Disclaimer One: These characters are mine and are all a product of my imagination. If
you dont like them so what dont read about them. No hard feelings. (g)
Disclaimer Two: Yep, there some subtext, some romance, and some twists. You know just your
usual Minerva story. Should be used to it by now.
Dedications: To Catt Id do it all over again anytime. To Sloane I know everything
will be well. To the fans (in running the risk of sounding like those old Bartles and
James commercials) thank you for your support. (smirks)
One of my favorite artists Lenny Kravitz and his song Again inspire this one.
I also saw the preview of a movie called The Family Man. Havent seen the
movie but the preview gave me some ideas.
Chapter I
With the sleeves of the gray silk shirt rolled up over her elbows, Reese hit a series of
keys on the keyboard and whispered, Ho. She clicked and highlighted with the
mouse murmuring, Ho. With a saucy grin, the tall brunette hit the enter button
then laughed as she said out loud, Fucking ho. Merry Christmas to me. With a
series of keystrokes the investment banker had successfully siphoned a few thousand
dollars from each clients account into her own Swiss bank account.
She leaned back in the black leather chair making it creak with worry and ran elegant
hands through her hair before they found purchase at the back of her head. The grin turned
into a smirk. You taught me well, Dad. Good thing Im a little smarter or I would
be where you are right now. Reese stretched out long legs and placed them on top of
her desk. The cuff of her tailored black slacks rode up.
She had made corporate fat cats, wall streeters, and any Joe Blow who came to her
millions, and in the process garnered a nice little egg for herself both legally and
illegally. The brunette shrugged broad shoulders. They wont mind the person that
made them a little richer made herself a litter richer too. I think I deserve it for
putting up with their whining.
In the investment firm of Dodd & Dodd, Reese Darden had become more than her
fathers shadow. Shed become a one named wonder in the investment world like a
Cher, Janet or Madonna. Fresh out of Harvard Business School, she worked hard to cover up
her father, Peter Dardens murky shadow. The hard work was successful and she became
a light of her own. Her father had taught her really well. Too bad he didnt use
some of those tricks for himself. Too bad he left me.
She allowed her mind to wander down memory lane. It was someplace she didnt go
frequently, but he had called this morning, begging her to come see him.
Reese didnt grow up among the ranks of the old money. Her father had earned every
penny from wheeling and dealing for the rich. They loved him like he was a money god to be
worshipped, when he himself worshipped it like it was the God. Forgetting his wife but
smattering attention on the one person he could mold, his daughter. Her mother, Sara left
them both before she had even turned ten without a word or a whimper, just gone.
Her father had told her not to cry, and she didnt. She raged instead, until deciding
one day while curled up in her bed that Sara didnt love her anyway. People who loved
you didnt leave. Reese learned to harden that side of her heart-the side that
belonged to her mother. In that special place, she built mental bricks sealing the spaces
in between with pain and whatever was left belonged to her father.
Having always revered him, she had listened and learned everything she could. While other
pre-teens and teenagers were out playing and partying, Reese read about T-bills, interest
rates and a myriad of other subjects. She read until she began to understand what every
word, phrase and number meant.
Always possessing beauty, it began to blossom, and even without tutoring, she learned to
use it. Charming her fathers contacts, who would become her contacts, and flirting
shamelessly with their sons even the horrendous looking ones. When she was seventeen there
was nothing except for Peter Darden, money, her books, and more money until Reese
discovered women with a vengeance. They made the challenge that her life had become
complete. Shed known that men didnt fit somehow, only using them as pawns in a
game she was hungry to win.
So now there was her father, money, women, and her books. Upon entering Harvard, she tore
a dark swath through the business school as well as the female population. Women, flocked
to her, making them a far lesser challenge. Resse wined them, dined them and bedded them
as long as they both received pleasure. Before they got too close, before they had a
chance to break her, leave her, Reese disappeared like a thin puff of smoke. She refused
to feel that pain again.
