Secret Lives (Closed)

[tinwoodsman]

Tony waited for Jasleena and then let her go first so he could playfully grab her rear. "Whatever you're doing, keeping it up." His words were aimed at complimenting her body, but had the cold undertone of a man who hoped his trophy wife wouldn't slack off on her appearance.

By contrast, the breakfast that waited for them at the door was clearly put together quickly. Yogurt, rolled cold cuts, olives, boiled eggs and fresh fruits sat at the front of a tray also containing coffee and an herbal tea. Broken down individually it these things could be found in almost any kitchen but with the theme presentation it was clear the staff had acted as quickly as possible using what was had at hand.

 

[Asa]

She smiled to him and to the kitchen help as they brought out the food. She sat down glancing over everything.

Wonderful job as always.

Nodding to dismiss them she reached to take Tony's hand and smile looking into his eyes trying to convince herself this was real and not some dream.

 

[tinwoodsman]

Tony looked over the tray and actually shrugged, "I guess I was expecting some pastries. Then again that would probably take to long to make - never mind." He started with coffee.

"Are you alright?" he asked, probably picking up on her tension. He started eating as opposed to waiting for a response.

 

[Asa]

Of course darling still just a little tired I guess from... earlier...

She smiled to him not wanting him to think that anything was wrong at all. Sipping her coffee she watched his eyes still hoping to see all the love from before in them.

So after your tasks today and mine perhaps we could enjoy another night of this mental vacation.

Leaning close she kissed his cheek and teased his earlobe for a fleeting second or two.

 

[tinwoodsman]

Hearing Jasleena's excuse Tony seemed to accept it and went back to eating. It was only at her mention of doing something in the evening that he stiffed and looked off into the distance not even seeming to register her kiss. His mind mapped out what was to come, and he clearly he didn't look forward to his day.

"Maybe. We'll see." he said coldly going back to eating. "I should take a shower. You going to be okay?" He smiled, coldly, and kissed her cheek before heading into the bath, still holding his yogurt.

 

[Asa]

She could feel that cold air about him again and simply nodded with a soft yes. Watching him walk away she sighed and slipping back up stairs as well to get changed and start her day a little early she needed to just get away and what better way to do that than to add a determined shopping trip onto her schedule for the day.

Lorenzo inform Mason that My schedule will be starting early and to have the car out front ready to go in 1 hour. Thank you

Her own cold emotionless tone she had learned so well from Tony was surfacing and she hated it. Quickly picking out a black and silver blouse and matching slacks and her black heels she quickly pulled her hair up and back and applying only a faintest trace of makeup she quickly left the room.

 

[tinwoodsman]

Lorenzo nodded, "Yes, madam. I will be sure to do that straight away. And if you'd be so kind as to inform the master of the house that a courier dropped off some papers for him. I put them in the study."

No one ever dropped off papers. Jasleena knew he old man well enough to know this was more of a code for requesting Tony's presence. Usually it was to impart some wisdom or advice, though recently it was more advice than wisdom. Having worked for the head of the family for generations, now, he was more of a sage disguised as a manservant than anything else. Tony knew this, so passing along such a message would be treated with importance, not matter what personality Tony was in - which was a bonus. It was the one safe constant she could count on.

 

[Asa]

Jasleena nodded walking into their room she closed the door and finsihed getting ready while she waited for Tony. Once he exited the shower she glanced over to him from fixing her hair.

Lorenzo says that some papers were delivered to the house for you he will put them in your office down stairs.

Once she was ready she stood walking over to him kissing his cheek softly and turned to go

See you this evening love?

Her words more a question than a comment. Barely waiting for any answer just really wanting to get out of this house.

 

[tinwoodsman]

Tony just nodded, watching his on reflection probably thinking about the news Larenzo. He forced a smile at her kiss and nodded. "I'll see you tonight." But his tone hinted he might not be the same man by then. Tony never could make promises.

*******​

Mason parked the car at the front of the house and checked his teeth then his breath. He tried to tell himself it didn't matter as he'd might never be close enough for her to smell his breath but he felt the need to go through all these motions. He was both nervous but excited, though he wasn't sure why. He certainly had no real reason to be.

Getting out of the car he smoothed his jacket and played with the keys. Watching the front door he tried to calm his breathing and force his heart rate to return to normal. Was he really this excited about seeing Jasleena, or was there something else going on? Should be be paranoid about something and his feeling were being masked but his attraction to Jasleena? Was even that attracted to her?

Shaking off his throughts Mason put on his poker face and busied his mind with the back story of his cover for this assignment.

 

[Asa]

She sighed and once she was ready headed down stairs to leave. She knew the times with old Tony could never last but she loved them all the same. Maybe thats what she enjoyed so much about Mason... he was a constant it wasn't a craps shoot to guess which side of him was going to be there. It was just him... she smiled faintly as she walked out of the house her dark hair pulled back and a billowy Cotton dress draping her as she descended the steps to the car.

