Spy Versus Spy

Chapter Eight

Shinta was about to speak when his boss’ face seemed to turn to stone. His jaw was set, his ears almost perking like a cat’s to a noise that alluded Shinta’s hearing. After a few moments. Shinta smirked, seeming to analyze the sound as a non-threat.

“I know you felt that other presence. I did too. I thought it was you at first, but now I know who it is,” Shishio said, running nearly faster than the eye could see to the window.

He opened the top half and leaned out to the side to see a not-so-surprised "Paloma" somehow clinging to the exterior of the hotel. Shishio smirked and extended his hand to his killer and would be intruder. Oh, he thought, I would like to hear how she’s going to explain this.

Kaoru smiled at her boss as she was gently guided inside. When her eyes swept over Shinta, she was greeted with expression more amused that Shishio’s. She nodded at her counterpart, keeping the half smile on her face. Shinta couldn’t help but let a slight chuckle escape as the Omega sipped on more wine. He casually walked over to Shinta’s side and crossed one arm about his waist, gazing at his beautiful Dove. Paloma cast her eyes down as Shishio’s eyes pierced her to the core, and for a moment she had to ask if did she to it involuntarily.

“You said I think like you, Master,” she began, deciding to take the initiative.“I wanted to see how easy it would be to infiltrate your private quarters. But, with your heightened senses, that would be next to impossible, I see.”

Shishio took another sip from his glass, his eyes never leaving hers. He was looking for something, anything to tip the scale and allow him to kill her where she stood. Shinta was searching for the same, his gaze intense. He had always felt something emanating from that woman. Damn him that he could not figure what.

“Why didn’t you retreat?” Shishio quizzed.

“I did not want to appear guilty of anything. I am completely loyal to you,” was her answer.

“I think I’m beginning to share Yumi’s feelings about you,” Shinta said, reminding both of his presence.

“With no offense to my Lord, it would be quite like you to side with someone that, should I say, is a kindred spirit?” Kaoru retorted with a smirk.

“Enough,” Shishio said, raising his hand. “I know this is very informal, but do not assume you can act the way you are in my presence. I will not tolerate any further outbursts or I shall kill you both.”

His tone was deadly serious, but his face had the same amused expression as always. It taunted them both, to know they even though they were valuable, each was still highly dispensable. Shinta took note and bowed politely. Shishio cocked a brow at Paloma, who did not show any sign of submission. He turned to her and shoved his glass to a surprised Shinta. What was this girl doing?

“You dare defy me in the presence of another?” he questioned as if it were not at all possible.

“Just because I do not bow does not mean I do not respect you.” Kaoru replied in a lulled voice. “Perhaps it’s just a matter of pride that keeps me from lowering myself to the level of Shinta. I am like a cat, my Lord. I will purr for you, I will accompany you, but I will not be your doormat like a dog is. If this displeases my Lord, I will gladly end my life now, but I will not bear to live as a broken mutt on a leash.”

Magnificent! Shishio thought to himself. He should have had her executed after her first sentence, but her complete dominance of the situation, along with her pride did nothing than amuse and arouse him. She was the perfect woman. Coy, but outspoken. Soft, yet strong. Beautiful, yet deadly. He had never met a woman that fulfilled his expectations quite as Paloma did. Shishio surrounded her neck with his hand and squeezed ever so lightly, examining the beautiful face below him. Her eyes never faltered under his denuding stare. Kaoru moistened her lips and Shishio swore he would take those beautiful full lips until she were putty in his grasp.

“It would not please me if you ended you life. I know you respect me, my pet. But, be careful, for as fond of you as I am, I am still your master. Never forget that,” Shishio whispered as he took her bottom lip and sucked on it gently.

Shinta cleared his throat, preventing Shishio from diving deeper into his passion. His boss looked at him and chuckled a bit as he patted his Dove on her bottom playfully. Shishio was now certain that this woman was the one Shinta wanted...and he definitely could not have her. Yumi would never take him as a lover, Shishio was certain of that as well. He didn’t want to make the boy miserable, but he was the boss after all. He got what he wanted.

“Shinta, take my lovely pet back to her quarters,” Shishio ordered, turning his back to both as he poured himself another glass of wine.

Shinta bowed respectfully and took Kaoru’s hand. She wanted to snatch it away, but she allowed the young man to lead her out of the room, glad to be out of Shishio’s clutches. Her inspection went as she thought it would. His room would not be a viable attack zone. Shishio was too careful and too in tune with his surroundings for that to happen. Still she has to steak it out and make sure, even if she drew a bit of attention to herself. It turned out to be good attention, because Shishio was even more enamored by her. She was safe at second base.

Kaoru did not breathe a word to Shinta as they rushed down the hallways, but it wasn’t their pace that kept the conversation at bay. There was something in Shinta that was different. She had known this since the first moment they met on the streets, but it became more apparent on her audience with Shishio. It was...a type of familiarity that came to his face when she appeared through the large window, along with a smirk. Shinta knew more that he let on, and Kaoru wondered if he saw right through her...and what kind of an assassin was he that he could relate to her actions.

