“Oh, I can’t say.”
“It’s something incredibly expensive though. Rose said she knows she would never get to wear anything like it in her lifetime,” Pina stated.
“The more expensive the items, the bigger assholes interested in purchasing it. Remember that,” Slade added to her.
Dane cleared his throat. “So what paintings are you bringing along? Have you gathered your best work?” he asked Rose.
“Pina has been helping me decide.”
“It’s not easy. She has a bunch of paintings in her small apartment and then more in storage,” Pina said and the waiter brought over their drinks and then went around the table to take their food orders.
* * * *
Rose listened to the men talk about their training activities today and tease one another about their errors during different parts of the obstacle courses, as well as challenges to better gun shooting and hand-to-hand combat techniques.
She couldn’t believe how cool it all sounded, making them seem capable and realizing that Rylan had been right. She wouldn’t have been able to defend herself against that goon the other day, and what if someone else tried something Friday night? Was she asking for trouble by modeling in such sexy designer wear? And what exactly did Mulgoff have in store for her to wear Friday night?
She felt Rylan’s arm go over the back of her chair and she couldn’t help but to lean back as she pretended to look at Pina as Dane and Knox talked about some practice shooting a gun at the range. When she felt Rylan’s fingers caress her arm she turned to look at him. He gave a soft smile, and those deep brown eyes of his drew her in.
“You ever take any self-defense classes or shooting lessons?”
She shook her head.
“You should,” Falco barked at her. He was fierce, as were Slade and Remo.
Slade squinted at her. “She can go along with Pina. We can make a day of it,” Slade said.
“That would be great. I don’t like doing it but I suppose it is necessary, just in case,” Pina said.
“I don’t think so. I don’t like guns,” Rose said and sat forward.
“You don’t need to like them, but learning to use one is important. Learning some defense moves sounds like a good thing too,” Slade added. He seemed bossy and she felt like these men were just assuming they could tell her what to do. She hardly knew them, and despite finding them attractive they seemed controlling and rough. It was intimidating.
“We can go Saturday. I’ll set everything up at the range. Then we could go by Caspian’s dojo and boxing club. Gianna has been doing some training too lately,” Knox added to the conversation.
“I don’t think so,” Rose said, feeling scared to do anything like this. She was a very laid back person and violence scared her. She avoided it and hated confrontations. She liked living life with rose colored glasses and not focusing on the negatives and dangers. The idea of even touching a gun frightened her. Physically having to fight someone did not seem like a realistic event that would ever happen in her life. She was a negotiator, a person who calmed people down from fighting.
She felt the hand on her knee and jerked.
“Hey, no need to be scared. We can help you out. All of us,” Rylan added.
Just then the waiter delivered their food and thank God they didn’t push, until after they finished eating and the James men needed to head out.
“We’ll pick you up at your place on Saturday at eleven. Knox and Falco will make all the arrangements,” Rylan said and stood up.
“I didn’t say yes to doing that.”
“You’ll go. It will be fun,” Pina said.
“No, I don’t think it will be,” Rose added and then the men all said good-bye and shook her hand. One after the next she couldn’t believe the attraction she felt for the James men. When they left she sat down and exhaled.
“That was interesting,” Pina said.
Rose covered her face with her hands. Pina chuckled.
“What’s wrong? You don’t like them?” Knox asked Rose.
She uncovered her face and looked at him.
“I don’t feel comfortable about this,” she said.
“It’s a good way to get to know them,” Dane added.
“I have a lot going on right now. I don’t have time for games. And touching a gun, never mind shooting one, scares me.”
“That’s normal, but they’re highly trained professionals, and they’re good at training. They’ve trained every member of their security firm, and are considered the best,” Dane added.
“I’m the least confrontational person. I like calm, non-eventful moments that are peaceful and quiet. I like listening to the ocean, watching people, not firing loud guns that kill people or rolling around on a mat trying to stop someone from strangling me. Those are things I won’t ever need or want to know about.”
