Chapter 40 – Late Night Visitors

Saturday 17th March –22.25 pm

The Horseguards Hotel, London

Lauren raced to the Theatre, breaking many speeding laws. Security alerted her that Bo had already left as soon as she arrived. Travelling the short distance to the hotel, Lauren parked the motorbike outside. A blacked-out Range Rover was at the rear, and Lauren watched as Bo stepped out, followed closely by a brunette woman. Initially, she thought it was Cleo, but the hair was too long. Lauren rushed over as Bo and a brunette woman entered the hotel via the back entrance. Lauren needed a better view, heart racing. Evony? Lauren thought as she edged closer. The long fur coat, dark, perfectly straight hair, and oversized sunglasses in the dark. Yes, it was definitely Evony.

Lauren attempted to get in the same way but was denied access. Security did not have her on the list, and she was redirected to the front reception.

"I know she is not officially here, but we both know she is here. All I'm asking is you ring her room, two-fifteen. Just call her and tell her Lauren Lewis is here. Then she can tell you if she is here or not."

The receptionist put her finger up, "Wait here."

Lauren patiently waited while the woman in front of her dialled Bo's room. She was a lot kinder than the one the night before. Lauren watched as the handset was placed back down. She hadn't spoken and returned. "I'm sorry; there was no answer from the line. It's been taken off the hook."

Lauren hit her fist against the reception, quickly apologising. Two security guards approached her and swiftly led her to a back office. "Sorry, I didn't mean to hit the desk."

Security didn't reply.

Lauren stood agitated. She had apologised for hitting the reception desk; why was she being kept. She soon realised when the woman from room service entered the office and pointed in Lauren's direction, "Yes, that was her."

The Security dismissed her and turned to Lauren, "You sneaked in last night by deceiving our waiting staff. I will now take your picture and ban you from the hotel."

Lauren swiped the camera, removed the memory card and crushed it in her hand. "No, you won't. I don't have my picture taken. I am a friend of Bo Dennis and was dropping something off last night."

"You were denied entrance, then lied to a hotel employee, stole a food tray, and sneaked into a high-security room."

"Not that high security," Lauren interrupted. "I got to her suite without really trying. You need to fire your Head of Security."

"I am the Head of Security." He replied, angered this time.

"Well, walk about now and then, and look for your weak areas." Lauren stood, hands-on-hips.

"Stay here," He commanded, "I am off to get a new memory card, then a photo for my wall of banned wrong-uns, and I trust to never see you again, or I will, I will—

"You will what?" Lauren faced him, stepping closer, "You will keep me in a locked room until Law Enforcement arrives, such as the police? Don't make a fool of yourself, mate. We both know they won't attend as, technically, all I have done is entered a public area and ask about a paying guest. And you certainly won't have a photo of me for your little wank wall."

The other guard, a good-looking, dark-haired boy no more than twenty years of age, giggled at her reply but was soon shot a warning look.

"Mark, wait outside and make sure she doesn't leave. I will be right back." The Head of Security barked.

They both left, and Lauren tried the door. It was locked. Annoyed but determined, she looked around the small room. Only the air vents above her. Pulling the table across, she jumped on and lifted herself up. She was tired of this and needed to know what Evony was doing with Bo. As far as Lauren was concerned, that woman should be nowhere near Bo without Security or a lawyer present. Lauren would protect her, even if that was from herself and her poor judgement of people. Evony was bad news, and Lauren would face the consequences of her actions later. Right now, she would check what was going on.

If Bo asked her to leave, that would be different; she would respect her wishes and leave. At least Bo would know that she was in her corner. Always would be and would choose her over a friend's night out. Lauren manoeuvred through the vents, dropped near the foyer, and exited the hotel. So, she couldn't get in the back or the front. Lauren looked up. Bo's room was on the twelfth floor, left-hand corner room. Looking at her shoes, she felt grateful that she wore flats today, not heels.


Saturday 17th March –23.05 pm

Bo's Hotel Room #215, The Horseguards, London

Bo was soaking in the bath. It had been a long day and an even longer night made worse by Laurens' phone absence. Bo typed out several messages during the evening but did not send them, still unsure what to write. Then the phone battery dying made the decision for Bo as she flung it on her bed and instead chose a long-soaked bath. Lauren was perfect, and they fit so well sexually. However, what was missing was the other connections, like friendship. Bo felt guilty for being too needy. She wanted Lauren at her shows, to be able to reach her throughout the day and to sleep beside her every night. Was that too much? Bo knew that a new relationship was a delicate balance between wanting to see them every second of the day and giving them space to grow.

