Chapter 10

Chapter

Ten

T he meeting had gone far longer than he had anticipated. After it broke up, Simon stopped at the concierge's desk and signed the bill for the catering and meeting space as well as the one for Mariah's ring and collar. He glanced at his watch and realized he would have to rush to make his meeting with the Alpha of the Hamptons, Oliver Halsey.

When he entered Lloyd's, he stopped to speak to the receptionist. "Could you let Noel know I'm here, find out where I'm having lunch, and let him know I need to go over a few things with him before either of us leaves?"

"Of course, Sir Simon. How long will you be at lunch?"

Simon chuckled. "That depends on how my guest takes the news that I'm to be his son-in-law."

Simon took the private elevator up to the executive floor and joined Jemson and Halsey in Jemson's office. He'd tucked Mariah's ring into his jacket pocket and the box with her collar into the inside breast pocket. Getting dressed that morning had taken more thought than it usually did, and he wondered how women ever managed to figure out how to dress each day. With a suit, all you had to add was a shirt, tie, and shoes, and you were done. Women had to figure out a top, add a skirt or trousers, choose stockings or not, and then find the right kind of shoes—heel height, closed or open toe. Plus find a coordinating bag, necklace, earrings, and the choices went on and on.

He'd chosen a single breasted, double vented suit in navy blue with a tonal check. The trousers were flat front and the whole thing was made from cruelty-free super-fine wool. It was the epitome of Savile Row tailoring. He'd paired it with a shirt made of blue pinpoint Oxford cloth and a subtle blue-on-blue paisley silk tie. It reeked of money, style, and careful attention to detail. He hoped it conveyed his ability and confidence to take the international tycoon's she-wolf daughter to mate.

Jemson stood as he entered. "Ah, Simon. May I introduce Mr. Halsey?"

"Oliver Halsey needs no introduction," said Simon as he walked up to his future father-in-law. "He is a legend in banking, business, and investment circles. I particularly liked the way you handled the dismantling of the DeMoncada estate."

"That was a long time ago," said Oliver, standing to shake Simon's outstretched hand. "And Sir Simon, your reputation proceeds you as well. Your ability to extract victims and hostages from delicate situations is second to none."

All three gentlemen—two alpha wolves and a hapless human—moved to a casual seating area in one corner of the office that overlooked the vast City of London.

"How can the K&R group be of help?" asked Simon.

"We have your insurance in place, but we've had a couple of close calls," began Oliver. "Naturally our offices have security personnel, but I'd like an assessment regarding our vulnerability to a targeted attack. I'd also like to put together an ongoing arrangement with regards to exhibitions of my daughter's sculptures."

"I'm sure we can amend your policy to include assessment and recommendations. And I can guarantee that you won't need to worry about security for your daughter any longer. I will personally oversee every aspect of keeping her safe."

"Will you?" said Oliver, leaning back.

The wolf before him was no fool, and Simon was sure he understood the subtlety of his message.

"Do you know my daughter's work?"

"I do. As a matter of fact, I bought a piece from her first exhibition. I'm especially fond of the last one I purchased— Play Ball , the abstract polo pony racing down field."

"Simon is an expert polo player," inserted Jemson, who seemed to understand his presence at the meeting wasn't really needed.

"In fact, one of the things I like best about Mariah's work is that she understands the traditional nature of a subject while putting a modern edge on it. Take for instance the polo pony."

Oliver smiled and sat forward again. "So, you're the absentee bidder who managed to buy that one. I play as well, and really wanted it. Might you consider selling it to me? At a decent profit of course."

"I don't think a profit is necessary, eh Simon?" asked Jemson.

"No profit, as the sculpture is not for sale. Like I said, that piece and the artist are particular favorites of mine. What if I take you to lunch, to soothe the savage beast?"

Oliver smiled. "If we're talking about my daughter's art, I'm not the only predator you'll need to be able to handle."

"I can assure you, Oliver, I'm quite adept at controlling multiple aspects and personalities in any situation. Jemson, do you have enough information to get Legal started on the proper amendments to Oliver's policy?"

"Yes, of course," stammered Jemson.

"I assume you're staying at the Savoy?" asked Simon. When Oliver nodded, he continued. "Then you've been to the Savoy Grille, which is superb. Perhaps, you might enjoy Core. The executive chef and owner is a protégé of Gordon Ramsay."

"I've heard about Core. It sounds exceptional. I take it lunch is just for the two of us? I'd hate for poor Jemson to see what a sonofabitch I can be when I want something."

"Another thing we have in common," said Simon.

M ariah was escorted up to the executive offices of the Cerberus Group. She had expected to be met by some low-level flunky but was surprised when a beautiful woman about her mother's age was waiting for her in the conference room.

"Mariah? I'm Rhiannon Barnes. Adam tells me you have privileges at Baker Street and sought sanctuary with us last night."

"Yes, thank you. I really appreciate you sending someone to clean out my room at the Savoy and let my friend know it had been done and that I was safe."

"Happy to do it. First things first—how much danger are you in?"

Mariah smiled, recognizing the only female founding member of Cerberus, whom she instantly liked. "It's more trouble than danger. I mean, it's not like anyone is trying to kill me, maybe just trying to find me."

"They may have already done that. We spotted one watch dog on the roof of the building across the way. My guess is he's not alone."

