He Strikes at the Hotel

Chapter Thirty Three

The time soon flew by, with the hour only feeling like a few minutes had passed. The knock at the door startled us out of our transfixed time zone we had unintentionally entered together, so that we realised it was 7:30pm on the dot. The boys were right on time, just like Zachery had said they would be. Nerissa and I smiled warmly towards each other before getting up and quickly spot checking ourselves to make sure everything was still in place.

Nerissa was the first to move towards the door, with her gown flowing around her feet as she walked, making her look like a vision. I simply stood there, watching her, frozen in time, unable to move myself from this position. I didn't know why I was stuck like this, I was definitely in awe of Nerissa at this moment, but I think it was more the anticipation of seeing Zachery that had struck me so suddenly. I had already thought of what would happen when he saw me, but I didn't really contemplate how I would feel when I saw him, I had only been curious over what he would be wearing. But now...

I would say I felt as if I was about to see a prince walk in, but that analogy wasn't really that appropriate, nor helpful for my nerves. Zachery always wore elaborate suits with deep colours which stood out on him. They always had a colourful twist to them, whether it be the contrast of his shirt, his tie, or his pocket cloth. Tonight, I couldn't even dream of how he would look any better than what he usually does, and just the thought of it made my stomach do somersaults. I guess now would be the time to find out, as Nerissa began to open the door sheepishly, as she peeped round the door slightly before revealing her full self to the guests on the other side.

She opened the door wide after she saw the two smiling faces in front of her. Pierre looked very handsome. He looked as though he was wearing one of Zachery's finest suits, completely black, but with tiny white stripes down it which were so minimal they were barely noticeable, but they made a massive difference. He wore a satin white shirt underneath, an emerald green tie and very polished black shoes. He had styled his blonde hair back with gel so that there was not one hair out of place. Nerissa was delighted as she saw him, which he gaped at in return, eyeing her up and down, taking in the sight before him. Pierre didn't even make in it the room before Nerissa started to walk out with him excitedly.

"See you two in the lobby!" She called back to me and Zachery, as her and Pierre happily glided down the hall to go downstairs.

Neither of us had moved. I couldn't believe that we were both stood deadly still, in silence. I was mesmerised with him in that moment, and I knew it. I couldn't explain his silence though. Zachery was stood in the doorway, wearing a pure black suit instead of his regular deep navy ones. He wore a burgundy waistcoat and tie, with a simple white shirt underneath. He wore a golden pocket watch which shined in the light so brightly that it looked as though it was on fire. His cuff links were gold too, with burgundy roses in the centre of them. He looked ravishing, and it made me breathless even seeing him at my door, without even thinking of the idea of speaking to him right now. I was glad that he was the first to say something.

"Y-you... Look... Stunning." He said, stuttering his words slightly, eyes wide, cheeks flushed, and looking slightly nervous himself now. Could I really have this kind of effect on him? For real?

"Thank you... So do you... I mean, handsome. Very handsome." I said back, falling over my own words as they tried to run out of my mouth before I could even think straight. Zachery smiled and began to edge closer to me, gesturing for me to link arms with him. I was happy to do this, but cautious at the same time. I felt as though this was the beginning of a beautiful nightmare, one which I didn't want to wake up from, but had to.

I placed my arms around his, as Zachery turned to look at me, before using his free arm to take something out of his waistcoat pocket. He took whatever it was out, and held it tightly in his palm. He looked down at his hand, and briefly un-linked our arms so that he could properly face me. He showed me what was in his hand before saying anything. It was a hair pin with a beautiful red and golden rose embedded, with the slight hint of green at the sides. It was absolutely gorgeous, and the way it sparkled, it looked as though it could be real gold.

"This is for you. Most gentleman bring flowers on a first date, however, this first date is different to most. Just like you are different to most. You need not accept it if you dislike it, but I know you cherish your hair pins for some strange reason, and being Audrey Rose, I thought..." He began to waffle on, trying to justify his choices, as if it wasn't the sweetest thing that anyone had ever given me.

"I adore it. It's beautiful. I wish I had gotten you something now... I can trade you for a standard hair pin if you like?" I said, trying to stop Zachery's scattered monologue as well as trying to calm myself down, without getting too awkward. My words did all of the above, plus it made Zachery laugh as he pursued to adding the pin to my existing collection already on my head.

"Stunning. Simply Stunning. Now, let's get this show on the road, shall we? I believe we have a couple people waiting for us in the lobby. Best not keep them waiting too long, they may perish from questions." Zachery jokingly said, as he took my arm back in his, as we began to walk out of the room to go downstairs. It may sound strange, but it felt so natural walking with him like this. There was so awkward tension, or any of the negative feelings that I usually associate to the male population in general. I felt safe, for the first time since Zachery arrived and all of this began.

With my arm in his, I felt truly, undeniably, safe.