Agent Ross

[Jswanson]

Overview: This thread is a "007 James Bond" type thread. The beginning of the thread will start at the first mission which will be based at a dance ball at the rich villain’s manor the thread will continue off from this. Other characters needed for this thread are The Female sidekick/spy, the female/male villain and a female/male villain sidekick.

My Character:

Name: James Ross (Agent Ross)
Fake Name: Joseph Swanson
Age: 27
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 165 lbs.

Appearance:

Eye Colour: Brown
Hair Colour: Black

Back-story: James Ross was picked up from a London orphanage at the age of 6. He showed skill, knowledge and a persuasive attitude during his training which is why he has now become one of the top agents of the ENGA Agent. The ENGA agency is only known by the top branches of the government and is atop the MI6 pile. After his 16 years of training James Ross became a full time ENGA agent and carried out his first mission in which he discovered why he had been left at the orphanage. Not because his parents had left him but that they had been killed. He now searches for his parents killer whilst carrying out his operations.

IC:
James 911 Turbo sped across the icy roads heading up the twisting path of the hill that the manor was based upon. He turned into the road that took him into the car park of the manor twisting the car around and pulling the handbrake to turn the car swiftly into the parking spot. Making sure his Baretta 418 was located in the security coded compartment he opened the door of the car and stepped out. Standing up he smartened out his suit and walked towards the guarded entrance of the manor. Other guests for the ball had already arrived and were showing their guest passes to the guards. James pulled his own guest pass out. Earlier in the week James had broken into one of the guests house and had scanned the guest pass, sending it to ENGA who then produced the Guest Pass.

Manor Guard: "Montrer votre monsieur de billet svp"

James handed the pass to the Guard who studied it before handing it back and raising the rifle that was blocking James way.

"Merci"

said James walking into the grand entrance hall of the manor. Red curtains fell from the ceiling as violinists played to the guests who were standing around the tables sipping champagne...

(All that post please make a adequately sized post. At least 7+ lines please)

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Marie Leuvens

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Nathalie D'Alembord was standing by the stairs, keeping tabs on the people entering the second floor. She wasn't really a field operative, she had to remind herself of that, having been attached to this particular assignment because of the immense strain that the "Office" was under right now.

Nathalie worked with analysis, threat assesment and was known throughout the "Office" as either Dr. D'Alembord or, and mostly by the brawny boys from field-ops, as "Little Miss Know It All". She knew she wasn't popular, her dry academic approach as well as her stiff upper lip not scoring any points with the field-operatives who, in Nathalie's mind seemed to live by the axiom that "more guns - more fun". "Boys and their toys" she thought, her own background very different from the officers that made up the "Office's" strenght. She was 26 and held a PhD in International Relations. She'd been a skilled gymnast until an injury had put an end to that career. Still she kept in shape and there took no special skills to detect just how fit she was. Her father British to the core, French name aside and her mother hailing from Norway. She stood 5'8, blonde hair and blue eyes and although she sometimes thought of herself as rather plain there was no doubt that Dr.D'Alembord attracted the interest of men.

She was conversing with one of the fellow guests still keeping her distance as she kept her attention fixed on the stairs. She knew the drill. When the our man arrives do make contact using the phrase "The price of property in Finisterre" and being answered "will probably rise should the bill be passed"

She sighed, bloody field-ops and their conservatism! Turning to smile politely to the Namibian businessman standing next to her, trying to get her to have some more champagne which she politely declined.

"That must be him" she thought as the tall dark-harired man approached. Excusing herself she got eyecontact and moved towards one of the high-arched windows

 

[poohlive]

Armond thought tonight would be a good night, wonderful for multi tasking. When he looked across the room he could just imagine all of the things going on at once.

"I did want to know about those toys of yours down in Sweden, how did they fair?"

An elderly gentleman almost laughed at this. Almost because his laugh was so dry and brittle one could hardly call it a laugh. His eyes danced with amusement though. That counted for something.

"Couldn't have gone better. Money well spent. I do hope we can do business again."

"Of course. Not a problem," And there it was. A multi million dollar deal had been handled in the shape of a simple conversation. Armond loved it, reveled in it as he passed throughout the party.

At times, he was nothing more than a whisp of smoke. Transparent and hazy in the air, wrapping around everything, moving where it pleased. One could not touch him, their fingers shifting through nothing but air.

He felt a gloved hand at his back, and a whisper in his ear. It was soft, those lips saying the words divine.

"Thank you, send him up to my office. I will be there shortly."

