I did it, I admit it. After being good and waiting until you posted the first chapter here I couldn't wait and went straight to ff.net to read the second.

I like Alex's comments on not speaking Russian - I guess that could be a contributing factor to his following Yassen all the way into the brothel, though I don't think he thought the sticking out like a sore thumb aspect of going in. I’m glad Yassen now knows about Alex’s relationship with MI6 and will be interested to see if it changes how he interacts with him in future as it shows Alex has far more sense and brains than he had previously given him credit for, but also makes Alex more of a victim, more vulnerable. Will they meet again at dinner? I would not be shocked.

I look forward to their relationship developing and finding out what they are both up to mission and job wise.