Bonnie's POV:
I readjusted my red cocktail dress as I reached the end of the long corridor. My hair was tied in a beautiful professional bun, with two free strands of hair hanging on each side of my face, that I spent half an hour making so it'd be perfect.
Damon was right – David Jefferson had organized a welcoming dinner for me to meet the team, tonight. I found the note pinned to my bedroom door when I came back from our training session.
No one could imagine how nervous I was right now. I was about to meet people who worked for one of the most important secret agencies of America. I mean, so did I and Damon, but – these were especially smart people who elaborated weapons, fake files, and complicated algorithms to assure the protection of secret agents. They were the technicians behind an amazing concert, the musicians who sublimed a singer's voice, the writers behind dialogues who made actors seem incredibly talented.
In short – they were the ones who would make sure I stayed alive while on this mission. I think it was enough to feel stressed out, right? Just think about it – I had to make a good impression. Show that I was serious, smart, grateful, kind, motivated and loyal. Otherwise, why would they want to work their asses to ensure my safety? If I acted like a complete bitch, or a superior narcissist like Damon, they could just be like – "Fuck that whore, let's leave her in her mess. We'll see how she gets out of that one alive!"
Okay – I really needed to calm down. It was ridiculous. They couldn't do that. It was unprofessional and severely punished by the government. Get a grip on yourself, Bonnie!
I took a deep breath and felt my muscles relax as I let positivity overwhelm me. There was no reason to apprehend this dinner.
The security guard at the entrance of the room smiled at me when I came to stand in front of him and extended his hand.
"ID card, Miss, please," he asked nicely.
I nodded and pulled it out of my small purse. I had learnt to never wander in the SISA's building without my secret agent's ID. Security was strong here and there were guards everywhere. Totally normal, judging by the importance of what was done and discussed here.
"Here," I said as I showed him the small plastic paper.
"Thanks, Miss. Have a nice dinner," the man replied politely and stepped aside to let me enter inside the room.
"Thank you."
My jaw dropped when I finally got a glimpse of the place I'd eat dinner in. There was no doubt that it usually was a reception room.
It was as large as a ball room, with a long, wooden table in the middle. The walls were covered in a Louis XIV-like wallpaper – red with golden fleur-de-lis on it. I had always loved the French Sun King's period.
The other side of the room gave a splendid view on Manhattan with gilded glass-windows, reminding me of Versailles. Chandeliers and candles were lit everywhere, gleaming above the table and on the gorgeous marble fireplace in the back of the room, creating a warm and royal atmosphere.
The sound of my heels echoed on the tiled floor as I took a few steps, and my eyes widened when I raised them to look at the table. It was full of different sorts of food and drinks. Could've fed a whole country – I felt uncomfortable at the thought that there were people in the world who starved or suffered from malnutrition. I at least hoped than nothing would be left once dinner was over.
From what I could see, several people were already there. I immediately noticed a bubbly blond girl over the fireplace who was talking with a hot guy with hero hair, and a thin blond man staring at the food with envious eyes, not far from them. My eyes narrowed to search for Damon but I didn't spot him.
"Miss Bennett, glad to see you. Welcome to one of our reception rooms," Mister Jefferson's voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
I turned toward him and saw that he was smiling at me. He was wearing a classic suit with a scarlet medal whose center was surrounded by a golden laurel wreath, reading "SISA" in the middle. Probably a recognition of his title – Head of the Scarlet Agency.
"Mister Jefferson, good evening. And thank you. It's really breathtaking here," I commented, impressed.
"Our designers will be happy to hear it," my boss stated proudly. "Something else is quite breathtaking as well, if you may allow me," he playfully winked at me.
My cheeks blushed furiously and I looked down for a second. How was I supposed to react to my boss complimenting me, huh? I bet he got along very well with Damon.
"Thank you, sir," I smiled back once my shyness decided to leave me alone. "And yeah, your designers can really be proud of their work. I love the contrast of this reception room with all the modernity of the building. Very inventive," I spoke my honest opinion.
"You have very good taste, Miss Bennett," he smirked.