It seemed a guest had arrived. Good. One of his biggest clients. More multi million dollar businesses to deal with. He wondered if he was required here anymore. Oh, people will talk and the party will continue and everyone will say how much of a great time they had... but he wasn't really needed.

Then again, so much fun to be had. One couldn't let that go to waste. He would linger for a moment, leaning against the banister of the stairs, his eyes sharp and deadly, like a hawk searching for its prey.

Oh... such fun to be had.

 

[Jswanson]

OOC:
Thread now closed all parts are now taken. Anyone reading this please note that other parts may be opened in the future.

James walked past the other guests picking up a champagne glass from a passing waiter as he headed towards the bar. Taking a sip of the champagne as he reached the bar using one arm to learn against the bar whilst continuing to sip the champagne. James pulled a pair of glasses out of his pocket and placed them upon his face. The shadoes of the glasses were a deep blue looking around the room the lenses of the glasses filled with information about the person he was looking at.

One by one he looked at each of the guards information filled the lenses showing him what each of the guards had equipped and how many bullets the guns could take. He spotted the person he was looking for and removed the glasses folding them up and tucking them into his pocket. He moved forward the woman he was approaching turned around and made eye-contact with him. Moving herself away from the group to the high-arched window overlooking the manor grounds.

james turned heading towards the windows placing his empty champagne glass on a passing waiters tray and picking two up from it as well continued to the window. Placing one of the glasses down on the windowsill and taking a sip from his own...

"lovely evening isn't it..." he said awaiting the scripted response from her.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

"lovely evening isn't it..."

Nathalie looked at her contact. "Good looking - I give him that" she thought but alas too much tesosterone for his own good.

Turning to him she intoned the phrase issued by the "Office" trying to keep a straight face.

"I was thinking of buying a country house, do you by any chance know anything about the property markets in Finisterre?"

He looked at her closely, a smile playing on his lips before he replied

"I'm told they rise should the bill be passed"

Thank God! No more bloody charades Nathalie thought then continued

"Nathalie D'Alembord, I am under instructions to work in close collaboration with you during this assignment" giving him a stern glance "that will mean that you will clear every intended action with me before carrying it out. I report to the Manager directly" smiling coldly "just to let you know the deal here"

She noticed that he was trying for a come-back on her orders, and she knew she must be quick lest she lose the initiative

"Mr Ross I know all about your reputation, and even that the Manager holds you in very high regard. Yet you must understand that the "Office" is under enormous scrutiny right now. Our funds are being slashed and that's why I'm here. To lend an ..*smiling to herself* an intellectual touch to the proceedings"

 

[Jswanson]

"I was thinking of buying a country house, do you by any chance know anything about the property markets in Finisterre?"

He looked at her a smile appearing on his lips.

"I'm told they rise should the bill be passed"

he replied to her the woman looked back at him a stern look on her face. Even with the stern look on her face she was very beautiful and in the dress she was she appeared dazzingly sexy.

"Nathalie D'Alembord, I am under instructions to work in close collaboration with you during this assignment, that will mean that you will clear every intended action with me before carrying it out. I report to the Manager directly, just to let you know the deal here"

Just as James was about to respond to her introduction she cut him off before he could even start.

"Mr Ross I know all about your reputation, and even that the Manager holds you in very high regard. Yet you must understand that the "Office" is under enormous scrutiny right now. Our funds are being slashed and that's why I'm here. To lend an intellectual touch to the proceedings"

James smirked turning to now look out of the window at the night.

"An intellectual point of view does help but sometimes the sword is much mightier then the pen. You can't stop the enemy with a book unless your books can fire a bullet at the right speed to kill someone?"

james raised his champagne glass finishing the rest of the glass off before lowering it down to rest on the windowsill again

"now Nathalie what i need you to do tonight is too draw the attention away from me. That won't be so hard in your current appearance about half the men in this room are probably wandering what you look like without that on..ofcourse i doubt they will find out. Try to get introduced to Armond in anyway possible"

he said turning to her but before she could respond he continued again

"I shall mingle with the guests some more before carrying out the operation"

He picked his champagne glass up and began to walk off placing his now empty champagne glass upon a passing waiters tray he joined a group conversation involving the manor...

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Nathalie fumed as he turned his back to her and disappeared to join one of the groups of solemnly dressed men.

"Bastard" she said it loud enough to attract the attention of an older man standing but a few feet away. Seeing his reaction she gave an apologetic smile as she straightened her dress.

"Did the young man insult you my dear?" He spoke English with a hard intonation betraying his Eastern European origins.

