A Quiet Arrival (Radiance)

[Seven]

Seven stepped into the penthouse with a low, appreciative whistle. The sheer opulence of the space met his approval, from the vast marble expanse underfoot to the endless cityscape spilling in through the towering windows. Moscow glittered beyond the glass like a dream half-remembered, distant yet ever-present. He always enjoyed such views.

"Now this is more like it," he mused, setting the suitcase down with care at the designated spot. He turned back to Edurne, his smile easy, his eyes still roving over the grandeur of the suite and the woman in its heart. "The lobby might be a bit… lacking in charming characters, but this certainly makes up for it.”

His hands slipped into his pockets as he watched her, noting the way she smoothed the fabric of her dress with idle grace. She carried herself with the confidence of a woman who was used to being served rather than serving, yet she had thanked him more than once now. A good sign. The best kind of people were those who knew the power of gratitude.

He inclined his head slightly at her invitation. "A fair trade,” he said, stepping toward her as the doors of the elevator gleamed in wait. "One story for another. Though I must warn you, my tales tend to get rather… elaborate. Some might even call them out as mere fairy tale.” His smile turned sly, teasing. "But I’ll let you decide for yourself.”

After the elevator doors slid shut behind them, he turned his attention fully to her. "I must say, I’m rather pleased to have been in the right place at the right time tonight. Few things are as rewarding as offering a hand when it’s needed." He let that statement hang for a moment, then added with a chuckle, "And, of course, it never hurts to end up in the company of a lovely person.”

He leaned slightly against the wall, watching her with an easy, yet attentive air. ”What brings you to Moscow? Business? Pleasure? Or a little of both?” His tone was casual, but there was genuine curiosity beneath it. He had a talent for reading people, and Edurne intrigued him. The way she had tensed when the thief had struck, the way she had dismissed her guards with a mere flick of her hand—there was more to her than a wealthy traveler passing through.

And Seven loved a good mystery.

[Edwin]

The Radiance bar was one of the nicest that Eddie had been to, and the scotch was impeccable. It actually beat out Manifesto's. Eddie sipped at his drink, quietly thinking. He knew he was getting a favorable report from his first contract with Pervaya Liniya. He wondered what would be coming next. His eyes wandered around the area, taking it into account. It was a habit from his time in the military, but now it was even more important. The Radiance was an establishment that catered to the rich and famous - the people who were most likely to become his clients. Familiarity with the hotel would do him well.

Eddie took another sip of his drink. He wasn't here to work, but the fact that he was thinking of such things made him excited and confirmed that going into the private sector was a great move for him. The pay was certainly better than it was in the military. That was definitely a plus.

Other patrons were at the bar, but Eddie had chosen a place that was somewhat separated. It gave him time to think, but he was open to conversation. Even so, his mind wandered to Rhi. He had been certain their time together had been a one-time fling, yet she had given him her number. He figured what could it hurt. Eddie pulled out his wallet and sent Rhi a message. He'd be willing to meet up if she was, and he hoped she responded.