Page 83 of The Seducer
Hans squared his shoulders. “Your intuition was right, because chasing women was Finn’s intention when he arrived. He admitted it to me without shame.”
Isobel nodded. “Yes, but I have to say that he has been exemplary. How in the world did you talk sense into him? Or was it Athena?”
Hans was only a bit taller than Isobel, and with a look of self-importance he brushed invisible crumbs off his yellow jacket before he said, “Now, Athena may have helpeda little, but I would say that mostly it was me. You see, I really managed to get through to Finn and offer him that spiritual connection he’s been missing in his life. It was like all he really needed was a solid male friend to talk to about his problems.”
“Aww.” Isobel’s face softened and she reached out and placed her hand on Hans’ elbow. “That’s so beautiful. What a generous gift to give Finn. Well done,” Isabel praised Hans, who had been laying it on thick.
“I know. Finn even told me that he was grateful, because he can’t share his feelings with his friends in the Northlands. They simply don’t have that level of maturity or empathy.” Hans shook his head with a sad expression. “It’s no wonder he was seeking validation through sexual encounters the first time he was here.”
“Hans, you are a precious man.” Isobel sighed and rubbed his arm. “I always liked Finn. He’s like a sweet child with his infantile humor and infectious charm. I’m only sorry that he’ll be missing your friendship when he goes back. It will be a great loss to him, I’m sure.”
“I’ll miss him too,” Hans said with drooping lips. “We’ve grown so close, you see.”
“Yes.” Isobel pulled back her hand from his arm, and placed both her hands on her heart. “I understand your pain. I miss my daughter every day too. But, now that Finn knows how wonderful it is here in the Motherlands, it’s my hope that he’ll serve as a great advocate for us in the Northlands.”
“Your words are wise, dear Isobel.” Hans bowed his head to her. “I’m at your service should you need askilledmediator for other important tasks.”
“I appreciate it.” Isobel gave him a warm smile. “You have my word that I will make sure you get all the recognition you deserve.”
“You do me a great honor,” Hans called after her when she walked away.
“Hey, Hansi,” I said and stepped forward as soon as Isobel was out of earshot.
Hans jerked back when he saw me. A forlorn expression crossed his face when he realized that I must have overheard his conversation with Isobel.
“Please don’t be mad at me,” he held up both palms as a peace sign.
A smile grew on my face. “Hansi, my closest friend in the world. I’m so happy to hear how much you’ll miss me.”
Hans looked down, while I continued.
“It’s sweet of you to worry about me going back to all my immature friends,” I said and stepped closer. “I suppose I’ll just have to numb my grief with beer, while wishing we Nmen had your level of empathy. I mean, if we did, maybe we would understand why a man would let himself be oppressed by women the way you do.”
Hans’ eyes were darting around. “In case you haven’t noticed, women have all the power in our country. It’s not like I have many options.” He sounded defensive, and it made me smack him on the shoulder, with a small chuckle.
“Relax – I already told you that I don’t blame you for being opportunistic. Women have been running the Motherlands for way too long.”
Hans looked over his shoulder, before he leaned in and whispered, “Some of us Motlander men agree with you on that part.”
“I knew it!” I smacked his shoulder again. “The world needs men with ambition.”
Hans lit up. “It does?”
“You know what, as long as you don’t ask me to trust you, I’m on your side.”
“Sometimes you have to lie a little, otherwise we wouldn’t have found Laura,” he pointed out.
“That’s right.” I looked up, searching for her one more time. “Now we just need Laura to show up.”
A loud whistle made me look back to see Khan waving his hand for me to come. He was pointing to the podium where the other representatives and officials were beginning to gather.
“Looks like it’s show time,” I said to Hans, and kept scouting for Laura as we walked back to the others.
It would’ve been easier to spot her if the large group of spectators and media people hadn’t been there. Now I was forced to take my place on the stage, and stand still while Isobel and Khan made their official speeches.
“Do you see her?” I whispered to Magni.
He shook his head in answer. His whole body tensed up and his brows lowered in a deep scowl.
