The days went by like normal for the most part. The girls and customers appreciated the change in the shops display and these last few days have been busy.

Etty and Elaine both were the ones that took it upon themselves to think of a different set up for the shelves entirely and went about decorating the shop even more so. When asked about the chair and missing products later that evening, Bav, who had just arrived, rescued the story.

He said, "That was my fault. I was trying to help when I came to apologize about earlier that day. Clumsy me, used the chair to grab the items and the leg broke. I took out the shelves and the other chair by the time the dust had settled. I'm surprised she still even wishes to speak to me after such an embarrassing gaff."

The girls repressed their giggles and didn't ask any more questions.

Currently I am with one of the people who are aware of Mr. Wheelwrights attempted attack on me. Mr. Wellsew is still having his assistants assemble some bags of new stock for the shop as

I go into more detail about the play and the soiree in the gilded district. He wanted to know all about the clothing and if the dress he had made, made an impression.

"I informed all the ladies about your skill, one even knew of your name. Mrs. Stargo I believe." I told a delighted Mr. Wellsew who was excited at his name being known in the gilded district. "When  would you like me to return the dress, Mr. Wellsew? I've dusted and hung out any wrinkles in it."

Mr. Wellsew looks abashed as he waves it off, "Hold on to it for now dear. You saying my name to the gilded residents may pay off. Now, I do have some other things we need to discuss. I know you have been busy with your evenings lately, being entertained by Mr. Fairchild, but Ol' Leo has some work for you."

Handing me an envelope, I take it and put it deep into my hidden pocket in the folds of my skirt.

"I'll make sure to handle whatever it is."

Mr. Wellsew pauses, seriousness falling over his face. "Yes, you always do. You know I had to inform him of a certain incident that occurred. While he's happy you have come to no harm, we can't help but wonder how he was able to be locked away, for attempting a crime, at the level in which he is, when no hair on your head is out of place. It is quite odd and messed with some of our other dealings that we had here in the works. He was one of the major 'flower' distributors too. Now, we are having to carefully reach out to find new ones. We can handle it, but it makes for a lot of tip toes around our group. Leo wants to know, if there is anything you may not be telling us."

The look Mr. Wellsew gives me is calculating, processing every look, breath, flutter of my eyes to make sure I am being honest.

I clear my throat, being honest as I can without divulging Bav's secret and indignantly remind him. "You can not see the cuts or bruising on my body under my clothes, but the authorities who have helped handle this have. Enough evidence was clear to the authorities to have him locked and kept as he is, but Leo doubts it?! Do you doubt me too, Mr. Wellsew? That I would ...." Tears form but I hold them back as I clear my throat and mind. "That I would stoop so low as to lie about the incident?"

"No! My dear, I am sorry, but you know how Leo is...." He gasps uncomfortably pulling at his collar. "I believe you, just be careful with this next job. Leo will not appreciate any more mucked up business deals or losing a money maker, like he was, without some form of compensation again. I only want for you to be able to enjoy your life, especially with how things are going between you and Mr. Fairchild already. He seems absolutely smitten with you. It's quite refreshing to hear a man talk of a woman in such high regards..."

He winks at me, "Especially when you know the woman to which he is referring to. I know officially he's been courting you for a week now, but he seems to be falling for you hard my dear."

Blushing, I fold my hands in my lap, looking at my boots, "He talks to you about me? My goodness, how bold of him."

I desire to inquire further about what he prattles on about me to Mr. Wellsew, but know I should not pry.

'Hmmm... so Leo is upset that Mr. Wheelwright's imprisonment put a hitch into the opium part of his business deals. If Mr. Wellsew is warning me to be careful with this next deal.... I will be.'

Mr Wellsew looks over me again, "Yes, how bold. Ever the proper, intelligent lady still, even in the face of love." He shakes his head and adds, "Good, emotions should be kept private of that nature in our line of work."

*Knock-knock*

We both turn to the door, "Come in." Mr Wellsew calls out.

"Your order is ready, Ms. Langridge." One of Mr. Wellsew's assistants gives me a light bow of their head and Mr Wellsew waves them off.

"Thank you, Mr. Wellsew. It was a delight to spend time with you as always. I shall take my leave now. I do have other errands I must handle while I am out today. Good day." I give a light curtsy and flash him a smile before taking my leave and having the assistants load up the small horseless buggy I rented for the day.

