Lady in Red Pt. 02 Ch. 05

Steve instantly knew that Gwen was extremely serious and needed his support. He picked up his cell and hit a number. "Charlie? Gwen's got something she'd like to talk to Jordan, you, and me about. Could you come over to our suite? We'll use the hot tub, and have what I'm guessing, will be an important conversation."

"I should invite Mom and Dad, but you went and mentioned the hot tub, so they won't be comfortable coming over. But that's okay. We can talk to mom later," conceded Gwen.

Steve hit another number on his phone. "Paula? I hope I didn't wake you. Gwen has something important she wants to discuss with Jordan and Charlie and you and Ted. We're going to be naked in our hot tub, having a deep conversation. You and Ted are invited. You can wear suits if you like. We're easy. The door will be unlocked if you get here after we're already in the tub."

Gwen just stared at Steve for a minute. "We'd better unlock the door and climb into the tub. It's going to be pretty embarrassing if Dad comes, Smart-ass!"

A short while later, Jordan and Charlie walked into the huge bathroom to find Gwen and Steve sitting together in the tub. Jordan dropped the robe off her shoulders and climbed in, sitting next to Gwen. Charlie shrugged, dropped his robe and took a seat next to Jordan.

"We have to wait a few minutes to see if my parents are coming. This wise guy sitting naked next to me invited them over. He told them we'd be naked in the hot tub and they could join us for a serious conversation."

"Your dad?" grinned Jordan. "Cool. He's a good looking guy, if you don't mind my saying so. I'd love to see him climb in and join us. We know that Charlie, and especially Steve, would love to have your mom join us. This could be quite interesting."

Just a short time later, the group in the tub heard the door open and close and soon two figures walked into the room. "Kate? Ashley? What are you doing here? Where are Mom and Dad?"

"I heard Mom talking to Dad about a meeting in a hot tub. I figured out was going on. I told them I wanted to go with them, but Dad said he couldn't get into a tub naked with his daughters, so he and Mom are sitting this one out. I asked Ashley if she wanted in on a big pow-wow. As much as she hates to have Steve see her naked, her curiosity won out," smirked Kate as she dropped her robe and looked at Steve as she posed directly in front of him.

Steve struggled to remain calm as he slowly looked Kate over from head to toe. He could see Gwen looking from Kate to him, and back to Kate. Both girls were watching him closely for his reaction. He knew that it meant a lot to Kate to be appreciated, but he didn't want to upset Gwen. Considering the situation, Steve determined his course of action.

"You're absolutely stunning, Kate. Your figure is very much like Gwen's and that's an excellent way to look. You've become a beautiful woman."

Kate broke into a huge smile as she stepped into the water and sat down on Steve's lap. "I've wanted to do this for almost three years! I hated being the only woman in the family that never got to show you my boobs. The good thing about waiting is that they're bigger now than they were a couple years ago. Do you think they're big enough?"

Everyone broke into laughter at Kate's question. Her breasts were full and firm and no one would think they were too small. Ashley quietly dropped her robe and sat down next to Steve while everyone was still chuckling at Kate.

"You're absolutely perfect. I can't believe that you could doubt it. Women would kill to have your looks and figure," suggested Steve as his eyes showed Kate his appreciation of her charms.

"You don't know what it's like having Lisa and Gwen for big sisters. They're beautiful and famous. Gwen has you and Lisa has Jason. You're two of the best guys on the planet. It's all pretty daunting," admitted Kate. "I can't wait to tell Stephanie that I beat her to the punch. She'll be so jealous."

"If it were with anyone but Steve, I'd say you girls had a pretty weird competition going," laughed Ashley. "As it is, I understand perfectly. We need to always thank Gwen, and Jordan, for being so secure and generous with their guys. Being friends with all of you is the best thing that ever could have happened for me. Now, why are we here, not that I'm complaining."

"Yeah, let's focus on my reasons for asking you all here, rather than on my little sister's incredible body," began Gwen as she winked at Kate perched on Steve's lap. "Our movie trilogy from last summer has been a huge money maker. We have almost a billion dollars at our disposal after our movies, TV shows, recordings, and concerts. These numbers are mind boggling.

