“I can’t wait to speak to them.” Madeline tried her damnedest to sound confident and sure of herself, but she still couldn’t keep the slight quiver out of her voice. She wasn’t sure whether it was from her occasional bout of social anxiety or the loss of blood from her brain to her aching and greedy vagina.
“You’ll soon have your chance, sweetheart. The crème de la crème of Male Order awaits.” Garrett held the door open for them and then followed close behind. Madeline glanced around and noticed they led her down a separate hallway off the main entrance. She eyed the black-and-white checkered marble, the high, breezy archways, and the elaborate crystal chandeliers and wondered just where they were taking her.
She did not have to wonder long. Soon, they entered an elegantly decorated ballroom. One long table covered with an elaborate buffet sat parallel to the back wall, chefs in crisp white uniforms and tall toques stood proudly behind each gleaming copper chafing dish, ready to be of service. A carving station ended the buffet, and there the chef wielded a pointed carving fork and an impressively long and sharp-looking knife. Waiters in black, sharply pressed uniforms walked around the room, hovering about the tables attentively. From what Madeline could see, every glass was topped off, and no finished plate sat for more than a second before a waiter whisked it away.
The walls were an understated shade of antique blue, and the gold trappings on the wall made the room glow with a rich warmth. Some people were already seated while others milled around, beverage in hand. Heads turned when they entered, and Madeline noticed everyone was stunningly beautiful before they all politely turned their attentions back to each other. Huh. No wonder there were rumors about there being a mafia in Male Order. It looked like an intimate gathering of privileged families rather than the business lunch Madeline had planned on.
As Madeline’s gaze skimmed over the room, taking everything in, a blindingly blonde woman perked up in her seat, her head tilting slightly to the side as she watched Madeline walk between Dalton and Garrett. Something akin to glee flashed in the woman’s eyes before she shot to her feet and almost tip-toed toward them in the highest pair of stilettos Madeline had ever laid eyes on. Madeline was still pondering how the woman defied the laws of physics by remaining upright when the blonde came to a stop right in front of her with an ecstatic smile on her face.
“Well, who do we have here, big brother?” the woman asked.
“Christ, Beulah, lay off, will you?” Garrett snapped. Beulah cringed and raised her manicured finger in the air, clearly about to stick it in Garrett’s face when Dalton interrupted.
“Both of you lay off,” Dalton commanded in a low voice. He pressed his big hand against the small of Madeline’s back, presenting her. “Madeline, this is our sister, Beulah. Beulah, this is Madeline Spencer.”
Beulah gave Madeline a tight smile, then turned to her brothers. “I told you two not to call me that in public,” she said in a sing-songy voice between her clenched teeth. “Please, call me Bea.”
“Yeah. As in Queen Bee.” Madeline heard the mental eye roll in Garrett’s voice.
“It’s nice to meet you, Bea. Thank you for having me.”
Bea opened her mouth, but Dalton cut in. “Let’s stop the bickering before we scare Madeline away, okay?”
“Yeah, and she didn’t come here to meet you, Bea,” Garrett said. “Maddie’s here to—”
Bea’s eyes lasered in on her. “Miss Maddie?”
“Um, yes.” Madeline’s cheeks heated. “That’s what my kids at the center call me.”
“Is that so? Which center?” But none of this was directed at Madeline. Some sort of psychic twin conversation played out over her head, and Dalton watched them, his eyes sharp and observant. For once, his expression told her something his eyes did not—that he understood the silent family pow-wow going on, and he was not going to tell her anything.
Madeline fiddled with her watch and tried to look occupied. The sound of metal tinkling against glass caught her attention. She turned to see Dalton tapping his glass with the tip of a thick gold and black pen.
“Can I get everyone’s attention please, for just a moment? I wanted to say a few words before everyone settled down to enjoy this wonderful lunch buffet the Abrams family has so generously laid out for us. The Founder’s meeting this morning was productive as always, and everyone will receive a copy of the minutes in our monthly Male Order newsletter, so I won’t bother spending any more time here discussing it. That is, unless you all would like to hear all those boring details now…” Dalton grinned as the room erupted in polite laughter.
