Chapter Fourteen
“I could have totally taken her.”
“What?” Riya stifled a yawn. Though it wasn’t hard to work out who Hadleigh was referring to since Dimity Forrest was the only other female sitting at the humongous conference table right at that moment.
“It would be child’s play to sneak up on her. Is that phone wielded to her hand?”
“Please. Five seconds of her talking about fake tans and pedicures and you’d be pleading for mercy.” Hadleigh’s clear grey eyes sent Riya a quelling death glare. “Of course in a physical match up you could completely wipe the floor with her, Mrs Muscles.” Riya grinned cheekily back.
“What did you just call me?”
“It’s just a name doing the rounds on the Para-X site, don’t get your big maternity bloomers in a knot.”
“It’s like you have a death wish or something.” Hadleigh shook her head. “Why are you so relaxed and happy? I thought by now you would have reached the end of your patience and begun begging me to put you out of your misery.”
“Plan A seems to be working, it’s all about distraction and getting everyone to treat her as just one of the gang.”
“Did you ever have a Plan B to fall back on?”
“Sure. I intended to drive her to the nearest Victoria Secret’s Emporium and hand over the company platinum card, releasing her back in to her natural environment.”
Hadleigh shuddered at the thought, all that girly frou-frou and fifty shades of pink, her worst nightmare. “Cunning, I would never have thought of it.”
Hadleigh complimenting her? “Why are you being nice to me? What do you need?”
“You hate it when I hold a knife to your throat, I thought I’d try a new, mature approach, now that I’m about to be a mother.”
“I’m your friend and cousin, you could just ask.”
“I need another date outfit. Something that doesn’t draw too much attention to Lump or the size of my ass.”
Riya rolled her eyes. Neither Hadleigh’s baby bump or her ass were all that huge. “For tonight? And where are you thinking of going?”
Hadleigh shook her head, dark red curls dancing. “Tonight we have our parents-to-be yoga class.” Pursing her lips as if she tasted something sour. “Maryanne, the instructor, keeps calling on Vaughn to act as her demonstration buddy.” Hadleigh released a low, deep growl. “Three weeks ago I accidentally threw a medicine ball at her head.”
“And she stills calls on him?” Riya was beyond surprised.
“I know. Some people just have no survival instincts what so ever. Tonight we’re working out with some weights, I can only hope for Maryanne’s sake the yoga studio covers her health insurance.”
“So you need an outfit for when?”
“Tomorrow night. I thought I’d let Vaughn take me somewhere expensive and romantic. And finally put him out of his misery by discussing all the baby crap we haven’t sorted out yet.”
“Baby crap?”
“The name is the biggest problem.” Hadleigh looked around to make sure everyone at the table was suitably occupied before leaning in to whisper. “If it’s a boy, he wants Eerikki. And if it’s a girl, Magnhild.”
“Yikes. What do you want?”
Hadleigh opened her mouth and then abruptly shut it. “There’s a pool going, isn’t there?”
“Maybe.” Riya tried to hold out but those clear grey killer eyes were boring into her with serious intent. “Okay, okay, Locke started it.”
Hadleigh huffed a sigh, her annoying oldest brother, why was she not surprised? “Let me just say that it won’t be Eerikki or Magnhild. So, will you do it? The outfit I mean, for tomorrow night?”
“Sure.” In fact, Riya was pretty sure she had something that would be perfect already completed in her three big bags of tricks that Fate had insisted she bring along on this trip.
Riya’s focus shifted to Vivian as she entered the conference room, following right on her heels was Marcus, looking frustrated and a little weary. Lastly came Vaughn, who took a seat on the other side of Hadleigh, clearing his throat softly to get everyone’s attention.
Vaughn’s burnished golden eyes travelled around the conference table, pausing as he noted Dimity’s bent head, her attention fixated upon the phone in her hand. “This is a meeting. All phones should be off and set to silent mode.” He waited a beat as Dimity lifted her eyes to cast him a sulky glare before she deliberately returned her attention to the small screen. Vaughn smiled. “I don’t think that device will survive a trip through the trash compactor, but if you are willing to chance it?”
