Maya's POV
I'm Maya Rivers, fifteen, sixteen next month, and apparently "the rookie who can't keep up." At least, that's what Ethan says every single day. He's annoyingly good at everything—missions, gadgets, running laps, memorizing codes, even making me want to punch him without really meaning it.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't notice him. He's infuriatingly clever, charming, and cocky. He knows it too. Every time he smirks, it's like he's daring me to challenge him—and believe me, I will. I'm going to prove I'm not just the sidekick. One day, he'll eat those words.
And maybe… okay, fine… sometimes I catch myself thinking about what it'd be like if he wasn't so impossible. But that's ridiculous. Totally.
Ethan's POV
I'm Ethan Cole, fifteen, sixteen, and the best spy in the academy—if I do say so myself. And yes, I know Maya's trying to catch up. She's smart, stubborn, and annoyingly determined. Honestly? It's kind of… exciting.
She's always trying to beat me. It's cute, in a "please stop ruining my perfect record" kind of way. I tease her, of course. It's tradition. Keeps her on her toes. And secretly… okay, maybe not so secretly, I like that she doesn't just roll over. Most rookies would've given up by now.
But don't tell her that. She'd get a big head.