"Yes, sir."
"Now, I believe we have a trip to make and a meeting to attend. Did you see to everything?" he asked Maritza.
"Yes. We have a room ready for us in Santa Fe, there is a car waiting for us, and a car service on call if we need it. I have called over to Jesus and he has prepared our usual suite for the night, I told him we could be staying longer."
"That sounds perfect. We can go over the details when we get there," Graven said and turned to me. "Kasha, are you ready? We must go now."
The flight to Santa Fe was beyond surreal. I kept my face buried in Graven's chest for the entire time. I considered finding the courage to look, but I just couldn't do it. I was afraid I would have to make him stop. I was able to quiet that fear as long as I didn't think too much about where I was. I tried to let my mind go elsewhere.
We landed somewhere beyond the outskirts of the city. There was a black SUV waiting for us with the keys in the ignition. No one there to greet us, see us, or ask us any questions.
I was glad no one would be there wondering who I was or how I fit into the mix. Did I fit into the mix? I wasn't sure I wanted to. At that point though, it mattered not. I was there.
It only took a few seconds for Graven and Maritza to shift back into their human forms. They both were really very attractive. Graven grabbed one of the tee shirts he had tucked into his back pocket and pulled it over his head. He adjusted his hair for neatness.
Maritza did not really need to change, but grabbed a small fitted blazer out of the back seat, taking her late night outfit to a more casual look. No one said anything as we climbed into the truck. I tried to climb in the back, but Maritza insisted that I should sit in the front seat.
Maritza activated an app on her phone. She moved her phone around the interior of the car. I thought maybe she was using the light from the phone to find something.
"What are you looking for?" I asked her.
"Checking to make sure the vehicle is not wired or tapped. We must always be careful when and how we speak of things."
"Maritza. Where are we with the construction in the club? I have not had a chance to check any of my emails the past few days."
"That is part of why we had to come tonight. The work is just about finished. I know we thought we were about a month out from completion, but it is more like a day or two. I don't know how they managed it, but we need to approve some of the interior details. they will be the finishing design elements."
"I thought I said that I wanted the clubs to all have the same look." Graven looked at her through the rearview mirror.
"That is true, sir. But this is a unique space, and they wanted to go over a few things. The layout is much different because of its location." Maritza wasn't buckled in and leaned forward with her hand on the top of my seat.
"Alright, I will try to be open minded about it. Maybe there is something that we missed last time to heighten the experience for the guests. Nothing wrong with making the new club better than the other two."
"There are a lot more private areas in this club. Some public-private and others secret- private, if you know what I mean? They all have the frosted glass doors that you like. The architects decided to leave some of the features that we discussed taking out. I knew we needed to get here before anymore work was completed," she explained to Graven.
"Ok we can deal with it when we get there. There are a few things you need to know about the situation with Kasha. The Taker has set claim on her. Ziona has had held her prisoner the past few weeks. We are all she has. We don't discuss this with anyone. You follow my lead. I will tell you no more because I don't want her coming to you looking for answers about what is going on behind closed doors. I told her that I would bring Kasha on to work at the club and try to help her into her abilities. She also thinks that I have made a romantic pass at her and she has accepted my courting."
"I don't mean to interrupt, but what abilities? I don't see or sense what you are. What are you? I know that Graven thinks that you are the one, which I am not completely sure what that entails. Are you human or not?" Maritza asked Kasha.
"Maritza, know your place. What did I just say? Need to know, sweetheart. I don't know how long Ziona and The Taker will let me try this approach before they look to bring her back in. Work needs to be on par and higher than on par to keep him pleased until we can figure this out. We will not discuss this further, we never know who is listening or attempting to retrieve information from us. We know a few people that are good at doing such things to the weak minded."
We pulled through a set of stucco gates leading to a private hotel and spa. There was no question this place was going to be nice. The first hint was the gated entrance, the second the beautiful floral landscaping that was lit up, throwing shadows onto the stucco walls. The name of the establishment was emblazed on the sign that arched between the walls as we drove through. I was looking around at everything else, and I missed what the name of the hotel was.
We pulled along the circular driveway to the front of the building. All the strategic lighting highlighted the pueblo styled architecture. A man dressed in an all black suit approached our vehicle as soon as we parked.
The ride wasn't too long, so I was glad that I still had my coat on, I felt way underdressed getting out of the truck. I watched as Maritza got out of the back seat looking like a super model. One high-heeled shoe hit the ground first, followed by her two long legs. When she got out I swear it was like someone cued up the movie set fan and the wind blew her hair back. She was a beautiful girl. I say girl, she was probably double my age, but she looked young, maybe my age or younger, but she carried herself like a mature professional.
"Welcome Mr. Fromarian."
After he finished helping Maritza and myself out he went over to the driver side to take the keys from Graven. He lifted a hand in the air and did a double snap. A younger version of himself ran over.
"Mr. Fromarian, do you have any baggage I can help you with this evening?"
"Not tonight. Our suite is ready, I presume?" Graven questioned the young man.
"Oh, yes sir. Would you and your guests please follow me? I can show you to your room." He waved a hand in front of him and bowed slightly.
