After lunch had finished, Steve and Ava made the rounds, saying hello and greeting the other people attending the lunch. Steve shook each person's hand as he introduced himself, giving Ava the opportunity to do the same.
The prince and future princess moved about the room talking. Ava watched them and marveled at their ability to communicate and interact with whomever they met. She was beginning to realize they were so much more than just cultural/traditional icons. Prince Philip and Sarah represented a new age of royalty. One with social media interaction, and the ability to reach out to a new generation, to make a difference.
"Rose?" Steve's lightly calloused fingers intertwined with hers.
"Want to go for a walk?" "Pardon?" She blinked, trying to focus on his words instead of the tingling warmth his fingers created against her skin.
He smiled at her. "You're helping Sarah this afternoon and the prince has asked me to join him. I just thought a walk would give us a moment alone." Her heart sped. "S-Sure." "I'll just let Philip know."
Steve squeezed her hand before letting go and walking over to the prince. He returned. "Ready?" "Sure. Where are we going?"
He shrugged. "Just around the block." He held the door open for her as they stepped outside the antique building. He waved at the chauffeur to let him know they were walking. His fingers pressed against the inside of Ava's elbow as he steered her to the right and onto the sidewalk.
Where are you going? Connors' voice interrupted Ava's thoughts. She stumbled, not expecting to hear Connors after the continuous radio silence through her comms.
Steve's hand curled gently around her upper arm to help her. "You okay?" "Yeah." Ava rolled her eyes and tapped her ear. "Connor's just spoke"
"What does he want?" "He asked where we were going."
"Tell him that we're going over some details." Ava felt her cheeks grow warm. She had misunderstood his suggestion for a walk completely. She straightened and cleared her throat. She needed to wake up and focus on her job. She spoke discreetly in her comm while pulling Steve into a hug. They talked a little with comms off.
They walked, side by side, back to the hall. As they neared the building, Ava asked, "You and me... We okay?" Steve ruffled the top of Ava's head and then wrapped his arm across her shoulders pulling her against him. He hugged her tight and after a few moments kissed her forehead before slowly letting her go. "We are."
They headed back inside the hall.
"No admittance, kids." A front guard doorman would not let them re-enter. "The hall is closed."
"We were just here with the luncheon."
"Place is closed now."
"Prince Philip and Sarah are waiting for us."
The large man let out a barking laugh. "And I'm Father Christmas's Uncle." Steve gave the plain gray-suited man the once-over. "Where's Alfie?"
The man barely glanced at Steve before turning his attention back to the view outside the front door. Steve grabbed the man by the collar, getting his full attention. Three men appeared suddenly behind Steve and Ava; guns pointed.
Steve didn't even bat an eye. "Now that I have your full attention, where is Alfie?"
Ava's chest heaved. Alfie came around the corner, his face tight with anger. Ava swore she saw him fight back a grin when he saw Steve holding one of his guys against the wall. "What's going on here?" Steve let go of the man and smiled. "Alfie! I was just asking for you."
