I joined the bodyguards in another van that arrived after Dylan had left. At first, I was confused about why we were all waiting around. It was just five guards and me; the other guards had left with Dylan joined the bodyguards in another van that arrived after Dylan had left. At first, I was confused about why we were all waiting around. It was just five guards and me; the other guards had left with Dylan.
I asked one of the guards if we should call a taxi or something. One of them explained that there was a small house nearby where Dylan had instructed them to go, as another one of Dylan's men was already waiting for us there.
I turned on my tablet and started going through my notifications. I noticed that there was indeed a place arranged for us to stay.
We all got in the van, and I couldn't help but notice Dylan's impeccable selection system. He had the best bodyguards in the U.S.; they all had broad shoulders and sharp, alert expressions.
I decided to break the silence and introduce myself as it was getting awkward,'' said Joane, Dylan's secretary. One of the guards gave me a warm smile and said,'' Nice to meet you, Joane. I am Denis, and this is Noah, Elijah, Henry, and Nico. We are Mr. Fynders right-hand men. You can tell by the attire, I guess'' he chuckled.
Henry, Noah, and Elijah looked at me and gave me soft smiles, nodding their heads a bit. "Nice to meet you, Jaone." Henry looked at me with his eyebrows scrunched. "You're the same girl who Mr. Fynder was with at the Valhalla Club, right?"
''Yup, that's me,'' I also smiled back at them.
Nico kept his head down, scroling on his phone, and didn't bother looking at me for a greeting, but okay. ''Kindly keep your volume down, guys; I am reading something.'' he said dryly.
They were all impeccably dressed in sleek black suits, each one tailored to perfection. The suits fit them flawlessly, accentuating their form and exuding an air of sophistication and elegance. The dark fabric contrasted beautifully with their crisp white shirts and polished shoes, making them look both stylish and commanding. Every detail, from the sharp lapels to the perfectly knotted ties, added to the overall impression of refinement and confidence.
Their eyes seemed dangerous yet soft and friendly at the same time, creating an intriguing contrast. The sharp intensity in their gaze hinted at fierce determination, while the warmth in their eyes conveyed approachability and kindness. This duality added an element of mystery to their well-tailored appearance, making them both compelling and enigmatic.
Denis got interrupted by Elijah and said, "Don't mind Nico. He doesn't talk much to people; he stays in his little zone and is more focused on his work. He's a good guy; he's just a bit introverted and grumpy too. How is your week going as Dylan's secretary? I've heard he can be quite demanding with his new employees. It can be a tough adjustment, but I've seen people thrive under his mentorship. Have you had any challenges so far, or is it going smoothly?"
''Yeah, it all has its ups and downs. I had a busy week with him, but it's fine. There is a workload almost in every job, so I can't complain.'' I told them while smiling.
After a 25-minute drive, we finally reached the hotel. From the outside, the building looked well-maintained and inviting, striking a balance between simplicity and charm. Stepping inside, we were greeted by a warm and welcoming lobby with polished floors and tasteful decor. The reception area featured comfortable seating with plush cushions and a few elegant pieces of artwork adorning the walls, creating a cosy atmosphere.
When we got inside and told her our reservation names, she panicked for a fat minute. I guess Dylan does scare everyone off. She quickly escorted us to our room. The guards didn't look as surprised as I was; I guess they were used to this lifestyle now.
As we explored further, we noticed the hotel had thoughtfully designed common areas, including a lounge with soft lighting and an assortment of magazines and books for guests to enjoy. The dining area was equally impressive, with neatly arranged tables and an inviting buffet setup that promised a delightful culinary experience.
The rooms continued to reflect the hotel's pleasant ambience. They were spacious and clean, with comfortable beds dressed in crisp linens. Each room had a modern yet cosy feel, complete with essential amenities such as a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The bathrooms were spotless and equipped with high-quality toiletries, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Overall, while not overly luxurious, the hotel provided a charming and comfortable environment, making it an ideal place for a few days' stay.
We had two rooms booked, which showed up on my tablet. As we discussed room arrangements, Elijah suggested that he and Denis stay with me since each of the two bedrooms had three beds. This way, we could comfortably split into the rooms, and everyone would have enough space.
As we were in the midst of settling into our respective rooms, Henry's sudden appearance caught us off guard. With a warm smile, he extended an invitation to join him for lunch at his cousin's restaurant, just around the corner. The mention of food instantly sparked my interest, as the rumbling of hunger in my stomach reminded me that it was indeed lunchtime.
Denis eagerly endorsed Henry's offer, noting with enthusiasm that Henry's cousin's restaurant was renowned for serving the finest cuisine in town. Intrigued by the prospect of sampling some local culinary delights, I readily agreed to join the outing.
Ensuring I had my tablet with me to stay connected for work notifications, I followed Henry and the others as we made our way to the restaurant. Along the short walk, Henry shared anecdotes about his cousin's passion for cooking and the restaurant's commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Arriving at the restaurant, we were greeted warmly by Henry's cousin, who ushered us to a cosy table near the window. The aroma of spices and sizzling dishes wafted through the air, tantalising our senses and further whetting our appetites.
Settling into our seats, we perused the menu, which featured an enticing array of dishes showcasing the region's culinary diversity. From traditional favourites to innovative creations, there was something to suit every palate.
While we waited for our food, we all talked about what work was like for them, their different interactions with Dyaln, and how scary he can get at times. Denis was the most talkative, and Henry and Noah were more focused on telling him to quiet down in case there were any spies around, which there weren't. Elijah kept looking around; his eyes remained all over the place, as if he were used to being attentive. He was the leader of his group, so it made sense.
