Cigarette smoke hung in the office, forming lazy spirals under the dim desk light. Ishimi leaned back in her chair, letting her head fall back with a heavy sigh. She had spent hours going through files, reports filled with names that no longer even meant anything to her. Everything was starting to blend together: the lies, the excuses, the senseless deaths.

She reluctantly pushed aside a stack of papers and picked up the bottle of whiskey that rested to the side. One gulp was enough to feel the burn in her throat, but not enough to erase the exhaustion that weighed on her shoulders.

The clock read 2:37 a.m. Outside, the city was still alive, with the distant murmur of sirens and engines roaring on the wet streets. Here inside, only the creaking of her chair and the slight crackling of the cigarette broke the silence

She ran a gloved hand through her hair, ruffling it even more. Her reflection in the window gave her a dull look, with dark circles that betrayed too many sleepless nights

-Just another case...

She told herself, the same old lie

Suddenly, the sound of her office door opening broke the monotony. Ishimi looked up to find the figure of her husband at the door

-Oh...

She glanced back at the papers and sighed. "Just finishing up." Her gaze shifted to him, his tired eyes meeting hers with a mix of concern and desire. "What's on your mind?" she asked softly, taking another drag from her cigarette.

She smiled sadly and exhaled smoke. "It's my job, mi amor," she said, her voice steady despite the ache in her heart. "But you're right. We should make time for each other." Reaching out, she took his hand and pulled him closer. "Come here."

She looked at him intently, searching for something in his eyes. "You're not just saying this because you think it would make me happy?" Her voice was cold, but not uncaring. "Because I won't tolerate that." He knew her well enough to understand she meant what she said.

"I need you to be honest with me," she continued, her tone softening slightly. "And if you are... then yes, let's explore new things together."

Her eyes narrowed slightly as he spoke. "And what might that be?" she asked carefully, already knowing the answer but wanting to hear it from him. There was a part of her that wondered how much of this was just for her sake, and how much was truly something he wanted. But she would play along for now.

She stared at him in surprise, the cigarette still hanging loosely between her fingers. She hadn't expected that. Her expression was unreadable for a moment before she exhaled another cloud of smoke and gave him a humorless smile. "Well," she said quietly, "I suppose it's only fair to ask: how often would you like me to bring someone home?"

Her eyes narrowed as she considered his offer. A part of her wanted to refuse him outright, but another part was curious what it would be like to explore this side of herself. "Very well," she said at last, her tone firm despite the hint of uncertainty beneath it. "I'll see what I can arrange." There was a pause before she added, almost as an afterthought: "And you'd better not get jealous, Hector. This is for our relationship, remember?"

"Let's hope so," she said with a faint smile. "But remember, honesty is key. If at any point you change your mind or feel uncomfortable, just tell me." Her voice was steady, but there was a hint of vulnerability hidden beneath the surface. She took another drag from her cigarette and blew out a long stream of smoke, watching it dissipate into the air before looking back at him. "And now that we've got that settled... how about you help me finish up these papers?"

She led the man to her office, her heart racing with equal parts anticipation and fear. The stranger was young and attractive, his eyes dark and filled with desire as he took in Ishimi's formidable presence. As she closed the door behind them, she found herself wondering if Hector would approve of her choice.

"So," she said, trying to sound confident despite the nervous flutter in her stomach, "what do you want me to call you tonight?"

She glanced at him over her shoulder as she moved to sit on the desk. "Well? What do you prefer?" Her voice was husky and seductive, a contrast to the cold tone she'd used with her husband earlier that day. The stranger watched her intently, his gaze traveling down her body before meeting her eyes again.

"You can call me... Alex." His reply came out in a breathless whisper, betraying his growing arousal.

Her heart racing and body tingling with anticipation, she glanced at her phone, briefly distracted by the message from Hector. A small smile curved her lips as she typed out a quick reply.

"Just making sure we have an understanding." Her thumb hovered over the send button before adding: "And enjoying myself." She pressed send and set the phone aside, focused once more on Alex.

"Enjoying yourself?" Alex asked, his voice thick with desire. "What do you mean by that?" His hand moved to rest on her thigh, gripping it tightly through the fabric of her pants. Ishimi felt a shiver run down her spine at his touch.

"Oh," she breathed, looking into Alex's eyes, "I could show you..." She leaned forward, pressing their bodies together before sliding his hand up under her skirt and over her bare skin. "But first,"

Her lips curled into a wicked grin as she pulled his hand away and placed it on her breast. "First," she breathed against his ear, "you can touch." Her other hand moved to the back of his neck, guiding him closer, their bodies flush against each other. The soft fabric of her shirt rubbed against his stubble, sending a jolt of pleasure through them both.

Their kiss was hot and hungry, an exchange of breath and desire that left them both panting for more.

Her phone vibrated on the desk next to her, but she ignored it. Right now, there was only Alex and the intoxicating rush of desire that consumed her. Her fingers deftly undid his shirt buttons, revealing smooth skin dotted with light brown hairs. She trailed her fingertips over his chest before moving lower to unbuckle his belt, freeing him from his pants.