“That’s not exactly it, either, Mom.”
There was a long silence. “Who is she?”
“She’s someone I met at a club, and I want to see her again.”
The silence was even longer this time. “You do realize a woman can’t get you pregnant?” Melissa asked.
“Yes.”
“Well, this has to be a late blooming curiosity,” Melissa insisted. “Hopefully, a short-lived one. Ewan might be able to let it go, but I’ll start looking for another suitable match for you.”
“Mom, don’t do that,” she said urgently. “I might never want to be with a man.”
“You’re going to give me grandchildren whether you like it or not,” Melissa snapped. “Our magical line will not die with you and me. Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll see you for circle tonight.”
“I have a date.”
“Don’t think that woman is going to be allowed to take precedence over your real life.”
“I don’t,” she said quickly. Circle meetings were important to magical learning and development unless she planned on doing more on her own. “I’ll talk to you later.”
“Brunch tomorrow at the country club,” Melissa muttered. “Enjoy your date but not too much.”
“Mom?”
“No, I’m not upset you’re going out with a woman. Every generation experiments with something. I just hope you get over it soon. Talk to you later.”
She set the phone down and leaned back against the couch. Her mother wasn’t upset?
Why?
Maybe her parents had already accepted that she wasn’t straight. That would make things so much easier in the coming out department, but she sensed there might be trouble still.
****
Trevor closed the file on his computer and stood to stretch. He was tired and a little stressed. What he needed was another night at Frolic and a whore who knew how to please a man.
He reached for his phone, and it rang. “Hello?” he answered without glancing at the display.
“Trevor, are you alone?”
“Hello, Grandad,” he said. “I am. What’s up?” He wasn’t in the mood to work tonight, but he would.
“Why didn’t you tell me what happened with the girl?” he demanded. “She’s a Federal agent as it turns out.”
“I didn’t know,” he said with a frown.
“Did you get the information?” he demanded. “And did you have Baynard taken care of? I haven’t seen anything in the papers about him being found.”
“I know,” Trevor said. “He is dead. They left him in a shallow grave in the lot next to his home. Someone will find him soon.”
“And the information?”
“Neither of them had it,” Trevor said with a sigh. “She wouldn’t even tell me where it was. She just laughed at me.”
“Baynard?”
He shook his head. “He told me where it used to be,” Trevor said. He wasn’t worried. His grandfather had people that could make this all go away.
“Damn it, Trevor,” Charles snarled in his ear. “You need to be more careful. We’ll have to hope she hasn’t turned it over to the Feds.”
“Just get your people to handle it,” he said and rubbed his temple.
“We’ll talk later,” Charles said. “But if you don’t get it together, Ewan will be taking your place, and you’re going to have to stop this bullshit with them women. No more rapes or attacks. Understood?”
“Yes.” He rolled his eyes as the line went dead in his ear. Damn. Now, he really needed a stiff drink and a tight pussy.
He picked up the phone to call to see if one of the other women he liked to see was available.
“No one’s available for you,” the woman on the other end of the line told him. “You’re not invited back to the club.”
“What? Alexi dared bar me?” he snarled. “That bitch is going to get a reality check.”
“Good evening.” The line went dead in his ear, and Trevor slammed his fist down on the desk.
That bitch thought she could do this to him?
“She has another thought coming.” He dialed another number.
“Hello?”
“I’d like to talk to Alexi, now.”
“I’ll put you through to her personal line.”
“Hello?” Alexi asked tersely.
“You slick bitch,” he snarled. “You think you can bar me from your club without consequences?”
“It’s my club, junior. I can damn well do as I please. Are you going to make restitution?”
“Never.”
“Well, you leave me no choice,” she said. “Goodbye, junior.”
“My grandfather is going to have a few things to say.”
“He’s already said them, and he can go fuck himself, just like you.”
“You aren’t getting away with this,” Trevor told her. “I’m going to the police, and Carrington will back me up if he knows what’s good for him. I’ll tell them how you’re a madam running a high-priced whorehouse.”
“You’re just a brat playing at being a grown man,” she said smoothly.
“I didn’t tell him what you said about Tatiana, but I will. You’ll be in jail by morning.”
“Be careful making threats, you just might fall into your own grave.”
“Alexi!” She’d hung up on him? Trevor went to the window of the office building where he worked and looked out into the deserted parking lot. He looked down to redial her.
As he put the phone to his ear, the glass in front of him shattered, and a bullet slammed into the center of his forehead.
Chapter Thirteen
“You look beautiful,” Alexi said that evening, and Tatiana gave her a smile.
“Thanks.”
“These are for you.”
Tatiana took the flowers Alexi held out to her. In the vase of white roses was a single pink one. “These are lovely,” she said. “I like the vase, too, because I don’t have to find one.”
Alexi shrugged. “Are you ready?”
“Let me grab my purse,” she said and put the vase down on the coffee table before going into her bedroom to grab her purse. Tatiana took one last look at herself in the mirror and smiled, happy with what she saw.
The red dress was simple but little used, and it fit her perfectly. She smoothed her curls. They were nearly to the middle of her back, thanks to the years of careful care.
