(Continued From Destination Paris: The Airport)

Luke had woken up about an hour before arriving in Paris to find that Raina's head was resting on his shoulder just like they had joked about. He didn't know how much time passed between his waking up and her beginning to stir, but however long it was he enjoyed every moment of it. With just a slight turn of his neck his nose was in the perfect spot to just breathe in Raina's scent. Her scent was different... not the smell of fruitiness or perfume from shampoos and other items but just the clean natural scent of a woman.

"If someone could bottle this... they'd make a mint."

***

After disembarking from their plane and going through the hassle of reclaiming their checked bags, Luke and Raina headed for the exit.

"My dear, if you would be so kind as to keep an eye out for a driver holding a sign with 'Luke & Raina' on it, I'd appreciate it." Luke said, his lips curving into a teasing smile, "I'm afraid I'm a little rusty at reading French."

It took several minutes to find the correct driver in the crowded terminal, but thanks to Raina's sharp eyes they soon were seated comfortably in the car with their luggage safely stowed in the boot.

"We'll be staying at the Hotel de Crillon." Luke mentioned to Raina as their driver made his way through the Paris traffic. Luke had reserved the two adjoining Signature Suites (the Bernstein Suite and Louis XV Suite) and was really hoping that it would impress Raina. From the beginning he had wanted this trip to be something special for her and even if things didn't turn physical between the two of them, he still wanted this to be a special trip. Maybe, just maybe he could help her to forget about the photographers and pictures back in New York... at least for a few days.

Raina laughed at Luke reminding him that their names were the same in every language and pointed out the man holding the sign that clearly stated their names. She greeted him in french and got in the car with hew few things. She smiled to herself- the nap on the way over completley cured her of any jet-lag she'd be experieincing. Only moments ago it seemed they were in NYC.

She was a little groggy, her ears were still a bit blocked, and honestly her stomach wasn't great but Raina was in Paris and Raina couldn't be moe excited. She pointed out a few things through the windows as they drove. She laughed at a few funny looking poodles and funny looking hats not expecting it to fit the sterotypes and being pleasantly surprised when a few things did.

"it's like Nova Scotia." she grinned. "All the tourist pamphlets show guys in kilts... and they really are wandering around in kilts." she snorted. "Luke, don't ever wear a kilt." she continued making jokes here and there like that until they arrived at the Hotel.

The entire time she had no idea they were being watched or followed.

A young woman had been waiting at the airport patiently. She knew the man she was waiting for wouldn't arrive for a few more hours but the couple of interest would. She was to tip off her partner when she'd seen them arrive.

When she saw the very obvious driver holding a sign with their names she had to snark. If her employer had only thought of something so simple this could be done and over with. She has a basic idea of the woman's mutation and given her own she was confident she could take her out. It was the man they were concerned with. They had an inkling of information that suggested him as a mutant... but the good Doctor hadn't figured out exactly how.

The woman had to smile a bit when she watched them pass unknowing her eyes were upon them. She couldn't imagine what the doctor wanted with a girl like this but Luke Jacobs... he was a catch. She wouldn't mind getting Derek to make him forget all about this little fish woman.

She flipped open her phone and made the call. They had arrived. Greg would need to follow them and see what hotel they ended up at... take stock of the place. See if there were any staff they could bribe or blackmail. Afterall... they'd eventually need access into the room...

but she'd gotten ahead of herself. She didn't call the shots. In the entire pecking order of the group she was on the bottom. If she did well today things might change. but for now it was time to make her call.
"Allo?" came Derek's baratone voice.

"Ils sont arrivés" explained Leslie- that was her name. "vous devriez faire les suivre à Greg maintenant" she added insiting it was time for Greg to start following.

"Il sera fait. Vous avez fait bien. "

The phone clicked. That was a relief. Derek thought she had done well and was sending Greg. Nothing to do now but wait for the good doctor.

"Hey... I think I'd look pretty spiffy in a full dress kilt." Luke spoke up, pretending to be offended by Raina's statement, "Although, I have always preferred the great kilt compared to the normal walking kilt."

