Getting the Job:
Now that society is pretty much back up and running, Laura decides it is a good time to call Mr. Valenteno to tell him the painting mock-ups for the possible commission are complete.
Ring... Ring...
"Valentine Enterprises." A woman�s voice answers.
"Hello. My name is Laura Alden and Mr. Valenteno hired me to create some mock-ups for paintings. I�m calling to let him know they�re complete." Laura says professionally.
"Please hold, Ms Alden, and I�ll see if he�s available."
At the office the secretary puts Laura on hold and buzzes Mr. Valenteno, "Mr. Valenteno? There is a Ms. Alden on line three concerning some art?"
He answers, "Yes," he says to the intercom as well to the gentleman sitting in front of him, "she is a young woman I�m hiring to create some paintings for the new building. Steve, can we finish this over lunch?" the man nods and gets up to leave. "Put her through, Martha."
Martha gets back on the line with Laura, "Ms. Alden, Mr. Valenteno is available, I�ll transfer you."
"Thanks."
Ring...
"Hello Ms. Alden, I�m glad you called." Mr. Valenteno says.
"Hello. I�m calling to let you know that the mock-ups you wanted are finished."
"Good, I�m looking forward to seeing them. I�m pretty busy most of this week and today is full too... can you be here in 15 minutes?"
Laura is surprised, "Umm, yeah, sure. I can be there in 15 minutes."
"I will see you in 15 minutes then."
Once off the phone Mr. Valenteno immediately buzzes his secretary, "Martha, I just scheduled a meeting in 15 minutes, get some champagne and strawberries ready. Break into my private stock of chocolates and have some of those ready as well. Have all my calls held. And get my architect for the new building on the phone right away."
"Yes, Sir." She answers.
Soon she has the architect on the phone for Mr. Valenteno, "Hi Stanely. I�m hiring a young woman to create some five by seven foot paintings for the new building; a horizontal in the main foyer, a vertical for the foyer to the left wing and another vertical for the foyer for the right wing. I want to make sure that the d�cor and structure of the building complement the paintings."
"We�ll make sure that happens." He answers.
Mr. Valenteno hangs up and buzzes Martha again, "Get Dr. Luc on the phone for me."
A moment later, "John, it�s Valenteno. I�m having a meeting with a young woman who will be making some paintings for the new building. I want you to run tracking on her. I want her DNA added to one of our new models. I�m hoping I can get her to trust me enough were I can collect the DNA myself. While I have you on the phone, how is the new project coming along?"
"Good..." John Luc begins to answer.
"John, I�ve got a call coming in. I�ll be down myself to check on it later this week."
Meanwhile, over at the Alden cottage, Laura just got off the phone with Mr. Valenteno, "Shit!"
"What?" Ronan asks from the next room.
"I�ve only got fifteen minutes to get ready and be over at Mr. Valenteno�s office for my presentation! Can you help me get ready?"
"Yeah. Of course." Ronan answers as she walks into the room. She goes for Laura�s closet.
Laura checks over the presentation boards and tucks them into her travel portfolio case, does a quick hair check, does a quick application of eye makeup and lip stick and puts on the clothes Ronan has picked out: a red silk charmeuse button down blouse, a black straight skirt that hangs just above the knee and black high heel pumps. With a spritz of perfume, she�s out the door.
She arrives at the large building of Valentine Enterprises on time. She enters the main doors and walks past the coffee shop and caf� toward the information desk. Once she gets directions she heads to the bank of elevators and gets off on the top floor. After she locates the right office, she approaches the secretary, "I�m Laura Alden. I have an appointment with Mr. Valenteno."
"Have a seat and I�ll let him know you�re here." Martha says before she enters Mr. Valenteno�s office. "Mr. Valenteno, Ms Alden is here."
He nods as he puts his suit coat back on, "Show her in."
Martha goes and opens the door, waiting for Laura, "He�ll see you now."
Once Laura enters the office, Martha leaves, closing the door behind her. Mr. Valenteno stands up and reaches out his hand. Laura takes it in a quick shake. "Laura, it�s good to see you. I�m looking forward to seeing what you have to show me."
She smiles, "I�ll get started then." She brings her portfolio case over to a presentation easel and takes out her boards, gently placing them on the easel. In a very professional manner she begins her presentation, giving each art mock-up a brief description of color, composition and intent, yet not sharing where she got her inspiration or models.
