Myrna stood up, saving me the need to protect myself from Amanda’s silent fury.
“I will not allow these people to dictate who I can and cannot marry. But I’m also not going to present myself as an easy target. Relobu has offered the use of his estate as the event venue, and I think it’s best if we move the wedding here. He’s given Trian full rein to make any changes necessary to the security team, in addition to the usual contingent of guards and tech.”
I felt my heart hit my stomach. While I agreed that Relobu’s mansion, as private property, had the ability to control visitors and would be better able to shut down any attempts at assassinations, it definitely wouldn’t make my job easier.
Amanda’s face had transformed from barely leashed fury to indescribable delight. In fact, it was the same feverish joy that Emma’s had when Simon and Jeanie had presented her with Mr. Ruff last Christmas. I knew there was no chance of convincing my boss to find a different, equally safe venue. In Amanda’s mind, she’d won the lottery.
I tried to remind myself that there was an upside to having the wedding at Relobu’s—near constant access to his mansion. But in truth, the added security would cause Simon and me a lot of headaches in the long run.
I sighed and flexed the still-sore muscles around my shoulder blades. I guess that’s why Simon and I charged the big bucks. On this job, we were going to earn them.
* * *
I’d finally managed to talk myself into thinking the venue change was going to be a good thing. That is, until the news got worse. One of the letters had referenced Bridal Visions in its rant, and Myrna expressed concerns about our safety. Amanda, still too excited over having her company’s name tied to the exclusive use of a normally very private home, had waved off the note, dismissing it as the rantings of a madman.
She may have been right, but madmen could hurt people too.
Myrna must have agreed, because she politely but forcibly insisted that a security team would be assigned to the Bridal Visions shop until after the wedding or until Trian’s team members were able to prove that the threats were more flash than bang. After Myrna reminded Amanda of the recent graffiti, my boss was only too happy to accept the protection, so long as the team promised to stay out of sight.
“There is already a team heading to the shop. I called ahead to let your employees know there will be at least one dragon and one human watching the place around the clock, with additional personnel called in as needed. They’ll do nothing to interfere with your work or the running of your business, and everyone will do their best to keep out of your way, but I’m afraid this is non-negotiable. Odds are, you’re not being targeted. Your company is to be commended for being willing to work with dragons, and I want others to follow your example, but that won’t happen if any of you are hurt.”
There was a light tap on the parlor door, and in walked Cameron Shaw. He nodded politely at Myrna, then made a beeline for my boss, reaching out a hand in greeting. “It’s nice to see you both again. Amanda George, correct?”
My boss gave him a tight smile, obviously irritated at the interruption. We hadn’t even started on the list she’d dictated to me in the car, and I had a feeling this venue change had only added to her ever-growing to-do list.
Cameron turned to me, a twinkle in his blue eyes. “Savannah. Good to see you again. Nice suit.” He made a show of inspecting the dangerous height of my heels as well as the thigh-baring cut of my business skirt. And if his gaze stayed a little longer than necessary on my legs, I was the only one to notice.
Raising an eyebrow at my getup, Cameron made it clear that he remembered exactly who I was, and why I was strapped into the most uncomfortable suit I’d ever worn.
“This is Cameron Shaw, though it sounds as if you’ve already been introduced.” Maybe I wasn’t the only one to notice his interest, because Myrna was giving Cameron a speculative look as she returned to her seat.
“Yes. He...welcomed me here at the mansion on my first day at Bridal Visions.” I resisted the urge to scowl, but only barely. What he’d done was make me more flustered and blundering while undercover than I’d been in a long time.
I wasn’t sure I had enjoyed the feeling.
Giving my hand one last squeeze, Cameron settled into the empty spot on the couch near Myrna.
“As Relobu’s second in command, Trian is often out on special projects. And of course, he’s a main participant in this event, so I’m helping to fill in with some of his protection-related duties in the household until after the wedding.
