Okay, so here goes 16 pages of pure fun!!! No evil cliffie (yet)…
I'm sick (again) and it is midterms week and all my application are due too!! So, it will be a while before my next update. This is long enough so I hope it will satisfy you for a while!
I have said it before, but I will restate it now. I am doing a sequel to this and this chapter contains some build-up for that story.
I hope you enjoy!!!!
It's My Party and I'll Cry if I Want To
Beth stood up, a bit shaky. "I can't go to work looking like this. I need to get cleaned up and I will not be seen with Josef looking like that," Beth said.
Josef glared at her, but Adriana started to chuckle, which broke into a full out laugh. Josef smiled at Beth, apparently the dig on his appearance could be overlooked if it brought a smile to Adriana. He really does care about her...
Mick chuckled a little as well, and pulled out his phone. He dialed, "I need a clean-up… 3rd and San Pedro… it needs to be discreet… good." Mick hung-up. "The Cleaner and her crew are on their way."
"That'll take care of these bodies, but what about the rest of the Agency?" Josef asked.
As if on cue, a couple of vamps broke through the door and stared at the scene. Mick pegged them as young vamps. They didn't seem to be attacking. He waited to see what they would do.
"You killed her?" one of them asked, looking up at Mick with grateful eyes.
"No, actually, she killed her." Mick pointed to Adriana. The vamps seemed confused by the fact that a mere human could defeat the monster that had terrorized their lives.
"Thank-you. Thank-you so much," one of the vamps said as he approached Adriana to shake her hand. "She has been relentless. That wicked witch had to have her way or she'd kill us. We weren't allowed to leave either, because we knew too much about her operations. You have done us all a favor."
"Why?" Beth asked. "Why did she do it?"
"Who knows…I certainly don't care."
The reporter in Beth surfaced. She wanted answers. Why had she almost been killed? Why did the Agency use Ritalin pregnancy patches? Why did they try to kill Adriana?
Mick saw Beth's thoughts. "Sometimes there is no explanation, Beth. Some people are just evil."
Beth wasn't satisfied. "Maybe, but something had to push her. I mean, she was just a little girl," she protested.
Josef noticed Adriana stiffen at Beth's comment, and hastened to correct her. "No, Blondie. She was not 'just a little girl.' She was a centuries old vampire, stuck in the façade of a little girl's body. If you want a reason—that's probably the best you'll get. She was compensating for her appearance, trying to show how grown-up she was," Josef explained, hugging Adriana to his chest.
"But…but that's just evil. Couldn't she understand what she was doing?"
Mick chuckled and pulled Beth to him. "There is a lot of evil in the world, Beth. Some of it you've seen first hand, but there is still a lot out there."
"Then it's a good thing I got you around," Beth mumbled into Mick's chest.
Mick smiled and replied, "Yes, it is… yes it is."
"I hate to break-up this tender moment," Josef interrupted, "But don't we have some place we need to be? And what about the other loyal Agency members? We need to figure out a way to deal with them."
"There are only a couple of dedicated employees," one of the vamps stated. "She employed them as coordinators."
"Okay, how do we find them?" Mick asked.
"The organizer at the front desk has a list of all the gigs the Agency is at tonight. She will be able to tell you where they are," another vamp said.
"Is she loyal?" Josef asked.
"Only to the highest bidder, and since the competition is dead, that would make you the highest bidder."
"Good. Can we trust you to take care of them?"
"No way, man! The coordinators are much more powerful than us. We wouldn't stand a snowballs chance in hell of fighting them off."
Mick scoffed at the young vamps, but before he had time to retort, a voice came from the intercom on the head's desk. "Miss, there is a woman down here claiming a 'Mick St. John' called for a clean-up at this address. What do you want me to do?"
Mick approached the intercom and pushed the button. "This is Mick St. John, send her up to the Boss's office."
"Where is the head?" the woman replied.
"She's the clean-up," Mick responded. He turned back to the other vamps and addressed them. "Okay, I want you to lock down the building, no one gets in or out without my permission. Got it?"
"Yes," they all said in unison and then scampered off to start securing the building.
