There were other options, like suggesting she go to one of our safe houses, but then I wouldn't have a valid reason to be there myself. Adele Rutherford was making me act and feel unnatural, both intrigued and irritated. I was intrigued because I was inexplicably drawn to her and irritated because of the confusion she caused in my head. She was just a random girl, and I shouldn't care about what happened to her, but for some reason, I did.
It wasn't because of Mark, either. The thought of him and me being caught and assassinated didn't affect me the same way the thought of Adele suffering the same fate did. My heart constricted, my pulse raced, and rage consumed me, even just imagining it.
I needed to unravel the reasons behind my inexplicable feelings, which led me to desire her proximity. A cynical voice in my mind scoffed at the logical reasoning, but I couldn't deny the truth—I found her breathtakingly beautiful. The image of her bare chest flashed in my mind, heightening my inner turmoil. It didn't matter to me that she concealed her curves under loose clothing. In fact, that might have been one of the reasons I was so brutal in dispatching her attacker. He had dared to lay eyes on her exposed form, intending to violate her. The memory ignited a fiery rage within me, once again fueling the intense urge to have Chad retrieve the man's lifeless body and display it as macabre ornamentation for the avian scavengers to feast upon. Overwhelmed by these emotions, I rose to my feet with a pained grunt.
"Boss, you really need to rest," Chad warned.
"I'm fine," I growled, my voice almost guttural. "Pedro and his team should be here by now!" I snapped.
"They are cleaning up at the club, boss. They should be here soon," Chad replied.
Footsteps from the stairs distracted me, and I looked in that direction. Mark was in the lead, with Adele right behind him. Her dark curls were wet, left loose to fall over her shoulders and frame her angelic face. Her hazel eyes were pure and captivating, her lips pink and full. She made my pulse race. My gaze dropped to the handprint around her neck, and my jaw clenched. Anger surged within me once again. I lowered my gaze and heard Mark say, "You guys can go ahead. I'll wait to sort out this mess."
"Okay," Chad said. I let out a low grunt and slowly made my way toward the exit, each step filled with agony. Chad carried Adele's bags past me, his pace quickening as he headed to the waiting car. He opened both the back seat and the front seat before I arrived. Gritting my teeth, I eased myself into the front seat, the pain still evident on my face. Mark assisted his sister into the back seat.
"Are you comfortable?" Mark asked Adele, concern etched on his face.
"I'll manage," Adele replied, her voice tinged with weariness.
"Take care... Do you have your phone?" Mark asked.
"I... um, yes," Adele replied.
A pensive frown creased my brow as I recalled the sight of a new phone in Adele's backpack. The events of the night played back in my mind, and I couldn't help but wonder why she sounded hesitant when questioned about her phone. It intrigued me as if there was something significant about that device. I stole a sidelong glance at the dilapidated house, taking note of its sorry state. Why did Mark choose to reside in such a rundown place when he had the means to afford a comfortable apartment in town or even a new house altogether? Questions swirled in my mind, and my curiosity intensified. There was much I wanted to learn from Adele, and I found myself eagerly anticipating the opportunity to be alone with her.
"Call me once you settle down," Mark instructed.
"Okay," Adele replied, her voice sounding low and hoarse.
"Hey," Mark called out as he leaned over the window on my side. "Call me," he added, holding my gaze. I nodded.
Chad closed the car doors and swiftly got into the driver's seat. The engine roared to life, and the car began its journey.
The interior of the car was enveloped in tense silence for several minutes. My mind was consumed by conflicting emotions, and I couldn't help but steal occasional glances at Adele through the rearview mirror. Her presence stirred a strange mix of protectiveness, fascination, and a raw desire to unravel the mysteries within her.
Adele
Archer remained mostly silent during the drive, his gaze occasionally meeting mine through the rearview mirror. There was an intensity in his eyes as if he was determined to unravel some mystery surrounding me. Each time his eyes locked with mine, a surge of electricity shot through my body, making my pulse quicken. It was a sensation I couldn't ignore, even though he wasn't physically touching me. And his scent...oh, his scent drove me to the brink of distraction.
