Shock and Awe
The meeting is set as M prepares herself mentally for the chastisement that this government lackey will unleash upon her.
It has happened before in her long career and it will happen again unless an order comes down from the Prime Minister telling her to stand aside.
Even though she loathes to think on being tossed out like yesterday's leftovers she will have to respect the order when it comes.
20 years is a long time to be M. She has no idea what to do if she is not.
Nigel is dead...there are grandchildren and children she rarely sees but this job is what keeps her young.
How many people in their late sixties can use the equipment she does and as proficiently. M has stayed ahead of the curve thanks to Q branch and her own desire not to rely on others all the time.
M hates to appear weak and unable…
Since Nigel died M is without an outlet and the loneliness is becoming more unavoidable. James Bond is a light in her otherwise dreary existence and Tanner tries. Q is retiring soon and is now choosing a young man to take his place.
The old guard is leaving.
James is a secret desire that she will take to her grave...he is often gone and a nuisance when he is around. No...M is far too professional to take an agent to her bed...they would toss her out as fast as possible.
To be completely honest M is sexually frustrated. To tired to manage to take care of herself in that department and there are no viable men in her life when she spends 12 hours a day locked in an office.
Mood wise M is bitching at everyone. It is getting worse than when she went through the change.
Perhaps she should join an active seniors club.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The meeting with Mallory goes well...for a first introduction. Gareth is a very handsome man which is the only thing that explains what happens next...
Under normal circumstances M cannot stand government elected toadies but his soothing voice and handsome face got to her in a moment of emotional weakness.
Mallory is charming and slightly flirtatious as he helps her on with her coat. His fingers brush against the skin on her neck and she takes in a sharp breath from the shock of physical contact.
Mallory is standing very close behind her as he sniffs her hair and whispers how much he enjoyed meeting her.
"You are truly a beautiful woman M...I hope you don't mind me saying so...I know this may seem out of place but would you come to dinner with me tonight?"
M stammers her response thinking that she is indeed dreaming after all there is at least a twenty year age gap between them.
It is as bad as her day dreaming about James Bond.
"Yes...that...that would...be lovely."
"I will come by your office after work to collect you."
"Well...I really should go home first...to change out of work clothes."
"Well then, the only way that this will work, is for you to give me your address then."
M ponders the implications of this but nods her head. Mallory is still holding her shoulders but releases them to get her a pen and his notebook.
M takes the items and rests them on his desk bending slightly to write the informations down. When she glances up she is shocked to catch Mallory eying her cleavage.
The man involuntarily licks his lips for christ's sake.
M's heart rate speeds up as she smirks at him. Never one to miss a chance to put a man in his place, "like what you can see so far Mallory?"
"Oh...yes ma'am and please call me Gareth."
"You enjoy older women do you Gareth?"
"Yes ma'am...I do. Very very much. I always have."
"So this is not just some cheap joke that you are playing on an old widow is it?"
"No and I would be afraid you would have me killed if it were. You can be assured that this is quite real."
Mallory takes a step forward into her space and tilts her face up to his as he kisses her. The kiss is gentle and testing at first but M pulls him tight against her suddenly and the intensity increases.
They separate to catch their breath and analyze the situation. Both of them are professional but very flushed by each others actions and reactions.
"Well...I deduce that you are telling me the truth Mr. Mallory. Although, I may just be reading into it what I want to see. I will see you tonight at 7."
"I will be there early...for a drink perhaps?"
M smiles. "That will be fine. I look forward to testing your competency further."
"M I had no idea that this meeting was a test of my competency?"
"It became one and let's just say that I hope you don't let me down Mallory."
"I will do my best, but how is it that I was you overseer now the tables have turned."
"You asked me out...so the tables have turned. You gave me the power and once I take that I loath to give it up. Ask any of your predecessors."
"Did you have...relations...dinner with them?"
"No...I was married."
"Oh...I see."
"You knew that though didn't you Mallory?"
The man's blue eyes twinkled as he smirked at her.
"Yes I did. I have been asking about you and I never would have had the guts to try this if he still lived. Something just...you...just took my breath away."
"It was you who kissed me."
"And I thank every god I can name that you didn't slap me as a result."
M laughs and takes her bag. "I will see you at 6:30 then."
