Ryder acknowledged, “Yes,” conceding that he had no other source for information about her.
“They are delightful.”
Ryder permitted her hand to fall from his as he positioned himself behind the chair she would occupy when prepared.
Observed her traverse the room, pause, and inhale the fragrance of a bouquet of flowers. Soft classical piano music was already playing in the room as background noise. Ryder drew out the chair for her, and she took a seat.
“Did you accomplish all of this?”Brianna enquired softly.
“I did,” he replied, smiling as she gazed up at him. “You have brought me immense joy today,” he chuckled. “I cannot cease smiling, Brianna.”
“I did not engage in any actions.”
Ryder positioned himself across from her. “Indeed, you did.” You infiltrated my room. “Please inscribe your name correctly, Mrs. Wood.”
“Ryder, that occurred a considerable time ago.”
“I understand,” he acknowledged, “I will never take it off.” He smiled and observed her shaking her head, appearing somewhat amused, he surmised. “May I enquire how frequently you accessed my suite?”He was genuinely inquisitive about that.
Observed her avert her gaze and bite her lip, indicating either anxiety or embarrassment in conveying her thoughts to him.
“It is acceptable, Brianna; I am not displeased.” Merely inquisitive. It struck me that one could traverse any location at that time without anyone being aware of their presence.
Brianna affirmed, “I have travelled extensively.”
“My accommodations?”He enquired, genuinely desiring to know.
“Numerous.”
“Could you provide more detail?” he enquired with a smile.
Their entrée arrived, and he noticed her gaze directed at him; he chuckled softly, aware that it was once more Stella’s influence. He anticipated that everything met her approval this evening. This dinner was customised to her preferences.
She inhaled as the door to the room closed and she gazed at him. “Almost every occasion you departed from the group after I detected your presence, but only on the initial night.” She responded to his inquiry.
He desired to enquire as to the reason, yet refrained from doing so. He discerned the nuance in her words ‘only though’ and chose to disregard it, understanding the underlying reason without her articulation. There was no necessity to discuss that matter; he did not anticipate her mentioning it, and unless Brianna herself raised the issue, he would regard the painful past as merely that—past.
“Did you rest in my bed?” Or merely roam within that space?”
“That was contingent upon my emotional state at the moment.” I primarily interacted with your belongings. “Not that you were ever aware.”
“I did not.” Ryder nodded, implying that the term ‘mostly’ suggested she had spent the night in his bed. It was delightful to learn this. “Why, of all places, down by my shoes?” he chuckled, still unable to comprehend that one.
He observed her smile directed at him, relishing the moment when she smiled exclusively for him.
“Due to their perpetual disarray in the corner, they remained unseen.”
“I did not.”
What is the reason for your untidy shoes? I never comprehended that. Your entire walk-in is organised, systematic, color-coordinated, and arranged from light to dark. However, your shoes are carelessly strewn in a disordered pile.
“I detest shoes,” Ryder remarked with a shrug.
“Is that all?””
“Indeed, it is.”
You never permitted the omega responsible for cleaning your room to organise it?”
“Negative.” “I discard them or simply toss them aside,” he shrugged. “She understands better than to organise my shoes… you wouldn’t want to do that, would you?”He abruptly enquired, reminiscing about how her wardrobe was meticulously organised, featuring shoe racks with shoes arranged in an orderly fashion.
Observed her arch an eyebrow at him, presumably in response to his tone.
“I enjoy kicking them around on certain days,” he explained to her.
Heard laughter and observed her shaking her head, appearing quite amused. “No, those are your shoes.” Propel away.
That was, in fact, somewhat relieving. “Good,” Ryder acknowledged, “it may seem foolish, but I prefer it that way.”
“Your peculiar fetish; it seems everyone possesses one, I suppose,” she remarked, still amused.
“I suppose we all do.” What is your singular, peculiar fetish?“He enquired in return.”
“I am uncertain.” Perhaps requiring everything to be in order.
Ryder observed that within her residence, everything appeared to be in its designated location; it was, to say the least, orderly, including Logan’s room, which, despite being filled with his possessions, maintained a semblance of organisation.
I observed that you possess a considerable number of cocktail gowns and evening dresses. Do you frequently attend events or engage in dancing activities?”
Evening gowns are essential for my bridal shows, as well as cocktail dresses for the after-parties. I am acquainted with several affluent designers and other individuals. Obtain several invitations to galas and fundraisers.
The dinner was served, and she smiled at the roast duck presented before her.
“Indeed?”It captivated him. “Do you have any upcoming events to which I could accompany you?””
“Stella likely knows the dates, as she manages all my bookings and typically reminds me a week in advance, ensuring my calendar remains clear for attendance.”
“May I accompany you to the next gala or event you attend?””
She gazed at him and remarked, “I am uncertain whether you would permit me to attend one.”
“Why would it not?”Ryder scowled at her.
“The reason is that it will not be present in Florida.””
“If I am accompanying you, I see no reason to decline,” Ryder responded. He would relish the opportunity to accompany her to one of her events in the human realm.
“I have an opportunity available in three weeks in Toronto.”
“No,” he replied, shaking his head, “and not due to its distance from the pack.” The vampires were able to retain the scents of myself and my units, thereby connecting them to the attack. “I believe it would not be safe,” he remarked, observing her nod in acknowledgement, indicating her comprehension of his rationale.
“Are my bridal shows scheduled?””
You may continue to possess and participate in those. I wish to accompany you, particularly if it involves international travel.
“Therefore, you will not prevent me from accepting invitations to Italy, France, or New York?””
No, Brianna. I engage in travel occasionally. If I cannot accompany you, I will provide a detailed account for you. I do not wish to impede your life; I merely desire to be a part of it.
“Good,” she smiled at him, appearing somewhat relieved. He observed her visibly relax further in her chair. He must have been concerned that he would impede her from performing her usual activities in her profession. Ryder was reluctant to proceed, as she had thrived in the human realm, and he desired her to similarly prosper in the wolfen realm.
Upon being Marked and Mated and after their extravagant human wedding, both realms would recognise her identity, allowing her to market her designs to she-wolves as well. He was confident they would appreciate her designs as much as the humans did.
She was aware that her designs had previously sold successfully while she was part of the pack. Grace had articulated this sentiment. His step-sister, Megan, had donned one of her dresses during her encounter with her Mate. West and T.J.’s companions had also donned Brianna Layla Luna gowns.
