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“Believe me, Evan. If I thought I was at risk, I’d be the first one calling this off.” I knew just how cunning the Hawthornes could be, and the last thing I wanted was to fall into Tomas’s sick hands again.
According to her schedule, Rosalind would visit the hotel’s spa in just a few hours. I glanced at Evan’s phone.
“I should corner her in the spa,” I said. “If she’s getting a treatment, she can’t just run off. I’d have a captive audience,” I said with a grin.
He studied me for a moment. “I’m still not thrilled about you confronting her alone,” he said yet again. “We can find another way.”
“I can handle it,” I said. I appreciated his concern but had a feeling that Rosalind was more likely to listen to me than Evan breathing dragon fire down her neck. “This is our best option.”
Evan ran a hand through his hair in agitation. “But if it doesn’t work, I’m stepping in,” he said. “I can be...persuasive when necessary.”
“It won’t come to that,” I said, hoping I sounded more confident than I felt.
As the car navigated the bustling streets of Miami, I leaned on Evan, drawing strength from him for what lay ahead. His warmth and the steady beat of his heart made for a soothing rhythm in the car’s quiet interior. He kissed the top of my head, fingers gently entwining with mine.
“I’m here for you, Mariah,” he said, his breath tickling my ear. “Always.”
Before long, the car pulled up to the hotel. I took a deep breath and mentally readied myself. We stepped out of the car, the opulent building looming before us. The driver collected our bags for us, and together, we stepped through the glass doors and into the foyer.
I stopped just inside as I took in the grandeur of the hotel. The towering marble columns, gilded moldings, and sparkling crystal chandeliers were the epitome of elegance and sophistication. The lobby was full of lush, exotic plants, and the murmurs of refined conversation were muted by the cascade of a nearby indoor waterfall. A light floral fragrance perfumed the air from the dozens of arrangements scattered about.
It was a world away from anything I’d ever experienced, and that was saying something given the clients I’d worked for over the years. A shiver of excitement coursed through me.
We walked over to the check-in desk, where a uniformed attendant greeted us. While Evan handled the formalities, I glanced around, still marveling at our surroundings. Everything was grand, from the plush velvet couches to the shiny marble floors underfoot. When Evan finished checking us in, he handed me a key card with a wink, then his phone buzzed in his hand.
“It’s Mason,” he said, scanning the message quickly. “He’s already waiting for us in the lobby.”
We glanced around, but the lobby felt massive, and it took a few minutes before we found Mason near a set of grand glass elevators, with a cup of coffee in his hand, and a relaxed smile on his face.
He stood up and looked at me as we approached. “You’re sure about this?”
I shook my head and laughed. “Between the two of you mother hens, I’m surprised I’m allowed out at all.”
“Not going to apologize for keeping you safe,” Evan said, bringing his hand to my lower back. “Let’s go upstairs and go over the plan. We still have a little time.”
Once inside the glass elevators, Evan pressed the button for the penthouse floor, swiping the required key card for access. The elevator doors slid open and welcomed us directly inside. The suite was expansive, a study in elegant minimalism. A grand living area was tastefully decorated with modern, sleek furniture, and the plush cream sofas looked inviting and comfortable. Three floor-to-ceiling glass walls offered a magnificent view of the Miami skyline, with the ocean providing an impressive backdrop.
Adjacent to the living room, a fully equipped kitchen boasted state-of-the-art appliances. The dining area held a long, polished wooden table, able to accommodate a dozen people, while a stunning, intricate crystal chandelier hung above us.
I turned in a circle and looked at Evan in disbelief. “This is a bit over the top, don’t you think?”
He chuckled, coming over and wrapping an arm around my waist. “It’s not every day I get to bring my girl to Miami. I wanted to make it count.” He winked, clearly enjoying my reaction. “Let’s go check out the bedroom. Mason, yours is down that hall.”
Mason carried his bags to his room as Evan led me into the master bedroom. It was a haven of luxury, with a king-sized bed dressed in the softest linens I’d ever seen, plush pillows, and an inviting duvet. Tasteful artwork adorned the walls, and the lights were soft, creating a warm, relaxing ambience. There were floor-to-ceiling windows here as well to make the room feel open and airy.
The ensuite bathroom was as large as the bedroom itself, with a freestanding tub sitting under a window which looked out onto the city. There was also a walk-in rain shower and his-and-her sinks. It was incredible, and if it weren’t for my meeting with Rosalind, it would’ve been a perfect place for a romantic getaway.
As I wandered back out into the main living area, I saw Mason grabbing some water bottles from the fridge. “Want one?”
“Sure.”
He tossed it to me, and I took a long drink. Evan took a seat at the table, gesturing for Mason and me to join him.
“I’ve been thinking,” he said as we sat around the large table. “If you’re going to talk to Rosalind, it would be helpful for you to understand some pack politics, especially surrounding the hierarchy. It might help you better relate to her.” He sighed. “I still don’t like the idea of you going in alone, but I can see the benefits of you talking to her alone in this case. If she sees you as another woman who can sympathize and understand, it might convince her.”
“Seems like you think she’ll listen.”
“We’ll see. You know I can’t stand the woman, but if you think you can get through to her, it’s worth a shot. Honestly, it might be our best one.” Evan leaned back, crossing his ankles as he spoke.
