Chapter Two - O Fortuna.

The ball was supposedly a charity event, yet had half of London's criminals invited- all the prestige ones, anyway. It was perfect for a first introduction to Moriarty, anyway. Sienna got ready in her apartment, and couldn't be more pleased with the result. Tom always told her to go daring, so she did.

She wore a floor length red gown, with a slit up one of the thighs and the bodice sparkling, dropping down in a sharp V shape. She wore long, black gloves and curled her hair. Then, as a final, dramatic flair, she added a small tiara to her head. Thomas's balls were always extravagant events, and there was no better way to welcome her back to London. She planned to be classically late, as always. Then she could count on everybody's eyes on her.

She got a cab to the venue, an extravagant hall that had recently been renovated. She entered, seeing huge, dazzling chandeliers and giant, marble steps leading to the ballroom. A string quartet were playing merrily at the staircase, and she bent down, whispering in the violinists ear. She slipped him a wad of cash. He winked at her, nodding at his colleagues, and then began to play. Sienna stood for a couple of seconds, surveying everybody at the bottom of the staircases. The silence seemed to startle the guests, and the sounding booming of music made them all turn to the stairs.

"O Fortuna, (O Fortune)

velut luna (like the moon)

statu variabilis (you are changeable)

Semper crescis (always waxing)

aut decrescis; (and waning;)

vita detestabilis (hateful life)

nunc obdurat (first oppresses)

et tunc curat (and then soothes)

ludo mentis aciem, (as fancy takes it)

egestatem, (poverty)

potestatem (and power)

dissolvit ut glaciem. (it melts them like ice.)"

Sienna could not have wished for a more dramatic arrival. It was, of course, exactly what she wanted. To let everyone know she was here, back to play the game. To intrigue Moriarty out of his spiders web and into her lions den.

All eyes were on her as she began to elegantly descended the staircase, the music crescendo climbing to a climax as she reached the bottom, and fading out slowly. It had the desired effect, of course. There was not a single person in the room that was not staring at her. Sienna glanced over at Moriarty, who, unlike the rest, was not open mouthed, but grinning like the Cheshire chat. His handsome companion whispered in his ear, also staring at her, and through the silence, Moriarty clapped three times. The sound echoed in the hall as he began to walk towards her. Everyone watched, on tenterhooks. The first encounter.

"You must be the enigmatic Sienna Wolfe" he said, in his Irish lilt. Sienna offered him a polite smile and glanced at the crowds. Reluctantly, they returned to their previous conversations.

"I see my reputation precedes me" she said, then shrugged "Sorry, I can't help but make an entrance"

"Oh- don't apologise, my darling- that was the most fantastic thing that's happened all night" he smiled, his eyes dark. He was handsome, especially in his Westwood suit. He offered his arm and she took it, and they walked to the bar. They were, no doubt, the most powerful and dangerous couple in the room. And they both loved it.

"I'll have a slow gin with a twist of lemon" she ordered the bartender. Jim got it, of course, and they both leaned against the bar, surveying the guests.

"Tell me, Miss Wolfe, do you like classical music, or only when you have an agenda?" he asked.

"Well, Mr Moriarty, I'd tell you, but half the fun is finding out" she whispered lowly. By both addressing by their names despite the lack of introduction, they had established in their language a simple message- we've done our research. We know you.

"What brings you to London, Miss Wolfe?" He asked, as she sipped at her drink. She looked at him, feeling a thrill run through her veins as she saw how intense his dark eyes were on her. She lent in, her lips inches from his. She saw the spark in his eye, pleased to elicit a reaction from him just by using proximity.

"Home is where the heart is, my dear" she said. Then, leaning back. "Now, let's stop this small talk, shall we. I want to dance"

"Nobody's dancing yet" he said, his face amused as his eyes twinkled. She shot him a look and he laughed, crossing the room back to the musicians. Sienna walked to the room, casually greeting Tom.

"That was everything I dreamed and more" he said "Your parents would be proud, Sen. I'm proud. You're a fine young woman"

"Thanks, Thomas" she said, smiling. "I've decided something, though"

"Yes?"

"After I destroy him, I take over everything. We merge companies. Then, that's it. We control England. We control the world"

"Small steps at a time, Sienna" Tom winked.

