An Arrangement of Love (3 page)

“Don’t start.” Troy sucked his teeth. “I’ve reread all of your letters three times. I’m not like Sherman, Neil, and them. I’m done with jail, man.”

A knock sounded from the front door.

“Troy being out here will be the thing that helps him stay out of prison. I believe in him.” Vivian jumped up and headed to the door. “Troy, tell Jasmine your good news.”

I raised my newly tweezed, plucked, and waxed eyebrows. “News?”

His lips remained in that tight-lipped frown. “It’s nothing big. You know Viv likes to make big things out of nothing.”

“He received his associates degree in general studies.” Vivian opened the door.

“What?” I threw my shoe at him. “You never wrote me that you were taking college courses. Awesome. And why didn’t you tell me you would be up for parole?”

“I didn’t want you to get your hopes up.”

“Well fine. You’re here now and I’m so freaking impressed,” I said. “That’s so awesome. We have to celebrate tonight.”

Vivian rushed back in the living room with three large boxes stacked in her arms. She dropped them on the floor. “These have all of our names on them, even Troy’s.”

“What?” Troy and I said in unison.

“The delivery man said it was from Mr. Chase Stone.” She tore open one of the boxes. Confusion clogged my brain.
Even Troy’s name?
I yanked the top off another box. A black tuxedo lay inside.

A gold card with black lettering said, “Dear Mr. Troy Montgomery, please join Stone Industries in celebrating the grand opening of Pyramid.”

“How did he find out Troy would be here?” I tossed the card to my brother and wrenched open my box.

“This is shady.” Troy read the card and plopped it on the coffee table. “Does this company work with the CIA or something?”

“No.” Vivian heaved out a ruffled silk-organza gown outlined in sea-green beads.

How did he know her favorite color was green?

She twirled around with the dress as if she was heading off to the prom. “My dad has worked on Stone’s corporate legal staff for twenty years. The company mainly deals with the entertainment industry—record labels, video game systems, casinos, night clubs, and movie production. They’re invested in a lot of stuff, but nothing dealing with intelligence.”

“I was told I would be monitored, but I thought Lucy was over-exaggerating.” I fingered the strapless gown in my box. Copper satin cords embellished in sequins started at the top of the dress and ended at the waist. Bronze silk flowed from the center and formed a skirt that would probably end above my knees.
I can’t get used to people dressing me.

A card larger than Vivian’s and Troy’s was attached to my box’s top corner. Black lettering said, “Be in the VIP section at eleven. C.S.”

I glanced at my watch. 10:00 p.m.

Goodness!

Chapter 3

A
cool breeze blew
through my hair as Vivian and I stood in line outside of Pyramid. We celebrity-watched while Troy parked my rusty car blocks away from the club. Although Oshane City boasted the highest amount of wealthy residents in any American city on the east coast, not many famous men and women lived here.

Where did all of these actors and entertainers come from? Did Chase invite them all?

People bumped into us while they struggled to get a good look at whatever big name person arrived. Cameras flashed each time an entertainer sauntered down the red carpet. A diverse array of elegant gowns draped all the women—from silk to taffeta, lace to crepe. Many men maintained the typical tuxedo look, while others flaunted bold colored jackets or crushed velvet vests with no shirt underneath. Music blared each time the club’s double doors opened. So many sophisticated scents blended together. Sweet notes of rose mingled with the subtle bouquet of jasmine. The closer we moved to the club I caught whiffs of citrus perfumes and earthy colognes.

“Are you sure you’re okay with Troy staying with us?” I asked Vivian.

“It was my idea. Remember?” Vivian held her hand up. “Stop worrying.”

“I’m not.”

“Sure you’re not.” Vivian stuck her tongue out at me, which smudged some of her pink lipstick.

I wiped at the corner of her lips with my thumb. “You look lovely as usual.”

“Let’s hope I meet an art gallery owner who is so captivated by my beauty he buys all of my paintings without looking at them.” She fluttered her eyelashes. “Then Dad won’t complain so much.”

“Well, with my big paycheck we can tell Benny to stop paying the rent.” I clapped my hands.
Finally, I can stop being a charity case.

“Let’s wait for you to survive and not get murdered.”

