“You have some reservations about this?” I could hear the smile in her voice without even looking at her.
“Just one. I don’t know, I kind of think this should be intimate. Between two people that know each other. You know?”
“Absolutely. But for this to happen, you need to find a partner that is also open-minded and maybe even experienced at it.” Nodding my head, I got what she was saying.
I took one last look in the mirror before I took off. I had my long brown hair piled up on my head with curls escaping to frame my face. The dress that I picked out was black floor-length with pink gem accents around the bust area and the waist. It was modest yet sexy. The back was a little lower than I wanted, but I couldn’t pass up the dress. Hopefully, no one would get an eye full of my lower back, especially my mother. I had the paintings sent to the gala event two days ago, so all I needed was I.
Pulling up to the LAX hotel, it never ceases to amaze. The hotel is lavish both inside and outside. I have tried to move the gala event to Redding, but my mother pitched a fit when I mentioned moving the location. She didn’t benefit from the money being raised; the animals did. She didn’t like the idea that I lowered the cost from two hundred to one hundred dollars a seat. All the employees would be here tonight. We have three locations in California. One in Redding, LA, and San Francisco. Since I have taken over the gala event, I made sure to also honor my father at these. If it weren’t for him, then these animals wouldn’t be able to find their forever homes through the shelters that he started. I thought it was only right that he was included.
I spotted Kate and Freddy when I got there. They both cleaned up nicely. Freddy was wearing a suit and tie, looking charming as always. Kate was in a short black cocktail dress that did wonders for her figure. Kate smiles when she sees me coming their way. Freddy isn’t as old as I am, but he is pushing twenty-eight. Kate is older than I am and has been with the company since the beginning, nearly fifteen years ago. “Where are Trina, Shelly, and Marcus?” I asked. Freddy smiled, and Kate snickered.
“Marcus and Shelly were last seen going into their room,” Kate tells me with a beaming smile. We both knew that it would happen sooner or later.
“Their room? Oh, wow, that was quick.” I smiled. I knew that those two would wind up seeing each other soon. Marcus had the hots for Shelly. I am just glad that someone was getting something tonight. Trina made her appearance looking just head-turning beautiful. Trina is on the younger side, she is about twenty-one, but the woman is just gorgeous, she has dark hair and a brown that is almost black eyes. Trina has a figure that I would die for. She has a thin body with just a few curves. “Chloe, so sorry, am I late?” Trina asks as she looks at Freddy.
“Baby doll, look at you.” I can hear Todd purr in my ear. I give off a smile and look up at the man of the hour. He is his usual glamorous self, wore a bright pink shirt with a black suit. He looks handsome in a suit, as do most men with his build. Too bad he is gay. Giving myself a mental shake. He is a friend and a good one at that.
“Oh, my. Chloe, you didn’t tell us you were seeing anyone.” I laugh, and Todd throws his head back a dramatic laugh.
“No, Kate. Todd is a good friend of mine. He is already taken.” I look at Todd as he waggles his eyebrows at Kate.
“I am very taken. My man back home, let’s just say he let me off the leash for this party.” Rolling my lips inward, I try not to blush because he literally is not joking. Zane keeps Todd collared so that everyone knows that Todd is taken. I chance to look at his neck, and sure enough, the thin leather collar is still in place, which holds a small silver Z in the center with a lock.
“Well, I can see why he keeps you on a leash then. Don’t want you straying too far, huh.” Kate winks at me.
“Me, I would never stray from my man. But I do enjoy the leash though, keeps me in line.” I smack myself in the forehead as the laughter shakes my shoulders. I look up to the see event coordinator, making her way to me. “Excuse me; I have an event to see to.” I smile at them as I make my way to Mallory.
“Chloe, it is so good to see you again.” Mallory takes my hands in hers. Mallory is an older woman that can plan an event like no one else can. The conference room in the hotel has been changed to look like a Gatsby Party. The place is colored in different colors and chic style at the same time. The waiters are wearing headdresses with feathers. She did a stand-up job this year. It seems every year she finds a way to blow my mind.