Mick heard the elevator ding and watched the door as the Cleaner and her crew entered. "St. John, what have you gotten yourself into this time? And Josef, how did he manage to drag you into this?"
"Actually, Mick didn't drag me in, Miss Lebenblut did," Josef said, motioning to Adriana. "Adriana Lebenblut meet Adalia, also known as the Cleaner."
Adriana and the Cleaner shook hands. The Cleaner sniffed the air and looked at Josef questionably, "A mortal? I thought you didn't fraternize with freshies, Josef?" She arched her eyebrow. "Didn't you use to preach on how it only ended in sadness?"
"Yes," Josef stiffened. "But Adriana is different. She's…unique."
The Cleaner just nodded and looked back at her team, who were currently removing the thug's bodies. Her eyes fell on the little girl. She approached and smelled the girl's body. The decay repulsed her, but not as much as the act. "Who killed the girl?" she asked, clearly mad that anyone would commit such an atrocity.
Again, Adriana cringed and clung to Josef as he defended her. "She's not a girl, Adalia. She was the head of this Agency, which has been the cause behind the rising death rate."
"Don't lie to me Josef, our friendship is too old. That girl is mortal. I can smell her."
The look of fear in Adriana's eyes tripled at the Cleaner's statement. Again, Josef jumped in with an explanation. "Never question my honesty," he glared at the Cleaner. "And as for the girl being human…you might have also noticed the decay—that's because she was a vamp, a four centuries old vampire. What makes Adriana so unique is that she has the ability to turn vamps mortal. Unfortunately, once they become mortal again, they die." Josef left his temporary transition out of his explanation…no need for the Cleaner to know. The fewer people who knew Adriana's secret, the better. The Cleaner could be trusted, but Josef wasn't so sure about the others on her crew.
The Cleaner nodded at the explanation. Can nothing phase her? Mick thought. He watched as her crew finished pulling the bodies from the room and started steam cleaning the blood spatter.
"Can you do us another favor?" Mick asked the Cleaner.
"Depends on what it is," she responded.
"We need to be somewhere, but some of the Agency's loyal men are still at large. Could you take care of them?"
"I'm in the business of cleaning-up, not making the messes."
"I know, but these are the men responsible for the freshies' deaths. It would be in your own interest to help us out. I know you could handle it. If I remember correctly, Gerald hasn't been heard from in a while." Mick smiled as he finished his statement. He knew she would agree.
The Cleaner swallowed thickly and said, "Fine. However, you owe me. Now where can I find these men?" she asked.
"The woman at the front desk can tell you where they are. You're looking for the coordinators. The guards, and especially the freshies, should cooperate with you," Mick answered.
"I'll call you when it's finished," the Cleaner said to Mick. "Josef," she nodded her head in departure.
"Adalia," Josef returned her gesture. "Bis wiedersehen und Weidmannsheil."
"Dankeschön. Auf Wiedersehen." The Cleaner turned on her heal and left.
After a short silence Beth asked, "You speak German?"
Josef chuckled, "Yes, Blondie, I speak German, along with many other languages. Four hundred years gives you a lot of time to practice."
"And a lot of need," Mick added. "Vampires can't stay put too long, things start to get noticed, so being able to speak a variety of languages is helpful. By the way, Josef, how do you know the Cleaner's name? Have you done that much business with her?"
Josef glared at Mick. "No. I have never needed the Cleaner's services for myself. Adalia and I go way back. I'm her sire," Josef informed Mick.
"But… that's impossible. She's as old as you are." Mick stared open-mouthed at Josef.
"I did a lot of stupid things in the bloodlust after my turning. Adalia was unlucky enough to cross my path. I didn't even know what happened, my sire hadn't explained turnings to me. Another vampire took both Adalia and I in."
Mick really wanted to ask more questions, but he knew that Josef didn't like talking about his past. Besides, we have a party we have to get to.
"Let's get out of here," Mick suggested. "I'll drop you and Adriana off at your place Josef. Beth and I will head back to mine. We'll change and meet up at Buzzwire for the party. When does it start, Beth?"
