Chapter 6
Bond returns within 6 weeks having done an exceptional job and not even destroying...well his did destroy one car...and a motorcycle but all his equipment for Q branch is in barely used condition.
Bond's heart beats faster and there is an annoying fluttering in his guts as he approaches her office. 6 weeks...he has been dreaming of her for 6 bloody weeks in the Middle East. The dreams becoming too erotic and intense for him to handle.
With only the sound of M's voice when he contacts base to hold on too. Christ, he almost went insane when Tanner spoke to him for 3 days in a row. Bond told Tanner as much... said he was bloody well on the next plane home if he didn't hear from her within the next 24 hours!
Does M even understand she holds the strings Bond is dangling by in her tiny hands? M is not just the boss of his body for Queen and Country but she holds his pumping heart, which is erratic the second he gets physically near her.
Bond feels like a damn teenager as he approaches her door and can barely grasp the knob do to his sweaty palms. Month of this...this uncertainty...he has never been this way his entire adult life until Christmas last.
Knocking, Bond enters, her chair is facing the window as he moves forward clearing his throat. M turns the chair and even graces him with a small smile as she holds out her hand for the paperwork he is carrying. He gives her the package and his fingers caress her hand sending jolts up his arm.
Christ...he just wants to hold her...why? Why can she not see it?
M looks the same...no outward appearance change but that her spring wardrobe allows for a skirt...showing her legs through the glass desk she sits behind.
"See Bond...it is not that difficult to be careful and return the toys as ordered. I must say this is a nice surprize. Only two vehicles destroyed and insurance deemed one an accident."
"I was trying hard to be good M, to worm my way back into your good graces."
"I can see that."
"Have I M?"
"Have you what?"
"Entered your good graces again."
"Pfft...you have never entered my good graces and you know it. Your attempted double entendre is clumsily wasted on me 007."
"You can't kill a man for trying."
"You and I both know that is not true."
"I hope that past indiscretions are forgiven and we can begin again ma'am. I would like to invite you out for dinner."
M frowns at him and looks him up and down as she sighs.
"Bond...James. I don't know why you persist? I hoped the time away would lead you to another or stop this nonsense…"
"No M….I did not stray...I will not...I have found what I want and for once in my bloody life I am willing to resist external temptations to get it!"
"Implied celibacy does not give you the illusion of a proper suitor James. Nor have I asked you to refrain from seducing whomever, for the answers I seek."
"What denotes a proper suitor M? Do you like them young with dark curly hair...is that what rocks your boat M?"
Why do all their conversations evolve into fighting matches. Bond's jealousy and stalking now out in the open between them as he admits to seeing her with Ryan. M quickly tires of his insinuations, let alone with ones involving her own son.
"Are you upset that you have been unable to seduce me yet Bond...is that the problem? I knew your ego was large...I didn't realize that it was massive."
"I'm afraid your double entendre is making me swell to massive proportions M...I do wish you would say yes so that you can find out just how large... my ego is."
M has to laugh in spite of the completely inappropriate conversation going on between them.
"At least you make me laugh Bond...that is something."
"Is that a yes M?"
"No it is not a yes to your thinly veiled innuendos, but I think you will enjoy your next assignment."
"Why?"
"You will be driver and body-guard for someone at a wedding in France this weekend."
Bond frowns not liking the sound of the assignment at all.
"Since you want to prove yourself and have stubbornly wormed your way into my private life in every way you can manage, you will escort me to France for a wedding. It is a family affair but the PM deems it necessary for me to have a bodyguard. You will act as my driver and guard as I attend the wedding.
Bond face breaks into a massive grin. M wants him close...M wants him. There is a flirty twinkle in her eyes today and Tanner is decidedly absent to make sure that Bond behaves during this meeting.
Bond knowingly smirks as he flirts with his utterly delectable boss.
"Yes ma'am but don't you think it would be easier if I was just your plus one...your date. I could then watch your body more closely."
"What makes you think I don't have a date?"
Bond looks stunned for a moment. "You taking your other young man?"
"As a matter of fact I am. My young man as you call him might just there."
"So you will parade your young man about in front of family but not me?"
M is attempting to contain her glee. There is a comedy of errors swirling around Bond because of his jealousy and misguided assumptions. Once he sees Ryan in the context of a family setting it should clear away his jealousy. How Bond missed that Ryan looks just like his father, before baffles her...but then jealousy does strange things to people.
"Yes I will proudly parade my young man about in front of family."
Bond shakes his head in frustration.
"M...I...you are very cruel considering how much you mean to me...to see you with another man...it...it pains me."
"Bond...I know you think I am being cruel but it is all very innocent and you can say no and I will have 005 do this duty."
