Frost Bite

Tell me....

He didn't kiss her, he didn't even touch her, other than to shake her hand, but he did look at her. A lot.

Amy sat in Mr Laufeyson's office, not the luxurious bordello of her dreams but a glass and steel homage to modern architecture. She was almost disappointed. Almost. Mr Laufeyson, however, had more than lived up to her expectations.

She had walked in to find him standing at the window, looking out across the city towards the river. On hearing her enter, he turned and she had almost gasped out loud. The room may have been different but he was exactly the same, down to the pinstripe suit and the white shirt. Tall, lithe, long raven black hair and good Lord those eyes, they should have a government health warning. Emerald fire was still the only description her swirling mind could conjure but even that was poor. She attempted to look away, only to have her eyes dragged back to his as he stared into her soul. Well, that's what it felt like. He smiled, his perfect white teeth exactly as she had envisioned sinking into her neck. Somewhere deep down, a moan began to form. One she desperately wanted to keep silent.

Loki turned as he heard the soft knock and the handle turn. He had known she was in the building as soon as she arrived. He could feel it, taste it, smell it. Every sense had announced the presence of this beautiful creature. He had to remember to thank his brother for this. They didn't often have much to say to each other these days on a day to day level, but this? This was worth breaking the silence for.

He smiled as she came in, he could see it written all over her face. The turmoil, the panic, the desire. The dream? Had he lived up to the dream he wondered? If only she knew he had been responsible, if only she knew he had wanted to see how she would respond. Now he did, things would be so much easier. For both of them. Thor had said she was beautiful as well as capable, an electric combination and he had doubted. Not now though, oh no. With her petite stature, her green-blue eyes and her exceptionally sharp intellect she was irresistible to him. He had only hoped she would find him the same. The dream had told him she did. Making the dream a reality would be the reward for the pain about to come to them both.

"Good Morning Miss Grey" he said, crossing the room and extending his hand. "Please, take a seat and let's begin. We are both busy people and I know you must be anxious to begin." he indicated a chair in front of his desk.

Amy nodded mutely, unable to trust her voice quite yet. She sat down, demurely folding her hands in her lap, legs crossed at the ankle. He perched on the desk in front of her and her eyes came to rest on his chest he was so tall compared to her.

She looked further up and smiled, finally finding her voice.

"Thank you Mr Laufeyson, please call me Amy if you would like. If, as I hope, I am to end up working for you, I would prefer you call me Amy."

Loki nodded "As you wish - Amy - I too prefer things a little less formal so you may call me 'My Prince'." For a second she stared at him, confused and not a little scared, what the hell? Then he burst out laughing. "I'm sorry, I have a wicked sense of humour, I do hope you forgive me? Please, call me Loki" he stood and came to sit in the chair next to her. "It's a long story which no doubt we will be able to cover over dinner this evening." he rested his chin on his hands where they were clasped together in front of his chest. His eyes twinkled and she got the feeling this was indeed more than just an interview for a PA position. How much more though, she genuinely couldn't tell.

"D-dinner?" she stammered slightly, was this a test? Was he seeing her professional standards? She was unsure how to respond. Accept and he might think she was too keen to mix business with pleasure, decline and offend him? Her mind raced and her heart pounded. Before she had a chance to answer, he spoke again.

"I can see you're a bit perplexed Amy, I assure you this is no trick question. I merely wish to get to know my new PA in a more relaxed setting, away from the formality of the office. There are things I wish to discuss that are better suited to a more intimate atmosphere. Walls - even here - have ears." he smiled and winked at her "and I just like to dine with beautiful women" he added.

His candour was disarming.

"Your new PA? I mean, we haven't discussed my skills, my experience, my..." she broke off as he raised his hand.

"My dear Amy, your skills are without question excellent. Your experience comprehensive and your desire... to do a good job" he paused just a little too long and she had almost gasped again "is unmatched. I have heard all that from Mr Odinson and if he is willing to stake his reputation on you, who am I to question it?" he stood and extended his hand to her. "Please, let me send a car for you - 7.30 sound ok? We can dine at one of my restaurants. It will be my pleasure, honestly." he smiled and she nodded.

"That sounds perfect Mr L.. Loki" she blushed and looked away, it all seemed too good to be true. "Till this evening then." she turned away and crossed the room, pausing at the door to look back as he spoke again.

"Amy?" his voice was low, the one from her dream,

"Yes Loki?" she answered quietly

"I really do like green" he said simply and looked at her, one eyebrow raised. She couldn't respond at first, her face a mask of concentration as she tried not to react. What the hell? How could he....?

"I'll bear that in mind " she finally whispered as she left the room, her mind once again in freefall.

As the door closed behind her, Loki let out a breath he'd been holding for far too long. He'd had a Hel of a job keeping his emotions in check. This was the office. This was business. Tonight? That would be a whole different story. Tonight he would get to know her, find out if she was everything they'd - yes they'd - hoped. It wasn't just his opinion that mattered. He would find out soon enough. He turned to his desk and pressed the intercom.

"Veronica? Please cancel all my meetings for this week. I'm leaving the office for a couple of days. I will let you know when I intend to return. I have... business to attend to."

"Very good Mr Laufeyson" came the disembodied voice.

"If Mr Odinson calls though, tell him I will see him at 8.00 tonight. The usual venue."

"Very good Mr Laufeyson" she acknowledged.

"And Veronica?"

"Yes"

"Thank you. Please, take tomorrow off in compensation for the short notice today. I know it's a pain for you."

"thank you Mr Laufeyson, it's always a pleasure to help." he could hear the smile in her voice, feel the unwavering loyalty.

He smiled to himself and crossed to the private elevator in the corner of his office. Pressing the button, the concealed panel slide open and he entered the capsule. Down to the garage and his car. A black F-type Jag which roared into life as he pressed the start button. It growled and so did he. What he wouldn't give to have her in the seat next to him right now. Give it time, he thought, give it time.

As Amy left the office building a black Jaguar roared away down the street and she could have sworn it was him at the wheel. Shaking her head, she had the distinct feeling that there was far more to Loki Laufeyson than anyone knew. She had no idea where all this was going, but she was aching to find out.