“You really did it this time Mallory. I can’t think you enough for doing all of this over the phone. You have seriously outdone yourself.” I gave her hands a little squeeze.
“It was no problem at all, dear. I am so happy that I get to see your newest work tonight.” She gave me a wink as I followed her to the makeshift stage where the announcements would be made. Savannah Bowman was already up there, with you know who. Thomas. Taking a deep breath and releasing it slowly, I make my way to her.
“Chloe, Darlin’” My mother rings out. Her fake smile in place, I can see that she has had her weekly dose of Botox.
“Mother,” I say as she gives me air kisses. I still don’t understand why people do this. But hey whatever floats their boats. Thomas doesn’t look at me for the longest time. Which I am glad of. I can’t believe that he showed up here after Jag warned him off. But I guess since he is not here and all.
“Okay, everyone, everyone, please find your seats. The dinner will be served soon.” Mallory announces to the room. My mother takes the microphone from Mallory to do her yearly spiel about how wonderful a man her late husband was. I have no idea why Thomas is standing beside her. Who knows maybe she took my advice and married him over the past month? Wouldn’t that be the…
My thoughts stop when my mother starts talking. “As you all know, my late husband started this foundation nearly fifteen years ago. For the past few years, our daughter Chloe Bowman has taken over the reins. She has been doing this solo, but hopefully not for too much longer.” She motions for Thomas. I take a big swallow that comes out a gulp. She wouldn’t, they wouldn’t. Oh, god, they would. My eyes go wide as Thomas gets down on one knee. I can hear the oohs and awes from the crowd. I jerk my head towards Todd, I gave him a pleading look, but he is looking behind him. Dear Lord, I am left alone on the stage with the light shining on us. I can feel myself take smaller and smaller breaths. I am on the verge of hyperventilating. I shake my head no at the two of them. “Look at her, she was always so shy. Thomas, maybe you should have done this in private.”
I can’t do this; my head is spinning as I am thinking about why she would do this. This must be a punishment from my ranting last month. I have never had hate in my heart like I do at this very moment. I hear a loud gasp as I feel a heavy arm pull me into a warm body. “Sorry, ma’am, I guess Chloe didn’t tell you about me. Thomas, you haven’t even talked to her in over a month. I already made my claim clear.” I look up at the owner of the voice, and my eyes go wide. Holy cow, when did he get here, and how in the world did he know about the gala.
Jag leads me off the stage and to the table where the employees and Todd are sitting. Apparently, I am still in shock because I can’t even think of a reason as to why Jag would be here. But I am thankful that he was. The mortification of having to say no, alone. “I can’t believe that witch would do that.” Todd hisses at me. The fog finally lifts when I feel Jag squeeze my thigh. I look at him and smile. “Thank you. I had no idea.” I throw my hands around as I talk. I couldn’t even fathom that she would do something like this. The nerve that she had.
“No problem, babe. Should ‘a called me though.” I looked up into his face and smiled.
“I actually thought about calling you several times.” Oh god, really, Chloe. He cocks an eyebrow, and a small smile tugs his lips. The famous Jag smile that has me swooning. I don’t know how many women he has battled over his attention if I had to guess I would say quite a few. The man is built, he has dark hair and beautiful brown eyes that have g
old around the irises and tall, did I mention tall. Tall, dark, and handsome. His face is tanned if that scar wasn’t there. I would have said he could be a model. That beard, though, I just can’t get over how sexy it is. I have never thought of a beard as hot until I saw it on Jag. Damn, it is almost, almost scraggly, but he pulls it off. Taking in what Jag is wearing makes me smile; he is in black jeans and a white button-down shirt and his leather vest thing.
“You look very familiar.” I turn to see Kate looking Jag over. She smiles, “Ah, you adopted our little survivor pup. Tell me how is he doing?”
“Diablo?” I question. He gives a small nod.
