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"How long have you lived in Charlotte?" Paul asked as they made their way west of the city to Belmont, an exclusive suburb populated by primarily old money.
“Rian and I moved here from New York many years ago to join the Kilconnor interests. It is an old company and, over the past few decades, has experienced impressive growth under the auspices of Elan Kilconnor." He turned and regarded him fully. "It's a good place to work, plenty of promotional opportunities, and the work is very satisfying. Elan Kilconnor is an excellent leader and CEO.”
"I wish I could say the same," Paul stated and then glanced out the side window.
“Not happy in your employment?” Sloan urged him to say more.
"I'm a CPA, and I work in the accounting department of Austen Fields, but after two years of good reviews, I'm still nothing more than a glorified data processor. The opportunity for advancement is not what they claimed when they hired me." He continued to stare out the side window. "I have a meeting scheduled with my boss, Mr. Rye, on Monday to discuss openings elsewhere in the department."
"There are many opportunities in this city for a talented CPA. Don't sell yourself short, and listen carefully when he makes his pitch. Don't settle for less than you're worth." Sloan gave him a pep talk, but in the back of his mind, he was thinking Paul would be happier working for a Kilconnor interest.
“Where does your ex work?” Sloan was curious.
"He doesn't really; he has passion projects that are primarily funded by his family. His family has holdings in the company I work for, along with other businesses in town and in the state. I don't know all of them, but they aren't hurting for money or influence." Paul turned and smiled when he looked at him. "Joshua was quite well off, and yet he was always after me for money. His new boyfriend is quite rich, from what I've heard."
“Does it hurt to think about him and what he did to you?” Sloan decided to dig a little.
"At first, it did, but not anymore. All I feel is fortunate to be free of him. It wasn't a healthy relationship, and I can see that now." He spoke softly, and Sloan could feel the sincerity of every word.
"I'm glad. Now, let me show you my place." Sloan pulled into an underground garage that was part of an addition to a grand old mansion. The compound was made up of the main mansion where most of the Coven resided and three smaller mansions constructed in the same style adjacent to the main. It was a beautiful and workable complex and housed all the members of the Kilconnor Coven.
He pulled up to the bank of elevators and parked. They both exited the vehicle, and Paul came over to stand with Sloan. "This is quite impressive. Do you live and work in this building?"
"Yes, apartments are on the middle floors, the business operates on the first and ground floors, and Elan Kilconnor occupies the top floor." It was a huge structure, with Kilconnor having added to it over the years, but he always maintained the integrity of the design. It did not look hodgepodge. The home was perfect in every way, and Master Kilconnor would accept nothing less. He was pleased that his adored one was impressed.
They got on the elevator and took it to the third floor. “My quarters are on the seaside, so it has an excellent view. I hope you like it.” Sloan took his hand and squeezed it.
"I know that I will love it." Paul looked up at him with those dazzling green eyes, and he felt his heart melt just a little. As they were making their way down the hallway, Sloan heard his brother call out to him, and he stopped.
"Sloan, wait up." Rian came jogging toward them with a big smile. Sloan had notified Master Elan and the head of security that he was bringing his adored to the coven house, and word obviously had gotten around.
"Paul Masters, this is my little brother Rian Dobre. Rian, this is Paul." He made the introductions, and he could see his brother was bursting with the desire to know more, but Paul wasn't awakened yet, so he had to hold his tongue.
"You'll never let go of that 'little brother' handle, will you." He joked and shook Paul's hand.
"Never," Sloan stated, deep and serious, before laughing. They talked for a few minutes, with Rian getting a read on Paul, which was expected before they said their goodbyes.
"Nice meeting you, Paul, and I hope to see you again . . . soon." Rian winked at his brother, saying so much without saying too much.
Paul was unsure of himself but handled the introductions with manners and grace. Sloan could not be prouder of his adored. As of tomorrow, there would be no more secrets, nothing hidden, and Paul would begin his journey as the adored of the Coven Second, a position of honor and prestige.
"Come, I'll show you my apartment and then give you a tour of the mansion." Sloan draped his arm across Paul's shoulders and directed him through the hall.
"Your bother seems very nice," Paul commented, and the assessment was genuine. Sloan could feel Paul's emotions now very clearly and could determine the honesty of his statements. The bond was growing nicely.
"He's a good man, a skilled soldier, and a wonderful brother." Sloan boasted, knowing his brother was those things and so much more. Sloan loved him dearly and was pleased that Rian was the first to meet his adored.
Paul was surprised to be introduced to Sloan's brother so soon in their relationship, but it, like so many other things, made him feel special. Sloan had a way about him that made everything seem natural and right and, in the process, left Paul feeling like he was the most important man in the room.
The complex where he lived was outrageous, so large and functional, and so original and beautiful. It was amazing, and the way it separated businesses, apartments, and common areas made Paul's poor lodgings seem pitiful in comparison. Sloan hadn't gone into much detail as to his job title, but it had something to do with security, and he handled some negotiations.
He found Belmont to be just as exclusive, posh, and stunning as he'd expected, but the Kilconnor Complex, and especially the residential part of the main house, was warm and welcoming. He had not expected a structure that was both work and home, where you lived with many of your co-workers in the same building, to put forth a feeling of comfort and home. Maybe it was the layout or the décor or maybe the paint color, but the moment Sloan parked and Paul got out of the car, he felt like he belonged.
"This is such a beautiful place, Sloan. You must love living here." He remarked as they made their way to Sloan's quarters. He was very curious to see where the man lived and what his place looked like. You can tell a lot about a person from the way they keep their personal space.
"I do, and you're going to love it too." Sloan hugged him playfully and then stopped at the end of the hall at a large set of double doors. "This is it." He said, opened the doors, and stepped inside.
Paul followed him in. It was bright and open and decorated in a warm style with plenty of wood and color, but it also had a modern bend to the furnishings that gave a current vibe that was both fashionable and elegant. Paul didn't know a lot about design and décor, but he knew what he liked, and he loved this space. This was not the quarters of a man who simply worked for the company. It was expensive and grand and belonged to someone important.