Mr. Valenteno is clearly enjoying seeing her work as well as watching her move as she gives the presentation. Once finished he smiles, "I�m very impressed with your work." Laura looks pleased. He continues, "I think I see great opportunity for future paintings."
Laura�s delighted, "Wonderful."
"For now, I would like three five feet by seven feet paintings. I am having a new building built and I want to have these paintings for the foyers. This one," he motions toward one of the sketches, "I want for the main foyer. This one," he points to another, "for the foyer of the left wing. And this one," he points the a third, "for the left wing foyer."
Laura nods as she absentmindedly tucks her hair behind one ear.
He thinks for a moment looking over her presentation boards, "I think I�d like to indulge myself. I am a man who can indulge myself every so often..." He says good-naturedly.
Laura smiles in response.
"I would also like you to do a 12 by 14 foot painting of this one for my private collection." He says as he points to one more.
"Which paintings take priority? Which should I work on first?" Laura asks, not believing her luck with getting a commission of four huge paintings!
"Start with the one for the main foyer, the one with the rain. Then the painting for the left wing, the red themed one. Then the right wing, the wind painting. Do the one for my private collection last."
"Ok." She says as she jots down the directions in a small business notebook.
"I�m going to want to check on your progress."
"Of course." She says.
"It might be simpler for both of us..." he thinks out loud, "if you�re interested you can have a studio here. There is an empty office that has excellent lighting. It would probably make a great studio."
"Wow, yeah." She says, a little bewildered.
He looks again at her art mock-ups, "In fact. I see so much potential in your work that I�d like to hire you as an on staff artist. I like artwork that honors the feminine and your artwork excels at that. Would you like the job?"
"Yes, thank you." She nervously tucks her hair behind her ear again.
"Wonderful. With you working for me and the new studio, you�ll need to remodel the space to fit your needs. You�ll have complete carte blanche."
Laura�s mouth drops open. She stares at him, completely speechless.
Mr. Valenteno smiles, "I can show you the space?"
Laura closes her mouth and nods, "Yes, please."
She follows him out of his offices and down the hallway. There is an empty penthouse office suite and when they walk inside, Laura sees that it has a decent size outside reception area. They pass through this area and into the inner office. The space is huge! She walks slowly around it, taking it in. It isn�t as large as Mr. Valenteno�s office, but it is huge none the less. And he was right, the natural light coming in would make for great studio lighting during the day. "This is perfect... are you sure?"
He smiles again, "Of course. It�s only reasonable that my on staff artist have a studio here." He pauses, watching Laura take it in. "You can have any furniture that you want, art supplies... I�m sure you�ll need running water, a kitchenette, a bed. If you�re anything like me you end up working through the night."
Laura�s eyes are alight with visions of a finished and newly remodeled studio, "Thank you."
"Having you working here in the building will be convenient for me; I often don�t get a chance to get away from the office and this way I�ll be able to check on the progress of the paintings. Of course, I would never drop in unannounced."
She nods, envisioning where things will go, making a mental list of what she�ll need.
"You�ll have to see my lawyer..." he starts to say when he notices Laura eyes dart back to him with a look of mild dread. He almost chuckles, "It�s only a formality to sign the employment papers."
"Oh." Laura answers, releasing a breath, "Of course." She tucks a piece of hair behind her ear.
"I want to make sure your paintings are shown to their best advantage in the new building. I�d like to hire you to oversee the d�cor and design of the building�s interior. I don�t want your paintings to clash with the building. Is this something you�d be interested in?" Mr. Valenteno asks.
"Yes." Laura answers smiling. ~Wow, resident artist AND decorator? This is my lucky day!~ she thinks to herself.
"Excellent. Shall we go back to my office and celebrate? I have chilled champagne waiting."
"Yeah, that would be great." She says, smiling.
As they walk he asks, "Do you have any managerial experience?"
"Only a little," Laura admits.
"Well, I think you�ll probably need one or two staff members to help you with design and decorating the new building. I�ve gotten many of my staff from �Design by Design�. I�ve always had good luck going through them." They enter his office sitting down in a lounge area where the champagne, strawberries and chocolate are waiting. He pours them both a glass. "Let�s talk about your salary. You�ve accepted to be employed by me and we haven�t talked about money. That�s never happened before, it�s a pleasant surprise. I like that." He says good Humouredly?
