Encore! (Tudor Saga Book 1) (16 page)

A meeting was arranged at the offices for all to meet. As much as I wanted to find an excuse not to attend, Daniel drew me in. He was determined, in his own way, that I attempt to make amends. If he could do it, after what had transpired between him and Amadeus, then I could, too.

Daniel and I entered the offices and were shown to a larger conference room than I'd previously seen. All three of my siblings were there waiting, and they received me with open arms. Daniel stood close, for support.

All the time this was going on, I thought I vaguely heard the sound of a camera taking shots. I dared not look, but was pretty sure it was Penny, doing her best to stay away from me. When it was suggested a formal group photo of the three boys plus Daniel, I was surprised to see him hesitate.

I whispered in his ear, "It’s okay, babe. Let her have her moment."

"Really? You surprise me. However, if she thinks you're going to be left out or that she's going to get a great shot, she's sadly mistaken."

"Go play nice. I'm right here."

He joined my brothers for a casual shot of the four of them. Much to my amazement, Daniel did not give in to Penny's near begging trying to entice him to flash that killer smile.

Finally Daniel interrupted her. "I want Mary included, now, with her brothers and me."

Silence. Penny flashed me a disapproving look, but had no choice but to honor Daniel's wishes. Besides, my brothers were all making noise about getting me in the pictures with them. "Oh, okay, I suppose I can take some pictures just for the family. Daniel, you don't have to sit in these. I have enough."

Oh, she did not just say that! Wrong, girlfriend!

"Daniel is family," Angus casually stated. "So he stays."

"Whatever." She fumed; mad that she was being overridden. "These won't be used for anything, anyway."

"That's where you're wrong, Penny. I want Mary to take a look at these when you're done because I intend to use the best for my media promo."

I heard my brothers agree.

"Why aren't you shooting these, Mary? I thought Daniel, here, had your photographic skills, exclusively."

"He does," I replied carefully. "Daniel and I decided I should relax and focus on the four of you rather than having to try and make you behave for a shoot. But yes, I'm still his exclusive."

I felt Daniel squeeze my waist. He got the barb I'd just thrown out, even if no one else had. That was all that mattered.

While the group of them sat and talked, I went in search of Penny, who had disappeared as fast as we broke up. I was eager to get a look at her work and to see the first pictures of me and my brothers. They would be the first of us together in quite a number of years.

As I was about to turn the corner, I found myself picking up on a conversation—a not so nice one about me, being held in the hallway. I held back and listened for a few minutes, trying to determine how I should react. Because I knew damn sure I was going to react!

"You're kidding. She lives with Daniel? What, is he blind?" They laughed.

Then Penny shared, "I don't know; but whatever it is, she's got him fooled. Not to mention wrapped around her finger. He won't do a thing without her."

"Well, she's a dog. No wonder her brothers didn't encourage her to join them on stage. I can see the tomatoes being slung, can't you?" More laughter.

I flipped. Proceeding around the corner to the catty duo, I calmly approached them as though I'd not heard a thing. "Here you are, Penny. Do you have a computer I could use? I'll just upload everything you shot to my thumb drive here, so Daniel and my brothers can look at them, later."

Seeing her photo card, I snatched it out of her hand before she could say a word. Sitting down at her computer, I instantly uploaded everything onto my waiting thumb drive. I didn't want to risk them going over the internet, even if it was my own account. I could feel the two women staring at me, most likely making faces, because I certainly could hear their snickers.

Rising from the chair, I smiled. "Thanks so much, Penny. I guess this means you have to work all the parties and concerts now. Too bad." I smiled as a thought crossed my mind. "Well, I better go. Daniel needs to get back to his studio."

"Let me know what you think," Penny replied, trying her best not to laugh.

"I will when I have time." I turned to leave and upon hearing the other girl snorting, trying to contain herself, I turned back to them. "Oh, and girls, just so you'll know, since neither one of you will ever get to experience it first hand, Daniel is the most amazing lover. The things he does to me with those fingers and that tongue…" I flashed them a huge smile, tossed back my hair and left the two of them staring at each other.

