Okay, Okay, I am extremely bad and I apologise a million times for my lack of updates but school is basically taking over my life at the moment. I will be honest and say that I don't know when my next update will be but I will finish it so don't give up. Anyway here is an extremely long chapter for you. I wanted this story to have romance but not be a full on romance story and hopefully I have struck a balance with this chapter.
Chapter 7 – Cobalt Killers
Two days later, Alyssa awoke at 4:47am when her mobile emitted a loud beep, signalling that she had received a text message. She blindly groped for her phone, which lay on the bedside table. Bringing it closer to her face, she slowly opened her eyes and rubbed the remnants of sleep out of them. She keyed in some buttons and arrived at the message from her brother.
Okay, working on new plan.
Hope I didn't wake you
K.
She clenched her teeth. Knowing Kane, her brother had deliberately sent the text at an unearthly hour just to wake her. He lives to torment me. She put the phone back onto the table and closed her eyes, futilely attempting to go back to sleep. Tossing and turning for 10 minutes, she cursed her brother. Now that she was awake, she wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. She let out a frustrated groan and swung her legs onto the soft, carpeted floor. She grabbed her phone and selected 'Reply' and typed in the simple 'I hate you' and sent the message.
She climbed out of the bed and went to the wardrobe. Discarding her pyjamas, she took out a pair of blue shorts and a black sports bra and changed into them. She grabbed her favourite running shoes from the bottom of the wardrobe and smiled as she slipped her feet into them. She'd had the shoes for so long that they had moulded to fit her slightly larger than average feet perfectly. She bent down and tied the laces with a tight double knot and looked up into the mirror, frowning at her bed hair. Not wanting to waste time with her hair she ran a brush through it and tied it up into a high ponytail. Satisfied that she was ready, Alyssa took a water bottle from the fridge and a small towel; she left the room.
The hotel was virtually empty and Alyssa decided she liked it better that way. She didn't waste time inside the hotel but headed down to the sandy, white beach. Darkness prevailed since the sun hadn't risen yet and if Alyssa faced away from the hotel, it almost felt like a desert island. She let out a wistful sigh, wishing the beach would remain this uninhabited as they day wore on. But it wouldn't - the mobs of tourists would gladly usurp the stretches of sand and mar the beauty of the place. She walked further down, her running shoes sinking into the sand as she approached the water's edge. The realisation that it would be extremely difficult to run in her current shoes dawned on her. Sinking down onto the smooth yellow-white grains she extended her arm and unravelled the knots she had tied only five or so minutes before. She pried the shoes off her feet and removed her socks also. Stuffing the socks in her shoes, she got up leaving the footwear, bottle and towel behind. Then she ran.
She ran blindly, her bare feet pounding through the sand. Small particles of sand slalomed over her toes as she moved quickly. Alyssa was an excellent runner and, although she wasn't going at her fastest, she was still virtually sprinting. Sometimes she liked to listen to songs as she ran, but today she moved to her own beat, with no need for music. The air was fairly cool, nothing compared to the oppressive heat that ruled in the afternoons; yet, a sheen of sweat glistened on Alyssa's body as she continued with the exercise. Her experience of running meant that she did not have to concentrate on regulating her breathing. Being a seasoned runner, it just happened instinctively, and it allowed Alyssa to think about more pressing affairs. Running time Thinking time.
Naturally, she thought about the mission. The familiar pre-mission jitters had arrived and excitement was building in her abdomen. She was in a positive mood, despite her wake-up call, and she felt assured that her brother would be ready with a new plan soon. She craved that rush of adrenaline that came during the execution of a plan. Normal life had proven too boring and Alyssa desperately needed action. But for now, she would get her thrills a different way. She brought her feet down harder and faster, increasing her pace and swerved as the hotel beach's boundary came to an end. Not stopping, she headed back in the direction she had come, loping across the shore.
"Do you Alan Blunt take Tulip Jones to be your lawful wedded wife," Alex found himself saying. He looked down and saw himself, clad in priest's robe conducting the wedding ceremony. He glanced to the right and saw Jack sitting in the pews, with tears of joy streaming down her face.
