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Before Hope could ask, they were greeted by a man in a dark suit. “It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Sterling.”
The two shook hands before the man turned to her. “You must be Ms. Malloy. I’m Fitzgerald, head of security. Welcome to the Parthenon. I’m sure it was a long journey. May I have the bar fetch you something to drink?”
“Sparkling water with fresh lime for Ms. Malloy,” Rafe responded for her, making Hope wish she’d snuck some of the bubbly from the plane. “Nothing for me.”
The man signaled for a waitperson, placed the order, then invited them to join him at his antique desk.
After they were seated in comfortable velvet chairs, he asked, “May I see your driver’s license, please, Ms. Malloy?”
She dug it from her kitty purse, and he swiped the back of her identification through some sort of machine, then asked her to face his computer so he could take her picture.
In less than one minute, her drink arrived, just as he slid a piece of paper toward her. “These are our guest rules. Please read them and sign the bottom.”
Rafe nodded for her to continue.
The expensive linen paper had a Zeta Society watermark, and it was titled Decorum. The page was aimed at protecting the privacy of guests and members. Picture taking was prohibited, except for rare occasions by a hired professional. Though ideas that were discussed at the annual gathering could be spoken about in general terms outside of the membership, names were not to be mentioned.
By the time Fitzgerald handed her a pen, she needed a drink of her water. Before she’d put down her glass, he presented her with a golden-colored identification badge.
“You’re welcome to keep your guest pass in your purse or in a pocket, but please keep it on you at all times. You’ll need it to access your cottage if Mr. Sterling is not with you. You’re free to leave the compound at any time, but Mr. Sterling will need to be with you when you return. If that’s not possible, we will call for him.”
Rafe’s name was on the top of the card. Hers was beneath it, and her picture filled the reverse side. Hope wondered if she’d entered an alternate universe. In a way, she supposed she had. Rafe’s. Until now she hadn’t thought about the needs some people had for privacy. In current social-media-hungry society, stars and politicians were often photographed or asked for selfies anytime they were in public. She offered a silent thanks that she could pop down to her building’s workout room or to a coffee shop or grocery store without makeup.
“As requested, you’ll be in the Magnolia cottage. Everything was prepared to your specifications.” Then he smiled at Hope. “If there’s anything we can do to make your stay more comfortable, there’s an in-room virtual assistant. Just tell it what you need. Or you’re welcome to use the in-room telephone.”
Rafe stood and held her chair for her. After the two men shook hands again, Rafe placed his fingers at the small of her back and led her toward the side door. He waved off the valet and took care of her himself.
The car had been kept beneath the porte cochère, and it was turned on with the air conditioner running. “This is like being at the best five-star hotel on the planet,” she said when he was seated beside her.
He checked his mirrors. “The service staff was trained at Sterling.”
Why was she not surprised?
“The security was trained by a firm that Celeste works with. Hawkeye.”
He drove past several buildings.
“Are people allowed to stay in the Grand House?”
“The chairman and steering committee members, yes. And others as availability permits. We’ll be in the cottage farthest away.” He slid her a glance. “So no one can hear your screams.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Rafe lived for Hope’s gasps, the sharp scent of fear mixed with the tang of anticipation. He didn’t terrify her—he turned her on. More than ever, he was convinced she was the woman he needed, the wife he wanted.
This weekend meant a great deal to him. She would have the opportunity to meet some of his colleagues as well as understand more about him and his obligations to the Society. She’d experience what it would be like to live with him, see what being Mrs. Sterling might demand of her. Perhaps most importantly, they would each be exploring their roles as Dominant and submissive—tonight, in public. Rafe wasn’t a fool. Whatever happened this weekend would define their future relationship.
