THE CHAMELEON (9 page)

CHAPTER 15

(Stephanous Petros: nine years old) Stephan stared down at the address and the order. His heart pounded heavy in his chest as he contemplated what he was getting ready to do. He never said no, but maybe he should this one time. Staring at the picture, his hand shook. Killing someone was serious. He could go to hell for this. Squaring his shoulders, he thought of the money. He was slowly building up quite a stash but he needed so much more. This was the only way that he could go to America, and start all over. He had to plan for his future, take care of himself; no one else was going to. Pulling the gun out of his pants pocket, he stepped into the slit in the wall and waited for his mark.

Stephan did not release Aisling’s hand as they entered Carras Enterprises and made their way to his office, as if he was afraid he was going to lose her. He seemed completely oblivious of the many stares. Aisling made eye contact with several people and flashed them a smile every time she did, knowing full well that she and Stephan were going to be in the office grapevine for many days to come.

“I really am sorry, but I need several files for a project I am doing and this will allow me to work from home.”

“And I really wish you would stop apologizing. I don’t mind, and it kills time until dinner.”

Aisling’s breath caught in her throat as he flashed her a grateful smile. He made sure she was seated comfortably in his office before he took a seat at his desk.
So much for separating personal from business.

Grabbing a flash drive, he stared at the many files. He should have put his personal files from the search for his parents in a separate folder. After several moments of opening each one individually, he growled in frustration. He would be there forever unless he copied them all, but the media drive he had wasn’t large enough. After he made several attempts to reach the IT department, Stephan rose to his feet.

“I have to get something. Are you okay?”

Smiling brightly, Aisling waved him away. “Stephan, stop it…go. Do what you need to do. I am not going anywhere.” She gave him a wink; the smile of gratitude that came over his face was all she needed.

“I will make this up to you. Whatever you want.”

“Oh, then hurry up then.”

Laughing, he actually seemed to blush before he closed the door.

Several minutes later, the door reopened.

“Wow, that was fast…oh, hi!”

Alicia stared at the redhead. She figured at her age, nothing could shock her anymore. Seeing the petite young woman in Stephanous’s office, alone, did. She recognized her immediately from the pictures on Stephan’s computer.

She held out her hand and smiled. “Hello, you must be Aisling? My name is Alicia. I work with Stephanous and Mr. Carras.” The women shook hands and two points of color rose in Aisling’s cheeks.
How adorable
, Alicia thought.

“He talked about me?” Aisling asked.

“A bit. He told me about a gorgeous red-haired lady he wanted to get to know better. It is not that difficult to put two and two together.” Alicia smiled gently. “Do you know where he went, dear? I need to speak with him before he leaves for the afternoon.”

“He said that he had to get something…oh, hi Stephan.” Aisling exhaled in relief.

“Alicia! So you have met Aisling.”

“I have.” With an apologetic look at Aisling, she turned back to Stephan. “I really need to speak with you.”

“That would be my cue to go powder my nose.” Aisling chuckled and stepped through the door, closing it as she left.

“Is everything okay, Alicia?”

She shook her head as she handed him several files. “It looks like there has been a breach in our system. They were not able to get to your files or Sakis’s, but many of the other systems have been compromised. We really don’t have anything major going—”

“It is the search for my parents, Alicia. The Chameleon had the same thing happen to him.”

“I don’t understand.” Alicia looked worried.

“I don’t either, but we need to step up security in every area. I will send an email to everyone and then have a meeting tomorrow.” Kissing her on the forehead, he smiled, hoping it was enough to reassure her. “Everything will be fine. I promise.”

“I just want you to be safe, that is all.”

“I know,” Stephan said.

“By the way. I approve of Aisling.”

CHAPTER 16

For Aisling, it was strange to walk into Stephan’s apartment, after the events of the last time. Everything was just as pristine as before, not that she expected anything different.

Stephan glanced at his watch. “Derek and his date should be here any moment. You really don’t mind walking to the restaurant? It is going to be a beautiful evening.”

“No, of course not, and, my shoes are very sensible for walking.” Dark eyes roved over her as she spoke. Tonight, she had chosen a white shirt that was bare on the shoulders, the collar snapped behind her neck. The tails tucked neatly in a short skirt that forced the eyes to admire every inch of her perfect legs. She had changed into heels that did look shorter, but probably not by much.

“Questionable.” Stephan held out her drink, grabbing her hand the moment she reached for it; he gently placed it behind her so he could pull her close into his side. Aisling gasped in surprise.

Dropping his head to her neck, he kissed her softly behind her ear. She smelled like roses. “I have wanted to do this all afternoon, yet didn’t have one single moment alone with you.”

His whispered words were warm; gooseflesh rose over her skin. With her hand on his shirt, she tilted her head to give him more access to her neck. Stephan took the offer gratefully, running his lips up and then along her jawline until they reached her mouth, where he proceeded to draw every last breath from her lungs. She wasn’t sure at what point he had put down her drink, and she didn’t care, as he drank from her deeply. She grasped his shirt tightly and opened her mouth, offering him even more access.

