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MasoncringedashisJaguar bottomed out turning onto the private drive that led to the back of the estate. They needed to get it repaired before the party. Wouldn’t want any of their fine members damaging their vehicles on the roadway.
He opened the passenger door for Vanessa and held out a hand. She placed her delicate hand in his and allowed him to assist her from the vehicle. A smile formed as they entered the grand foyer. A painting along the south wall caught his eye, so he stopped to admire it. “I think this is a new acquisition. Lovely, don’t you think?”
“Yes.” Her voice was timid and fearful. She’d need training before the party. He could not present a mousy woman to the world as hostess for the Continental Alliance.
“It’s the perfect place for a party, don’t you think so, love?”
“Might be a tad ostentatious.”
He let out a derisive laugh and shook his head. “Not so. This is the grandeur and spectacle our members have come to expect, and we shall exceed their expectations this year with me at the helm and you by my side.” If he could get her into shape in the short time he had left. If not, maybe he’d choose one of the other girls to play hostess. Some men kept more than one wife. It wasn’t frowned upon when David and Solomon did so. Yes, that was the answer. He’d take another wife if Vanessa couldn’t handle his needs herself.
Taking her hand, he proceeded into the library and pulled out the book detailing the history of the Continental Alliance and pressed the plate that sat flush with the bookshelf. The shelves swung out allowing him access to a long hallway that lit as he entered. He followed it until they reached a set of spiral stairs leading down to another locked door. One that required a code to enter. He punched it in and followed Vanessa into the soundproof dormitory style room where several young women awaited suitable unions.
A pair of flashing green eyes locked on his. It was a shame he wouldn’t be able to make her his wife. Cate Garrison was exquisite in nearly every way. Her father and brothers would find her if he kept her in the United States though. The only thing to do with a girl like her was to ship her out quickly. There was a member in Columbia looking for a wife of her caliber. Might not be far enough. Perhaps New Zealand or Australia would be good choices for the insolent girl.
“I overestimated you, Ms. Garrison.”
“No. You underestimated me.”
He chuckled. “Then explain how you ended up here in our women’s dormitory.”
Defiant eyes met his.
“You’ll accept your fate soon enough.” He turned his attention to his wife. “Since you find the grandeur of the estate objectionable, perhaps you’ll be more comfortable in the dorm.”
“You’re not serious.”
“Oh, but I am. If, perhaps, I decide to call for you at some point, I’ll expect you to comport yourself with the utmost grace and poise. Should you fail, don’t think you can’t be easily replaced.”
He walked over to a blonde woman in a tattered green dress. “Why are you dressed in filthy rags?” He glanced around noticing the girls’ outfits for the first time. “All of you are filthy. I expect that to be rectified immediately.” He twirled a lock of the hair on the girl in green. “You first. I think you’ll clean up quite nicely. I’ll send Warden down to help you prepare. Tonight you shall dine on caviar while my wife considers all she stands to lose should I decide to put her away permanently.” Yes. He could get behind the idea of multiple wives. Maybe he’d keep ten of them. Why hadn’t he considered the idea sooner? After all, David was a man after God’s heart, and he certainly didn’t stick with the wife of his youth throughout his years.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Thehikefromthegame lands road to the perimeter of the property took ten minutes. Thankfully, the path was a well worn hunting trail, leaving it easier to navigate than the one they’d taken the day before. “We’re here.” Sam stopped at an oak tree and pulled something from her backpack. A few seconds later she’d popped up a blind that blended rather nicely with their surroundings.
“I never saw myself falling for a wilderness girl.”
She shook her head. “Don’t even talk about falling. You aren’t. I’m not. We had a couple of great kisses. Leave it there, Gavin.”
“For now.” He longed to kiss her again, but he’d settle for holding her hand. For now, he’d behave and accomplish what they came here for. His sister’s life might depend on his focus.
The area inside the blind was smaller than the tree stand had been. When he raised the binoculars to take a look at a catering van slowly making its way down the estate drive his arm brushed Samantha’s. The look in her eyes told him every touch was as torturous for her as it was for him. They would be fools not to explore the lava bubbling under the surface, but that could wait. Right now they needed to figure out why a caterer was visiting the estate. It could be their in. If Wade could get a couple of undercover cops in there, they might get somewhere without breaking any laws.
“When we get back to the lodge, we’ll have to look up ‘Taste of Class’ Caterers.”
“They could be our way in.” He raised the binoculars again. A man stood on the back deck speaking with the caterer. “I’ve seen that man before.”
SamanthaprecededGavinintothe lodge’s great room. The rustic elegance of the place fit with its mountain setting while providing the luxury guests expected.
Gavin grinned as he set his backpack down beside a leather chair. “Didn’t expect to come back to a full house.”
Grayson glanced at his wife and then over at Scott before locking eyes with Gavin. “I’m just as invested in this as you are.”
“No doubt,” Gavin said.
A knock sounded before the door of the lodge swung open. “Surprise bachelor party? For me? You shouldn’t have.” He laughed.
“We didn’t. But fun’s just getting started. Coffee?” Sam asked.