"Small steps are boring" she called, as she took Moriarty's arm as he joined her. "You know I'd much rather to leap in!"

They entered the centre of the room, all eyes on them yet again.

"You haven't told me what we're dancing to" Sienna said, looking at him. He smiled back down at her, grabbing his close.

"I'm an impatient man. I couldn't wait ten minutes until finding out if you like classical" he said, as the song began to start. It was an odd choice.

"Duo Des Fleurs, otherwise known as the 'Flower Duet" Sienna breathed, as they began to sway and perform the dance moves- twirls and spins included. The angelic notes were perfection, and the couple gracefully danced to it. Eyes were still on them, as Sienna realised how smoothly things were going. It soothed her, knowing how perfectly her plan was being executed. But still, she expected Moriarty would have a few surprises in store before this was over.

"So, Mr Moriarty, shall we cut the crap?" she asked, as he dipped her, eyes boring into hers before pulling her up and close.

"Most definitely" he breathed, smelling of mint. His grip on her was possessive, strong. She could see the cogs ticking in his head, hear his laughter in his mind.

"Well? Is this town big enough for the both of us?" She asked, turning and drawing close to him again.

"I'm not planning on leaving anytime soon, Miss Wolfe, and I hope you're not either" he smiled at her. "But, cutting the crap- I suggest we meet up- a purely business transaction, of course, to discuss our, ah… business lives" he said.

"I agree. Territories, clientele, that sort of thing" Sienna mused, spinning away and then back to him. "I hope you don't think I'm stepping on your toes, Jim. But after all, I was here first" with that, she broke away, striding to the bar again. Thomas joined her.

"I think this is going to be harder than I thought" Sienna said to him.

"What's the plan of action?" Thomas asked. Sienna glanced around.

"First, I need to gain his trust. Maybe some sort of partnership. Then, find out who he's working with- his enemies, his allies, people that owe him etcetera. Then slowly, I infiltrate. Buy them off, turn them to my side. They won't run to me after he's dead if they don't trust me, don't think I'm a good leader"

"What makes you think they won't talk to him? You could be caught very easily, Sienna. Perhaps you haven't thought this through" Thomas said, then after Sienna shot him a look, he sighed.

"How long have you known me, Thomas? And when have I failed? This will take time, but it will work. Everyone can be bought. Not to mention I'm very… persuasive"

They turned as a photographer snapped a photo of them, and Sienna saw him.

Sebastian Moran. Moriarty's right hand man. And what a fine young man. She saw him slip out on the balcony.

"Tom, keep Moriarty busy" she murmured, walking off as he was mid sentence. The silver fox rolled his eyes, before keeping his eye on Moriarty who at the moment, was currently oblivious to Sienna's movements.

Meanwhile, Sienna followed Sebastian to the balcony. She closed the glass doors behind them, and he turned, a cigarette in his lip.

"Can I bum a smoke?" she asked, and he offered her one. She leaned in, maintaining eye contact as he raised his lighter to her cigarette. It was so quiet you could hear the hissing of the tobacco catching on fire as Sienna took the smoke into her lungs, breathing out into the night sky, watching the smoke mingle into the inky black night. She was aware of him, quietly looking at her face, and turned to meet him. Surprising, he didn't look away. A sharp, chiselled face and dirty blonde hair that he pushed back with his hand, taking another drag. They stood, side by side in silence, strangely comfortable.

"Seb" he offered his hand, and she shook it, offering her name in exchange. "Powerful grip" he commented, glancing at her slender hand.

"Boxing" she shrugged, and he grinned.

"I've heard a lot about you" he said "You're quite a woman"

She grinned. "Well, I'm at a disadvantage, it seems. Tell me, Sebastian, what have you heard about me?"

"You're the Queen of crime. That your parents" he looked down, hesitant, but she offered a nod of encouragement as he continued, stealing glances at her "were murdered, and Thomas Mulligan took you in like his own. You grew up with assassins and gangsters, were trained. You were the best in the business, created the Consultorium, then suddenly left. And nobody knows why"

"When you put it like that, it sounds so… simple" she said. "It wasn't. I have doubts about what I do, what I've done. But this is the life I was given, the life I have, so I'm going to make sure I'm damn good at it"

"I understand. It sounds stupid" his deep voice rumbled, as he looked at her "But I try to be honourable. But there's no honour in crime"

"There's honour in almost everything" Sienna said. "If you could go back, live a normal life- would you do it differently?"

