Art of Seduction

by Monique Orgeron

  “And? How did he do?”

  Zander shrugs. “He did what was needed, but you can tell he just doesn’t have the heart for it. And to be honest, part of me hates making him do it.”

  “Zander, he has to learn.”

  “I know, Gabriel, but you’re not the one teaching him this shit. He’s not that cruel. I feel like shit trying to make him like that.”

  “I know, and like I told you before, it’s our damn fault. We never let anyone touch him. We protected Liam way too much. He’s not only our baby brother, he is also a fucking Stern, and he has to learn these things.”

  “Yeah, OK. You’re right,” Zander finally agrees with me.

  “Give it a little longer, then I’ll take him and teach him my part of the operation. By then, we should know where his talents lie.”

  “Yeah, sure. Hey, you ready for tomorrow?”

  “I guess I’m as ready as ever. I just want it over. This wedding is just a shit show for Mom.”

  “You don’t think Fallon wants the shit show?”

  “I don’t know. We never talked about it.”

  Shit, as I think about it, I never asked her what she wanted. Does she want a wedding? All I thought about was that I couldn’t go too much longer without having her in my bed every night.

  “Well, Gabriel, I sure hope you talk to her much more after the wedding.” He winks. “Well, OK, maybe more talk after the honeymoon.”

  After about an hour, we say our goodbyes and I head out.

  I call Fallon, but she doesn’t answer. I try again; same thing. I just want to hear her voice just once tonight. I try a third time; same bullshit. So, I decide to call Vin.

  “Where is she, Vin?”

  “She’s with your mother, Gabriel.”

  I ask, “Where are they?”

  “Gabriel, I can’t answer that. I was given explicit instructions not to give you any information, except to tell you she is fine and will be tucked soundly in her bed at a decent time.”

  “What the fuck, man?”

  “Gabriel, come on, don’t put me in this shit. You know I answer to your mother first. She’s fine. I will make sure of it. Oh, I was also told to tell you, you are not permitted on the grounds tonight. The guards will not allow you in the gates until tomorrow. Sorry, Gabriel.”

  He disconnects the phone before I can curse his ass out. Vince, always the loyal soldier. He would never do anything to betray Catherine. He’s loyal to my whole family, but Catherine will always come before the rest of us.

  So, all the secrecy makes me wonder what the hell Mom is up to.

  26

  Fallon

  Today is the day. New beginnings. I sit on my bed, looking at my wedding dress. I never imagined a day like this for me. While most little girls dreamt of the day of their weddings, I was too busy trying to survive my everyday life. The future was not something I had the luxury of dreaming about. I try to think back; was there ever a day or moment I thought of a wedding, or even a husband? I can’t remember a single time.

  Downstairs is a bustle of noise and racket. There are so many people in and out, all getting everything ready for my big day. Catherine, of course, is handling everything. Even with her hiring a wedding planner, she is actively involved. I knew she wouldn’t trust any one person to have the final decision on her son’s wedding day.

  My breakfast and lunch have been sent to my room. Catherine doesn’t want me roaming around the house today. She said there was nothing for me to do, so I would just be in the way. So, I gladly remain in my room until it’s time for the wedding to start. Catherine has ordered heavy security around the grounds, not allowing any unwanted press or visitors – but she hasn’t been able to stop Miles from trying to contact me. He has been nonstop calling me since Gabriel took me from his home. I did answer his first call. I felt I owed him an explanation, but of course he wasn’t satisfied, claiming Gabriel had no right to embarrass his family or him the way he did. He also told me he already thought of me as his. Even though I never as much as kissed him, he thought he had the right to stake a claim. If he only knew Gabriel claimed my heart the first night we met.

  Last night, the calls came one after another, none of which I answered. I turned off my phone after that. I didn’t want to dwell on Miles anymore; Gabriel should be the only man on my mind.

