Chapter 11

I woke up feeling...strange. Thinking about what happened with Will only confused me more. He was handsome, intelligent, and mysterious, but I had already started to care for Austin! Ugh. I thought about the way Will behaved. We seriously needed to stop with these late-night escapades before I convinced myself he's the 21st Century's version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I thought about that for a moment.

I finally shook off all of those ridiculous thoughts and shuffled to the bathroom. I gasped looking in the bathroom mirror. The nasty bruise on my upper hip resting above my hip bone was as dark as ever and I wasn't even going to think about the hundred other smaller ones plus the arm stitches. I was going to have to hide anything visible with makeup at the event unless I wanted people to think I was moonlighting as a street fighter.

"Eva?" I heard a light knock on the door and rushed to put on a pair of regular khaki shorts before opening it. It was Gio. He looked bright and fresh compared to yesterday and the exact opposite of me.

"You're looking much better after a good night's sleep." I said, smiling. I was definitely looking worse, but it seemed he hardly noticed.

"Yes, I must say it was exactly what I needed."

He breathed deeply. "Meet me in the kitchen, we need to discuss what's going 'down' tonight as you youngsters say."

I snorted. The language of the times was somehow not fitting for him.

I walked out and saw Will standing in the kitchen, holding two cups of coffee. I could hardly see him the same way now after what happened last night. He handed one of the cups to me.

"To what do I owe this pleasure?" I asked.

"To an English gentleman, of course." He replied, innocently sipping his cup. I grimaced.

"Here's the seating arrangement." Gio seemed oblivious to the whole exchange and settled his gaze on a chart laid on the counter. "The dining is in this room and the dancing and silent auction in this one." I was relieved for all of the years the McDowell's put me in Waltz classes, at least I could make a decent showing.

"I'm sitting at Plymouth's table?" I almost screeched seeing his name next to mine. "That man is lower than earthworms."

The group stared at me, surprised by my comment. "Yes, I know how you feel, Eva, but this was where your Father was supposed to sit. Remember he was the one who scheduled this." I frowned.

"—And Mr. Plymouth did graciously lend his mansion for the event." He continued.

"We're having this at his house?"

"His house is in England, but he also has one in Greece." Gio mentioned. Sheesh, how many other houses does this guy have? "Plus, don't forget, this whole leadership situation wasn't his decision alone. The board highly favors him and they wanted to make sure the company saves face."

I nodded and took a sip of coffee.

"I just don't like the way he did it."

"We all think you deserve to take your Father's place, as he held it." He put his hand on my shoulder. "Just give it time."

Woody walked in the front door with a bag of groceries and two other security detail right behind him. "Now I know what it feels like being followed by a bunch of macho people." He muttered. "I'm truly sorry for you, Eva."

I chuckled. "You get used to it." My phone vibrated. There were two texts. One from Holly and another from Austin. I smiled and decided to see the one from Austin first.

Good morning, beautiful. Is it customary for the prince to see the princess before the ball?

I typed a response.

It may not be customary, but who's paying attention to the rules anyway? ;)

I quickly pulled up Holly's message.

How's it going with the cute Euro? I grimaced. If Holly knew I had kissed two different guys in one week she would be flooding me with questions.

Fine, but I've started seeing someone else actually. An Australian guy. ;)

The phone vibrated again.

Must talk tonight. Need a plug in ASAP. ;) I smiled. If only we could meet at a bar like we normally did to talk about our life issues. Another message popped up from Austin.

Sounds like an invitation I don't want to miss! Pick you up at 7:00?

I thought about it. Should be fine. Hopefully He doesn't mind the security following my every move. I froze. Or Will, who would likely be riding with us. The thought made me cringe. Two men that I've kissed in the same car together. Things could get ugly.

"Eva?" I came back to the present. Charles was staring over my shoulder. I whipped the phone away.

"I asked if you were excited to see Santorini tomorrow, nuthead!"

"Is Santorini like Athens?" I asked.

"No!" He admonished and leaned on the counter. "You know, they say that Santorini is where everyone finds their one true love." Great. And I was going there with Will—alone—tomorrow. Leave it to Charles to make everything awkward! I peeked over at Will. He was staring at me, his face expressionless.Yeah, you better not get any ideas. I liked Austin and was rapidly beginning to think he could be the man for me. I sipped my coffee.

"Anyways." Gio was getting back on the subject at hand with a warning glance at Charles. We both realized that Charles was still in the dark about the tension between Will and I.

"Edward Fitzgerald will also be at your table along with Lisa Craig and their respective spouses."

I sighed. Upper class banter on the subject of weapons? I considered what that might be like for a moment.

