“Better if you take it off,” Wil said. “That way it'll still be usable afterwards.”
“Okay,” Selia replied thoughtfully, pulling out a sheer lacy bra. “I'll just do a striptease for you.”
Wil groaned.
“See you in a few hours,” Selia said sweetly.
Around noon, Selia sauntered into the woods. She somehow could sense Wil as he approached on his motorcycle. The trees and bushes concealed her from prying eyes, and she took her time getting to where Wil typically parked. Walking over, she grabbed the helmet she used and slid on behind him. Whispering softly, she vanished from the sight of anyone who might be watching.
Hugging him tightly, she waited until he parked in the city before releasing the spell.
She looked around and asked, “Where are we?”
“This shop has your suit. The car I'm parked behind is the rental I got for you to use,” Wil explained. He was wearing motocross gear, and when he took off his helmet, he had spiked blonde hair with a matching goatee and mustache. “You drive that to the graveyard. I’ll be about three blocks away, but able to keep track of you.” He handed her the small earpiece she wore with her Nightshade outfit.
She put the earpiece in with a smile. Instead of kissing his cheek, she pressed her mouth against his, nibbling at his lower lip. He kissed her back, pulling her against him. When they finally parted, she was breathless.
“Wow, I should have worn my Fandral disguise sooner,” he quipped.
“He didn't have spiky blond hair,” she countered with a grin.
“Hey, it wasn't spiky before I put on the helmet.” Wil objected. “It was lovely and feathered.”
Selia giggled and gave him another, briefer, kiss. “I think I like it better spiky.” Sighing, she added, “I'd better go before I'm late for my meeting. I want this over with so I can take you home with me.”
“Sounds good,” he said with a nod. “I'll be nearby.”
Selia returned the nod and vanished into the shop. Fifteen minutes later, she was in a figure-flattering black pantsuit with a white blouse. A pearl necklace wrapped around her neck. A black and white checkered scarf was wrapped snugly around her hair and a pair of wide-rimmed sunglasses hid her eyes and most of her features.
Twenty minutes after leaving the shop, she parked at the chosen meeting place. Stepping from the car, she headed towards the two sedans and the limo parked between them. In the daylight, Lucien's hair shone with rich, dark brown highlights. She didn't like the feeling of being out in the open, but there was little to be done about it. This time he wore a warm charcoal gray suit, crisp ivory shirt, and a black tie that wasn’t a clip-on. Pulling off her sunglasses, she strode towards the small army of guards and the don.
“You do know I'm supposed to be safely tucked away from everything, right? That if I'm seen with you, it's my life that's going to be cut very short,” Selia said by way of a greeting once she was close to Lucien.
“I am aware.” Lucien said lazily. “Nor is a graveyard the proper locale to have lunch with a beautiful woman.” As if on cue -it probably was- the door of the limo opened, and he gestured for her to enter it.
Giving Lucien a polite smile, Selia stepped into the limo, taking the seat near the opposite side of the vehicle. Fortunately, the dark, tinted windows would prevent anyone from seeing her.
“Just out of curiosity,” Selia asked, leaning casually against the window, “Why did you ask to meet me in the middle of the day?”
“To see if you would do it, actually,” Lucien replied in a smug voice.
The conniving bastard, Selia fumed silently. Perhaps I should have refused and insisted on meeting at night, instead. She did not, however, allow her irritation at him to show on her face. If she had nothing else to thank Soren for, she could definitely thank him for teaching her the importance of an expert poker face.
“Ah, and so I prove my mettle by risking being seen in broad daylight meeting my Family’s enemy in a neutral territory after I’ve been ordered to stay tucked away by my don.” Selia’s polite, cool, matter-of-fact tone never wavered. She might hate the games the Families played, but that didn’t mean she didn’t know how to play them.
“Audacity, courage, and more than a little thick-minded behavior are, after all, cornerstones of your homeland,” countered Lucien.