Laura chuckles.
"I�m thinking $5,000 a month for your salary and $15,000 per painting for the first three paintings. Is that enough?"
Laura almost chokes on a strawberry she was eating. "Yes. That�s fine." She says once she gets the strawberry swallowed. She absentmindedly tucks her hair behind her ear once again.
Mr. Valenteno reaches out and touches her earring, lightly brushing his fingertips on her neck. A shiver of pleasure runs through Laura unexpectedly. "I like your style," he says complimenting her earring.
"Thank you." Laura says.
He takes a drink of the champagne settling back in his chair, "I�m going to toot my own horn here for a minute. Not that I don�t have people who would toot it for me..." he jokes. Laura laughs. "... I�m a very important and busy man and it is often hard for me to find time to schedule meetings. I often have to schedule meetings over dinner and that may be the only time I have available to meet with you."
Laura nods, only half listening, thinking about the new studio, "That makes sense."
"Then are you agreeing to have dinner with me?" he asks.
Laura starts at the backwards way she was just asked out to dinner. She smiles and thinks playfully, ~sneaky bastard~, "Um, yes. I�ll have dinner with you."
"Our working relationship will be strictly business, and I am a businessman through and through, however if it becomes more personal I am open to that if you are. Respecting any boundaries of course." He adds.
Laura had been looking down at her glass, but at his not so subtle hint, she looks up meeting his gaze, with a soft flirty smile playing on her lips and a sparkle in her blue-gray eyes.
"You know, I have season tickets, box seats, to the New York City Ballet and my usual ballet partner won�t be able to attend with me for the upcoming performance. Would you like to go with me to the ballet for next months show?"
"Yes, I�d love to."
"Splendid." He stands up and walks to his desk.
Laura takes the opportunity to check him out ~Mmm, nice ass~ she thinks.
Once he sits down at his desk, he buzzes his secretary, "Martha, take notation. Get a hold of my lawyer. Ms Alden will need to fill out employment papers. I�ve hired her as a designer and in-house artist. I�ll also need her salary given to the accounting department; $5,000 a month, and $15,000 per painting for the first 3 paintings. The payment for other paintings to be determined later. Plus a $2,000 bonus for starting work so quickly, to help with any moving expenses to get herself setup in her studio. Office suit C will be converted into an art studio, so contact my construction company. We also need to get her a company credit card and corporate checking account so she can get what supplies and things she needs. You have all that?"
"Yes, Sir." Martha responds.
Mr. Valenteno�s phone starts to ring. When he sees which line it is, a subtle expression passes quickly over him, he excuses himself, "I need to take this call. Martha will contact you with arrangements and details. I�ll be in touch with the details for the ballet "meeting"." He smiles playfully.
Laura nods, smiles and sees herself out. As she shuts the door to his office he had already picked up the phone and began to listen. Just after the door closes she hears a very upset, "WHAT?" from the office. Laura checks in with Martha about the arrangements and such and leaves the building with a smile on her face.
§
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The Big Date:
A few weeks later Mr. Valenteno calls Laura to let her know when, where, and what time she should be ready for the ballet. Laura decides that she doesn�t have anything in her closet fancy enough for the New York City Ballet and that she should spend some of her first paycheck on a nice gown for the occasion. Her and her roommates take a weekend trip to the mainland to find something for the big date. Even Minerva and Reannikki are excited for her and are nice enough to charm her earrings with a strong protection to help keep her safe from mugging, or who knows what else, on the night out on the town in the Big Apple.
On the Saturday of the date, Laura arrives at Valentine Enterprises wearing a form-fitting white silk, high-end, cocktail gown with matching ballerina style high heels. She�s got on white gold chandelier earrings that accentuate her long neck and a white gold cross on a long matching chain.
After greetings he leads her to his helipad and they get in a helicopter and fly into the Seattle airport where his private jet is waiting. On the flight to New York they have a delicious dinner of lobster and steak with all the trimmings with wine and champagne to fit each course.
