It wasn't long before the couple were in James' classic Aston Martin DB5. Natalya was aware of his slight obsession with automobiles. Boys with toys sprung into her head. She looked around her at the bustling London streets and then back to him. He was so serious, it scared her a little. His hands were firmly gripped onto the steering wheel, his eyes staring at the road in front of him , and yet there was a softness to him. She dreamed about holding his cheek, resting her head on his shoulders and closing her eyes. Even just him being next to her sent shivers down her spine, his body was so impeccably formed. But still, despite her adoring glare, his eyes kept looking straight, flexing his fingers on the steering wheel. Natalya slumped back into her chair and looked left towards civilisation.
They crossed the bridge over Thames, MI6 already in sight. James looked over to his left, giving a quick uninterested glance towards his workplace before turning his attention to Natalya. She was tired, and huddled into the corner, her head resting on the window gazing at her surroundings with mild wonder. He slipped one hand off the steering wheel and rested it on her leg. It wasn't a reaction that she expected, but one she appreciated. She moved her hand to lie on his. She gave his palm a loving squeeze, not removing her gaze from the river.
Inside Natalya was excited, she'd never been to MI6 before. She'd only heard a drunken James recite a stories about some previous missions, which she presumed were supposed to be top secret. Then there was Moneypenny. She'd heard him on the phone to her on a few occasions. Her feelings towards Moneypenny were mixed. Who was she? What did she look like? Natalya thought back to her naked figure in the mirror. She bet Moneypenny was beautiful and that's why James had always slightly changed his tone when he was calling her. It'd be interesting to finally put a face to the name.
As they walked through the doors of MI6, Natalya's eyes wondered to the many people rushing in and out of doors, women holding stacks of paper, men in suits. Probably all trained killers she thought dismissively. This lifestyle was part of hers now. She got swept up into this world by the very man who was standing next to her. He strode ahead, walking straight to an elevator. Natalya followed suit, hoping not to be picked out by a curious security guard, as she lacked identification and passes. Surely MI6 would be more secure than simply walking into an elevator. Anyone could do this. And then her questions were answered. The elevator doors slid open to reveal a long silver corridor, with security guards at every corner. Key pads by the side of every door. And guns. Lots of guns. Although she'd used one herself, and James was certainly no stranger, Natalya hated the sight of them. They made her feel uneasy. She kept close to James' side, swinging her hand closer to his, hinting that she wanted to clutch onto his skin for security, but her request was denied. James swiftly walked towards a door, got a nod from a guard and punched in some digits on the nearby keypad. The door slid open, and he gestured for Natalya to walk before him.
She was greeted by a room with no windows, but plenty of light, with wood covered walls and exquisite rugs. A desk was at the other side of the room with a woman sitting at it. Her hair was longer than Natalya's and less bright, but still had a hint of red. She had beautiful large eyes and a smile that lit up the office more than the lamps on the wall. She stood up and flattened her dress. It was dark mint green and went down to her knees. Professional yet elegant, thought Natalya.
"James!" She walked over to the couple and smiled at Natalya. James looked at both of these beautiful women. He looked down to Natalya and gestured towards the figure in front of them.
"Darling, this is Moneypenny. Moneypenny, this is Natalya." Moneypenny winced at the thought of James calling anyone other than her 'darling'. James held her heart, and each time he mentioned another woman, her heart ripped a little more.
"Ah yes. I've read your file. James doesn't normally bring his women to work." There was a hint of spitefulness in her words. Almost as if daggers had shot out of her mouth instead. James could sense the tension and stood awkwardly between the two women. Natalya stretched out her hand towards Moneypenny slowly, as if she was scared it was going to be bit off.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Moneypenny. I've heard so much about you." She gave a bitter smile. She suddenly realised that Moneypenny was jealous of her. That James wasn't attracted to Moneypenny, rather it was the other way round. This was her man, and her place, and she would fight for it. Even if secretaries to the mysterious 'M' got in her way. Yet there was a dark remorse inside of her. Bonds other women. The supermodels and spies. Natalya kept a straight back and turned to James, urging him to carry on the conversation. He understood her plea, and placed his hand on her lower back, regardless of Moneypenny's disappointed expression, and directed Natalya through another door, a wooden one, which lead to yet another office. Except this one was larger, with bookcases and dressers and a whole wall dedicated to windows. Natural light seeped in like a disease. It was everywhere, and the shadows retreated to the back of the room in fear.
"M will be with you shortly James." Moneypenny gave a quick smile before nodding at Natalya's existence. James put a loving arm around Natalya's waist and drew her in closer, resting his chin on her hair, and kissing the top of her head. He then walked back and poured themselves two drinks. Bourbon, no ice. Natalya kindly noted that it was still only 9 in the morning, and maybe drinks should wait until later.
