The House of Dragomir

This is a long story with very little graphic sex. It is over 46,000 words and therefore, technically a short novel. It is also told in 3rd person, which is a different style than I'm used to. So, if I've errored here and there, I apologize in advance. Anyway, if you're looking for a wank story, look elsewhere. If you're looking for my usual brand of story, lacking in cliche tropes and common plots, please read on. I believe you will enjoy it.

The House of Dragomir

A novel by R.C.PeterGabriel, all rights reserved.

"I'm sure you're wondering why I've requested a private conference with you, Mrs. Adams."

Joanna's heart had been pounding all morning, ever since Mr. Dragomir, the company's sole owner had emailed her. She had run through a hundred possibilities as to why. None of which seemed to be a good thing. Why would he contact her to set up a video chat? Even with her master's degree, she considered herself to be just a glorified secretary after all.

"Well, yes, Sir. I hope I haven't done anything to upset you. And I do not know any wrongdoing by my boss or anyone else in the company for that matter."

He took in her expression and knew that she believed she was in some kind of trouble. He found her concern as alluring as the rest of her. "I assure you, that you have done nothing wrong. As a matter of fact, I have been extremely impressed with your work. Your performance has been exemplary and I was hoping that you would accept a position at the home office."

Completely stunned, it took several moments for her to understand his statement. "You?... I'm sorry... Are you asking me to move to Prague? I... I'm flattered but I'm married. I can't just pack up and move to Europe without my husband. Not to mention that neither of us speak any Czech. Besides that, what could I possibly do for you? I'm quite sure hundreds of people living within a few miles of the home office would make an excellent associate."

"Mrs. Adams, I'm sure you have observed that I prefer having things done in certain ways. I have spoken with several executives in your office about the way you do things. All of whom were equally impressed with your performance as I have been. They feel you align with my preferences without exception. From reading the documents you prepare for them and my observations of you during meetings, I am certain you would do very well here. My former assistant will not be able to continue in her current capacity, as I've decided to expand the job's requirements. She simply doesn't have the required education. I am hoping that you will take her place as my Executive Assistant while she continues working under you.

"We can talk about your compensation package in greater detail if you decide to explore my offer. However, I can assure you it will be a significant improvement to the lifestyle you and your husband are experiencing now. Among other things, the nightlife here is far superior to that of American cities. Our museums and concert halls are extraordinary. Our culture and people are like none other in the world. Simply strolling down our boulevards, or through the many parks will lighten your spirit. And our shops are quaint with proprietors that still take the time to get to know each customer.

"Of course, your hours will fluctuate depending on my schedule and occasional travel will be required. Your tasks will be similar to what you've been doing in your current job with a few exceptions. Mostly in coordination and liaising with my many contacts. The transition shouldn't be difficult for you. Of course, we will also find something for your husband that he will find fulfilling. I'm assuming that he would be moving with you, which is not a problem."

"I'll have to discuss this with my husband. This isn't a choice I can make on my own. How long do we have to decide?"

"I'll need an answer as soon as possible. I've just sent you my personal number. Call me with your decision no later than the close of business tomorrow. I've arranged for you to have the remainder of the day off. Please have dinner with your husband on me. You have reservations at Hayato at six-thirty, your time."

"This is all very sudden, Mr. Dragomir."

"I realize you have a big decision to make. Please call me with any questions the two of you have. I am confident I can overcome any hesitations."

...............................

"I don't like it! This whole thing seems off. Don't get me wrong, the opportunity sounds fantastic. We've both wanted to see Europe. And Prague is a cultural hub with a rich history, grand architecture and is one of the safest places on the entire continent. That doesn't mean this makes any sense to up and move on a moment's notice. What do we really know about this guy anyway? You've told me dozens of stories of how eccentric he is. Why would he recruit a PA all the way from LA when you don't even speak Czech? And why on Earth would he set up his headquarters in Europe if he only does business in the US?"

"I know it's unusual, Tom. I have to admit that I'm a little overwhelmed. One-hundred percent paid health, along with free room and board. If I were single, that alone would have me considering it. But the money is staggering and the location is a dream. We could easily live on my salary alone but he promised to find you work that you'd like."

