This story occurs six months after ‘On Borrowed Time’. Some adult content.

SECTION ONE

“I thought Butler was improving?” Operations took a sip of coffee, eyeing Madeline over the rim of his cup.

“He was,” she answered, choosing a croissant from the array of breakfast items that sat between them on the glass table. “But he has violent tendencies. He’s attacked two operatives and almost sexually assaulted a third in the past two months. Eventually, his savage nature will begin to affect his proficiency.”

Operations nodded. “Put him in abeyance, then.” He leaned back in his chair and gave her a sardonic grin. “Speaking of proficiency, how are Michael and Nikita doing?”

Madeline tilted her head to one side, contemplating his question before she answered. “Michael’s at one hundred, Nikita’s just under that.”

“And her apathy towards Michael is holding?”

“I think so, although him being gone the past six months makes it more difficult to gauge her reactions. Before he left on the mission, however, she did tell him she no longer loved him.”

“That means nothing.” Operations snorted. “I’m telling you, they could be just acting.”

“I don’t think so.” Madeline drank from a glass of juice. “I’ve observed her behavior the past few months. She redecorated her apartment. It’s not as colorful as it used to be. She’s not as open and friendly towards others as before, Walter and Birkoff included. She’s polite, but keeps her distance and focuses more on her performance.”

“Then the procedure worked. But will it last?”

“I think so. Other such procedures have been shown to wear off after one to three months. It’s been nearly seven since Nikita’s had hers and her demeanor has remained constant.”

Operations sighed. “And Michael? Any word from him on his progress with Sanglant Dimanche?”

“Birkoff received a communiqué from him yesterday. He believes the location of the biological weapons will be revealed to him soon. They’re amassing their people towards a strike, and their leader has taken Michael into his confidence.”

“Excellent.” Operations smiled at her fondly. “Have I commended you on your idea to send him into deep cover?”

Madeline returned his smile. “Thank you. It was needed to drive a further wedge between he and Nikita. I think the passage of time coupled with her rejection of him might serve to dissolve his feelings for her.”

“Then the ship is running smoothly.” Operations wiped his mouth and stood to leave. “I think, given Nikita’s improvement, that she should lead the Gerard mission.”

“Agreed.”

“See to it.”

NIKITA’S APARTMENT

Nikita sat at her bar, hands folded in her lap, staring at the kitchen wall. Her eyes did not see the white tile that covered it. A flashback of she and Michael embracing the night she had tried to commit suicide echoed in her mind. She faintly remembered the feel of his warm body pressed to hers, the intoxicating male scent of him…

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK!

She jumped as the loud pounding interrupted her thoughts and was surprised to discover tears welling in her eyes. Abruptly wiping them away, she walked to the door and peaked at the monitor.

Mick Schtoppel.

Opening the door, Nikita pasted a polite smile on her face. “Yes, Mick?”

“Hullo, Popsicle!” The boisterous informant edged past her into the apartment. He was holding a white paper bag and looked at her expectantly. “Got any coffee? I brought bagels.”

“Um, I haven’t started any.” Nikita answered, still holding the door open.

“Never fear.” Mick glided toward the kitchen and begin fixing a pot. “Close the door, love, have a seat. Let old Mick get your breakfast.”

Nikita closed the door quietly and returned to the barstool, uncertainty gracing her movements. Mick at one time had annoyed her, but the annoyance had eventually changed to bemused tolerance. Now she couldn’t decipher any type of feeling for him at all. She felt as if he were intruding on her personal space, but rather than waste energy fending off his unwanted presence, she simply allowed him to play out his increasingly frequent visits until he finally decided to leave.

“Had a fabulous date with a bird I knew from back home.” He rambled on as he set a dish before her, placed a bagel on it, then shoved a tin of cream cheese towards her. “I did her up in style. Flew her in, wined and dined her, took her to one of those intellectual, artsy plays. Afterwards, she was more than ready to thank me for my trouble, bless her round little ass."

Nikita lowered her head, ignoring the bagel and Mick’s incessant prattling. Her hands gently gripped the counter in front of her as another image of Michael, naked and standing at a large window, intruded on her already confused mind. Try as she might, she couldn’t erase him from her conscious. For the past few weeks, collages of their times together would accost her at the most inopportune times. During missions and at briefings. While she washed her hair and, most of all, in her dreams. She could remember him so clearly, but strangely no emotion accompanied those memories.

Nikita felt something was missing. A shadow of some feeling would slowly begin to surface, but then fade away into the darkness of her subconscious again. She knew she had loved him. And now she didn’t anymore. But something was supposed to be there. An emptiness that she couldn’t explain filled her heart and her mind. Was Michael supposed to be filling that void?

“Nikita? Hey, deary! You not flipping out on me, are you?”

Nikita blinked rapidly at Mick’s voice. “I’m sorry.” She looked up to see him holding a cup of coffee towards her and took it carefully from his hands. “Thank you.”

“Welcome.” Mick was eyeing her strangely, and with a little bit of concern. “You know, I’ve been meaning to ask you...”

At his hesitation, Nikita stopped spooning sugar into her cup and waited for him to continue.

“I just noticed that you haven’t been yourself lately.” He paused to measure her reaction to his statement. When she continued to stare at him blankly, he went on. “I mean, I noticed a while ago, but I didn’t want to say anything, you know? Afraid you’d go spy girl on me and kick my ass.”

Nikita placed her spoon on the saucer and raised her cup to her lips. Mick hadn’t been the first to remark at her change in attitude. Michael, then Walter had commented that something had been done to her to transform her. But what and when had it happened?

Mick was still talking. “And Michael’s been conspicuously absent as of late? You two over or what?”

Nikita was silent a moment, then opened her mouth to answer when her cell phone rang. She snatched it up from the countertop, grateful to whoever was on the other line for ending Mick’s uncomfortable probing.

“Hello?”

“Josephine. Come in.” A soft click ended the connection.

Nikita recognized Madeline’s voice and promptly stood, closing the cell phone and smiling politely at Mick. “I’m sorry. I have to go. Thank you for the bagels.”

Mick leaned against the counter, a half-eaten bagel in one hand, a mug of coffee in the other. He examined her drawn features a minute before straightening and moving towards the door. “Sure. Be careful, Popsicle. See you later.”

Nikita watched his retreating form a moment, then gathered her leather coat and keys and left for Section.

SOMEWHERE IN FRANCE

“You bloody traitor! You were our brother! Damn your soul!”

Michael stood by calmly as Davenport pushed Jean-Claude Lemarck, leader of the Sanglant Dimanche terrorist group, into a dark Section van. A vision of Rene screaming in rage at Michael’s deception entered his mind and quickly exited as he climbed in after them, holding his side.

“Need that looked at?” Davenport nodded at the knife wound Lemarck had inflicted on Michael before he had been able to subdue him and hustle him out of the compound.

“It’s fine.” Michael moved to the back of the van as it pulled off with a lurch, then watched as the rapidly disappearing building exploded.

Lemarck cried out when he saw what he had spent nearly ten years building disintegrate in mere seconds. “You killed my people! How could you, Michel? We are your countrymen!”

Michael had lost his patience with the Frenchman. The shrill ranting and raving was making his already pounding headache worse. He moved towards Lemarck, his green eyes never wavering from the other man’s angry countenance, and deftly punched him in the temple, knocking him out cold.

Davenport smirked. “Uh, we had a hypo ready for him.”

“Give it to him anyway.” Michael returned to his seat and begin to bandage his cut.

Davenport studied the Level Five operative with interest. He had always admired and been intrigued by the mystery that was Michael. He was the most cold-blooded, intelligent, and cunning operative Davenport had ever worked with. Most people referred to him as ‘The Machine’, but Davenport thought he could see beyond the picture Michael presented to everyone to the man underneath.

