Disclaimer: I do not own Human Target and intend no copyright infringement.
A very big thanks to my reviewer (beta reader sounds so harsh) VENICEIT, whose comments are both lovely and encouraging.
WHO'S CHEATING WHO
"Mr. Chance, I don't want to ruin our professional relationship. We work so close together as it is and-"
He cut her off. The proximity between them was compromised as he moved closer. He knew she was flustered and didn't mind encouraging her state.
"Can you honestly stand there and tell me there is no attraction.?"
"I think youre a very attractive man. But the truth is that if I sleep with you once….I might want to do it..over and over again."
"And that's a problem?"
She wasn't sure how to answer. Heforced her into a corner and forced her to admit how she truly felt. Before she could make any other remarks, he put his arms around her.
"I'm going to kiss you Ilsa. Then after you are left breathless, I'm going to continue seducing you. I'm going to take you into my bedroom and after I kiss you more, I'm going to have an extremely hot, seductive sexual encounter with you. Any questions?"
Ilsa smiled at him and his semi graphic evening description. She didn't want to fall ahrd for him. If she did, she would have to give up her independence. She continued kissing him, and before she knew it, they were in his bed. When they woke up the next morning, she rolled over to him.
"Chance, this is only sex. I cant fall for you. We need to keep this professional."
"That works for me. A little bit of fucking here and there."
He was being ignorant.
"You don't have to be an asshole."
She rolled away from him.
"Look Ilsa, Im sorry. It just that I don't want you to feel like IM using you as an object. I care about you."
They shared both of their beds while staying as discreet as possible. They truly had a favorable liking towards eachother but didn't want to compromise anything. After a few months passed, they agreed that they may have started to have deeper feelings for eachother. It was time to stop. They knew their working relationship wouldn't be compromised, but the sex needed to stop.
... ... ...
"Carmine! Hey Carmine, get back here!"
The big beautiful Roteweiller ran as fast he could. The group of duskcs that were calmy floating in the nearby pond started to panic. Christopher Chance was relaxing today. No guns, no burning buildings and no beautiful women to save, A nice day at the park sounded phenomenal. The sun was shining, the birds were singing and people were relaxing in the park. He didn't venture out much during the day so this was rare for him.
He deserved it. So did Carmine. He wasn't an athletic dog, but he loved to sprint once awhile with Chacne. The problem with Carmine outside was his short attention span. He was interested in everything, sniff everyone and explore it all. He was walking briskly beside Carmine when he spotted a group of ducks in the pond. Before Chacne could tell him no….he was gone.
"Carmine! Leave those ducks alone!"
Carmine was a big burl dog. He loekd and sounded menacing but his bark was much worse than his bite. Deep down he was a big baby. Chance was trying his best to catch up to him before he got in the water. He picked up his pace but it was too late. With a huge splash, he hit the water. The ducks spread in a flurry. They were quacking and flailing in the air. Carmine wasn't sure what to do. He was outnumbered and confused. After a minute or so he started to get tired. Chance wasn't ready to swim, but he was sure the poor brute would die in his own confusion. He walked to the edge of the pond and started taking his shirt off.
"You know my friend..this was supposed to be a nice relaxing outing!"
He finally got his shoes and socks off and waded in.
Ilsa Pucci was sweating. She had been jogging in the park that morning and byt her fifth mile, she started to feel it. She was crossing the bridge to the other side of the park when she spotted the melee occurring in the pond. As she stopped at the end of the bridge she realized she knew the drenched pair.
Chacne pulled a splashing and soaking wet Carmine out of the eater.
"You know something you big ox! If you stopped chasing ducks, you might not drown!"
When he finally looked up, there stood Ilsa dressed in a perfect running suit and sunglasses. Somehow she had the ability to make it look better than anyone else could. She peered down at the both of them and had to smile at the dripping wet couple. She removed her sunglasses and pursed her lips.
"Mr. Chance, perhaps you should wear a pair of swim trunks the next tiem you come to the park."
Chance managed a smile. Before he could answer, Carmine chose that oppurunity to shake the excess water from his coat.
"Gross Carmine. Its bad enough I have to share mu lo mein with you."