Bo didn't know what Lauren thought about their future together. Decisions needed to be made soon, such as where would they live? Bo had more opportunities in Canada, but Lauren's work and life were in England. Would they work long-distance? If Lauren declared her love, Bo would do anything to keep them together. Still, right now, Lauren's work came first. Ducking her head under the water, Bo allowed the hot water to wash over her, removing those doubts for the time being. The hot water was calming against her flushed skin. Any troubles seemed to float to the top of the water and disappear. Bo relaxed. Not all kernels pop simultaneously, despite having the same heat and being in the same pan. Lauren and her would pop soon, and it will be delicious and perfect. Lauren admitted that she was her first girlfriend and would need some guidance. Bo resided to herself that everything in her life was planned and controlled. Having a bit of spontaneity would be good for her.

A scream came from the other room. Panic set in, and Bo jumped out of the water, "what the hell is going on?" Bo yelled from her room.

The brunette was on the phone to reception before Lauren entered the room. Lauren had her hands in the air, realising immediately that the woman was not Evony. Shivers travelled down her body, another fuck up from her.

"We have an intruder." The brunette yelled back to Bo and down the phone simultaneously.

Lauren placed her hand on her heart, "I am Lauren Lewis and a friend of Bo's."

"Ignore that." The brunette replaced the receiver and walked to the balcony, "You're Lauren, hey?"

"Yes," Lauren replied, and for unknown reasons, she reached for the work I.D. and showed it to the mystery woman. It was taken and studied but not given back.

"What is going on?" Bo purposely said each word slowly and concisely from the doorway to her room. She was tired.

"Stay here. We need to talk." The brunette pushed Lauren back onto the balcony. "And be quiet."

The brunette closed the balcony door. Lauren knelt down and watched as Bo strutted into the room.

"I said, what is going on?" Bo stood facing the brunette, "Why did you scream?"

"Nothing, I saw a spider." She pulled Bo from the balcony, "It's outside, don't open the door."

Bo shook her arm, releasing her grip and headed back to the bedroom, "Christ's sake, I thought you were being murdered."

Lauren spied through the window. Bo was wet from her bath and had only a towel wrapped around her body. She wished she could run out and scoop her up in her arms, but she was always good at following orders and didn't want to explain her high-climbing antics.

"Bo, dry your hair, and we can have a brandy together before bed." The brunette swaggered over, "And remind me to get you some cream to cover those damn bruises. I swear if I ever met this lady friend of yours, I would kill her."

Lauren looked over to Bo and saw the bruising on her knees and her inner thighs. Remembering back to the changing room and how she had gripped Bo's legs open. She grabbed her mouth to not make a sound.

Bo hid the bruise under the towel. "It's just light bruising. And you would do no such thing."

"I don't know what kind of sex lesbians have, but you could ask her to be more gentle." The brunette knew Lauren would be listening and hoped she would understand the warning.

Bo slipped closer, "It's none of your business. Maybe I asked for it. Maybe I like it rough. Maybe I got exactly what I wanted. All you need to know is that it was consensual, and I loved every second."

The brunette's mouth dropped.

Lauren stood on the balcony, speechless. She had no idea who the other woman was, but Bo obviously didn't think much of her. And she clearly wasn't a clairvoyant, a drug dealer, a prostitute or a reporter. Time will reveal.

Bo smiled. She enjoyed making her guest uncomfortable. Walking to the decanter, she poured one brandy. "And make your own damn drink."

Lauren remained silent, watching their interactions. There were so many things rushing through her mind. Another night of being a fool. Bo never gave her any reason not to trust her. Lauren promised her in the hospital room that she could explain her actions, but right now, she couldn't explain them to herself. She was acting irrationally, not the typical composed Lauren that she was used to. Something about Bo made her think and act differently, and it scared her. It was as if she had locked any emotion in a box, and each day she was discovering a new one, jealousy, doubt, guilt, fear and unconditional love. Nothing made sense except Bo, who she had an incredible pull to. She craved her every second of the day. The story of soulmates and Zeus that her mother would read to her came to mind. Lauren knew all about Greek mythology. Her mum a fan and would share books and read a story every night to Lauren before bed. Cleo had stirred up some memories of her mother since their encounter. Not all were unwelcome.

Bo turned and left the room. The brunette opened the balcony door and joined Lauren. "Let me introduce myself. My name is Aife DuPont, Bo's mother."

"Mother?" It came out as more of a question than a statement.

Aife waved, "Oh, ignore that back there, our little tiff. Bo has been defiant towards me since she was twelve. She likes to provoke a reaction from me. That is a mother, daughter relationship. Is it not the same with your mother?"

