Ember. | #1 Axis Series

4. The Hounds

- Troy Lancaster -

I shut down my computer and stand from my desk. I retrieve my jacket from the rack by the door along with my phone. Forrest and my two security staff, Dallas Craig and Xavier Shaw, meet up with me at Maggie's desk. They're going to accompany me to pick up Ember tonight. I'm taking her to an Italian restaurant I own about five minutes away from here. It's very elegant and modern, though the food originates from my great grandmother's recipes from when she was growing up in Italy. I'm confident that Ember will enjoy it.

"Sir, the building is being bombarded with the press. We'll have to make a quick exit," Xavier informs me.

I nod. "Is the car ready?" I ask.

"Yes, sir," Forrest responds.

"Nice work." I look at Maggie. "Anything for me?"

She hands me a couple of pieces of paper. "Your mother called during your last meeting and left a message. Also, Kelsea called. She became angry when I wouldn't put her through," she tells me.

"Have her number blocked. I don't need the drama that accompanies her," I order.

Kelsea is someone I don't want to deal with, especially with Ember around. Kelsea will make up anything she can to hurt Ember or our forming relationship. I met Kelsea through my parents at a gala a few years back. At first, she was friendly and we became good friends, only for her to show her true side when I only wished to be friends and nothing more. She turned into a whiny, desperate, and conniving woman who only brings trouble to my life. I couldn't tell you how many times I've had to explain myself to her.

She nods. "I'll be right on it, sir. Is there anything else you need?"

"Have the parcels been negotiated?" I question. This is an important business deal for a parcel of hotels lining part of Myrtle Beach. I have organized multiple propositions to Tatum Grayson, only they have been denied. Tate drives a hard bargain and is a very determined man.

She nods. "Mr. Grayson wishes to schedule a meeting with you on Monday."

"Good. Take the rest of the night and tomorrow off, Maggie. I'll call if I need you."

The four of us make our way to the elevator and I press the button for the lobby. When the doors open once more, I spot the crowd of press and the flashing of cameras outside. I'm used to the persistent hounding of the paparazzi, but today's crowd seems bigger than usual.

"What are the rumors about today?" I question both Xavier and Dallas as we walk to the doors.

Dallas chuckles. "They've got pictures of you with a mystery woman at a restaurant from a couple of nights ago. Everyone in the magazine business is in a tizzy trying to figure out who she is," he explains. "Do you want us to take precautions, sir?"

I nod. "I want you and Xavier with Ember. I'll give her address and phone number once we are in the car. No reporter is to question her. She's not used to it and I won't have it pestering her whenever she goes out. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir," he and Xavier reply in unison.

"Good. And also, I need you to bring in Jason and Eric. They will be with me unless I'm with Ember. Other than that, you two will accompany us," I order.

"Very good, sir."

We continue to the car and reporters send questions my way randomly. They all ask the same thing, such as:

"Who is the woman you were seen with, Mr. Lancaster?"

"Are the two of you dating?"

"Is it true the two of you are engaged?".

After giving Xavier and Dallas Ember's information, I decide to call my mother on the way to Ember's house. I need to explain this to my parents before the rumors become more frequent. "Who is she, Troy?"

I sigh. "Ember Holbrook. We've been on a couple of dates, so far. Please, tell me you haven't been reading magazines again, Mother?"

She scoffs. "It's all over the news, honey. Everyone is talking about it, even your father, who you know never goes near a television. Anyways, when can I meet her?"

"Soon," I tell her.

"Troy Alexander, I was not born yesterday. This is the first time you've even remotely mentioned a woman. She has to be important to you in some way. I would love to meet her."

"She is important to me, Mom. She's smart and beautiful. God, so beautiful. She's funny and a bookworm. You'll get along with her just fine. Dad, however, will probably fall in love with her," I joke.

"Oh, honey. I'm so happy for you. Your brother is coming home in a couple days and we're having him over for dinner. I expect you to be there and bring Ember with you. You're not allowed inside the house if you don't," she threatens before hanging up.

Great.

We arrive at Ember's about fifteen minutes later. I make my way up the path to Ember's porch and up the steps. I press my finger to the doorbell, hearing it chime somewhat loudly. A moment later, the door opens to reveal Ember, wearing a black dress and heels. Her hair has been curled, making it look wild and untamed. One thing, in particular, has me freezing; the long eyelashes surrounding her stunning grey eyes. She looks absolutely beautiful and I feel need course through me at the sight of her.

Man, I need to slow down before my c**k shatters from being so hard.

"Hi," she greets softly.

I smirk. "Hey, baby. You ready to go?"

"Uhm, yeah. Just let me grab my bag. You can come in if you want."

I walk in behind her and am welcomed by everything that is Ember. The place is homey and comfortable, reminding me of living at my parents' house as a child. I cast my eyes on the mantle above the fireplace where a row of photographs is. Some of them consist of Ember with different people, though the majority of them are with her mother and who I believe is her father. She's smiling happily in all of them, her eyes vibrant with it. I don't see that same happiness in her eyes as I do in these pictures.

It's another thing I need to fix.