Page 21 of Sweet Poison

I freeze for a moment, the memory of the girl with wild curls and big doe eyes I saw in the elevator flickering through my mind. She had an effortless beauty that made me stop and stare— something that is rare for someone like me, who’s usually unaffected by attractive women. They’re all the same. It’s strange, really. Nothing and no one ever caught my attention like that woman did before.

I sip my coffee, lost in thought. The strange moment in the lobby is a fleeting, yet persistent echo in my mind since it happened. Setting the cup down, I glance towards the restaurant’s door, but she’s already gone. The odd feeling lingers, as if I’ve seen the woman before and I can’t shake the feeling that the encounter yesterday was more than just a chance meeting.

It’s fucking with my head because those damn wild rich brown curls remind me of her—the girl who had an uncanny ability to seep into my thoughts uninvited, stirring emotions I’d rather keep buried. It’s irritating, this constant reminder of her presence, and I find myself growing increasingly frustrated every time memories from my time with her pop up in my mind because it opens the door for feelings and memories that have the power to break me if I let them.

Feeling even more frustrated than before, I push the coffee cup back and rise abruptly from the table, the chair scraping against the floor as I do. Lincoln immediately notices the shift and stands up as well, his posture alert and ready.

“Where to, boss?” he asks, his voice low and steady.

I take a moment to steady myself, pushing down the agitation that threatens to show. “We’ve got a meeting with a group of researchers who are conducting work here at the hotel.” I say, my tone is terse. “Remi thinks it is a good idea for me to welcome them for good press.”

Lincoln raises an eyebrow, clearly surprised.“Well shit, Mad. It might do you some good to be a little bit more gracious and fucking jolly.”

“Remind me why I keep you around?”

“Because I light up your days.”

“Try again.” I mutter then I turn my back on my obnoxious friend and bodyguard and head out the restaurant’s door on my way to be a gracious host and very fucking jolly.

Shit.

Chapter

Seven

SIGHT OF A CHRISTMAS FAIRY

Willow

“I never doubted magic existed. How could I? When he exists.” —W

“Ifeel like the first time your parents and I dropped you off for preschool,” Uncle Cianne says from behind me as I walk toward the room where the meeting between my team and the resort’s owner is about to take place. Late last night, I learned from one of my colleagues, Cleo, that the hotel owner’s publicist had reached out to Green Planet Lab, asking us to promote the hotel during our stay as a dual opportunity for good press.

I’m not sure why such an incredibly beautiful and successful hotel would need additional publicity when its etherealness and luxury speaks for itself. However, I understand why our lab is eager to participate. The exposure can attract sponsors and donors, which ultimate supports our projects and helps us make impactful contributions to science. I usually avoid pressopportunities for the research lab because I get too nervous and overthink everything, struggling to find the right words. I prefer to work behind the scenes, where I feel more comfortable. But for the sake of science and to secure better funding, I’m determined to push through my fear this time. So, I’m on my way to meet the hotel owner with Cleo, Ethan, Bernie and Maya who are waiting for me.

“You don’t have to come with me Uncle. I’m okay. Really.” I give him a reassuring smile, which he instantly returns. I love my family, and I understand why I have to have on-the-clock security. I’ve always known it, and I’ve never made a big deal of it. My father is who he is, and this is the life I was born into— a beautiful one, though filled with risks because of who my father, aunts, and uncles are.

Uncle leans closer and bops my nose before saying, “I’ll be close by. I’ll always give you your space,Orla,but I’m here if you need me.”

I nod with a smile.

All my aunts, uncles, and even my cousins have sweet names for me, but there’s something especially endearing about Uncle Cianne’s nickname for me,Golden Princess.

With another smile my uncle’s way, I take a deep breath, feeling nervous. My hands are clammy, and my heart is racing like crazy, but I push the nerves down.

“You got this, kid.” He reaches forward and pulls open the heavy double doors of the conference room. The low hum of conversation from inside spills out, and I can feel the gaze of every person in the room, even before I step in.

“Knock ‘em dead with that beautiful brain of yours, Willow.”

I turn slightly to meet my uncle’s eyes, and the reassuring smile he gives me is all I need. I feel his love and support spread through me, grounding me.

“Thanks, Uncle.” I mouth.

With a final nod, he steps back, giving me room to enter. I take another big breath, hold it, and step forward, into the room that feels less intimidating now. Uncle Cianne’s reassuring words echo in my mind.“I’ll be close by. I’ll always give you your space, Orla, but I’m here if you need me.”I gather my resolve, adjust my backpack and straighten my posture.

I step into the room and all eyes turn my way. Their faces light up with genuine smiles as they spot me, and I can’t help but feel a surge of relief and happiness when I see familiar faces.

“Hey, guys,” I sign as I cross the room towards where they’re seated at. The warm, welcoming energy in the room feels like a hug, and now that I’m surrounded by my team, the knot of anxiety in my chest begins to loosen.

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