Sliding Into Silk

[Siren's Voice]

This thread is for the exclusive use of CGraven and Siren's Voice. However, anyone can read it and I hope you do!

A story of West meets East – A woman in a power suit slips into silk as she encounters the sensualities of the Orient for the first time.

The plane begins its descent. As the hollow voice of the flight attendent instructs, I close my briefcase and rub my eyes. Seven hour flight and I haven’t gotten nearly enough work done. I shouldn’t have fallen asleep. I had investigated potential suppliers before, but this was my first overseas trip and I was nervous.

Glancing out the window, I see the foreign landscape looming larger with each passing second. China. This place would either make or break the auto industry in the next decade. The biggest market in the world, lying relatively untapped and I was here to carve out a piece for my company. If we decided to accept DSX as a supplier for our latest SUV, the Chinese government would look favorably on future business dealings. First things first though, I had to see if this company could make a decent nameplate and could do so reliably.

The mad stampede to get off the plane began even before we had reached the gate. Over five hundred minutes in the air and the cattle were getting restless. I fished under my seat for my purse and pulled out a compact. Hell, canned air can really do a number on the old complexion. My blue eyes looked tired too. I smoothed my blonde hair into place as best I could. Didn’t really make a difference. The wild curls always looked like they were barely contained.

After the pushing and shoving had been reduced to a minimum, I stood up and retrieved my belongings. DSX would have sent a representative and I scanned the arrival gate and saw a placard reading ‘Ms. Charlotte Dalton’. I walked over to the man who held it.

“Hello. I am Ms. Dalton.”

Moment of panic! Did I shake hands or bow?! AHHHHH!

 

[cgraven]

“Yes minister I know how important this is to the People’s Republic.”

“Yes My last chance…….Yes I understand..”


Lu Chow bowed to the foreign trade minister, and left the meeting. Ah to say a meeting may be an overstatement as it was more a lecture on “Lu’s” failings. It seems a poet is not a very good guide to the American business enterprises.

Shanghai again the hub of foreign investments. The Bound alive again with night life and Jazz. That was the old but across the bay the “New Shanghai” was raising as fast as they could build.

I at 45 had live trough the days of “The Red Guard” reindoctrination, Chairman Moa, the “Square”, and the “New Wind” now sweeping throughout China. The more things changed the more they where the same. There seemed to be no place for the poet in any of these Chinas. But the system said we must all be employed, and so I was as an “Official Guide” to foreign travelers and businessmen.

Lou keep it simple, I told myself. Just show them the official sights, translate, and be pleasant, and business like. Ah there was the problem, a businesslike poet. They just did not go together business and poetry, plus the official sites where boring, not the real China, the one I so loved.

I left my small apartment my best western suit on, hair brushed back, a futile effort as it was so, wild with a mind of its’ own, and silver wire frame glasses riding on the bridge of my nose.

I stood there placard in hand, ‘Ms. Charlotte Dalton’ with a dozen others all scream out different names. I was silent as the press of the crowd would have carried my words away in the endless babble of a dozen languages.

“Hello. I am Ms. Dalton.”

I saw the moment of panic! Did she shake hands or bow.

I extended my hand. Then on a whim gave a shallow bow as I took her hand.

“I am Lu Chow you guide and translator Ms Dalton.”

“Welcome to Shanghai.”……..”You must be tiered as it is a long flight.”… .

“Shall we stop by your hotel so you may freshen up before your first meeting?”….”We have time.”

‘Ms. Charlotte Dalton’ was a beauty and very young for such a responsible position. Ah I feel she will find China quiet different from anything she has known before. I turn to a porter and instruct him to bring the bags.

“Your car is waiting Ms Dalton.”….”Shall we go?”

 

[Siren's Voice]

Despite my fatigue, I smiled and glanced at my watch. Although my body had no idea what time it was, I saw that it was five o'clock in the evening, local time. Tomorrow would be a very busy day, but I had nothing to do for the rest of the evening.

"Yes, it has been a long flight. Three long flights actually. I'd love to go to my hotel, but I've got to admit I got the most peculiar feeling of being tired and all keyed up at the same time. Know any good cures for jet-lag?"

I laughed. I was pleasantly surprised by my new guide. First impressions were everything to me and I like Lu Chow immediately. He stuck me as elegant, distinguished, and charming. I noted that he spoke excellent English and inexplicably, I also had the crazy impulse to run my fingers through that thick mass of wild hair.