"No not at all" she smiled seizing him up deeming him to be playing in the higher divisions of this particular gathering "You know how tedious relatives can get"

"Yes" he nodded smiling at her as he offered her his arm "and I find that the best thing to do then is to have some very expensive chamagne my dear" he wrinkled his nose at the empty glass she was holding.

"It doesn't suit a charming young lady like yourself to be drinking this filth, allow me" he steered her towards the bar. Nathalie listened with only half an ear, being too busy scanning the room for any trace of Armond. Yet he seemed nowhere to be found. She was distracted as her escort, introducing himself as Stanislaw Moravec, poured her a glass of what seemed to be very expensive champagne. Leaning closer he whispered conspiratorically "in the days of the Austrian Empire the noblewomen where said to give their virtue for a taste of this" winking he placed his hand on the small of her back "perhaps that is true even now"

Nathalie smiled and trying to distance herself somewhat. Mr Moravec was getting somewhat too frisky for her liking. Accepting the glass she once gain evaded his wandering hands.

"One more time and I'll knee him" she thought but kept on smiling. Then she caught a glimpse of the man by the stairs. That must be him...that's Armond

 

[poohlive]

A note was handed to him, telling him that things were going according to plan. That seemed wonderful. He always did like it when that happened. To him, it seemed as if that is when things were in most precision, like some fine swiss watch working so well that it could tell you the precise second of the day.

He went up to his private study, where the client was waiting.

"There were, some problems."

"Oh?" He closed the door after himself, fixing the man a drink. Something hard, without ice.

"One of your men in Sri Lanka. He was found dead earlier this morning."

Sri Lanka? Who would that be? Davis, one of his best men. He'd been on assignment. That was no good. He had carried a billion dollar investment with him.

"Did they find..."

"No, but someone did witness the murderer. He was asking information, about you, about the organization, he wanted to know about Daego."

"Already?" He furrowed his brow for a second, thinking over the situation. If they knew about Daego that meant he had a leak somewhere. Daego had only an idea still on the table until a few days ago. That's why Davis was down in Sri Lanka, gathering information and supplies.

"You better clean this up. The last thing we need is some damned MI6 running around..."

"Too late," He said, picking up a pool cue. He bent over, cracking a shot, sending the balls flying everywhere.

"Are they here?"

He nodded, "One of my little entertainments for the night. One is, some lone mission, gathering information. I have someone on him though, do not worry. He won't find out anything, and he sure as hell won't get his hands on Daego."

The man picked up a cue as well. He was a short man, stocky, with a full beard and balding spot. He did look good though, he looked fantastic. As if a man ready to fight or wrestle. Indeed, muscles beneath his suit showed through as he bent to take a shot.

"Daego is here?"

Armond nodded, "It is safe. I had my men put on the finishing touches this afternoon. I was going to unveil it... until I heard of our party crasher. I've decided at a later date for that. After our unfinished business is taken care of."

Armond let his client win. The stocky man ran the table, with only a few missed shots. Even put a couple of thousand on a hard bank that he got lucky with. Armond did not mind parting with the money.

"Go... tell your people the good news," He said, exiting his office. The short stocky man nodded, always eager to tell his people good news.

 

[Jswanson]

DeliciousMaiden has pulled out of the thread so we are now looking for a person to play the evil female sifekick of Armond.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

She had only seen him for a brief moment leaning casually against the banister. Smiling apologetical to Mr Moravec, she drained the glass of champagne and made her way towards the place where she spotted her target.

Scanning the room, trying to see if Ross was anywhere to be seen. She cursed the Manager having put her on the same assignment as him. In her mind Ross was an akward dinosaur, a relic shaped by the Cold War rather than the more complex threats of the modern world. Once again cursing the conservative stratagems of the Office. What British intelligence needed was more brain and less brawn.

Making sure not to draw attention to herself, Nathalie slowly moved through the room reaching the locked door that would probably lead to Armond's office. Knowing better than to try open it she decided on taking post oppsite it, ostensibly waiting for someone. Taking yet another glass of champagne she leaned against the railing, making a show of looking at her watch...

 

[poohlive]

"Don't tell me you are bored," He said, his words soft, almost purring from his lips as he looked up at her. She had the look of the first fallen snow of winter, caught in some updraft of surprise. It brought a small smile to him, one he shared with her contently.

"Forgive me. You see I am the host, and here I see this beautiful stunning woman at my party, half heartedly sipping at five thousand dollar a bottle champaigne, and she looks bored out of her mind, checking her watch to see if it is time to leave yet."

