Fated Under the Moon Page 7

  "Sure, it's fine. It has its perks," I held up the fork signaling how I enjoyed the omelet and hoping that she would take the hint and let me eat before my food got cold.

  "Bethany is a marvelous cook, isn't she? She's here for your every need. I'll let you enjoy your meal. I do hope we can become close friends."

  I gave her a tight-lipped smile. "Do you work here or..." I had to ask. I needed confirmation on who she was, but Bronson cut me off.

  "She's the lady of the house."

  Well, that answered that. They were definitely together. God, I hoped I wasn't working for some kinky sex weirdo.

  Lillian lingered for a second, seemingly hoping I would jump at the idea of friends. When I didn't, she sighed and left the room, shaking her hips as she did.

  After that, the rest of the day went a lot like the day before. Bronson kept me busy. There were no comments about Lillian or anything else that made me think he was anything less than professional.

  Bethany made me lunch then sent me home with a to-go box for dinner. This time, however, getting food from Bethany felt weird. I thought of Lillian's comments, making me feel like Bethany was there specifically for me. I shook off those thoughts, eventually deciding that it made no sense at all that she would be there for me. There were a lot of people here who also needed food. She'd have to be here for them as well. Still, the way Lillian spoke...

  Reece and Micah walked out the front door as I walked back up to the new beautiful porch. "There she is!" Reece said.

  "Hey, guys! How are you?" I was excited to see them.

  "Can't complain," Micah responded.

  "Look at you all dressed up!" Reece eyed me playfully.

  "Has Ryker seen you all gussied up?" Micah asked.

  I shrugged at the mention of Ryker, then changed the subject. "I was going to ask you if you want to grab dinner with us, but it looks like you already have dinner," Reece said.

  I held up my takeout box. "The chef made me chicken enchiladas to take home. Raincheck?"

  "Sure," Reece grumbled.

  "It's probably poison," Micah muttered to Reece, then added, "Smell it."

  "You're not smelling my food." I shook my head, walking past them toward my apartment. "I'll catch up with you later. I'm dying to get out of these clothes."

  "I know someone who can help you with that!" Reece called.

  I shook my head as I walked into my apartment. My food was indeed delicious! After eating just enough that I wouldn't get a cramp from running, I changed out of my work clothes and into my running gear. I tinkered around the apartment, killing time until I knew I could successfully run without getting sick. Finally, I went outside and stretched, preparing for a run. A part of me was nervous since the last time I ran, I had that episode. I still hadn't followed up with Doc. I made a mental note to do that. I was doing a deep lunge stretch when Ryker pulled into the parking lot on his bike.

  Damn, that man looked good on a motorcycle.

  I'd never dated anyone with a bike before. I wondered how it would be to sit behind him. How it would feel to have that big body... Jesus, I needed to get a grip.

  "What are you staring at?" Ryker snapped me out of my thoughts. I must've been so caught up in my thoughts about him on a bike that I didn't notice him approach.

  'Nothing. Just daydreaming. Sometimes I do that," I lied, then remembered how rude Ryker was to me yesterday morning. "Now you're speaking to me?"

  "When did I stop speaking to you?"

  "Um, yesterday, in the morning." I put my hand up and looked at him like you know exactly what I'm talking about.

  "I wasn't ignoring you. I was just caught off guard by how you looked in a skirt."

  Damn, Ryker knew how to make my skin flush.

  Ignoring his comment, I changed the subject. "Do you work tonight?"

  "I'm sure I'll stop in, but my staff has it covered."

  Unsure of what else I could say to prolong the conversation, I looked at the empty sidewalk then tilted my head. "I better run. I need to burn off all of those calories I just ingested."

  I could've sworn I heard him mumble, "I've got ways you can burn calories." He gave me a chin lift, then sat on the porch and watched me run away.

  Chapter Seven

  I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I really didn't. I had just arrived at work after luckily having a good night's rest. Either Mindy's charms worked, or the other night's dream was some random fluke. Last night when I returned home after my run, Ryker was no longer sitting out front, but I spotted his bike and knew he wasn't far. I wondered if he was worried I'd have another incident.