"Speaking of which." I said, setting the coffee mug down.. "About that new bio warfare product, was my Father ever intending to sell that?"

"Perhaps. I didn't know much about what your Father intended outside of what he told me himself."

And idea hit me.

"Well, what if that's what this person is after? Whoever Jeb is, er, was working for." I had been, in essence, villainizing Jeb or "Sabertooth", but realized he was only a small piece in this massive puzzle.

"I've looked into that. From what I can see there has been no major transports of the weapon recently, so either they're waiting until things settle down or that's just not what they're after."

I bit my bottom lip.

"Unless they cleverly disguised the transports. Whoever it is would need to be in a place of power."

Gio nodded. "I'll talk to Fitzgerald about that also."

"How do you know we can trust him?" I asked. "You said yourself we can't trust anyone outside of ourselves!"

"I'm afraid we don't have much choice." He said, his mouth forming a thin line. "By the day whoever is calling the shots in this is getting stronger and he has the head count to prove it."

He put the seating chart in his briefcase.

"Now let's get you ready. You have a smashing appearance to make in place of your Father."

******

My hands were starting to shake as we approached the gate on Mr. Plymouth's property. Austin was by my side which helped me calm down a little, but Will scowling on the other side counteracted that balance. I felt Austin's warm hand hold onto mine.

"Are you nervous?" He asked. Shit, he could probably feel my tremor.

"No not really." I closed my eyes, feeling bad about lying.

"I'm excited for you to meet my uncle. He's a bit crazy but I think you'll like him."

I smiled a little at his attempt of distraction.

I still couldn't forget Austin's face when he saw me walk out in this dress. Even Will couldn't wipe that ridiculous look off, that is, until Austin showed up. I hope it wasn't wrong that I was enjoying seeing him like this. He deserved to feel jealous after what I felt when I saw him with that... whatever she was. If he thought he could just run around kissing and flirting with every woman he met, he could just stick it where the sun didn't shine. The car pulled to a stop in front of a huge mansion. It looked ten times bigger than my Dad's mansion in Manchester. There were old-style Greek pillars guarding the entrance. My mouth dropped open as Austin escorted me out of the car.

"You look beautiful." Gio greeted me at the entrance looking star-struck. I slapped him on the shoulder.

"Where is the Mrs.? I want to meet her!"

"Inside waiting. You'll love the architecture of this place."

"I already do!" I said. I may n to have cared for Mr. Plymouth's taste in business but he had fine taste in houses. We walked inside with several other guests and I glanced in the tall mirror as we entered. The up-do in my hair was Gio's idea, but it looked perfect with the form-fitting gown.

"I love coming here every Summer. I'll show you where I stay." Austin said.

"You come here every Summer?" I asked incredulous.

He nodded. "It's where my uncle lives during the Summer—look, he's coming over now."

I shut my eyes realizing why I feared asking him who he was related to. Before I had time to react I was face to face with the devil himself, Mr. Plymouth.

"Eva Westfield!" He looked worse than when I saw him last and his hands were shaking as he reached for mine. I heisted before letting his clasp onto me.

"Oh, well I see you two already know each other!" Austin said. I looked at him in disbelief, trying to hide my shock.

"Mr. Plymouth—Is your uncle?"

"Yes, he took care of me when my Father... left many years ago." I couldn't help noticing how pale Austin had become. Sweat beaded on his forehead and he spoke excitedly. I felt like I could've fainted, looking into the eyes of this horrible man again. Gio and Will seemed to share my surprise. No one spoke for an entire minute.

"That color looks fantastic on you, to whom do I applaud the choice?" Mr. Plymouth asked, turning his attention to me. I could smell the alcohol and cigarettes on his breath.

"My assistant, Gio, picked it out." I said, still in shock at the beauty of it myself.

"Well, Giovani was always good with your Father's wardrobe." Giovani?! Gio half-smiled in acknowledgment, then he turned back to me.

Plymouth continued to speak: "I do hope you enjoy the party Ms. Westfield. We are having a silent auction over in the great room and the dancing is soon to start in the ballroom." He winked at his nephew and left without another word. Edward Fitzgerald saw us from the ballroom and waved. I wobbled slightly.

"Eva, are you all right?" Austin looked genuinely concerned, his own color returning.

"Yes... No." I said. "I think I just need some air. You go on without me, I'll just be a minute." He nodded and let go of my hand hesitantly.

"If you're sure—"

"I'm sure. I'll be right in." I plastered a smile on my face and walked toward a balcony at the back of the house. Every bit of furniture looked gaudy and over-priced, but I could hardly notice. I felt like I was going to be sick. I rushed to the marbled edge and leaned over the balcony. Gio and Will followed and settled on either side of me. Thankfully there was only one other couple out on the terrace and they didn't notice me.