“They also aren't characteristics encouraged or approved of in women in my Family,” Selia said, not bothering to hide her amusement. “I have a suspicion it isn't unique to just one faction.”
“Nor in women around the world,” amended Lucien.
“Oh, I have discovered it isn't unique to just my homeland.” Selia raised her brows. “But am I to believe you approve of such attributes in women?”
“Believe what you wish. You are free to discover what I like in a woman whenever you desire.”
A good thing she wasn't drinking anything, Selia thought, otherwise it would have been spewed across the limo.
“An intriguing offer, Lucien, but one that will have to remain for another time,” Selia said smoothly. Like, say, never.
She leaned down and picked up the black leather duffle bag she'd brought with her and slid it across the seat to Lucien.
“A gift,” she said with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “I'm fairly certain no other woman has given you anything quite as unique before now.”
“You'd be surprised what women have given me.” His reply was casual but sinister as he took possession of the bag. Lucien unzipped it, peered inside, and smiled.
“Ah, another reason I enjoy my dealings with Temerians,” he said as he zipped the bag closed. “Your people have a splendid grasp of how to finalize a deal.”
Selia laughed softly as she pulled the drive from a pocket on her jacket.
“Your drive, as promised,” she said as she held it out in the palm of her hand. “It's the only one Alfi had in his possession.”
Opening a section of the shelf next to his seat, Lucien retrieved a small netbook and powered it on. He took the drive from her as it booted. There was silence as they waited for the computer to finish its startup routine. Once that was completed, Lucien plugged in the flash drive and checked the contents. He nodded with satisfaction once more.
“You have completed your end of our agreement, and with style.” Lucien complimented Selia with a level, and she supposed, suggestive gaze. She simply nodded her thanks and waited.
Lucien placed the drive in his inner jacket pocket and closed the tablet. Smiling, he brought a smartphone from another pocket. His index finger stabbed at the screen a few times, and then he held out the phone. He had put it on speakerphone, and Selia could hear the phone ringing. She glanced at the screen and noticed there was a candid shot of Al on the display, with the words “The Adversary” beneath the image.
Selia suppressed a laugh, but she didn't hide her smile. She could only imagine what was on Al's phone.
The line connected and Al's voice came through clearly. He did not sound angry; only focused and business-like. “Yes?”
“I am calling you as a courtesy,” Lucien responded in an identical manner. Selia thought briefly of slapping him upside the head and yelling at both of them to stop acting like puffed up peacocks.
“Accepted,” replied Al. “What occasion affords me this courtesy?”
“You should know that your traitor, Alfi, has been dealt with by my people.” Lucien winked at Selia. “They have also recovered the information stolen from one of my business interests, and it is now in my possession. I consider the matter to be closed on all accounts.”
There was a long pause.
“I see,” Al responded, finally. “That is quite gracious of you. May I inquire as to the nature of your peaceful overture?”
“A common enemy was responsible for the situation,” Lucien said. “I have knowledge that people from your organization were making attempts to accomplish what my people have done. Had your people succeeded, I have little doubt that you wou
ld have seen that I was notified, and the data returned.”
There was more silence. Lucien took the time to point at the picture of Al and roll his eyes, mouthing “He is so slow, sometimes” toward Selia.
“You are certain that Alfi will no longer be a concern?” Al finally interjected. “Which common enemy is responsible?”
“I have witnessed Alfi's remains. Would you like me to send you a photo?” Lucien was close to teasing Al. Instead of pushing Al further, Lucien addressed the man's second question. “This is someone new, Lascari. A new foe that has only their own interests in mind and their interests run contrary to yours and mine. It is not, however, anyone who wears a mask.”
Selia stiffened slightly at the reference to her and the Sandman. She hoped Lucien didn’t notice.
“Very well.” Al's voice was a bit more relaxed. “If you would care to coordinate against this foe, I would recommend we meet. Otherwise, we shall work against this adversary from our own corners.”
“I would welcome a pooling of resources in this matter,” Lucien replied quickly. “Is your man, Soren, recovered from his injuries?”
