THE AGENCY

Chapter 16: A GAME WITH A TWIST

A GAME WITH A TWIST

"Sky, how's this going to go?" Liam states.

"You need to state my options, before I take a decision." I say. He walks me back straight into the wall.

"I can take you right now...or we can make this fun."

"You know I'm a fun person. Continue..."

"Such beautiful flare..." He growls next to my ear. "You know, I appreciate some fun in the game as well, sweetheart."

"Oh? Since when is this a game? Last time I checked...this is life or death."

"That it is dear...oh how I wish you were mine."

"You know I'd have to be alive for that to happen."

"Sweetheart, my IQ is higher than John's. I know where you are going with this. So scandalous you are." He says with a whisper. "I know that if you live...you will choose Agent Shield. I don't know why you would make such a naïve choice considering how he betrayed you."

"What are you talking about, Steel. He would never betray me." I say. Suddenly doubt creeps into my mind.

"Oh? Have we gone to code names have we? Well Blue, has he not told you? Why am I not surprised?" he gives me a sneer.

"Spit it out Agent Steel."

"The tracker. I'm surprised you didn't feel it as he did inject you with it. I hacked their computer site. How else did you think I found you?"

"Well, I assumed you used your so called intelligence."

"Ah, such high assumptions of me, eh? I'm not surprised by that either, considering my skill."

"Now, really isn't the time for me to have a dose of your ego as I've already been overdosed.. Why did he put the tracker?"

"Are you that naïve? Surely you figured out the obvious why."

"Would you care to enlighten me, Steel?" I roll my eyes.

"John, it was his order. Xander lied to you when you asked him about what they were talking about when you left."

"Wait...wait...how the hell do you know...YOU'VE BEEN SPYING?"

"Sky, darling...isn't it the nature of a spy to spy. You're accusing me of doing my job. Great! Do I get a medal?" He taunts me. I heave a frustrated sigh. "As much as I would love to spend time with you...let's get to the fun part." He gives a wicked smile. "I'll inject you with a liquid to disguise the tracker and then let you go."

"How is this a game? What's in it for you?"

"Patience, something you lack. You'll discover it yourself. How 'bout that? A game in itself, a mind game that is."

"Alright." I say. I cautiously watch him as he pulls out a syringe. I pull down the collar of my jacket to show I'm ready. He gently brushes the bare skin of my neck. His lips part for a distracted second and I make my move. I rip the syringe out of his hand and plunge it into his neck. He winces and then smiles up at me.

"Sometimes things are as they are, Sky. But I know you have trust issues. Your loss." He says with a gleam. I was sure it was a sedative. Who knew cocky bastards could tell the truth. "Game on." He states and I dash out of the elevator. I brace myself on my knees and realize I should take the stairs. Xander? Xander... where is he? You know what...I. Don't. Care. He lied. He freaking bluffed me with a kiss. I should've known. I. Should. Have. Known! How dare he! Why would he keep such a thing away from me? I just don't understand. Did he twist my heart for no reason? Surely, he couldn't fake so much emotion. Right? Men! Men! Men! Damn them! I should've known better...but no, my heart had to be in charge of my head. That route seems familiar... I thought he understood? Now is not the time to dwell on my feelings. A job is a job and it's got to be done, no matter the circumstances. I am where I am because of myself. No one else is to blame and I must solve my problems on my own. I huff and start climbing the stairs. I make it to floor 10 until I'm out of breath. I take a risk and use the elevator. Guess who's inside... Mr. Traitor. I immediately turn back around. The stairs seem much more appealing at this point. 8 more floors right? I can make it. I mean I did just run up ten.

"Sky! I found you! Sky, where do you think you're going?"

"Leave me alone, Xander..."

"What happened? Sky? Don't close up... I feel it. You're being icy. I told you I will break through your walls." I keep walking toward the stairwell. He grips my shoulder, but I shake his hand off.

"Congratulations, you can read my tone. Would you like a cookie?" I say with a sugary tone. I roll my eyes and walk all the way to the stairwell. He catches my arm though. "You can't break my walls. No...Because you'll never reach them, Xander. No! Not, anymore!" I say with conviction as I sprint through the stairwell door and then lock it from the other side.

"Sky! Open this door right now! Sky?! We weren't done talking!"

"That's your opinion, Xander! I respect it, but that doesn't mean I have to agree with it!" I scream back at him as I start to climb the stairs.