“Fine.” Dimity pouted, putting her phone away. “You can’t start the meeting yet anyway, Daniel isn’t here.”
“He’s still on leave. He’ll be back day after tomorrow. Okay, now listen up. Benny needs Rafe, Flynn and Dimity in the sound studio this afternoon. Some of the audio needs re-dubbing as we encountered a lot of interference. Marcus, you had a few things to add?”
Marcus contemplated the screen of his laptop. “Yes. I just sent everyone the details regarding the location of our next designated televised hunt. Rafe, I’ll need an equipment’s spec by Tuesday. Nate, the press know we’re coming, we’ve had several local news and radio interview requests. I’ve forwarded everything to you to deal with. The site itself is isolated, we’ll need the jet and all-terrain vehicles or possibly helicopters. I suggest you guys...” he looked at Dash and Flynn, “…discuss it with Rafe and decide.”
“Anything for me?” Drum growled.
“Yes, I got a call from the local health and safety commission, a Fire Inspector will be here tomorrow afternoon to tour the building, the entire building. I want you acting as guide.”
“Are we due for an inspection?” Vaughn queried.
Marcus shrugged. “I didn’t have it scheduled for another two months. When I checked with the agency I discovered they’ve added more manpower to the rota, and are applying more rigorous timeframes between inspections. My team are doing a background check in to the inspector and will let me know if there are any red flags.”
“And you expect me to do what?” Drum rumbled.
“Just be yourself. Loom, growl, stare at the guy.”
Nate laughed. “And do that thing you’ve been doing lately, ask all those questions.”
Drum scowled. “Nell told me that if I ask personal questions it will help put a person at ease.”
Rafe grinned. “Not the way you do it with that low tone and that thousand-yard death stare. Where do you live? Are you married? Kids? Pets? People think you’re gathering personal details to find them later and remove them and everyone they love from the face of the earth.”
Dimity was looking between the Warriors, warily smiling at their teasing of the mammoth man who was so wide he would have trouble fitting through some doorways.
“Marcus, anything else?” Vivian butted in before the conversation could become completely derailed.
“We need to update the Para-X site with some promotional stills featuring Dimity.”
“Me?” Dimity looked unsure whether to be pleased or pissed off.
“Fan numbers have skyrocketed and they have been clamouring for more details on you. Since your Q & A session Friday night over a hundred fan sites have popped up on the web. I was thinking some promo photos featuring you and Daniel might keep them happy.” Marcus missed Dimity’s heated blush as he glanced back down at his tablet. “Pepsy can conduct the shoot the day after tomorrow when Daniel returns, if that works for you?” He glanced Dimity’s way.
“Sure.” Dimity directed a steely look at Riya. Hmmm, why did she sense an epic wardrobe tantrum in Dimity’s near future. “Riya can help me pick out a few outfits.”
Silently Riya damned Marcus, who didn’t appear to have the slightest clue of the wasps’ nest he had just kicked over. Although, as she stifled another yawn, Riya had trouble getting her full glare potential on. She was weary after her all night session. Since Marcus couldn’t sleep he had re-directed all his focus on to her. After defiling the desk, and both leather sofas in his office they had moved their little mistake party upstairs to his apartment. Taking her basket full of snacks and wine with them.
It had proven a fun, but tiring night. Just thinking of it made Riya want to yawn again. Of course Marcus looked hyper-alert and focused but he too had to be flagging. They could both use some sleep. Except that wasn’t in the cards for Marcus unless he hopped on a plane.
Heavens, he was a semi-immortal Warrior, one who could take care of himself. So why was she getting concerned? Maybe because he had all those silly control issues for one. Thinking that the fate of the world rested solely on his shoulders. Driving himself night and day. And yes, he supposedly delegated work to his mysterious crew of hackers, but Riya knew for a fact he double checked their work constantly, making sure nothing was missed.
Honestly, the man needed to learn some life - work balance skills. Yes, he had a lot on his plate. The rubies. The hunt for Sek and Mot. Trying to locate Apep’s sarcophagus. And a million other things. But no one was driving Marcus to perform to such extreme levels except Marcus.
