Drew stretched herself in the chair she'd occupied for the last three hours, finally done identifying what she could of the Mummy. Number four needed to be photographed and scanned. She didn't feel comfortable breaking open the wrappings on the person just yet. The less invasive she could be the better. She'd have the results in the next few hours to days. she knew she couldn't identify more upon the mummies so she stored them as required to preserve them.

The skeletons she'd determined number two was an older man over fifty five. He was suffering from osteoarthritis in the left knee from a break long healed. She could see the toll of time wearing down on the bone on bone. He was missing five teeth. A good few had cavities. Some grooves in the front teeth from holding a pipe.

She sent the two mummies with Sienna and Dr. Tam down to the radiation area. She took her findings to her office to be typed up and edited. She made her way through the halls down to her office.

She opened the door settling the stuff down. It was only ten twenty five in the morning. Too early for lunch. She turned on her heel and headed for the coffee maker.

"Az says I'm yours today." Davina entered the break room grabbing a mug from the cupboard above the sink.

"An extra set of eyes. Good. I'll have the results probably this afternoon at least for the carbon dating."

"We can talk work back in your office." Davina dismissed. "Tell me what had you so out of sorts this morning."

Drew quirked her brow, pouring the creamer into her coffee. She handed the pot to Davina. She made quick work of the espresso machine adding a shot to her coffee.

"I'm not out of sorts."

"Don't lie to me, Danvers. I know you too well." She pointed her spoon at Drew.

Drew turned and leant back on the counter. She took a big gulp from her coffee.

"Okay, but not a word gets out about this. If it does I will personally bury you. Don't think I don't know how to hide a body."

"Continue," Davina pressed ignoring the threat to her life.

"Sir Turi asked me to be his date to a gala." She whispered.

"WHAT?!"

"Davina!" She hissed. "Quiet."

"Sorry." She took a few breaths. "Why would you be out of it with that? You said you would go out if he asked."

"I agreed…" Drew admitted, holding a finger up to stop the incoming squeals. "That's not the issue. My issue is the fact he's sent me a credit card in my name to buy an outfit."

"Oh…" Davina said. "You don't like that… why not hand it back to him?"

"I tried last night to tell him no, but he's just so damn charming. I didn't get the words out. Anyways, do you want to come shopping with me tomorrow? I've been given the day off and allowed to bring someone with me."

"You like him," Davina nudged her shoulder.

Drew rolled her eyes, heat spread across her cheeks. "He's easy on the eyes."

"I'll come shopping. If he wants to pay for it I'll make sure he regrets it." Davina laughed.

"Don't you dare."

"No promises!" She sang.

"I only have one word for this dress."

Drew stared down herself in the one eighty mirror. Davina raised a brow.

"Childish."

Navy blue asymmetrical ruffled layers fell from her waist down. The one shoulder dress with the sweetheart neckline. A few sparkling gems were encrusted down the ruffle edges.

"This looks like a seventeen year old's prom dress."

"It was in the evening gown section." Davina shrugged. "It's cute, but you're right, doesn't give me bombshell at a gala. It's black tie as well right?"

"Yeah. It is."

"Damn no waist high slit."

Drew chuckled. "Undo the zipper please. I'll try the next one."

She slipped back into the change rooms. She looked over the ten gowns hung up that she'd yet to get through.

"Did Sir Turi give you a colour?"

"Not really. He didn't exactly give instructions beyond for him to pay." She sighed.

Drew disrobed and reached for the deep burgundy dress. A slight peekaboo hole revealed her chest, but the collar remained high. The skirt fell in a mermaid style. It was a halter with a lace back. A sequin look to the beautiful material. It was nothing fancy, but was stunning none the less. She zipped the side where it connected. While it hugged her form it was respectable. The skirt she realized draped the floor.

She sighed taking it off and hung it back up. No time for tailors.

"We need to talk about length." Drew sighed. "Half of these dresses drown me."

"You're barely passing five foot, most dress stores can't help that my height challenged friend."

Drew laughed. "Be nice or I'll smack you at the knees. Who's short then?!"

She paused on a deep dark emerald green dress, the material a beautiful satin. It fell in an A-line style. She quickly slid into it. It was covered the front at her collar bone wrapping around connecting as a halter. The back had two golden chains that fell against her back two emeralds on tear drops grazed below her bra line.