“He is doing pretty good. I am pretty sure he has a girlfriend, though. The poor boy has been love-sick for a month.”
“Really, and I wonder who that might be. It wouldn’t be a pure white rescue, would it?” Kate offers. I can feel the blush hit my cheeks, thinking about how Vixen has been acting too.
“Yeah, I think you are right, Diablo sure did like her and her owner pretty well.” Kate gives me a pointed look and tilts her head toward Jag.
“Since Chloe has a new date, who wants to be my mine now.” He looks pointedly at Kate, who shrugs her shoulders at him.
“I don’t know lover boy, what would your man say about it?” Kate throws back at him.
“Well, as long as I don’t let you whisk me away, I think we are good.” Todd gives her a wink. Kate laughs and they clink their wine glasses together.
The dinner was excellent and the company even better. Jag didn’t talk much while he ate. Everyone around us fills in the void. Todd and Kate talk about the dogs and cats. Todd wants a cat and promises to bring Zane by to look at the new arrival kittens that we got in a couple of weeks ago. Trina flirts shamelessly with Freddy. He doesn’t seem to mind it. In fact, he flirts back with her. They make a cute couple. Looks like everyone, but Kate and I are pairing up at the shelter.
Mallory gets back on the stage and calls me forward after dinner. I can feel my temperature rise as I remember the painting that is going to be auctioned tonight. Oh crap, he is here, and he is going to see the canvas and think I am some crazy stalker or something. Taking the microphone over from Mallory, I thank her and begin my little speech, that I have practiced over the past month.
“I wanted to thank everyone for showing your support for our cause. While you all may have heard earlier tonight that my father started this cause, but he started it when I asked him why strays don’t have homes. I was thirteen when I asked him, in two years he had three shelters opened. The story behind the San Francisco location was thanks to the movie Homeward Bound II. My father, Arthur Bowman, wanted to have a shelter in each city of California, but unfortunately, cancer had other options for him. For five years, my father auctioned a painting off at the gala functions to go towards the cause. Tonight, I want to bring that tradition back.” I nodded to Mallory, and she gave the signal for the painting to be revealed. I held my breath and avoided Jag’s face. Handing over the microphone to the auctioneer, I made my way back to the table. Sitting down, I still averted everyone’s gaze. “Damn, girl. I knew you were an artist. But shit, that is some good shit.” I glanced at Todd and gave him a weak smile.
“Looks, good babe,” Jag commented. I chanced a glance at him. There was some expression on his face that I couldn’t identify, almost like happiness mixed with sadness. I opened my mouth and wished I never did. “I’m sorry, I should have asked. But I just could stop, and when I get a muse, I must finish it, though. I am really sorry, but it was one of my best paintings…” He put a finger to my lips.
“Babe, I like it. But I am going to have to bring it home.”
“What?” I didn’t understand what he was saying. I heard the auctioneer at that time.
“$50,000, do I have 55?” Jag lifted his hand. My eyes went wide. I didn’t paint it so he could pay for it. Wait what? Fifty-five thousand dollars. Holy moly, I didn’t think it was worth that much money.
“$55,000 going once, going twice…”
“$75, 000,” I heard a woman shout out. I looked over and saw an older woman who was ogling the painting and panting. Oh no. I looked over at Jag, who raised his hand.
“I have 80, do I have 85?” I looked at Jag and shook my head. Trying to tell him not to try and outbid the older woman. It was about to get real.
“$100, 000,” another older woman shouted. The first woman glared at the second and shouted her counter. They went back and forth for a few rounds. Jag smiled and raised his hand again. I was mortified when I heard the total that it was up to now.
“250,000, do I have 255,000?” The first older woman yelled out. “You have the real thing, come one give me the painting. I need it.” she pleaded. She yelled out, “500,000!”
“Well, damn, she really wants it,” Jag commented.
