After she took in the room, Gwen checked out her clients. They had settled into seats across from her, and she could easily gaze at them over the top of her laptop screen. Once again, she realized how absolutely quiet it was in the building, and the anxious feeling she’d experienced earlier began to return.
She noticed that they exchanged glances before Christian answered. “Roger didn’t give you any background?”
By the gods, you were not kidding. She is exquisite, Christian sent to Sebastian.
“No, he didn’t. He only confirmed what you had already told Bree when you set up this meeting. So all I know is that you’re new in town, and you need my services to plan an opening-night party. He didn’t go into any other details. So let’s start at the beginning, shall we?”
“Excellent. We wanted it kept under wraps. But because of your relationship, we weren’t sure if he would honor our wishes.”
“Oh, he did. He can definitely keep things to himself.”
“Do you know what a fetish club is, Gwendolyn?” Sebastian seemed to watch her carefully for any reaction, but she worked hard at hiding her emotions.
“Yes, I have a general idea. Is that what this place is?” Gwen looked around once more. What surprises do they have in store for this opening? This just gets weirder and weirder.
“Yes, Eternity is a fetish club, and we’ll cater to many different kinds. Do you think you can help us?” Christian seemed to be trying to see inside her head as they waited for her to answer. She had the feeling that more was at stake here than planning their opening night.
“Of course,” she replied, “as long as everything you do here is legal, it doesn’t matter to me what type of business you run.”
Sebastian nodded. “Great. We plan on opening the first of the month. That gives you about a week. We know it’s not a lot of time, but you are supposed to be the best. So can you accomplish this for us?”
Gwen offered her first real grin since meeting them. “Of course. We can do anything you want. I love a challenge. Once I understand exactly what you want then I’ll take care of the rest. I can give you an update tomorrow, and then I’ll have a few other things to run by you. But mostly you just have to sit back and leave it to me.”
“Why don’t we have lunch tomorrow, and you can show us what you’re thinking?” Christian’s chocolate eyes seemed almost molten as he grinned at her.
“That works for me. Why don’t you come to the office around one, and I’ll have Brianna order something for us. Is there anything specific you’d like?”
Christian grinned. “Nope, we’re easy, aren’t we, Sebastian?”
“Under the right circumstances, yes we are.”
“All right then. Why don’t you tell me what you were thinking about? Do you want it to be formal and elegant, playful, or maybe a bit risqué since it is a fetish club?”
“Christian and I have discussed this, and what is most important to us is that we make a statement and leave our guests in awe. Eternity will be different than anything else this town has ever seen, and so it is imperative that the mystery remains until opening night.”
“Understood, and I agree. You have something very unique here, and the more secrecy we have surrounding Eternity, the more successful it will be. Do you have a guest list prepared, or do you want me to invite all the ‘who’s who’ in town?”
Sebastian handed her a printed sheet, “Actually, we had already spoken to the mayor, and he gave us a list of the town’s ‘who’s who.’ You can send the invites from this list.”
“May I have a copy of the list? This would save me some time.”
“No problem.” Christian went over to his desk and picked up a folder and brought it back to the table. He opened it and handed her several sheets of paper.
“Here is some information on the rooms for the party. We have some staff already, and more will be arriving in the next few days. All of us will be more than happy to help in any way to make sure this is a huge success. We are hoping that you’ll be here for the opening as well, Gwendolyn.”
Engrossed in the notes she was making, it took her a few seconds to realize what he had said. Looking up from the laptop, she saw those eyes on her again. She resisted the urge to squirm in her seat, and instead sat up a little straighter before answering.
“Of course. I’m always at the parties. I’ll be making sure it all goes off without a hitch. But it should definitely be a very interesting evening.”
Sebastian, she puts on a good front. She comes across so strong, but yet, I can feel her uncertainty. She is a conundrum, our Gwendolyn.
True, Christian. But I can also feel her excitement. She is definitely intrigued. We have to make sure it is a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
“But for now I’m afraid I do need to get going. I have a rather full schedule today, and I need to get back to the office.” Standing, she packed up her laptop and all the paperwork.
Sebastian answered first. “It was our pleasure to have you here today, and we look forward to our continued association.”
“Yes, we do,” Christian echoed.
“See you tomorrow, then. I think I can find my way out.”
Back at her car, Gwen couldn’t get them out of her mind. Deep blue sapphires and smoldering dark chocolate—she’d never seen eyes like that before, and it wasn’t just their gaze, either. The power that radiated from them was incredible. And then there was that damn dream. As ridiculous as all of this sounded, she couldn’t help but think that the dream and this meeting today were linked, and none of this was a coincidence.
Chapter 3
Once Gwen had pulled away from the front of the brownstone, both men heaved a sigh of relief. Just having her in their vicinity eased their suffering, which was good and bad. Good because she had to be “the one” they had been searching for, and bad because now their pain had increased.
While they walked through the club, they carried on their mental dialogue, not that it really mattered. The only others there were also vampires and could hear every word they were saying.
