Grell woke up the next morning day having the cats wrapped around each other. She smiled rolling onto her stomach ruffling their fur. "Good morning my sweets."
She got out of bed opening up her suitcase grabbing a new set of clothes. She grabbed her phone seeing a message from Eric. She opened it up having an invitation out for lunch. She smiled texting back her acceptance.
She took a quick shower getting her make up done first. She did her hair up in a half bouffant making sure it was prefect. She got dressed in a white and black plaid dress that reached to her knees. She rolled up the sleeves putting on the nude stocking and maroon heels.
She pulled out the bowls for food and water filling them up with the packaged things she had. They woke running to the sounds of their feeding time. She pouted seeing them question what was in their bowl.
"I know it's not what I normally give you but just eat it for now. When we get our place again, I promise to get you back to your usual diet." She pouted petting them, scratching behind their ears. She grabbed her purse heading out the door to lobby.
The lobby was quite empty compared to the other day. A young man took place where the young lady was the day before. She approached the desk looking at him quite confused.
"Pardon my asking, do you I think that I look good and this outfit?"
The young man's ears turned slightly pink looking up and down her body. He nodded quietly looking back at the screen before him. "I think you look quite beautiful. Lucky devil if he go to date with you."
She smiled loving her own ego stroked. "Thank you darling. Have a good day okay?" Walking out the door she recognised the familiar man standing against a dark blue Audi. Eric held his arms open wide for her.
"Good mornin'. I hope I didn't wake ya." He chuckled hugging her gently. She hugged him back pulling away. "No you caught me after my alarm did. How are you?"
He opened the door got her, helping her in. "I'm fine. Really enjoying home." He closed the door getting in as well. He drove off turning the music down. She leaned back looking at the outside. "It's so nice here, really it is."
"It can be. It's gorgeous here with about the same beauty throughout the year. You'll love it." He pulled into a lot stopping in front of the restaurant. He got our handing his keys to a young lad before helping her out.
It was a welcoming place with chandeliers hanging above the tables. A large fireplace in the center giving off the amber glow to the wooden floors.
He pulled out her chair letting her get comfortable. The waiter came by handing off the menus and water. He opened up the booklet glancing up at her. "Pick whatever you want."
She looked over the menu having her heart stop. She didn't expect for him to spoil her to something so expensive. She took moment thinking to herself that she should enjoy it while she can.
They had small talk over the food enjoying each other's company. Eric focused on her feeling his chest swell with warmth. He paid for the meal pulling her chair and holding out his arm.
She took it walking out with him. He asked for his car waiting in the lobby with her. "Did you enjoy yourself?" She nodded clutching her purse. "I did, thank you for this Eric. It was delightful."
He chuckled moving a bit closer to her. "I'm glad to see you welcoming this opportunity. I do want you to get used to your surroundings before I get you to start your new career."
"I could start as soon as possible, but that you for the consideration. How about we start next week?" He eyebrow raised as to make a deal with him
He placed his hand out taking hers. "Sounds like a plan." He kissed her hand, moving away as the young man came back with the car. The entered in heading towards his work place.
They walked inside seeing the grand structure. Marble flooring leading to studios and dance rooms. She smiled seeing a set of girls practicing their ballet.
He glanced over seeing her eyes brighten. "Have a soft spot for dance?" She nodded watching their stretches. "I wanted to learn ballet but we couldn't afford the lessons."
He let her into his office pulling out a seat. "Please come in. I'm gonna grab some things really quick and I'll drop ya off." He paused for a moment looking at her. "Actually, would you like to be my plus one for a party tonight?"
She was speechless quickly giving a wholehearted smile. "I'd love too. Who else is going?" She got up looking at the photos on the wall.
"Myself, William, Ronald, and a handful of others you haven't met. A lot of them being people of influence in my line of work. They're the ones to give them a chance at performing."
"That sounds incredible. I can't imagine a more perfect opportunity to rub elbows with those who can help."
He grabbed some things from his drawers, pocketing them. "Lets go ahead and go. I'll pick you up tonight." He held out his arm again having her take it. They walked back out seeing William talking with a young man in one of the rooms. He sat at a grand piano playing with one hand.
She smiled as they walked by. "I really think that it's amazing how you run this place. I had no idea Mr. Spears played piano." Her heart fluttering from the romantic idea.
"He does play it rather well. He actually learn as a child. His parents wanted him to be good at everything he did. I think he once told me he also knew how to play the violin." They continued to speak walking out to his car.
The day went one having Grell relax inside her room. The cats sleeping on the pillows as she got her things together for the evening.
She groaned looking through her best dresses. She studied them, trying to decide which would be elegant and not too sexy. She got down to a short-sleeved dress that reached to her ankles. It was simply but gave her body form.
She got dressed making sure that it wasn't too tight. Her hair was done up into a braided bun with her make-up being natural looking. She smiled rolling her shoulders with nervousness.
Her phone went off having a text message from Eric. She smiled grabbing her purse and heading for the elevator.
They walked through the doors into the lavish party full of people of influence. She saw William and Ronald in black suits talking with other party goers. They waved them over kissing her hands.
