[The Shifters Committee 05.0] Sensual Hero

by Rebecca Foxx

  Slightly marring said professional image was the excited tone of her voice, which she figured bore a suspicious likeness to that of an overly hormonal teen-ager who has just received a complimentary ticket to next week’s One Direction concert.

  “What I mean to say is, I’ll be interviewing Royce Von Erich,” she pronounced now, clearing her throat loudly as she ran a self-conscious hand through her sleek shoulder length weave. “Mayor Von Erich is a prominent figure in our community, a notable politician who is also a mogul of business and finance and a person to be admired….”

  “And he just happens to be a stone cold fox.” Louisa Van Buren, the esteemed editor in chief of Lexington Life, stared through her classic gold rimmed spectacles at her chief reporter; her pearl pink lips wearing a demure smile as she added, “Is that the label that the kids lend to an inordinately, even ridiculously handsome gentleman these days?”

  Tabitha thought a moment, then nodded.

  “It’ll do,” she conceded with a grin, adding through gritted teeth, “Only I make it a practice never to fawn or gush excessively over my interview subjects.” She paused here, adding as she pursed her cherry red lips in a show of keen contemplation, “Now of course I did make an exception in the case of Aretha Franklin—but when one interviews Aretha Franklin, I do believe that it’s against the law to not fawn or gush excessively. Know what I’m sayin’?”

  Louisa guffawed outright, her silver haired head bouncing with the movement.

  “And I do believe that the same principle applies when one interviews Mayor Royce Von Erich,” she allowed, adding as she made a broad gesture between them, “Who wouldn’t be transfixed by a handsome young billionaire who owns half the town, and that in itself is a modest estimate; one who also managed to join his family in building a dynasty made of precious gems, and in an era where true financial success stories are few and far between. Then for a real hat trick, the infuriating man goes and gets himself elected mayor of the whole darned town—the same title that his mother held 20 years ago, also earning the distinction of being the first female to hold this title.”

  Tabitha nodded.

  “A financial and political success who also happens to be smokin’ hot,” she quipped, adding in a more serious tone, “Seriously, though, I am beyond certain that many of our readers would love to know the secret of his success—the specific entrepreneurial formula that has earned him and his family all of those many billions, and that helped them secure such a prominent position in this community.”

  Louisa thought a moment, then nodded.

  “That will be one focus of the story, yes,” she allowed, tone slow and contemplative. “Beyond the basics of his political and entrepreneurial practices, however, I want you to find out the mystery that seems to lurk behind the man himself.” She paused here, adding as she folded her hands before her and inclined her head sharp in Tabitha’s direction, “At the age of 30, this rich, handsome gentleman remains unmarried and is rarely seen with the same woman more than once or twice. A real night owl in his early 20s, Royce rarely ventures out after dusk these days—unless, of course, his presence is required at a meeting or fund-raiser related to his business or government position.”

  Tabitha nodded.

  “Yes, I have heard these things about him,” she admitted, adding in a thoughtful tone, “So what you want me to do, basically, is to not only find out what makes Royce Von Erich tick—but perhaps what he might be hiding?”

  Louisa snapped her fingers.

  “Exactly,” she confirmed, adding with a cheeky grin, “And in the process, you might want to find out just what makes him so friggin’ hawt.”

  Tabitha gaped, wondering in spite of herself as to whether her stately, dignified editor had actually just used the words ‘friggin’ hawt.’

  “No doubt about it,” she concluded in silence, offering her editor a bemused smile as she turned for the office door. “This Royce Von Erich fellow does have a certain mystery about him—if not some out and out magic.”

  Chapter two

  The moment that Tabitha Connelly arrived at the doorstep of her latest interview subject, she figured that she was able to solve at least one mystery surrounding the identity of Royce Von Erich.

  “If I lived in these digs,” she mused, gaping outright at the spectacle of the plush tropical mansion that Royce apparently called home, “I’d never leave the house either.”

  For a moment she just stood and admired the lovely spectacle of the manse before her; a three story home built from golden sandstone that boasted broad balconies and an entwining front porch, fine arched entryways, and windows that seemed culled from exquisite stained glass.

  “I’ve even heard a rumor that his windows are actually crafted from genuine diamonds,” she recalled, adding as she rolled her eyes heavenward, “Show off.”

  Soon after knocking at the red double doors that fronted this palatial homestead, Tabitha—dressed that day in a flowing ivory kaftan that proved a striking accent to her ebony skin--came face to face with the home’s most beautiful accent; a man she quickly identified as the one and only Royce Von Erich.

  Filling his elegant arched doorway with his tall muscular presence—one enhanced markedly by an ivory silk pantsuit that accentuated every plane and muscle of his massive toned body--Royce dazzled with his shoulder length golden blond hair that framed a chiseled sculpted face; one that came complete with carved cheekbones, full soft lips and wide azure eyes that now crinkled before her in a show of obvious appreciation.