“Rose, don’t be naive. As much as I hope you would never need to know self-defense or how to fire a gun, in today’s society it could happen. You don’t want to be the weak defenseless victim,” Dane stated.
“I don’t plan on placing myself into any situation to be a victim,” she replied.
“Did you plan for the Egyptian guy to come after you?” Knox asked.
“He just wanted to invite me to dinner and hit on me.”
“Oh honey, it was more than that and you know it. Don’t be intimidated by the James brothers. It could be a great learning experience and fun, too. I’m gonna do it,” Pina said.
“Let me think about it.”
Chapter 6
Molokai Volupus and Weiller Onsanna sat in a private booth along with their guards. There were three such booths located in three of the corners of the room at LaTargere. Molokai’s associate, Mulgoff Lenotz, arranged the private seating for this special event. Although Molokai had other personal reasons for being here, he looked forward to seeing Mulgoff’s new line, and would surely consider purchasing something today if he saw anything that caught his eye.
Behind the curtains it was dark. They could see out but it would be difficult for people to see inside because of the lighting, unless they approached the booth. That wasn’t going to happen with his own security standing guard. It kept people Molokai and Weiller didn’t want to speak to from interrupting their evening.
“Mulgoff always pulls off some amazing surprise. I’ve anticipated the moment for days. I wonder what tonight will bring from him,” Weiller said and took a sip from his cognac.
“It’s always a pleasure and something ostentatious, even outrageous, so who knows. I must say that he has loaded the place with some interesting prospects,” Molokai stated and his eyes roamed the vicinity, picking out one attractive woman after the next. When his eyes landed on two men talking to Roger Hiatte, he squinted and felt the instant anger hit his core.
“I see you’ve spotted them. I suppose at an event of this scale with millions of dollars in jewels being paraded around that Merk Enterprises would be lead security,” Weiller said to him.
“Mercury and Falco James. Everything will go as planned. Let’s sit back and watch the show.”
* * * *
Rose was shaking and Daisy handed her a shot glass of something.
“Just drink this and you’ll feel better.”
“Better? Oh God, this dress is extreme. It shows off so much of my skin.”
“Your body is exceptional. Not a flaw on it. Your olive complexion and tanned skin bring out the blue of the dress as well. Let me see the front,” Daisy said to her.
Now Elga approached. Rose swallowed hard as the woman looked her over.
“Adjust your breasts just a little more. The pendant will sit right about here, the teardrop falling nicely in the center of your cleavage,” Elga said and then studied her body, turning slightly. “Daisy, add just a dusting of shimmer to her neck and shoulders.”
Rose could feel her heart racing.
“Your paintings are stunning, Rose. I have to tell you that I was a bit shock
ed at just how good they are. I can’t believe someone hasn’t picked you up to showcase at a gallery. Mulgoff will love them,” Elga said to her.
“Thank you. That’s so kind of you.”
“You’ll see. Tonight your world will change in so many ways. I can tell these things. You’re special, and talented. You will be fine.”
“Any advice?” Rose asked, taking in the sight of her reflection in the full-length mirror.
“Smile. No matter what you may be feeling, nervous, scared, intimidated, just smile as if nothing fazes you, and everything else will fall into place,” Elga said.
“The other models are going to be super jealous,” Daisy said.
“They don’t even matter. They aren’t even at the same level as Rose. Don’t let any of them get to you. They would wish to be in your shoes tonight, Rose. Just be your sweet, calm self and it will work out fine,” Elga said and smiled.
“I will try my hardest but wearing a five million dollar piece of rare jewelry is a bit intimidating in itself,” Rose said.
Elga smiled.
Then the doors opened and Corpias and Mulgoff came into the room. Mulgoff’s eyes widened and a huge smile formed on his face. Corpias ate her up with his eyes.
“Outstanding. My God, you are a sight, love. Daisy, Elga, excellent job. Are you ready for this?” he asked Rose.