"Let's get to that car."

I shouldered my overnight bag. After we had retrieved my checked baggage, we made our way out into the evening air. A black Mercedes waited and Lu Chou guided me over to it. He opened the rear door and I slid inside.

 

[cgraven]

"Yes, it has been a long flight. Three long flights actually. I'd love to go to my hotel, but I've got to admit I got the most peculiar feeling of being tired and all keyed up at the same time. Know any good cures for jet-lag?"

I had no dealt with many western women outside the university setting. This stunning blonde with the wild hair was so young to have a position of such authority. This “Ms Dalton” reminded me so much of my graduate students……….Ah but that was another life before the “Square”, the tanks and the soldiers from the north. I was lucky, in that the “People’s Republic had decided that I was now to serve them in another role.

“Ms Dalton welcome to Shanghai. I am afraid the only cure for jet lag is to adapt to our time schedule and pretend that is only 5 in the afternoon.”

I smiled at her despite myself, ignoring the minister’s patient warnings. I had found her laughter infectious and longed to hug her, but that would not be wise as their where always eyes watching, and tongues to carry reports to the authorities.

"Let's get to that car."

A rapid flurry of events then took me from my study of “Ms Dalton. We collected her bags and made perpetrations to leave.

I Lu Chou guided her over to the waiting limousine, and opened the rear door as Ms Dalton slid inside. I hesitated a moment my place was in the front with the driver, but on a foolish impulse I slide in next to her. Chin Wa gave me one of those looks of his. I only smiled back to my sister’s son, as if to say “I know”.

She was close; I was sitting just across from her in the jump seat.

“Maybe some dinner after you freshen up at your hotel would help Ms. Dalton and please call me Lu as it will be easier that way.”

A silly little roguish smile creased my face as Chin Wa pulled out into the insanity of Shanghai traffic. It is still mainly bicycles but with some private cars and trucks adding a new dimension to this old insanity.

 

[Siren's Voice]

"Dinner? Yes. Sounds wonderful."

The sites of Shanghai flashed by at a maddening pace. Really it was difficult to catch anything other than glimpses. Before I knew it, we were at the hotel anyway. I had been place at the Shanghai Hilton. The place was perfectly opulent, but not unlike a Hilton back home. For some reason, I felt vaguely disappointed. Lu took care of getting me checked in. He had a way of taking control of a situation when I felt uncomfortable. As if he instinctively knew when that would be.

"Give me thirty minutes to wash the dust of the road off me. I’ll be down before you have a chance to get bored.”

Upstairs, I hung up and unzipped my garment bag. I’d have time to unpack properly later. Right now, I was in a hurry. Drawing forth a red dress made me smile.

“Silky, strapless, and sexy… You’ll need something that’s not YOU when you are there, Lotti.” my girlfriend had said when she gave it to me. This dress was definitely not ‘me’. Everything else I had brought was refined and elegant, all in tasteful neutral colors. Laura would be amused that I was cracking it out on my very first night here. She would love it even more if she knew who I was wearing it for.

Twenty minutes later, I emerged from the elevators wearing that red dress along with matching red heels. I had left my hair down and it flowed down my back in a mass of blonde curls. I smiled when I caught sight of Lu Chow, pleased at his reaction.

 

[cgraven]

Twenty minutes I waited for Ms. Dalton to freshen up from here flight. Such a short time really as most of my business people took at least two hours. Those twenty minutes had been spent listening to Chin Wa endless warning.

I repeated an endless litany of “Yes Chin Wa you are most right honored Nephew.”

I stopped in mid stream as Ms. Charlotte Dalton emerged from the lifts wearing a strapless red dress along with matching red heels. Her hair had been left down and it flowed down her back in a mass of blonde curls. Her beauty had left me speechless. So much a sensual women now, not the cold efficient businessman I had picked up a little over two hours a go. I tried to recover my humble wits, but the tour guide and translator had fled me, and the poet and lover of beauty was left.

Bowing low, “The Red Dagoness" with golden wings blesses our humble presence.”

“Your humble servants await your pleasure and are at your service.”

“Your beauty puts are humble city to shame.”

“Chin Wa the car.”

“If you are ready Ms. Dalton dinner a waits you?”