A limousine is waiting for them at the New York airport to take them to Lincoln Center and the New York State Theater. Once they arrive they make their way to the box seats and the usher hands them binoculars, programs, and champagne. Laura only lets him pour her a half glass. As soon as they�re all settled, a tall woman with long dark hair in a shimmery long black gown enters the box. Mr. Valenteno looks up at her. She says unemotionally, "Good evening Straton."
He responds, "Good evening. Is there something I can do for you?"
The woman glances at Laura, "I just wanted to say hello."
"Hello." He makes introductions, "Natasha, this is Laura Alden. Laura, this is Natasha. Natasha is one of my employees in Research and Development at the company. Laura is the new artist and resident at the corporation." The women nod at each other, Laura smiles pleasantly. He glances next to Natasha at the empty space, "Where�s your date?"
"Why right over here." She motions to the hallway and a tall handsome gentleman comes in to stand next to her. As soon as she finishes introducing him the lights flicker then begin to dim. "Well, we have to get back to our seats. I just wanted to say hello. I so rarely get to see you out enjoying yourself."
Once she leaves, Laura comments, "She seems nice. Will I see her around at the office?"
"I imagine you�ll run into her." He answers and chuckles to himself. "Do you give everyone the benefit of the doubt?"
Laura�s a bit confused by his question, "What do you mean?"
"In the corporate world we trust no one we first meet. It�s very competitive. It�s refreshing to meet someone who is creative, talented, and trusting."
Laura looks at him and gives a small smile, "Well, I didn�t say I trusted her."
He smiles, "Well, that�s what makes you so wise. She�s talented in her own right. Enough of her. Let�s enjoy our evening. Are you sure you won�t have some more champagne?"
She thinks for a moment, "Um. I�ll have one more glass."
He gets the attention of the valet to refill their glasses. As he leaves, he says pleasantly, "I hope you enjoy Le Loup Rouge."
Meanwhile, once Natasha left the box seat and moved out of earshot, she snaps her fingers and her "date" disappears. She finds an empty corner nearby and does an information seeking conjuring incantation, "Laura Alden." She gets a feeling of sweet, creativity, then fogginess as if a no more trespassing block went up. It gives her a little spark which makes her lose her concentration and stop. This annoys her. "There is more to this littler girl than just her little white weddingy dress."
She takes a quiet moment, "Timora... timora... mikola... timora..." After a pause, "hmmm? Straton is very infatuated with her. Well he needs a fuck every so often. He�ll come back to me. No one can satisfy him the way I can. No one knows him or his secrets like I do. Good thing I keep this escort spell on tap. Comes in handy." With a motion, she disappears.
In the box seat Laura and Mr. Valenteno are watching the last act before intermission. It is a scene in the woods. A male dancer comes on stage dressed in wolf skin, he pauses, watching a young beautiful woman dancing. Then he approaches her, seductively luring her, teasing her, making her want him. She gives in, and together they dance among the trees for a while until he moves to attack her in lust... And the curtain falls and the theater lights go up for intermission.
Watching this, Laura has been uncomfortably shifting in her seat and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Once the lights went up she quickly and quietly excuses herself to the bathroom, but before she can turn to go, Mr. Valenteno gently grabs her arm and asks, "Are you ok? Do we need to leave?"
Laura smiles weakly and assures him, "I�m fine. I�ll just be a minute."
Looking intently into her face, he nods then says, "As you know I have to go out and make an appearance. Say hello to people. It�s expected."
"I�ll come find you when I�m finished." Laura says as she turns go to the nearest restroom to splash water on her face and compose herself. While leaning over the sink she thinks, ~Shit. I had no idea it was going to be a werewolf story, or I wouldn�t have come. This is scarring the crap out of me... I�m just going to have to tough it out. I can�t make a scene in front of Straton.~ She emerges out of the bathroom and finds him talking to a famous Hollywood movie producer! Mr. Valenteno does introductions. She is shocked and pleasantly surprised to see that he is on a first name basis with a lot of big-wigs. There is a lot of "Straton! How are you? ..." "It�s so good to see you! ... " and friendly "How�s business? ... "
The lights flicker and they make their way back to their seats. During the pleasantries with famous people, Laura has found herself holding another glass of champagne. By the time they get settled, the lights have dimmed and the curtain rises and the ballet continues. The third act turns out to be quiet sweet. However, the fourth and last act again makes Laura uncomfortable. This time the male wolf is dancing with many women in wolf pelts and in the midst of them lies the deceased form of the young woman from earlier. At the end of the piece a giant full moon rises and the man weeps at it and over the young woman�s body. As the story ends, the sound of crying rises up and becomes a wolf howl which fades as the stage lights go dark, showing nothing but the full moon gleaming, before the curtain falls.
