Chapter 2 - The Unlikely Partner

A white crop top that fits perfectly on her slender waist, topped with an elegant cutout blazer that matches her white skirt. Her luscious soft brown curls bounced smoothly as she struts her killer legs along with those killer heels.

 

Every guy in the lobby hurried towards the elevator in hopes of getting close to her. But to their dismay, she walked past them and headed straight towards the next one —the deluxe elevator for the VIP guests.

 

Zea brought out her golden card and swiped it to gain access. She went inside, pressed the button, and wait for it to close. But a hand suddenly slipped in between the door and a dashingly handsome man effortlessly made his way inside the elevator.

 

He let out a sexy grin and he made sure its an irresistible one. But irresistibly annoying to Zea.

 

He smoothed out his white suit, adjusted his sleek chrome glasses that somehow gave him a dignified look. Yet it can never hide that naughty smile of a playboy.

 

"I love our couple outfit."

 

"And when exactly did a company uniform became a couple outfit?"

 

"Don't worry babe, we're getting there."

 

Zea frowned. It truly amazes her, how this guy can get on her nerves in so many ways. And to make it worst. He playfully moved right next to her and drove her in the corner as if they're in a crowded elevator.

 

"What the hell is wrong with you? Can you move your ass over there?" she hissed and tried to shove him away. But pushing his rock hard chiseled body which stood six feet and seven inches high, is like pushing the leaning tower right back to it's place.

 

He giggled and it annoyed her even more. They both stopped as soon as the bell rang and the door slid open. Zea took advantage of it and expertly slipped her way out of his trap.

 

"Finally!" Zea let out a sarcastic smile. "You don't know how happy I am knowing that I no longer have to work with you." She mockingly flipped her hair and stepped out of the elevator. The guy just stood there, with a naughty grin on his lips, as he watched her strut into the hallway.

 

She entered a glass-paneled hallway and streaks of blue laser lights scanned her from the head, the intricate pattern of her retina, and down to her toes.

 

"Access granted. Welcome, Agent Red Velvet." The steel door opened after the automated voice prompt.

 

"You're early."

 

Zea immediately smiled as soon as she saw the dignified old man seated at the desk. She walked towards him and gave him her warmest hug. "It's nice seeing you again, Uncle."

 

His gentle eyes smiled as he happily patted her shoulder. Like what he used to do when she's still a little child. "Have a seat."

 

But Zea didn't let go of his hands. If it wasn't for him, she'll be probably dead right now. After losing her father. Her uncle took her under his wing and made her the kind of woman she is today.

 

Her dad is a strict military man. Quite opposite to his younger brother who is naturally gentle and loving. But Zea seldomly spent time with them since they're always out for their mission. For her, being with them is priceless. And now her father was gone, he's the only family she got.

 

"How's your mission in Russia?" the old man asked as he sipped on his coffee.

 

"Everything went well, Uncle. They already deposited the money to your account," she smiled and looked attentively at her uncle as if waiting for some good news.

 

He let out a light laugh. "You just can't wait, do you? Well... you just have to wait."

 

Her eyebrows knitted happily. "Wait for what?"

 

"Oh! There he is."

 

She followed her uncle's gaze and turned her head the moment she heard the titanium door opened.

 

A fine gentleman walked towards them and gave her a wide smile.

 

Her jaw dropped in an instant.

 

"You?"

 

He bent down, bringing his face closer to hers. "You don't know how happy I am —knowing you and I will work together, again." He bit his lips for a sexy smile. "Damn baby, we're so meant to be."

 

Uncle Ram cleared his throat, making sure he was heard. "Looks like you two don't need an introduction. Let's get down to business." he said while tossing two envelopes onto the table which the two quickly took.

 

"I believe you've been waiting for this job for a long time." Uncle Ram looked intently at her niece.

 

Her grip tightened on the paper as she scanned through it's pages, her eyes blazing with determination. She turned her gaze to her uncle and gave her a slight nod to confirm her suspicions.

 

"This is a highly classified mission, agents. The Government wanted to investigate this case for a long time. But due to the big persons involved. From high-ranking officials, both in the army and the police force, to prominent politicians that we have today. They decided to hire a specialized group that has entirely no connection with these people —that's us. And with that, both you will go on an undercover mission."

 

A picture of a well-known university flashed onto the LED screen.

 

"As a professor?" the guy asked.

 

"No, as a student."

 

An awkward silence ran into the room. but after a few seconds, the young man burst in laughter.

 

"Seriously? Me, a student? I mean... with this gorgeous face, I understand why college girls always mistook me as their hot professor. But as a student?" He almost cried tears while laughing. But with the cold dark stare coming from his old superior. He quickly straightened up and kept silent.

 

"Mr. Ethan Weiss. Don't take this mission too lightly. The reason why I hired you both is that we're not dealing with amateurs here. There are bigger things that are happening inside this university that we know nothing about."

 

A logo flashed on the screen. —SIBS

 

"Oh, I heard of that group before," Ethan replied.

 

"Yes, it is a well-known charity organization that operates inside the university. For students, it is a respectable fraternity. However, the real purpose of the group is to get orphans, out-of-school youth, and street dwellers. They give them food, shelter and provide them with good education. Sounds noble, huh?"

 

Uncle Ram chuckled and continued.

 

"But little did they know is that they train them to be the best in their profession, so they can work for this organization. Out of gratitude, they serve them. Through legal and mostly, illegal ways. They got the best lawyers, solid connections with the police. All of them, trained and planted in their designated position. SIBS created them. Their bond is so strong, they'll do anything to protect their organization."

 

"Your mission is to enter the university and be part of SIBS. Zea will go undercover as a high school student and you Ethan, as a college student." Uncle Ram handed them other documents as well as their plane tickets." You'll fly first class to Victoria City first thing in the morning. So get ready."

 

Uncle Ram turned his gaze towards Zea. "You've been waiting for this case for a long time. But promise me that you'll not do anything impulsive." He reached for his dear niece and grabbed her hand. "I already lost a brother, you're the only family I got."

 

Zea gave her old man a tight hug. "I promise."

 

"This case is highly dangerous. That's why I hired Ethan as your partner. I bet you already know what this guy is capable of," he said with so much pride, then patted Ethan's broad shoulder.

 

Ugh, thought Zea to herself as she rolled her eyes. She could picture his overly pleased smirk on his irritatingly handsome face after hearing her those praises.

 

"I told you, it's a sign," Ethan silently mouthed. He sheepishly smiled then brought his hand up for a cute finger heart. 

 

Zea smiled back at him and slowly raised her middle finger instead. "Sorry, this is the only sign I know."

 

Uncle Ram cleared his throat again, trying to break up their bickering moment.

 

"As I was saying, Ethan will lead this mission. You will report and follow direct orders from this man. But for now, I want you to review the files I gave you. I'll talk about the other details once you're already settled in Victoria City."

 

The old man immediately left the room after the briefing. Leaving both of them inside the conference hall, staring at each other's faces.

 

Zea, looking totally pissed. And Ethan, looking overly excited at her boobs.

 

She can't help but sigh.

 

Why does it have to be him, all the time?