Somehow, I couldn't decide which age to give him. He was physically very handsome but seemed older than me and Damon. Yet he had this same mentality as us and the playfulness of a young man. My bet was between 35 and 40.
"Please, call me Bonnie," I corrected him. Miss Bennett sounded too formal to me.
"Only if you call me David, then," he replied with a raised eyebrow.
"As you wish, David," I smirked. He was funny and seductive. Was he related to Damon? I was seriously starting to wonder.
"Alright. Will you please follow me, Bonnie? I'd like to introduce you to two very important people who will accompany you on the mission. Damon should be there soon – he's rarely on time for receptions," David chuckled lowly.
I nodded silently and let him walk me to the fireplace as he extended his arm for me.
Damon's POV:
Where the hell are U?! U know I feel uncomfortable when there are 2 many people around me. And Mr. Jefferson scares me. U know that too.
I laughed as Jimmy's message appeared on my phone screen. I was currently in the elevator, checking myself in the encrusted mirror on my left. Taking care of your appearance required a lot of time. Time I couldn't waste wondering whether I'd be on time.
Hence why I was always late at formal dinners and receptions. Sometimes meetings, but more rarely since I didn't have to get all dressed up for those. Understand that my role as a handsome man was to live up to it and keep that beauty shining.
In the elevator. Be there in 5. Relax. And Jefferson isn't scary. U're weird with this obsession.
I answered my friend and looked up to see that the next level would be the one I'd get out of the elevator.
Hurry! I'm not weird, U Big Muscles. He has this "I-can-turn-U-into-breadcrumbs-with-a-snap-of-my-fingers" mafia look that goes with the authoritarian stature. Don't judge me.
I shook my head at Jimmy's reply. That guy was really something. Scared and brave at the same time, a very uncommon mixture.
The sound of the elevator doors sliding open forced my head to raise back up and I put my phone inside my tuxedo's jacket pocket before stepping out in the corridor.
Noise could be heard from the guarded door I caught sight of at the end of the long hallway. Everyone was already here. I'd be the last one to arrive, as always.
I passed the security guard without needing to show him my ID card, since it's been quite a long time that I've been working in the building. Besides, I knew him – it was that Tyler guy who had quit being an agent due to the accident which had happened on one of his missions. He had lost his wife, Olivia Parker-Lockwood, aka "Liv", killed in an explosion. Her and Tyler were very renowned, they were the best agents here when I started in the SISA. All of this had happened three years ago.
"Evening, Tyler," I greeted him.
"Damon! Always the last one!" he returned with a laugh.
"Now, a leopard can't change its spots," I smirked with a raised eyebrow.
"True, true. Come on in, and enjoy dinner," he stepped aside to let me pass.
"You know I will," I winked at him as Tyler shook his head.
Once I was inside, the first thing I did was scan the room to find Jimmy and put him out of his misery. I spotted him not far from the fireplace, gazing at the garnished table with appetite. Here and there, he threw nervous glances around him, teared apart between feeling uncomfortable with so many people in the room, and dying to taste the food.
"Hey buddy," I gently tapped his shoulder. His head was turned toward a delicious-looking turkey and he didn't see me coming.
"Damon! Oh, my god!" Jim jumped, startled. "Don't do that! You know I hate it. I nearly had a heart attack!" he glared at me and I rolled my eyes. Drama queen.
"Is everyone here?" I asked.
Jimmy raised an eyebrow. "Is that a real question? Because you know you're always the last one to arrive, mate," he stated rightfully.
"I'll take that as a yes," I frowned. "Have you seen Bonnie?"
"Bonnie?" his head tilted to the side in confusion.
"Agent Bonnie Bennett. The beautiful creature I'll be working with in Italy?" I reminded him enthusiastically.
His eyes widened and his mouth formed an "O". "Right. The Bonnie," he smirked. What did that mean? Wait - I preferred not to know. Jimmy could be a movie director with all the things he imagined. "Of course. She's right behind you, mate," he gestured past my shoulder.
I thanked him and started turning around to see her, before something came to me. Jimmy had never actually met Bonnie nor seen her. I stopped and stood back in front of him.
"Wait – how do you know it's her? You've never seen Bonnie," I wondered curiously as my brows furrowed.