Alexi was looking at the pictures when she returned. Her mother had picked out the frames that hung on her wall.
“Are these of your family?”
“Most of them,” she replied. “There’s one of me and Veda there.”
“How long have you known her?”
“Since college,” she said. “We were dormmates.”
“I see. She’s a nice, sweet.”
“Yeah. I like her. How long have you known Sabrina?” Tatiana asked.
“I’m not sure. Maybe seven years or so.” Alexi met her gaze. “I like her magazine.”
“Me too,” Tatiana said with a smile.
“We’re off then?” Alexi asked.
“Yes.”
The drive to the restaurant was a quiet one. Alexi had the music on low in the background. They talked a little about music, and Tatiana admitted she knew little of jazz.
“I don’t mind classical though,” she said.
“It’s some of the best,” Alexi told her. “I enjoy a night at the symphony. Maybe I’ll take you next time I go.”
“We’ll see,” she said, not knowing what the future might hold.
At the restaurant, Alexi opened her door for her and helped her out. Tatiana fell off balance into Alexi’s arms.
Alexi looked down at her. “That’s starting to become a habit with you,” she teased, a light in her darkening blue eyes.
“Your arms are a comfortable place to be,” Tatiana murmured.
“I’m glad you have some trust in me,” she said in a low,
sexy tone.
“Some.”
Alexi smiled softly and bent her head resting her forehead against Tatiana’s. “Your arms aren’t a bad place to be either.”
Tatiana laughed and looked away. “I’m not usually as bold as I was last night.”
“No worries. I liked that woman just fine.” Alexi brushed a kiss to her forehead and straightened to close the car door.
“Did you?”
“Absolutely,” she said and glanced around.
A car door closed from somewhere in the lot, and they headed up to the restaurant. Once inside, they were seated at a table in the middle of the dimly lit room. However, the crowd was small to Tatiana’s surprise.
“Can I get you some drinks, Ms. Russo?”
“Are you in the mood for red or white?” Alexi asked Tatiana.
“Red.”
“Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion 15, if you have it.”
“You’ll have to take the bottle,” the hostess said with a smile.
“That’s fine.”
“Very well,” she said. “Two glasses?”
“Please.”
She nodded. “I’ll have it brought right over.”
“I’ve never heard of that,” she said. “Is it good?”
“I think you’ll like it. It has hints of chocolate and licorice.”
“Sounds interesting,” Tatiana said. “I’m not much of a wine connoisseur. I mean, I like red wine, but I don’t know vineyards or anything.”
“That’s okay. I don’t either.”
Tatiana had a feeling that was a lie, but she decided not to mention it.
A waiter brought their wine and poured a sip into a glass and handed it to Alexi. Alexi accepted it and took a sip. She nodded, and he poured a half a glass for Tatiana before pouring another splash for Alexi.
The band came on stage and played a set that left Tatiana speechless. She was surprised at how much she enjoyed the jazz. It was soft and soulful with a hint of a whine. It was perfect, and the singer came over to their table when she left the stage.
“Hello, Nina.” Alexi got to her feet and took the woman’s hand.
“Hi, Alexi,” she said with a smile. “I see you’re not alone tonight.”
“Nina, meet Tatiana. Tia, Nina is an old friend.”
“Hi,” Tatiana said with a frown.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Nina said. “Alexi knew my aunt. They were good friends.”
“Have a seat, Nina.” Alexi motioned Nina to her chair and pulled one from the other table to sit in. “What have you been up to, dahlin’?”
“Nothing much,” Nina said and looked at Tatiana. “What about you?”
“Same old,” Alexi said. “That old boy’s been staying away?”
“Yes.” She nodded. “Whatever you said to him has kept him in line. Thanks.” She reached over to touch Alexi’s hand. “I really appreciate it.”
“You look better for it,” Alexi said. “You staying straight?”
Nina grinned. “Sixty days clean.”
“Good.” Alexi squeezed her hand.
“So, I guess I’m still out of luck, huh?” Her gaze darted to Tatiana. “You never bring a woman with you, so I’m assuming this one is different.”
Alexi held her gaze, and Tatiana looked at Alexi. The look of interest in the other woman’s eyes made her wonder what kind of history Alexi had with Nina, and why had Alexi brought her here knowing Nina would be here?
“You’d be right,” Alexi said.
“Well, you bought an expensive wine and you normally just drink vodka,” Nina said. “You know, Tatiana, I was named after Nina Simone. Have you ever heard any of her music? My momma loved her.”
“Nina Simone sang some nice jazz and blues,” Alexi said.
“Oh,” Tatiana replied feeling a little ignorant.
“She was one of the best like Billie Holiday,” Nina said. “Right Alexi?”
“I agree,” she said and squeezed Nina’s hand, giving her a warning look before releasing it.
Had they been lovers?
“I’m glad you came to see me,” Nina said. “Looks like you bought out half the house.”
“It would have been too crowded,” Alexi said.
“For what?” Nina asked with a teasing grin.
