“Finally, my time is precious. Now as I was saying…” said O, her gaze never wavering from Sydney’s eyes.
Sydney’s brilliant eyes lit up and she became more animated, telling her story of winning and how she struggled in her childhood, rising to be a successful ambassador for the Star Casino. Her wittiness and charm made O belt out that signature laugh, making Sydney feel even more confident.
“Very nice to meet you. Star Casino is lucky to have you as their spokesperson… and bring back Justin B with you the next time. And tell Mr. Scott to have my suite ready next month when I come. Can’t wait to get away and enjoy the royal treatment,” said O; her brown eyes sparkled with warmth.
Kim smiled and whispered, “Again, you’re amazing, but one last meeting for today. I’ve got your back; we’re meeting Mr. T. He’s thinking of investing in Star Casino and he’s a formidable business tycoon. But we have a few hours before show time. Back at the hotel, I’ve ordered you a massage, refreshments, and an exhilarating session with Mr. Alpha, a trainer for the stars. He’ll get your blood flowing and your body glowing. How does that sound?”
Sydney groaned; all she wanted to do was jump on her bed and collapse. She bit her nails and almost threw up after changing and meeting a muscular Mr. Alpha at the hotel gym. After 100 push-ups, 150 sit-ups, and a set of barbell lifts, she stumbled to the massage room, hoping to fall asleep on the table. But Sydney was pummeled and sculpted until she begged the masseuse to let her rest before the meeting.
Sydney staggered into her room and found a long silky red dress and three-inch red stilettos laid out for her. As promised, a tray of fresh fruit and healthy juices were set on the table by the window. She rested a moment, staring out at the city lights, then took a long hot shower. Sydney noted the time and then quickly changed into a gown, the soft material, making her look voluptuous and sexy. She applied some red lipstick and false eyelashes. Munching on a strawberry, she waited for Kim to go to the meeting.
There was a knock on the door and Sydney answered it and gasped, shocked to see a familiar face.
“Hello, Sydney? Wow, I didn’t recognize you… bribed the casino personnel— they gave me your itinerary. Traveled several hours to get here— can I come in?” asked an admiring Charlie.
A flicker of excitement went through Sydney’s body; she was extremely happy to see him as she pulled him into her room and double-locked the door.
Charlie
“Lion on the run. Snake is dead,” Johnson sent a message to Charlie.
“Get the hell back right now. Rumors are surfacing about a beast, specifically a man morphing into a lion, and a woman being killed at the Casino. You were supposed to settle everything, find them, and bring them back here. Call me!”
Charlie played Dr. Arno’s angry message from his phone, lying on the hotel’s ivory silk sheets. He switched on the wall monitor to reveal the scene from the Casino: a body covered and the police and witnesses gathered around the bloody crime scene. A man in a plaid shirt was being interviewed by the local press. He’d seen the victim before she died, whispering something about human experiments and her love for Randall.
Charlie turned off the news and lay back down. Suddenly he didn’t care about anything else, only his precious minutes with Sydney. He reflected on the last thirty minutes when she opened the door, kissed his lips and then tore his clothes off as they fell on top of each other, their bodies intertwined in a hot embrace. It happened so fast, but then they were interrupted this time by her assistant, Kim.
They laughed when she shouted from the other side of the door to meet her in ten minutes because Mr. T was waiting in his limo. Then Sydney placed her hot lips on his and they played together under the sheets for a few minutes more before getting ready for Mr. T. She blew Charlie a kiss, then promised to be back by midnight.
Charlie had never felt so alive, and wondered how they could run off together and forget all about Optimal. But now obligated to his aunt he knew he had to get back and warn the others before things got worse. He worried about Randall and hoped he’d stay out of trouble and not get caught; sickened that Samantha was now dead. Johnson had alerted him at that critical moment, but he was already in New York. Plus, he needed Sydney— wanted her and couldn’t stop fantasizing about her.
Before contacting his aunt, Charlie reviewed his action plan. She answered immediately and bombarded him with questions.
“Where have you been? Have you been in contact with Johnson? Have you talked to the police? When are you coming back?” she screeched in his ear.