“That’s what I thought. Anyway, I’d like to say what an honor it is for our family to be hosting the Male Order cotillion again this year. As you all know, Bea is the committee chair, so please, any questions or suggestions about decorations, the auction, or anything along those lines should be directed at her.”
Bea waved a manicured hand at the crowd. “Hello, everyone! While I already have the décor and theme pinned down, I am still considering the local recipient of the proceeds raised by the auction. Please feel free to offer me any suggestions, but know that while I will take it into consideration, I will ultimately do whatever I damn well please.”
“And finally,” Dalton nudged Madeline in front of him, “I would like to introduce everyone to Miss Madeline Spencer. She is the director of funding at the South Dallas Youth Center, a non-profit organization that helps the community of inner-city families there, most notably the children. Ellis Enterprises is helping to sponsor Madeline’s organization, and we hope that we are only one of many Male Order businesses who will help back this admirable cause. Madeline, would you like to say a few words?”
In her panic, she sought the Ellis brothers, and they just looked back at her, their expressions telling her she should have expected this, which she had, just not quite so soon. Madeline looked back at the people looking at her, inclined her head to the group at large, and felt her face positively burn. “Um, yes. Hello, everyone. As Mr. Ellis said, I am the director of funding at the South Dallas Youth Center, and we strive to serve the youth of South Dallas by offering a safe environment for the children to study and practice the skills they learn in the classroom. I look forward to speaking with you today and in the near future about my experience and the details of my proposal. Any contribution you can make to this cause will certainly be rewarded back to you tenfold when you see what an impact it will make on these young lives. Thank you.”
“Okay, great. Well, everyone, enjoy the rest of the luncheon.” Dalton smiled and directed everyone’s attention to the buffet spread. And just like that, all the attention on Madeline disappeared and refocused on personal conversations and settling down for a nice meal among friends.
“You did wonderfully,” Garrett said breathily into her ear. The adrenaline rushing through her from having to speak in public mixed with her desire for him, and she thought she might pass out. She leaned into Garrett’s muscular embrace when she felt a thin arm lace around her elbow.
“There’s plenty of time for that later.” Bea smiled warmly at her. “You’ll be sitting next to me.” She sent a scowl over her shoulder as she led Madeline toward the beautifully set table. “Us girls have to stick together in this town. All of these men think they can just boss us around.” Bea leaned her head toward Madeline’s. “I’m so glad I finally get to meet you. The boys have been so sneaky lately, and I didn’t know what to think of it, but now I get it.”
Madeline didn’t know what to make of that statement, what exactly Bea was “getting” all of a sudden. She looked behind her at Dalton and Garrett for some hint, but both men had already busied themselves shaking hands and making small talk with the other guests as they walked by. She caught Dalton’s eye, and she must have looked particularly helpless because he instantly excused himself from his conversation with a tall older gentleman and ran to her side.
“Bea, where are you taking her? Madeline, would you like to meet—” Da
lton tried to grab Madeline’s hand, but Bea jerked it away.
“Oh, can’t it wait, Dalton!” Bea snapped as she seemed to possessively pull Madeline closer. “The girl hasn’t even had a beverage or a bite to eat yet. Where are your damn manners?”
Dalton’s nostrils flared, but he smiled diplomatically. “Don’t you think you should let Madeline decide whether she’s thirsty or hungry?”
“I’m actually not that—” Madeline began, trying to pull away, but right on cue, her stomach rumbled. Garrett walked up, and Madeline was grateful to see he hadn’t heard her belly growling like some gauche beast.
Bea’s eyes widened. “You sure sound hungry to me, honey. Let’s sit a spell. Garrett, why don’t you get us girls something to snack on, okay? Thanks and buh-bye.” Bea waved the men away with a flick of her wrist and the blinding flash of diamonds on her tennis bracelet. Garrett looked like he wanted to smack his twin, but he just crossed his big arms across his broad chest and chuckled, shaking his head as if in disbelief.
“I see you’ve already begun trying to take over our love lives again, eh, Bea,” Garrett called out as he and Dalton followed her to a table. “I don’t think this obsession is healthy.”
