Blargle. There’s a lot on my mind, and theoretically I should be wrapping up Greed for the week and preparing Wrath but I’m not really in the Wrathful state of mind at the moment, and as I said a few nights ago, Greed will probably go a bit longer.
****
The next weekend had arrived and Susannah found herself smiling and nodding as Aislin and Mr Stewn introduced her to a series of eligible and rich men. There were the young and good looking ones, but she could sense that they’d be no good for her – a heartbreak waiting to happen. The old and extremely wealthy ones were all looking for a trophy wife, and while she didn’t quite have the looks, she didn’t think she would have the temperament. It was with a sorrowful look at Aislin that she explained this when the half-succubus sighed.
“Not all the men are here. Just be patient, have a few drinks, dance a bit. Get to know the men out there, it’s important. They’re going to be future colleagues of yours.” And so, Susannah followed Aislin’s advice. She drank, laughed, danced and flirted her way through the party, practically sparkling. She had just finished another dance with a one of the men who were in attendance when Aislin practically pounced on her, another younger man in tow. “Susannah! Darling, you have to meet Edmund Huntington. He’s also one of Mr Stewn’s newer clients.” She smiled brightly at Edmund, and then turned back to Susannah. “Edmund, may I present Susannah Templeton?”
“A lovely name for an even more lovely lady.” Edmund smiled charmingly at Susannah and took her hand in his before placing a gentle kiss on the back of it. Susannah felt her heart beat faster, and Aislin practically glowed. “Oh, I see Mr Stewn now. I haven’t spoken to him all night, if you two will excuse me…” The succubus left the duo standing there. “Aislin is something, isn’t she?”
“Oh, yes, I suppose, if you like the type.” Susannah chuckled softly.
“I’ve never been quite so… unfortunate.” Edmund grinned, his cheeks showing the cutest dimples that Susannah had ever seen. She sensed now that she was in serious trouble.
“You know what Aislin likes to do in her spare time?” She questioned delicately.
“Mmhmm. That’s how I met her, after she had spent some time with Mr Stewn. She was coming out of his office.”
“How embarrassing for you.” Susannah laughed. “The first time I met Mr Stewn, Aislin couldn’t keep her hands off of him. She’s my roommate you know. That’s an experience and a half.”
“You poor thing.” Edmund laughed, grabbing Susannah’s hand. “I know I’m late to the party but would you like to dance?” He asked.
Susannah smiled and nodded. She let herself be led out to the dance floor and together she swayed back and forth with Edmund, the two of them talking. She discovered that his was a mutual acquaintance with both Mr Stewn and The Banker, and he had been specially invited to this party as well. After their conversation, Susannah had sighed about being set up. Edmund’s answer had surprised her.
“I don’t mind. Especially being set up with someone as pretty as you.” He kissed her hand again, and Susannah felt herself melting. “Please tell me you’ll come out for dinner with me some time?”
“Of course.” What else could she say? Hell was giving her Edmund, and she would be a fool to say no.
