vampires of san francisco 07 - suckers lost and found by Jessica McBrayer Page B

several stores in the city so that you will be properly attired for tonight’s ball,” he says.
          “Yes, he mentioned that. Are we to leave now?” I ask.
          “Yes, if that is to your liking.”      
    “Let me just explain to the others.” Armand claps his hands and a motor boat pulls up. He jumps into it effortlessly.
    I explain to the others what is happening. There are a lot of grumbles. Then Aidan points out that we will be spending Basilio’s money. Sebastian is still livid. He does not like the idea of me spending time with Basilio tonight. I squeeze his arm, lingering on his amazing biceps.
          “Just remember this is a game, sweetheart,” I whisper in his ear. He grunts and brings his arm around my waist, pulling me into him possessively.
          “I’ve always wanted an Armani tux,” Andrew says.
          “I could have just summoned clothes for everyone.” Aidan laughs. He finds the idea of the King spending his money satisfying. He manifests a list from nowhere and starts running down the things he wants.
          “Yes, but then we couldn’t spend the good King’s money,” Julian says.
          Aidan gives us a wicked smile.
          We are escorted to the motor boat this time and are whisked away to a different part of the city. Armand slips on some shades and blends into the crowds, following us at a distance.
    It takes four hours to find something for everyone. The men are the easiest. Aidan has to alter Julian’s tux for him. He is so broad in the shoulders. The women have a more difficult time deciding and spend a great deal more money. Italian designers! We have a lot of fun trying on everything in three different stores before we settle. I find a strapless gown. It is white and has a subtle floral print in greys and mauves. It looks gorgeous. The bodice is corseted accenting my waist and breasts with a full skirt. When I walk out of the dressing room Sebastian comes unglued. 
    “No way, ma petite. No! Absolutely not,” he says while shaking his head and his hands up in front of him like he is expecting to defend himself.
    “Sebastian, I love this dress. It is an Italian designer and it looks good on me.”
    “That is the problem. It looks too damn good on you.”
    “Sebastian, when has that ever been a problem?”
    “Woman! Please listen to me.” 
    Armand is trying to cover his smile. I walk up to the register.
    “I’ll take this dress please. I’ll change after you ring it up.”
    “Excellent, signora,” the clerk says. I can hear Julian and Aidan trying to calm Sebastian down.
    “…you’ll just make her more determined… you know you are throwing up a red flag when you called her ‘woman’… she is stubborn,” the men whisper to Bast.
          Armand has the clerks and the help he brought bring our purchases to the boat, and we return to the King’s. The mansion is a hive of activity. Florists and caterers are everywhere. The orchestra is warming up. We have just enough time to go upstairs and get ready.
          “Cherie, let’s take a shower and get rid of the smell of the city,” Sebastian says.
          I know what his true intentions are and I don’t mind a bit. We climb in the shower and make love until we are pruny. Then we really have to hurry and wash up afterwards. Laughing, we get out and dry off.
          “I love you, Bast, even if you are full of ulterior motives and are stubborn as an ass.”
          “I only wish to remind you to whom you are intended, ma petite.”
          “Oh darling, I could never forget that. I told you, I am playing a delicate game and I love you so much. I had to fight a laugh when Aidan pushed Basilio in the water today.”
          “Yes, I need to thank him again for that. Did Basilio really think we couldn’t hear him? The bastard. I heard every word he said. What did he do under that blanket?”
          “He just put