Chapter 6

They soon arrived at the Italian Air Force base where they had been granted permission to land and store their plane. From there, they changed into civilian clothes and rented a car, driving to the coast of Italy, where a yacht was waiting for the "vacationing Americans." None of the crew knew anything about their guests being military, only that they were sailing to Corsica for the music festival, staying the night, and returning the next day.

They were soon settled on the yacht, Allie encouraging the others to change into swimsuits, to enjoy the small pool on the yacht.

Seeing Lady Jaye in her bikini, as well as having to share a room with her, was not helping Flint's growing attraction to her.

While she got a few wolf whistles from the other guys, she decided to not remove her sarong since everything she was doing was clearly making Flint uncomfortable. He really had some issues to deal with, she thought. Instead, she sat on the edge of the pool, talking to the guys, dangling her feet in the water. She noticed Flint sitting on one of the deck chairs, reading. She tried not to sigh. She was going to have to change their story if he kept ignoring her. Getting up, she wandered over to where he was sitting in the shade.

"Look," she began, sitting next to him on one of the deck chairs, making sure the crew was out of earshot, "maybe we need to change our story a bit. Once we get to Corsica, we pretend to have an argument on the way to the Opera, then give each other the silent treatment. I think it would be much more believable than what we discussed before."

He simply looked at her, his expression unreadable. She tried not to sigh. "I don't know what it is about me that you don't like, and I'm sorry for that, but I've been told you're a consummate professional, that you get the job done."

He finally spoke. "Look, I think we got off on the wrong foot." Her eyebrows raised at that. He continued. "No, I don't like the way you presented yourself to the team, but I can understand why you did it. We needed to know where our weaknesses lie, and you helped us fix the holes. I realize you know more about this undercover stuff than the rest of us, which makes you a natural lead on this mission. If you think we should change it, then fine, we do."

She just couldn't figure him out, she thought, staring at him, at a loss for words. First, he was openly hostile towards her, then indifferent, then understanding? What the hell?

She closed her eyes, saying a small prayer for patience.

"How about you actually just try to enjoy the fact that we're sailing on the Mediterranean on this fabulous yacht. It's a beautiful day." She took his book out of his hand. "You're here with friends, or at least they're supposed to be your friends. You're about to hit a gorgeous island that time itself seems to have stopped and enjoy a wonderful opera performance….go splash around in the pool, beat Ace up…something other than hiding in the corner, okay?"

With that said, she got up and sashayed away, knowing he was watching her. He was a nice looking guy, but boy, he was a stiff at times! she thought. If he didn't learn to relax and loosen up, especially around her, this was simply not going to work, and she'd be damned if she was taking Ace to the opera. At least Flint hadn't complained about that and had actually looked interested. Ace would either complain the whole time, fall asleep, or be checking out and commenting on the women. That, she would just find annoying and it would affect her performance. No, out of all the guys out there, Flint seemed to be the one with the most class, she supposed, and would seem believable that he would be taking a date to the opera.

After working on her tan and joking around some more with the guys (and Flint was trying, she noticed, although he still couldn't relax around her), she excused herself and went to the room. She changed clothes and noted the time. Yes, she could definitely get some errands done once they docked.

Going back up, she ran into Flint, whose eyebrows raised at her outfit. "Going somewhere?" he asked.

"Shopping," she replied simply, giving him a small smile. "A few errands to do before tonight."

"Errands," he repeated, wondering if there was a hidden meaning behind them.

"Don't worry," she said, still smiling, placing a hand on his shoulder and giving it a squeeze. "I'll be all right by myself. Trust me."

"Just be careful," he cautioned, feeling the engines slow down as they pulled into port.

"I'll keep my line open," she said vaguely, knowing he would understand what she meant. She needed to take care of things without the three men following her around. "I won't be too long. Two hours, tops. After that, then worry."

He frowned. "I'm just not sure if separating right now is a good idea."