Jimmy shrugged. "I recognized her the moment she entered the room, thanks to the very accurate description of her that you made to me, last time," he said. "By the way – bravo! It was extremely realistic and detailed!" he winked.
"Wow. I was that good?" I surprised myself, smiling proudly.
"Hmmm," my friend nodded. "You were completely bewitched," he smirked knowingly.
"Oh, shut up!" I rolled my eyes and sent him a warning look. "Stay here. And don't touch the food. I'll be a few minutes."
Before Jimmy could complain, I turned around and searched for Bonnie. I immediately spotted her – hard not to. My eyes landed on her elegant, sexy silhouette and my mouth dropped. Bet I was drooling too. She looked stunning.
My brain was suddenly very slow and it took me a few seconds to get a grip on myself and force my mouth to close and my feet to walk toward her. She was talking with David, who I guessed was introducing her to Caroline and Stefan.
"Let me introduce you to two very important people who will accompany you on the mission with Damon," I heard my boss say.
I decided to wait a little and let him do his work before making myself known. This way I could admire her a few more minutes without her noticing. That's what you did in front of a masterpiece.
Bonnie's POV:
David placed a professional hand on the blonde's hip and pointed her out with his other hand.
"This is the lovely Caroline Forbes," he introduced her as I nodded politely. "She's the very talented Creator in Chief of all the gadgets used here by our spies," the boss sent her a smile which she returned with a proud expression. "It includes weapons, outfits, earpieces, incorporated microphones, waterproof suits, X-ray glasses and many other things you wouldn't even think of," he informed me.
My eyes widened and I looked at her with admiration. She must've been very smart to invent all of that. A real intellectual. It was another form of being useful than traveling the world to fight dangerous people the way agents like me did.
Caroline grinned at me once Jefferson was done presenting her and extended her hand.
"Nice to meet you, Bonnie. I'm sure we'll get along just fine!" she exclaimed excitedly.
This girl seemed very – energetic. It was a good start. At least I wouldn't be bored to death with her. She seemed very friendly and kind too.
"Nice to meet you too, Caroline," I shook her hand with a smile. "I guess I should thank you for the numerous times your gadgets saved my life. We owe you all a lot," I said sincerely.
She dropped my hand and blushed a little before brushing it off like it was no big deal. "Don't worry about that. It's team work, after all – you beat the bad guys, and I create gadgets to help you beat them up," she shrugged playfully.
Everyone laughed and I told myself I couldn't wait to work with her. I liked her way of thinking. I bet she was just as badass as me behind this intellectual impression she gave.
Once everyone had calmed down, David turned to the guy with bright green eyes and hero hair. He resumed the presentations and gently tapped his shoulder.
"And this is Stefan Salvatore, one of our best strategists here," the guy held up a small hand and waved it with a wink. I chuckled. "He'll be the one speaking in your ears when circumstances will ask for it. He'll analyze everything happening around you, guide you inside a building, give you information on each person you'll cross path with, and decide which plan to execute in case of flight – like telling you where to exit if needed," David explained.
I nodded and addressed Stefan a kind smile. His job was very important too. Our lives would basically depend on him in certain occasions. It was a big responsibility.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Bonnie. I can't wait to be working with you," Stefan took my hand and kissed it softly.
My cheeks reddened and I saw Caroline roll her eyes while David smirked. These three seemed to know each other very well. I assumed Caroline and Stefan both worked here since long ago.
"Same for me. You sound extremely talented too," I smiled at him.
Then a detail I hadn't paid attention to suddenly clicked in my mind. Stefan Salvatore. Salvatore. Like Damon! Right on cue, my irritable partner showed up and cleared his throat behind David.
"Yep, Stefan's very gifted in his job. No wonder – it's my little brother, after all!" Damon grinned at him and sent me a flirty look as he eyed me up and down.
Oh, boy. I'd be working with two Salvatores. What a joy…! If Stefan was anything like his brother, I wouldn't hold it together very long.
"Damon! You finally decided to show up!" our boss teased him.
"Yeah, sorry for the lateness. Couldn't find my special body shampoo," Damon replied jokingly. David laughed and I rolled my eyes, annoyed. Who said that to their boss? Most of all, the director of a freaking Secret Agency?!