Who was this? He went through his rolodex of guests, but no name went to her face. Had someone brought her, some oil tycoon that would be pleased to have a bit of eye candy for the evening. If so, he were doing a horrible job, leaving her here alone to fend for herself.

"You best be careful, if you do not have a man around your arm, some of the elder gentlemen might come up and begin to flirt. That is if they are sober, if not they simply take advantage. Here, let me save you, from boredom and wrinkled prying hands."

He took her in the crook of his arm, leading her out to one of the alcoves. The sinewy pine landscape was covered in snow and darkness. Her figure looked stunning against it.

"I must know your name," He said... a sigh against her neck.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Nathalie turned around, having been caught off-guard as he had silently approached her.

"Forgive me. You see I am the host, and here I see this beautiful stunning woman at my party, half heartedly sipping at five thousand dollar a bottle champaigne, and she looks bored out of her mind, checking her watch to see if it is time to leave yet."

Smiling she looked at the tall dark-haired man standing next to her, recognising his face from the number of photos on the Office's databases. Armond...

"A bit perhaps although there was ample excitement over by the bar and I felt I needed a bit of respite to be honest"

Making a discreet gesture indicating Mr Moravec sitting by the bar.

"Still the old boy's probably nearing his bedtime"

She smiled mischeviously as she seized Armond up.

"Takes care of himself, probably does some kind of martial art", she thought.

"You best be careful, if you do not have a man around your arm, some of the elder gentlemen might come up and begin to flirt. That is if they are sober, if not they simply take advantage. Here, let me save you, from boredom and wrinkled prying hands."

She gave a small laugh at his words of warning, and placed a finely manicured hand on his elbow.

"I know a trick or two to keep their hands away. Besides, I would probably be given a few minutes headstart"

Winking conspiratorically as she continued her explanation

"Given most of these gentlemen's age there will probably be need for some medicinal aids and as far as I understand it takes a few minutes to pump the tyres"

She was rewarded with a dry laugh from Armond as he gently yet with a firmness that was not to be disputed, led her to the balcony. She knew by rights she should feel apprehensive of the situation, yet it struck her as quite absurd that Britain's most wanted was idly chatting to her overlooking the Alps. Bracing herself, intending to go through acting the femme fatale, a role that lay very far from her otherwise composed personality she allowed him to retain his firm grip of her and only smiled as he placed his arm around her slender waist.

"I must know your name,"

"Nathalie D'Alembord" omitting her title as she tilted her head in a coquette gesture

"And you Sir?" smiling as she lifted her glass and acting in charachter added

"Will I be at risk for prying hands then...."

 

[poohlive]

"Armond... Dalante. It is a pleasure, Miss D'Alembord. I am afraid my hands may do a little wandering. I have not seen such beauty in a long time."

His hand slowly slid up her arm. So soft and delicate was the skin beneath his touch. He saw her, silhouetted, her entire body almost perfectly aligned. The crook of her neck startling and brilliant. He had to fight off the urge to taste her.

"But you will not be at risk. Not if you do not wish it," She knew him. She did. He had seen that, that spark of recognition when she first gazed upon his eyes. Did he know her?

His mind once more slipped through names and faces, parties and deals. Nowhere had he seen her before, nowhere had he known who she was. She was some stranger here. Had someone brought her, did she belong to another? They would be very angry to see him sitting with her, touching.

"Forgive me for asking, but I thought I knew all of my guests coming tonight. Did you come here with someone? Are you," His hand touched against her shoulder, the soft electric spark dancing between the contact, "Taken?"

He wondered if she was. Just how forbidden this fruit he now dared to taste could be. Also, the thought came to him that it did not matter anymore. Even if she said she were some wife of his most prized client, he would still want her as he did now, still desire over her.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

"Armond... Dalante. It is a pleasure, Miss D'Alembord. I am afraid my hands may do a little wandering. I have not seen such beauty in a long time."

Nathalie rewarded his honest answer and leaned closer to him, having to turn her head slightly upwards to meet his gaze.

"My Mother would kill me should she know that I'm sharing a drink with a man bearing such a name. She always insisted I watch out for the men of the Mediterranean" sipping her drink again, reminding herself to go easy on the bubbly.

"But you will not be at risk. Not if you do not wish it,"

She gave a short laugh, biting her lip as she shot him a radiant smile.