"Carmine come." Ilsa motioned for him to come over to her.
He immediately obeyed her command much to Chance's surprise. She leaned down and patted him on the head.
"Good boy Carmine."
Chance glared at Carmine and murmered soething under his breath.
"Well Mrs. Pucci, I guess MY dog listens to you much better."
"Nonsense Mr. Chance. Sometimes a womans touch is needed. Even for a dog. Carmine and I respect eachother."
"Well then. Care to join us? I'm sure you can teach me a thing or two about dog training."
"That sounds nice. I need a break."
Chacne took that opportunity to take in her apperance. It was rare for Ilsa Pucci to wear something other than a properly fitting suit or dress. But today she was different. She was wearing a jogging outfit. Still form fitting.
It was black with white stripes. It hugged her curves with perfection. The shirt was sleeveless and it exposed her tanned and toned arms. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail. Her run had slightly mussed it to her face. She was gorgous either way. Ilsa noticed him staring so she decided to catch him in the act.
"Mr. Chance, why don't you grab your shirt so we can go. I think Carmine wants to get going."
Ilsa was fairly tired. She had run pretty far that morning and she was ready to relax her body. When Chance finally reached down for his shirt and shoes,it was her turn to take in his features.
Christopher Chance was a warrior in the truest sense. He had the features, the scars and the strength to prove it. But it was his suave demeanor that separated him from every other man that tried to imitate him.
She was attracted to his poise and calmness. He was indeed a quiet assassin. She was staring…and he kenw it. Chacne put his shoes and socks on. He decided to leave the shirt off….just to tease her a bit. He enjoyed Ilsa's decision to become his benefactor. The problem was that he was falling for her. She..in his eyes…was the puzzle he was was the person who completed him on a daily basis. The team realized it to some extent, but didn't know at what level.
He admired how she was proper, but there was something about her. Something under the billions of dollars, the planes and cars that made her the distinctive woman that she was.
"So…how was your run?"
"It was good. Long and a bit rough, but I needed it."
Carmine was walking right beside her. His feet were in sync. Chance was genuinely amazed at how he was paying complete attention to her. There were kids throwing footballs, joggers passing them and yet he never flinched.
"You wanna come over tonight?"
"Christopher, let's not do this."
"Just thought I'd ask. It's been awhile."
"I know."
They kept walking until Ilsa finally started relaxing.
"Wow. Do you have all men paying attention to you like that?"
He nodded down to Carmine.
"No, only the ones who drool and bark."
"So basically every man that looks at you?"
Chance put his shirt back on. They walked for a few minutes when Ilsa's phone rang. He waited patiently while she carried out her conversation. She smiled with some delight when she hung up.
"Well Mr. Chance, I must be going. That was Captain Harmen. He would like to meet for dinner tonight."
There were two things Chance didn't like. Other men around Ilsa and other men around Ilsa that had some sort of authority. He admired her but he never went out with her. He also never got a chance to learn about Captain Harmen. Ilsa stopped….and so did Carmine.
"I hope your canine lesson helped you out."
With that, Ilsa started jogging and left Chance to wonder.
... ... ...
She looked at herself in the mirror one last time. She had a car waiting for her to meet Captain Harmen. She didn't think much about Chance. She had wondered if he was jealous. Even if he was, she couldn't stop her own personal life to find out. She always admired him, but wondered if she would ever take the opportunity to dig any deeper into their relationship. With the lingering thoughts of Chance, she went downstairs to the car.
Chance was sitting on his sofa tossing a tennis ball to Carmine. He never knew too much about Mike Harmen, but could only imagine he might suit Ilsa. He still admired her in the truest sense. Since Katherine, he had yet to meet a woman that moved him enough to care. He was falling for her, but he never showed it.
Ilsa Pucci was fidgeting in her seat. The car ride seemed like it was taking forever. Since her last meeting with Mike, she hadn't thought much of him. After their first date, his continued persistency won her over.
The town car pulled up to the restaurant. Harmen was standing outside waiting for her. His dress shirt and tie matched impeccably. His shoes were polished so well that they looked like he just bought them. He smiled down at her when the door opened and extended his hand. She lost her breath at the sight of him just as she had once before. His charm and consideration towards her made her melt.