It was an innocent question, but Lauren felt a lump in her throat. She wasn't used to having these kinds of conversations. She never talked about herself, and no one ever asked. "Erm, no. She died when I was eight."

Aife's voice softened, "Sorry to hear that. But don't you worry about Bo and me? We have equal amounts of love and annoyance for each other."

"Yeah, she mentioned her therapy sessions-."

Lauren was cut off, "We both had to go. She was a difficult child. Lived in a fantasy world. Blamed me for everything that went wrong."

Lauren raged. She knew the truth as Bo told her about her therapy and growing up with this woman."You told a five-year-old that Father Christmas didn't exist."

"Well, he doesn't, and it was all nonsense and a distraction to her." Aife was impatient with the direction of the conversation.

"You put her on a flight to Los Angeles from Toronto alone," Lauren raised her arms, "What the hell. Not to mention pushing her into acting for your personal gain."

"Is that what she told you?" Aife laughed. "Did she also tell you that she tried to kill me?"

Lauren gasped.

"Don't listen to it all, Lauren." Aife knew that she had won that conversation. "Now we are older, we are closer. She flew me here, wanting me to regain control of her career and be her Agent again. So I will be around daily, so be careful what you say about me. I will give you the benefit of the doubt, as you didn't grow up with a mother, but mother-daughter bonds are confusing but unbreakable."

Laurens' mouth dropped open, facing Aife. "I'm so sorry for what I said. Can we start again? This is a horrible first impression and not how I imagined meeting you."

"It's nice to know you thought about meeting me," Aife looked over the balcony. "And I am impressed that you climbed twelve floors because you thought Bo was alone with Evony Marquis."

Lauren pulled a face. "How did you know?"

"I'm her mother, and a mother knows, call it a sixth sense. And I also see a resemblance between us." Aife answered. "Let's go inside, and you can pour us both a brandy."

Walking inside, they heard the hairdryer blowing and knew they had only a few minutes. Lauren quietly walked to the drinks cabinet and poured only one drink which she handed to Aife.

"I've never liked Evony Marquis. That woman controls everything with Bo, including all her money." Aife took a sip from her drink.

Lauren responded, "I know; that's why I climbed up. I don't know why she keeps her around, but I don't want her alone with her again. She is manipulative and plays games."

"Exactly, we need to get rid of her."Aife took one of Laurens' hands in her own. "You need to get rid of her."

Lauren glanced up at the ceiling, "me? How?"

"Yes." Aife handed back Lauren's badge, "With your special talents."

"My what?"

"You heard." Aife's eyes crinkled at the corners in an attempt to smile. "We're meeting with lawyers Monday, but before that, I need to see how much she has her claws in my baby. We need to have real copies of her contracts, all of which she keeps locked in her safe."

"Okay, but how do you know I can get it?"

"You work for MI6," Aife replied. "Don't you have ways?"

"I work in protection detail." Lauren corrected.

"Potatoe, Tomato." Aife dismissed her with a wave of her hand. "Or whatever the phrase is. You are still MI6. Work it out yourself. I need it, or Bo is screwed. Now, will you help your future mother-in-law and save Bo?"

"Mother-in-law?"

"Yes," Aife grinned and strolled across the room toward the suite door, "As I said, a mother knows. But, I did say future."

The corners of Laurens' mouth turned into a huge grin, "Okay. I'll do it." Lauren agreed. Not knowing how, she knew she would get that contract, freeing Bo from Evony's clasp.

"Now leave, and don't tell Bo a thing." Aife opened the front door, "This time, though, dearie, use the elevator."

Lauren silently walked the extended suite from the balcony to the front door and stepped outside. Turning to Aife, giving her a nod, she returned the nod and pressed the elevator call button. An unspoken agreement that the secret mission to break into Evonys suite was safe with her.

Bo walked back into the room, dressing gown pulled tight around her. "Who are you talking to, mom?"

"No one. Fancy another Brandy?" Aife asked, closing the door. "I made my own, as you so charmingly told me to."

The elevator door burst open, and seven security guards rushed to Lauren and pinned her to the wall. Lauren wouldn't cause any noise or commotion by fighting in front of the suite. The guards would be easy for her to pick off, one by one. Instead, she went freely when they pulled her towards the lift.

The doors swung open, and Lauren looked up to see Bo standing on the other side of the door.

"Lauren." Bo pointed as the elevator shut. Rushing forward, she desperately pressed the call button, but the light indicated that it was going to the ground floor and was gone.

"I don't know." Aife lied.

Turning to face her mom, Bo repeated. "No, I wasn't asking. I was telling you. That was Lauren. What was she doing here, and why did Hotel Security take her?"