“If you’ve got the time today, I’d appreciate you taking me with you as you walk the property, so I can get a feel for the specific areas that will be in play. That way, I can make arrangements for the type and number of personnel we’ll be adding for the event, as well as any additional tech we’ll need to get installed. I know we’ve already done cursory background checks on the guest list, but I’d like to look through it again when you have it finalized, just to make sure we avoid inviting our terrorists in through the front door. We’re doing everything possible to make sure Myrna’s wedding is a happy, joyous experience for everyone involved.”
He smiled, and even Amanda was charmed. “Of course, of course. Anything to make things easier for you.” Amanda was still flying high with euphoria about the idea of having access to Lord Relobu’s entire estate, and the effect on her demeanor was remarkable.
Myrna smiled. “I’m glad we were able to work something out. I’m assuming there are other things the two of you need from me?”
Amanda cut a glance in my direction and I ran a quick eye down my scribbled list. “Your gown is ready for final fitting, as are the bridesmaid dresses. We really need to get you and your bridesmaids into the shop as soon as possible, so we’ll have the time we need to make any adjustments to the fit. Tuxedos too.”
“The girls and I had plans to come by tomorrow evening for the fittings, and the last of the men are scheduled to be back stateside by the end of the week. They should be able to come by then. Will that work?”
Amanda’s mouth tightened, and I knew she wasn’t happy about delaying the tuxedo fittings any longer, but she swallowed her complaint and nodded. “That will have to do. But if any of the men are available sooner, that would be a big help to all of us.” She signaled for me to continue.
“Ah...and April wants to meet with you once more on the cake, and we have an updated list of officiants asking to meet with you before you make a formal announcement on who will be leading the service.”
“Lord Relobu has volunteered to serve as officiant. DRACIM will supply a translator for all non-dragonspeaking guests.”
I was half afraid Amanda’s excitement was going to propel her straight through the roof. But she just gripped the chair tighter and attempted to smooth her features. “I think that is a very good choice.”
I scanned the list. “We still need your input on the band playlists, finalization of the menus, and an idea of your preferences for specific photo settings.”
“Tell April the cake is fine, and I’m holding firm on the smaller size. For everything else, just do what you think is best. My only criteria is that we encourage the mingling of dragons and humans as much as possible. I’ll have my assistant Sara send someone from DRACIM down to work with you on dining requirements.”
Myrna grinned. “At least moving the event here has solved one big problem. Lord Relobu has offered his stables for dragon dining, so it will be much easier to keep them happy.”
She glanced at her watch and rose. “I’m sorry, but I need to get back to the office. Feel free to call Sara for anything you need. I’ll see you later this evening?”
Amanda rose. “Yes. Come by at any time before nine.”
As soon as Myrna was out of earshot, Amanda’s default personality returned. “Get up. If I’m going to have a flower order turned in today, I need to get a look at the location of the ceremony. The garden behind the house looks promising. This is going to be nearl
y impossible, but I’ll do what I can.”
Without a backward glance, she swept out of the room, leaving Cameron and me staring at the space she’d just vacated.
“That woman is really wound up tight, isn’t she?” His gaze switched to me as I walked toward the door, stuffing all my notes into the side pocket of my bag.
I laughed. “She’s something all right. I don’t suppose you could show me the way to the garden?”
“Of course.” Cameron gestured for me to precede him out the door, and we walked silently toward the back of the house for several moments before he spoke. “I owe you an apology. I was having a particularly bad day yesterday, and when I saw you on camera with the painting, I flipped out.”
“It’s fine, don’t worry about it. I shouldn’t have been touching it.” I really didn’t want to talk any more about the artwork, because all it did was remind me of how I’d screwed up. First rule of casing a gig: don’t ever let the target’s security team find you focused on the item you plan to steal. And what had I done? Not only had my interest been completely transparent, but Cameron had actually caught me lifting the painting from the wall.