Stephan was so lost in her that it took him several moments to realize the doorbell was ringing. Stepping back, he handed her the drink, stopping when Aisling gave him such an intense look he wanted to tell Derek dinner was going to becanceled. “Please, stop looking at me that way, Aisling. I am only human.” Stepping around her, he threw open the door.

“Bout time. What were you…?” Derek looked at the lipstick on his friend’s lips and patted him on his shoulder. “Never mind, but I have to tell you that is definitely not the right shade for you.”

“You’re a funny guy.” Stepping aside to let Derek in, Stephan wiped the lipstick off with his handkerchief before his hand stilled. “Emily? What the hell?” Stunned, he looked from Derek to Emily, completely confused. “Did I miss something here?”

Stephan, Sakis, and Cassie met had Emily at one of Sakis’s nightclubs. As it turned out, Emily and Cassie hit it off so much that they became good friends. He remembered the night that Sakis, his business acquaintance Andre, Emily, and Cassandra went out on a double date. Emily and Andre had separated from the group to have a bite to eat. That was the night Andre was shot and killed. Emily struggled for a long time to get over Andre’s death. To Stephan, it seemed that this past year, she really came out of her shell. But Derek and Emily? He never would have pictured it.

Standing on tiptoes, Emily kissed the baffled Stephan on the cheek before she entered the apartment.

“Yeah, I meant to tell you about that but it is new.” Derek looked sheepishly at Stephan. “It seems that Em and I actually have a lot in common.”

Emily’s dark eyes took in Aisling and winked before she spoke in her heavy British accent. “What he means to say is that we found out we are bloody good in the sack together. Hi, my name is Emily…”

Aisling’s hand was squeezed gently. She immediately liked the dark-haired woman in front of her. She screamed fun. “Aisling.”

“Oh, you are Irish. Love the accent.”

Derek groaned loudly. “Great. I am the only one who will be understood tonight.”

“Okay, well, we have eight o’clock reservations. Maybe we should finish this conversation on the walk over to Bistro du Midi.”

The evening was fabulous as the small group headed to the Bistro. It was only a ten-minute walk from the Ritz-Carlton Towers, and much to everyone’s delight, Stephan had made sure that their reservations were for the outside patio, street side. Through the entire walk, he had linked hands with Aisling, wanting to keep her close. Once they were seated and the drinks were served, he wanted answers. Derek had placed his arm around the back of Emily’s chair and she leaned in close to him. Not quite touching, but almost. Scowling at the two, he raised his glass. “To interesting matchups and a night out with new and old friends.” At his last statement, he winked at Aisling.

Taking a sip, he nodded to the pair. “Spit it out, you two, but first, and excuse me, Emily, for asking Derrick this question. What happened with Miranda?”

“It seems I didn’t have the right plumbing for Miranda’s taste. Even though I will say, she is extremely fun to hang out with.”

Aisling grinned. “Yes, she prefers the fairer sex. Sorry, we didn’t know each other then; otherwise, I would have shared that little tidbit.”

“Emily and I ran into each other at a 5K race. We happen to be friends with the same person who had passed from cancer. After the race, we went out for a drink, and here we are.”

Emily nodded several times, never taking her eyes off Derek once. Stephan still couldn’t believe it, but had to admit, they did seem perfect for each other.

“Cassie is going to love this one, you know.”

Emily smiled brightly. “Derek and I still have seven weeks till they get back. It would be great getting to know each other during that time, so that if it didn’t work out, no harm, no foul. I would appreciate it if we kept it to ourselves for a bit? It’s all so new.”

Stephan could see the conflicting emotions wash over Emily’s face. Stephan could relate with new. He felt for her. “Of course.”

“So, Aisling, what do you think of my pal Stephan?” Derek ignored the way that Stephan stiffened with the question.

“I like what I’m seeing so far,” she replied evasively.

“Well, don’t give up on him. He hasn’t been out a lot in his life, and it will take a bit of socialization, but he certainly has potential.”

Cutting her eyes toward Stephan, Aisling chuckled. “Oh, I don’t plan on giving up any time soon.” She liked the camaraderie between the unlikely friends. “Have you two been friends for long?”

Stephan answered first. “No, only about three years. I saved his life. He is eternally grateful.”

Derek sputtered in response while both women laughed at the good-natured ribbing. Aisling blinked innocently at Derek. “So does that mean you are his bitch?”

The whole table went completely silent, before everyone roared with laughter. Emily raised her glass at Aisling. She liked the redhead. “Well stated.”

The evening flew by for everyone. Laughter flowed as easily as the drinks, and slowly, the other patrons left the restaurant. Soon, they were the only ones left enjoying their dessert and espresso.

Emily glanced around her. “Do you think the waiter is getting angry we are still here?”

“I sorted that out earlier. I know the owner and told him that we might be lingering. He told me to take our time. The waiter is long gone and has been well compensated for his time, as will Jean be.”

“Ah, the life of the rich and famous. I want to be you when I grow up, Stephan! So, what have you been working on during your time off—anything good?”

Stephan lit a cigarette before he pulled Aisling in close. He liked the way she put her hand on his thigh as she leaned into him, taking in the conversation.