"Early morning. Most of the staff will be there by six to get the early editions out, so the party will probably start then."
"Well, that gives us two hours. Josef, you think you can make it there by then?"
"Mick, you have no clue how fast I will be rid of these clothes." Josef grinned at him.
"Aww, Josef, I think they make you look sexy," Beth joked. Josef glared at her, and she thought she heard the faintest hints of a growl.
Once back at Mick's apartment, Beth and Mick showered. They had both wanted to remove the scent of the fight and any stray blood spatters. As Beth stepped out of the shower, Mick pulled her back in for a crushing kiss.
"I want you to know that I love you," Mick said as he held her to his wet, naked, chest. "You are the world to me and I can't wait to spend eternity with you."
"Me neither. What's stopping us?" Beth asked.
Mick pulled back to look down at her. She isn't joking. She wants me to turn her… now. Mick took a deep breath. "Beth—"
"Why, Mick? Why do you always hesitate?" Beth demanded, getting angry. "Didn't we just express how much we love each other?"
"I will never doubt that you love me, Beth. I just want you to have time to say goodbye. After you're turned you can never go back." Mick looked into her eyes to make sure she understood.
Beth looked up at him and her eyes welled with tears. Her voice choked up, "I'm—I'm just afraid if I wait…that I'll lose my nerve."
Beth broke into full out tears and hugged Mick's chest. Mick placed a soothing hand on her back and held her to him. "Shhh, it's fine, Beth. I would be more nervous if you weren't worried." Beth pulled away and looked at him, confused and hurt. He explained, "This way I know you understand the finality of your decision."
Beth laid her head back on Mick's chest and just stood there, dripping wet and naked, not wanting to leave his comforting embrace. "I don't have many people to say goodbye to. Just my colleagues and they're not close friends. The only close, long-lasting friend I have is Liz, but she's…" Beth's comments died out as she looked at Mick's puzzled face. "What?"
"What about your family? Your mom?" he asked, remembering the frantic woman who came to his office 22 years ago in desperation.
"I thought you were my guardian angel? Haven't you been watching me for the last 22 years?" Beth asked. When Mick cocked his head to glare at her she explained, "My mom died two years ago. My dad was killed in the Gulf War and I don't have any siblings. I have some aunts and uncles and some cousins, but no one really close."
"Liz?" Mick asked questionably.
"Yeah, Elizabeth. My friend since…since… as long as I can remember. She and I were inseparable—the two Beths. She could always make me laugh—even after I was taken, she was the only one who could get me to smile for months."
Mick grimaced at Beth's comments. He had to keep reminding himself that it was Coraline who had taken Beth and that it wasn't his fault, but he always felt responsible. That's why he had stayed in her life all these years—he wanted to make sure that nothing like that would ever happen again.
He smiled reminiscently. "I remember Liz. She was always around. Spunky, blond hair, blue eyes, looked like…" Mick's head reeled with a sudden realization, No, it couldn't be! Not Lizzy! I never thought about it before… No, it couldn't be. It was a long time ago, you're just confusing the girls. Push it from your thoughts. Still…
Beth interrupted Mick's thoughts. "You listening?"
"Yeah, sorry, I just got lost in nostalgia land." Mick smiled.
"Sure…Well, I was saying that Liz has been living abroad for the last year and before that she was away at college. I haven't seen her in years. It won't be too hard to break connection. We just e-mail." Mick could see in Beth's eyes that it would be hard; she just didn't want to admit it.
"We all must make sacrifices, but at least you can say goodbye," Mick reminded her. "Many people never get that chance."
"No, Mick I can't. She would know something was wrong if I started to get all mushy. I don't want her to think I committed suicide. She has always protected me from myself. If I leave making her think I killed myself, she would never forgive herself for not being there. No. I can't say goodbye," Beth said.
"I understand. Maybe over the next couple of weeks you can say a few things that wouldn't seem too out of place. That way she knows what you mean to her," Mick suggested.
"Liz is too smart for that—Wait, did you say a couple of weeks?!" Beth demanded.