"So you've said... several times. I get the impression you've already decided for us."

"Sweetheart, you know that's not true. I love you and wouldn't consider accepting without you agreeing. But it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and you know it."

"Look, Jo, I agree it sounds wonderful, fairytale even, but it seems a little fishy. I also know that if we don't go, there will come a time that we both regret it."

Joanna grinned and bounced a little in her seat. "So, is that a yes?"

"Not quite," Tom responded looking worried. "I have several points I need to get past before I say yes."

"Which are?"

"Well, there's my job. I like it, and they've been great to me. I won't leave without giving notice. There's the decision of what of our belongings we'd be taking with us and how to dispose of the rest. The cost and logistics of getting what we do want all the way to Prague. What would we tell your parents? They keep hinting they want grandchildren and being in Europe would make that hard on them. Would we be allowed to come back to visit them or would they need to visit us?"

Joanna sat patiently waiting for a pause. "I've already asked all those questions. If we say yes, he wants us on a plane in two weeks, so giving notice isn't a problem. As for logistics I was assured that we would be provided movers to deal with our belongings. Both for what few things we would be shipping and what would be stored here in case we return. I was promised both would be at company expense. As far as visits are concerned, I was told that he couldn't guarantee any specific times off for us. But to make up for any that we couldn't get, he'd pay for my parents to visit us. As to children, that isn't something I thought to ask him about. I don't really think our family decisions are his business. Do you?"

"No. No, I don't. But, all of this makes me think he's got ulterior motives for recruiting you. I know how hard you've worked to do things the way he wants his company run but spending a fortune on one employee doesn't make sense. I'm thinking he wants in your pants."

"What is in my pants belongs to you and only you. Why would you think otherwise?"

"You have to admit that he's being very aggressive in his attempts to get you to his side. And he may have seen something in your interactions that he thinks will give him a shot."

"Tom, I have not, nor will I ever flirt with him or any other man in order to give him the wrong impression. Anything he may or may not have picked up on is on him, not me."

"Well, that doesn't mean you did it consciously. You've described Mr. Dragomir as, and I think I'm quoting, 'Extremely handsome, with dark eyes that you could get lost in.' I understand you were trying to get a rise out of me when you said it, but you'd be working very closely with him and I don't want you getting lost."

Joanna giggled before reaching across the table to take his hand. "Don't be silly, Tom. I love you. I'm your wife. I would never do anything to jeopardize that."

"I believe that you believe that. But what if he pulls a stunt like Mr. Easton did. He said you'd be traveling with him. He could get you into his room for some pretense and be seen in only his towel. Only this time he could actually drop it. You'd be in a foreign country where you don't speak the language. And be with a man you find attractive and has enough money to spin any story he wants."

Tom noticed the slight blush that colored his wife's cheeks but didn't say anything while waiting for her response.

"Mr. Easton isn't a bad-looking man, but I felt no desire to allow anything to happen with him. Not only would I not expect such a crude attempt at seduction from Mr. Dragomir, I wouldn't be tempted with him either. I love you. What's gotten into you?"

"I don't know. I'm just feeling... something. I'm not sure what."

Joanna giggled again and squeezed her husband's hand. When she spoke it was with a smirk. "Tom, I was teasing you when I told you those things. Yes, they were true but nothing happened. I didn't need to tell you because they had no bearing on our marriage. I told you because you get jealous very easily and I wanted you jealous. Haven't you ever noticed that when I want to make love but you don't, I do something that makes you want to reclaim me? You're always so passionate after I tease you."

Tom opened his mouth to respond but paused to grin as his wife blushed a little more and shivered. He knew she had just had a minor orgasm in the middle of a restaurant with two Michelin Stars. He hoped it was from thoughts of him claiming her.

"So, were you teasing me when you described Mr. Dragomir?"

"Of course I was Baby."

"So, he's not 'Extremely handsome, with dark eyes that you could get lost in'?"

