Author's note: This chapter is rated Mature for explicit and graphic content.
I know that I have at least one male reader (hatton) and I am shocked! lol This is a romantic drama and I honestly expected only women to like this fic. Fellas if you're out there let me know either by reviewing or sending me a private message letting me know what drew you in. From my experience, guys tended to hate the movie because it didn't stay true to the game.
Thanks so much to everyone who is reading, reviewing and adding Given to their favorites. I genuinely appreciate it! It means so much to me.
Careful to not wake her sleeping lover, Nika got out of bed and slipped on his white dress shirt. She kept her eyes on him as she tipped toed out of the bedroom.
The cool kitchen tile met her small bare feet. A sigh of utter contentment came from her when she breathed his lingering scent on the shirt's collar as she removed a pint of Ben and Jerry's Karamel Sutra from the freezer.
"Fuck!" she jumped when she turned around to find Agent 47 standing right behind her.
"What are you doing?" he asked folding his burly arms against his bare torso.
Taking a spoon out of a drawer she answered, "Having a little midnight snack."
"It's 2 AM," he informed her.
"I know that. It's an expression," she replied then lifted herself onto the kitchen's island and dug her spoon into the pint.
After unfolding his arms, he stood in front of her and placed his hands on her waist then said, "It's too late to be eating, Nika."
Her shoulders casually rose then dropped, "So? I burned plenty of calories today and tonight thanks to you," she winked and brought a spoonful of Karamel Sutra into her mouth. "Mmmm," she savored the sweet taste of caramel, fudge, vanilla and chocolate ice cream.
The sound of her moaning sent a shiver down his spine yet his expression was blank. He read the pint to distract himself, "Karamel Sutra."
A playful smirk touched her lips, "Do you get it?"
"Absolutely," he said letting his eyes pour over her gorgeous body. Using his thumb he wiped a spot of chocolate ice cream from her luscious lips.
"Try some?" she held the spoon to his lips.
"It's late and unhealthy," he scolded her.
"Do it for me?" With hopeful eyes she stared at him and spoke again, "You won't regret it."
It was one of the few times in his routine regimented life that he broke one of his dietary rules and indulged her.
A sweet smile spread across her face when he opened his mouth for her.
The delicious dessert melted on his taste buds.
"So?"
"It's good," he reluctantly admitted.
Her eyes went to the bit of caramel was on his bottom lip, "You've got a little..I'll take care of it."
His eyes rolled back the moment her wet tongue slowly ran against his lips.
A low lustful laugh came from her before she stated, "All gone..Oh wait, I missed a spot," she then flung a spoonful of ice cream at his chest and flirtatiously hummed.
"Nkaaa," he exhaled as she licked his firm pectoral.
"Yes?" she looked up at him with hungry eyes.
"Not here."
"Why not? Everyone is asleep, it's just us, you taste delicious and-" she didn't get to continue.
"You're a screamer," he reminded her.
She scowled, "I can be quiet."
"It's risky."
"It's thrilling," her free hand traveled down his body, "and I feel how much you want it too."
Even though she was right, he pressed on, "I don't want the girls or Robert and Elaine to walk in on us."
"They won't. I promise to be quiet," she took the spoon and let the caramel on it drizzle onto the side of her neck.
As daring as this was, he couldn't help himself. The image of his beloved wearing only his dress shirt as the moon illuminated her perfect face was too enticing for him to pass up.
"You know, ants are going to start crawling up neck unless you-Oooohh," her comment turned into a moan when his tongue lapped up the caramel on her neck.
"Ssshh, you promised," he held up his forefinger to his lips as his other hand ran through her silky chestnut hair.
"I know and I won't break it," she pulled down his navy drawstring pants.
He put her legs around his waist, "If you do, I'll stop."
"I wouldn't want that to happen," she embraced his neck.
He tore open the dress shirt and used the spoon to pour caramel on her breasts.
Her chin lifted in the air and she softly whimpered his name as his warm soft tongue licked the caramel off of her.
His hands took a hold of her waist. Without warning, he pulled her to him and groaned.
To stifle her scream of ecstasy, she buried her face into his chest and tightened her hold on his neck.
"Look at me…" he whispered to her.