Across the hall stood Chambers with a group of women flirting in their tight cocktail dresses. He looked up to see the dirty blonde arrive.
He excused himself from them going to him. He noticed the figure of the redhead making his heart skip a beat. He grinned knowing he'd find her.
He moved closer to them keeping his pose of a gentleman. He tapped on the man's shoulder grabbing his attention. "Hello there old friend."
Eric pulled him into a hug, squeezing him tightly. "Look at you! How have you been Aleistor? Still being a lady killer?" They let go of each other smiling.
"I've been working actually. I got a new studio setup here that's about to open." He smiled proudly glancing over that the redhead. A wave went through his body giving attention to him groin.
She smiled at him giving a bow. "It's nice to see you again my lady." He took her hand kissing it gently. She giggled pulling her hand away slowly.
Eric groaned staring at him. "Would you be so kind as to leave my new talent alone. She doesn't need to have someone like you over her."
He looked at him with hurt and shock. "Eric Slingby... I can't believe you would be so mean to me. I was just being a gentleman to a lovely lady." He glanced at her giving a playful wink.
Eric shook his head motioning to the bar. "Maybe we can keep talking over a drink ya?" He looked at the others having them follow him.
The bartender smiled welcoming them. The others moved aside letting Alestor through. "I would like some whiskey for the gentlemen and whatever the lady would like."
The nodded leaned closer to Grell. "What would you like miss?" She looked at the wall of liquor thinking of her better judgement. "What kind of drinks would you recommend?"
Before the bartender could say anything, Alcestor interrupted. "Why don't you make the lady a rose flavoured drink? It'll be perfect for one of her obvious tastes." He gave a wink shooing off the tender.
She gave a nervous giggle looking at the tender preparing their order. He moved closer to her leaning in on her. "You know my dear; you're the most beautiful redhead I've ever seen. Is there any chance that you could join me for a photography session?"
"Photography?" She spoke looking into his eyes. His pants becoming slightly more uncomfortable. "But of course my dear. I take photos of only the best models."
"I'm afraid I'll have to decline. I'll be starting my training with music in the next week." She pressed her lips outward in a small pout.
He dramatically placed his arm over his face. "Oh, woe is me. Whatever shall I do without such a beauty to grace my humble camera?"
William groaned watching as the blonde tried to flirt so hard. 'I really hate having him here. Why did they have to invite him?' He crossed his arms as Ronald scooted closer to him. "Something wrong Spears? We're not jealous are we?"
He nudged Ronald keeping his eyes unblinking. "I'm not jealous. I know for a fact that Chambers isn't one to be trusted. He's up to something."
The bartender came back up with the drinks calling out to Eric. He walked over handing each of them out looking at small group of friends. "I think this deserves a toast. To a bright future for your studio and for our dear Grell's singing career."
They cheered having the glasses slightly touch. They began to drink having crowd around them getting bigger. Aleistor moved closer to Grell as the others mingled with the other guests. "Did you enjoy the drink my dear?"
She finished off the last of the liquid from her glass. "I did. It's not something I'm used to ordering. It's got a really nice taste." She looked over at the bar moving a bit away from him.
He noticed her glance grabbing the hand she held the glass in. He caressed her skin for a moment before taking it out of her hand. "I'll ask them to make you another."
Before she could protest, he made his way back to the bar. He waited patiently as they duplicated the order. As the people around them moved, he pulled a small tin from his coat pocket. He took out a small white pill.
He crushed it in his hand letting it fall into the ruby coloured drink. He made his way back to her with a slight grin on his lips. He handed her the drink looking as innocent as ever.
Ronald spotted them, having seen the glass added the extra ingredient. He tugged on William's arm drawing the attention of his elder. "What is it now Ronald?"
"I think you had every right to be suspicious of Chambers. Miss Sutcliffe's glass might have been tampered with." His eyes fixated on the the man across the floor.
William muttered under his breath looking around the room. "You go look for Eric. I'll try to stop him from getting away with this." The two parted ways going the ones they needed to.
Grell smiled taking a sip of her drink taking in good portion of the substance. He smiled brightly staring at the flute glass. 'I just need a little time.' He held his arm out to her bowing his head. "How about we go to the balcony to get some fresh air? It's awfully crowded here."
She paused for a moment seeing a small group of people outside. "That sounds nice." She linked arms with him following his direction.
Ronald found Eric amongst his normal group of socialites. He cleared his throat drawing his attention. "Hey there lad! What can I help ya with?" He leaned closer to his elder whispering in his ear. "I think I saw Chambers drug Miss Sutcliffe's drink."
Eric froze looking down at him. "You're not pulling my leg?" The younger man shook his head looking back out at the party. "William went to go get her. I'm sure whatever it was, he using to get her to go with him." Eric excused himself from the group, following Ronald out in search of them.
The balcony looked down at a small pound with benches surrounding it. Grell look down giving a slight giggle has she noticed the small koi fish swimming about. "This is wonderful."
Aleistor looked upon the small sight mentally giving a shrug. "It is quite lovely. Nowhere near as lovely as you my dear." His arm snaking its way around her torso almost resting along her waistline.
