by Lucy Lambert
She put the papers in her desk drawer and went to finish the movie with Beatrice. She didn't drink anymore, wanting the alcoholic fuzz lifted from her brain before she did something else she knew she would regret.
About an hour later, her phone rang. Private Number, the screen said. She answered.
"Hello?" she said.
"Gwen, yes, hi. It's me, Aiden. Thanks for getting the papers signed so quickly. Everything's in order, it seems."
"Yeah, thanks again. Look, I'm actually in the middle of something..."
"That doesn't matter. Put on that black dress you wore to Astor's party. My car will be at your building in fifteen minutes, and I need you to be ready," Aiden said.
"Is it him? Let me talk to him," Beatrice said, trying to grab the phone. Gwen fended her off as gently as she could, anxiety building the whole time. What was happening?
"Didn't you just hear? I'm busy," Gwen said.
Aiden sighed, "You did read the contract, right? You must be available for social engagements at any time. I see him coming back now, so let me make this quick. Be ready down at your front door in fifteen minutes, in that black dress, or you'll be in violation of the terms of our agreement. That check hasn't gone through yet, remember."
"I'll be ready," she said, smiling for Beatrice and keeping the anger from her voice. It was quite difficult. She wanted to ask who was coming back, and just what was going on. But he'd made a pretty obvious threat there, and for the moment at least, had her at a disadvantage regarding the contents of that contract. Meaning he knew it and she didn't.
She got to work right away, pulling off her jeans and shirt and rummaging through her closet for that dress, all the while keeping an eye on the clock and watching the minutes tick away. Beatrice kept bugging her, wanting to know what was up.
"It's a date. A last minute date. He wants to take me to this new place that just opened in the city. Apparently it's impossible to get reservations, but he's managed. Isn't that romantic?"
"You sure don't seem to think so," B said.
The time kept counting down. Gwen rushed, trying to beat the clock. She actually pulled on mismatched shoes before Beatrice pointed it out, and she also managed to jab her ear nicely trying to push in a set of costume jewelry diamond studs.
He better have a great explanation for all this, she thought, herding Beatrice out of the apartment and locking the door. She hadn't put her watch on, but knew she probably only had a minute or so left. The elevator better come fast, she hoped.
"Hey! There's still a perfectly good bottle of vodka in the freezer!" B said.
"You can come pick it up tomorrow," she said, jabbing at the elevator call button over and over as though it might make it arrive sooner. Though, depending on how well this first "date" went, she might come back and drink all that vodka before B could get it back.
"You shouldn't let him lead you around like this," B said, "I've got a few things I'd like to tell him."
They got onto the elevator, which went about as slowly down the shaft as molasses down a wall on a cold winter's day. Gwen couldn't take her eyes off the display counting off the floors. She swore to herself, if anyone tried to get on she would strangle them. It would be just her luck to screw this whole arrangement up before it even started, just by being a little late.
"Please just leave it alone, B. Things are different with Aiden, I can just feel it. Trust me," Gwen said as they stepped off the elevator. Through the entrance, she could see a black limo parked out front. I'm late! she thought, scurrying forward as best she could, her heels clicking off the floor.
"Oh, okay. But if he does anything to you I don't like..." B said, keeping pace despite her shorter legs. They got outside and Gwen realized she'd forgotten a jacket. Her bare shoulders and arms immediately broke out in gooseflesh at the chill in the air.
She hugged B. "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Love you!"
B barely had time to return the hug before the driver got out of the car and opened the back door for her. Gwen felt bad for rushing out on her friend like that, but had to push it from her mind. She climbed into the car, doing her best to keep her skirt civil as she did.
Aiden sat in the back seat, wearing the same suit as earlier. Except this time the top button was done up and his tie was tight around his neck like a noose. He smiled at her and held out his hand.
"Gwen! You look amazing."
When she took his hand, he pulled her close. He nuzzled affectionately at her neck, getting his lips close to her ear. "Kiss me," he said. If he noticed the alcohol on her breath, he didn't call attention to it.
"Aiden? What makes you think you can..." Gwen started.
"Just kiss me now or the deal's off," he repeated, quietly.
His lips lightly traced down her jaw line. Gooseflesh prickled her skin for a different reason. When his mouth neared hers, she didn't hesitate.
His lips were warm and soft against hers. Pliable, yet insistent. Her eyes closed, even though she didn't realize it. She put her hands on his shoulders, getting more into it. Wow, he is a good kisser, she thought. And this is closed-mouth! She began violating her own rule about no open-mouthed kissing, her lips beginning to spread. Aiden's followed suit. Her body buzzed as the anticipation built...
Someone cleared their throat.
Startled, Gwen jumped off Aiden, staring across the cab at the man sat across from them. He wore a suit similar to Aiden's, except his tie was black. He had a harder face than Aiden's, but those same cold eyes. His dark hair grayed at the temples. A small, controlled smile touched his lips but not those eyes.
"So this is the one you've been telling me about," he said. His voice was smooth, deep, and confident. A voice used to being listened to.
Aiden slid his hand across the seat to hold hers. He gave her an insistent squeeze. But Gwen still reeled from the shock of that kiss. It had been totally unexpected, totally out of line on his part. And, she had to admit, totally amazing. Electric, even.
"Gwen Browning, I'd like you to meet Bradley Manning, my father and our host for this evening."
The car started moving, vibrating gently.
"Oh, you don't have to be so formal, boy. Gwen's a pretty name. Please, call me Brad."
This was all some sort of test, Gwen realized. A test for Aiden, put to him by his father, and doubly for her, put to her by both Aiden and Bradley.
But it was that kiss that worried her the most, and the way it made her feel. She glanced at Aiden, smiling at him. He smiled back and nodded. Was it a genuine smile? Had he felt something there, too?
She looked between the two Manning boys.
I'm in trouble, she thought.
End of Episode 1
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Lucy Lambert
Published by Lucy Lambert
Copyright 2014 Lucy Lambert
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