Beyond Redemption

CHAPTER TWO

Lena Blackwood was late. Standing in front of the mirror, she felt pleased with herself. At twenty-three, she was the CEO of Timeless Designs. She was petite, glowing skin, long raven-haired beauty with piercing green eyes that seemed to have a sparkle in them. She had a face meant for billboards her father would say with high cheekbones, a small nose and full lips.

Her hair fell in silky, straight locks down her back, complimenting the red slited dress she wore. She was beautiful. She smiled at herself and hurried off.

Arriving at The Bellagio, she knew Remi was going to kill her for being late. Lena shows her invite and steps in. The Elites were in attendance. She sees and waves at Remi as she approaches her.

Remi Flynn is a luxury arts dealer. She specializes in rare and valuable art pieces. She is a stunning brunette with luscious, dark hair in a tight bun. Her big, bright blue eyes sparkle with warmth and intelligence. Along with her small, button nose and a determined mouth that oozes confidence whenever she speaks.

"Look who's almost forty-five minutes late to her friend's event." Remi said as she tightly hugs Lena. “Oh my! You smell so good.”

"Thank you and I'm so sorry. I got caught up with work." Lena says kissing both her cheeks.

"It's fine. I'd be so pissed if you never made it."

The Flynns have been in the Arts business for generations. She goes ahead to read the theme.

"The annual Heritage gala: Preserving history and culture. Beautiful. I'm so proud of you." She smiles as Remi hugs her.

"Go take a seat there. I'll be back." Remi says walking off as Lena goes to sit.

She signals for champagne, her eyes following Remi as the next guest she welcomed had Lena's mouth slightly open.

That has got to be the most beautiful man Lena has ever set her eyes on.

He seemed to embody the very essence of power and sophistication. His chiseled features looked like they were honed from generations of aristocratic breeding. Lena thought to herself that he was so finely sculpted he might have been plucked straight from the pantheon of the Greek gods.

It made her smile to herself as she discreetly moved closer, out of sight. She was not about to make a fool of herself by stalking a man at a gala event.

Getting closer, she noticed his dark eyes, his sharp jawline, showcasing a subtle shadow of stubble. His black hair, perfectly messy and effortlessly stylish, framed his face with a hint of rebellion, as if daring the world to try and tame him. His broad shoulders, encased in that Lorenzo Marquez tailored suit that seemed molded to his athletic physique. Standing at six foot three, the man gave off an aura of loud confidence and authority. The champagne stuck in her mouth as she watched him intensely.

Stepping into that grand ballroom, Kieran wanted to be anywhere but here. The warehouse, a club, hell the f*****g brothel but definitely not here. These societal events weren't his thing and he hated it. He decided that after staying awhile he'd leave but taking in the atmosphere he was impressed by the opulence that surrounded him and Kieran wasn't impressed easily.

What truly caught his attention was the stage. The architectural masterpiece was a work of art in itself. The sleek, modern lines seemed to defy gravity, curving and twisting in impossible ways. The entire structure appeared to be crafted into something authentic giving it a sense of fluidity and movement.

Kieran's interest piqued as he approached the stage, his gaze tracing the intricate patterns and shapes that seemed to shift and change as he looked at them. He felt a sense of wonder, of awe, that he hadn't experienced in a long time.

He smiled to himself. He's found the perfect architect for the casino. It was no normal Las Vegas kind. It had to be perfect. There can be no mistakes and with what he's seen here, he felt the architect would be up to the task. Kieran felt a surge of admiration for whosoever talent this was. He finds Ruby and goes to sit.

"I saw you hovering around the stage area." She leans into him.

He picks up her champagne. "I wasn't hovering."

"You seemed caught up with something. Find anything interesting?"

"Focus on your damn self and stop trying to always read me, Rue."

She rolls her eyes. "Mean."

He smirks. An idea occurs to him. "But...You can help me ask Remi for the contact of the architect who designed this room. He did a fantastic job."

"It is magnificent for sure. You think they can do it for the casino?"

"Yeah. I've got a gut feeling. If he can design this, the casino he can as well."

"Alright. I will."

He nods.

The event carries on, Kieran paying less attention and constantly on his phone and Lena stealing long glances at him.

It was time for Remi to make her speech. She clings her glass a few times to get everyone's attention. "May I have your attention please?" She said going up to the stage. She started by thanking everybody who was there and talked a little about the purpose of the gala event.

"And now…May your generous donations begin!"....She said cheering as the applause follows. "And...I'd like to use this opportunity to thank someone very special to me." She said as the applause died down "...In as much as she'd like to be out of the spotlight. She deserves accolades for her hard work. Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together for Lena Blackwood."

Lena chokes on her drink because she wasn't expecting that at all. "What?" She whispers. Clapping rings through her eyes as she finds her way to the stage.

