Seduce Me ~ The Path To Forgiveness

Path One, Step Eight: We Cordially Invite You

If I slept too little the night before I slept too much last night as I groggily pull myself from bed. Despite the grumbling complaints from my stomach, having missed dinner, I take a long shower to wash away my drowsiness before I get ready for the day. Erik steps out of his room as I leave mine, greeting me with a warm smile.

"Did you sleep well, my sweet?" He asks as he links his arm with mine.

"Better dreams at least." I smile back as we descend the grand staircase and enter the dining room.

They've just finished setting the table, a simple breakfast once again, and only James looks over as we enter. "Good morning."

"Morning." I reply as I glance around at the others whose stares are fixated on him. "Is something going on?"

"They're impatiently waiting for me to tell them about my conversation with Mr. Vandergon, the chairman of Anderson Toys. Since you two were noticeably absent from dinner last night I refused to tell them."

"That's right! How did it go?" I exclaim, embarrassed that I had forgotten something so important.

"Uneventful, mostly consisting of niceties. I have a meeting set up today at noon to go over my qualifications and discuss the intricacies of the job." He smirks in amusement as Sam slams his fist down on the table.

"You made us wait for that?! The fuck didn't you just say that last night?"

"Because patience is a virtue that you desperately need to work on, Sam."

"Where were you guys yesterday?" Matthew asks, his attention turning to me now that James's announcement is out of the way.

"Out back, in the garden." I reply with a shrug.

"All day? What were you doing?" He asks curiously.

"I'll tell you when you're older." Erik answers suggestively with a wink.

"I'm barely a year younger then you!" Matthew snaps defensively before his eyes go wide and his head swivels back to me.

"We didn't do anything." I respond quickly, slapping Erik on the shoulder.

"How easily you deny me, my sweet." He sighs in mock hurt with a teasing smirk.

We finish breakfast but no one seems ready to start the day so we spend some time just hanging out until James glances down at his watch and announces that it's time for him to leave. We file into the foyer to see him off and as he steps out of the front door I catch his arm.

"Good luck, James."

"Thank you, Miss." He replies before closing the door behind him.

"Alright Matthew, let's go." Sam orders, grabbing Matthew by the arm.

"Again? Can't we take a break for one day?" Matthew whines and Damien chuckles.

"Perhaps I'll join you, I could use the exercise. Erik?" Damien turns his gaze to Erik who slips his arm into mine.

"Rain check, I have more important things to do today. What are we doing today, beautiful?" He inquires quickly, glancing over at me.

"Work." I reply shortly, barely suppressing giggles.

"Ah yes, work. See much more important then getting beat on by Sam, so if you'll excuse us." He calls over his shoulder, already pulling me to the work room.

"Suit yourself." Damien calls back in an amused tone as we disappear down the hallway.

"What would you have me do, milady?" Erik asks with a bow as we close ourselves into the small room.