Chapter 4
Giselle
Giselle Baptiste stared at herself in the mirror. Her makeup covered the dark circles under her eyes and gave her face more life than she felt at that moment. This should be the best and most important day of her life. Yet, she only wanted to make a blanket fort and hibernate inside with a gallon of orange sherbert ice cream. But that wouldn’t happen today, and probably not for a long time.
Today, she was to be sworn in as the US Ambassador to Trinidad. The last one had been murdered by a wizard with an inflated ego and visions of grandeur. This was the kind of job her parents would be proud of if they were still alive. They died fifteen years ago, leaving her to raise her younger sister alone. Despite her struggles with Jada, she’d finished college and obtained two advanced degrees in Language Studies and Political Science. She spoke six languages and served in multiple minor roles with the United Nations and Operation Excalibur. This was the pinnacle of everything she had wanted. She should be happy, ecstatic even.
But she wasn’t.
She was tired and worried about Jada, who had been missing for at least three months. The last text message Jada had sent mentioned a musical festival in Arkansas. Giselle hated musical festivals. There were too many people, too many drugs, and too many bugs. She hated the bugs most of all. None of that bothered her free-spirit sister, who had no sense of responsibility and no life goals that didn’t involve drugs, sex, and rock-n-roll.
Giselle hated always being the responsible one, but someone had to be. Her parents died the summer after her freshman year of college, and Jada had two more years of high school. Caring for a diva with an attitude was not on her bucket list. But Jada would have ended up living up on the streets or in the foster care system. Neither was good for a panther shifter.
Tristan Sullivan approached her three weeks ago, asking if she would be the next ambassador. He had recently accepted the position of Director for Operation Excalibur and wanted to replace key political offices with supernaturals when the opportunity arose. She had met Tristan shortly after her first translator job with the UN. He had been cocky and rude. It took all her control to remain polite and professional. However, when she ran into him at a nearby bar, it only took three glasses of wine to relax enough to be civil to each other. Four more glasses, and she found herself in his hotel room, having incredible sex. However, after the wine-induced recklessness had worn off in the morning, they decided this would never be more than a one-night stand. But she would never forget him.
Besides, dragon shifters had hot tempers and were too self-centered for her taste.
Knock, knock, knock.
Giselle scooped her earrings off the bathroom counter and went to the door.
“I thought we were meeting at the ceremony.”
Tristan walked in, and she closed the door behind him.
“I wanted to give you this.” He held out a deep-blue velvet box.
She cautiously reached for it and set it on the desk. “You got me a gift? I’m so touched.” She added more sarcasm than necessary, but she wanted him to know that there was no way they would be anything more than cordial work colleagues.
Tristan glanced around the room. Before he even opened his mouth, she could sense his judgment. It wasn’t the suite he had reserved her for. She had changed to a smaller room shortly after checking in. A suite was an extravagance she didn’t need.
He shook his head. “This isn’t the room I reserved for you.”
She put the back on one earring and the other in her ear. “I know.”
“Why did you change rooms?”
“Why did you take it upon yourself to take care of my reservation?”
He crossed his arms over his chest, and she couldn’t help but notice how tight his suit jacket was in the shoulder area.
Damn it.
“I wanted to be nice. Is that okay?” Tristan said.
“Are you sure it was because you wanted to be nice, and there was no other reason?”
He arched an eyebrow. “And just what other reason would there be?”
She clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes. “I’m not sleeping with you.”
“I didn’t ask you to. You are an ambassador and deserve a better room.”
“If you saw some of the places I had to live as a kid, you’d know that this room is phenomenal.” She crossed to the dresser and picked up her purse. “I suppose I’m ready.”
Tristan pointed to the box on the desk. “You didn’t open your box.”
“Oh, I guess I forgot.” She smiled when she noticed his annoyed expression.
She picked up the box and shook it. “Is it jewelry?”
“Kind of.”
She set down the box as if it were on fire. “You got me jewelry?”
“It’s not what you think.” Tristan crossed the room and picked up the box. He opened it and showed her the beautiful, slim, diamond-encrusted watch.
“Tristan, what the hell is that?”
He took it out, draped it across his arm, and showed it off. “It’s a Movado watch for you to wear. You do know how to tell time, don’t you?”
“Gah. You are still such an ass.”