As the crowd erupts into applause, Laura sits dead still, all color drained from her face. The cast comes out and takes their bow and still Laura is a deer in headlights. Mr. Valenteno notices and touches her arm, "Are you all right?"
This seems to snap her out of it for the most part, "ah... yeah. It was just, such a moving story."
Mr. Valenteno nods, "It�s a first piece by a new producer. I had heard it was to stretch the bounds of creativity. I just hope animal rights don�t get on them about using wolf pelts."
"I�m sure they�re just well made up costumes with fake fur." She says as she stifles a shutter.
"Yeah, your right. I guess I�m just looking for controversy. While you�re the eternal optimist, I�m the eternal pessimist."
Laura smiles and nods as a response.
"I thought we�d go over to Sardi�s for a snack or a night cap."
"Sounds wonderful," Laura answers.
His limo takes them over to the high-end establishment, where there happens to be an after party taking place. Laura is introduced as an artist to more important and famous people and much hobnobbing takes place. Mr. Valenteno orders them a delicious appetizer to munch on and Laura carefully sips from her drink that the waiters keep refilling, trying to pace herself. Around two in the morning things start to wind down. Mr. Valenteno asks Laura, "Would you like to take a drive in the limousine to see the Manhattan skyline?"
Laura is overwhelmed by all the people she meet and conversed with all night and very much would like to be somewhere quiet. "Yeah," she answers with a smile.
As they get chauffeured around, Mr. Valenteno points out landmarks they pass by. His hand ends up over hers as they have a wonderful conversation and as the tour comes to an end, he says, "I want you to know that I appreciate your work." He pauses, "I keep a penthouse here in Manhattan that we can stay the night at if you like. You can have a room of your own of course. I�m not implying anything. Or if you prefer we could fly back tonight."
Laura looks over at him with a small smile, "We can stay at the penthouse."
Mr. Valenteno smiles, nods and then lets the driver know. He thinks to himself, ~Wow. That was easy.~
A little while later they arrive at the building in upper Manhattan. When they enter the building it opens up into a beautiful large marble lobby and both the doorman and the person behind the desk are surprised to see Mr. Valenteno, "Good evening Mr. Valenteno. We weren�t expecting you." They are very polite and respectful. The elevator they take upstairs opens right into his penthouse.
~Holly shit!~ Laura thinks, ~This place is huge, and posh!~ The main room that the entryway opens up into is a large living room with a spacious sunken floor area by the fireplace, where comfortable looking couches and chairs are arranged. On one side there is a roomy kitchen, a formal dinning room and a hallway which looks like four guest bedrooms. On the other side of the living room appears to be a home office and the master bedroom where a light is on inside. The place is decorated with lush, rich fabrics, beautiful statues, artwork, and ornate bookshelves. Laura thinks this is more of an estate home and not a penthouse apartment. Compared to the little two bedroom cabin she rents with her three roommates you�d think she lived in the gutter.
"Hmm." Mr. Valenteno says, "My butler must be making up my bed. Let me show you to your room so you can freshen up and get comfortable." He walks her down the hallway where she suspected the guest bedrooms were and leads her into the farthest one. "The bathroom is through that door." he points across the room, "I�m accustomed to entertaining a variety of guests, so there is an assortment of clothes in the armoire. Help yourself to anything you find. I have to check my messages. I�ll meet you at the fireplace for a nightcap?"
Laura smiles and nods. When he leaves the bedroom he shuts the door behind him and she explores the contents of the armoire. She is surprised to find not only an array of women�s clothes in many different sizes, but men�s also. There seems to be something for every occasion. Smiling mischievously to herself she picks out a variety of silk nightgowns with matching bathrobes and heads into the luxurious bathroom.
As soon as Mr. Valenteno leaves Laura, he heads across the penthouse and storms into the master bedroom. The room certainly has been made ready. The holographic wall murals have been turned on. One wall is a large waterfall cascading down a rocky slope framed by luscious greenery illuminated by silvery light. On the opposite wall shines a huge magnificent full moon, the apparent source of the slivery light. Lying posed on the bed fully naked isn�t the butler, but Natasha.
