Agent 003

No going back from here

"Here's your coffee, baby," Anastasia says, handing me a cup while I'm working in my office.

I smile up at her, taking the coffee. "Thank you, baby." I set it down and pull her onto my lap. She wraps her arms around my neck, gives me a quick kiss, and then rests her head on my shoulder, peeking at the laptop. "What are you working on?" she asks.

"Just some boring stuff," I reply, glancing at her. Her eyes are already locked on mine, a cute smile on her lips. I cup her face and say, "You look so beautiful."

She grins wider. "It's because you make me so happy."

I smile and brush my thumb across her cheek, then lean in to kiss her softly. She giggles against my lips and pulls back just enough to meet my eyes. "You know," she says, a bit shyly, "I never thought I'd do what we did last night... but with you, it felt right. You made it easy." Her fingers play with the hair at the nape of my neck as she speaks.

I smile softly. "I want you to feel safe with me. I care about you, and I'll always take care of you. I'll never let anything hurt you, I promise," I say, gently brushing my thumb across her pink cheek.

She smiles the cutest smile and hugs me tight, making my chest warm. "I care about you too. Way more than you think," she says, then softly kisses my neck. The moment she does, my heart feels strange, and I get this weird feeling in my stomach that makes me want to jump?

Her phone rings, and she gets up to answer it. And I'm relieved to have some space between us because I don't know what the hell is going on with me right now. "Okay, I'm coming," she says, then hangs up and looks at me. "I have to go, baby."

"Is everything okay?," I ask.

She smiles, kisses me, and says, "Everything's fine. I'll talk to you later, okay? And this time, pick up when I call you."

"Hmm, I don't know. I kind of liked my punishment yesterday," I reply playfully and she rolls her eyes.

"I don't think you can be serious for once," she says with a smile, walking to her coat.

I walk over and help her put it on, then pull her close for one last hug. "I'll miss you." I say as I inhale her breathtaking scent that always gives me comfort.

She leans into the hug, holding me tighter. "I'll miss you more," she says softly. I actually like being hugged by her. It feels nice and different.

As soon as Anastasia leaves, I get ready for my so-called "meeting" with Mr. Smith. What could he possibly want? There are only two reasons when Mr. Smith calls you in: either you're getting promoted, or you're about to be killed. I'm not scared, just curious.

When I reach the massive gate of the mansion, my car is stopped. I lower the window, and the security guard speaks up, "You can't drive in; you'll have to get out."

I glance at him, then back at the mansion. I step out of the car, and five more guards appear, ready to escort me.

After a short walk, a man in a suit approaches us. "Agent 003, I'm Elijah Reed, Mr. Smith's right hand," he says, extending a large, veiny hand.

I look at his hand, then back at him with the same nonchalant expression I always have on before shaking it.

"Why the sudden interest in me?" I ask.

"You can ask him that in a bit," Elijah replies, gesturing for me to follow. He starts walking, with me and the guards behind him. But before we can take another step, one of the guards reaches out to grab me. I quickly twist his fingers until he drops to the ground, groaning in pain.

Elijah turns back, eyebrows raised. "What's going on?" he demands.

Elijah raises an eyebrow at me, surprised. "I don't like people with no manners," I say calmly. "I'll hand over my weapons once we're inside."