All the while, she stayed in contact with her father through phone calls that they could
both fit into their schedules. As he made more money, elevating his godhood, Peter Darden
slowly let arrogance and greed take over and borrowed a little too much. He was found out,
and the by the time Reese graduated, Peter Darden was almost penniless and serving time in
prison for embezzlement and fraud.
Dodd & Dodd hired her fresh out of school. She didnt know if it was pity or
misplaced loyalty, and she didnt care. One foot was in the door. Reese had gone to
see her father for the first and last time after she was hired. What she saw was a shadow
of the man she once knew. One minute he was angry, bitter and the next vulnerable and
begging. It was pathetic, and it was a weakness she wanted no part of. That weakness had
caused him to leave her both mentally and physically. The pain she thought shed
never feel again was explosive, leaving nothing untouched. Her heart belonged to a money
god of her own making now. She was admired, awed, and even hated by some of her peers.
There were few who were brave enough to try and befriend her. Only one really made it in.
The leggy brunette swiveled around in her chair and crossed her legs, taking in the view
of the Chicago skyline. Pale blue scanned the better part of the city from their offices
high atop the Nokitomi building, seeing the melting snow still covering most of the
buildings. The bad part, where it looked like a nuclear bomb exploded, was safely tucked
away from normal view, giving the impression that it didnt exist, not to people that
high up anyway.
Ive got all I want right here in front of me: good connections and acquaintances,
lots of money, and prestige. All things I can count on. She frowned at the hollowness
that throbbed inside, hoping that seeing the increase on her next bank statement would
sooth it.
The phone rang bringing her from inside herself back to the her office. Reese picked it up
and spoke gruffly, Yeah, Darden.
Reese. Ken here. Youre not going to like what I have to tell you.
Her voice changed to an impatient purr, Well then youd better get on with it.
Itll be better for you.
She heard him swallow audibly and smiled. You know that account we were working on
together? The, um, Willams account?
Yeah, Im waiting, she added, knowing it was one that she had just pulled
up.
Well, the quotes are a little off. Seems like a couple of thou is missing. My
assistant found the discrepancy.
Not even breaking a sweat, Reese said smoothly, Oh, I was just in there. Must have
got some numbers screwed up. Had a lot of things going on at once. Ill give it a
look in a minute. The transition to casual was even smoother. Dinner
tonight? She asked her friend and colleague of several years.
He snorted. Youre kidding right? Its Christmas Eve!
And?
And listen I have to come down that way anyhow to talk to Bryant. Damn fool man is
always on the phone. Ill just stop by your office first, and Ill tell you
about my plans. He answered excitedly.
The brunette sighed, Okay, just come right in. Should give me a few minutes
to make sure my tracks are covered completely.
Without a knock, the tall black man, with skin the color of the lightest caramel walked
into the brunettes office. His slight mustache twitched as he smiled at the woman
behind the desk.
Ken flopped down in a chair and linked his hands behind his curly head. Reesie,
would you laugh at me if I told that I was in love?
The brunette leaned forward and narrowed her eyes. Guh! You know I hate that
name!
His grin widened showing off deep dimples in his unlined face. Uh-huh, I know
thats why I use it. Are you avoiding my question?
Reese pushed dark bangs off her forehead. Does this have anything to do with your
not having dinner with me?
Yep.
Then no. I know you better than that. You would tell a woman you loved her just to
get a piece of ass.
He snorted. So would you.
She shook her head and smirked. Nuh-uh, not my style my friend. I play it right to
the bone.
Ken straightened, moved forward in the chair and whispered, I mean it. Told her last
night.
An ebony eyebrow quirked. Is this the Gloria youve been seeing?
He nodded and smiled at the mention of her name. Yeah, she did something to me
Reese, and whatever it was, Im loving every minute of it. She makes me laugh, makes
me think. Hell, she makes me feel everything. Scared the shit outta me at first.
Didnt know what the hell was going on, and then it hit me. . . He smacked his
hand against the desk. Bam! Just like that, I knew.
Reese chuckled. Men. Some of them can be played so easily. She must really be a
nice piece of ass for her to have your nose in the air like that. How could you
get caught? None of it lasts. Nothing does. I should know.