"Would you?" He shot back, then they laughed. "I guess… I don't know. I'd like to think so, it's not like I enjoy being… Jim enjoys it. The chaos"

"but you don't" Sienna said.

"It's not that I don't" Sebastian struggled with his words, unable to explain. "It's just…"

"A little bit of chaos is good. Too much is… wrong. Unbalanced" Sienna said. Sebastian nodded.

"Exactly. If I could go back, who knows. But God, I'd miss the excitement" He grinned, and Sienna stubbed out her cigarette. They stood, in silence, a strange feeling between them. A connection, of sorts. Two sides of the same coin, perhaps. They walked inside, and Sienna was happy to see Jim's back was facing them. Everybody was either dancing, drinking or deep in conversation.

"To danger" Sienna said, holding up her glass.

"To danger" Sebastian followed, and they clinked glasses. It was then, that all hell broke loose. Shots were fired, and half of the guests fell to the floor, while half dived for tables, chairs, grabbing their guns. Sebastian took Sienna's shoulder, pulling her behind a piano. Sienna reached for her side, but her gun was not there. Damn it. Damn nice dresses and their inability to conceal guns. Instead, she reached to her thigh, bringing out a long blade. Sebastian's raised his eyebrows.

"A girls gotta be prepared" she breathed, her eyes peeking over the top of the piano. Five men stood, with big guns pointing at people, wearing bulletproof vests.

"Good evening, friends" A Scottish voice boomed. Sienna groaned, Sebastian gancing at her. The scot continued "I apologise for the wee interruption, but I'm looking for someone. Give tha lassie to me, and no one will get hurt"

"Leave here, you brutes" an elderly gentleman wobbled, one hand grasping a long cane. He fell down at the bullet shot through his chest, screams running out. The cane clattered to the floor, and Sienna felt a pang.

"Sienna, get out here, you little bitch" The scot called. Sebastian put a hand on her shoulders, keeping her down, but she hopped up, sitting on the piano casually.

"Evening, Phillip. Fancy seeing you here. Get tired of Scotland, did ya?" She asked.

"Come with me now, whore, and your fancy friends here don't get hurt" he said, standing there, tall and broad and wide and proud. Sienna almost admired him. Almost.

"Now, now. No need to be rude, Philip. We're friends, after all"

"Friends? You killed James!"

"In my defence, he attacked me first" Sienna shrugged. "But fine, let's continue this talk where everyone else would feel more comfortable" she offered, sliding of the piano. Sebastian stood up next to her, grabbing her hip.

"Not your battle" she murmured.

"Nope" he agreed.

"Stay out of this, boy" Philip said. Jim strolled over, gun in hand.

"Ah, a scot" Jim said happily. "now this'll get interesting"

"Irish? Aye, lad- now get out of the way before I shoot you in your fancy Armani suit"

"It's Westwood" Jim frowned. "Say what you want about the Scots, but they have no style"

Philip raised his gun.

"ENOUGH" Sienna called. "Philip, I'm terribly sorry about James. But he's dead, and you will be too if you don't leave. Stand down, now"

"You can't order me around, queenie" Philip said "They might be frightened of you, but I'm not"

"You should be" Sienna warned. Philip laughed loudly, and it echoed off the walls.

"I am afraid of no woman. You have no power h-" he was cut off mid sentence. Sienna had thrown her knife, and it hit him square in the forehead. She saw surprise on his face, before he fell flat down. Silence echoed throughout the room.

"I would argue otherwise" she shrugged, turning to Jima and Sebastian. "I do so get aggravated when topics turn to gender stereotypes"

Bullets shot out, a sharp pain blazing through Sienna's arm as she was pushed down. Shots fired, and she grabbed a gun from Jim's side, aiming at another mans forehead, making him fall down. Sebastian and Jim both shot, and a few others in the hall that had guns on them. A few more Scottish men had run in, two of them managing to escape. Sienna crossed over, checking they were all dead. Silence filled the giant room, only interrupted by the sound of her heels. All eyes were on her.