The rest of Maat’s Elite Guard appeared to have a variety of interests besides their assigned roles and hunting down Supernatural threats. Four of them were mated now, but their work here at Maat Tower hadn’t appeared to suffer. Vaughn perhaps being a temporary exception, since he was on Hadleigh and soon-to-be-here baby hovering duty.
But even the single twins, Dash and Flynn, appeared to have plenty of time between butt kicking sessions to play video games and keep the team’s fleet of planes and vehicles in tip-top shape.
Only Marcus was driving himself to such lengths. And okay, perhaps he couldn’t get sick like a mere mortal. But his thinking could become impaired due to lack of sleep and stress.
And if his guard was down, and he had all those hired contract killers on his ass, who knows what might happen. The Fire and Ice Demons had intended to double team Marcus to contain and torture him. Who knows what the other hired contractors were capable of.
Hmm, but how to manage the man without making it seem like she was managing him? Control freaks loathed giving up control, hah, just look at her mother. Whoa, there was the answer staring her in the face. Riya just needed to be underhanded and tricky. Her brothers and her had learnt practically from the nest to manage their mother. Her brothers! Honestly, she must be tired, she should have thought of this earlier.
Discreetly, Riya turned her phone on. It wasn’t like she was interested in Rafe’s report on how the new ultra-violet filters for the cameras would work anyway. Head bent, she searched for… yes, perfect. She had the ideal distraction for Marcus, better still, he’d be able to grab some sleep on the plane ride there. Now she just had to convince him… Riya bit back a gasp of surprise as the phone was snatched from her hand.
Glaring at Flynn sitting next to her, Riya chanced a look around the room, no, everyone, including Rafe who was giving the report was pretty much glazed over. Reaching to retrieve her phone was futile as Flynn leant away from her, nudging Dash on his other side to grab his brother’s attention, holding up the screen. Both grinned Riya’s way, flashing her the thumbs up signal. Oh, looked like she had some willing allies. The Flyboys were on board, meaning she had transport organised.
The only thing left would be to convince Marcus to relax and switch off his tablet for one night once they got where they were going. She could only imagine the stink he would kick up. Probably right up there with the one Dimity was going to chuck when she realised that Riya was bailing on her for twenty-four hours. Hmmm, perhaps if she recommended that Dimity take some personal time to commune with each available outfit until she’d narrowed it down to her top three favourites. Yes, that should keep her busy.
Rafe thankfully wrapped up his report. Better still when Vaughn enquired if there was any new business and everyone kept their mouths shut.
The meeting was officially over, what a relief. Riya was just about to make a speedy exit and corner Marcus in his office when Hadleigh’s phone beeped, signalling an incoming text.
“Oh, thank the Goddess.”
“Good news?” Riya hid a grin as Vaughn helped to lever Hadleigh up off her chair.
“The best. That was my Mum, Gaia is headed for the hospital, she’s just gone into labour.”
“You’re not a little bit put out that she’s going to be the first to give birth to a Sanctuary baby in almost fifteen years?”
Hadleigh rubbed absently at her back. “I cannot count the ways I could care less. And maybe with this victory under her belt she’ll take a chill pill and relax.”
Riya shook her head in wonder. “You’re kidding, right? This is only the first milestone. The race is just getting started. First smile. First to sit up. First tooth. First step. First word.”
“No.” Hadleigh looked vaguely horrified.
Riya couldn’t help but laugh. “And you know the family. The betting books will be getting a red hot work out.”
Hadleigh emitted a brief growl before managing to shake it off. “That outfit we talked about for tomorrow night?”
“I’ve got something in mind that should be perfect. It just needs some finishing touches. I have it covered. Enjoy your yoga class tonight.”
Hadleigh waved her off. “Got to go, Lump is using my bladder as a punching bag.”
Excellent. Now Riya could track down her man… what? Not her man. Her current mistake. Temporary. Brief. Momentary. Fleeting. Transient. And an array of other words that meant the opposite of commitment.
