Chapter 34

**Monique**
Monique arrived with barely ten minutes to spare, not nearly time as much as she would have liked but enough time to pick a table where the front door was visible yet isolated enough they would not be over heard. As she waited she forced herself to breathe slowly and deeply centering herself using her martial arts training. Focus is what you need to do. Don’t lose sight of your goal; you’re almost there she told herself just as the door opened and Bette appeared. Monique felt the muscles of her stomach twitch and tighten as her eyes scanned Bette’s body. Bette had worn form fitting, pleated dress pants and a chocolate  brown dress shirt that fit her curves to perfection.

It was obvious that she hadn’t been spotted yet which brought a smile to Monique’s sensual lips. It gave her some time to assess Bette’s companion. The blonde that stood a half a pace behind Bette was not exactly what she had been expecting. Her mind had conjured up someone more demure. This woman obviously did not have Bette’s ability to command the attention of a room but by the set of her shoulders she was not nearly as passive as the research she had done had suggested. A small setback perhaps but one you can handle. Monique assured herself.

As Monique shifted her gaze from Tina back to Bette their eyes connected and Bette began a purposeful course in her direction. The barely suppressed anger that shimmered in Bette’s eyes ignited a fresh round of desire and purpose deep within Monique. Seconds later Bette stood directly in front of her followed by the one obstacle she had to remove, Tina Kennard. Then she would have what she had wanted when Bette had left that night so long ago.

**Tina**

Walking through the door slightly behind Bette Tina felt her heart pounding in her throat. She had no idea what Monique looked like and the Purple Parrot was far from empty. She would have to rely on Bette to locate Monique among the patrons. This would give her little time to get any idea of what sort of woman they were facing but she intended on using every second she was given. No one was going to destroy what Bette and her had just started to rebuild and she would do whatever it took to ensure that. Without warning Tina saw Bette stiffen and inhale quickly. Following Bette’s line of sight she got her first glance at the woman who seemed bent on causing them so much pain. In the farthest corner from the door sitting alone sat a woman that could only been the source of Bette’s response. Her tall elegant beauty was unmistakable even seated. Her burnished skin was only accentuated by the lighting; an aura of comfortable strength and innate sensuality seemed to radiate through the area around her as Tina watched the men seated closest to her took furtive glances in her direction. Damn it Bette, a little more information would have been helpful! Tina thought angrily to herself.