The Society Ch. 01-02

Chapter 1

After a long day of looking, Victor felt disgusted. He had searched all day with his driver to no avail. They had checked every campus, every popular coffee place and even went down the red light district and found nothing. Victor wanted a coffee before retiring to his penthouse. He walked into his friend Guido's place called Old Town Brewery. That's when he walked in and stopped as he saw her for the first time. Alexandra had her back to the door. What was left of daylight poured through the windows making her light brown hair glow. She was humming softly to herself as her eyes scanned the pile of files in front of her. Jerry had handed her six new cases that she had to look into personally. It seemed her day never ended. Exhaling softly she motioned for a waiter and slid her coffee cup toward the edge of the table, in need of a refill. Victor kept his eye on her as he went to see his old friend Guido. Guido came around the counter and the tall Italian man gave him a hug. No words needed to be spoken and he gave Victor his cup of Earl Grey with two lemon slices. Victor walked over and stood beside her table.

"Hello."

Alex looked up from her work, shoving the papers back into the folder. Her pale blue eyes sparkled as she shifted her gaze from the table to the man looming by her table.

"Oh um hello."

She felt a blush creep onto her face as she stammered to say the simplest of things.

He held out his hand and said, "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm friends with the manager here. I hope everything is to your liking."

He was very handsome with a perfect smile and wearing a suit worth more than most make in a year.

"I'm Victor, Victor Atreides."

She had to fight her first reaction to let her jaw drop. He was quite attractive and his smile made her feel like her heart had melted. She finally came back to her senses and took hold of his hand shaking it with a light grip. How foolish she must have looked to sit there staring at him.

"I am Alexandra Pierce; it is very nice to meet you."

"Alexandra is a beautiful name," he said before he kissed the back of her hand.

"Would you mind if I sit with you?"

She was absolutely beautiful. No woman had ever made him feel like he was at that very moment. He was on cloud nine. He smiled when he saw the red in her cheeks which he hoped was a good sign for him. Nodding she moved her purse from the chair opposite her, giving him a spot to sit.

"My parents thought so as well."

She pushed a loose strand of her behind her ear, a slight smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she took a sip of her coffee.

"So Alexandra," he said sitting down next to her, "What brings you into the coffee shop this late in the afternoon?" He turned in the chair to look into her eyes. They were the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen.

He held his cup in one hand and took a sip as he listened to her. She couldn't help but smile her index finger tracing the rim of her cup.

"Well I am a criminal psychologist. My office is only two blocks from here. Jerry, my secretary handed me six new cases as I was walking out the front door. My profession is stressful and sometimes I just like to sit in the dwindling sunlight and enjoy a cup of coffee." Alex looked up at him as she lifted her cup to her lips.

"So what about you Victor, what brings you in here so late?"

Victor smiled and said turning to wave towards Guido.

"Guido and I have a complicated past. He's a great friend and I stop in frequently. He has my order down pat." He took a sip and then said, "Being a criminal psychologist is a good field. Sorry your aide gave you six new cases." She looked behind the counter then back at Victor. "My aid is doing his job and unfortunately Jerry's job is to make sure I do mine. As for orders mine is so simple it's coffee black with two sugars. Oh and speaking of professions what is your?"

"Well a little of that and a little of this," Victor said with a smile, "I have been working for many years. I've built my consultation company from nothing to being a force to be reckoned with in many industries even some beneath and above the law. To put your mind at ease I'm one of the real good guys."

He leaned back never taking his eyes from hers. Alex peered at him for a moment taking a sip of her now chilled coffee, then smiled.

"Victor I of all people knows a good soul when I see one. In my profession I meet many people none of them good. I may have just met you but I have no doubt you're one of the good guys."

"Thank you," Victor says with a smile, "That means a lot."

This woman was different than any other woman he had ever met. He leaned forward and whispered so only she could hear and asked, "Are you happy with your current work and life status?" Alexandra blinked then licked her lips, slightly uncomfortable with his sudden move forward.