"I do," replied Blunt, with the same amount of emotion one would when describing the weather. The scene moved to the signing of the wedding license but instead of a nuptial agreement the paper contained a contract which signed Alex's life away to MI6. Alex scoffed inwardly, because he knew he would never sign such a thing. But suddenly, his hand moved of its own accord and reached for the pen. He had no control over his movements and he watched helplessly as his hand scrawled his signature onto the page.
Shaking himself awake, Alex jumped out of bed. I have to get out of here. Pulling on some clothes, Alex quickly exited his room, extremely perturbed by the dream. He jogged to the lobby, mulling over the nightmare and hating MI6 more with every passing second. They had even crept into his dreams now. He groaned in frustration and made his way down to the beach. The sun would be rising soon and apparently it was a sight to behold. Perhaps, it would take his mind off his 'employers'.
Alex stomped down the shore, dislodging mounds of sand with his feet. He reached the water's edge and sank down into the sand. Noticing a pair of trainers and a hotel towel, he looked around for the person they belonged to. Narrowing his eyes, he found a running figure approaching from the left. He focussed his vision and he recognised the outline as Felicity. What is she doing up this early? She obviously hadn't noticed him and he did not make his presence known. He watched her as she rhythmically moved her hands up and down, propelling her lithe body forwards.
Alyssa could feel the run coming to an end and kept the hotel in her peripheral vision. She increased her speed for the final stretch and focussed solely on the mechanics of her body. Suddenly, she registered the presence of her friend and it nearly knocked her out of her stride. Her brows furrowed in confusion but she didn't allow herself to stop until she reached the precise point she had commenced. She bent over and Alex looked at her.
"What are doing here?" he asked. She came back up to her full height.
"Running," she panted and glugged some water, "You?" She grabbed the towel and wiped the perspiration from her face and then moved it to her exposed abdomen, then over her toned arms and finally removed the moisture from the rest of her body. She smirked a little when she noticed Alex's eyes following her hands.
"Luke…" she said, reminding him that she had asked a question.
"Oh nothing," he faltered, "Couldn't really sleep".
"And you thought you'd catch the sunrise," she smiled, amused.
"Something like that," he answered vaguely, still staring straight at her.
"Well, I guess I'll join you then," she said, sitting down beside him and instantly regretting it as she felt a fine layer of sand coat the bottom of her thighs.
"Gross," Alyssa groaned, jerking at the strange sensation. She knocked shoulders with Alex. He coughed at the contact and quickly turned to face the rising sun.
They both watched as the various ochres, pinks and oranges intermingled as a yellow giant seemingly grew out of the water. As the sun continued its journey, Alyssa grew increasingly uncomfortable.
She jumped up and grabbed her stuff, "Well, not that that wasn't beautiful but I think I need a shower before breakfast."
"Oh, okay I'll see you later." He watched as she rushed off back to the hotel, still bare foot. Alex shook his head. He had come down to the beach to sort his head out but he had ended up feeling even more mixed up. He made his way back up the path. Maybe a few more hours of sleep would help.
Alyssa was working her way through a plate of fruit when her phone vibrated. She pulled it out of her pocket with one hand, using the other to spear a cube of mango on to her fork.
Check your e-mail
The simple message from her brother filled Alyssa with anticipation. She knew that Kane had succeeded. He had a plan.
Alyssa practically raced back to her room and immediately booted her laptop up. Once she reached the e-mail account, she saw two new messages. One looked like junk mail while the other was definitely from her brother. She excitedly opened it and began reading. She grinned at the first paragraph. The plan was clever but diabolical – just how she liked it. She continued to read
So that's the plan. I know, I know, your brother is a genius. But as you can tell you'll need a few things. Most of it will be delivered – disguised of course – but you'll need to pick up something for yourself: Billy. He's finally ready but his wiring means that it has to be a direct hand over. I'm not taking any chances. Anyway, the transfer will happen in a club: Ares. Apparently it's one of the hottest clubs in town. You and your friends are now on the guest list courtesy of me. The transfer has already been arranged with the manager – totally untraceable of course. And don't worry he knows what will happen if he mucks us about. But he thinks that the package is drugs and that you're just a delivery girl – so play the part. As for your friends, I'm sure you can think of something to tell them. If you need anything, call me and look at the other e-mail.
