Chapter 4

Power Of Her

Nick was lying in his bed thinking about what happened earlier that day. It was full of events for sure. But the most unexpected was the last when he lost for Miley. When she was right about something and he wasn't, but then again admitting his mistakes is a brave thing in his opinion. If he didn't, the it would just lead to a chain of other mistakes.

So, they'd come to an agreement, they were going to change their ways of treating each other. He would respect her opinions –or at least try to- and treat her better, and she would follow his orders for everyone's safety. But neither of them truly believed it'll work.

"What's on your mind, dude?" Joe asked as he climbed up to his own bed and faced his friend.

"That girl."

"Oh," Joe smirked.

"No, Joe, don't start with this. You know what I mean."

"Alright, alright. So, you convinced her with anything?"

"Kinda. We'll be nicer to each other."

"You'll be nice? That's new."

"For the sake of the mission, don't get used to it." Nick joked as Joe smiled.

"Nick?"

"Yes?"

"When was the last time you went on a date?" Joe asked as Nick frowned looking at him.

"A date? Since when my job leaves me the time to date? You know I only concentrate on my job."

"Are you trying to convince me you don't want to at least see someone?"

"No, I'm good like that."

"Nick, you can't block girls away from your life forever."

"Joe, my life is full of action. I don't even have time to know someone enough to like, let alone having a relationship that I don't know how will end. I may lose my whole life in any mission!"

"Not supposedly a relationship. Just a couple of dates here and there. You know so life will be more interesting."

"You don't know how busy my life is due to your work in the embassy." Nick shook his head.

"Alright, don't you feel un-complete? Dude, you need to fill your needs."

"Joe, I don't even have the time to think I'm not satisfied. My job keeps my head away from all this shit. You really don't need girls to live." He shrugged.

"Wow, you changed. Remember high school?"

"How could I not?" Nick laughed.

"Just try to have fun. Your life will be much better." Joe said returning to their man topic.

"Do you?"

"From time to time, you know." Joe answered chuckling.

"Of course, you do." He said referring to the fact that this is Joe he was talking to.

"Just try it, okay?"

"If I had time." Nick shrugged in a way that let Joe know that this was the end of the conversation.

As for Nick, he realized he didn't really think about that before. He got so caught up in his work and loved it that he didn't notice the lack of girls in his life. But like he said, how can he get the time to date? Maybe in the future, but right now, he had no time at all.

XxXx

"So, Miley, how's your love life?" Demi asked her new friend who chuckled.

"I don't have a love life." Miley answered, "At least not right now."

"Why?" Demi asked obviously surprised by her answer. Anyone would be anyway, judging by her personality and her beauty.

"Well, I broke up with my last boyfriend about a month ago; he was being a pain in the ass lately. And I haven't seen someone since then."

"I see," Demi nodded.

"What about you?"

"I don't have also." Demi shrugged, but Miley looked at her waiting for more explanation. "I only focused on getting to the job. I didn't have time to date as I was working hard to finally have a big mission like that." She told Miley who nodded understandingly.

"I like that you're too determined."

"You're too. You're really stubborn."

"Only when I really want to be. I can go easy if I want." Miley shrugged. They heard a knock on the door as Miley called for whoever it was to enter.

Lydia's head appeared from the slightly opened door and looked towards Miley, "Mr. Stewart wants to meet up with you." She said as Miley nodded.

"Just me?"

"No, all of you."

"Fine, we're coming right after you." Miley told her as she nodded and closed the door leaving to tell Nick and Joe.

Miley and Demi took their way downstairs to the same room her dad was when they arrived, it was his favorite place to relax.

"You wanted us, dad?" Miley asked a little dryly, she was still not over the fact that he was forcing her to follow Nick's orders, even though she's not mad at Nick himself at that moment.

"Yes, take a seat." He said pointing to the two comfy seats in front of him as the two girls sat down in silence until the other two came and mimicked their position in front of the older man on the couch.

"Yes, sir?" Nick asked politely.

"I have to have a guest over dinner tomorrow." Roby started.

"So…?" Miley asked waiting for him to get to the point. It wasn't the first time to have someone over dinner for some business of his.

"You need to be with me. Our guest is bringing his family as a start of a friendship between the two families. And you know that could be very important, you know I represent the whole country here." He told his daughter.

"So, you want me here at dinner!"

"All of you. They're supposed to be family friends. And you need to act a little formal, Miley. Show that you're a good young lady." He told her seriously.

"Wha-"

"So, we need to watch out for everything tomorrow and increase the security." Nick said interrupting whatever objecting sentence she was going to say.

