Chapter 64

Sienna’s POV

Archimedes. The literal face of the company.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I smiled, maybe a little too widely. Did I look nervous?

He made me nervous.

The way the mask glittered, a thin black fabric over the eyes, hiding his soul from me. What resembled horns spiked up from the top edges of the mask, like a devil.

Mystery enshrouded him, and I loved it.

I wanted to know more. Needed to.

“Come,” he beckoned, leading me back to the elevator, which still stood open, awaiting our return. “Let us talk.”

My throat went dry, the woodsy, fresh scent coming off of him invading my nose, sending goosebumps up my arm.

Why is he doing this to me?

We ascended in silence, all the way to the top floor, which opened up into a huge office, windows on nearly every wall.

“Wow.” I couldn’t stop the word from slipping out of me, astonished at the size and elegance of the office.

“You like?” Archimedes chuckled, strolling to his massive white desk towards the center of the room. “Please, do sit.”

The natural light, combined with the brightness of the decorations — white walls, where walls were visible, the white desk, chair, and rugs, except for one singular black rug under his desk — made me want to squint.

I sat in the chair across from him, startled by how soft it was, how easily I sank into it. I could sit there for hours on end.

“Very much,” I said back after an awkward beat of silence.

“Thank you for coming all the way out here to meet. I’m glad you received my invitation.” He clasped his hands together on the desk, and I imagined he was smiling behind the mask.

I couldn’t help but stare at it, quite intensely. It was a beautiful mask, but what got me even more was why he was wearing it.

“I can tell you’re wondering why I wear a mask,” he said with amusement. “It’s a very valid question.”

His voice was low, smooth, and sounded a little bit distorted, as though he were hiding that, too.

“I have to admit, I’m curious.” My fingers gripped the edges of the high-end chair, sweat beading on my palms.

“I’m a man of mystery,” he hummed, resting his chin on his knuckles. “I prefer to hide my identity to avoid any exterior influence.”

He spoke so properly it made me think he was a royal, but that couldn’t be. Why would a royal be parading around as the head of a security company?

They wouldn’t, I answered myself wryly.

“That still leaves me pretty curious.” The corners of my lips curved upwards, and I liked to think his did, too, even though I couldn’t see.

What do you think he looks like?

I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It was driving me crazy.

“That’s the point,” he chuckled, and I could have sworn he winked at me from under that mask. “Now, why don’t we get to the important stuff?”

You wearing a mask is pretty important. What are you hiding?

“Yes. The offer.” I nodded, sitting up a little bit straighter in the chair. “First of all, thank you.”

“I know it’s quite a trying time for you,” he said gently, and I couldn’t stop the prickle of annoyance at his words. I didn’t want to be pitied.

“I’m managing the best I can.”

“You certainly are.” He gave me a slight nod, unclasping his hands and leaning back in his chair. “I applaud you.”

“Thank you.” I didn’t necessarily want to bring up my hardships too much, because it always made me shaky.

“So I did mean what I said,” he continued, my eyes glued to the sparkling of his mask. “I want to offer our services in exchange for discounted potions from you.”

“Your services are so expensive,” I said slowly. “Is that really enough?”

My heart pounded, the question having burned a whole in my thoughts since I got the letter.

“It’s more than enough.” He opened a drawer to his left, pulling out an official contract. “I can have systems set up within 48 hours, and dispatch a new team to you within three days.”

“That’s impressive.” I crossed and uncrossed my legs, annoyed that my palms were still sweating.

“Your parents were natural born leaders — and it’s quite obvious that same trait was passed down to you. I’d like to see you reach your full potential.” I could hear the smile in his words, and it gave me chills to the bone.

“That means a lot. Many people haven’t supported me in the way I expected.” It felt so natural with him, a deep rooted comfort that spread through me.

“I don’t think that’s fair to you at all.” His voice was so smooth, so easy to listen to. It was honey to my ears, the sweetest kind.

“No.. not in the slightest.” I couldn’t help the bitter laugh that escaped me. “Especially when you’ve got an inspector out to get you.”

“What do you mean?” He asked, and I could imagine his eyebrow, whatever color, raising in curiosity.

“The Elder’s have an inspector stationed in Nightwind, pretty much breathing down my neck. Making her report about me as negative as possible.” I shrugged, trying my best to play it off.

“That certainly doesn’t sound fair.” He sat up, his elbows resting on the edge of the table. “It sounds personal.”

“Quite.” I gave him a tight smile, remembering that he could see my expressions, even if I couldn’t see his.

“Listen,” he started, and my body tensed. “I like to get to know my clients on a personal level, because it helps build the bond of trust.”

I nodded as he paused, wondering if he felt this strange connection between us too.

“How about we go to dinner on Friday?”

Dinner!?

My heart skipped a beat. Sure, he meant as partners in business, but I couldn’t help but let my mind wander. I was endlessly curious about how hidden he was.

“I’d love to,” I smiled, keeping it as professional as I could.

“I’ll send the details to you once they’re set, and I’ll get to having everything dispatched as quickly as possible.”

“This is helping me more than I can ever express,” I said softly, my voice almost shaking.

“I’m happy to help.” He gave me a single nod, standing from his desk and pushing the contract towards me. “Sign away.”

I did as he asked, signing my name, watching as he signed right after me, solidifying the deal of a lifetime.

“I’ll see you on Friday, then, Miss Hawke.” I wanted to imagine there was the tiniest bit of flirting in his tone, but that was my madness talking.

He’s not flirting. I rolled my eyes, ashamed at myself. Just because he was being polite to me didn’t mean he was into me.

“I’ll see you Friday,” I smiled back, stepping towards the elevator.

His eyes lingered on me as the elevator doors open and I stepped in, turning to give him a brief wave.

He watched me until the doors closed, and I swore I could still feel his eyes on me as I left reception and glided out into the sunlight.