“We need to be fully focused here. All of us. She’ll be safe at that party. We need to take precautions and get the job done. Hopefully Nicolai calls me in time,” Mercury said to them.
“If he doesn’t?” Rome asked.
“I don’t even want to think about that. Rylan, call Vaughn and make sure he and the guys are set. I need to meet Graham and Cooper at the restaurant. Everyone keep in touch and stick to the plan and then update times. Molokai is not going to get away with this.”
* * * *
Rose was walking around the party talking to the many women there. They were pretty friendly and especially the hostess, Cassidy Monclaire. She complimented her numerous times, and introduced her by her first name and not as if she were only the model. It was different and she liked this event a lot more than the others she did. Plus the evening dress she wore was black, tight fitting, and short. It was a designer cocktail dress that showed off only a small amount of cleavage but also accentuated the various jewels she wore that were for sale.
When she entered another room with more guests and more men she was shocked to see Molokai Volupus and Weiller Onsanna. She felt her gut clench and knew that if her men knew he was here they would flip out. She remembered their conversation and concern that Molokai had been responsible for shooting Rome and he could have killed his other brothers, too. Although she didn’t know the details an instant protectiveness came over her. She wouldn’t let on to what she knew, but she wouldn’t be manipulated either. A lot had changed in the last two weeks. She was a different woman.
As she was stopped by an older couple interested in the earrings she wore, she told them a little bit about the emeralds and they asked if Mulgoff brought anything larger along with him. One of his assistants heard the conversation and offered to show them some other items that were on display. They smiled and walked away. Before she turned around she felt the hand on her hip.
She turned.
“Rose, so wonderful to see you again,” Molokai said to her and then leaned closer and kissed her cheek hello.
“Mr. Volopus, how are you?” she asked.
“Molokai, remember? You look stunning, as usual. I understand that you’ll be organizing a gallery event with your paintings in about a month. You must be very excited.”
“I am. Thank you for asking.”
“Mulgoff definitely thinks you’re special. I couldn’t agree more,” he said, eyeing over her breasts.
“I should walk around and mingle more. I’m working, you know,” she said softly.
As she went to move, he stopped her. “I like you too, Rose. I think you’re very sweet but a bit naïve. Probably because you are so young.”
“Excuse me?”
“Don’t take offense. It’s just fair warning from an older man who has seen a lot and knows a lot.”
“About what?”
“About men, and how they may not be who they pretend to be. You should be careful who you mingle with,” he said to her and gave her the once-over. It made her feel cheap—like he was looking down at her choice to be in a ménage relationship. She hadn’t really prepared for a confrontation.
She pulled her arm away and looked him over. “I don’t know what you’re taking about.” She walked away, feeling like something was going on here but she hadn’t a clue about what. She wanted to call Mercury or one of the others. She wondered if she should pretend feeling sick and then call them to come get her.
“Rose.” She heard Mulgoff call her name.
“I need you to model a special set for me, please,” he said and she could see the woman smiling and looking like she couldn’t decide on two special necklace and earring sets. She reluctantly went over and hoped the night went quickly. She couldn’t wait to be home in her lovers’ arms, safe and secure. She had grown so dependent upon them in such a short time. She felt a twinge of emptiness inside of her and she didn’t like it one bit. I miss them. Oh God, I can’t live without them. I hope they miss me too, she thought as Mulgoff asked her to turn around so he could take off the necklace she was wearing and model this other set.