Kane
P.S. The feeling's mutual
She finished reading, memorized the details and deleted all trace of the e-mail. She opened up the other e-mail. It was a flyer advertising club Ares and had a bit more information about the club on it. Alyssa loved this feeling – when everything began falling into place. Now she just had to convince the others to come.
"I am so bored," complained Stephanie. Currently, five of the six teenagers were sitting the games room waiting for Yemi to arrive. Alyssa had just come and was now about to propose her plan for the evening.
"Well, I don't know about now, but I've managed to get us on tonight's guest list for this club. It's called Ares. What do you think?" Alyssa put forward, banking on Stephanie's boredom and desire for something exciting. Just as hoped, Stephanie jumped up, her eyes gleaming.
"Perfect, you are a genius, Alyssa. I have heard of this club and apparently it is fantastic. Finally, something to look forward to," Stephanie babbled. Alyssa smirked but dropped her grin when she caught Luke's raised eyebrows.
"So how did you get us on the guest list?" he whispered to her, a mocking tone of disbelief in his voice. She tried to think of a lie.
"Actually one of my friends from school went there a little while ago and got friendly with the manager. I called her and she set it up for me," she told him smugly.
"She got friendly with him," he repeated, laughing. Alyssa just gave him a withering look. Suddenly he stopped.
"Wait a minute," he said dramatically, "You have friends?" Alyssa elbowed him in the stomach, just as Yemi arrived holding six envelopes.
"Where've you been?" asked Brett.
"Sorry," he apologized, "I just picked these up." He held out the envelopes. Each one was addressed to one of the teenagers. They all took their envelope and opened it and looked at the invitation inside.
"Wow, this is amazing, we've all been invited to the showcasing of the Greed Diamond as a thank you for our work in the bay," Stephanie said.
"More like a thank you for our large donations to the programme," Brett snorted and earned a glare from Stephanie. He immediately shut up.
"No matter why," she dismissed him, "we must go. It will be an excellent opportunity."
"Opportunity for what?" Yemi questioned.
"To dress up and have a good time of course," she explained slowly. Yemi shook his head in amusement. But Alex was reminded of what was likely to happen that night while Alyssa was jubilant because now she could watch while the plan unfolded. Then Paulo said something which caused them both to snap out of their thoughts.
"So do you think the Masked Man will be there?"
"Who?" asked a clueless Yemi. Alyssa didn't say a word but found her heart beating rapidly. It felt like she was eavesdropping but she wanted to hear what the others had to say.
"Oh yeah, isn't he like some brilliant thief who's been stealing all of the jewels in the Seven Deadly Sins collection," remarked Brett and Alyssa felt pride swarm through her.
"Oui, I know of him. My father knows the man who owns the Wrath ruby. He was at a party with him when the jewel was taken," Stephanie told the group. Alyssa laughed inwardly and cast her mind back to the time of that particular theft. She had been a wealthy socialite for that one – who knows – maybe she had even spoken to Stephanie's father.
She decided to chime in, saying, "Yeah, isn't this the last one in the collection. Do you think he'll get it?"
"I don't know. There's probably a load of security and precautions to stop him," ventured Brett.
"I think he'll do it," Paulo said confidently, "After all, he's managed to pull off all the others." Alyssa mentally thanked him for his oblivious vote of confidence.
"I think this time it'll be different," Alex put forward, "I'm sure they've got their best men and outside enforcements helping. They'll catch him." This time was different: they had him and he had no intention of failing. Alyssa noted his commented sourly. There probably were outside experts trying to catch her and they probably were the best men but she didn't care. She was better.
"Whatever," she said, "I for one hope he succeeds. At least it'll provide us with some entertainment." The others laughed at her seemingly blasé comment.
"But back to the matter at hand, I am still bored," Stephanie whined.
"How about we go for a swim?" Brett suggested.
