AS209 Much Ado About Something Chapter Seven, a dark angel fanfic

AS2.09 Much Ado About Something by Star24 and Lelu2

Chapter Seven

When the elevator doors opened on the lobby of Fogle Towers, Max could see the stretch limousine waiting at the curb outside the glass entry doors to the building. As soon as they emerged, Bling, complete in a chauffeur's uniform, came around to hold the back door open for Max to slide in. His eyes met hers and he gave her a slight nod and a smile as he looked her over. Max smiled back at him as she slipped into the car. Logan followed and within moments they were gliding smoothly away from the curb.

"Everything in order, Bling?" Logan asked his friend.

"Seems to be, boss man."

"You'll be staying with the servants during the weekend. I tried to get you a single room, but if that doesn't work you'll need to get down to the car periodically to check for any communications from Original Cindy." Logan frowned in concern. "I'll leave any messages for you in the blind email drop as well."

"Not to worry. I'll make sure to check in for any updates. Anyway you can always take Max for a drive if you two really need to speak to me and can't get to me any other way." Bling pointed out calmly. He chuckled to himself at Logan's air of concern, figuring that it had to be because of Max being there. He couldn't figure any other reason for it. "Why don't you two relax and get yourselves into character while we drive there? You don't want to blow the whole thing right off," he pointed out. Before Logan could reply, Bling punched the button that put the partition up between him and the limo's occupants, effectively isolating Max and Logan in the back of the car.

Logan turned to Max who was looking at him in amusement. "What?"

"Never seen the great Eyes Only so nervous about a mission before," she said calmly.

"I'm not nervous." Logan responded with some stiffness.

"Why are you playing with your cuff links then? You're about to rip them out of your shirt sleeves." Max gave him a smug smile. "Logan, this is a piece of cake. Simple recon mission. I learned to do these when I was five years old."

Logan took a breath and made a conscious effort to relax. "I'm fine, Max."

Max sighed and reached over to lightly run a finger through his spikes. "You wired about meeting your peeps? Why do you let them do this to you anyway?"

It was Logan's turn to sigh. "It's just that whenever I have to deal with my family and their society friends, I feel like a ten year old kid again, one who can't do anything right. Dumb, I know."

Max smiled gently at him, "Well this time you have me there to distract them from you. That is the game plan, right? I manage to get all the attention while you slip out and plant your backdoor in the computer system for the charity."

"That is the plan." Logan smiled as he looked Max over. "You aren't going to have much trouble with the attention part." Their eyes locked and Max felt a shiver run through her.

Max smiled seductively at Logan. "You think?"

His voice was husky as he reached over and pulled her into his arms. "I know." His lips met hers and for a few moments the two were lost to the world. Logan pulled back reluctantly. "We better stop this before I completely destroy Original Cindy's work."

"Now that would be a shame," Max replied teasingly.

"But…once the ball is over all bets are off." Logan promised. His eyes devoured her and Max felt suddenly heated. "I made sure that we're sharing a suite."

"Logan Cale, I never would have thought it of you. Taking advantage of a poor defenseless female."

"I plan on taking full advantage, Max. Not that defenseless is a word I'd ever think to use for you." He grinned and then continued, "You having second thoughts about the mission?"

"As if. Brigade commanders don't pull back, no matter what." Max retorted.

"I thought you turned down that position a long time ago?"

"Girl's entitled to change her mind isn't she? I mean if I'm gonna do this job, I should get something for it. It's not like Eyes Only pays me or anything."

"I thought you did it out of love." Logan said softly.

Max looked at him, startled by his off the cuff words. Their relationship was still new and mostly unspoken, since neither of them tended to be very open when it came to discussing their emotions. Logan met her gaze steadily, refusing to back off on his statement.

The car slowing and coming to a halt saved Max. "ShowTime," she whispered. "Do I look okay?"

Logan smiled, "You look perfect, Princess. You're gonna knock 'em dead."

Bling opened the car door and Logan stepped out and then turned, holding his hand out to Max. She allowed him to assist her from the car and then placed her hand on his arm as they turned toward the mansion. They stood at the foot of a flight of steps that had been covered by a red carpet. At the top several uniformed servants stood at attention, waiting to open the doors for arrivals.

Logan leaned in and dropped a quick kiss on Max's mouth. "Remember your part."

Max wrinkled her face at him, "I know, gorgeous but dumb. Let's get this over with. I have a hot date waiting for me when we finish." She let her gaze run over his tall figure making her meaning clear.

Bling choked behind them and Logan turned to shoot him a quick glare. "I'm outa here, boss. Just give a holler if you two need the car anytime. I'll have them take your luggage to your room so it will be there waiting for you." Neither of them missed his slight emphasis on the word room, but neither made a comment on it.

Logan nodded and he and Max began the climb up the stairs. When they reached the top the two attendants had the doors open and waiting for them. Logan nodded to them loftily and Max clung to his arm, trying to look suitably vacuous as they entered the mansion.