  After I finish my lunch, Bridgette and her team enter my room. I’m waxed and polished, just like a brand-new toy, just for Gabriel. The team does an incredible job with my hair and makeup. My hair is tossed into an updo with soft curls, and some of the curls are left to dangle very delicately on my neck. With my hair, makeup, and nails done, I’m ready to dress. Catherine interrupts, looking gorgeous, and asks for us to have some privacy. The team exits quietly.

  “Fallon, my dear, I just wanted a few minutes with you before the big event.”

  She looks at the work the team has done and tells me I am radiant. She then walks closer to me, holding a few objects.

  “Fallon, I wanted to give you some things to wear today. This first box is my gift to my new daughter-in-law. It’s your something new.”

  I open the box, and therein lies a set of the most beautiful teardrop diamond chandelier earrings I have ever seen.

  “Catherine, I...I’m speechless. Thank you.”

  “I had them made for you. I’m so glad you like them. Baxter will be so happy to hear.”

  I nod aggressively.

  “Here, of course, is your something blue. I had the seamstress who worked on your dress make this for you.”

  She holds up a dark blue garter. It’s dainty but makes a definite statement.

  “Now, I have one more thing for you, and it’s your something old and something borrowed, but I’m afraid it’s not anything that is expensive or handmade.”

  She holds up a small, simple beaded rosary. She lays it in my hands, and I see a tear fall from her eye, but she quickly wipes it away.

  “It’s borrowed because I would like to have it back, and as you can tell, it is old. When I was much younger, I had a best friend who said God was all around us. Even though we didn’t have much, she always made us say the rosary and pray, thanking him for what we did have. What we had was each other. It’s a silly thing, but it’s special to me. Even more than all my jewelry. I’d like for you to wear it today.”

  She takes the rosary and wraps it around my wrist like a bracelet, then her fingers linger to rub the beads back and forth. It’s like she’s in a daze. Suddenly, she looks at me and smiles.

  “I’ll leave you now. I will have Jeffery come to get you when it’s time.”

  “Thank you, Catherine, for everything.”

  She leaves without another word.

  Bridgette returns with her team, and they quickly start to help me with my dress. Once they have finished helping me put my dress and veil on, they leave me alone in my room. I am left staring at myself in the mirror. I’ve never seen myself look so beautiful. I start to get nervous. I wonder if Gabriel will like the way I look. Will he be proud to have me as his wife? Then I think of the wedding night. What will he expect? What will he think when he realizes exactly how inexperienced I am? Will he be disappointed if I don’t know how to please him?

  Before I can work myself into a full panic attack, Jeffery knocks on the door and tells me it’s time. I take a deep breath and head downstairs, meeting with Zander’s gaze at the back of the house. He flashes a huge smile, then whistles at me.

  “Damn, Fallon!”

  I blush. “Well, hello to you, too, Zander. What are you doing here?”

  “I wanted to see if you came to your senses and were ready to trade up from Gabriel to me. We can run away together right now, just say the word.”

  We both laugh.

  “I don’t think that would be wise. I hear Gabriel is very good at finding people.”

  “I guess you’re right. He would hunt us down like dogs.”

  “Where’s Liam?”

  “Oh, Liam.
..well, the last time I saw him, he was going into one of the bathrooms with a pretty little server. But he should be with Gabriel by now. You know he’s still a little young, like a jack rabbit. That boy needs to learn to savor his offerings.”

  “Really? Well, I’m starting to believe he is more of a slut than even you.”

  “Hey, I take offense. You know I take my philandering very seriously.” He winks at me.

  “He might be a slut, but that boy is the smartest out of us all. Did you know he’s the one who had you pegged from the first night we met you?”

  “He did? I knew you all knew by now, but I didn’t know it was Liam who ratted me out. I’ll have to talk to him later.”

  “Yeah, well, you do that – but be careful, that boy also has a way with words. By the time he’s finished with you, he’ll have you thinking it was all your fault, no matter what the situation. I swear, he should be in politics. He’s so damn conniving.” He pauses, then clears his throat and gets very serious. “Look, Fallon, I just wanted to see you and let you know I’m always here for you. If Gabriel ever gets out of hand, or if you ever need me, I’ll be here. Gabriel might be older, but I’m bigger. OK?”

