Dancing with the Devil // Jim Moriarty

•Chapter 10: When in Switzerland, Part 1•

High up in the clouds, the Swiss Alps looked majestic with snow covering the peaks in a thick layer. The small houses tucked tightly in valleys appeared tiny in comparison. It was a sight that filled me with nostalgia and warmed my body. I had always loved the countryside of Switzerland and preferred it over big cities like London any day.

"Careful or you might get permanently stuck to the glass."

Blinking rapidly to wake myself from my trance, I turned my head to the side, away from the round window of the private jet, and immediately locked eyes with Jim. The consulting criminal was sitting next to me, our arms and thighs brushing against each other. The plane was empty apart from the both us and the two pilots in the cockpit which was separated by a thin door.

"It's just...I hadn't realized how much I've missed this," I replied, fingers fumbling with the hem of my skirt.

"You've been gone for nine years," Jim stated, gazing into my eyes. "It's normal to slowly forget what your home used to feel like."

"I guess so. Still, I never liked living in New York. London is alright but nothing compares to this."

Jim hummed and peered past me, moving his head closer to mine in the process. His warm breath fanned across my cheeks as I resisted the urge to lean even closer. "It's beautiful, I have to admit that. Looks a bit boring though."

I scoffed. "Far from it actually."

"Right, you're here which means it could never be boring. Unless you tell me Mycroft will be at the Winterball as well," Moriarty dramatically gasped. "Please don't tell me he will be present too."

"No, he won't. It's more of a local event," I tried to explain, although I was sure he already knew that and just wanted to keep talking. "Which is why you will stick out. ‚Cause what is an Irish business man doing on a charity event in Switzerland?"

Jim leaned back, inhaling deeply as if he actually had to think about the answer. "Why, accompanying a beautiful woman on a hopefully deadly mission of course."

I tried to act like I hadn't heard him casually call me beautiful but my cheeks had other plans. "I think the deadly part has to wait until after the event."

"You're letting me down, darling," the consulting criminal pouted, "It's not too late to screw the plan and just let my people waltz in and kill that man."

I shook my head in denial. "You and I both know that you'd regret that. It's not your style. Besides, that's basically impossible. You know, very high security and stuff."

"Oh, you know me so well already." Then, he leaned closer so that the tip of air noses threatened to touch. His voice lowered an octave as his eyes traveled all over my face. My breath hitched in my throat and I was unable to move, transfixed by his undivided attention. "Let's have some fun tonight, darling. Let's make them dance to our music."

Roughly an hour later, we had checked into our hotel in Zurich. The Grand Lac was located just outside the city and offered a beautiful view of the mountains and the Lake Zurich, which was frozen over due to the dropping temperatures. It was a winter wonderland both on the outside and inside, with various Christmas lights and trees everywhere and snowflakes falling softly. There was staff waiting at every corner, ready to fulfill our every wish. Whilst the five star hotel resembled a castle from the outside, the interior was a bit more on the modern side with warm, light colors and the newest technology.

Our luggage was already waiting in our suite which was bigger than all three flats in Baker Street 221 combined. The canopy bed alone could have easily fitted four people, as well as the massive bathtub in the bathroom. I was almost sad we would only spent one night in this room. What a waste.