Of That Light Banter Just Before Mission
"…Approaching target, everything's clear so far. Out," Ward says as he rolls onto the long driveway leading to the location of tonight's mission. Turning his comms off, he glances at the rearview mirror with a hint of a smile on his lips as he takes in what's on the back seat. "Is everything okay back there?"
"Why wouldn't be?" Skye's smile is flirty, challenging. She is all dressed up for the mission – perfect make-up, hair up in an elaborate do, sparkling jewels, and a red dress that hugs her curves in all the right places. The heavens help the poor souls she might target tonight – not that they stand a chance.
"Just don't get too cocky, Rookie," he reminds her, trying to act stern, but he can't keep the smile out of his voice. Because damn, she is a vision; but it's not just the elegant, but provocative style of her cover – it's her confidence. That does it for him.
"I'm not. And don't worry – it'll be an easy one. I'll handle it just fine."
He knows she will; he taught her, he has seen her in mission, countless times. But it doesn't mean that his heartrate doesn't pick up a little with worry – although it always happens when they get separated on missions.
"What is your objective?" he asks, unable to fully veil his anxiety. He knows she picks it up, but she doesn't remark on it.
"Get in. Get into the offices – seduce my way in, if needed. Find a computer connected to the house's system. Plant my little worm," she touched the big stone of her necklace, where he knows her pendrive is hidden," and get out," she finishes, which he regards with a nod.
"Good. You have three hours," he tells her.
"Half of that will be enough," she remarks, but he acts like he hasn't even heard her.
"Don't rush it. And don't engage, only if you really need to. And if anything goes south…"
"I know, oh, my knight in shining Kevlar," she cuts in with a note of annoyance in her voice. "You'll be there nearby, ready to jump into action. But really, Grant, I can handle it," she tells him earnestly, trying to calm him, as she places her hand on his shoulder, squeezing it gently.
A little flash of light catches his eye.
"Your ring," he says suddenly. "You left it on. Give it to me!"
This time she actually pouts, pulling her left hand back and cradling it against her chest.
"Do I really need to?"
"Your cover is not married," he reminds her gently, understanding her dilemma. He hates it too. "But hey," he tells her, even turning back a little so he can actually look her in the eye. "I'll put it back on you tonight, I promise."
She gives him a little smile, and reluctantly pulls the ring from her finger, placing it on his open palm.
"You'd better."
"I've done it before – why wouldn't I do it again?" he asks teasingly as he pockets the ring, making her grin widen.
They fall silent after that, not saying anything until the car makes the last turn, and the mansion finally comes into view.
"And really, Skye," he tells her one last time, searching for her gaze in the rearview mirror. "Don't be reckless. Don't do stupid things."
"You tell me this like you didn't know me."
"I know you a little too well."
She smirks at hearing that.
"Okay, I give you this," she agrees, checking her appearance one last time. "But I promise, I'll be careful. And quick," she adds just as the car stops in front of the entrance. He kills the engine, then jumps out of the vehicle to open the door for her. "After all," she continues in a low voice as he helps her out of the car, "Bobbi and Lance have Haylie until tomorrow afternoon, and I'd like to make the most of time we have… just the two of us," she breathes the last part in a way that makes a shiver run through him.
"Nothing would make me happier, Ms. Carmichael," he replies in his best chauffer voice, loud enough so the people around them can hear, then watches her walk up the steps, putting an extra sway into her hips just for his benefit. He doesn't get back into the car until she disappears into the building. And he doesn't turn his comms back on until he parks the car amongst the others, waiting patiently for her return.
"Oh, and Skye," he says then, hearing the distant noise of the party in the background on her end, "please, don't end up in the pool this time."