“Shut up, Garrett,” Bea snapped.
Madeline, helpless under the force of this tiny, blonde Texas tornado, looked up at Dalton and Garrett as she was pushed into a seat.
“You okay with being left alone with this lunatic sister of mine, Madeline?” Dalton asked.
“Of course she is,” Bea said without giving Madeline a chance to respond. “You’ve got two grown women on your hands who want you to bug off, so beat it and give us some precious girl time!”
“Fine, but just one goodbye kiss.” Garrett leaned down, but before his sensual lips had a chance to even graze Madeline’s cheek, Bea swatted him away.
“Later, bucko. Now, shoo, and I don’t want to hear another word from you men.” Bea eyed each man as if daring them to say another word. As they shrugged and walked away, Madeline realized, despite her Southern-belle charm and gentility, Bea was not someone to mess with. “There, that’s better, isn’t it?”
Madeline sat in stunned silence until Bea smiled and started her friendly chattering again.
“Let’s get situated first. I’ve just been dying to finally meet you. How do you like Male Order so far?”
“It’s great. This cotillion sounds very interesting. Having to plan it must be quite the task.”
“It is, and if I have anything to do with it, which I do, it will surely be the biggest one yet. As you heard Dalton say earlier, it’s our year to host the Male Order cotillion, you see.” Bea flicked her platinum hair behind her shoulder. “Every year, a different family takes over. It’s just a big cycle, really. It’s a masquerade every year. Masks, vintage dresses, corsets, lace, pearls, the works. I have an entire staff of wonderful assistants at the ready to carry out my every whim. It’s going to be absolutely fantastic.”
A waitress approached them and asked what they wanted to drink. Her voice sounded odd, but judging someone else’s speech was the farthest thing from Madeline’s mind at the moment. Bea ordered a bellini.
“Just a water for me, please,” Madeline said. The waitress nodded and walked away, flicking her thick brown hair over her broad shoulders and swaying her slim hips in an exaggerated fashion.
Well, someone sure is trying hard to impress the rich men here. Madeline couldn’t help but mentally pat herself on the back for not coming off as desperate or money grubbing.
Bea laid a perfectly manicured hand on her arm. “Did you just order a water?”
“I—”
“A water? Honey, you’re in Male Order. You should be sharing with me.” She got the waitress’s attention and called out, “Make that two bellinis.”
The waitress came back within the span of a few seconds and set two full champagne flutes and a whole carafe full of bellini in front of them as well as Madeline’s glass of water. She looked around and realized she was the only person there drinking plain water.
“Honestly, I don’t know why you’re even bothering with that.” Bea gestured at the glass of water. “Usually they’ll bring the bottle out with it, but this looks like it came from the tap. Ugh, tap water. Must be new help.” Bea sighed and pushed the glass out of the way along with the plates that were already set on the table before she brought the cocktails directly in front of them.
Bea winked at Madeline and then leaned in, whispering conspiratorially. “Don’t worry. It’s mostly for me. But we have to share. Otherwise Dalton will throw a fit.” Bea lifted her champagne flute and held it up to Madeline. “Cheers, hon. I have a feeling we’re going to be seeing a lot more of each other.”
Madeline followed suit, washing down her confusion at Bea’s words with her drink. “Wow. It’s delicious. It tastes so fresh.”
“Oh, that’s because it is. Fresh peaches from a personal orchard down in the Rio Grande Valley. It doesn’t belong to one of the five families, but I believe it’s extended family.” She subtly gestured with her chin to a table in the corner of the ballroom. “We’re a tight-knit community and extended family members and friends are always trying to find some way in. Unfortunately, everyone wants to be closely associated with at least one of the five founding families, but it just can’t always be done. We’re not snobs or super exclusive, but you either have that certain je ne sais quoi to be fully accepted or you don’t.”