Her green eyes met his stare, "Whaaa whaat?" she breathlessly asked him.
When he heard her voice become louder than a whisper, he said, "You promised."
Confused she exhaled, "I-I know…ooh!"
He slowed down his pace, "Try harder or.."
With a mixture of delightful desperation she gazed at him, "I will..please. Mooore."
The power he had over her was exhilarating and consuming. As much as he hated to admit it, she had been right. At any moment they could get caught and that possibility excited him. Both their needs had to be immediately satisfied yet he enjoyed toying with her.
"Please.." she huffed, "I-I need you."
Hearing her beg only heightened his desire. He wasn't going to deny her any longer.
She bit her bottom lip when his rhythm increased causing tremors of pleasure to travel through her. In agonizing yet blissful silence she felt every fiber of her being tingle with satisfaction and watched him join her.
Their glistening bodies held on to one another in the moonlit kitchen as their breathing returned to normal. They tenderly kissed each other.
He picked her up off the island and told her, "Bring the ice cream."
She softly chuckled and picked up the pint, "You nympho."
"You're to blame," he said with a little grin.
"I know isn't it great?" She happily asked him.
They shared a quiet laugh before returning to the bedroom.
A flashing icon on the desktop caught Diana's attention. It was her private line where she and Norman Gateson would have their video conferences but it was far too early in the morning for him to contact her. She clicked on the icon, her mouth dropped open.
"Mrs. Gateson?" Diana asked her boss's wife.
"You're Diana..right?" Patricia asked her.
"I-I shouldn't be speaking with you. This is a private line only to be used by your husband," she began typing attempting to cut off communication.
"Wait! Please don't! I need to speak with you about my husband and his work."
She stopped typing and listened to her, "You already know. We specialize in.."
"Don't lie to me! I've eavesdropped on two of your conversations with him and he spoke of assassins and murdering someone named Agent 47. I'm not stupid, mercenaries are soldiers for hire not contract killers!" she yelled at her.
Patricia's anger scared her, "I..I don't think I.."
She softened her tone, "Just tell me the truth because as much I love my husband…I don't expect to get it from him."
Unsure of what to say or do next, Diana looked at her.
In two days, Agent 47 would be away from her. She took it upon herself to cherish every moment she had with him, no matter what they did together. Presently, it was sitting on the bathroom counter as she shaved his head and face.
"You know," she held the razor under the running faucet; "you're the best lover I have ever had and I'm not bullshitting you when I say that."
Flattered he said, "Thank you, I made sure that I would be."
She smiled sheepishly, "Well..I mean, it's not just what you do to me..it's also how you make me feel."
With a loose fist he grazed his knuckles against her cheek, "Likewise."
Her lips touched his mouth, "So, what do you want to do today?"
"After breakfast, I have to see Karissa."
"Why?"
"She and Jason were at the restaurant last night but they didn't want to interrupt us. She left a message with our waiter. There was a shipping problem with one of the packages she sent for me."
Her perfect eyebrows furrowed, "Really? You should find out what it was."
"After, we can do whatever you want."
She beamed, "Great, I need to think of something we can do. Well, I mean, other than each other."
A carefree chuckled left his lips.
Her smile was wide, "God I love your laugh."
Without saying a word, he held her face then tasted her mouth.
"And you're an excellent kisser," she touched her nose with his and put down the razor.
"I learned from the best," he gazed at her.
Her arms embraced his torso and she rested her chin on his chest, "Maybe I'll think of something to do after I drop Madison and Mai off at school."
He spoke his mind, "You're an incredible mother, Nika."
His unexpected words made her feel proud, "Really?"
"Yes, they adore you. I see it in their eyes," he stared at her with quiet adoration.
From the look in his dark stare she knew that he felt the same way about her. Her forefinger slowly traced the mole underneath his left eye as she said, "They love being with you too.."
"They do?"
"Yes, you're great with them. It's very sweet," she cupped his cheek.
"They're wonderful," his hands held the small of her back.
The vision of Sandra picking up her daughter Stella from school came into her mind. She hadn't told him about how she wanted to have children with him but now she saw an opportunity to discuss the subject. Unfortunately, it would have to wait.
Madison's voice came from the intercom, "Mom, breakfast is ready!"