"Yes. I will be prompt."
"I do love a man with military training."
"You've been doing your homework. M...should I be concerned."
"Not unless you are planning on being unsatisfactory."
"No ma'am."
M leaves his office with a smile that obviously shocks her chief of staff. Tanner looks bewildered after the bitchy way she acted upon arrival.
M has the driver stop off and pick them up some espresso as they return to the office.
M hands her secretary an extra coffee as she walks through her office door she can overhear Tanner and Eve's shock as to the sudden change in M's demeanor.
"What has gotten into her?"
"I have no idea Eve. The meeting must have gone well."
M sits at her desk touching her lips...there was a current between them...and electrical shock almost. Tonight will be interesting.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mallory is prompt at 6:30 and M opens the door in a lovely gown that does nothing to hide her natural endowments. She practically laughs at the look on his face as he tries desperately not to stare at her breasts.
M takes the flowers he brought her and takes his coat. "Why do I smell food M?"
"I thought you might be more comfortable if we stayed in."
"I am not at all hiding that I want to take you out M...I have no qualms about the age difference. Do you?"
"No...I just thought we could get to know each other better in a more comfortable setting."
M pours him a scotch and they each take a drink. Surprisingly she is not at all nervous about what is going to happen. If body language is anything to go on, Mallory isn't either.
"I have made dinner and it is ready if you are hungry?" M has never put herself out there like this before and it is thrilling...she feels like an agent seducing a mark.
Mallory closes the distance between them quickly. He is not a stupid man and he know what she wants and is more than willing to give in to her.
"It will keep and I have been hardening since you opened the bloody door M."
M laughs and any lingering tension breaks. She grabs his hand and pulls him to her sofa. Mallory sits and pulls her down on his lap as she looks into his deep blue eyes.
"Why Mr. Mallory this is sudden."
"M you minx...you had this all planned out since this afternoon. You are an incredibly perceptive woman."
"Mr. Mallory you kissed me...it was a surprise but I am far past the age of playing games where pleasure is concerned."
"You know that they are grooming me to take your place...I feel full disclosure is necessary considering what I am about to do to you."
"I knew...and I will eventually agree but right now I want to focus on what...you...want...to...do...to...me."
M has been peppering kisses along his jaw and inhaling his scent...there is some stubble forming that tickles her as she nips at his neck and ears.
One of Mallory's hands is around her waist holding her on his lap as his right hand finds her breast and he thumbs her nipple.
A moan escapes her lips as Gareth's close over hers. Their tongues intertwine and her hands go to his tie to loosen it. M's fingers nimbly undo Mallory's buttons and she slides her hands against his chest.
Mallory slides his hand up her thigh...caressing as they kiss passionately breaking away now and again to look at each other...to make sure this is happening and this is what they both want.
"M...M...can we...can I...oh god please!"
"Yes...yes Gareth...come with me."
M climbs off his lap...Mallory moans and she smiles as she extends her hand to him. "Are you sure you're not hungry for dinner."
Mallory pulls her back to his lips as he whispers, "only for you."
"Good...I was hoping you would say that."
"M...what is this?"
"This Mr. Mallory is an itch I need scratched, or as the youth of today say...a one-off."
Mallory stops and looks disappointed. "I don't...I would like...M is this what you…"
"No I am not looking for a relationship and you and I are not compatible...to assume anything more would be illogical."
"How can you say we are not compatible. M...I have admired you from a distance for a long time...you are a very beautiful woman, devoted, intelligent and I have been on edge since you let me get away with that kiss in my office today."
"What do you want me to say? I cannot say the same...I barely know you at all and you are far too young for me. You say the words that you think a woman wants to hear...every man does but there is no proof of what you claim. There is no basis for me to believe you, and while it is pleasant to hear it is unnecessary Gareth. If you want me...right now...and I want you...we should enjoy ourselves. Come with me now because this is the only chance you are going to get Mr. Mallory."
Gareth runs his hands through his hair in frustration. Christ he wants this woman but...once only once...this is it?
"Well I will have to convince you to call me back then."
Gareth picks her up as she laughs and squeals. He then carries her upstairs to her bedroom and tosses her gently onto her bed quickly covering her with his body.