He hadn’t seen him in the six months Michael had been undercover. He had changed somewhat. Before he had left, he had been a little less edgy, more receptive towards contact from other people. Davenport believed the things that had happened to him over the past year and a half -- the emotional upheaval of the Vacek mission, his romance with Nikita, and his brief demotion -- had had a hand in that.

Now, he seemed to have returned to his former self. Silent, formidable, and dangerous. His cinnamon-brown hair had grown out to his shoulders again, his skin was darker from playing the militant terrorist in the sun, and a day’s growth of beard shadowed his jaw. Not only was his demeanor menacing, his appearance was as well.

Davenport had wanted to talk to Michael before he had left, meaning to apologize for posing as watchdog for Operations on their last mission together. Why Madeline and Operations chose to keep Nikita and Michael from having a personal relationship when so many other operatives did was beyond Davenport. As long as the job was getting done, what could a little sex hurt? Better to do it with another operative than someone outside Section who could compromise you. True enough, Section was a sort of military operation, but the people who worked there were human. You couldn’t just turn emotions, desires, and needs on and off like a faucet.

Davenport tended to lean towards the ribald opinions of a lot of other operatives. Madeline and Operations each needed a good lay.

“Was the weapons site destroyed?” Michael asked.

"Green Team’s doing that now.” Davenport nodded as he sat down across from Michael.

Michael leaned back, favoring his injured right side, and stared out at the passing country. He wanted to ask Davenport about Nikita, but doubted he would be able to tell him if there were any changes in her behavior. Nikita had been rather friendly with many operatives, but only himself, Walter and Birkoff were close enough to her to compare her former and present selves. He would have to wait until he returned to Section to learn of Nikita’s condition.

When he had gone to her apartment that day, she’d been painting her pale blue walls a stark white, giving him an eerie feeling. Her indifference towards him, her confused state, and her declaration that she was no longer in love with him had hurt him severely. He knew then, with a certainty, that Madeline and Operations had gotten to her during the mission and reprogrammed her. But how?

He had left her and walked around the city for hours, fighting to hold back sad, disbelieving tears. He had gone through the five stages of grief over the course of the next week, each one coming and going in a short span of time as he watched a vacant Nikita avoid him like the plague. Realization finally dawned when she had rebuffed him in a Section corridor just before he’d left for his mission.

But he knew that deep within herself Nikita still loved him. The disconcerted state she had been in attested to that, but at the time, he’d been too heartbroken to see it. You couldn’t love someone one day and not the next. But he had decided on his return to Section that he would not force himself on her, that he would instead slowly regain her trust and help her find her true self again.

He blamed himself for her dilemma. Maybe he should have pulled back, like she had wanted. She had been worried about their defying the directive Operations had set, but he had ignored her fears, not wanting to lose her after he had struggled against his feelings for her for so many years. After putting Section first for so long, letting them use him and use her love for him to manipulate her, after letting them make a whore out of him, Michael was ready to put he and Nikita before Section.

Deviating from his usual stance had cost Nikita her soul, something he would never forgive himself for. Operations and Madeline should have taken their anger out on him. He had been the one unable to let go of his and Nikita’s newfound relationship. Now they had made him angry. Very angry. They had dared to physically harm Nikita in order to punish them and he was not going to allow that to pass.

This deep cover assignment could have waited, his expertise sorely needed at Section. Madeline had become predictable in her actions. The mission was just a means to further alienate he and Nikita. But while he had been away, Michael had been shrewdly profiling his revenge on the two. And as soon as he returned to Section One, he would begin its implementation.

SECTION ONE

“Hey, Sugar.”

Walter expectantly eyed the beautiful blond, hoping she would acknowledge him with a grin and a wink instead of the almost indifferent nod she had begun giving him.

True to her new form, Nikita inclined her head slightly in greeting as she loaded her gear. She intently studied her panel as Walter hovered near, set on garnering some kind of animated reaction from her.

“Heard Michael’s coming in today.”

Nothing. Walter shook his head slightly as he returned to his place on the other side of his workbench. He missed the old Nikita and felt horrible about the severe punishment Madeline and Operations had administered. True, she and Michael had pushed the envelope in continuing to secretly see each other, but reprogramming? Because of a personal relationship? Hell, be a little more creative. Sabotaging a mission, consorting with terrorists, trying to escape Section. Those were reasons for reprogramming. Getting a little nooky was definitely not.

“Did you say Michael was coming back?”

Walter perked up at Nikita’s sudden question. Maybe her feelings were resurfacing a bit. “Yeah, should be a couple of hours.”

“So he had successful closure?” Nikita queried further as she slid her panel into her duffel bag.

“Yeah,” Walter answered, then tried another tactic. “I heard he got injured.”

“That’s too bad,” she said, unconcerned. “It happens.”

Walter’s hopes sunk into a deep abyss. Gnashing his teeth together, he mumbled something incoherent as he ambled towards the rear of his work area.

Nikita closed her eyes briefly, willing the anxious pounding in her chest to cease. It had begun with Walter’s mention of Michael being wounded, and she was momentarily baffled by the emotion. She hoped her nonchalant comment had fooled the old man. Suddenly, she felt off kilter and mentally berated herself. Trying again to concentrate on the upcoming mission, she slung her bag over her shoulder and followed her teammates to van access.

OPERATIONS’ LOFT

Close to three hours later, Michael debriefed with Operations and Madeline in the loft. He had stopped in medlab to have his cut stitched, then he had showered, shaved and changed into his usual black suit. He stood before them with his hands clasped tightly in front of him. Although he projected calmness with his impassive mask in place, Michael was inwardly seething. He conjured up a mental picture of himself strangling Madeline and snapping Operation’s neck, which made him feel infinitely better.

“I’m very pleased, Michael.” Operations said, his annoying derisive grin in place. “Lemarck has been a thorn in our side for years. With the information Madeline was able to extract from him, we should be able to eliminate several offshoots of his group.”

Michael remained quiet as he observed the two. He never spoke to either of them unless absolutely necessary. Anymore than that and they might actually think he liked them.

Madeline aimed her polite smile at him. “I know this mission was an arduous one. I think a couple of weeks downtime would be well deserved.”

“Two days is fine.” Michael answered flatly. He didn’t want them doing him any favors.

Operations lifted a brow. “Well, if that’s all you need, good. There are several hot issues that require your tactical skills.”

“Of course. Is that all?”

They both paused, as if waiting for something, then Operations nodded. “Yes.”

As he turned and left, Madeline and Operations shared a look.

“I’m surprised. I was sure he would ask about Nikita.” Operations followed Michael’s confident stride as he made his way towards his office.

Madeline shook her head. “No, he wouldn’t give us the satisfaction. If he wanted to know about Nikita’s welfare, he’d go to Birkoff or Walter.” She followed Operation’s gaze until Michael disappeared in his office. “But I detect a change in him.”

“Yes, I did too. He seems like the old Michael.”

Madeline, pleased with herself, made to go back to her office.

“Would you like to join me for dinner tonight?” His voice stopped her.

She made sure her polite smile was pasted on before she turned back to him. “No thank you. I have other plans.”

Operations was annoyed as he watched her slip away.

MICHAEL’S OFFICE

Walter waited until Operations had left his perch before making his way to Michael’s office. He knocked once, then entered and found Michael sitting behind his desk, staring at the wall. His laptop sat untouched in front of him and Walter found himself surprised. He was sure he’d find the younger man busily tapping out a profile.

“Welcome back, Michael.” He greeted as he shut the door and made himself comfortable in what was considered Nikita’s chair. “Like the hair.”

Michael lips curved slightly as he secured the room. “How is Nikita?”

“Boy, you don’t pull any punches, do ya?” Dejectedly, Walter averted his eyes, then looked back at Michael. “Just went out on a mission in Stockholm a couple of hours ago. She’s the same. Like a damn corpse walking around.” He leaned forward and pounded the desk lightly to emphasize his words. “I’m telling you, Michael, whatever they did to her is irreversible. The old Sugar ain’t coming back.”

