The Launch Party ((Radiance))

[Sofia Vasilieva]

Alina Marveet

The party had been going wonderfully until the sudden burst of electricity that fell around them like a meteor shower. In surprise, Alina’s drink slipped from her hand and smashed to the floor. Maksim sheltered her from the worst of it with his own body. “I’m okay,” she assured in the darkness that enveloped afterwards, though it took her a moment to draw breath. Her heart was hammering fiercely, the sudden fear of loss still cold in her veins. Her family had called upon Iáson’s miracle recently, leaving no trace of the previous incident, but the image of Maksim’s injuries would be forever emblazoned on her mind. The burns she could see on him now were minor, but it churned the feeling back up as she gently turned his hands over in distress, and remembered that night in the hospital.

She was about to speak again, to point out his own wounds, when someone else found them, even in the eerie darkness. And this time Alina bore witness to the miracle her brother had paid for.

Her wide eyes met Maksim’s afterwards, equally speechless, as their spectre of salvation hurried on without a word. By the sounds around them, Max had not been the most injured, yet she only felt a swell of gratitude for the care. In the dark how had he known? Her palms brushed over the healed skin after the trail of Maksim's own, imitating the gesture. But this wasn’t something they could discuss here and now.

The guests were funnelled to the elevators for evacuation soon after. Alina didn’t like the idea of separation, though neither did she argue, just kissed him back and watched as the doors closed. Her hand brushed her stomach, as though steeling herself from the shock. And then she reached for her Wallet.

Radiance was supposed to be neutral territory. Perhaps it really had been an accident, but the Vasilievs did not maintain their status as one of the most powerful families in Moscow by brushing away coincidence, and when it came to her family, Alina was relentless. Pasha had promised the whole ordeal at the casino was handled, even after she’d told him what Max had said about the deal at work. She trusted her brother. But if Maksim was ever seriously hurt again, Alina would have blood.

By the time she alighted into the main foyer, her Wallet was replaced in her purse, and her composure was impeccable. Staff already filtered around to placate, reassure and redirect guests as they spilled from the three elevators, and she pulled one aside to speak to while she waited for Max to follow her down. If Adrian Kane wished to maintain the hotel’s prestige, he would be supplying an explanation for his negligence. Not that she phrased it so bluntly of course; rather, she used the weight of her name and connection to make her displeasure known. When the message was conveyed, Mister Kane would understand who he had upset and what it meant. Especially should it transpire he was playing power games that had found an unfortunate crossfire.

The message from Maksim came through then, and she directed for someone to show her up. No one argued. Her eyes cast about the suite as she entered, noting those who had stayed as she joined her husband and his brother. She watched Ezvin with curiosity, not surprised to see him excuse himself so soon from their company, but somewhat surprised that he went in a direction she would not have predicted. “What did you say to him?” she asked quietly to Max, though her expression suggested she could make a fair guess. She wasn’t angry, only teasing. Family was family.

[Jensen James]

A flush of warmth spread across Jensen’s cheeks at Sage’s euphemism. He flashed a slightly sheepish smile, his eyes searching Sage's face as if trying to decode a deeper meaning, wondering if there was a flirtatious undercurrent to the conversation.

Tipping, brawling, being grouchy, hungry, and charged up – it was a jumble of hints that seemed to point towards some sort of bite infection. As a Texan, Jensen was no stranger to the dangers of blood-borne diseases, having heard tales of tick bites and their long-term effects. He recalled a woman in his congregation contracting Lyme disease, and how they formed a prayer circle for her healing at her house. If Jensen could find her now, he could relieve her of a lifetime of suffering. A moment of guilt had to be suppressed; he was doing all he could for those around them. Such as for Sage’s friend.

He found himself stuttering slightly as he responded. "Yeah, the timing's not great," he admitted. "Asking now was probably a bit much." He paused, collecting his thoughts. "But, uh, you've got my number, I guess. Just let me know when you want to talk about it."

His gaze drifted again towards Ezvin and Aiden, a sense of unease growing within him. His eyes flicked back and forth, caught in a tangle of emotions. Taking a deep breath, which did little to steady him, Jensen felt a sudden need for something stronger than wine.