Ken shook his head and frowned. You know, sometimes you can be so cynical that
its disgusting. Havent you heard a word I said? We havent even made love
yet.
Unphased, she propped her chin up on a hand and flicked her hair back with the other one.
Well, there you go then. Shes got you so riled up. . .
His face reddened. You maybe a friend, but I wont let you cheapen this with
your warped assed logic. I finally met somebody that I want more than a romp with. . .hell
I wanna wake up with her; go to sleep with her; Id do anything for her. And the good
thing is, shed do the same! I see it when she looks at me. He jumped up and
ran his fingers angrily through his hair. Turning to her, he reached out his hands in
surrender. Havent you ever felt that sometime in your life, or is there
nothing but a glass of ice water where your heart oughta be!
Reese flinched and went abruptly quiet. Biting back a retort and old emotion, her jaw
ticked in reaction. She looked at her friend with steely blue eyes that gave nothing away.
That what theyre saying about me nowadays? Her voice was low, gravely. Its
better that way for everybody.
Shocked by her lack of reaction, some of the anger drained from him. Ken sat back down
softly on the edge of the chair. With gentle brown eyes, he studied the woman in front of
him. I know theres more to you. Theres gotta be. Yeah, Im
sorry to spit that out like that. Its just that you turn up your nose at everybody.
Hell, even I dont know you that well. I dont even know how I got up to friend
status. You made me laugh. No ones done that in a long time.
Not since. . . Thats how, she commented quietly. Reeses eyes
softened a few degrees. Sorry about. . .I didnt mean to degrade what you have
with her. Congratulations. She shrugged. I guess its a good thing if you
can get it.
He smiled wanly, knowing that was as much as an apology as he was getting. You
should try it. Make you a changed woman. Maybe lighten you up a little.
Long elegant fingers caressed the computer monitor on her desk. Unh uh, I dont
have time for that. Its fleeting. She tapped the top of the monitor.
This is the challenge that keeps my blood pumping. Its always gonna be
here. The brunette waved her hand in a nonchalant gesture. Everything else is
like week old pie.
Brown eyes widened incredulously. You mean to tell me that youve never felt a
thing?
Reese shrugged. It was a lie, but she was going to tell it anyway. No, most the
women I meet know the score. Those that dont-
Dont stay long, he interrupted. Man, Reesie, thats no way to
live. I didnt know what I was missing till now. I feel for you my friend. I
really do. Ken glanced at his watch. Id really like to stay and debate
this with you, but I got the feeling I wouldnt win anyway. I need to go see
Bryant. He jumped up, adjusted his silk tie and wiped a hand over white silk shirt
before heading toward the door. Ken grabbed then knob then turned around, pointing fingers
at the brunette in the shape of a gun. Give me a rain check on dinner? Maybe after
New Years, the three of us could go out for drinks, and well see what happens
after that.
She nodded and waved him away.
Long minutes after he left, Reese sat staring at the far wall, pulling on her bottom lip,
and thinking of the past for the second time that day. Have I ever felt anything? Yeah,
and when I did, I ran like hell to keep from getting hurt.
The brunette pushed herself up out of the chair and walked up to the window. Her hands
found a home deep inside her pockets. Standing with her legs shoulder width apart, she
rolled the suddenly tight muscles and watched the descending sun color the sky in hues of
reds and oranges. She liked this time of day. I wonder if she still does. Reese
frowned and prepared herself to take an unsolicited trip down memory lane.
Randi Davenport. For some reason even now, the name made her smile. They met at of all
places a Winn Dixie. Reese equipped with a red basket on her arm, walked down the soup
isle to garner a couple of cans of cream of mushroom in preparation for a romantic dinner
with a redhead shed met two weeks earlier.
Before she was half way down the isle, the brunette spotted a petite blonde with short hair standing on her tiptoes and reaching for something. The curses caught her ears before she caught glimpse of the blondes face.
Son of a bitch! Why the hell keep it up here all the way at top?! She let out a tiny growl. And near the frippin back too! What the hell is wrong with these people. All I wanted was some tampons and veggie all! Damn, damn, damn! She stomped her foot in frustration.
