Next morning

The golden morning sun poured through the penthouse windows, casting long beams of light over the rumpled carpet, the half-empty wine glasses, and the discarded clothes strewn across the floor. The scent of expensive perfume and the lingering heat of last night’s passion still clung to the air.

The bartender stirred, stretching like a cat, her body deliciously sore in all the right ways. She blinked against the light, feeling the soft fabric of the plush couch beneath her. Lara was nowhere to be seen.

Then, the sound of water rippling caught her attention.

She sat up, pushing her tousled hair back, and turned her gaze toward the massive infinity pool that stretched across the private terrace.

There she was.

Lara Croft, completely nude, slicing through the water with the grace of a panther, her muscular body moving effortlessly, each stroke showcasing her toned arms, strong shoulders, and powerful legs. The early light made her wet skin glisten like bronze, droplets running down her curves before disappearing into the pool.

The bartender bit her lip, watching as Lara reached the pool’s edge and pulled herself up in one smooth motion. Water cascaded down her body, tracing every dip and swell of her full, natural breasts, her defined abs, and the curve of her firm, toned ass before she stood to her full height, stretching her arms overhead.

"You’re staring," Lara said without looking, reaching for a towel with an amused smirk.

The bartender cleared her throat, pretending to be more composed than she was. "Can you blame me?"

Lara simply chuckled, wrapping the towel lazily around her hourglass frame, tucking it just above her chest before stepping back inside.

The bartender, Now the bartender was also taking a skinny dip in the pool.

"I never got your name, you know."

Lara poured herself a glass of orange juice from the minibar, then shot her guest a teasing glance. "You never asked."

The bartender rolled her eyes. "Well, I’m asking now."

Lara leaned against the counter, taking a slow sip before replying.

"Lara. Lara Croft."

The bartender’s eyes flickered with recognition. "Wait… like, the Lara Croft? The rich British adventurer? The tomb raider?"

Lara smirked. "The very same."

The bartender whistled, still in the pool

"Well, shit. Here I thought I was just sleeping with some mysterious badass, turns out you’re famous."

Lara chuckled, grabbing a second glass and handing it to her. "And you are?"

The bartender got out of the pool and took the drink, smirking. "Lucía."

"Lucía," Lara repeated, testing the name on her tongue. "It suits you."

Lucía arched an eyebrow, taking a sip. "And what exactly suits me?"

Lara tilted her head, looking her up and down with a knowing smirk. "Trouble."

Lucía laughed, shaking her head. "Well, lucky for you, I happen to like trouble."

After a quick shower (which Lara mostly spent teasing Lucía under the steaming water), the two women sat on the terrace, enjoying a lavish breakfast spread—fresh fruit, eggs, pastries, and more of that ridiculously expensive wine from the night before.

As they ate, Lara had her laptop open, going over notes and local files about her target. Lucía, surprisingly, offered to help.

"You’re looking for someone, not something, right?" Lucía mused between bites. "Tell me what you know."

Lara leaned back, studying her. "You really want to help?"

Lucía shrugged. "I run a bar in one of the most corrupt cities in the world. I hear things."

Lara smiled. "Then let’s make a deal—help me, and I’ll make sure you’re taken care of when all this is over."

Lucía smirked. "Oh, honey, after last night? You already owe me."

Lara just grinned, taking another sip of wine, her next move already forming in her mind.