"Yes, Beth. I want you to get your affairs in order and give your system enough time to replenish the blood it's lost. That way, you'll be completely healthy for turning. I don't want the slightest possibility of something going wrong," Mick reassured her with a kiss. "Maybe you can will your savings to Liz."
"Why can't I keep them? It's my money."
"Yes, but you are going to die. Which is something else we need to discuss. We're going to have to plan out your death and stage it. Josef's good at this. He has people."
Beth stared, dumbfounded, at Mick. This turning thing, just keeps getting more and more complicated…
Mick and Beth hurriedly dressed. Beth griped about Mick's ability to throw on the crumpled clothes at the bottom of his closet and still look impeccable, while she had to fight with her hair, just to get it to stay in a clip.
Finally, when they both looked presentable, they headed to Buzzwire. Beth had worked up some story about a nightclub Mafia trying to oust the new girl in town. She planned to interview Adriana about the elevator crash. She decided it would be safe to connect the nightclub Mafia to Lola's club and say that a few of Adriana's clients were drugged, but sources couldn't confirm if it was Black Crystal or not. Beth knew Mo would love the Mafia angle.
As they arrived, she spotted Josef's Ferrari in the parking lot. She and Mick approached as Adriana and Josef exited the car.
"Where have you been?" Josef asked, irritated. He had washed the dye out of his hair and had changed into a relaxed pair of jeans and T-shirt, though he had kept the leather jacket. He smelled the air and glared a Mick. "Seriously? At a time like this? I have to go in there and pretend I'm her husband, and here you are deflowering her." Josef crossed his arms across his chest, in mock agitation.
Mick and Beth smiled sheepishly. "We needed a shower and, being environmentally conscience, we shared," Mick explained. "And as for why we were late… Beth and I had a little discussion on turning. She seems to think there is no time like the present and I keep having to remind her of all the things she needs to do."
Josef stopped scowling and smiled at Beth. "You're right, my dear, there is no time like the present." Now it was Mick's turn to scowl at Josef.
Josef added, "But I am afraid Mick is also right. We need to put your affairs in order. I will have Ryder get on a death scenario ASAP. All those video games he plays will finally start to pay off…"
"Thanks, Josef. I do have one request. I want my death to look like an accident, no questions asked, no one blamed," Beth asserted.
"That can be arranged. Have you thought of your farewells?"
"Yeah. That'll be simple, you guys are my closest friends now." Beth smiled at Josef, Mick and Adriana.
"Well, then I don't see why this shouldn't take more than a few days. Do you have a will?" Josef asked.
"No. I suppose I will have to make one. Won't that look funny—me taking out a will, and then dying a few days later?" Beth asked.
"It could, but if you assert that you just felt it was time to get around to it, it might not raise too many eyebrows. May I suggest a living trust? It's a good alternative and leaves more legal lee-way." Josef suggested.
"Okay, I'm going to need a lawyer, and a new identity. I'm guessing you have people?" Beth asked.
"Oh yes. I know a guy who can get you an identity and I have a couple lawyers on staff. As for our annulment, that would be a perfect excuse for you to be making a will. You could say you realized you needed to 'grow-up' and face the real world…. Which reminds me—I'm going to need an alibi. The first thing the cops will look into will be our recent annulment. And if I'm not mistaken, your ex-boyfriend, Josh, might be more than a little ruthless towards me." Josef broke off into contemplative thought.
"Hey, Josef…that's it! That's how my will can not look suspicious," Beth beamed. "If we hold our annulment until after my 'death' you can take possession of my money and accounts. Then you can give them back to me."
"Un problemo," Josef started. "If I am still married to you when you 'die,' our marriage can't be annulled, I'll be a widower. And if you die the first person they will suspect is the new husband. So sorry, but no. I say we stick to the annulment and you make out a will, in which, you give nothing to me."
Beth looked deflated, but she understood Josef's reasoning. Who can I will my money to, so that I know it will get back to me? I don't want to enter eternity with nothing. Sure, Mick has savings, but I don't want to start off as a burden…
"Why, don't we get this party over with, then we can discuss this further. Preferably somewhere more private than a parking lot," Mick suggested. The others nodded and headed into Buzzwire.
