by Helen Harper
He couldn’t hide his excitement. ‘Really? That’s amazing!’ He beamed, his eyes lighting up like a giddy schoolboy’s. ‘She’s the best one!’
Somehow I couldn’t quite connect my image of Rubus as an evil drug lord with that of a soap-opera addict. I supposed it took all sorts. ‘How much do you love me now?’ I enquired.
He sighed happily. ‘I won’t deny that I’m impressed, Madrona. Good work.’ He said that last part as if I’d befriended Julie purely so that I could introduce him to her. And I’d thought I had an ego the size of a barrage balloon; I had nothing on him.
‘You’re going to have to be careful,’ I warned him. ‘She’s a creative and she’s used to getting what she wants. You know what these actors are like.’
‘Of course, of course.’ He nodded like he spent all his time hanging out with Hollywood types. ‘Give me some tips.’
‘She loves gin and tonic.’
He made a face. ‘Yuck. But okay.’
‘And she’s very skittish. She’s still worried about those stalkers of hers.’
He waved a hand dismissively. ‘But I took care of those for her.’
He took care of them because it suited him at the time to show off his leadership skills while acting like a homicidal maniac. ‘I’m sure she’s very grateful,’ I murmured. ‘But there still might be more like them out there.’
‘I always had the impression that human stalkers worked alone. A whole group of them has got to be unusual.’
‘I blame the internet,’ I said cheerfully. In a way that was true: the internet meant that the vampire hunters had ways and means of tracking their prey and coordinating their efforts to abduct bloodsuckers like Julie. But I couldn’t tell Rubus that, even if I wanted to, because I was still bound by the terms of Julie’s blood-enhanced NDA.
‘Anyway,’ I continued, ‘because she doesn’t know who you are, I’ll have to be present at the dinner as well. Just to reassure her, you understand.’ And to stop Finn from potentially going postal. ‘You won’t even know I’m there.’ I could barely keep a straight face as I said the last part. As if.
‘Fine, fine.’
Rubus was so excited that he’d have agreed to anything. I mentally crossed my fingers. I needed this next part to work so I was going to have to tread carefully. That was okay. I was the Madhatter; I had cunning and guile in spades.
‘She takes her appearance very seriously,’ I said. ‘Not a hair out of place, no unsightly facial blemishes or spots. After all, she’s got paparazzi following her as well as stalkers. She’s got to look her best at all times – and she expects her companions to do the same.’
Rubus grinned. ‘She’ll be happy with me. I photograph well.’
‘Mmm-hmmm.’ I nodded. ‘So do I. But you’ll notice that I’m not wearing any jewellery either.’
His brow creased. ‘I don’t understand.’
‘She hates gold. And silver. She says she’s allergic to both but I think she just doesn’t like anything that glitters more than she does. She seems to have a particular aversion to men who wear jewellery. I wasn’t with her very long, you understand, but even I had time to see what she did to men who wore necklaces and earrings in her presence. She can be very … cutting.’
It was so ridiculous that Rubus fell for it wholeheartedly. ‘That’s not a problem. I don’t wear any jewellery apart from…’ He hesitated. ‘Oh. How does she feel about rings?’ He held up his hand, displaying his pinky ring. ‘I never take this off. It was a gift from my father.’ For a brief second his eyes gleamed with smug satisfaction. ‘Morgan doesn’t have one.’
I let my expression fall. ‘Oh.’ I swallowed. ‘Well, it’s not very flashy. Maybe she won’t notice it.’ I bit my lip. ‘I’m sure it’ll be fine,’ I said, making it clear with my tone of voice that it would be anything but.
All of a sudden, Rubus looked anything but happy. ‘I never take it off,’ he repeated in a low mutter.
‘I’m sure she’ll understand.’ My fingers twitched and I dropped my eyes to my lap.
‘It’s only temporary though. It’s only one meal.’ He pursed his lips and considered. Then he yanked off the ring and leaned across me, dropping it in the glove box. ‘Anything to keep Stacey happy.’
‘Julie.’
He rolled his eyes. ‘Whatever.’ His smile returned. ‘I’ll dazzle her with my good looks and charm instead of my gold.’ His mouth took on an unpleasantly lascivious twist. ‘Easy. She’s going to love me.’