  “Tabitha Connelly!” he exclaimed, adding as he extended his hand to her, “Meet Royce Von Erich, your biggest fan.”

  Blinking rapidly at this unexpected news, she marveled outright as he raised her hand to his full moist lips for a most gentlemanly kiss.

  “Gentlemanly—while still managing to be downright hawt in the process,” she mused in silence, adding aloud in a halting and disbelieving tone, “Did you just say that you were my biggest fan?”

  Royce nodded.

  “So much so, in fact, that I shall not permit you to leave here today unless and until you give me your autograph. And, by all rights, I should be giving you a percentage of my paycheck as well—not to mention a place on my council.”

  He paused here, gracing her with a dazzling white toothed smile as he added, “After reading your articles about some of the social problems that we face in this community—everything from poverty among the working class to domestic violence—I was inspired to draft some meaningful legislation that, or so I’ve been told, has really lent a helping hand to some underserved folks in our community.”

  Tabitha smiled.

  “I-I don’t know what to say,” she told him, blinking back some unbidden tears as she considered these words of unexpected praise. “I am greatly honored to have played even a small role in the amazing progress I’ve seen in this community since you took office. Rest assured, Mayor Von Erich, that you are making a difference.”

  The mayor nodded.

  “Why thank you, Ms. Connelly,” he acknowledged her praise, adding as he waved her into the house, “And it’s Royce.”

  Soon the two reclined together on a plush couch of black lined ivory velour; one that served as the stylish centerpiece of a living area so elegant it could only be called a sitting room.

  Lined on the floor with a plush, Oriental style rug that boasted a pattern of ebony medallions framed by a sharp black border, the room also boasted a trio of velvet cushioned pin striped chairs overseen by a candle lined brass chandelier--and bordered by a bank of sparkling French doors adorned with a covering of sleek dark drapes.

  “You’ve got some impressive digs here,” Tabitha praised her host, adding as she arched her eyebrows, “This place, in fact, makes the Palace of Versailles look something like an efficiency.”

  Tossing his head back in a leonine motion, Royce let loose with a deep melodic laugh that sent sweet tingles down the base of her spine.

  “Why thank yo
u,” he acknowledged her comedic praise, adding in a more serious tone, “And while my parents and I did indeed work hard to earn luxuries like this house, going around the world to find and harvest the finest gems possible to make our jewelry and collectibles, I realized at one point that it just wasn’t enough.”

  Tabitha nodded, flipping open her fashionable floral print writing journal to begin their interview in earnest.

  “So is that why you decided to seek a career in public service?” she queried, arching her feathered eyebrows in a show of keen curiosity. “You wanted to spread the wealth a bit, making a real difference in your community?”

  Royce nodded.

  “Indeed,” he acknowledged, adding as he rolled his eyes heavenward, “I know that you’ve probably heard the rumor that our stained glass windows here are lined with real diamonds.”

  Tabitha chortled.

  “Yes, as a matter of fact, I have heard that rumor,” she confirmed, adding with a derisive chuckle, “That’s a ridiculous rumor, isn’t it?”

  Royce pursed his lips.

  “Well I have to say it, Tabitha, you’re only half right,” he revealed, adding in an embarrassed tone as he shuffled his leather clad feet beneath him, “It is ridiculous—but it’s not a rumor. When I said that my family built our house on the back of our prosperous business, believe me I was not joking.”

  He paused here, adding as he made a graceful gesture around him, “Our windows are indeed culled from diamonds of various cuts. And the inside of our home is filled with jade vases, crystal canisters, golden statues and silver photo frames. My father, God rest his soul, took pride in our success—as well he should.”

  Tabitha nodded.

  “Ronald Von Erich was a great man,” she affirmed, adding in a softened and highly empathetic tone, “Didn’t your father die of a heart attack on one of your mining expeditions in Africa?”

  She cringed as the previously smiling Royce ducked his head at the mention of his late father.

  “Yes, but I’d really rather not talk about my dad and the circumstances surrounding his death,” he revealed, tone low and guarded.

  Tabitha bit her lip.

  “I’m so sorry I brought it up,” she apologized, adding as she strove to change the subject, “So I take it, Royce, that you and her mother both felt a pressing need to give back to the community that supported your business?”

  She paused here, adding with a bright affirming grin, “You must take great pride in the fact that Agatha Von Erich was the first female mayor of Lexington—and, for that matter, one of the finest mayors we’ve ever had.”

  He sighed relieved moments later, as her handsome interview subject met her words with his signature dazzling smile.

  “I am, and I thank you for the compliment,” he acknowledged, adding in a sincere tone, “I mean, don’t misunderstand; my father throughout his lifetime made more than his fair share of charitable donations, and to a number of worthy causes. One day, though, my mother and I took a good look around this house and wondered just how many families could have been fed with the money that it took to buy diamond windows and priceless artifacts that—contrary to their name—did actually boast a very high price indeed. It was at that point that my mother decided to join the city council—a move that eventually lead to a seat in the mayor’s office.”

