TOO LATE FOR WHAT IFS – PART 7

You didn’t give me any choice. He stated flatly, deciding to go with brutal honesty.

Madeline inclined her head, her laughter echoed in the large room and she pulled her feet from his lap, swinging them onto the floor.

Well, ouch Michael… that hurts. She smiled over the rim of her glass, her eyes were actually playful and it threw Michael off for a moment. This was a side of her he had never seen. She seemed to be totally at ease, almost human.

Michael watched her get to her feet and pad quietly to the stereo, turning on some soft jazz. Tucking his hair behind his ear, Michael tried to remain aloof, calm and steady in his actions, still trying to figure out her strategy.

Well, I suppose you’re right. I don’t have to ask and so I don’t. I demand. Is this a problem for you? She asked pulling the soft organza shawl from her shoulders to reveal a form fitting deep purple velvet dress with small beads on the low bodice.

At times, yes. He answered simply amused at her choice of gowns. It was meant to be worn by a woman half her age and it looked tacky on her in his opinion.

As if reading his thoughts, she lost her smile.

Too bad. She said simply.

Michael stared back at her, remaining silent, biding his time as best he could.

Setting her glass down on top of the faux fireplace, she turned to face him, her arms crossed over her chest.

Well? What happened to all of that charm and tact we beat into you during your valentine training? Gone? She asked.

Michael set his glass down and gracefully got to his feet, straightening his jacket as he approached her.

No. I am fully trained and quite capable. He said in his hushed voice stopping a few inches from her.

Madeline looked up at him, secretly pleased he was standing up to her jabs.

With rock steady hands, Michael reached out and loosened her hair, letting it fall down over her shoulders.

You must really love her. She said as he was about to kiss her.

Michael paused and nodded slightly. Yes,, I do.

You really know how to kill the mood, don’t you? Perhaps a brush up course on seduction might be in order. She shot back staring back at him, their breath mingling.

Michael brushed his thumb over the skin near her mouth.

Do you have any suggestions? He asked moving his other hand down over her hip,

Be careful Michael. I hold her life in my hand….. Don’t make me squeeze it too hard. She whispered letting him kiss her mouth softly, her eyes closing as she let herself begin to enjoy the moment.

Just then, the Tower doors flew open and the angry face of Operations appeared.

Michael stepped back from Madeline; letting his hands fall back down to his sides.

Madeline covered her half covered bosom with one hand and gave him a look.

With the gun still in his hand, he paused at the doors and then moved forward enough for them to swing shut.

Michael stood silently, watching his superiors eyeing the other wordlessly.

Operations walked towards them slowly, his face was dark, definitely not amused at the sight before him.

You’re dismissed, Michael. He said in a low tone, his eyes never leaving Madeline’s.

Madeline’s hand darted out clutching the arm of Michael’s jacket, stopping him from moving away from her.

Operations felt his one eyebrow cock up at her blatant disobedience. A slow angry smirk spread over his ruddy features and he took in the sight of the two of them standing before him.

Michael was careful to mask his facial expressions and instead, emotionally disassociated himself from them both and stared straight ahead.

Now is not a good time to play the jealous suitor Paul. My personal time is my own. Michael stays. She stepped in-between them both, her chin rising slightly.

Paul broke out in a loud laugh, and reached in his jacket for a cigar. Turning his back on them, he went and seated himself in a chair, setting the gun down on the glass top table by their opened bottle of wine. Lighting his smoke, he looked at the label and nodded, picking it up to take a deep drink of it.

Very nice wine too…. She must really want you bad Michael. He commented letting the wine drip over his lips unheeded. She always did desire the impossible. He added drawing deeply on his cigar.

Madeline smiled thinly, hating him.

Paul chuckled again, crossing his legs casually, getting comfortable, his eyes taking in her curves in the tight dress she wore with appreciation.

Either he leaves now, or I will have him removed. What shall it be my dear? He asked taking a last good draw from the bottle.

Madeline let out a long breath, and motioned with her head for Michael to leave. I will speak with you later. She said as he moved out from behind her, calmly making his way out of the room.

Once the doors closed behind him, he heard the faint sound of angry voices from behind him. Adjusting his jacket, he made his way down the long hallway, feeling indebted to Operations for the first time in 13 years. All he wanted right now was to take a shower and to be by Nikita’s side.