With obvious hesitation she let go of him and went over to the intercom, "I'll be down in a minute."
"OK Mom."
She returned to him, "We need to get dressed. And don't take too long at Karissa's because I know I'll think of something for us to do."
"I won't," he pecked her mouth.
The sight of Karissa's wine boutique gave him a sense of comfort and familiarity. He had only been inside of it once yet he liked seeing its welcoming entrance. Other than Nika's home, it was the only other place in the world where the owner enjoyed his presence.
Before he could speak one of the employees approached him.
"Frank Holt, right?" A young blond haired man asked him.
"Yes, it's nice to meet you," Agent 47 read his nametag as he offered his hand, "Martin."
"Me too. Karissa's waiting for you on the roof. The stairs are right next to her office," Martin shook his hand.
"Thank you," he walked past him.
"No problem," Martin smiled then returned to the registers.
Once he opened the door, he saw Karissa standing towards the sun with her back to him.
"Close the door Frank," she said without turning around.
He thought it was strange how she hadn't politely greeted him like the other times they had met. His eyes examined her body language, her arms were folded and her shoulders were stiff. Something was wrong but he couldn't figure out what it was. He walked up to her hoping to find out.
She finally turned and felt a cool soft wind against her face, "I lied to the waiter last night. There wasn't a problem with any of the packages I sent."
There was uneasiness in her voice and a hint of distress on her beautiful face that he had never seen before. This change in her usually casual and kind demeanor worried him, he moved closer to her.
"I needed to talk to you alone but your cell phone is out of service. I saw you last night at the restaurant.. so that's what I came up with."
"Why?" He asked his friend.
With a deep sigh she spoke, "The moment you walked into my brother-in-law's store..I knew you were carrying weapons. I was taught to look for people who were armed when I six."
Confused and concerned he replied, "By whom?"
"I'm not finished," she nearly snapped at him.
"Sorry," he blinked not expecting that type of reaction from her.
"The bandage on the back of your head..You had your barcode tattoo removed."
His eyes widen yet he stood speechless.
Nodding her head she then said, "I accidentally read your signature on one of the notes that you sent to Karina. The envelope that you sent it in was ripped so I replaced it. I thought it was odd yet familiar when I saw a number and um..not a name. But I put in the back of my mind not really giving it much thought."
In awe his lips parted as she continued to reveal more details.
His wordless yet stunned reaction confirmed her suspicions but she continued to speak.
"That day you came here..knocking over the glasses actually was an accident but it stuck with me until the night we went to the carnival. I saw that you were a perfect shot. That's when I added the pieces together but one was missing," she held up her right forefinger.
All the times that she spoke of her father ran through Agent 47's head. It was clear to him now yet he didn't understand how he had missed it.
"During Christmas night, I went up to my parents' attic and found their memory chest. It had love notes and presents they gave one another when they were dating. The last time I looked at it was when I was ten. I found a note that he had given her with a present. He didn't use his name, Miguel; instead, it was a number. My older brother and sister..we went to our parents and asked why. My father told us about his past life as a hitman for the International Contract Organization."
"They told you the truth?"
"He could have lied to us but didn't. Lord knows we would have believed him. But he didn't want to shield us," she shook her head and remembered her siblings reactions.
After a moment he asked, "What did you all do?"
"My brother and sister are older..they were disgusted that their beloved father used to be a killer. They were mad at him for some time but grew to accept it," she nodded.
"And you?" He stepped closer to her.
In disbelief yet with sincerity she told him, "I was ten and..all I asked him was 'Were they bad people daddy?' And without hesitation he said, 'Yes baby, they were.' Back then and even now..that was enough for me. It sounds so screwed up, a kid who could immediately accept her father as a killer and not love him any differently but that's how it was and is."
Her admission floored him; he tried to choose his words but couldn't speak. Karissa had been his only friend not linked to his work but now she was and he didn't know whether to be relieved or saddened. Up until she revealed the truth to him, she had been the one person in his life untouched by the blood that he had shed.
With obvious anger in her voice she said, "And now fifteen years later, my friend turns out to be exactly like my father. A hitman for the same organization. But what pisses me off is that you lied to me and I get it but it doesn't make me less furious!" She pointed at him.
