Dark Sanctuary

By Laurie Vincent

The Onyx, a century-old landmark hotel in downtown Minneapolis owned by the Stone Family, has fallen on hard times and in desperate need of cash. The Stones, however, have no desire to sell to the bigger chains. Since the majestic, well-preserved building has been handed down to them through multiple generations, they want to remain independent and seek a silent partner.

Enter the Thorn Group, a mysterious private equity firm willing to bail them out and permit them to continue running the business, but poses a caveat: they must take over the top three floors of the hotel for their exclusive use, and only be staffed by their own people to ensure that they will not disturbed during the daylight hours. To deliver this news and complete the transaction, Thorn sends two of its partners, Erik Lindstrom and Greta Monahan to check out the property and savor all it has to offer.

Erik is ambitious and sees the Onyx acquisition as his opportunity to achieve greater success within the Thorn Group. With his devoted protégé, Greta, at his side, he believes that goal is within his reach.

As the deal progresses, Erik and Greta stumble upon a very deadly secret that one of the Stones is hiding.

Due to adult themes and strong language, Dark Sanctuary is strongly recommended for mature readers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laurie Vincent
• Release date: Sep 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005749156

Laurie Vincent

Laurie Vincent is my pen name. I live in the Midwest and love a juicy story with interesting characters, spiced up with sex, some suspense and of course, humor. I have balanced a career in the financial industry with writing (which has always been a fun side-line). Pieces of the people I write about come from those I've known. I am always jotting ideas down in composition notebooks that I eventually transfer to my laptop. I love all kinds of movies -- from the classics to even the trashy (but enjoyable) ones! I appreciate getting feedback from people who have read my stories - I truly believe it makes me a better writer to take their comments to heart. I hope to hear from you soon!

Book preview

DARK SANCTUARY

By

Laurie Vincent

This novel is a work of fiction. Any references to real events, businesses, and organizations are intended to give the story a sense of reality and authenticity. Any resemblance to actual private persons , living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express permission of the author.

Dark Sanctuary

© by Laurie Vincent

Table Of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

CHAPTER 1

Greta Monahan strutted confidently down the concourse and pretended not to notice the men staring at her as she scrolled through messages on her phone. She received several during her flight, one advising that someone from the Onyx Hotel would be picking her up. The temptation to glance at the bold grins aimed in her direction hovered. Under normal circumstances, she would have returned the gaze to see if there was anyone worth pursing but she didn’t have the time.

After months of negotiation, her firm, the Thorn Group, had reached an agreement to purchase the Onyx, a lavish property built in the 1920s owned by the Stone family for generations, but had fallen on hard times. The building, though spectacular, was a piece of aging architecture forever in need of repairs and its renovation costs were siphoning the Stones’ profits. Thorn, a private equity firm, was willing to bail them out and was sending its key partners – namely herself and Erik Lindstrom – to discuss the acquisition.

Although there had been numerous Zoom meetings throughout the due diligence period, this would be Thorn’s opportunity to meet the Stones in person.

Greta was on a mission and determined to execute her part flawlessly.

A natural stunner known to make splash entrances, she had dazzling green eyes and pouty, sensual lips. She swung her raven-colored hair over her narrow shoulders, pushed out her large bosom in her dark formfitting dress with an accompanying black jacket as she hustled. Her smaller waist and curved hips added to her mesmerizing swivel, and a shorter hem put her shapely legs on display.

When descending the escalator to the baggage claim area, she spotted an attractive tall Asian guy in a suit and tie standing by a limo driver who held up a sign bearing her name. The reception committee, she mused, waving at them to identify herself.

The Asian dude, likely in his mid-thirties, strode toward her and extended his hand. He attempted to remain professional but broke into a wide smile. Apparently, she blew whatever he envisioned out of the water. Ms. Monahan, he said, I am Josh Wu, the Marketing Manager at the Onyx. Welcome to the Twin Cities.

She greeted him with a brief handshake. He struck her as a player – the type who regularly prowled the clubs for the sole purpose of getting lucky. Regardless of his good looks and game-ready manner, she refused to encourage him. Hello.

You prefer to catch the later flights out of Phoenix? he inquired. It’s nearly eleven.

I do.

Her flat response, accompanied by her glacial look, did not shake the grin from his handsome face. He did not give up that easily, confirming her player impression.

