Nikita stretched lazily on her couch, just finishing the red glittering polish to her toenails. Legs and toes wriggled in the air in time to the loud beating music.

A warm lick to her wrist draped carelessly over the couch. A scruffy bark of the cuddly golden retriever signaled attention needed. A pat to her tummy the only encouragement needed for the bundle of puppy energy now furiously licking her face.

     Laughing, Nikita picked him up surveying the squirming yelping animal in the air before resting him against her chest.

     "We're going to have to keep you a secret." She whispered confidentially to the wet nose thrust under her chin. In a deep voice with a mocking French accent, she added, "'Cause Michael say 'No pets allowed'."

     The sound of her doorknob, motivated Nikita to quickly scoop up the retriever and deposit him in her room. Closing the door behind her, the young operative jumped lightly to the floor. Grabbing a brass candleholder, cat-like movements brought her behind the opening door.

     Michael entered slowly walking forward as he surveyed the half-filled glass of wine on the end table, music playing, and the illuminated bedroom.

     Sighing loudly and slamming the door behind him, Nikita chided. "I believe the key was for emergencies!" She walked past him and replaced the candle holder, one hand picking up her wine and sipping it slowly.

     Still standing by the door, Michael's eyes tracked her movements. Walked past him, she could feel his appraisal of the cut-off jean shorts, purple tube top covered with a man's white shirt. He ignored her comment and waited for her to turn around.

     Taking her time - after all this was her apartment - she tossed pillows this way and that settling them with great care between sips from the goblet. Crossing arms tightly around her, she finally glanced over her shoulder at him.

     "Well?" she asked impatiently. He stared at her. She gave him an exasperated look, "Wait, don't tell me... I have to guess is that it?"

     She walked slowly around her apartment conducting her own scathing appraisal. "Let's see," she said taking in his general appearance while tilting the wine lass upward, "You're not exactly dressed for a mission, so that can't be it!"

     "No..." She shook her head and walked in a circle around him tracing between his shoulders with her index finger.

     "You haven't switched my music, so you're not here to seduce me." She stood in front of him amused at his discomfort. He was looking straight ahead occasionally giving her a sidelong glance while tightly pursing his lips. He opened his mouth to say something, but Nikita wasn't finished.

     "Ah," she said throwing back her head and biting her lower lip, " and you haven't torn anything up trying to find someone"

     "Are you finished?" He inquired - the seriousness of his voice barely registering with her.

     " Hmm well... that about covers any possible reason for your being here. So... I give up... " Voice covered with caramel sarcasm and spite, her body folded into the chair. "So what is it, Michael"

     He walked towards her avoiding eye contact. Sitting at a comfortable distance, he resolutely focused on her eyes, "We have a problem."

     Staring at him briefly while maintaining eye contact, Nikita tried to gauge the encrypted messages in the speckled hazel orbs. Of course, it was useless.

     Figuring that the sooner she listened the sooner he'd leave, Nikita let her head fall backwards, rolling it back and forth between her shoulders. Slowly stretching, she moved to sit in the chair beside him, yawning purposefully.

     He gave her with one of those 'get serious looks' and continued. "Operations wants CQS until a certain situation is resolved."

     "What situation?"

     He didn't answer, but continued looking at her while he got up and helped himself to her glass of wine.

     "So WHY did you come all the way down here?" She glanced up at him and then back at her nails. "Could you have called, or does the situation require all operatives to be informed in person."

     He looked toward her lighted bedroom, door closed and looked back at her. She bit her lip hoping that he would decide not to pursue this current line of thinking.

     Suddenly, he was beside her, cupping her face in his hands forcing her eyes to meet his, "This is not a game, Nikita! Section One is sending us on an extremely dangerous mission."

     Pushing his hands away from her face, she looked downward as he continued -eyes never leaving her face. " This will be the first of your deep covert mission. The information is sketchy, and even Operations is unsure if this is a set-up or the real thing. We won't know how serious the problem is until we're done."

     Inwardly she thought that deceit in the Section was nothing new, but she knew better than to say it aloud.

     She stood and pulled the shirt around her. "What do I need?" She turned off the stereo crossing her arms in front of her.

     "You have everything that you need." He answered, walking to the door and opening it slightly "Let's go!"

     Funny, she thought how his suggestions always sounded more like orders.

     "Uh, no, you go ahead." Nikita replied, piling her tousled hair atop of her head. "I want to have my own vehicle so I can leave when I want after." She started to wash her glass hoping that he would take this as his cue to leave but noticed that he was still standing in the doorway facing inside.

     She looked at him out of the corner of her eye; he was looking at her bed room door. In two steps she flanked his position, holding the door open wider and offering a smile.

     His hands plunged his coat pockets; his lips pursed tightly. Turned and walked through the doorway, questions still darkening the air behind.

     She sighed, leaning against the doorframe. Sometimes talking to Michael was equivalent to running a marathon, you never really got anywhere, and you always left tired.

***************

Chapter 2 - Rated "MC" for MAJOR CHEESAGE... ----------

     Nikita and Michael were briefed in Madeline's office. Nikita could sense Michael's uneasiness. They were told they had 72 hours to prepare themselves for undercover work in Section 5 another anti-terrorist agency.

