by C. M. Steele
Chapter Nineteen—Leonora
It was time to go into the Lombardi and Romano Laboratories, and instead of being nervous about the lab work, I was super stoked. It was the pretending that Falcon and I were just meeting and that he was only my boss that was going to be hard. The longing for him to hold me, kiss me, and bite me were overwhelming. We had to remember what was at stake—our lives.
They explained to us about the suspicion on all new mates. If The Lamia found out, they might try to kill us, especially because Falcon had been a part of the Council as their war general. A royal amongst vampires who wasn’t affected with the curse; he was hated and envied by many of his kind. The rest thought he was the last hope since he was the only one of the Council to be saved.
They dropped us off two blocks away, kissing us relentlessly before heading into the office first, but it wasn’t enough. My lips still tingled for my new lover and his hard, passionate kisses. "Let's stop and get coffee first, that way we take a little longer and it looks less obvious."
"Great idea, Nora." Charlie said with her shoulders popping in excitement. She was comfortable with this whole thing, but I was feeling nerve-wracked. We stopped into the Magic Bean coffee shop that was only a couple of doors down from the lab. There was a small line in front of us, but it was moving quickly. I hoped that Falcon didn't get upset about us stopping. I focused my thoughts on him and tried give him the heads up.
Falcon, we're getting coffee at the local spot.
Okay, my love. Be safe. I miss you already. I felt the tension in his mental voice. He didn’t want me to be out without him because he wasn’t there to protect me and it wouldn’t be cool if he just appeared out of thin air in front of people. The secret would be out really fast. But in my eyes, I was safer than if he was with me because if any of his people caught wind of me and him together, I’d be in trouble.
Me, too.
This had to be one of the best features of being a vampire. I wasn’t looking forward to drinking blood, but Falcon said that one day when I was pregnant the baby would crave it and so would I. He promised that he’d only give me animal blood or that I could nip on him. That was a much better idea. Of all the things, drinking another person’s blood was probably the sickest to me. I was glad I had a choice at all the other times because I loved food, cooked non-human flavored food.
“How are you handling it, Nora? The news of all this?” she asked, pointing to herself and all around. Our world was just turned right side up I would have to say. A big part of me couldn’t stop smiling every time I thought about Falcon.
“It’s strange. I don’t know how to handle any of it. My mind is telling me I’m in some weird dream, but at the same time I can’t tell myself to wake up. I’d rather be trapped in a dream with him if it means that we’re together forever.”
“So true. You haven’t stopped smiling this whole time. Have you spoken to your parents?” That was definitely a downer to this whole thing.
“Well, I’m happy when I think of him. Yes, I have talked to them once and kind of told them off. He wanted to tell them, too, but that wasn’t the right way to go about it. I didn’t get to tell you, but the interview wasn’t going to happen. If I hadn’t run into him, I would have gone on that date with that creep for nothing. I was ready to storm out on him when we entered the theatre. He was all over me. Not like overly, but random touches that made my skin crawl.”
“Good morning, ladies,” a voice said, making my hair stand on edge.
I gasped as I turned around and saw David Miller standing right behind us. The slimy creep invaded my personal space and I wasn’t appreciating it. “So you got the interview you were looking for it seemed.”
“Mr. Miller, yes, I’m going for an interview today. I spent a lifetime studying for a job in a laboratory, but you and my parents used me and my love for science.”
“Can you blame a guy? You’re hot and I planned to get you an interview if you would’ve put out.” His lecherous eyes were still on me. It was almost like he still wanted to chase. He clearly heard what I said about him, but he kept ogling me anyway. We needed to leave before we took matters in our own hands. I felt stronger than ever and I would love to slam him over the counter and knock him out, but I was better than that.
“Thanks, that sounds so sweet. Oh, how could I have refused such an eloquent proposal?” I gushed, batting my eyes and clutching my hands together in feigned pleasure.
“You say that now, but when he tosses you to the side for the next pretty one, we’ll see you crawling back to your parents and I’ll be waiting.” That sounded ominous. Maybe it was because he was creepy or because I could hear the dirty thoughts in his head.
“We’re not together. Just like I told you, I made it clear to him that I wasn’t interested. He wants me there as a new scientist,” I lied.
“Yeah, I’m sure that’s all he wants. He’ll be hounding you for more. A rich man like that hides his women to look like he’s clean, but he’s just as fucked up as the rest of us.” She’s so damn naïve. I want her in my bed. I bet her pussy is still golden.
“We need two coffees with cream and sugar, please,” Charlotte said, to the barista who was looking at Miller with a disgusted expression. She didn’t know the half of it, but Charlie smiled at the woman and said, “Oh, sour grapes, you know.” She handed us our coffees, and we walked away from Miller without another word.
We were down the street when I said, “We need to come up with a better story. Do you think we should get a separate apartment for us and keep our distance from the guys?”
“That would be a smart move, but I doubt either of our men would accept that. They would battle to the death for us, but they will not tolerate leaving us alone.” We both giggled. I knew he was going to blow a gasket, but maybe I wanted to see him lose it a bit. Would he pin me to his desk and show me I could never get away from him? I was getting all hot and bothered.
