Ha, did you really think I'd leave you hanging? No of course not, the story is not yet over! Enjoy
From saving the world one day and college the next…it sucked. I had a tonne of work to catch up on and my mind was constantly flitting out of concentration as a certain Korean contract killer filled my mind. Not good, my own seduction had backfired on me horribly.
Dad called every other day now, with Sarah reminding him a couple of times. Finally we'd found our even ground. We went out for meals as a family or to the theatre, dad even found me a new job which I loved a lot, since it was working with children. I was a babysitter for a couple of old contacts that he knew. They wanted a nanny to look after their kids who could also protect them if necessary. Being Frank Moses's kid certainly looked good on your application.
I felt a little bad for stealing Han's car but I soon found that I loved it. It certainly got me a few new "friends" at college when I drove up in it, with new wing mirrors and windows. I put them all down in their place though, making sure they knew I wanted nothing to do with them. I didn't need fake friends, I only had family and that was perfect for me because I could love them all with everything I was.
Ivan and Victoria visited me in my apartment a few weeks after the near end-of-the-world death experience and I took them out to the best restaurant in town, after they insisted on treating me, and we had champagne, expensive food and a wonderful time together, reminiscing and catching up. As usual, Ivan brought me a little mint sweet and I laughed, wondering when he would decide I was too old for mint treats. He proudly informed me I would never be too old. Since Victoria wasn't exactly safe back in England she was moving out to Russia with Ivan, finally settling down into the life she had always wanted and deserved with him.
As a parting gift I had given them both a little box which inside contained a snow globe of two figures skating on ice. "I know it's not much but I thought they looked a little like you and the background has stars on it so…" Ivan chortled with laughter at my blabbering and hugged me tightly. They loved it which made me relax greatly.
Sitting alone in my studio with the music cranked up I hummed along, painting on the canvas. The paint slathered the last bit of paint on I left it to dry, carefully wiping my eyes since I knew I had green paint all up my arm and on my hands. When my mobile rang I smiled and used my clean hand to answer after turning down the music. "Hey dad."
"Hey baby, how are things?"
"They're okay, I've literally just finished another one of my paintings. I think you'll like it." I told him as I ran my eyes over the canvas, grinning.
"Really? What is it of?" My eyes wandered over the guy carrying a gun, frowning deeply in conversation as the shadowed edges snaked in at him, glass shattered from behind with a bullet hole in front as if you were looking at him through a window.
"You." I answered simply and he laughed.
"Can't wait to see it baby."
"How's Sarah?"
"She's great, actually, we just got back from that job I was telling you about. You know how she gets, can't stop talking about it." I chuckled, picking up a glass of water to take a sip, smudging paint all over it. "Shame you couldn't come." I hummed shortly, swallowing the water.
"I have to finish college first. Only one more semester then I'm home free. I'll wait a while before I start a real career. I want to travel a bit."
"You do whatever you want, baby, I'll support you whatever you do." I grinned mischievously.
"Even if I want to be a prostitute and migrate to Spain?" There was a deadly silence so I laughed. "I'm kidding dad."
"You better be young lady, otherwise I'll put you under house arrest for the rest of your life." I laughed again as I began to clear up my paints, leaning my head into my shoulder to hold the phone.
"I'd find a way out, dad, you taught me everything you know. By the way, have you spoken to Marvin? He still has my bag with my dress."
"Yeah he's around, I'll get it back to you. Although I'm not too sure about that dress, don't you think it's a little short?" Unable to hide my laughter I chuckled, smiling broadly as I tossed my paintbrushes into the warm water and began to clean them.
"It covered my ass, dad, if that's what you meant by short."
"Yes but still." Rolling my eyes. Over his end I heard Sarah call out.
"Is that Nat?"
"Yeah honey, you wanna say hi?"
"Sure I do! Hey Nat! How you been?" Sarah's bright voice made me smile again.
"I'm good, thank you Sarah. I hear you just got back. How did it go?" Instantly she was off.