"You have to believe me, I had no idea."

Rhiannon smiled. "Don't worry about it. But when a woman, especially a sub, shows up needing a place to hide, Adam's protective Dom nature goes into overdrive. You are perfectly safe, and we can move you around the city or get you to wherever you need to be." She sat back. "So, why not tell me what's going on?"

"Nothing, really. He just… well, how can I put this…"

"So, there's a man involved?"

"Yes. Simon Howard."

"Sir Simon? That's surprising. I've never known Simon to pursue a female who wasn't interested. When he comes to the club to play, he's rarely the one who initiates first contact. He has an excellent reputation and is well liked."

Mariah hid her surprise that the upstanding Brit was a Dom at Baker Street. Things had just gotten decidedly more difficult. Doms were loathe to come between another Dom and his sub. Simon might have been able to convince them that they had an established relationship and that she was simply acting out. Doms might offer her protection, but they would also ensure she stayed safe within their protective circle. Suddenly she was glad she had engaged the professional services of the Cerberus Group.

"He hasn't done anything, yet."

"But you think he might?" asked Rhiannon.

"We have a lot of friends in common and he's made it plain that he'd like to have a more permanent arrangement outside of the club."

"But he hasn't hurt or coerced you?"

"No. Just indicated his intentions. He was very upfront about it."

"Forgive me, but did you give him any reason to think you might feel the same?"

"No. And there is no contract between us."

Rhiannon nodded. "The only contract we have on file for you is the one that covers you playing at Baker Street."

"I can handle Simon, but I have a lot on my plate at the moment."

"Yes, the charity gala this evening. We're providing security for the event. It's not our usual type of gig, but your father is an old friend of Fitz and JJ."

"Perfect. I need to check on last-minute details and be really present during the event. I'd like to slip out of London this evening, right afterward. I was hoping I could hire a couple of bodyguards."

"Yes, I believe Adam mentioned ‘the hunkier the better.'"

Mariah laughed. She was enjoying talking with Rhiannon. She had seen the woman and her husband of more than thirty years do a scene one night that had left everyone in attendance hot and bothered. Their connection was so pure and so intense that it was palpable.

"Yes please," she said. "I think their presence might keep him at bay."

"I wouldn't count on that. It may very well take more than their mere presence. And while we can protect you, it may come down to an actual physical confrontation. Do you know what Simon does for a living?"

"Isn't he just one of those filthy rich, English nobility types?"

It was Rhiannon's turn to laugh. "His father is, yes. And Simon tends to let people think that about himself. He's always seen at the best restaurants, parties, and clubs. He is an obsessive polo player, but he is Lloyd's of London's primary and best Kidnap and Ransom extraction specialist."

Mariah's eyes went wide. That was one hell of a job and put an entirely different spin on things.

"It's one of the services we provide as well, and we've tried to hire him away more than once. Fitz only goes after the best of the best. We can keep you safe and out of Simon's clutches, but I have to ask, do you really want to escape? I need to know this isn't some elaborate game or lover's quarrel."

Mariah shook her head. "Nothing of the sort. I didn't even know Simon had privileges here."

"Not just privileges, but he is a full member and has Master status. If it turns out you're lying," Rhiannon held up her hand to ward off Mariah's protest, "or even equivocating with the truth, it won't end well for you."

"I've never played with Simon here at Baker Street or anywhere else." Mariah stood up. "If you don't think Cerberus can or wants to help me, I'll gather my things and leave you in peace."

"I just told you we already know of one man who's keeping an eye on the club. And I suspect Simon has more than just the one. If you choose to leave, and that is your choice, just how do you plan to deal with them?"

"You'll find, Ms. Barnes, that I'm very resourceful and quite capable of taking care of myself."

"It never occurred to me that you weren't. I'm just talking sub to sub here. You know how Doms get about anyone coming between a Dom and his sub. If you need our help in simply making your day easier, we can do that. What's first?"

Mariah didn't realize she'd been holding her breath until she let it out. "I've got to do a final walk through of the exhibit, and let my friends that I came to London with know where I am. Then I need to attend the exhibit tonight. I'd like to leave London immediately after the gala. I'll be taking a private plane back to the Hamptons."

"Do you have a plane service you like to use?" said Rhiannon, making notes.

"No. Usually I either fly commercial or take the family jet, but tonight I'd just like to slip out of the country without a big to-do."

"That isn't a problem. We can arrange for the plane, give the airfield a phony flight plan and you can give the pilot specific destination coordinates once you're airborne. Sound good?"

"It sounds perfect. And I am deeply grateful. I'll see if I can't get my friend to bring me my driver's license and money."

"We were able to collect your passport and travel documents last night from the Savoy."

"Yeah, but Piper has my ID, money, and credit cards in her clutch."

"Why don't you let us contact her and pick them up for you? If, as I suspect, the guy across the street is here to watch for you, it would be far better for your safety to keep up the illusion that you are unaware that anyone knows where you are."

Mariah cocked her head, "Why?"

"Because Simon Howard is good at his job. Guys who are good at extractions also have the skills and knowledge to perform a successful snatch and grab. Simon isn't stupid. He knows the kind of firepower he'd be facing if he came in here, but once you're on the street, you would be fair game."

"I didn't think about that."

"Not to worry," Rhiannon said, smiling. "That's what you hired us for."