“What’s going on here?” A lean security guard arrived. “Someone reported a fight.”
Dennis glanced at Kain, then back at the security guard. “No fight. Just a misunderstanding. We’re good.”
The guard glanced between us and nodded. “Your parents are looking for you, Mr. Spielmann.”
“I’ll head back now.” Dennis flicked Kain an annoyed look as he passed.
Kain kept his gaze on him as though silently wishing to pound him to mush.
When Dennis disappeared around the corner, Kain turned to me. “Are you okay?” The tense jaw and crease between his brows showed the rage still tugging at him.
“I’m fine.” I ran a hand down his arm. “Are you?”
“Yeah.” I saw questions storming in his eyes, but he didn’t ask them. “Let’s get going.”
“But the event isn’t over.” I protested. “Don’t you have to network? The senator hasn’t spoken yet.”
“I already got what I needed today.”
“Okay then, let’s go.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Eva
We arrived at the Kessler Building and took the elevator upstairs.
“Where are we going?” I asked, looking down at our clasped hands.
During the ride back from the hotel, Kain had remained quiet. But I felt the frustration pumping off him.
“Up to my penthouse,” he said in a calm tone, but I still heard the irritation.
“Are you okay?”
He cut me a look that said we needed to talk. Was he angry with me? Dennis was a painful thorn in my side, and I didn’t know how to get rid of him.
The elevator door opened onto a wide hallway with gleaming hardwood floors. A luxurious rug ran along the center. Gorgeous art hung on the light gray walls with recessed lighting and sconces that belonged in fancy hotels. He had aneclectic collection of art ranging from abstract to charcoal illustrations and fantastical beings that harbored magical powers.
We came to wide doors made of dark wood. A screen was embedded into the wall beside it. He waved a hand in front of the screen, activating it. Then he punched in a code and pressed his palm to the surface. A click sounded, and the two doors unlocked, swinging out to the side. I stood there feeling as if I’d just entered a palace. Opulence greeted me, and for a moment, I felt out of place.
Kain squeezed my hand, pulling me through the doors and onto the marble floor. I glanced around the massive room with an open layout. Tall windows offered a spectacular view of the city.
“Wow.” I walked toward the windows to look out. “I’ve never seen Brookline like this.”
He took off his jacket, draped it over a chair, and ambled over to stand beside me. He tucked his thumbs into his pockets, looking out at the streets, contemplating.
“From this perspective, the town is beautiful,” he said, his eyes still trained on the outside. “It’s hiding all the darkness lurking in the shadows.”
I studied his gorgeous profile. The flickering lights from outside reflected onto his angular face, casting a contrast of dark and light dancing across the bridge of his nose, the high cheekbones, the chiseled chin, and the tattoos on his neck.
He was a beautiful man, and right now I was mesmerized by his magnetic presence. He exuded a beauty that was etched in darkness, pain, and resilience. I didn’t know how I knew that. The vibes he gave off and the emotions he elicited from me painted him as a unique character I wanted to study.
I turned around, taking in his penthouse. Comfortable couches adorned the living room space, with a horizontal fireplace underneath a white mantel that held an illustrationresembling a collage of thoughts. It leaned against the white wall, a focal point of the room.
Not too far away was a long wooden dining table and eight elegant chairs. I walked by a spacious bathroom with light green walls and a rack of plush towels and entered the kitchen area. I gasped at the quartz countertop and island, custom cabinetry, and smart technology appliances, including a TV that could be swiveled around. The elegant lighting fixtures and stylish backsplashes made the space inviting and welcoming. A round table with four chairs sat near a window. The two books on the table told me Kain spent more time at that table. Overall, his penthouse looked nothing like his simple office.
“Stay here tonight.” He looked at me, and I saw pain in his eyes. He needed me.
