Total pages in book: 43
Estimated words: 39991 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 200(@200wpm)___ 160(@250wpm)___ 133(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39991 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 200(@200wpm)___ 160(@250wpm)___ 133(@300wpm)
“I will. Come. I’ll show you to the office where you’ll be staying.”
They got onto the elevator, and Rowan watched with bleary eyes as the light stopped at three. They stepped out into a mass of cubicles with a small staircase just beyond that led to an open second level with a handrail around it.
“My office is just up there,” Xavier said pointing to the first office past the staircase. “I’m up there along with IT and a few of my employees who prefer privacy. Most have a cubicle here since a lot of my employees spend most of their time in the field.”
“I saw on your website you offer security specialists…or is it bodyguards?”
“Either term works. We also do some investigative work. Since you are well aware of the preternatural community, I hope you’ll be comfortable. We have a small staff here tonight, but tomorrow, there will be a lot more.”
“I’ve seen… What did you call them? Preternaturals? I’ve seen you my whole life. And I can sense when someone who does look human has magic. So yes, I’ll be comfortable here. It just feels good not to have to constantly look over my shoulder. I really do appreciate you helping me.”
“It’s my fault you’re in danger, Rowan. And I plan to put a stop to it.” Xavier led him up the stairs.
Rowan felt like his feet were mired in mud with every step. His utter tiredness was just taking over his body now that he was safe. He really wanted a shower, but he was too exhausted. When Xavier led him into an office, all he could stare at was the soft-looking twin bed that had obviously been moved inside because the desk and a chair had been pushed into the wall.
“The bathroom is just down the hall, and as I said, there is a shower. Make yourself at home. I’ll have breakfast delivered around nine or so. Get some sleep, Rowan.”
Rowan just nodded and looked at Ivor over Xavier’s shoulder. Ivor stepped around him. “I’ll be in the office next door, so if you need me just call. I’ll hear you.”
He kind of wanted Ivor in this office with him, but couldn’t think of a way to ask, so he just nodded. “Okay, thanks.”
They left the office, and Rowan didn’t even take off his shoes. He just fell face down on the bed and was out in seconds.
Chapter Nine
Rowan
The first person Rowan saw when he left the office in the morning was Ivor, who still wore the same clothes he’d had on the night before. He didn’t look as if he’d gotten as good a sleep, his hair pulled back in a tangled tail, faint shadows under his dark eyes.
He still looked fucking beautiful. He was the most beautiful man, or whatever, that Rowan had ever seen.
He offered Rowan a tired smile. “Did you sleep well?”
“Like a log. I needed it.” Rowan clutched his bag to his chest. “Is it okay if I get that shower? I know Xavier planned to have breakfast, and I’m running late.”
“Of course.” He led Rowan to the bathroom at the end of the walkway that overlooked the cubicles below. He pointed back toward the short staircase. “Xavier’s office is there. Just meet us there when you finish.”
“Thanks.”
The shower in the bathroom was surprisingly big for an office restroom. He guessed because a lot of the bodyguards he’d glimpsed wandering about were huge. A couple had been over seven feet tall. He hurried through, feeling so much relief in getting truly clean for the first time in days. He’d showered in one of the motels, but he’d been so scared it had been super fast.
He dressed in jeans and a black sweatshirt before shoving his feet into socks and his tennis shoes. He didn’t bother to comb his hair, just letting the waves fall as they willed.
A lot more noise filled the huge office area when he left the bathroom, and he looked over the rail. He recognized some of the creatures who milled about, including an ogre, who fascinated him with his green horns and small tusks jutting from his lips. He spotted pointed ears on others and one guy with scales over his skin.
It was wild to see so many preternaturals gathering in one place, but Rowan didn’t stay to stare because that wouldn’t be polite. He walked to Xavier’s office and knocked on the door, going inside when Xavier called out.
His office was decorated in a modern style—all blacks, grays and whites. There were lots of old books on the shelves and a few crystals and candles. A spread of donuts and breakfast biscuits was laid out on his desk. Rowan met Ivor’s eyes, giving him a small smile that Ivor returned. Emory was also there along with Xavier.
“Take whatever food you’d like, and there’s also coffee,” Ivor said as he handed Rowan a tall cup with a lid. “It’s black because I don’t know how you take it. There are condiments there.” He pointed to small pile of creamers and packets.