The limo driver, having retrieved her luggage from the carousel after verifying the tags, motioned that they were ready to depart.

Shall we? Josh asked.

Greta proceeded to the exit doors, maintaining a cool distance, allowing him to read between the lines. She was here on business and stressed that with her aloofness.

Within fifteen minutes, they were in the backseat of the Town Car, headed for downtown Minneapolis.

We reserved one of our best suites for you, Josh informed her, scooting a bit closer than she liked. Their thighs were almost touching. Another has been arranged for your colleague Erik Lindstrom, who should have arrived by now.

Rather than converse with him, Greta merely nodded while thumbing through emails on her phone. She crossed one slim leg over the other, pushing the hem of her already-short dress yet higher. It wasn’t her intention to put ideas in his head, but she wanted to make herself comfortable and insisted upon a bit more space from his wandering knee.

Josh went on pushing the envelope by leaning into her while giving an unconvincing performance that it was innocent. Have you been to Minneapolis before, Ms. Monahan? Perhaps I can introduce you to some of the best spots.

I have been here many times and well-acquainted with those landmarks.

He gave a chuckle, immune to the shade she was throwing him. I usually entertain our VIP clients. That’s my job.

She found him obnoxious and annoying but strove to keep her cool. They ought to be at their destination soon enough and she’d be rid of him. Thank you, but not necessary.

I’ll make sure you have my contact information should you change your mind, he said with a smirk. It would be a pleasure to spend more time with such a beautiful woman.

She said nothing. He could skip the flattery; she was immune to it.

Continuing to wear his blinders, he went on. I’m looking forward to things settling down. Everyone was stressing about whether we were a viable option for Thorn. Our lives have been turned upside down, waiting for the official word. Now that you’re here, we’ll get a better understanding of the New Normal.

She suppressed her smile. The less he knew, the better . . .

I can’t say I’m that familiar with the Thorn Group, he admitted, other than you’re a private equity firm with a track record for acquiring niche companies, successfully expanding them before unloading them for a profit.

Not all. Some are kept as investments, she defended.

Does Thorn own other hotels?

She gazed out the window at the passing scenery along the highway. We do.

Will the Onyx be marketed as a Thorn property?

Did he honestly think he could worm anything out of her? That will be discussed with the Stones, not with you.

At last, her rejection hit home. His leg slid away, and his cheery demeanor faded.

Ten minutes later, they pulled in front of the Onyx. At first blush, Greta could see that it was a magnificent structure of brown brick for the lower stories and white colored sandstone for those above it, topped with a lavish cornice. Larger windows lined the top floor where an opulent ballroom was located. Every detail was preserved and fully restored. Other decorative carvings were etched in the stone, enriching its character, reminding her it was constructed during a bygone era.

Josh motioned for a bellboy to attend to her luggage while she took in the spectacular lobby with its gleaming marble floor, large crystal chandelier, intricate wood paneling on the walls, decorative pillars, arched doorways, and crown moldings. As they walked across the red carpet with its intricate designs, she couldn’t resist admiring the place.

Josh could see that she was massively impressed with the ambience of the well-maintained hotel. I can give you a tour in the morning, if that appeals to you, he proposed.

She shook her head. I’ve got back-to-back meetings throughout the day. We’ll stick to our original itinerary.

As you like.

Soon, they were in her suite. It was spacious, impeccably furnished, with a living room and separate bedroom quarters. Oil paintings, sculptures and other pieces of artwork added to the rich atmosphere.

She also noted the heavy drapes.

All was perfect.

The bellboy placed her suitcase on a luggage rack and her other bag beside it. Josh provided him a tip before turning to her. You’ll find a few bottles of wine chilling in your refrigerator. Enjoy them with our compliments.

Now that they were alone and away from discerning eyes, Greta softened up. I’m afraid I’ve been unpleasant to you. Forgive me. I’ve had an extremely busy day and the flight drained me.

Her final statement rang true.

That’s understandable.

If it’s not a terrible imposition, and I realize that it’s late, but it would be nice if you could stay for a drink.

He brightened at the chance of having more facetime. Her open invitation must have revived the hope that his evening would end in her bed. I’d be delighted. Allow me to grab the finest Cabernet in the house.

She sat on the winged-back sofa against some plush pillows and crossed her legs. Wonderful. While watching him remove the cork, she slipped off her jacket to reveal the tiny straps of her outfit and her bare shoulders.

He poured