     Section 5 - one of many subsections with which Section One dealt - was run by a group of men beneath Operations. These men reported directly to him.

     It seemed now that Section 5 had a rogue leader - one who was running a mercenary intel using terrorist contacts to make money and gain international power.

     As they were leaving the office, Michael whispered "Meet me in the gym"

     Her head nod was barely perceptable. Waiting ten minutes, Nikita joined Michael in the gym.

     "Fight with me!" He challenged. Wearing a black tank top with black running pants, he stretched his arms revealing rippling biceps and triceps. Shoulders moved up and down and legs jogged in place while arms took a defensive position.

     Without saying a word, Nikita removed her overcoat, still wearing the purple tube top and the man's shirt with a pair of black leggings, revealing lean musculature. She took a defensive stance and returned the challenge to him with her body language.

     They circled each other, each swatting at the other. "Don't hold back, Michael" She asserted, landing a solid punch to his abdomen.

     Michael exhaled sharply and leaned over. The blow had caught him slightly off guard.

     "I'm waiting..." She taunted, resting hands on hips and waiting for him to rise. Pulling his torso upright, he connected his left hand to her jaw.

     Nikita laughed, "Come on, Michael, you can do better than that!" she spat a mouthful of blood on the mat.

     They continued fighting for another fifteen minutes. "All right, I've had enough," Nikita sighed.

     "Not 'til one of us is on the mat," Michael insisted between breaths.

     Nikita shurgged and with one swift motion swept Michael's legs. It startled Michael to find himself on the floor. She stood over him laughing, until he grabbed her leg pulling her down to the mat beside him.

     Invisble electricty ran between the two hot sweaty bodies recumbant on the floor. Each slightly breathless, both of there hearts were bounding wildly.

     "Nikita," Michael whispered. She looked away as she let out an audible sigh.

     "This mission.." He continued as she rolled onto her back bringing one of her legs up to her chest. "This mission will be the ultimate test," He paused letting his words make their full impact. "We will have to trust each other more than we ever have before."

     He propped himself up on one elbow facing her stretched out body.

     She got up and started hitting the punching bag. "Then I guess, this really will be the most dificult mission ever." She gave him a tight-lipped smile.

     "Yes" He nodded, silently leaving the gym area.

     She angrily shook her head. Trust him!! Nikita thought. Their whole relationship, their whole life together in the Section was based on a lie.  Whether to protect her, deceive her, or confuse her, all he had ever done was lie to her.

     "We'll have to trust each other" she mocked aloud to the punching bag. Harder and harder she struck the punching bag. Muscles burned, but she persisted, picking up a jump rope next. Feeling nothing inside anymore, her body's aching finally overcame the aching in her mind. She collapsed on the mat face forward, burying her head in her outstretched arms.

     Michael called from the doorway, "Nikita, I need you!" He waited for her to respond. Not bothering to raise her her head, a hand signaling "okay" was her only response.

     Sensing he had left, she got up slowly stretching her aching muscles as she did. She toweled her face and upper body which were drenched with sweat.

     In his office Michael did not miss the sweat-soaked clothing, wet hair, and sweet smell of sweat mixed with whatever tantalizing body lotion she had used.

     He averted his glance to the diskette he held in his hands. "I need you to go over these files tonight. I've marked all relevant date. Read it carefully; memorize it. It will be imperative for our cover."

     She took the file and scanned it briefly then got up to leave. But a thought had been troubling her since the beginning, and she had to ask him. "Michael, why am I the one going with you?"

     He looked up from the computer, startled "What do you mean?"

     She walked back and sat down across from him lowering her voice. "I know why Section would chose you to go, but why me? I've only been here three years, and I'm sure there are others more qualified for this kind of undercover work."

     "You don't need to know why, Nikita; you just need to do your job." He started typing again.

     "Michael!" her voice raised, and she stopped herself. Pausing she again lowered her voice and leaned forward across the desk trying to meet his eyes. "I'm not sure I can do this without knowing the reason."

     Michael looked at her, measuring her with his eyes, but unwavering.

     She tried again, "I know I've questioned you in the past about others, but Michael, now I'm asking for... for me. If you care..... If you care about this mission, tell me." Her eyes looked imploringly at him.

     He looked up and then to the left. He leaned forward on his desk rubbing his mouth. "You're going because I asked for you." He answered, looking at her as he finished.

     She raised her eyebrows and opened her mouth to form another question, but then closed it firmly. She stood never taking her eyes off him. He stood as well trying to read her face. She took the file and left.

     He sat down puzzled at what had just taken place he shook his head to clear his mind. Instead he closed his laptop, and stared out his window.

***************

Chapter 3 ----------

     The next day Nikita seemed obviously at terms with whatever she was feeling. Michael found her laughing with Walter.

     Walter was testing some kind of restraining device on Nikita and was using it to keep her under a stream of water that he was squirting from an umbrella.

     Ducking and squirming, pieces of her wet hair sent splatters of water outward. Walter was nearly as drenched as she, and both were laughing hysterically.