"What are we doing with the money? Are we helping people as much as we should, as much as we could? I've been thinking about it lately. A lot of the money comes from international sales and rentals of our music, movies... everything.

"I hope you don't get upset with me, but was thinking that we could fund a children's hospital here in Kiev. We could promise around two hundred million to build it and maybe another hundred million to keep it running. I didn't crunch any numbers or anything. I just made them up, so it could be less, but probably more.

"I know it isn't the U.S., but should we limit ourselves to America, or try to help where it's needed most? It's just an idea. If you don't like it, just say so. I won't be upset," finished Gwen.

"Let me get this straight," responded Jordan. "You're asking if I'd go along with spending a crap load of money helping the kids in this country, and in this part of the world? Money that we worked for and earned for Lady in Red Productions?"

"Yes, that pretty well covers it. I know it's a lot of money to spend, but it doesn't do anyone much good sitting in the bank. Maybe it's too much to spend in one place, especially in a foreign country," replied a downcast Gwen.

"I wish your mom was able to hear this," chuckled Jordan. "Besides Steve ogling her, she'd also be very proud of you. Gwen, the money doesn't mean anything to me. I have enough income from my records and investments to live comfortably even in there were no Lady in Red Productions. It's the honor of living and working with you, Steve, Charlie, and everyone else that makes my life so great. I'm in, with no qualms or reservations."

"Oh, Jordan! You're a wonderful sister and friend! Thanks for that support," gushed Gwen as she hugged Jordan before turning to Steve. "What do you think? Is it too much money, or too hard to do, or something?"

"Do you have any idea how difficult it is to refuse you anything right now? You're incredible. You're sitting here naked with me, your amazing sister is naked on my lap, another bombshell is next to me naked, and Jordan Quick is across from me naked! There's no blood at all reaching my brain. I'll go along with anything you want," replied Steve with a crooked grin.

"Wow! Are you telling me that anytime I want you to do something for me, all I have to do is get these three blondes naked, with us naked, and you'll go along with anything?" asked Gwen with a straight face.

"Yes, that's pretty much what I'm saying. What do you think, Charlie? Am I being foolish?" asked Steve of his friend.

"Not even a little. I understand completely and would like to include myself in that situation. If Jordan wants anything..."

"Okay! I get it! You men are so pathetic. All it takes is a few beautiful, naked women and you're putty in our hands. You should be ashamed for being so easy, so shallow, so male," scolded Jordan before breaking into laughter. "But that's one of the things that I love about you guys. If we all waved our girls in your faces, we could take a hundred million dollars from you and you wouldn't even care. God, I love having men this easy to control!"

"I hate to disagree with you, Jordan, but Steve sure doesn't feel like putty in my hands!" groaned Kate as she opened her eyes as wide as she could. Then she placed an arm around Steve's neck while rubbing her breasts against his chest. She looked at Steve as he closed his eyes and moaned softly.

"Anytime you need me to help you persuade Steve about something, just let me know. He always acted so big and tough, but now I know that a few little girls can make him weak in the knees. This is as good as I dreamed it would be. Thanks, Gwen!"

"I think you'd better get off his lap pretty soon," observed Gwen as she watched Steve's face turn red. "He's not as young as he used to be and you're obviously causing a lot of stress for him. Besides, Ashley's waiting for her turn."

"Do you realize what just happened here?' asked Ashley as she stood and tapped Kate on the shoulder. "You were discussing spending two or three hundred million dollars and you got sidetracked about nude women and how they control these two horny guys. We need to stay on topic with this idea. Kate, slide off Steve's lap so I can see if my feminine guiles have any effect on him."

Kate grinned as she got off Steve's lap and forced her ass between Gwen and Steve. Gwen sighed as she slid a foot to her right to make room for Kate. Ashley sat sideways on Steve's lap so her right breast was against his chest. She squirmed around a little and then let out a contented sigh.

"Seriously, are you really going along with this idea, or do you think I'm crazy, Steve? If we're going to do this, we need Mom's approval. Are we all together on this?" asked Gwen.

