The Protege (5 page)

“Oh,
I thought I’d noticed a slight accent when we first met. I couldn’t quite put
my finger on what it was. I thought perhaps German or something.”

“It’s
barely discernable these days. My years in America have erased much of it, or
so I’m told.”

In
the distance the shimmering lights of the dock came into view. As they got
closer, Serena wondered which of the spectacular crafts they would board.  They
were all magnificent and impressive.

“Ready?”
Sebastian said as he parked the car and killed the engine.

“As
I’ll ever be.”

He
came around the car and opened the door.  Serena accepted the hand he offered
and was caught off guard as his touch sent electric sparks running through her
body. Quickly, she reminded herself of the role she was to play.  This was to
be a mere charade and her body had to keep that in mind.  She’d have to play
along while keeping any true emotion from entering the game.

When
he tightened his hold of her, she leaned into him, letting herself become
completely immersed in her role. She had to convince everyone they were
actually dating; actually knew one another.  It wasn’t too difficult to fake. 
His body, muscular and strong, was like a magnet that was hard to pull away
from.  Her body was in perfect sync to his and she was surprised by how
comfortable she felt at his side.

With
a carriage worthy of the most notable prince, Sebastian led her to an
extravagant multi-million dollar yacht. The moment they boarded, Serena was
surrounded by everything that was rich and ostentatious.

“How
many people work just to keep this thing glittering?” Her gaze darted from the
glistening floors to the shinning rails to the glowing golden trim.

“We
have a great crew,” he said simply.  “Come on.  I’ll show you around.”

The
guests in attendance were as impressive as the craft they’d boarded.  Silks,
sequins, crystals and diamonds; every single guest flaunted their wealth. 
Serena was eternally grateful she had a fashionable friend like Laura. Without
her she’d have stuck out like a sore thumb. 

Having
grown up in Newport, Laura was the daughter of the founder of a successful
chain of health food stores and had learned at a young age how to hold her own
among the most affluent. With her auburn hair and fair skin, she would have fit
right in with this crowd.  Laura, as down to earth as she could be at times,
had the innate ability to hold herself with a haughty air when the occasion
suited her, along with her no-holds bar colorful language and rebelliousness.

As
cultured and sophisticated as Serena now appeared, she’d had to learn the airs
and ways of the wealthy.  She’d done so, years ago to please him.

A
soft and gentle smile came to tickle her lips as she thought of him; her ex,
her first…  He’d been the first man to make love to her. At nineteen she’d been
innocent and considerably naïve when she’d met the twenty-nine year old man
who’d swept her off her feet.

Not
only had he introduced her to the pleasures of being a woman, he’d opened a
whole new world of money, class and sophistication.  He would have fit in
perfectly with the crowd that now surrounded her.  Amused and feeling a little
nostalgic, she peered through the crowd, hoping to perhaps spot him.  Her eyes
darted to every tall blond man in attendance, but none of them had his
sparkling blue eyes.  Nor did they have the exquisitely sexy body that had
taught her so many lessons in love.

She
allowed herself a moment to wonder what her view of men would be had it not
been for the things she’d learned during that time. Would she still be as
innocent and virginal as she’d been?

Enough
indulging in the past, she thought with a mental shake of her head.  That was
over a couple of years ago… a lifetime ago. If anything, she’d put great effort
into forgetting everything about him.  She’d even gone so far as to avoid
dating anyone who remotely resembled him.  The men she’d known since had been
dark and brooding. Less experienced, men she can easily dominate. They’d also
been more down to earth which had come to suit her student status and
lifestyle.

Her
music career was what counted now, not pleasing a man.

Bringing
her thoughts back to the present she took in the luxury that now enveloped her,
feeling a bit more at home. The urge to let out an impressed whistle became
stronger with every step, but Serena resisted and simply took in her beautiful
surroundings with a restrained but appreciative nod.

“Hey,
you okay?” Sebastian asked.

Serena
looked up at him and realized how far away her thoughts had taken her. “Just a
lot of memories.  There was a time when I attended a lot of functions like
this.”

