compliments, let’s hear more about you. What brings you to cafés to flirt with unsuspecting women?”

Fidel shrugged, a shadow of something unreadable crossing his face before he masked it with his usual confidence. “Maybe I like the atmosphere. Or maybe I just happened to walk in this environment and decided to stay when I noticed someone worth talking to.”

“Smooth,” she said dryly, though her lips curved into a smile. “But I’m guessing there’s more to it. Call it a hunch.”

“A hunch, huh? Dangerous thing, a hunch,” he replied, his tone light but his eyes sharper. “You never know where it might lead.”

“Good thing I like danger,” she shot back. “So, are you going to answer my question, or are we just going to dance around it?”

Fidel tilted his head, considering her for a moment. “Alright, if you insist. I’m here because sometimes, even someone like me needs a break from... other things.”

“Other things,” she repeated, her voice laced with curiosity. “Sounds vague. Should I be worried?”

“Not unless you’re in the habit of poking your nose where it doesn’t belong,” he said, his tone teasing but carrying an edge she didn’t miss.

“Lucky for you, I’m an expert at minding my own business,” she lied smoothly, taking another sip of tea. “But now you’ve got me intrigued. What kind of ‘other things’ are we talking about?”

He smirked, leaning slightly closer. “Let’s just say I keep busy. Life isn’t all tea and flirting, after all.”

“Shocking,” she deadpanned. “And here I thought this was your full-time job.”

He laughed, the sound low and genuine. “If only. I’d make a fortune, don’t you think?”

“Maybe,” she conceded, setting her cup down. “But something tells me you’d get bored of it eventually. You strike me as the restless type.”

“Restless?” he echoed, his smile fading just slightly. “I suppose you could say that.”

There was a moment of silence between them, the air thick with unspoken thoughts.

“You’re good at this,” Fidel said suddenly, breaking the quiet. “Turning the tables. I’m usually the one asking the questions.”

“Maybe I like keeping you on your toes,” she said, her tone light but her gaze steady. “You’re not the only one who enjoys a little challenge.”

He nodded, a hint of respect flickering in his eyes. “Fair enough. But don’t think I’m letting you off the hook completely. I still don’t know much about you.”

“And you won’t,” she said with a sly smile. “Mystery suits me, don’t you think?”

“It does,” he admitted, his gaze lingering on her a moment longer than necessary.

The silence that followed was charged, but Lila didn’t let it intimidate her. She’d seen Fidel’s file; she knew exactly what kind of man he was. Dangerous, cunning, and fiercely loyal to Lucas King. But he didn’t know that she knew.  

And that gave her the upper hand.  

“Well,” she said, breaking the tension, “I should probably get going. Places to be, people to see.”  

“Already?” Fidel asked, his tone casual, but the flicker of disappointment in his eyes betrayed him. “We were just getting started.”  

She tilted her head, feigning regret. “Time flies when you’re being interrogated over tea.”  

“Interrogated? Is that what you think this is?” he asked, a sly smile spreading across his face.  

“Oh, absolutely,” Lila replied, crossing her arms in mock defensiveness. “You practically grilled me about my love for danger, my mysterious hunches, and who knows what else.”  

He chuckled, leaning back slightly in his chair. “You’ve got a sharp tongue, I’ll give you that. But you’re deflecting. I’m not the only one who’s curious here.”  

“Maybe,” she admitted with a shrug, her expression playful. “But I like keeping my cards close to my chest. Keeps things interesting, don’t you think?”  

“I do,” Fidel agreed, his gaze narrowing slightly. “But I can’t help wondering if you’re hiding something.”  

She raised an eyebrow, her smile unwavering. “Everyone’s hiding something. You included.”  

Fidel laughed softly. “Touché. But you don’t strike me as the type to let secrets weigh you down. You seem... light on your feet.”  

“An excellent observation,” she said with a mock bow. “But don’t go thinking you’ve got me figured out. I’m full of surprises.”  

“Good,” he said, his tone dropping to something more serious. “I like surprises.”  

Lila held his gaze for a moment longer than necessary, her smile never faltering. She could feel the weight of his words, the subtle challenge in them, but she refused to give him any ground.  

“Well,” she said, straightening up and brushing imaginary lint off her coat, “as much fun as this has been, I really do have to go. Places to be, people to see, you know the drill.”  

“Leaving so soon?” Fidel asked, his voice tinged with disappointment. “I was starting to think we might spend the whole afternoon here.”  

“Tempting,” she said with a teasing smile. “But I wouldn’t want to wear out my welcome. Besides, a little mystery keeps things exciting.”  

“Fair enough,” he conceded, though his eyes lingered on her as she reached for her bag. “But don’t think you’re off the hook. Next time, I’ll be the one keeping you on your toes.”  

She laughed, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “We’ll see about that. Small world and all that, right?”  

“Right,” he said, his tone thoughtful. “Safe touring, Lila. Until next time.”  

She paused, just for a moment, at the sound of her name on his lips. It sounded almost too casual, too familiar. But she didn’t let it show.  

“Until next time,” she echoed, flashing him one last grin before turning on her heel and walking away.  

As she made her way out of the café, she could feel his eyes on her, tracking her every move. The thought made her smile. She’d spent the entire day charming the enemy’s right-hand man, and he had no idea. No idea who she was. No idea what she knew.  

The irony of it all was almost too perfect.  

She pushed open the door, the cold air hitting her face as she stepped outside. The tension in her shoulders eased slightly, but her mind remained sharp. Fidel Blackstone might have thought he was in control of their little game,but he was wrong.  

The game was just beginning, and Lila had every intention of playing it to win.