“Excuse me for a second,” he mumbled to Sage, his voice carrying a hint of distress. Turning away, he made his way through the penthouse, seeking the solace of a stronger drink to help steady his nerves and clear his mind.

[Sage]

Sage looked around the place. It was boring. He frowned and looked for Aiden amongst the crowd. He was talking with Jensen's guy still. Sage tilted his head and leaned it on to Aiden's shoulder. He didn't interrupt as he wrapped his arms around his boyfriends waist and nuzzled his neck with his nose. "Hi lover." Sage acted a little more wasted than he was as he looked over at Jaxen's brother. "Hi." Sage waggled his fingers with a smile and turned his attention back to Aiden "I'm bored."

Sage could make his own fun but in someone's personal home that was rude.

[Adrian Kane]

Adrian effortlessly juggled hosting duties with keeping an eye on the information streaming into his wallet. He smoothly transitioned from one guest to another, exchanging handshakes and pleasantries. First was Tomas Vlasov, a well-known influencer who had been covering the launch party. Next, he greeted Florentiy Baranov, the high-class male escort and renowned party-goer, with a casual nod. He was engaging with Rolan Kulikov when his attention was abruptly diverted by the approach of Spectra Lin.

He all but dismissed Rolan as he captured Spectra’s palm in his. Adrian’s tall, muscular build well matched Spectra’s supermodel height. His self-assured smile absorbed her greeting as though she was only sensible to come present herself to the lord of this kingdom. “Miss Lin,” he replied, voice smooth. His handshake lingered just long enough to be noticeable, playing with power. As her fingers slipped from his grasp, he was keenly aware of her every move, his gaze sharply following.

"Adrian Kane. A pleasure to make your acquaintance,” he continued, tone rich with the confidence of a man who knew the weight of his own presence.

[Jensen James]

Jensen found himself lingering on the edge of the party, a crystal glass of whiskey clutched in his hand. The ice cubes clinked gently against the sides as he took small sips, remembering how he had first learned to temper the harshness of straight liquor with ice that day with Tony. The warmth of the whiskey spread through his chest, a temporary relief, but it did little to alleviate the heavier weight of emotions he carried within.

He couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt for resorting to alcohol as a means to calm his turmoil. Leaving the penthouse felt like an impossibility, yet staying amidst the buzz of conversations and laughter felt increasingly suffocating.

The whiskey, though touted for its smoothness, still sent a slight shudder through him with each sip. His gaze drifted across the room, involuntarily drawn to Ezvin and Aiden. They seemed engaged in a casual conversation, but Jensen couldn't help but feel a pang of something – concern, perhaps, or a trace of envy. He watched them from a distance.

As he watched, Jensen noticed Ezvin's occasional glances in his direction. Each look was brief, but it carried a mixture of concern and something unspoken. Jensen took another sip, the whiskey now tasting more bitter than soothing but filling his head with welcomed easiness. He wondered what was going through Ezvin's mind, whether the night had changed how Ezvin saw him.

Setting the empty glass down on a nearby table, Jensen decided it was time to break the cycle of his own thoughts. He needed to talk to Ezvin and clear the air, to understand where they stood after everything. Taking a deep breath, he made his way through the crowd towards Ezvin. Sage had rejoined Aiden by then, displaying a great deal of affection between him and his lover in a way that Jensen would normally have looked elsewhere, but with the warmth of whiskey and determination, emboldened him a little more than usual. He didn’t realize how much he missed the intimacy of touch and trust until this very moment.

Yet as the three pairs of eyes turned toward him, the pressure of the moment was too much. He was able to read between the lines. “Ezvin,” he spoke as if to draw him aside for some semblance of privacy, “I think I’m going to go. Thank you for inviting me.” His smile was constrained but sincere. He shared his goodbyes with Aiden and Sage and made his way toward the door before he changed his mind.