     Michael cleared his throat. Walter and Nikita stared up at him then at each other. Walter winked at Nikita and freed her from the device. With one swift motion, she grabbed Michael, bringing him into the room where Walter proceeded to spray him down.

     Michael managed an amused smile as he rung out a portion of his long trench coat. He seemed a little unsure of how to usurp control over this situation.

     "Hey, Walter, no fair, Michael isn't nearly as wet as I am!" Nikita protested, surveying her drenched pale green t-shirt and miniskirt.

     "Go get changed Nikita, We have to get to work!" Michael ordered, as though he was talking to a two year old.

     Walter snorted and pushed Nikita across the wet floor. She slid to the doorway nearly falling.  Straightening as she regained her balance, she looked back at Michael.

     "Aye aye, Captain,!" She laughed, saluting him and taking off down the hall.

     Michael looked at Walter as if expecting an explanation. He didn't get one. All he got was an amused look and a comment "That girl knows how to have fun, Michael, You should try it some time."

     Michael eyeballed him, rung out the remaining water in his coat, and walked out. He could hear Walter guffawing all the way down the hall.

     In his office 30 minutes later, Nikita wandered into Michael's office her hair was still a little damp. Self-consciously braiding strands, she listened as Michael seemed to go on and on about the same details of the mission.

     Very serious, and seemingly upset that she didn't perceive the seriousness, he impatiently snapped, "Nikita."

     "What?" She dropped her hair and sat up straighter. "I'm listening, but you've been going over the same stuff for hours."

     "You're right." He answered, standing up measuring her with his eyes.

     "I am?" She stuttered in pure shock.

     "Let's get out of here for a while."

     She remained seated unsure of what to do.

     He leaned down beside her his voice lilting "Let's go!"

     She got up and followed him out to his car. "Where are we going?"

     He opened his cell phone and walked away momentarily. Nikita leaned against the car trying not to listen. Michael walked back and opened her door.

     Sliding into the leather seat, she watched as he walked behind the car.

     Forty-five minutes later, they pulled into what looked like a park area. Michael exited the vehicle without a word, and Nikita followed him down to a pathway.

     She kept turning around and looking at the scenery. It was breath-taking.

     Leaning down, Nikita plucked a flower, taking off its petals one by one. Palming the feathery-light petal, she breathed deeply their fragrance. Throwing them in the air, blue eyes traced their floating path downward.

     Suddenly, she noticed that Michael was nowhere to be found. No matter.

     Down by a lake, she selected shiny pebbles and threw them into the water mesmerized by the intricate pattern of tiny ripples they created.

     Occasionally, she would glance around to locate Michael.

     Resting in the sand filling her hands and letting the granules sift slowly through her hands, a shadow fell over her just as she was drifting off to sleep. Groggily, she shielded her eyes to see Michael standing over her.

     "Feel better?" He asked, taking a seat beside her.

     "Do you?" she asked.

     He didn't respond.

     "Can I ask you a question?" It really wasn't a question, and she continued without his consent. "Why did you want me?"

     He stood up, "We'd better get back."

     She remained seated, "You're not going to answer me are you?"

     He looked at her then knelt down beside her. "I should never have told you in the first place; don't make me regret my decision."

     She studied him and looked towards the lake. "You said we had to trust each other on this mission," She turned back towards him leaning very close to him, "But you don't trust me enough to tell me why?"

     "It's not about trust, Nikita"

     She sat back in the sand and rocked forward standing in one swift motion.

     "Well, then, we'd better go." She looked down at him pleased at his puzzled expression.

***************

Chapter 4 - Let me know when to stop. LOL ----------

     They drove in silence back to the Section.

     Operations met them at the door. "Briefing room in 5 minutes."

     "You've gone over the profiles I trust." They both nodded.

     "Good, you will spend three days on the street. You will get arrested on your third day. Birkoff will supply police records of past violent events. You are married. You will act like it.  If all goes well Section 5 will pick you both up and "train" you. The man in question is in charge of new recruits. He has been using these recruits to perform various mercenary actions. Up until now Section 5 has been unable to track and record his events. All recruits he has trained and used have ended up dead before they could be interrogated. This man is extremely cagey and the missions you will be sent on will be extremely dangerous. You will have no contact with Section 1 until after this guy has been canceled. Madeline will give you the necessary clothes.  Get going."

     Together in Madeline's room, they picked out their wardrobe. Nikita stuffed her hair in an oversized ski hat, and put on the mittens with the most holes in them. Michael emerged looking sufficiently scruffy and street-wise.

     Nikita placed a beret-styled hat over his head. "You'll need this."

     "I'll be fine," he said taking off the distasteful hat.

     She shrugged.

     The Section van dropped them off 2 miles from where they were going to live.

     It was extremely cold. They were both shivering. Nikita gathered some cardboard boxes and from experience set them up in the shape of a make-shift house. It served as a shelter from the bitter wind.

     Neither Michael nor Nikita found that they were dressed warmly enough.

     They sat close, both shivering deeply. Nikita rubbed her shoulders fiercely. She looked at Michael, who had reclined with his back to Nikita.