"Good evening Mrs. Pucci. You look lovely. I hope you enjoy French cuisine."
Ilsa smiled at him.
"I rather enjoy it yes. You look handsome Captain."
He didn't need to respond. He could tell she was flustered. He widened his smile and walked her to the entrance.
Chance took another swallow of his drink. He was beyond drunk. He had invited Winston out to watch him. He didn't hide it. He was jealous.
"You know…Win….Winst….buddy. She walks into the office in some crazy outfit with all that skin showing. Then she expects us to not look at that all day. She knows exactly what she's doing. Then there's my heart! She just thinks I'm a womanizer and I don't have feelings."
Winston could only listen to him vent about Ilsa. Like the rest of the team he knew there was tension between them. Maybe it was good that they went their own separate ways.
"Look Chance. Maybe it's good you and Ilsa have other people in your lives. It might do us all some good. She said she would be an absentee boss. Maybe this Harmen guy will help that happen."
He didn't like what Winston had to say. He knew that he couldn't control Ilsa's personal life and wasn't about to try. But it didn't stop him from wanting to possibly date her.
"Take me home Winston."
Winston got up from the barstool and paid the tab. An overly drunk Chance stumbled from his chair and proceeded to the door. He grabbed the handle of the Escalade in haste. Winston got in and started the engine. He looked over at Chance who was slumped in his seat.
"Women…they'll kill you if you aren't careful."
Chance just stared out the window while they drove the rest of the way home in silence.
... ... ...
"Well Mrs. Pucci. That was a wonderful dinner. I enjoyed your company."
Captain Harmen walked her out to the car. They had chatted up life, work and everything in between. She was having a wonderful evening and wasn't sure if she wanted it to end. She was an independent woman in her own right, but deep down she had a feeling that Chance would have a problem with this encounter…especially if it continued.
"Can I see you again?"
He asked without any hesitation. He was a military man….and a top ranked one at that. So much for her saying no to him. It was the man's smile.
"Yes, I think that can be arranged. As long as I'm not busy playing the federal government."
He smiled at her little dig. He thought….two could play this game. He leaned down and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Good night."
Before she could react, he closed the door and began walking to his own car.
... ... ...
The next morning Ilsa woke up with a smile on her face. She had a wonderful evening with Captain Harmen. She was interested to accept his offer of a second date. She got up and showered. The office would be quiet today. They had wrapped up a case a few days prior so only the paperwork and filing needed completed.
She walked out of the elevator towards her office. Before she rounded the corner she could smell liquor. When she finally stepped in, she was astonished at the sight before her. There was Chance, asleep on her office sofa. He was wearing nothing but a pair of jeans. She could see the waistband of his boxers sticking out at the top.
There was an empty bottle of scotch on the floor and a half bottle of vodka resting in his arm. A half eaten box of take out sat on the end table. She had to admit that he was an attractive man, but seeing noodles and soy sauce remains on his chest lowered his hotness factor. She wasn't sure if she should leave him there or throw a glass of water in his face. She chose the higher road, but unfortunately that road involved her actually caring about him. She put her briefcase on the desk and composed herself. She walked up to him, and gently shook his shoulder.
"Mr. Chance…..Mr. Chance….."
After shaking him a few times she realized she would need to be a little stronger. She shook him harder this time. After a few shakes he finally came to. He shot up with a start when he realized where he was. He was half on the edge of the sofa so he couldn't gain his balance. He hit the floor with a thud. He rolled over and grabbed his temples.
"Oh my God. Was that necessary Ilsa? I was sleeping just fine. My date was going well."
"Mr. Chance, what you do in your private life should be done on your own time…and not to mention….your own…locale. While my office may be sizeable, I'd rather you not choose it as a place to pass out."
Chance managed to get to his feet. His eyes were bloodshot and his knees were shaky. He chose that time to place himself right back down on the sofa. Ilsa sighed heavily. Chance had closed his eyes and smiled at this state. He patted the sofa and held up his bottle of vodka.
"Wanna make my date a threesome?"
He wiggled his eyebrows at her. She wasn't in the mood.