A small heel she turned, she'd be able to walk with no issues. She stepped out.

"Holy hell." Davina gasped.

Drew stepped up on the pedestal in front of the mirrors. She gave herself a once over. Her freckles across her back and shoulders on display. She didn't want to cover them.

"If you decide to wear a weave or wig, you need it pulled up. Seriously you're a goddess." Davina complimented.

"I feel it. I don't do long gowns but I could with this." Drew agreed.

Davina stepped up checking the tag. Drew watched her eyes widen.

"What?"

"Nothing… I just suggest letting Sir Turi pay for the dress…"

"It can't be that bad…" Drew scoffed.

"If six thousand euro is cheap to you."

Drew coughed. "What?!"

"It's an Alexander McQueen. What'd you expect with one of the legends at Gucci."

"Not to ever have it on my body." Drew blanched.

"It looks seriously beautiful on you."

"And I was only wanting to spend a few hundred euro to splurge…"

"Oh, you should've mentioned that…" Davina smiled. "No dress in this store is that cheap."

"Lord have mercy…"

"Danvers seriously, when will you ever get this chance again? You look so good."

"May I help you ladies further?" The sales associate stepped in hands clasped as she looked over both of them.

"Uh no I'm—"

"Can we have this dress laid aside for a few moments, she's really stuck between this dress and a blue one she tried on. Do you mind if we get lunch and come back?"

"Of course signore, we are open until five tonight." She replied.

"What—"

Davina held up a hand to her waiting until the woman stepped away. "Not so loud. Not the place to argue on prices. Let's take a break. Call your date and ask him what he thinks. Let me take a photo for you to text him. If he agrees. You get it. If not we move on."

Drew rubbed her temples. "I absolutely cannot do this."

Davina pulled out her iPhone snapped a quick photo and sent it to Drew.

"Please just try."

Drew stepped aside near the car. Davina excused herself to the book store while Drew called their boss.

Hands clammy she dialled for Aro.

"Ciao?" The cool accented voice answered.

"Hi— Sir Turi… it's Dr. Danvers."

"Cara, I am surprised to be hearing from you. How goes the shopping?" Aro's tone lightened.

"A bit more difficult than I thought shopping could be," a nervous laugh falling from her.

"Tell me, what has you so worried?"

Drew took a deep breath. "I can't spend your money like this. It's so inappropriate."

"Cara mio, did we not discuss this?" He cooed.

Drew blushed. Memories from the other day returning. How he'd made her feel so lightheaded. She didn't even get to say her piece.

"I remember it being more of an order." She quipped.

Aro chuckled. "Are you saying you do not wish to do as I ask like the good girl I know you are."

Fucking hell.

She leant back pressing her lips together. How could one man who she barely knew make her so weak in the knees, it was utterly unfair. He'd found her praise kink without even trying.

"You have found a dress you like, didn't you?" He coaxed.

"Yes," she exhaled.

"You worry about the price?"

"sì,"

"Tell me,"

"Nearly six thousand euros."

"Oh sweet one, that is all?"

"That is my monthly income, Aro." She huffed. "I can't. It's too much. It's one night. One dress shouldn't cost such an about it's absurd."

"If it would make you feel better, cara mio, I can donate the amount to a charity of your choice."

"How—"

"On the condition you be a good girl, get the dress, allow me to pay. I will then donate the amount spent to a charity of your choice."

"That's even more money spent." She pinched her nose.

"Twelve thousand euros is nothing to me." He reminded. "Now, do we have a deal, a donation to that Toronto youth group program, perhaps?"

"How did you even know of that group?"

"I read in your file of your volunteering. All of my employees I know their resumes." He reminded her. "Not just anyone works for me."

"I don't know if I should fear this manipulation or be grateful."

"Whichever gets you in that green dress." He replied a chuckle in his words.

He was enjoying this, she mentally cussed. "Davina contacted you didn't she."

"Your friend wants you to have a good time. Get the dress. I have a gift for you when you return to Volterra."

"Alright…"

"See you soon."

The line went dead. Drew ended the call on her end and headed back into the Mall.

She was going to murder her friend.

She was talked into a pair of three inch heels and a matching clutch. All at the expense of Aro. In all she spent eight thousand euro.