I start the motor and slowly make my way to the porcelain makers. The entire time I am operating the buggy, my mind keeps wandering back to Mr Wellsews subtle warnings.

'I can't make Leo lose more business, without compensation... that could very well be everything I own, or even my life.... Your only worth some thing until your not.... Leo, that asshole.'

I take care of my order from the porcelain makers quickly and head back to the shop. As I am rounding the corner, I notice Mr. Chambers leaving my shops front door, looking agitated.

'Why the hell is he here? Did he discover who I am?'

Thankfully he doesn't pay me in the buggy any mind and I pull around to the back to unload the items.

"Rakara, did we get the fancy rose teapots with this order? We just had the most irritable and rude man show up to buy one. I explained you were getting more but he just took off grumbling. Saying that 'He would be back tomorrow.' Sounded more like a threat than anything..." Elaine comes down the steps and beings to help bring in the items.

"Yes I did. Sounds like a lovely chap... I believe I saw him leaving as I was turning the corner. I'll make sure to have it wrapped up and specially packaged for when he does come back, you can get him sent on his way with a smile."I bat my lashes with a large prevaricated smile that makes Elaine giggle.

"Oh, I almost forgot.... Mr. Fairchild is waiting for you at your normal table. He's only been here a quarter of an hour." Elaine giggles again covering her smile with her hand as I hurry to put the items in my hands in the back part of the shop.

I try to put my curls in order with my hands as I stroll into the dining area.

"Bav. I'm sorry I have kept you waiting. I'm still unloading my merchandise from the buggy. It shouldn't take much longer." I immediately apologize but he shakes his head and waves it off, standing to greet me.

"Not a problem, my dear. I shall go help you make the work lighter." He stands smiling like the bright sun in the gilded district, radiating warmth only for me as he takes my hand and kisses it.

He whispers across my skin, "I've missed you." So quickly that I have to ask myself if I imagined it. The look in his eyes, the eyes of his human form, tell me I did not with their mischievous glint.

Pursing my lips at him, I take my hand back and roll my eyes, playfully.

'He was here sleeping on his cot this morning. How could he already miss me?'

Closing time is upon us as Bav and myself unload the buggy. Elaine and Etty, hurry about to clean up and close the shop up so that I may return the rented buggy.

I tell the girls goodnight as they leave while Bav and I enter the buggy. People had already heard the gossip of Mr Fairchild and Ms Langridge courting one another, so our little ride had gained us many watchful eyes and smiles as we passed.

Bav, unaffected by the peoples attention, drove along at a comfortable pace. Straightening my ruffled skirts, I pull my fan out to use against the warm evening.

Using it to shield my conversation with Bav, I ask him, "Is it just me, or does everyone we drive by seem to know something we don't know?"

Bav chuckles, looking around before leaning closer, "I can not say for certain but I believe that they are just seeing something that they recognize. Pay it no mind, my dear."

His playful, content smile puts me more at ease as we move along. After returning the buggy, we stroll along, talking, arm in arm, enjoying the evening.

Making dinner, a weight seems to be in the air.

"I have to handle some business that will take me away from here for a little while. I will only be gone a few days, but I wanted to make sure that you will be alright with out me around." Bav asks once we are back at my little apartment, standing prepping dinner in my kitchen.

"Oh?" My heart catches and I realize that I have become accustomed to his presence lately. "I guess I have monopolized enough of your time these past few weeks, have I not. My apologies for keeping you from taking care of business."

Before I can even process my emotions, Bav moves closer, wrapping his arms around me. Placing his nose in my hair, he takes a deep inhale and holds it in, placing a light kiss.

"No apology is necessary. Monopolize my time, please." He says quietly before letting me go. "Now, the meat has been sliced. Should I place it in the pan or wait?"

"Place it in the pan, but check to make sure it's oiled and hot."

*Ring-Ring*

"Now who could that be?" I look to the bell that's ringing and see that it is the back door of apartment entrance that is separate from the shop. Wiping my hands, I walk down the small stair that leads to the entry.

"Who is it?" I ask taking and extending the ocular peep lens to see who it is.

The sharp honey colored eyes, dark peppered hair, and closely trimmed bearded face of Leo is presented to me as he speaks.

"It's Leonard, Rakara."

'What in the name of the elements is he doing here?!'

I open the door and quickly usher him in, "Leonard, hello! What brings you here? Can I offer you some tea?"