Michael ignored the momentary prick to his heart and rubbed his index finger across his lips to hide his apprehension. “I have a plan.”

“Well, what is it?” Walter sat up straight. “What can I do to help?”

“Nothing.”

“What?”

Michael sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I don’t want you involved.”

Walter stood, agitated. “You think I’d get in the way?”

“No,” Michael looked up at him. “You were almost cancelled because of the panels. Nikita was upset about that. I don’t want you put at risk again.”

“I want to help. You’re not the only one who cares about her.”

“Walter,” Michael said forcefully. “I don’t want your help. You can go now.”

Walter gave him a disgusted look before noisily exiting the office, again mumbling angrily to himself.

Michael locked the laptop in his desk, secured the office as he left and headed home. He would take the next couple of days off to regroup and plan his next move.

SECTION ONE, TWO DAYS LATER

Nikita felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She looked away from the profile she was studying and glanced around the area. Her heart experienced a tiny leap of something as she caught sight of Michael striding into view, and then her heart nearly stopped as she took in his appearance.

She felt like she had been transported back in time. His hair was longer, almost as long as it had been the first time she’d met him. His skin was slightly darker and there was a hint of powerfully contained danger about him. That familiar feeling of something begin to rise in her again. Looking at him now invoked memories of the beautiful but ruthless man who had molded her into a cold op five years ago. Nikita found herself slightly mesmerized by him as she discreetly followed his form.

He stopped at Birkoff’s station, but instead of barking a command at the young man, Michael simply nodded at him then turned his attention to a young woman sitting behind Birkoff at another station. She was probably Nikita’s age and very pretty, with black, chin-length hair, almond-shaped eyes, and olive-tinted skin. Spanish or Italian, maybe? Michael was actually smiling at the woman, and she was obviously flirting with him. Perhaps his time away had caused the love he had felt for Nikita to wane.

Nikita bit her lip and forced her attention back to the profile. What did she care about Michael’s affairs anyway? Wasn’t she the one who had told him she didn’t love him anymore? Still, she jealously wondered why all her rivals for Michael’s affections had been short, dark, exotic women. If that was the type of woman he preferred, why had he been with her, a tall, fair blond? Usually more confidant about herself, Nikita felt disconcerted when all of a sudden she started feeling gangly and awkward.

She closed her strained eyes and lightly massaged the lids. A break for lunch was what she needed. She logged off the computer, careful not to look in Michael’s direction and slipped her coat on.

She was almost out of Section when she heard his soft, slightly accented voice behind her.

“Nikita.”

Turning, her azure eyes locked with Michael’s and she wished she could yell. Today was not a good day to talk with him, given the uncharacteristic turmoil her emotions had been in lately.

He walked towards her and then stopped mere inches from her. His expressive eyes traveled up and down her body in leisurely perusal, then fixed on her face. He was pleased to see her blond hair had grown to the middle of her back, the way he liked it, but her skin was pale, as if she didn’t get outside much.

“How have you been?” He asked quietly.

Nikita tried to smile, but couldn’t muster one. His nearness was throwing off her equilibrium, and she was damned if she could figure out why. She matched his gaze, her fingers itching to grab a lock of his hair and she clenched her hands behind her back.

“I’m fine,” she replied softly.

Michael’s eyes took in her features, lingering briefly on her mouth before meeting her eyes again. He had missed her desperately and longed to take her in his arms.

“I missed you.” He said aloud.

Nikita merely stared at him, as if she hadn’t heard his statement.

“Can you remember what happened to you?”

Nikita frowned and looked away. “No. What does it matter anyway?”

She didn’t see the hurt reflected in his green eyes and turned back to him. “I feel fine. I was just on my way out to grab some lunch.”

“Would you like some company?”

Nikita wanted to run screaming down the halls. Instead, she stepped back from him and looked around before answering. “No, thank you. See you later.”

Michael glared after her retreating back, wanting to grab her by the shoulders and shake her. He had seen a flicker of emotion and attraction in her eyes. That she was willingly suppressing her feelings for him irked him. Or was the reprogramming making her do that?

Thoughtfully, Michael reentered the main room, deciding to question Section’s experts about the newer forms of brainwashing. He knew Madeline had probably threatened them with cancellation if they revealed anything to him. But he had an ace up his sleeve, several in fact, and it was time to use one of them.

SECTION ONE

The next few weeks were hard for Michael and Nikita. He searched for a way to restore her love for him, and she avoided him as if her life depended on it. His first attempts to simply reestablish the trust between them went unrewarded. He tried to help Nikita with her profiles and offer advice, and though sometimes she would utilize his ideas, she never sought him out herself. Eventually, he threw out that game plan and went on to the next.

Not wanting to play dirty, but desperate to penetrate her resolve somehow, he had slipped into seduction mode to flush her out. Michael had tried every tactic he could think of to snare her. Accidentally brushing against her. Invading her personal space when he spoke to her. Caressing her with his eyes. He’d even asked her to join him for dinner or coffee and she had rejected him coldly each time.

It frustrated him to no end that he couldn’t reach her. The Section doctor he had tried to consult about her brainwashing had been conveniently canceled a few days before his return from the Lemarck mission. He kept running into brick walls, and his heart broke a little more each time. His body, his mind, his senses craved her. He missed the scent of her, the way she snuggled against him when she slept. He missed the way she teased him like no one else dared to. He missed the way she breathed his name when he made love to her.

But he refused to give up on her, just as she’d refused to give up on him when he had lost Adam. Since his subtle plans to win her back weren’t working, he decided he had to use a more forceful approach. He had already been setting that phase of his plan into action, and it was time to put it into full affect.

Meanwhile, Nikita’s emotions were in constant conflict with her logical mind. A hint of some innate need for Michael was warring with her mind’s refusal to acknowledge his existence. They still worked well together on missions and were able to talk about Section business with only a minor amount of tension, but Michael’s magnifying presence was starting to take its toll. Every time she inhaled the subtle, manly scent of him, saw an unruly curl fall in his face, or felt the brush of his warm body against hers, Nikita’s indifference towards him crumbled just a little more. That, coupled with the unwarranted jealously she had begun to feel was practically driving her insane.

He and the dark-haired female operative she’d seen him with, Sonia, had been spending a lot of time together lately. She had seen them in the cafeteria sharing coffee, in his office, supposedly going over a profile, and talking together in one of the darkened hallways leading out of Section. Nikita’s mind told her to ignore them, but her heart was aching. She felt as if she were losing something very precious to her and had no control over it.

As luck would have it, Operations had chosen her to lead a mission in Istanbul and Nikita was more than grateful for the distraction. She was with Birkoff going over the sim when Sonia sauntered up to their station, a sly grin on her face.

“Hello, Nikita, Birkoff.” She greeted. “Nikita, could I talk to you for just a moment?”

“Sure,” Nikita continued to concentrate on the sim in front of her. “What’s up?”

“In private, please.”

Birkoff shifted uncomfortably as he glanced sideways at Nikita. She pressed her lips together tightly as she pushed her chair back. “Excuse me for a moment.”

Nikita felt a slight annoyance at the other woman’s intrusion, but stood up and walked a few feet away. Sonia followed and examined Nikita’s blank expression for a moment before beginning.

“I was wondering if there is still anything between you and Michael.” Sonia stated in a low voice.

Nikita’s eyes flashed with surprise at the question. “Excuse me?”

“Well, I know there was something between you two. I really like him.” Sonia paused to study Nikita’s countenance again before continuing. “I would like to pursue a relationship with him, but if you still have feelings for him…”

“Why are you asking my permission now?” Nikita couldn’t hide the jealousy in her voice. “You’ve been hanging all over him for the past couple of weeks. Why would you care if I still have feelings for him?”

Sonia smiled. “Well, I wouldn’t want to step on anyone’s toes.”

“Really?” Nikita’s eyes narrowed. “Michael and I are not together and if you want him you can have him. It’s none of my concern.”

