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My stomach did that stupid flutter thing again.

I added more glitter just to watch his jaw tick. Purple glitter, because it was the most obnoxious. A whole constellation of sparkle surrounding General Sparkles like a disco ball had exploded.

"The corner camera needs work," I announced, moving to the next victim. "Lieutenant Rainbow can't be shown up by a mere General."

This time I went with actual rainbow rhinestones, creating a pattern that would make a Pride parade jealous. Each stone carefully placed to catch the light differently. If I was going to bedazzle security equipment, I was going to do it right.

"You're enjoying this," he observed from his perch.

"I enjoy all forms of artistic expression." I hot-glued a particularly large gem dead center. "Even when applied to tactical equipment installed by uptight security specialists who show up at ass o'clock in the morning."

"It's 7:15."

"Ass o'clock," I repeated firmly.

By the time he descended the ladder, I'd created a whole military hierarchy of sparkly surveillance. General Sparkles commanded from the front corner. Sergeant Glitter held the middle ground. Lieutenant Rainbow watched the back entrance. Private Shimmer—a last-minute addition—guarded the supply closet.

Each one unique. Each one fabulous. Each one absolutely guaranteed to make Tyson's eye twitch every time he reviewed footage.

"You're impossible," he muttered, but his eyes were warm. Something soft in them that made my chest tight.

"You're predictable," I countered, ignoring how his closeness made my skin tingle. How I could smell that woodsy cologneagain. How my body wanted to sway toward him like he had his own gravitational pull.

He stepped closer, examining General Sparkles with the focus he probably used for threat assessment. I held my breath, waiting for him to demand I remove it all. To get all stern and military about equipment integrity.

Instead, he said, "The pattern's actually strategic. Anyone trying to reposition the camera would disturb the glitter fall pattern. You'd notice immediately."

"I—yeah. Obviously. That was totally intentional."

It hadn't been. I'd just wanted to annoy him. But the approval in his voice made heat bloom in my chest. Lower, too. My poor overworked pussy clenching at the praise like it hadn't already been thoroughly abused for three days straight.

"Show me the others," he said.

And God help me, I did. Walked him through my whole sparkly security system like a proud kid showing off an art project. Explained how Sergeant Glitter's holographic stars would shift if the angle changed. How Lieutenant Rainbow's gem placement created specific light patterns. How Private Shimmer's subtle glitter would transfer to anyone who touched it.

"I've always known you were brilliant, Lena."

The air between us went electric. Heavy. Full of all the things we weren't saying. All the things my body had been screaming for three days straight.

I spun away, busying myself with packing up supplies. "Yeah, well. Now your boring cameras have personality. You're welcome."

Bymid-morning,I'dchanneledmy sexual frustration into productive chaos. My tablet screen showed my masterpiece: a Security Protocol Bingo Card designed in neon colors that would make Tyson's military brain short-circuit. I’f made it for the other staff members, so that we were on the same page, safety-wise.

"Hey, Soldier Boy," I called, waving him over from where he was adjusting Private Shimmer's angle. "Come see what your boring security lecture inspired."

He approached with that controlled walk that made my thighs clench. Steady. Measured. Like he had all the time in the world while I vibrated with chaotic energy.

I shoved the piece of paper in his face.

"What is this?" His voice held careful neutrality. The tone that meant he was processing. Analyzing. Trying to figure out my angle.

The design was intentionally obnoxious. Neon pink background. Comic Sans font because I was a monster. Little skulls and hearts decorating the borders.

"Security Protocol Bingo, obviously." I gestured to the stack of printed cards on the counter. Five copies on paper so bright it could guide planes. "Staff members get a prize for completion—free sticker or piercing discount. Means they might actually follow the rules instead of tuning out when I tell them about it."

I waited for it. The disapproval. The lecture about taking safety seriously. The disappointed Dad voice that would definitely not make my pussy clench because I definitely didn't have those kinds of issues.

He picked up a card, studying it like a tactical map.