As she got closer, Reese took in angelic features, leaving her totally amused by the womans language. A smirk lifted the corner of her mouth as she watched the blondes well-muscled legs, left bare by shorts, flex in effort. By the time, azure eyes reached the tight derriere, she knew that she had to come to the rescue. The brunette cleared her throat and murmured, Miss, can I. . .
Startled, the petite blonde squealed, jumped and turned in surprise. What?! Why the hell did you scare me like that?!
Resses lips twitched as deep green eyes glared at her. Dark brows rose into her bangs. Without a word she reached up and back for the can of veggie all and handed it to the other woman.
The woman looked at the can, blinked, then glanced back at her. She placed a hand on a hip as their gazes held. Fair brows bunched in contemplation, and finally, she opened her mouth to speak. You know, I dont even know you, and already I know that youre a smart ass.
Before she had time to even think, Reese threw back and filled the isle with rich laughter. After a long minute she sobered, and glanced back at the woman to see a teasing smirk that crinkled the side of her nose, plastered on her face.
Reese smacked her lips and smiled brightly. Well, I dont know you either, but I can tell you that most of the beautiful women I meet dont have the mouth of a sailor. Its almost refreshing to see one with her guard down.
The shorter woman chuckled and shook her head. Oh, come on now. If that was a pick up line, youre way outta practice. You must be able to do better than that, or are the surroundings hampering you? She asked with mirth and a dash of sarcasm.
The brunette smiled despite the dig. Well, was that your attempt to impress me with your wit? If it was, I think were both lacking at the moment. She stepped in closer, letting the blonde feel the heat of her presence.
The petite woman smirked amusedly at the diminishing distance between them, letting Reese know without words that she knew the game the brunette was attempting to play.
Reese played on.
Why dont you go pay for your tampons and veggie all, and then we can go someplace with more. . .ambience where I can show you mine. . . Pale blue eyes scanned her from head to toe. And you can show me yours.
The blonde let out a bark of laughter. It gets better than this?
Everything does, Reese responded with a grin.
She groaned and stuck out a small hand. The names Randi, in case you wanted to know.
Reese engulfed the hand with her own and reveled in the sparks that shot up her arm. Im Reese, and I definitely want to know.
Randi continued to chuckle as the ventured out of the isle. You might want to stop now before you run out of material, and Im warning you. Theres no bullshit allowed in my apartment.
The brunette stopped and turned to the woman beside her. Thats where were going?
Yeah, I live just down the block. I walked here. You can take me home and let me put this stuff up. Then, we can go somewhere with. . .ambiance, she smirked. Now, about that bullshit.
Reese started walking again. I dont do BS. Youll find that out as you get to know me.
Mmm, I believe a student of mine said almost the same thing after I returned his paper. It was full of double talk.
The taller woman avoided the comment. Youre a teacher?
Sort of. Im a proff at the IU division in Gary. I teach Sociology.
Ah, then we have a lot in common then. Im an investment banker at Dodd & Dodd.
Randi looked at her companion strangely then burst out laughing as they passed through the check out line and out the store.
While Reese waited in the living room of the small, charming apartment, riddled with pastels, she searched the pocket of her shirt for the small cell phone. With a flick of the wrist, she called and cancelled her date in favor of another.
That night and the next couple of months were filled with laughter. The brunette neglected to inform the blonde of her no strings rule she usually tried to enforce, and after a while, she noticed that she didnt want to. Somehow, the blonde had gotten through.
Reese found in a short time that the professor could turn her on her ear with a few words, leaving her flustered. The blonde made her think, and within a few weeks, the brunette had developed an opinion on everything from Monica Lewinsky scandal to the identity of the real Shakespeare, who she argued was Bacon.
In the bedroom, Reese found that Randi could leave her just as flustered and shaken. Every touch and kiss rocked her to the core, and sometimes literally left her begging for more. It wasnt long before that and her eagerness to be with the blonde began to worry her.