"I see you all are amazed by the décor. She's the architectural brain behind this beautiful interior design." Remi says gesturing at the entire room and stage they were standing on and for the first time Kieran's interest is piqued. He looks up immediately.

She continues. "She's talented, so please warm applause everyone." She hugs Lena as she climbs unto the stage.

"b***h, what the f**k?" Lena whispers as she hugs her back. Remi chuckles and leaves her to the stage.

As Lena stepped onto the stage, for the first time throughout the event, Kieran was giving his full attention. He fascinated his gaze on her, his expression transforming from boredom to intrigue. He couldn't believe his eyes – the brilliant architect behind the breathtaking décor was not only a woman but also remarkably young and stunningly beautiful.

Kieran's eyes roamed over Lena's petite frame, taking in the elegant lines of her red evening gown, which hugged her curves in all the right places. Her full lips curved into a smile as she began her acceptance speech. And her voice, a little shaky but soft and feminine sounded pleasing.

As Lena spoke, his mind was racing with the possibilities. He saw her as the perfect fit for his next ambitious project – the casino that would surpass all others. He could tell it was her passion so he envisioned Lena's innovative touch, her creative genius, and her passion for design bringing his vision to life. But most importantly, the casino will raise questions from her end but she'll be easy to shut up. That's what makes him feels so good. She wouldn't be hard work.

Ruby leaned into him. "I think you've found your architect."

"I believe i have.” He smiles darkly. “And she's the perfect fit for the job."

"Think they'll not be questions when you're asking her for those extra hidden places?"

"She's a….girl. Easy-peasy, Rue."

"Right. Charm her into bed."

He scoffs. "Charm? I don't ever have to charm a woman. They jump.” Applause follows as she ends her appreciation speech. “I just have to ask how high." He stands up and makes his way to Lena as she approaches her seat.

Lena felt like the air within her was closing up. She couldn't breathe. She was feeling so hot.

The man she has been shamelessly ogling for hours was walking up her. Her thoughts ran. What if he saw her staring at him all evening? Or what if the lady beside him who has been leaning into him was his girlfriend and she's pissed? But they never met each other's eyes so–

"Hi, I'm Kieran Saint." Kieran said seating.

Why does that name sound familiar but that wasn't the point. The point was he was speaking to her and she couldn't open her mouth to say anything, she was literally was dumbfounded.

He smirked. "Eager. That's a word I'm used to. Having women eager to talk to me and f**k me but it's been awhile I made one tongue-tied."

Lena was taken aback. He is corky and arrogant.

She couldn't believe the man she's been here drooling over was this arrogant. She cleared her throat and smiled. "Lena Blackwood." Her voice came out a bit too high-pitched. Her hands were slightly shaking as she stretched it forward for a handshake.

When he took hers in a sorta firm handshake. He felt how small and soft her hands were and he thought about how easy it would be to snap her in two if ever the needs arrives. She wouldn't meet his eyes. Avoiding eye contact, he smirks.

Releasing her hand, she grabs her drink immediately and while she sipped, her dimples were on display. He noticed how deep they were. For some reason, he liked the dimples on her and how any movement of her face, they were out to play. Reminds him of his mom "Are you okay now?”

“What?” She said surprised.

He smirks. “You seem all...flustered. Are you relaxed, miss Blackwood?”

“Y-Yes I am.” She said clearing her throat and silently cussing herself.

“So,you're an architect?"

"Yes I am." She was calmer now. "...and a builder."

Even Kieran couldn't keep the surprise out his voice. "You're an architect and a builder?"

She answered, smiling. "Yes, I am."

"How old are you?" He said raising a brow.

She smiles."I get that a lot. I'm turning 23 in two weeks. I like to think of myself as a bit of a hybrid. I love the creative aspect of architecture, but I'm also passionate about bringing those designs to life through construction."

Intrigued was what Kieran was right now but he didn't show or tell. "I see. Got a business proposal for you, miss blackwood."

She lights up. "Oh wow! Okay, Mr Saint, You..."

"Kieran. Mr Saint makes me feel my dad."

Just then she saw his jaw tick. "Okay. Kieran." She puts her hand into her purse and brings out a white card. "You'd have to make an appointment with my comp..." And just then he goes off laughing. She was surprised at first but has anyone ever told this man how heavenly his laughter sounded. It had that boyish tone to it. Then he stops abruptly.

"I take it you don't know who I am, miss Blackwood. I don't make appointments. Are you joking?" He chuckles deeply. "You would come to me but..." He gestures at the business card.

Lena's hands tightens on the card. She felt small. This man just laughed in her face. She wanted to get up and run but that would look so embarrassing, so she gives the card to him and he pockets it without some much as a glance at it. He stands up and slowly leans into her ear. Her pulse rate and her heart started beating faster.

Then he whispers. His mouth practically touching her ear. “I'll be in touch.” And he walks off.

He left the gala ten minutes later and Lena couldn't stop replaying him whispering in her ears.