"Oh it was great! This time Frank actually gave me a you-know-what and I we got the other you-know-what out of the you-know-where whilst Marvin did the thing with the thing he does and I even got to drive a really nice car whilst some guys were following us and I think I scared your dad half to death as I kind of drove off road and then…" Her voice trailed off in my mind as I felt strong but gentle hands slowly slide around my waist and a mouth tenderly touch my right shoulder, placing a chaste kiss there before leaning forwards and the lips rested against the side of my neck.
"Han…" I breathed a soft sigh as my body completely melted out of sensibility. His scent enveloped me and I finally figured out what it was. Peppermint and this really attractive cologne that I wanted to buy for myself, because it was so good I was sure I could eat it and it would taste just as amazing.
"…all before the you-know-what could you-know-what!" I was vaguely aware of Sarah speaking so I blinked then cleared my throat.
"I'm really glad you had a great time, Sarah, it's good to see dad loosening the reins a little." One of Han's hands slid forwards to rest on my stomach as he nuzzled my neck, making me whimper ever so slightly. "I'm afraid I'll have to go though, can I call you back? Something has just come up."
"Yeah sure. I'll tell your dad you said bye. Have fun! Don't drink too much at the parties!" As she hung up I spun around and dropped my phone. Han's quick hand snatched it from mid-air and gently placed it on the table. I just stared at him.
"What are you doing here?" I whispered, instantly glancing around, half expecting someone to leap out and try to kill him and then me. "What…you…you're here!" He chuckled and I blinked in surprised, opening my ears to drink in the sound.
"Payback." He whispered in my ear then turned his head to kiss me. My heart hammered and fluttered in my chest as my eyes slid shut of their own accord, my body naturally responding to his touch. It wasn't just me, his mouth really was warm and smooth. My hands lifted up and ran through his soft hair, forgetting that they were wet, to pull him closer to me as I turned my head into his to kiss him more deeply.
Before I could really get into enjoying this kiss Han pulled away and stepped away from me. Opening my eyes I arched an eyebrow. "Okay, what are you up to?" I demanded and he shrugged, continuing to take slow, small steps back from me.
"You stole my car." Suddenly I grinned from ear to ear and I ran a hand over my hair, pushing back my long fringe. "Your family seem set on stealing all my belongings." He accused and I laughed, turning back to the sink to finish washing up.
"It's a sweet ride, all of a sudden I'm really popular at college. The joy rides are great and once or twice, maybe more, I took it on a date with a potential love interest." I glanced up and could see he was trying to work out whether or not I was being serious. Either way he looked horrified at the thought. "I'm kidding, I haven't let anyone else touch it. It's out back." I said as I flicked some water at him.
"You are just like your father." Han sighed, jerking out the way of the water as I put the last of my brushes in a pot to try, heads up, then dried off my hands. I finished putting away my paints, conscious of Han watching me but I did my best to ignore him until I couldn't stand the silence any longer. "So what are you doing here anyway Han?" I asked him as he flicked through some paper drawings of ideas, sketches and plans for my artwork.
"I didn't know you could draw." He mused, ignoring my question. Scowling at him I picked up a large rubber band ball and threw it at him. His hand snatched out and caught it with lightning fast reflexes.
"Don't ignore me jackass." I warned him, placing my hands on my hips. "What are you doing here?" He looked away and I frowned slightly. Was he…embarrassed by something? Damn, I think he's blushing. Ah he's blushing!
"I came to see you." He answered slowly, voice sexily accented and I could only stare at him. "I wanted to see you." Slowly I smiled at him, this time blushing a rosy red.
"Thanks, I guess?" He approached me slowly and I looked to his hair, reaching up to brush a few droplets off from where I had run my hands through the really soft locks. "How long are you staying?"
"A while." Oh that's really helpful. What the hell was I supposed to say now? Do you think he would mind if I ordered him to kiss me again?
"Do you…want something to eat?" I offered weakly. "I make a mean bacon sandwich." Han smiled softly, reaching up to twirl a lock of my hair around his finger before running it through, feeling it softly.
"Let me take you somewhere for a meal." He said and I almost chocked.
