Page 16
Story: Seducer (Legacy of Kings #2)
CHAPTER 16
S ara
Why did my phone always need to ring at the most inappropriate time? I was already late for work. At this rate, I might as well take a sick day. When I looked at the number, I groaned and stopped walking toward the building, instead moving to the side. If I continued avoiding the hospital’s delinquency department, they would come after me. I needed to buy some time.
I plastered on a sweet smile, hoping my voice didn’t sound as terse as it usually was when I talked with them. “Mrs. Smith. How lovely of you to call. I was about to call you to work out a payment plan. Do you think that’s something we can arrange?” If I could just start whittling down the hospital bill, then maybe I would eventually dig myself out of a hole.
“Ms. Capshaw. I’m confused.” She did sound surprised.
“Why?”
Mrs. Smith sighed. “Because I was calling to tell you that since your account is paid in full, I’ll be sending you a letter of acknowledgement to that effect.”
“Now I’m the one confused. What are you talking about?”
“Well, we received the certified check paying off the loan in its entirety this morning.”
“That’s not possible. You must be joking.”
“I assure you that I wouldn’t joke about such a large payment. We’ve already processed the money and your account is now zero.”
How the hell was that possible? “Um, can you tell me anything about who sent the check?”
“Let me see.” I heard her tapping on her computer. “I’m afraid the only information I have is that it was a wire transfer from a bank I’m not familiar with. There was a note, but it only had your account and name, dollar amount, and directions for it to be paid off.”
“I just…” What was I supposed to say to her? That it was a mistake, remove the payment? Who in the world had that kind of money and would just pay off my loan? I was even more unnerved than when I’d thought I had a stalker. “Well, thank you.” I think.
“You’re entirely welcome. I hope this will ease some of the burden you have, Ms. Capshaw. The letter should arrive within five to seven business days.”
My God. This was real. Butterflies swarmed my stomach, tears forming in my eyes. “Thank you so much for calling. You just made my day.” When I hung up, I felt a little like I was riding on cloud nine.
But a hint of reality set in. Whoever had made the payment knew I was in deep debt. Would the benefactor want something from me and if so, what? A sudden slice of apprehension moved through me. A payment of that kind didn’t come without strings. Why did I feel like those would be worse than the debt itself?
I managed to wobble into the building, still numb as I headed into the elevator. I didn’t feel up to walking the stairs today like I normally did. As I stumbled out, I was still in a haze, more confused than ever.
“Ms. Capshaw. Would you care to explain why you were late without calling?”
Krystal Wallace was a ballbuster. She was the office manager and was bucking for an executive position. Everyone knew that. I couldn’t say anything bad about her other than she was harsh and unforgiving. However, she’d cut me a break or two and I’d already had a feeling her granted favors had all but run out.
After pushing the glasses up along the bridge of my nose, I turned around slowly, hating that my desk as well as so many others was in earshot. She’d kept her voice low, but any gossip went through the admin pool like wildfire. I walked closer, wishing I felt as if I could tell her the truth. Honestly? I didn’t trust anyone. “I’m sorry. I was dealing with a situation with my brother. I didn’t have access to my phone until leaving to come here. I had no choice. He’s my family.”
I don’t know what she was expecting, but my partial truth softened her. She nodded only once. “I hope everything is alright.”
“I do as well. I won’t be late again. That much I can promise you.” I’d strangle Kyle if he so much as avoided going to class.
She nodded. “I’m certain you won’t.” She pulled me aside, ensuring no one could hear our conversation. “I would do this in my office, but I have a busy rest of the day. I wanted you to know that your yearly raise was increased by twenty-five percent more than what I was originally allotted in the budget.”
“Really?” Was this a day of good news? I was feeling a little lightheaded.
“Evidently, the budget was reinforced and several employees were provided with more than just a cost of living. That will go into effect retroactively, so you’ll see a bump in your next paycheck.”
“Wow. Thank you very much.”
“Don’t thank me. I had nothing to do with it, but I’ll pass on your thanks.”
“I appreciate that.” I had another moment of feeling creepy-crawlies, which was silly. Was it true others had gotten a better raise as well? Maybe. Maybe it was going companywide after several excellent and profitable quarters.
She said nothing else before walking away and when she did, I breathed a sigh of relief.
And I felt a little giddier inside than before.
