***
The next couple of days passed in a whirlwind of activity. I finally went home to my lonely little apartment to see that my mail was piling up and my one houseplant was getting crispy around the edges. I watered it, marveling at how quickly my life had changed in such a short period of time.
I changed out of my new clothes and stepped into the bathroom for a shower. The diamonds on my choker winked at me in the mirror. I’d become so used to wearing Mr. Drake’s collar, I’d almost forgotten to take it off. I ran my fingertip over the tiny lock charm nestled in the hollow of my throat. I could practically feel his hands in my hair as he fastened it on...
I stepped into the shower with the choker still in place and sighed as the water poured over me.
***
Later, Mr. Drake sent a car and a note insisting I go shopping for the weekend ahead, and although I grumbled at the expense, I had to admit, I had nothing to wear. The clothing in my closet wouldn’t impress a J.C. Penney executive, much less the investors of Drake & Smith. I let myself be driven about, packages piling up in the trunk of the Rolls Royce and tried to tamp down the feeling of unease rising inside of me with each stop.
Was I ever going to get used to this? I imagined guilt bubbling up inside of me like hot lava.
Just breathe, Isabeau. So what if that dress is worth more than all the furniture in your apartment? I giggled nervously in the back of the car, and put a hand over my mouth when the driver cocked an eyebrow at me in the rearview mirror.
I’d been in the office several times arranging last minute details, but hadn’t seen Mr. Drake for more than a moment or two. He’d been locked away pouring over the books with the accounting staff behind the CFO’s back, hoping to find God-knows-what before the big event.
He entered his office just long enough to change his shirt and steal a kiss from me before heading back downstairs, but I felt the stress pouring off him like steam from a radiator.
I recalled the words I’d overheard between him and Lex days before, and wondered... What exactly was going on? How bad were these losses he’d mentioned? Was Mr. Drake in serious trouble?
I chewed the cap of my pen. If I could make his problems disappear, I would in a minute. But for now, I was glad I could at least take the detail work of this weekend off his plate. I had to admit, it felt good to be needed. To be trusted with something so important.
I closed the lap top and stood up. I’d done all I could for now. The rest was up to him.
***
The driver held the car door open, and I stepped out, fidgeting in my red satin dress. I thanked the man, and walked to the gilded double-doors of the Titan Hotel, feeling na**d in my sleeveless little number. Two men in full livery swept the doors open for me with a bow, and I nodded to them nervously as I walked through.
I’d heard of this hotel before, but had never even been to this part of the city, much less set foot inside the gleaming, modern structure. The Smith family had built this hotel and casino to cater to the super rich, a place where luxury and exclusivity were guaranteed. I blew out a shaky breath, and stood up a little straighter. Just because I couldn’t afford a snow globe in the gift shop didn’t mean I didn’t belong.
Sure, Isabeau. Just keep telling yourself that. Maybe one day, you’ll even believe it.
The choker shifted around my neck, and I sighed. I wasn’t in this alone.
I moved through the lobby, my heels click-clacking on the veined marble. Water sculptures framed the check in and concierge desks, while the entire back wall housed an enormous aquarium. I moved toward it, marveling at the way the light from the water danced across the floor, mirroring the movement of the colorful fish housed within. The light dimmed for a moment as a shark swam by. I jumped and backed away. My back collided with something hard, but before I could turn around, strong hands clamped down on my arms.
“You look breathtaking this evening, Miss Willcox.”
The sound of Lex Smith’s oily voice made goosebumps rise on my flesh. I pulled out of his grasp, and heard him chuckle.
“Thank you.”
He grinned at me like a wolf, his eyes wandering over the drape of my satin dress all the way down to my exposed legs. I wanted to cover up under that stare, but wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.
“I’m glad you came to this little get together. I’ve been thinking about you.” He brushed back his dark hair, his silver cufflink gleaming in the light from the aquarium.
“Oh?” I didn’t like where this was going, but I didn’t want to be rude.
“Absolutely,” he said, his voice lowering to a purr. “I hope we’ll get another chance to dance, you and I.”
I didn’t know what to say. The last thing I wanted were his hands on me, but I didn’t want to cause a scene by telling him what I really thought about him. Not when this weekend was so important to the company. I backed away just as the elevator doors slid open on the other side of the lobby.
“Lex,” Mr. Drake said. “I hope I’m not interrupting. Mind if I steal Isabeau away?”
If I could have leapt into his arms at that moment, I would, but instead settled for beaming at him.
Lex shot me another look, dark and full of promises. His lips twitching into a lopsided grin. “See you later, then.”
I repressed a shudder. What did he want from me, anyway?
Mr. Drake’s hand clasped mine, and I tore my eyes away. He led me into the elevator, his thumb caressing me. When the doors closed, he turned to me, looking me over with appreciation.
“You’re so beautiful, Isa... That dress is simply stunning on you.”
He held my hand to his lips and kissed my palm, his green eyes capturing me. I licked my lips, my body heating at his touch. I wished we could be alone now, instead of going to this party. I wanted the magnetic Mr. Drake all to myself.
“You’re not so bad yourself. Sir.”
His sharp intake of breath told me the word had its desired effect. His eyes burned with hunger, and, standing there in a James Bond tuxedo, his wavy hair falling perfectly around his face, I wanted nothing more than to rip off those clothes and make love to him here and now.
“Watch out, Isa. I may just take you over my knee in front of all the investors and give you the spanking you deserve.”
I laughed, but his look told me he might not be joking. The doors slid open.
“Come.”
He slipped my arm through his and led me out into the hotel’s opulent banquet room. My eyes widened as I took in the scene before me. Men and women draped in finery mingled among trays of delicacies and champagne, diamonds and pearls shining in the firelight from a wall-to-wall fireplace on the far side of the room. The walls were covered in sprawling murals depicting the Greek gods, and I stifled a grin. How appropriate to place the richest of the rich among the gods.