Beth braced herself. She knew the questions would come flying at her and she didn't have answers yet. Mick and Josef swapped positions, so that Josef had his arm around Beth and Mick was holding Adriana. They walked through the doors.
The room was full of people. More than were ever there at one time during the day. Beth figured that all the crews were in to celebrate, meaning there were stories going un-covered. Mo must not be pleased…
But on the contrary, when Beth finally spotted Mo though all the people, she looked very pleased. She greeted Beth, who introduced her to Josef, and then Mick and Adriana. Beth explained that she brought Adriana in for her story and had invited Mick along too, since he was her friend. Mo nodded and read over Beth's story.
"Wow, girl. How do you do it? You have a new stud for a husband and you come up with material like this," Mo asked. Josef flashed a wicked grin and Beth resisted the urge to wipe it off his face.
"I'm super girl," Beth replied. "I'll just record this with Adriana and then I'll come back to the party."
"Alright, but I want you to know, they're expecting a speech," Mo said, motioning to the crowd, then she walked away.
Beth smiled at her boss. She was going to miss her. "So, Adriana, want to get this over with?"
"Sure," she smiled at Mick and gave Josef a smoldering glance before she walked off, following Beth.
Josef and Mick watched the girls leave. They stood in silence for a while, until Mick finally spoke up. "So… you never thanked me for getting Adriana out safely."
"What?" Josef was jerked from his thoughts by Mick's random statement.
"When I left to pick-up Adriana from the Clubhouse, after the elevator crashed. Remember you told me, and I quote, 'Bring her back, Mick, please.' I haven't heard a thank you yet."
Mick watched as Josef's cheeks lost what little color they had. Fine. He doesn't want to admit his feelings, but that doesn't mean I don't know…
Josef seemed to regain some of his composure. He said, "Mick, when I said that, I had just given you the keys to my Ferrari. I wasn't talking about Adriana, I was talking about the car."
Mick snorted. Yeah. Sure. Whatever you say Josef. Mick just looked at Josef, with scrutinizing eyes and by the way Josef was fidgeting, Mick knew his assumption was right. "Why don't you just say you love her? It's not like I can't tell."
"Mick," Josef started, "How long did it take for you to admit you had feelings for Beth? How many months did you know her before you even approached the idea of having a relationship? How many times did she kiss you before you kissed her back?" Josef crossed his arms and watched his friend squirm at the accusations.
"Yeah, well, it's different. I've been watching Beth for 22 years. I didn't fall in love with a four-year-old girl. It was gradual. And I denied my feelings because I was trying to protect her, but that hasn't seemed to work either, so now, I've decided to enjoy my time with her. But what about you? How old is Adriana, and what are your intentions?"
"What, are you her father now? Adriana is 25 and I'm not sure about my intentions," Josef admitted. "I am four hundred years old, Mick. I've only known Adriana for four days! I don't understand my intentions…" Josef trailed off, thinking about Adriana.
25… She's 25!? Wow, and I thought Beth and I had a generation gap… Mick thought. "Josef," Mick placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, "You should do what you feel is right. Don't try to reason through it. Reason never seems to work."
Josef smiled patronizingly at Mick. "I am 408, Mick. I already know that there's no reason in love. I have heard that said in more languages then you know exist. I have heard countless poems, songs, sonnets, ballads, and drunken speeches that claim just that. Love is beyond reason. I thought I understood, but for the first time in my entire life I think I now truly understand. Love is everything they say it is… and more."
Mick smiled. Josef had said it. Maybe not straight out, like, 'Hey, Mick, I love Adriana,' but he had said it. Their conversation was cut short by the return of the Beth and Adriana, which was fortunate since the atmosphere between the two guys was turning awkward, fast.
"Hey, sorry that took so long," Beth apologized.
"No problem, Blondie," Josef said. They stood there in uncomfortable silence, not sure what to say. Mo broke the tension by asking Beth to make a speech.
"Do you know what you're going to say?" Mick asked.