Tristan winked. “If I remember right, you liked my ass the last time we were in a hotel room.”
Giselle pulled out the desk chair, sat down, and adjusted the strap of one of her shoes. “That was a long time ago, and I was under the influence of a lot of alcohol.”
He stepped toward her, and she leaned back in the chair. He held out his hands. “Hey, hey, don’t worry. I’m not here to do anything you have to be concerned about.”
She lifted her eyebrows.
Tristan smirked. “I’m serious. All I want to do is put this watch on your wrist.”
Giselle held out her wrist. “I already have a watch. I don’t need one, especially not one that gaudy.”
He took her arm, removed her watch, and put on the new one. “This is a spelled watch. Everything you wear will shift with you if you need to shift to human form while you wear this.”
“I’m not planning on shifting.”
He closed the clasp. It was a perfect fit.
“You never know when you might need to, and humans tend to be squirmy about nudity.”
She turned her wrist to admire the new watch. It was stunning, but nothing like what she would have bought for herself. Although her income allowed her to buy top-notch items, she lived far below her means.
She had a few memories of her time in Trinidad. They lived in a big house with servants, and her parents threw lavish parties. She would sneak out of the room and hide in the upstairs hallway, watching the women in their fancy dresses and the men in their elegant suits. When they moved to the States, they left that lifestyle behind. Her father made sure they lived comfortably and never wanted for anything, but it was different. However, she learned the importance of saving for the future from him, a valuable skill that served her well.
She pointed to the watch. “This is a spelled watch?”
Tristan held out his arm and showed her the Rolex on his wrist. “Yes, it’s a spelled watch. It’s standard protocol for everyone in Operation Excalibur.”
“Oh, that reminds me. Congratulations on the Director gig. How did Blake feel about being passed over for the position?”
“He’s my baby brother, so of course he’s unhappy about me being his boss. He’s busy these days with the President.”
Giselle got out of the chair. “Yeah, I saw the video from the explosion. That was a bold move.”
“You would have done the same thing.”
She shrugged. “Probably, but I wouldn’t have gotten caught.”
“It’s made a big mess for us. No matter how much we try to sway people into thinking we’re working on new ways to keep the president safe, they believe what they want to believe.”
“I bet. All the tabloids claim Angela Bishop is a lizard, and he’s her lizard boyfriend.” She chuckled.
Tristan stepped into her personal space and looked down at her. She met his gaze and licked her bottom lip. He was close enough for her to feel his breath dance over her cheek. Her heartbeat increased. As much as she wanted to appear as a tough, modern woman who didn’t need anyone in her life to succeed, she was melting into the floor. That one night with Tristan had been the best night of her life. None of the men she’d been with compared to him. She blinked, turned her attention to the watch, and stepped back. Thank the Goddess he couldn’t read minds.
“Um, okay. So spelled watches come with the job. I guess I can do that,” she said.
Tristan blew out a sigh, puffing out his cheeks. “Um, okay. Yeah.”
He put a hand in his pocket, and Giselle thought for sure he adjusted his crotch. Had he been aroused?
Well, that’s hot.
“I guess I need to wear it all the time,” she said.
“That’s the idea. It’s waterproof so that you can shower with it.”
“Okay.” She checked out her reflection in the mirror. A slight pain tugged at her heart. She’d give anything if her parents could be there to see this moment. It was huge, and they should have been there. Hell, her sister could have been there but was off on some crazy adventure.
She sighed.
“Are you nervous?” Tristan asked.
She met his eyes in the mirror. “Wouldn’t you be? Not only am I meeting the President, but I’m being sworn in as an ambassador of the United States. I think I have every right to be nervous. It’s a big job, and let me think-” she tapped a finger on her mouth, “- oh yeah, the last guy to have this position was killed.” She spun around to face him.
“You don’t need to worry about that. Nothing is going to happen to you.” He stepped back and looked her up and down. “You are a stunning woman. I wonder if I made a big mistake by letting you go.”
“You did.” She picked up the keycard from the dresser and opened the door. “Shall we?”
Giselle sat in an uncomfortable folding chair, listening to the President talk about the importance of patriotism and the vital role ambassadors play in maintaining good communication. The President had some very nice things to say about Giselle, but her praise made Giselle feel uncomfortable. She wasn’t anything special, but the President made her sound like a saint.