I gave Chin Wa the address and he gave me that look again as the restraunt was not on the official list. It was in the heart of the old Bound district. And elegant place now only frequent by Chinese. It was strait of the 1940’s jazz and all. The meal was Cantonese, served as a banquet at the table, common dishes, a shared meal, Plum wine, tea. conversation. Not business and the opportunities to invest in the "New China" but art, poetry and for a reason that escaped me, my life in a changing China.

“Ms Dalton………. Charlotte would you care to dance?”

 

[Siren's Voice]

I was swept off my feet from the moment he had said, "The Red Dragoness, with golden wings blesses our humble presence." Who said things like that to women! It was becoming difficult to remember that I had only met this man a few hours earlier. Lu guided me into the car and after a short ride into the older section of Shanghai, we arrived at The Silver Moon.

I had never been to a restaurant like "The Silver Moon" before. God, I thought places like this existed only in the movies. "That's certainly where Lu Chou belongs," I thought. He was the perfect dinner companion. The conversation was never allowed to lag into awkward silence. Odd since I never talked about work once. Lu seemed to have a way of drawing me out, the real me, not the executive. I learned a great deal about him and his life in China. Some of his stories moved me nearly to tears. He had such a way of speaking, of communicating events.

I took a sip of plum wine and then ran the tip of my tongue over my bottom lip. Running my tongue over my lips?! I only did that when I was flirting. I realized I had been doing all of the things a woman does when she's interested in a man; flipping my hair over my shoulder, leaning forward when he spoke, touching him when I laughed. Good God, I was throwing myself at this man. "What would he think?" my mind screamed.

"Charlotte would you care to dance?”

Lu held out his hand and had a smile in his eyes. How could I possibly resist.

"I'd love to."

I slipped my hand into his and stood up.

 

[cgraven]

"I'd love to."

She slipped her hand into mine and stood up.

As I lead Charlotte to the dance floor my mind went back to dinner, the touch of her hand, the way she leaned in to listen when I was talking, the intensity with which she listen, and how she would do that thing with her hair when she laughs. Charlotte’s ways where strange to me, yet some how they drew me closer to her. She was so unlike any woman I had ever known. Defiantly not like the Russians.

The band where old men, timeless in there appearance, they and the “Sliver Moon” had been in Shanghai sense the days “Gunboat Sailors” of the 30’s & 40’s.

We danced to “A Slow Boat to China”. I held Charlotte close and our bodies moved as one, in the style of per WW II dancing , close, the man leading, backwards and forwards, Shanghai the last out post of Ballroom dancing. How strange that it was in the “New China”. Suddenly the tempo shifted as the band played “Putting On The Ritz’s”

I Lou, lead Charlotte through the complicated steps of this three step dance. It had been called the “Lindy”, “The Big Apple”, or just plain “Jitterbugging”.

Sometimes we where together, other Charlotte in a captive or free turn, side by side in the “Butterfly” my arms crossed over her breasts and she held close to my side. I though she was going to faint, as I put her into the “Slide”, as she passed low between my legs. Thought the dances appeared to be unfamiliar to Ms. Charlotte Dalton, she did her best to follow my lead.

I was enchanted by Charlotte. She was so beautiful and gracefull. I made up silly little Chinese poems to her, of her grace and beauty. We danced the night away, and that in the economic zone of Shanghai meant ten o’clock.

There was laughter in the car as we headed back to her Hotel. As we arrived Chin Wa informed us in no uncertain terms that he was leaving, to have the car serviced. He wished me luck in getting home, as the public transportation was now shutdown for the night. All this in his broken sing song English. My faced colored crimson with this rebuke, of my again ignoring “Official Policy.”

“Charlotte, my “The Red Dagoness", I hope you enjoyed dinner and your first night in Shanghai?”

"What time shall I meet you in the morning?”

I stood there trying desperately to find some way to keep this evening from ending.

 

[Siren's Voice]

Such nights are what dreams are made of. I had never danced like that, been held like. Was it China that had cast this spell over me or Lu Chou?

“Charlotte, my “The Red Dragoness", I hope you enjoyed dinner and your first night in Shanghai? What time shall I meet you in the morning?”

The part of my brain that was still functioning realized that Lu Chou had broken some rules taking me out for as late as he did and the little driver had left him stranded. Even though I could barely understand his English, I realized that Lu had no way of getting home.

On impulse, I wrapped my arm around his, leaning into him a little. Obviously the part of my brain that wasn't working had taken over.