The blind man was curious whether Raina would be surprised by his knowledge about kilts and so, in order to keep the conversation light for a few more minutes he launched into a small speech about kilts. "The great kilt is the one that wraps around both your lower body and then over your upper body like a cloak. That's actually how the kilt originated. One large piece of fabric, wrapped around the lower body two or three times and then thrown up over the shoulder like a cloak. A broad belt around the waist fastened it securely. It was perfect for the Scottish soldier that needed to march distance because of its light weight but yet it would still maintain warmth."

Truly, Luke had no intention of ever wearing a kilt. He thought that it was fascinating to read up on Scottish and Irish history, but he wasn't about to try wearing any such garb himself. "I just don't have the legs for it."

After a few more moments of conversation the car arrived at the Hotel de Crillon. As Luke moved to open the door and step out ahead of Raina, the door suddenly opened with the assistance of one of the bellhops.

<"Welcome to the Hotel de Crillon."> He spoke officially in French. Luke had a pretty good idea what had been said because recognized the name of the hotel so with a nod of his head and a smile of thanks the blind man stepped out of the vehicle and then turned to offer a helping hand to the red haired beauty that was still within the vehicle.

"I believe we've arrived, Beautiful." Luke said in English since that was really the only language he knew, "Ready to go see the rooms?"

A motorcycle pulled up behind a tree a hundred yards or so away from where Luke and Raina were now exiting their vehicle. Shutting off the engine in order to maintain as much quiet as possible the man sat back in a more relaxed position as he just watched the happy couple. The man's black and white streaked hair was pulled back into a somewhat sloppy ponytail and his gray eyes seemed to almost glow from an internal energy. Reaching into his pocket the man pulled out a cigarette and then placed the tip between the thumb and index finger of his left hand. There was a slight sizzling sound and then the man lifted the now lit cigarette to his mouth, puffing on it in obvious enjoyment.

The phone clipped to his belt began to vibrate and without the slightest hesitation he grabbed it and held it to his ear.

<"They just arrived."> He reported as he watched the bellhops collects the bags from the trunk and then lead the couple toward the front door, <"Hotel de Crillon.">

<"Good. Keep a close eye on them Greg. Let me know if they go anywhere."> The baritone voice responded before abruptly disconnecting the call.

<"Bastard... what does he think I am? Some damn errand boy?"> Greg muttered in annoyance as he returned to smoking and watching, <"If they don't go anywhere by dinner I'm gonna eat in the hotel and use Derek's card to pay for it!">

Raina beamed as she exited the cab and Luke went on a little educational rant about Kilts. But the end of it she was near tears laughing begging him to stop so she wouldn't cry. "Naveed wore one once." she admitted. "I never wanna see anything like that again!" she laughed linking arms with him. They entered and were welcomed at the door to which Raina replied "Merci" a young man offered to take their bags and she obliged.

"Ohh look, the elevator!" she lead Luke like an excited school girl and jingled the card keys that were just handed to them. Once inside the elevator- by themselves- Raina punched one of the top numbers on the grid matching their cards- they were going for one heck of a ride up! "Hehe we're all alone." she smiled micheviously reaching out and taking his hand. "I don't think you can see it but we're surrounded by mirrors. It's cool. but creepy. Do mirrors mess with your sonar?" she wondered if they'd bounce off or just seem like any other flat surface. "There's a million Luke's in here with me!"


ooc:, sorry short. I thought you should have the honour of describing the rooms

As the pair walked into the reception area of the hotel, they were greeted to an extravagance that they would be hard pressed to find anywhere else. The floors were tiled with alternating black marble and creamy marble tiles. The walls were a golden hued marble that was accented by a creamy white trim that made everything pop with the just the right amount of contrast. The bellhops were dressed in the classic uniform with coats that must have had at least fourteen silver buttons on the front, leading up to the cylindrical bellhop hat. All of the rest of the male waitstaff were dressed in black pantsuits with white shirts and red ties as were some of the women. The rest of the women were dressed in black skirts, white blouses, and black jackets with a red flour tucked in the lapel of their jacket.