“He should be soon. Would you like to meet with him first? He does have a knack for these kinds of dealings.”
“I would prefer him for the initial meetings in this matter. I have another person in mind for the official liaison in this operation, but that is for another time. In the meantime, have Soren contact me when he is able.”
“Very well,” Al responded, and hung up.
“You see?” Lucien said, waving the phone. “He is slow, except to anger and suspicion, but enough of my misgivings. Are you satisfied that I have upheld my end of our agreement?”
“Very satisfied,” Selia replied graciously. “You're an honorable man, Lucien. I appreciate what you've done.” She paused before asking, “A common enemy. You're aware of who Alfi allied himself with, aren't you?”
“Not entirely. I am aware that Alfi was not acting in the interests of his own people, and he was not being funded by anyone in my Family. Nor is he savvy enough, either as a businessman or as keeper of his own checking account, to organize and execute what was intended to happen with the flash drive.” Lucien leveled his gaze at her. “Therefore, the only logical conclusion is that another party was involved, and one that has knowledge of Temeria.”
“You're entirely correct, but that is my problem now. In fact, you would probably sleep better not knowing,” Selia said dryly. “I only wish I could say the same.”
“If you wish to keep knowledge to yourself, I understand.” Lucien replied soberly. “But I will eventually find out.”
“Perhaps, and if you do, I'll gladly offer my assistance should you request it,” Selia replied smoothly. Weapons wouldn't win this fight and she wanted to see Moreisa dead. “As enjoyable as your companionship is,” Selia continued, “I really must return to my safehouse before anyone realizes I've snuck out unsupervised.”
“Ah, is that what they have done with you?” Lucien laughed. “They hid away their mightiest warrior even as their strongest mind mends his body. Ironic and sad. But, yes, you are free to go.”
He rapped against the window nearest him, and the door was opened a second later. One of Lucien's goons was holding it open, looking around as he did so.
“You can chide Al about it later. He might even listen to you,” Selia replied, laughter in her voice. Lucien stepped out, allowing her to climb out of the limo. She offered him her hand. “Thank you again, Lucien. I hope the next time we see each other, it won't be as enemies.”
“I hope not. It would be a most unfortunate turn of events,” Lucien said. He did not imply who would come up the worst for such a situation. He kissed the offered hand. “Be well, beautiful belladonna, and be safe.”
Selia smiled and nodded once before turning and sliding her sunglasses back onto her face.
“Please tell me you have some hand sanitizer somewhere,” she murmured, once she was out of their hearing range. Her answer was a deep chuckle that filled her eardrum. Sliding into the driver's seat, she started the car and muttered darkly, “He didn't kiss your hand.” Another laugh, this one louder and she smiled. “Meet you back at the store, handsome. Then you can take me home.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
M uch to Selia's disappointment, Wil dropped her off at the bungalow, gave her a long, knee-weakening kiss, and bid her good night. She had changed back into her previous outfit, leaving the pantsuit with Wil. Trudging back to the bungalow, she changed into a pair of silk pajamas. It wasn't like she'd be going out tonight. Wil had work, actual work rather than Sandman-type work, to do and she didn't want to press her luck with Al. By the time the sun was setting, she'd finished up the Ben & Jerry's and had burned herself out on surfing the net.
Fortunately, a knock on the door saved her from more indecisive boredom.
“Come on in, guys,” she called as she rummaged through the shelves.
The door opened and she glanced down from her precarious perch on the edge of the counter to find Alex and Bernie walking in and staring up at her. Oddly enough, both were wearing dressy clothes and ties, perfect for a night out.
“Any ideas where the popcorn would be?” she asked.
“It's on the shelf above the microwave, actually,” Alex answered.
“Ah,” Selia replied, walking across the counter, and opening the cabinet door. Grabbing the family pack box, she tossed it to Bernie. With an impish grin, she asked Alex, “Shall I just hop down or are you going to be a gentleman and give me a hand?”