I took a deep breath and smiled. “You’re right, but I’m still going to run it passed him anyway.”
“It’s going to be a waste of time, but it’s your choice. How are you handling everything? I can’t believe that you two were meant for each other, too. It’s like fate stepped in and put us together.”
“I know. It’s freaking awesome, but I know there’s so much more ahead.”
“Tell me about it. Well, this is it,” Charlotte said, opening the door to the building. There was a main security desk that was almost at the front door. The lobby was incredibly small, which made sense because there was no reason for people to congregate here. This was a strictly work environment.
“Hello, we’re here to see Mr. Romano, please.”
“Names and IDs,” the guard said without wasting a breath. Then I saw the sign next to him. Please have ID ready. Oops.
I pulled mine out and so did Charlotte. He looked at them, then back up at us. “Yes, Mr. Romano mentioned an appointment. Let me call up to his office. Please sign in and then have a seat over there, ladies.”
“Thank you,” I replied, filling my name in then walking away to the seats. I didn’t know what to expect when I got here, but it was super formal. Just like it was at my father’s downtown office. Nobody got through without an ID.
“He said he’ll be right down.”
“Thank you,” Charlotte said, placing the clipboard back on the desk with a smile and walking over to me.
“Are you nervous? Because I am. This is a big deal. A job working here means a lot to you.”
“I know. I’ve been dreaming of this since I was a little girl.”
“Smart and beautiful.” I overheard the guard say just as Draco walked out of the elevators and let out a little grumble from his throat that only we could hear. Our hearing had improved overnight, but I didn’t know it was that good. The man said it just under his breath. I wondered if there was an echo in this place.
“Ladies, hello. I’m Draco Romano. You must be Leonora and you must be Charlotte. Please
come with me and we can go over what we discussed on the phone yesterday.”
We followed him, Charlotte waving bye to the guard, which got her a stern look from Draco. Then a private conversation happened in their heads. I could see it happening, but I didn’t say anything. We exited on his floor, which was the same as Falcon’s. There was a secretary sitting in the center of the room. I wondered if she worked for both of them.
“The conference room is available, sir.” So this was Falcon’s assistant. I scanned her appearance up and down. Having been in my father’s office many times, I knew which secretaries were the sluts and which weren’t. This woman had it written all over her.
“Thank you, Veronica, but we’ll take the meeting in my office.”
“Veronica, come into my office,” Falcon said over the intercom. A momentary flash of jealousy washed over me.
Then I heard him speak to me. I’m three seconds away from firing her. But I need to behave. I can’t wait to meet you again, my world.
Yes, Mr. Lombardi, and I can’t wait to meet you as well. I miss you.
I miss you, too.
We entered Draco’s office, and before I could finish closing the door, he had Charlotte wrapped up in his arms for a passionate kiss.
“So, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Romano,” I teased.
“Forgive me, Leonora,” Draco apologized. He really did look upset by his behavior, but I was just messing with them.
“Yeah, sorry about that, Nora.”
“No, it’s okay. I just want to see Falcon, too. I need my kisses.”
“So, let’s get this meeting over with and get you girls all set up to meet with my partner and then down to the laboratories and HR.”
“Leonora, you’re going to be working in the stem cell research lab. They have several projects going on at the same time, but I know it’ll be an easy fit for you until we move you to the special lab area.”
“Okay. That works for me. So question. The people in the lab…are any of them like us?”
“Just one. And he’s in the special lab. Everyone else is human. And most of those people don’t gossip. It’s the general office staff that we worry about. There are about thirty-three employees here, plus Falcon and myself. Fifteen of them are general office and security staff. The rest are lab people.”
“Okay. So what about me? What job are you going to give me, handsome boss man.”
“I got a job for you, but I need you alone for that.” I tried to cover my ears, but it was too late for that, so I just laughed.
“Wow, the way you two act this won’t be a secret for long.”
“I don’t want it to be a secret at all, but…” he grumbled. “Because the more Falcon thought about it the more you two look like the answer to our crisis. His mother said he was the hope. That he and I had to stay together. Then the two of you come along and happen to be friends and both of our mates. It’s a bit too much.”
“People know about what his mom said?” I asked.
“No, they don’t, but as the leader of his people still, the eyes are all on him—the good and the bad.” The worry in his voice was real. They were important to their people but equally as dangerous to the enemy as they were helpful to their friends.
“Okay. So where do we go from here?” I needed some answers. There was only so much mystery I could handle. They were the only two of their kind that we had met. Falcon and Draco were big and intimidating, and they were considered the good guys. I wondered what the bad guys were like. If anything like the movies, they were a hell of a lot worse.
“We’re going to be listening to the buzz in Europe and see if anyone figures it out. I truly doubt they will. We don’t get press like that. We’re undercover and have no story to tell.”
“Yes, that’s interesting. When I looked up the company only the scientists were listed with backgrounds and pictures.”
“As rich scientists with possible discoveries in controversial areas, we don’t want anyone coming to harass us. Or that’s what we want them to believe. There are not that many people looking into our information unless they want to work there.”
“That I understand. What is it that Charlotte’s going to do?”