Well, I would say all of our questions have been answered, wouldn’t you? Sebastian quirked an eyebrow at Christian, and then he entered the main room of Eternity. He gazed around the room, which would soon be transformed into the main club room. Sebastian felt wonder and hope for the first time in centuries.
True, I’d have to agree. Even in the way she reacted to us. It was all I could do not to drag her into our apartments and take her to bed.
Sebastian understood perfectly. He had felt the same way. He was surprised they both had fallen under the spell of her charms so easily. It could only mean one thing, and now they had to be very careful. They were in uncharted territory. After so many decades of searching, to finally find her was remarkable. Nothing had prepared them for how being around her would make them feel.
Sebastian, what is our next move?
Well, I think we need to get her back here. Instead of lunch, we’ll have her here for dinner tomorrow night.
Excellent idea. I can’t wait to be in her presence again. I had forgotten what it is like to be pain-free.
Yes, I know. Once she was gone, the pain seemed to have come back tenfold. I feel weaker as well.
As do I. However, I think I am still stronger than you.
I don’t understand that, but there is not much I understand about the damn curse. I’ll be glad when it can just be a memory and not a concern.
They continued their tour of Eternity. They wandered from room to room and inspected the work that had been completed and what was still left. A little less than a week to go and then this town would be in for a big surprise.
* * * *
Back at the office, Gwen explained to Bree what the project for Eternity was going to be, and after some raised eyebrows, she got to work. They had a lot of ground to cover before tomorrow’s lunch meeting.
The tap on the door startled Gwen out of her reverie. “Yes?”
“
Sorry to disturb you, Gwen, but Roger is on the phone, and this is the third time he’s called. I told him you were tied up, but honestly, he’s not going to take no for an answer today.”
Gwen let out a deep sigh. “No, I’m sure he won’t. He’s probably dying to see how the meeting went this morning. One of these days my ex will remember he’s my ‘ex’ and that I don’t have to share everything with him anymore. But then we were always better friends than anything else.”
Bree nodded. “Well, at least he isn’t an ass usually. Anyway, he’s on line one.”
“I might as well get it over with so we can get some work done. Can you stay late tonight? We can order some Chinese food.”
“Sure, no problem. Only the cats are waiting for me at home.” Smiling, Bree shut the office door as she left.
I guess there is no time like the present. There would be no putting off Roger, that was for sure.
“Gwen Harris.”
“Hey, Gwen.” Roger sounded his usual cheerful self.
“Yes, Roger,” Gwen sighed. “Of course it’s you. When isn’t it you? Trying to snoop around about today’s meeting?”
“Geesh, Gwen, take it easy. You know you liked those guys. They are damn intriguing.”
“Yes, I’ll give you that. But you could have at least warned me, a freakin’ fetish club?”
“True, but you might not have agreed to go to the meeting, and then you would have missed out on all that fun.”
“I don’t know. I’m not a prude. But I didn’t like being surprised, either. But you did score points with them that you hadn’t briefed me about it ahead of time either. And one more thing. How did they find you, anyway? This whole thing seems a little strange to me.”
“Sebastian called my office last week to schedule a meeting to set up the financials for the club. They apparently knew George Robinson, and he told them if they needed anyone to look me up.”
“And then, of course, you couldn’t resist telling them about me, right?”
Roger chuckled. “Well, of course. But when was the last time you had a new project that is going to be as exciting as this one will be?”
“I don’t know,” Gwen huffed, “but the business is doing just fine, you know.”
“I know. I do your taxes, after all,” Roger replied, “and I will try to stay out of your business. That’s all I can promise. We’ve been together too long to just walk away. Besides, you’re my best friend. And for some reason, I couldn’t resist recommending Affairs to Remember for this job.”
“Fine, I just don’t want you to think you still have to take care of me. It has been two years, and I’m doing just fine.”
“I know, Gwen. Believe me, I know. Better than I ever thought you would.”
Satisfied that he seemed to finally get it, she decided to let him off the hook a bit. “Okay, but this is the last time. I’m so busy now I can’t think straight, so until I ask for help, no more helping. Got it?”
“Yup, got it. So we’re cool again?”
“For now”—Gwen grinned, knowing he couldn’t see it over the phone—“but you’d better stick to your promise this time.”
“Okay, okay. So what did you think of them?”
“Honestly, I was in awe. They were both so…hmm…not sure how to describe it other than overwhelming to be around.”
“I agree. Sandy couldn’t take her eyes off of them when they came to the office.”
“Ha, that’s no surprise your secretary can’t take her eyes off of anything that has three legs.”
“You may be right there”—Roger laughed—“but they are definitely interesting and very well off.”
“That’s a good thing, because with a project like this and less than a week to get it off the ground, they are going to be paying plenty. Although, ethically, you shouldn’t be talking to me about their finances. Shame on you. And speaking of work, I have a shitload to do on this, and two other proposals to finish before I can even think of being finished for the day. So let me go.”
“All right, and, Gwen, for what it’s worth, I am sorry, but I honestly thought you’d like this job.”
“Okay, Roger. Just remember what we agreed to.”
“Yup…unless, of course, there is another amazing opportunity like this one.” She could hear him laughing as he hung up the phone.