As we savoured each bite of the delicious meal and engaged in lively conversation, it became clear why Henry's cousin's restaurant had earned such acclaim. Each dish was a masterpiece of flavours and textures, crafted with care and expertise.
By the end of the meal, we were all thoroughly satisfied and grateful to Henry for extending the invitation. It was a memorable dining experience and a delightful opportunity to bond over good food and company in this charming town.
After eating, we all walked.
After our satisfying meal, we began our leisurely walk back to the hotel. As we strolled along the quaint streets, basking in the post-lunch glow, my tablet chimed with a notification from Dylan requesting some reports to be checked and edited. I couldn't help but frown at the intrusion of work into what was supposed to be a relaxing day.
Noticing my sudden change in expression, Noah, ever observant, inquired with a hint of concern, "Why the wide eyes? Everything alright?"
I couldn't help but chuckle at his question before replying, "Boss can't give me a day off," I explained with a wry smile, gesturing towards the notification on my tablet.
'' and there is a deadline of two hours!'' I exclaimed in frustration and half laughed,to which they laughed.
We all walked back to the hotel and soon got comfy in our beds. I opened my suitcase and brought out my laptop while the guys stayed in their beds using their phones. I turned on my phone and saw that Dylan had texted me the report titles, which I had to complete.
No, hello,how are your texts? Just a simple order: ''get this done'' and''deadline is the next two hours.'' considerate Dylan, i guess.
I began working on the reports, and, after about an hour, my eyes started burning. The deadlines were tight, but I maintained my pace, determined to get everything done on time. As the hours passed, my fatigue increased significantly, and my eyes felt heavier and heavier. I took short breaks to try and alleviate the strain, but the tiredness persisted. Despite feeling exhausted, I pushed through, knowing I had the capability to complete the task. In the end, I managed to finish both reports, proud of my determination and perseverance in the face of fatigue.
After sending the revised versions to Dylan, I closed my laptop and went into a deep slumber.
THE NEXT DAY
I woke up around ten a.m., quite late. The guys were already awake but still in their beds. I got up and went to the bathroom to freshen up. After getting ready, I stepped out and said good morning to Denis and Elijah. Elijah mentioned that he knew a breakfast spot where we could dine, but I had to refuse since Dylan had texted me earlier, saying he needed the prints of the reports.
I told Denis and Elijah about my plan to head to the manor where Dylan lived. Denis informed me that they were heading there as well, so they could give me a ride.
It was a half-hour drive to Dylan's house—correction, mansion. My eyes nearly popped out when I saw the grand, vintage British mansion, its grey and white facade exuding timeless elegance.
The bodyguards stay outside, and Henry sends an attendance check on his phone, which receives notifications on my iPad. Henry notices that and says, ''Oh, your the reporter; I mean, you are THE secretary. I thought it was James.'' He laughed and shrugged it off.Haha, yeah, I guess I am the reporter. Well, are you guys going to come inside? I asked, as they didn't step closer to the door. Nico answered, ''No, we know where our next location is; we just got the updates on our watches. Bye, for now, Joane.
'' Oh, okay, then I will get going now, guys. See you all around.'' I said as I went inside after saying goodbye.
I went inside the mansion, and a maid, looking like she was in her sixties, came closer to me and asked , Are you Miss Andrews?'' She asked sweetly, her eyes wrinkled but they still radiated sweetness. , ''Yes, I am Joane, Joanne Andrews,'' I replied with a polite smile. She looked at me and nodded and bowed a slight bit. '' Yes, please follow me; Sir is waiting for you.'' she said and started walking up some stairs, which led to a small, narrow hallway. The hallways were lit with dim light, and heavy black blinds covered the windows.
I followed the maid inside the room, and as we got in, she said, Sir, Miss Andrews is here. She spoke in a soft tone.
My eyes fell on Dyaln, who was sitting in the middle of the room at a desk. Behind him was a wall painted black, and there was a white tiger painted on it with beautiful details. The rest of the walls were painted black as well. Dylan's eyes radiated power, ruthlessness, and somehow a tint of anger, but his face was calm.
After what seemed like an eternity, he spoke, his voice dark and deep: "Okay Miss Mayor, you can leave now.'' Hearing the order, Miss Mayor bowed and left, closing the door behind me.
''So, Miss Andrews, are the reports ready?'' he asked calmly.
''Yes, sir, the reports are ready. I have the file with me'' I answered, walking up to his table to hand him the files.
''Which ones though?'' he asked, his eyebrows furrowed as he tilted his head and looked at me, tapping lightly on the table.
'' i beg your pardon, sir, the ones that you sent me last night.'' i said, getting confused, were there anymore that I missed.
'' Oh, all right, I was thinking you got me the one that you were to send to your sources, Miss Danan.'' His eyes peeled through mine, and his lips curled into a smirk.
My feet felt glued to the ground, an icy chill running up my spine. Did he just say, Miss Danan? My name? My cover is blown. He knows who I am. I'm screwed. Panic surged through me as I desperately tried to think of a way out. What do I do now?
I forced myself to maintain eye contact with Dylan, watching him closely as he stood up and began to walk towards me. Each step he took seemed to echo in the room, amplifying my fear. My mind was racing, but I couldn't think clearly. I didn't fully register what was happening until his face was inches away from mine.
I could see every detail of his expression, the way his eyes sparkled with a mixture of amusement and menace. His smirk widened, and a cruel twist of his lips made my heart pound even harder. "Scared, Danan?" he asked, his voice low and taunting.
I swallowed hard, trying to keep my composure. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, but I knew I had to stay calm. Showing fear would only give him more power.