Virginia's Awakening [The Blood Red Rose Club 3] (Siren Publishing Classic) Read online

  The next day she waited until she heard the cleaners doing the downstairs rooms, and then she took a shower and repacked her things into her bag. What do I do now, and where can I go? I have no friends here, Geoff saw to that. At first, he encouraged me to have people I met and liked over for a meal. He made sure they didn’t come again because he made them feel uncomfortable. He’d ridicule me and find fault with the meals I cooked. Soon no-one came to visit us. He blamed me and said I was so boring, no wonder we had no friends. He created such a fuss if I met someone for coffee when I was out shopping, too. I can’t spend the day here, either.

  After some thought, she decided to go into the town centre. She could park her car on one of the side streets, as she had no money for a car-park. It would be warm in the library. Situated on the first floor in the Lanes shopping centre, Carlisle Library was warm and welcoming. She browsed the shelves, and then, with a couple of books by her favourite author, she sat in one of the comfortable chairs and read happily until her stomach reminded her that she’d had no breakfast. She checked the notes in her purse. She had five pounds, but it had to last a couple of days. She could go to the supermarket on the viaduct and buy a meal deal for a couple of pounds. She did that and then returned to the library to while away the afternoon. She stayed there until closing time, and then she got into her car and returned to the Blood Red Rose club. She was early for her shift, so she sat in her car and waited until some of the other women arrived. Then she got out and joined them as they went in the back door. She was pleased at the way the day had gone so far.

  “Mrs. Laurens, I need to have my week’s wages in cash. Will that be a problem?”

  “Well, love, I can’t do that for you. You’ll have to speak to Valkyrie himself. He’s in his office, I think, so best go and do it now, before we get busy.”

  Nervously, Virginia tapped on the beautiful oak door.

  “Come in,” Valkyrie called.

  She entered the room. It wasn’t the first time she’d been in his private office, as he sometimes requested sandwiches and coffee. It was an impressive room, all red-leather Chesterfield sofas and chairs with a large oak desk. Valkyrie was seated at the desk, working at his computer, but when he saw her, he stood up.

  “Virginia, do come in and close the door. What can I do for you?”

  Valkyrie was a tall, well-built man. His long, blond hair lay in a thick plait over one shoulder. His face wasn’t handsome, but it was striking. The hawk-like nose and startling, deep-blue eyes under bushy, blond brows, and the long ends of his moustache with the neatly-trimmed beard made his face one that was likely to be remembered. She’d seen him in the Viking costume he wore in the club, but in a business suit, with a blue-and-white-striped shirt and a dark-blue tie, he was a sight to behold, and she felt a jolt in her womb. She said nothing.

  “Won’t you sit down and tell me how I can help you? It’s Virginia, isn’t it? Or do you prefer Mrs. Daltrey?”

  “Please call me Virginia, sir.” Somehow, she regained control of her limbs and took the seat he indicated. Her voice had come out low and throaty, and not the squeak she’d been afraid of. Why is he having this effect on me now? I’ve spoken to him before and I didn’t feel like this. I’d better get a grip on myself or he’s going to think I’ve lost my marbles.

  “I’d like to be paid in cash in future, if that’s convenient, please, sir,” she said, barely managing to get it out.

  “Certainly, Virginia. Is there any particular reason for the change? None of my cheques have bounced, have they?” He smiled as he said it, and she smiled back.

  “No, sir, of course not. My personal circumstances have changed, that’s all.”

  “Very well then. Will starting next week do?” he asked.

  “I was very much hoping it could be from tomorrow, please.”

  “I will arrange it for you. Is there anything else I can do to help? I take the welfare of my staff very seriously.” His voice was so full of concern that Virginia almost lost her composure and told him everything. She managed to cling to a measure of control and stood up. She was pleased to see he did the same. His manners were impeccable.

  “Thank you very much, but that’s all, really,” she said.

  “Well if there is anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask me. I’m always here. I will do anything I can to help, you know.” His voice was warm and sincere. He showed her to the door and closed it behind her.