A short while later, the group was assembled by some sun beds that lay next to the pool. They were all in their swimwear and the all the boys immediately bombed into the pool. Alyssa heard Stephanie mutter something about 'garçons' and lie down on one of the sun beds. Alyssa did likewise and plugged in her I-pod as she reclined in the sun. She closed her eyes to the music as she felt the sun's rays upon her body. A while had passed when Alyssa felt a few drops of water land on her arm. She kept her eyes closed, knowing that the boys were probably going to scare her. She hadn't planned on what happened next. She felt the I-pod being tugged from her ears and set down next to her, while simultaneously rising off the ground. She let out a shriek and heard one from Stephanie next to her. Her eyes wide open now; she saw that Paulo and Luke, who had their T-shirts back on, had lifted up her sun bed and were advancing towards the pool.
Knowingly exactly what was going to happen, she cried out, "No, please, please. Put me down." She heard similar pleas from Stephanie who had been hoisted upwards by Brett and Yemi.
"What's that, girls," Alex called, "you need to cool down."
"Why don't you let us help you with that," said Brett, laughing as they unceremoniously dumped the two girls into the pool.
There was an enormous splash and Alyssa was submerged under the water. She quickly righted herself and came up spluttering. The boys were at the water's edge howling with laughter.
"Very funny, guys," Alyssa said dryly but was distracted by Stephanie rapidly firing out bits of French.
"What's she saying?" asked Paulo whose French was abysmal.
"She's complaining about what chlorine does to her hair," Alyssa grinned and sang to them in a sing song voice, "You're in trouble. You're in trouble."
"Oh, come on Steph, it was only a joke," appealed Brett. It only earned him a murderous glare. Alyssa laughed and swam a few strokes to the pool side. She tried to haul herself out of the water and slipped back down.
"Here," Alex moved towards her, seeing her difficulty and extended his arm towards her. She took it gratefully and as they locked eyes, Alex realised his mistake as he was sharply tugged downwards and lost his balance. He caught the grin on Felicity's face as he fell forwards into the water. He emerged a few seconds later to see her already towelling herself off. He got out, sopping wet.
"Sorry, my hand just sort of slipped," she said with a smirk.
It was now early evening and the group were in their rooms getting ready for the night out. Alyssa had just emerged from the shower when there was a knock at the door. Thinking immediately of the packages, she began to get excited. Wrapping a towel around her, she proceeded to the door.
"Oh it's you, what do you want?" she said quickly, not realising how rude she sounded. Alex was surprised to find her just in her towel and focussed his eyes deliberately on her face.
Fortunately, he recovered quickly and remarked, "Nice to see that Stephanie's perkiness hasn't corrupted you."
"No, I was just expecting a handsome stranger to come and whisk me off my feet," she looked Alex up and down pretending to be disappointed, "I guess I was wrong."
"Well, I don't want to be here either but I'm on pain of death to deliver a message to you?" he informed her.
"What?" she asked curiously.
"Stephanie has instructed me to inform you that tonight you have to wear something, and I quote, 'something smoking hot which will drive the boys wild'," Alex said, rather awkwardly. Alyssa shook her head.
"Does she think I'm a baby or something? I think I can dress myself," she protested, "Well, if she wants me to drive the boys wild maybe I should wear this towel."
"Good idea," said Alex with a grin.
"Pervert," she said and he shrugged his shoulders in a way that said 'it's a guy thing'.
"I'll see you later," he said, "and don't rule out that towel."
"Bye, Luke," she said closing the door in his face.
Great, so what do I wear?
Alyssa trawled through her clothes. Stephanie had reminded her that she would have to look good. She finally decided on a denim miniskirt and a green sleeveless top with sliver sequins around the neck. One of the reason she was in a bad mood was because she had to put on a special bra with see through straps to wear the green top and it wasn't as secure as her normal one. Sometimes, she hated all the intricacies of being a teenage girl. She looked in the mirror. Was it smoking enough? No, she decided.
She grabbed her depleted make up bag from the drawer. She had two make up bags: one for herself and one to put the finishing touches on disguises. No prizes for guessing which one was heavier. She got out her green eyeliner and lined the bottom of her lids, poking her eye in the process.
"Stupid thing," she muttered. Then she coated her lashes with mascara and added some lip gloss to her lips. Then she looked in the mirror again. A small improvement but it would have to do.
"Hey guys," Alyssa called to the groups of boys waiting in the lobby. They greeted her.
"Where's Stephanie?" she asked.