Aife shrugged, "No idea."


Saturday 17th March –23.15 pm

Security Office. The Horseguards Hotel, London

Lauren was forcefully pushed into a seat in the back security office. The Head of Security zip-tied her to the chair and left. Lauren didn't have the fight in her. The look of disappointment on Bo's face was harrowing. She could kick herself. It was all a nightmare. Only a few weeks ago, Bo was hurt, and Lauren was only a fuck. Slowly the walls came down, but Bo asked to take it slow. Lauren hadn't respected that and did what she wanted. As she had always done. It was all so confusing. Bo's friends told her to be present, but she would have asked if Bo wanted her to be there. Lauren was sure of that. No more listening to others. She would talk to Bo and get their relationship back on track.

There was shouting outside, and the door swung open. The second security guard, Mark, was launched in, followed by an angry-looking Bo.

"Sorry, Miss Dennis," He stepped into the room and showed Lauren tied to a chair. "My boss instructed me to watch until he returned."

"Untie her now." Bo barked, dressed casually in black jeans and a white scoop top. Bo wasn't wearing any shoes, and her hair was slightly damp.

He did as he was told and cut the ties using scissors from the desk. Lauren stood and rubbed her wrists.

"Lauren, are you okay?" Bo took Lauren's wrists and looked over them, kissing the red marks.

"Ahem," young Mark coughed, "I wouldn't tell Earl that you are close. He likes to sell stories."

There was no time to respond when Earl, Head of Security, was back, camera in hand, "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask the same of you." Bo stabbed his chest with her finger.

"Well, who is she?" He asked. An innocent question but one that stunned them both to silence.

Mark's eyes widened, and he shook his head.

"Lauren is my, is my," Bo looked at Lauren for support.

"Security," Lauren replied and showed her British Intelligence badge. "There is reason to believe there is a breach in the hotel. Please get the Hotel Manager."

Mark went to turn, but the door handle was held by Earl, "What kind of breach?"

Lauren swiftly pulled Earl from the door, spun him around and held his arm behind his back, forcing a loud yelp."Mark, I asked you to get the Hotel Manager. Now, please."

The door was opened, and Mark nodded and ran from the room, "Sure."

Lauren leaned into the sweaty overweight man she captured, "You've been a naughty boy."

Earl wiggled but was futile; Lauren had a stronghold.

The Hotel Management entered moments later, "What's going on?"

Lauren released her grip, pushed Earl to the side and outstretched her hand. "I'm Agent Lewis. I am consulting for Miss Dennis about Security in the hotel and leaked data, such as the movements of your guests to the media."

The Hotel Manager shook her hand, "Okay, and what can I do for you?"

"I would like you to check this man's locker and belongings and confiscate any supporting material to the fact. In addition, I have accessed the suite twice, and I would like you to review your Security."

The Hotel Manager deeply inhaled, "Earl, what have you been doing. He signalled over his shoulder to other security team members, "Go to his locker, empty it and bring it to me along with his bag and uniform. Earl, you can wait in my office."

"This is an outrage." Earl screamed, "I have worked here for fourteen years. Never had a sick day, and I've been fucking loyal."

"And since you have been Head of Security, we've had complaints that the press is one step ahead of our guests, and the only person they share it with is you." The manager sighed, "I should've known. Tom, take him to my office."

After the room was cleared, Lauren, Bo, Mark and the Hotel Manager were the only ones left remaining. "I'm so sorry, Miss Dennis, that you needed to do this." He held his hand, "My name is Donavon. Please accept my sincere apologies."

Bo warmed to his big brown eyes, soft hands, and milky voice. The three-piece suit complemented his frame. It was a chocolate brown that complemented his dark skin perfectly. "Thank you."

"We value your custom and hope you continue to see us as friends when you visit London. In the meantime, if there is anything you need, please ask for me."

"Actually, there is something." Bo answered, "Please can Lau, erm, Agent Lewis get a keycard for the suites and be on any list your security has."

Donavon nodded at Bo and turned to Lauren. "Of course. And any information, Agent, you can share about our Security would be appreciated."

"Shall we check the locker?" Lauren answered, "Then I have a few suggestions."

Donavan nodded, "I will meet you there. Mark, wait outside and escort Agent Lewis to the staff room, please. He left, along with Mark, whose shadow reflected him waiting outside the glass room.

"Lauren, I don't know what to say." Bo held Lauren and felt as she slumped in her embrace.

"I tried to call you," Lauren answered.

"My phone just died." Bo answered, "I haven't had a moment to charge it yet, and you know the battery is useless."

"I removed the ghost app, but you should get a new one." Lauren half smiled, "And you took the hotel line off the hook?"