"Well, this is certainly not how I saw this going." Gio admitted in disbelief, taking a moment to observe the view.

"How did you not know about this?" I held my stomach, trying to breath normal.

"I didn't run a family test on the boy! Just a background check." I glanced up suddenly.

"You did a background check on him?!" I snapped. Both of our attention turned to Will, who looked like he was suppressing a laugh.

"Oh yes, very funny Will." I sighed. "What the hell am I going to do now?"

"There's nothing you can do! You like him, don't you?" Gio asked. I nodded slowly.

"Then just deal with it for now. We'll talk about this after you're done playing duchess." I straightened my posture and braced myself for going back inside. Why did I fear that man so much? He couldn't take away what was rightfully mine and neither could anyone else.

"Thanks, Gio." I put my right arm through his and left through Will's, cherishing how much this moment felt like home to me. Somehow I felt less afraid.

"That's my job, miss."

We walked back into the Ballroom and Austin held out both of his hands. I took them gratefully.

"Are you really okay?" He rubbed his thumb against my cheek.

"I'm better than okay." I looked into his deep crystal blue eyes. He was a vision in a black tuxedo, all of the women young and old were whispering at us and staring at him.

"You really are an incredible woman, Eva." He fished something out of his pocket. It was a long velvet case.

"Thanks to Gio, I see you're not wearing a necklace this evening." He said pointedly. My hand flew to my neck. Gio! I glared at him but he only responded with a wink. I carefully took the box from Austin and opened it, revealing a bright white-jeweled necklace.

"I know we've only known each other for a short time-" His smile widened. Short time?! It had only been three days! "But I hope this will remind you that you have someone who can't wait to see you again." I could hardly contain my shock. I threw my arms around his neck, the look of awe still on my face.

"Thank you, Austin." I kissed his cheek. "But I could never keep something like this!"

"Why not?" He asked, surprised.

"I...It's just too much!" I lowered my voice, "We've only known each other a few days."

He smiled.

"It's not too much for the way I feel about you."

I was speechless. "Do you really mean all of that?" I asked.

He searched deep into my eyes. "Every word, Eva."

For a moment, I forgot about Mr. Plymouth and WWM and could only focus on the fascinating man in front of me. I looked back at Gio, Charles, and Will. Even Will forced a half-smile.

I thought about last night. Will had exposed a vulnerability I hadn't ever seen in him and now he's forced to see Austin and I together... what a terrible thing to put him through. I couldn't shake the feeling of sudden guilt.

The orchestra was set up and they began playing the first song of the evening.

"May I have this dance, my lady?" Austin bowed.

"Of course." I replied. He secured the clasp of the necklace, the sheer weight of it causing me to gasp. He quickly swept me off my feet and into the middle of the ballroom where we danced. Several of the executive board members, including Mrs. Craig watched Austin and I with curiosity and somehow, I felt I was winning their favor. All I knew was how good it felt to dance to this Beethoven symphony in Austin's arms.

The song ended and Austin excused himself when his uncle called him over to his circle. I leaned my back against the wall watching everyone engage in the next dance. All of the women in beautiful gowns and men in suits reminded me of all the Jane Austin books I had read.

Gio walked up to me. "I would like a dance before Austin steals you away again." I smiled and glided onto the dancefloor with him. He looked very handsome in his tux and styled hair.

"No one will ever steal me away from you." I told him. "Partners for life, remember?"

"Ah yes, the old 'every superhero needs a sidekick' ploy." He said. I laughed.

"Where is Allison?" I asked. He pointed to a tall, dark-haired woman in her late 30s talking in a group. She looked content and beautiful in a dark red dress. I smiled, realizing what a cute couple they made, but that smile faded when I thought about the danger we were all in and how any one of us could be the next Pia, Charles, or my Father.

Slowly, Gio's grin faded also. "You sure have turned a lot of heads this evening. Your Father would have been very proud." I could practically see the tears burning behind his eyes.

"Well, I can only hope the board shares your thoughts." I looked around and noticed many of them were still eyeing me while I danced.

"But, there is one, particular man who has been looking pretty sour all evening."

I stopped moving for a second. "Will."

He nodded.

"I have a feeling there is more than infatuation going on between the two of you." I closed my eyes, trying not to picture what happened between us last night.

"It's complicated." I breathed.

"If it's too 'complicated' I can have someone replace him." He said, the stubble from his beard touching my hair.

"No!" I admonished, probably too quickly. "Well he... he knows this situation with my Father the best."

We swung lightly around to the left. The music slowed, every jewel and glass sparkled in the room, champagne glasses clinked together and laughter erupted from the far right corner of the room; I hardly noticed any of it.