Alex came over and helped her down. He looked around after doing so and asked, “Got plans tonight?”
“Nope,” she replied. “I was actually hoping you guys would keep me company tonight.”
“Oh, okay,” Alex said, obvious surprise in his voice and manner. “What did you have in mind? Popcorn and a movie?”
Her eyes twinkled as she grinned at him. “Maybe a couple pizzas or take out?” She paused, a look of concern crossing her face. “That isn't going to cause a problem with Al, is it? I mean, we used to hang out...”
“It shouldn't.” Alex said with a shrug. “Part of the reason we got assigned to you is because we used to hang out. Al knew we wouldn't want you getting into danger or getting hurt. I can call him and verify it’s okay, though.”
“How long has it been since we've enjoyed a movie night?” Selia asked, leaning against the counter. “If you think you should call Al, I won't object.” She dropped a wink as she added, “I might object if he says you can't keep me company, though.”
“I'll be sure to mention that,” Alex said with a smile. He took out his phone and hit the speed dial for his boss.
Selia looked at Bernie. “So, since I'm inviting you guys to play babysitter again, does that mean you still have to check the place out?”
“Is there some reason you don't want us to check the place out?” Bernie interjected, sounding suspicious.
Selia rolled her eyes. “If I had someone here, do you really think I'd be asking you to watch a movie and enjoy take out or a pizza with me?” She looked over at Alex imploringly. “Is he always this paranoid?”
“Hasn't he always been?” countered Alex as he covered the speaker on his cell. “He just likes to make sure the job gets done. Let him do the check, and then we can enjoy the evening.” He went back to his discussion with Al.
Taking the popcorn box from Bernie, she gave him a shove towards the bedrooms. “Fine, fine, go and get your job done. I'll stay here with the intelligent one.”
Bernie grunted and made his way to the bedroom just as Alex finished his call and put away his phone.
“We're green-lit for the evening,” Alex announced, a boyish smile on his face. “Al said this will be his least stressful evening in a while as a result.”
Selia squealed in the same girlish tone she'd used every time Soren had left the pair as her babysitters. Bouncing, she jumped into Alex's arms and gave him a hug.
“You mentioned pizza earlier, but you know me, I can eat anything,” Alex said, chuckling. He nodded toward the bedroom where Bernie was searching. “We can always wait and see what 'Grumpy' would prefer.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Selia replied with a smile. “At least you aren't thinking I've got someone else here. It sounds like Al doesn't think I do, either.”
“Why would you have someone else here, unless you were having some fun?” Alex said dismissively. “We've already interrupted that once, and if you were going to do that every night, we'd be wondering about you.”
“Good point,” she replied, leaning against the counter. “This is probably one of your easiest assignments ever, huh?”
“Certainly one of the most pleasant ones in a while,” Alex confirmed.
Noticing Bernie's return, she smiled innocently. “Did you check under my bed? I thought I heard a few monsters growling under there last night.”
“The place is clean, as far as real concerns go,” Bernie answered.
She raised her brows. “Found a few cobwebs, did you? I'm definitely going to need a teddy bear to fend off the monsters and spiders, then. Maybe you could pick me up one while you're out getting dinner?”
“Oh, please. A teddy bear?” complained Bernie. “Ain't it bad enough I end up being the errand boy whenever something is needed? Now I gotta pick up toys?”
Turning to Alex, she gave him a sad, pouty expression and said in a decidedly unhappy tone, “Alex, Bernie's being mean to me.” It took everything she had to keep the pout from turning into laughter. “He won't get me a teddy bear to fight away the monsters under my bed.”
“Oh my god, are you really going to do this?” Bernie all but shouted. “Are you really going to pull that 'you're my favorite, he's the meanie' shit again? We didn't get enough of that when you were sixteen? Seventeen? Twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-three years old?”
“She pulled it last year when you accidentally broke her iPad and wouldn't replace it,” Alex chimed in with an impish smile. “Meanie.”
Taking The Night (Nightshade series Book 1) Page 23
