by Juniper Hart
“A partnership?” he echoed. “What did you have in mind?”
Vera exhaled quickly and gave him a nervous smile. Orion was sure it was the first time since meeting her that he had seen her ill at ease. Even in her interview, she had been completely composed.
“Nothing,” she breathed, turning to look at the menu, her face red.
“Obviously, something is on your mind, Vera,” he encouraged, reaching out a hand to lower the sheet from her face. “It won’t hurt to tell me. What’s the worst I can say? No? I haven’t bitten anyone in at least a century.”
She tittered at his joke but swallowed visibly in her unease. She turned her light blue eyes upward and stared at him. “I… I’ve been doing some research of my own since joining Tanner. I have a degree in business from—”
“Cornell,” Orion interjected. “I remember. Your education and intelligence were not overlooked by me, Vera.”
“I never felt it was. I was just explaining why I went off grid, researching without telling you about it. I don’t want you to think that I was being underhanded in any way.”
He swallowed a smile. There were very few people he could think of that he trusted more than Vera. Orion sat back in his chair, waving the server away when he approached.
“Give us a few minutes, please,” he told the waiter kindly. “We may be on the brink of something big.”
The man nodded and backed away from the table. Vera’s face turned pink with embarrassment.
“Well, I don’t know about that,” she muttered.
“Tell me,” Orion insisted. “The suspense is killing me.”
She nodded and cleared her throat. “I started running the numbers at your resorts, and I realized that over the past thirty years, Tanner has been building their hotels from purchased land plots. The Palm in Florida, The Trevoli in Maine, and The Penny in Vegas, for example.”
Orion nodded slowly, not entirely sure where she was going with the observation, but he vowed not to speak until she had finished her pitch. Whatever it was.
“What’s the issue with them?” he demanded, more to keep her talking than to dispute her logic.
“The problem is, real estate is at a premium almost everywhere now, and it no longer makes economical sense to buy the land and start from scratch. It did at the time, but I know your acquisitions team is still scouting for land.”
He paused to consider what she was saying, his brow creasing in thought.
“You’re proposing we stop buying land?” he asked slowly, careful not to salt his words with skepticism. “It’s a daunting task to rebuild from the inside out. That’s why we stopped demolishing.”
“That used to be the case before land became such a hot commodity in North America. Now it’s a different story.”
“Do you have anything to back this up?” Orion questioned, leaning forward with interest. He had no doubt that she had evidence to back it up if she was saying it, but he needed to see it with his own eyes.
Vera nodded. “I ran the numbers at The Breeze in Seattle. Granted, it was purchased thirty years ago, but even if I factor in inflation, your budget was insane for what you need to spend revamping a standing location.”
“Vera, I confess, finance is not my best subject, but I have a team of people whose sole job is to find the most economical way of building our resorts.”
“Your team is behind the times, and I can prove it. I have found a property in Washington which can be redone at half the cost of what you spent in Seattle.”
Orion’s eyes widened. “You’re scouting now, too?” he asked in amazement. “How many of you are there? Do you have clones?”
Vera chuckled. “I have the specs in my room, but I can bring them to you at dinner. I think you’ll find this place to be worth your while to check out.”
Orion studied her ambitious face, cocking his head to the side.
“What do you want? Your name on a hotel? The Lady Vera has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?” he teased, but he knew she wasn’t so vapid.
“Nothing as glamourous as all that,” Vera replied. She paused and met his eyes evenly. “I want shares in Tanner.”
He frowned. “You have stocks in the company. All the employees do.”
Vera stared at him, unspeaking. He knew that was not what she was talking about. and he wasn’t sure if he was proud or worried that he had created a monster.
“You want a seat on the board,” he guessed again.
She nodded. “I don’t want to overstate my position, but I want to make you a deal. If this resort in Ocean Shores turns out to be viable and I can make it work for half the budget, you consider me for a place on the board.”
“I’m curious to know how you can make that happen,” he told her. “That is quite a tall order to fill.”
“It’s actually easier than you think. The resort already has a full-time clientele, people who more or less reside on the property. It would be a matter of working on parts of the building and shuffling the guests around while still collecting income. I imagine you would have to temporarily reduce the rates until construction is complete, but it will balance out in the end when it rates five stars over three. Any money you lose discounting the rates will be made up in three months, even at half booking capacity.”
Orion could not believe how much thought Vera had given this investment.
She’s not even demanding a seat. She’s only asking me to think about considering her, and she’s still handing over this idea. She’s something else.
She continued to stare at him with wide, hopeful eyes, and Orion made his decision.
“If you can make this deal happen, you can consider yourself a board member,” he concluded.
Vera’s entire face lit up, and she tried not to show her excitement.
“You don’t have to commit to anything right now,” she said, but her voice was charged with energy.
“I think I just did,” Orion replied with a shrug, extending his palm. “And I think you also know I honor my deals.”
Slowly, Vera accepted his hand, and Orion could feel the dampness of sweat on her skin.
I wonder how long she’s been sitting on this, he thought wryly.
“When can we go look at it?” he asked, and Vera shifted her eyes downward, embarrassed.
