Page 50 of Balthazar's Fire

“I don’t have a problem with that,” Sebastian answered, “but I also have my lady here.”

“Oh, okay.” Balthazar really hadn’t expected that. “Well, brilliant. We can all meet each other then.”

“Yeah…” Sebastian didn’t sound convinced. “It could be a little more complicated than that.”

Cherie’s brows knitted as she glanced to Balthazar for clarity. He wished he could help her, but frankly, he didn’t know what the problem was. If the fates had aligned to ensure that both he and Sebastian had met ladies who made them happy, then what was the issue? Shouldn’t Sebastian be as keen as Balthazar was?

“Well, there are enough rooms for everyone.” Balthazar laughed, trying to keep the conversation upbeat. “So long as security is as tight as usual, then I’m happy for Cherie to wait while we talk.”

Truth be told, after this perplexing chat, Balthazar was all the more eager to understand what was going on in Sebastian’s life. Who had he met and what was so complicated about her that he’d be reluctant for her to meet Balthazar?

The questions pinballed around his head as he headed toward the penthouse apartment.

“Okay.” Sebastian blew out a breath. “What’s your ETA?”

Checking his dashboard, Balthazar noted the time. “Traffic permitting, we should be there in ten minutes.”

***

“Wow.” Cherie craned her neck as she peered up at the glass frontage of the apartment. “That’s certainly impressive. How many properties do you have again?”

Balthazar smirked at her inquiry. On another time and day, he might have been able to twist her tone into impertinence, an offense that could easily be punishable with another spanking, but for numerous reasons that wasn’t on the cards right now. Firstly, he and Cherie hadn’t really had much time to debrief after her taster, and he certainly hadn’t had the chance to lay down rules and consequences that could lead to further spankings, but perhaps more importantly after their phone call in the car, something was going on with Sebastian, and Balthazar was determined to discover what—or who—it was.

“I’m very lucky to own a few with my brothers,” he replied, taking her hand as she wandered toward him. “This one has some of the best views of the city.”

“The lodge had some incredible views.”

She flashed him a smile as she presumably recalled something of their first date. The chemistry between them at the Vaughn’s mountain retreat had been sparking even then, at least until Monroe had ripped the evening into pieces.

“Yes.” He squeezed her fingers gently as he guided her toward the lobby. “I remember.”

“I’d love to go there again sometime, sir.” Cherie leaned into him with the request, a devilish twinkle shining in her green eyes. “We have some unfinished business at that place.”

“Oh, I agree,” Balthazar purred. “We’ll find some time soon, I promise.”

“Mr. Vaughn.” Hayden, one of the building’s regular security guys, opened the door as they approached. He was on the Vaughn payroll and had been working for the family for years. “Good to see you.”

“Good morning, Hayden,” Balthazar replied, checking his wristwatch to check it was, in fact, not already the afternoon. “Good to see you again. This is Miss Flynn.”

“Lovely to meet you, Miss Flynn.” Hayden nodded in Cherie’s direction as the front door closed behind them. “Did you know your brother is already in residence, sir?” Hayden hesitated, his gaze traveling between Balthazar and Cherie. “He also has a guest.”

“Yes, I’m aware,” Balthazar answered, steering Cherie toward the elevator. “He’s expecting us.”

“Very good, sir.”

Calling the elevator, Balthazar turned back to Hayden. “We’ve had some issues with a rival recently and certain threats have been made against us.”

A tiny gasp left Cherie’s lips as she glanced back to the silver doors, and Balthazar wrapped an arm around her.

“I’m sorry to hear this, Mr. Vaughn.” Hayden looked genuinely concerned. “I had no idea.”

“It’s not something we generally want to broadcast,” Balthazar went on as the doors opened behind him. “But I’m telling you because I’d like the entire security team updated and for security to be stepped up at all of our homes.”

Balthazar had known Hayden a long time, and trusted him to ensure Cherie was safe while she was in the building.

“Can you spread the word?” he added. “I’ll call a meeting on the matter soon.”

“Of course, sir.” Hayden nodded. “Please rest assured, we’ll all be extra vigilant.”