Coming up to the apartments floor, he sees Bav, cooking at the stove. "I didn't realize you had company, my apologies." Leonard states seeming solemn, and Bav turns and gives a nod of his head to Leonard.

"Yes, Leo this is Bavarthos Fairchild, my beau. Bav, this is Leo, Leo Maltine, my accountant."

"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Fairchild. Do you mind if I borrow Rakara for a little while? I found some errors in her tax filings and we need to rectify them. The sooner the better." Leo sounds very proper, unless you knew him like I did, you would think he was a prompt and proper business man. I knew better though. Something has caught his attention or plans have changed.

"Not at all, I'll finish dinner and keep it warm while you take care of business. Shall I make a third serving?" Bav's polite and considerate demeanor has a way of charming anyone it seems.

I look to Leo and tell him, "You are more than welcome to join us after we take care of these discrepancies, Leo."

Leo who's pleasant surprise could not be concealed, let's a smile break upon his face. " Just a small portion. If Maddie finds out I let someone else feed me, she'd not treat me kindly." He winks at me making me cover my scoffing laugh.

'Maddie would treat you just the same as she always does.... like her employer since she's your cook.' I let my eyes and cocked brow speak for me and Leo's  pleasant grin just grows wider, telling me to move my feet downstairs.

"Alright Bav, I should not be downstairs long." I smile at him and lead Leo downstairs to my office, locking the door behind me.

Whispering softy, just in case, I ask Leo what's the matter.

He replies just a hair louder than my whisper, "Have you read the letter yet?"

'I had forgotten about it..' Pulling it quickly from the secret pocket, I explain.

"I haven't had a chance since I received it." I rip it open and quickly read over it before scoffing in utter disbelief and disgust.

My voice squeaks a pitch higher than I wanted as I shake the letter in my hand, "The utter nerve of that disgusting womanizing, pompous, exploiter! He has some gall if he thinks that I would ever agree to meet him for dinner outside of our 'business transactions."

I'm shaking with hardly contained fury.

'What is wrong with all these lowlifes that they actual believe that I would ever be interested in them!'

Leo cocks a brow at me, crossing his arms as he leans against the wall.

"Here's the twist to those 'requests' dear..... He will not refine the tungsten UNLESS you have dinner with him. He's already thought of a gift for you too... He hounded me for two weeks about what 'lady cog' would like or what your interests are." He grunts seeing my wide eyed astonishment at his statement.

"Do not worry, I was extremely vague about everything. I said you like tea, clothing, fancy baubles... you know normal women desires. You are to have one dinner with him. Otherwise we have to find a different refiner and we have been having trouble finding any that will be discreet."

"Leo! I can't do that! I'm already spoken for!"  I was about to lose my control and he knew it.

Pushing away from the wall, he walked intently towards me like he was stalking his prey. His hand went rest on the wall behind me that he had backed me up into before making it very clear, I had no choice in the matter.

With a crazed rage in his eyes, he tells me very clearly and softly, enunciating as to leave no doubt in my mind what he is saying to me.

"Look here girl! It's just one dinner, nothing else! DO NOT SCREW THIS UP! You don't have enough gold saved up to compensate for this deal!"

My heart pumping, my eyes stinging for more than him just threatening me, I swallow hard and nod.

"Al...Alright... Leo. One dinner, NOTHING more.... I'm not a whore, and I'd rather die than become one." I swallow my tears and hold my head up meeting his gaze and holding it determined.

"Well.... I know you wouldn't oblige him even if you are damaged goods..." Leo shrugs and I do not care about the volume of my voice anymore as my pride and dignity is attacked.

"I AM NOT!"

Leo covers my mouth quickly, a murderous intent flaring up in his eyes. "Keep your bloody voice down." He grits out.

I grab his hand and pull it away from my lips, a yelling whisper escapes me.

"I'm still a virgin! He TRIED to rape me, he did not succeed. I AM NOT DAMAGED GOODS!"

Leo obviously done with the subject groans and rolls his eyes, "Fine. I'll take your word for it. Now, let's go up there and pretend everything is fine and then you two can go back to whatever you planned on. Do not forget your business assignment for or use lover boy as an excuse to avoid that dinner. DO YOU HEAR ME?"

Swallowing the fury building up in me, I push it down deep before I steel my facial features.

"I hear you, Leo."