“I need an assistant, so she’ll be up here next to Veronica, Falcon’s assistant.” Draco’s face told me that it wasn’t going to be a pleasant experience.
I arched my brow. I didn’t like that bitch already. All it took one look and I hated her. How was that even possible? Usually I waited for someone to do something to me to make me hate them. With her it seemed to be instinct.
“Okay, can we go see Falcon already?”
“Yes, let me walk you over there.”
Draco took a walk around the desk, giving Charlotte a hand up. I stood up and followed them out the door. That was when the other office door opened and out walked his secretary, fixing her skirt. I stared at her for a moment trying to not be jealous. I knew I was his only one, that I could be his only one. Then I heard her thoughts. Who does she think she is looking at me? Falcon is going to ask me to marry him one day. I think he's just playing hard to get. We continued to walk into the office ignoring the petty bitch. I held my head up high. Falcon was mine. We were bound to each other and there was nothing she could do about it. When I looked directly at him the smile on his face couldn't have been any bigger, those bright blue eyes getting brighter by the moment.
"Falcon, I'd like to introduce you to Charlotte and Leonora. They are the two new hires we have. I will be taking them down to HR right now."
"Well, hello ladies, welcome to Lombardi and Romano Laboratories,” Falcon said with a sexy smirk on his face. His eyes meeting mine with so much promise. My body was heating up so quickly that I thought I would come if he touched me.
"Thank you, Mr. Lombardi," I said, smiling at him profusely, biting my lip, and swaying slightly from side to side.
He stepped closer, closing the distance. Our bodies created that hot chemical reaction without even having to touch each other. "Leonora, I hear you will be working in the stem cell research lab."
"Yes,” I muttered, his face mere inches from mine.
"Do you think you’ll like it there?" he said, his lips a hairs-breadth away.
"I know I'm going to love it,” I whispered. Falcon pressed his lips to mine, kissing me soft at first, but there was nothing innocent in his kiss. His tongue parted my lips entering with promise. Falcon wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling my hips into his.
He stepped back, leaving me breathless. "Let me walk you down there."
All I gave him was a nod. Charlotte came up to me and straightened my hair. I was grateful that I had a smudge proof lipstick on.
“Come on, let’s go before these two can’t hold off,” Charlotte said, making me scoff.
“Ha, you two aren’t any better,” I tossed out.
“No, but I need to get us moving.” Falcon pinched my ass. When I turned to give him a glare he had the sexiest smile on his face and my glare disappeared. The man was some kind of menace.
We stepped out of his office and, of course, his assistant turned to the noise.
“Veronica, I’d like you to meet our newest employees. This is Ms. Charlotte Reiss and Ms. Leonora Dulles.”
“Pleasure to meet you, ladies.”
“Ms. Reiss will be working with me and Ms. Dulles will be working in the labs,” Draco said. “Please excuse us. There is much to do.”
“Mr. Lombardi, Mr. Miller called a moment ago.”
“I will deal with him later.” We walked to the elevator and went on down to the lab area.
Falcon used a keycard and let us in. He and Draco often spent time working in the labs with their employees. “This is the main lab here.” Several people in the lab turned around and stopped what they were doing to take in our sudden appearance.
“Hello, can I have a moment of your time?” Draco said. “We have a new scientist starting tomorrow. I want you all to welcome Leonora Dulles
. She has her Master’s degree in molecular biology and her bachelor’s in bio-chemistry. She will be working as your assistant for the next two weeks, rotating between the labs.”
I had no idea that I was going to be going through all the labs, but then maybe that was his excuse to get me in without too much bitching.
The first person to approach was Jason Robertson, who shook my hand and gave me a polite smile. The next three were Drs. Melissa Cortez, Amanda Bailey, and John Maloney. They were all civil, but the only one that bothered me was Melissa. Her thoughts weren’t friendly at all and neither was her stone-cold expression. I knew I would have to watch out for her.
After I met all of them, I was taken to the next two labs. There were only two other scientists in them, but they seemed too busy to be bothered at the moment. I understood that. Some things were timed and we walked in at the wrong time. The last lab was the one that was important to them.
“I’ll take Charlotte up.”
“You don’t want to introduce her?” I asked.
Falcon mentally replied, If you’re not a classified scientist, you’re not allowed in this lab at all. It’s nothing against Charlotte, but that’s the rules and we can’t change them for one person. I got the message loud and clear.
They left us and he escorted me in. The man with glasses on tilted his head up and I couldn’t read his thoughts. He must be the one that was one of them. Well, one of us now. He tilted his head before a large smile graced his handsome face. He wasn’t as good looking at Falcon. To me, no one was as attractive as Falcon, but his bright honey-colored eyes were different.
“Vigo, I’d like you to meet-”
“Your mate. Wow. Congratulations, my friend.”
“We’re keeping it a secret for the time being.”
“Oh yes. That is a wise thing to do. So, do I get the pleasure of an introduction?”
“I was going to when you rudely interrupted,” Falcon said with a smirk. “Vigo Johannsen, this is Leonora Dulles. She will be working with you in two weeks. As of right now, I have her in stem.”
“Appearances,” he said, nodding and understanding without having to question it.