One of these days I’m going to kill that man. It’s a good thing he’s so charming, or he’d be dead already.
* * * *
“Dinner is served,” Bree announced as she opened the office door.
Gwen looked at her watch and couldn’t believe that it was 6:00 p.m. already. At least she had gotten the plans finalized for the other two events she had under contract. Now she could devote all her time to the Eternity opening. Owning her own business had been a lifelong dream, and Gwen loved it like the child she could never have. Yes, it would be great to have a larger staff, but that would come. For now, she and Brianna did just fine together. Affairs to Remember was even on track to make a significant profit for the first time since its inception. Yup, this is a good year so far. My life is coming together—mostly. Gwen grinned to herself. After the Eternity opening, she might even take a long weekend for some much needed R & R.
“Earth to Gwen…are you coming, or do I have to invite a few other people to help me eat all this food I ordered?”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m coming. Let me just save this, and I’ll be right there.”
She didn’t know what she’d do without Bree. She kept her organized and on track. Gwen was creative and tended to go off on tangents, but Bree was always there to rein her in again. She worked hard and deserved more than Gwen could afford to pay her right now, but it looked like that was about to change soon. At least she hoped so. She would have never guessed that Brianna—Bree—would have turned into not only her right arm but her best friend. Actually, besides Roger, she was really her only friend.
Bree had been one of about fifteen people to apply when she had placed her ad for an assistant. When Gwen had gotten her first look of Bree and the black hair, dark makeup, piercings, and Gothic clothing, her first instinct was to say, “thanks, but no thanks.” But she knew better than to judge people on how they appeared, and the girl had a great head on her shoulders. The fact that Bree believed that things that went bump in the night were real was just part of her charm.
“What did you order?” Gwen asked as she entered the conference room, following the aroma of the Chinese food.
“The usual. I think they see the number on their caller ID and just make up our order.” Bree laughed. “I mean, we’ve been doing this what? At least twice a week for the last six months. Their profit margin will drop once we stop working late.”
“You’re funny. We don’t really order that much. Not really.” But Gwen wasn’t so sure. Thinking about it, Bree could be right. They worked a lot of late nights getting the business up and running and then trying to keep up with the business they were getting. As much as she bitched about Roger’s interference, he had sent a lot of business her way in the last two years.
Bree rolled her eyes at Gwen and didn’t answer. Together they set out the repast, which quickly filled the conference room with piquant scents and made Gwen’s mouth water. They both loved their Chinese food hot and spicy. The more the tears welled up in their eyes and their noses ran, the better.
“I don’t see the chopsticks, dammit,” Gwen exclaimed as she got to the bottom of the box packed with their feast.
“I have some in my desk, no worries,” Bree said, and she headed back to her desk for the chopsticks. They were one of their must-haves to complete the ambiance of their meal.
After they had dished out what they each wanted, they settled down to enjoy their dinner. Gwen could tell it wouldn’t be peaceful for long. Bree had that look on her face. She had held off all day and hadn’t asked about the Eternity job, but it was only a matter of time before she was going to explode with questions.
“Okay,
I know you’re dying to ask me,” Gwen said as she took a swig from her bottled water. “What do you want to know first?”
Bree laughed. “You know me way too well.”
“Of course. We’ve been working, what, fourteen-hour days at least, for the past two years. If I don’t know you by now, I’m in trouble.” Gwen laughed. “You are my right hand. I don’t know what I’d do without you. Thank you, Bree. I know I don’t tell you enough.”
“A big fat bonus check would be nice.”
“Yeah, yeah. If things keep up the way they have been, and this new job for Eternity, who knows. I think you will be getting a nice raise, and probably we’ll hire some more staff.”
“Really? That would be very cool. I mean, I love you, Gwen, but dammit, my ass would like to feel my couch. I’d enjoy getting back to my apartment before I’m ready to pass out, at least once in a while.”
“I know. I couldn’t tell you anything on TV these days, and I’m about three or four books behind on my favorite authors, too. But I really do think things will be different soon.”
“I’m really glad to hear that. You may be old”—Bree stuck her tongue out at Gwen—“but I’m still young enough to want to get out, play around, and, hell, get fucked once in a while.”
Gwen choked on her General Tsao’s chicken and broke out laughing.
“Shit. Cut it out before sauce comes out of my nose.” They both laughed. Gwen took a bite of a spring roll after dipping it into the hot mustard. “Mmm, this really hits the spot tonight. Thanks for ordering it.”
“Well, it’s not like I could have left it up to you, boss lady. You would still be in there working away if I hadn’t dragged you out of that office of yours. So tell me about the job.”
“It’s a club opening, but not just any club. This is all on the QT, so no blabbing to anyone.”
“Oh yeah? And who am I going to tell? Patches? No wait, I can’t tell her. If she gets out, she’ll tell all the other cats in the neighborhood.”
“You’re really on a roll tonight. Keep it up and you’ll go back to your desk, and I won’t tell you anything.”
Twice Bitten Not Shy [Vampires of Eternity] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 2