Mr. Valenteno isn�t happy, "I�d say what the hell are you doing, but I know you too well. Get dressed and get out. I will talk to you later."
Natasha just stares at him looking smug.
"Natasha, I am sorry I�m not following by the traditional rules, but there won�t be any make up sex tonight. As your employer I suggest you get out quickly and quietly."
She slides out of his bed looking coyly at him, "I�m accustomed to your wanderings and though patience is not my favorite virtue, it is one I can employ. However, don�t think I�ll be waiting for you to finish with tighty-whitey in there. I�m a powerful and wealthy woman in my own right."
"I would never begin to underestimate you, Natasha, and your recent failure in regards to our tracking protocols has no bearing on this. However, our relationship has not been mutually satisfying as it once was. And though I shall retain you as a valuable employee, I suggest you leave your card key at the front desk and I�ll see you at our appointed time next week."
"Don�t cross me, Straton. You wouldn�t like me as a bitch." She says icily.
"But Darling, being a bitch is what I do like about you. That�s the only reason you�re still employed." And without missing a beat, he leaves the room, shutting the door behind him and orders champagne and strawberries.
While all of this is going on, Laura gets herself ready back on the other side of the penthouse. With her naturally heightened hearing ability she can hear voices, but not what they are saying. All she can pick up is the tones of the voices. ~I think I�ll just stay in here a while longer, �till they�re done.~ she decides, mildly wondering what the butler did to get himself into trouble. When she can tell that Straton�s conversation has ended, she checks herself in the mirror one last time and she is feeling good! She doesn�t realize that the reason she feels so good is because her wolf side to has come out due to the combination of drinking on and off all night and the emotional rollercoaster she experienced. She feels very much �on the prowl� and empowered.
In the sitting area by the fire place Mr. Valenteno has his back to the guest hallway. He has draped his suit jacket on the back of a chair, has undid his tie and is taking off his cufflinks when he just barely picks up the sound of bare feet on thick carpet. He turns around to see Laura approaching the living room. There is a subtle sharp intake of breath when he sees her and a smile finds its way to his face that says, "I like what I see".
Laura confidently walks toward the room. The folds of the gorgeous white silk bathrobe tied about her waist, floats gently with her movement. She is a vision of sexy elegance and promise. The soft fabric fits her to a T. She had left her jewelry on and the chandelier earrings accentuate her long neck, her necklace disappearing under the robe. Her short hair frames her face complimenting her sultry confident expression and sparkling eyes. She is the huntress in all her glory seeking her conquest.
As soon as she reaches the edge of the room, the master bedroom door opens and the male butler walks out. Laura pauses. Mr. Valenteno knows that this is Natasha under a cloaking spell and he thinks thankfully, ~Laura hasn�t a clue~. A buzzer rings near the elevators and Mr. Valenteno thinks, ~If Natasha wants to play this game, then I�ll make her play it.~ He says to the Natasha �butler�, "Jeaves, that would be the champagne and strawberries. Please set them up here by the fireplace, and then that will be all for this evening. We will not want to be disturbed again. I�m sure you�ll see to it."
Natasha, as the butler, does what she�s told. "Very good, Sir." She says, accentuating the �Sir� that if the word was a sharp knife it would have pierced the air. As she passes Mr. Valenteno to make her way to the elevator, she gives him an icy stare that only he can see and sends him a psychic message, ~You�ll get bored with tighty-whitey and I�ll be there to flush her.~ With that, the elevator doors open and she leaves.
Once the "butler" has left, Laura strolls up to Mr. Valenteno. He hands her a glass of champagne and with his other hand, he swoops it to the small of her back, pulling her into him, "I�ve come to really appreciate you, Laura." He leans in to kiss her deeply. She returns his kiss passionately and the more intense she gets, the more intense he becomes. When their lips finally part, in a breathy, husky voice he whispers into her ear, "You surprise me. I�m not accustomed to being surprised, but in this case I really like it."
A deep throaty chuckle escapes Laura. She smiles and gently nips him on the sensitive area just behind his ear. He can barely hear her say, "Good." before she takes his earlobe lightly between her teeth.