Sonia almost lost her nerve as she looked up at the amazon towering above her. She was certain Nikita could easily beat her into oblivion if she pushed too hard, but she quietly, and with a prayer, stood her ground.

"Are you dense?” Sonia deadpanned. “He’s gorgeous, and I hear he’s excellent in bed. You sure you wouldn’t be upset that he and I are--”

“I don’t give a damn what you and Michael do!” Nikita hissed. “And I find it a bit childish of you to try and rub this in my face!”

Sonia’s hand fluttered to her chest in feigned innocence. “But I wasn’t.”

“Sonia, screw Michael all you want. But don’t come to me with this type of crap again or I’ll slit your throat, understood?”

With that, Nikita stomped back towards Birkoff’s station, her hands clinched in fists at her sides. Sonia covered her amused smile with her hand and then made a beeline for Michael’s office.

MICHAEL’S OFFICE

“She was definitely jealous.”

Michael regarded Sonia for a moment, then glanced out of his office window at Nikita. She was still sitting at Birkoff’s station, twisting her blond hair around her fingers, a gesture she used whenever she was agitated.

“Are you sure?” He turned his attention back to Sonia.

Sonia rolled her eyes. “Michael, she threatened to slit my throat if I bothered her again. And she made mention of the fact that you and I had been hanging out together. Now if she was indifferent towards you, do you think she’d be noticing who you spend your time with?”

Michael contemplated her words, then eyed Nikita again, who got up and walked stiffly away. He knew when she was upset and he smiled to himself. Either her feelings for him were beginning to resurface or she had developed new ones. There was one way to find out.

“Thank you for your help, Sonia. This stays here.”

Sonia stood and went to the door. “You have my word, Michael. And thanks for your help with my problem.” She made to leave, then turned back. “By the way, if you and Nikita don’t work it out, I’d be happy to help you get over her.”

Michael smiled slightly, then dismissed her with a nod. At one time, he had solely been attracted to dark, petite women. Now he found himself intrigued with blond hair, long legs, and pale skin.

He rubbed his finger over his lower lip and decided to get some work done. Tonight was going to be a long, but pleasurable one, if he had his way.

SECLUDED PARK IN PARIS

“So let me understand this?” George shifted deeper into the plush leather seat of his Mercedes. “You want me to run interference with Madeline and Operations so you can pursue a relationship with this Nikita. And what do you want in exchange?”

Michael stared straight ahead, biding his time.

“You did an excellent job on Bergomi. We were very pleased with that, but I doubt the love of a woman is the only compensation you require.”

Actually, it was, but Michael didn’t voice his thought. To love that woman with a little more freedom was what he really wanted. “I want a higher position.”

“You’d like to lead the Section?”

“I’d rather be at Oversight.”

George pondered this a bit, his index finger stroking his chin. “I see. You want freedom, well, if that’s what you could call it in our business. Truthfully, I would be very happy to have you at Oversight, but I can’t allow Operations to continue on the way he is. Adrian failed to correct that problem – I won’t.”

Michael nodded. “You want me to help you bring him down?”

“Yes. With your help, young Hillinger was able to extract Gemstone and live to tell about it. However, I believe Paul has other allies, more heinous than first imagined, that we don’t know about.” George pounded his fist lightly on his knee. “That’s what I want you to find out.”

Michael nodded.

“In the meantime, I believe I can persuade the ‘twins’ to leave your lady be.”

Michael was inwardly relieved, but he still wore his blank mask as he waited for the older man to continue.

George looked at him pointedly. “I must tell you that I know everything that happened with Adrian, including the part your Nikita played in her death.”

His heart lurched for one brief moment before Michael forced it to calmness with a deep, undetected breath. “She had no choice. She and Adrian couldn’t bring down Section by themselves. It was either that or—“

“No need to explain, Michael.” George dismissed his words with a wave of his hand. He gazed out of the car’s dark window, a wistful expression on his face. “As I said, the line of work we’re in often forces us to make difficult decisions. I’m sure Nikita is an honorable person, else Adrian wouldn’t have chosen her.”

He was quiet for a moment, and Michael let him mourn privately by remaining silent as well. He hated to see the man suffer. He more than anyone knew what it was like to lose the woman you loved. Michael had been through it three times.

Suddenly, George turned to him again. “But I must say this. Madeline betrayed me and managed to get her horrible hands on the keyfile. How do I know you won’t do the same?”

Michael made sure he was looking into George’s eyes as he spoke. “When I first came to Section, Operations was still running it the way Adrian had. A way I now realize was the best way. Over the years he’s gotten reckless, ruthless. Too many innocents are losing their lives, as well as a lot of good operatives. I think we can be ruthless and still maintain our integrity. Operations is playing God, and if he’s allowed to continue, Section will eventually be as evil as the people were supposed to be fighting.”

“Very good Michael. But how can I trust you?”

Michael slowly slipped his hand into his coat pocket and brought out a small card. He passed it to George, who scanned the series of written numbers with a frown.

“Coordinates? What is this, Michael?”

“It’s proof of my loyalty to you. I’d like you to check this out personally. You have my word it’s no trap.”

Michael opened the door and stepped out of the car, then leaned back in. “Take as many bodyguards with you as you like. After you’ve seen it, call me and we’ll talk further. And thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” George returned and watched as Michael disappeared through a cluster of trees.

After a while, he put the car in gear and headed towards Oversight.

NIKITA’S APARTMENT

With a tired sigh, Nikita rinsed her plate and placed it in the rack to dry. She rubbed her hands with a tea towel, then folded it neatly over the rack and stepped from the kitchen.

It was only a little after eight and she was bored to tears. She had planned on going to a movie, but didn’t want to get out in the cold. Instead, she’d eaten a lonely dinner, washed a load of clothes, and tidied up the apartment. Now she wandered aimlessly about, uninterested in television or reading.

Nothing to do but go to bed, she decided, and flipped off the lights as she headed towards her loft.

A soft knock stopped her ascent and Nikita paused, listening. After a moment, the knock came again and she knew instinctively who it was. She tipped over to the viewer by her door and wasn’t surprised to see Michael standing on the other side, his hands clasped in front of him. Taking a deep breath, she pulled open the door a few inches and stood in the opening.

“Hey.” She greeted, her eyes questioning.

“Hi,” he smiled, scanning her face. “Are you busy?”

“Uh, I was just going to bed.” Nikita answered self-consciously.

“It’s early. Are you feeling well?”

“Yes.”

Their eyes locked for a moment and Nikita looked away. “You know, someone’s probably watching.”

He shrugged his shoulders and continued to look at her, as if waiting to be invited in. That wasn’t happening. She’d already made a fool of herself with Sonia today. If she were alone with Michael for more than a minute, she’d probably make a bigger fool of herself by giving into some of the physical urges she’d been having lately.

“Maybe you shouldn’t be here.” Her eyes darted down the hallway.

Michael leaned into the opening, his face just inches from hers. “Would you like to go for a drive with me?”

Nikita felt the cold winter air emanating from his body. His hair was tousled from the wind and his cheeks were slightly pink from the cold. She was rather annoyed that he was ignoring her warning, but fascinated by the way his seductive accent and mesmerizing eyes were beckoning her.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Michael.”

He reached up to caress her chin with his fingers and Nikita felt goose bumps dotting her flesh. “Please, Nikita. I need to speak to you about something important.”

She wondered vaguely why he wasn’t somewhere seducing Sonia, then the thought left her when she noticed his eyes had lowered to her mouth. Nikita had a sudden urge to touch the long, dark lashes.

“I’m afraid.” She said, her eyes scanning the hallway behind him.

“Ni-ki-ta,” Michael breathed her name and she melted. There was something so familiar about the enchanting way he’d just said her name. “Madeline and Operations are at Oversight and no one is watching us now. They know we haven’t been seeing each other, so we’re not under suspicion.”