"Wh-what?"
"Just don't tell Moses." Suddenly I smiled and nodded my head.
"Alright you're on. Just let me get changed okay." He nodded and stepped back.
"Just don't take forever." He warned me. I flashed him a smirk then headed into my bedroom. I scrubbed my hands, arms and face clean of all the paint then paused. Putting on a dressing gown I stuck my head out the door.
"Who's paying?" Han looked up from another scrapbook with a small frown.
"What do you mean?"
"Am I paying tonight or are you? Because if I'm paying then we're going to a fish and chip place and I'll wear jeans and jacket, because that's all I can really afford but if you're paying then I'll make some degree of effort." He rolled his eyes.
"Me." Flashing him a smile I ducked back inside then shut the door. Rubbing my hands together I frowned. This is the time I would need Sarah's help because now I was totally lost. What the hell do you wear on a first date with a guy who could literally roll around in millions of dollars?
Shrugging I decided that I should probably wear the only dress I owned, apart from the red one. I slipped into the royal blue dress, tugging it into place. It was strapless with a heart shaped neckline and complimented me well. It was pretty plain but I dressed it up a little with strappy silver jewelled heels, a little silver necklace dad had bought me a few years ago then brushed my hair so that it was soft and neat.
Being totally lost with the makeup department I put on a very tiny amount of foundation, some eyeliner and mascara before deeming myself presentable. "Alright then Natalia, time to make a complete ass of yourself. Let's go." Grabbing a small silver clutch I strode out of my room. "Don't you dare even think about making a sarcastic comment." I told him as I walked past towards the door, grabbing the car keys along the way.
"Wouldn't dream of it." He said then snatched the keys from my hand. "My car." He informed me then kissed the tip of my nose before heading out to the back where his beloved lotus sat quietly. I followed him, a little dazzled but I snapped myself awake. "You fixed it up?" I shrugged.
"You owe me for the payments." I informed him. "Dinner tonight doesn't count." I slid into the passenger seat then watched as he elegantly slid into the driver's seat. He glanced at me then started up the car. "You weren't really serious about the fifty million dollars were you?" I questioned him slowly and he smirked, watching the road as he waited for an opening.
"Deadly." He answered quietly then sped forwards. I hurried to put on my seatbelt. Han drove out of town and I wondered where he was taking me until he stopped outside a really, really, really expensive hotel and restaurant.
"You know you're quite a romantic for a government contract hit man." I told him as I stared up at the place, wishing I had a pair of gloves and some real diamonds. "But now I just feel tacky." As the car was driven away by one of the doormen, Han slipped an arm around my waist and whispered in my ear.
"You look beautiful." Okay, I'll admit, my heart did a little dance and I blushed. A lot. He looked behind me at my right shoulder then back into my eyes as we walked up the steps together. "How is it?"
"Healed over. I think there's a bit of a scar still. I can't really bring myself to look." I admitted. "Doctors pulled it out and patched me up, asking all kind of questions so I told them about this crazy guy driving a blue Lotus up the M4 being shot at by these other guys in a Land Rover and I got caught because I was on a bike and didn't see them in time to get out the way." I put on my British accent with a smile. "Then I hightailed out of there. With said blue Lotus."
I looked at his neck. "What about you?"
"Wasn't much of a hit. Those English have bad aim, a bit like you." I bumped him with my hip, shooting him a playful glare as we entered. We were led to a private table and I let Han order the wine seeing as I had no idea what it was he was ordering.
Looking around me my eyes were filled with starry lights from the chandeliers, candles and low lit lamp, casting the entire room, as large as a stadium, into a beautiful and mysterious atmosphere that blended with the gentle thrum of the band that played quietly and poetically on the raised marble stage.
I was so lost in awe of the architecture that for a while I did not notice that Han was simply watching me. "What? I've never been in a place quite like this before." I informed him with a slight blush and he smiled softly.