His one hand is still at the small of her back, massaging, while his other hand reaches up by her neck and into her hair. His voice deep with desire kept in check, "You�re making it very hard for me to maintain the employee/employer boundaries."
She gives a throaty half laugh, then offers, "You could fire me, then rehire me in the morning."
He takes the glass of champagne from her that she has still been holding, and sets it gently on the coffee table next to them. He undoes the tie to her robe, pushing it off her shoulders and she lets it fall, cascading to puddle around her feet. He takes a moment to drink her in visually; the white silk and lace nightgown hugs her every curve, her nipples small nubs through the thin fabric. "You�re fired." he says and passionately grabs her then sweeps her up into his arms and he carries her into his bedroom. He is surprised at his emotion, it is more than just lust.
Once they enter the bedroom, Laura notices the holographic wall murals, especially the luminescent full moon. Normally seeing that would have the effect of a cold shower, however, given how wolfed out she is right now and how aroused, it instead adds fuel to the fire. After they have barely made it to the bed, lust and primal need have taken over.
During their feverish love making, Laura notices that Straton has a tattoo on the left front side of his hip. It is a red rose in full bloom with a skull and cross bones trailing from the flower.
Hours later, he strokes her hair as they lay together, "I need to tell you that I did not plan this. I won�t lie, I�ve had my fair share of dates that have ended very romantically. But you�ve really captured something in me." he tells her.
Sounding content she says, "I didn�t plan this either. But I like living in the moment when I can, and I thoroughly enjoyed this."
He holds her closer, breathing deep, enjoying her pleasant smell. Had he known better, he would have recognized it as a musky animal scent. "Well, today is Sunday. If you don�t have any previous engagements, how would you like to join me for a day and breakfast in Paris?"
A smile slowly forms and Laura answers, "I like having you around." she jokes. "Breakfast in Paris would be fine."
Mr. Valenteno reaches for the phone on bedside table. He presses a button and after a pause speaks to someone, "Cancel all my Sunday appointments, reschedule my priority meeting for Monday afternoon. All projects are to go forward as planned. Hold all my calls, only ultimate emergencies. I am unavailable for comments." He places another call to notify his private jet so they can get it ready.
"We should probably get some sleep. Do you want me to leave you alone?"
"Nope." She answers definitively.
He smiles, "I don�t think I could." Then he kisses and nibbles on her and before they know it they are under the sheets again.
When they are snuggling once more, he starts to say to her, "There�s a wardrobe..." his phone rings and he answers it. After he hangs up, "The jet is fueled and ready for us."
"I suppose we should get some clothes on then." Laura says.
"I�d like to keep you like this all day." He says running a hand over her breast.
Laura replies teasingly, "You promised me breakfast in Paris, Mister."
Amused, he says, "Going to keep me honest are you?"
"At least for the moment." She smiles.
"There should be many choices in the guest bedroom. If nothing in there suits you, I could get something here quickly."
"You�re going to spoil me if you keep this up." Her eyes twinkle. "What�s in there will be fine." She adds matter of fact.
He smiles in response, looking at her.
She asks, "So, why do you have all those clothes here?"
"I suppose I could lie and tell you it�s for all my clients and their escorts. To some extent that�s true, but in all honesty I�ve had a few relationships." he answers.
Laura nods, taking it in stride.
"I�m going to hop in the shower quick." he says as he starts to get out of bed.
Laura asks, "Do want some company?"
"I�d love company."
An hour later they are washed, dressed, temporarily sated and ready to go. While they were in the shower the real butler had been in to take care of things. Coffee and croissants are waiting, the bed is made and clothes laid out for Mr. Valenteno. Laura gathers together her clothes from last night and waits by the elevator while Mr. Valenteno does a once over of the place and closes things up. In his bedroom he finds Laura�s necklace that she forgot. He picks it up and puts in his pocket. He meets her at the elevator and they head out.
The Limousine takes them to the airport and they take off to Paris in his private jet. As soon as they take off, Laura falls asleep in her chair, too exhausted to be able to stay awake. Normally it�s the stewardess�s job to cover the passengers with a blanket and turn out the over head light, but when she goes to do this, Mr. Valenteno stops her. She�s surprised, but doesn�t say anything. Mr. Valenteno is surprised himself as he turns out the light and carefully places a blanket over Laura, gently kissing her on the forehead before resuming his seat.