She stopped so abruptly Shinta lost grip of her hand as she stood like a stone statue behind him. Her eyes were downcast, her thoughts heavy as they raced through her. Like a mathematician, Paloma calculated the possibility that what she was concluding was reality.

Shinta was a spy.

“Paloma, are you alright?” the man asked her.

Kaoru shook her head, bringing herself back to where she was. She smiled and shrugged her shoulders.

“I’m a bit tired actually. I can’t wait to get some rest,” she said, a little suggestiveness in her tone.

Shinta arched his brow at her tone and stepped closer to her. She was an intoxicating individual and understood the instant attraction their boss had to her. Despite her strength, there was an intelligent innocence in her eyes, if the phrase even made any sense. She was the sweetest of contradictions, the epitome of enigmas...a piece that begged to be possessed. Yet, it was this essence that aroused more than his body and mind, but his suspicion. Shinta was much older than he looked. He had heard rumors of the beautiful chameleon spy. She was a wondrous snake in the grass. When she struck, it always appeared to be an outside job, but she would leave a trademark behind, letting the surviving crew know they’d been had. Though she had claimed many lives, no one knew what she looked like, for she played so many parts to perfection. And now, this “Karma Chameleon” was standing before him, he was certain of it. But, she was not his target. Shishio was. Kenshin had to keep focus. He had to be “Shinta”...on a mission to bring down Number One in the Underworld.

“I can tuck you in, if you like,” Shinta replied, moving closer to her.

Perhaps taking a side mission wouldn’t hurt.

“Maybe I would like that, but I’m not sure Yumi would,” Kaoru teased. “Which one of us are you really after? I don’t care to have someone else’s sloppy seconds.”

“I am a flirt by nature. I will admit, Yumi is interesting to me, but she doesn’t hold a candle to you. And if I may, I have a confession,” Shinta said, drawing a finger down her cheek.

“A confession?”

“Yes. Would you like to hear it?”

Kaoru smiled a bit, knowing she was being baited. Yes, this man knew she was a spy, but it seemed he couldn’t tell she knew he was one as well. There was no telling whom he worked for, but she could assume they had the same ultimate goal. That also meant he would not interfere, at least, until the time was close to execute. Perhaps this spy didn’t care how Shishio met his end, for his job would be complete even if he did not make the kill. But, this detail mattered to Kaoru. She had to be the one to draw the blood...to kill the mark. She couldn’t face her boss any other way. This spy would have to be disposed of. If he is a well known spy, she would make a nice little bonus as well. So, for now, she would play along, she decided, and lightning would have to strike twice.

“Yes, I would like to hear it,” Kaoru purred.

Shinta took Kaoru’s hand and brought it to his lips. His lips met the soft flesh and he planted blazing kisses from her wrists to her fingertips. He could feel her pulse flutter as his eyes caught hers, heavy with surprise and desire. For a moment, he wondered if it were real, if she was really falling for him. Then he caught himself. He shouldn’t even be entertaining the thought.

“When I kissed you for the first time, it was because I wanted to...I needed to taste those lips of yours,” Shinta whispered, kissing her along her jaw line.

Kaoru smiled, recalling that very moment. She was ashamed that she had enjoyed it so much, that there was so much instant chemistry between she and the young man. She was so used to being able to disenfranchise her libido and her job, but the two roads met with this spy named Shinta. She knew she had to kill him, but she had to learn more about him before she did. It would be a pity...

“And when you spied on me?” Kaoru asked, hoping he would reveal more.

“I wanted you more than you could imagine,” Shinta snorted, pressing his body against hers, finally taking her lips.

The kiss was much softer than Shinta had intended it to be, but it was in tune with his feelings. So often , he was meticulous with his motions. This assignment allowed him to reinvent himself, to let himself dive into realms he would not explore, like his emotions. His control was what kept him safe, but he felt just this once, he could let it all hang out. He deepened his kiss with Kaoru, his hand running up and down her fully clothed body. They needed to go and immediately. Feeling his urgency, Kaoru inched down closer to her door and felt desperately for the knob. With a twist, the tangled pair fell onto the floor of the dark room. Shinta tore at her athletic wear, the spandex material peeling of her frame more than it ripped. The soft glow of moonlight allowed Shinta to see the perfect curves of her body as some fell into deep shadows. The valley of her breasts heaved up and down, and Shinta could not help himself. He wanted to possess her, he wanted to know her secrets.