“It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to Giselle Baptiste,” the President said. “Ms. Baptiste, will you join me?”
Giselle got out of the chair and stood next to the President.
“Will you please raise your right hand and place your left on this bible in my hand?” the President said.
Giselle was too awe-struck to pay close attention to what the President said and even hesitated when it was her turn to speak.
The ceremony quickly ended, and the President invited everyone to a reception in the Rose Garden. The few reporters covering the ceremony bombarded the President with questions, but she politely ignored them and focused all her attention on Giselle.
“I am thrilled to start working with you. Tristan had so many wonderful things to say about you.”
Giselle looked around the room and found Tristan talking with his brother, Blake. As if he sensed she was watching him, he turned to see her and smiled.
The President followed Giselle’s gaze. “Looks like Tristan might know more about you than what he’s shared.”
Giselle’s cheeks warmed. “Oh, not at all, Madam President. Tristan and I have worked together before, but nothing inappropriate is happening, I can assure you.”
The President placed a hand on Giselle’s arm. “You don’t have to worry about anything. I’m just happy Tristan hasn’t been as grumpy as normal in the last couple of weeks, and now I know why.”
She didn’t know what to say to that.
A man Giselle recognized as the Chief of Staff approached them. “Madam President, we need to go to the briefing.”
The President looked annoyed. “Oh yes, of course.” She turned to Giselle. “I wasn’t sure what the appropriate gift would be, but I did get you something. My assistant, Penny, will find you in a few minutes and give it to you.”
Giselle’s eyes opened wider. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“My momma would skin me alive if I didn’t get you something.”
Giselle smiled at the slight hint of the President’s southern accent.
The President waved to someone. “There’s Penny right now. If you’ll excuse me, maybe we can have dinner before you leave. Maybe we could even arrange a non-formal dinner in my home.”
“Oh, um, yes, Madam President. That would be lovely.”
The two women hugged, and Giselle watched as the President walked away.
A woman backed into Giselle. She turned and said, “Oh, excuse me, I wasn’t paying attention. I didn’t mean to run into you.”
Giselle gave the woman her best politician smile. “Think nothing of it, Senator Van Houten. I’m so honored that you came to my ceremony.”
Beatrice waved her hand in front of her face. “Oh, Dear, it’s my pleasure. I love these things, and so many people have sung your praises. You are a rising star around here.” She stepped in closer and said, “You aren’t thinking of moving to Arkansas, are you?”
Giselle laughed and let her head fall back a little. “Now, Senator, are you worried about me taking your job?”
Beatrice winked. “I’m not worried about that. Many people have tried, but none have succeeded yet. However, I think you’d give me a run for my money.” She stepped back, tilted her head, and looked Giselle up and down. “Have we met before?”
Giselle thought for a moment. “No, I don’t think so.”
“Are you sure? You look so familiar, and I don’t forget a face.”
Giselle put a hand on the Senator’s arm. “Trust me, if I had met such a fantastic woman as yourself, I would remember.”
Beatrice waved a hand in front of her face. “Oh, well. I’m not sure what I’m thinking.”
A ginger-hair server held out a tray of finger sandwiches. “Would either of you lovely ladies like a sandwich?”
Beatrice said, “No, thank you.”
Giselle reached for a napkin and a sandwich. “I would love one. I’m starving.” Part of a small tattoo showed on the server’s wrist. “Is that a tattoo?”
The server blushed and lowered her eyes. “Yes.”
“May I see it? Tattoos fascinate me.”
The woman balanced the tray on one hand, stretched her arm enough for the cuff to move, and held out her wrist.
The butterfly tattoo was intricate, including a small amount of shadow underneath it.
“That’s beautiful.” Giselle glanced at the Senator, who looked bored.
The server thanked her and walked away.
“I see someone I need to talk to. I’m afraid I need to cut our time together short.”
“Oh, I understand. It was a pleasure to meet you, and I hope to see you again.”
The two women hugged before Beatrice walked away.
“Excuse me, Madam Ambassador.”
Giselle heard someone speaking but wasn’t paying any attention.
“Excuse me, Madam Ambassador.”
A young woman stood in front of Giselle. She stepped to the side to walk around the woman.
The voice came louder. “Excuse me, Madam Ambassador.”
Oh, wait. She’s talking to me.
“I’m sorry. I guess I’m not used to the new title,” Giselle said.
