Chapter 44

He deflected for a moment, rummaging in the bag and pulling out containers, checking one or two with an eager face.

"Now you're just stalling," I said, unable to contain myself. "I'm now expecting an amazing request, the way you're building it up."

"It's actually a business thing," he said, his nose still in the bag. "I want to be sure things are going well, that you––and Matilda, of course––are okay."

This was not the direction I was anticipating. I couldn't help feeling disappointed. With my skin still scorching in places where his lips touched me, I was assuming it was something more carnal in nature.

Hoping even.

I tried to arrange my features into the more professional-feeling face I had when I made pitches or talked to the headmistresses of the orphanages.

"What exactly do you need?" I asked.

He put down the bag. "I want to come with you to an orphanage."

My eyebrows raised in surprise.

"Really?"

First Cathy, now Charles. What was the deal?

"Really."

I considered this for a moment, and then I grew suspicious.

"If you think I'm mishandling this in any way..."

"No, that's not it."

"... or if you think I can't do my job..."

"No, Elena."

I paused.

"Have you had complaints? Are you there to police us?"

"Of course not. Who would complain about you?"

"Jessica, for one," I said. "And then maybe Stan, who complained in a public forum. Craig actually did it officially through the HR department."

"Okay, yes, but all of those people are either jealous or using you as a scapegoat for bad behavior."

This surprised me. That he was taking my side, or that he had seen all sides and realized mine was legitimate, felt good. Maybe these things really weren't my fault.

I nodded. "Okay. Thank you for saying that."

He looked at me expectantly, waiting for my next idea. "Any other negative reasons you can think of for why I'd want to come with you?"

"Are you worried about me?"

He leaned his head back and forth as if considering my idea. "I have said it a thousand times, I think, but it is true that you're valuable to me, Elena."

I dropped my eyes, embarrassed. He was right. He had said it multiple times. Why was it so hard to accept?

Perhaps because I wasn't valuable to him as a person, but as a scent diffuser. The problems was that I was starting to care less and less about that the more I got to kiss him.

And if I was being honest, was I valuing him as a person or as a sexual object? Was I no better?

"Do you even like kids?" I ask, realizing I have no idea what his opinion was on this.

He shrugged. "I have no current opinion. The photos your photographer showed me were awfully cute though. But perhaps that's just her skill."

"Oh no. She's skilled for sure, but they're actually pretty cute."

He handed me my plate of carbonara and a fork. I felt like I'd forgotten that we were actually supposed to eat dinner after all of this.

"Some bread?"

"Thank you." It felt so ridiculously formal.

"So," he said, swirling pasta around his fork. "What time and what day do we go?"

I thought back and didn't remember having said yes.

"Listen," he said, sighing and putting down his fork. "I'm not used to asking to do something with people, particularly when it relates to my business. But I'm trying to be respectful of your space."

He grinned. "How am I doing?"

I smiled back. "I appreciate that. And you're making a good first attempt."

"But...?"

"It would be helpful if you told me the truth about why. I feel like you're busy enough that hiring security would be a better way of making sure I return at the end of the afternoon."

He nodded. "You're right, but I actually want to see what the big deal is. Between your stories and Matilda's pictures I'm genuinely curious. I'd also like to see what you grew up in. It may help me understand some of your trust issues."

"Excuse me?"

He looked surprised. "Am I wrong?"

He was not wrong. And yet... "People don't just come out and say things like that to each other, Charles."

"They do if they want to get them out in the open."

He wanted to understand me. To work with me. I suddenly felt like I might start crying again, but this time out of happiness.

I tried a joke to cover my emotion. "Is this part of your exploring new ways of using Alpha psychology?"

He smiled. "I'm always open to new ways of manipulating my work force."

I rolled my eyes.

"And..." he said, hesitating.

"And?"

"And I am worried something even bigger is going on," he said, suddenly serious. "If this is bigger, if it is indeed something involving the city government, than I am going to want to know exactly what's going on."

I hadn't considered that the owner of the media company would want to, would have to, get involved in something so serious. He saw my face and held up his hands.

"Don't worry, Elena. My role is one of support for my editors, who in turn support you, but I need to know what's happening from the ground up."

I nodded, happy to know he was behind me and impressed at his desire to be behind his employees.

It also occurred to me that his name, his presence, might be useful. People answered questions when Alphas asked, even when they didn't want to. Something about their presence compelled people. I, of all people, knew that power first hand.

They also were let into places, were allowed to see things that normal people didn't. Being an Alpha was like having a magic key to seeing what went on behind the scenes.

I smiled, imagining the children, and wondered how they would react, if they would be frightened. Certainly, they would behave themselves.

"What's the smile?" Charles asked. He had been silently eating his pasta, watching me muse over his usefulness as a companion when visiting official places.

"I would be honored to have you come with me," I said, and he smiled, perking up.

"What changed your mind?" he asked. "I could tell you weren't keen on it originally."

"I thought about how useful you'd be," I said, cocking my head and looking at him.

He smiled a wry smile and nodded, going back to his food.

"But also, when you said you wanted to see where I came from. That's what really got me."

He looked at me with intense blue eyes.

"Good," he said

"Would it be okay if we brought Matilda?" I asked. "I think a photo op with you and the kids might be front page worthy."

He smiled. "I don't know. Can you handle her and me being around each other without storming out?"

"Hey!" I said, smiling, wanting to throw something at him. "That's not cool. I didn't know what was happening."

He shook his head. "You're a bit accident prone when you're worked up into a jealous rage, Elena. Maybe it's not a good idea."

"I am not and I wasn't in a jealous rage."

"You were amazing."

I paused, paralyzed by both embarrassment and being flattered.

"So what time do I schedule the car?" he asked. "And what do I have to do to make you jealous like that again?"