"Habit. Otherwise, I get calls all night. Since the hotel introduced the extension system, the press knows that I am in one of the suites and will call relentlessly all day and night, hoping that I answer."

"Oh, sorry, Bo. When I didn't get through, I should have left. Waited for you to call me." Lauren squeezed Bo close.

"Why are you here?" Bo asked.

"Because I should have been there today?"

"Fuck," Bo pulled her slightly back, "Kenzi gave you the third degree too? I've already told her to leave us alone."

"So you're not angry that I didn't call?"

"Disappointed, as I look forward to hearing from you." Bo replied, "But I give so many mixed signals. I am not surprised you are confused."

"What?"

"I had time to think about us while soaking in the bath earlier. I hated you, made you be my booty call, then finally agreed to date you, but I demand rules, want it all in the open, want it slow. Then I contradict myself as I want you around, but then I don't tell you what I am doing. It must be confusing. So what about we start again?"

"No," Lauren answered, "I don't want to start again. Let's tell each other what we want and be honest."

"Oh, erm, oh," Bo was stunned. She expected Lauren to be happy to revert back to a fresh slate. "What do I want? Honestly, I want it all. A lesbian U-Haul, us living together, spending every minute with you, speaking to you, texting or thinking of you."

Lauren laughed.

"Shit, what, too much?" Bo asked.

"No," Lauren kissed Bo hard. "Me too. Aren't we a cliché? I want the same. I want it all with you too."

Bo released her grip. "It's just that I love-" Bo left that sentence lingering. Did she want to say the L-word just yet? It wasn't like she didn't think it, know it, but to use it might scare her love away. Again. "It's just that, well, it's just that I, erm, l love being with you."

"I love being with you too. Is that all?" Lauren held her gaze and waited for Bo to answer, and when she realised she wasn't going to, she filled the silence. "Because I don't just love being with you. I love you. I am completely in love with you, Bo Dennis. There I've said it."

Bo burst into tears, and Lauren pulled her close. Holding her breath, was that too much, too soon?

Her prayers were answered when Bo leaned back and replied, "Me too. Since we first met, you stole my heart, and I never wanted it back."

"Really?" Lauren was on the brink of an emotional collapse.

Bo wiped her face and kissed Lauren gently. "I love you. I am in love with you too. I have always loved you and believe I always will."

The kiss that came next was perfect. Out of them all, this would go down in history. A perfect balance of lust, desire, longing and emotion. Slow, fast, soft and passionate. Hands knew what they were doing, dancing behind their bodies and necks, pulling in when needed and releasing when breathing became an issue. It was a long-drawn-out kiss. A spinning rollercoaster ride, making them euphoric, dizzy and elated. Parting lips, head on head, hand clasped tightly, holding on.

"Wow." Bo panted.

"Double wow." Lauren crushed her lips to engage in one more kiss.

"Stay with me tonight," Bo begged.

"I have to meet Donavan and sort out Earl. But of course, I'm staying, and not just tonight," Lauren playfully slapped Bo's bottom.

"You have a keycard, so no more sneaking in." Bo returned, slapping Lauren's bottom, "Or I can stay at Casa Croydon?"

Lauren laughed, "If you want? I will get you a key cut tomorrow. When you get back to the suite, please pop the kettle on. We can have a brew before bed."

"You love your tea, hey." Bo teased.

"Not as much as I love you." Lauren grinned. "It feels so good to finally say it. Three words. But I feel different somehow."

"I love you too and will never bore of hearing it or saying it to you." Bo placed Lauren's hand over her heart, "You've touched me here."

"I think I've touched you in more places than that." Lauren laughed.

"Bubba, we were having a moment." Bo pouted.

"Sorry, you've touched my heart too. You saw you wanted, I surrendered, and you conquered and will rule for eternity my heart."

"Trust you to use military terms." Bo laughed. "Now hurry up with that shit Earl then come to bed and show me other places I can conquer on your body."

"Yes, Ma'am." Lauren jokingly saluted.

Bo walked to the door, gripped the handle, and then flipped around, "Shit, Lauren. I forgot. Oh shit, well, how do I say this."

Lauren rushed to her side, "Just say it."

"My mother is upstairs."

Lauren had a conundrum to admit she knew would upset Aife. Bo would know that her mother had lied, and then the issues of her contracts would concern Bo. But then she just told her she loved her, and the first thing she contemplated was lying to her.

"Lauren, are you okay?" Bo asked, concerned that meeting the mother was too far for her fragile girlfriend. Baby steps after their love declaration. "Bubba?"

Lauren exhaled. What should she do?