Page 102

“You two are a never-ending source of entertainment,” Veronica said from the hallway behind Gabriel.

She was dressed for work in a black corset and black leather pants.

Gabriel took his mouth off Lucy’s and looked at her over his shoulder. “We’re getting married soon.”

Veronica smiled. “No surprise. I could have told you that.”

Dazed and a little giddy, Lucy laughed and grabbed Gabriel’s arm. She hauled him through the doorway and paused to speak to Veronica.

“You’re going into work early this evening.”

“One of the other disciplinarians called in sick.”

“Have a good night.”

“You, too,” Veronica said. She winked. “Let me know if you need to borrow my handcuffs.”

“I will.” Lucy started to shut the door.

Mrs. Briggs’s voice reverberated along the corridor.

“Just a moment, Ms. Bell. A word, if you don’t mind.”

Lucy wanted to scream, but she managed to contain herself. Shesummoned up a steely smile. “Don’t worry, you’ll have the rent money on time. You’ll have to excuse me, I’m in the process of getting engaged.”

Mrs. Briggs stopped in front of the doorway and saw Gabriel. Her eyes widened. “Oh, my. How nice. A Marriage of Convenience, I assume? Will you be moving in, Mr. Jones? If so, we’ll have to prepare a new lease, and I’ll need a guarantee from you that the Guild will be responsible for the rent.”

“No,” Gabriel said. “This isn’t going to be an MC. It will be a Covenant Marriage.”

“That’sperfect,” a male voice called from somewhere in the hall. “Absolutely perfect. I can’t wait to tell the scriptwriter. She has been demanding a happy ending. The director claims that’s unrealistic. Now she can argue that itisrealistic.”

Lucy leaned out into the hall and saw the stranger rushing toward the doorway. He wore snug-fitting, artificially faded jeans, a black T-shirt, and a plaid blazer. His thinning hair was cut very short. A pair of designer sunglasses finished the look.

“Who are you?” Gabriel asked.

“Xander Attwater, talent scout for Rez-Stone Studios. We’re makingGuild Boss. Delighted to meet you, Mr. Jones.”

Veronica regarded him with deep interest. “You’re in the movie business?”

“That’s right.” Xander did a double take. “Going to a costume party?”

“Nope, going to work,” Veronica said. “I’m a professional disciplinarian at the Dungeon Club.”

“A dominatrix,” Xander said, awed. “That isperfect.”

“If you don’t mind, we’re a little busy here at the moment, Mr. Attwater,” Gabriel said.

He started to shut the door.

“Wait,” Xander said quickly. “This is too important for you to ignore,Mr. Jones. We all know the Guilds have an image problem. This film has the potential to totally rebrand the organizations overnight, not just in Illusion Town but in the other city-states, as well.”

“He’s going to shoot some of the scenes right here at my apartment house,” Mrs. Briggs announced. “Can you believe it? The value of this property will quadruple after the film is released. I’m thinking I can give tours.”

Veronica regarded Xander with amusement. “Did you come here to ask Mr. Jones and Ms. Bell to star in your movie?”

“No, no, no,” Xander said, brushing the idea off with an impatient flick of his hand. “Don’t be ridiculous. Jones doesn’t have the look we want for the role. Besides, he’s too old.”

Gabriel grinned. “I’m too old and I don’t look like myself?”