M moans into his mouth as she pushes his shirt off his shoulders.
Mallory's hands slide up her skirt as his fingers hook her panties and draw them down her legs. Mallory is on his knees before her as he pulls her to sitting to work the dress over her head.
M lies back down after as Mallory looks at her…"You are lovely M."
"Thank you...you don't look so bad yourself."
M's hands work the belt on his trousers and slides her small hand in his pants to stroke his erection. Mallory shimmys out of the rest of his clothes and reaches around M's back to unclasp her bra.
Once her breasts are freed from their confines his mouth is on them. Mallory's tongue teases her nipples till they rise and peak into hard pebbles.
M groans as she feels his penis rub against her sex...it has been so long she had almost forgotten this. M pulls his face off her breast, "lube...I need lube."
M's arm flails towards her bedside table. Mallory's eyes clouded with desire follows her motions and reaches for the drawer.
Mallory hands the lube to M and she opens it and puts it in the palm of her hand, offering it to Mallory. Mallory dips his fingers into the cool liquid and runs his fingers along her clit and presses them inside her.
M takes his cock and coats it with her hand running up and down his length. They are both panting in need as he moves into position between her thighs edging the tip of his cock against her opening.
"M...M are you ready...do you want me…"
"Yes! Oh yes I want you inside me now!"
"My pleasure M."
Mallory eases into her carefully and slowly feeling her stretch as her hands claw his shoulders and she bites her lip and closes her eyes turning her face to the side as the sensation of their joining overwhelms her.
Mallory stops once he has fully pushed inside her warmth.
"Are you alright...M...christ you feel so good oh god."
"Yes Gareth...move...slowly...please."
"I don't want to hurt you...do you want me to stop?"
"No...please...don't stop."
M arches under him as he gently pulls back and pushes inward rocking his hips until he is flush against her again more adjusted. M wraps her small legs around his waist, angling her pelvis to allow him closer to her.
Mallory cannot believe the sensations... her internal muscles as they spasm to adjust to him...the feeling has him teetering on the edge already.
He slows his thrusts to a still his pace and kisses her passionately. M moans into his mouth as she traces her nails over his back.
"You are incredible M...my god."
M loves the feeling of him filling her and moving within her. The pressure is delightful and Mallory is really a very good kisser. This is just what she needed today…
"You are very good too my boy…"
"Boy?" Mallory thrusts into her in a sudden burst of movements that makes her moan.
"Man...you are a very good man...I didn't mean to imply...anything."
"I can hardly take offence when you are currently pleasuring me so nicely."
Mallory begins to thrust in earnest and he use his fingers on the sensitive bundle of nerves of her sex. M arches and bucks as the pleasure overtakes her...she begins to pant and groan in pleasure.
M's orgasm bursts out of her as Mallory thrusts and cries out. M feels him spill inside her as his arms give way and he collapses on top of her.
Each of them pants as their heart beats calm and Mallory withdraws from her warmth and moves to his side. He pull her against him both resting on their sides as he strokes her face.
"M that was beautiful...I am at a loss for words."
"I have a few words for you. I'm hungry now."
They both laugh as M rolls off the bed. "Just rest while I clean up and go put dinner on the table while you shower."
Mallory nods...too tired and sated to say anything.
M showers and puts a blue silk slip and her dressing gown before spiking her hair. She will forgo make-up at this point, the deed is done and he can feel as embarrassed about it as he wants.
It does not matter to her if Mallory suddenly sees her as the old woman that she is...he knew that when he kissed her. This will not go on past tonight anyway.
M wakes Mallory from his doze and tells him that he has 30 minutes to get ready for dinner as she tosses him a fresh towel.
M goes downstairs and freezes...sniffing the air. Damn him! Why now of all times!
M enters the dining room to see a slouching Bond helping himself to a plate of their dinner.
"Just make yourself at home Bond...what in the bloody hell are you doing here?"
"I didn't mean to interrupt your tete a tete upstairs but I just got back and thought...well I thought...you might like some company?"
Bond says sheepishly. He knows what day this is and if she ever needed company it was tonight. Bond is the same on the anniversary of his parent's death but it seems M found her own company.
"What I do in my spare time is my business Bond and you have to leave. He will be down for dinner soon."
