Nova Shields can't stand Leo Hendrix. In fact, she despises him.  The feeling is completely mutual.  Both experienced officers within secret special-op organisation 'Fleetwood', they've lived their careers in the spotlight of their groups.  They're successful, skilled and admired for their abilities. The only ability they lack, however, is working together in harmony.  After a combined operation was almost sent awry in '99 as a result of their constant disagreements, the pair vowed to never work alongside each other again.  That is until Leo's partner suddenly loses his life in '02, leaving Commander North no choice but to bring in the only officer capable of filling the void: Nova Shields. Their partnership ignites with animosity, a consequence of the lingering grudge. They can't seem to find that comradeship the Commander longed for.  That is until they discover how once they work together without disagreeing, arguing and trying to wring each others necks, they can in fact form an unstoppable duo.  A duo that transcends the operations they face; that forces them to confront the feelings they've been denying for so long.  Feelings that only surface through the betrayals, bloodshed and near death experiences.   Feelings that may be accepted, but only when it's too late.  ==== "You're a real thorn in my side, you know that?" He shakes his dark head of floppy hair, hand still wrapped around my wrist.  "Then why haven't you been able to stay away from me recently?" I raise my eyebrows, a small grin tugging on the corners of my lips.  "Because no matter how much I absolutely can't stand you at times, I also can't stand the thought of not having you around." ====