"Now there's a novel approach Mr Dalante, asking the prey if it desires to be caught. Surely this is not your standard modus operandi"

Tilting her head to the side exposing her perfect neckline to his view still holding his gaze.

"Forgive me for asking, but I thought I knew all of my guests coming tonight. Did you come here with someone? Are you...Taken?"

Natalie almost cried out but forced herself to be quiet as he placed his hand on her naked shoulder. His touch ever so gentle yet she understood that Armond Dalante was capable of using it for more sinister purposes should he need it. And adding as an afterthought, probably enjoy himself while doing so. Smiling she leaned closer her hand placed delicately on his broad chest as she replied

"Quite the antiquated view Mr Dalante, but no I'm not although my dear brother can be quite..hmm...protective. Mr Swanson, I'm sure you know him"

Knowing herself to be out on her limb she decided that she might as well continue, deeming her to be in control of the situation, and hadn't Ross instructed her to 'draw attention to herself?'. Leaning closer she whispered into Armands ear..

"But since he's not here I might be in need of another chaperone..."

 

[poohlive]

She came so close, the scent of her wafting to his nostrils. He drank her in, better than any fine wine. Her body rested against his a moment as she whispered, his arm around her. An act of prosperity as her breath danced lightly upon his skin.

When she didn't lean back, he turned his head only slightly. His lips against her ear, almost touching, wanting to taste, to have some sample of her delicate flavor.

"Forgive me, but I do not think I could be your chaperone. I am afraid I'm already smitten with you, my dear. If you give me such power I know I would take advantage."

And he did. He could not resist. His lips lightly against her neck. She tasted of nectar, sweet and only moreso because it was stolen instead of given away. His tongue came out, a brief second, playing along her soft flesh.

When he leaned back, he bit his lower lip, lost deep in thought of the taste. It swirled around his mouth, as if he were trying some fine wine.

Swanson. He knew of Swanson. A small dealer in England, only dealt with him in rare occasions, but still a loyal and good customer. Swanson hardly ever attended these things though. Perhaps little sister stole the invitation to see what all the fuss was about. How wonderful of her.

"Your brother has no doubt told you about me. I am afraid I have a bit of a reputation," Those eyes revealed more then she cared to admit. Although, he wished her blue eyes told him more. They remained emotionless, fiery upon him but giving him nothing to use. She fascinated him moreso than anyone else.

Were it not proper etiquette, he would force them all out at this instant. Just have his man cater the elderly gentleman and ladies out into the snow. It did not matter. The night already belonged to her.

He took her hand in his own. His fingers traced over it, running up and down the length. Bringing it to his lips, he placed a gentle kiss upon her, "Please... stay with me. And, call me Armond."

 

[Jswanson]

James eyed the rest of the room whilst he pretened to be interested in the conversation he had joined. The conversation had moved onto type of cavier but during the past conversation james had discovered that the manor had a wine cellar in the basement.

James excused himself from the group looking around for Nathalie and instantly finding her with Armond. It seemed she had done the job of distracting him well as he had her hand in his and was applying what seemed to be a kiss to it. James used the moment he moved across the room towards the wine table grabbing a glass of wine he poured some onto the undercutting of his sleeve and placed it back upon the table. He moved over to one of the never moving guards and in a frantic voice said

"Garde ! Garde ! je dois nettoyer ceci au loin"

The guard looked down at the sleeve and then looked up back at him

"Me suivre monsieur"

said the guard turning around and leading James down a short corridor and into a small room with a sink.

"Ici vous êtes monsieur"

said the guard pointing at the sink. James looked at the sink then back at the guard. He placed a questioning look onto his face and said

"J'aurai besoin d'un certain savon pour obtenir cette tache dehors !"

The guard leaned into the room

"Mais monsieur là est…"

The guard was cut off before hw could finish his sentence. James had grabbed the guards forehead and the back of his head. Twisting the head around snapping the bones, breaking the guards neck instantly killing him.

James walked out off the sink room, he now had a Browning 9 millimeter equipped. He had taken the gun from the guard. It wasn't as comfortable handling it as much as his Baretta 418 but he had been trained to use a number of different guns.

He leaned back against the corridor wall taking no chances he cocked the pistol up against his shoulder. He continued down the corridor following the level 1 floor map that he had to memorize he made his way to the level 1 security room...

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Nathalie had to surpress a yelp as his lips touched her neck, his hand placed firmly on the small of her back. Standing back his dark scanning her face for a reaction. Bracing herself Nathalie straightened up and smiling, red lips slighly parted.

