Sorry again

I scoffed and placed my phone in my back pocket. For the past two weeks, Lara has been partying and missing work. How was I supposed to shadow her if she wasn't there?! Poor Lexi has been keeping me updated. She would apologize everyday that Lara stood me up.

"For someone who volunteered to have me tail them, she sure is doing an awful job." I muttered.

"Yea, sorry about that." I turned to Jelena. "I was so caught up in pressing them, that I neglected to realize I got outwitted. She's the most unreliable out of them and that's the one who volunteered." Jelena ran a hand through her blond locks. "I'm beginning to wonder if that was their plan all along."

"I don't think so. They seemed pretty pissed when she accepted."

"Too busy to do her job, but not too busy to party it seems." Kendall showed us a picture of Lara with her tongue down someone's throat.

I'm not sure why, but the image made me sick. I turned away and began busying myself with some files. Actually, an idea just occurred to me.

"Jelena?" She turned. "How fast can we write up a contract?"

X

It's been a couple of days since we sent the contract to the company's lawyers. They looked it over and had negotiated the different terms. Eventually, the executives signed it, even Lara.

However, still no word from her. It's beginning to piss me off that I'm going on three weeks without actually starting my job. It's infuriating because the longer she doesn't comply, the longer I have to stay in this mission.

Lexi had been giving me apology type gifts. She'd have coffee, desserts, and other foods brought to me everyday. Along with the food would be an apology note. I always texted to thank her and recognize her thoughtfulness. She was really sweet.

Zayn had also gone undercover with me at the department. He was actually stationed in Spencer's group, believe it or not. Jade was placed in the chemistry research group in Cobalt Enterprise to actually spy on the weapon manufacturing. Matt had been, understandably, pissed about how the mission was unfolding, so he sent in helping hands. I'm just happy he allowed my friends to work with me. Now, we could hang out without suspicion being drawn.

I checked my phone to see that it was just after 11:30am. Any moment, a package of sweets would be brought to me by one of the secretaries. I had come to expect that between 11:30-11:45 would be my surprise package from Lexi.

I glanced up and saw the form of the secretary moving. I looked away and started googling Lara. It's become one of my many hobbies at work since I didn't have much to do. I'd come, listen to Jelena delegate different tasks to each person, and then semi accomplish them. I was halfassing my work for two reasons. One, I didn't want to stand out. And two, my new hobby (looking at pictures of Lara) distracted me.

I was intently staring at a photo of Lara on a red carpet. Her head was turned as she conversed with a reporter. Her side profile allowed her sharp jawline to be displayed. I had to catch myself from drooling at the sight of such a sexy woman.

"Ahh, not my best photo." I jumped and turned to see Lara intently staring at the screen. "The picture makes my eyes look a little droopy, don't you think?" She now switched her attention to me. She began smirking at my flustered state, no doubt I was blushing like mad. "Oh, these are for you." She revealed a bag of munchkins. "Lexi said you liked the various flavors." She placed them on my desk.

"Uh, thanks. What are you doing here?" I glanced around and saw all eyes were on us. How arrogant can she be? She was under an investigation, yet had the nerve to waltz inside a police department with no cares in the world.

"What am I doing here?" She asked, confused. "You were the ones who crafted the contract stating that I had babysit you." She smirked. Even though she looked hot like that, I narrowed my eyes.

"If anyone is being babysat, it's you. I have to supervise you at work. Something that you apparently don't do." She smirked at my rant. "Plus, that contract was signed three days ago! Meaning, you were supposed to start working with me three days ago!"

"Well, let's begin our union together, partner." Her eyes held a different meaning as she held her hand out for me to take.

I slapped her hand away and stood up on my own. I handed the donuts to Harry and Taylor since I wouldn't be giving her the satisfaction of eating her gift. Her eyes scrunched together in disappointment from my actions, but she quickly wiped away all remnants of sadness when our eyes connected.

She smugly backed away with her hands behind her back. She kept walking backwards while engaging in a staring contest with me. I was really hoping she would walk into a wall, but luck wasn't on my side. I refused to continue her game on the streets, so I conceded and blinked. She tilted her head to the side in amusement before facing the correct way.