The gentle look in soft green eyes left her treading water, while part of persisted that drowning wasnt so bad, but it wasnt until three words were whispered in her ear in the early morning hours that the waters began to really choke her.
The brunette tried being cold, but the blondes kiss continued to melt her. She tried ignoring her, but her own compulsion to see the teacher led her back. Desperate to protect herself, it wasnt until the blonde was getting ready to leave for a weekend to attend a lecture that Reese used the cowards way out.
The blonde teacher was as animated as usual and chatted away at the stoic brunette who grunted in response. Once at the airport, Resse silently took Randis bags from the trunk and followed her inside. Having never been shy about public displays of affection the teacher stood on her tip toes for a kiss and a hug.
Reese brushed her lips softly then crushed her in strong arms before whispering in her ear, I met somebody else. I-I dont think we should see each other anymore. It was a lie one of many she had told but none had been so profound. For the first time it hurt to tell it, but this pain was minute to the one she would experience later, when the blonde left.
Randi jerked away and peered at the executive. The brunette was unable to hold her gaze, seeing the light that had attracted her in the first place dim considerably. The pain she saw there ripped her insides.
The blondes lips quivered, and she bit the bottom one. Her eyes glazed and filled with unshed tears, but not a one fell. She shook her head and sucked them in. Youre not worth crying over. I dont do that over liars. This was the second one you told me because you just shoveled the biggest load of shit Ive ever seen.
Reese reached out a hand but thought better of it. Look, I. . .
The teacher laughed derisively. Dont even bother. All this shit will catch up to sooner or later. What are you gonna do then, huh? You cant run forever?
Instead of saying another word, Reese walked away with the blonde continuing to scream behind her.
You cant!
The brunette walked out of the airport with a hole where her heart used to be. It left her wondering if what she had just done was even worth it after all. Pain was pain.
Reese came back to reality with a dark thud. Where there had been a glimmer of daylight
left was only a twinkle of stars now. She swore savagely at the way the little blonde was
still able to get under her skin. Yeah, Ken. I know all about it. I know eventually
it ends. Ill never allow a woman to make me feel that again.
Somber now, Reese grabbed her, coat, gloves, blazer and briefcase and decided to head home
to an empty apartment and left over Chinese. Once on the elevator, she put a lock on her
thoughts refusing to think about Randi, her father, her mother, or Ken.
Chapter II
Heels clicked with purpose on the floor of the parking garage, and the brunette fished out
her car keys. She pressed a button, and the alarm on her BMW 380i chirped to life. Her
brow wrinkled in concentration as she continued to try to block any thought that would
cause an emotional reaction. Reese was so intent on her task that she didnt notice
the passenger in her car until she pulled open the drivers side door.
Startled but trying to play it cool, Reese bent down and flicked long hair over her
shoulders in an attempt to get a look at the intruder. Calm it down, Reese. If she
wanted you dead, youd probably be greeting the devil right now. Just be cool.
She leaned down further to peer into eyes that were so blue they were almost violet. Red
hair curled wildly over the strange womans shoulders, disappearing down her back.
Painted lips pursed then spread into a soft smile. She was dressed completely in black,
making her pale skin seem almost translucent. Maybe this isnt so bad after all.
Merry Christmas to me big time. I think I got me an extra present.
Reese smiled sexily at the redhead. Well, if Id known you were waiting down
here for me, I would have left work at 5 oclock on the dot.
The other woman turned slowly to the brunette. Doesnt matter. You needed time
to think. Her voice was musical and held an accent she couldnt place
Reeses eyes narrowed. Ookay, how the hell did she know what I was doing?
Deep blue eyes sparkled and the full mouth quirked as if she possessed some secret
knowledge of the brunettes thoughts. Get in and all your questions will be
answered. Even the ones you dont know how to ask.
Growing irritated despite the womans beauty, Reese added, Look, lady. I
dont know who the hell you are, but I dont appreciate you breaking into my
car. Her glare turned icy.
The redhead shrugged, unaffected. Does anything look broken? No? Does it look like I
would harm you? She held the pale blue gaze with silent intensity.