Joanna pulled her hand back so that she could take a bite of her dessert while answering, "Oh, no. He's gorgeous all right." She closed her eyes and deliberately moaned while drawing the decadent confection from her fork with puckered lips. She paused a few moments to savor the taste before meeting her husband's eyes and grinning.

Tom sighed. "You're doing it again, aren't you?"

She just grinned harder and nodded.

"Let's go home. You can call your new boss and tell him 'yes' on the way. Hopefully, he'll give you the day off tomorrow to start packing, because you're not going to be able to walk straight."

Joanna stood and took her husband's hand. She hoped the other dinners didn't notice her second shiver of the evening. Or the blush that followed.

...................................

Two weeks later Tom was sitting across from his wife, watching her fingers fly over the keys of her laptop. She didn't appear to think the customized private jet was worthy of notice as she finished the email she was typing. She closed the computer and glanced at her husband as he studied her. As her eyes met his, she gave him a huge smile and bit her lip as the plane began to accelerate for lift off.

"I can't believe this is actually happening. We're flying off to a whole new life. Are you excited, Baby?"

He studied her a few moments longer before responding. He had always considered her to be devastatingly beautiful, with shoulder length ebony hair, huge bright blue eyes, and kissable lips. Her athletic body, C-cup breasts, long-toned legs, heart-shaped rear, and perfectly proportioned hips turned almost every head. He felt like the luckiest man on the planet.

Although, her perfect face and body were only part of the reason he felt that way. Her high intelligence and bubbly personality attracted him to her at least as much. The fact that being near him seemed to be all it took to get her in the mood, didn't hurt either, but her smile was like none other. It always seemed to take his breath away.

"Being with you is my life. You're my adventure, Jo. Although, to answer your question, I am very excited. I just hope our 'room and board' isn't bread scraps and a ten by ten hovel at the top of a ten story walk up."

Joanna chuckled. "Our transportation alone implies otherwise but I'm willing to suffer through any torture as long as I'm with you."

It was Tom's turn to chuckle. "Oh, really? So, you'd be willing to... get a twelve hour spanking?"

"Without a doubt. I'd take my swats while kneeling on broken glass," responded his wife accompanied by a defiant expression.

"How about nipple clamps?"

"Um, the spring loaded kind or the screw down?" was asked with a raised eyebrow.

"The kind with heavy-duty springs and little teeth that bite into the flesh and have weights hanging from them and require a key to release."

"Oh, without a doubt," she expressed confidently.

"Okay, what about being bound, blindfolded, and teased with ice cubes?"

"Hmmm, I'm not sure. That's getting pretty close to my limit but I could endure it for a few hours."

Tom could tell by the look in his wife's eyes that his questions were having the desired effects. "You're a seriously tough woman, my dear. How about heavy petting, followed by being forced to join the Mile High Club in a private jet?"

Joanna looked frightened and replied in a small girly voice, "Oh, NO! Please! Anything but that!" A moment later, she glanced at the privacy door separating their section of the plane from the galley and cockpit. But more importantly from the crew, which included the attendant.

Before Tom realized what she was doing, Joanna had unhooked her seatbelt, jumped up, and flipped the lock on the door. She quickly returned, lifting her skirt on the way, only to deposit herself on his lap. "If we hurry, we can join before we reach altitude and the stewardess tries to check on us."

....................................

Neither needed to worry. After reaching altitude they were left alone until a few minutes after the lock was released and the 'Do Not Disturb' indicator reverted to 'Open'. Once the flight attendant had seen the couple's food and beverage needs, she explained how to convert the couch near the lavatory into a bed. She grinned at the couple and stated that between the refueling stop and her checking on their needs, they would have about two hours between each interruption. Unless the cabin lock was engaged, in which case she would wait to check on them until it was unlocked again. While giving a knowing smile, she then explained membership into the 'club'; (accompanied by air quotes) was not only allowed but joining as many chapters as they wished was encouraged.

The comments didn't sit well with Tom, as a quick image of Joanna sitting on her boss's lap flashed through his mind. "So, Mr. Dragomir likes to entertain on the plane?"