She blanched seeing the total. She immediately texted Aro the invoice.

I expect the total to be donated. -Drew

Your wish is granted. -Aro

He sent a photo of the cheque last night. She'd checked it throughout the day to even believe it to be true.

"You're ridiculous." She exhaled answering the call from Aro.

"How is that?" He mused.

"You actually donated the amount spent to the charity." She sat back on her bed. "I didn't think you'd do it."

"If there is one thing you should know Dr. Danvers, I am a man of my word. If I make a promise, I keep it."

She shuddered. "I'm learning that more and more."

"Good girl."

She put her fist to her lips keeping in a growing squeal. Lord in heaven above, keep me sane. It'd be difficult to keep herself from willing to sleep with the man at this rate. No. She didn't sleep with employers. Absolutely no fucking her boss no matter how sexy of a man he was. He already knew her kinks.

"I'm sure you called for something else, sir?" She exhaled, a bit too breathy for her liking.

"Yes, the car will be by your apartment to pick you up in an hour."

"Oh! I'll get ready." She stood immediately. "See you soon."

"See you," he repeated.

She hurried over to her vanity. She was happy she'd gone over to Siobhan's condo to beg for her to braid her hair down. Her wig was cleaned and styled in loose long waves that were held in a bun at the base of her head. A few long strands loose to frame her face. The locks a beautiful dark brown.

She stood in front of her bedroom vanity looking herself over. She turned and made quick for her makeup bag.

She did a light shiny shadow to the inner adding darker at the edges for eyeshadow. A light blush over her foundation and freckles. A deep brown lipstick added to her look. Long lashes given mascara and she was good.

She turned to slide the front lace on. The glue readied. She'd left her forehead blank for this reason of blending the wig afterwards. Securing it, and giving it a last spray she was good to adjust the hair line. Laying her edges. Perfect, Drew smiled.

Lastly the dress. She hurried to her closet sliding on careful to mind the hair. When securing the halter. She slid a few golden bracelets on she'd gotten a while ago. Two tear drop gold earrings to match.

She gave herself a once over. She had to give it to Davina, she was absolutely right with the dress being perfect.

She got into the heels sure to slide a bandaid on her heels to keep from blisters. The heels hid the bandaids just fine. She got her clutch with her phone and ID. Her cards and some cash as well as a just in case.

When she turned to lock up, she heard Davina's door open.

"Oh wow, you are absolutely gorgeous. the dress just looks so wonderful on you. Doesn't overtake."

"Thank you," Drew's cheeks warmed. "It's not over the top is it?

"Hell no! I'm kind of jealous I'm not your date." Davina gave her a once over. "The top doesn't even show your boobs yet we can tell you have them."

Drew laughed. "Thanks my worry was boobs looking good even when covered."

"Oh shush, now I believe your ride is here. Night!" Davina blew her a kiss and ducked back inside.

She finished climbing the stairs down the two levels and right as she was in the foyer the door opened.

A towering man vaguely familiar stood in the door with a bow to her. He was well dressed, in a way she was beginning to realize almost everyone dressed in for the Turi brothers.

"Dr. Danvers?"

"That is I," she nodded once.

"Sir Turi awaits in the car. Follow me."

She did as instructed careful of the uneven cobble stones of the road. There in the street a longer black car sat. The winged front ornament on the hood she did not recognize. The windows tinted to the max. The man opened the back door.

Her eyes widened seeing the inside. Plush leather large seats greeted her. One occupied with her boss who had his phone to his ear. A divider to the front seat in place. She saw a pillow on her seat and cup holders. The vinyl siding sleek she was careful not to touch.

This wasn't an ordinary car. She slid into her seat and did the seatbelt up. She was surprised to find a button for what looked to be a heated seat.

"Good evening, Dr. Danvers. How are you fairing today?" Aro greeted her shutting off his phone, before putting it in his suit jacket.

His long raven coloured hair was clipped back half way from his face. His suit pure black with a matching tie and undershirt. Triple breasted. She saw his shoes just as polished. A golden handled cane at his side. She didn't recall him needing one before…

"Sir, I am well. Yourself?"

"Perfectly content," he smiled. "You may call me Aro, no need for such formalities tonight."

"If you call me by my name as well. Unless you forgot my first name?" She teased.