I was moving slowly as I headed toward my cubicle, saying a silent prayer. Whatever reason I was having some good luck, I was eternally grateful.
“Wow. That was different,” Tina said before I had a chance to sit down. She was already hanging over my cubicle wall. I didn’t need to look at her to know she was grinning. She reminded me of my brother, gunning for the woman’s job and willing to use any prank to get what she wanted.
“Yeah, different.” I tossed my purse, huffing when I sat down in my chair. I finally had to look my best friend in the eye.
“I mean, Ms. Wallace never backs down. You were practically growling.”
“I have several reasons to growl, but she was okay about me being late.”
“Oh, wow. Did something happen at work last night?”
“Nope, I was off. I was happily enjoying a quiet evening at home.”
“Right. I can tell by the look on your face you’re pissed at something. Then what happened?” Tina would prod until I gave her some kind of answer.
I shook my head, eyeing the ceiling. I also felt embarrassed and wasn’t certain why.
“My brother decided to get himself arrested.”
“For what?” Tina slid herself into my cubicle, folding her arms as she stared at me incredulously.
“For being stupid. A prank gone wrong. He thinks he can just quit school if they don’t kick him out and get a job. He acted as if all our problems would be solved. Not.”
“Then let him get that job, girlie girl. Come on. I know how much you love Kyle, but you haven’t lived for you since you were forced to take care of him what, ten years ago?”
She didn’t know the full story. No one did. That added to the possibility we’d remain safe. “I know, but it was necessary. He’ll come around.”
“When do men just come around?” I was serious about that. All I’d been thinking about was the game. Was Kyle right in that I had no chance of getting through the upper levels?
She laughed and when I didn’t, she gripped my arm. “You need to take some time for you.”
“I wish I could.” I moved closer, darting my head over one shoulder then the other. I lowered my voice. Tina had been working for the company at least two years longer than I had. “What do you know about the Obsidian Society? Do you really need to be good at Dark Nights?”
I was a little shocked at her response. She didn’t answer me right away. Instead, she grabbed my arm, tugging me away from the others and toward the bathrooms. Once inside, she checked all the stalls, acting more nervous than I’d ever seen her.
“What is going on?” I asked, amused at seeing her behavior. Nothing ever bothered Miss Tina. She was unflappable.
“Why are you mentioning that?”
“Because I want to know about it?” I told her by way of a question. “What’s the big deal?”
“The big deal is that the subject is off limits.”
“Why?”
She made a face. “This is hearsay, but I overheard a couple employees talking. The last two people who inquired about the society were fired.”
Jesus Christ. The people took the secrecy seriously.
“Then how do you know?”
She rolled her eyes. “I dated a guy that was on the trust list. Not for long. Two weeks after he mentioned it to me, he was fired too. That was two years ago. You don’t talk about it. All I heard about the game was that it’s usually the first level of testing. That knocks out the majority of players.”
“First level,” I repeated. “How many tests?”
“Four. Five. I think it depends on the mood of the board. Don’t quote me on that, for God’s sake. I like working here.”
“O-kay. Does that mean it’s a real thing?”
I’d never seen Tina seem so uncomfortable. “I don’t know for certain. I’m not the kind of girl to find terrifying and kinky things fun.”
“Terrifying and kinky.”
“Yes. You’ve played Dark Nights. Right?”
I laughed. “I glanced at it. I moved past the credits. Fascinating game from what I can tell. My kid brother seems to think it’s off limits for me.”
My bestie snorted. “I’d say Kyle was right. You have no clue what the game is about.”
“And you do?”
“I haven’t made it to the last nine levels, but I’ve experienced enough. Let me tell you, the game makes Call of Duty look like it was designed for two-year-olds.”
I had to admit even working at a gaming company that virtual reality games weren’t my thing. But Kyle loved them. He’d actually been the one to find a job board with the job I currently held. He was a champion game player, or so he’d told me.
“Okay, I guess I’ll take your word for it.” What I did know about Dark Nights was that it was extremely realistic, the graphics as if you were dumped on a movie set. I’d been overwhelmed with sights and sounds, so amazed at the level of detail during the few moments I’d worn the headset that I hadn’t been interested in going forward. Although I had to admit I’d enjoyed myself tremendously. I just didn’t have any time to master the game.
“Well, maybe I’ll try it again. What does that have to do with the Obsidian Society?”
She was perspiring. Really. She glanced around the empty space again as if people had just magically appeared. “Like I said. That’s how they test for candidates.”
