Rihanna made her way up the stairs and away from the main throng of the party. Somehow and purely by the grace of god, both she and Paul had managed to gain the first string of acceptance into the group… Paul with his offhand remarks about their marriage and her by a display of extravagance at the mall. She sighed as she walked onto the upper decking area and leant against the railing. Paul was inside with the men, chatting shop and seamlessly mingling with the officers they were keeping an eye on… she was bored of the trivial conversation of the wives and partners; they were all fighting for prime position and the prize of being the most influential. No matter how important the task she faced was, there was only so much she could take of that and she was at her limit.

“You given up already?” Mark joined Rihanna on the decking.

“Excuse me?”

“You do realise that Kirsty is the Queen Bee don’t you? She doesn’t take kindly to new comers stealing her thunder.”

Rihanna laughed. “I’m not trying to steal anyone’s thunder – trust me on that one.”

“You’re trying to assert your position, I’ve seen you. Most of the wives are watching you like a hawk when you talk to their husbands, the rest of them are looking at your expensive attire in envy. You’ve already caused quite a stir and you haven’t even played your first hand yet.”

Rihanna narrowed her eyes at him and smiled at him slyly. “You’re way out of your league.”

She raised her chin as he moved towards her. “Oh you think do you? I must admit that the way Paul talks about you does not do you justice. You are smarter than you let on and either he chooses to ignore it or he uses this fact to his own advantage. Either way – he plays a dangerous game.”

“If you are trying to imply that my husband uses me to do his dirty work…”

“I’m not trying to imply anything.” Mark leant into her and whispered into her ear. “Just don’t bite off more than you can chew.”

Rihanna met his gaze as he backed away. “Those should be my words… to you.” She smiled softly and made her way back inside. Glancing across at the kitchen area she saw Kirsty in the middle of the wives, showing off her new shoes she’d purchased in town that day.

“I hear she paid over two thousand for them… such a waste on her.” Rihanna took the drink that hovered infront of her face and chuckled as Amber came to stand beside her. “I mean what does she use to apply her make-up each morning – a trowel?”

“Do you think a trowel would do it?”

Amber laughed. “Hmmm on second thoughts….” She downed some of her own drink. “Oooo don’t look now but Mark is giving you the once over…”

“Yes he just cornered me outside. I must say I’m not sure what to make of him. He tried to stare me down and warned me to back off Kirsty.” Rihanna turned so that she was facing Amber. “I must say – I’m quite tempted to take her on now. I love a good challenge.” She grinned at Amber over her glass.

Amber raised her eyebrow. “I think Mark is more worried about Paul. If you gain a higher influence so does he.”

“Ah. That would make sense.” She looked over Amber’s shoulder and watched as Paul gave one of the women a once over and sighed. She wondered for the tenth time that day if she really had taken on more than she could handle. The more time she spent with him, the harder is was to remember that this was all show. Despite what had happened between them, she knew he would do whatever it took to get to the bottom of this and do what he needed to do. If that meant sleeping with someone else…. She shook her head. She didn’t want to think about it.

“You ok?” Amber turned and followed her gaze. She saw Paul look over at them and shrug, smiling at his wife. “Sorry Ri… but if he wasn’t married… I so would.”

Rihanna laughed and slapped Amber on her arm. “Shush you… that’s my husband you’re ogling!”

“Hmmm speaking of which he’s headed this way.”

“Hey Amber.” He smiled and then kissed Rihanna possessively. “Can I steal her away from you for a moment?”

“Of course… see you later Ri.” Amber turned and headed back towards the makeshift bar area.

“What’s up?” Rihanna lowered her voice and kept an eye on the crowd.

“I think Jefferies is up to something. He’s acting a little odd and to be honest, I don’t have a good feeling about it.”

“Want me to go snoop?”

“I think it’s a little dangerous…”

Rihanna turned and looked at him. “…it will be easier for me to get information out of him. Besides… I think he views you as competition and me as the bait.”

Paul sighed. “I’m not sure I like the idea of my wife being used as bait.”

Rihanna bit her lip slightly. “Well if I were your wife I’d probable agree…” She headed off towards the staircase and the direction she’d last seen Matthew, leaving a stunned Paul in her wake.

“Feisty isn’t she!” Mark smiled at Paul. “I do hope she’s worth it.”