"No. He rarely flies but realizes the financial benefits to providing company for those he wishes to enter into business with."

Joanna looked shocked and asked an open-ended question. "So you...?" was accompanied by a gesture toward the bed.

The attractive young woman paused a moment with a slowly growing grin. "I won't say that I've never been convinced to, shall we say, provide comfort for my passengers. However, the entertainment usually boards with Mr. Dragomir's business associates."

.................................

The remainder of the flight involved far fewer club memberships than either spouse would have liked, but both agreed arriving fresh was a good idea. With the fuel stop, the trip was fourteen hours long and arrived at six-twenty-two PM. They wouldn't have time to rest once they had landed. Mr. Dragomir usually started his day at eight PM. Joanna knew she would have to reset her sleep schedule as quickly as possible. Even so, four hours was all either of them managed.

When they arrived, they were met by a limousine driven by a petite young girl who didn't seem older than sixteen. Tom found it unusual but not worthy of concern. At least not until they realized she didn't seem to speak any English. Joanna tried using her few Czech language lessons from Rosetta Stone, but the girl only shrugged.

"No, eng gleesh, go Mr. Dragomir." was uttered in heavily accented and broken speech. The couple realized that she had to be legitimate, entered the limo, and were soon on their way to their new home.

On arrival, the sun was setting behind the massive building that reminded Joanna of the super-sized Chateau de Chambord. Tom was so overwhelmed by the sight before him, that he didn't even notice the massive fountain behind him.

The sprawling water feature displayed a dozen mounted knights with lances or swords in various attack poses. They were surrounding a crenulated tower with a dragon clinging to its side and top. The remarkably detailed and full-sized dragon was breathing out a thirty-foot geyser of water meant to simulate its fiery breath. The red lighting that was focused only on the water certainly added to the illusion.

The fountain alone should have been featured on the internet and in innumerable magazines, let alone the palace itself. The fact that the world wasn't familiar with it, was evidence of Mr. Dragomir's eccentricities and his desire to remain anonymous. The bizarre contradiction between ostentatious and modesty wasn't lost on Joanna, even though she had just realized that her boss, had to be insanely rich. The cost of keeping this home from being an icon for wealth had to be at least in the middle six figures a year. Something was definitely not as it had seemed back in L.A.

The couple ignored the half dozen female footmen as they descended on the limo's trunk to collect the couple's belongings. Only two of them were needed to carry the overnight bags. The remainder of their property had been sold off, donated or was being shipped there.

Tom and Joanna gathered themselves and approached the small greeting party that awaited them on the nearby steps.

All three women wore black pencil skirts ending just above the knees with white loose-fitting short-sleeved blouses and modest heels. The centermost of the group had a black jacket that was cut similarly to a tuxedo. All three had the Dragomir family crest embroidered over their left breasts. The look seemed businesslike while still allowing for approachability.

The jacket wearer stepped forward, her heels clicking on the Italian marble tiles that paved the driveway. Her smile seemed sincere as her hand extended towards Joanna.

"Welcome to your new home, Mrs. Adams. The entire household has been anticipating your arrival."

The woman's heavy Spanish accent matched her Hispanic coloring and features.

"Call me Joanna. Or even Jo if you wish."

She shook hands with Joanna, before turning to Tom. "And welcome to you also, Mr. Adams. I am Maria, the family's butler. I oversee the kitchen and household staff."

"Tom. Nice to meet you."

She turned motioning to the attractive, auburn-haired woman to her right but was speaking directly to Joanna. "This is Chloe, I believe you were introduced over a video call. She is your personal assistant. Her duties will largely be up to you to define. However, she has been working closely with Mr. Dragomir, for the last several years and has been his employee for over eight. She should be able to help you transition into your new role."

As Chloe stepped forward, she and Joanna shook hands with equal enthusiasm. Both seemed very glad to meet in person. Joanna, not understanding how she had gotten her position over Chloe, tried to apologize. "I'm looking forward to working with you in person. But, I feel like I should be working for you, not the other way around."