"Mr. Chance get up!"
He tried his best but was having serious trouble. She wanted to slap him across the face but had no idea why he was acting like this. She reached down to him and started pulling him up.
"Get up Chance! Let's get you upstairs."
He wasn't going to argue. He was in no shape to struggle on his own. She helped him make his way up the stairs. She felt like she was taking care of a child. An extremely immature child. She walked him into the bathroom and sat him on the toilet. When she was sure he steadied himself she started the bath.
"Get undressed."
He gave her a questioning look.
"Mrs. Pucci, I think you should buy me dinner first."
She wasn't happy. That comment only made it worse.
"I won't ask again. Get undressed and get in the tub."
She pointed with a stern look. She grabbed what she assumed was shower gel and poured some into the running water. The steam rose from the water. Chance stood up and removed the remaining clothing. She didn't turn around. When he approached the tub she turned away but never looked at him.
She listened as he eased himself into the water. She was trying her hardest to keep composure. She was angry that Chance was half naked on her sofa and completely hungover. When she was sure his body was covered under the bubbles, she turned back around and knelt beside the tub. She gave him a stern look.
"Mr. Chance, do I even want to know why you are in this condition?"
He sunk himself lower into the water. He wasn't ready to face her. He only nodded to her.
"You know eventually, you will need to explain to me what the hell is going on."
He looked at her and then closed his eyes. He was running out of reasons in his head to give to her as a lie. "How was your date?"
"It was fine. Why do you ask?"
He could only accept that answer. She was genuinely concerned about him, but didn't know he was unhappy about her date with Harmen.
"Are you going to see him again?"
Ilsa was a little stunned at his forwardness this time. "Is that what this episode is about?"
"Well….I dunno. Just decided to have a few drinks. Anyway you didn't answer my question. Are you going to see him again?"
She huffed at him.
"Yes Mr. Chance I am going to see him again. I don't think that is a reason for you to be insanely drunk and a sloppy mess."
Chance turned and looked at her. He didn't have much to say. She apparently made her mind up.
"Okay..well…I should be fine in here. I might drown, but other than that I should be fine."
"Christopher please don't do this."
"Do what? So I had a few too many. Just leave me alone ok?"
Ilsa decided not to go any further. She stood up to leave. But before she turned she caught a glimpse of his hips. Perfectly chiseled. They disappeared into the bubbles and she could imagine what was below. She finally turned to leave.
Chance lay in the water until it got cold. His head was throbbing. He was annoyed by Ilsa not understanding his distaste over Harmen.
Ilsa went back down to her office where she found Winston picking up Chance's pieces.
"Good morning Mr. Winston."
"Sorry about this. I dropped Chance off and I see he never made it to his bed. He was a mess. I guess he didn't take your date with Harmen all that well.
"Winston my personal relationship with Mr. Chance does not make any matter in regards to who I see now. Why should it matter?"
Winston shook his head.
"Ilsa I don't know. You do what you have to do and le me worry about him."
She nodded and walked over to her desk. Chance had finished his bath and dried off. He needed something to soak up the alcohol he had consumed. His distain for the Captain became apparent after Ilsa put him in the bathtub. He got dressed and went downstairs. When he passed her office she was on the phone.
"….yes, that would be nice. Ill see you at 7."
Ilsa hung up the phone and turned back to her paperwork. She didn't notice Chance leaning in the doorway.
"Hey."
She turned around in her chair and stared at him. "Can I help you?"
He pushed himself from the doorway and sat down in front of her desk.
"I just came in to apologize for…this morning. I don't normally do that, but I had a rough night."
"Mr. Chance, I talked to Winston. He told me why you were drinking."
Chance lowered his head but wasn't ready to cower away.
"Look Ilsa. My feelings for you may not be completely obvious, but I care about you. Maybe not at a level you can understand, but I care. If you are seeing other men, it's none of my business. Please just be careful."
Before he let her answer, he got up and left. She stared at his empty chair. She understood what his feelings were. She admired him and could see herself being the chosen woman in his arms. But not this time apparently. She realized he wasn't going to make the first move. She went back to her work thinking about her upcoming date with Captain Harmen.