Prodigal Thorn

Chapter 11

"Yes, me." The tall brunette said, irritation in her voice. "I'm Bridgette, Mr. Richard's personal assistant. Please follow me. He's expecting you," Bridgette gestures into the room. "Welcome to The Thorns Clubhouse. It used to be the old Administration offices before the major renovation a few years ago,"

"You're a Thorn?" I asked, my eyes wide. She smiles at me and moves her brown hair away from neck, exposing her Thorn tattoo.

"Yes. I couldn't say anything the other day per orders from Mr. Richards. Would you like something to drink? A latte perhaps? Mr. Richards mentioned your love of caffeine." Bless that man. I nod, taking in the lounge area with plush leather couches, the fire place with a flat screen overhead. There's a kitchenette, with state of the art appliances. In one corner contains a few cafe tables and chairs. I arched a brow at Bridgette, who was making my latte.

"Sometimes we come here to relax or study during finals. Most upper Thorns have sleeping quarters in the classrooms converted into bedrooms. Ah here you go," She hands me the latte and I take a generous sip, my eyes closing appreciatively. "This is good. Like barista style good." Her phone rings and she answers while I drink. "Yes, sir. I'll escort her in." She pauses before giving me a small smile. "Thank you, sir. I'll clear your calendar for the next two periods. Follow me, Alexandra."

We walk down a hall to the right of the lounge and there are a few doors. I notice Killian, Luca and Xander have offices as well.

Killian James
Second In Command

Luca Rossi
Tech Support

Alexander Richards
Event Coordinator

"Xander plans events?" I asked, curiously as we passed two more offices. Bridgette smiles and nods, "Mostly he plans the parties and handles the artwork for themed events. He's got quite a few friends in the PR world. Killian typically works hand in hand with Xander with venu ideas if we can't host at HQ. He also handles the entertainment side of things. Here we are," She nods as we approach Nate's office.

Nathaniel Richards
Thorn Commander
Please Knock
Appointment Only

Bridget knocks on the opaque glass door. A hurried gruff voice came behind it. "Come in," Bridgette holds the door and ushers me inside. "Alexandra Carson, Sir. Is there anything I can get you before going to class?"

Nate holds his hand up, barely sparing a glance from his laptop, "No, thank you, Bridgette. Enjoy your classes. Good luck on your Chem test." Bridgette smiles and nods to me. "It was lovely to see you again, Alexandra. Have a good day. I'll be back after lunch for free period." She closes the door behind her. I take in Nate's office. The left wall contains two doors with bookshelves filled with books, yearbooks and a few trophies in between them. His desk is in front of a large set of windows where the old greenhouse is in the background. The wall to the right contains photos of the Core at various Thorn events and school functions. In the corner just left of Nate's desk contains a small bar that is organized with drinks and glasses. Under that wall sits a plush leather couch with Nate's blazer neatly thrown across the arm. Two small leather chairs sit in front of his desk. Very much Nathaniel Richards.

"Please have a seat. I'll be a few minutes. I'm currently in a bit of debate with Xander and Zachary, our Treasurer. If you have work you need done, you can do that." His eyes flicker to me briefly and a small smile tugs at his lips.

"Go ahead, Bossman. Do your thing. Hold on. Zacky is Treasurer now?" I asked, sitting down in one of Nate's chairs and crossing my legs. The movement draws his eyes to the bare skin on my thighs. "Uh yes, he is. Zack has a lucrative tutoring program that happens to be funded by the Collective. That kid is going places. "Nate chuckles, typing away. I'd finished my lit homework by the time the first bell rang and Nate finished his business.