She patted his shoulder again. "I promise to be a good girl and stay out of trouble." She impulsively leaned up and kissed his cheek, then brushed past him up the stairs.

It was just so that things would look more natural, she thought, in case anyone was watching. Well, that, and it made for a good escape and ceased the questioning, she admitted to herself as she walked down the pier.

Lady Jaye was true to her word and was back within two hours. Ace had the guys involved in a card game on deck, with a few of the crew joining them. Apparently, language wasn't too much of a barrier when it came to cards, and she noted he had quite a pile of chips next to him.

She stood there, arms crossed, giving Ace a look he knew all too well. Sheepishly, he smiled at her and announced the game was over.

Going over to Flint, she curled her arm through his and leaned into him. "So," she said, addressing Ace and Road Block, "have you decided to join us for the opera tonight?"

Picking up on the cue, Ace groaned. "Seriously? You can drag him to it, but just because you two are together, doesn't mean you can drag us as well! No, Marvin and I decided to hit the bar scene. Maybe we can meet up after?"

Allie smiled, pleased with how easily it flowed from Ace. Then again, she reasoned, he was quite the player.

"Well, I'm glad John at least has some class around here," she teased, sticking at her tongue at Ace. She had figured it was easier for the guys to use their real first names with the exception of Flint. He would be "John Flint," which made it easier for the guys in case they slipped up and called him by his code name.

"Well, gentlemen, I have to go get myself presentable," she announced, pulling away from Flint. She had felt his body stiffen when she had leaned up against him, then he had slowly relaxed, much to her approval. He needed to be used to her touching him during the assignment. After, they could go back to being…well, whatever they were. Hands-off, she supposed.

"John, your tux is in the boy's room," she said over her shoulder as she walked away, hoping he'd take the hint.

It didn't take Flint long to get ready. He had to admit, he felt a bit like James Bond in the tux that had been provided for him. He even had done a pose in the mirror before he had to laugh at himself. Ace and Roadblock had also changed, but just into jeans and shirts, for their night out. While it looked like they were going to hang in the bar across the street, the team was all linked up, and the two would be on standby in case of any trouble.

Joking with the guys about his attire, he sensed a change in the atmosphere and knew Lady Jaye had made her appearance.

"Whoah," was Ace's response, for once, speechless.

"I think we know where the "lady" came from in her code name," murmured Roadblock, smiling appreciatively.

Dressed in a blue velvet strapless gown, white gloves, and what looked to be a fortune in diamonds, she seemed to float towards them, her green eyes twinkling.

She smiled, raising an eyebrow as she asked them, "Are you sure you don't want to reconsider joining us then?"

Flint held out a hand and she walked over to him, putting hers in his, doing a little spin.

"Do I look presentable?" she asked him, winking.

"Man, I think I'm blind from the glare of all the rocks!" Roadblock whistled.

She glanced around before speaking, leaning forward. "Costume, I assure you, and pretty high tech, in case we need it." She touched her earrings, part of her communication device with the rest of the team. The necklace was really a recording device, should they need it. Its links also hid several other items, should she choose to break it apart. She always believed in being prepared for the worse.

The men nodded, catching her meaning.

"Shall we go?" she asked them, tucking her hand in the crook of Flint's arm.

The team departed the yacht and to the waiting car which would take them to the Opera House and bar.

"You look amazing," whispered Flint, stunned at her transformation. He was surprised when she blushed.

"Thanks," she murmured, not sure why the words meant so much to her.

"Don't be surprised if people know me here," she murmured to him as they approached the Opera House. "I'm here as myself….Hawk and I thought it best…..since I'm not associated with your organization. I've been around these type of people before," she said, deliberately vague. He didn't need to know she was raised in this type of culture.

He simply nodded, figuring she was referring to her past as a MI-6 agent.

She was right. Several older individuals embraced her, speaking both Italian and English, as well as a younger couple. She introduced her escort, "John Flint," and made the usual small talk. The lights flickered and the guests started to make their way to their seats.