‘They do say that opposites attract,’ I agreed. ‘And Julie is cultured, intelligent and attractive.’
It was probably a good thing that he wasn’t paying me any attention. He checked his appearance once more in the mirror. Then he sniffed his armpits. ‘I should put on more aftershave. Just in case.’
‘You don’t want to overdo it,’ I advised. Especially given it was already hard to breathe. ‘She’s an actress. She’ll appreciate some subtlety.’
Rubus didn’t look entirely convinced but at least he refrained from adding more of the noxious scent. He stepped out of the car, adjusted his tie and his cuffs, and headed for the door of the restaurant. I followed, watching as he used the remote to lock the vehicle before pocketing the keys. With any luck, Finn would possess more skill than just the ability to scowl. I’d played my part. It was up to him now. I turned my head as Rubus walked inside the restaurant and spotted the waiting car on the opposite side of street.
‘Glove box,’ I mouthed. Then I smiled. This was just too freaking easy.
***
The restaurant was half full. We were directed to our reserved table in the corner, which I’d made sure was away from the window and any view of Rubus’s car. I had to admit that he was acting like a perfect gentleman – he even pulled out my seat for me. Rather than put me at ease that made me feel slightly wary, as if at any moment he was about to leap up and start slamming pixie dust down the waiters’ throats. I didn’t let my worry show, of course. I was far too super a spy for anything like that.
‘She’s not here,’ Rubus said.
‘I’m sure she’s on her way.’
He swung his head round, eyes flashing at the other diners as if Julie’s lack of punctuality was their fault. ‘As much as I like you, Madrona, I’ve got better things to do than have dinner with you by candlelight. If she doesn’t show, I’ll hold you personally responsible.’ He leaned forward and licked his lips. ‘Despite the truce, I can still make your life very unpleasant.’
‘Seriously?’ I stared at him in disbelief. ‘I’m making your dreams come true and you’re making threats? I thought that you were a great asset. It turns out I was off by two letters.’
He knitted his fingers together under his chin and regarded me. ‘A sharp tongue is no indication of a sharp mind. You would do well to remember that. Morganus didn’t have to put up with this kind of bullshit. You have to watch your mouth.’
Not for the first time, it occurred to me that there were substantial differences between the two brothers. I probably insulted Morgan more than I insulted Rubus and yet Morgan, even if he didn’t really like me, didn’t patronise me or treat me like a child in the way that Rubus did.
Despite Rubus’s promises to re-open the borders, I was befuddled that so many faeries chose to follow him. Where was the supposedly suave intelligence and forward planning that I kept hearing so much about?
I toyed with the stem of my empty wine glass. ‘Do I intimidate you, Rubus?’ I asked softly.
‘I have more power in my little finger than you have in your entire body, Madrona. Do I intimidate you?’
I was saved from answering by the tinkle of the restaurant door opening and Julie’s blessed appearance. Every head turned towards her and a rippling murmur of awed surprise drifted through the restaurant. It wasn’t only because she was instantly recognisable; she was also looking remarkably glamorous.
I got to my feet and started clapping. I just couldn’t help myself. Several waiters sp
rang over to help her with her coat – just as I belatedly realised that she was wearing a dramatic diamond necklace. Before Rubus spotted it, I jumped over to her and blocked her from his view.
‘Darling!’ she beamed, drawing me into a loose hug and planting an air kiss near my cheek.
‘Lovely to see you again!’ I chirped back. ‘Take off the damn necklace,’ I hissed in her ear. ‘I told him no jewellery.’
She blinked, startled. I growled at her under my breath and she turned round. ‘Where’s the powder room?’ she enquired.
With a star-struck expression, the maître d’ gestured to the left. Julie smiled prettily and headed that way. I crossed my fingers that Rubus hadn’t noticed anything untoward, especially since he no doubt had the same enhanced Fey super-hearing skills that I did. With any luck, the whispered delight of the others in the restaurant had drowned out my whispered command.
I returned to the table. Rubus was also on his feet, looking slightly nonplussed. ‘Where did she go?’
‘To take a piss.’
He grimaced. ‘You might take a piss, Madrona,’ he scolded. ‘Ladies like Stacey powder their noses.’
