Page 9 of Choosing the Chief

Finally, she speaks. “I understand. I’m flying to Accra. I’m coming to you.”

My heart cracks open at her words. “Good girl. I’ll call you back in an hour. Take a shower and pack. Just the essentials. Anything else you need, we’ll buy when you get here.”

“Yes, sir,” she says quietly and without irony.

She’s ready for me.

Chapter Five

Disembark

Maya

Ididn’t have time to pack or dress properly before the car Adom sent for me pulled up. On the private plane, I drank three glasses of champagne, popped an anxiety pill, and passed out. I woke up feeling like shit. I took a look in the jet’s private bathroom mirror and confirmed that I look exactly how I feel. My eyes are puffy. My hair is in a frizzled top bun and my gray sweats are wrinkled. Adom’s text message reads:Meet me at baggage claim #4 in 30 minutes. Customs will allow you royal clearance.Mr. Bossypants will get me as is.

The moment we lock eyes at baggage claim I wish I am anyone other than the sad sack presenting herself to Adom Annan. He’s dressed in a navy-blue suit that fits his body like a glove. I recognize the Hermes tie he’s wearing as the same one I bought him five years ago for his 30th birthday. He looks good.

The disapproval in his eyes makes me want to crawl under a rock. Instead, I lift my head high and walk to him. I think I’m losing my mind, and I’m pretty sure I look the part. When I get close, Adom grabs me and pulls me to him. I’m shocked at the public display of affection.He’s usually so stoic. After I register that he is indeed holding me, I just let go.

After a delicious hug, he releases me and shouts some words in Twi to a very big and stern-looking man. He must be a servant of some kind, because he immediately grabs all my bags and heads toward the exit. Adom’s eyes raid my entire body before he speaks. “We will go to my home in McCarthy Hills and clean you up before I take you to see Ella.” He turns to walk away, but I grab his arm.

Once I have his attention again, I play with the sleeve of his shirt. “Umm, if it’s OK, I’m really not up to seeing anyone right away. Can we wait a day or two for that?”

He nods slowly. “OK, I will tell her. She will be disappointed, but Ella always understands. Well then, I will wash you, feed you, and put you to bed. You look tired.”

I give him a half smile. “That sounds wonderful.”

He does not return my smile. He looks into my eyes once more before grabbing my hand and walking me outside to a white Range Rover. It’s absolutely pristine, just like Adom. The large man that took my luggage opens the back passenger door for us as we approach. “Maya, this is Kwabena, a member of the royal guard. He will protect us during our stay.”

I look at the large man and then back at Adom. “What do you need protection from?”

Adom huffs. “According to my cousin, I need protection from thoughts of not being royal. Giving me a detail from his royal guard is to serve as a reminder of my…status.”

I laugh. It’s not everyday someone makes Adom Annan do something against his will. Adom smirks before motioning for me to enter the vehicle. Once I do, Kwabena closes the door. Adom walks around to the other side and slides in beside me.

I turn to Adom. “You said detail. How many men are there?”

He fidgets with a beautiful gold bracelet I’ve never seen him wear before. “My protectionconsists of five men, three maids, and a cook. Now that protection extends to you.”

I nod. “When did you buy a house in Accra? I don’t remember you ever talking about having one before.”

He scrunches his face into a slight frown. “Why wouldn’t I have a place here? Ghana is my home.”

I ignore his sourpuss face. “Yes, but when did you buy this home?”

He swallows hard. “Last month.”

So, he knew he was coming here even before he left me in the restaurant.When we pull up to a neo-classical mansion constructed of white sandstone with stone accents, I can’t help but smile. The house is like something out of my dreams. Well, the good ones anyway.

“This is gorgeous, Adom.”

He smiles. “Wait until you see the inside. It will take your breath away.”

When we walk through the iron doors, we enter an enormous foyer that is completely paneled and has beautiful limestone floors. When I look down to admire them, Adom touches the small of my back.

“These floors are from the south of France.” Straight ahead, I see a giant grand staircase with two sides. I clasp his hand as we climb the stairs. “This staircase is also limestone; the railings are custom made by the same local artisans that carved the front doors. I will give you a full tour of the house later. For now, let’s get you cleaned up.”

He takes me into a large bedroom. The giant black four post bed is made up with gold and purple silk along with tons of pillows. Just the way I like it. There’s also a marble fireplace that looks a lot like the one he put in especially for me in my room in his Atlanta house.Is this all for me? Maybe he always planned to bring me here.Adom interrupts my thoughts. “Kwabena will bring your bags up soon. Follow me, I will draw a bath for you.”

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