Chapter 3

M stood by at the kitchen sink drying the breakfast dishes as she waited for James to have a quick shower. She was lost in her thoughts when she felt two strong hands on her shoulders.

"M, you okay."

"Sorry, oh yes, I'm fine."

"You're nervous."

"A little."

James made M turn around to face him and smiled at her.

"You are one of the toughest women I know and you have no idea how much fun it's going to be to see you chuck Mallory out."

"I am relishing that part. I suppose we should get going."

"I'm proud of you. I want you to know that. After all you've been through, you've come out stronger for it."

"If I didn't have you, I might not be here. You're always protecting me."

"It's my job."

"What you did for me wasn't part of your job. You destroyed your family home for me, you don't do that for just anyone."

"You're right, I wouldn't do it for just anyone. You have always meant more to me than any other woman who's come and gone from my life."

"Your Mother figure, am I." She smirked.

"Oh M, far from it."

He gave her a wicked grin and before she knew it his lips were firmly placed on hers. The moment it happened, he felt her respond, bringing her arms up around his neck.

"That wasn't very professional 007."

"Perhaps, but I couldn't care less. You nearly died, it made me realise how inportant the little things in life are. How important you are."

"I'm an old woman James. I'm not young and pretty."

"You know what, you're right. You're not young and pretty."

"Well there you are then."

"You're more than that, you're beautiful."

"What."

"I said you're beautiful. I thought that about you the day I first met you and you've never changed."

"Dear boy, you are a charmer."

"I mean it."

"Yes, I think you do. Personally I think you need your head read but…"

"You're gonna do great today. You're gonna walk in there and chuck Mallory out on his fat ass, and I'm gonna be there to watch."

"I'm beginning to feel a little sorry for Mr Mallory now."

"It'll pass. Come on, we better not be late."

M linked her arm with James as they headed out the door. When James pulled up outside MI6, he saw the nervous look on M's face. He reached across and grasped her hand on his.

"It'll be okay."

"Why the hell am I so bloody nervous. I've been doing this job for over 30 years."

"Hey, you had a massive shock mere months ago and it's thrown you. You just need time."

"I can do this. Come on lets go."

He got out of the car and went around to help M out. They made their way upto, what was now Mallory's office to see Eve Moneypenny sitting at her desk. She looked up and saw them approaching and smiled.

"James, M, erm, what do I call you now."

"It's still M."

"How can you still be M if Mallory's M. I'm a little confused." She said.

"Mr Mallory won't be staying for very much longer, I'm afraid." M smirked.

"Does he know that."

"What do you think Eve." James winked.

"He won't be happy."

"I'm sure I can handle Mallory." M replied.

"Do you want me to come in with you." James asked.

"No, I think I'll be okay. Just wait out here. I know where you are."

"You'll be fine." He said, rubbing her arm.

Eve sat watching the interaction between them and began to get suspicious. M removed herself from James grasp and walked into her office. Mallory stopped what he was doing and looked up at who had just waltzed into his office.

"M."

To Be Continued…