"Umm, yes I would have to say I am. Why do you ask?"

She leaned back in her seat to put some distance between them. Victor saw her uneasiness and leaned back.

"Sorry for encroaching on your personal space. I ask because a certain opportunity has opened up and I would like to offer it you. I can't speak of it here," He said putting his card on the table, "But stop by my office and we can discuss it if you like. Don't worry you won't miss the building. It's the biggest in the city." He stood up and bowed to her and said, "It was a pleasure meeting you."

He shook Guido's hand as he walked past the counter. and left.

She watched him shake hands with the manager, then walk out the door. Alexandra exhaled slowly and started placing her flies in her bag. She couldn't help but feel disappointed as she ran her thumb over his card. He was not like any man she had met before; he made her feel comfortable around him. It took her only a minute to decide that she was going to follow him. Victor's limo was waiting for him. His driver opened the door and he got in. Victor thought about it and really hoped she would call him in the morning, "Hugo take me to the penthouse. I will go home after work tomorrow."

The driver nodded and he said, "Very good sir."

The limo began to pull away as Alexandra pushed the cafe door open stepping out into the brisk air.. She turned her head and saw his driver pulling away. Her disappointment showed when she caught her reflection in window. She watched till his limo vanished, then called for a taxi. She only lived a few blocks away but it was to cold to walk. Sadly neither Victor nor his driver saw her. He wanted her to call because she was stunningly beautiful. He hated telling her about the competition but if he and his entry could win then he could end them all hopefully. He knew sleep would not come easy as he continued to think of her.

Alexandra thanked the cab driver, tipped generously then made her way up to her apartment. She could not get him out of her head. Falling onto her bed she groaned her frustrations into her pillow, desperately trying to fall asleep. Her exhaustion took over around midnight and let it take over. Sleep definitely did not come to Victor as she was in his head like no other woman in his life. He got up and headed to his building and went to the top. He voluntarily went to meetings he did not need to be in just to keep busy. He wondered if she would call.

Sunlight was pouring through her windows, rolling over her clock read 6:02am. Rising to her feet she shuffled to the bathroom. All night images of Victor's face flashed before her like a well planned movie. She caught herself thinking of him as she got ready for work. It was 7 before she walked out the front doors of her building.

Alexandra reached for her phone as the cab honked. She dialed the number on the front of the card as she told the cabbie the address of her office. The phone rang twice before a female voice answered.

"Good morning thank you for calling Atreides Enterprises. You have reached the office of Victor Atreides, how may I help you?"

"Oh um my name is Alexandra Pierce, Victor told me to call him.

"He currently is in a meeting at the moment," the secretary said but she went through some papers, " But I have a note that if you called to make you whatever appointment you wanted. Are you available today ma'am?"

Alexandra flipped through her day planner before responding so the Woman "Yes I am for another two hours then I have my own appointments to keep."

"I will pencil you in," the secretary said, "Can I have your address and I will send his personal limo to pick you up." She wrote the address down and sent the limo to get her.

"Oh um here... the Silver building between 23rd and west st." She couldn't think strait, would her really send his limo to pick her up. As the secretary said the limo arrived about 20 minutes later. The driver was waiting for her with the door open. He bowed when she came out to him. "Ma'am Mr. Atreides should be out of his meeting just before we arrive." He helped her in and drove her to the tallest building in the city. Atreides Tower. He was on the top floor. His secretary was waiting for her and escorted her to his private elevator and the doors shut as they headed to the top.

Alexandra stood nervously in the elevator, not because she was meeting him but for the fact that she was scared of elevators. She watched as they number panel lit up with each passing floor. Remembering back there was not a time in her life when elevators didn't frighten her. Victor paced by his secretary's desk. His heart was pumping as he could not believe she actually called. He was nervous about the competition but something much deeper was stirring inside of him. The elevator dinged and there she was. She was beautiful. He walked up and said, "Hello again. Please come into my office." The office was immaculate with signed awards and artifacts. He shut the door behind her. "Care for a drink?"