  With tears in my eyes, I say, “OK.”

  He kisses my cheek, then makes his way to his position. The music starts. Oh God!

  “Here we go.”

  Gabriel

  I’m pacing the floor of my room back and forth when Mom knocks and enters my room. I swear, my mother is still one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. My father was a lucky bastard to get her, just like Theodore pointed out.

  “Hey Mom, is it time?”

  “Almost, but I wanted to talk to you before you went down.”

  She strolls over to me and gently brushes my hair back with her fingers before she starts.

  “Gabriel, I know you figured out all about Fallon. I just wanted you to know I have never or will ever do anything to hurt you. I met Fallon when she was eighteen, and I knew at first sight that she was meant to be yours. My biggest fear is that I won’t always be here for you boys; I don’t want any of you to be alone.”

  “I know, Mom –”

  “No, Gabriel, let me finish. As your mother, I need to make sure you are taken care of, and Fallon can do that for you, if you let her. That girl was terrified of the idea of you, then she met you and fell in love. But you keep trying to push her away, and I know you blame me.”

  “Mom, I don’t know what to think.”

  “Well, I know you blame me for a lot of things, especially your father – but Gabriel, you don’t have all the facts. I hope you never will. Just know, son, if you let that girl in, she will never hurt you. Trust me, son, I might know what’s best for you.”

  “See, that’s it right there, Mom. You’re still trying to control every aspect of my life. Now you’re finding me a bride, like you don’t trust I can find one for myself.”

  “Well, was I wrong? Is Fallon not everything you could possibly want?”

  “That’s beside the point, Mother.”

  “No, it’s not. Listen, Gabriel, get your head out of your ass and follow your heart. You want to be a man? Then be a man for Fallon, be the kind she needs. Besides, you think you’re the only son I have? Zander and Liam will get their turns. The problem is you, not me. So, take my gift and enjoy her. One day you will thank me, Gabriel. I promise.” She takes a step back. “And Gabriel, you’ll learn that Fallon is very skilled, I made sure of that. She can be your biggest asset; use that to build our empire. That is what all this is for, my children and yours.”

  As she turns and leaves, I feel like a scolded child.

  Mother outdid herself; the grounds are breathtaking, and the people are socializing. I begin to greet each one of our guests. “Congratulations on your big day” is repeated over and over. Off in the distance, I see Mom talking with Adam Edwards, and she waves me over. He begins to apologize to me, because he and his wife have to leave before the ceremony.

  Adam says, “Catherine, Gabriel, I am really sorry. I thought this would be a good idea, but Margaret insists I bring her back home.”

  Mother consoles him by putting a hand on his shoulder and saying, “Adam, we understand. Don’t even worry about it. How is Margaret doing?”

  “Oh, Catherine, it’s so hard. She won’t dress, she won’t eat, and I can barely get her out of bed. I thought I had convinced her she needed to make an appearance tonight, but she just can’t go through with it.”

  I ask, “Adam, have you heard any news on Avery’s whereabouts? It seems like if it was foul play, you would have received something like a letter or a ransom note.”

  Adam and Margaret Edwards are a very prominent couple in New Orleans. They have a daughter named Avery, who one day just disappeared. She was a quiet girl who went to school with Liam.

  “No, Gabriel, it’s been two weeks now, and we have no leads and no threats. The police, with some of my personal investigators, have nothing yet, but I keep telling Margaret she must have just run off.”

  Mom tells him, “Adam, if you think in any way we can help, please let us know. Tell Margaret my thoughts are with her.”

  Adam kisses my mother’s cheek and shakes my hand, and I watch as he takes his wife’s hand and leads her away.

  My mother starts to question, “Curious, don’t you think? Avery never struck me as the kind of girl to run off. She has always been on the straight and narrow.”

  “I didn’t know the girl. Have you asked Liam about her?”