“As ready as I’ll ever be wearing a five million dollar gem.”
He chuckled.
“I may have left off a few zeros, honey,” Mulgoff stated and then turned to Corpias.
“The diamond,” Mulgoff said and Corpias presented a large black velvet box.
“A few zeroes? What do you mean?” she asked and Corpias opened the box and Rose thought she might faint. Elga and Daisy grabbed her arm and hips and chuckled.
Rose blinked several times, not knowing if what she was seeing was actually real. A true blue diamond that was huge, sparkling, and a color she had never seen in any jewel before. It was outrageous.
“A rare blue diamond worth a little over fifty million dollars,” Mulgoff said, removing the diamond and chain from the box.
“Fifty million dollars. Son of a nutcracker, are you serious, Mulgoff? Oh God, I can’t. What if someone tries to take this off of me? What if they put a gun to my head? What if—”
He pressed his fingers over her lips and chuckled.
“You will be fine. Not only will Corpias be very close and have his eyes on you at all times, but so will the best set of security men in the business. Trust me, your concern is looking beautiful, sweet, and flawless, like this diamond.”
“How long do I need to wear it?” she asked as he moved in behind her to place the diamond necklace on her. She faced the mirror. Mulgoff towered over her and as the blue teardrop diamond landed perfectly at her cleavage he smiled wide.
“You were made to wear this diamond tonight, Rose. You look sensational from head to toe,” he said and kissed her shoulder then stepped back.
Rose looked at herself in the mirror. She had to admit, she felt incredible having something this gorgeous around her neck. She wore no earrings, her hair styled in a classy up-do that didn’t take attention away from the diamond. The dress dipped low in front but pushed her breasts together in a fitted bodice. The back of the dress was very low, showing off her back, and the lower part of the dress was silky and sexy with a high slit to nearly her hip. The matching blue high heels were custom made with just a shimmer of specks to draw in the entire setup. Her makeup had a barely there look to it, and once again Daisy made her green eyes stand out and somehow enhanced her look. Even in the mirror Rose was drawn to the diamond, her eyes, and then the dress.
“I want you to feel comfortable. I also want you to know that I’ve already gotten bites on your paintings. You’ll notice a few on display,” he said and winked.
“Are you serious?” she asked, feeling the tears fill her eyes.
“No, no, no. No tears. It will ruin your eyes and makeup,” Daisy scolded and Rose chuckled.
“I’m sorry. You don’t realize what this means to me, a struggling artist,” she said.
“You will not be a struggling artist after tonight. That I guarantee you,” Mulgoff stated and then looked at Corpias. “Are you ready?” he asked.
“Yes, sir. Go on and I will bring Rose to the entry way.” Corpias reached out his hand and he gave her a wink.
“I get the feeling this will be my only opportunity to converse with you this evening. They will be scrambling for your attention, and that diamond will be sold in minutes. Unless of course Mulgoff wants to start a bidding war,” he said and chuckled.
Rose didn’t know what he meant, but as she walked with him out of the room and down a hallway she hoped that she pulled this off. “I hope I don’t trip, or say something stupid or pass out,” she rambled.
“You won’t do any such thing. Just be yourself. Sweet, smiling, and courteous. They are here to see that diamond. At least, that is Mulgoff’s hope. To steal attention away from all other jewelers and jewels and put all eyes on you and this diamond, ultimately putting money in his pocket and Mulgoff’s jewelry line on top as always.
“Good luck,” Corpias said.
She could hear the music through the doors, then an announcement. Corpias slipped to the side and lights filled the entryway, and she did what Elga and Daisy explained. She straightened her shoulders, envisioned being royalty but smiled calmly as the crowd erupted in awe.