"The drinks weren't for you." He lifted his glass to his lips and took a swig. Hurt by his comments, Natalya turned to look out the floor length windows, her arms crossed. James walked over to her and bent down at her knees and parted them a little. "I'm in a bad mood, don't take anything I say seriously. I just didn't think you'd want Bourbon this early." He tapped her nose with his finger like he had done earlier. "I know you better than you think." He gave her quick kiss on the lips, his hands resting on the arm of the chair. Natalya continued staring out into the distance, pretending to not have acknowledged his hollow apology.
"C'mon." he beckoned. "Give me a smile." He moved his head into her line of sight, only for her to move her gaze towards the right of the room. "Smile for me!" There was laughter in his voice, he was smiling himself. Natalya couldn't be angry at that smile for any longer. She forced a grin bearing all her teeth, lifting her head up for extra exaggeration. They both laughed together and Natalya's hands fell onto his shoulders. James caught her chin in his hands and rubbed her lips softly with his thumb. For a moment they felt like the only two in the building. He gave a warm smile before standing up and walking calmly behind her chair. He placed a hand on her shoulder.
M walked through the door towards the desk abruptly. "Sit down James." M was a strong character, stronger than James. She didn't take mess from anyone. James followed her order and calmly strode towards the chair next to Natalya's. M sat in her chair and surveyed the couple through narrowed eyes. M had short, greying hair trimmed neatly. Despite her demanding and masculine personality, M did take care of herself. She wore a natural red lipstick on her pursed lips with a small coat of mascara. She was much older than James, and wrinkles had started to appear in the corners of her eyes.
M studied Natalya. She had been very aware of James' effects on women. She was petite and thin. But there was a fire burning behind her eyes. M admired that. She thought maybe James had met his match, seen as every other women she's thrown his way had been less resistant to his affections. M gave a small smirk at the woman sitting opposite her. A fighter, she thought. She relaxed into her chair and gave a deep sigh. She reached out a brown file from a draw under her desk and opened it.
"Natalya Fyodorovna Simonova." she read aloud. "Born 4th June 1970 in Yekaterinburg, Russia. Former employee of the Secret Space Weapons Facility in Severnaya. Not married, no children. Parents died in a car accident in Saint Petersburg, 1984. Diagnosed with anorexia in 1988." She paused and looked at Natalya, who's expression had not changed since they last exchanged glances. M looked back at her paper unmoved and continued reading. "Started work at Severnaya in 1989."
James looked over at his lover. Natalya's heart needed mending more than he thought. Anorexia at the age of 18. She'd certainly overcome it, yet it explained her small fragile frame that he longed to cling onto in bed. Some nights he thought that if he held onto her too tight he'd snap her in two. Natalya was a healthy weight now, but she was still very light. James could swing her around with ease. As for her parents dying, they both knew how that felt. A deep sorrow enveloped James. He knew how his parents death made him feel. The idea of Natalya going through that pain physically hurt him. He clenched onto the arms of his chair and dug his fingernails into the soft fabric.
M looked disinterested at James' sudden uncomfortable behaviour. She turned back to Natalya. "Is that everything Miss Simonova, or have I missed something out?" M wasn't being malicious. These circumstances in Natalya's life were ones that she had learned to live with, M appreciated that. James kept a straight face and looked forward as Natalya shook her head.
"No, M, I think you covered all aspects." She sat with her back straight, her hands resting gently on her lap. "Although I was declared clear of anorexia in 1990. I thought I should point that out." M welcomed the input and smiled.
"And now you're here. MI6." M walked over to her bourbon that James had poured earlier. She picked it up and let the liquid caress her lips. "Well done, both of you, on GoldenEye. Maybe a bit less collateral damage would have been preferred. You did murder some very important people. Yet, I think a congratulations is in order." She returned to her seat and looked back at them. "But we have a problem." M paused and took another gulp from her drink. "With you Natalya."
Natalya turned to Bond, wide eyed. He didn't look to acknowledge her gaze. He was striving to stay calm, staring ahead. He knew. Natalya knew now why he was so stressed this morning. Why he made rash decisions. He knew what was coming. He knew he was going to lose his Natalya. She turned back to M and cleared her throat.
"They want me back in Russia, don't they?" Her voice was stable and relaxing. It soothed Bond from the inside. M nodded sharply. She pushed a single paper over the desk in Natalya's direction. It was a ticket. A one way ticket to St Petersburg. Natalya picked it up in her delicate fingers and inspected it for a few moments before gracefully standing up from her chair, thanking both M and bond for the ticket and leaving. She walked through the heavy wooden door and looked over at Moneypenny. She thought no doubt she was happy about it.
"Take care of James for me." Moneypenny nodded. She wished her a safe flight, which surprised Natalya. It wasn't a hurtful comment, rather it was sincere. Natalya gave a quick smile and walked through the office once more. Within moments she was out of MI6, whistling down a taxi.