Once they land in Paris and Laura wakes up feeling much better, Mr. Valenteno remembers about the time change and apologizes, "It looks like we�ll have to have dinner instead of breakfast. I hope that is ok."
She smiles and gives a half chuckle, "Yeah, that�s fine."
"Have you ever been to Paris before?" he asks.
"No."
He smiles when he answers, "I�ll have to show you around then." Before they go to eat he takes her to the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. As they pass a flower street vendor, he stops. "Did I mention how much I like you?" he asks as he buys her a single beautiful white rose. He carefully breaks off the stem and tucks it into her hair. "Are you interested in seeing the Louvre?"
Her eyes get big, "Uh, yeah. But isn�t it closed by now?"
"To the general public" he says as he pulls out his cell phone and starts to dial. He talks to the curator. Once he has hung up he tells Laura, "He�ll meet us there in a hour. That gives us just enough time to have a nice dinner at a quaint little place I know."
An hour later they arrive at the museum and sure enough, the curator is waiting for them. The say hello as if they are best friends. The curator gives them a personal guided tour of the artwork during which Laura learns that Mr. Valenteno has donated several works of art.
At the end of the tour, Mr. Valenteno says to the curator while looking at Laura, "I would like to see one of her paintings here."
Laura is speechless and blushes.
They say their goodbye�s to the curator and give him their thanks. As they walk down the street he says, "I�d like to give you a gift to remember this trip by."
"I won�t be forgetting it anytime soon." Laura responds.
He stops and hugs her, giving her a long tender kiss.
When they get into the limousine he gives the driver directions and makes another call. A short while later they arrive at Cariadrar and the owner is waiting to let them in. Once inside Mr. Valenteno tells him, "I�d like to see the private collection please." When they are brought out he picks out a gorgeous art deco classic bracelet with a wolf charm on it made of platinum. He hands it to Laura, "In memory of our first ballet together."
Laura�s smile has become fixed and the sparkle goes out of her eyes.
Mr. Valenteno notices, "If there is something else you�d rather have? I just wanted you to have something special, one of a kind."
In the briefest of moments a lot goes through Laura�s mind: The events of yesterday and this evening. The fact that the date�s theme ended up being the wolf, much to her discomfort. His tenderness and kindness. The unspoken words and feelings she picked up on. It truly has been a one of a kind evening and this would be a very sentimental gift. ~How can I say no to something so special that means so much, just because of my fears.~ She makes up her mind.
All Mr. Valenteno sees is her hesitation, a flitting expression that indicates she might be coming to terms with something, and the breath she takes.
She says, "No. This is perfect. This means so much." And he can tell she truly means it.
He puts the bracelet on her and kisses her. "There is really nothing that can compare to you in beauty or uniqueness."
After he pays, they make there way back to the limo and they drive off, heading back to his jet at the airport. "I would love to just spend a week with you here. It�s so refreshing to be with someone who enjoys everything so much. But I must get back to work. I have a corporation to run." He says.
Laura nods, "Yeah, I have to get back to the painting."
"Oh, that�s right." he says, "You�re hired." He smiles as he pulls her closer to him in the back of the limo.
They have a very affectionate time together flying back to New York, Seattle, and then eventually, Valentine Heights. During the flights they join the five mile high club on the way. Standing together outside of the Valentine Enterprises building he kisses her gently on the hand. "I know that when I see you at work it will be a little different of course. Don�t take my distance personally. I�d like to see you again as soon as our schedules permit."
Laura smiles, "That would be wonderful." She continues more seriously, "and I understand you have a business to run. I had a wonderful time. Thank you."
"No. Thank you." He says. And to his surprise he finds that he means it.
He has one of his drivers take her home, and after seeing her off, he heads back into the building thinking. ~I�ve got to get my head back into the game. I�m too old and jaded to be playing the school boy games. I�ve got all these things to handle, Natasha, the severed heads case, magic...~ He stops and finds himself reaching deep into his pocket. He pulls out Laura�s cross necklace and smiles as he looks at it. ~Oh shit. I forgot to give this back to her.~ he thinks. But he�s glad he forgot and as he makes his way to his office he holds it and thinks of her.
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