She bit her lip as she contemplated his words.

Michael sensed her reluctance and cupped her face, his eyes pleading with hers. “I know you’re confused. Whatever they did to you didn’t completely erase your awareness of me. You still feel something between us, don’t you?”

Her eyes begin to shimmer with confused tears, and her lip quivered slightly. “Yes.”

Michael’s eyes closed briefly, elated at her words. He opened them again to examine her features. “Then come with me. I need to talk to you. Please, Nikita.” He vaguely acknowledged that he was begging, something he had rarely had to do with women. But he deserved to be brought this low after all the torment he’d caused her in the past.

She hesitated a second before straightening. “Alright.”

Michael waited patiently in the hallway, then stepped back as she emerged from the apartment, wrapped in a thick, beige coat. She locked her door and turned to him, still uncertain.

He grabbed her hand in his and squeezed it reassuringly, then led her from the building.

Nikita sat quietly in the passenger seat of his car as Michael drove them further and further away from the city. Neither of them said a word, but strangely, she didn’t feel uncomfortable. She scooted deeper into the soft leather seat and stared out the window at the passing countryside. Through the darkness she couldn’t really see anything, but the action gave her a chance to reflect on the relationship she barely remembered them having.

Bits and pieces of their time together were fresh in her memory, but others were vague. Nikita didn’t remember why her feelings for Michael had so suddenly changed, but she had finally admitted to herself that maybe he and Walter were right about her being altered somehow. If she could recall how she’d been changed, she could probably regain some semblance of her old self. She knew the person she was now was not the person she really was and it angered her that she had been defiled in such a way.

They had driven for what seemed like hours, with Nikita drifting in and out of sleep. The next time she woke, the car had veered onto a deserted road. Slowly Michael steered the car over a winding dirt path. Finally, he pulled the car up to a dark farmhouse nestled in the woods. Nikita’s memories pricked in awareness as she looked at it, not noticing Michael as he sat back to gauge her reaction.

After a moment, she turned towards him, a wide smile on her face and Michael’s heart gave a tiny jerk. She looked like the old Nikita and he felt his plan falling into place.

“I remember this.” She told him, then opened the door and stepped out.

Michael followed, coming around the car to take her hand and lead her up to the front door. Snow crunched beneath their feet and Nikita inhaled the fresh, cold air as she waited for him to unlock the door. She preceded him inside and he locked the door behind them, shucking his gloves as he walked towards an old cast iron stove to start a fire.

Nikita slowly navigated the rustic room as she remembered the last time they’d been here, when they’d pretended to escape Section to flush out a Section operative suspected of working with Red Cell. She recalled the excited but nervous emotions she had felt at actually being alone with him.

She sat down on the old sofa and pulled her coat tightly around her. In a few minutes, Michael had a fire roaring in the antique stove. He lit a small lantern, which barely illuminated the room, then came to sit down beside her. She turned to him, a soft look on her face. Michael wanted to kiss her badly, but told himself to be patient.

“I remember being here with you.” She said again.

“Do you remember us?”

Nikita leaned back, curling her legs under her. “Some things. Not everything.” She shrugged and looked away. “I can’t remember how I felt about you.”

“But you know you loved me, that I loved you?” Michael probed gently.

Nikita nodded. “I’ve been remembering things for the past couple of months. Lyons. The Armel mission.”

She turned towards him again and rested her head on the back of the sofa. “I don’t have a problem remembering the years we’ve known each other and everything that happened between us. I just can’t associate any feelings with those times. At least, not until lately.”

“What do you mean?” Michael moved closer to her.

“I…I don’t know how to describe it. I still feel attracted to you… drawn to you – not just physically, but emotionally.” She reached up and pushed a lock of hair from his forehead, then let her hand rest on the side of his face. “I don’t understand why I stopped loving you. But I know I still should. Every time those feelings start to resurface, something pushes them back down.”

Michael turned his head and pressed a kiss to her palm and Nikita felt an intense awareness invading her soul. He looked back at her and his strong hands gently encircled her waist, pulling her close to him. He lowered his head to hers and brushed his lips against hers. Nikita closed her eyes and leaned into him, allowing her mouth to open slightly beneath his as he deepened the kiss. His tongue snaked inside to explore her mouth and she felt a familiar rush of desire wash over her. Her hands rested lightly against his chest as she allowed him to softly plunder her mouth and she responded tentatively at first, then more urgently. Flashes of them making love came to her and Nikita gripped the lapels of his leather coat tightly.

Michael pulled back and his eyes, darkened with desire, roamed over her flushed face. “Remember, Nikita.”

“I’m trying,” she told him, tears filling her eyes and she rested her head against his shoulder as he embraced her, caressing her back and rubbing his cheek against the top of her head.

“I love you, Nikita.” He whispered. “That’s the first thing I want you to remember. I didn’t say it often, but I need you to know it now.”

They remained that way for a long time and then Michael stood, tugging her hand so that she stood with him. He cupped her chin and kissed her forehead, her eyelids, then her mouth.

“I want you to trust me, also. That’s something that we worked hard for, and I want that back.” Their eyes met and held. “Will you trust me?”

“Yes.” Nikita’s hands rested on his shoulders and she rubbed them in a comforting gesture.

Silently, Michael took her hand and led her up the narrow stairs to the bedroom. It was still cold there, but neither of them noticed as Michael stopped in front of the bed. He unfastened her coat and tossed it on a nearby chair. Nikita stood perfectly still as he pulled her sweater over her head, then unhooked her bra, letting his hands brush lightly over her warm skin. He removed her boots and socks, then pulled off her jeans and panties. He folded back the covers of the bed and she slipped in. He tucked the blankets around her chin, then turned to the pot bellied stove on the other side of the room and lit a fire.

Nikita watched him silently, curled up in a tight ball within the cold bed, willing him to join her quickly. Finally, he stood and swiftly removed his coat and clothing, then slid into bed beside her. He pulled her into his arms and simply held her, enjoying the feel of her warm, pliant body molded to his. He rubbed his face in her silky hair, breathing in the scent of it, and ran his hands lightly up and down her soft skin in an effort to warm her. He closed his eyes when she twined her long smooth legs with his and pressed her breasts against his chest, allowing the aroused nipples to caress his skin. She kissed his chest, then pushed her face into the crook of his neck, her hands encircling his back to scratch it lightly.

“I remember how you smell,” she whispered against his skin and Michael shuddered, feeling himself grow hard.

His hands slid down to cup her bottom, squeezing the firm rounded flesh. He rolled her onto her back, his leg pinning hers to the mattress, and lowered his head to lick her lips, then bite them gently. Nikita moaned softly as her hands ran across his shoulders to the hard muscled arms, then to his chest and down his sides. She felt his swollen penis against her skin, and an exquisite ache begin between her thighs. Michael sucked her lower lip, then fit his mouth over hers and their tongues circled each other. His hand grasped a breast, palming the white globe gently, then brushing his thumb over the pebble hard nipple. He rubbed it between his fingers, the pulled it tenderly, before gripping the entire breast again, kneading it roughly.

Instinctively, her hips arched towards him and she kissed him feverishly, her teeth nipping his lips, then licking them with her wet tongue before plunging back inside to caress the tender flesh. Michael tensed when her felt her fingers run lightly over his taut stomach, then tangle in the crisp curls of hair above his thick member. When she tentatively touched his hardness he sucked in his breath and buried his face in her neck, then let out a soft groan as she firmly closed her hand over him. She ran her fingers up and down the silky skin, then rubbed the moist tip as she squeezed him and Michael begin gasping softly.