  * * * *

  Valkyrie leaned on the door he’d just closed. Now what was all that about? She was so upset she was almost in tears. If that damned bully of a husband has been hitting her…she had a bruise on the side of her face, too. I bet the bugger has been abusing her. Why doesn’t she just walk out and leave him? Hang on, though, they aren’t from these parts. I bet he brought her up here to get her to himself, the manipulating bastard. One of these days, he’ll go too far. She ought to leave him before he does her a permanent injury.

  Valkyrie had been struck by Virginia’s quiet dignity the moment he first saw her. She wasn’t his type, and she was older than any other woman he’d dated. He’d never been serious about a woman in his life before, but he’d always made that plain to the ones he’d dated. He wasn’t looking to marry, and so far, he’d never met anyone he wanted to share more than a few evenings with. It was with great surprise that he found himself thinking about Virginia. From her employee records, he knew that she was married. From the occasional bruise and comment from Mrs. Laurens, he gathered she wasn’t happy in her marriage. He wasn’t prepared to come between man and wife, so he watched from afar, and rendered assistance whenever he could. He made sure she wasn’t aware of it, but he became increasingly fond of her. He loved the way she coped. Her back was straight, her head was held high, and no-one was to know if she wasn’t happy. He admired her courage. She was in her fifties, and no-one would suspect there was anything wrong. Obviously she spent little money on her clothes, hair, and make-up. She could be very attractive, in a mature way, if she had the right apparel. He liked to fantasise about her. She wore clean, neat, and serviceable stuff, usually a skirt and blouse with a sweater or cardigan in the colder weather. In his mind, he dressed her in clinging dresses with swirling skirts. He put her hair up, and skilfully applied make-up took years off her age. He’d love to do that for her. As usual, he told himself, She's married, hands off! Now something’s changed. She looks almost desperate. Why does she want to be paid in cash? What has happened? I have to know more.

  He picked up the internal phone, and spoke to Dimitri, in the surveillance room.

  “Can you come down here for a few minutes? I need to consult you about something.”

  “Yes, boss. Be with you in a tick.” Maybe you could cut the Russian accent with a knife, but Dimitri prided himself on his knowledge of idiomatic English.

  Dimitri was as good as his word. Soon he was seated in an armchair, his bird-bright eyes looking expectantly at Valkyrie.

  “What is it, boss. How can I help you?” Dimitri loved to be asked to help out. He waited, shifting a little in his chair, as Valkyrie considered how to phrase what he wanted. In the end, he took the bull by the horns.

  “You know Virginia?”

  “Ginny? Yes I do. She’s a sweet lady with a bad husband,” Dimitri said, shaking his head.

  “Yes. Something’s changed, and I want to know what. I need you to be discreet, okay?”

  There was no need for more explanation. Dimitri would find out the details. Valkyrie had every confidence in him.

  “I’ll find out tonight, if I can, and let you know, boss.”

  “Thank you, Dimitri. I knew I could rely on you,” Valkyrie said. Dimitri smiled broadly as he stood up and left the office. Valkyrie knew he would succeed. There weren’t many people who could resist the Russian’s charm for long, as he had cause to know.

  * * * *

  The day had gone well. I survived that, so I can survive the next couple of days until I get paid, and then I
can find a place to live. It’s not much, but it is a new start. I’m getting too old for this. I hoped I would be settled by now, and here I am having to start again. It’s going to be tough. Maybe I should think about going back to live near my parents, but I have a job I like here, and if I have to find somewhere to live, it’s not all completely new. On the other hand, I’d have my parents’ help if I went back there. I don’t know what to do. I think I’d better just wait and see how it goes. If I find a place that I like, I’ll stay here, unless Geoff becomes a problem.

  After her shift, she was ready for Valkyrie’s security check, and then she was able to find a warm and comfortable bed to spend the night. She had offered to work extra shifts, so no-one would wonder why she was in the club on her night off. Mrs. Laurens had looked at her quizzically, but said she could work as many nights as she liked. It was all going so very well.