She looked at his arm then look back into his eyes. He gave a small wink pulling her slightly closer to him. She let out a breathy gasp pulling away from him entirely. "I do have to apologize but I'm not that kind of lady."
He looked at her blankly giving an almost sincere look. "You'll have to forgive me for my behaviour. I'm just not used to the idea of having such a beautiful young lady close to me that I can't simply reach out and touch."
He remember to keep his distance knowing that his plan was already in motion. She relaxed a little bit making sure to keep her distance from him. They heard the loud footsteps behind them as William came close to them.
His eyes narrowed staring at the blonde with distaste. " I do believe I have to pull the young lady away from you Chambers. Grell if you mind..." He held out his arm having his features change when he looked into her eyes. She could read a small twinge of fear as he motioned closer to her.
She gave a nod involuntarily reaching out for his arm. They linked together turning her gaze back to the other man. "I'm sorry to leave like this. Maybe we could see each other again in a different time."
Aleistor frowned looking at the two. Their body language made his blood boil ever so slightly. Spear is by no means was a man of affection, but this was a rare occasion. He straightened himself giving her in almost pleading look. "Must you really go? I find that I will be alone here with you no longer by my side. The other ladies amongst this party I know more than false miles and attention seekers. I do wish you would stay by my side sweetest rose."
William intervened raising his hand up to stop his speaking. "That would be enough. Eric asked me to come and get her as it is getting a little later into the evening and he believes that she does deserve her beauty sleep." He turned to her giving a blank expression waiting on her response.
"How considerate of him. I do believe I will take that offer." She walked along with William stepping away from the balcony and back into the party. She gripped his arm tightly, thinking of him being so kind for her well-being. "Do you think he was going to cause any harm?"
He shook his head glancing back at the blonde still standing in the exact same position. "I don't believe he would actually do anything stupid in front of so many people. However, I do fear he might have tampered with your beverage."
She gave a small gasp, nervous about her drink that he had presented her. She cleared her throat looking at the others as Ronald and Eric approach them.
"I don't trust whatever he gave her. If it's something to knock her out we need to get her back to the hotel room." Ronald looked at his elders for a response. William nodded looking at her Grell with great concern. A thought came into his mind making his eyes widen.
Eric caught the movement straightening up. "What's the matter?" He leaned in closer whispering in his ear. "We have to have her stay somewhere else for tonight. I have a feeling he'll just follow us and find her room number."
Grell stood still clutching her bag tightly. Them talking about the possibility of him breaking into her room made everything un easy. Her head being to swim with ideas of what could've been if she stayed with him.
Eric held his head high looking at her. "There's no question that she should stay at my place for the night. I know he won't go messin' around my house."
William kept quiet wanting to oppose the idea. In reality he thought it would be better if he himself didn't take her. Who knows what could happen under these circumstances?
Grell looked at them having her knuckles turn white from gripping her purse so tightly. "I should apologise for causing such a mess of the evening gentlemen." They all turned to her having them brought back from the thoughts of getting back at the photographer.
Eric shook his head calling over the valet to retrieve his car. William moved closer to her placing his hand on her mid back. "None of this is your fault. He never thought he was that kind of a man... Even though in all honesty, I never trusted him to begin with. We'll make sure that you're taking care of."
Eric move closer to the two men leaning in to whisper to them. "I want at least one of you to stay here and make sure that you keep a very close eye on him. Whoever the other is make sure to go to the guests and let them know that I had to leave due to an emergency." The two nodded giving each other a glance to make the decision amongst themselves. Before he left he turned back around to the men and has he placed his arm to his neck rubbing it. "I'm also going to need one of you to stop by and grab a duplicate of the key to her room. I'll send you both the email just in case."
With that he left them having Grell seated in the passenger seat. He made his way towards his small house checking on her. She groaned holding her head as her vision began to blur. The lights in the distance becoming blended together.
He hurried through traffic getting to the small country home. He parked and unlocked the front door open. He went back to the car helping her out.
She clinged into him with the feeling of being completely drunk. She held onto his coat burying her face into his chest. The smell of musk cedar and sandalwood filled her nostrils. The feeling of his strong body made her knees buckle. Her body getting stimulation from them being pressed together. She stopped him in his tracks looking up at him.
"What's wrong Grell? Is the drug he gave ya hittin' harder than before?"
She pushed herself onto the tops of her toes. Their faces only inches apart. He froze gazing into her deep emerald eyes. She moved forward kissing him deeply. He gasped as a small moan hid in her throat. Her fingers spread through hair letting her teeth chew on his bottom lip.
A wave of pleasure went through his groin. Subconsciously he kissed back having her tightly against him. He grabbed her waist pulling her away from him as reality set in about her condition. "I think it's time for you to go to bed dear." He motioned her forward leading them up to his guest room. He sat her down on the bed having her relax as he took off her shoes. Within moments she was fast asleep, a light snore could be heard from her. He shook off the feeling that he had throughout the small kiss that they shared. He couldn't even imagine what would have happened if he had left her alone with the other man that evening. He's on the couch waiting on his phone for any sign of the others.