Lea ? He raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms over his chest.
What ? I asked as I dug my fingernails into my palms, frustration thick in my voice.
You have twenty minutes to be ready for brunch and you still haven’t showered or changed. Rules are rules Lea, and I expect you to follow them.
God, what are you ? My mother ? I pushed past None and walked back into my room.
I gathered up the clothes from the bed and stalked into the bath, slamming the door behind me. I turned the water on in the walk-in shower and stepped in, allowing the scalding liquid to loosen my tense body.
Five minutes, Lea.
Five minutes Lea. I mimicked as I stepped out of the shower and quickly dried off. I threw on the clothes, black lace undergarments, black jeans, and a light gray three quarter sleeved cotton tee with a scooped neckline. I let out an amazed breath that everything fit perfectly. How the hell ?
I towel dried my hair and threw it into a messy bun, securing it with the black stretch band that I wore around my wrist and let out a growl as a knock sounded on the door.
Impatient much ? I asked stiffly as I threw open the door and tried to side step None, only to have him block my path.
I looked down where he grabbed my wrist. I know this doesn’t seem like the ideal situation for you, Lea, I looked up and met his heated gaze, but you really do need to drop the annoying bitch act. It doesn’t suit you.
His eyes skimmed down the length of my body and then back to my eyes ; that need, that want, that desire, and that fear flaming through the steely orbs.
Who says it’s an act ? I tugged my arm back and rubbed my wrist, And stop looking at me like that.
None stepped closer and reached a hand out. I stepped back as his fingers reached for a strand of loose hair and tucked it behind my ear before resting his palm against my cheek, the heat of his skin scorching the side of my face.
HM, HM, I looked over None’s shoulder to where Number Two stood in the doorway, fidgeting nervously. Henry asked that I let you know that brunch is ready, Boss.
None’s eyes quickly changed back cold and dark and remained on me as he spoke. Thank you, Darrell. Please inform Mahalia and Henry that we will be there in a few moments.
Yes, Boss.
I quirked my eyebrow, Boss ? I thought your name was None of Your Business, at least that’s what you told me at the diner.
None dropped his hand from my cheek and grasped my elbow, Actually, it’s Carter Stephens, Lea. But, I think that Jack had already told you that. Didn’t he ?
I remained quiet as we walked down the hall. I thought back to how Jack acted when he saw None at the diner and how he wouldn’t let me outside until after my shift. How the hell do these two know each other ?
Lea, when I ask you a question, I expect an answer.
I looked sideways at None and bit my lip. He kept his face forward. He may have mentioned that being your name.
I saw None clench his jaw, What else did he may have mentioned ? I shook my head as we passed by the entry door. I looked over at it longingly. Don’t even think about it Lea. He gripped my elbow a little tighter, pulling me closer to him, I asked you a question.
Nothing. He didn’t mention anything else. Why ?
Don’t lie to me, Lea.
I twisted my mouth around as I tried to figure out why None was so interested in what Jack might have told me about him.
I’m not lying, None. In fact, after you four left the diner and camped out across the street, None looked over at me with amusement, yea, I noticed. Anyways, as I was saying, Jack holed up in his office the rest of the night and refused to let me outside the diner until my shift ended. You wouldn’t know why that is, would you ?
None stopped in front of a set of elegantly carved mahogany doors with rubbed oil bronzed pulls and turned me to face him. It’s nothing for you to concern yourself with, Lea. Now, he nodded to the doors, I expect you to mind your manners. Brunch is less than formal, but more than a casual affair. Understand ?
The look in None’s eyes left no room for argument, Yes.
Good. None pulled the door open and nodded for me to walk in ahead of him.
I stopped and looked over the room. There was another set of doors that matched the ones we just entered at the opposite end. The walls were a rich cream color, same as the rest of the house, with expensive looking art work spaced evenly across the them.
A long rectangular table set in the middle of the room. There had to be at least fifty chairs, all high-backed and hand-carved, the wood rich and dark, the cushions a gold and silver paisley print. The cloth that ran the length of the table was the same golden and silver paisley print and looked to be satin or silk.
The lively chatter stopped and the sounds of chairs moving back across the floor filled the air as None walked in and placed his hand on the small of my back. I lowered my gaze as the men and women that were sitting stood and looked our way.
As you were. None nodded to the full table as he walked us toward the two empty seats at the far end of the room, the one that appeared to be the head of the table and the one to the right. None pulled the chair out for me and nodded for me to sit. I looked over and found that I was directly across from Number Two.
Thank you, I muttered as I sat.
You’re welcomed, Lea. None took his seat.
I could feel the questioning looks directed my way and took a keen interest in the design of the table cloth.
So, Carter, a silky smooth feminine voice came from a few seats down and across from me, are you going to introduce your, um, friend ?
I looked over at the woman through my lowered lashes. She was beautiful and could pass for a model, if it wasn’t for the way her mouth turned into a snarl as she looked me over.
Watch yourself, Tara. Number Two shot her a glare. I didn’t miss the way her eyebrow quirked up or the curt nod she sent my way and the smirk Number Two sent her back.
You have got to be kidding me.
Tara, None spoke so calmly that the entire room went quiet. That’s enough.
He looked over the rest of the table and pushed his chair back. As he stood, None held his hand out to me. I hesitated before shakily placing my palm in his.
Lea, please stand.
I hated being the center of attention and took my time in pushing the chair back.
Lea. I could hear the warning in None’s whispered voice.
As I stood, None pulled me closer to him, wrapping his arm around my waist and resting his hand just above my hip bone in a possessive manner.
I swallowed a squeak and took a peak at Number Two as he let out a barely audible chuckle. None shot him a heated glare causing Number Two looked away, the smirk still on his face.
Everyone at the table was quiet, all eyes watching my every move.
Do you mind hurrying this along ? I whispered not so discreetly at None. I was growing more uncomfortable by the minute.
His hand tightened around my waist and his jaw clenched as a few of the guest snickered.
Ladies and gentleman, since we have your attention, he looked first from Tara, then to me, I would like to introduce to you Lea Mason. She is my guest and I expect her to be treated with the same respect and courtesy you show me.