Reese swallowed, shaken and startled by the depth in the blue eyes. The eyes were ancient
and so was the intelligence and wisdom that shined in them. There was also a sadness that
drew the brunette. She wanted to know more. She suddenly wanted to know everything those
eyes had seen. Deep blue gentled, and the brunette surmised that there was no intention to
harm. No.
Go around and get it, Reese. Ill take you home.
The redhead started the car with a soft roar. They exited the well lit parking structure
before Reese spoke again. Who are you?
She stopped at the traffic light and turned to the brunette. Clotho. Its an
old name to fit a young face, but my fathers strange that way. The redhead
smirked as she gunned the engine. They took off with fury when the light turned green.
Resse fastened her seatbelt. So tell me what I want to know. She glanced at
Clothos profile, seeing a small grin.
I cant. You want to know too much. There are somethings you must never know.
It would be too much responsibility.
The brunette shrugged. I think I can. I like---
The challenge?
Reese chuckled, Yes, how did you know?
The smile on the redheads face vanished. I know more than you could possibly
imagine. As for you, my friend, your need to conquer a challenge will put you in serious
trouble.
The brunette laughed outright. It would be an even greater one to get out of trouble
then. Now, wouldnt it? But, I have to say, theres nothing like holding all
that money in the palm of your hand, shifting it back and forth, dangling a mans
livelihood in your hands. The high and the power is like nothing Ive ever
felt. Its the only thing I can count on.
They continued to move along the highway, ignoring the speed limits. As I said, it
will be your downfall.
Growing agitated by the womans vague talk, Reese barked, Why dont you
cut the bullshit and tell me why youre here? What do you want from me? Pale
blue narrowed predatorily as she looked Clotho up and down. If you want a piece of
me, theres only one piece you can have. I dont do breakfast.
Not anymore, the redhead added as she turned off to an exit.
What the hell is going on here?! This woman is starting to spook the hell outta me.
A chill eased up her spine. She knows entirely too much.
Theres nothing to be afraid of yet. Like I said before, I know more than you
could imagine, and I know you.
Reeses chill intensified. Pale eyes scanned the cab frantically, looking for a
possible way out. She looked out the windshield to see unfamiliar surroundings. Panic set
in as her usual cool began to slowly dissolve. Where the hell are we?! This
isnt where I live!
Unperturbed, Clotho replied softly, Im taking you home.
They pulled into neighborhood in the Chicago suburbs and came to an abrupt stop in front
of a house that glowed yellow in the moonlight. It was surrounded by symmetrical bushes
and well cut grass, sprinkled with melting snow. From what Reese could see, there even
seemed to be a little flower garden, covered in snow, right in front of the yellow house.
Her eyes widened. Hold it, lady! This isnt my fucking house! Ive never
even been in this neighborhood!
Clotho turned to the brunette, silencing and chilling her with a look that penetrated deep
within. You will listen to me, Reese Darden. In eight days, you will be arrested for
embezzlement. There will be no talking or finagling yourself out of it. Youll be
sentenced to three years, and it will be your downfall. You wont have anything or
anybody. She paused for affect and canted her head to the side observing the look of
disbelief on the brunettes face. Do you deny what youve done?
Oh God. Anxiety strapped a tight band across her chest, causing each breath to be
painful. This cant be happening. Im smarter than that. No one can beat me.
THIS CAN NOT BE HAPPENING! She peered into violet eyes, seeing the answers she
didnt want to see. Oh God, yes it is! The dark head lowered in shame and
fear. No, I-I dont know what you want me to say.
Nothing. Im here to give you a choice between what could have been and what
is. You have until the first strike of New Years day to make your choice between
money and that. She pointed at the house. You have a chance to change a lot of
things Reese, learn from them, and use them. Clotho held out her hand palm up,
generating a set of keys out of thin air. This isnt magic, and you are not
hallucinating. Believe it because there is no time for doubt. She grabbed the
brunettes hand and placed the keys in it. Take these and go.