“I made an appointment to go on Wednesday morning,” she murmured. Orion laughed aloud. She had always known he was going to agree. He wondered if Vera knew him better than he knew himself.
“What’s the hotel called?” he asked.
“Eden.”
“I’ve never heard of it,” he said almost without thinking. Vera’s crystalline eyes glittered.
“You will have heard of it,” she replied. “And I hope you’ll change the name of it. Eden. So tacky. Like a 90s stripper or something.”
They both laughed, though secretly, Orion was studying her face closely. He was seized by a feeling he hadn’t felt in longer than he could remember.
If what she’s saying is true, maybe I will sit in with this project. It has been so long since I have stepped in on the ground level and been hands on.
He smiled broadly and nodded. “Eden will henceforth be known as the Lady Vera.”
“That’s like an 80s bordello!” Vera groaned in protest. Orion’s smile widened; her joy was infectious.
The sensation filling him was foreign and undeniable. It was excitement.
3
Eve stood at the threshold, her heart beating wildly as she took in the odd scene before her.
This is new, she thought worriedly, although she couldn’t say why she was so perturbed by what she was seeing. A well-honed sixth sense cautioned her that something terrible was about to take place, something she had never encountered before, but Grace’s words echoed through her mind again, reminding her that Father knew best and that she should not question his actions.
Instead, she peeked out from where she remained, watching the scene unfold without any real comprehension
.
The others sat in a circle, their heads bowed as they clasped hands, humming in a deep, sonorous tones. It was clearly a prayer circle, led, as always, by Father.
The buzzing in the room grew louder as Father chanted the Lord’s Prayer in his almost theatrical fashion, though this was nothing Eve hadn’t seen before. Her eyes fell upon Grace, who peered at Father covertly. She didn’t seem to realize that Eve was nearby, watching their every move. She hadn’t been the one to escort the redhead from the glass room for once.
“Wait here and be silent,” Father had warned her earlier. “Do not let anyone see you before it is time.”
“How will I know when it’s time?” Eve had asked. And time for what? What is going on?
Father had smiled at her coldly. “You’ll know, Eve. Be patient. It is a virtue. Good things come to those who wait.”
Eve didn’t offer that she had waited before and was perhaps getting tired of it. Antagonizing Father was not something she wanted to start with that day or any other. Instead, she did exactly as she was told and remained hidden in the shadows, nervous anticipation prickling through her.
Father didn’t seem to notice Grace’s eyes upon him. His lids were closed, like hers were supposed to be, but his lips moved widely and with purpose as he continued to spew out the words. Eve noticed Mark tighten his grip on Grace’s hand, and she immediately slammed her eyes closed, perhaps realizing that she’d been caught.
Eve knew it was forbidden to stare about at prayer time. They were supposed to close their eyes and allow the holy spirit to enter them.
But if no one is looking, how would anyone know? she always asked herself. It was a wicked thought, and sometimes she wondered if Father could hear the blasphemy floating around through her head.
Abruptly, Father stopped praying and slowly opened his eyes, the others following the unspoken order to do the same. He turned his gaze upon Grace. “Grace, bring us Eve.”
She opened her eyes and stared at him, the alarm on her face almost palpable.
“Father?” she breathed in disbelief. “What do you mean?”
“Bring us Eve,” he said again, his dark eyes flashing with impatience. “Did I not speak clearly?”
Grace stared around the room at the congregation, her eyes wide with surprise, and Eve felt her heartrate increase as she took in the blonde’s nervousness.
Why is she protesting him? Does she know something I don’t?
“Father, that is—”
The belt in Father’s hand lashed out and narrowly missed her cheek, but it did strike Leah, who cried out in pain at her side.
“Do you see what your insolence causes me to do?” he snarled. “Bring us Eve!”
The others began to chant. “Bring us Eve. Bring us Eve. Bring us Eve.”
Her hands trembling, Grace nodded quickly, perhaps realizing that any more argument would lead to more pain and retreated from worship into the long hallway. She didn’t immediately see Eve standing there and paused to look at herself in the oval glass of a hall mirror, one of the very few in the hotel that Eve knew of.
The redhead watched her for a long moment, wondering what was going through Grace’s mind while she stared for too long at her reflection. Eve closed her eyes, and for a brief, strange minute, she felt like she was inside Grace’s mind, hearing her thoughts.
What happened to me?
Eve’s heart fluttered, skipping erratically, and she continued to watch Grace watch herself.
Once upon a time, Grace had once been exactly what she had claimed: ethereally beautiful. Traces of that beauty still remained in her long, blonde hair, which met the waist of her simple brown smock in straight, uncut strands. Her face was pale, a stark contrast to the bright emerald green of her eyes, and Eve wondered how old she could really be.
It seemed to the younger girl that she was staring at Grace for the first time. She wasn’t much older than Eve, although she looked tired, which made her look older.
How old is she? Thirty-five at the most? With a shock, Eve realized that she was probably much younger than that, and certainly years younger than her brother. Assuming that Father really is her brother. But then, why is she also married to him?
A flood of doubts overshadowed her mind, and a small gasp of surprise fell from Eve’s lips. Grace whirled at the sound, her eyes narrowed.
