“How disappointing. I’ve spent so many years dreaming of the day I’d finally defeat you, my fair rival. To have it happen because of such a simple trick, well…” Crimson lips turned up in amusement. “It’s almost anticlimactic.”

“Well, it hasn’t been a great day for me either,” Natalia Grant quipped sourly, trying and failing to appear casual as she strained against the ropes keeping her wrists bound behind her back. The Office of Secret Affairs agent cut a beautiful figure in her fieldwork-approved black sweater and pants, long dark hair bound up in a tight bun to reveal high cheekbones and bright green eyes, and clearly the other woman seemed to think so too, if the way her gloved hands roamed over her rival’s body was any indication. Said hands moved upwards, tracing the line of Natalia’s jaw, and the spy twisted away, pleasure and revulsion warring inside her. “For one thing, I’m stuck dealing with a patsy for an authoritarian regime who can’t keep her hands to herself.”

Laughter sounded in answer, and high-heeled boots clicked on the floorboards as Natalia’s captor paced around her, warm breath suddenly filling the spy’s ear. “You must forgive me,” the woman codenamed Sparrowhawk purred, her sensual, husky accent sending shivers along her captive’s spine. It seemed impossible that this was the greatest spy in service to the Democratic People’s Republic of Karazi, the faceless shadow who’d compromised so many OSA missions, for she was a beauty. statuesque and proud, who’d stand out in a crowd of thousands. Strawberry-blonde hair framed almost doll-like features, complete with sharp grey eyes and a full mouth, while a black catsuit framed her svelte figure rather artfully, and kept Natalia’s gaze fixed upon her. “I’ve brought down many agents of the decadent capitalists before, but never one as lovely as you.”

“I’m flattered,” Natalia responded coldly, her blushes betraying her. For weeks now, she’d been undercover in Karazi as a secretary at the Essalani embassy, one of the many beautiful young women who helped run one of the few diplomatic missions the isolationist state permitted within its borders. In reality, she spent her days helping Karazians defect, often venturing out in the grey expanse of the capital to assist those trying to elude the rival spies of the Ministry of Public Order. Tonight had been no different, a secret communique from one such would-be escapee leading her to a ruined apartment building for a midnight escape… and an ambush at the hands of Sparrowhawk. Now, Natalia had been left bound on a wooden chair, ropes binding her ankles to its legs, her wrists behind the backrest, and encircling her upper body above and below her breasts, and she cursed herself for falling for such a basic, simple trick. “But I think you must have me confused for someone else.”

“On the contrary, my dear,” replied Sparrowhawk. “The traitor who signalled you is already in the custody of the MPO, and was more than happy to give up the location of your little meeting. And to find none other than the vaunted Agent 46 involved?”

At mention of her own codename, Natalia felt her breath hitch in her throat. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m an embassy secretary just out for a walk.”

“Please don’t play your silly little tricks on me.” A note of steel entered the rival spy’s tone, her flirtatious demeanour giving way to something far more menacing. “We know how you snuck into the MPO itself last year while in disguise, but we’ve never been able to connect the codename to the woman. Until now, at least.” Natalia gave a sharp gasp as the rival spy cupped her breasts, possessively kneading the soft, supple flesh. “I imagine my superiors will be very happy once I report my discovery.”

The thought of all the other agents who’d fallen prey to Sparrowhawk’s tricks only encourage Natalia to resist, the pleasure of a beautiful woman’s touch dismissed in her anger. “I won’t beg,” she hissed, wood and hemp creaking mockingly in her struggles. “I won’t—mmmppggghh! MMMMPPPGGGHHH!”

A balled-up wad of cloth put an end to the spy’s defiant proclamations, a second length of cloth quickly cleaving her pouty lips to keep the gag in place. “Oh, do not worry, my dear, I have no intention of giving you over to the MPO. After all, they would only succeed in breaking you, and beautiful things like you are too precious for such treatment.” Green eyes widened fearfully, inspiring another bout of laughter. “Yes, you belong to me now, my dear, beautiful rival. I’ll be able to trick both our agencies into believing you’ve been killed, and once I have, you’re going to stay with me forever. Isn’t that wonderful?”

“Mmmmpggghh!” Natalia screamed in protest. From a pouch at her rival’s belt came a small glass bottle, its contents poured over a spare scrap of cloth, and the spy had a moment to recognize the implications before Sparrowhawk pressed the chloroform-soaked rag over her nose and mouth, removing her of all strength in the space of moments. “Mmmmppppgghhh…”

“There’s no need to struggle. Just breathe it in. I’ll have plenty more tricks to show you, once we’re safely away from here…”