"You couldn't even eat first...I hope you didn't hurt the old man." Bond says with a false shocked expression.
Bond is surprised she picked someone up...he doesn't think M has been seeing anyone. Tanner would have told him if she was. He really should have left the flat the moment he heard what was going on in her bedroom but he couldn't help himself. He had to see her...confront her and make sure everything was alright.
"What makes you think he is old...in fact he is at least 20 years younger, and he asked me if you must know. I was pleasantly shocked."
"Why be shocked M...you are a very attractive woman."
M places her hands on her hips as her dressing gown opens to show the low cut silk slip M is wearing with no bra. Bond is shocked at the physical reaction his body is having to her disheveled post sex appearance...and so quickly.
"Now that you have eaten and you know that I am dealing with this miserable day in my own way you may show yourself out."
M closes her dressing gown and cinches the waist tighter after noticing her troublesome agent eyeing her.
"M...are you sure it is safe...I will stay outside to make sure he leaves when you tell him."
"007 I do not need a babysitter and it is only a one off and that is all. I am sure that you of all people are familiar with those. Report to me tomorrow."
M takes his plate walks to the kitchen sink and wipes the dish as Bond follows and watches her.
Bond's feelings on this matter...well...he thought they were clear. He shouldn't have any bloody feelings about this. This is M he is thinking about. There is no attraction between them...they are boss and agent.
Bond was just trying to be kind and spend time with her...support her in her time of need and now...now he breaks in hearing her in the throes of passion with someone she picked up like a bloody mark.
This is a self destructive side of M he never expected to see.
"You are going to kick this one to the curb aren't you?"
"Yes...I said I was."
"Just doesn't seem like you M...are you sure you are alright?"
"Yes James and I could ask the same of you unless you were just hungry and thirsty for my good scotch."
"I told you M...I wanted to make sure you were alright...anniversaries of deaths are hard, especially the first."
M places the dish into the dishwasher and slams it shut.
"As if I need reminding Bond, and you are not my son...it is no concern of yours who I bed and what bloody day this is!"
Bond looks chastised and upset...nothing about this is right...his stomach is in knots.
"Fine M...I will let myself out."
"I am sorry for snapping James. I am shocked you came...and well it looks bad in these circumstances as you can well imagine so please leave and we will debrief tomorrow. I am your boss...we cannot have this type of...whatever this is."
"Goodnight M. Enjoy the rest of your dinner...I think I left enough for two."
M slaps his arm playfully. "Don't be cheeky!"
Bond smiles as he heads for the door...the sound of the shower has ended. Lucky bastard!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mallory hears voices before he enters the shower...he moves to the edge of the stairs to listen...it is one of her agents...he hears the name Bond.
Having an agent report to your home is highly inappropriate but then so is bedding your new government overseer.
Mallory hears M explain to him it is only a one off and none of his business. This agent Bond is more than just a little interested in M's social life since her husband's death.
Anniversary...so that is the reason.
Mallory is her outlet on the anniversary of her husband's death. Not that he minds...it was a fantastic experience.
Mallory walks downstairs after Bond leaves and enjoys dinner with M. They chat about life...politics and their favourite literature.
Dinner ends and M sees Mallory to the door. The goodnight is somewhat awkward considering the position they were in just a few hours before.
"Goodnight Mallory."
"Goodnight M...I will be in touch."
"About business matters I hope."
"Yes and others…"
"Mallory...don't get attached. You knew what this was the moment you arrived."
"It won't stop me from trying M."
"I don't want this to become an issue...respect my wishes Gareth."
"I will...I just...I would like to actually take you for a diner out."
"I will let you know. Perhaps a business lunch can be arranged."
Mallory pulls her into a kiss in the open doorway. M withdraws quickly...tense about being so open with him. He turns and walks away as she closes her door.
Bond watches from his car parked across the street.
The man is good looking and definitely younger.
Good for M...he never thought she would take a younger lover...always felt she would be with her husband or an academic like him. Calm and intelligent...a perfect cover for her life as the queen of MI6.
Bond snaps a picture and sends it to Tanner. Who is this man?...a minute passes and his mobile rings.
Bond it's late...are you in front of M's flat? That man is Gareth Mallory head of the oversight committee for MI6. In other words, the current thorn in our sides. What do you think you are doing?