     She settled her body around his spoon style. Michael turned around startled. She explained. "We've gotta keep warm, or we'll freeze to death. Nothing personal, okay?"

     He nodded, turned to his other side. She snuggled into him as he wrapped his arms around her. They fell asleep sharing each other's warmth.

     Michael woke up early and buried his head deeper in Nikita's hair. Her hair smelled so good.  He sighed. She stirred muttering his name half-awake.

     "Good morning, Nikita." He answered, taking his head out of her hair.

     The deepness of his voice and the warmth of his breath on her neck caused her to shiver involuntatrily.

     "You still cold?" he asked closing his arms more tightly around her.

     Shaking her head, no, she slowly took his arms from around her waist reluctant to lose his warmth. Standing quickly, she looked down at him breifly then exited their make-shift house.

     The outside air was frigid, and the stiff breeze made it seem even colder. She greeted her "neighbors" and asked to share their fire. Holding her hands over the fire and rubbing them fiercely, she observered the surroundings and the faces of the people around her.

     She offered an older lady her gloves. The lady smiled a toothless smile and offered her some bread. Nikita smiled and accepted.

     Returning to Michael, she shared half the stale loaf. "Okay, Michael," Nikita stated between bites. "We gotta make decent friends here... try to fit in first; then we can case the area for a store."

     "I know the plan; you act like I'm the three year operative." Michael answered, flatly.

     Casting him a doubtful look, Nikita exited again. "Fine, next time you get breakfast!" She snapped.

     Throughout the day she tried to hang back and let him take the lead, but Michael seemed like a fish out of water. He tried to fit in, but people seemed to mistrust him and avoid him.

     That night they again assumed their positions. With his arms around her, she ventured some advice, "Michael, you gotta understand these people. They have everything to lose and nothing to gain by befriending you. You have to give them reasons for trust. It's not instant soup."

     Intertwining her fingers with his, she pulled them around her waist. "Won't you let me help you?"

     "We're doing fine, and we will only be here one more day." Michael replied, scooting his body closer to hers. She sighed a sigh of contentment and wished moments like these could last forever.

     The next morning Michael starteled Nikita while awakening her. Her eyes popped open, looking around the cardboard lodging wildly.

     "It's okay, I was just out getting breakfast" He quipped, producing two bananas from his coat pocket.

     "What did you do- threaten some poor lady?" Nikita teased.

     "You should know better, it was an old man." Nikita looked up only to see his back. Although she wondered if he was kidding, her stomach's growling hastened her decision. She really didn't care how he got the fruit. Hurriedly eating, she joined Michael outside.

     Together hand in hand they proceeded to case the area. Metal bars lined windows and most of the places were very poorly secured. The job would prove to be an easy one. Back inside the makeshift home, they drew the layout of the bar in the dirt, deciding who would enter first and how exactly they planned to get caught.

     They argued in subdues voices about the acceptable collateral.

     "We don't have to kill everyone, Michael. It's not necessary. We're only supposed to get arrested, and Section will take care of the rest." She stressed, heatedly, eyes dancing with fire and ice.

     "We don't know what we're dealing with here, Nikita. I would never have picked you out of your cell had you not been able to kill someone in cold blood, and this Section 5 is no different." He dismissed, showing just a hint of annoyance over this re-hashed quandry of theirs.

     "My first kill was to protect you and you know it!" Nikita spat angrily.

     He ran his hand over hers, and slowly re-iterated, "Let's not get into this, Nikita. We're on a mission and you will obey my orders."

     Rolling her eyes and sighing, she rushed out of the cardboard house.

     He exited their residence as well and watched with concern as she kicked a rolling garbage can across the street.

     She returned a few hours later. He handed her a gun and they walked side by side not a word or glance passing between them.

     Before entering the bar, she took a deep breath. Feeling Michael's gaze upon her, Nikita looked at him nodding. Together, they ran in together.

     Nikita shot and killed the cashier. Michael took out the remaining personnel. Nikita crammed money into a sack. She and Michael were on their way out when police men outside halted their escape.

     They were put in prison and separated. She looked around thinking, Boy, this sure brought back memories.

     She observed Michael in an interrogation room being quizzed by two men. Hitting the cop who was standing by her side, she took out another cop by kicking him in the groin. Handcuffed, she rushed out of the station, stopping only when she heard gunfire over head. Training and gut instinct told her that she was being watched.

     The plan was working. She hoped Michael fared as well.

     Never stopping her attempts for escape, Nikita played her part as a street-wise kid to perfection. Then one night in her cell....

***************

Chapter 5 - Fifth verse same as the first a little but louder and a little bit worse. ----------

     She eyed the monstrous man before her angrily. "Who are you? Where's Michael?"

     "Michael?" The man asked, seeming puzzled as he removed the last of the restraints.

     "My husband. Where is he?" Nikita demanded.

     He turned his back on her just like Michael had, and she attacked him in much the same way. Of course, Nikita allowed him to win. He held her against the wall with her arm twisted severley behind her.

     "You're hurting me!" She screamed, allowing the tears to come.