"No...I will do it...I will relish the time around you, regardless of not being the lucky bastard on your arm. Besides you and I both know that you would not let anyone else from work get close to your family...they don't even know your real name."
"I am glad you figured that all out Bond...very good. We leave tomorrow morning. Pick me up at 9 and bring black suits...oh and don't forget the hat."
"Hat?"
"Chauffeur hat of course."
"You are a laugh M...you should be paid for the routine."
"I'm paid to order you around Bond...very well in fact."
"I bet. I'm surprised Tanner is not here to make sure I don't kiss you again."
"I fully expected you to be over that, and not drunk, so I did not feel the need for his protection today."
Bond's tired of this game and moves around her desk and stands over her putting a hand on either arm of her chair.
"And I definitely don't need to be drunk to want to kiss you more than anything in this world M."
Bond leans his head forward and gently puts his lips on hers. This time she does not pull away and Bond traces his right hand along her cheek and neck as he seeks entrance to her mouth with his tongue.
M's startled and amused by Bond's continued flirtations. She has had over a month to think about Bond and what Tanner said about life being too short, well...it rang a bell.
Bond is completely her creature...he hunts for her...he hurts for her and he is the most amazing kisser she has ever had the pleasure to be kissed by.
Bond is her plus one for this wedding...he just doesn't know it yet.
The PM insisted she take guards but she was not about to do that for an intimate family wedding. Tanner was the only one who she could possibility take, but he could not protect her should a situation arise.
Bond was the only logical choice. The only one that she could pass off as her toy boy with her family and not at all mind the insinuation.
There is part of M that wants to push him away for his presumption, for kissing her in her office but she needs to allow herself to try this...for all that he has done to protect her. To be honest with herself she has thought of little else these months since Christmas.
M enjoys his soft lips on hers and is shocked by the intense passion building within her. The kiss escalates and Bond pulls her out of her chair, wrapping his arms around her and holding her against him like he is never willing to let go.
M turns surprisingly aggressive and it is Bond's turn to moan in response.
Eventually they break apart to breath...panting and still holding her, Bond searches her eyes desperate to see a sign.
Please god don't let this just be another allusion she shatters and then moves off with another man.
"Bond...James...you're holding me too tightly. Bond...007! Let go!"
Bond realizes that he has a death grip on her...trying to keep her from getting away.
M sees confusion on the poor boy's face as he suddenly releases her and steps quickly away to the other side of her desk. The look on his face says it all. In his desperation to keep her near he inadvertently hurt her and his face mirrors that shame.
M falls back into her chair, her legs no longer sturdy enough to hold her upright. M wants to take him home now and have her wicked way with him but it's too soon.
"I'm fine James...you didn't hurt me badly...I was just surprised...this shocks me on many levels, least of all the intensity you commit to someone old enough to be your mother."
"I'm sorry M...I say that every time I am near you lately. I have difficulty controlling myself around you...you drive me mad...and your age has never mattered to me. I know you were testing me...it is no illusion...these feelings I have for you."
"James...this is all very romantic and sweet but you of all people know, that the world we live in, will not allow for an open and romantic relationship between me and an agent."
"But a stranger or Blake...they're fine? They're bloody dangerous M! I think you understand that by now."
"I cannot promise you the relationship you desire and am still shocked you want one...this will take time for me to work through."
"You can test me nine ways to Sunday M but I will still be here at the end of the day...I will wait for you."
Having him go through the torture of a Mansfield family reunion will be a great test of his resolve and level of commitment to seriously desiring a relationship with her.
M's professional persona that she dons like a mask is now firmly back in place as she speaks to him.
"I will see you tomorrow and don't be late."
"Yes ma'am!"
Bond turns and walks out, still catching his breath due to their kiss. He didn't even realize how tense he was but he was practically squeezing her to the point of bruising.
Damn...that woman can kiss. She should instruct the trainees on how to do that...but then they too would be worshiping at her feet just as Bond is.
Bond has to pause and sit in one of the outer office chairs just to collect himself.
Damn that woman! What she does to him physically...does she even suspect. Christ he needs a cold shower...right now!
Bond heads out of the office still distracted by M and her kiss. This is the first time M reciprocated any of his affection and it has left him somewhat weak in the knees. He now needs to divert or end any other possible suitors.
Bond swings by Q branch to see what sedatives or drugs they have on hand to use on M's young man.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
M packs carefully for the trip...too much care but she is a little giddy with the thought of going away for the weekend with Bond and it being completely acceptable in the eyes of work. Her families reaction will be an entirely different matter.
Both M's children are up in the air about going. Their spouses are unable and the children are still young and need looking after. Often these arrangements are difficult to make. This is too bad but will save M the trouble of having to explain James to them.
