Page 32 of Sweet Poison

“I did no such thing.”

Raising an eyebrow I point to the jingle bell necklace around his neck that I know for a fact were given at the entrance of the restaurant because I too was given one.

Uncle Cianne looks down at the necklace and then looks back up at me with a sheepish smile looking boyish. “I’m never far behind. You know this.”

My heart warms at that. My uncle never spies on me and he always makes sure I don’t feel suffocated. “I know.” I sign back then glance back at the staff member, who looks like he’s just been granted a reprieve. “I’m sorry. We know you’re just doing your job,” I sign as I look at the man in the face. “My uncle and I will go to our new rooms. Right, uncle?”

I side eye my uncle which makes him smile. He nods, then turns his attention back to the man who is currently holding on to my luggage. “Fine. We’ll go.”

The staff member nods gratefully and retreats, leaving uncle Cianne and me alone. “Let’s get you to the top floor and see what the fuck is going on.”

I nod.

“Who the fuck this Mr. Hunt shite thinks he is.” Uncle Cianne mutters through gritted teeth.

“Do you remember Madden?” Since we’re both alone I use my voice.

Uncle looks at me while frowning. “The foster kid turned F1 champion?”

I cringe at that name even though my uncle means no harm.

Madden was so much more than that. More than just a foster kid. At one point he was my life line.

“He’s the owner of this resort.” I whisper as we walk.

Uncle’s eyebrows pull up in surprise. “Noshite?”

I shake my head. “Noshite.”

We head toward the elevator and as the doors close behind us, I can’t help but wonder why Madden had requested to move me up to the luxury floor. Why is he doing all of this? And as we ascend to the top floor, I try to shake off the nagging feeling that there’s more to him and his actions than meets the eye.

“At least we got upgraded to the luxury floor,Orla. Why the fuck didn’t your cheap father didn’t book it for us?” Uncle clicks his tongue, shaking his head. “So cheap…”

I laugh knowing he’s not being serious. “You know damn well if he could get me the best room in this hotel he would have.” He would too. I suspect he tried but Mom wouldn’t have let him since all my life I’ve expressed how I never wanted special treatment and with my team members here I wouldn’t want them to feel like I’m using my family’s name to get ahead or get better accommodations than them. Not that that matters now since they’ll eventually find out about my new suite.

As the elevator doors slide open, the first thing I notice is how elegant the hallway looks with dim lighting and minimalist decor. The carpet is plush, the walls adorned with subtle, sophisticated decor. I scan the area with wide eyes, and that’s when I notice there are only two doors here—one that clearly belongs to Madden and the other I presume is our suite.

“Wow…” I whisper in awe as I take in the golden doors that resemble what the doors of heaven would look like. Grand. Luxurious. Incredibly unique.

A staff member emerges from the door to my new suite, his smile wide and professional. “Miss O’Sullivan, yes?” he says at the same time he signs, his voice warm and welcoming.

I nod in acknowledgement, and then he smiles wider and gestures toward the door of my suite. “Please, follow me.”

I look at Uncle Cianne and he gives me a reassuring smile.

Then we both watch as the man leads us to the door, unlocking it with a practiced flick of his wrist. As the door swings open, we’re greeted by a sight that takes my breath away. A sight that looks much the same as the lobby downstairs or even better.

Our new suite looks like a summer Christmas wonderland. Mint green dominates the space, giving the entire suite a fresh, cool vibe that feels like a frosty breath of winter in the middle of a hot and sunny summer. Twinkling white lights wound their way around the four elegant Christmas trees perfectly positioned in every corner of the suite. The ornaments that adorned their branches look like tiny mushrooms.

No way…

Thud.

Thud.

I reach up and tap my heart.

Every detail was meticulously crafted to make this suite look like a Christmas dream.

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