"I am just looking out for a friend."
Do not stick your nose where it doesn't belong Bond.
"Would I do that?"
You know you bloody would. If what I think has happened...happened then don't get involved...you will make a mess of it for her. Hasn't she had a tough enough year?
"Look Tanner...I am just going to make sure the bloke is good enough for her."
That is not your call Bond. Leave well enough alone isn't your usual flirtation in the office enough? You keep showing up at her flat after every mission...yes she told me and it smacks of desperation and for you that in itself is unusual when it concerns a female.
"I can't believe she told you that. It is not what you think...I really just want to make sure she is alright. Ever since her husband died…"
Don't strain yourself Bond…I know there is nothing sexual about it...M would never permit that.
"No...no she wouldn't. Goodnight Tanner."
Bond what are you going to do about Mallory?
"I am going to watch him."
This will not end well.
"You worry too much Tanner."
Bond you don't worry enough.
Tanner was right, M would never allow it...but why should that bother him? She took a young lover to bed. This shouldn't bother him at all. So then why is he following her lover home?
Damn that woman! Why...why does it matter? But damn it does matter.
It matters what she thinks of him, it matters that she trusts him, that she moulded him into her best 00 agent...everything about her matters.
It may not be anything but morbid curiosity why he follows Mallory to his home to see where he lives but he needs to know...see what this man is about.
Bond moves cautiously around back and lets himself into the flat. He hears Mallory move immediately upstairs to bed. Bond moves around the home looking at pictures. The man has a wife and kids...this is something.
Bond wonders if M knew that when she used him as her sex toy.
Mallory could be divorced...there is no evidence on this level of others living here...no shoes...toys any indicators of the wife and kids other than the photos.
Bond leaves and drives home and has a tall drink pondering his relationship with M. He does flirt with her...but then it is simply fun when there is no hope that she will acquiesce.
Mallory is not much older than himself...that is what is eating him. If she needed an outlet...why not...him?
No she is far too professional...but then she just used a man who could loosely be considered her boss...but if he speaks out of turn she could also make Mallory disappear.
This is never going to amount to anything more than frustration...he's just going to bed.
The dreams that wake him sweating and erect in the middle of the night are the sound of M as she she calls out in passion.
Damn.
Why?
M?
Christ...he needs his head examined. She will never...
But then again...Bond has never really asked.
Not with direct words anyway.
He is a man of action not words.
M would never believe him.
Would she?
Christ so much for sleeping tonight. Might as well go for a run.
Dressed James grabs his ipod and leaves his flat.
Suddenly every song and reminds him of her. All love songs will do that but what the hell is going on in his head and why is his chest constricting like this...damn exercise.
James hasn't even paid attention but he instinctively ran towards her flat.
Damn...such a teenage crush thing to do.
James turns back towards home to get ready for his day which includes seeing M.
There is a flower shop on the way to work...no that is too much and that idiot Mallory may send her some after...stop thinking about last night.
Argh...this is not how he expected to spend his time back from 6 weeks away.
If he makes it through the meeting today without sticking his foot in his mouth he will ask her out for dinner.
What could go wrong?
M could say no.
Maybe if he invites Tanner and Eve and calls it team building...that could work.
After last night...M will see right through that. He is over analyzing this...it is not like he has never asked a woman out before.
This is no ordinary woman...she is M.
Perhaps it is better left alone...stop thinking of her and find some other woman to spend his time with?
Yes...a far safer option. M is not...she would never...christ he is too bloody scared of her to ask.
James Bond is a spy...he will observe her...at arms length and if this feeling does not lessen...
What will happen?
What will happen is a lot of sleepless nights with angst ridden dreams of her in bed. This is what Bond's future holds.
Damn that woman!
How can hearing M sleep with another man trigger such indecisive angst.
James has always thought M was beautiful...killer intelligent, bitingly sarcastic, loyal, stern, sexy...her eyes are...he cannot describe the depths of power those blue orbs hold over him. They send jolts of arousal to his groin every time she looks at him.
Does M see in him anything more than a blunt instrument to send off to do her bidding?
Christ, James hopes so.
For now...he will watch over her and wait until the time is right.
To be continued...