When the bathroom door opened, Debra was soaking in the bathtub.


    She asked awkwardly, "Uh, where''s the towel?"


    It was her first time staying in that house, and she hadn''t expected the towel not to be in the bathroom.


    Marion was relieved to see her fine. "I''ll get it for you."


    He walked over to grab the towel, then entered the bathroom and draped it over her shoulders.


    Her cheeks looked rosy, maybe because of the heat in the bathroom.


    Worried about her injury, he gently lifted her out of the bathtub. She instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. Their breaths mixed as she was held close to him.


    His arms were robust, easily lifting her with no effort.


    "Are you tired?"


    "I-I am."


    "Then lie down and let me serve you."


    He kissed her forehead, but she tapped his shoulder. "Hey! I just finished my shower."


    It was getting dark. Marion ordered takeout, all of Debra''s favorite dishes.


    Her body was sore all over. She didn''t want to move, and Marion had to feed her.


    Leaning on the head of the bed, she pointed to dishes with her chin. Marion would pick up the food and bring it to her mouth.


    His ck shirt was crisp, with the sleeves slightly rolled up.


    "Why are you dressed so formally at home?" she asked curiously.


    "Force of habit." He shrugged, handing her a ss of water.


    Their past jobs had often meant no time for casual clothes. They had to be ready for a mission at a


    moment''s notice. Over time, he had gotten used to not wearing pajamas or casual wear at home.


    Debra''s phone rang. She guessed it was Michael who had arrived.


    She answered the call, and sure enough, his voice came through. "I''m outside your door."


    Debra replied, "I''ll have Marion let you in."


    Marion furrowed his brow. "I....."


    "Honey, go open the door," she said.


    Reluctantly, he put down his ss, stood up, and headed downstairs.


    Earlier, Debra had arranged for someone to pick up Michael from the airport.


    Marion opened the door to see


    Michael standing there, wearing


    mask and a white casual outfit.


    He was fully geared up. If he hadn''t just called, Marion wouldn''t have recognized him.


    Michael took off his hat and mask. "Pardon me, I can''t risk being recognized by fans."


    Marion didn''t say anything. Debra came downstairs, fully dressed.


    "Michael, you''re here. About dinner tonight..." she started.


    "Ten o''clock." Michael opened his suitcase and took out an invitation. "This your entry for dinner. It''s


    6:30 now,


    " you still have time to


    prepare."


    Debra looked at the invitation. "How did you get it?"