Kaoru, noticing the door was slightly open, made an effort to kick the door shut without breaking their rising passion. Her lips pressed against his chest as she kissed the very faint scars riddled on the firm flesh. It was very different from Shishio’s. How could anyone forget the texture of heavily scarred skin, skin as traumatized as his? Paloma hand traveled to Shinta cheek as he kissed her navel. A shudder took over her body and she quickly forgot the man she was to kill. But, not forgetting who or where she was, Paloma sat up and placed a finger over Shinta’s lips. Disappointed, he sighed with understanding and went to the door, which was still ever so slightly cracked. Instead of closing it, however, he opened it a bit wider to reveal a surprised Yumi. She was spying on the pair, thinking she would go undetected.

“Damn you, Shinta,” was all the words the woman was able to muster as her anger consumed her.

“Why are you so upset? It’s not as if you are my woman. You belong to our master, remember?” Shinta replied, tapping Yumi on her reddened nose. She flinched and backed away a couple of paces, disgusted by his touch.

“Because I am a courtesan, you act as if I have no feelings,” she said, her pain evident in her tone.

“Shinta” has to do damage control. Capturing Yumi’s good affections was integral in his plan. While the discovery of Karma Chameleon was fascinating and...arousing, completing the mission was number one.

He turned back to Kaoru, but she had already drew on and robe and laid down on her bed. Shinta then slipped through the door and pulled it lightly behind him, his hand still on the knob. His shirt was visibly damp with sweat, his dark hair a tangled mess on top of his head. Yumi thought he didn’t seem more attractive than at that very moment. Without thinking she leapt into his arms, sobbing.

“Why does everyone love her more than they love me?” she cried in genuine anguish.

Shishio had just turned her away. HER...of all people! It was unthinkable, but it was happening. Her lover was falling in love with Paloma. Then, thinking she could find solace in another, he too became trapped in the newcomer’s web. Why? Why was she being ignored in her favor?

Shinta pulled he door up completely and returned Yumi’s embrace, making her feel safe. She slowly began to calm down. Shinta tilted her face up to his as she sniffled a bit, making him smile.

“Love is a very powerful word, Yumi. I have but started to know you...and alas, you are off-limits to me. Shishio-sama has made that clear. I did take my liberties with you, but I certainly did not mean to hurt you. It’s not that Shishio-sama does not love you...he’s simply in lust with Paloma. She is an interesting creature. Men are much more simple than women. It doesn’t take a lot to make our eyes wander. I assure you, Shishio-sama loves you,” Shinta said, hoping his words would further calm her.

“I feel safe in your arms, Shinta. I don’t want to share you,” she blurted out.

“And it’s fair that I would have to not only share you, but risk my life to be with you?” Shinta chuckled. “Yumi, I am not bound to be monogamous to you. That does not mean I do not care for you on some level. Have some confidence. It is a quality I find very attractive.”

“You care for me, but you will turn around and sleep with her?” Yumi questioned.

“For someone that has been on the right arm of the most powerful man in the world, you are quite sensitive,” Shinta spat, growing displeased as to where this conversation was going.

Hearing the pitch in his voice, Yumi decided it was best to back down. After all, he did admit he cared for her. She would have to take that and run with it. Perhaps when she got rid of that awful woman in the room, he would grow to love her. Yes, she had to kill her. Paloma was taking everything away from her. And, as Shinta pointed out, she was on the arm of the most powerful man in the world. Why shouldn’t she wield her power around to get what she desired?

“You are right, Shinta. I am being a child about this. I am sorry,” Yumi apologized quietly.

Shinta, though suspect, accepted and kissed her lightly on her forehead. Without another word, Yumi scurried down the hall with a new-found spring to her step. The bitch would be dead by daybreak.

After letting out an exasperated sigh, Shinta turned the doorknob and pushed the door, but it did not budge. It had been locked. Surprised, he shook it furiously, then pounded on the door.

“Open it, it seems to be locked,” he yelled to Paloma.

“I know it’s locked,” Paloma said through the door, her voice slightly muffled.

“Com’on, not you, too,” Shinta whined.

“I wanted you to shut the door, not carry a conversation with that bitch,” she said, looking at her nails as she leaned against the door. “If you want some action, I suggest you follow the whore.”

Shinta wanted to be angry, but he truly couldn’t. It was of no consequence, though. He knew who she was. It was still a question of how he would deal with her. He couldn’t outright kill her without bring suspicion to himself. Also, at this juncture, it was not necessary to kill her. It’s not as if he were truly loyal to Shishio and in a position to keep him out of harms way. He was there to kill him. And, Paloma did not suspect anything out of the ordinary.

But, as his footsteps faded as he walked down the hallway, "Paloma" did very well suspect much out of the ordinary. She replayed the moment she touched his cheek in their moment of passion and realized he was not just any spy...he was the most dangerous assassin in the world. Why would he take on an assignment undercover? Himura Kenshin, he who did not need a alias or a cover? But, he put make-up on his scar, which she could still faintly feel.

The challenge in front of her bordered the line of orgasmic. It was unlikely Kenshin suspected too much. She could take both he and Shishio out. And with a little luck, she could rid herself of the whore, too.

And tomorrow was only a day away.