Beth smiled at Adriana who returned her smile. It looked like the two had been planning something. "Yeah, I know exactly what I am going to say. There's no time like the present…" Beth winked at Mick and sauntered off towards the front of the room.
"Are you getting nervous?" Josef asked Mick.
"A little," Mick admitted.
"Oh, it will be fine," Adriana reassured them. They all turned to watch Beth address the room.
"First, I would like to thank you all for your support. You have all been like family to me over the past months and I'm very happy that you could all be here to celebrate this auspicious day with me." She paused for the applause. "I would like to introduce my new husband, but first, I have some sad news." The crowd waited on bated breath, especially Mick and Josef. "I am sad to have to announce my resignation from Buzzwire." The room gasped with the news. "I know that this is shocking to most of you. I do love my job, but my husband is wealthy and I've decided to enjoy my new marriage. In a few years, I may come back to Buzzwire, but for now I am going to be a housewife." Again the room grew noisy as people commented on this news. "So, with that in mind, this party is going to double as my farewell bash. Now, without any further, ado, I would like you all to meet my new husband, Josef Konstan."
The crowd applauded and Josef approached Beth. She smiled at him and he asked, "What was that?" under his breath.
"Saying my farewells. Check one thing off the list," Beth replied. Josef laughed at her eagerness. They both became suspiciously aware of the crowd calling for them to kiss.
Josef looked at Beth, asking permission, but she beat him to it. All for the cause… she thought, as she planted her lips on Josef's. The crowd cheered. Beth and Josef broke apart. The kiss had been chaste and innocent. They smiled at each other. They both could feel the dirty looks they were getting from Adriana and Mick.
The crowd surrounded Beth and Josef and inundated then with questions about the ceremony, where their honeymoon was going to be, about Josef's company, his wealth, and a million other things. They made it through quite well, creating a story as they went.
Mick and Adriana hung around the back of the crowd waiting for the well-wishers to dissipate. Josef and Beth finally detangled themselves from the crowd and approached Mick and Adriana.
"Did you like my speech?" Beth asked, smiling wickedly.
"You planned this, didn't you?" Mick asked.
"Of course. I want this. I'm going for it. And there's nothing you can do to convince me otherwise." Beth crossed her arms, prepared to stare him down. Josef chuckled. He had to give her credit, she had spunk.
"Oh, really?" Mick asked. "What if I refuse to sire you?"
"Then I'll ask Josef," Beth huffed. Josef's head whipped around in surprise.
Mick's eyes grew wide. "You wouldn't."
"I would. And you have to admit, it's not like you don't want me to be turned."
"Yeah, well, it's not like you don't want me to want you to be turned," Mick realized as he said this that their argument had entered the absurd nature of sibling rivalries. Josef had been listening to the entire argument, an expression of great amusement upon his face. Mick straightened himself, regained his composure and asked Beth politely, "Can I speak to you in private for a moment?" Mick clapped Josef on the shoulder in a congratulatory gesture, for all the nosy reporters watching them.
Beth sauntered off to an excluded corner and Mick followed her. Once she turned around to face him, he started, "Beth-"
"No, Mick. I quit my job. I'm going to meet with Josef's lawyer tomorrow and I am going to do this." Mick made to protest, but she raised her voice and continued to speak over him. "But we do need to talk."
"About what?" Mick asked, thrown off by her sudden change in tone.
"Your eating habits," Beth said simply.
Mick did a double take. What did she say? My eating habits… What do my eating habits have to do with anything?
"Yes, we need to talk about your unhealthy eating habits. Josef told me all about the health risks of bagged blood—curtailing of healing abilities and vampire hemophilia—I respect your respect for human life, but I don't want to lose you. I am going to ask you to consider fresh blood," Beth asked.
Mick blinked at her, not sure if he should be taking her seriously.
"Bottled of course," Beth added.
"That's not the point, Beth," Mick rebuffed.
"Yes, it is. If the donor is willing, why is it bad? In fact you're the one who is stealing from people. You take the blood donated to help the sick. The last time I checked, you are not a sick person."