Alexandra's hands continued to shake even after she got off the elevator. Her knuckles were still white from her death grip on the handle. She took a deep breath as she looked around his office. "Do you have anything with chamomile?" He laughed and said, "I only have liquor up here but let me call someone to get you some chamomile tea." He called down to his secretary and told her what she wanted. He offered her a seat and said, "Please tell me more about you." She blushes and sits on the other side of his desk, crossing her legs to avoid a flashing.

"You do not have to order something just for me. I am okay with whiskey."

Alexandra played with the ring on her right hand.

"What would you like to know about me Victor?"

"Very well," He said with a smile, "I will have them still bring but good to know on the whiskey." He walked to the bar and said, "I want to know you. Where you grew up? Why criminal psychology? What is the story behind the ring on your finger?"

Alexandra smiled sweetly, "Well I was born in New York. My mother was 17 when she had me. I was taken from her right before my 6th birthday. She had branded me with red hot metal. I was taken from her care the next day and placed with this foster couple who had more money then I had ever seen. I had been them with for only 6 months when they adopted me and changed my last name." She turned when his secretary knocked on the door asking for permission to enter.

"Come in Natasha," Victor said.

The secretary brought in a cup of chamomile tea and set it down in front of Alexandra. "That will be Natasha." She bowed and left them alone. "Sorry about that please continue." Alexandra lifted the cup to her lips and inhaled the relaxing scent of chamomile. She looks up at Victor her pale eyes glowing. "My parents only wanted one thing of me and that was to succeed. I found out my biological mother killed someone for drug money. That was when I started college, so that is when I changed my major. I wanted to know why people did kill others in cold blood. As for the ring it just a piece of jewelry."

"You had a hard life growing up," He said, "But you have used that to be better and do great things." He liked her confidence. It was very appealing in her and that she wanted to come the next day and her meeting him. He liked that.

She shifted uncomfortably in her chair, over heating she slips her jacket off. It tugs at her blouse exposing the top half of her brand mark. "Could you possibly turn the heat down Victor?" She lifts the mug to her lips taking a small sip of the still steaming liquid. "Of course," Victor said and got up to turn down the heat. He glimpsed the scar she had mentioned and asked, "Is that better for you?" It immediately started to feel cooler. She nods and notices him watching her. He made her uncomfortable in a good sort of way. She was attracted to him and it wasn't his money or influence. "SO Victor what about you. Where are you from?" The question caught him off guard and he looked a little saddened, but it disappeared instantly. "I'm from a little town that no one had ever heard of. I was orphaned young when my family was killed. I was on my own for most of my life but I decided to do something to be remembered. I built this company from nothing. It's everything now." Alexandra looked into her cup a feeling of guilt washed over her as she feels bad for asking. Hesitant to look up she takes a sip of her tea. "So what made you invite me to your office? A criminal Psychologist has nothing to offer a big business man." "Well," He said as his smile faded, "I have a unique opportunity to offer if you are interested. However I will warn you it is a dark path and not for the faint at heart. But the compensation is well worth it in the end." She looks at him with curiosity, "well explain this opportunity to me. No matter how dark a subject I will take it into consideration." Smiling she shrugs her coat back on.

He looked her in the eye and said, "I'm part of a group of well privileged men. They are not the sanest. A competition has been started where each of us submits a woman for this competition. In short it's a sex competition. The entries would spend a night with the other five and be judged on how well they performed. I would like to wager my 15 million on you. If we win I will give you 60 million for your help. Like I said earlier this is a dark path. For even hearing me out you will receive 10 grand," He reached into his desk and put a stack of hundreds on the desk for her, "It's up to you. You can walk away from this if you want. I will not force you. You do have my word if you go through with it I will make sure no harm comes to you." He leaned back in his chair and immediately felt ashamed to tell this beautiful woman about the competition. Alexandra stared at him as her brain tried to process if she heard him correctly. Anger flashes on her face which quickly changes to intrigue. "Let me see if I understand you. You are entering me in a competition to sleep with men. And if I am voted the best we win 60 million dollars. And if I chose to refuse I get 10 grand." Her eyes moved to the stack of bills. With an embarrassed sigh he says, "You get the 10 grand for just hearing me out. The rest is true. If you win you will receive 60 million." He looks down ashamed but he had to tell her no woman has ever caught his eye like her. She rises from her seat, and crosses the short distance between them. "I can see that you did not even want to tell me about this competition. I will say I am shocked about the content of this contest. I have never been asked to have sex with five people. Let alone be judge on my performance. I would say i am decent at best." Alexandra looks at him with a clear embarrassment. He smiled and said, "You have my deepest apologies."