  Tabitha nodded.

  “And now, thanks to the research that you yourself did about some of the issues and problems affecting the women and families of this area, you’re following in her footsteps,” she reasoned, voice tinged with admiration.

  Royce nodded.

  “Research that you yourself facilitated, by writing such brilliant articles about the issues that affect my constituency,” he told her, adding as their gazes locked and held, “Even before we met, Ms. Connelly, you and I made a great team.”

  “Aw shucks,” Tabitha felt her cheeks flush as she considered these words—and as she devoured the penetrating stare that accompanied them. “Well I must say, Royce, that you took my ideas and ran with them. I particularly appreciate the number and amount of donations that you’ve given to our women’s shelter here in Lexington.” She paused here, adding as she inclined her head sharp in his direction, “I guess it comes as no surprise that you don’t seem to have much time for a personal life—or do you? I’m sure that our readers would love to know just how our esteemed mayor spends his free time—what little there is of it.”

  The reporter stiffened in her seat as her subject met these innocent words with a dark, hooded gaze; shuffling uncomfortable in his seat as an uneasy silence passed between them.

  “I was not aware, Tabitha, that this interview was going to concern my personal life,” he told her, tone low and guarded.

  Tabitha shrugged.

  “Well I believe that my editor did indicate to you that this would be a personality profile,” she reminded him, adding as she lifted her full chin to authoritative effect, “Are you telling me that your personal life is off limits to me?”

  She took in her breath as a warm but curious light invaded Royce’s quickly cooling gaze; giving his wide azure eyes the appearance of glowing crystals as he erased all distance between them.

  “My personal life, dear Tabitha, is off limits to your readers,” he purred, adding on a succulent whisper, “Not to you.”

  With these words he surged inward, searing her lips with a single hot kiss.

  Stunned by his boldness and invigorated by the sublime, electric feel of his warm soft lips against hers, Tabitha sat frozen in her seat as her heart pounded with the heat of excitement.

  “Was that a diversionary tactic, Mayor?” she asked finally, struggling to steady her trembling voice as she added, “Well I am sorry to tell you that, thanks to the tough, no nonsense journalist that I am, it didn’t quite do the job.” She paused here, adding as she arched her eyebrows in a show of keen curiosity, “Care to try it again?”

  Letting loose with a sexy chuckle that only intensified her arousal, Royce more than gladly took her up on the challenge; this time seizing her lips in a passionate, full bodied kiss.

  Swallowing her startled gasp, the ardent Royce massaged his soft full lips against hers as their tongues entangled between them; angling his bronzed head above hers to intensify the sensation.

  Leaning full and hard into his kiss, an enraptured Tabitha lapped the roof of his mouth with ravishing strokes; arching her eyebrows as her tongue made contact with two particularly sharp teeth lodged near the back.

  “Well I guess I shouldn’t be surprised,” she mused, adding as she dropped her pen and notebook and wrapped her arms around his muscled shoulders, “If the dude is too busy for a personal life, then I guess regular dental appointments would be out of the question as well.”

  All coherent thoughts scattered moments later as Royce leaned inward to intensify their kiss; plying her lips with the sweetest advance as his fingers entangled themselves in the strands of her silken hair.

  She moaned in protest moments later as he broke their kiss; sitting abruptly away from her as the sound of brisk footsteps resounded across the floor of the sharp tiled entryway that adjoined the sitting room.

  “This is the only bad part about sharing a home with my mother,” he whispered, adding as he shuffled his feet beneath him, “Ever since high school she seems to walk in on me at inopportune moments.”

  Tabitha’s eyes widened as suddenly they were joined by a woman she immediately recognized as Agatha Von Erich; a radiant older woman wearing a knee length dress of lavender silk and fashionable gold rimmed spectacles.

  “Good morning, Ms. Connelly is it?” Her long golden hair mirroring her son’s, save for the tinges of gray apparent at her temples, the slender Agatha extended a fine manicured hand straight in her direction. “My son and I are both quite the fans of your articles, and I hope that you’ve enjoyed the time that you’ve spent speaking with him today.”

  “Indeed I have!” Tabitha exclaimed, so quickly in
fact that she drew a chuckle from her all-knowing interview subject. “I must let you know, though, that I might need to extend the interview by a half an hour or so. I have a few more questions to ask him before we wrap up here.”

  “No.”

  Although still smiling, a firm Agatha shook her head from side to side to accentuate this single, sharply spoken word.

  “I am afraid that that will not be possible,” the dowager added, folding her arms before her. “My son is a very busy man and has another meeting scheduled in 10 minutes, a teleconference set to take place in our conference room upstairs. So if you will please excuse us….”

  Nodding in apparent agreement with his mother’s words, Royce rose abrupt from his seat and engaged a shocked Tabitha in a friendly but officious handshake.