So this is kind of a recap/mellow chapter. Though it is a development in Leon and Selene's relationship, I wanted to give a feel of their growing friendship and how they trust each other; how eventually there friendship later becomes something more... Enjoy :D


Partners

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It was Saturday and Gregorio had given me the day off so I was back at Lolita's café waiting for Leon to come. It was a warm day so I was sporting a purple V-neck, a pair of light jeans and brown ankle boots – something casual. I didn't know exactly why I called him but – I felt troubled ever since the other night with the Ambassador, now that he was leaving roses at the foot of my door and Leon – I mean his presence puts me at ease.

"Selene?" A hand was now waving in my face when I realized, I had to blink a couple of times to come back to reality.

"Hey Leon." I smiled sheepishly, I moved his hand out of my face – it was surprisingly warm in my own hand.

"Glad your back you were out for a couple of minutes." He said chuckling while I blushed in response. We walked back to a table and as always he seated me before himself. "So what's been going on?"

"Well, the night before the last-"

"You mean the night of the award ceremony hosted at Silva Convention Center?" He said smiling.

"Yeah that event well, I sneaked into the ceremony." I said.

"I know I saw you." He said still smiling. The waitress came to take our orders and then she left skipping almost.

"How, I –" I couldn't even finish asking him, I didn't see him there.

"I was also playing bodyguard." The waitress came back with our coffee and as soon as she left he continued speaking, "you ran off, so I never got a chance to bring a drink over to you." He said looking at me; his eyes appeared to be smiling as well.

"Well I'm not much of a drinker, as I was saying," I rolled my eyes playfully, "When I sneaked in I saw the Ambassador he was speaking to some scientists. That same day I received a phone call from the police station, on my orders they kept the men that tried to kidnap Abella there and they said that he owed them for her."

"Is that all?" He asked. I nodded, "drink the coffee it's no good if it's cold." He said drinking his own cup but I could tell he was in deep thought. I took a sip of mine and waited for him to finish deliberating.

"It's a good lead but there is nothing to go off at, yet." He said his eyes were still focusing on something.

"That's what I thought – it just leads to more questions." I said agreeing. Leon looked back at me and cocked his head to one side his eyes meeting mine and to my weakness I couldn't look away.

"What?" Was the only thing I managed to say in reaction.

"I can't put my finger on it but is there something else bothering you?" Involuntarily my eyes widened, he is so perceptive. I took up my cup of coffee and started to gulp it down even though it was still hot.

"It's nothing." I choked out.

"Selene you're my partner so it's important for us to communicate." He said in a matter-a-fact tone.

"There is something but it's not important." I said lowering my gaze and fidgeted with the coffee cup. As I played with the cup his hand reached over to stop mine from fiddling with the handle of the cup.

"Tell me." His words were not a beg but in the form of a tranquil tone of security.

"I think…no I know the Ambassador is in love with me." I said uncomfortably.

"Has he done anything to you?" He tone became severe.

"No, nothing like that more like gestures like leaving roses, trying to caress me – I don't know whether I should let him as in play along maybe I could get something out of him." I suggested.

He leaned in closer to me our faces inches away, "seduction games are very dangerous and you could end up getting hurt and I for one would not like to see that happen." I ended up feeling ashamed of what I said and amazed at his reaction, I didn't expect it to be so protective.

"I meant nothing by it was more of a... suggestion" I said trying to apologize, the thought really came as an echo of the memory of the woman in red and what she has said: men in love are easily controlled.

He eyed me curiously but then seemed convinced by my expression, "alright." He said pleased. I smiled softly at him and he returned it with a smirk. I then signaled the waitress for the receipt. She brought it over and I grabbed it, I started to take the money when the receipt slipped from above my hand.

Leon had taken it and placed three ten Brazilian Real dollars in the waitress' hand "Mantener o mudança querida. (keep the change sweetheart.)"

"Real smooth Romeo, though you need to lose the accent." I said laughing.

"Is it that noticeable?" He said furrowing his expression. I knew I had gotten him to get self-conscious.

"Ele tem a soar mais como o meu; Suas palavras têm a fluir. (It has to sound more like mine; your words have to flow.)" I added with eloquence. "Thanks for the coffee too." I smiled getting up.

"Não foi nada de Vossa Senhoria. (It was nothing your ladyship.)" He said while getting up to bow towards me. "Was that any better? He said raising his eyebrow.

"Just a bit." I said pinching my two fingers in a gesture of his effort. We walked towards my car and he opened the door for me but kept it propped up.

"You take care Selene and be careful with what you do around the Ambassador." He cautioned.

"Don't worry I can handle myself, you work on that accent." I advised. He chuckled back, closed my door and walked away.

It was becoming easier for me to talk to him and his concern for me made me happy.


As I got back to the estate it was around three o'clock and it was strange usually at this hour Gregorio was out here smoking his cigar. As I walked inside I crossed the Ambassador, just my luck. I had to know though, "Where's Gregorio?"

"So you have decided to speak to me again?" He said standing casually in front of me with a slight smile on his face.

"Have you seen him?" I asked ignoring his question.

He grimaced knowing he wasn't going to get anywhere with me, "He left soon after you did to run an errand and he hasn't returned."

"Oh, okay." I went around him before he could try and say anything else to me. I headed up the stairs to my room. I noticed Abilio come out of the office with cleaning equipment in both hands, I wanted to ask him about Gregorio but he looked over the stairs and lowered his gaze and rushed pass me.

I entered my room and sat there on my chair that was placed next to the window puzzling the many things I spoke with Leon. Leon had recommended that I not seduce the Ambassador into giving up information but what other option was there? The woman in red was really convincing as if she spoke from experience. I wondered also what was Abilio's deal, I couldn't see who was at the stairs feet but I'm willing to bet it was Alfonso. Then there was Gregorio and his mysterious errands that he does every week. Every one has been acting real mysterious lately...

I felt my head began to pulse so I sagged in the chair with my eyes closed - too tired to think anymore and eventually I drifted into a light sleep.


Is Selene going to listen to the suggestion of the woman in red or Leon? Let me know your thought in this subject readers.

The currency used in Brazil is called the Brazilian Real for those of you who didn't know.

Now to answer some readers reviews:

jorgevaldez524: The plot isn't that obvious, there are still some twists and surprises planned out,so keep working at it detective. Hope this chapter was to your liking, have a great day! ;)

NerdGirl4Life: *Ding, Ding* that's right it was Ada but since Selene doesn't know her name she's just the woman in red for now, who knows if Leon will tel her the truth about her... LOL, Well the Ambassador has an attraction towards Selene for a reason... (that's all I'm saying about that! Keep reading and thanks amiga for reviewing! :D

So please leave a comment, it helps me grow as a writer and thanks to those of you have favorited and followed, big hug to you all :)

Till next update readers!

-roseimagine