Charlie dropped the phone on the nightstand before speaking.
“Sorry about that, Aunt Alexia. Calm down, everything is hearsay. Just rumors, nothing substantial. Johnson and his guys are on it— they’ll get Randall. And don’t you feel bad about poor Samantha? I’m trying to find everybody, make sure they’re coming for the evaluations; I know that’s very important to you,” said Charlie, his voice growing louder.
“I know you are screwing around, not taking this situation seriously. It affects you as well as me. You have a stake in Optimal too and I need you to…” her high-pitched voice stopped at the sound of a message. It had given Charlie a headache.
“Got to go— signal from Johnson,” he said, as he threw the phone on the ground.
All he could think about was Sydney’s return. He decided to take a long, hot shower and clear his head. After showering, Charlie found a terrycloth robe in the bathroom and wrapped it around himself. Then he perused the menu and ordered room service.
“Another bottle of Dom Perignon and some Hagen Das.”
Hours passed after his order was delivered and placed in the small refrigerator. He fell asleep waiting for Sydney to return and then at midnight the door opened. He smelled her perfume and felt wet kisses and tears on his neck.
“Mr. T wants me to fly with him to his estate tomorrow to sign a deal. Then Kim has several more appointments set up for tomorrow. I’m like their slave and I’m so exhausted. That Mr. Scott is relentless. What am I going to do?” Sydney asked, her large eyes filled with tears.
Charlie gazed at the beautiful woman next to him who looked like a frightened child.
“Don’t worry, I’m going to kidnap you! But first, let’s have something sweet.”
Maggie
Jaz’s radiant face appeared on her wall monitor along with a woman who resembled her, giving Maggie a jolt. She sat drinking an espresso, barely awake after appearances on the Late Night Show, Randy Robot Show, and other G Net appearances that Lacy arranged.
“Maggie, I’ve missed you so much. We have so much to talk about and I want you to meet my mom, Julie. She came to visit, got a call from Steven for Galaxy Tours to begin filming on Eden. Will Vera be there? And I’m so scared, asked mom to come and Optimal contacted me for an evaluation,” she said all in one breath.
Jaz’s mom waved. Maggie wondered how Jaz had been doing after that freaky trip to Eden. Her schedule had been so crammed with events and interviews that she hadn’t contacted anyone, even Mark. But she also received that vibe from Optimal and had ignored it.
“Whoa, Jaz, slow down, you’re making me dizzy. Been working non-stop without much time to think,” Maggie said. She poured herself another espresso.
Jaz laughed and hugged her mom.
“Told mommy everything and she wants to go to Eden with us. And she loves your new book and wants you to autograph her copy. Saw you last night with Jimmy— you looked so cute together!”
Maggie smiled, remembering her ten minutes of fame last night. With Lacy’s quick briefing and her confidence in full drive, she scored points with the late night crowd. Jimmy praised Love 2040’s unique spin and offered his audience to step into its world. Then his jokes about a sequel made her relax and laugh at herself.
“I will put you in my next book, Jimmy, as the new boyfriend,” Maggie teased.
Mark called her and told her she was terrific, acting like she’d been on TV for years. A
ll due to the green pills; in fact, she only had a few left.
“Thanks Jaz, he’s such a doll. Hi Julie, be glad to sign your book— you two look so much alike. Yeah, have to set up an appointment with Optimal… need more pills. How’s your supply?”
“Need more, that’s why I’m so nervous. Can I borrow some from you? My fans wouldn’t recognize me if I turn into a blob, but mom doesn’t believe me— says I will always be beautiful,” said Jaz.
The doorbell rang and Maggie still had to get dressed. She planned to move into that condo in the gated community, but hadn’t gotten around to it. Now she had to answer her door.
“Have to run Jaz, see you tonight at the Star Casino. Heard they have a new Eden ride— doesn’t quite live up to our trip,” she said, closed that monitor and checked the other eleven.
Most portrayed MJ’s appearances on talk shows, social media, and the cameo on that reality show, The Neighborhood. Another monitor revealed a guy in a black sweatshirt pruning the bushes and watering the flowers in her garden. The last screen showed Mark at her apartment door, his tall dark-bearded handsome frame tempting her. Maggie clasped her robe around her, ran a comb through her hair and then opened the door. Her body tingled as Mark greeted Maggie with a soft kiss and pulled her close.