"You must be a little crazy to let Kate and Ashley sit on my lap naked, but I like that kind of crazy," responded Steve as he carefully placed an arm around Ashley. "Seriously? You make me proud, and humble, at the same time. Nothing of that magnitude ever occurred to me. I think in smaller numbers, like helping a family, or a group. You're talking about building a new hospital. The construction will mean jobs for the area. The hospital will attract professionals. It'll also save hundreds and probably thousands of lives over the years.

"Your generosity and concern for children is awe inspiring. I've never known two better people than you and Jordan. It would have to be something pretty stupid or damaging, for me to ever go against the something the two of you want to do, even when you're fully clothed."

"I have the two best partners, and friends, anyone has ever had. I need to include you, Charlie. You and Jordan are together and that makes you part of everything we do. How do you feel about this idea?" asked Gwen.

"It's flattering that you ask," responded Charlie. "You guys have made my career. You've taken me with you on this amazing journey. I'll always back Jordan and the rest of you on anything you attempt. This is amazing to me. Like Steve said, it's humbling. You girls are the kindest, most beautiful women in the world and I'm proud as hell to be associated with you. Build that hospital and help those kids!"

"Ted fell asleep, but I couldn't stop thinking about you having some big meeting. I was wondering what it's about," came a voice from the doorway. "What hospital are you talking about?"

"Hey, Mom! Come on in. The water's fine!" greeted Kate to her mother. "You won't believe what Sis and her friends want to do. Tell her, Gwen."

"We want to build a hospital much like the one being built in Sparta, but here in Kiev. These kids don't have proper care, and we can change that. We're guessing two or three hundred million should do the job," finished Gwen as she watched her mother for her reaction.

"That's a lot of money. We do have it, as you all know. I'll have to discuss this with some of our advisors and money people," responded Paula as her attention focused on Ashley with her bare breasts pressed against Steve's chest. "Are you sure that this is what you want? I'm quite certain we can make it happen."

"We are, Mom. Please convince whomever, that we really want to do this. We make a lot of money from international business, and this is the right thing to do," insisted Gwen.

"Okay, as long as you kids are certain, I'll get on it tomorrow morning. Steve, I hope you were appreciative of Kate's figure. She's been after me since the day she turned eighteen to fly her to the Academy so she could flaunt her assets in front of you. I hope she's gotten it out of her system. It appears that Ashley's been harboring a few dreams as well. Good night, and don't stay up too late," cautioned Paula, as Ashley remained snuggled against Steve.

"Paula, I can move if you want to take a turn on Steve's lap," offered Ashley. "Consider it one of the perks of the job. Since you're the Boss Lady, you could be spending a lot of time here. I'm going to be here as much as Gwen will allow. He's very comfortable."

"I'm sure he is, but the 'Boss Lady' will not be indulging in antics unbecoming a married woman, and mother, especially with her daughters watching," added Paula as she left the room.

The next morning, the group had just finished rehearsing for the concert when Steve received a call from Nadiya's father. He spoke to the man for a few minutes and then put his phone back in his pocket.

"Gwen, Mr. Misko wants us to travel to Russia with him this afternoon. The new Prime Minister and his advisors are meeting with Novokov in Sochi. Things are a bit tense between the two nations right now. It seems like Crimea is once again smack in the middle of a power struggle. We need to get back to the hotel and get ready. We should be back later tonight."

"Why do they want us, or maybe I should ask why they want me?" questioned Gwen. "I know you like to 'dabble' in international affairs, but I won't even understand most of what's going on."

"They consider us a pair and they don't get one without the other. They respect your instincts, and I want you with me. We do this stuff together. Men plot wars and women work for peace. Believe me, you're important for this process," assured Steve.

An hour later, Gwen and Steve boarded a small jet for a flight to a small airport in Sochi. Later that afternoon, Steve and Gwen were introduced to President Novokov, along with the delegation from the Ukraine. As he entered the room, Steve was surprised to see the US Secretary of State, Vincent Rosen.

For his part, Rosen seemed shocked to see Steve and Gwen enter the room. He quickly made his feelings known.

"You two have no business here! This is a delicate situation between heads of state. It isn't a football game or a movie. This is real!"

Gwen hesitated at the surprise outburst from the Secretary, but Steve showed no emotion as he continued to lead her into the room. Novokov approached Steve and Gwen with a smile. He took Gwen's hand and kissed the back of it and then shook Steve's.