But it didn't seem to bother David as he hit his shoulder playfully. "Why doesn't it surprise me, Damon?" he said.
"Because I have very sensitive skin?"
"Haha! Probably!" David shook his head.
I saw Caroline rolling her eyes and Stefan looking down in hope to make people forget it was his big brother talking. I bit my lip to stifle a laugh at his desperate expression and smoothed my dress instead.
However, the moment I dreaded the most finally came. The one where the fresh memories of our sensual training would come back to me as my eyes met his. David's laughter stopped and he said something to Caroline and Stefan while Damon's intense stare planted on me. I couldn't look away.
Damon looked handsome. It was a euphemism. He rocked that black suit to perfection. Clearly, if he wasn't so arrogant and flirty, I'd totally ask him on a date. And maybe even take him to my room. I'd never admit it to him, but he was very elegant. What a waste.
I noticed that same flicker of vulnerability in his blue orbs that I had found so mesmerizing while he covered my body on the training room's floor. Heat started to warm my body up as I remembered the feeling of his skin against mine. I tried to hide it by licking my lips and clearing my throat to let some fresh air in, but I could feel my cheeks reddening.
Damon noticed, but to my surprise, he didn't do anything to tease me about it. No smirk. No flirty wink or dirty comment. He simply looked at me and blinked after a few seconds. Then, he moved to talk with Stefan and that's when I noticed he was slightly blushing too. My inner self told me it was because he had felt caught. Which meant he had been thinking deeply while staring at me, explaining the lack of reaction concerning my red face. This guy was a mystery I had a hard time to pierce.
"Good evening, everybody!" Mister Jefferson picked up a glass from the table and tapped a fork against it. The clicking sound made all conversations stop in the room and everyone looked at him with interest. "You all know that we are here to welcome a new spy, Agent Bonnie Bennett!"
Everyone cheered and applauded and I waved embarrassingly, hating to be the center of attention. This time, Damon smirked at me while Stefan and Caroline gave me encouraging smiles. They must've been at the same place I was, years ago.
"The SISA is very proud and honored to count this amazing and talented young lady in our team. If you may take a seat, we are going to start dinner and proceed to further presentations all the while. Bon appétit!" David announced and everyone went to sit around the long table.
My boss led me to my seat – he was sitting at the end of the table, and I was on his right, while Damon sat in front of me, on his left. Stefan was next to him and Caroline on my right. The rest of the people faced each other till the other end of the table, but no one was facing the boss. Of course.
As I placed my fancy ass on the comfortable chair, I glanced around the table and swallowed loudly. There were at least fifty people, no kidding. I wondered who they were and what they'd be doing in this mission. They weren't all coming with us to Italy, were they? What size would the private jet be, then?
Damon's POV:
Jimmy sat next to Caroline, in front me. He was a little on my left but we could still make eye contact and wink at each other or share knowing looks here and there.
The boss briefly introduced "background people" to Bonnie – back up fighters, some doctors and nurses, engineers, technicians and experts. He also told us the Italian police will be helping us if needed during the mission.
My partner smiled politely at each of them and nodded repeatedly, secretly asking herself how many more names she'd have to remember. I knew it, I had been at her place three years ago. Besides, the look on her face betrayed her – her lips were closed in a thin line and her brows furrowed while her eyes held a flicker of annoyance in them.
"So, now it's time to introduce you to the last two people I haven't mentioned yet," David smiled at her and took a sip of his glass of Champagne.
We were now close to the end of dinner. Dessert would be served soon. Presentations had taken most of it.
Bonnie swallowed her bit of turkey and turned to our boss, faking an enthusiastic smile as she waited for him to go on. She was tired of all these presentations. David could tell, but it was needed. He addressed her a knowing look and gestured toward a curly brunette at the far end of the table.
"The pretty woman on my left, over there, is Katherine Pierce. She's another agent like you and Damon, a spy," he started but Bonnie cut him off with a frowning face.
"Why is a third spy coming with us?" she questioned confusingly.