"Walk me up to my room. I feel like the night wouldn't be complete without a toast of champagne and I noticed my room has a lovely balcony."

 

[cgraven]

Charlotte’s invitation took me by surprise. Women had always like the way I danced with them, the poetry, the scholarly discussions, but a last I was always the good friend and confident, never the lover, always the friend. It was a role that I had become accustomed to and fit like a well worn shoe that pinched every now and then. Oh there had been a few that saw me as more and they where very special and far and few as my life crept towards old age. Yet I did not want this evening to end.

“I would be delighted Charlotte.”

Charlotte kicked off her red heels as we entered her suite. There was some thin so very sexy to me about a beautiful woman in evening dress walking around barefooted... May be it was the style and grace of her costume combined with an earthy sensuality of being barefooted. I do not know. This is a question for philosophers not poets.

She had the bottle of Champlain and two glasses and was headed for the balcony.

“Ah Charlotte it might be better if we stayed inside.”

How could I tell her that those this was the “New China”, the old state police where still in power? And always watching.

“It could prove to be embarrassing to be seen with me.”…..”Here let me do the honors.”

One good thing about the new wind blowing throw China it had blown away Romanian Champlain and blew in French Champlain. Quickly I removed the basket, twisting the cork, and pulling the bottle away………..POP as the wine was freed.

We sat on the floor Charlotte’s legs curled up beside her. Just talking, laughing, and recalling her evening of dance. I do not know what possessed me but I leaned over and kissed her full on the lips.

What have I done? I quickly rise turning two shades darker than Charlottes dress.

“I am sorry; I have offended you with my inexcusable behavior.”

“I shall leave now,......... You may request another guide and translator in the morning.”

 

[Siren's Voice]

"Don't you dare!"

I silenced his protest with a kiss of my own, letting it deepen into something more as I parted my lips. I had wanted to do it all evening, truth be told. I didn't hold back. My tongue slid against his, exploring the depths of his mouth, relishing the taste of him. I moaned as I felt his hands in my hair, pulling me closer and my arms slid around his neck. We had both risen to our knees and our torsos were pressed together tightly, my breasts crushed against his chest.

"You want him. You want him," my mind screamed.

Yes, I did want him. More than anything else at that moment. But, I pulled away. I was letting this night, this place get to me. I looked into Lu's dark eyes.

"I'm sorry. I can't let this go on. I've got a job to do here and I have to stay focused. I can't be distracted by romantic entanglements. Please forgive me for leading you on."

I raised a hand to touch his cheek.

"Lu, I still want you as my guide. I need you in fact. It should be clear that I like you, but more than that, I trust you."

I smiled and got to my feet.

"It's a good thing they've given me a suite. I know you are stranded in this part of Shanghai until morning. You are welcome to sleep on the couch, Lu."

I bent down and kissed his cheek.

"Anyway, it's the least I can do for someone who almost swept me off my feet."

I grinned impishly and went into the bedroom, closing the door.

How long I stood there, leaning against the door, I don't know. I wanted that man. Everything in my body cried out for him. But I didn't go to him. Instead, I got ready for bed, suddenly dead tired. My last thought before drifting off was, "Tomorrow should be rather interesting."

 

[cgraven]

Charlotte kisses me it is warm passionate, we are on our knees, our bodies in a tight embrace, my spirits soar maybe just maybe……………..Then crashing despair.


"I'm sorry. I can't let this go on. I've got a job to do here and I have to stay focused. I can't be distracted by romantic entanglements. Please forgive me for leading you on."……………………."Lu, I still want you as my guide. I need you in fact. It should be clear that I like you, but more than that, I trust you."……………"It's a good thing they've given me a suite. I know you are stranded in this part of Shanghai until morning. You are welcome to sleep on the couch, Lu."…………….."Anyway, it's the least I can do for someone who almost swept me off my feet."

Lou you as always are the fool, dancing partner, trusted friend, and just good old dependable Lu Chou. No I will not stay. This humiliation at my own hands is enough. I clear my throat and in a barely controlled voice manage to say.


“Ah Ms Dalton I am glad that you enjoyed your evening…..Thank you for your kind offer but I have a cousin not far from here ………I will stay with them………..Thank you for your kind offer though.” I lied

Chin Wa was right I had not wanted to believe it of Charlotte…..Ms Dalton, but it seemed true………….I was just another gook to this American businesswoman.

