Blood Match

Chapter 11: Efficiency Squared

Tristan opened the Lincoln's passenger door for Leo and Liam. Leo got out and waited for Liam to join him before entering the gallery.

A group of men worked diligently, carefully stacking and labeling shipping boxes containing the beautiful exhibition photos. The gallery was abuzz with activity as these precious pieces were being prepared for delivery, each one handled with great care and attention.

Liam saw a woman of average height with a slender build, exuding an air of youthful energy. She had chestnut brown hair that fell in soft waves around her shoulders and expressive hazel eyes that radiated warmth and curiosity. She was dressed in a stylish yet professional way, wearing a chic silk blouse and a tailored skirt. She approached them.

"Mr. Von Anderson, Mr. De La Cruz," she said, smiling.

"Hello, Kara. It seems that you have everything well in hand here. Liam, this is Kara Baker; she is my archivist and handles all my art purchases. Lately, she has been feeling a bit underutilized, so I thought she could give you a hand here at the gallery."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Kara. Are you sure you want to help out here? It is just a small gallery."

"Mr. Von Anderson," Kara began, only to be cut off by Liam.

"Liam. Please, call me Liam."

"Liam, this is the most fun I have had in the last year! Mr. De La Cruz is wonderful to work for, but acquiring one or two masterpieces every two or three years isn't much of a challenge. Most days, I sit at home bored to death," Kara said, smiling. She continued excitedly, "Just today we sold every photo in the gallery—and to be very honest, you had priced them a bit low. I took the liberty of readjusting your pricing. The gallery made $300K today, and you have three potential clients who want to do photoshoots with you."

"Kara, you can't be serious," Liam said incredulously.

Just then, Tristan walked over. "I can vouch for her absolute honesty. I was the one who made the deposits in your newly opened business account." He handed Liam the documents for the account. Liam noticed that his was the only name on the paperwork. He handed it back to Tristan.

"The documents are incorrect. Please take them back to the bank and have them corrected," Liam said, stone-faced.

Tristan looked at him and then at Leo in confusion.

"Liam, what could be wrong? Tristan followed my instructions to the letter," Leo said quietly.

Liam smiled at both of them. "Tristan, the only name on the account is mine—you need to add Leo's.

This money is as much his as it is mine. We are partners in this," Liam said, taking Leo's hand.

Tristan smiled widely and quickly rushed off, eager to take care of Mr. Von Anderson’s request. He couldn’t believe he hadn’t thought of it before, but now he was determined to fix it immediately.

"We are in this together. The profits of this place are ours, not just mine," Liam said as he pulled Leo in for a hug.

"What am I going to do with you, Mr. Von Anderson? Every time I think there is nothing else in the world that can surprise me, you go and prove me wrong. I am beginning to see that life is going to be very interesting with you around, my friend," Leo said with genuine warmth.

"Well, Kara, thank you for taking such good care of the gallery. Ummm, Leo and I are going to take care of something in the back office. Holler if you need us," Liam said, quickly pulling Leo towards the back of the gallery.

"Liam, what's the rush?" Leo said, allowing himself to be pulled along.

They entered the office, and Leo turned to close the door. "Liam, what was that—"

Leo was interrupted mid-sentence by Liam's lips as he kissed him passionately.

Leo gave in to the kiss, and a deep rumbling growl sounded in his chest.

Liam broke the kiss breathlessly. "I just got the sudden urge to kiss you, and I couldn’t wait a moment longer. I didn’t want to scandalize the staff," Liam said, pulling Leo back in for another kiss.

---

A little later, Liam and Leo walked out of the office and back to the front. Kara was talking to a young gentleman in a well-tailored black suit. Kara motioned for Liam and Leo to come over.

"Liam, this is Mr. Joseph Argyris, our night security. He will be responsible for gallery security after the sun goes down."

Joseph smiled. "It is an honor to meet you, Mr. Von Anderson, Mr. De La Cruz."

Liam looked at Joseph—he couldn't have been more than 21 years old.

"I'm pleased to meet you, Joseph, but you look a little young to be doing security," Liam said, shaking Joseph’s hand.

Joseph smiled enigmatically. "I'm a lot older than I look."

Leo chuckled at Joseph’s words.

"What?" Liam said, not getting the joke.

"Forgive me, Mr. Von Anderson, I should have told you—I’m a vampire. That is why I will be in charge of your night security. I am a bit older than 21—I just celebrated my 150th year."

"Ooooh. In that case, I’m glad you are here. I’ll let you get back to it."

"Liam, Tristan will be back in 15 minutes, so if there is anything you need from the back office, now would be the time to grab it," Leo said, gently pushing him in the direction of the office.

"Oh yes, I almost forgot—you promised me a date," Liam said, looking back over his shoulder.

Liam went into the office and stepped over to the shelf where his camera sat. It had been a long time since he had actually picked it up. A long time since he felt the passion and the wonder of looking through the lens and seeing the world shrink down to the tiny vista enclosed in the viewfinder.

He hesitated for a moment, the laughter outside fading into the background. A quiet settled in his chest, something tender and unresolved.

As he picked up the camera, it was as if he could hear Alexander's voice in his head.

This is what you were meant to do. Don’t let sorrow take your fire. I love you, Liam, and I always will. Be happy.

Liam picked up the camera, a tear running down his cheek as he looked over at the portrait of Alexander that hung on the wall of the office.

"I will, Xandi. And thank you for loving me."

Liam left the office and walked over to Leo.

"Liam, are you okay?" Leo said with concern.

"Yes, no worries. I’ve got what I needed. Shall we go?"