“You’re here!” she exclaimed. Eve nodded, stepping from the shadows.
“Yes.”
“Who brought you?”
“Father.”
Grace’s jaw tightened slightly, but she forced a smile on her face.
“They’re expecting you,” she said softly. “You should come with me.”
Eve didn’t move, her gaze locked into Grace’s as she tried to re-enter her thoughts, but the effort was futile.
Don’t be ridiculous. You weren’t in her thoughts to begin with. You’re acting like a child who believes in fairytales.
“What is it, Aunt Grace?” Eve whispered, her eyes wide with worry. “Why does he want me here so late?”
Grace’s smile faltered. Somehow, she managed to keep it on her face.
“Your role is not to question Father’s wishes,” she reminded Eve tersely. “Come along, Eve. It’s never a good idea to leave the group waiting.”
Still, Eve refused to move.
“Something’s different tonight,” she insisted. “What is it?”
Grace leaned forward and brushed a dark red wave from Eve’s face.
“Father wants to see you,” she told the younger girl. “That’s all it is.”
“Yes,” Eve agreed slowly. “But for what?”
A scowl crossed over Grace’s face. “Eve, being contrary won’t help matters. Let’s go before he comes looking for you himself.”
“Aunt Grace, why? What does he want from me?”
“Please, Eve, please do not prolong this. You’re only making matters worse.”
“Am I in trouble? Is this punishment?” Eve’s tone raised a pitch despite her desire to stay calm. She couldn’t understand why she was so frightened, but the sensation was only growing on her, like a snowball rolling down a hill.
Grace was losing her patience. “Don’t make me tell you again. There’s no time for this petulance.”
Eve stared at her, tears slipping down her cheeks.
“I’m not ready!” she protested. “I can’t!”
Grace seemed taken aback by the words.
“You’re not ready for what?” she asked. “It’s only a prayer group. We are showing Father our obedience to him, our one true God.”
But Eve could read that it was much more than that, even if Grace denied it.
“No!” she cried. Grace slapped her with such force, Eve was sure there was a palm imprinted on her cheek. Stunned, the girl’s mouth dropped open, and she rubbed her face in disbelief. She had not been expecting that slap in the least.
That’s happening more frequently, too—the slaps. Tension is rising around here, and I don’t understand why.
“Get yourself together, Eve,” Grace said in a flat tone, turning her eyes away, but not before Eve caught the guilt in them. “It is not me whom you need to fear.”
Without speaking another word, Eve led the way toward the crowded room, not bothering to see if Grace followed. Before she crossed the threshold, Eve began to wheeze. Once more, she whipped around and stared at Grace.
“Please,” she sobbed. “Please don’t make me.”
Grace’s jaw tightened.
“I don’t have a choice, Eve. It will not be so bad.” She placed her arm out for the girl to take it, feeling the tremors as she begrudgingly accepted Grace’s gesture. “Are you ready?” she asked Eve. “You must be brave. No matter what happens.”
Eve stared at her numbly, uncomprehending.
There was a murmur of appreciation as they entered, but when Grace looked at Father, she saw his black eyes flash with anger.
“What took you so long?” he snap
ped at Grace. “Leave her be.”
Reluctantly, Grace disentangled herself from Eve’s desperate clutches, and more panic overwhelmed her. She could count on one hand how many times she had been permitted to leave the room in her life, and the thought of doing it alone, in front of all these people, was insurmountable.
“No!” Eve cried as the older woman stepped back, her aqua eyes wide.
“It is all right, child,” Father told her, drawing toward them. “I am Father. I will always protect you.” He towered over Eve by almost a foot, a looming six feet six inches tall. His dark irises bored into hers, unblinking and unsympathetic. “Tonight is a very special night. Do you know what tonight is?”
Eve shook her head, not trusting her voice. Besides, she knew that Father preferred the women to be seen and not heard.
“Tonight is one month before your wedding,” he declared, and a flutter of understanding shifted through the group.
Eve nodded uncertainly, her eyes falling on Grace’s face.
Abruptly, Father slapped Eve’s face in precisely the same place that Grace had just moments before.
“You do not look away from me,” he hissed menacingly. “I am Father!”
Eve choked, and Grace stared at her bare feet, chewing on the insides of her cheeks. She desperately wanted to intercept whatever Father had in mind, but she dared not. Immediately, Eve turned her scared eyes back toward Father.
“I’m sorry, Father,” she breathed. The words seemed to placate him, and a phony, twisted smile lit his lips.
“You have spent too much time in the care of Aunt Grace,” he told her. “You have forgotten who your true leader and spiritual guide is on this path.”
Eve shook her head vehemently. “No, Father! I would never—”
Another smack landed on her face, cutting her off midsentence. Grace bit back a cry as a dribble of blood slipped from Eve’s lips.
“Honor thy father,” Father recited. Eve’s face became a mask of panic, but she didn’t dare look away.
Don’t look away! Don’t move. Don’t argue!
“On this special night, I have brought you forth to introduce you to the flock,” Father continued. “And you have come defiant and petulant. This is not how I imagined your initiation.”