  “No, I haven’t, but I don’t think he would have any insight. They weren’t friends in school.”

  Our conversation ends when the wedding planner pats me on my shoulder and announces it’s time. I walk up to the podium, where Liam and Vin are waiting.

  “Liam, where’s Zander?”

  “I don’t know; I was a little busy.”

  I then notice where his attention goes. Jesus, even at my wedding he got lucky.

  My mother is seated, and I take notice of Theodore Trahan, seated right next to her. I knew he was here, but I didn’t know he would be sitting with Mom. I wonder what she’s up to.

  Zander finally appears.

  “Where the hell were you?” I aggressively whisper.

  “I was with Fallon. I was completing my man of honor duties.”

  “Your what?”

  “You know, I was making sure she didn’t change her mind and decide to run away with me.”

  “Zander!”

  “Don’t worry, brother; she’s all yours. I tell you, once you see her, I hope you finally realize what a lucky bastard you are.”

  Everyone takes their seats, and the music starts to play. I’m still looking at Zander, thinking of his remarks, and notice he nods with a huge grin. I look up, and the vision of my bride knocks the breath completely out of my body.

  Zander’s right, I am one lucky bastard. She walks down the aisle as if she is gliding on air. Her beauty is intoxicating; she is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. We lock eyes, and I have tunnel vision. All I can see is her.

  Liam taps me on my shoulder, taking me out of my trance. I notice my mother starts to stand, then the priest asks, “Who gives this bride?”

  My mother takes Fallon’s hand and lays it in mine.

  “I do.”

  I lead her by the hand to step onto the podium. She turns, and we become entranced in each other. I don’t hear anything said; I just lock eyes and hold her hand.

  The priest has to clear his throat to gain my attention. It’s time for our vows to love, honor, and obey. Liam then hands me the ring. It’s a simple platinum band to go with the engagement ring. It slides on. She slides mine on, and immediately I am bound to her for life; I wouldn’t want it any other way. I don’t even wait for the priest to tell me to kiss her, the need to taste her is too hard to contain a minute longer. I gently remove my hands from hers and place them on her face. I then lay them on each side and pull her towards me and take what is n
ow mine. It is the softest, most passionate kiss I have ever experienced. The applause finally takes my lips from hers. But still, we are in a trance, neither looking away. After a brief moment, we are announced by the priest.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Stern!”

  The audience becomes louder, breaking our concentration. Just like that, we are now married. I grab her hand, and we turn to face the crowd.

  Fallon

  That kiss left me breathless. It wasn’t like any of the other kisses he’s given me. It was so gentle, yet strong and possessive. My knees buckled, but Gabriel saved me from falling by sliding one hand from my face and wrapping his arm around my waist, without ever breaking the momentum of the kiss.

  We turn and are slammed with the noise of the audience cheering and clapping.

  Gabriel grabs me by the hand and leads us back down the aisle. Instead of stopping, he keeps walking, and now his steps become brisk. We pass everyone, and then we pass the whole wedding area. He keeps going towards the house and past the doors without a word. He opens a door and whips me into a small pantry. The door slams shut. Gabriel stares at me and still doesn’t speak. He backs me up onto a shelf.

  “You’re mine, Fallon, now and forever.”

  That’s all he says before he kisses me again, this time with wild abandon. I can barely keep up. His hands grip at me to get me closer to him. Desire builds, I start to moan, and he just becomes more ferocious. A knock on the door makes us both seize. It’s the wedding planner. She says the photographer is waiting to take our pictures. Gabriel still hasn’t removed his hands and arms from me and is still looking into my eyes.

  He whispers, “Mine.”

  He takes my hand, and we push right past the wedding planner. We are led out to an open space filled with massive old oak trees. Some of the branches of the tree fall low to the ground. The photographer puts us into different positions, still with Gabriel saying nothing. At one point as the photographer is taking a picture, I feel Gabriel’s hand leave my back and slide down to my ass cheek, where he lightly squeezes.