"Ladies, after you." Graven motioned for us to walk in front of him.
We got to the suite and although it was not over done, there was nothing modest about the place. It was nice to be in a hotel in the area that wasn't overly southwest in decor. The room had hints of the local heritage seamlessly woven in with tasteful patterns and art pieces.
"Please, sir, is there anything I can do for you? I can take a food order or prepare a bath for your guests. Whatever services you require, you can call for me. Your room phone is programmed to contact me directly.
"As per your request, the closets have the clothing you requested. Your discretion is always my upmost concern."
"Thank you, Jesus." Graven put something in his front pocket, I assume a tip. "Ladies, are you hungry? We can eat in or grab a bite on the way to the club."
"I am hungry. I will order for us. I am going to want to get changed and take a shower before we head out, I'm sure you both would like to do the same." Maritza smiled at the bellboy and back to us.
The suite had three bedrooms and a huge living room space at the center. There was a small kitchenette area with a dining table that could easily accommodate six or more people. My eyes were drawn to the open doors that led out to a terrace. I wanted to rush out to see the view, but I refrained and knew it could wait.
"A bath or a shower sounds great. How long do we have before we need to leave?" I openly asked.
Maritza said, "We have almost two hours. We made great time getting here. Jesus would you be so kind as to draw a bath for my friend here. I will show her to her room and then come back to finish ordering dinner."
"Thanks, Maritza, a bath sounds really good right now." I followed her into the bedroom. There was a large bathroom that joined two of the bedr
ooms. Jesus went in and locked the door to the other bedroom. I heard him fiddling around with some things and then the flow of water. It was calling to me. I knew it would be like a dream getting to soak in a tub.
"Please don't be offended, but I had them deliver clothing for all of us. I know you want to go shopping tomorrow, but it would be best if you were dressed to play the part. A cut up tee and beat up boots won't make the grade. We are meeting with some exclusive people tonight." Maritza spoke so softly I almost couldn't hear what she was saying to me.
Jesus came out of the bathroom, and told us the bath was set up and ready for me.
"Thank you, Jesus, I will be out in a minute to finish ordering dinner." Maritza dismissed him with a wave of the hand. He excused himself back to the main living area.
"Thank you, any chance there are a pair of size eight shoes in there?" I looked down at my feet knowing those beat up bad boys weren't going to cut it.
"You should find everything you need. The bathroom has also been stocked with the necessary toiletries and cosmetics we might need. There is plenty for both of us. I told my shopper what your complexion is, she usually hits it right on the head without much to go on.
"Ok, I will check it all out after I get cleaned up. I am going to jump in there so I can be ready when dinner gets here. I'm famished," I said before she left the room.
I closed the door to what I assumed was my room. I wanted to see what kind of clothing this shopper might have picked out for me. I was a little bit nervous, but that bath was calling my name. I couldn't ignore it.
I locked my bedroom door and entered the bathroom, also closing and locking the door. I turned around and almost walked right into or through Graven as it might have been. He was standing in front of me all shimmery.
"What are you doing?" I might have raised my voice, but I was trying to whisper.
"I just wanted to make sure you are ok. I figured you had not disrobed yet. My intention was not to invade your privacy."
"Yeah well, why are you astral projecting, doesn't Maritza know you are doing that? And I was about to disrobe. My bath is getting cold."
He looked over at the bathtub and back at me. "Again, my apologies. Maritza is too busy ordering food and bossing people around so she is not paying attention to me. But it matters not what she sees me doing or what she thinks of my motives.
"I just wanted to make sure you were ok. It was a long flight in a short amount of time. Most humans would be very sick if I took them for that flight."
"What makes you so sure I'm human?" I asked him and kicked off my shoes. "If I don't take a bath now I am not going to have time to eat."
"Alright then, I am glad you have an appetite. That is a good sign. We can talk later." Graven's figure shrunk to an orb before my eyes and disappeared even faster.
I was going to have to get used to the possibility that someone could be watching me even during times that should be private. It wasn't like Graven hasn't seen me pretty much naked, at least the astral version of myself, but I was not ready to be on that level with him. Besides, it would not be fair I hadn't seen his. I giggled a little to myself, I'm sure he would gladly show me. Most men were not that shy.
I could hear Graven and Maritza talking, but tried the best I could to focus on my own moment of peace. I had spent a lot of time alone, but this was more like time with me than alone. I tossed my dirty clothes onto a chair in the corner of the room and tested the water's temperature. It was still plenty hot.
I climbed right in, normally would have eased into the bath until my body adjusted to the temperature. I felt the blood rushing to the surface of my feet and legs, but I liked the way the hot water made me feel. The little gentle bit of pain made me feel alive and wrapped around me like a hot cocoon. I relaxed into the water and enjoyed the smell from the flower petals that Jesus let float atop the water.
There was a small round marble table next to the bath with everything I could need; shampoo, conditioner, body wash, a new poof, shaving gel and a new high-end razor. The toiletries had a very fresh scent with a mix of mint and tea tree oil. I loved the natural smell of the products the hotel had provided.