“Ni-ki-ta,” he said hoarsely as he lowered his head and flicked his tongue over her nipple. It was her turn to gasp as his hot mouth closed over the tip and begin to suck and bite it gently as he groped the other breast and teased the nipple there. Nikita’s hand left his shaft to cup his buttock, squeezing it as she reveled in the feel of his mouth on her breasts. She felt herself growing moist. Her thighs opened slightly, and heeding her silent request, Michael’s other hand gently cupped her mound, teasing the soft blond curls. His fingers parted the folds and begin to caress the slick flesh. Nikita cried out and arched into him. He inserted a finger inside her tight entry to rub her inner core with long strokes, the rough pad of his thumb caressing her swollen bud. Nikita buried her face in the pillow and moaned softly, her hand tangling in his unruly hair.

“Michael,” she whispered brokenly, “I remember this.”

He inserted another finger, stroking swiftly in and out of her as he continued to alternately lick, suck, and bite her breasts. Nikita strained against him, whimpering softly, her eyes closed tightly. He flicked the aroused bud roughly as his fingers continued to scissor in and out and he felt the muscles tighten around them, her wetness oozing out around his hand as she climaxed.

Nikita’s heart was pounding violently in her chest as he moved up to kiss her again, and Michael forced himself to go slowly, tamping down the need to thrust inside her. His mouth and hands were everywhere as he made his way down her body, finally stopping between her thighs. He pressed his lips against the downy blond curls, then parted her slick folds. His tongue darted out to lick her swollen bud and Nikita arched her back, groaning softly. He tenderly ravished her, pulling back when he sensed her climax, then continuing his teasing manipulations.

He moved back over her body, settling himself between her thighs as he kissed her, his hands burrowing in her hair to massage his scalp. She reached down between them to caress his thick, hard length, then positioned it at her opening. Michael rested his forehead against hers, his eyes closed in anticipation. When she guided him slowly inside her and he felt her tight hot sheath closing around him, he let out a shaky moan. He buried himself inside her fully and remained still for a moment, enjoying the feel of their bodies finally being joined together after nearly seven months of forced separation.

Nikita’s hands cupped his muscled backside as she nuzzled his ear and breathed huskily, “Michael, I remember how you feel inside me.”

His body shivered at her words and he buried his face in her neck as he begin to thrust inside of her with long, slow strokes. Nikita gripped him tightly as she rotated her hips in a circular motion, her breathing shallow, her eyes closed in ecstasy. Her arms snaked around his back to hug him to her, reveling in the feel of his weight covering her body. Michael rubbed his stubbled cheek against hers and lifted himself up on his arms and knees, angling his hips as his increased the intensity of his thrusts. Quick, short strokes alternated with slow long ones. His hand kneaded her breasts, plucking the erect nipples as he watched the look of sensuality on her face. Her thighs pressed inward to squeeze him and as the pleasure of their coupling increased, he begin to pump into her harder, his breath coming out in halted puffs and moans as her inner muscles stretched and opened around him. The joining of their bodies became slicker as they strained together and silent tears streamed down her cheeks as she felt an intense throbbing in her loins. Michael slipped his hand between their bodies and found her sensitive bud, rubbing it roughly with his thumb as he pounded into her. He strained to hold back his release as he felt her climax, her warm flesh squeezing his shaft as she cried out softly.

He pressed himself into her trembling body, his mouth covering hers as he sensually begin to rub his chest and abdomen against her soft skin. Nikita’s hands latched onto his shoulders as his mouth left hers to trail wet kisses along her jaw, her neck, her shoulders and then her breasts. His teeth scraped an over-sensitized nipple, then sucked it gently into her mouth as he begin to move inside her again. Her hands ran down to his back and her nails dug into his skin as he thrust wildly, swiveling his lean hips to penetrate her deeply. He cupped her soft bottom with one hand as he pushed her up into him with each downward stroke. He whispered her name as he felt her tighten around him again. He groaned raggedly as his body surged into hers a final time, his shaft shuddering and jerking within her in a powerful climax. Michael sagged against her, his head resting on the pillow next to hers, their faces inches apart.

“Je’taime,” he whispered as they kissed, Nikita’s hands massaging his back, scratching lightly.

Nikita didn’t return his words and Michael wasn’t concerned about pushing her to say them at this moment. It was enough that he was with her and that she’d allowed him to get close to her again.

As they shifted themselves into a more comfortable position, Nikita cuddled against Michael’s chest, she wondered how on earth she could forget the overwhelming passion shared with him. The rhythmic caress his hand on her back made her feel safe, protected and loved and lulled Nikita into a deep sleep.

Don’t be afraid, Nikita. It won’t last long.

SECTION ONE

“I don’t believe this.” Operations paced around his office, Madeline watching silently.

The meeting with George the night before had been volatile. Given the recent power plays they’d both tried to pull on each other, Operations knew that was going to be the norm from now on. He also knew that despite the amount of power he held, George was still his superior. At the moment, the keyfile was the only edge he had, but a very small edge as long as George had Gemstone. They were most definitely at a stalemate.

But both he and Madeline had been surprised at George’s words. He had thought he’d called them there to work out some sort of deal. What he’d said instead still made Operations tremble with anger.

“I’m concerned with the way things are running over there.” George had said.

“Really?” Operations had immediately went on the defensive. “How so?”

“The two of you have been spending a great deal of time using Section resources and operatives in a wasteful manner.” George had leveled them both with a piercing look. “To deter two of your best operatives from having a personal relationship.”

“If you’re referring to Michael and Nikita,” Madeline had begun, “then you need only look at their percentages---“

“Spare me the drivel about percentages, Madeline! I suppose a performance drop of less than one and one half percent is sufficient reason to send operatives trained to fight terrorists out to stop a sexual tryst?”

“Did Michael file a complaint?” Operations had asked and immediately regretted it.

“Michael didn’t come running to me, Paul. You are being watched. I don’t think Center nor the Agency would be pleased to know you think destroying a personal relationship is more important than, say, bringing down an enemy like Bergomi.” George had looked at him pointedly. “And since Michael was the one who engineered that success, your actions would be seen as professional jealousy. Very childish for a man of your advanced age.”

Neither of them had uttered another word, choosing instead to finish listening to George pick them apart verbally with as much dignity as possible.

George had risen and advanced on them with a hard glint in his eyes. “This stops now! I don’t give a damn about personal relationships between operatives. Apparently Michael and Nikita had no problem letting theirs keep them from doing the job, but it seems to be keeping you two from doing yours. If you continue with such nonsense, I’ll have no choice but to recommend replacements for both of you.”

Now Operations continued to pace the length of the loft as he puffed on a cigar.

Madeline observed his agitated state. “It was inevitable.”

“I have never know Michael to whine about any punishment he’s received, not that he’s had to be disciplined that often. I can’t believe he would go to George about this.”

“Michael doesn’t whine and I don’t think he was the one who went to George.” Madeline stated calmly. “You should know better than anyone that there was the possibility we we’re being watched.”

Operations turned sharply. “You mean George could have a spy planted here?”

“You’re forgetting Hillinger. There could be someone else.”

“Then maybe it’s Michael.”

Madeline shook her head slightly. “No, I don’t think so.”

“I know Michael, and he is incensed about Nikita. He’s doing a nice job of covering it up, but he’s angry.”

“Of course he is, but he wouldn’t go in that direction if he wanted to get back at us. You don’t know him as well as you think. Neither of us do.”

“I don’t give a damn!” He exploded. “I’m tired of this whole damn situation! Just cancel him and Nikita!”

“It would have to be cleared. What plausible reason would you give for canceling them?” Madeline rationalized.

Operations stopped pacing and closed his eyes briefly, heaving a deep and resigned sigh. “This is not how its supposed to go.”

“Let’s just play it safe.” Madeline advised. “Leave Michael and Nikita be for now and we’ll bide our time until our next move. Things will get better.”

Operations smiled at her, amazed at how this woman could so easily make him see things clearly. “You’re right, as usual. Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?”

She’d had dinner with him over a week ago, a meal that had ended with them having sex together. It was time to offer herself to him again. He had to be kept complacent.

“I’d love to. The usual time?”

He nodded, his smile wider, eyes greedy. Operations admired her as she walked away.