“Truthfully? I have been running searches for my birth parents.”

“No shit! I didn’t know they were lost. What did they do, take one look at you and said no way?”

Stephan laughed easily, not taking offense. “I was an orphan from birth.”

Aisling looked up at Stephan’s profile. She was shocked that he was talking so casually about it.

“No shit? I am sorry, I didn’t know that. Any leads?” Derek asked curiously.

“Not on my part. I have someone helping me look into my past. We must be getting close to getting something because it seems we are rubbing someone the wrong way.”

Derek was fascinated. Stephan had never opened up before about his past, and to find out that he was an orphan was shocking. Glancing quickly at Aisling, Derek wondered whether she was the reason for the change in his friend, or whether this was just a natural progression in Stephan’s life. “What do you mean?”

“I was informed by the Chameleon that his system was compromised and that a warning was issued to back off.”

“But you’re not going to, are you?” Emily asked.

“Well, not now. Always liked a good challenge. And whoever it is has the same access to the same sophisticated technology as the Chameleon and Carras Enterprises. That screams money to me. Now I am curious.”

“Holy shit, the company’s computers were hacked?”

“They didn’t get too deep. Thankfully, my informant let me know what happened, and I took the added precaution to call the tech group. There were already preparing. Nothing of value was compromised or taken. I felt worse for Alicia. She is very protective of all of us. I hadn’t thought to let her know ahead of time. It rattled her a bit.”

Listening in, Aisling felt as if she was eavesdropping where she shouldn’t but she did feel a huge relief that she had chosen to let him know about the breach. It hadn’t dawned on her that whoever it was would also try to hack into the company’s computer. Leaning her head on his shoulder, she slid her fingers farther up on his thigh and liked the way his muscles tensed in response.

Stephan kissed the top of her head. This felt good.

Derek rose and stretched. “Maybe we should get the lil’ women back to the homestead and show them who the men of the house really are.”

The rest of the party stood. “Seriously, that is the worst Southern accent I have ever heard in my life.” Emily couldn’t stop herself from laughing as she linked arms with Aisling. “Maybe the lil’ women don’t want to go home.”

Aisling smiled at Stephan, who intently stared back at her, as if gauging what she wanted to do next. He didn’t have time to ask as Emily pulled her ahead, leaving the men to follow.

“On a serious note, Stephan, you need to be careful. You don’t know what you are up against, and like you said, if they have the money to access your system then they have the money to do other things.”

“Agreed. It’s tough. With so little information to go on, I don’t know which direction to go in.”

“You trust this person you call Chameleon? Sounds shady to me.”

Stephan watched the women walk several feet in front of them. He liked the way Aisling’s hips swayed gently as she walked.

Following the direction of Stephan’s look, Derek pushed Stephan. “Focus, dude.”

“I have never met the Chameleon, have no idea if he is young or old or what he looks like, but can honestly tell you that I would trust him with my life. Not even remotely kidding. He has worked for me off and on for the past ten years, and the level of detail and professionalism is by far the best I have ever encountered. Obviously, with your line of work, I wouldn’t want to compromise our friendship, so I won’t give details, but he is extremely skilled in every aspect of his job.”

Derek still had doubts. “I don’t know, Stephan. Work always goes to the highest bidder. If you are ever outbid, then I am sure this ‘Chameleon’ would have no problem putting the bullet in your thick head.”

“See, I don’t feel that way. That has not been his track record. I do not get the sense that the Chameleon is motivated by money. Loyalty seems important.”

“Okay, if you say so. Just be careful.”

Aisling felt a flush to her skin, hearing how Stephan liked her work. Not that he knew it was her, but he validated her job and work ethic and it was stated so sincerely, he was actually defending her to Derek. God, nothing could have turned her on more than that. Derek was right, though. This was a dangerous time, until she could figure out who was behind the threats.

“Hey!” Emily pulled on Aisling’s arm. “Did I lose you?”

Laughing at Emily, she shook her head. “No, you didn’t lose me. So, what are we going to do now?”

Raising her voice so that the men would hear, she laid out her plans. “Well, I am hoping a big, tall, scary Greek will invite us all back to his place for a nightcap, and then I would like to take Derek and…” She leaned in to whisper in Aisling’s ear so the men could no longer hear. “Play tiddlywinks.” Standing straight, she winked. “And you know what they just thought, right?”

Aisling looked at Derek, whose face was now a bright red. Laughing hysterically, both women linked arms again. “You are fabulous, Emily!”

“You are pretty fab yourself, Irish,” Emily responded before Derek ran up behind her and grabbed her around the waist to haul her away from Aisling.

Emily screamed and fell into uncontrollable laughter. Stephan watched it all play out in front of him. Tonight felt good. It felt what he could only imagine normal feeling like and he didn’t want it to end. Walking up behind Aisling, he wrapped his arms around her small frame and pressed the side of his face to hers.

Aisling immediately hugged his arms, leaning back and looking up at him. “Kiss me, Stephanous.”

Dropping his head, his lips connected with hers. She tasted like mint, smelled like roses, and he wondered whether this was what falling in love felt like.