Alexi leaned away from Nina now and Tatiana took her hand, lacing her fingers through Alexi’s, and she allowed her energy to twine around their wrists. Nina’s gaze followed the action, and Tatiana expected Alexi to ease her hand away.
Instead, she gave her a smile, and Tatiana got lost in those azure eyes.
“I’ll be in town a few more days after tonight,” Nina said, claiming Alexi’s attention again.
“I won’t be able to take you to lunch this time,” Alexi told her. “Next time though, Tatiana and I will take you out for an evening.”
Nina gave Tatiana a cool look. “I better get back. Enjoy your meal, and I hope you stick around for my next set.”
“Tatiana probably won’t want to do that,” Alexi said. “So, I’ll see you next trip.” Alexi rose, and Nina did, too.
“It was good seeing you, Alexi,” she said.
“Same here,” Alexi said, giving her a nod.
Nina gave Tatiana a lingering look and strode away.
Alexi put the chair back to the other table just as a waiter came to take their order.
“How old is she?” Tatiana asked after the waiter had gone.
“She’s twenty.”
“How old are you?” Tatiana asked reaching for her glass to take a sip of her wine. Nina had said the wine was expensive, but there hadn’t been any prices on the menu. So, the place had to be expensive.
“Forty.”
She didn’t look it. Tatiana wouldn’t put her at a day over thirty, if that.
“I’m almost thirty, but you probably already know that.”
“I do,” she agreed.
“You never slept with her,” Tatiana commented watching Alexi’s eyes.
“She’s too young,” Alexi told her. “She was also a very messed up kid that I had no desire to get emotionally involved with since I wasn’t interested in that kind of relationship.”
“Are you now?”
Alexi studied her for a long time, and Tatiana thought she wasn’t going to answer when she did.
“My life is complicated, Tia, but for the right woman I’d walk through hell and back.”
She nodded. “I went away to college to be free. I wanted to explore my sexuality without my parents looking over my shoulder. I knew my mother expected me to marry a man, but I just assumed she’d see it wasn’t going to happen.”
“No chance of that?”
“I’m not sure,” she said. “I talked to her today and told her I wouldn’t marry Ewan.”
“How’d she take it?”
Tatiana took a sip of wine. “She’ll tell me tomorrow. We’re having brunch. She’ll want to know all about you. So, what can I tell her about your family?”
“I’m an orphan. Born in Russia, raised here in the US. I have dual citizenship.” She shrugged.
“Did you go to college?”
“Eventually,” Alexi said. “I have a degree in business. I always knew I’d own my own club.”
“Why not something else?”
She shrugged, and there was something in her eyes Tatiana couldn’t read. Then, Alexi smiled.
“A story for a different time,” she said. “Why a buyer?”
“I like fashion.” Tatiana smiled. “I didn’t have the talent for design. I have an art-history degree. I didn’t want to teach, and working in a museum wore on my nerves. But I do love art.”
Alexi chuckled. “So do I.”
Tatiana smiled as she leaned toward her and rested her hand on Alexi’s, which lay next to her wine goblet. “I’m looking forward to some more study of the art that is Alexi.”
Chapter Fourteen
Charles stared at the pale face of his grandson. The vibrant y
oung man’s life had been cut short by a bullet to the head.
He glanced at the detective who’d brought him down. He knew Daniel Webster. The cop had done some favors for him in the past.
“It’s Trevor,” Charles said quietly, grief eating a path through him. “Do you have any idea who could have done this?”
“No clues, yet,” Webster answered. “He was shot through the window at the office. He was standing in front of it.”
“The window?” That sounded almost like a planned hit, but who could have gone after his grandson?
He knew he had a few enemies, but none were stupid enough to try him this way.
“Yes. The office wasn’t searched nor was anyone suspicious seen in the vicinity, but we’ll keep looking.”
“The minute you know something let me know,” Charles told him.
“I will,” Webster assured him.
Charles exited the building, the wheels of his mind turning as he tried to reconcile what had happened. He needed a name and a face, so he could make the killer pay.
Once in his chair, Charles dialed his new boss. “Felix.”
“What can I do for you?” Justin Felix asked curiously.
“My grandson was killed this evening,” he said. “How can I find out who did it?”
“I’ll tell Otis to see what he can find out,” Felix replied. “This could be residual from Five by Five. Most of the organization is back in Texas where they belong, but one of the new bosses could have a problem with us.”
“Why would they go after my grandson?”
“You’re an underboss now, a man with answers and power,” Felix told him. “Expect some problems. I’ll do what I can to minimize the impact while you get into position. This time next year, any problems here will be for you to deal with.”
“I understand,” he said.
“Have you taken care of our mutual problem?”
“Yes.” He’d known he’d have to deal with this issue months ago. Charles had even began planning for it then and had come to relish the task. He’d known it was sort of a test, but it would give him the extra responsibility and power he’d worked for.
“Good. Then, we’re all set to proceed. My condolences on your loss.”
“Thank you.” He ended the call after a few more minutes of conversation and leaned back against his seat, and tears fell.
The Madam's Lover Page 8