The meaning of Beth's words hit Mick hard. I am stealing. It just goes to show that no matter how noble your intentions; you are not above everybody else. Maybe freshies aren't that bad…
Beth read the expression on Mick's face and answered, his unvoiced question. "They're not, Mick. You compensate freshies. The blood bank donor's don't get paid for their donations. And you can make it a pleasurable experience for them too," Beth argued. At this, Mick cocked his head and glared at her. "Okay, okay," she admitted. "That's too much to ask. But I do want you to consider this."
Mick sighed. "You're right, Beth. I'd never thought of it that way before, but you're right. But why are we talking about this now?" Mick asked.
"Well, since I'm unemployed, I need a job. First, I was thinking of joining you in the PI business," Mick started to protest, but Beth continued speaking. "But I know you don't want me in danger. Then I got to thinking about the Agency. Their services are still in demand and I could take over operations. I figured if I could sway you over to freshies, I could convince anyone." Beth beamed as she finished her explanation.
Mick smiled back. "You've convinced me. I think it is a very good idea—I know you'll treat your girls with every amount of respect they deserve."
"Men too. Don't forget the male freshies. Us female vamps need to eat too."
Mick chuckled, "But you're not a vampire…yet."
"Yeah, but I will be, soon. And think, I'm going to have a harem larger then Josef's," she added with a smile. They both chuckled quietly thinking about Josef reaction.
Mo had cornered Adriana and Josef. She was interrogating them about their jobs and friends. Mo thought both Adriana and Josef would make excellent contacts. Josef found her prying questions comical and he amused himself by dangling information in front of her, but never giving specifics.
Adriana was silent, but Josef could feel her emotions. She had released her charm and was letting her allure roll off her. It was starting to take its effect on him, but he wasn't going to give in. Why now? She knows we're supposed here for Beth…
He noticed other men starting to stare at Adriana and he could feel jealousy rising in his chest. If he weren't mistaken, he'd just accidentally let out a low growl. Mo finally gave up and left to pester some new reporters about their deadlines.
That's when Adriana laid it on thick, shooting a wave of heat crashing through his body. Fuck, was that last thing he thought as he lost all control and practically attacked her. His mouth smashed against hers in a crushing kiss. Adriana gratefully accepted, encouraging him, her allure only growing, enticing him more thoroughly.
Gasps rose from the crowd as nosy reporters noticed Josef and Adriana's not-so-innocent make out session. Josef hardly noticed as the din grew louder, he was fully consumed in Adriana's kiss. He did register the shock of being pulled away from Adriana, but it took him a moment to realize that it was Beth who pulling him away.
"How could you?!" Beth exclaimed, near tears.
Josef looked at Adriana who was barely containing her laughter, then he looked at Mick, who looked just as confused as him and finally, he looked at Beth. He could see the glint of laughter in her eyes, just below her fake tears. Oh… he understood. Beth and Adriana had planned this. They had been playing him. Well, two can play at that game…
"You knew what kind of man I was when you married me, Sweet-cheeks," he responded.
Beth was taken aback by his comment and her genuine shock played right into her cover story. "Fine. We're over!" Beth turned on her heel and stormed off. Josef watched, dumbfounded. No wonder Mick likes her. He's always had a soft spot for strong women, he thought as Adriana pulled him from the room.
Mick watched as Josef and Adriana left. No, come back! Josef, I thought we made a pact, leave no man behind… He sighed and looked around. With Josef, Adriana and Beth gone everyone in the room was concentrated on him.
"I'll…I'm just…I'll go check on Beth," he stammered as he bolted from the room in search of Beth.
He found her sitting in the hall. Her head was resting against the wall and her eyes were closed. Fake tears stained her face, but her expression was one of pure joy. She opened her eyes and turned to look at him. "Did they buy it?" she asked.
"Yes. You had this planned too, didn't you?" he asked as he sat down next to her.
"Of course. I had to be able to explain my annulment and what better way than to have a messy break-up scene in front of the entire news department?" she smiled at him.
Mo came bursting through he door, breaking up the moment with Mick. Beth put her grief stricken face back on and Mick played the part of consoling friend.