I caught up with Daniel, who was ready to leave. My brothers were talking with the execs about their tour, I'm sure.

"What took you so long?"

"Oh, nothing, I had to explain to Penny how to transfer her images. That's all. Let's blow this place." I wrapped my arm around his waist as he led me towards the elevators. "I think you need to practice when we get home, Daniel."

"That was my intention," he replied kissing my hair as we waited for the elevator.

I leaned up against him. "Practicing your music wasn't what I had in mind, Danny."

"What did you have in mind?" he playfully asked.

The elevator doors opened and having seen Penny out of the corner of my eye, I reached down and ran my hand down along the fabric where it outlined every detail of his ass in his tight jeans.

"It's best that I show you at home, Danny," I replied, grabbing his butt.

****

Sitting in front of my laptop early the next morning, I quietly began putting together a collage of photos I’d taken over the years of an elderly Duchess I photographed every year around the time of her birthday. I thought, perhaps, she would enjoy it. She was a proud woman, one not ashamed of her age and the woman had a wicked sense of humor, not something she showed to everyone.

I didn't even hear Daniel come sneaking up behind me. He stood quietly for a few minutes, observing what I was doing. Then, putting his hands on my shoulders, he bent down and kissed me on the cheek.

"Good morning," he whispered. "You meet with the Duchess, today?"

"Yes. She's one of my favorite clients, right alongside you."

I had virtually put my business on hold for Danny as he had become pretty much my exclusive client. Basically, with him as my biggest client, I no longer had to go out and solicit new business. The Duchess, however, was one of my repeat customers and could possibly open new doors, if I desired. I simply loved my time with the woman. She was from a by-gone era of dignity and class, and it showed in her portraits.

"Well, while you are busy with your Duchess, I will be busy, as well." He paused, his hands massaging my shoulders. "You do remember the label wants me to go to some dinner with your brothers and apparently has some things scheduled afterwards."

"I remember. I'm not thrilled you're going out on the town with the three of them while I'm at home, but I'll get over it." I continued to manipulate the images into place. No, I was not happy about this turn of events, but it was the first time I hadn't been included and thought perhaps a break would do me good.

"You'll have your royalty to keep you busy, sweet. I promise I won't let them keep me out late."

I laughed, turning around to finally look at him. God did the man ever have a bad day? He always looked amazing.
Down girl, down!

"What's so funny?" he asked.

"The thought that you believe you'll be able to leave at a decent hour. You're going to be with all three of my brothers. There is no chance of you making it home before dawn, so don't say I didn't warn you."

"Now you're going to be mad about it?"

"No, just stating the truth, Danny. This entire evening is a huge media coup. You should know that. Just play along, but keep your guard up."

"I will, I promise. But I do have an appointment early in the afternoon tomorrow, so I want to be prepared for that."

"Hmmmm. Any idea where you all are going tonight? Or is it a ‘wait and see what the mood is’ sort of situation?"

"If anyone has said, I tuned it out. Why?"

"No reason. Just thought I'd ask. If you want, text me when you've had enough. I can text you back reminding you of your appointment. Perhaps they'll take the hint and get you a cab home."

"That's what I love about you," he said, kissing me. "You always look after me."

"I try."

My appointment with the Duchess was as delightful as ever. The collage I had printed out and framed for her had been well received. As I headed home, I received a text from Daniel informing the witching hour was upon him and to wish him luck. I texted back that he'd be just fine.

That old urge had been playing with me all day. I didn't know if it was because I had a break this evening from Daniel or if it was because my brothers were in town and I wanted to be naughty, or what. It was as though someone had dared me to do something I shouldn't. All I knew was that Archangel wanted out and she wanted out, now.

I texted Ellie to see if she was at home. Perhaps if I used her as a diversion, the urge would leave. She was busy. So much for old friends.

I walked into the bedroom and opened my closet. Fumbling through the boxes, still unpacked, I found what I was looking for. I pulled it out and opened it. Lying in the depths of the box was a group of masks and my black suit. Did I dare? Or should I close it up and forget such a crazy idea? I just couldn't make it go away.

