I Opia (10 page)

She opened the door and saw the package covered in a tablecloth leaning against the small table in the RV. She froze for a moment and Julian pushed her forward and stepped in.

He looked around and whistled, “Nice place, Miss Anderson. Very nice.” He ignored what he knew were his paintings and twirled her around to face him, “But not as nice as this.” He took her face in his hands and lightly kissed her beside each eye. He then lightly kissed her down each side of her face, taking his time. With each kiss, her breathing and her desire became deeper. He then kissed her down her neck and lightly on her throat. Blaine thought once again that she would drown in her passion.

He slowly unclasped her dress at the neck and let it fall forward. She reached up to catch it before it fully revealed her breasts. He gently removed her hand and let the dress fall.

“A lovely dress, but it hides your best assets,” and with that he lightly kissed his way from her throat down her breasts never quite making his way to the nipple. Blaine thought her head would explode. Here she stood, naked from the waist up and every nerve in her body on edge. She was so sensitive that she could feel his breath on her skin.

He took one of her breasts and cupped it into his hands. He put his mouth on her nipple and slowly and gently circled his tongue around the nipple. Blaine closed her eyes and felt the moisture grow between her legs. He slowly did the same with the other breast, caressing it, then very slowly and gently licking around the nipple. Careful to never apply too much pressure or to push too far. Blaine was clutching his back in anticipation, her breath growing faster and heavier, her head tilted back as she struggled to keep standing.

Just as she thought she could take no more, he stood and looked her in the eye. “You did well, tonight, Blaine. Very well. You deserve a reward.” And with that Julian lifted her and placed her on the small bed. As she lay there, he slowly undressed, never taking his eyes off of her. The intensity of his gaze was enough to make Blaine even more wet and ready. There was also that magnificent body of his. The chest taunt and hairless, the legs muscular and long. And his manhood—perfection. Hard, long, and straight.

He reached down and slowly finished removing her dress. As he held it, he looked at it and said once again, “Very nice dress. Very nice.” And he placed it on the floor and looked at Blaine, “But not nearly as nice as what I have the pleasure of seeing now.”

Blaine felt his words stab her in the heart.
Does he mean it? Could someone as powerful and beautiful as Julian Chow really think I am that beautiful?
It turned her on even more to see his arousal.

He took his hand and with two fingers felt between her legs. She knew she was already ready. He slowly removed his hand from her wetness and placed the two fingers in his mouth and sucked. His eyes never leaving hers.

Blaine could take it no longer. “Please, Julian, please.”

“Please what, Blaine?”

“Please just fuck me.”

He used his leg to move hers apart and then gently entered her. At first he was still.

“Please, Julian.”

“Please what Blaine?”

“Please, please fuck me.”

He began to thrust fast and furious. Blaine lifted her legs and wrapped them around him as if trying to draw him further into her. She took her hands and clasped them around his buttocks. Just the feel of his muscles tightening as he thrust drove her almost to the point of no return. Julian’s breathing became faster. Blaine suddenly could take it no more and arched her back and groaned as she came.

Julian’s release matched hers and he continued to thrust into her with the intensity of his orgasm. He lay on her, drenched in sweat, trying to catch his breath.

Blaine caressed him. She inhaled the smell of their sex, savoring the moment. Savoring this unexpected time with Julian Chow. She took her hands and slowly moved them up and down his smooth back and he flinched with sensitivity as if each of his nerves were on the surface of his skin. He let her touch him while he remained inside her. She cherished this moment. She couldn’t help but smile. She and Vince had successfully procured two very famous paintings for which they would receive a nice monetary award and she got a special bonus from Julian.

He finally lifted himself and pulled himself out of her. He looked at her with sadness in his eyes, “Blaine, I must go. Thank you for a spectacular evening.”

She watched him dress. He was careful to button every button on his shirt, adjust his tie, and secure his cufflinks. He looked into the small mirror on the wall in the RV and adjusted his hair.