My smile vanished. “Not funny.”

“You know, if I heard that three people in my position died a few years ago, I would’ve quit.”

“
You
can quit. You have an awesome dad who understands your creative dreams and will probably pay your bills until you’re thirty.”
Whereas I don’t know who the hell my dad is.
“And stop bringing those assistants’ deaths up. It scares me.”

“It should.” She leaned in and whispered, “Plus he’s probably bugging our apartment. Maybe he even has video cameras in the ceiling. I’m going to shower with a bathing suit.”

“Would you stop that?”

“Dude, Troy was only in the apartment for like two hours, but they had a tuxedo for him. Plus all of the measurements for our clothes were perfect.”

“We’ve discussed this already.” I tucked my hair behind my ear. “And we all equally agree this situation is odd.”

“And freaky.”

“Yes.”

She gazed off in another direction. “I’ll have to masturbate in pitch dark now.”

“Versus a fully lit room?” I grinned.

“Well . . . I light candles.”

I laughed. “Since you said it that way, I’ll have to immediately bring this to Chase’s attention. I can see it right now. I’ll say, ‘I think you’re bugging my home and placing video cameras in my ceiling. Could you stop? My roommate wants to make love to her vibrator in candlelight?’”

“Oh shush.” Vivian’s mouth opened. A shocked expression spread across her face as she looked behind me.

“What?” I asked.

“Jasmine Montgomery?” A deep voice sounded.

“Yes?” I glanced over my shoulder. A naked man wrapped in layers of gold-painted muscle stood behind me.

“Mr. Stone would like you to follow me,” the gold man said. “Someone else will escort the rest of your party.”

“He’s completely naked.” Vivian cupped her hand over her mouth and giggled.

“Yes. I noticed.” I checked my watch. It was now midnight. I wondered if Chase was pissed. We’d been waiting in line for over an hour so I had an excuse.
Maybe.

“Go ahead.” Vivian waved me away. “He’s your boss and I doubt he’ll kill you in front of so many people.”

I showed my middle finger to her and walked off. Naked Gold Guy clasped my hand and guided me to the door. I wobbled a little in my six-inch heels, thankful I could use my nude Adonis’ strength to prevent me from tripping and falling.
I’ve never been escorted in public by a naked man. Is this the norm of working with Chase Stone?

The double doors opened. An electronic drum boomed to a fast-paced rhythm. The sweet aroma of baked cakes saturated the massive space. Rays of amber light sprayed the dance floor. Bodies pumped, rocked, and gyrated into each other. Towers of cakes garnished plates on every table that bordered the dance floor.
I should have eaten before coming. Now all I want to do is eat cake.
Saliva filled my mouth. I could almost taste sugar on my tongue.

All of a sudden, horns sounded. Glass cages dropped from the ceiling. Nude women painted in gold and black glitter danced in each cage. The music sped up, banging against my eardrums.

We maneuvered through thick crowds of stylish people, traveled by champagne fountains, and even passed a rotating bar with bartenders pouring drinks to customers. We stopped at a glass elevator. My guide pressed the gold button that said two. The doors glowed up to a bright blue hue and slid open.

“This club is amazing.” I stepped in the elevator right behind him.

“Yep,” he agreed. “It’s definitely my top ten.”

“Top ten, huh? I would love to see that list. I’m not a big clubber, but I doubt I’ll ever forget this place.”

The elevator rose. Outside of its glass walls, glitter rained from the ceiling. The dancing crowd roared, lifted their hands, and jumped up and down with excitement.

“You like working here?” I sneaked a glance below his waist, unable to help myself. A gold-dipped erection greeted my eyes. I backed up. A noise between a shriek and school girl giggle escaped my lips.

Oh my god. His penis is painted. Well, of course, but, oh my god!

“Everything alright?” He smirked.

“Oh sure.” I planted my attention to the ceiling. “I-I’m cool.”

“You looked at my dick, didn’t you?”

Silence.

“It’s fine if you did,” he said.

“What gave it away?”

“You have this weird wide-smile–and-eyes-popped-open look.” He winked at me. “You’re also a really bad liar. Your whole face twitched when you said you were cool.”