"This isn't something you just tell someone Karissa." He almost shouted but didn't.
"I know that. But..I trust you and I thought it was mutual! We could have talked about this. God, my father retired and I assume you just did because you removed your tattoo.."
"Retired?" He asked.
"Yes since 1973."
His heart stopped and he hoped she would incorrectly answer his next question, "What was his number?"
"Eighteen, why?"
Aghast at what she said, he felt a part of him shatter to pieces. The first true friend that he had made was the daughter of the man he was assigned to kill. He closed his eyes feeling the gravity of the moment and wished that he would awake to discover it had all been an awful dream. Karissa's voice made him face the reality of their situation.
"Frank," she looked at him with worried eyes, "what's wrong?"
Seconds passed before he answered her, "He's not retired."
"What?" Her voice quivered.
"There-There are only two ways an agent leaves the Organization. The first is death by disease and the second is.." he pushed the last word of his mouth, "murder."
Her brown eyes grew large as her mouth fell open, "He wouldn't lie to me!" she cried out.
"He didn't want you to worry." his voice was soft; he understood why Agent 18 had deceived his daughter. He would have done the same.
"So there's still a hit out on him?"
"Yes.."
She glared at him, "Tell me Agent 47."
The sound of his true name him coming out of her mouth caused him to flinch.
"Were you setting me up from the start? Or was this some sick twist of fate that brought you into the store that day?"
He was offended, "I had no idea who you were!"
Once he spoke she closed her eyes and shook her head. She realized what her father had done, "That's why my father told me to tell you about him. He knew they were after him…"
Her mobile phone sounded from her jean pocket and from the ringtone she knew it was her father.
"Karissa, your phone."
"It's my father," she slowly answered the phone, "Dad. I did and how the hell could you lie to me? I don't care! This isn't same as you dying on some hospital bed! You want me to just hand you over to him and let him take you," she began to sob, "and let him take you from all of us! Ok..fine. I promise….I love you too."
He looked at her pained expression and tear filled eyes, "What did he say?"
"He wants to spend one last full day and night with us. Go to his house tomorrow morning. His address is 1628 Devette Road. He wanted me to assure you that he won't put up a fight," she wiped her tears.
"He won't?" He was confused.
"He's willing to give in but this is still up to you, Frank," she pleaded with him, "don't do this."
The sorrow and desperation in her eyes stung his heart and soul. Two things he never realized he had until Nika. He had opened himself to her partly because of the begging woman who stood before him. All he could give to Karissa was betrayal and not the gratitude and mercy she deserved, he hated it.
"My father is a good man and so are you..don't take him from us."
"I have to.." he sadly told her.
His answer broke her, "You're going to kill my father. The man who helped make who I am today. Loved me even when I messed up. And for what? Your career?"
"I'm taking," his voice caught in his throat. He regained his composure, "I'm taking his life so I can have one with Karina."
"Then just do what he did, leave ICO!"
"They'll find me, Karissa."
"How? They haven't found my father in over thirty years!" she hollered at him.
"That was different, the technology they have now… I can't put Karina and everyone she loves in danger. I'm-I'm sorry," he slowly reached out to embrace her.
"No! Just don't," she immediately backed away from him not wanting to be comforted by her father's killer. "If this were any other time I would. But I know what you're gonna do with those hands tomorrow. I can't let you touch me with them."
The look of repulsion and lament in her eyes hurt him but he understood why she withdrew from him and stepped back.
"You're going to kill a piece of my soul and heart…Other than the obvious, there's nothing you can do to make me feel fine about that," she wept and hugged herself.
Despite being a killer, he never felt like a monster until that very moment.
"How are you gonna do it?"
All he could offer her was a crumb of compassion, "I'll make it look like natural causes. A heart attack."
"How fucking compassionate of you!" she sniped at him.
Seeing her rage wounded him, "I don't want to do this..You have to know that, Karissa."
"But you're still gonna do it. And after, never talk to me again," she glowered at him as she walked away.
Alone, he walked across the roof and rested his palms on the ledge. Allowing the guilt to overcome him, he hung his head. He stood there trying to justify murdering a man whose only true crime was living the life that he wanted for himself and the woman he loved.