“Well, good morning. You feel so soft and smell so fresh this morning. I guess I should have called and not just shown up. And of course, there are hundreds of eyes that have just photographed our private moment,” Mark said.
The gardener in the black sweatshirt started snapping photos and the rest of the media rushed toward them. He pushed her inside and locked the door.
“Oh, so happy you dropped by… usually I’m dressed.”
Maggie laughed nervously as her body temperature climbed. She suddenly felt ill at ease and ran into the bedroom. Would Mark want MJ after he discovered mousy Maggie?
“Didn’t know you were such a celebrity; it makes me want you more. You’re going to have to move after your next trip to Eden, maybe to my place,” he said as he followed her into the bedroom. She turned toward him.
He opened her robe and she sighed, letting him nibble her neck and plant kisses all over her body.
“I’ve missed you.”
“Oh, what the hell,” she said and pulled him onto her unmade bed. She felt his hardness pressed against her and his mouth on her breast. Her breathing grew heavy and her eyes closed with anticipation. She pulsated with excitement as he spread her legs and entered her; they seemed as one, lost in their intense pleasure. He lightly bit her ears, neck and breasts. She shuddered in ecstasy. Maggie never felt such an intensity before, never even with Seth. Her heart fluttered and their bodies became entangled.
A light fan blew cool air against their hot bodies, the thrashed sheets falling to the ground. Morning tuned into late afternoon. Suddenly Maggie’s alarm sounded and she jumped up.
“Baby, calm down. Are you okay?” he asked, the moment broken.
Maggie checked her watch.
“Mark, it’s five o’clock; we’re going to be late for the big Eden promotion.”
She rose from the bed and wrapped her robe around her tightly.
“Don’t worry. Haven’t you ever heard about being fashionably late? Besides you’re one of the stars tonight. Come on, let’s go steam up the shower,” Mark said.
They walked in at about 7 p.m., only an hour late, and made their grand entrance together into the Star Casino’s ballroom. Their indiscreet moment landed on all the G Net’s sites, creating wild rumors and speculations about a hot romance.
“You look stunning tonight,” Mark whispered into Maggie’s ear.
Nervous, eyes hidden behind dark glasses and sweating under her long black leather coat, Maggie knew she had to be MJ Moore tonight: famous author, interstellar traveler, and elite guest of Star Ventures’ CEO. Having taken her green pill made her feel more secure. A waiter offered them a cool drink and another took MJ’s coat to reveal a slinky silver sequined dress. Mark, in a dark black tux, took her hand and escorted to the stage. She nodded and smiled as she joined Jaz and Steven. Jaz looked elegant in her strapless midnight blue gown with Steven in a matching tux.
“Let me welcome you to Star Ventures’ Eden Interstellar Night and introduce my elite team,” Mark said.
MJ took on her role and pondered her remarks as Mark made his speech. But her smile faded as she spotted George in the audience with Vera beside him. She directed her view toward the audience as Mark gave her the cue.
“Quite an astounding introduction Mark, and I’m so glad to be here to promote our new team and next trip to Eden with the Galaxy Tours crew. But I would like to thank everyone for coming here tonight, especially Mr. George Meyers, my publisher who supported and accepted me into the EI family. So please, enjoy yourselves and take a mini-trip to Eden tonight on the Eden Rocket Ride. Then sign up for the real deal— see Lacy for more details,” said MJ.
The audience clapped and many scattered to try the new rocket roller coaster on top of the Casino. Others gravitated toward the large appetizer tables filled with fresh shrimp, caviar, and hot canapés.
“What is she doing here tonight?” whispered an exasperated Mark to MJ.
He blended in with the crowd, steering her toward the investors, but George followed him, smiling broadly and anxious to congratulate the couple.
“Such a great evening and can’t wait to go on the next trip. There’s already a hundred people who have signed up; looks like you’ll be making several trips to the Earthlike planet. And MJ, your book sales are soaring due to that visit on Jimmy’s show last night. He called me to say his wife loved the book!” said George. He gave MJ a peck on the cheek.
