Hey guys... so it's been a while since I've updated this baby, a whopping 2+ years. Sorry about that! I had kinda forgotten about this story for a while (I know, I know, I'm terrible) and so I tried to write this newest chapter as soon as I could. My apologize if the chapter doesn't live up to par! haha :)

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I first off would like to welcome all of you to tonight's eye-opening presentation." Vasiliev smiled and paused as he thought of the appropriate words. "As many of you have been informed, my colleagues and I have recently excavated the mythical 'Jade Key'. This 'Key' is rumored to be one of the worlds most sought out relics. That, of course, was true until twelve days ago, when our team had located the hidden artifact on the western border of China. With its captivating emerald glow, and mysterious past, just gazing at it will spill your minds into an ocean of possibilities." His voice changed tones considerably; from nearly exploding with pride to an almost resentful intonation.

"This magnificent malachite item has not only taken several years to ascertain, but also taken several lives; fellow colleagues that had become dear friends. These passionate explorers who died in the name of archeology are with us tonight; in our hearts and in spirit. Today we salute these men and women for their courage, knowledge and dedication. It was nearly fifty years ago when José Tavares Silva passed away in an undoubtedly terrible plane crash. His passion and devotion was the pumping adrenaline in our veins that allowed us to carry on, even in the most critical and emotional of situations. He was a friend of my fathers' and in some sense, a friend of mine. Tonight's presentation is to you." Lifting his champagne glass, Vasiliev raised it high and slightly nodded his head. A respectful silence engulfed the room; each person taking a moment to acknowledge an archeological achievement. "I shall take no more of your time, but before I go I would like to thank our catering services, and urge you all to try to the crab." He grinned with accomplishment. "Thank you." The audience acclaimed profusely as he backed away bowing, behind the stage curtains.

Nikolai Vasiliev stepped off the stage proudly, quite relieved to get his opening speech over with. It was an exclusive black-tie event with females flaunting their dearest assets, both real and apocryphal. As the time passed, he found himself striking up conversation with beautiful women, glancing down at cleavage from time to time, and articulately addressing some of the world's most powerful men.

The gallery's assembly hall was embellished purposefully for this aristocratic evening. Complete with expensive white tablecloths, ten-carat gold silverware, and pure crystal glasses for the never-ending flow of champagne. A jazz band continuously entertained the guests as their musical tunes drifted between discussions and dialogues. If the gold silverware was not impressive enough, the prodigious diamond chandelier that emulated rays of light like dancing spectacles definitely caught the attention of partakers. Patrons surrounded the marvel, which loomed high above the main focal point of the party.

The Jade Key floated seamlessly inside a cubic bulletproof glass case. Its green shine glistened in the eyes of the audience, captivating them with its mysterious beauty. The heavy, pentagon-shaped object presented itself on three steel prongs that held it in place. Vasiliev was curious to discover the reactions of the people; finding them interested in something they knew so little about it.

"Sir." Alex West tapped Vasiliev's arm and waited for his employer to turn around.

"Ah, Alex, how wonderful that you were able to make it." He had a woman wrapped around his arm, perceivably hoping to get a form of commodity by the end of the night.

"Sir, I don't think we should be doing this so soon." Vasiliev excused himself from his temporary date and hustled Alex into the corner.

"What are you talking about? When is Raphael supposed to arrive?" He kept his voice down, harshly whispering the words.

"We do not know if the so called 'chant' will even work. What if you paid Raphael in return for a fabricated load of horseshit?" Alex breathed out with annoyance, dissatisfied with the fact that Vasiliev was not taking him seriously. "I think you should postpone the date until we know Croft is out of the headlines. You yourself know how good she is at fucking things up."

Apparently the alcohol Vasiliev had previously consumed wasn't preparing on wearing off just yet. "You fool; Raphael fully knows what I am capable of if he has chosen to deceive me. The bastard is far too afraid to cross me." He scanned the vast room with his radar-like eyes. "As for Miss. Croft, let her come to us, I know she is more than likely to show up soon. I want to see the pathetic look on her face when I succeed."