     He spun her around and grabbed her shoulders, holding her at arm's length and looking her up and down.

     "Yes," He smiled, "You'll do nicely."

     "I'm not doing anything until I see my husband, do you hear me?" Nikita sobbed through her shouts with such intensity that he let her go. Angrily, she hugged her arms around her, all the while continuing to glare at the dark-haired monster.

     He was beautiful. Dark brown hair and eyes more blue than her own. His muscles rippled through his navy blue t-shirt.

     Noticing her appraisal, he looked at her carefully and proceeded to lay down the law.

     "First of all, your husband is still in jail, and he will remain there. You have a choice. You can either die or you can work with me."

     "I'd rather die than be without, Michael. I can't go on without him." Nikita burst into a fresh outburst of tears and slammed her fists and head against the wall.

     He left her. "I'll give you 5 minutes to change your mind."

     She rushed at him, and he threw her to the floor.

     "Five minutes" He warned.

     Five minutes was up, he walked in to find her in the corner,cradling her head and rocking back and forth.

     "Well?" he asked.

     "I hope you brought a gun, because I don't see Michael with you." She answered defiantly with tears in her eyes.

     Grabbing her arm, he slung her over his shoulder and carried her kicking and screaming out of the room past staring operatives and into a cold white room with a metal chair. With a thud, he displaced her in the cold metal.

     "Have it your way!" He bullied, pulling his gun. He fired a shot into the air.

     She looked up at him, confused tears still falling. He ushered her out a back door and led her into his office.

     "What's your real name?" He asked.

     Nikita didn't answer him. She was busy memorizing every detail of what had just occurred.

     He sat on the front of his desk inches away from her perch. "You don't know it, but I just saved your life. It seems the least you could do would be to tell me your name."

     He smiled beautifully and tipped her chin with his fingers before sitting in his chair behind the desk.

     "Nikita." She answered, eyeing her surroundings. "Where's my husband?" She asked again.

     "We weren't going to pick him up, but I don't want to lose a gutsy lady sucj as yourself. So I'll see what I can do." He again smiled at her.

     Inwardly Nikita wondered how such a nice man could be so cold-blooded.

     She nodded.

     Two days later. She and Michael were re-united. They greeted each other with a passionate kiss.

     "I thought I had lost you." Micahel said, and his words held such sincerity. (NO, I didn't change that LOL)

     "I told them I wouldn't do anything without you, my love" Nikita answered, kissing him over and over lightly on the lips.

     "That's enough" Their captor demanded, motioning them to sit down.

     "You're a lucky man, Michael" The captor offered, curtly. "If wasn't for your wife here, you'd have stayed in prison."

     "Let's get one thing straight, you both work for me and as far as I'm concerned Nikita is the one I'm interested in. Michael, your only job is to ensure that Nikita is willing to do hers, understand?

     Funny Nikita thought, Nothing's really changed here.

     "My name is Geoff. He looked at Nikita, "You can call me Geo," Looking at Micahel, he motioned for two men to take him out. Nikita grabbed Michael's arm and clung to him fiercely while putting herself between Geo and Michael.

     "I'll do anything you want, but I want him with me." She demanded, lifting her chin and looking defiantly at him.

***************

Chapter 6 - "A slice of humble pie can stuff you for life." ----------

     Geoff smiled at her. “I hope you mean that, Nikita.”

     Circling around her, he eyed the street clothes that he had retrieved from the police station.  The baggy layers hid any hint of feminitiy in the form that he saw before him. Continuing to appraise her, he removed her jacket slowly. Like a street vendor purveying a slab of meat, he stood in front of her one hand over his chin.

     Nikita looked behind her at Michael, and then down at the floor. Geoff put his hands on Nikita’s shoulders and gently almost reverently traced his fingers down her arms. Nikita shuddered, knowing what must be coming next.

     Michael stepped forward and placed his hand on Nikita’s shoulder protectively. “Leave my wife alone.”

     He met Geoff’s gaze coldly. Geoff picked up Nikita’s chin with one hand; then smiling at Nikita, he backhanded Michael with the other.

     She gasped and tried to reach him where he had fallen on the ground. Geoff turned her backagainst his chest, gripping her tightly so that her feet dangled inches above the floor.

     “It’s simple, really, Nikita - you do what I want, and Michael here doesn’t get hurt.” He half-whispered in her ear.

     “You’re an animal!” Nikita shouted, trying to escape his grasp and avoid his hot breath on her neck.

     Geoff nodded to two men standing in the doorway. Before Michael could rise they took turns kicking him; he tried to shield himself by curling into a protective ball.

     “Stop ? Please ? Please Stop!” Nikita cried, struggling in vain to reach him, but Geoff firmly held her forcing her to watch the ugly scene. He motioned for the men to stop. Tears filled Nikita’s eyes as she witnessed Michael groaning on the floor holding his side and struggling to stand.

     ”Let’s try again, shall we?” Geoff suggested, turning her roughly to face him.

     “What do you want?” Nikita sobbed not taking her eyes off Michael’s form.