"Hehe we're all alone." Raina said rather mischievously when the pair was finally on the elevator heading up to their suites, "I don't think you can see it but we're surrounded by mirrors. It's cool. but creepy. Do mirrors mess with your sonar? There's a million Luke's in here with me!"

"I'm afraid that mirrors don't affect my sonar the same way they affect your sight." Luke replied with a slight chuckle, "And as for being alone..."

Moving quickly, but smoothly an cautiously so as not to startle Raina he closed the distance with her, forcing her to back up against one of the walls in the elevator. Dropping his head he kissed her gently, but firmly, his passion recognizable but still tightly controlled. He was still hoping that they would completely recover from the problems that had happened back in the states but he still had to make sure that Raina knew he was still interested in her physically.

As the elevator dinged to notify the pair that they had reached the correct floor, Luke stepped back, breathing just a touch harder and faster than he had been moments before. "After your mademoiselle." He said huskily as he waved his arm toward the hallway.

***

As the pair walked through the door that led into the living area between the two bedrooms, they were once again treated to the beauty of French craftsmanship. The walls were all dark cherry wood with various pictures hanging in different spots. A grand piano sat over in the far corner, right next to the bank of glass windows and doors that opened up onto the balcony and gave a beautiful view of the Eiffel tower and the rest of Paris. The floor was a golden hued marble covered in a few spots by burgundy and gold colored area rugs. The couch and easy chairs were a burgundy color as well.

The bedrooms and private bathrooms were just off from the living area on either side. Both had beautiful cream colored walls with sage green curtains and accents. The floors were covered by a soft creamy gold plush carpet. Along with the king size bed that was in each room, the bedrooms were also furnished with a nightstand on either side of the bed as well as two comfortable looking chairs.

Walking over to the couch Luke slowly ran his fingers across the fabric as his smile widened ever so slightly. "Wow... I didn't realize just how nice this place was."

"As for being alone...." Before Raina had time to realize what was happening she was gently slammed into the wall of the elevator with lips pressing feverishly against hers. Though it had shocked her a bit she found her mouth slipped into a rythmic movement almost instantly as if on some subconscience level she knew this was going to happen. Her cheeks burned a bit and she may have gasped for breath. Her chest tingled and she felt a bit light headed.

That's right. She and Luke had an awful lot of passion and she wondered how she ever forgot that when she was being so passionatly angry. She was rather enjoying this passion and she actually pouted when Luke pulled away and felt like she should be stubborn and insist he came back until she realized they had arrived at their destantion.

She gripped the card keys in her hands and barely noticed the extravgent scenery in the hallways as she bolted for the correct door. I truth she expected perhaps a luxorius hotel room and she was in no way prepared for what she was seeing. It was beautiful. Like a version of her dream house. This was amazing.

She stumbled in a bit in awe and realized their bags had beat them here- how long had they actually been in that elevator- they were leaned up against the closest wall. Her eyes scanned the room marvelling and fell on the piano. She grinned. She realized that Luke was scanning the room too because she felt a small charge on her skin and in her head that she'd often feel when Luke was extending his sonar to intricatly cover things. She grinned a bit to herself because she liked the way it made her feel inside and out when his sonar was intricatly covering her.

When she first met Luke she found she had headaches an awful lot if she spent too much time around him. but at some point or another her body got used to the idea of sonar and she wondered if it wasnt somehow deeply routed in her mutation. Considering she wanted to spend as much time as possible with Luke it had been top priority to find a way around the headache thing and she was pleasantly surprised when it started to disapate on it's own.

\"This is beautiful." she said snapping herself from her thoughts. "Simply beautiful. Your company pays for this? Wow." she walked through the room a little- her light foot steps still echoing a bit. She looked down- she loved marble. Back home her grandmother has a small splash of marble floor next t o her back door and as a child Raina pretended it was a river and would literly sit on the marble and play "river." The memory brought a smile to her lips.