Reese blinked and huddled her belongings, wrapped in one hand, close to her chest for
comfort. Her breathing was rapid as was the beat of her heart. She couldnt decide
what scared her more this situation, the unknown, or losing everything. Her fingers closed
over the keys. Her choice was evident. At the moment, she didnt have one. She turned
to look at the house, seeing a low light on inside then glanced back at the redhead.
Go. Her voice was firm but gentle at the same time, while her features were
unreadable.
Reese let out a shaky breath and did what she was told. She stood on the curb, continuing
to stare at the strange house. The brunette turned at the sound of a voice clearing behind
her. She bent and looked inside her car. Let me give you one last piece of advice,
Reese. See all this with your heart not your head. Someone favors you among my
fathers clan. I would hate to see you make the same choice your father did.
The brunettes mouth fell open, but before she could say a thing, the window closed
and the car took off at phenomenal speed. A surge of bright light blinded her, making her
pull a hand over her eyes. With a soft pop, the car disappeared as if it was never there.
The fact that her car had just vanished only caused Reese slight worry. She turned to the
house and walked slowly up the walkway. What was in that house caused the bulk of her
distress.
Is this really happening? Did she make my father play this sick game? If he did, look
where his choice left him. She closed her eyes tightly and with blunt fingernails, she
pinched the skin on her wrist. Reese grunted at the slight pain, but when she opened her
eyes, everything was still the same. Maybe if I take the money and run now, things will
turn out okay. The idea took root in her mind. She wrestled with the briefcase in an
attempt to open it. Finally, the lock popped and she searched the black leather organizer
for her bank card and Swiss account numbers. Oh shit, shit, shit!
There were no account numbers.
No, no no! She looked down at a bank card, but it wasnt to her regular bank. She
changed everything! Im stuck in the Twilight Zone version of Its a
Wonderful Life! I sure as hell dont want to end up dead or in jail! Reese took a
breath then another in attempt to calm herself. Maybe I could go along with this for a
day or two. It would give me time to find a way out free and clear. Yeah, its not like
anyone else is involved in this. Hope stirred slightly as the brunette made it up to
the door.
Reese juggled the keys, using the porch light to find a plain one. It slid into the lock
easily and turned without a sound. Once inside, without looking around she let her
briefcase drop to the floor with a muffled thump. Yanking the wool coat, gloves, and
blazer off, the brunette jumped and turned in surprise at the sound of a soft cough.
Pale blue searched the dimness of the living room, until she came upon a small lamp,
covered with a light cloth. It wasnt that-that caught her attention. Her heart
thudded hard then stopped as blue eyes widened at the sight before her.
Randi sat in the light colored chair that matched the rest of the furniture. A big red bow
covered her torso, meeting in a neat tie at the front of her breasts. It was the only part
of her body that was covered. The pale light made her naked skin glow alabaster and
accented blonde hair on her head as well as the darker curls between her legs. The
brunettes breathing was the next to go when short, muscular legs parted slightly,
revealing a gift hidden behind blonde down. Reese swallowed, feeling suddenly dizzy.
Some how, long seconds later, azure eyes found their way to the blondes face, seeing
the tiny smirk that crinkled her nose. Her mouth had dropped open, if the cool air running
over her teeth was any indicator. For the moment, Reese Darden was struck dumb. Her only
action was a rapid blink.
A throaty chuckle hit the brunettes ears. You usually only look like that
after we make love. Should I be flattered?
Reese blinked again.
Well, Ive struck the ultimate smart ass speechless. Not bad for a nights work
that hasnt even started yet. Randis smirk widened to a sexy grin.
Merry Christmas, baby. Would you like to unwrap me now or wait till in the
morning? She asked teasingly.
Sweet Mary Mother of God, if this is some kind of cosmic joke please tell me the
punchline now. . . The dizziness became acute.
Reese?
The brunette blinked again, and in quick succession, pale blue rolled up toward the back
of her head right before she tumbled to the floor in an ungraceful leap.
Frowning, Randi leaped from the chair and kneeled down beside her lover. She touched warm
skin and felt sweet breath on her face. A slow smile formed. Well, that doesnt
usually happen till after either.
Let me know whatcha think so far at Minerva