He smiled at her, “Blaine, you simply must do better than this.”

She looked at him and started laughing. “You know what my momma used to say?” she asked him.

He turned to her, ‘No, what?”

“She used to tell us, don’t come knocking when this trailer is rocking.”

Julian threw his head back in laughter. “Well, I have never heard that, but tonight, my dear, you rocked it.” She sat up and he took her hand and kissed it, “Soon, my dear, soon.”

And with that he was gone. As she was to learn, that is how it would be with Julian Chow. He would disappear as quickly as he appeared, and often unexpectedly.

Carole Martinez
paid them a visit at their office. No one was quite sure where Ms. Martinez’s money came from and Blaine and Vince didn’t care. All they cared about was that she did indeed have money. As with all new clients that booked an appointment with iOpia, Inc. they had Matthew do extensive research. They were well prepared for this meeting. Usually, they could tell if the client would be in the market for legitimate items or inventory not on the open market. Regardless, they treated them all the same and always met in the conference room for safety.

What they weren’t prepared for was Carole Martinez’s request. She sat across from Blaine and Vince in the conference room. She was beautiful with long dark hair. She wore a leopard print dress that was cut extremely low in the front. She had leopard print knee high boots to match.

Somehow wearing the print of a carnivore works for her
. Blaine smiled and offered Ms. Martinez something to drink, “Ms. Martinez, please make yourself comfortable. Would you care for something to drink? Coffee? Water?”

“What I would really like is a vodka on the rocks.” Martinez said without smiling. Blaine wasn’t sure if she were joking or not. It was, after all, only 9 a.m.

Blaine didn’t want to start off on the wrong foot, so she smiled and said, “We can certainly accommodate you. Any particular vodka?”
Surely she is kidding.

“Grey Goose if you have it please.”

Nope not kidding.
“We do indeed.”

Blaine stood and pushed the intercom. Delores’ voice came on, “Yes, how may I assist you?”

And before Blaine could answer, Martinez’s voice cut in, “By the way, I don’t like to drink alone.”

Blaine turned and saw that Carole was looking across the table at Vince.
Holy crap. I know that look. This lioness doesn’t realize he has no interest in women. This should be fun.

Blaine suppressed an amused smile. “Vince, what would you like to drink?” Vince looked at Blaine with a trapped expression as if to say,
Help me! She is going to eat me!

“Well?” Blaine said as she continued smiling at Vince.

“Uh, you know, I think I will have the same.” he replied as he regained his composure.

“Delores, we would like two Grey Goose vodkas on the rocks and an Avion Silver on the rocks as well please.”

“Certainly Ms. Anderson. Anything else?” Delores asked. If she were surprised by the early morning request, she didn’t show it.

“Not yet, Delores.”
Stay tuned though. This should get very interesting. I cannot wait to hear what she wants besides Vinny.

Blaine resumed her seat at the table and Vince breathed a sigh of relief.
Damn! He is intimidated by this woman.

Vince returned Martinez’s gaze and smoothly asked, “So, Ms. Martinez . . . “ “Carole, please,” she said interrupting him.

“So, Carole, what brings you to iOpia, Inc?” Vince said finishing his sentence.

Carole reached into her matching leopard print bag and pulled out two photographs. She slid them across the table to Vince. Blaine couldn’t help but notice that Carole never looked at her nor spoke directly to her. Carole’s focus was totally on Vince.
Doesn’t matter, as long as she pays.

As Vince looked at the pictures, Delores entered with a tray with the three drinks. Blaine smiled when she saw that Delores had also included a small cheese tray with crackers.
That a girl Delores! Try to keep your bosses from getting drunk before noon.
“Thank you Delores.”

Delores smiled, “You’re welcome Ms. Anderson. Please let me know if there is anything else you need.” She left the three to their drinks and to their business.