Vera stumbled, already drunk.
“I threatened to talk about the aliens if they didn’t invite me here tonight,” she said. Her glass tipped and her drink dribbled onto her silk dress.
Mark managed a fake smile.
“Have a great time on the ride, not sure if you’ll see any aliens tonight. We’ll catch up with you later, got to go talk to some investors,” he said, grabbed MJ’s hand and headed in the opposite direction. He pulled her out on a balcony away from the crowds.
“That woman is insane! But let’s forget about her— it’s just you and me now. We don’t want to ruin tonight and I just want you all to myself for now,” Mark said as he pulled her close in a passionate embrace. They felt a presence and quickly separated.
“Excuse me, I need to discuss something with you,” said Steven. Jaz waited off to the side and Maggie squeezed Mark’s hand.
“Catch up with you later,” she said to Mark as he directed his attention to Steven.
She hugged Jaz and took her arm.
“Did you bring your mom tonight? I really want to meet her,” said Maggie.
Jaz and Maggie walked toward the crowd.
“No, she didn’t want to spoil my night. She’s staying with me and watching the event at home with Matt. Let’s go on the Eden Rocket Ride. Steven believes I need to mingle with the guests and promote Space Ventures and the new movie, but I need you with me. I’m so nervous and hope our next trip will be better. Can’t afford to make that same mistake again,” Jaz said.
They took the transporter to the rooftop. Jaz and Maggie heard the crowd’s screams as the rollercoaster circled the roof. Its riders seemed to be hanging on precariously as they rode alongside the building and both women observed their bravery. In addition to the rollercoaster, the roof had its own helicopter and space van pad. A rock band gyrated near the pad; the lead guitarist blasting his song.
“Whew, don’t think I can do this— might lose it,” Jaz said.
Maggie nodded and approached the band.
“Maybe dance instead. More my speed.”
A group of young men gathered around Jaz and Maggie, gushing at their presence. They vied for the women’s attention, pressing themselves closer like a group of energetic puppies.
“Hey ladies, can we get yo
ur autographs or dance with you tonight? Or maybe take a ride with us on the coaster?” said one young man in tight leather pants, his long blond hair flowing over his shoulders. His twin brother, in similar attire, eyed the women.
“Sure, let me write it on your arm,” said Jaz, pulling the young man toward the band.
Maggie and the twin joined them as the foursome stepped into a raucous crowd. Suddenly a space copter hovered above and started to descend. The crowd parted to make room for it. It landed perfectly and the side panel slid open.
A man in a black tux, top hat, and dark glasses exited the space copter.
“Mark hired us to pick you ladies up for a promotional ride,” he said, pushing them toward the opening to reveal plush seats and complete bar. The crowd rushed them, caught up in the action. They screamed, “Higher, higher to Eden!”
MJ became suspicious and realized they were going to be taken forcefully and gripped Jaz’s hand.
“Hey, we need to get out of here,” MJ said, pushing people aside. The two women turned to leave, but the crowd prevented them from leaving, pushing them toward the space copter. The mysterious man grabbed Jaz’s hand and gave MJ a shove. They all stumbled into the space copter.
“Get in now— need to take off,” said the man in the tux as he gave them a light push and they took off over the top and out toward the city. The crowd roared and cheered.
“Who are you? Where the hell are you taking us?” said Maggie. Jaz cried on her shoulder.
Maggie felt sickened as she recognized her two captors. Dr. Neilson took off his black glasses and hat and Dr. Arno sat at the controls.
“You never responded to our messages, so we’re doing this the hard way. Back to Optimal to review your progress. Relax and enjoy the ride— got to get out of this security airspace,” said Dr. Arno as she guided the space copter past the casino and into the dark night.
Lena
Lon gulped down his martini as he now faced JD. Knowing that Sam was watching, he had to get a grip on the situation and maintain his male status, but also convince JD to go ahead with the deal. The added testosterone gave Lon the edge and JD seemed eager to close the deal. Lon ordered another round of martinis.
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