     ”We’ll get into details later; right now we have to get you ready, Nikita.” He lowered his head to catch her eyes. “I have so much to teach you.”

     He smiled and released her. Looking at Michael who had managed to stand, he leaned in close to Nikta and murmured “I have a feeling you’ll be a quick learner if not for your sake, for his.”

     Nikita pulled back to stare defiantly at him. Not responding to his analysis, she pushed her hair back from her face. Wiping her nose with the back of her hand, she pulled her shirt further over her hips. Sidestepping Geoff's imposing figure, she started towards Michael, but Geoff intercepted her.

     “Understand, Nikita! You WILL do what I ask or you will see your husband pay the consequences.”

     ”Take her to my office.” He instructed the two men. The men grabbed her arms and half carried her to the doorway. Geoff moved to block the doorway with an arm and smiled fiendishly at Michael.

     ”Don’t worry ol’ boy, I’ll take good care of wifey poo.” He kissed Nikita’s cheek and then her neck and let her pass.

     Eyes wide with fear, she screamed desperately, franticly. “Please,God...Michael!”

     Her body became a whirlwind of flying arms and legs. One man subdued her torso while the other handled the kicking feet. Together they carried her out of the room.

     Michael stood helpless unable to blow his cover. It would have been so easy for either of them to kill those men. He closed his eyes listening to her cries for help echo mercilessly over and over in his mind.

     Her desperation, her fear, her cry, these were things one could not mimic to the depth Nikita had portrayed. They were real.

     How had everything gone so wrong? Michael wondered. His only solace that night alone in bed was thinking of ways that Geoff would be made to pay. Revenge brought a sated smile to his lips.

     ———————————————

     The next day, a husband and wife were allowed to eat breakfast together. Nikita looked up at Michael. He sat there chomping his food, face and arms bearing the evidence of yesterday’s beating. She herself bore various bruises and maladies courtesy of      their new mentor.

     “What a sight, we are Michael” Nikita laughed nervously trying to break the tension.

     To Michael things didn’t seem so funny. He managed a small smile then traced her bruised face with his sad eyes.

     Nikita gulped - her swallowed food sticking like a leaded bricks in the back of her throat. She looked down at her plate hiding her face with her hair. He reached over the table and pushed her hair away from her face. Gently, he touched her bruised cheek. She brushed his hand away.

     “It’s okay, Michael; I know there was nothing either of us could do about last night.”

     She pushed the food around on her plate, suddenly not hungry. Silence hung a heavy blanket between them for a few minutes.

     Michael sat back in his chair, mesmerized by the way Nikita continually pushed her food to reduced pancakes to a veritable mush.

     Finally, with a sigh her hands froze midair, dropping fork and knife loudly into the plate. Looking briefly at him before pushing herself away from the table, she stood and started to walk away.

     Michael grabbed her arm and looked up into her eyes. Liquid, he poured himself from the chair and moved beside her, resting his head against her abdomen and wrapping his arms around her hips.

     Shocked, Nikita gently touched his tangled hair smoothing , twisting the curls around her fingertips.

     Just then Geoff emerged. “I need you, Nikita!”

     She nodded at him. Michael released his hold on her slightly and looked up at her. Stepping back from the embrace and keeping his gaze, Nikita awkwardly hugged herself.

     “Wish me luck?” Tears watered in her eyes, she turned and walked away from him glancing back at him one last time in the doorway.

     He remained kneeling on the floor with his head down - a look of total dejection.

***************

Chapter 7 - not exactly Seventh heaven (chapter seven) ----------

     "Nikita!" Geoff's voice sounded.

     Less than two weeks after her initial visit to Section 5, Nikita was sent on a mission. From the low-tech approach and the money she gave Geo afterwards, she knew it was not Section authorized.

     It took Section One two years to train her; Geoff seemed more interested in a "gopher" than a trained killer. Just an innocent sent to deliver or retrieve information or money - a hired hand if you will.

     Geoff fawned over her; he was more than a mentor. They talked and actually had fun together. Over the course of the next month, she rarely saw Michael. She spent almost every waking moment with Geoff.

     Nikita welcomed work that didn't involve harming innocents. Harmless exchange of money she reasoned to herself - that was it. She could get used to this.

     In exchange for simple leg work, she was provided everything she needed. She lived in Section Five apartment buildings; it seemed Geoff always found a reason to pop up at her doorstep. Normally, he would bring Chinese food and a movie or various other treats.

     Geoff was so kind to her. He went out of his way to show just how much he cared for her. Nikita was beginning to fall for him. At least his missions for her never involved her killing anyone.

     After the successful completion of her fifth mission, Geoff promised her a surprise.

     "Wear something nice," with a wink was all he would give her.

     She was almost giddy by the time 700 rolled around. Picking a stunning red sleeveless dress, Nikita was satisfied with her reflection. Her doorbell rang, and she smoothed her hair and checked the image one last time in the mirror.

     Nikita could hardly believe her eyes staring through the peep hole seeing Michael's face again.

     She closed her eyes and leaned against the door - not looking forward to this. Was it possible she had almost forgotten their reason for being here?