I went to leave to sleep in the corner of the hotel lobby, untill the silly little servant Lu Chou was needed..

 

[Siren's Voice]

The next morning...

I dressed carefuly, elegant but severe. My nerves twitched as the minutes ticked by. This was the most important day of the trip. I had to establish authority in a culture that didn't take it from women. In meetings, I needed to cease control. I had to make my company's will known. If only I could do something to kill the damn butterflies in my stomach.

The Lu Chow I met in the lobby was not the same man from last night. I broke into a smile the moment I saw him but received only a curt nod.

"Lu, would you care to join me for breakfast? I would like to go over the day's agenda."

Hell, I wanted him to take me in his arms again.

 

[cgraven]

Gone was the foolish western suit and tie also the hapless romantic poet.

No Captain Lu Chou of the "Peoples Diplomatic Corps" was there.

It was the 1st time sense I was reinstated after the reeducation camps following Thiemann Square that I had worn the "Moa” green uniform and "Sam Brown belt."


“Yes Ms. Dalton that would be most efficient.........I have already eaten but I shall have some tea while you eat"


Yes the sever attire, the western power suit, still I found her captivating , but had learned my place, all to well at her able hands last night.

My manner was not hostile but it was cold an efficient as we entered the restraunt.

 

[Siren's Voice]

I nibbled on a piece of toast while I went over the day with Lu. The ease of the night before had disappeared but I was grateful for the lack of distraction. He proved helpful in arranging the days schedule and we worked together with cool effeciency.

As I got up from the breakfast table, I murmered, "Time to face the firing squad." That got me a strange look from Lu.

My words turned out to be prophetic. That is exactly how I felt all day. Standing in a boardroom, the entire executive board of DSX present, I had done it all before. I was good at my job. Public speaking was actually my fortay, but this meeting had been more like an interrogation, with me on the hot seat. A cadre of government officials was present. They and the board questioned everything.

When we broke for lunch, I was exhausted mentally. I still had no idea were I stood with these people. Utterly distracted, I told Lu that I needed to get some air. Really I needed to escape.

I strode from the room and the building. A beautiful park lie just across the street and its tranquility drew me to it. I sat down on a bench and put my face in my hands. Never had I felt quite so alone. I sighed. What did I expect. I had pushed away the only person in this country who cared about me.

 

[cgraven]

The breakfast meeting was cool, efficient, and planed the day like it was a military exercise.

"Time to face the firing squad." Those words hit me like a ton of brick.

Mai Lee! They promised if I just got her to confess her deviant views, all would be fine. Like a fool I had believed them. She did for our love and her family was charged for the bullets used by the firing squad. The reality of Chinese justice.

The DXS meeting was more like a show trail then a business meeting. Every time Charlotte made her point there would be another exception, or obscure point to be considered. I was hard pressed as almost all spoke English but kept up the façade of the need for translators.

Charlotte left at the noon break. Her departure showed in her carriage how hard the morning had been on her. I hesitate so as not to cause concern with my superiors then left for the noon break. They had complemented me on the fact that I was in uniform again.

I had seen Charlotte cross to the park from the widow where I was standing, and so like a fool I went to her. Her face was buried in her hands.

“Ms Dalton………Charlotte you are doing better than you think.”

I stood there with my hands behind my back. I longed to touch even her shoulder, caress her golden hair but we where being watched I knew that.

“All but Mr. Shy ling speak English……….but they must save face by having a translator………..Charlotte this is China not the USA direct confrontation will not work……….You must bend with the wind like the willow……..acknowledge all their obscure points……….complement them on how well through they are then stick to your guns…… concede every thing that is of no importance….and you shall win this game.”

“I will be there for you.”

 

[Siren's Voice]

I looked up as he said the last words. Lu's voice had been formal as he gave me advice regarding the meeting, but as he said, "I will be there for you," his voice changed. He sounded like the man at the Silver Moon.

The smile I gave him was genuine althought tired.

"I'm grateful for that. For you... Listen, about last night, I-"

I stopped and patted the bench next to me.

"Won't you sit down, Lu. I'm getting a crick in my neck staring up at you."

 

[cgraven]

"I'm grateful for that. For you... Listen, about last night, I-"

My voice had softened at the end despite my iron resolve. Charlotte invited me to sit, but there where eyes on us I knew, watching.