"I don't think it'd be that much… but you need to take care." Roby said.

"Don't worry, sir. I got it." He nodded seriously.

"Thank God to have someone like you in the CIA." The older man said examining his determined features.

"Thanks, sir. Anything else?" he asked him.

"No, that's it. I just needed to tell you our plans for tomorrow to get prepared."

"Thanks. Excuse us." He said standing up pointing his fore finger between himself, Demi and Joe.

"Sure." He nodded and the other two stood up and followed Nick around leaving the father and the daughter alone.

"He'll never change." She huffed and folded her arms over her chest frowning.

"What are you talking about?"

"That Nick dude."

"Ah, Nick, he's a really great young man. In spite of his young age, he's already their best agent. Isn't he awesome?"

"No!" she looked at her dad like he just said he got kidnapped by aliens, and killed them all running away!

"What? Why?"

"He's annoying, and he thinks he's the damn boss of me." She complained.

"You know you have to listen to him for y-"

"I know, for our sake, I got it. But he has to treat me good too; I'm not his servant to follow whatever he says blindly."

"What did he do now?"

"His stupid attitude, he thinks that whatever he has to say is more important than anything else."

"He just takes his job seriously, Miles."

"Whatever, dad." She said and stood up walking to her room.

XxXx

The next day, Nick was all over the place making sure everything is alright. He had two of Joe's men guarding the place, the most trustable men; he didn't want to use a lot of men because the less number of people he has, the more he get chances to complete his mission successfully.

He was walking from a place to another ignoring everyone except when he needs them. Miley watched in silence. She was waiting to see when he's going to stop and realize he's over reacting. It was just a dinner after all!

She watched him jumping from a room to another, in and out of the house. For some reason, she enjoyed watching him running like a bee in the house. Maybe because the serious face he kept, or just the fact that he's running around for no reason!

"What are you doing?" She heard Joe's voice coming from behind her so she turned around.

"Watching your friend." She smiled.

"Nick? Why? I thought you don't like him." He said with a hint of smirk as she rolled her eyes.

"I'm waiting to see when he'll finally stop and realize he's over-reacting."

"He's not over-reacting." He frowned.

"He isn't? Joe, he's running around the house ignoring everybody for no real reason."

"He's doing his job."

"It's just a dinner."

"Trust me, you don't know what could happen is 'just dinner'." He smiled at her patting her shoulder and turned around leaving to do whatever Nick asked him to do.

"No surprise they're friends." She said to herself looking at Joe walking away. She glanced at her watch and sighed knowing she has to go get ready.

After a while of running around her room from her closet to her mirror to the bathroom to her make-up table, Miley finally finished getting ready as she stood in front of her full length mirror satisfied with her appearance…

She wore a very hot black party dress with silver decorations on the top with uncovered back. It was floor length which made it look even sexier. She wore her hair back in a messy bun that looked really cute. As for her makeup, she put on lip gloss, a light shade of blush and eyeliner.

She can safely say she looked hot.

Just when she was about to turn around, she heard a knock on the door, "Come in." she called and heard the door open behind her as she looked at it from the mirror to see the two pair of chocolate brown eyes that she got familiar too quickly due to the few silent fights they had.

"Hey, I'm sorry, I didn't have much time to talk to you today… but we need to discuss your attitude with the guests tonight." Nick said calmly in a tone he wouldn't have used with her if they didn't have the last argument and made a deal.

"My attitude with the guests, huh? Why do you all treat me like I'm a naughty girl who doesn't know how to treat anybody?"

"Miley, I didn't mean it like that." he said holding back the argue to roll his eyes. "Anyway, your dad told me that they're a family f four members, two parents and two sons. The younger one is about your age, and he's the player one. No doubt that he's going to be a little flirty with you… you need to just smile and thank him, but, don't flirt back, got it?"

"What does that have to do with me being safe?"

"God, I know what I'm doing… every small detail matters with me, okay?"

"Well, you please explain?" she said gritting her teeth.

"Listen, the less people you're around these days, the safer you're. If you flirted back, then there's a property that you'll be friends, and that is not good for you or for him."

"Nick, I'm not losing communication with the world just to be safe."

"I didn't say that… but until we at least put our feet on the right way to those people, you're better not to make new friendships." He said a little calmer.

She looked away huffing and resting her palms on her waist, "What do you want me to do exactly?" she asked annoyed as he let out a sigh of relief that she's at least agreeing to him.

"Just sit near one of us, and be careful yet polite when you talk with any of them." he said now calm.

"Alright, Nick." She said still annoyed but calmer seeing he's not yelling anymore too.