I couldn't help but notice the pallor of his face and the coldness in his narrowed eyes. His clenched jaw and grimaces with every movement were clear signs of his pain. It was evident that he was enduring a great deal, yet he somehow found the strength to carry on, displaying a resilience that seemed almost superhuman.
"It was fortunate that your brother called when he did. We were at a pharmacy picking up some painkillers," Archer spoke, raising a prescription bottle to show me. He proceeded to take a dose, washing it down with water from a bottle.
"Thank you for saving me, both of you," I expressed my gratitude, glancing briefly at the formidable figure of the man behind the wheel.
"Chad," the man responded, flashing a smile as he glanced back.
"Chad, thank you," I acknowledged, but refrained from delving further into my questions. I sensed that Archer didn't wish to reveal much in front of Chad, so I kept my curiosity at bay, maintaining a silent presence.
As the car pulled up in front of the luxurious hotel nestled in a prestigious neighborhood of New York, I gazed in awe at the grandeur of the exterior. The hotel stood tall, exuding an air of elegance and sophistication. Its sleek and modern architecture was complemented by floor-to-ceiling glass windows that reflected the lights of the bustling city.
Archer's deep voice broke my reverie as he instructed Chad to escort me to the hotel suite, disappointment swirled within me, though I couldn't quite pinpoint the reason. I had hoped for a chance to discuss his plan of making me his nurse, but it seemed that opportunity would have to wait. Perhaps during the interview, I could share my concerns and try to convince him to consider an alternative, like moving to the campus instead. Mark had brushed off the idea, but I wasn't ready to give up just yet.
Expressing my gratitude, I thanked Archer for his assistance, recognizing the undercurrent of protectiveness behind his stoic demeanor. He responded with a simple grunt, further shrouding himself in mystery. Chad, ever the reliable companion, stepped forward to guide me through the impressive entrance of the hotel.
As we stepped inside, I found myself enveloped in opulence. The lobby exuded luxury, adorned with marble floors and glistening chandeliers that cast a warm and inviting glow. Plush velvet couches beckoned guests to relax, while a concierge desk stood majestically at the center of the room.
Chad and I approached the concierge, who greeted us with a professional smile. He informed us that Archer Donovan had made special arrangements for my stay, reserving his private suite.
“Thank you,” I murmured not quite sure of how to respond to that.
The concierge graciously led us towards the elevator, guiding us through the corridors of the hotel.
As the elevator ascended to the topmost floor, my excitement mingled with a touch of nervousness I have never been inside a building so grand. The doors slid open, revealing a hallway adorned with tasteful artwork and soft lighting that created an intimate ambiance. The concierge led us to a set of double doors, and as they swung open, my breath caught in my throat.
The opulent suite unfolded before my eyes, surpassing my wildest imagination. The living area boasted plush furnishings and exquisite décor, the perfect blend of modern and timeless aesthetics. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcased breathtaking views of the city, bathing the room in a warm, golden glow. A dining area, complete with a sleek table and comfortable chairs, offered a space for indulging in culinary delights.
However, it was the bedroom that truly captured my attention. The king-sized bed, dressed in luxurious linens and accompanied by plump pillows, invited me to sink into its soft embrace. The room exuded a sense of tranquility, providing a sanctuary amidst the bustling city outside.
“Have a good night, Miss Adele,” Chad said after placing my bags on the chest at the foot of the bed.
“I hope you will enjoy your stay and if you need anything – anything at all, please use the phone and call,” the concierge encouraged. I nodded with a subtle smile. The two left and I let out a sigh when the doors clicked shut. Exhaustion consumed me and I began to unwind, shedding the weight of the night's events. I removed my clothes and slipped under the silk sheets, naked, feeling the luxurious fabric against my skin. Just as I settled into the comfort of the bed, a sudden knock reverberated through the suite, causing my heart to leap in my chest.