"Won't you sit down, Lu. I'm getting a crick in my neck staring up at you."

I was assigned to her, so I took my seat, and was very proper and stern in appearance.

“Before you go no Ms Dalton even the “Red Dragoness” and the “Toad” are not beneath the notice of the celestial watcher.”

I wondered if Charlotte would catch my veiled meaning as to our being watched.

“Ah yes about last night………I presumed to much.”

I was trying to find the right combination of words before I went on.

 

[Siren's Voice]

"... even the “Red Dragoness” and the “Toad” are not beneath the notice of the celestial watcher.”

We were being watched. Goverment probably. No doubt, they kept tabs on all foreign investors, but I had assumed that was Lu Chou's job. Why would they be watching me with him. Unless...

I opened my purse and began dabbing powder on my nose. My hand obscured my mouth as I spoke.

"Let me interrupt before you go on, Lu. I backed away from self-preservation last night, nothing more. The reprecussions of my getting involved with a government official were huge. I hadn't realized they would be just as dire for you too. Lu, believe me when I say, I wanted you then. I want you now. Now we just have to figure out what to do about it."

Snapping my compact closed, I slid it in my purse and stood up.

"It's almost time to go back. Lu, if you could just tell me what those vendors are selling over there, I'll spring for lunch."

I said the last with a smile, hoping to ease some of the sexual tension that had crept between us.

 

[cgraven]

I Lu, get up and bow to Charlotte and I give her a quick wink. The idea I have, tumbles off my lips in a flood that just took a second or two.

“This afternoon you will be handed a packet of form that must be done and handed in two days, for the meetings to continue. Fill form 335-77-82 99 /5A first. That is a request, for me to assist you in the their preperation. We would have to stay at your suit until they where done, more or less under house arrest. I could not leave your suit until they where completed.”

“Ah the vendors are selling Dim Sun they are Chinese dumplings….Very good ……You are charged by the bowl…….The more bowls the greater the coast……….Shall we try some before returning to the meetings?”

I was very careful not to readjust my out ward behavior with Charlotte. To the entire outside world it was a very formal and aloof lunch.

 

[Siren's Voice]

“This afternoon you will be handed a packet of forms that must be done and handed in two days, for the meetings to continue. Fill forms 335-77-82 99 /5A first. That is a request, for me to assist you in the their preparation. We would have to stay at your suite until they where done, more or less under house arrest. I could not leave your suite until they where completed.”

“If there is one constant in the universe, it’s paperwork and that constant is about to throw us together. If I didn’t know the munitions of business as well as I do, I’d have thought you contrived this, Lu...”

I gave him a discreet smile.

“…To get me alone with you.”

After a very interesting lunch of dim sum, which turned out to be steamed dumplings, I changed my attitude according to Lu Chou’s advice.

“Most esteemed chairman, I regret the vehemence of my position this morning. I respect your wisdom in carefully examining each detail of these negotiations. After all, as we say in the West, ‘the devil is in the details’.”

I caught Lu’s eye. His expression did not change, but I saw a smile flicker in his eyes. I continued.

“I humbly submit myself to this process and will do whatever is required to see that your concerns are satisfied.”

With that a very stern looking assistant brought forth a stack of documents at least a ream thick. A packet of forms? I would be lucky to finish these before I retired! Luckily they were all numbered and I found, “335-77-82 99/5A” fairly easily. I filled out the request forms on the spot and passed them over to the assistant.

Mr. Sing spoke then, or rather he did and then his interpreter did.

”We have enjoyed meeting with you, Ms. Dalton.”

Well, that sounded like a dismissal if I’ve ever heard one. Apparently it was true that nothing more would happen until I had completed the paperwork. I hefted the monstrous stack and my briefcase. Nodding to the board, I demurely murmured my thanks. To Lu Chou, I said, “Looks like we have our work cut out for us. Shall we head back to the hotel?”

 

[cgraven]

“Looks like we have our work cut out for us. Shall we head back to the hotel?”

Chin Wa was as pleasant as ever; yes my nephew, but also my guard dog. He was not the least bit pleased with the turn of events. Ah, if he only knew that he and his fit of temper had started now what had become a sticking point for the party. I could not help but smile.