"Sorry about the party" she addressed to the remaining audience, mostly the criminals. "But I have one thing to say. If my return to London has caused any offence, I would suggest to drop prejudices and befriend me. You've witnessed what happens to those who turn against me" she pulled her knife out of Philips head, the blood dripping off it. "Goodnight, everyone"

Everyone left, and Tom stood by her side.

"I thought the Scottish weren't a problem" he commented. Sienna shrugged.

"They're not, anymore" she said. "Perhaps more will come. But I will be ready. It seems I have allies, now"

Tom grinned. "He's completely taken with you. I'm not surprised, but I'm relieved. His love- no, obsession, will make them blind- but again I caution you, Sen- don't get attached"

"Do I ever?" she asked wryly, with a grin, as he kissed her on the cheek and left. Sienna stood there, looking at the beautiful hall now deserted, except for two lone men finishing drinks at the bar. Sienna smiled. It was going perfectly. But she needed to kick it up a notch. She needed to arrange to see Moriarty again, to keep him on a hook, until she got more information. If that meant seduce him, then she'd have to.

"Mr Moriarty, Mr Moran" she greeted, crossing over to them. "I must say, it was a pleasure meeting you tonight, despite the unfortunate ending"

"Oh, my dear, that was the most fun I've had in months" Jim grinned. She wondered, how a shortish man held so much authority. He was certainly an eccentric character, she enjoyed that. But subconsciously, she was wondering if he was going to end up killing her.

"Well, still, not very civilised. Apparently us criminals can't manage one night without bloodshed. I thank you for your assistance, you are my knights in shining armour" she grinned. "Mr Moriarty, I hope that you'll be in touch to confirm our meeting"

"of course" he bowed. "I need to make a call. Seb, take Miss Wolfe home, will you?"

Sienna leant in and kissed him on the cheek. As she pulled away she hesitated so their faces were inches apart. "See ya, Jim" she whispered, and he laughed, strolling off. Finally, there were just two people left in the hall. She watched Sebastian drain his drink, placing it on the table and siding his jacket back on.

"You're quiet" she commented, suddenly unable to look Sebastian in the eye.

"You're bleeding" he commented. She glanced at her arm. She hadn't really noticed it with all the chaos, but it seemed to be quite deep. But then again, she'd definitely had worse injuries.

"it's just a graze" she said, her eyes flicking up to him. For some unknown reason she felt almost awkward to look at him, focusing on the tiled floor instead, and they walked off. He seemed to be angry, and she couldn't possible fathom why. They'd been toasting to danger, for goodness sake, he couldn't possibly be upset at the Scottish shooting at them, could he? Still, she couldn't shake the feeling something was suddenly off with him. They got outside, the cool breeze making Sienna wrap her arms around her waist. Sebastian offered her his jacket, but she shook her head, then shivered. She felt his warm arms on her, and for a split second thought he was going to hug her. Whatever it was, he suddenly moved away from her, opening the car door. It was a beautiful black Ferrari, and Sienna whistled in appreciation. Sebastian gave her a small smile.

"You like cars?" he asked, and she nodded.

"I actually still have mine, in a garage somewhere" Sienna said "I should've driven it tonight, but I was drinking"

"You're a criminal that doesn't drink and drive?" Sebastian asked.

"Not a chance of ruining my car" Sienna said firmly, her face serious. "It's too beautiful"

"What is it?" Sebastian asked. Sienna gave a smile. This was her favourite moment. She'd worked hard and spent a lot of money on her car. After she passed on the business to Tom, she'd got it straight away.

"Just a small one. Heard of a Bugatti Veyron?" Sienna asked, seeing his face open.

"No" he said "No way"

"Yep" she grinned. "It's a beauty"

They chattered for a while about it, bt then suddenly the tension between them returned, and they both sat in the car, silently. Sienna couldn't help but wish their journey wasn't wasted in silence. When they pulled up to her flat, she turned to him.

"Thank you- for the lift" She commented. "Ah, shit, I got blood on your seat"

Sebastian's eyebrows raised at her swearing. She bit her lip, noticing his eyes, intense on her face. She could feel her cheeks growing red, feel the blood rushing to the plump cheeks.

"Sorry" she sighed "I try not to, can't help it. I'm tired, not so in control of what I say"

"it's fine" he said, the first words he'd said in ages. "But you need a couple of stitches. C'mon, I'll do it" and he got out of the car. His firm tone of voice was not to be argued with, so she got out, following him. They entered the flat, Sienna clattering about for a needle and thread.

