I sigh as I finger comb my wet bedraggled hair. I would ask the main desk for a comb, but I don't want to rouse any more suspicion about myself. I'm sitting on the bed again, wearing the dress because, damn, I don't have anything else. My thoughts keep going back to Slade. I can't stop thinking about what he's gone through. I keep analyzing everything I've heard about him. The news reports, his file.

Master martial artist, skilled at hand-to-hand combat and an expert swordsman and marksman. Knows bojutsu and jujutsu. Brilliant tactician and strategist. And…

A skilled manipulator and deceiver.

I frown, how can I know when a person like that is playing me?

Then there's what I know personally.

He's intense but charming when he wants to be. He's very intellectual and…compassionate? Maybe I shouldn't have given him such a hard time. He did save my life. Maybe he is telling the truth. He's a grown ass man, it's not my place to tell him what to do. It's just…I feel like I need to…save him? I sigh. God, that sounds so stupid. Stop thinking about Slade, you have to figure out a plan for yourself! I'm not sure about what I'll do after I leave here. Contact my family? When my Mom gets my message, she'll definitely think I'm dead. And what about A.R.G.U.S? Well, if they take back the facility they'll notice I'm missing. They'll see the computer registry and know that I freed Slade. They probably think I'm one of the moles and are trying to find me and off me right now. Slade is wrong though. I believe if I can find them and explain, they will understand my position and let me back in. But how do I find them without them trying to kill me?

Suddenly the door opens with a chunk and I throw myself to the floor. Oh my god, has someone from A.R.G.U.S already found me?

I crouch behind the bed, my hands balled into fists. I don't have any weapons, but A.R.G.U.S trained me in hand to hand combat. I just hope whoever it is isn't good at their job.

I hear heavy footsteps muffled by the thick carpet at the intruder walks towards my position.

1,2,3.

I swing out my leg as soon as the guy's legs come into view. Too late, I realize it's Slade and unable to stop myself, I kick him hard in the shins with my combat boots. He grunts slightly as he falls, dropping a whole wad of cash from his hand, but instead of landing face first, he curls his body and does a summersault.

I put my hands to my face, horrified, as dollar bills float through the air. I know he isn't hurt but I'm sure he's super pissed.

"Christ Chastity!" He says indignantly, turning to face me, still in a crouched position and his hands in the air.

"Christ yourself you…I thought you were someone from A.R.G.U.S trying to kill me or something!" We both rise and I stubbornly slam my ass back down on the bed.

"A.R.G.U.S." He pauses. "I thought you were convinced they were going to welcome you back with open arms."

"I…" I harrumph and cross my arms, frustrated. I give him the evil eye. "I thought you weren't coming back." I counter.

"Well I was, you ridiculously incorrigible woman." He says, brushing himself off.

"For what?"

He rolls his eye, looking the most annoyed I've ever seen him.

I look down at the money on the floor. "Oh, you came to give me some cash to help me on my way?" I open my mouth and then close it, my eyes shifting from him to the money. I almost wish he hadn't come back, then I could keep telling myself he's an ass. "Thank you Slade." I finally manage.

He doesn't say anything, just puts his hands in his pockets and stands there looking me up and down. I look away, for some reason embarrassed to have him eyeing me like that in the short pink dress.

"In your opinion, what would I have to do to redeem myself?" He asks suddenly.

I blink, completely thrown off guard. He's regarding me thoughtfully, his face no longer angry.

I raise my eyebrows. "Well, I think you should find out why those men on the island were trying to free you. Find out what they're up to—it can't be good—and stop them." I slide a hand through my wet hair and push my locks back from my face.

He purses his lips slightly, thinking. "And you would believe I'd changed?

"Of course."

He nods. "Then I'll look into it."

"That's great to hear. But how?"

"I have my connections."

Okay. That's great. I nod to myself and go down on the floor to pick up the money. Slade gets down too and we silently pick it up together. He came back with the money I asked for even though I called him a killer. Well he is a killer! Then I groan inwardly. I sort of called him coward too. I crawl forward on my knees and grab a few more bills. Whatever, I'm not apologizing. I turn to grab the last one and Slade's hand goes for it at the same time. Our eyes meet and his big hand covers mine. My breath catches in my throat as I stare at him; does he...care about me? Then his eyes flick down to my breasts, completely exposed by my leaning position and low cut dress. I scoff, completely offended, and quickly pull my hand from his to cover myself. He grins lopsidedly at me, only infuriating me further. I rise, flustered, and shove his money back at him. "Pervert." I mutter.

His look says: "Who? Me?" as he rises. "Sorry Sunshine," he says, taking the money. "But a guy can't be blamed for admiring something so lovely."

I look away, brow furrowed, unsure how to feel.

"And I thought you understood," he continues. "The money's for you." He extends the handful of cash back towards me.

"I don't have any pockets, you hold it." I say, spreading my hands in front of me. I walk away and pick up the only thing I own in the room, my necklace, which sits on the desk.

"I don't understand." He says, looking confused.

"Well, if you're really going to do something honorable, then I'll help you do it. Let's go." I hook my necklace together and fluff up my hair.

"Help me?" He asks, watching me with a bemused look on his face.

"Sure…that is, on one condition."

"And what pray tell, is that?" He settles back onto his heels.

"That you promise. Promise to me that you'll not lie to me and that you'll really pursue this." I stare at him, dead serious.

He gazes back, silent. God, I feel like he's looking into my soul. What's he thinking?

"I promise." He says finally. Then he comes close and offers me his arm. I look from his muscled arm to his face, and pause.

"And a promise is a promise?" I ask, questioning his commitment.

His face suddenly turns grave and his eyes almost haunted.

"I keep my promises, kid."