In her exchange with Delores, Blaine hadn’t noticed Vince’s puzzled look. She looked at him questioningly and he handed her the photos. He took a sip of his drink and waited for her reaction. The photos were of two dolls, porcelain ones, Blaine assumed. Both were blonde haired and blue eyed, the opposite of Carole. Each was dressed in a frilly outfit, complete with a bow in their hair. Her eyes met Vince’s and she raised her eyebrows at him and smiled.
Well, well, the lioness is a doll collector. Who would have thought? This should be easy.

She looked up at Carole who was looking at Vince as she downed the last of her cocktail.

Whoa! I haven’t even take a sip of my cocktail and she has already finished hers!
“Would you like another?” Blaine asked.

Carole surprised her by motioning to their drinks and replying, “Yes, please. And I would appreciate if you two kept up.”

Blaine smiled and took a sip of her tequila and Vince did the same with his vodka. She stood and pushed the intercom. “Yes, how may I assist you?”

“Delores, we would like another round please.”

“Certainly, Ms. Anderson,” Delores responded without a hint of surprise.

Blaine once again sat down. Not that it mattered if she did or didn’t. Carole certainly wouldn’t notice. She was still eyeing Vince. To his credit or maybe more to the credit of the early morning vodka, he was much more calm and was even returning her gaze. Once he saw Blaine was seated, he said, “So, Carole, why don’t you give us a little background on these dolls. Once we have that, our researchers will help us locate them and we can begin the process of negotiation and procuring them for you. It would also be helpful for us to know your price limit, so that we have a range to work with.”

Delores entered again. The conversation ceased as she entered. She placed the full drinks in front of them and then picked up their empties. “Thank you Delores.”

“Certainly Ms. Anderson.” She said as she exited.

Carole took a long sip and took a deep breath. “Well, as you can see they are porcelain dolls. Very rare ones. The artist only made two of each. I already have one of each. Now I would like the other two.”

Vince took a sip of his vodka.
Damn. I am going to have to drink more often in the morning, this is fun!
“So, you are a collector then? And, you already have one of each but want the others as well?”

“No, I am not a collector of these stupid dolls. I find them repulsive.” She replied.

“And kinda creepy,” Blaine said laughingly.
Oh crap. That was the tequila talking.

“Yes. Creepy is a good word. That said, I want these two dolls. Once I have them in my possession then they will not be available anywhere on the market.”

“Which makes them much more valuable—good thought,” Vince said nodding his approval.

“Seriously, I don’t really care what they are worth. This is not about money. This is not about a collection. This is something personal. Very personal. I want these two dolls and I am willing to pay a nice sum for them.”

“Blaine and I never question a client’s motive for their purchases. We will get to work locating these dolls. Please define ‘nice sum” for us so we know what we are working with. We usually ask for ½ up front and the remainder upon delivery. If we cannot deliver, which is very rare, then we will refund your deposit.”

Carole finished her drink and smiled at Vince, “My, my. You are all business aren’t you?”

Vince swallowed. He was not sure if he should be offended or not. He decided not. “Yes, I am all business. But our business is pleasing you.”

Blaine opened her eyes wide in surprise,
Careful big fellow. This one plays for keeps. Maybe slow down on that liquid courage.

Carole smiled and her eyes burned into Vince’s. “Now, we are talking business.” She looked at Blaine, “I would like another drink please.”

Vince was obviously enjoying his position of power over Blaine, “I would like one too.” He said to Blaine.

So what am I? The freaking cocktail waitress?
Blaine did not outwardly show her irritation except with the look she gave Vince. He knew full well she was irritated and it tickled him to no end to be the one in control for once.

Blaine stood and went to the intercom and pressed the button. “Yes, how may I assist you?”

“Delores, we need another round please.”

“Certainly, Ms. Anderson.” Delores must have been anticipating the request because it seemed like only a few seconds before she entered with the round of drinks. She also brought a pitcher of ice water and three glasses. Without a word she sat the tray down and took the empty glasses, replacing them with the full ones.

Blaine smiled to herself.
Round three. Ding! Ding!
“Thank you, Delores. We very much appreciate it.” Delores allowed herself a small smile as she exited.

