Spy Versus Spy

Chapter Four

Kaoru decided not to make any rounds her first night inside Shishio’s organization. For her to be seen snooping around would mean instant death for her and her boss. She would play it safe, for never had she been on a case so dangerous. Kaoru had to keep telling herself that, to keep her arrogance in check. Over-confidence was quite often the nail in the coffin for a great deal of dearly departed spies. They thought they were the best and untouchable. Soon after, they would be sent home to their boss in several different boxes. No, she could not allow that to happen to her...embarrass her boss. That would truly be a fate worse than death. Kaoru shook her head and decided enough with the heavy thoughts. She would be facing a very tough day ahead and she needed to prepare herself. It wasn’t until her battle with the young man she realized her skills were rusty. She had practiced her forms, yes, but it had been a while since she fought an opponent using those styles. She couldn’t slip up and use her true style, so, she slid out of the plush bed and onto the floor and began stretching out her muscles.

The living space she was allotted did not disappoint. It was a suite that would satisfy any martial artist. Vast, hardwood floors polished to perfection, a high ceiling and mirrors lining two of the walls, catching any light that dare enters. This created the perfect setting for the dramatic, blood red drapes that sat in front of the windows that overlooked the empty streets below. Kaoru sat on the floor then spread her legs wide, placing her hands far in front of her. She continued until she fell into a split. The position was held for several moments before she braced her weight on her elbows and slowly began to lift her lower body off the floor, maintaining her position. Rotating her legs, she changed her split position, sweat beginning to drip from her brow.

“Damn,” she said to herself.

“I second that,” a voice commented, startling her. She lowered her body back to the floor and turned to her doorway. She hadn’t even heard the door open, much less felt a presence with her. “Paloma” stood up and walked over to her intruder, none other than Shinta.

“Couldn’t you knock?” she spat.

“Why, do you have something to hide?”

“No, but privacy is still nice...or are you people not keen on such liberties?”

Shinta smirked, then leaned against the wall. Kaoru wanted to rip his head off. Just who did he think he was? Why does Kami breed such assholes? Then, she paused her petty thoughts to consider more serious matters. Who was he to be able to sneak up on her? Seeing her face screw with deep thought, he placed an arm on her bare shoulder and rubbed it gently.

“Just showing you how to survive around here. You need to keep your guard up. You’ll never know who’s on the other side of the door. There is an uneasy truce between the highly ranked, but it is a fragile relationship. Whoever you defeat today will be waiting to taste your blood later.”

“I appreciate your concern, I was actually warming up. Though it appeared I easily beat that kid yesterday, it took a bit out of me. He has real potential. Who is his mentor?” Kaoru asked.

“Why are you telling me you’re rusty? Do you think it wise to share such information?” Shinta chastised.

Kaoru folded her arms and rolled her eyes and said something in Spanish under her breath. Curse as she might, he was absolutely correct. She was making mistakes uncharacteristic to her meticulous nature.

“Perhaps you are right...I suppose I must be weary, since I have no reason to trust you,” she concluded, her voice still raspy.

“Ever consider you aren’t fit for this gig?” Shinta asked, which caused Kaoru to arch a brow.

“No...”

“I pose you this question because, while you can fight...you seemed very flighty after I kissed you. When we kissed, it seemed for real and not an act. Now, you are speaking to me like we are familiar. You’ve grown an attachment to me without knowing shit about me,” he said bluntly.

“I’ve grown an attachment to you? I’m not the one sneaking into helpless little girls’ rooms at the wee hours of the morning, giving out tips as if you have been at Shishio’s side for years. If benefits you not to warn me about anything that goes on here...so perhaps you should stand in front of a mirror and recite that speech again, senior,” Kaoru retorted. He really had some nerve, coming in here, accusing her of such nonsense. Yes, he was attractive...extremely, but she was a professional. Of course, he didn’t know that, but he would find out. Soon.

Shinta chuckled and brought his hand to his chin and stroked the surprisingly soft skin. The fire in her eyes intrigued him, but there seemed to something else there, something deeper right below the surface. He wanted to know what was beneath.

“How about this, puta, you stay out of my way and I’ll stay out of yours. Until at least it’s time to fight.”

“The name is Paloma. Pal-lo-ma. You call me a whore again, and the time to fight will be now,” she threatened with no attempt to hide her anger.

To a normal person’s eye, Shinta’s movements would have been a blur, but Kaoru saw it all. She allowed him to take her wrists and put them above her head as he pressed his slender body against hers. She could feel his hot breath on her cheek as he exhaled slowly. His lips grazed her skin as he took in the fragrance of her silken locks. Paloma’s pressure rose, a wave of heat washing over her as he backed her against the walk, his hips against hers. For the first time, she struggled, trying to break free from his intoxicating grasp, but his hand held her arm in place with little effort.

“So what will you do to me? Ravage me?,” she spat.

“Is that something you would like,” he said to her.

“What, you think I’m some kind of whore?” she questioned, her tone not as angry as she would have liked it to be. She was distracted by the knee the was wedging itself between her thighs, prying them open. A warm hand traveled down her navel, slid beneath the band of her bottoms and halted at her jewel. Shinta stole a kiss from the woman as she struggled to free herself. He pulled his lips away, allowing himself to take in he woman’s expression, one filled with hate and loathing.

“I think you enjoy with. Otherwise, you would have never allowed me to put you in the position you are in. You wanted to be pushed against this wall, much like you wanted my tongue in your mouth. I’m pretty sure you want this,” Shinta paused to trust his strained member against her pelvis. Kaoru bit her lip, trying to prevent a moan from escaping them.

“Shinta...how can someone with such a gentle name be such a predator?” she whispered, lust evident in her voice.

“How can someone so easily distracted ever become an assassin?”

“Nani?”

Shinta released Kaoru from his grip, letting her hands drop heavily to her sides. He turned his back to her and walked towards the door, leaving the woman dazed and confused.

“You will never make it here. You allowed me to crawl all over you, when at any moment, I could have killed you. Was it worth getting your choochie all wet, the risk of dying?” he asked with amusement.

“It was worth watching you trying to use this opportunity to feel me up, then attempt to throw it in my face. Even rookies know to carry a razor blade under your tongue when you aren’t wearing your weapons.” Kaoru moved her tongue in her mouth and revealed the small razor on the tip. She removed it and flung it at Shinta, who caught it bare handed and examined the small weapon. "You can check it, it’s legit. I’ve learned how to sleep with that in my mouth...and as you’ve noticed...kiss with it as well. I could have cut you at anytime, and as you pointed out, gotten out of that grip...if I wanted to. I just wanted to see how far you would go...how long you thought you could get away with your charade.”

Shinta screwed his lips, though he was still smiling a bit. If he had been outsmarted, the words would not be uttered by him.

“I will see you later on. Good luck,” he said, handing her the razor blade.

“Until later,” she said, keeping a hateful eye on his as he exited her room, shutting the door behind him.