Pulling my cell phone out of my pocket I made the call. "Jake? I’m back! See you at eleven. Be prepared!"

I knew I was taking a chance, but I needed to see, one last time, if it was still there. The high, or whatever you want to call it. Like an alcoholic, or drug addict, fighting the urge. That's where I was.

Jake met me at the door ten minutes before eleven just like always. Violin in hand I turned to him as I quietly placed my other items in a small dressing room. "So, who won the wager?"

"What wager?" He grinned.

"The two thousand pounds to get me to come out of hiding. I think it belongs to me."

"Where have you been?"

"Taking a break, writing," I lied. "Why?"

"Well," he said as he prepared to walk out and introduce me, "you're in for a treat this evening, Archangel. It would seem the Tudor brothers and friends are here for some entertainment."

With that he led me on stage and introduced Archangel.

Oh my God, what have I done?
As I stood, preparing to begin I noted my brothers and their entourage, including Daniel, making their way to the front of the stage. My first thought was to bolt, but that wasn't going to happen.

I began. And through the next three songs, I ignored them. Never looking down, never toying with them like the last time I had, with Daniel.

Just as I picked up my violin again for the next piece , Daniel made his way onto the stage, violin in hand.
No, he wasn't!
He flashed that gorgeous smile my direction, walking nearer. Too close. Standing next to me, he leaned over and whispered a piece he wanted to know if I knew. I nodded, knowing if I said anything I'd give myself away. There was still a chance he didn't know it was me.

Then he leaned back, looked at me and came closer. "I know who you are, Archangel. Mary Queen of Scots." He pulled back, a dark look crossing his face for a moment. Then it was gone.

The crowd, and my brothers in particular, had begun to chant. Daniel lifted his violin to play nodding for me to do the same. His face was unreadable; but being the entertainer he was, he'd never let me, nor anyone else, know what his feelings truly were at that exact moment.

We played through the piece. I stood next to him as we took our bows at the end and then I turned and fled the stage. I was so fast Daniel didn't have time to react or hold me back. Making my way backstage, I found the dressing room Jake provided. I shut the door and flipped on the light, only to have Daniel sling it open right behind me. He quickly entered and shut the door, locking it behind him. He stood there for a second staring at me, then reached out and tore the mask from my face.

"It is you! I knew it!" He hissed as he lay his violin down on a shelf.

"Daniel…"

"Enough! I don't want to hear another word. Right now I don't know what to think. Sure, I suspected, but I thought after all our time together you would have shared this with me. Instead, it's just another one of your secrets-- another one of your lies. Isn't it, Mary?" He was furious, but trying to whisper so we wouldn't be discovered. I had never truly seen Daniel angry before. He was shaking, his face dark with fury.

I stood there in front of him.
What had I done? Had I just ruined my relationship with the only man I'd ever loved?
"Daniel I'm so sorry…"

"We'll discuss this later. Right now I need to get you out of here before anyone else discovers who Archangel really is."

He handed me back the mask, then picked up his violin and bow. "Put this back on, lock the door and wait for me. Don't you dare think about leaving. You understand?"

I nodded my head, watching him as he turned and walked through the door. I locked it behind him and waited, like someone waiting to go to their execution.

A short time later, I heard some commotion out in the hall, followed by Daniel's soft knock and voice. "It's me. Open the door." I opened it to find Daniel, Jake and a couple of his bouncers. "Come on, Archangel, your cab awaits. I thought, if you didn't mind the company, we could share the ride."

I nodded my head and exited the small room to the waiting cab. Daniel trailed close behind, silent the entire walk. Once inside the cab, I could feel the anger permeating off him. He was furious and I suppose he had every right to be.

"Daniel," I began, but he raised his hand.

"I told you we'll discuss this later, at home. This is not the place…"

"I wasn't going to go there. If you'd let me talk I was going to ask just how you intend to sneak Archangel into your place without being seen? You know as well as I do, Danny, the paparazzi have been snooping around since my brothers came to town."