"She's still getting ready," Yemi informed Alyssa.
"Felicity, please enlighten us. Why do girls take so long getting ready?" he said.
"It takes time and effort to look this good," she countered.
"So do I look hot enough," she whispered to Alex.
"You're practically on fire," Alex commented dryly. Alyssa rolled her eyes.
But then he added, "You look nice." Alyssa gave him a genuine smile at the compliment. Who ever said nice was a boring adjective?
Stephanie finally emerged and as usual, looked amazing.
Joy. Now I can watch guys fawn all over her.
"Sorry, have you been waiting long?" she said hurriedly.
"No, we just got here," Brett assured her. Alex and Alyssa both raised their eyebrows at his obvious lie.
"Well, let's go then," Stephanie said, excited.
They entered the heaving club. It was filled with people moving to the steady beat of the music. Luckily Kane's organisation had meant that they bypassed the queues outside which earned Alyssa her friends' admiration.
"This place is incredible," said Yemi in wonder as they entered the club. It really was. There was a sunken dance-floor filled with gyrating bodies while the bar lined the walls of the great room. Bottles filled with various alcoholic substances were stacked on shelves while bartenders mixed the liquid into psychedelic-coloured cocktails. Sets of stairs went down to the dance floor and up to a series of booths and the V.I.P. area. It was then that the group noticed the DJ's area. A table jutted out from the wall, seemingly suspended. It was as if the DJ was stuck up there with nothing to do but play music.
"What the hell is that?" enquired Alex as Brett came back from the bar with a tray of shot glasses, containing an electric blue liquid.
"They're called Cobalt Killers," he announced and handed one glass each to the group. Alyssa looked at the glass dubiously.
"Bottoms up," called Brett and they all down the fiery liquid.
"Bleh, it's horrible," spluttered Stephanie. Paulo and Yemi erupted into coughs.
"Looks like someone can handle their liquor," commented Alex at her lack of reaction to the drink. Alyssa smiled guiltily.
"I am going to dance," declared Stephanie and led Brett by the arm towards the dance floor.
"Someone's luck is in tonight," observed Alex as the couple moved away. Paulo and Yemi went to the bar to get another drink leaving Alyssa and Alex alone. She still had time before she was meant to meet the manager.
"Do you want to dance?" she asked Luke.
"Come on then," he agreed and guided her to the dance floor. They danced for a while, moving their bodies to the beat of the song. But Alyssa wasn't having much fun. She felt embarrassed and uncoordinated – two things she hated feeling.
"I'm just going to the bathroom," she shouted over the music. Alex nodded his head and she moved away, grateful to stop dancing. Alex went back to the bar shaking his head.
What is wrong with me? She probably thinks I'm a moron.
He had been trying to deny his feelings for Felicity for days now, to no avail. He liked their banter, the fact that she was down to earth on top of other things. But ultimately he felt a connection with her but he doubted that she felt it too. A small thought consoled him.
Oh well, at least if I embarrass myself, I won't have to see her after this week.
Striding purposefully towards the bathroom, Alyssa noticed a coupled joined at the mouth. Looking closer she realised it was Brett and Stephanie. Laughing loudly, she distracted the pair from their heated make out session.
"Having fun?" she asked wryly as the pair smiled sheepishly.
She then continued to walk on and said, "By all means, carry on." She noticed that Stephanie followed her into the bathroom. Thankfully, it was quiet in there and Alyssa could actually hear herself think.
"So when did that happen?" she enquired, referring to the new couple. Stephanie blushed, her already flushed cheeks turning pinker.
"Well, a few days ago," she grinned despite herself.
"Good for you," commented Alyssa.
"I know, I'm so happy. But wait; was that Luke I saw you dancing with?" She said sneakily.
"Don't try and change the subject. And not that it matters, but we are purely platonic," she insisted.
"I don't know that word," she said. Alyssa laughed and explained it to her.
"Whatever you say, but it doesn't look platonic to me," Stephanie dismissed Alyssa's claims.
"Okay, believe what you want but I have to go," Alyssa said making a quick exit from a conversation that she did not want to have.