She spun around in the wide open space. "This is lovely." without hesitation her curisoity took over and made a bee line for the piano. She pulled out the beautiful bench and sat herself comfortable on it. She hit a few sporadic notes here and there checking to see that it was in tune. It probably sounded a bit strange. There was a moment of silence until her hands graced the keys again and then a soft lullaby filled the room.

It sounded amazing in a room like this. It was if the room itself was made for a concert. She looked over at Luke excitedly as she played. "Oh I'm going to have fun with this." she exclaimed. "You might not be able to get me away from it. The one at the mansion seriously needs to be replaced."

Raina was in Paris... and if this was one inking into what this trip would be like... she would never leave.

The room was perfect... the way it was decorated with just a touch of understated elegance made it the perfect place for romance. Here Luke felt that he just might have a chance of making Raina temporarily forget about everything that was going on back in New York. They were in a different world and they didn't need any reminders of the one they had left behind, albeit temporarily.

"This is beautiful. Simply beautiful. Your company pays for this? Wow."

For a moment Luke wasn't sure exactly how to reply, but Raina was still moving through the room. She seemed to zero in on the piano and after a few test notes, she launched into a beautiful lullaby.

"Oh I'm going to have fun with this. You might not be able to get me away from it. The one at the mansion seriously needs to be replaced."

Walking over to stand at the piano, just behind Raina, Luke gently placed his hands on her shoulders. As her nimble fingers continued to run over the notes he began to gentle massage her muscles, doing his best to help her relax completely.

"Well, um... the company doesn't actually pay for this. They pay for just a basic room here." Luke spoke just loud enough to be heard of the music in a rather embarrassed tone, " I... I'm paying for the upgrade so that this trip can be something special for both of us. Something we can never forget."

Raina didn't need to know how much more he was paying... she didn't need to know that this pair of rooms was ten times as much per night as the basic rooms his company would have paid for. And really, it didn't matter if they had been twenty times more per night. She was worth every penny and he was still going to do his best to make sure she remembered this trip for the rest of her life. They were in Paris and this particular Princess deserved to have a fairy tale trip.

"Do you think you'll feel like going out this evening or would you rather eat here at the hotel?" Luke asked quickly, doing his best to change the subject. He didn't want to dwell in money around Raina. He had more than enough to meet their needs but he never wanted it to appear that he was showing off.

Raina popped her head backwards and watched Luke talk upside down and he massaged her shouders. "Well then thank-you for the treat Mr. Luke" she grinned playfully leaning up to kiss his chin.

Then she stopped playing piano to seriously consider their evening arrangements. Should they go out? stay in? She wanted to see Paris but she thought settling in for the night so she could easily adjust might be a good idea. But then again they were in Paris! She had to take advanatge of everything! Besides staying in might make things go a little fast.

That made her wonder again. Should she bring something up? She was pretty clear on both their intentions for this trip... but she wasn't sure if they should actually talk about it. She thought on this a moment and filed it away to the back of her mind. She would talk... when it seemed appropriate.

"I'd love to go out." she answered. "I could get all dressed up." she added. "Do you have to start to work right away tomorrow or do you get a day to adjust? " she wasn't quite sure how business trips worked.

"Going out it is then." Luke replied with a slight grin, "And you dressed up is always a beautiful picture."

For a moment the blind man was silent about the going out to work statement as he did his best to remember exactly what day it was. Flying through time zones always confused him and so it took him several moments to remember. On the positive side though, it gave him more time to massage Raina's shoulders and strengthen the intimate side of their relationship.

"Um... if I'm right then tomorrow is Sunday and my meeting don't start until Monday, so that means that I'm all yours tomorrow." Luke started off unsure but his voice quickly strengthened and began to tease at the end, "Do with me what you will mademoiselle."

(OOC: Sorry it's short. We can either post getting dressed up or you can fast forward us to dinner. I leave it up to you.

continued here
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