Director Parker placed his hand on top of Alex's head as she was getting into the back of a black town car. He then shut the door. She adjusted herself the best she could with her hands cuffed behind her back as the metal pressed against her wrists. She knew no position was going to be comfortable.

She let out a sigh then stared out the window and thought back to a time before she was in handcuffs.

Parker stood in front of his team, giving them information on their next assignment. "Charles and Hugh," he started, "you will infiltrate the offices and hack the computer while Spencer and Alex will be at the party posing as a couple."

Charles winked at Reid.

Parker finished laying out the details of their mission as they listened intently. "Any questions? Good. Let's get to work." He closed his folio then left the room.

Alex turned to Reid. "You better get me a better ring this time. The one that I wore in Boston was a joke."

"Yeah, it was pretty cheap." Charles laughed. "I thought you had better taste than that."

Reid became defensive. "Hey, it's not like I pick these things out."

xxx

Reid entered the gala wearing a brand new tuxedo with Alex on his arm looking like she was dipped in red velvet. They seamlessly fit in with the other party guests as they each sipped their champagne.

"Do you see our mark?" Alex whispered to Reid.

"Yes, he is at the other side of the room." He answered as he scanned the ballroom.

"How do you wanna play this? Atlanta?" Alex smiled as she breathed on his ear, then kissed him on the cheek to keep up their cover.

Reid's face scrunched. "Didn't I end up locked out on a patio… naked?"

"And that would be a problem?" She chuckled.

"Yeah, very funny. You know, we could play it like we did in Mexico." Reid countered.

"That's mean." Alex swatted him across the chest. "I was so sick after that mission. Serves me right for drinking too much."

"I told you not to get a drink with ice. Maybe next time you will listen to me."

"I guess I can't be too mad at you after that one. You were the one who took care of me." Alex beamed at him.

"It's okay. I needed a new pair of shoes, anyway." He joshed.

"Oh, still bringing that at up. I didn't mean to throw up on your precious hand-made, Italian shoes that were blessed by the pope himself." She sassed.

"The pope wouldn't bless shoes." Reid stared at her.

"Shut up."

Reid took a breath and realized that they needed to get back to work. "Okay, how about Australia?"

Alex thought for a moment. "Yes, that works." She smiled and finished her wine.

Reid took the glass from her hand then placed both empty glasses on the table. He offered her his hand and escorted her out onto the dance floor. They swayed back and forth to the music, portraying the perfect couple.

Alex glanced at the ring on her finger as her hand was resting on his shoulder. "You know, this ring is perfect." She remarked as a smile swept across her face. "I can't believe it, actually."

"What?" Reid questioned.

"Honestly, it is exactly what I would pick out for myself." She admitted.

"I know." Reid held her close as they continued their dance. "It's yours if you want it."

Alex pulled back and looked him in the eyes. "What are you talking about?" She stared and could see exactly what he was thinking. "You're serious."

"I know how it looks with you recently breaking up with Gino but that made me realize something."

"Realize what?" She asked with dreamy eyes.

"We have been fighting this for as long as we have known each other. Neither one of us has wanted to cross that line because of our partnership… our friendship. But I realized that it is because of those things that makes us perfect for each other."

"Spencer. Please." Alex became uncomfortable.

"You can't deny it. I have felt it from you. Alex, I know you love me too." Reid held her hands in his.

Alex let out a deep breath. "Spencer, I suggest that we both forget this conversation and continue with our mission."

Reid knew that she was fighting her feelings for him but he wasn't sure why. He did as she suggested and they continued with their assignment without complications.

They walked out of the gala without socializing with each other like they normally would. Alex changed her demeanor towards her partner while Reid let her. Their limonene pulled up in front of them, silently they got into the car and drove off.

Reid looked at the driver through the mirror. "Take me back to the office."

"Yes, sir." The driver responded.

"I will report to Parker with Charles and Hugh. You head home, okay?" Reid suggested.

Alex glanced at the driver's stare then she looked back to Reid. "Yes, that is a good idea. I need to get out of these heels." She let out a tiny laugh.

After a short ride, Reid stepped out of the long black car leaving Alex alone. The driver then took off.

He peered at her through the rear-view mirror. "You didn't do anything stupid, did you?"

"Of course not." Alex replied with attitude.

"You don't want to cross Mr. Knight. He has eyes and ears everywhere. If you betray him he will not only chop you into little pieces but he will be taking some big chucks out of your friends, starting with your partner." The driver warned.

"Don't worry. I know what is at stake. If I feed information to him, then we live. If I don't, then Spencer dies. Trust me, I'll be your good, little minion and do what I am told." She crossed her arms while staring out the window then whispered to herself. "I will do anything to keep Spencer alive, anything."

Alex sat in the back of a government town car as she was being escorted back to her prison cell. She stared out the window and remembered that moment in the limo as if it were yesterday.