  I was walking down the hall on my way to my office with a fresh muffin and my topped-off coffee from the kitchen when I heard Bronson talking with someone.

  "You need to take it slow," Bronson spoke authoritatively.

  "I know this. It's just..." That was Lillian. I couldn't help but crinkle my eyes. She really wasn't an easy one to read.

  "It's just you've waited a long time, I know," he finished for her.

  "It's not how I expected our first meeting to go."

  "If you'd listened to me and let me introduce you, maybe it wouldn't have been so off."

  Alfonzo started down the hall, carrying a serving tray. I began to walk, hoping I wasn't too noticeable.

  "There she is," Bronson cooed. I wasn't sure if he was speaking to Lillian or me.

  "Morning," I replied, hoping I could set my things down before I needed to engage.

  "Hi, Elle," Lillian said. "How are you this morning?"

  "Great. I'll be even better when I get a little more of this in me," I replied, raising my coffee mug.

  Alfonzo followed into the room. "Your breakfast, Master." Alfonzo set two white plastic to-go mugs down, then looked at me. "You've been in to see Bethany already?

  "Yep," I held up my coffee and muffin. Hint...hint. (I want to eat.)

  Lillian took a sip from her cup, and a tiny droplet of red pooled on her lips. Was she really drinking wine this early? Yikes.

  "Busy day today, Bronson?" I asked, hoping he would give me some direction.

  "Quite. I'll be in soon to go over our morning."

  "Thanks," I said, turning to leave.

  "Elle, Dear. Would you like to have lunch with me this afternoon?" Lillian asked, catching me off guard.

  "Oh, I um, I guess. Sure." I didn't really want to, but she put me on the spot.

  Lillian beamed. "That will be splendid! Alfonzo set the table for two in the grand-dining hall."

  What twenty-year-old spoke like that? And the grand-dining hall? That sounded fancy. I wasn't fancy.

  "Oh, I can't wait! Alfonzo, have Bethany begin working on the menu," she ordered, and I couldn't tell what her schtick was because the way she behaved was entirely over the top.

  "Great," I mumbled. "See you then."

  I left Bronson's office and prayed that Lillian would somehow forget or get too caught up in whatever it was she liked to do and wouldn't show for lunch. Maybe I was being too judge-y? I didn't know, but something about her was off-putting.

  I HAD NO SUCH LUCK.

  Bronson kept me busy throughout the morning, and, at twelve sharp, Alfonzo knocked on my door to tell me lunch was ready.

  I followed Alfonzo to the dining hall and immediately understood why it was called the grand dining hall. The ceilings were at least twenty feet high with enormous, bronzed chandeliers that had dozens upon dozens of candles lit. It seemed like a waste to me. Just open a dang window.

  Large Oriental rugs covered the rich wooden floors. There was a table big enough for thirty people, and Lillian was sitting at one end waiting for me. She had a glass of red wine at her lips, and she slowly sipped it while watching me enter. Her eyes never left mine. I felt like she was a cat, and I was the prey ready to be pounced on.

  The other place setting was at the other end of the table, and I thought it was complete overkill to have the two of us in here. It put a sour taste in my mouth. I felt like we'd have to shout at one another to talk. Alfonzo pulled out my chair as I took a seat. My eyes pleaded with him to save me, but it was pointless.

  "Your first course this afternoon will be a bouillabaisse. It's made with imported seafood from none other than the French Riviera itself."

  I returned a tight-lipped smile, having no idea what that was.

  A few seconds later, two men appeared from different sides of the dining hall, one closer to me and the other closer to Lillian. They set a bowl down in front of each of us. Apparently, bouillabaisse was some type of soup.

  I took a small sip and immediately tasted a strong fishiness. It wasn't unpleasant, but I didn't really want to slurp fish broth. I watched Lillian from across the table, who took slow, deliberate bites. She didn't even look at her soup; that's how hyper-focused she seemed to be. I didn't want to be rude, but the soup wasn't for me. Slowly, I took a few additional bites but then I was done. I'd just have to see if Bethany could make me something normal later.