“Don’t worry about it. I’m sure it’s going to be a big change for you. My name is Penny, and I’m the President’s assistant.”
Giselle shook the woman’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Penny said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, too. If you would follow me inside, the President wanted me to give you her gift.”
“Oh, yes, she mentioned something about that.” Giselle walked behind Penny into a small corridor.
Penny handed her a wooden, triangled box. “This is one of the flags that flew over the White House this morning.”
Giselle’s chest tightened, and her eyes started to water. “I can’t believe this. What an incredible gift. How will I ever be able to thank her?”
Giselle felt a presence behind her. Penny’s eyelids fluttered, and she lowered her eyes. “Please excuse me, Madam Ambassador.” She walked away.
Giselle closed her eyes. She knew it was Tristan who walked up behind her. He didn’t say anything or move for a long moment, and his quiet power made her weak.
“Madam Ambassador has a nice ring to it,” he said.
She turned to face him. “Yes, it does. I never thanked you for recommending me for this job.”
“It was a good call. You will be an asset to the job.”
“I hope so.”
Tristan noticed the box she was holding. “What’s that?”
She held it out toward him. “It’s a flag flown over the White House this morning. I’m not sure how the President pulled this off so fast.”
“She’s the President. She can do whatever she wants.”
“Yeah, I guess.”
A small group of people walked by them. Tristan took Giselle’s hand. “Come with me.” He guided her to a small room and shut the door behind them.
“Um, okay. Did you have something to say to me that you couldn’t say out there?” Giselle asked.
“No. There was something I needed to do.” He took the gift and set it on a side table. He stepped closer to her until she backed up against the door. “This.” One hand slid behind her waist until his hand rested on the small of her back, and the other cupped her face.
The first kiss was a gentle peck that she almost didn’t feel. Then he paused, pulling back his face and resting his forehead against hers. “I should have never let you leave that night.”
Giselle closed her eyes and breathed his natural scent of woodsmoke and rain. It was a smell she never forgot, and sometimes, just before falling asleep, she would remember it and smile. On those nights, she often took matters into her own hands. But no toy could compare to Tristan Sullivan.
“I’m not sure, this is the best course of action,” she said.
He kissed her neck. She let out a soft moan.
“You sound so formal. We aren’t planning a war.”
She put her hands on his chest and thought of pushing him back but couldn’t bring herself to do it. “Tristan, you and I would never work out.”
“What makes you say that?” He stared down at her.
She looked up to meet his gaze. “Because no one has ever pissed me off as much as you do.”
He chuckled. “And you irritate me more than anyone I’ve known. But you also make my cock so damn hard. All I want to do is bury myself deep inside of you.”
She struggled to breathe. The need growing deep in her core consumed every part of her body. This could not be happening. She had just been sworn in as an ambassador, and they were alone at the White House. The White House. There was no doubt that people had had sex in this place before them, but she wasn’t sure if she could add her name to that list.
She tilted her head to see him better, stood on her tiptoes, and moved her mouth to kiss him. He pulled back just enough for her lips to barely touch his. She tried again, and he pulled back again.
Okay, if you want to play hard to get, I can do that too.
She pushed on his chest and stepped to the side out of his hold. “We can’t do this. What if someone walked in on us?”
“If they did, we wouldn’t be the first couple caught kissing here.”
“But it would be the first time I was caught kissing here.”
He stepped to the side and now stood in front of her again. He put his hands on the wall, trapping her. “I meant what I said. I should have never let you leave that night.”
“Then why did you?”
“I have asked myself that same question hundreds of times.”
“Yeah, and what answer did you come up with?”
He lowered his mouth, gently kissed her lips, and said, “That’s a discussion for another time.” He dropped his arms, picked up her gift, and handed it to her. “Congratulations, Madam Ambassador. I know you will do an incredible job.”
She watched him leave the room and pressed her back against the wall. Her legs felt weak, and it was hot as hell in that room.
“Damn it,” she said out loud to the empty room.
This job was too important to get caught up with Tristan. It would demand all her attention. Besides, it would never work out with Tristan. But another incredible night wouldn’t make her too off-track. Right?
She sighed, smoothed down her skirt, and ran a hand over her hair. Then she walked out of the room, searching for something cool to drink, hoping to extinguish the fire Tristan had ignited.
So much for their one-night stand.