Smiling to him as she watched him open the door. Asking only one thing

Is the car fixed?

A little way of finding out if the listening device had been put back in place or not.

 

[tinwoodsman]

"Yes, ma'am" Mason said, opening the the back door for her. "Just checked on it this morning." He smiled, nodded and closed the door for her when she got in the car.

Still, just because there wasn't anything recording doesn't mean no one was watching. Mason just drove, quite and focused until they were well on the road. "You look very nice, this morning. If you don't mind me saying so. Objectively speaking, as a male."

 

[Asa]

There is nothing objective about a compliment... unless it is crude and objectifying the person.

She laughed a little.

But thank you I just really needed to get out of the house for a bit before this little fiasco the Mayors wife wants me to attend with her.

 

[tinwoodsman]

Mason smiled, "Well who much time do we have before you enter the social arena? Coffee? Lunch or the Zoo?"

 

[Asa]

I have not been to the zoo in forever... but... There are those who work with and for Tony that have kids that could be there... How will that look?

She sighed wanting a little fun in her life but always having to think of how whatever she did would look to those Tony works with or deals with not to mention the press... which if she really thought about it she had not had to deal with too much of late... interesting.

 

[tinwoodsman]

"Oh, yeah. That's a good point." Jasleena's word had Mason falling quiet for only a moment. "Do you trust me?" He didn't seem to be doubting or questioning. "You pick a night when you won't have any conflicts for two hours and let me know. I'll take care of the rest. Okay? Just two hours. I'll make sure you're free of rumors and prying eyes."

 

[Asa]

How can you arrange something like that... are you going to talk to Tony? Good luck getting his help arranging something like that unless its also a night he needs me gone which us never anything I don't need to be home for is held during the day.

She did trust him and part of that scared her. She actually did trust someone that worked for her husband that was not Lorenzo... but why... what was it about this wonderful... charming... handsome... caring young man that made her trust him.

 

[tinwoodsman]

"What if you were supposed to go to the zoo? What if you met someone at this shindig that wanted your help to fund some shark exhibit. I actually know someone who'd be more than willing to pitch it to you at the zoo if you really want them to."

 

[Asa]

Really... I might be able to get Tony to let me invest n something like that... Okay.

She smiled to make sure no other emotion could show through as she continued.

What could it hurt to try...

What could it hurt indeed she thought. He could go for it or flip out... one would surprise her the other she was beyond used to.

 

[tinwoodsman]

"Good." Mason nodded, "I'll make a call while you're doing this thing. Like, I said. You pick the night of the week and I'll make sure someone tries to sell you an shark exhibit." He laughed.

"Now. Coffee?"

 

[Asa]

Coffee would be wonderful so would Croissants... So where to?

She smiled to him glancing towards the rear view mirror so he could see her. He was so different from the rest of those in this life... perhaps still involved for the same reason... to make a name and money that the legal world could barely hold a candle to but he was nothing like the rest of any of them that she could see. She had no idea what Tony had him do when not watching over her but maybe that was for the best.

 

[tinwoodsman]

Mason met her eyes in the mirror and smiled, hoping he kept the expression friendly. The last thing he wanted Jasleena to know was how she made him instantly aware of his own beating heart. No, he just needed to be the guy who worked for her husband - nothing more.

"Well, if you don't mind there is a nice French place we could stop by. You could get your croissant and could grab this miniature lemon pie thing. And a soda." He looked from the road to the mirror, confirming his chest pounded just a little harder when he saw her. In his mind he started trying to come up with rationalization to make that stop sooner than later... if at all.

 

[Asa]

That sounds wonderful.

She glanced away from the mirror to look out the window as they drove along. She could not let her mind wander... not over that smile that young form... He was after all an employee of Tony's There was not telling if he reported to Tony or not or what he said if he did.

 

[tinwoodsman]

Mason said nothing more, just continued driving for a bit and stopped off as said little French cafe. "You can stay here with the doors lock. I'll go in so no one has to see us together. So, what would you like?" He asked, turning around to face Jasleena, ignoring the sudden spike in heat around his neck as he watched her.

 

[Asa]

Coffee and a croissant will be fine Mason thank you.

She smiled her eyes meeting his as she brushed her hair back from her face a little. She would love to walk in there with him to not worry what Tony would say or do. Normally her precautions to protect herself from Tony were nothing more than second nature now for some reason with Mason in her life they were a royal pain.

 

[tinwoodsman]

"Just coffee? Not some strange French based concoction with with nine ingredients and a warning label?" Mason grinned, the expression faltering when he saw her brush a hair away form her face. A strong desire to have the job of brushing her hair make him feel nervous and hyper for a moment. He cleared his throat waiting for her retort.