"Thank you." He said and turned around to the door… when he put his hand on the knob, he turned around again, "Oh, and by the way you look great." He said flashing her a small smile before quickly exiting the door.

She felt a smile come to her lips as she stared at the door for a while before remembering that she was about to leave too when he arrived.

She left her shared room with Demi and just then she remembered that Demi haven't got ready yet… she frowned and began looking around for any sign of her.

"Hey, Miles. Wow, you look beautiful." She heard her voice from behind her as she turned around and saw she was already dressed in purple knee-tall dress with her hair flowing on her shoulders. She had a red lip gloss and light blush with eyeliner as well.

"Thanks, you do too. When did you get dressed anyway?" she asked her.

"Well, when we finally finished what Nick wanted us to do… I wanted to get changed but I knew you were using the room, so I decided to use another one to not disturb you."

"Disturb me? Dem, it's okay, you should've came." She answered confused.

"Oh, okay, next time I'll make sure to do so."

"Fine. I guess we should head downstairs?"

"Um, Nick said not to go until they call for us."

"Oh, yeah, same old boring routine." Miley rolled her eyes. She has attended dinners like that a lot, and she was told every time that she shouldn't go until the guests arrive and set down. Something about formal traditions.

A while after a maid came to tell the two girls they should go downstairs, so they stood up and took their way down,

"Oh, here they are." Roby said getting up to greet them as well as the four new faces in the house, "That's Miley, my daughter and her cousin Demi." He introduced, "Girls, meet Mr. Antonio." He said pointing at the older man in the three men, he was wearing a black suit and he was tall with black hair and eyes.

"Pleasure to meet you, sir." They shook hands with him.

"This is his wife, Mrs. Antonio." He said pointing at the woman with the yellow tall dress with red hair and brown eyes.

"Aw, you look beautiful." She said looking between the two girls with a thick Italian accent.

"And that's his older son, Davide." The boy was handsome with black hair that resembled his father's and dark brown eyes.

"Piacere di conoscerti." He said kissing both their hands.

"… and Lorenzo, his younger son." Now, it was obvious that Nick's words were right, because by just looking at him, you'd know by his not completely buttoned shirt and his hot hair style that was also black and the look in his eyes you could know he's flirty.

"Ciao, bella." He siad when he kissed both their hands not leaving the connection with their eyes and the smile on his lips.

They then all sat down, Miley found herself sitting between Nick and Demi who had Joe on her right.

"You look beautiful." She heard Nick whisper but loudly enough for the a few of the people close to them to her. She looked at him with a little confusion.

"But y-" he elbowed her slightly with a smile, "Oh, thank you, Nick." She said accompining it with a smile.

Her father, Signor Antonio and his wife started talking about whatever. None of the others actually cared what they said.

"So, Miley, huh?" Lorenzo started a conversation as he was sitting near Nick, not exactly next him, but near enough.

"Yes." She smiled.

"A fine name you've got there." He said showing off his terrible attempts to use the American accent, but it came out as a weird mixture of Italian and weak American.

"Thank you," she was about to compliment back but remembered Nick's words and the fact that he's right beside her and closed her mouth.

"I suggested them her name when she was born." Nick said as Miley looked at him weirdly.

"Oh," Lorenzo nodded not interested in whatever Nick had to say.

A while of silence between them passed while the other three still talked until the maid came announcing the dinner was ready.

"Oh, please come on and join us in dinner." Roby said standing up as the others all copied his action and followed to the dining room to sit on the long table that was filled with different kinds of food.

"Why are you acting like that?" Miley whispered to Nick who pulled her chair for her.

"Your father kinda gave them the idea that we're in love." He whispered back, "Now laugh." He said as she did what he told.

"I'll have to have a word with him later."

"Oh, it was her fault." He said referring to Signora Antonio.

"Aw, you make a good couple." The older woman said looking between them.

"Thank you ma'am." Nick said; he didn't want to use Italian words as he was supposed to be raised in the USA.

"So, Miley, where do you work?" Lorenzo asked her.

"Oh, I don't work currently, I'm newly graduated and I want to have some time to myself before getting attached to a job."

"Oh, good idea." He said smiling. "A beautiful girl like yourself, doesn't need a job that can control her life and make her less beauty… though in your case it's impossible."

"Thank you." She smiled a fake smile… he was actually making her uncomfortable because of his over-flirting. If Nick didn't tell her not flirt back, she would have done so by herself.

"Why does he keep flirting with me and leave Demi?"

"Because your dad also said she and Joe are married." Nick answered her.

"Where did Dad come up with those weird ideas?"

"Long story."