"Oh, girl. I just heard. I'm so sorry. He's such a bastard. I'm gonna rip him a new one. He won't know what hit him. We'll run a full out neg. campaign," Mo offered as comfort.
"No!" Beth panicked. She didn't want attention drawn to Josef and she knew that Josef wouldn't hesitate to take Mo down if she threatened to expose him. "No, please don't. I don't want any of this on the news. It's too embarrassing. Please, don't," Beth pleaded.
"But—" Mo started to protest. This story was dynamite and she didn't want to pass it up.
Beth broke into another fit of fake tears. This seemed to sway Mo who, begrudgingly, agreed. "Okay, Beth. I'll hold the story for you. But you owe me… This is the story of the year."
"Thank you, Mo," Beth chocked through sobs. "I really—really couldn't handle the humiliation. Thanks. Consider it your parting gift to me."
"You're still leaving?! Even though you're not gonna be married?" Mo asked.
"Yes. I need some time off. Maybe I'll come back. Who knows, I might get a good divorce settlement…" Beth said, cheering up a little.
Mo laughed and hugged her star ex-reporter. "I hope to see you back soon. We both know you can't stay away!" She left, going back to the party.
"Well, I think we can leave now. Do you have any plans for the rest of the day, Mr. St. John?" Beth asked, a hint of mischief in her eye.
Adriana pulled Josef to his car. Josef asked, "Why didn't you tell me what you were planning?" he asked, a little miffed with her.
"Where's the fun in that?" Adriana asked. "Besides, Beth and I didn't want it to look staged."
"I hate being out of the loop," he muttered. He pulled Adriana to him and stared down into her eyes. He let his own allure roll off him. Adriana moaned and pressed herself against him. He forcefully pushed her against the car and pinned her there with his body so she could feel the effect she had on him. Adriana moaned again and kissed him, tangling her fingers into his hair.
It took all his will power to pull away. "Adriana, we need to talk." She pouted when he stopped, but she listened to him. "I want to know what you expect of me. You said when we met I was the first person you ever let in. I need to know where you see us going."
Adriana drew a calming breath. "I don't know. I don't what the future will hold. I try not to think too far into the future. Can't we live for today and enjoy the here and now?" she asked, kissing him.
Josef pulled away again. "As much as I would love to just let go and enjoy, I feel we've done that enough. We need to talk about this, before it gets out of hand," Josef's concern was scaring even him, but he didn't want to get hurt again. He never opened up like this. He lived in the here and now, but he did always have an eye on the future and for some reason he saw Adriana in his future.
"I love you," Adriana blurted out. She seemed shocked by her own boldness.
Josef smiled, one of those true smiles that expressed all his happiness over hearing those three little words. He cupped her face in his hands and said, "I love you too." He let out a breath. Damn that felt good.
"Well, guess that sums it up," she smiled and kissed him. He didn't put up any resistance.
Mick and Beth emerged from the building. Mick groaned. "Why do I always have to see this?" he asked rhetorically as he saw Josef and Adriana.
"Hey," Beth called out to them. "I'll come by your office tonight, Josef. Have your lawyer ready. Bye, Adriana."
Josef raised his hand, acknowledging her statement, but not bothering to break his kiss with Adriana. Adriana didn't even give Beth a response. Mick chuckled and led Beth to his car. He held the door for her then got in the driver's side. She asked, with seductive undertones, "So where are we going?"
"Shopping," Mick answered simply.
Beth's face fell. She had imagined going back to his place and taking advantage of the solitude. Mick noticed her disappointment. He grabbed her hand. "I know, Beth, but you're the one who forced the turning. Remember, I want you healthy, so no sex—we can't take the chance of me draining you."
"I could wait on the turning…" Beth offered, a little eagerly.
Mick laughed. "No, then we'd still have to wait. It'll be faster this way. I don't want to risk losing you."
"At least it would be a good way to go," Beth grumbled. Mick laughed heartily at her comment. It would indeed be a good way to die, a very good way… probably the best way...
Here I go, begging for reviews...