[Spectra Lin]

The handsome and masculine Adrian Kane melted like butter in her palm, and Spectra glanced over her shoulder to see if Alistair had arrived yet. Something told her that he was intentionally dragging his feet. Or maybe he was dumb enough to get lost. Surely he wasn’t dumb enough to delay for long? If he was, the poor soul wouldn’t fare well if he shunned Spectra Lin. She’d give him a chance, though, and while talking to Adrian, she positioned herself so that her silhouette was perfectly poised by the angle from the door. Adrian’s employee had shared a lot of information about his boss that Spectra was pleased to exploit should the opportunity present itself.

His voice was rich and confident, matching the sharpness of his jawline. His gaze met hers with an intensity that held its own, suggesting a worthy challenge. Spectra used this dynamic, her interaction with Adrian a calculated display meant to challenge Alistair's interest, when he finally arrived. She would delight in witnessing the two men posture themselves for the prize of her attention.

“Your place is impressive. I heard that you own the hotel where the launch party was held. It's quite the empire you're building.” Her voice was laden with near-sarcastic admiration as she took in their surroundings. After which, she laid her palm along the curve of arm. The sweetness of her tongue was paired by the sharpness in her gaze. “So what happened down there? Negligence rear its ugly head?”

[Alistair Bishop]

Alistair had left Spectra, breaking away so they would not be seen together. He took his time, lingering and walking around the main floor, surveying the deserted scene. He had taken his time before entering the elevator to Adrian’s apartment. As the elevator door started to close, suddenly, a skinny set of fingers with immaculate nails stopped the door from closing.

With his head down, he raised his head up her body, only to find Nadya standing there with her hand on her hip and a displeased look on her face.

"Oh, so you thought you could just run off without me. I'm not messing around with your nonsense, ditching me. We were on the clock tonight, making it known to these social elites that the new guy was here to be admired. Adrian's lousy hotel really put us in a tight spot. Let's go," Nadya had paused, meeting Alistair's irreverent stare. "Let's go," she had barked at Alistair in a forceful Russian accent, pausing, then flashing a side smile, easing the tension. As a strong Russian woman, she could order a simple meal at a restaurant and make it seem as though she was berating the waiter. She was intense in every aspect.

"You know, you're a lot of fun. Does the Mafia hire you for parties?" Alistair had quipped at her as she walked inside the elevator, taking his arm, rode the elevator, and joined a bustling party at Adrian's lavish apartment.

Upon entering, Alistair's eyes immediately caught Spectra, her hand in Adrian's. His competitive spirit flared as he sized Adrian up.
"Nadya, follow me," Alistair had commanded, pulling Nadya's arm towards Adrian and Spectra. As they moved through the crowd, whispers filled the air, and the energy shifted with Alistair's presence. He was already the current talk among the elite, fueled by small whispers planted by the Mafia and the aura Alistair possessed.

Instead of directly addressing Adrian or Spectra, Alistair had stood there, grabbing a drink, with Nadya pressing closely against him as she surveyed the room. She had seen Adrian, a target for the Mafia, and perfect for her to introduce to Alistair.
"Excuse me," Nadya had abruptly said, taking Adrian's hand from Spectra and holding it in hers, pulling it away from Spectra. "Hi Adrian. I see you weren't busy. Thank you for the invite." She went on to flatter Adrian, positioning her body so he could see every inch of her profile perfectly pressed into Alistair. "I'm sure you've heard of him, but let me personally introduce you to someone who will make you a lot of money, our newest..." Nadya's strong Russian accent and personality gave her the ability to take over or at least try to any situation.

Alistair had turned his eyes to make direct contact with Spectra. His look conveyed, You had no idea you were with the hottest in town. A scarce commodity that was sought after. You had access everyone wanted, and Alistair wanted to give you more.

"Hi, Adrian," Alistair had said. "I heard so much. I had fun at the hotel." His words were a subtle jab at the chaos that had occurred, yet they were perfect to stroke what was between Alistair's legs and his ego. Alistair had reached out his hand to offer a firm handshake.

[Adrian Kane]

Adrian's interaction with Spectra was momentarily interrupted as Nadya, followed closely by her companion Alistair, made their entrance into the conversation. Alistair, with a somewhat assertive demeanor, seemed intent on establishing his presence, perhaps in a subtle display of alpha male posturing. 