  I found it weird that Lillian invited me to lunch, but she hadn't said anything to me yet.

  "So," I said loudly, "Have you lived here long?"

  "Why are you shouting?" She tilted her head curiously at me, the way a dog would if he heard a noise he couldn't decipher.

  "I just thought since you're all the way down there, you couldn't hear me."

  "I hear you just fine. To answer your question, I have indeed lived here a long time."

  I looked down at my bowl. Eating the soup would be more enjoyable than this conversation.

  A small fish head popped up in the bowl. Gross.

  "You don't fancy the soup?"

  I returned her question with a reticent smile.

  "Use your words, child," she berated.

&nbs
p; See that B.S.! That right there was why I knew we wouldn't be best friends.

  I glared at her, wondering if she could see the daggers I was shooting her from across the room. "Not particularly, no. I'm not a fan."

  She clapped twice then ordered, "Alfonzo, remove the soup immediately and let Bethany know she does not find it suitable."

  Alfonzo appeared out of nowhere. He came in so fast I had to blink to see if I imagined it. He took Lillian's bowl first, then gathered mine.

  "Next, we will be serving basil risotto with escargot."

  My eyes bugged out. They had to be punking me. All right, if this is what Lillian thought was edible, I'd try it.

  The servers came in as before, setting small plates in front of us. I decided immediately that I wasn't going to attempt to eat the snails. I tasted the risotto. It was good, a little salty, but edible. I moved it around on my plate as much as possible and could not wait for this lunch to be over. I drank a glass of water, then as I emptied it, a server would reappear to fill my glass.

  Lillian barely ate but asked me simple questions she could've gotten from my resume.

  "Elle, what have you done for work?"

  "Elle, can you tell me about your education? Have you been properly taught?"

  "Elle, did you find Seattle to be a good life?" That question threw me. She could've phrased it differently, and most people would've. Like how did you like Seattle growing up? The odd way she communicated made me respond with very few words.

  I thought it might be good to change tactics. "Seattle was nice. How about you? Do you like Ohio?"

  She smiled at me, engaging her as if I'd finally done something to please her. "I'm well-traveled and have been all over the world. However, something is exhilarating about this place, isn't it? You may have felt it when you drove in. Tell me, did you feel anything strange as you crossed into town?"

  What a whack-a-do question. I took a sip of water, then thought about it. I suppose I did feel something, but I'm pretty sure it was a change in humidity. I gave a quick shake of my head, then watched as she squinted, then commanded, "Words, Ariel."

  All right, if she berated me one more time! I glared and was saved by the waiter as they came over to refill my glass. "You can take my plate, please," I requested, not wanting it to be Lillian who ordered them around on my behalf.

  I wiped my mouth with my napkin and began to stand. I really couldn't stand a second more of this. "Thank you for the lunch invitation, Lillian. It's been loads of fun," I supplied, somewhat sarcastically.

  "Where are you going? We haven't gotten to the main dish yet."

  "I have work to do. Thanks so much, though. We should totally do this again sometime." Not!

  I wanted to hurry out of there, but Alfonzo appeared.

  "Miss Katz, you must stay. Bethany has prepared the most fabulous meal for you. I think it would hurt her feelings if you didn't at least try it."

  "I really should be getting back to work," I tried.

  "I've spoken with the master, and he already informed me that you should take as long as you need."

  "There, it's settled. Please have a seat, Elle."

  "We will be serving Moroccan steak with roasted beetroot puree."

  Fine, I thought, sitting. I could eat steak. I wasn't the biggest fan of beets, but I'd try it.

  The dishes were laid in front of us, and it did look appetizing. I ate several bites of the meat, not realizing that it would be as spicy as it was. I drank more water then soon realized that if I used the beet puree, it cut the spiciness of the meat.

  Lillian didn't engage me any longer. I wasn't sure if I put her off by wanting to leave, but I got the sense that she was waiting to see what I would do. If I ever overheard her again, I'd run in the other direction. I didn't want to sit through this again.