He chuckled taking her hand, placing a kiss on the back of it. "I could never forget your name, Drew Elizabeth Danvers."

"Full name, you do read files well." She took her hand back covering up the growing blush on her face.

"Always, it pays to be thorough."

"Since you know my full name, what of you Aro? Do you have a middle name?"

"I do not, such is not common here."

"A fascinating occurrence." Drew smiled before moving on with simple questions.

The drive was not far at all in fact Drew was sure they could've walked to the location. She was thankful not to do so though in heels. She didn't need to ruin such an expensive gown because a heel got caught on an uneven stone or something.

Aro rounded taking her elbow and guided her in the main doors of the museum. The wooden double doors were covered by an arch up a few steps. The few steps easy enough to navigate. They were greeted and shown towards the one of the museum's halls.

Large two story arched ceilings greeted them with multiple pillars in between. Arch ways had a few statues in marble carved in them. The ornate details she had an urge to study up close. Her attention stolen by the growing crowd as they handed their coats to the coat closet at the front. The marble floor was given a red carpet leading them down into a larger hall. She saw many people in various shades of dress and suit mingling already.

Drew's brow twitched. She hadn't realized the event would be so big for a town not so populated. The town she was sure was full but the crowd seemed younger than most that she saw on a daily basis.

"These galas draw attention from patrons outside the city. Quite a few donors are family friends or contacts. Quite a few from the university as well." Aro answered her unspoken question.

"I see, you're a popular man." She commented a half grin lighting up her face.

A man walked by with a tray and champagne. Aro plucked two off the tray and handed her one. She took it and carefully sipped at the beverage. The bubbles expected, the light taste she blinked.

"Oh wow, that's really good."

"Dom Pérignon, is one of my favourites as well." Aro agreed taking a sip from his.

Drew covered her need to blanch the liquid out in surprise. Three hundred dollar bottles of champagne. What in the fuck. Did he just toss money at people because? She sipped slower this time. Wishing to savour the expensive drink she'd probably never drink again.

"It's a personal expense I assure you, I would never make the museum expend such." Aro leant over to assured her.

Heat took her cheeks. "I —that obvious?"

"Habit of mine to notice patterns. You were concerned for the dress, and I sensed this." He shrugged. "I know you are thankful for the dress. do not fret young doctor. I am very aware the luxury of my life is not afforded to all."

Drew's shoulders dropped a bit. "I'm sincere in that thank you. Donating to the youth group charity. They struggle to keep it afloat especially recently with the recession."

"A pleasure," he smiled. "It's good to see you smile."

"You're full of compliments, you're smile is quite charming yourself." She looked up at him from under her lashes giving him doe eyes on purpose.

She covered a laugh as he stumbled for a second.

His eyes widened and his step off course from the way he usually glided across a floor.

Pressing her lips she took his arm once more and went with him to mingle.

"When was the museum established here in Volterra?" She questioned walking with Aro through the current collection of Ancient Greek statues.

The marble cut so prestine, a few she squinted at she swore they could've been painted still or knew the colours they would've been. A few signs showed what they should have looked like to their glory.

She paused at one female statue, hand covering the pubic mound. Jug and blanket in the other hand. The soft stomach and slight curves to the body so well done and preserved through time. A well known statue what looked to be on a smaller scale not over sized as most were.

"Aphrodite, a modelling of the goddess. The way humans can capture such in stone leaves me astonished to this day. How we make such beautiful things. They made it seem so effortless in art forms. When I know this would've taken years." She sighed stepping forward.

The breasts imperfect and utterly human. She adored the fact the goddess was imperfect like all women. It showed women could be perfect in all ways. As nature meant them to be.

"I agree, the female form is a wonder to be marvelled at." Aro's voice dropped, he was leant over her shoulder close to her ear.

She held back the shudder that raced through her. she sensed his chest close to her back, how he dwarfed her so easily. How it would feel to have him pressed up against her while he took her from behind.

"You wished to show me the new Egyptian exhibit?" She interrupted her own run away thoughts.

"It is just down the west wing on the second level, soon we will reach it." He assured her.

"You never answered my question though," she turned her attention back to him.

"The museum was opened to the public in the eighteenth century. Along with the university of course being opened more to all students of different classes." He answered.