Adrian observed this with a flicker of amusement. His intention for the party was not to find female companionship — though he would peel neither Spectra or Nadya away from him should the suggestive posturing lead to more — but to meet those whose dreams he would infiltrate in the coming days. None of those present would have any awareness that they were soon to be interrogated from the comfort of their own beds, and as such, he regarded Alistair with a composed, slightly dismissive air, unimpressed by the attempt to assert dominance. Neither, though, did he call the other man out for it.

Spectra, who had been skillfully flirting with him, was now overshadowed by Nadya’s entrance. Nadya, whom Adrian recognized as a peripheral acquaintance, quickly steered the conversation towards showcasing Alistair's potential as a lucrative investment.

“Alistair here could make you a lot of money, Adrian,” Nadya said confidently, her voice carrying an attempt at persuasion.

Adrian listened politely but responded with a nonchalant shrug.  “I appreciate the suggestion, Nadya, but I don’t dabble in gambling these days. My investments are strategic, calculated. I don’t risk my money on... let’s say, less predictable ventures.”

As Nadya presented Alistair, Adrian took a moment to properly assess the man before him. He extended his hand in a firm handshake, noting the athleticism evident in Alistair’s build. It was clear that Alistair was someone who devoted considerable time and effort to his physical fitness and performance, discipline that Adrian respected. "Adrian Kane,” he introduced himself with a polite nod.

His tone was light, but there was an underlying condescension in his words, a subtle dismissal of the idea of sponsoring Alistair. Adrian was careful not to be outright rude, maintaining the decorum expected of a host, but he made it clear that he was not interested in the proposition. He simply wanted to meet the man as one of multiple suspects whose power might have sabotaged his electrical system.

“I have heard you were making the rounds, Nadya. You should introduce him to Zixin Kao. You’re aware of the clubs he is opening? Unless you already met with Zixin and he turned you down?” With Adrian’s attention firmly fixed on the Russian woman, whose ties to the mafia were known, the suggestion that she dally with the ruthless leader of the Singaporean Syndicate might be taken in offense. However, it remained to be seen how far she was willing to go for success.

[Maksim Marveet]

Maksim's demeanor softened noticeably as Alina approached. “Alina, my love.” He reached out, his hand finding hers, fingers intertwining. She always had a way of grounding him with her presence.

“I didn’t give him the details, but he needed to know that Jensen isn't someone to get involved with. That he’s tied up with people far more powerful than he can handle.”

From across the room, they watched Jensen approach Ezvin, say something, then turn to leave. He exchanged a curious look with his wife, wondering if it was over.

[Ezvin Marveet]

Ezvin found himself genuinely enjoying Aiden's company. The rock star was not only handsome but also possessed an easygoing charm that made conversation flow effortlessly. At one point, Ezvin, unable to resist the allure of Aiden's ruby-studded jacket, asked if he could touch it. Aiden's affirmative response brought a genuine smile to Ezvin's face, further lightening the mood between them.

As they chat, Ezvin shared about his work as a songwriter, even sending Aiden links to some of his past compositions. Though Aiden seemed to have moved beyond his musical career, they agreed to hang out sometime.

Their interaction was briefly interrupted when Sage arrived, wrapping an affectionate arm around Aiden's waist. Observing their closeness, Ezvin instinctively stepped back a bit, respectful of their relationship. He couldn't deny the allure of the 'rock-star effect,' but he also knew where to draw the line.

When Jensen joined them, Ezvin noticed the immediate shift in his demeanor. Ezvin managed only a simple "You’re welcome" before Jensen turned to walk away. A wave of regret washed over him. He had been the one to initiate their first conversation, to ask for Jensen's number, to suggest the date. And now, he was just letting Jensen leave.

He glanced at Maksim, across the room, speaking softly with Alina. His brother’s warning was fresh in his mind. There was no knowing what or who he referenced, but Maksim was far more connected to that world than Ezvin. He should trust his brother’s judgement. 

Shit. He grit his teeth and hurried after Jensen, catching him at the door.

“I’m sorry I’ve been weird,” he said, voice earnest. “I am really glad you came. Can I call you after this?” He shared an apologetic smile, hoping to convey the sincerity and desire to continue to explore whatever was budding between them.