David raised an eyebrow at the interruption. He wasn't used to people being so at ease with him. I smirked – Bonnie wasn't like everyone else. She wouldn't be tamed.
"If you may let me finish, Miss Bennett, you'll understand soon enough," he replied impassively. Bonnie didn't excuse herself and merely nodded, impatient. "Katherine will be there as a backup cover if anything goes wrong with yours. If somehow, you and Damon are discovered, Katherine will be there to take your place," he explained as Katherine smirked at Bonnie and curled a brown strand of hair in her perfectly manicured fingers.
I rolled my eyes and Bonnie looked at her with a weird look. Something told me she wouldn't like her very much. Understandable.
"Oh," Bonnie cleared her throat. "Excuse me, but I don't get why she has to come with us right away. The mission may not require her – intervention," she stated carefully, throwing Katherine a furtive look.
"I need to be on the spot in order to intervene if the mission fails, Agent Bennett. For that, I'll need to know about everything that happened from the beginning, in details. Bicelli might suspect me otherwise," Katherine replied coldly.
The tension suddenly rose in the room and everyone glanced at Bonnie, waiting for her come back. I didn't really understand why Bonnie reacted this way, but I wasn't complaining at all. I was always up for some kitty cat fight! The distraction was entertaining.
"I was asking Mr. Jefferson, Agent Pierce. But thanks for the detailed answer, although I'm sure Damon and I will make sure the mission doesn't fail," Bonnie sent her a constipated smile. "I'm sure you'd rather enjoy your time in Italy as free vacation than spend it working," she added in a fake polite tone.
Caroline almost choked at that and Jimmy suppressed a laugh. I stared at Bonnie, bemused, before throwing a discreet glance at Katherine. She was boiling. The boss intervened before Katherine could retort, and put an end to the lady fight.
"Now that it is clearer, Bonnie," David spoke loudly, ignoring what the two women had just said, "let's talk about Jimmy Gilder," he said.
I looked at my friend and saw him growing pale. Bonnie dropped the pissing eye-contest with Katherine and turned to look at the shy blond man.
"Jimmy is a trained IT engineer. You'll need him to crack mafia codes to get information, or break securities to enter a building without arousing suspicion or being detected. That kind of thing," David explained while winking at Jimmy, who swallowed hard and looked down to avoid his eyes.
I chuckled. Jefferson really did scare him off. Bonnie nodded once more and offered Jimmy an appreciative grin. Basically, he was a geek.
"That's pretty cool. Can't wait to see you doing all that stuff!" she exclaimed cheerfully.
"Thank you," Jim mumbled and blushed furiously.
"Well, now that everyone has been introduced to Bonnie, let's finally enjoy dessert!" David exclaimed happily as waiters walked in and placed the plates in the center of the table.
Pudding, chocolate cake, fruits, and French pastries. I licked my lips impatiently at the sight of those, and I saw Jimmy rubbing his hands enviously.
"Dig in!" the boss said and everyone was served what they desired.
A few minutes into eating dessert, David turned toward me. "So, tell me Damon, how did that training session go with Bonnie, by the way?" he side-eyed her teasingly and continued. "What did you think of her fighting skills?" he asked curiously.
I saw Bonnie immediately lifting her head to look at me, waiting for my answer. I sent her a confident smirk and put my spoon down to answer my boss.
"Well, it was pretty – intense," I let out casually. My partner glared at me and her expression was threatening, daring me to say more. "Bonnie surprised me. She's very fluid in her movements and incredibly flexible. She acts quickly and efficiently – hits right where it's needed!" I told my boss and smirked naughtily as I felt Bonnie's foot jabbing my knee furiously under the table.
"Really?" David's eyes narrowed as he eyed me and Bonnie mysteriously. "Perfect, then. What about you, Bonnie? Did Damon measure up to you?" he winked playfully.
I saw her cast me a vengeful look and smile at David as she kept an innocent face. "To be honest, I thought beating Damon would be harder than that. I guess the fact I needed to prove my worth motivated me enough to pierce his secrets," she shrugged nonchalantly.
My mouth opened and closed in surprise and I fought to keep my composure. How dared she?! My hand gripped the spoon tighter, so much my knuckles turned whiter than usual, and I stuffed a piece of cake in my mouth to keep from swearing at her. The little demon.