It was 11p.m. – the time that the pickup had been fixed for. Alyssa was waiting at the spot which Kane had described to her on the phone. It was just next to the V.I.P. entrance and she stood there for a few minutes until a small man came out.
"You here for the pickup?" he asked in a gruff voice that didn't match his exterior.
"Yeah," she said with raised eyebrows. Was this the manager? He motioned for her to follow him into the V.I.P. area and she realised that this was probably one of the manager's lackeys. Sure enough she spotted a man in suit, perfectly groomed flanked by pretty girls and bodyguards. He looked Alyssa up and down and she realised he was checking her out.
"Can I help you babe," he drawled lecherously. Eww!
"I'm here for the pick up," she said and his face changed.
"You?" he asked doubtingly. She leaned over and whispered something in his ear. She caught the fleeting fear in his eyes that was replaced with a business like demeanour. She had just reminded him of the things Kane had threatened him with.
"Here take it," he said handling over a small briefcase the size of a book. It had a lock on it to prevent any unwanted eyes.
"Thank you," Alyssa said, accepting the delivery, "my boss says thanks too." She quickly stashed the equipment into her purse and descended the stairs again.
"What were you doing in there?" said Alex, gesturing towards the V.I.P. area.
"Shit, Luke, you scared me," she gasped, "I told you about my friend, didn't I. I was just telling the manager hello from her."
"Okay," he accepted her story, "do you fancy another dance?" She stopped. Truth be told, she liked being in such close contact with him, feeling his skin on hers.
Fine, I admit it. I have feelings for Luke Redstone.
But could she deal with such a distraction this close to the theft?
"Definitely," she beamed.
A few hours and many drinks later, the group were back at the hotel. Stephanie and Paulo were completely plastered and Brett and Yemi were taking the two drunks back to their room. That left Alex and Alyssa walking up the stairs to their room. Both of their rooms were on the same floor and they slowly padding along the corridor of their level without talking. All too soon, they reached Alyssa's room. She brought out the key and pushed it into the lock.
"Fliss," Alex breathed. She turned round and felt completely sober as their eyes found each other. They both leaned in, their lips meeting. They kissed, uncertainly at first but as neither of them pulled away, it deepened. After a few seconds they drew back. Alyssa bit her lip, turning around to the open door. She hesitated and spun around to face Alex again.
"Goodnight Luke," she said and quickly pressed her lips to his again for a fleeting kiss.
"Night, Felicity," he replied.
She closed the door and dumped her stuff on the desk with a stupid grin on her face. It was only when she got into bed that she realised that she wished he had called her Alyssa.
BrucasGirl4Eva – thanks sis, glad you like it.
Kittydog Lover – thanks I'm glad you like the story.
FlyingLikeaPhantom – thanks for the review. you're right – there wasn't really an explosive encounter so I changed the chapter title. hopefully it fits thanks.
CunningMascara – thanks, your review was so ncie. I hope you liked this chapter. The last paragraph was written to bring out Alyssa's human side. I thought it was kind of sad. What did you think?
Master of Minds – hey, thank. I definitely agree about Orlando. keep reading
AD – hey, thanks for the review, I'm glad you like it and I hope you liked chapter 7 – hopefully you haven't given up on me, I'm trying to make time to write.
Ice Reader129 – thanks and as above, I am soooo sorry for the long wait but I hope that the chapter made up for it.
idylosis prawn – thanks for the review. I take your comments on board and I have tried to tone it down in this chapter but I want the banter in there because it builds up a rapport between Alex and Alyssa, i think. if you don't like it then let me know and perhaps you could suggest some ways to improve it.
crazy-gal-in-blue – lol, thanks for your review although it make me feel pressured to write well (which I should be doing so it's a good thing). I hope you like the chapter
blackruby873 – thanks, hope you liked the chapter
Asainwannabe13 – thanks, I'm glad you're a fan and I hope you continue to be
Fuurai – thanks, don't worry I am determined to finish even if I am too slow
spy101 – Hey Z, and yes this story is better than my other one, I agree. and thanks for reading it, even though I had to practically force you at school.: )
Kaia – hi, thanks. yeah, I was planning on going back and clearing up the story but I just don't have enough time at the moment. But I am planning on doing it but thanks. btw I think you have a cool name.