We walked down the street in complete silence. I refused to speak to her and she was content with just blatantly staring at me. I started to feel slightly uncomfortable under her gaze. What was her problem? I jerked my head towards her, hoping to unrattle her. She just smiled wider when I stared at her.

I was planning on staying silent, but I was confused why we walked past the company building. I glanced at her to see if she accidentally walked past it, but she was looking at me with amusement. Is she hoping I correct her?

"Where are we going? I know you passed the building on purpose." My voice was devoid of amusement.

"Observant, girl." She whispered wistfully. "I think it'd be boring if we spent our first day together just walking around middle aged men." She led me across the street. "I figured that I should get to know my babysitter better." She teased.

I rolled my eyes, but followed her into a prestigious cafe. I've never been here, but I know that not anyone can just book a reservation here. The moment she walked inside, the hostess stopped talking to the other guests and immediately led us to the back of the room. I'm guessing that she's a regular. The hostess laid two menus down before rushing away.

I was about to sit down, but Lara held her hand up, halting my action. She moved behind me to pull out the chair. I sat down and stared at her. I didn't even have time to help her since she pushed me forward. I didn't realize she was that strong, considering that these chairs were heavy. I muttered a thanks to her. She hummed while moving to take the seat across from me.

"Please, anything you'd like." She handed me a menu.

I glanced over the overpriced menu. Why did a garden salad, that only consisted of vegetables, cost $50 at this place. I subtly lifted my vision to watch as Lara gazed out the window. Did she even look at the menu? She caught my stare. Shit!

"See something you like, love?" She teased.

I ignored her and continued running my eyes over the different food items. I looked up when I heard an amused chuckle. She was staring at me in awe and wonder. She rested her elbows on the table and placed her head in between her hands. She looked like a little kid. How cute- nope! Stop it Amelia! She's your new target and definitely a predator.

"Hello, my name is Audrey and I'll be your server for today."

I opened my mouth to greet her back, but her eyes were trained on Lara. Lara shot the waitress a million watt smile, causing the girl to blush. Jeez, she definitely is a flirt.

"I'll have the usual and Nicole will have the..." Lara looked at me.

"Umm... I'll have the pesto chicken pasta." I closed my menu. "And a water, please." The waitress just bobbed her head while staring at Lara.

When Lara winked, the waitress's face was on fire. She eventually did leave to input our orders. I'm not holding out hope she got my order correct since she was so transfixed on the child I had been tricked into supervising. Her eyes lustfully followed the waitress before settling on me. Once we made eye contact, her eyes changed from lustful to love and admiration?

"How are you enjoying your new job?" She broke our staring contest.

"Don't think I can have an opinion since I've been delayed 3 weeks from starting." I glared at her.

"You enjoying your new partners?" How did she know that I'm new to the department?

"Yes, they're nice. How'd you know I was new?"

"They had to bring in a consultant. I'm assuming you're familiar with nuclear fission and astrophysics, experimental physics." She absentmindedly listed off.

"I understand a little." That was an understatement, but I wasn't going to tell her that.

"A little?" She chuckled. "You sure are modest. I bet your brain power could outmatch the engineers and scientists in my division."

"Your division?" I feigned interest. The waiter at this time had brought our food. Well, my food. Lara had only received a mimosa and began sipping it. "Are you on a special diet where you don't eat food?" I was hoping to rattle her, even if my comment was shitty.

"What I eat... you may not consider food." She smirked like she said the funniest joke. "Back to you though..." She cleared her throat. "Why'd you decide to investigate my company?"

I had to consciously make an effort to control my emotions. The last thing I wanted was for her to know the real reason I was here. She stared at me, patiently waiting for my answer.

"Because we suspect your company has been laundering money. We're investigating the legal and potential illegal transactions your company made." I stated.

"Is that the only reason?" She drank her drink while eyeing me.

It took me a moment to calm myself. Her presence was unraveling me. I've never been in a situation like this. I've always been in control, but she was making it very difficult. I felt my heart beating rapidly in my chest. I subtly took a deep breath.

"Yes." I felt my heart hammering against my chest.

"Alright."

She smiled as she looked away. It was a knowing smile. Like she knew I was lying. Like she knew I wasn't who I said I was. Like she could hear the frantic beating of my heart.