After all of my grooming, I grabbed my towel off what I thought was a regular towel rack on the wall, but was pleasantly surprised that the towel was heated. It was beyond luxurious to wrap myself in the warm, giant, white towel.
I don't know how I missed it when we first entered the bathroom, but there were nice white fluffy bathrobes on hooks next to each bedroom door. I grabbed mine and used the towel to wrap my hair in a turban on top of my head. I went over to the large double sink vanity. There were two make-up tray's set up next to each sink with my name and Maritza's name respectfully. I didn't bother looking at hers I was too fascinated with mine.
There was more make-up than I knew what to do with. I decided to dry my hair and get dressed first. Maybe Maritza would want to help me with my make-up. I had a feeling that would be something fun for her.
I used the large round brush and hairdryer to blow my hair out straight. I couldn't remember the last time I blew my hair out. Of course after it was almost completely dry I noticed the mousse and hair tonics that were displayed on the counter. I used a tiny bit of finishing oil and was impressed with the how full my hair was and shiny to boot. The oil let the natural highlights really make my red hair pop.
Now for the mysterious clothing I was about to be forced into. I went back into the bedroom and opened the large armoire. There were only a few articles of clothing in there. Sitting on the lower shelf was a matching pair of panties and a bra, of course in my size and a pair of socks. Hanging from the rod was a pair of denim pants. They looked like they had been freshly pressed and maybe starched. I never once even gave thought to the idea of ironing a pair of jeans.
I pulled them out and tossed them on the bed with my undergarments. I pulled out the only shirt that was in the closet. I examined it and surprisingly found it pleasing. It was a white, almost bohemian top with a brown and turquoise pattern around and down the low cut collar of the shirt. There was a matching pattern trimming the ends of the cuffs.
I pulled the jeans on and was surprised how fitted they were. I did not usually wear jeans that tight. They looked nice though; they complemented my shape and my butt looked great, always a challenge with jeans. I was nervous the shirt would be too transparent without a camisole to wear underneath it. I put it on and it looked like it was made for my body. It hugged my breasts enough, but not so much that it squeezed at them and flowed out at the arms and waist. The wider look of the shirt was a great pairing with the dark jeans.
I think Maritza or her shopper managed to find me an outfit that I would never have gone out looking for, but it felt enough like me that it worked. The clothes were not from your average department store in the mall.
The vee in the front of the shirt showed off more of my cleavage than I was accustomed to, but it was sexy, not sleazy. The only problem was that my branding was front and center. I was nervous about people seeing it, but it was a part of me. I had to own it. I tried to think of it as a cherished gift from my gram.
I looked around and found a large shoebox on the chair next to the desk. I held my breath as I opened it. I took a deep breath and smiled. They were a dark amber color, a bit more rich than my hair, but they were perfect. I slipped them over my jeans. They had a feel of riding boots, but with a bit of a heel. They came all the way up to my knees.
I knew I did not look like Maritza, instead I felt like a better version of myself and that worked for me. I was so glad they were not trying to turn me into someone else. I felt respected and confident enough I decided to attempt my own makeup before heading out for dinner.
Chapter Ten
IT WAS NEARLY MIDNIGHT WHEN Jesus pulled our black SUV up in front of the hotel entryway. There were no other guests in the lobby, or outside for that matter. Besides Jesus, the only other person we saw was a middle-aged black woman behind the front desk. Ev
en though it was the over-night shift, she was dressed to impress. Her hair was pulled tight into a fancy braid and her makeup looked professionally done. I had to respect the effort she put into her appearance, even though maybe only a few people would cross her path at that hour.
She wore a dark brown suit with a beautiful piece of turquoise encased in hammered silver pinned to her lapel. How could I miss it? I had a thing for unique jewelry, but the piece of turquoise was quite large so I could see it as soon as we came off the elevator. I could still see it from where I stood out in the front of the building. When we passed her desk she smiled at us and said good evening.
Dinner was quick, by the time I came out of the bathroom Graven had already eaten and showered and was waiting for Maritza and me. She got ready with impeccable speed. I assumed that she has had a lot of experience getting ready to go out.
It also made me wonder if or what her unique abilities were. For that matter, did all gargoyles have unique abilities? I wondered more about Graven's family. He mentioned not everyone in his family had the same abilities. Could Kaden astral project too? Would he be next to show up when I was about to get into the shower?
He was seriously as handsome as I imagined him to be in my dreams. The idea of either man wanting to join me in the shower had a certain amount of appeal, but as a fantasy not a reality. I didn't know either of them and although I strangely trusted Graven in my core, the truth was that I didn't know what either of them might be after or up to.
Graven stretched his long arm out to Jesus and took the keys and slipped him a tip at the same time. Maritza and I climbed up into the oversized SUV. I again took shotgun; I wanted to see where we were going. I worried that I was stepping on her toes somehow. I barely knew her. She was obviously an integral part of Graven's life. The last thing I wanted to do was cause tension between she and I if we were going to need to work together, even if it was only for a short while.
Betrayed: Breaking the Darkness Series Book Two Page 9