MICHAEL’S FARMHOUSE

“Don’t be afraid, Nikita. It won’t last long.”

Nikita came awake with a start. She was in bed alone, Michael no where to be found. Had she been dreaming? Of course she had, but who’s whisper had that been in her ear and what wouldn’t last long?

Shaking her head, she pushed back the blankets and swung her feet to the floor. In the tiny, ancient bathroom, she wiggled to keep warm as she splashed ice cold water on her face and used her finger as a makeshift toothbrush. Her teeth chattered incessantly as she hurriedly threw on her clothes, then moved down the creaky steps into the living room. Michael was just coming in the door as she reached the bottom step. He looked up at her, his mouth quirking up into a little half-smile that made her skin tingle.

“Good morning,” he greeted her, pushing the door closed and moving to stand in front of her. His hands rested on her shoulders and he gave her swift kiss, his lips cold, but delicious.

Nikita was still a little ambivalent as far as her feelings were concerned, but she couldn’t help being drawn to him. Her mind flashed back to their lovemaking the previous night and she prayed fervently that she wasn’t blushing. “Good morning. Where were you?”

“Warming the car. We have to get back. There are some missions on the pad that are going hot soon.”

Nikita nodded, her eyes fixed on the lapel of his coat.

“How are you feeling?” He asked, fingering a lock of her hair, his hand moving to grasp her waist.

Nikita shook her head. “Tired, disoriented, and hungry.”

“We can grab something to eat on the way back.” Michael released her to retrieve her coat. He helped her into it, then pressed another kiss to her forehead. “I’m sorry about the tired part.”

Nikita’s lips curved impishly. “Actually, it’s a good kind of tired.”

His eyes blinked once, his mouth twitching a bit before he grew serious. “When we get back to Section---“

“I know, I know.” She pulled her coat tighter around her. “We have to be discreet.”

“Yes, we do, but I was going to say I don’t want you to worry about Madeline and Operations.”

“Why not?” Her eyes narrowed. “They went to great lengths to do whatever it is they did to me. Why wouldn’t they try to do it again if they knew I was…hell, what am I?”

“You’re coming out of the brainwashing, though I don’t know why?” He rubbed her back, trying to comfort her. “I was sure Madeline had used some type of extreme procedure. I couldn’t come up with any clues as to what she did to you, but it definitely should have been more permanent.”

“Are you for real? They brainwashed me?”

Michael nodded grimly as he steered her shocked body towards the door. “Let’s go.”

“Wait a minute.” Nikita grabbed the doorframe. “Why don’t I have to worry about them?”

Michael’s eyes locked onto hers. “You said you trusted me.”

“I do.” She made sure her hesitancy didn’t show. She wanted to know what was motivating his confidence.

“You may have some reservations about what I tell you, but I’ve allowed for every contingency.” He moved them both outside and locked the door. “It’ll help us in the future.”

SECTION ONE, NEXT EVENING

Nikita wearily dragged her body over to Walter’s station to check her equipment. She looked up at Operations’ loft, watching intently as Michael debriefed with the older man.

“How ya’ faring, Sugar?” Walter smiled hesitantly at her. “Jakarta looks like it was hell.”

“It was,” she answered wearily, standing aside as her team members unloaded their gear. She massaged the back of her neck as she looked up at Walter, smiling shyly. “How have you been, Walter?

He was speechless for a moment, his surprise at her warmth evident. “Uh, I’m great, Sugar.”

Nikita looked at him a moment. “Good.”

She sauntered away, catching Birkoff’s eye as she passed by his area. Nikita gave him a little wave and his mouth dropped open slightly before he raised his hand in return. He and Walter shared a look before shrugging their shoulders and returning to work.

NIKITA’S APARTMENT

Later that evening, Nikita had barely turned the key in her lock before Mick accosted her in the hallway.

“Popsicle!” He crossed the hall, a drink in his hand. He was wearing a paisley silk robe and soft music drifted from his apartment. “Been out shooting drug dealers?”

Ignoring the question, Nikita leaned against the door, imagining hot water and scented bubbles. “You entertaining, Mick?” She yawned loudly and waited for him to regale her with a spicy story about his latest conquest.

“Oh, not tonight. Thought I’d give the female population a chance to recover.” He grinned at her. “You want a drink, luv?”

Nikita shook her head. “I’m really tired, Mick. Raincheck?”

Mick lifted an eyebrow. “Well, okay then. Sure thing. Hey, we’ll do it tomorrow night, unless you have to gut some bloody terrorist, okay?”

“Sure,” Nikita smiled and stepped into her apartment. As she flipped on the lights, she immediately saw the vase of yellow roses sitting on the kitchen counter.

Michael. She moved towards them, dropping her coat on a stool. Plucking the envelope from the arrangement, she opened it and pulled out a key and a small card. She scanned it quickly, her heart beating rapidly.

Meet me here at midnight. -M

Nikita noted the hotel name and address, then dropped the key and card on the counter.

“Oh, God, Michael, why tonight?” She groaned as she urged her legs up the stairs intent on having that bath.

HOTEL ROOM

Nikita sat on the wide bed, looking around the dilapidated hotel room in disgust. Why in the world would Michael ask her to meet him in this dump? True, if they were going to continue this secret relationship, that made her feel giddy one minute and apprehensive the next, they had to be careful. But this was too much.

She tried to control the grimace on her face as she scanned the filthy looking floor. Scooting back so her legs rested on the bed, she hoped there were no angry little rodents running about. After a thorough scan of the room, satisfied that she wouldn’t be attacked by rats, she let her mind wander back to her conversation with Michael during their return from the farmhouse.

When he’d told her of his plans to ensure them a future together, she’d balked, but had promised to trust his judgement. She didn’t really know George that well, but she wasn’t inclined to trust anyone in Section save Michael, Walter and Birkoff. Nikita had seen so many surprise twists involving Section’s operatives, she herself having been part of a couple of them, that she couldn’t wholeheartedly support Michael’s plans without misgivings. George could be working with Madeline, or Operations could be working with George, or they could all be deceiving each other in order to gain the upper hand.

She hoped Michael knew what he was doing. He was a genius at deception and manipulation, but going against those three was a major undertaking. And although she had voiced her misgivings out loud, she hadn’t mentioned the other thing that was bothering her.

Michael’s family.

If he garnered enough freedom to be able to make contact with them again, where would that leave her? Sure, he had included her in his plans. But what guarantee did she have that he wouldn’t dump her as soon as she was sure she was safe and run back to Elena? Maybe their relationship on his need to just be with someone until he could get back to his wife and son. Nikita wanted him to be with his son, but she definitely did not want to nurse another broken heart.

She massaged her temples as the headache that had arrived earlier increased in intensity. When she was ready to hear his answers to her questions, she and Michael were going to sit down and have a long talk about just where he saw their relationship going.

A key turned in the lock and Nikita focused on the door, fully expecting to see Michael appear. She was totally unprepared for the person she was gawking at with overwhelming shock and surprise.

“Madeline?!”

Closing the door firmly, Madeline advanced in the dim room, her enigmatic smile in place. “Hello, Nikita. How are you feeling?”

Nikita could only stare at her. Madeline sat next to her on the edge of the bed and tilted her head to examine her.

“You’re surprised to see me.” She stated the obvious.

Nikita made a choking sound and finally found her voice. “Well, yeah, Madeline, I am. What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to see if you were alright?”

Frowning, Nikita jumped up from the bed. “What do you want, Madeline?”

Madeline folded her hands in her lap and crossed her legs. “I assume you’ve renewed your relationship with Michael?”

Another shock. Nikita didn’t know if she could go another round with Madeline. “Are you here to cancel me?”

“No, Nikita.”

A long silence ensued as the two women watched each other. Nikita knew with a certainty that Madeline was going to hit her with something profound soon. As long as she had been in Section, Nikita was still unable to match wits with her, and doubted she ever would.