  Chapter Three

  Dimitri came into Valkyrie’s office with a broad smile on his face.

  “It’s simple, boss. She’s left home, or he’s thrown her out. Her bad husband has a new girlfriend who has moved in with him. She’s pregnant and claiming the child is his. The neighbours heard a row two nights ago, and then they saw Ginny load suitcases into her car and drive off. She hasn’t been home since.”

  “Thank you, Dimitri. I knew I could rely on you. Have you any idea where she is sleeping? Does she have a place to stay?”

  “You aren’t going to like this, boss. Are you sure you really want to know?”

  “Yes, of course I’m sure. Why won’t I like it?” Valkyrie asked, puzzlement in his voice.

  “Her car is parked outside the club all night. In the morning, she leaves as the cleaners arrive. Then she comes back to do her shift. She’s spending the night somewhere in the club. Just where she sleeps, I don’t know. The internal CCTV is turned off when I leave the club, just before you lock up and do your last check.”

  “How is that possible? I check every room, even the locker rooms?”

  “I don’t know, boss, but I have looked at the footage several times, and she doesn’t leave at night. Her car is there, in the car-park all night, and she does go away in the morning. Perhaps you could do a second check, an hour or two later, when she thinks you are asleep and all is quiet.”

  “You devious bugger, Dimitri. You’re right, though, that’s the way to catch the mouse,” Valkyrie said with a grin, licking his lips wolfishly.

  “Good hunting, boss.” Dimitri got up and left Valkyrie to his musing. What a turn up for the books! So the bastard’s thrown her out, has he? No wonder she looked so worried, and wanted to be paid in cash. Now I have a chance to help her. What can I do to make her life easier? She’s proud, or she would have told the story to all who’d listen, but very few suspect what’s really going on in her life. Mrs. Laurens has a soft spot for her. Maybe she has some ideas.

  Valkyrie picked up the phone.

  “Mrs. Laurens, can you spare me a few minutes, please? There’s something I need to consult you about.”

  Five minutes later, she was seated in an armchair opposite him.

  “I’m not asking you to betray anything told to you in confidence, Mrs. Laurens, but I am worried about Virginia.”

  “Yes, sir, so am I. That husband of hers is a bully and many’s the time she’s come to work hiding bruises and God knows what else. She never complains or explains. She’s a very private person. Something has changed, though.”

  “Yes, I had that impression, too. Why do you think something has changed?”

  “For a start, she’s working every day. She’s never done that in the past. Then she asked me if I could pay her in cash. Well, I ask you in this day and age, who gets paid in cash? I told her that she’d have to see you, and I assume she did and that’s why we’re having this conversation, sir.”

  “Yes, she did, and I agreed. Do you happen to know where she’s living now?”

  “No, sir, I don’t. If she’s changed her address, she should tell me for my records. She hasn’t said anything, so it never occurred to me that she had. Usually she’s so conscientious. Do you know for certain that she has?”

  “No, I don’t know for certain. I was just wondering. There’s something wrong and I’d like to help.” That was a close shave. She’s very quick, this Mrs. Laurens. I hope she doesn’t suspect what Dimitri has been doing. No. Why the hell should she? That’s just your guilty conscience. “Well, that’s all, Mrs. Laurens. If you do find out what is the matter, please let me know.”

  “Of course I will, sir, unless she tells me in confidence.”

  “If she does, please urge her to come and tell me. We can’t help her unless we know what’s going on.”

  Mrs. Laurens nodded and left. Valkyrie smiled, anticipating the evening to come.

  * * * *

  This would be the last night that Virginia had to sleep in the club, she hoped. Tomorrow I’ll be paid, and then I can start to look for somewhere to stay. I’ll miss the comfort and luxury of the club. I shall have to take a furnished place. I wonder how much deposit they will want. What if they need references? Who’s going to be willing to stand surety for me? With all these thoughts spinning in her head, it took her a little longer than usual to fall asleep, but she was exhausted. The extra shifts and the emotional upheaval, as well as the fear of being discovered in the club and possibly losing her job, had all taken their toll. She snuggled into the pillows, pulled the duvet up around her ears, and drifted off into sleep.