I rolled my eyes. ‘I’m pretty certain her bladder works the same way mine does. And, as I keep telling you, her name is Julie.’
Rubus gestured to the waiter. ‘A bottle of your most expensive champagne,’ he said grandiosely.
‘Of course, sir.’ The waiter bowed. Now that he’d realised who we were meeting, he was falling over himself to please. There was a lot to be said for this celebrity business although, I conceded, that was probably what life felt like for Rubus all the time, given how many loyal hangers-on he had.
Rubus sat down again just as Julie emerged, her neck thankfully now bare. He immediately shot back up again and trotted over, obsequiously taking her hand and leading her to the table as though she couldn’t possibly cover the ten or so steps on her own.
‘Julie,’ I murmured, ‘this is Rubus. He’s a big fan.’
She laughed lightly and patted her carefully coiffured hair. ‘It’s so lovely to meet you. Normally I don’t meet fans in this way but darling Madrona said you were a wonderful man. I’m sure we’ll get on famously.’
To my astonishment, Rubus’s cheeks turned red. He was genuinely smitten. He pulled out the chair next to his. Like a queen, Julie smoothed down her dress and sat down gracefully. I could only marvel; she was truly a consummate actress. Almost as good as me.
The waiter returned with the bottle and presented the label to Rubus with an overly dramatic flourish while another brought over an ice bucket. When the first waiter received the nod, he popped the cork. Julie let out a delighted giggle. Rubus blushed a deeper red.
We waited until our glasses were full and the eager wait staff had left us in peace. Julie raised her glass by the stem in a fluid, elegant motion. ‘To new friends,’ she purred.
‘To new friends,’ I agreed, copying her action.
‘And maybe something more,’ Rubus murmured. He didn’t exactly leer at Julie but there was a definite aura of sleaze to both his words and his expression. Surprisingly it discomfited me, as if somehow I’d expected better of him.
I took a sip of the champagne, barely pausing to savour it. ‘I had a lovely day today,’ I said, with fake warmth. ‘I was out with Lunaria.’
Rubus looked irritated that I’d attempted to start a conversation but Julie was on her best behaviour. She leaned forward, looking interested. ‘Oh yes? Who is Lunaria? Should I know her?’
‘She works for Rubus,’ I said. ‘She’s a wonderful person. Incredibly attractive, both inside and out, not to mention funny and smart. Obviously. I wouldn’t be friends with a lesser person.’
Rubus snorted. A heartbeat later he seemed to realise how derogatory he sounded and that it might not endear him to Julie. He hastily explained himself. ‘Madrona only knows the best people,’ he said. ‘After all, she’s friends with you.’ He puffed out his chest. ‘And me.’
Julie put her hand on his arm and leaned towards him. ‘Tell me more about you,’ she said. ‘I know all about Mads but she didn't tell me much about you.’ Her voice had taken on a low, husky quality, as if she were conducting steamy phone sex or voicing an advert for flaky chocolate. She certainly seemed to be making Rubus melt.
‘Oh,’ Rubus laughed, ‘I have fingers in many pies. I like to think of myself as diverse. My company has several branches. We produce pharmaceuticals, which are designed to truly help people. Then there are sales which, if I do say so myself, are going incredibly well. We also have a pro-bono section,’ he added. ‘It's so important to give back to the community, don't you think?’
Julie's fingers stroked Rubus’s arm; it looked as if it were nothing more than an unconscious action but there was no doubt in my mind that it was entirely calculated. ‘Oh, I agree,’ she said. ‘I so agree. There are so many people who need that bit of extra help. The more people there are like you and me, the better place this world will be. It is only through helping others that I think you truly help yourself.’ She moistened her lips with her tongue and held Rubus’s gaze. He was almost drooling.
‘Indeed,’ he said, ‘indeed, indeed.’
‘Yes,’ I agreed. ‘In deed is quite as important as in voice.’ I gave Rubus a hard look but he wasn’t paying me the slightest bit of attention so the effort was wasted.
‘Well,’ Julie giggled to me, ‘you should make sure to invoice me later. I owe you for introducing me to such a charming man.’ She took a delicate gulp of her champagne, pretending not to notice that Rubus’s tongue was hanging out as if he were closely related to a Labrador who had just spied a tasty sausage. ‘I really shouldn't drink this,’ she said, patting her cheeks lightly with her free hand. ‘Champagne makes me frisky.’