They walked into a large marble-floored entrance hallway. A curving staircase came down in two arms on either side of the room and a sparkling crystal chandelier gleamed overhead. The sounds of music and conversation drifted down from above and couples in elegant evening dress could be seen strolling around the hallway and on the stairs, as well as on the landing above.

Logan chose the left-hand side of the stairs and the two took their time mounting them. Several men nodded at Logan in recognition and he returned the courtesy. Max noted that once they had acknowledged her companion, their eyes quickly gave her a thorough looking over followed by knowing looks aimed at Logan. She fumed inwardly but she managed to keep a smile plastered on her face, taking care to appear oblivious to the meaning of the looks she received. Logan felt her tension and looked down at her. He placed his hand over hers where it rested on his arm and gave it a squeeze. "I know. Sorry."

"Just tell me that when this is over, if the chance arises, I can do some ass-kicking. I'm gonna need to." Max said through barely parted lips.

Logan smiled. "You got it, Max. You think I like the way they're looking at you myself?" She glanced up to see the quickly veiled fierceness in his eyes, and immediately felt better.

They had arrived at the entrance to the ballroom, which meant an end to their private conversation. Logan handed his invitation to a uniformed attendant, who immediately turned and announced,

"Mr. Logan Cale and guest, Miss Max Guevara."

Max saw that just past him there was a receiving line. She watched as heads turned in some surprise on hearing Logan's name. Logan stiffened and she in her turn gave his arm a reassuring squeeze. Without looking down at her he whispered "Thanks," in a low voice that only she could hear. He plastered a smile on his face and led her to the first couple in the line to begin the ritual of greetings and introductions.

It took half an hour of meaningless pleasantries and numerous repetitions of "Max, one of the Greenwich Guevaras" before they were through the line. Max's face hurt from smiling. Logan looked down at her knowingly and before she knew what he intended, he swept her out onto the dance floor to join other couples in a graceful waltz.

"Logan?" Max started to ask.

"I thought you could use a break for a few minutes," he explained. "This is the easiest way not to have to talk to anyone else while you take a breather." He smiled at her, "Anyway I wanted to waltz with you; it's been too long."

"But we've never…" Max started and then stopped, as she remembered. He couldn't mean the dream she had had about them dancing together. That wasn't possible…she didn't think. She thought back to his reunion, but even though they had danced there, they had never waltzed. She looked up at Logan suspiciously, but he simply smiled at her and pulled her close to him as he expertly steered her around the crowded dance floor.

"You were saying, Max?" Logan said innocently.

Max was conscious of his tall, hard body so close to hers and she decided that later was time enough to press him on what she suspected had been deliberate provocation. She smiled sweetly up at him, "Nothing that can't wait, Logan." She let herself relax in his arms and rested her head on his chest, letting the music take her as she savored the moment. Logan was silent as well as the two of them danced, enjoying the rare moments of peace; both knowing it was the calm before the storm.

When the music ended, Logan sighed. "Time to go to work, Max."

"Let's get this bitch over with," was her response.

Max looked around to see that they seemed to be the center of attention. A tall dark haired man was walking in their direction.

"Logan, it's good to see you." He held his hand out and Logan reached out to shake it. "Who's your lovely companion?"

"Max this is John Endicott. John, this is Max Guevara, from Greenwich." Logan made the introductions.

"I'm charmed, Max." John smiled at her, at the same time letting his eyes roam boldly over her body.

Max noted Logan's frown and hurried to intercede. "I'm so pleased to meet you Mr. Endicott. This is my first time in Seattle and Logie hasn't introduced me to anyone yet." She pouted prettily.

"How long have you been here, Max? And please call me John."

"I've been here a whole week already." Max simpered, snuggling against Logan's side. "We've hardly left Logan's penthouse the entire time."

John gave Logan a knowing look. "I can hardly blame Logan for wanting to keep you to himself."

Logan shrugged carelessly, "You know how it is, John." He let his hand drop to briefly caress Max's posterior, making sure that John noted the movement.

"You never were one for sharing your toys, Logan," John said. "But when you got bored with them you tossed them aside like so much rubbish, as I recall."

Max managed to look confused by the conversation. "Logie, I'm thirsty. You promised me champagne."

Logan began to answer only to be forestalled by John. "Let me take you to the bar, Max. Logan, I promised to let you know that your aunt is looking for you. Why don't we find you, once I get Max her champagne?"

Max happily transferred her hand to John's outstretched arm. "Oh yes. Please. Your aunt hates me, Logan. Please don't make me see her tonight."

Logan made a show of reluctance and shot John a speaking look, but then he shrugged. His voice was slightly raised and heads turned in their direction in curiosity. "Be careful of John, Max. Beneath that charm lie some big teeth. I'll be looking for you two as soon as I pacify Aunt Margo." With that he walked away, the set of his shoulders expressing his displeasure.

Max silently applauded his performance and then turned to John with a sultry smile, noting that all eyes were on her and her escort, leaving Logan free to make his way quietly out of the ballroom.

End of Chapter Seven