I forgot something very important, to thank my beta reader, KT, for correcting all my mistakes… thx!!
Chapter 03 - Can't Be Sure
Watching Michael play the happy boyfriend made Nikita want to throw up.
Watching him smile, whisper, bestow gentle caresses, kiss someone else...
When Nikita had discovered his marriage to Elena, she'd pitied the other woman immensely. And in a way, she'd hated Michael for betraying Elena, for making her love him, for making her give birth to his child.
And, deep down, she'd hated him for lying to her. Again. She'd felt used, knowing she slept alone every night while he went home to his family.
But Nikita's feelings had changed after she'd seen Michael's grief. In the end, he'd suffered even more than Elena. She'd thought that he'd never be able to pull off another Valentine mission.
Seeing him now, seducing yet another woman...
Michael kissed Diana and said something to her. She nodded, smiled, and he disappeared into the villa.
"Michael's moving in," Birkoff announced over the com unit. Nikita saw Carter stepping next to Diana, beginning a conversation with her. Good. He'd distract her long enough for Michael to copy Max's list without anyone noticing it.
Nikita moved to her next mark and waited.
An hour later, she glanced impatiently at her watch. Apparently the computer kid had secured his system better than Birkoff had thought. Anyway, Diana would soon notice the absence of her lover.
"How long?" she muttered, melting into the shadows. She was supposed to be a employee of the party service, but didn't need any guests demanding fresh drinks right now.
A short pause. "Ten minutes." Birkoff sounded stressed. He'd had to guide Michael through the system and monitor the team.
Nikita looked at Diana, who stood nearby, talking with other guests. Suddenly a violent pain shot through her head and she had to lean against the wall for support.
Happiness, Boredom, Amusement...
She panted raggedly, trying to clear her head, trying to control the emotions that were invading her mind. It was useless. Her gaze wandered, finally focusing on Diana, who was still chatting amiably.
Love
The pain lessened and Nikita straightened her skirt nervously. This love she felt... new, fresh, unexperienced love... was it coming from Diana? She took a step forward, yearning to be part of that love. It seemed warm, inviting...
She stopped abruptly behind the other woman, becoming aware of what she was doing. Her eyes widened and her inner voice screamed to fight these strange feelings.
Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop, stop
But not before...
Concern
"Michael? I – I don't know… he's in the house, searching for something... I think I'll go look for him."
Diana was concerned. Because of Michael. With a clarity she hadn't had before, Nikita suddenly understood. These emotions... they belonged to other people. And Diana... she was concerned for Michael. Because she loved him.
Again Nikita wanted to throw up. The headache had faded into nothingness, but the nausea stayed.
Diana loved Michael. She had often asked herself what these women might feel for Michael... but to actually really feel the love, the pure love Diana held for him... it made Nikita want to cry. Michael would leave Diana after this evening. She'd never see him again… would be left with a broken heart. Because this love was the love you find very seldom in your life.
And he'd still have to leave her, unaware of the pain he'd caused.
Diana went into the house and Nikita saw her intention. She quickly grabbed a tray of glasses - full of champagne - and headed after her.
She found the other woman in the main hall, waiting for the elevator. Nikita inwardly snorted. This damn house was so big it had a freaking elevator.
She silently approached Diana from behind, balancing the tray carefully on one hand.
"Excuse me."
Diana flinched, hastily turning around, and Nikita managed to get Diana's elbow to collide with the tray, which caused it to slip, spilling all the champagne on Diana's expensive designer dress.
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry! I - I didn't mean to do that... I'm sorry, I'm so clumsy. Here, let me help you..."
The brunette looked in shock at her ruined dress, then at Nikita who kneeled before her, having adopted the I'm-terribly-sorry-look perfectly as she picked up the remains of the glasses. She smiled meekly.
"It's okay. Just... just go, please."
Nikita was surprised. She'd expected an outburst, a hysterical fit, at least a scathing comment and the threat to be fired. Instead she got an 'It's okay'? She felt all the more miserable for Section messing with Diana's life. She seemed to be a sweet, caring woman. Still...
"C-can't I help you? I mean, perhaps if - if I hurry…"
"No. Just go."
Diana sounded impatient, and Nikita was happy to oblige, although pretending to be reluctant.
"You can send the bill to me... I promise, I'll pay for the damage..."
The dress had probably cost more than a waiter earned in a whole year, but that didn't matter.
Nikita hurried out of the hall, watching Diana staring at the mess of broken glass and spilled champagne, then heading for the nearest bathroom. She'd need more than ten minutes to change and be presentable again.
Breathing in deeply once she was outside again, Nikita was glad to have finished her job. But the question remained: How could she have felt other people's emotions? Why could she feel them?
She almost missed the announcement that the mission was successfully completed.
***