“Oh?”
He smiled in appreciation. “You are indeed a fascinating and mysterious young
woman. Hardly what I expected considering the disheveled kitten who walked into
my office.”

She
waved the notion and conversation away.  “It was a long time ago, and I’ve
changed since then.  My focus is on my music now. I want to concentrate on
being a good student… the best, and I want to channel all my energy into my
career as a composer.”

His
gaze was intense and solemn as Sebastian listened to her. “I look forward to
discussing your ambitions.”

“But
for now…” she finished for him.

“Yes,
for now we have guests to mingle with.”

They
strolled through the crowd, quickly greeting a variety of people.  While many
were young and attractive, the vast majority of them were older. 
Sophistication dripped from their fingertips and peering down over their noses
seemed to be the norm.

“Do
you spend a lot of time on this boat?” Serena asked as Sebastian led her to a
quiet corner of the room.

Sebastian
let out a soft little laugh. “Please don’t let anyone hear you calling this a
boat, my mother in particular.  She’d have a conniption.”

“Sorry,
right.  Do you spend a lot of time on this yacht?”

“Not
as much as I’d like to.  Sometimes I’d just like to take it out and get away
from it all, but my schedule doesn’t often permit it.”

“It
certainly seems to be the kind of place that could inspire beautiful music.”

Nodding
he led her outside. The salty evening air caressed her cheeks and she closed
her eyes a moment, letting the breeze fan her hair.

“Here
at the dock and filled with the most affluent residents of Southern California
the atmosphere is almost cold and biting. It’s not the most conducive
atmosphere to write music. I’m sure you’ve already noticed how formal and
forced everyone seems.”

Serena
nodded.  She had noticed a few creased brows, tense smiles and practiced
laughter as they’d made their way through the crowd.  While they’d greeted
Sebastian with respect, they’d barely glanced at Serena.

He
pointed out toward the horizon.  “Being out there, miles from shore all alone
is quite another experience. It’s breathtaking. Replenishing. Maybe I’ll take
you out some time.” He leaned over the rail and looked out to the sea. 

The
sun still held remnants of deep dark gold as a last sliver peeked over the
horizon.

“It’s
easy to understand,” Serena whispered, feeling the freedom and tranquility
Sebastian also felt at the moment. “Just looking out from here is magical.”

“Come
on,” he said as he turned and gently took her by the arm, his eyes softening as
he looked into hers. “We’d better meet and greet a few more people before my
mother reprimands me for being so inhospitable.”

“And
where is your mother?”

Guiding
her toward a pleasant looking older couple, Sebastian chuckled.  “Don’t worry. 
She’s here somewhere.  You’ll meet her soon enough.”

“Sebastian,”
the older man said.

“Doctor
Howard.” Sebastian nodded at the man then took the woman’s hand to kiss her
fingers. “Mrs. Howard.  So pleased to see you could make it.”

“You
know how we love to support your mother and her fundraisers.” Mrs. Howard said.
“In particular this organization. The children’s hospital does such phenomenal
work and we know the money raised tonight will make such a difference in so
many children’s lives.”

“Indeed.”
Sebastian brought Serena to the forefront. “If I may, I’d like to introduce you
to Serena.”

“A
pleasure,” the older woman said.

“Likewise,”
the man added.

“Are
you involved with the fundraiser?” Mrs. Howard asked.

“Bash!”
A booming female voice called out before Serena could answer.

Sebastian
closed his eyes and Serena saw a light hint of tension spread across his jaw
line.

“Bash,
it’s about time you got here.” An attractive elegant older woman draped in
colorful chiffon intruded the quiet foursome. Her bright blue eyes quickly took
in Serena’s dress before turning to Sebastian. “How long have you been here?
Why didn’t you come see me right away?”

“I
arrived just a few moments ago, Mother.  I’ve barely had time to make the
rounds and I felt it imperative to greet the good doctor and his lovely wife.” 
He leaned in closer to his mother.  “You know how Father can be about these
things.”

After
a nod of salutation, the good doctor and his lovely wife quietly walked away.