David chuckled at her words and I felt my skin redden. In the space of two minutes, Bonnie had succeeded in making me go from playful to angry. I didn't like it. I felt humiliated. Yeah, yeah, I know – pride's ruling my ego.
"Motivation is the key to everything, indeed!" my boss laughed with her as he gently patted my shoulder. My lips formed a thin smile and I saw her frown. "But you have to know that Damon is a great agent. His only flaw is that he's often too confident, which can cause him to lose concentration. That's probably what happened, right Damon?" he smiled at me.
I nodded curtly and threw Bonnie an icy stare as I faked a smile. "Yeah, this lady here impressed me so much that I forgot a man is to always double vigilance when confronting a female adversary."
"That is true, my dear!" David agreed gleefully as he laughed once more.
Bonnie met my shining eyes and blinked as she noticed the anger in them. Her stare intensified and I knew she was doing that reading thing again with her emerald orbs. I quickly looked away and focused on my slice of cake. I wasn't a damn book.
"Joking aside, I – huh… I think Damon is a very talented fighter," I heard Bonnie say to my boss in a small voice.
Ha. Trying to make it up to me, huh? Not working, honey. There are things you don't mess with – my pride being one of them.
Bonnie's POV:
Damon ignored me till the end of dinner.
I had to admit I didn't know what to think of his reaction. I felt guilty about saying something that obviously made him angry, but at the same time I was annoyed as hell with him.
He started it. Making innuendos to our boss about our "moment" during training and not caring how I'd feel about it! And then he was mad at me because I joked about being disappointed of his fighting level? Pl-ease. This was way too easy.
When David announced it was time to go back to our quarters and do whatever we'd like for the rest of the evening, Damon rushed outside without even glancing at me while mumbling a "good evening" to our boss.
Sighing, I excused myself and quickly followed him, hoping not to be too late. I hated being on tension with people. Well, except that Katherine girl. She just rubbed me the wrong way.
Anyways – I'd rather solve a problem as soon as I could than let it hang in the air and ruin the mood. I wouldn't go to bed without talking to Damon, whether he liked it or not.
My eyes searched for a tall, dark-haired figure and eventually azure eyes until I spotted him turning a corner in the hallway. My brain ordered my feet to move faster and I almost reached the same corner when a voice called my name from behind.
"Bonnie!"
I recognized Caroline's high-pitched voice and groaned.
Don't get me wrong, I loved the girl from what I'd seen tonight – but now was not the moment. I wanted to understand Damon's freaking problem so I could put my ass in an elevator and wait for it to nicely drive me to my room, and then crawl into my bed and enjoy some well-deserved beauty sleep without worrying about what I did wrong!
One thing to remember about me – nothing and no one should mess with my sleep.
"Wait up, Bonnie!" the blonde called again and I had no choice but to stop in my tracks.
Ugh.
I slowly turned around and acknowledged her with the less exasperated smile I could offer. It wasn't her fault and I was actually happy to see that she wanted to talk to me, but irritation didn't work well with my emotions.
"Caroline! What is it?" I asked, watching as she hurried to walk up to me.
"Hey! Sorry to bother you right now – I know you're probably tired and dying to get to bed -," she didn't know how right she was.
"It's okay," I interrupted her, knowing she couldn't guess what was going on with Damon.
"Okay," she smiled at me. "So, I just wanted to ask you if you'd like to join us for breakfast, tomorrow? Then we'll go at the meeting all together," she suggested cheerfully.
My eyes widened a little at her words. I had completely forgotten about the meeting tomorrow morning. Another reason to catch Damon and talk to him before having to play formal in front of the boss. And everyone else.
Caroline's offer was tempting. It was clearly a step forward to fit me in in their little group. I was grateful for that – I hated being alone. Integration was important in my situation and I thought I'd like spending time with them all. They seemed very simple and nice. At least tonight.
"Of course, with pleasure, Caroline!" I agreed. "Thank you for thinking about me," I smiled appreciatively.