Vince took a sip of his drink. He smiled at Carole and said, “Certainly this is one of the more fun business meetings I have had in awhile” and with that he held up his glass in a toast. Carole responded with the same gesture. Blaine did as well though she thought
Hell, what am I toasting for? They don’t even know I am here.

Vince continued, “So you don’t collect dolls. You don’t like dolls. You don’t care about the value of dolls. Yet you will pay a nice sum for these two dolls? Did I get this right?”

“You nailed it perfectly.” Carole responded. Blaine wondered if Vince caught on to the double entendre.
Holy crap. She is relentless.

“I usually do,” Vince responded smiling.

Oh yes, he caught on. Don’t tell me he is going to sit here and drink himself straight. She is beautiful, but really?

Blaine felt like she needed to say something to break the spell this woman was apparently casting over Vince. “Carole, we are more than happy to procure these items for you. We will have our researchers find who currently owns the dolls and negotiate for the purchase of them. We can discuss our fees.”

For the first time since the meeting started and for the first time in three drinks, Carole looked at Blaine. “You don’t need a researcher. I know where the dolls are. I do not want you to negotiate a price for the purchase of the dolls. I do not want the current owners to get a dime. I want you to obtain those dolls for me. No questions asked. Name your fee.”

Now we are getting somewhere with this whacky meeting.
“We can certainly procure the dolls on the terms you described. That, of course, will increase our fee considerably. Please let us know where the dolls are and we can determine a delivery date.”

Carole’s gaze had not left Blaine’s. She was down to the nut cutting as Blaine’s grandfather used to say. “The dolls are currently in the possession of Sally & Leo Horowitz. They have an extensive collection, but these are the only two I want. Having these dolls in my possession will keep their collection from ever being complete. That’s all I want—for their collection never, ever to be complete. For that pleasure, I will pay you $200,000 for each doll, and another $50,000 for your services.”

I like a woman with money who knows what she wants.
Blaine took a sip, and replied, “$200,000 each is fair. However, our fee will be $100,000. Normally it would be higher for such an procurement, but since you already know where the dolls are, that saves us time. Plus, I actually admire your motive. I am not a fan of doll collecting, so this makes it more fun for us.”

And for the first time Carole Martinez smiled at Blaine Anderson. The two women understood each other perfectly.

Vince watched as Blaine had taken over, like she always did.
Well, this lioness just met her match in my B!
he thought proudly,
She just netted us half a million
. “A round of drinks for everyone,” he slurred.

Blaine looked at him and smiled, “I do believe that another round is in order.” The three sat in the conference room drinking and talking until 2 p.m. Besides two glacial sized hangovers, Blaine and Vince had found a friend. Carole Martinez was an equal. She never, however, revealed her motive for revenge on the Horowitz’s, which was perfectly acceptable. She did, however, reveal something as they left.

Vince had gone to the restroom and Blaine took the opportunity to ask ,“You know he is gay, right?”

Carole laughed and put her arm around Blaine, “Yes, I knew he was gay. And, I knew you weren’t. Didn’t leave much more for me to do other than drink.” And with that she kissed Blaine on the lips and left. Blaine was too stunned to even say goodbye.

It had been
almost too easy
to secure a spot at the table for the monthly poker game with the ladies of the country club. Oh sure, most played the more ladylike card game of Bridge, but once a month they got together for Poker. The stakes were high and not for the faint of heart. It was a $5,000 buy in. That said, it was winner take all—Blaine’s favorite kind of game.

Blaine played golf with most of the women in the poker group. The monthly game was a fun time to drink, to gamble, to gossip, and for some to smoke. Every month, the stakes of the game were even higher for Blaine. It allowed her entry into their homes, their lives, and their possessions. It was amazing how open they would talk of recent purchases or gifts with a couple of drinks in them and with cash on the table. Vince teased her that she couldn’t really call this work, since she often won and came home with a pile of cash. She lost her fair share too.