Yet on a more important point, what was I to do about Ms. Charlotte Dalton? I was captivated by her. Oh no not the cool executive, but the girl who I had danced with, who had smiled, who had tossed that golden main about, who had kissed me with such passion, but then had dismissed me as a romantic distraction. No I could not be cold to her, yet I did not feel that I could be as open, as I had been.

These thoughts plagued me as we rode in near silence, to her hotel. Chin Wa stayed with us in the suit, for three hours. Three hours of some of the most boring paper work, a twisted mind could think of. My eyes where burning and my head spinning from the endless translations, from one langue to the other, and back again. Finally stoic Chin Wa gave up, and went home, Leaving us alone.

“Ms. Dalton……….” How I longed for it to be Charlotte again.………….”The hour is late may be we should eat."..... "I am afraid that it will have to be take Away”……………..” Do you prefer Italian or Indian cuisine?”


My face was set and deadly serious, as I asked the question. Damn, and then the poet was there and I broke laughing.

 

[Siren's Voice]

I loved his laugh, low and sexy. God, it was going to be hard to get back to work after dinner.

"Indian? Never had it. We don't get much exotic cuisine in Wisconsin. For god's sake, our Chinese food doesn't even extend to Dim Sum. I'd love to try Indian though, but you'll have to order for me."

I gave an embarassed little laugh, suddenly feeling very provincial.

"Do you mind if I change while you order?"

I felt like I had been in my clothes an eternity. Without waiting for an answer, I went into my bedroom. I heard Lu ordering as I slipped into jeans and a white t-shirt.

My bare toes sank into the carpet as I walked across the room, pulling the pins from my hair. I shook out the long strands and my hair tumbled past my shoulders. I was aware of Lu's eyes watching me as I walked past and unconsciously, I put a little extra swing to my hips.

"Can I get you something to drink, Lu?" I said, opening the mini bar. For myself, I pulled out a cute little bottle of Chivas which I poured over ice.

 

[cgraven]

"Indian? Never had it. We don't get much exotic cuisine in Wisconsin. For god's sake, our Chinese food doesn't even extend to Dim Sum. I'd love to try Indian though, but you'll have to order “
Charlotte had taken my joke seriously. Oh well not a problem as there where several good restraints that sever it. I love her nervous little laugh and the rose color that came to her cheeks as Charlotte blushed.

She was tired, beat from the day’s meetings yet, still a stunning woman. I had known beautiful, women before but there was something about Charlotte, that called to me. It was not just her looks, or that she was blond and western. The Russian and Americans had bombarded us with blond female agents sense the 40’s, as we Chinese men could not resist them. At least that is what they thought.
I had placed the order for two lamb curry when Charlotte emerged from the bed room wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Here hands ideating pulling the pins from her hair. And shaking her golden mane free of its imprisonment. Her hips swayed in a most seductive manner as she passed me. I stood there like a school boy, my mouth open catching flies. Charlotte looked more the “Young Coed” that the business executive.

"Can I get you something to drink, Lu?" Charlotte, opening the mini bar. And pulled out a little bottle of Chives which she poured over ice.

“Ahhhhh …. Yes a gin and tonic please.” …. Diner well be a little late. There is no one right now to go and get it for another 2 hours. So I guess we can finsh up the last two forms. They would never believe it could take only six hours to do.”

This small talk was dancing around what was really bon my mind.

“Charlotte about last night……….”

 

[Siren's Voice]

I fixed the gin and tonic.

"Let's forget the forms for a moment."

I walked over to the sofa and handed the drink to Lu.

"I'd like to ask you something. Well, let me tell you something first. My superiors warned me about you. Not you specifically, but whomever was assigned to be my guide. When I was briefed, I was told that he would be a government offical and that he would be watching me, watching and reporting back on what he saw. Last night..."

My voice trailed off and I took a sip of scotch before I continued.

"Last night I got carried away. I simply had to push you away before I did something that would reflect poorly on myself or my company. Lu, if my behavior were to endanger my company's postion in China at all, I would lose my job."

I took a deep breath and looked into Lu's eyes.

"Today, I've seen that you have as much to lose if something happened between us. That you wouldn't have reported back anything."

Reaching up, I gently touched his cheek before continuing.

"Lu, you've been like a different person today. Is it because they are watching you too. Lu, why is that? And, why did you look like you had seen a ghost when I made an offhand comment about a firing squad this morning? I don't mean to pry. It's just that I'm beginning to care for you. You've already helped me so much in the short time I've known you and yet, I sense so much pain."