Chapter 24
By four o’clock, we hit the expressway on our way to whatever destination Maddox had in mind. “So, did you think of anything else that you wanted to ask about your new job or your new life? We are going to be in this car for a couple of hours.”
“So, if I am in charge, and the other four are in charge of their respective races, then who comes after that?”
“There are people under us who run sectors, which are basically countries. They are referred to as Governors. Then the countries are split into divisions. Each country has lead agents that follow up with division leaders. The divisions each have policing agents and investigative agents that keep order within those divisions.”
“That all seems relatively easy to understand. Do we have quarterly or annual meetings to discuss business and current issues—things of that nature?” I asked, wondering how big this network of individuals actually was, but thinking maybe I did not need to know everything—all at once.
I needed a learning curve.
“Yeah, a couple of times a year Ray would set up a convention. All the leaders would show, and agents would gather with all the executives from headquarters. Ray would rent out a hotel for the weekend, and we would be wined and dined. We’d receive updates from every leader and learn about any big operations or changes.
I assume that you are going to want to continue that practice? ”
“Yes, of course. When was the last convention?” I hoped I had some time to prepare, but I didn’t want to wait too long before introducing myself to everyone.
“The last one was in March. They usually take place around the start of fall and the start of spring. We try to avoid winter when possible.”
“I can appreciate that. So, tell me something that’s not about The Order?”
“I can tell you that the big tree stump in your study is an ancient Sasquatch totem,” he said with a smile spreading across his face.
“What makes you think I didn’t know what it was?” I asked curiously.
“First off, it was sitting out, in the middle of the floor. If you knew what it was, that isn’t where you would put it. Did it put you to sleep?”
“Yes.”
“That is the whole purpose of that totem. If Sasquatch are in an area, they will set these out in reasonable proximity to their den. When someone comes across it, they feel compelled to examine it. They touch it and then boom—they fall asleep for quite a few hours. Long enough so the Sasquatch can vacate the area undetected. When they wake up, they don’t remember what happened.
It’s an ancient magic said to have been bestowed upon them by the faerie-folk. ”
“That is a cool notion. The reason that I haven’t moved it is actually quite simple, to be honest. It’s too damn big for me to move—whether it’s covered or not.”
“Yeah, I guess I didn’t think about you not being able to move it yourself. I will move it for you when we get back.”
“So, are you going to tell me how you feel about me or what you want from me? Straight forward would be the best route.”
“Joslyn, I feel like if you don’t know how I feel about you, then you haven’t been paying attention.
Now, since I know you tend to pay attention to everything, I find that hard to believe.
What I think is, you know exactly how I feel, you don’t want to accept it.
I am over two-hundred years old, and no woman has ever had me acting the way you do.
The good stuff and the bad. I just threatened a lawyer’s life, and I am concerned with how you see me.
Those two things are not things that I do, ever.
” I could feel myself starting to blush as he kept talking.
“I want you—only you. I crave your very presence. I have no other way to explain it, and I am very sorry if that scares you. I want a life that is more than The Order, and that is an idea I have never entertained. Until now, but I only want it with you.”
“I’ll let you show me.” Those were the only words that I could manage to say aloud.
The rest of the time in the car passed quickly, and before I knew it, we were in downtown Detroit. I looked at Maddox quizzically. “Just relax. We’re almost to the hotel.”
“I hope you don’t think I am just going to jump right into bed with you.”
“Not at all, but we are going to need somewhere to change and somewhere to sleep tonight.” He placed his hand on my knee and slowly started to move north.
“I mean, if you need to get out any pent-up energy before dinner, I can assist you. However, I am not a complete Neanderthal—I was going to feed you first.”
“I just curled my hair; I can’t mess it up,” I said, slapping his hand away.
“Oh, you don’t want the freshly fucked look? Too bad, I think it’s sort of hot.” I could feel myself blushing. “That too.” He added, looking over at my flushed skin.
The color deepened, and he smirked. A few minutes later, we pulled up in front of a beautiful old hotel. Maddox went inside and reappeared a few minutes later. He handed the keys to a valet attendant and opened my door. He grabbed the luggage, and I led the way into the historic lobby.
We walked past the reception desk and the concierge on the way to the elevators.
I pressed the up button. The doors opened, and I stepped inside the elevator.
Maddox followed me and pressed the button for the top floor of the hotel.
We rode in silence; I was nervous, and that was a foreign feeling to me—especially with Maddox.
The elevator came to a halt, and we stepped into the hall.
This hotel was stunning. I was impressed; he was making a solid effort at whatever he was trying to convince me of.
I wasn’t sure what that was yet, but I was about to find out.
We reached the door, and Maddox waved the keycard in front of the handle.
The light on the door turned green, and he twisted the handle of the door, granting us access to the room.
The room was beautiful. The look was modern, with bright pops of color incorporated through the throw-pillows and artwork.
It was a corner room with huge windows that looked out over the renewing city below.
The king-size bed looked cloud-soft and had an exorbitant number of pillows along with it, lining the head of the bed.
A padded bench sat at the end, bright red in color.
In front of the windows was a seating area looking out on downtown Detroit that displayed white furniture and orange throw pillows.
A black granite double-sided fireplace was located between the seating area and the bedroom.
Inside the bathroom was a large clawfoot tub and a walk-in shower large enough for five people, with a bench on one side and three showerheads.
The mirror was surrounded by lights that ran the entire length of the ornate vanity.
A makeup mirror sat in the corner of the counter near the door. There was one sink and lots of space.
I left the bathroom, and Maddox was setting my suitcase on the bed. I removed my garment bag and hung it on the back of the bathroom door. I opened my suitcase and took my makeup bag to the bathroom.
“So, what is the plan?” I hollered from the bathroom. I turned around and Maddox was resting against the door frame of the bathroom. He looked down at the watch on his wrist.
“Well, it’s seven now and we have reservations for dinner at eight. Are you good with that?”
“Yeah, I can get ready now, unless you want to get ready first?”
“You can use the bathroom if you want, and I can get ready out there,” he said, pointing out to the room.
“Okay,” I said, walking toward Maddox. I shut the door slowly. “See you in a bit.”
I pulled out my makeup bag and decided to do a more subtle look.
I didn’t care for heavy makeup. When I had finished applying my blush and mascara, I unzipped the garment bag and removed the dresses.
Pink or black—which one? I was already so attracted to Maddox that it was ridiculous.
The pink dress was soft and feminine. I knew it had the ability to catch his attention.
The anticipation was maddening—and sweet.
This is the part of relationships that people took for granted and missed the most when it was gone. Pink dress it is.
I slipped the dress on. The feel of it against my skin was so soft.
I instantly felt validated in my choice.
I looked in the mirror and added diamond studs and the long drop necklace that always stayed in my suitcase.
I laced myself into my flesh-toned three-inch heels and added perfume to my pulse points and between my breasts.
One last look in the mirror—I looked pretty.
That is what I wanted, sexy, but pretty.
I needed Maddox to tie the back of my dress, and that was something I hadn’t thought about.
I took a deep breath and opened the bathroom door.
When I exited the bathroom and saw him, my breath caught in my throat.
This man was devastatingly gorgeous. He was wearing light beige suit pants that were without a doubt tailored to him.
A crisp white dress shirt that only gave hints of the godlike body beneath it.
He had pulled his hair back into a very tidy knot at the back of his head.
I was staring at his back as he slid into the matching suit jacket.
He was adjusting the lapel as he turned.
Just realizing that I had come out of the bathroom, he froze when he saw me.
He just stared; I could feel myself starting to blush.
“Can you tie the back of my dress?” I asked, walking toward him.