Madeline nodded and took another sip. The alcohol, encased in more sugary sweetness than Madeline was accustomed to on an empty stomach, hit her belly hard. She decided to go ahead and drink the water, clearly a liquid only reserved for peasants. Swallowing it in thirsty gulps, Madeline quickly set the water glass down as a strange flavor permeated her mouth, coating her taste buds. It almost tasted bitter. Perhaps that was the reason no one in Male Order drank water. Maybe it was well water or flowed through old pipes. Madeline shrugged and went back to her bellini.
Bea scooted her chair a little closer. “I’m sure you’re curious about the other people sitting around you and checking you out.”
Of course she was curious. Madeline continued sipping her bellini and listened to Bea as she discreetly pointed people out around the room.
“Everyone seems to already be talking, so I’ll officially introduce you to everyone right after lunch, but for now I’ll give you a quick run-down of everyone that matters.” Bea scanned the crowd and tapped her chin. “There’s a real hottie around here…Dylan Caldwell. When they were teenagers, my brothers and the Caldwell boys got into a lot of trouble together. There he is!”
Madeline followed Bea’s gaze and saw a tall, dark-haired man. He did not look like he had a care in the world other than finding the next beautiful girl to take to his million-dollar bachelor pad. It was obvious that he knew how good he looked.
“He’s got swagger, doesn’t he? Dylan was the first person I went to when I found my calling as a matchmaker. But as you can tell, he doesn’t need any help in that department.
“The woman with the Aphrodite hair is Mrs. Lucy Bartlett. She’s the head of the Bartlett brood. Her son, Brodie, couldn’t make it today, which is a shame because he’s so handsome. He and his best friend are in L.A. at the moment, and they own their own social networking website, The Velvet Rope.”
“Yes, it’s something like Facebook for socialites,” Madeline said.
“It’s really taken off in the past few years, and they’ve been too busy to come visit poor little me. But I digress. The man sitting next to Mrs. Bartlett is Alexander Abrams. His great-grandfathers built this very building where the cotillion is held every year, and they also built the movie theater downtown.”
Madeline took in Alexander’s hazel eyes, olive complexion, and broad shoulders as Madeline spoke and found herself wondering if every man in Male Order was as beautiful as he was rich.
“I’ll introduce you, if you want,” Bea offered.
“Sure, but m
aybe in a second…after I finish my drink.” Madeline felt Bea could see right through her. Both of them knew she was being timid, and she wanted to slap herself for it. “I think it’s important to be properly hydrated.”
What a lame excuse. Yes, Madeline would definitely have to slap herself later.
Bea looked at the drink in her hand. “Well, I couldn’t agree more.” Bea downed her glass and poured herself another. “There’s plenty of time for introductions later. Hardly anyone’s even started eating yet. Besides, everyone already knows you’re here with my brothers.”
Something about the way Bea said that last part made Madeline pause. “You mean here, professionally with your brothers, right?”
“Of course, honey. Professionally…as well as personally.” Bea looked at her as if confused by Madeline’s question. “Yes, you are with my brothers professionally and also on a personal level.”
“Personal as in together? Brothers. As in, plural. Like, both of them?” Madeline asked with a hint of confusion tingeing her voice. She hadn’t realized herself that the three of them were a thing let alone a personal thing. And this was something the entire town seemed to know already and in such a matter-of-fact way. Madeline was definitely confused.
Bea sat back down and took Madeline’s hand in hers. “You do realize Male Order is ménageamous, don’t you?” Bea’s eyes searched Madeline’s, and, finally, Madeline let herself acknowledge the truth she had been working so hard to put out of her mind. Dalton and Garrett shared. Apparently, all the men in Male Order shared. But what she desperately wanted to figure out for herself was if she wanted to be shared.
Bea’s eyes searched hers. “Madeline?”
Unable to come up with a prompt response, Madeline let her gaze peruse the bustling crowd of fabulous people around her. How odd that the most life-changing moments in her life happened in the middle of chaos. Everyone had paired off or formed circles, talking over glasses of wine or mixed drinks, hands touching wrists and shoulders to gain attention. Some were getting food while others already sat eating. Each person certainly looked happy and relaxed. She seemed to be the only uptight one in the bunch.
Mitchell, Ava and Holiday, Sydney - A Bride for Two Tycoons [Male Order, Texas 1] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 11