     Knowing that she would have to share the information she had gained, Nikita dreaded being close to him. When they were physically closest, she found it harder to lie and keep things from him.

     Michael rushed to greet her as she opened the door. He picked her up and twirled her around. "I missed you!"

     She didn't respond to him at all, shrugging away from his touch and hiding behind her hair as she reclined in one of her chairs.

     "Nikita?" His eyes clouded with concern.

     "Michael." She managed a weak smile and avoided his eyes. "Did you want something to drink?" She stood, grabbing a glass and trying to occupy her hands and thoughts.

     "No, I'm fine." He followed her into the kitchen standing behind her as she poured herself a glass of wine.

     She turned to face him, and an awkward silence ensued as each tried to get a feel for where they stood both in mission and reality.

     "How's everything?" They breathed in unison. Laughing together, they both began to relax a bit more.

     "You first." Michael encouraged, taking her hand and leading her into the living area.

     "Not much to tell, I think I kinda like it here."

     "It's not so bad." He agreed taking a deep breath. "They have me working on computers since they found that police record about that hacker job that I did in high school."

     Michael couldn't figure Nikita out; she seemed distracted, withdrawn, and it alarmed him to see her so distant. The eyes that met his over dinner were different, changed. He guessed that the apartment was bugged so he didn't pursue anything else mission wise.

     At 830 Nikita rose, saying that she was tired and just wanted to get some sleep. She headed towards the phone to call Geoff, but Michael stopped her.

     "I'm not leaving, Nikita. Who knows how long before we see each other again."

     "Michael, you don't understand..." She tried to push around him, but he held her arms firmly.

     "I'm your husband, Nikita." He reminded her his eyes piercing hers. It also served as a warning.

     "You're right," She answered with a forced smile. "I have missed you terribly."

     She turned from him rolling her eyes and crossing her arms in front of her - not wanting to get into this now.

     He kissed her lightly on the cheek, and took her hand leading her into the bedroom, despite the resistance he felt.

     She glared at him as she undressed quickly and crawled into the double bed. Michael pretended not to notice and did the same.

     He reached for her "Nikita, I gotta know what's going on," He whispered, slowly kissing the nape of her neck.

     She was so confused. Ordinarily Michael's touch would send tingles up her spine, but she felt nothing.

     He pulled her to him hugging her fiercely. "I feel like I'm losing you, Nikita!" His words were in character but they were truly how he, Michael felt.

     She turned to face him. He circled her legs with one of his pulling her to him. A part of her wanted to respond to him, but she just couldn't.

     Michael sensed the change. He was beginning to realize that he didn't have the control over her here that he did back at Section. Everything was in her control. He admired her resolve, but still didn't like the relationship she was seeming to develop with Geoff.

     "I can't do this..." Nikita cried, pushing him away and standing beside the bed looking down at him.

     "Nikita!" He grabbed his pants, pulling them in place. She wrapped herself in a robe, and walked slowly to the phone to dial a number. Within seconds there was a knock on the door. Geoff entered.

     Two minutes later Nikita left a confused Micahel standing in the center of the empty apartment with his shoulders dropped and head downward.

***************

Chapter 8 - (It does end soon. =-))) ----------

     Geoff and Nikita made their way wordlessly to his office. "What's the matter," Geoff inquired once inside his office. Secretly, he was very happy that things did not go well between Nikita and Michael.

     "He says that I've changed." Nikita replied with her head down and a single tear, drifting from her eye.

     Geoff slowly lifted her chin and looked deeply into her eyes. "Nikita, I've watched you, and you have changed." He looked down her body "I like what I see. You and I will make a wonderful team." He kissed her lightly at first.  She began to respond to him and their kiss deepened.

     He circled her with his arms, picking her up and laying her gently on his desk.

     Suddenly Nikita felt very confused. Life at Section Five required no killing of innocents, Geoff was obviously attracted to her. She could lead a normal life here and maybe even have love in it.

     Nikita broke it off. She looked at him a little breathless tears now streaming down her face. "I can't Geoff, I just can't; I'm so sorry." She tightened her robe and walked away wiping her eyes with the back of her hands.

     "Wait." Geoff leaned against his desk and let out a deep breath.

     That night Nikita pondered her life at Section One. It would be so nice to stay here, deny Geoff's undercover work. She and Geoff did make a great team, but where would that leave Micahel. If he ceased to have a purpose of control over her, she knew that he would be canceled. Her happiness or Michael's life.

     She sighed turning over the thoughts in her head. Feeling as if she had never slept, the young operative awoke two hours later - mind weary from questions still without answers.

     Before completing the next two missions, Nikita had all that she needed to bring Geoff's operation down. She'd had the necessary information for weeks now - the contacts and various codes to his computer which housed more information.

     Geoff trusted her explicitly, and she felt for the first time that someone cared about her as an individual.

     After the next mission she asked Geoff to see Michael again.

     "Why do you need to see him?" Geoff asked.

     She wrinkled her forehead. "He is my husband. I need to tell him what's going on. Please, Geo, let us go somewhere quiet. I want to say good-bye to him." She raised her eyes and met his quietly standing her ground.

