Sebastien
I had a third row seat on the night of the concert, still in the shadows while able to watch Carmen perform. She was dressed in a beautiful long black dress, the lights shimmering over her raven-colored hair. Everyone in the audience was mesmerized by her musical skills and no doubt as well by her incredible beauty.
I’d never sat through a single musical event, unable to process the time needed. Business was always on my mind. Tonight, everything was different, an allowance to move into another world altogether. The quiet reverence as her fingers moved nimbly, the passion she exuded shining in every note she played was simply remarkable.
I wanted nothing more than to take her on this night, capturing both her innocence and resolve, making her mine. That would need to wait. I’d noticed her father in the audience, surrounded by at least four of his soldiers. Whether or not she believed that he had pride didn’t matter.
His smile said it all.
She was very precious to him, although others might see his adoration as a weakness.
I was an impatient man, refusing to take the backseat for anything I’d ever desired.
However, I would bide my time, allowing her to revel in her success and achievement.
As the concerto drew to a close, her last notes even more haunting than I’d heard in Cuba, the audience went wild. The standing ovation was well deserved.
I took a deep breath as I stood, clapping in earnest as the entire symphony took a bow. As she stood, staring out at the crowd, I could tell she was overwhelmed. A babe in the woods.
A fawn with far too many around eager to hunt her as prey.
Including myself.
I would be stern with her, even harsh as necessary, but I would also allow her to see the joys of another passion, one she craved immensely.
The audience was still cheering as I walked out of the concert hall, adjusting my cuffs and taking a deep breath.
She would be mine tomorrow.
My possession.
My prize.
Mine.
And there was nothing anyone could do to stop me.
* * *
The fashion event was black tie and by invitation only, the price per ticket ten thousand dollars with all proceeds going to a local charity. The location was pristine, Briza on the Bay, one of the poshest social and corporate venues, the views of the Atlantic extraordinary. The fashion show itself was considered the hottest event of the year, food and beverage catering to the rich and famous.
A perfect setting for someone of Carmen’s caliber, although I was surprised that Santiago would take such a significant risk allowing her to attend. Either he believed he was secure in his position hiding behind the scenes or he simply didn’t give a shit.
I would use his arrogance to my advantage.
I’d secured a ticket easily, the event coordinator excited about my presence. The lovely woman had made both confirming Carmen’s attendance and making certain I would have a seat directly next to her easy. I took long strides as I entered, impressed with both the architecture as well as the festive decorations. The setting was explicitly designed with the show in mind, colorful and vibrant, and there would be partying late into the night.
The event was already over an hour underway before I’d arrived, hundreds of people feasting on caviar and lobster, the finest wines and champagnes. I headed toward the bar, forced to stop more than once for introductions and basic chitchat.
Something I loathed.
I was considered notorious, one of the eligible bachelors on the watch list. How few truly understood the kind of dangerous man I was.
Even with my celebrity, I could tell I’d ruffled more than a few feathers with my presence, both men and women openly annoyed I’d been invited in the first place. I continued moving through the crowd, chuckling at the thought. There were many who were afraid of me, terrified I’d come to exact revenge for some faux pas they’d performed.
They were right.
“Bombay and tonic.” My order complete, I stiffened when I felt a presence behind me, the stench of the man one I remembered from the not so distant past.
“Fascinating. I wouldn’t think a man such as yourself would be interested in a mere fashion show.”
I waited until the drink was in my hand before turning around. “You have no idea about my varied interests, Castillo. I am a man of discerning tastes.” Castillo Martinez. For him to be at the event caused several red flags to raise. While I didn’t consider him a direct threat, his rather unscrupulous business acumen was cause for concern.
He was an assassin for a third world leader, never questioning his mission, even if it meant killing women and children. A fashion show wasn’t his style.
Unless he was on assignment.
He held out his hand, grinning as if he and I were old friends. “I had some down time while in Miami and was dragged into coming to this… soiree. Besides, attending has its advantages.” Castillo nodded over his shoulder at the voluptuous redhead waiting not so patiently for a refill of her drink.
“I see you’re slumming it again.” While I accepted the handshake, I could tell he was searching to see if I’d brought my soldiers. He was definitely working the event.
His laugh was boisterous. “I do enjoy beautiful women and free booze. I’m certain you can understand that.”
“Very much so. Who’s the prize?” I darted looks in the girl’s direction, the move allowing me to also scan the immediate area. I’d yet to catch glimpse of Carmen.
“A wealthy socialite I met online. And don’t you dare laugh at me.”
I chuckled and shook my head. “We all have our vices.”
“Yes, we do, Sebastian.” He moved around me, closer to the bar.
“Some darker than others,” I countered.
“I have a piece of advice for you. A wise man once told me. Don’t allow your proclivities to become more important than the business at hand. That leads to blind spots.”
“Fascinating and I’ll keep that in mind.” I knew better than to think his opportune presence was merely coincidental or his words anything but a threat. He had a hidden agenda and I had the distinct feeling I knew exactly what that meant.
Someone else was gunning for Santiago.
They’d have to wait their turn.
He was a man to keep on my radar.