Page 110 of The Protégé

“Is it a thing or a person?”

“Both.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

ELENA

I hadn’t steppedinto this room since that last time. It held both negative and positive memories. It was strange how the body remembered the negative experiences more.

Orion looked at me. “What’s wrong?”

I glanced at the wall where he’d kissed me, but also dismissed me. “Just trying to forget a memory.”

He wrapped his arms around me. “Don’t erase it. Think of it as a critical moment for our relationship. That day was the day I wanted you so badly, but didn’t have the courage to face it.” He drew back. “I’m sorry I hurt you that day. I was a mess too. It was all because I wanted you.”

His confession completely shifted the energy in the room. How could I not feel better with that admission?

Orion was a conundrum that surprised and intrigued me more each second.

I smiled. “So who or what is The Roc?”

“You’re talking to him.” He smiled. “He’s your boyfriend. Other than Ralph, you’re the only person who gets to see this room.”

My heartbeat quickened. I’d never felt so important to a man until now.

Orion took my hand, leading me to a wall with a dark forest mural.The soft sensor lights illuminated the area and the painting. I hadn’t noticed how beautiful it was during my first visit. I’d been too occupied with the starry ceiling. But now I could see and sense the peacefulness that emanated from the forest painting.

With his index finger, he tapped different points on the mural—a red leaf, a green leaf, an orange leaf, a butterfly that blended into the trees until his finger pointed to it. Then his finger moved to a bird perched on a tree branch, a squiggly vine, and a blooming flower on a floral tree. Then he placed his palm onto the trunk of a maple tree. Light radiated around his hand as though reading his palm print.

Something clicked from behind the wall, and the forest painting shifted, looking different. A part of the wall slid to the side, revealing another wall that also moved aside as he stepped in.

I didn’t dare blink or move, fearing I’d miss something important. Orion was showing me his secret room—he was showing me his other self.

As we stepped in, ahallway opened and lights illuminated, revealing a cozy room fully furnished with comfy couches.

Stone statues, marble figurines, and unique abstract art were displayed all over the massive room. I walked around the room and examined the intricate art pieces.

I’d always wondered what was on the rest of the floor because the office only occupied a small portion of the entire floor.

“Is this your collection of fine things?”

“It’s one of them.”

“You’ve stolen these things?”

“Some of them,” he said.

“How many rooms like this do you have?”

He lifted a shoulder. “One or two on every continent.”

“You don’t have one on Antarctica. There’s nothing there.” I laughed.

His serious expression had my mouth dropping.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” My eyes widened with intrigue.

“That could be one of our future trips.” He touched my face gently.

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