"Your brother has no doubt told you about me. I am afraid I have a bit of a reputation,"

"And what reputation would that be Mr Dalante?"
she tilted her head yet again and allowed him to move closer.

"Joseph doesn't really discuss his work with me, something I am immensly grateful for"

Sipping her drink, making sure she did not empty it.

"He invited me, I suppose in an attempt to act the caring older brother, yet as you see he has surely forgotten me by now"

turning slightly, her back to the main room and her shoulder only inches from Armond's chest, gazing out over the impressive panorama displayed beneath them.

She sensed that Armond had taken a shine to her, his actions spoke volumes yet she was yet unsure of his intentions. And she chided herself for thinking like she did. He was an enemy of every value Nathalie had sworn herself to protect and still she could not help but being increasingly drawn to him.

"And I'm sure your reputation is one of the perfect gentleman is it not"

she allowed him to kiss her hand his eyes never leaving hers. Wondering if she would end up in bed with him, and that instant Queen Victoria's famous words springing to her mind "Lay back and think of England", eliciting a small laugh as Armond leaned closer and whispered

"Please... stay with me. And, call me Armond."

Nathalie forced herself to smile as she leaned closer to his ear, almost having to stand tip-toe to do so

"Mmm I think I will...Armond" her breath on his cheek "provided you'll give me the attention I deserve" soft lips brushing against his skin "I'm not intending on being stood-up again. Once is enough for one night"

 

[poohlive]

Her heated breath sent tendrils of pleasure across his entire body. When he looked up at her, through those hazy dew dripped eyes of lust, he no longer cared for figuring her out. It was beyond important at this point.

He took her chin, moving so she turned to him. She had not looked away, but he guided her nontheless. His lips pressed against hers. A soft spoken kiss, light and playful. It felt like the first in a series of long drawn out touches, kisses, patterns.

Already his arms wrapped around her, pulling her to him. He felt her body, light and curved, but also strong and resilient against him. His kiss only paused when their foreheads touched.

He had not known his breath was held until the kiss ended, and he gulped for air. It had been caught in his lungs, the moment lost to all but her and those lips. He stared at them now, dark and crimson, taking in air themselves.

"I would not stand you up. I would never have you leave my side... Nathalie." He spoke her name soft and slowly, like a child learning a new word. A word of wonder and amazement, even on his own lips it felt wonderful.

"My reputation is famous," He laughed at that, quiet and trickling. It was the good innocent laugh of a man who rarely did laugh. It sounded faint to his ears, but wonoderful altogether, "They all know me as some old playboy, searching for the next fling of mine. I am afraid you, Nathalie, are my next fling."

He kissed her again, harder this time, bringing her into him. The darkness of the alcove kept their engagement private, almost exclusive. A rare treat at such a populated party. Still, his embrace thought nothing of it. When he kissed her, he took all of her, bright movement of his lips over hers, tastful and elegant.

Again, he stole these kisss, he never asked for them. They were his, soft and dirty in the dark. A secret for them to share, he loved that.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Nathalie was swept away, one moment she thought she was on top of the situation only to find herself sharing a kiss with Armond. For a moment she allowed herself to be steered, Armonds tongue finding hers, his lips against hers and knowing herself to be compromising the mission she let it happen. Queen and Country would have to stand down for this moment as his strong yet surprisingly gentle hands held her head, the warmth radiating almost burning her skin.

"I would not stand you up. I would never have you leave my side... Nathalie."

She found herself breathing more heavily, and it seemed that her body had a mind of its own as she softly placed a finely manicured hand on his neck.

"I sincerely hope so Armond..." letting herself be kissed again, she could hear her own laboured breath now "or else you've seen the last of me"

the threat spoken softly but Nathalie deemed she didn't need to put up more of a show than that to retain his interest. Still she had to admit that some part of her wanted this as well.

She was interrupted as he kissed her again, his hands now wrapped around her slender waist, his lips once again finding hers, hungrier now, a shade more aggressive perhaps, yet he didn't yet overstep the line and Nathalie reciprocated in turn, her hands on the back of his neck, fingers tracing the sensitive skin.

An idle thought went to Ross, wondering what the devil he was up to, although right now she didn't care. All that mattered was the way that she was being kissed, Armonds strong arms wrapped around her slender waist. Knowing she'd ditched every pretence of acting professionally she kissed him back, her tongue tasting his. Breaking the kiss she nestled her face at his neck.