The whole night went like that… Lorenzo flirt with Miley who would smile and say thank you and whisper sarcastic words about him to Nick who would laugh while Demi and Joe was enjoying the show as always and the other three got involved in their conversation which Davide would casually join in.

When it was finally the time for them to leave, they all stood up to say their goodbyes…

"I'd like to see you again." Lorenzo said kissing her hand.

"Oh, sure… we'll see about that."

"It was a great pleasure meeting you." He said and turned to Nick, "See you, amigo."

"See you." Nick nodded and they watched them finally leave.

"God, finally!" Miley exclaimed throwing her body on a couch taking of her shoes holding them in her hands.

"You were good with them this time… unlike the previous dinners." Her father confronted.

"Thanks to my instructions." Nick said jokingly.

"Oh you reminded me," she turned to her father, "From where did you get those genius ideas of us being couples?" she folded her arms over her chest letting go of the shoes.

"Um, actually… we agreed on that." Nick said scratching the back of his head.

"But you told me she was the-"

"Yeah, I lied, if I told you we agreed on it before telling you, you would have made a scene of it and ruined the night." He shrugged like it's nothing.

"So, why didn't you tell me before it?"

"Really? As if you would have agreed! I hardly got the deal of not flirting back from you."

"Face it, it's you who don't know how to deal with people and ask them to do something."

'Really? You're the only one who said that… and just admit it, you were glad we said that because Lorenzo was annoying you." He said with a smirk. They weren't arguing this time, they were just having fun throwing words at each other, and they both knew it.

"God, don't remind me." She rolled her eyes as they all laughed as she made a sick face.

"Actually, it was a good show." Demi laughed.

"It was even better in the middle of it." Nick said. He glanced at his watch, "Enough fun tonight? We need to wake up early."

"Oh, right, I need to sleep anyway." Demi said.

"Me too." Miley said as they moved towards the stairs. "Good night."

"Good night." Nick yelled after her.

"Well, I have some work to finish, you go and catch some sleep." Roby said and left to his office.

"Why is he being so nice all of a sudden?" Miley asked Demi as they closed the door of their room.

"I'm wondering the same, sister."

"I like that side of him." She said biting her lip smiling

"Oooh, are you having a new crush?" Demi smirked.

"A crush? On who? Nick?" she laughed, "Yeah, right, because we really fit together." She shook her head, "Go to sleep, Demi, I guess you're tired." She said and left to the bathroom to change.

At the boys' room, a similar conversation was going on, "I see you listened to my advice way too quickly." Joe smirked.

"What advice?"

"To be concerned about your love life."

"Who said I listened to it?"

"Well, how do you explain the constant and shared laughs with Miley and you complimenting her look twice –and don't even deny, I heard you while you were leaving her room- and last but not least your sudden change of attitude?"

"Well, the laughs were just to make it believable, the compliments were just the truth… and me being nice… well, I don't know, I noticed she's nice whenever I am, so, that's the right way to deal with her."

"You realized that all of a sudden?"

"Well, maybe her bringing out her funny part have a part in it, but it's the right thing to do."

"Her funny part, huh? Nicky, it's not good to let your emotions control you when it comes to job."

"My emotions?"

"Yeah, you liked her funny part and so, you're nice to her, yes it's the right thing to do… but don't get used to do that." Joe smiled.

Nick remained silent. It was the second time since he started this mission that someone is right and he's not… right about his job! That didn't happen before, he always knew how to deal with people when he knows their character, and he always knows what's right and wrong when it comes to one of his missions.

Then, what's different about this mission? Why does it seem confusing and new since he started it?

He needs to re-think about his steps… so, the next day, he'd spend more time with Joe, Miley and Demi, maybe he'll finally get used to the two girls and it's all okay… and he needs to sit with Roby and talk about the people who are after him.

In other words, the real mission will start in the morning.

Until he fell asleep, Nick only thought about what Joe said, could it be that Miley's so powerful that she controlled his actions without even knowing? Or was it like what Joe said? Either cases, he can't let her get to him like that; he can't let her power be more than his, and he can't like her in fear of letting his emotions control him around her!

He'll have to figure it all out later.

Here I'm again, I know I said that I have only a week of exams but I had two weeks after it full of work and events, so, I'm sorry and I really tried to write this throughout the whole last week, and I finally finished it right now at 12:33 am ! :D

So, big thanks to imperfections676, Simar, Jancy, Gabby, IWantNiley3.0, XoXSweetestXoX, thenileygirll, Martiss & Julia :D 33

I know this chapter is full of mistakes, because I haven't read over it… but please excuse me, because I'm already late in updating and I don't have enough time to read over it :)

Review !