"Great!" she clapped her hands happily and I jumped a little. "That's normal, Bonnie. You're new – it's important for you to blend in. Besides, I think I'll like you a lot, actually," she added with a cute face.
"Same," I returned genuinely. "See you tomorrow, then?" I tried to cut our conversation short, scared I'd already lost Damon.
I could see my beauty sleep running away from me with an evil laugh, brandishing a victory flag while I collapsed on the floor.
"Yep! Goodnight, Bonnie!" Caroline grinned before pulling a small paper out of her bag. "Oh, and here's my phone and room's numbers. Don't hesitate, if you need anything," she stated and I noticed she had written on a napkin.
I took it and nodded, smiling. "Thanks. Goodnight, Caroline."
The bubbly blonde closed her purse and turned around to walk the opposite way I was going, toward her floor. She waved at me and I waved back, watching a she disappeared inside the elevator. Once she was out of sight, I quickly put the napkin in my own purse and started walking again.
I strode across the hallway I saw Damon disappear in, panting a little because those damn heels were killing my feet. He'd owe me a foot massage! Wait, no – his hands would not touch any part of my body again. I'd promised myself that after our little session this afternoon.
I hoped it wasn't too late. I knew his angry expression would haunt me all night if I didn't talk to him, and I wouldn't be able to sleep. There was no way I was attending tomorrow's meeting looking like a rebel gorilla.
A muscular silhouette appeared in my field of vision. I squinted and breathed out of relief once I realized it was Damon. He had just stepped inside an elevator and the doors were about to close.
Fuck my life.
Looking at the ceiling desperately, I sighed and took my shoes off before sprinting toward the elevator.
Damon's eyes widened in surprise as I slipped in between the doors right before they closed. Bringing a hand to my heaving chest, the other one holding my heels, I ignored Damon's confused face as he eyed me up and down, and tried to catch my breath.
Damn me. Why did I do such weird things? It was completely ridiculous, really. Now he'd think I'd chased his ass just to apologize to him. Which was partly true. The main part being I refused to let him ruin my sleep.
"Don't think you're special or something," I warned him with a raised finger after air had come back into my lungs.
Narrator's POV:
Damon looked at the breathless woman with a raised eyebrow, before shaking his head and avoiding her eyes. He said nothing and focused on the floors' numbers parading on the small screen in front of them.
Bonnie sighed and crossed her arms, turning to him. "I just wanted to apologize if I said something wrong at dinner."
Her head raised to look at him, waiting for the blow to come. But Damon stayed silent, still staring in front of him. Anywhere but at her. Somehow, this seemed to piss Bonnie off even more than if he'd told her to get lost.
She scoffed, uncrossing her arms and moving to plant herself in front of him. "Listen, Avoidance Man - I don't understand what I did wrong nor why you reacted so badly, but I just said I was sorry," she hissed. "I made a step forward. So, either you explain to me what the hell got you so riled up, or I'll just assume you're a hormonal asshole," she added while poking his chest with a mecaning finger.
That seemed to do the trick. Bonnie watched as the dark-haired man planted his angry eyes on her, and grabbed her pointed finger to lower it down. She rolled her eyes and threw him an impatient look, hastily removing her finger from his warm hand.
"Don't ever humiliate me like that again," Damon gritted out. Bonnie noticed his jaw tightening and frowned.
"I didn't know you felt humiliated," she shrugged. "I assumed you'd know I was simply joking," her tone was casual, which got on Damon's nerves.
She didn't measure the impact of her own words. Granted, she didn't know his personal background so she probably couldn't understand, but still. Her words had been negative about him, while his – though they were provocative – had been positive about her. That's what bothered him the most.
But don't go questioning yourself about something nonexistent – it was a simple problem of pride. That's it. No weird feeling about what she thought of him. Not at all.
"Well, I didn't find it as funny as you and our boss apparently did," he flashed her a here-and-gone smile.
Bonnie's eyebrows lifted and she gave him an "are you serious?!" look. She shook her head and went on the defensive. "Let me remind you that you started it by making innuendos and giving me flirty looks in front of said boss, smarty-pants," the brunette replied furiously.
His muscles stiffened and he glared at her.