“Let’s just say I had an experience at an old job that makes me suspicious of unexpected circumstances. I just started in this position, and I can’t afford to have something happen on my watch.”
“Bygones.” I didn’t like the feelings of guilt that had started up at the look in his eyes. Whatever “experience” he’d had in the past, it hadn’t been a good one.
It wasn’t like I was planning on killing anyone. What was one lost painting in the scheme of things? Myrna and Trian’s wedding would go off without a hitch; no one would notice if a painting was misplaced in all the ruckus. I’d seen with my own eyes that Relobu had plenty others to replace it.
I pushed aside my concerns. “Let’s find this garden, shall we?”
Chapter Six
Cameron led the way, and soon we were stepping through a glass door into Relobu’s backyard garden. It was built to impress, just like the driveway and front of the home. The two main wings of the house seemed to cradle the large expanse of green in the middle, creating a space that was both relaxed and imposing. I didn’t know whether to credit the dragon lord or an overly enthusiastic gardener, but I was amazed at the splashes of color provided by various plants in full bloom.
It bode well for a smaller flower order.
Amanda was interrogating a uniformed member of Cameron’s staff, who started giving his boss pleading glances from his position near a large stone planter as soon as we were in sight. Judging by her flailing arms, and his repeated shrugs, Amanda wanted the planter moved to another area in the garden so she could get a better look at the “landscape.” It would take at least four men to move the thing without breaking someone’s back, and he didn’t seem inclined to go looking for help.
Cameron chuckled, but led us in their direction.
“Ma’am, you’ll need to talk to my boss about moving it.” Relieved to see us approach, the guard nodded to his boss. “Cameron.”
“Henry.”
In her usual brusque manner, Amanda took over the conversation. But instead of addressing Cameron, she looked at me. “Savannah. I need this moved.”
I was silent, trying to find a way to respond without using the words “what do you want me to do about it?” when Cameron lifted his hand. A shadow appeared overhead, just before a large golden dragon glided from one of the rooftop garrets to land gracefully a few feet from our position. He waddled toward us. Heavyset even for a dragon, the creature looked like he’d spent a few too many years on stationary guard duty, and not enough time exercising in the off hours.
In perfect, unaccented dragonspeak, Cameron addressed the guard. “Dolgen, would you mind helping these ladies by moving this planter to—” he turned to Amanda. “Where did you want this moved?”
My boss shook herself out of her frozen state to point to a small fountain resting on brick pavers near a bundle of rose bushes.
“Thank you.” Cameron turned back to the dragon. “To the herb garden.”
Dolgen bent his head in understanding, then grabbed the base of the planter with his front claws and lifted it—with no sign of struggle at all, tucking it easily into his left armpit. As he plodded toward the fountain with his load, he called over his shoulder in the low guttural tones of dragonspeak. “Is this the girl who broke in yesterday? Dan told me you had a hissy fit over someone letting her into the house unannounced.”
Cameron glanced quickly in my direction before responding. “Yes. She works for the wedding planner. But I stand by my reminder to Dan. Trouble doesn’t always look like trouble when it shows up. From now on, we confirm identity before opening the gates. No matter how pretty the visitor happens to be.”
The dragon nodded his agreement and set the stone pot onto the brick. “No arguments from me.” Dolgen eyed me critically. “Though I still don’t understand what makes this one pretty, and that one over there,” he pointed to Amanda, “plain. Is it just because that one is loud?”
I had to focus hard not to allow a smile to crack my face, especially when he turned back to me for a second look. “This one is far too skinny for my taste. I could eat twelve of her and still be hungry.”
“I think you could eat twelve of anything and still be hungry.” The words were out of my mouth before I even thought about it, and everyone, dragon and human alike, turned to stare at me.
“You’re a dragonspeaker?” Cameron looked at me as if I’d just demonstrated that I could stick my elbow into my ear.