“The game?”
She nodded. Great. That meant I’d never be a candidate. Kyle was right.
“But it’s just a precursor to what to expect.” She shuddered visibly.
“If you pass, then what?”
“Then it gets very real.”
“Very real,” I mimicked. “Care to elaborate?”
“The game becomes reality, the scenarios depicted coming to real life. Imagine the game and spin it up by ten notches. Anything can happen and everything is real.”
“I’m confused.”
“Think abduction and being chased through the woods, hunted like prey. That kind of thing. You don’t know what to expect until it’s happening to you.”
My thoughts drifted to what Kyle had told me.
“They try and scare you?”
“Yes, but it’s all very kinky. The society members who participate all wear masks. At least that’s what I was told.”
“Masks,” I whispered. Like the one Zach had been wearing. “Are the prizes what I’ve heard?”
“Oh, supposedly if you win that year, you’re set for life. I don’t know dollar amounts, but remember the designer that came on board almost a year ago? She’s on the executive floor when she’s not working in the production facility?”
“Jessica. I met her. Nice girl.”
“That’s Xander Blackwell’s girlfriend and she won last year. Or at least she was going to win. Something happened and she didn’t participate. I don’t know details and you’ll never find out. It’s all locked away. There are no details to find and no one within the society is allowed to talk. Getting an invite will be like getting a nod from the president. Forget about it.”
Forget about it.
What if I could find something? Hmmm… I had a little evil streak in me. I did work here and knew my way around computers. Plus, there had to be paper files somewhere. What I was thinking could easily get me fired, but what if?
“Do you have something up your sleeve?” Tina asked.
“What? No. Why would you say that?”
“Because I know that look. It’s the look that says you’re planning on doing something devious.”
“Not me. I can’t afford to do anything stupid. I have far too many bills.”
“Don’t we all.”
The ‘what if’ in my mind continued. I knew what I was thinking was crazy, so insane that I could be the one locked behind jail bars, but at the rate I was going, even with the extra money from the club, I’d never get ahead. Even if Kyle graduated from college, I had a bad feeling he’d use my apartment as his camping ground until he did find a job.
And the boy could eat.
Sighing, we were interrupted by a girl coming in. Tina gave me a hard look as a warning. Kinky stuff. The thought was far too enticing. What little I’d heard had been right.
I trailed behind her into the corridor.
“Do you think you can take a few hours away from your brother tomorrow night?”
“I doubt Kyle wants to talk to me at this point. I kind of blew up. I’m certain he’ll hang out with his buddies for a couple days. Why?”
“Good for you. That kid needs a little scared straight.”
I threw her a look.
“Sorry, not sorry. He does. Anyway. How about a little fun for a change?”
“Meaning?” She loved going to clubs. The last thing I wanted to do in the world was go to a club on my nights off.
“There’s an awesome new club opening in town, the warehouse district. The buzz is that it’s going to be incredible.”
“You want to go to a dance club?”
“Well, I heard their opening night is all about dressing up. What fun. According to my cousin, who managed to snag a job there, it’s my invitation only and the guest list is to die for. She might be able to get us an invitation. We could be dancing the night away with sexy actors or musicians.”
“You’re dreaming.”
“Not according to Misty.”
Dressing up? The club sounded like everything I was used to, but I had to admit, I hadn’t been on the other side just enjoying myself for years. “Maybe. Why costumes?”
“You’re the one interested in learning Dark Nights. I think the game’s popularity has caused an explosion of clubs just like this one. Think about it, for what you’re contemplating and don’t tell me you aren’t. It’s something entirely different. Why not go? See how it feels wearing a mask.”
“A club,” I repeated, laughing as I did. Maybe it was time to confess I worked another job.
“Oh, why not? I think it could be fun. We’ll have a girls’ night out and tease hot guys.”
I rolled my eyes for a second time as we neared our desks. “Fine. I’ll consider it, but I’m not making any promises.”
I moved ahead of her as we headed into the huge open space.
And I ran smack into a hard body.
“Fuck. I’m sorry.” I immediately bit my lower lip from using a cuss word. Whoever I’d run into gripped both my arms to keep me from falling.
“Whoa, there. Are you okay?” His deep voice sent a shower of shivers straight to my core. It was one I recognized immediately.