She and Marcus were just passing the time. That’s all it was. She wouldn’t be in his world for very long. She had a life, a business and a home to get back to. This was all just a short-lived adventure, that was all. And okay, even to her it sounded like she was protesting too much. Shit, was she beginning to have feelings for the workaholic, judgemental jerk?
Though Marcus wasn’t really a jerk, was he? His intentions were always good, he just had trouble shifting between his focus on data and relaying that information back into the real world without sounding like an automaton. Or a jerk.
* * *
“I can’t believe you are strong-arming me like this.”
“Me?” Riya’s eyes widened in surprise. “All I did was walk into your office.”
“Flanked by Dash and Flynn. Pure intimidation tactics.”
“You’re intimidated by Dash and Flynn?” Riya looked dubious as she absently tightened her seatbelt as the plane took off.
“Well, no.” Marcus looked vaguely amused. “But the intention was there nevertheless, can you deny it?”
“I can and I will, Charming. No court in the land will convict me. All I did was walk into your office and say - I have some tickets, grab your go bag, we’ll be staying overnight, and you stood up, your tablet in one hand, your go bag in the other. You didn’t look particularly afraid for your life.”
“I was stunned by your sheer audacity, coupled with lack of sleep and blinded by the sight of you in that outfit.”
“What’s wrong with my outfit?” Riya looked down at her short faded denim skirt, dark green fitted t-shirt with a beer slogan across the chest and her navy ankle boots.
“You look like a grid girl for a NASCAR meet.”
“Aw, shucks, the way you shower a girl with compliments. Casual is mandatory where we’re going. Please tell me you have jeans in your bag?”
“I do. I’ll change before we get there, wherever there is…?”
Riya chuffed a small sigh. “Dallas. We’re flying to Dallas. Where you are going to take the night off. No work. No problems. We’re going to have some fun.”
Marcus pressed a button, reclining his seat all the way back. “I don’t know about that. I will concede to getting some sleep on the plane ride, but I have a very long list of things that need my attention-”
“Nope.” Riya held up her hand to stop him, with her seat also now tilted back it was almost like they were in bed together. “Not only will you not do any work for the next twenty-four hours you are not allowed to talk about how much work you have on your plate. This little excursion is for rest and recreation.”
“I would protest that I’m being kidnapped but I’m too tired.” Marcus covered his mouth to hide a yawn, it had been a very strenuous all night session with Riya.
“Kidnapped? You came along like a little lamb.”
“Coercion then. No man in their right man could resist when you wear a skirt like that. Those legs and that smile, you had me in the palm of your hand the moment you walked into my office.” Marcus reached across, lifting a lock of glossy raven hair, caressing the silky texture.
Riya smiled his way smugly, even as she felt her eyelids grow heavy. “Good to know for the future, Charming. Deprive you of sleep and wear a short skirt if I want to get my own way. So noted.”
Marcus smiled as Riya’s eyelids fluttered shut and her breathing deepened, damn, the woman was beautiful.
Hmm, a future with Riya teasing, laughing and tricking him, trying to get her own way all the time. Why did that sound like fun? By The Sands, he must be more over-tired than he thought if he was considering such fanciful notions. Riya and him? A future together? Oh sure, she was smart, independent, funny and sexy. But long term the woman would be a complete time suck. There would need to be dates, and outings. They couldn’t just stay locked in a bedroom for ever. No matter how much his stirring cock liked that idea.
Hmm, Marcus moved closer. Inhaling the scent of blood oranges, tiare flower and geraniums. Wrapping an arm around her, Marcus closed his eyes, wondering idly how the feel of Riya in his arms had so quickly come to feel so right?
His common sense was screaming at him to release her, to push Riya away before he grew too attached to her. He liked her now, and that was dangerous territory in itself. He didn’t have the time for anything more than a hit and run relationship, or a steady diet of short term mistakes. Riya knew that. He knew that.
No, it would be fine. When Dimity was sufficiently settled, Riya would return to Haven Bay, to her job, family, and kid. And there wouldn’t be any reason, or time, for them to keep on seeing one another. See, no relationship, no attachments here.
Marcus sighed, breathed deeply and slid into sleep, unconsciously tightening his hold on Riya as he did so.