Thread: Safe & Sound [Merc & zPrimal]

Kekoa felt better after Elliots reassurances. Of course she knew that they would let her leave, and they would help her do so quietly, but it still felt better to simply hear him say it. After working with Elliot, Talia and the others for the last several weeks, shed come to view them as close friends. Almost family. Of course, being packed into a tour bus like sardines left little room for anything else. Since they were in Vegas for a pair of shows and a couple of events, though, Koa had a penthouse suite in this very hotel. Luckily, it wasnt as cramped as the bus, or the first hotel that she had stayed in after meeting Elliot, Talia and the rest of the team for the first time. Two floors separated by a grand staircase that spiraled up to her master bedroom, master bathroom, and private balcony, with three bedrooms and a large bathroom downstairs that connected off of a single large and lavish living area complete with a full kitchen, bar, and grand piano. The suite had exclusive access to the rooftop pool, which is where Koa had been spending most of her time between shows. As a result, her usually porcelain skin had the faintest tan to it her platinum blond hair even more striking than usual. She wished she was up there right now instead of down in this party. With a soft and deep breath as the elevator came to a stop, Koa turned her eyes away from Elliot and braced herself a smile already on her lips when she was revealed to those already in attendance. She noticed Talia across the room, and her smile reached her eyes as the taller woman nodded and smiled in return, before she stepped out and moved to the left nearly immediately stopped by a young woman with hair as black as night and a jubilant face. Taking her hand, she recognized the name immediately, and laughed softly as the girls excitement got the best of her. Despite Koas very plain distaste for her current contract requirements, as her security team would have undoubtedly figured out by now though Koa never said it so plainly, she did love and appreciate her fans. As Yi Ling sidled up beside her, Koa slid her arm around the girls slender waist and smiled brightly, seemingly comfortable with the girls arm at her shoulders. Talia watched all of this from a distance, knowing how Koas skin crawled when people she didnt know touched her, and marveled at the professionalism the young girl continued to display. Her eyes shifted to look at Elliot as he stood beside her, his comment still lingering in the air between them. She smiled gently, the barest lift of the corners of her lips as she took a sip from a glass of bubbling liquid a mixture of carbonated water and a splash of apple juice to appear as though she were drinking champagne. I look better without it, she clipped under her breath, knowing full well that the paid of them would be off duty in only a few short hours. While Elliot was clearly security, Talia was undercover in a manner. She was dressed to blend in, just in case, and as such she was expected to keep up appearances. That meant a glass in her hand, a smile on her lips, and a demeanor that was somewhere between approachable and not. Men glanced out of the corners of her eyes, women openly sized her up, and she simply circled the room with her eyes, Elliot standing near by. The subforum has been quiet for five hours, She reported, stepping away from the bar to a small, round table just over waist height where she could set down her drink and look as though she were mingling about the room. Her eyes lifted up to Elliot, and she admired how he cleaned up. She smiled, gently, and then turned her eyes away to Bridgit as the redhead approached. The women spoke quickly, and quietly, though their mannerisms were similar to friendly acquaintances pleased to see each other, the edge in their eyes said their conversation was less than friendly. Then Bridgit turned and made her way to where Koa was standing as Talia exhaled and then looked up at Elliot. She doubted he was able to overhear her whispered conversation with Bridgit with all the noise from the gathering. Bridgit has informed me that Koa will need to be here for an additional hour, as one of the other sponsors is running late. Off to the side, Kekoa turned to glance over at Bridgit, Talia and Elliot as they spoke, her eyes dancing over them curiously before she caught the eyes of Elliot. She smiled, although shortly, as if to say she was fine, before someone called her name behind her. Shifting her body and her head, she looked over to where she heard her name and glanced right into a camera lense. The flash went off, and she blinked with a small grimace as she flinched back before peeking open her eyes to try and get a peek at the photographer. He was already moving on, his back to her and his camera lifted to get a shot of another patron of the party. Koa frowned, shaking her head and then nearly jumping right out of her heels when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Whipping around, Koa lifted her hand up to her chest with a laugh when she saw who it was. Bridgit looked apologetic as she laughed, rubbing Koas arm comfortingly. You scared me, Koa gasped as Bridgit pouted, apologizing gently and then leaning in to speak her to in a low tone. I see youve been acquainted with Ms. Ling, awesome! Bridgits voice was nearly sing-song in how she delivered the words, her eyes going from soft remorse when shed startled Koa, shining excitement when she spoke of Yin Ling, to authoritative when she spoke next. Unfortunately, though, the Warner family is delayed, so youll need to be here until they arrive. Kekoas face fell, that plastered smile disintegrating as she looked up at Bridgit. What? Bridge The contract said for two hours? One hour with each sponsor family. The contract explains the obligation clearly. Henry is here if youd like to discuss the terms with him directly, though I dont believe hes available until after 10pm, Bridgit offered as she pulled her cell phone from her clutch and checked her calendar. Yes, 1015pm. I can add you to his schedule if youd like? Koas eyes burned, but she sighed and shook her head. No. Its fine. Smiling quickly, she reached up and swiped her fingertips across her lips before she cleared her throat and nodded. Bridgit grinned brightly and reached out to pull Koa into a hug patting the girls back before she pulled away and glanced at her phone as it went off. Thats Henry. I have to go. Thank you for your flexibility, Koa. Ill check in on you again soon. Pursing her lips and nodding slowly, Koa watched as Bridgit walked away. Sighing, she reached into her own purse to turn on her phone to glance at the time. Only 8pm. She had at least three more hours until the Warner family was expected to be here, and then what? How long would she be expected to stay then? Koa exhaled, fighting the urge to frown as she looked over to see a few more approaching folks twisting her face to smile brightly as she turned to chat with them.