Ryan is more likely to accept him, Judi...well the two of them are always at each other...she has barely heard from her since Nigel died. Judi and Nigel were so close...it actually made M envious and sad that she could not be what her children wanted or expected of her as a mother.
This weekend will be the ultimate test of Bond's intent. Not that she has the right to test him in such things. He has more than proven his ability to protect her from dangerous men.
What M really wants to know is why? Why her? Why at the Christmas party? Why did this explode out of the blue and land her in a political and work disaster.
Bond will try his best to lure her into bed but she will resist his abundant charms while she continues to analyze her feelings for the man. This weekend holds promise...she will actually try to enjoy herself. It has been too bloody long since she has had a weekend away.
Questions about Blake's disappearance are coming round again. With no body and an investigation meeting dead ends eyes are turning to M and Blake's ex-wife. Leaked documents from Q branch are painting the man into the monster that he actually was. There are allies and friends of Blake making waves and M is trying to keep from capsizing.
Q and Tanner have done what they can to make sure that no pictures of her with Blake find their way to the press. In this day of mobile cameras this is a difficult accomplishment. All security footage is secure and the employees of MI6 would never question her involvement, most witnessed Blake leaving early.
M's relationship with Blake's replacement is on solid footing. She has know him for years and respects Simon Watt a great deal. Thomas Blake had really come out of the blue because of his connexions within the government.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
9AM Bond pulls up to the flat and opens the door for her. She is waiting on the curb and he goes in and gathers her bags. M's dressed in her trade mark black business suit for the ride.
In one hand she holds a paper bag. After Bond loads M's luggage he stands in front of her slightly confused as to why she is not yet in the back of the car.
"Is there a problem M?"
"Yes...you forgot your hat."
"You weren't serious about that were you M?"
"Deadly...here I got you one...I made the assumption that knowing you the way that I do...you would neglect your uniform."
Bond takes the bag opens it and frowns. "Seriously, M?"
M schools her features into a glare and Bond reluctantly puts on the hat. M smiles at him biting her lip...trying desperately not to laugh.
"The things I do for you...M"
There is far more to that statement than any casual observer would possibly understand. Bond's eyes hold hers for a time as they both stand on the curb.
"I know dear boy...I know."
M desperately wants to reach out her hand and brush his loose hair up under the cap and reach up to kiss him...no...she needs to reign herself in and control these intense impulses that Bond is drawing out of her. She treats herself to merely swipe lint off his suit jacket and trail her hand gently down his arm.
Bond inhales a sudden breath at the contact and stares into her eyes. M keeps her features unreadable until he turns away to grasp the door. M exhales the breath she's been holding and slowly attempts to calm the sudden pounding of her heart.
M climbs in the back of the car and James takes the driver's seat.
"This wedding...family you said?"
"Yes."
"Will I be getting to meet your children perhaps?"
"Perhaps...don't push your luck Bond."
"Bride or Groom?"
"Bride. Stephanie she is Nigel's grandniece. Her father is David, Nigel's nephew. Nigel has one older brother, Marshall his wife Josephine and daughter Isabel. They have been pestering me to do family things with them ever since he passed."
"Don't care for them M?"
"Marshall and the children are fine...Josephine is meddling busybody."
"Any other family secrets I need to know before meeting them?"
Both Isabel and David are a bit older than mine and are both divorced. Stephanie is very young...19. I personally think it is too young to get married but it's her life. Marshall has always been flirtatious with me...but it's harmless. I think he did it to bother Nigel and his wife who excels at demeaning him when ever possible."
"They sound like a charming couple. So how are you explaining me?"
"You are my chauffeur of course. I'm old Bond they can think what they want about the crazy aunt who is rarely around but when she is there are always younger men near by. Marshall knows...I'm convinced of it."
"Knows what?"
"He is an intelligent man and Nigel kept his mouth shut but he knew...I worked my way up over the years. They knew I was in a secretive government department 40 years ago and it is only logical that they knew I rose very high in the organization."
"Wasn't that a terrible risk M?"
"They kept their mouths shut and never asked too many questions. Joe would, but we limited my time with her and not just because I dislike the woman. She is none the wiser even 40 years later...she was never that astute."
"And your children...did they guess?"
"After they completed university I think they may have. After my stint in Hong Kong but they never discussed it with me...perhaps Nigel but never in front of me."
"I am looking forward to finally meeting your family M...not that you have spoken of them much. I think you mention Nigel more since his passing."
"Yes, well there is little risk now...no one can kidnap or kill him."
"Does your daughter look like you?"
M narrows her eyes at him and Bond smiles his best charming grin through the rear view mirror.
"Just curious M."
"She does but she will not be there... staying home I think...she and I clash at the best of times."
Bond drives quietly for a spell with a stupid grin on his face still.