"Maybe, but my comments were positive about you at least, Cruella Devil! Yours were disrespectful and negative!" Damon retorted as his face inched closer to hers.
"It's not my fault if you have a bigger ego than Narcissus himself!" Bonnie accused and refused to back up as she gave him a daring look. "You should work on that pride issue, you know?" she smirked, knowing she had him.
Damon's face reddened even more and she thought he might explode for a minute. Instead, the sarcastic agent took a deep breath and laid his hands flat on the wall behind Bonnie, boxing her in. The young woman froze and swallowed, suddenly feeling hot and hemmed in.
"And you should work on your resistance, Bon Bon," he smirked and bent down to whisper the next sentence in her ear. "You think I haven't noticed the way your body reacted to mine during our training session?" he tempted.
Air stuck at the base of her throat as his breath tickled her sensitive lobe and sent shivers running down her body. Bonnie licked her lips and tried to remember when it had gotten so sensual as Damon pulled away, mouth only millimeters away from hers.
"Don't flatter yourself. It's called a natural physical reaction, just as if my hand grabs your dick," Bonnie stated matter-of-factly.
Damon's eyes narrowed and he felt his member coming alive at Bonnie's words. Uh oh. Not the moment, buddy. Her eyes held his gaze and he couldn't suppress the amused smile spreading on his face. That girl was something.
The sound of the elevator's doors sliding open as they reached their level brought them back to reality. Bonnie blinked and bent down as she slid under Damon's arms, fleeing away from the irritating but mysterious man who did things to her.
"I guess next time we should just shut the hell up?" she suggested to close the debate.
She put her shoes back on and Damon watched distractedly when she slid her small feet into them, her sexy brown legs showing. He'd definitely need a cold shower before going to bed.
"Seems like a good solution," he agreed with a short nod.
"Good. I'll – huh – see you tomorrow, then?" the brown-skinned woman asked as they stepped out of the elevator and made their way back to their rooms.
Why was she suddenly nervous?
"There's a pretty good chance you will, since we've got a meeting," Damon smirked and playfully winked at her.
"Right."
They both arrived near their room doors and glanced at each other, not knowing what to say. Bonnie was the first one to speak as she pulled her keys out of her purse. "Good night, then."
"Good night," the blue-eyed agent returned nicely.
He watched her nod and shuffle with her keys as she reached her door.
"Bonnie?" Damon called right before she opened the door.
"Yeah?" she turned around with furrowed brows.
"Sorry for reacting like that. It was silly. You're forgiven," he said with a small smile.
"Good," she smiled, before entering her room and closing the door behind her.
Humming, Damon did the same and smirked to himself as he changed into his sleeping pair of boxers. This mission would be so much fun. He was making progress at seducing Bonnie. Although tonight hadn't been fake – he really did have a pride issue. Thank Papa Salvatore for that.
But that was another story, for another time. And tomorrow was another day.
*** TO BE CONTINUED ***
Hola todos!
So, here's chapter 3. Sorry for taking such a long time before updating! :p I hope you enjoyed it. It's a bit longer than the two other ones but I make sure not to put too many events in each chapter so you don't get lost in the story.
This one is a pretty important chapter because Bonnie finally met the rest of the team. Caroline, Stefan, Jimmy and maybe Katherine will be regular characters up to now. What do you think about the team, their jobs, the way I introduced them in this story? I tried to find something that would fit each character best. I'm still hesitating whether I add Elena in this story or not - what is your opinion about it? I'd have to link her to Katherine and the others, which seems complicated to me. Plus, I'm not sure I'll writer her very well.
The Bamon fight was totally not planned. It just went with the flow as I wrote and I decided to keep it because it put a little bit of action in the chapter. Besides, the scene allowed me to mark the Bamon dynamic even more in this fic. I hope you liked reading it.
Anyways, enough talking! Tell me what you thought about this chapter, if you like where it's going or not...etc. I'll gladly read you guys! Italy is coming soon. Next chapter should have a little bit of the reunion coming with the whole team to learn more about their mission, and then there'll probably be an ellipse.
*** REVIEWS ALWAYS MUCH APPRECIATED***
Thanks for reading,
Kisses, KatemonLazuli.