"To the public, is this a private collection to your family?" She questioned.

She watched a small flutter in his face and she swore his chest puffed out a bit.

"It is, a lot of it accumulated over centuries. The collection is said to date back to the founding of the city." His voice taking on a tone of pride.

"You believe this? No fraud?" She teased.

"If there is one thing we pride ourselves on is the paperwork with all of this. There has been a list of all in the museum and archives for centuries." He stated.

"What of the stuff in the site?" She blurted.

"Everything in these rooms and archives I should specify. In the manor is a different story." He corrected.

She deflated. The Longshan pottery, different currencies came to mind. Her current collection of bodies as well.

"You wouldn't have a vague idea or knowledge if your family ever collected mummies?"

"Actually, yes we do." Aro answered. "They are on display in the Egypt section. They are not of our possession however, a friend of mine has leant them to our museum from Cairo."

"None from centuries ago?" She tilted her head as he shook his. "Dr. Azrael never told you of the bodies found on Thursday, did he?"

Aro held a finger up to her stopping to conversation. A few other patrons held a drink to them but passed them by. He motioned her to follow him down a side hall. He quickly unlocked a door.

Once inside he shut the door. He turned on the light. A cleaning supply closet. Her cheeks she swore were on fire. Not the best location if he wanted to talk business. Not while he looked like that. She was two glasses in already and it'd not take much to convince her to do things she really shouldn't do.

His brow furrowed, a dark flash in his dark eyes studied her. Lips down turned. The hair on her arms stood at attention as he held her captive in his stare.

Would it be completely wrong to kiss away that frown? No. No.

"In what state were these bodies?" He interrupted her thoughts with his on edge words.

She straightened herself. "They've been buried I am assuming for at the very least three centuries… bones for two of them, two mummies —one not in prime status…"

Aro clasped his hands in front of him. "I believe this escaped your mind to inform me before today?"

"I thought Az had, I'm sorry Aro." She looked up at him with wide eyes and a growing pout. "I know you like to know of these discoveries before hand. We haven't disturbed them beyond moving them to the cooler labs. The carbon dating is coming back Monday or so. It's safe to say the likelihood of them being fresh is less than a decimal."

"I see," he gave her a once over. "Make sure to keep me up to date on such as these. There are protocols. I know you hedge the line—"

"That was a really ill timed joke." Drew groaned cutting him off.

Aro chuckled stepping forward. He caught her chin tipping it up to keep her gaze on him.

"I do enjoy teasing you, cara." He whispered. "I will forgo the punishment this time. I am sure you wanted more information to impress me with."

She snorted. "Did you just call me a keener?"

Aro's brow rose. "Canadians are quite an interesting sort in words."

She laughed shaking her head. She took his hands in hers slowly backing up. Drew knew if she didn't, she'd lean into him and kiss him. A line she was desperate not to cross tonight.

"Says the Greek." She rolled her eyes. "Now, I was promised an exhibit. If you're a good boy, I'll even allow you in the lab to see if my mummy compares."

She watched something flash across his face. She blinked, and it was gone.

"Indeed, come with me doctor,"

"How interesting!" Drew bent at the waist to get a better look at the mummy before her. "The utter perfection to this one, hair extensions still braided into the natural hair. Oh Aro, this is —just beyond words. The crooked nose you can see where a fine line broke it and healed. Wrinkles preserved. If only these were more common, in the specimens still around."

"You're mummy in the morgue?"

"We've not unwrapped. It's a delicate process. They are in the midst of X-rays and such."

"Technology has allowed for gentler ways to explore."

Drew looked up from the glass case to the new comer across from them. In a black suit and white top below, a man stood with champagne flute in hand. Dark curls were cut short, brown eyes set in pallor brown skin. She stood stepping back to Aro.

Aro wrapped a hand around her waist. The man came around.

Drew stepped into Aro's side, feeling his chest bump her arm.

"Amun, I was not expecting you so soon." Aro greeted.

"I could not miss a chance to explore Volterra's museum especially with my collection on display." Amun replied, his gaze wondering to Drew.

"Amun, this is a colleague of mine. Dr. Drew Danvers, she is working on a project of mine." Aro introduced. "Drew, this is Amun a friend of mine."