He stood and said, "Words cannot express how much I hate this competition my lady. You are a beautiful woman and I am sorry for placing this burden on you." She kisses his cheek not know what else to do under their current circumstances. "You do not have to apologize Victor. I am curious as to see if I am good enough to win this competition."

Alexandra blushes and sits on his desk. Victor blushes and says, "Wait? You are interested?" He was a little confused and aroused at the same time. He looked into her eyes and says, "You really want to do this?"

"I will do this but I um may need some... practice," her face glows as she looks down at his desk, "I don't have much of a social life. There for not much sex." Her blush takes up her entire face by the time she looks back up. "Well," Victor said still looking in her eyes while he puts a hand on her knee, "There is a little more to discuss. I would not just send anyone my dear. I would want to make sure she could handle me." He reaches into his desk and pulls out a credit card and a business card. "The credit card is unlimited and you may use it buy anything or have anything done you want for the competition. The business card is for my personal driver who will come and pick you up whenever you are ready. I live four hours out of town. Let's say you come this weekend in two days?"

Alexandra blushes and places her much smaller hand over his, her gaze fixed with his. "You know Victor I do not need your money. I have plenty of my own." She laughs softly, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "And I am not even sure I can handle any of this. High and mighty men submitting women for a sex contest. Seems Egotistical if you ask me. I will take your driver's card but I won't take your money Victor."

"Very well," He said, "I think you will be fine. You are beautiful, determined, and a strong woman. I worry about those egotistical men underestimating you. I surely will not my dear." He handed the business card to her and he was aroused more when she swung her hair. She took the card and grabbed her jacket of the chair where she was previously seated. As turned her back to him she smoothed out her skirts. "I am terribly sorry Victor but I have a meeting to get to at the New York State prison. I hate to leave but I must."

Alexandra faced him sighing softly in disappointment.

He got up and before she could opened the door gave her the most passionate kiss she had ever experienced. Her lips were soft and perfect and as he broke the kiss he whispered, "There is more where that came from my dear." Heat rushes to Alexandra's face as he pulls away from her. That kiss took her breath away; it was everything and more then what she hoped for. "I...I um." Alexandra licked her lips slowly; the taste of his lips lingered on the delicate skin.

"I um, Victor...I have to go to work. Can I call you later?" He smiled as his kiss had gone beyond the expectation he had, "No I'm going to leave you wanting more this weekend. Now go and try to concentrate. I look forward to this weekend." He opened the door for her and winked at her. She nodded and left his office, stopping by his secretary asking where the stairs were located. Her body could not handle another elevator trip. His kiss had put her in a bit of a daze. Victor smiled as she was awakening something deep down inside of him. He walked to the window with a smile on his face as a dark feeling crept into his mind. He wondered if this was all a trap to ensnare him in and he was bring Alexandra with him. Only time would tell.

As soon as Jeremy heard Alexandra's heels click against the tiled floor of the foyer he was there holding 3 new files. "Alex darling Mr. Jamison called he needs your report on kingly by 9pm tonight." Alexandra groaned in irritation, she snatched the files from his hand and walked back out the front door. She removed her heels halfway to her apartment building. All she wanted was to relax today events had left her confused. She had agreed to enter a sex oriented competition for 60 million dollars and was kissed by the richest man in New York. Vice finished up his work at the office and then went to see his secretary. "I will be at the estate until at least Monday. Take messages nothing is important."