Thirium Heart//Reed900

Chapter 14, Part Three

After waiting for an hour in tedious anticipation, it was finally time. Guests started to filter in slowly, but we hid away in another room as to not seem suspicious. We didn't do anything, except pace around the large room and nervously check our watches. It had been two hours before Gavin said anything except annoyed muttering. I was on standby, so I didn't care much.

"Are we clear to go out yet? I'm losing my phckin' mind."

"Simon said he'd send a message when it was time. I haven't received anything yet, but I've kept in contact with Connor. He says he's met with an old friend." I smirked. I knew all about Daniel. I'm sure half the precinct did.

"Daniel?"

"Yep."

"Ugh! Are you sure your computer head isn't just, disconnected from the wifi?" I sighed and rolled my eyes. Speak of the devil.

[You guys are clear to head in. Move slowly and confidently. Put some jaunt in your walk.]

"It's go time." I did as I was instructed. I shoved my hands into my jacket pocket and glanced at Gavin over my shoulder.

"We're clear. Follow my lead." I squared my shoulders, then leaned back slightly. I strolled out of the room, idly regarding my surroundings. I was well aware of Gavin at my side. He did his best to copy my easy stride, but he wasn't relaxed enough. "Release the tension in your shoulders and back," I muttered to him. He didn't reply, did as I said.

We strolled into the ballroom lazily, and Markus gave me a slight nod once he noticed our position. I nodded back in response. We made our way to the food selection, and I was immediately doted on by a rich-looking woman.

"Well, aren't you handsome?" She said, holding her wine glass loosely. "I've never seen such a gorgeous man wear curly hair so confidently! Who might you be, dear stranger?" I blanked. I didn't think about a fake name. Luckily, Gavin cut in before I could say something stupid.

"I'm David Karan," he said in a lush, smooth voice much different from his own. "My associate here is Callum Price. We're wealthy businessmen from Michigan."

"My my," the woman said, leaning forward. "Michigan, you say? My daughter from my fourth marriage attends Albion University there! She's currently working on her thesis for her Ph.D. in Biochemistry!" The woman laughed.

"And who might you, be, doll?" Gavin questioned smoothly.

"I'm Irene." She winked. "My last name changes quite frequently. Who knows what it could be next?" She eyed Gavin up with a single glace. "It could be Karan. Or-" She shifted her eyes over to me. Irene took much longer eyeing me up, her grossly glassy eyes trailing up my legs, tracing my torso and eventually settling on my own eyes. "Price, it could be."

Gavin stiffened. "Well, Ms. Irene. We'd best move on. People to meet deals to make and all. I'm sure you understand." This time, it was my turn to but in before Gavin could make any bad decisions. Irene ran her hand down my arm.

"I hope to see you boys later," she purred. I grabbed Gavin's arm and quickly yet politely pulled him away.

"What was that chick's deal? Does she have to be such a creep?" He muttered harshly.

"Obviously she doesn't have a gaydar, otherwise she would have seen us from a mile away," I joked. Gavin chuckled a little, but I don't think he found my joke very funny. I quickly changed the subject. "Where'd you get the names David and Callum from so quickly?" I asked as we maneuvered through the crowds of people slyly.

"Do you want the fast answer or the honest answer?"

"I guess I'll pick honest."

"David because that was my dad's name. 'But why Callum?' I can hear you say. Well, that was my dad's fiance's name. I'd always admired the guy, and if I ever get the chance to adopt kids, I want to name them after my idols. Callum was the first person I ever came out to. Elijah was the second."