"It's interesting that the only person not wanting you two Americans in the room is your American Secretary of State," observed Novokov in Russian. Steve simply nodded as he shook Novokov's hand. Then he led Gwen to a chair and helped her be seated.

"Didn't you understand me?" demanded Rosen. "You're not a part of these talks and you need to leave."

Steve remained calm as he surveyed the room. Translators were filling in the Ukrainian and Russian leaders on Rosen's demands. Steve ignored Rosen and waited for the ball to begin. The Ukrainian prime minister spoke to his translator, who in turn spoke to Rosen loudly enough so everyone could hear.

"Ms. Anderson and Mr. Hammer are here at the request of the Ukraine government. It seems like the fact that they are American would please you. They will remain. Now let's discuss this situation.

Rosen was almost purple with rage for a few seconds, but he gradually calmed down and discussions began. Steve and Gwen sat quietly and listened to the sometimes heated exchanges. Everything was translated into English, so Gwen easily followed the interaction.

Gradually, it became obvious that there would be no agreement. Rosen demanded that Russia leave Crimea to the Ukraine and respect the sovereignty of the nation. The Ukraine followed his lead and insisted on the same. Novokov refused to even consider that option. Frustration was everywhere.

"Mr. Hammer and Ms. Anderson, do you feel that Russia is being unreasonable?" asked Novokov. Steve remained silent as the translator repeated the question in English. Before he could respond, Gwen spoke.

"I think you've been very patient, Mr. Novokov. I understand The Ukraine's desire to keep control of Crimea, but Mr. Rosen has not stated any good reason why the U.S. is so determined to prevent Russia from having influence in the area."

"You've got no business here and that statement proves it!" shouted Rosen before Gwen's statement could be translated into Ukrainian and Russian. "The fact that we have an actress and pop singer sitting here with world leaders is ludicrous! Why don't you go do what you do best? Take your clothes off for some photographers and stay out of world affairs."

Before Rosen had finished his statement, Steve was on his feet and leaning across the table with his face inches from Rosen's. He spoke in a very low voice. It sounded like a growl more than actual speech. Even Gwen was unable to make out Steve's comment, but Rosen obviously understood every word. He turned beet red and pushed back from the table.

"This isn't high school!" shouted Rosen as he stood and backed up farther. "You forget who you're talking to, Hammer. I'll have you drummed out of the Naval Academy so fast your head will spin! The United States is withdrawing from these talks until these two amateurs are removed from the room."

With his speech, Rosen looked around as translators repeat his words to the rest of the room. Once the translations were complete, the representatives from Russia and the Ukraine remained silent, watching Rosen to see his next move.

When no one made an effort to placate him, Rosen angrily turned and led his entourage from the meeting. After Rosen left, Novokov turned his attention to Steve and Gwen.

"He can make things very difficult for you, can he not?" asked Novokov in broken English. "What did you say to him?"

"Sir, as you well know, a man must insist that he be treated with respect or there can be no meaningful dialogue. As long as I live, no man will disrespect Gwen in my presence. That is more important to me than any trouble he can make," replied Steve.

The heads of both nations nodded their heads in agreement. They had just seen the young American make a very strong stand against a powerful member of his nation's government. They knew the possible consequences of such an action and the nerve that it required.

"What would you think might end this impasse?" asked Nadiya's father to Steve.

Steve outlined what he had observed and what he felt the issues were. He reminded everyone that no one won when there was war and that each side needed to yield on some points, or innocent children as well as others, would be killed, injured, or starve to death in any sort of conflict. As fathers, these men needed to see the wisdom in avoiding conflict at all costs. Gwen added that she had already seen far too much hunger and insufficient health care in the Ukraine, and urged the men to find a reasonable solution.

More discussion followed. Gwen could see the men had become more conciliatory after Rosen left the room. After another hour, the two nations had come to a tentative agreement on Crimea and how to proceed. The people of Crimea would decide their own fate at the polls. Russia and the Ukraine would continue to trade and allow products and resources to move freely through the Ukraine. It was a fragile agreement, but it was a start.

Finally, the dialogue came to an end. President Novokov personally approached Steve and Gwen and thanked them for their input, as well as for adding some excitement to the proceedings.