When I lifted my head, I was certain I was going to be fired. The insanely gorgeous man wearing a suit that cost more than Kyle’s yearly tuition was Zach Blackwell. I inhaled deeply on impact, expecting the aftershave from the couple of nights before would be the same. I was wrong. What he was wearing had more of a sandalwood and citrus vibe. That meant I had another masked creature stalking me.
Or of course, I could just be losing my mind.
“Mr. Blackwell,” I managed. “I am so sorry.”
“No harm done.” He chuckled as he peered down at me.
There wasn’t a scrap of recognition in his eyes. None.
The disguise had worked. Both of them. His scent was just as intoxicating as it had been the few nights before, his appearance immediately providing a series of naughty images that were highly indecent for the office setting.
I was still breathless and noticed Tina was watching us carefully. If I looked in her direction, I’d be certain to see a glare of amusement on her face. How often had she teased me about becoming an old maid one day? Too many to count.
“Well, I’m glad you’re alright, Miss…”
“Capshaw. Sara Capshaw.”
“Sara Capshaw.” The way he repeated my name sent a shiver down my spine. I had a sense he was memorizing every inch of me, hiding away my name as if for future use. He slowly removed his hands and gave us both a nod before walking away.
Only then did I let out a strangled breath.
“Wow. That was hot,” Tina half whispered.
“That was clumsy of me.” I dared take a quick look over my shoulder. I couldn’t help but stare at his sexy butt. Whew. Just being that near to him again had made my blood boil.
“He is one crazy man.”
“Why do you say that?” For some reason, her exclamation annoyed me.
“Didn’t you see his picture in the paper? Did you not read the story?” she asked as she turned around to watch him walk away.
“I don’t have time to read the paper.”
“That’s how you stay afloat in this business. From what was in the trashy article, he beat the crap out of some reporter outside a fancy country club. It was on the news this morning too.”
“How quickly you forget what I was doing this morning, and you said trashy. Don’t believe everything you read.” She had me wondering what had happened. There wasn’t a person as famous as the three Blackwell brothers who didn’t get some bad press from time to time, but I was surprised Zach had snapped and hit a reporter.
“Normally I wouldn’t.” Lie. “But there was art. A clear direct shot of Mr. Blackwell throwing a brutal punch. The reporter was even whimpering on camera. Too funny.”
Funny? Her sense of what was comical was bizarre. I glanced quickly over my shoulder. The man had disappeared. Then why did it feel like his eyes were still on me?
“I though he looked hot doing so.” Tina laughed.
“You think every man is hot. Let’s face it.”
“So what? At least I’m looking. You keep your blinders on. So you know. I think he likes you.”
I snapped my head back in her direction before pushing her arm away and continuing a straight path right to my desk. “He does not like me, Tina. He’s an owner of the company. He didn’t know I exist until just now.”
“I don’t think so…” She was singsong, even dancing around me. I wanted to punch her.
Hopefully, there really was no recognition.
“Why in God’s name did he hit the reporter?”
Tina acted as if she was about to spout off the greatest secret in the world. Leaning forward, she kept her voice low and husky. My guess was on purpose. “Something about the Blackwell brothers’ father. The article alluded to some shocking news.”
“Shocking news. Such crap. I’m glad Mr. Blackwell reacted. Good for him. Now, time to get to work.” I couldn’t shake the vivid images rolling through my mind. Completely self- conscious, I touched my hair, praying my limited disguise would work. Perhaps I was the biggest fool in the world to think a few conservative clothes, limited makeup, and glasses could hide remnants of the passion we’d shared. Maybe the time spent together meant nothing to the man and I was just a notch on his belt. A lump formed in my throat from the thought. I’d been such an idiot.
“Fine, fuddy-duddy. You’re going to die old and alone. I have that flyer on the new club I mentioned. Let me grab it. You can look it up on the internet. It’s really cool. The guy spent like a bazillion dollars turning some old estate into a fabulous place. I hear it’s going to be a bed and breakfast.”
“What a great combination.”
She laughed and rushed to her desk, handing me a flyer. While I grabbed it from her hand, all I was thinking about was getting a leg up on the competition. If I discovered anything, maybe I’d figure out a way of getting an invitation, and all my worries would be chucked out the window.
I was a devious girl. Why not? I’d just be conveniently working late. Nothing more.
The prize was worth the effort.
As long as I didn’t run into my boss, I’d be fine.
Right?