"But sir-"

"Leave me Alex, go play your childish games somewhere else. I have business to attend to."

Sixteen hours earlier…

Lara exhaled deeply into her luxurious pillow. Her eyes were closed as she wriggled under the warm bed-sheets relishing this moments of relaxation. The bed was so comforting and forgiving that when her eyes opened lazily she felt completely reborn. She shut them again and smiled, nestling her head under the covers. Quiet. Peaceful. The only audible sound in the room was the harmonic melody of birds chirping outside.

She felt something shift behind her. Behind her dark lids she imagined the silky body of a male figure gently caressing her skin. She created him in her partially conscious mind with dark shaggy hair that always seemed to interrupt his vision. His muscles were steal-like to the eyes but pleasant and thermal to the touch. A recognizable face seemed to blur into her revelation as she envisioned Kurtis' mesmerizing eyes. She pictured him snuggling up against her body and lovingly kissing the back of her neck as he'd whisper naughty sayings into her ear making her laugh at the idea of them. You wish you could…She chuckled quietly imagining herself hearing one his phrases.

It shifted again, this time luring Lara away from her fantasy and pulling her back into the morning's reality. She opened her eyes once again only to confuse her mind about her surroundings. This isn't my room… Those are definitely not my jeans…Something snaked over her torso; its' palm settling almost purposefully on her waist. Kurtis.

She craned her neck around to glance back at the man lying next to her.

His eyelids fluttered at the notion of tranquil sleep. He dreamt of happiness and of a place far away from this universe's madness and corruption. His smooth chest rose only to press against her bare back. Lara took in this once in a lifetime opportunity to study him from afar. In the sunlight, she explored his skin with her curious eyes; skimming over bruises, scars, scratches. Her vision dug deeper, under his skin, glancing briefly into his soul; into this state of vulnerability he cast when he slept.

A mixture of cigarette smoke, mint and the diminishing hint of cologne developed a cloud of deliciousness around Kurtis. Masculine and refreshing to her nostrils, she stored the aroma within her memory; planning to secretly return to it in the future. Sliding the protective bed sheets away from her body, she crawled out of the bed naked. With one final eyeful of his resting figure, she tiptoed to the bathroom; shutting the door quietly behind her.

Kurtis Trent was jolted awake by the banging sound of a windswept door. He took up the majority of his bed, spread-eagled with his head and nose suffocating in the pillows. Groaning boyishly, he lifted his head ever so slightly from the feather-filled cushions and peeled one eye open.

"Lara?" Silence responded to him. "…No, of course not. I had a feeling you weren't the type for a morning quickie…"

He flipped onto his back beneath the covers, rubbing calloused hands against his sleepy face.

Kurtis did not need to confirm what he already knew. Lara Croft was Lara Croft after all. He had not expected her to leave in such hurry however; it was not even nearly seven in the morning yet. As he rose out of bed and stretched like the powerful warrior that he was, he noticed a small black engraving on the pillow next to him.

There's coffee in the kitchen.

That familiar smirk drew across his face as he read her script. Making his way over the kitchen and pouring himself a cup of the invigorating black liquid, he proceeded down to the kitchen balcony in his boxer shorts. Mug in hand, Kurtis had to shield his eyes from the instantaneous rays of sunlight.

The city was reviving itself for another eventful day; soon to be buzzing with life and excitement. Bistros and cafes were emerging out with their large patio umbrellas, street merchants setup their venues and called out to passing pedestrians, and the laughter of children echoed down the cobblestoned street. For several brief moments Kurtis had forgotten the cruel world and embraced this mini utopia he was witnessing. He took a sip of his drink and leaned over the railing to investigate what was going on three floors down. That's when he caught his last glimpse of her. She was dictating where she desired to go to the cab driver, and as if feeling Kurtis staring down at her, she looked up, blew him a flirtatious kiss, and laughed.

"Catch me if you can, Trent!" she hollered up to him.

Again, my apologies! Review! :)