"Nice place" Sebastian called out.

"Drink?" she asked.

"No, thanks" he replied, as Sienna poured herself a large glass of red. She bloody needed it.

"It's nice, but…" Sebastian hesitated.

"Empty" she finished, and he nodded. "I only moved in a week ago really, but after I left London years ago, I left my stuff behind. God knows what happened to it"

"Probably sold on eBay" Sebastian chuckled. Sienna sat on the side, as he took her arm, studying it. "You might want to look away" he offered.

"I've had worse" she replied quietly. She saw him frown slightly at her comment, and she shrugged. There was another silence between them, as he carefully stitched her up. Her other hand moved restlessly, the finger tapping on her revealed creamy thigh.

"So, what's the story with the Scottish fellows?" Sebastian asked, his blue eyes glancing up at her. He was so handsome. Sienna took another large gulp of wine.

"I went over there to help them with some gun business. They needed a reliable in-between person with the Irish, and I was that person. It went perfectly, but the night after the deal, the leader got drunk and decided to try his luck. Wouldn't take no for an answer. Got violent, tried to rape me then pulled his gun on me. I got him first" Sienna replied, seeing anger on Sebastian's face. "It was self defence" she added.

"I know. I'm… angry, at what he tried to do. Some men… they're disgusting. No honour, no morale's. Worse than animals" he commented in a quiet, dangerous voice. He finished her stitching and started packing away the set.

"He's dead now, and his brother too" Sienna commented. "I suppose their father'll be coming after me. Maybe he'll think better of it, but I doubt it"

"They were brothers? Jesus. I must say though, you're a good aim" Sebastian said, standing in front of her. Sienna's legs dangled from the side. She raised her hand, putting one slender finger on Sebastian's forehead. His eyes connected to hers. So blue, so intense. She was aware of how close he was, his hands on the counter either sides of her thighs. Her breath hitched, and she could have sworn his eyes darkened. His jawline gutted out, and she almost moaned. He was like a piece of art. She was getting lost in his hand, drawing closer to him, the wine helping her, making everything warm and fuzzy. Her finger connected with his head, and it was like an electric spark. Their eyes flitted to each others. She tore her eyes away to where her finger was poking him, slightly off centre, to emphasise what she was saying.

Sienna tried to speak, but it came out as a faint murmur. "Actually, it was a little off. It should've been in the centre, but it was an inch or two off to the right…" she trailed off as Sebastians hand wrapped around her wrist, her finger on his face. They sort of… fell together, really. Like magnets. There was a slight moment, just before, where they looked at each other. That make or break moment where everything changes, where the tension finally builds to a crescendo, and they both seemed to understand the other. Their lips met, crushing down upon another. He grabbed the back of her head, winding her hair round his fingers as her hands clutched at his neck and the shirt on his back. He wedged in between her legs and Sienna wrapped hers around his waist, pulling him in closer. She moaned and he took advantage of her mouth to slip his tongue in softly. His warm, strong hands trailed to her hips, forcefully pulling her closer as she bit his lip, making him growl- a sound that drove her fucking crazy. Then, his mobile rang, and they broke apart.

"Fuck" he said, looking at her in horror. They both just stared at each other in shock. The ringing stopped.

"That wasn't supposed to happen" she said, sliding off the counter. Her whole body was filled with trembling shock.

"Fuck no" Sebastian said, and then he took another step back. Sienna just froze, and he went to move closer but she put a hand up between them. His eyes looked at it, an unrecognisable emotion quickly crossing his face before he left without saying a word. A couple of minutes later, Sienna finally began to move. She drained the rest of her wine, her back sliding against the cupboards and drawers as she slumped on the floor, reaching up and grabbing the bottle.

"Well fuck" she said, before going to pour another glass. Then, thinking better of it, she drank from the bottle instead.

Finally, dragging her tired body to bed, Sienna found her mind frantically awake. Scottish men, she could take. Guns, she could take. Death, drugs, crime, yes. Kissing… like that. She'd never experienced anything like it. But that wasn't in the plan! She wanted to laugh and cry and punch things all at once.

Finally, her brain stopped whirring and ticking, and she slipped into oblivion.