"Right now the criteria for being stood-up has been changed Armond" biting his earlobe "devoting less than all your attention to me is now deemed to be considered just that"

 

[poohlive]

Her stance loving, soft against him. She felt aggressive, and playful. He moaned against her neck as he felt her teeth. She bit him, a wonderful playful bite that sent shivers down his spine.

"My attention is all yours, I assure you," He quipped, returning the favor. He nibbled against her neck. His teeth coming out, grazing against the soft curve of her, tasting the scented fragrence which only made his arousal more apparent.

"But... I'm afraid someone else is as well," He showed her, watching her turn to see the party guests. Most of them milled around each other, oblivious to their own little burlesque show in the corner.

It should have been called that. He still stole kisses from her neck line as she looked. He giggled against her skin, soft and warm when he knew she had seen it. The old man who was trying to fondle her earlier was now fixed at the bar, poised, staring intently in the corner.

The poor guy had to squint, his eyesight not being what it used too. Why, in his earlier days he might have been over here in the corner taking her himself. Now though, he lamented to watching from afar, squinting and letting his imagination run wild.

"We have an audience," A few more eyes were apparent, "What if we went somewhere more private?"

His loaded question burned within her eyes. He looked on them, expectantly. Dark pupils raced with fire and passion as he waited, once again with breath he didn't know he was holding.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Nathalie sensed how his appearence had subtly changed. True Armond was as much in control as he'd been when he first approached her, yet there was an openness prompted by the anticipation. She knew she'd played her cards right as his hands closed on her waist again and he kissed her once more.

She relished the attention, having denied herself the pleasures of the flesh for quite some time now. Her career has been her one love, the search for perfection a substitute for sharing the intimacy with another person. Yet now she felt the need to let go, to let herself be carried on the wave of emotions surging through her.

"Lay back and think of England" she intoned the phrase but Armond didn't seem to hear, his attention elsewhere. She followed his gaze seeing Mr Moravec, who had obviously noticed their tete-a-tete in the alcove.

"We have an audience. What if we went somewhere more private?"

She bit her lip as her hand found his giving it a squeeze. Looking into the smouldering dark eyes she nodded her assent. Then feeling flippant she added

"I want strawberries and the most expensive champagne you can offer Armond"

Leaning her head on his shoulder she wondered how he could affect her in such a fashion. He was almost old enough to be her father, and yet, there was something about Armond Dalante, the way he carried himself. His stance self-assured very unlike Ross. She leaned closer again kissing his neck. Surprising herself as she whispered

"I want to be treated like a princess Armond" once again her sharp teeth found his earlobe

Stepping away from him she smiled again yet her posture seemed to have subtly changed, not as cocky but rather conveying the need she felt right at the moment.

Tilting her head again, lips slightly parted and perhaps just the shadow of a perfect tongue tracing the line of her teeth.

 

[poohlive]

"You are my princess," he purred against her throat, before grasping her hand and walking into the kitchen. He moved fast, his pace almost a run. The walk of a child very eager to get where he wants to be. He held her hand tight though, never wanting to let go.

They didn't go through the party much, just passed the bar. The elderly man got his eyeful, but then they were past double doors into the next room. Heat blasted them as they made their way through. A group of men and women were filling trays with glasses of wine and champaigne, or hor dourves of various kinds. He went passed them, going to a man who had the air and confidence of being in charge.

"Miguel," He leaned over, whispering in the man's ear. Miguel nodded, a soft smile coming to his face when he saw Nathalie.

"Right away," Miguel hurried into the back. Armond looked back at her, his smile permanently attached to him, unable to let it go.

"Strawberries," He reached out to the many counters, a bowl of bright red fresh strawberries out. He took on, guiding it up to her lips. When she went to bite he pulled it away. She tried again, and once more the fruit was just out of touch.

Finally he brought it to her lips. He watched her take it, biting into it as he fed her. He saw juice drip down her lips, his own tongue coming out to lick it up. One piece dropped down between her breasts. He knelt down, his tongue excited, quivering against the taste of her skin and the red berry she devoured.

"Sir," Armond didn't care, he was enthralled at the moment. He turned, almost annoyingly at Miguel. The man held out a bottle of champaigne, old, pristine. It had the look of perfection. The richest bottle in the mansion. He grabbed it, and the bowl of strawberries, looking over at Nathalie.

"Follow me," he teased, going up the stairs. It was the back entrance, used mostly by the servants. His eyes never left her as he showed her his master bedroom. The top of the stairs, the largest room. The doors opened up to reveal the four poster bed, the satin sheets, dark silk hanging as drapes.