"You looked like a child seeing snow for the first time." Chuckling I looked up as our waiter brought us the wine, a fresh white cloth draped over his arm as he poured my drink first then Han's. He left us alone to decide what we were going to order. I looked over the menu, frowning slightly. It all looked so delicious and amazing, I wanted to taste it all but it was also really expensive.
"Han?" He looked up at me but said nothing. "Are you sure this is alright? I mean I'd be just as happy ordering takeout." I bit my lip.
"Just choose something Natalia." I completely forgot all he said when I heard my name come from his mouth. How was it that with just his voice he can completely bewitch me by simply saying my name? It was so unfair.
"Say that again." He sighed.
"Just choose-"
"No, just the part where you said my name." He raised an eyebrow at me but I leaned forwards expectantly so he spoke.
"Natalia." Tiny butterflies fluttered around in my chest and I blushed slightly. Why did I have to be the one who felt like a young schoolgirl falling in love for the first time? Wait, did I just say love? Oh crap! I hurriedly looked down at the menu and buried my nose into it.
We ordered our meals and I sat there, continuing to gaze around me until Han's voice brought me back to face him. "How long have you been an artist?"
"Since I was little. I always used to draw as a kid. Sometimes I'd make pictures out of my food and it would take me so long that it would go cold by the time I had finished." I smiled fondly. "My…my mom was an artist." Han gave me a small look of confusion.
"What happened to your mother?" Shifting uncomfortably I sighed.
"She took off when I was around five. She couldn't deal with dad coming and going so inconsistently. I don't think she was always…right in the head. Some of the things she did weren't normal." I told him, reaching back to try and remember an example. "Like one day she blocked up all the sinks and turned the taps on to flood the house both upstairs and downstairs. She told me she was cleaning." Swirling the wine in my glass I gazed down reminiscently at it, the dark red reminding me a little of blood. "She'd often attack him whenever she got angry, there's a scar on the back of his head from one of their fights. Well one day he came back to find mom gone and me all alone in the dark, crying because I was hungry."
"She just left you?" I shrugged, looking up at him with a hard expression.
"Could have been worse. She could have taken me with her." I shook my head then smiled. "But what about you? Tell me your story." Han leaned back a little, drawing in a slow, deep breath. So he began his story, from the place and date of his birth through all the events of his life. Some of them left me in tears, desperately trying to hide them so that I didn't draw attention to us. He seemed so calm about it all, even when he talked about his parents hurting him as a child.
Once he was finished our main course was here and I just stared at him. I couldn't believe half of what he said and I almost didn't want to but I knew that not a word had been a lie. "Wow." I breathed, blinking to force myself to stop staring. "You were one messed up kid, you know that?" He laughed quietly as I turned my attention to my food.
"You do not intend to become an agent like Moses?" Han asked after a moment but I shook my head, not looking up.
"I'm not much of an agent. My mouth is too big and I'm not all that discreet. I'm a specialist, I guess you could say. In butt kicking and seductions. Although I have got into protecting kids, recently. You know, rich parents who can afford half the world who sometimes need an extra pair of eyes on their kids?" Han looked at me blankly.
"I cannot see you having the patience for children." I laughed, covering my mouth full of food with my hand before swallowing.
"You're right to some extent. I can't stand snobby kids but I do love them, I'm actually quite good with children." I gave a little shrug as I filled my fork again. "Plus they pay pretty well. I was thinking of making that my business. Protection programme." Glancing around the room I found myself perfectly relaxed in Han's company. "Either that or I'll go into journalism. I have doors open for both jobs." Han nodded his head, putting his cutlery down as he finished his food.
"I hate journalists." Han muttered. "They are all too nosy for their own good."
"Why? Did one of them nearly catch you in the middle of a job?" I asked with a smirk which he rolled his eyes at.
"No."
"You sure?"
"Yes!"
"I think you're lying."
"Stop it Natalia." I instantly fell quiet and he smirked victoriously as he found a weak spot with me.
"Don't you dare start manipulating me with that." I warned him as he leaned forwards.
"Natalia…" He taunted in a low, husky whisper, making me groan.