“Well, duh stud. You are as hot as sin. Trust me, if you swing my way, I will snatch you up in a heartbeat.” The table laughed at my friend. Jag relented his bidding war with the older women. The two bid each other up to 750,000 dollars. I was shocked and excited. I was going through my head at all of the food and crates that the money would buy. We might have enough money to supply us for the year. Maybe.
Savannah made her way to our table and not so quietly made her peace. “Really, Chloe. You are going to throw away Thomas for this?” Grinding my teeth together so hard, I am sure that Kate could hear them from across the table.
“Mother, we are not having this conversation here.”
“Yes, we are. I have told you several times that you are getting too old for a good man. And now I see that you took that advice to heart. Taking up with the likes of this biker scum.” I have had enough of her crap. Standing up so hard my chair falls backward, I nearly yell over the table at her.
“Mother, I don’t care what you want. I am going after what I want. And I want Jag, so kindly leave me the hell alone. I will get married when I chose, I will date who I want. I am not sixteen, I am twenty-nine.” I take a deep breath and chastise myself for letting her get under my skin. Yet again.
“Your father would be disappointed in you.” She hisses at me. I know she is wrong, but it still hurts deep down that she believes that. I hate that she can even manipulate me like this. I turn and make my way to the bathroom. I made a complete and utter fool of myself in front of everyone. I can’t believe that I yelled out in public, but on the one hand, it felt good. I keep the tears in until I push open the door to the bathroom. I know that she is wrong about my father being disappointed in me. But it still hurts, deep down her words slice me open.
Pulling myself together, I glare at myself in the mirror. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, I put my fake smile on. Washing up and touching up my make-up, I make my way out of the bathroom.
“Want to get out of here?’ I hear Jag ask me from the hallway. I smile to myself and nod. God, I would love nothing more than to ditch this party. I don’t know if I could handle another run-in with Savannah Bowman or not.
Chapter 7
Jag
I knew what was going to happen tonight. Well, not precisely, but I had the right hunch. I had Diesel keep an eye on the two. Savannah Bowman and Thomas Rivet. When he told me that Thomas spent a god-awful amount at a jewelry store, I just knew. What was more surprising was what we found out. I was disgusted that a parent would do something like this. There is going to be blowback for sure for my actions. But I will gladly take them for Chloe.
For the past month, I have tried to stay away from her. I know what her schedule is, so I planned my days around her. I have kept P on her trail, though. Since she is pregnant and Troy and I both agree that P needs to be held on lighter duty and out of harm’s way. P has no idea, though; I would rather cut off my own balls that let her find out that we are babying her.
Shit with the Grimm’s has remained the same. I have been busy getting the information that the club needs. Nothing has really panned out, though. From what I have learned, the
y are trying to go legit. Although that could be rumors that they started. We can never be too careful. But we have to have proof. We can't just go to their clubhouse and kill them all without the evidence.
Several of the guys are itching for some action. It has been too long since our last run-in. We may have gone legit by getting out of the gun business, but there is still the want for a good fight. There have been a couple of companies that needed our help over the past month, as well. While the Grimm’s have been laying low, a low gang banger has been stirring up shit around the city. It may be useful for business, but I hate that innocent people must worry about their companies that they have built from the ground up.
But with all of that going on, I need to be honest with myself; the real reason why I haven’t seen Chloe is due to her hug. I can’t get it out of my head. I enjoyed her touch, and that freaked me out. The last hug I can remember ever getting was over two decades ago. It wasn’t a good memory, and I pushed it back in the recesses of my brain.
As I watched the showdown between Chloe and her mother, I was impressed with how she defended herself. The woman would fit right in with Korey, Amy, Angie, and Kelsey and Molly. Maybe I should get them together. I feel like Chloe would do good with a few more friends in her corner.
I needed to get those thoughts out of my head. I wouldn’t be good at being an Ol’ Man. I just know I wouldn’t. My past has me so fucked in the head. But Chloe would make an excellent Ol’ Lady for some lucky bastard. But I have no plans to introduce her to one of my brothers.
Chasing Demons (Angels and Sinners Book 3) Page 5