Chapter 4

Bill walked into Eve's office just after lunchtime to see her hard at work. The second she saw him, she began to feel slightly nervous at his presence.

"Bill."

"You still on for lunch."

"Sure, you okay."

"Not really…Eve I need to know."

"Huh."

"About us, did you think about it."

"Have you been worrying about this all morning."

"A little."

Eve smiled as she stood up from her desk and walked around to stand in front of Bill. She leaned up and placed a kiss to his lips and smiled when she felt his arms going around her waist, bringing her closer.

"Bill, I've thought a lot about it and you were right. We have to take chances in life and I want to take that chance with you."

"You really mean it."

"I mean it."

"You've just made my day, let's go to lunch."

"Lead on Mr Tanner." She smiled.

James and M had sat watching some movie that was showing on tv not long after they'd gotten in. He looked to his right when he felt M's head coming to rest on his shoulder, her eyes had drifted shut and all James could hear was the soft breathing from her. He moved his arm and put it around her shoulder, keeping her safe. M was suddenly aware of James arm around her and opened her eyes and looked up at him.

"Are you taking advantage while my guards down James."

"Not at all, not unless you want me too."

"Once a lady's man always a lady's man."

He watched her closely and could see pain on her face.

"Hey, you okay." He asked.

"Leg's a little sore and my ribs are starting to bother me."

"It's sleeping on the sofa, come on. Let me take you upstairs."

"Oh yes."

"Just to sleep Ma'am."

James detangled himself from her and got up. He held out his hand which M took without fuss. As they made their way upstairs, James noticed that M was slowing down.

"Right, that's it." He spoke, immediately.

Without any warning James scooped her up in his arms and gently carried her the rest of the way to her bedroom, causing a small gasp from her as he did so. He felt her arms going around his neck as they made their way up the stairs. He took her into the bedroom and placed her gently down on the bed.

"There you go Ma'am."

"Don't ever do that again Bond."

"Hey, I was just trying to get you up here quicker."

"Well next time warn me."

He could see she was slightly annoyed with him but he couldn't stop the grin that past is lips.

"What's so funny." She asked.

"Nothing…look, I was only trying to help." He said, as he knelt in front of her.

"I'm sorry James, I don't know why I'm so snippy lately."

"You've just had an accident, it's understandable."

"Oh come on, I was snippy before the accident. You can't tell me you never noticed."

"Well yeah but I didn't think I should say anything….so why have you been so pissy lately."

"Pissy?"

"Sorry…so come on then."

"They're still trying to get me to retire."

"What, how do you know."

"My workload since Silva has diminished quite a bit, Mallory took over control of Q Branch."

"He did what, when?"

"Not long after you went on your course."

"Why the hell didn't you say anything sooner, why didn't you call me to tell me."

"Why?...because believe it or not I'm not the type of woman to go running to my top Agent every time I have a problem and anyway, what could you have done."

"Talked to him."

"Talk and of course I believe that."

"They can't make you retire, can they?"

"Well know, they can't force me but if they keep giving Mallory anymore of my departments to handle then what choice do I have."

He watched her closely and could see the sadness in her eyes, he reached up and grabbed hold of her hand.

"M, don't let them win this one. Fight your ass off."

"You think I have it in me."

"With my help, hell yeah."

"Thank you James."

"Get some rest, I'll be right downstairs okay."

"Okay."

He stood up and helped her to lie down. He looked down at her to see her staring right back up at him. He leaned down and gently kissed her forehead before leaving to let her rest.

To Be Continued…