Suddenly angry at all the devious tricks she’d been subjected to over the years by this woman, Nikita crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. “What little surprise do you have for me now? Spit it out! I’ve had enough of this! Hack into my mind some more or cancel me! Just get it done without all the bullshit!”

Madeline patted the bed next to her. “Have a seat, Nikita. I told you I wasn’t here to cancel you, and I meant it. But we do need to talk. I think its time you learned some things.”

“I’ll stand.”

“If you prefer.” Madeline nodded. “The effects of the brainwashing. They’re wearing off?”

“So you admit you had me adjusted?” Nikita clenched her hands into fists. “Why? Why does my personal life worry you so much?”

“It doesn’t. It worries Operations.”

“And what worries him worries you?”

“Not for a long time.”

Nikita shook her head. “So you really don’t care what me and Michael do? You’re just following Operations orders?”

“No.” Madeline continued to smile.

“Dammit, Madeline, I’m going to pop you in the mouth if you don’t stop the cat and mouse game! What the hell is it, then?”

“I told you it wouldn’t last long.”

Mouth open and eyes round, Nikita gazed at her with dawning comprehension. “You! That voice was you in my dreams.”

“Should I be flattered that you’re dreaming about me, Nikita?” Madeline asked with a serious look.

Nikita frowned, head jerking slightly. “Are you trying to make a joke? Okay, just kill me now.”

Madeline’s smile returned. “I only adjusted you a bit, to throw Operations a bone and to make Michael angry.”

“Why would you want to make Michael angry?”

“So he would do what needs to be done. Operations is power hungry. And men, when their power hungry, can do a lot of damage to the world.”

“And a power hungry Michael is better than a power hungry Operations?”

“Most definitely.”

Nikita paced the room, processing the information Madeline was giving her. “You want Michael to be Operations?”

“Michael doesn’t really want to take over Section. He’s a man, and they usually think with their---. Well, let’s just say a beautiful woman can motivate a man like Michael to move heaven and earth. He wants a little more freedom to be with you, so I gather he’s moving in that direction.”

“Okay, so you want to run Section.” Nikita surmised.

“Correct.”

“Why?”

Madeline sighed. “I haven’t liked the way Section was run for a long time, and I believe some of the tactics we’ve used to achieve our goals were not the best.”

“Such as?”

“Valentine scenarios, for one. We are the most covert anti-terrorist organization in the world. Despite all our intelligence and vast resources, we resort to sex to get our way.” Madeline frowned. “Michael’s valentine missions were all unnecessary. We could’ve gotten to Vacek without him marrying Elena. We could have gotten to David Fanning without him having to seduce Lisa.”

Nikita didn’t want to dredge up those old wounds, but had to ask. “Why have him do it then?”

“Oh, it was Operations. He likes inflicting emotional pain on Michael. Embarrassing him. Making sure he knows who’s in charge. He’s very insecure about his authority when it comes to Michael.”

Nikita finally sat down on the bed and rubbed her knuckles into her closed eyes.

“You’re tired.” Madeline observed. “Maybe we should talk about this another time.”

“No!” Nikita’s head flew up. “Tell me more. Why should I believe what you’re saying? This could all be just another trick.”

Madeline sighed again. “No, it’s not Nikita. And you can believe me or not, but things will happen that will make you see I’m sincere. If I weren’t, you would be permanently adjusted now.”

“But if you want to take Operations down, why in the world did you conspire with him against Adrian? Why did you kill her?”

“I didn’t kill Adrian.”

Nikita nearly fell off the bed, and Madeline reached out to steady her as she swayed.

“Adrian’s still alive?” Nikita asked incredulously.

“No. Operations ordered me to kill her, but I couldn’t. I assigned someone else to do it, someone I’ve been manipulating for a while.”

“Who?”

“Butler.”

Nikita couldn’t take many more surprises. Her headache had intensified and she rubbed her temples again. “Explain please.”

“I only agreed to take Adrian down to cement Operations loyalty in me. I care for Paul, but he’s going to annihilate Section, and us along with it, if he’s allowed to continue the way he has. Despite our bitterness, I felt the same way Adrian did about a lot of things. But I couldn’t kill her, so I let Butler do it.”

“And your ‘manipulation’ of Butler is going to keep him quiet?”

“He won’t say anything. He’s dead.”

Nikita processed this new bit of information with less surprise. Butler had been in danger of abeyance for awhile. Now Nikita realized that Madeline had been the one to keep him from death all this time. And Nikita knew exactly how Madeline had bought his silence.

“So your tracks are covered, huh?”

“Yes. Save for you. But I’m telling you this so you’ll know I’m on your side Nikita. I’ve had to be hard on you, but it was only to help you learn the way things work in Section. We may be ghosts, but we’re still women. Everything for us is doubly hard. That’s why I want Michael to be the one to get to Operations. A power play from his would be more acceptable.”

“You don’t believe that nonsense in this day and age?”

“It’s still a man’s world, Nikita.” Madeline reached out to tuck a strand of blond hair behind Nikita’s ear. “I’ve always been fond of you. You’ve never been in any real danger from me.”

Nikita didn’t know what to make of that statement, so she ignored it completely. “If you want to bring Operations down, why not tell Michael?”

“You can tell him if you want, but I’d advise you not to just yet. Let him continue his plans.”

“What if you get hurt?”

“He won’t physically hurt me. Thanks to you, Michael has a little more compassion then he once did. Besides, everything done in the dark will come to the light.”

Madeline rose and smoothed her skirt. “Why don’t you go home and rest. The after effects of the brainwashing can cause increased fatigue.”

“Sure.” Nikita watched warily as the older woman went to the door. She still didn’t trust her, but Nikita’s instincts told her that what Madeline had told her was the truth.

“Goodnight, Nikita.” Madeline smiled her again as she exited the tiny room.

Nikita gave a small, incredulous laugh before rising and leaving the room also.

NIKITA’S APARTMENT

When Nikita finally made it back home, she was nearly dead on her feet. All the events of the past few weeks had left her physically and emotionally exhausted. She climbed the stairs to her loft, pulling off coat on her way up. Moonlight streamed through the windows and she could make out the shape of a masculine body lying on the bed.

“Where have you been?” Michael asked, his softly accented voice edged with weariness.

Nikita plopped down on the bed to remove her shoes. “You’re having no problem making yourself at home.”

“Where have you been?” Michael moved towards her and grabbed a handful of her hair, letting it slide between his fingers.

“Taking care of business.” Nikita tossed her sweater to the floor, then stood up to shuck her jeans.

“What kind of business?” Michael pulled the covers back for her and Nikita slid in next to him.

“I’ll tell you about it tomorrow. I’m too tired to talk.” She mumbled, turning her back to him.

Michael curled himself around her and kissed her ear. “Who sent you the roses?”

“Ahh, jealous are we?” Nikita teased. “Don’t worry, there’s not another man in the picture. Let me sleep. I’ll tell you about it in the morning.”

Michael started to press her, then thought better of it. He buried his face in her neck, just grateful that he almost had his Nikita back.

SOMEWHERE IN JAMAICA

The morning was clear and bright. George and two of his men stealthily walked up the pathway of the beautiful beach house nestled next to a private beach. Beautifully exotic flowers and swaying palm trees surrounded the white two-story home and a gentle breeze drifted lazily around them.

A burly, dred-locked man suddenly appeared from the corner of the house.

“Sir,” he called to George. “We’ve been expecting you. Come this way.”

George’s men drew their guns and placed themselves in front of him as they cautiously rounded the corner. On one side of the large yard was a small pond, next to it a large garden filled with various flowers. A woman in a long sundress and large straw hat stood with her back to them, tending the garden and humming a tune. George’s eyes grew wider and his heart flip-flopped at the familiar voice.

Slowly the woman turned and gave him a radiant smile. “Hello, George.”

“Adrian….”

THE END

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