"I hate you." Lacing my hands together I met his eyes evenly, wondering what his week spot was. I began to twirl a lock of hair around my finger as I thought, running through a list of possibilities but I stopped when I realised he was watching me fiddle with my hair. Score! Found it. I gave him a small smug look then looked up as the waiter came back.
"Will you wanting desserts this evening, sir, madam?" I looked to Han who gestured to me, saying it was my choice. I thought for a moment before shaking my head. I was stuffed full anyway and I was starting to get a little tired. "Very well then, thank you for joining us, has everything been satisfactory?"
"Yes. Thank you." Han nodded as the waiter brought him the bill. I still felt a little guilty for letting him pay for everything. I picked up my silver clutch and slipped it over my shoulder, gazing around one last time before I felt Han touch my waist gently. "Come. I'll take you home." We remained in a comfortable silence during the journey back to my place. After a while though I decided the silence was too deafening.
"Where are you staying?"
"In a hotel." Han answered, glancing into his mirror before switching lanes. "Three blocks from where you live."
"Oh." I nodded my head. Summoning my courage I continued. "Will I see you again?" He smiled then looked at me for a moment before returning his eyes to the road.
"Yes." I visibly relaxed.
"When?"
"Soon."
"Oh that's really helpful. Are you going to do this every time? Just spring up randomly from time to time, take me out to some amazing place then not tell me how long I have to wait until next time?" His silence told me that I was right. "You're such an asshole."
"Just for you." He answered simply then slowed as we came towards some lights. Another sports car rolled up, I think it was a Lamborghini, and it revved its engines loudly at us, rolling down the window. "Let's see what you got punk!" The man shouted and I heard the blonde twig next to him giggling, obviously intoxicated. Han never even looked at them. "I'll leave you in the dust you Asian jackass, your piece of junk won't be able to keep up with this bad boy!"
"Wow, jeez, he's such an angel of manners." I frowned, wriggling in my seat. Slowly Han turned to look at me. A slow smile crept across my face and I turned to face the red light as it flicked to amber. The engine of the car next to us roared loudly and the blonde bimbo squealed, clapping her hands. Hey, at least I have a little more class than that.
The moment the lights were green Han was tearing forwards, shooting out in front of the Lamborghini and cutting him off. I heard a long stream of very unpleasant curses following us. "How rude." I mused bluntly then dug into my purse. "Show me something." I gave Han a pointed smirk and he chuckled, grinning slightly before chancing gears. The car suddenly spun around as I rolled down the window, arm sliding out with my small gun in hand.
Shooting a single bullet I pursed my lips as it hit the tyre, making both the driver and girl scream as the car suddenly jerked violently, swerving out of control as the guy slammed on the breaks. We turned a full circle then Han continued to drive. For a moment there was a loud silence before we both burst out laughing.
We laughed all the way to the next light where I leaned back, grinning then looked over at Han who was still smiling with laughter. Taking off my belt I leaned across and as Han's head turned towards me, I closed my eyes and kissed him.
I've never enjoyed kissing anyone as much as I did Han, it just felt perfectly normal and irresistibly amazing. My hands gripped the side of the seat as my hair fell forwards, tickling my face. He let go of the steering wheel with one hand and pushed my hair back gently, leaning into me as I made a small sound in my throat, wanting more of him.
When I pulled away reluctantly to glance at the lights Han's hand slid around to the back of my neck and drew my lips back to his, shifting closer and tilting his head to the side to welcome me forwards. "Han." I murmured into his mouth. "Light's green." He sighed softly as we both pulled away. As he drove forwards I shifted back into my seat, pulling the belt across.
"I'm sorry." I said a little meekly. "I don't know what prompted me to do that."
"I'm not complaining." I chuckled quietly as he reached across with one hand to trace the back of his finger over my cheek then tucked my hair behind my ear. Suddenly my eyes widened and I clapped both hands to my face. "Oh god…" Han looked at me with worry. "What the hell am I going to tell dad?" After a moment's tension we both began to laugh again.
You can tell trouble is just around the corner. Natalia, good luck telling your dad. I would not want to be you.