"You would not have dared."
"Dared what M?"
"Don't try to be all innocent now Bond, after all the stunts you've pulled on me since Christmas."
"Stunts?"
"You would have attempted to seduce my daughter."
"M! I'm shocked! I would have done no such thing!"
"Save your outrage Bond...your acts don't work on me, remember."
"Why on earth would I go for the copy when the original is closer at hand and entirely entrancing."
"BOND...save it. I will have none of your flirtations in front of my family...do you understand?"
"No kissing in public...I think that goes without saying M."
"No kissing, flirting, touching, groping, caressing and no...sexual wordplay of any kind."
"You are no fun M...here I was so excited to be with you on this trip away...where we could play act as lovers...retire to the suite early and then…"
"Don't be ridiculous...then what Bond...you push me up against a wall again?"
"M...I apologised for that...I was overcome by your beauty."
"I was hoping that you moved on from all this absurdity and found someone to play with since."
M desperately hopes he says no, but there is little chance in all practicality, and she is above all a practical woman in all things.
The handsome charm of Bond's acts so quickly that he will have an offer from the bloody bride herself by the end of the wedding.
"I found the woman who I want and I am patiently waiting for her to get drunk at a wedding this weekend to weaken her rather steely resolve and become my lover. How many times are you planning on pushing me away towards someone to test how serious I am about you?"
M just looks through the rear view mirror at Bond as he continues the conversation.
"I don't want to push you back M, but you need to know that I continue to wait for you...I love you and I want you...badly."
"Bond…"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Why? M?"
"Why at Christmas? What happened so suddenly? Did you leave something out of the report from the mission?"
"At the party you mean? Why did I kiss you?"
"Yes."
"I told you why...that night and since."
"But it does not make any sense."
"Because your stubborn brain will not allow it to M."
"I think I am being perfectly logical in not understanding why a 40-year-old agent suddenly professes his love for his 60 plus year old boss."
"I told you your age has never meant anything to me."
"So you were completely inspired by the green-eyed monster?"
"Jealousy? Well it did motivate me a great deal...not to mention that bloody red dress you were barely wearing that night. Christ M the entire party was staring at you...wondering if they had ever truly seen you before."
"The dress then...that is what did all this...created such chaos?"
"No M...it wan't just the dress. I met you and felt an inkling of desire for you but you were unobtainable...married. I wanted your attention and when out of my way to get it."
"Yes you did...breaking and entering, hacking sealed files. I thought you were trying to prove to me that you were an effective 00 agent?"
"That was a small part. You are an infuriating and sexy woman when riled up do you know that M?"
"You've had a crush on me since?"
"The day I met you...yes but you were married until recently, I respected that and you enough not to try anything overtly sexual."
"Try to see this from my point of view Bond."
"I have and that is exactly why I have not strayed. I know that for you to give some of yourself away...well, that fidelity is important. You need to know that you are above all others in my thoughts. I am not thinking of another woman when I am near you...I can assure you. Tanner can attest to just how important hearing your voice on that last mission was to me."
M smiles. "He did mention something about it. Bond I am a practical woman and I know that eventually you will have to seduce a woman for the job. I need to know that you can still do this and your job correctly even if...IF... we ever intensify our relationship. I must be insane to even be considering crossing that particular line with you."
"M...I will do my missions as I always did. I think this relationship is all ready intense and I understand your doubts. I want you...carnally...multiple times a day...you invade my mind in sleep and wakefulness to the point that cold showers have lost all power to shock me out of my arousal. If you even whisper yes I will pull this car over and join you in the back seat quicker than a humming birds wings. I appreciate that you take time in your decisions. I thank a god I don't really believe in, that you did not jump into bed with Blake."
"That makes two of us. Please try not to mention that man...it is distasteful. Tanner's worried about us..."
"Yes...he thinks I'm a private hit man for you but he didn't hear the tape of what Blake said about you. I did what I did to protect you...you know that don't you? You sent me away to protect me. I know that you care and you know that I would kill anyone that hurt you in any way. I will go after his co-conspirators if you want me to."
M looks through the mirror at his eyes. "I don't think that is necessary and I would certainly never order you to do anything illegal for my personal feelings."
"Those men deserve to be scared...just as you deserve to be adored, and given pleasure for hours."
Bond cuts off a driver and the horn sounds loudly because of his driving.
This conversation is turning dangerous...M shifts in her seat warming considerably thinking about making Bond her lover. She is not willing to rush into anything. M begins using her mobile and pulls out her laptop to get some work done.
"Too much M?"
"Bond."
"M?"
"Drive."
"Yes ma'am."
Bond smirks back at her and notices the attractive flush on her face. He has unnerved her and there may just be hope for him yet.
To be continued...