* * * *
“Holy shit,” Mercury heard Falco say through the earpiece Mercury was wearing. Despite standing in the corner looking more like a guest and buyer, Mercury was also assisting his brothers and their team of security with tonight’s special event at LaTargere. He had been monitoring the attendants, seeing who he knew and those he didn’t. He still wasn’t certain who occupied two of the private corner booths but whoever they were, they had power and money like Mulgoff Lenotz.
Mercury’s attention, like everyone else’s, was drawn toward the two wide doors as an announcer introduced what had to be the surprise of the evening. What he hadn’t expected was to see Rose, and holy shit, Falco was right. She looked incredible.
“Are we all supposed to be looking at her breasts or that blue diamond?” Slade added through his wrist mic. Mercury clenched his teeth as Corpias, Mulgoff’s guard, escorted her through the crowd as the announcer described the large blue diamond around her neck and a price tag of fifty million dollars.
As she got closer to where he was, he could see the men eating her up with their eyes and women looking both jealous and impressed.
Flo Sanders, a wealthy widow of the great Barnaby Sanders, worth five hundred million dollars in assets alone, smiled and nodded in appreciation of Rose. Mercury noticed Flo say something to her assistant and the assistant raised a hand up, indicating she was offering a bid on the item.
Man after man approached her. She remained smiling and when someone reached out to touch her or that diamond Corpias was there to block the move.
Rose looked incredible from head to toe. Her body was spectacular, and the way that teardrop diamond fell right between the deep cleavage of her breasts was definitely done on purpose. Mulgoff knew what he was doing to have a woman as classy and well-endowed as Rose model this diamond tonight. Why Mercury felt pissed off and antsy he didn’t want to face. As soon as she was close enough, those feelings intensified, especially as Slade moved in alongside her, giving her a wink, making her blush, but pissing off Corpias.
* * * *
Slade couldn’t resist. Rose looked fucking incredible, and he had these feelings consuming him as he watched her get checked out by every dick in the place. He gave her a wink. Her eyes widened and then she smiled as her cheeks turned pink.
“This is some gig you got yourself, sweetie. How does it feel to have every eye in the place on you?” he asked.
“We don’t need you. I’ve got her covered, and you’re blocking buyers’ views,” Corpias said to him
.
“Rose and I are friends, and considering she looks a little shell shocked, I wanted to give her peace of mind and let her know that my brothers and I are here for her,” Slade said to Corpias, then he looked at Rose.
“You look amazing, sweetie. I’ll catch you later when you lose your sidekick and that gaudy diamond,” Slade said and slid into the crowd.
A glance over his shoulder and Slade saw Rose chuckle and smile but then stop as another man checked out the diamond and maybe, definitely, her rack.
“Why did you do that?” Falco asked Slade through the earpiece.
“Corpias is a dick. I wanted him to know that we know Rose and will protect her in case he’s thinking of making a move,” Slade said into his wrist mic.
“That’s a big fucking diamond,” Falco added.
“I didn’t notice it. Other things stood out. She’s incredible, and shaking like a leaf,” Slade told them.
“So you think she isn’t enjoying this public display of her body and that diamond?” Mercury asked.
“Hell no. I can see it in her eyes,” Rylan added to the conversation through the receivers they all shared.
“Really?” Slade asked Rylan.
“Dude, I’m zooming in on her here with the surveillance cameras. She’s shaking. I guess it could also be because her paintings are on display through the venue and people are bidding on them. Maybe she heard,” Rylan said.
“Bidding on her paintings? There are some here?” Mercury asked.
“Yup, she is seriously talented. Don’t know why she doesn’t do any gallery events,” Slade stated.
“Rylan, can you find out who is in the last corner private booth? I got the list of the others but this last one isn’t on there. Mulgoff said it was someone of great importance that wanted to remain anonymous and unseen,” Mercury said to him.
“Not a clue, but they have their own set of four security guys, heavily armed, seemed to be of Russian descent,” Rylan told him.
A Shot of Love Potion [Love on the Rocks 5] (Siren Publishing LoveXtreme Forever) Page 7