  She awoke with a start. She thought she’d heard footsteps, but she couldn’t have. Valkyrie never came down for a second check. Could it be an intruder, or was she imagining things? In the sparse light from the street-lamps that filtered through the net curtains, she saw the knob on the bedroom door turn slowly. She sat up in bed, holding the duvet around her, and gazed at the door with a horrified expression. Shall I call out or scream? What if I do? Valkyrie will know that I have been sleeping in the club, and I may lose my job. I can’t risk that. How would I live, and where would I find such another job? Maybe if I lie still, whoever it is won’t notice me. What if it’s a thief? I can’t just let him steal from Valkyrie and do nothing. Her mind was in a whirl. She was still so very tired, and she couldn’t have been asleep long. She sat where she was, frozen like a rabbit caught in the headlights of a car, as she watched the door open slowly and her fate approach.

  * * * *

  When he’d gone upstairs, Valkyrie left the door to his flat open that way, he might hear something. He thought he heard her soft footsteps at one point, but he wasn’t sure. It might well be his imagination. Certainly, he didn’t hear any water running, but he assumed she was too careful to betray herself like that. He waited for an hour and a half. Then, cautiously, he descended the stairs to the floor below. He didn’t want to frighten her. He had to open the doors of each of the rooms. They were well-fitting and kept noise to a minimum. His clients wanted no inhibitions to curb their pleasure, and Valkyrie took pride in making sure their wants were catered for. He came to the last room on the left, and slowly opened the door. He heard a sharp intake of breath. Good, she’s awake. Until this moment, I hadn’t realised how awkward this might be. Fool! Waking her up in the middle of the night when she’s in such a fragile state. I haven’t looked beyond my own desires of catching her and finding out the situation so I can help. What’s it going to look like from her side? What an idiot I am.

  “Virginia, are you there? It’s okay, it’s me, Valkyrie. Don’t be scared. I mean you no harm,” he said softly. His answer was an ornament that hit him a glancing blow on his cheek.

  “Bugger,” he exclaimed.

  “What the hell do you mean by coming in here at this hour, creeping about like a thief in the night, too? What did you expect me to do?” Plainly, Virginia was slightly miffed.

  “I could ask you the same question. What are you doing sleeping in one of the club’s bedrooms? Don’t you have a home to go to?” As soon as he said it, he knew
it was a mistake.

  “No! Not anymore,” Virginia said. Her voice broke and she sniffed, trying to keep control of herself.

  “Ginny, love, don’t cry. Please don’t. I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m sorry.” His contrition must have been evident to her, because she reached for a tissue, and he saw her try to regain control. He went over, took the tissue from her hand, and tenderly wiped the tears from her cheeks. Suddenly she clutched him and wept bitterly. OMG, what have I done now? What did I say? Why is she crying?

  “Ginny, what did I say? What is it? Please don’t cry anymore,” Valkyrie held her to his bare chest and felt the tears on his skin. She held onto him and he felt her generous breasts through the thin material. Her nipples were hardening and pushing against him. He felt his cock rise and swell. Oh bugger! What a time to get an erection. She’s going to feel it soon, too. Then what will she think?

  * * * *

  What a chest! Virginia felt his warm, smooth skin, so soft and firm under her hands. Such crisp, curling hairs. He held her to him, and she felt the warmth through her nightie. Her nipples hardened and she felt the moisture pool between her legs. What a time to feel like this. What’s he going to think, Virginia? Get a grip. He comes into your room in the middle of the night, you cry over him, and then you lust after him. Berating herself did no good. As her nipples rubbed against his chest, she stopped crying, and he dried her cheeks. She felt the swelling in his groin pushing against her soft belly, and her eyes widened. I’m not the only one who’s excited. Can he want me? Is it just the situation? Am I expecting too much? I’m fifty and over-the-hill. Why should he be interested in an older woman, when he can have his pick of the beautiful young things who cast sheep’s eyes at him every night in the club?