S L A N D E R //h.s//

Chapter 1

The hefty security box attached to the wall flashed a green light with my passkeys acceptance and the large wooden doors opened to my office. It smelled like a strong scent of lemon wood polish and I desperately wished I could open a window to get some fresh air circulating. 

It was so strange to be back. My leave was long and necessary, but I was happy to return to one of my favorite places in the world. Being one of the youngest on my service, everything got to my head so quickly and I needed time off to refresh and better myself for my return.

Switching on the lights, I hung up my jacket and hastily untangled my bluetooth, attaching it to my ear. The bag I brought this morning was monstrous, and I dropped it to the carpet with a 'bang', my shoulder slightly sore from carrying it from the parking lot.

 I wasn't even seated for more than five minutes, when a knock echoed throughout the room, bouncing off the high ceiling. 

Usually I wasn't needed until six, unless something important was going on. I should have known better for thinking my first day back would be calm and peaceful. 

"Come in," I mumbled.

There was a buzz and then a click before Niall, the president's assistance stood before my desk.

"Mr. President has requested a private meeting with you," Niall said. He looked as if he had just arrived as well, his eyes slightly pink, most likely from sleep and his hair was not as styled as usual. I rolled my eyes. "I apologize. I know you've just literally arrived."

"There is nothing that is so important at five in the morning that cannot wait 15 minutes."

"You seem reluctant," he teased. "Disobeying the presidents orders? Not like you at all, Victoria."

I shrugged. I didn't even have my suit jacket on yet. I pulled it out of one of the cabinets and examined it for any unwanted wrinkles. I was glad everything has stayed exactly where I left it. I've shamelessly slightly turned my office into something that resembles a college dorm room, to make it more comfortable. "He has an assistant that can handle most errands and he's well aware."

Don't get me wrong, the busy hustle of the White House never failed to excite me.  I was draw to the clicking of heels on the polished floors and the constant rush of balancing meetings, important phone calls, and the significant demand for extreme dedication my job entails. The short two years I have been a part of the Secret Service has felt like a life time, and I love every part of it. 

I was planning on staying stationed in New York, where I was born and raised. When I got the letter of recruitment, I knew I wouldn't be seeing my New York home for a while, but I never thought twice about coming to D.C.

"Hey, I genuinely do feel for you," he said. "Your hair isn't even up yet, and that's rare coming from you, who's usually picture perfect and ready to go before you're even needed."

"Are you enjoying pointing out my flaws today?"

"Today, very much so. I'm not judging you though, you just look like you've had a long night."

That was an understatement. I was restless all night, dwelling on the past, nerves racing about my return and dreams of Harry filling my mind. Working for him was becoming more difficult as tension seemed to increase between us every day. We had a thing in the past that he wouldn't let me forget, though truthfully I wasn't sure I wanted to forget. Part of me wanted to stay strictly professional so my focus wasn't all over the place, yet I also wished no matter how complicated it was, I could come back to him. This got into my head, forcing me to take time off and regroup.