And his mind? A complete mess.

Images of the dream burned behind his eyelids—Cole’s hands on him, his voice, his lips—

Daniel clenched his jaw and shook his head violently. “Fuck,” he muttered under his breath. This was wrong. Completely, disgustingly wrong. Of all people—him?

Daniel swung his legs over the bed, gripping his face in frustration.

Cole wasn’t just his boss. He was the most insufferable, arrogant bastard Daniel had ever met. He was cold, ruthless, and had an ego bigger than the whole damn city.

And Daniel hated him.

So why the hell was he dreaming about him?

His stomach twisted in disgust at himself. This was nothing. Just some meaningless, fucked-up brain glitch.

He needed to forget it. Now.

With a sharp breath, Daniel forced himself to get dressed.

He had a job to do.

Cold as Ever

The moment Daniel stepped into the main hall, the air immediately turned ice-cold.

Cole was sitting on the couch, scrolling through his phone, his posture relaxed but distant. He didn’t acknowledge Daniel’s presence—didn’t even glance up.

Typical.

Daniel scoffed, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Morning.”

Cole didn’t look at him. “You’re late.”

Daniel rolled his eyes. “By two minutes.”

Now, Cole looked up.

His stare was sharp, calculated—like he was assessing whether Daniel was even worth wasting words on. Daniel held his gaze, smirking. “What? Gonna scold me?” Cole’s expression didn’t change. “No. I just don’t tolerate incompetence.” Daniel bristled. “Incompetence?”

Cole’s gaze flicked over him, unimpressed. “If you can’t handle something as simple as punctuality, I have no use for you.”

Daniel gritted his teeth. He wanted to snap back, but the weight of Cole’s presence made his stomach tighten.This was the part of Cole that scared him, that cold, emotionless tone. The way he looked at people like they were nothing. Like they were disposable.Daniel knew that if Cole ever truly wanted to get rid of him, he would.

Still, Daniel forced himself to scoff. “Tch. You act like I want to be here.”

“You don’t,” Cole said flatly. “But you are. So do your damn job and get ready.”

Daniel didn’t say another word. He just turned on his heel and walked off, his fists clenched.

Fucking asshole.

Lucas was driving. Daniel sat in the passenger seat. Cole was in the back.

The atmosphere was tense.

Lucas, as usual, said nothing. He didn’t even glance at Cole. He knew his place—knew better than to talk when Cole wasn’t speaking.

Daniel, on the other hand, was restless. His fingers tapped against his thigh as he stared out the window, trying not to think about the dream.But the more he tried to push it away, the more it crept back in.The feeling of Cole’s hands—His breath against his skin—

Daniel swallowed hard, forcing himself to focus on anything else.

Unfortunately, Aike ruined that plan.

The moment they arrived at their location, Aike was already there, leaning casually against the car.

As soon as Daniel stepped out, Aike’s gaze zeroed in on him.

Something about the way Aike smirked immediately put Daniel on edge.

“What?” Daniel snapped.

Aike chuckled. “Nothing. Just… you look like you had a rough night.”Daniel stiffened. “Tch. And?”Aike shrugged. “Just wondering what kind of dream could have you so messed up.”

Daniel’s blood ran cold.

His face twisted into a glare. “Shut the fuck up.”

Aike’s smirk widened. “Oh, that was fast. Hit a nerve?”

Daniel turned away, jaw clenched. “I don’t have time for this bullshit.”

Cole, who had been standing nearby, barely spared them a glance.

Aike glanced at him, then back at Daniel. His smirk grew sharper.

“You’re acting weird, you know.” Aike’s tone was casual, but his eyes glinted with amusement. “Bet it was one of those dreams.”

Daniel didn’t respond. He refused to take the bait.

But the silence was all Aike needed.

“Ohhh,” Aike chuckled darkly. “I get it now.”

Daniel’s eye twitched. “No, you don’t.”

Aike leaned in slightly. “I do. You had a—”

Daniel grabbed him by the collar.

“Finish that sentence,” Daniel growled, “and I swear to God—”

Cole, who had been quiet the entire time, finally spoke.

“Enough.”

The single word was cold, final.

Daniel instantly let go. Aike only chuckled, straightening his collar. “Touchy, touchy.”

Cole didn’t even look at them. He was already walking ahead, completely uninterested.

Daniel exhaled sharply and followed. His heart was still pounding. This was going to be a long fucking day.