Damn. This was why Simon handled any of the long-term undercover work. I had a habit of letting my mouth run without a filter, and I’d completely forgotten that I was Savannah Cavenaugh, clueless contract worker, and not Savannah Cavenaugh, girl who spent half her life with vocal cords that couldn’t form English words. Of course I’m a dragonspeaker. I’m a dragon.
But that explanation wasn’t going to work. “Yeah. I had a few elective credits to spend my senior year of college.”
Amanda was staring at me like I’d sprouted a new head, the two guards were grinning at me in delight, and Cameron was completely expressionless.
For some reason, that made me defensive. “What? Is it a crime to want to expand my horizons?”
“No,” Cameron said slowly, “but it is an odd way to use spare college credits. You never applied for a job at DRACIM?” He glanced back at Amanda.
His insinuation being that DRACIM agents were generally paid a lot better than the average wedding assistant. And probably had nicer bosses, too.
“I had family stuff pop up right before I had to sit for my DRACIM exams, and I never got around to re-applying.” Pretty soon, I was going to need a second notebook to hold all my lies.
“I need this one moved, too.” Plainly bored with our discussion, Amanda pointed to another concrete pot.
“Fair enough. It looks like you have quite a bit of work to do before you’re ready for me to look over the area. If you’re comfortable playing translator, Savannah, I’ll leave you to it. Dolgen and Henry are at your disposal if you need anything else moved, and they can find me when you ladies decide how exactly we’re going to make this work. Once you have everything arranged how you want it, I’ll come back, take some notes, and draw up a game plan.”
Her mind already on forcing Relobu’s garden into the design she had in her head, Amanda gave him a distracted wave, and went back to her nefarious plans.
With one last look at me, Cameron turned to re-enter the house.
* * *
The rest of the day was spent trying not to roll my eyes as Amanda forced me to tell Dolgen to move just about everything in the garden at least three times each. Lucky for me, the old dragon seemed to do everything I asked cheerfully, if a bit bemused by my constant contradictions.
But by four o’clock, Amanda seemed to have everything the way she wanted it, and my hand was beginning to cramp from trying
to record the measurements she yelled at me as she mentally built the arbor, the pillars that would provide the arbor’s support, and all the other miscellaneous items that simply “had” to be done to ensure a perfect wedding.
Henry, sensing that she was finally winding down, excused himself to locate Cameron, and soon we were making another pass through the garden, only this time, Cameron was the one taking notes. He asked several questions about the positioning of lights, sound equipment, or other needed items, and made adjustments to accommodate us as needed.
Quickly bored with the discussion—all the real security plans would come later—I plopped myself onto a nearby retaining wall and dipped my hand in the fountain as I watched them work.
I studied Relobu’s new security manager, wondering about his previous job, and how a man who was this thorough had ever had anything unexpected happen around him. Even standing still as he listened to Amanda drone on and on about tulle, crinoline, and aisle runners, the guy just exuded complete control.
I mean, he had Amanda stopping to hear him speak.
Maybe it was simply his looks that had people sitting up and taking notice. I allowed my gaze to trace the width of his broad shoulders, wondering what it would feel like to run my hand along the taut muscles on the side of his neck. Or maybe even to run my fingers through his hair, which was just an inch too long for the collared shirt he was wearing.
He twisted around to point out a spot on the roof to Amanda, and I caught a glimpse of his toned torso. What did he do to stay in such great shape? I eyed him speculatively. Boxing maybe, or even soccer. Something that required a fierce concentration and an almost limitless amount of energy.
Everything about him screamed endurance, and I suddenly decided he was more of the mountain-biking type, sweat dripping from his sculpted abs as he took on Mother Nature with a smile. When he laughed at something Henry said, a bolt of lust punched me right in the gut. Here, even stuffed into business attire, he was powerful and in control. How much of this demeanor transferred over in his personal dealings with members of the opposite sex? Was he rough and demanding, or a gentleman in bed?
'Til Dragons Do Us Part (Never Deal with Dragons) Page 6