NEVER TOGETHER NEVER APART – PART 4

The sound of footsteps coming in their direction made her pull her hand from his, getting to her feet and placing the stool back. The curtain pulled back just as she straightened up, pulling the hem of her jacket down over her slim hips.

Michael pulled his hand back, resting it on his lap, his eyes showing his surprise at her sudden withdrawal, yet said nothing. He surmised because she was now in a position of power, she had the image to maintain. He was actually really quite proud of her and made a mental note to tell her just that. She was quite a woman when he left her, but now, if it were possible, she was even better.

Nikita drew herself up turned, with not so much as a glance back, left the med lab, feeling his eyes in her back the whole way.

Michael closed his eyes wearily after visually scanning his son allowing the nurse to check his vital signs.

Four days had passed since their arrival, Adam’s condition remained grave but stable for the time being, kept in a deep drug induced coma. Michael had been released from med lab and given quarters on the 6th level. He didn’t spend much time in them but rather hovered near Adam’s bedside, often until late in the night or when asked by the staff to go and rest. Nikita had watched him from the perch, thankful she could darken the windows, shielding herself from him as he looked up towards her each time. His face, as always, was calm, and unreadable. They hadn’t spoken since being interrupted by a nurse the morning she came to visit Adam. Her duties of late were keeping her busy and Michael was of course, distracted by his son’s illness.

Nikita sighed, watching one of her top teams leave her offices after a particularly long debrief. Her shoulders ached mercilessly from tension, the pain making her feel even more miserable then ever.

Slamming her fist down on the comm. Button, she rubbed her eyes. Val, I need you to take over for me tonight. Report in 10 minutes.

Yes sir. right away. Val’s voice responded almost immediately, and then the channel beeped closed.

Gathering up her jacket, she slipped it on, leaving the buttons undone. Looking about for her shoes under the desk, she slid her feet into them, wishing desperately she had worn something more sensible instead of these heels.

Within a few minutes, Val reported in, and after being briefed by Nikita, she watched as Nikita turned to leave and then pause. I am not to be disturbed tonight. Do you understand? She added, not bothering to turn around.

Of course. I understand perfectly.

Val seated herself down at the desk, crossing her slim legs as she leaned back in the leather chair, her dark brown eyes scanning the screen in front of her. The sound of footsteps coming up the stairwell caught her attention and she looked up just as Michael appeared from the shadows.

Hello Michael. She said smoothly, folding her hands on her lap, taking in his incredible handsomeness. He was not too different from his file she had accessed earlier that week, and she was not disappointed with what she saw. No wonder Nikita was in love with him. She thought to herself scanning him from top to bottom.

Michael stared back, seemingly unaffected by her obvious inspection of him, and instead, glanced about the perch quickly for any sign of Nikita.

Val smiled, her trained eye catching his visual inquiry and pushed the chair back slightly. Operations has retired for the night. Can I help you?

Michael brought his attention to her, staring at her for a brief moment before answering. I need to see her. He stated simply, his voice hushed as always.

Val nodded and then leaned forward, her elbows on the desk top. She asked not to be disturbed.

Where is she?

Val cocked her head to the side, giving him a brilliant smile. Is there something I can help you with?

Michael looked down at her false smile, an image of Madeline crossed his memory and he shook his head. No.

With that, he took a step back and then turned on his heel, leaving Val to stare after him, her eyes glued to his posterior until he disappeared down the stairs once again.

Lucky bitch. She murmured to herself, returning to her work once again.

Nikita had just showered, stepping out from the foggy bathroom wrapped in a white floor length terrycloth robe when she heard a scuffle from just outside the main door.

Pushing her wet hair from her eyes, she pulled the door open in time to see Michael drop kick one of the armed operatives that stood guard by the door each night, his hands now holding the gun he had just taken from him. The other guard raised his weapon, preparing to fire into Michaels back when Nikita interceded.

No! She yelled shoving the ops arm aside just as he was about to pull the trigger.

Michael had whipped around, his weapon raised, eyes flashing a deadly serious look, quickly lowering his weapon that pointed directly at her head.

What the hell is going on? She barked looking at all three men angrily.

Michael stepped back from the crumpled op as he got to his feet, the back of his hand wiping the blood dripping from his nose from Michaels boot.

Michael demanded entry. The op that Nikita had just shoved offered holstering his weapon once again only after Michael let the gun he held fall to the floor and kicked it towards him.

Nikita glared between the three men and motioned Michael inside. Pulling the door closed slightly, she turned to her guards. Michael is never to be kept from me at any time unless I specifically tell you otherwise. Alright? She stated firmly, her blue eyes going back and forth between the two large ops before her.

They both nodded, pulling their clothes back into place.

Daniels, go to med lab, get that taken care of. She said more softly, touching his arm referring to his nose that still dripped steadily.

Yes sir. He grumbled turning to leave, one hand holding his face.

Nikita turned and entered the Tower , closing the door behind her firmly. Tucking her robe around her more tightly, she pushed her wet straggly hair from her eyes and headed for the living area.

Michael was standing by the light panels, his eyes closed, head tilted back slightly, seemingly lost in thought, enjoying the warmth it gave off.

Nikita stopped short, her breath catching at his profile.

God how I missed you. She murmured to herself, pulling the sash around her waist tighter taking advantage of the view before her.

TO BE CONTINUED

CONTINUE TO PART 5 OF NEVER TOGETHER NEVER APART
RETURN TO PARTS 2 & 3 OF NEVER TOGETHER NEVER APART
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