Rubus laughed so loudly that the customers on the other side of the restaurant turned round and stared at him. ‘We'll have to make sure that they have enough bottles in their cellar then, won’t we? I do like frisky.’
As if to give weight to his words, Julie drained her champagne in one gulp.
Delighted, Rubus rolled up his sleeves, reached across her and took the bottle to refill her glass. ‘Do you know,’ he said, with a stomach-churning wink, ‘I always thought I would make a good actor.’ He tossed back his head. ‘To be or not to be, that is the question.’
I rolled my eyes. What an arsebadger. Then I glanced down at his bare arms. Hang on a gasbudlikin minute – were those needle track marks?
Julie clapped her hands in delight. ‘Shakespeare,’ she trilled. ‘I simply love Shakespeare. There's nothing quite like treading the boards. You know,’ she confided, ‘as much fun as it is being in a soap opera, I do miss the thrill of the theatre.’
Rubus appeared horrified. He dropped his hands under the table, angling his body towards Julie. Whatever marks were on the underside of his arms, I could no longer see them. ‘But think of all the people who wouldn't see your talent. You can reach a far wider audience through television. Besides, I just love Stacey. She is such a fabulous character.’ He tilted his head. ‘Tell me, is she going to stay with her husband?’
‘Oh,’ Julie said. ‘I'm really not allowed to say. It's all very hush-hush. We have to keep the storyline secret, you know.’
Rubus waggled his eyebrows. ‘I wouldn't tell a soul,’ he said. ‘You can trust me.’
‘Hmm. I could tell you,’ Julie drawled, ‘but then I'd have to kill you.’ Both she and Rubus burst into peals of laughter. I stared at both of them. That really wasn't very funny.
I looked round for the waiter; we were going to need more than just champagne if I was going to make it through this evening. Unfortunately, every eye in the place was on Julie rather than on me. If I wanted a bottle of tequila I’d probably have to get her to order it. From what I knew of her, I doubted that it would be difficult to persuade her that we needed more alcohol.
‘Speaking of secrecy,’ Rubus said, ‘Madrona told me that you asked he
r to sign a nondisclosure agreement. She also said that you're having a terrible problem with stalkers. Perhaps I can help with that.’
A brief calculating flash passed across Julie's eyes. It instantly put me on edge. Rubus hadn't appeared to notice it – not that it mattered because, before I could jump in and ward off any potential damage, she was already answering him.
‘Actually,’ she said, ‘that's why I've agreed to meet with you. Handsome as you are, I don't normally meet with strange men. One never knows what might happen. I know what you did for me, though. I know you stopped those men who were after me. If I had realised that faeries existed, I would have come looking for you sooner.’
Her words took a moment to sink in. While I kicked her under the table, Rubus’s face slowly filled with dawning realisation. He paused long enough to glare at me and turned back to Julie. His fawning expression all but disappeared and in its place was a hard-eyed nastiness that was far more like the Rubus I had come to know.
‘I was not aware that Madrona had revealed our ethnicity to you. In fact, she said quite the opposite. She said you did not know what we were.’
My heart sank. It felt like all the good I had done in getting Rubus to trust me has been undone by one simple sentence. Now he'd see me as nothing more than a liar – and a loose-lipped liar at that.
Julie didn't miss a beat. She waved an airy hand in the air and smiled benignly. ‘Oh,’ she said, ‘don't blame darling Mads. It's not her fault. Truthfully, this is all down to me. Those men you took care of were not stalkers, at least not in the sense that you think they were. They were hunters. You see,’ she said running her tongue across her top lip in a manner that was almost predatory, ‘they were after me because I'm a…’
I whipped my hand across the table, causing all three champagne glasses to fall and spill. Rubus leapt to his feet. Several waiters appeared with napkins in hand and concerned expressions on their faces.
‘What the hell, Madrona?’ Rubus yelled.
Julie put a calming hand on his shoulder.
‘I'm so clumsy!’ I blurted. ‘And look, Julie! I've stained your beautiful top.’ I reached across the table and grabbed her hand, pulling her up to her feet. ‘Let’s head to the ladies room and I’ll dry you off.’