“I’m sorry you couldn’t finish your shopping because of me,” Annie said softly.
“Don’t worry about it. I couldn’t find what I was looking for anyways,” Natasha said. “Besides, I’m sure my boss won’t be too mad if I show up empty handed.”
“Who do you work for?” Annie asked.
“Lara Kraft. She’s the CEO of Venus Inc,” Natasha said.
“And what do you do?” Annie asked.
“Like I said, boring corporate work. I fill out papers, manage files, that sort of stuff,” Natasha said.
“And you have to get your boss presents?” Annie asked.
“Sometimes I have to do the dirty work,” Natasha said. “Including my boss’s errands.”
“So do you get people gifts often? Like fancy lockets? Wine? Lewd teddy bears?” Annie asked.
“Your mood sure has changed,” Natasha laughed. “I only give that stuff to special clients.”
“But you just met me,” Annie said.
“Something tells me you’re kind of special,” Natasha said.
Annie raised her eyebrow. “There’s nothing special about me,” Annie mumbled.
“Sure there is,” Natasha said. “You’re the only Anastasia Wyatt I’ve met. That makes you pretty special.”
Annie smiled and blushed.
The rest of the way, Annie stayed silent, thinking about everything that had happened from being caught in just red panties to being caught literally butt naked in public.
Annie sighed as Natasha pulled up the parking garage. “Thanks for today even if I did end up being publicly embarrassed,” Annie said.
Natasha smiled. “I’m glad to be of service. Let me walk you to your apartment.”
Annie nodded as they walked together. Then Annie started thinking a bit more. “Wait, how did you know my last name was Wyatt?” Annie asked. “I never told you that.”
“It was on the residence papers,” Natasha said.
“Oh...” Annie said.
Annie entered her apartment. “I’ll see you later,” Natasha said.
Annie nodded. “Have a good day.”
Annie shut the door behind her, making sure to lock it. Annie sat down on the bed. The memories started flowing back as she thought about the events of today. And as she thought, she thought more about Natasha. From the first moment, Natasha had been gazing at her through her door, showing up with a gift basket filled with expensive gifts, and instantly trusting her enough to ride in her precious car. Not to mention taking her shopping and somehow also knowing her name despite never really saying it.
Annie sighed as she stripped he clothes off and headed for the bathroom, still thinking about everything. “Wait... it couldn’t be... no that’s silly... but maybe... she does have a strange sounding job... is it possible? But how would I know if- “
Suddenly the door burst open, startling Annie. “You need to leave now!” Natasha yelled grabbing hold of Annie’s hand.
“W-what? But I’m-”
Annie felt Natasha dragging her out the door, unable to resist. “No time to explain. Out now.”
“N-natasha! Stop!”
Annie felt Natasha lift her up and run out the door. Natasha tackled her to the grass lawn just as Annie watched the apartment explode. Annie’s eyes widened as not only was she laying butt naked outside, but she watched as the apartment she had just moved into... burned.
———
And now it escalates.
———
“WHAT THE FUCK JUST HAPPENED!” Annie yelled, watching in horror as the apartment building with all her clothes, all her belongings had flames shooting out from all sides.
“I’m so sorry, Annie. I didn’t think it would happen so soon,” Natasha said. “I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have left you alone. I should have known better. Dammit. It all happened so fast.”
“B-but... I’m naked. I don’t have any... what happened? What about the other guys?” Annie asked.
“I’m sorry for your clothes, your life was more important. I... I am an agent. Agent Stryker that is. I was assigned to this apartment to watch over you, to protect you. This whole thing was.... kind of staged,” Natasha said.
“What?!” Annie shrieked.
“Well, not the um exposure part, but the people here, the building. All hired under the same organization with the same story,” Natasha said.
“But why?” Annie asked.
“Because of your mother,” Natasha said.
“What?!” Annie shrieked.
“Your mother, she was an important person,” Natasha said. “She was working on an assignment when things went south quickly. She was compromised and the enemy took advantage of it all.”
“Advantage? What? What about my mother?” Annie said.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t want to lie to you. Not like that, but I had to,” Natasha said. “I know a lot more about you then I may have let on. Your mom worked for an agency called Colossus. It’s the same one I’m under. She was a high leveled agent, which also put a target on her back. There’s an organization called Chimera. They’re a brutal and horrible terrorist organization.”
Annie blinked, unsure of how to react, but then she looked down and blushed. “B-but my clothes.”
“We need to get you out of here,” Natasha said. “I’m sorry, Annie. Really I am. We can probably get you clothes back at HQ, but we aren’t done. If they’re bombing your apartment it’s escalating too quickly. My priority is your safety. Please, trust me.”
“Well... you did just save my life,” Annie whispered. “Okay. I guess... I guess this is happening. Let’s hurry before someone sees me.”
Natasha nodded. She pulled out her keys and hit a button. Annie almost shrieked as the blue Audi pulled up to them. “Come on,” Natasha said.
“Did Lola just-”
“Okay, maybe the car is a bit more... special then I let on, but we need to hurry unless you want to stick around... like that,” Natasha said.
Annie’s face burned red as she climbed into the car. Natasha nodded as she climbed into the driver’s seat and pulled away, hitting a few buttons.