TIME LAPSE:8 months

It was funny really. How a man who had more romantic conquests than he could remember, fell head over heels in love for the daughter of one of his enemies. And now she was the light of his life, the one who pulled him from the shadows, the one who comforts him. True, she was just as stubborn as he was, as clever as her father had warned, and tougher than most field agents; but he wouldn't have her any other way.

He watched from the door of the master bedroom as she pulled her long blonde curls into a neat bun and pushed a short lock behind her ear.

"I can't believe I le

t you talk me into this," she complained straightening her skirt and blouse.

"You're perfect for the job, you and I both know it. Even M knows it, this interview is just a formality," James answered.

"How is it that you both are so sure I'm right for the job?" She asked slipping into her heels and grabbing her purse.

"Simple"

she paused and turned to meet his gaze.

"You fixed me. You melted the cold heart of a broken, dark, brooding Double-O and turned him into a normal person again," he replied.

"James."

"I'm serious," he responded.

"You make me sound like I'm a saint," Madeleine sighed.

"You are, you're my saving grace."

With that, Madeleine crossed the room, threw her arms around his neck and kissed him long and hard.

"Mmmm if you don't stop kissing me like that and you'll be late for that interview" he muttered against her lips and subtly began to pull her blouse free from where it was tucked into her skirt.

In a split second she broke the kiss and playfully slapped his hands away.

"Hands to yourself Mr. Bond,"

"You shouldn't tempt me then." He whispered in her ear before ducking his head to kiss the sensitive skin behind it.

"Stop," she gasped and tightened her grip on him.

"No,"'he muttered defiantly and continued to trail his lips down her neck.

She tilted her head back to give him better access.

"James," she sighed, twisting her fingers in his hair.

"Still want me to stop?"

"Yes,"

"As you wish," he whispered and pulled his lips away.

"No!" Madeleine groaned,"the one time I don't want you to stop, you actually listen! That was your plan wasn't it? Get me all hot and bothered and then make me wait until tonight!" She accused.

All he could do was grin at her pouting.

"If we don't leave now we'll be late."

"To hell with being late, I won't be able to focus now." She murmured and tugged on his belt.

"Well we can't have that now can we," he grinned and walked her back towards the bed. He began to pull her her blouse free while she fumbled with his belt. She smiled when he gently laid her down on the bed and his lips found hers.

"XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

It was another gloomy day in London. A light mist of rain was just beginning to fall when James and Madeleine arrived at MI6. He smiled as he walked hand-in-hand with her through the building to M's office. She did her best to ignore the glares she was receiving from some of the female employees I guess they all finally believe MI6's most eligible bachelor is officially off the market shesnickered to herself.

"After you darling," he smiled opening the door to the small reception room.

She smiled back at him and walked through the door.

"Madeleine," Eve smiled and rushed to greet her friend.

"Hi," Madeleine exclaimed and returned embrace.

"How was the island?"

At that moment M came out of his office to see what all the commotion was.

"Ah 007, welcome back," M greeted. "They're certainly very chummy," he observed.

"They got well acquainted through all those weekly calls while we were away," James explained.

"Good morning sir," Eve greeted. "James, welcome back," she smiled.

"Pleasure," he smiled.

"Well then,shall we Dr. Swann?" M gestured towards his office.

"Yes sir," Madeline smiled and walked in to stand in front of his desk.

"007, Q has some things for you to pick up before you set out on your mission.

"I'll get right on that," he replied, keeping his eyes on Madeleine.

"Don't worry, this won't take long," M gave him a knowing smile before closing the door.

"Please have a seat my dear," M urged.

Madeleine smiled and took her seat in front of him.

"Your credentials are sublime, Dr. Swann and you come highly recommend. The job is yours if you want it," M smiled.

"When James said this was a formality I honestly didn't believe him," Madeleine replied dumbfounded.

"I knew you would be perfect when I read your profile." M reassured. "Is that a yes, Dr. Swann?"

"Yes sir"

"Excellent! Come, allow me to show you to your office," M smiled and gestured for her to follow him.

M led her to the tenth floor of the building and led her to a large oak door.

"Welcome to your office," M smiled and pushed the door open revealing a spacious room with crisp white walls, white marble floor, and a back wall made entirely of glass overlooking the Thames River.

Madeleine stepped into the room in complete aw. This office was nearly twice the size as the one at the Hoffler Clinic and offered more privacy.

"Well if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting with parliament. Best of luck Dr. Swann."

"Thank you sir," she smiled politely as he closed the door.

She walked over to her desk and then spied the bouquet of white and pink roses, her favorite plucked the card from center of the arrangement and smiled as she read

best of luck on your first day,my love. -J

She found clearance forms for field agents, a voice recorder,packets of employee codes, a tablet, and the login codes for the sleek iMac on her desk.

"A knock at the door disturbed her thoughts.

"Come in," she called.

"Sorry to bother you Dr. Swann, but Dr. Stevens down the hall has had an emergency come up and was wondering if you would be willing to take over her patients for the rest of the day?" The receptionist asked.

"It's no problem at all," she smiled and walked to the door to take the files from her.

When she was finally alone she read over the first file, clearing 009 for active field duty after losing his partner on his last mission. As she read over the file again she couldn't stop herself from thinking of her double-O, who was undoubtedly finding some way to annoy poor Q to his wits end.

She had been so preoccupied with her thoughts that she hadn't heard 009 enter.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you," a voice said.

Madeleine jumped in her chair as her eyes darted up to the man in front of her.

"I'm sorry, I was lost in thought," she apologized. "My name is Dr. Madeleine Swann."

"You're Bond's new bombshell. You're the only one to stick around this long," he replied.

Madeleine cleared her throat and fixed her icy gaze on him.

"Please take a seat Mr. Edwards, we have a lot to discuss from your last mission. Now will you please be so kind as to walk me through it," she coldly remarked.

"Oh touchy, touchy. I insult your lover and I get the cold shoulder. You must be one tough bitch to please, even for 007."

"Pardon me, but my private life is none of your business," she warned.

"You're quite the frigid bitch, you must me a real lousy lay, poor James,"

"Mr. Edwards, since you refuse to talk about your last mission you have given me no other choice than to deem you unfit for active service until further notice," Madeleine was really beginning to lose her patients with this man.

"Dr. Swann, I..."

"Get out,now. And I'll be sure to contact M about this, since it can be considered sexual harassment. Good day, Phillip." Madeleine dismissed him.

Without another word he turned and stormed out of her office slamming the door behind him.