"Dr. Danvers, you look exquisite tonight. Green compliments you. I hope Aro is not boring you to death." Amun held his hand out to her.

Drew took it carefully noting, like Aro, his hands were like ice. She forced a smile. Her stomach uneasy. She shook his hand.

"A pleasure Amun, your collection is quite magnificent. These collections could never bore me. I am an archeologist after all."

"Ah, so this is more of your Heaven." Amun laughed. "I'm sure with old Aro here you're filled with many stories."

"Amun," Aro warned. "My friend you are calling the pot black."

"Ah yes," Amun waved him off. "I am older than him."

Drew chuckled taking to lean into Aro's chest. She let her hand settle on his chest. Her fingers ghosting the buttons. "Age is but a number. He's intelligent enough to keep up."

"She's a feisty one, Aro!" Amun laughed. "I should get a move on I see your brother."

Amun winked to Drew moving down the room. She turned with Aro watching him go and greet Marcus who was wandering the displays as well on his own.

Drew pursed her lips. She really wanted to go say hello to him. However the moment Amun caught his attention they began talking and walking the other way.

"Apologies for Amun, he can come across stronger than necessary." Aro murmured, his hand running up and down her bare back.

She stifled the urge to shudder. "It's no matter. He was perfectly polite. Shall we finish through, and then make our way to the dance floor?"

"This museum is absolutely wonderful." Drew complimented as they finished through the exhibits. "Would you mind just a moment I need to visit the rest room."

"Just down this hall to the right." Aro directed gesturing straight down the hallway to the left of them.

"Thanks," Drew pulled away and made her way to where he'd directed.

She was quick to relieve herself. She approached the mirror washing her hands. She fixed her lipstick and wiped the shine off her nose. She stretched before making her exit to find Aro once more.

The most perfect story teller as he explained each item before them. She was sure if he was her professor she'd have been more invested in her history classes. Maybe. He was distracting as hell. She wasn't too sure if younger Drew could even handle him.

"What in hell did the cat drag in?" A sneer greeted her.

Drew frowned turning.

There in a black suit with white blond hair pulled back in a velvet tie. A glass of champagne in hand. Dark eyes glared down at her.

"You're on the wrong floor, the relics are supposed to be in the exhibit."

"Why Aro insists on allowing the trash inside is beyond me." He snarled.

"Quoting what your mom said when you were born is not original." Drew rolled her eyes.

Caius stormed forward.

The hairs on her arms and neck stood up. He stopped mere inches from her. Drew had to crane her neck back. She hated being short in moments like this when small dick dudes decided to taunt her.

"You are a thorn in the side of my shoe girl, do not make me waste my time disposing of you." He snarled.

"Then return to your crypt keeper and I'll be on my way." She smiled sweetly.

"Call me old again, you'll regret it."

"So many threats, short king. Barely scraping five what eight? Follow through coward, you seem all bark no bite. Do you disappoint women often by claiming one thing and underwhelming in reality?" She glanced down to his crotch paused then looked up from under lashes.

His cool hand took hold of her throat. "Listen here you vile human—"

"Caius!" Aro stormed into sight. A hand pushed hard into his brother's shoulder.

Drew bit the inside of her cheek. Caius' hand removed. Her heart lurched from her chest. She was thankful niether brother was paying attention to her blush and growing discomfort. The power of his long fingers wrapped around her neck.

She wondered what else those digits could do. The more he insulted her the more she wished to shut him up and make his mouth do more. She shook her head. No. Absolutely not. No pining after psychopaths. No matter how infuriatingly attractive they were.

Aro approached pulling her into his hold. His hand cupped her cheek examining her in the light. "Are you alright? I am so sorry for my brother's behaviour. He is never so violent."

"You don't need to apologize for your brother's lack of manners. You've done nothing wrong." Drew waved him off. "Do you still wish to dance?"

Aro smiled nodding once. "If you are."

"A cranky old man doesn't put a damper on my mood. He needs to try harder for that." She laughed taking his arm.

"Careful, Caius' bite is legendary." Aro chuckled.

Drew smirked as they made their way down the few steps between levels, to the hall where the gala was still in full swing. "A dog that bites needs a better Master."

She dared to glance back at him with a brow raised challenging him. It was quick, the surprise that washed over his face before he controlled it once more.

"I agree fully,"