     He studied her. "Good-bye?"

     She nodded and went to stand next to him. She raised her lips to meet his.

     They kissed with such passion, Nikita felt she never wanted to let him go. He pulled back and looked at her almost seeming vulnerable. "Are you sure?"

     She nodded. "I've thought a lot about it, and all I ask is one night out of Section 5 with him. I want to be the one to cancel him. I want to use a drug so his death will be quick and painless."

     Her eyes never left his, and she softly stroked his jaw line that was tensing and relaxing intermittently. "I can't start my life with you with any attachments."

***************

Chapter 9 ----------

     Geoff nodded - look of satisfaction passing over his face. He placed his hand on either side of her head and firmly kissed her.

     "All right, love, I'll arrange everything. Tomorrow you and I will start our life together. I can't wait to make you mine. I knew from the first day that I saw you that you would be mine."

     She left his office and went by to see Michael. Her coldness was alarming to him. He hadn't seen her in two long weeks. He was treated well. He couldn't complain about that, but not knowing where she was or what she was doing had been killing him.

     Now this creature with Nikita's face and body sat, instructing him on his behavior. He began to feel nervous for the first time in a long time.

     "Michael, we are going out tonight. Section 5 will provide the clothes you need. Be ready at 700 p.m. " Nikita ordered from the doorway, turned and left without saying another word.

     Michael bit his lip and sat down on the bed holding his head in his hands. This was it; he knew it. He should have known from that night in her apartment.

     His thoughts clouded as he weighed his options. He could out-maneuver her, but by doing so his cover would be blown which would leave Nikita vulnerable for attack. Geoff was sure to put two and two together. Freedom or Nikita's life. He made his decision after a day of wrestling with his thoughts. He thought of the first time he had seen Nikita. He couldn't blame Geoff for picking her. He couldn't even blame him for caring about her. Who could resist her innate charm and goodness.

     At 700 p.m. sharp Nikita arrived looking stunning in a pale blue shirt and black mini-skirt.  Hair upswept and beautifully done just the way he liked it, she took his breath away.

     She seemed very uninterested in him. He didn't dare touch her. She was giving obvious vibes of "Hands off!" He tried not to care, but it really hurt that felt nothing for him anymore.

     In the condo that had been arranged, Nikita kept up the cold exterior. While they were sitting at dinner she looked with her eyes at the southwest corner of the room. He followed her eyes up there after a few minutes and noticed a small glint of metal.

     So he thought we are being watched. They got up after a quiet dinner and Nikita offered Michael some coffee. He declined but at her insistence, accepted. Sitting behind the view of the camera, she poured a powdery substance into his coffee and took the cups to him smiling.

     "To my wonderful wife." Michael raised the cup.

     "To love, honor, and obey" Nikita clinked her cup against his. "'Til death do us part." she murmured under her breath.

     He had seen her dump the powder in the cup, and reluctantly took the cup from her. Her eyes told him nothing. Tilting the cup to his lips, he drank the beverage. Eyes looking sadly in hers, he laid down on the couch in full view of the cameras.

     Suddenly, Michael felt very tired. His body felt weak as he drifted into a peaceful sleep.

     After 30 minutes Geoff showed up at the apartment eager to start his new life with Nikita. He opened the door observed Michael's body across the couch.

     He saw Nikita standing there smiling at him. He opened his arms to her. She ran across the room and into his open arms.

***************

Chapter 10 - THE END!!!

     While Geoff held her, smiling, he suddenly felt something warm flowing down the back of his neck. He stepped back suddenly feeling dizzy.

     She stood there stone-faced looking at him.

     He put his hand to the back of his neck and on his hand was blood. He looked at her stunned.  She took his gun from him and told him to sit.

     Securing Geoff to a chair, Nikita called Section One.

     A few hours later Michael awoke groggy and unable to see straight. Nikita knelt near him, eyes filling with gladness to see that he was all right.

     She brushed a strand of hair off of his face.

    "Well, sleepy head, nice to have you back in the land of the living." She soothed, gently stroking the side of his face with her fingertips.

     "What happened?" Michael asked, sitting up too fast. He swayed against her. She held him in her arms.

     "We did it; Geo... Geoff is being interrogated by Madeline and an operative from Section 5."

     He looked around and found himself in Section One infirmary.

     "How?" Michael wondered.

     "You did say this was a mission about trust, Michael. I'm sorry I had to do those awful things to you, but.."

     "You were great, Nikita" Michael answered softly, taking in her disheveled appearance. "You had me fooled the entire time."

     Nikita grinned at him, "Well, I had a wonderful teacher!"

     He smiled back at her. "You know I thought for a minute you would forget about me and join with Geo."

     Nikita didn't say anything, and she turned her head to the other wall. "You don't know how close it came to that." She whispered.

     He pulled her face back towards him and met her eyes. "What made you stay at the Section?"

     "What made you chose me to go on the mission?" Nikita returned slyly.

     He chuckled and gave a small smile. "Will we ever get past this?"

     "Why, then it would fail to be interesting!" She hopped off the side of the bed and gave him a little wink, twirling around and walking out the door.

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