On the bed, he leaned back, opening the bottle of champaigne, "92 Cristol. The best of the best. You know, I can buy you a porsche with this one bottle..."

He laughed, the cork popping, champagne spraying everywhere. He brought it to his lips, licking as much as he could. He looked at her, dark and demure. It was the look of predator, catching prey. A look of need and want and everything in the middle.

"Come here."

 

[Lady_Mornington]

"You are my princess,"

With that Armond led her through the ball-room heading purposefully towards the discreet doors of the kitchen. Nudging them open with the tip of his brouge as he ushered her inside. The heat was like a furnance matching his heated touch as he held her hand.

Calling one of the attending chefs to him, his eyes never leaving her he spoke quietly to the man.

Nathalie was a bit at loss yet she was damned had she let him know. Placing a slender arm around his waist as he was given the demanded dish. Delicately taking one of rhe exquisite berry holding it to her lips, daring her to bite it. She had never acted like this, yet now she was part the point of no return. Fixing him with her icy stare she parted her lips, only to have the prize snatched from her. She bared her teeth in gesture of aggression as he once more denied her the strawberry. Then seeing her reaction he brought it to her lips, gently pushing it inside making a tiny droplets of bright red juice spill across equally red lips. Still holding on to the fruit he pulled making it fall down and land in between her milky white breasts, leaving blood-red stains on the soft skin.

Purring he pulled her to him and with a carefully weighed move he plucked the piece of fruit from its restingplace with his teeth. Nathalie couldn't help but surpress a moan, lustful yet tinged with fear. The staff was looking, she knew it, yet none of them pretended to be doing so. Armond's eyes fixed on her having chest as the chef discreetly handed him the bottle of champagne.

"Follow me,"

She did so obediently, his hand holding on to hers, looking over his shoulder as they ascended the stairs. She knew he was teasing her, playing her like one plays a kitten. Yet, although her own body tingled in anticipation she still tried keeping her wits about the situation. Knowing that she must thread carefully as he ushered her into the Master Bedroom.

Kissing her deeply he sat down heavily on the bed, opening the bottle speaking in the easy self-assured tone of a man used to money

"92 Cristol. The best of the best. You know, I can buy you a porsche with this one bottle..."

Nathalie had stopped a few paces from him, watching as he carelessly popped the cork, spilling champagne across the bed. Her eyes partially closed she slowly, and with excessive care, slid the zipper of her dress down, making it slide down her shoulders. Eliciting a gasp from Armond as he saw the young blonde standing in front of him wearing nothing but the sheer black heels, stockings, French knickers partially see-through and a matching bra. The exquisite black of the garments contrasting her white skin and the golden strands of hair falling down to her shoulders.

"I'm neither to be bought nor to be sold Mr Dalante" her voice low as she evaded his attempt to pull her to him "Not even for so an expensive gift..."

Reaching out touching his cheek, she yet evaded his grip and stood back again...Blue eyes never leaving his as she slowly brought a finger to her lips, biting the tip

His voice but a growl now, the low threatening sound of a predator having cornered his prey

"Come here."

She didn't flinch nor move just smiled lips parted finger at them...

 

[poohlive]

She showed him what he wanted to see. He mewled, soft as he watched her form pull from that dress. The slow sensual way it slid from her skin, revealing everything. He wanted her, now more than ever. Lust dripped from him.

She wouldn't come though. She stared, defiant, playing with him the way he did with the strawberries. He put the bottle of champagne on the bedside table, rising up.

"Come here," He repeated, harsher. His eyes still on her form, drinking her in. She didn't move though, her eyes threatening and playful. She was a kid again, testing her limits.

His hands went to the suit he wore, pulling the tie from around his neck. He had realized that he was now overly dressed for their encounter. The jacket dropped to the floor, followed by the shirt. He snaked out of the pants. With each article of clothing gone he took another step towards her.

She still stood, that finger between her lips, that stare making him melt inside. He rushed upon her, pushing her against the back wall. A moan escaped him as he pushed his body against hers, feeling them both crash into each other.

That fire in his loins lingered. He only wore a pair of boxer shorts, and she only her underwear. She could feel him against her thigh, hard, hot, pressed into her. He breathed in low and deep, a sound from his throat animal and gutteral.

His hands roamed her body, fingernails pressing in... leaving marks as he trailed. That perfect ass as it stood out, those curved hips, her flat toned stomach and slim figure. They moved up against her breasts. The bra concealing them. He wanted it off, he wanted to rip it off of her, rip off all her clothes and just take her.

Oh god, he wanted her.