The nightclub pulsed with music loud enough to shake the walls. James Bond stepped through the entrance, adjusting the cuff of his tuxedo as he surveyed the crowd. His assignment was simple. Find Viktor Markovic. Observe. Wait. Unfortunately, the CIA had complicated matters. "Markovic is on the main floor," came the quiet voice in Bond's earpiece. "And before you ask, yes, the American is already in position." Bond followed the direction given. Then he spotted her. A woman in a black mini dress moved through the packed dance floor with effortless confidence. The dress hugged every curve and was short enough to attract attention—which appeared to be exactly the point. Because Viktor Markovic couldn't keep his hands off her. Ellie Brown. Codename: Tex. The CIA agent was laughing at something Markovic said, one hand resting lightly against his chest as she let him pull her closer. To anyone watching, she looked like another beautiful woman enjoying a night out. But Bond could see the calculated precision behind every movement. She was working. Markovic leaned down to whisper something in her ear. Ellie laughed and pressed herself closer, letting him think he was charming her. The man looked completely captivated. It was effective. "That's your partner," his handler informed him. Bond watched as Ellie guided Markovic farther onto the dance floor. "Unfortunate." The handler sighed. "Try to cooperate." Across the room, Ellie caught sight of him for the first time. The famous James Bond. He was taller than she'd expected. More handsome too. Unfortunately, he also looked exactly like the type of man she'd spend five minutes with before wanting to punch him. Markovic noticed her attention drift. "Something wrong?" Ellie immediately smiled and looked back at him. "Not a thing." Still, she couldn't resist another glance toward Bond. He was staring directly at her. Judging. Looking like he disapproved of her existence. A few minutes later Markovic stood. "I've got a private table upstairs." Ellie slipped her arm through his. "Lead the way." They headed toward the VIP staircase. Bond approached from another direction. The irritation was instant. By the time Markovic paused to speak with security, Bond and Ellie found themselves standing beside one another for the first time. Up close, the dislike only intensified. Bond looked her over. "Subtle." Ellie's jaw tightened. "Funny. I was thinking the same thing about the tux." Both agents kept their voices pleasant enough to avoid suspicion. The smiles on their faces were entirely fake. "You seem determined to attract attention," Bond said. "And you seem determined to be annoying." Bond's eyebrow lifted. "Annoying?" "You walked in here looking like somebody canceled your favorite funeral." For the first time, Bond looked genuinely offended. Markovic returned before Bond could respond. "Everything alright?" Ellie immediately slipped back into character. Her smile brightened. "Perfect." She took Markovic's arm and started toward the stairs. As she passed Bond, she leaned close enough that only he could hear. "Try to keep up, London." Then she walked away. "Thoughts?" Bond's gaze remained fixed on the staircase. "She's reckless." A pause. "Anything else?" "She's going to be a problem.”