Even though I had to keep reminding myself that I was in a strange place with a strange man, I would be lying if I didn't say I had the best afternoon of my life. Suddenly, Asgard felt like I had known it for a lifetime and Loki was no longer just a creepy man I had just met yesterday. I felt comfortable around him, enjoying his sensitive but dangerous presence. He acted in a manner so thoughtful and precis, that it was as if he thought carefully about everything he did. His aura was in such contrast with Summy, I didn't know what to think.

Summy was, well, predictable. The first time we met, I could read him like a book. Bjorn introduced us at a S.H.E.I.L.D. employee party and at the time, I thought predictable was the right way to go. After I returned from four years in China and diving head-first into a job at S.H.E.I.L.D., it felt nice having some balance in my life.

But maybe that's why I decided to come with Loki. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy being with Summy, but the thought of his routines annoyed me. I wanted something new, and if a handsome man from another world wasn't unpredictable, nothing was.

The Asgardian market was the highlight of my afternoon. We laughed, shopped, and wandered around the streets, all the while Loki's arm around my hip keeping me close. As we walked, I couldn't help notice people giving Loki looks of sympathy. Eyes would tear up and smiles would fall as we walked by.

"Peace to the king," said one shopkeeper.

"Loki," I asked, "why does everyone look so sad?"

"It is my father, Odin Borson," Loki answered. "He has fallen very ill."

I stop and see his eyes filled with pain and sorrow. "I'm so sorry," I whispered. He didn't answer, but I can see why he needed my company.

The cool breeze reminds us that evening is approaching, so we return to the castle. In my room, we feast on wine and a type of meat I had never had before. After we both eat our fill, Loki rose.

"I must go," he said. " My services are required in the throne room."

"Wait!" I called, also rising. "Before you go." I moved closer to him standing in the doorway. "I never thanked you for saving my life."

Loki smiled. "I could not just let you drown."

"But seriously," I said sensually, "thank you for everything today."

Then, out of pure impulse, I kissed him. This one was different than the one yesterday, it felt right. He sunk in, running his fingers down my dress as I ran mine through his hair. His lips moved from my mouth to my neck and I gasped for more.

"Halle," he whispered. "I really do have to go."

"No," I breathed.

"I will return," he said, and I consented, letting him leave while I sat alone on the bed. I sighed, my daze interrupted by the chirp of my cell phone. I clawed under the bed until I answered it.

"Hello?"

"Agent Rhodes?"

"Speaking."

"It's Agent Coulson." I breathed a sigh of relief that it wasn't Summy. "Sumner told me you're in Asgard?"

I grimaced. "Sir, I can explain."

"Well it just so happens that our 0-8-4 derives from Asgard."

I paused. "Would you like me to ask about it, sir?"

"No," answered Coulson, quickly. "We've already found the owner: an Asgardian named Thor." Suddenly, Coulson paused. "Rhodie, how did you get to Asgard?"

"A man took me here."

"And what's this mans name?"

"Loki," I answered.

There was a pause on the other end, and for a second, I thought Coulson had hung up. But then he spoke. "Rhodie, you need to leave now."

I was taken aback, "What? Why?"

"If this is the Loki I'm thinking it is, he is a very dangerous man. You need to report back to Earth immediately."

I paused, taking in what I had just heard. "No."

"Rhodie."

"He's good. I promise. I don't believe you!"

"This is an order, Agent Rhodes."

"I'll prove it, Coulson," I begged. "Besides, he's taking me home at the end of the day. Just give me until then!"

"Okay," Coulson said. "I'll oblige, but I can't say the same for Sumner.

The phone clicked and I cursed; Summy was the last person I wanted to see here. I hoped he do anything drastic; communications agents were not as tough as combat agents. I sighed and flopped on the bed, wondering what to do next. I smiled to myself and thought what the hey, I've only got a couple of hours left.

Loki returned and, for some reason, I could see he felt more confident somehow. When he saw me, he grinning mischievously.

"Now where were we?"

We threw ourselves at each other, kissing and tearing off each others clothes. Once we were both in our underwear, Loki picked me up and carried me to the bed, kissing me all the way. He was hot and intense, and I wanted all of it. As he took off my bra, a thought flashed through my mind of Summy and the fact that he might be coming here. Loki must have read my mind because he whispered in my ear, "forget about him."