*Carter's POV*

I checked the microphone hidden under the lining of my dress one last time, watching as the steady stream of black tie swaddled dinner go-ers strutted through the open front gates of the tall white building.

Zayn adjusted his tie and ran a hand through his sleek, black hair flashing himself a grin in the car mirror.

"Man. We clean up well. It's been awhile since I've seen you all dressed up like this Carty. You look beautiful."

I white-knuckled the steering wheel and refused to let my eyes wander over to the passenger side of the car.

"Do you remember your task?" I questioned through gritted teeth. I could make out Zayn's head bobbing as he nodded.

"Go in. Flirt, drink, socialize. Maybe find a floozy accountant or something." I squeezed the wheel even harder and Zayn laughed.

"I'm just kidding gorgeous. I know the plan. I've got it all up here." He tapped his brain and gave me one of his infamous winks.

I turned to him and tried to hide my approval of his well polished look. Hair halfway gelled back with a few stray wisps falling into his face, eyes twinkling. We studied each other for a time before his low voice caused a ripple to travel down my back.

"Ahhh Carty!! That dress. Your make-up. You really are beautiful. That makes it so much harder for me to do this."

My spy brain kicked in at the silver flash coming from Zayn's pocket. I swiped his hand down, pinning it on the middle compartment. But he was too quick for me as his other arm clasped the cold handcuffs onto my wrist and the steering wheel.

"Zayn!" I cried, swatting at him. He dodged me and opened his car door, leaning back in only to blow me a kiss.

"I told ya I work alone." I banged on the steering wheel as he closed the door and walked towards the secret service agent posted by the entrance.

It's okay Carter. Keep your cool. You've been in worse situations than this, just use your level 20 brain.

One thing I was certain of, as soon as I got out of this mess, Zayn Malik was going to pay... ****************************************************************

*Zayn's POV*

I grabbed a champagne flute from a passing tray, and rolled the stem between my fingers as I gazed the crowd. An orchestra performed in the far corner of the room, playing a slow tune, while a few couples waltzed to it.

I scanned the endless sea of moving faces in front of me, and accidentally caught the eye of Danicka Cane, a representative in the White House and old fling of mine. She maneuvered through shiny tuxedos and gowns to get to me.

"Charlie, Charlie, Charlie." She called me by the false name I had given to so many others here.

"Danicka! It's been a while."

"Yeah Charlie. Way too long." She pressed her arms into her chest so her cleavage pushed against the restraints of her gown. I bit my lip and tried to focus on her eyes.

"Mhmm...how have you been?" I politely asked.

"Not well since you left. What brings you back over here? I thought you said it was too stuffy?" She traced the v-neck of her gown with a slim finger, and I stuffed my fists even deeper into my pants pocket.

"I know. But I wanted to catch up with a few familiar faces. Maybe chat for awhile."

She leaned towards me so her lips brushed my ear, and I could feel her boobs pressed flat against my arm.

"We can do way more than chat handsome ...." she let her hand fall and brush the front of my pants, and my breathing hitched.

"Umm...am I interrupting something?!?"

The agitated voice pulled me away, and I looked to find Carter standing there with her hand on her waist. I took a step away from Danicka and ran a panicked hand through my hair.

"Yeah. You kind of are." Danicka stepped back into me, but I pushed her away.

"I don't think I am." Carter hissed. Danicka swelled up, her face turning red, and I caught Carter's hands ball into fists.

If there is anything I've learned from working in the spy business, it's that a chick fight never ends well.

"Who even are you??" Danicka snapped. Carter dropped her fists and walked to my side.

"I'm Zayn's girlfriend." She pulled my shirt collar to her and kissed me full on the lips. I returned it without missing a beat. When we broke apart, Danicka was gone. Her presence replaced by a tense, awkward air.

"Let's dance." Carter chimed, pulling me towards the couples on the floor. As we swayed to the beat, Carter leaned up on tiptoe to whisper in my ear.

"That kiss was part of the act Zayn. Don't get any ideas." Her hand gripped mine tighter and I gave her a smile.

"It's Charlie here. And don't worry Carty. You aren't even worth an idea." I lied back. Hurt flashed across her eyes briefly, before they returned to her original fake lovestruck state.

"You aren't following mission protocol. It took me forever to get out of that car. You owe me a new steering wheel." She snapped through a smile.

"Relax princess. I know what I'm doing." I dipped her, and brought her smoothly back to my body.

"I could report you! You are diverting from the plan. Matter of fact, I should just handle you myself." She pressed her body as far into mine as possible, and I could feel the outline of a small handgun on her thigh.

"Ahhhhhh. And you think I didn't come prepared too sweetheart?" I ran my ankle around her leg, so she could feel my own weapon nestled safely in my sock. She let out a giggle for the sake of those near us, but her eyes were dangerous.

To anyone watching from a distance, we were just a couple that was madly in love. I tightened my grip on her back, and she pressed her nails into my neck, neither one of our smiles faltering.

"You're playing a dangerous game Malik."

"As are you Wingfield."

The music stopped and we pulled away, clapping for the mini orchestra. I looked at Carter one last time, the deadly glare she shot back at me enough to make my heart seize.

Notes

Yes! I am really enjoying freaking writing this story!!
I love spies, fighting, bad ass-ness, and hate relationships (not in my own life though!).

So yeah! Hope you guys like reading it as much as I enjoy writing it ;)

Smoochies,
Denim ^^