"So, you're saying you trust him?" He eyed me curiously.

"Yes—No, I'm just saying..." What was I saying? I stopped talking.

Gio spoke in a low voice next to my ear. "Eva, I've known you since you were an annoying toddler running around with that ratty doll." He paused. "Look me in the eyes and tell me you haven't grown to care for Will."

My eyes stayed glued to the floor. Will was rude and a flirt. But, as much as I did not want to admit, I did care for him. The music ended. Whew, just in time.

"Ladies and gentlemen." A female speaker called. "Dinner is being served in the Great Room. The music and auction will reassemble after." I paused and finally looked Gio in the eyes. He raised his left hand to the base of my neck and touched the diamond necklace.

"It is beautiful—And looks stunning on you." His eyes went back to meeting mine. "But is it buying your love?" My heart felt like it might stop.

"I..."

"There you are!" Austin appeared out of nowhere holding two glasses of champagne. I accepted one of them gratefully. Another tray came by and Gio snatched one as well.

"Shall we make a toast?" Austin held his up.

"Yes, of course. To the future?" Gio asked pointedly.

Austin joined in. I smiled, looking at both of my refined gentlemen.

"To the future." I said. We clinked glasses and sipped on the champagne. The room was thinning out so the three of us walked off to the Great Room where nearly everyone was seated. Austin sat in-between Plymouth and I, and Gio sat next to me, much to my relief.

I leaned over, my eyes scanning the room. "Where's Will?" I whispered.

"He had some business to take care of. He'll be back in a moment." Business? I frowned. The last time I heard that he had 'business', I had found him at a private rendezvous with Ms. Jessica Rabbit II. But, then again, I had never told Gio what I saw that day. Maybe if I told him, he would stop prodding about my feelings for Will.

The first course was laid out in front of us. It was a type of creamy soup. Mr. Plymouth seemed fully engaged in conversation with the other board members before he finally turned toward me.

"How do you find the party?" I wiped my mouth with a napkin.

"It's lovely." I said evenly.

His eyes went to my neck and I instinctively touched the necklace. "I see you like the gift." He winked at his nephew. "It's a small part of a bigger collection given to me by my Mother, the daughter of a prominent Russian General." I knew that she was a secretary for the secret service but I had no idea about his grandfather.

"Yes, such fine specimens." He continued and kept staring at it, which made me feel uncomfortable. "The rest of the collection was stolen a long time ago." His voice mumbled.

"Stolen?" I gasped. "I'm so sorry to hear that." He scowled down at his soup. Maybe I should change the subject. Or give the necklace back to him. He clearly didn't want me to have it. Maybe I should have a talk with Austin about that later.

"Well, I certainly hope your stolen diamonds return to their rightful owner." All of the sudden his face started twitching and he quickly grabbed a cigarette out of his pocket.

"Do you need me to get your pills, uncle?" Austin asked. Pills? Mr. Plymouth waved him off.

"No, can't you see I'm talking with the woman?" His sharp tone surprised everyone at the table. A large chunk of the room became silent and I was wondering what I said that could have been wrong, but he seemed to calm down once the cigarette was in his mouth.

Obviously, that subject matter wasn't working, but maybe it was time to get down to business anyway. I sat up a little straighter and tucked a stray piece of blond hair behind my ear.

"I've been meaning to ask you how things are going at WWM?" I almost ended with 'since I was practically thrown out of the place' but deemed it wise not to. In due time, Gio says, in due time. He responded by scowling at me. The rest of the table looked intrigued.

"Fine." He muttered, as if the question irritated him. He mentioned something about supply being lowered by 10%. Two other executives asked a few questions about it, but all of the technical language that ensued was lost on me. I glanced over at Gio, assuming he also realized they were doing this on purpose.

"Let it rest." He whispered. "You'll learn more soon."

Our second course of broiled salmon had arrived. I surveyed the room and noticed Will still wasn't back yet. For some reason, I had a hard time focusing on the plate in front of me.

"Is the food alright?" Austin looked over at me curiously.

"Yes, of course!" I took a big bite to prove it. My senses were joined by the scent of Old Spice. I looked around and found Will in the next seat, where Gio had moved over one. I kicked his ankle.

"Ouch!" He glared at me.

"Where the hell have you been?" I whispered harshly. He looked at me for a moment, before leaningk in next to my ear, the stubble of his own 5'oclock shadow brushing my cheek.

"You're going to want to know what I've just found."

Author's Note

I love being able to see my characters develop through the story. I feel like a lot of writers out there could agree that you go through as much change as your protagonist. It's really an eye-opening experience!

Happy December and onto Chapter 12! What do you think Will found?? :0