“Many say my face twitches when I lie, which makes it hard for me when I don’t want to confess a hard truth to someone. But.” I held my finger up. “For some wacky reason I’m an excellent poker player.”

“I’d love to play a game with you one day.”

I looked into his eyes. “Bring it.”

“My name is Darryl.”

“Jasmine.” I tapped my chest. The elevator stopped on the second floor. The doors opened.

“This is VIP.” He led me out. “Perhaps we can add dinner to that game of poker?”

Another new world record. I’m being asked on a date by a naked gold man.

“Maybe.” I trailed behind him and checked out his nice behind. With each step, his muscled cheeks flexed.
Tonight’s a celebration. Relax and just go for it. I’m going to have fun.

“You know what?” I said. “I definitely would love dinner before I whip you in poker.”

He let his head fall back as he laughed. “Then let’s get you to Mr. Stone first and then afterwards we’ll figure out the details.”

“Sounds good.”

VIP guests enjoyed a different experience than Pyramid’s first level. Chandeliers clutched lit candles and hung from high ceilings. Shadows danced on the walls. A balcony was on the side of the lounge and provided an excellent view of the first floor’s dance area. The music’s volume was low enough to hear but still maintain a decent conversation. Here, waiters ambled by, holding trays of finger foods. I studied the trays, spotting a hint of color and a whiff of promising aromas. Only about ten people lounged on white fur couches. Chase sat alone in the center of the room, watching me. His look caused me to stumble a little and made me feel like prey, for some reason.

Surely, this is what an antelope feels like whenever it’s within the distance of a lion.

Fear and this awkward need to impress him uncoiled inside of me.
Dang it.
It always came when I was near powerful people. I sighed. It took time to get rid of that reaction. For some reason, I just had to make an impact on the authoritative figure over me. In high school, I’d sucked up to teachers. In college, I completed extra assignments and presented unassigned essays to shocked professors. As long as I’d known Vivian’s dad, I’ve followed him around, nodding and waiting patiently for his approval. In fact, I craved it from him.

Don’t stress. There is no need to go crazy trying to impress him.

“Oh, I almost forgot.” Darryl paused and prevented me from walking further by getting in front of me. “I guess I’ve had too many drinks, but I should have asked you something first. You actually work for the top guy, right?”

“Yes. Why?”

He tilted his head to the side. “I mean you work in his company with him, not like the other type of work.”

“Huh?”

“You’re not a hooker?”

I covered my face with my hands. “No. Oh my god, why did you think that?”

“I’ve been escorting hookers up here all night to other people. Sorry. You just had this professional air about you so I assumed you wouldn’t be a hooker.”

“Well thanks.” I shook my head. “I guess.”

“But then, the way Mr. Stone is looking at you, I figured maybe you’re one of those high class hookers.”

I twisted my lips to the side. “Your chances at a date with me are kind of dwindling down to no.”

“Oh, no, wait.” He waved his hands. “I mean. Never mind. Forget what I meant. Since you’re not working for him in that capacity, I would love to get your number.”

Now I’m not sure.

“I’ll have to give you my number later,” I said. “After I talk to my new boss. I’m already late.”

“I’ll be waiting.” He inclined that rock-hard body my way and planted a succulent kiss on my cheek.
Wow. I am definitely giving him my number now.

“Okay, I really have to go.” I moseyed on around him. Once we approached Chase, a glare corrupted that perfect face. I swallowed down a shiver.

“What was the kiss for?” Chase asked Darryl.

“I give them to all the ladies, sir.”

Chase sipped the sparkling clear liquid in his glass. “Next time make sure the woman is free to be kissed. This one isn’t.”

Excuse me?

“Yes, sir.” Darryl bowed, turned around, frowned at me, and left.

I doubt he wants my number anymore.

“Did you give him the erection?” Chase shifted his concentration to me.

“What?” I held my hands out to my sides. “No. He was hard before the elevator.”

“What happened on the elevator?” He set his glass on the table.

I started twisting my copper ring. “Nothing happened. He asked me for my number and I told him I would give it to him later.”

“I’d rather you not give out your number to anyone.”

“Of course.” I nodded.
Great way to start off a work situation, Jasmine.
“I usually don’t give out my number while I’m working. That will never happen again, Mr. Stone.”