“So
happy you came,” Mrs. Sorensen called out after them.  The moment they were out
of earshot she turned to Sebastian.  “Can you believe that dress she’s
wearing?  I feel like it’s 1996 all over again.”

“I
thought she looked lovely, Mother.”

“Yes,
well, you were always a little behind the times.”

Serena
cocked a brow, surprised by the woman’s open reprimand of her adult son.

“And
on a cheerier note, Mother, this is Serena Singleton.”

Mrs.
Sorensen offered Serena three feeble and limp fingers in lieu of a handshake.

“Pleased
to meet you, Mrs. Sorensen.”

“Yes. 
Yes.” The woman made no attempt to hide her discontent. “Sebastian, you do know
that Willow Brooks and her mother have arrived, don’t you?”

“No.
I’d not seen them yet, Mother.”

“Well,
it’s high time you did. Willow is positively ravishing tonight.  I hardly doubt
a man here will be able to keep his eyes off her all night.”

“Yes,”
Sebastian said with a sheepish glance at Serena.  “It wouldn’t be the first
time.”

“Come
on, then. Let’s go greet them before they get the impression you're
deliberately trying to avoid them.” She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm.
“Besides, they’ve just returned from that fabulous cruise on the Rhine and I’m sure they’ll have plenty to talk about.”

“Mother,
this is the first time Serena is on our yacht and…”

“No
excuses, son.  This family has a reputation to uphold and I won’t have you
tarnishing it by snubbing a family such as the Brooks.”

With
that, she tugged on his arm and led him away.

Serena
took a few steps in an attempt to follow them, but was quickly swallowed up by
the elitist crowd.  Just as well, she thought.  Mrs. Sorensen gave the distinct
impression she wanted her son all to herself.  Though she’d promised herself
she wouldn’t get emotional about her night with Sebastian, she couldn’t help
but feel a sting of jealousy as he and his mother greeted a beautiful tall blond
wearing a decidedly plunging white gown.

“You
look a little lost.”

Serena
turned to face a tall and handsome young man who looked intently at her.

“Lovely,
but lost,” he added.

Staring
at him, Serena tried to remember if they’d already been introduced. She’d seen
so many faces and had heard so many names. No, she thought. She’d surely
remember such a face. Boyish and charming, he had big puppy-dog blue eyes, a
comical grin and wavy brown hair that beckoned fingers to run through it.

“I’m
Michael,” he offered as he reached for her hand.  “Looks like I got the better
end of the deal.”

“Serena,
Serena Singleton.” She tilted her head in confusion.  “What ‘better end’?”

His
kissed her fingers, letting his lips linger a warm moment before releasing her.

“Well,
I’m here with you instead of over there with my gold digging sister and
overbearing mother.”

How
quaint, she thought. 

“I
don’t believe I’ve ever seen you at one of these functions before.  I’m certain
I would remember such a face.”

“You're
absolutely right. This is the first time coming to one of Mrs. Sorensen’s
fundraisers.”

“Invited
by Mrs. Sorensen herself?”

“No. 
I’m here with Mr. Sorensen.”

Michael
frowned with confusion.

Serena
felt a heated blush come to her face and cursed her faux pas. “Sebastian
Sorensen.”

“Ah,
yes. The famed musical composer. I never thought composing bland and dreary
music could appeal to so many women. Then again, I’m sure the Sorensen fortune
has something to do with it.”

“I
happen to love the music Sebastian composes.”

“A
fan, huh?”

“If
you want to call it that.”

Michael
looked past her and smirked. Serena turned to see Sebastian surrounded by three
blonds.  His mother, the tall and exquisite Willow, and another older woman, Willow’s mother, who seemed to have a constant sour expression glued to her face.

“I
think my sister is going to keep your date busy for quite a while.”  He’d put a
question mark on the word date.  With his strong hand at the small of her back,
he gently led her away. “Given that you don’t know anyone else here, I believe
that leaves me with the obligation to keep you company and show you around.”

His
smile was heated and intense as Serena followed his lead.  “Funny,” he said as
he guided her to the upper deck. “I’d quite expected this evening to be a dud;
a snore; a bore.”

“That’s
not very nice.”