  A few minutes passed, and my stomach began to feel strange. Gurgling in a way that I wasn't sure if I'd make it to the bathroom. I abruptly stood and darted out of the dining hall. I could hear Lillian calling after me, but I didn't care. Something in this food did not sit well at all. I rushed to the bathroom and immediately lost everything in my stomach. I felt faint, and I began to sweat. My vision turned spotty, and before I knew it, everything went black.

  THE ROOM WAS DARK AS I opened my eyes. Where was I? I recalled getting sick and that God-awful lunch, then I didn't remember anything after that. Did I pass out in the bathroom?

  I sat up, feeling slightly dizzy. I was in a bedroom, and I noticed it was dark outside after a few glances out the window. I had no idea how late it was, but I wanted to get out of here. I wondered if I should call Doc.

  I looked down at my ring that I'd put on a chain. It was black. I didn't imagine it like I'd previously thought. I needed to get the heck out of here. Something about this felt very, very off.

  I stood on shaky legs. Why did I feel so weak? Could food poisoning make you weak? Unless something else was in my food... I remembered how Ryker and everyone spoke of the Valderes, and a sense of unease settled over me.

  I tiptoed to the door, and when I didn't hear anything, I cracked it open. There wasn't any sound, so I slowly moved to the hall in hopes that I could leave without anyone noticing.

  I walked down the hallway that I was fairly certain was attached to the main hallway with the staircase. As I turned, I noticed a light and heard semi-raised voices. One of the voices was new, and he sounded angry. He was arguing with Lillian and Bronson. I wasn't going to stick around and find out why. The voices raised over one another, and I thought it was the perfect time to leave. I hurried down the stairs, grateful that they were too caught up in whatever drama they were dealing with to notice me.

  I hurried to my office, grabbed my purse, and was almost out the back door when Alfonzo appeared. "Miss Katz, wait. I must get the master. I was supposed to notify them the minute you awoke."

  "No worries. I'm going home. Feeling much better," I semi-lied and hurried past Alfonzo to my car door. He tried to catch up to me, and I heard him ask me again to wait, but once inside my car, I started it and sped off, leaving him and the Valdere Estate in my rear-view mirror.

  Chapter Eight

  "Ariel, what's wrong? Open your door." I was in my car, shaking. I wasn't even sure why, but I felt beyond spooked. Ryker was currently knocking on my window while I freaked out.

  "Ariel, I'm not kidding. Open up."

  I came out of freak-out mode, realizing I practically drove home on autopilot and opened my door, climbing out.

  Ryker grabbed both of my arms and looked me up and down. "Are you okay? What happened to you? You're as white as a ghost."

  "I'm... I'm fine," I stuttered.

  "You're not fine. Come on." He ushered me inside and sat me on the couch, then filled a glass of water and handed it to me. "Drink."

  I drank and finished the glass.

  He took it, then refilled it and handed me another glass. "Drink."

  I drank the water, set the glass down on the table, then sat back, brought my knees up to my chest, and tried to figure out why I was so shaken up.

  Ryker sat next to me, put his muscular arm around me, and pulled me into him. "Tell me what happened, Ariel."

  For once, it wasn't on the tip of my tongue to correct him. "I was eating lunch with this awful girl, and then I got sick. I... I think I passed out. Then when I woke up, I was in a bedroom, and I just wanted to get out of there. I don't even know why I was so spooked. I just felt like I had to go."

  "I'm calling Doc."

  "No, it's late. Don't call him."

  He studied me. "Fine, but I'm staying here, on the couch, and tomorrow, you don't go into work, and we call him. Deal?"

  "You don't have to sleep here. Your apartment's just across the hall. If I need something, I'll call."

  "That's the deal, Ariel. Or I pick up the phone and drag Doc out of bed."

  "Fine, okay. But you take my bed. This couch is too small for you."

  "I'll be fine. I've slept on this couch before."

  He swept my hair off my neck, and it looked like he was looking for something. "What are you doing?"

  "Nothing just wanted to make sure you were okay."

  I shrugged that comment off, then yawned and curled into Ryker's side, somehow feeling safer next to him.

  "Hey, I think you're going to fall back to sleep, but I'm guessing you'll be more comfortable if you change first."