Thicker Than Water

Chapter Eleven

"A what?" I gawked as he pulled me out the door.

"A party." He smiled. "Usually these things are boring as can be, but I've never had you to join me before. I'm hoping this will be a beautiful evening."

"And what is this gala for?" I asked as he ushered me into the familiar limo.

"It's actually for one of my philanthropies. I have invested a lot of money into a children's shelter downtown, and tonight is the opening celebrations."

My jaw dropped. "You're joking."

He blushed, shaking his head. "I'm not, actually."

"Why didn't you tell me about this?" I couldn't imagine why he wouldn't have mentioned something as sweet as this. My heart warmed even more (if that were even possible) as I thought of all the children that would be helped by the shelter. Children who lived just like I did. 

"I really don't like to brag, if you haven't noticed." He leaned back in the seat next to me. "I prefer to let the rewards of my labor do the talking for me."

"Is there anything else I don't know about? Like, nursing sick animals back to health by hand? Donating a kidney or two on the weekends? Maybe a knighthood ceremony I should pen on my calendar?"

Apollo laughed louder than I'd anticipated. "No, no." he shook his head, absentmindedly brushing his hair back, even though it was brushed away already. "I think this is the extent of any ceremony of benevolence."

We held hands for the rest of the drive, quietly enjoying each other's company. Once the limo slowed, I looked out the window to see a huge three-story building made of red brick. There was a large set of white double doors that were thrown open, and people in formal wear were bustling about.

"This is it?" I said in disbelief. "It's beautiful."

"Let's head inside. I want to show you off." He grinned. "Before we go in, do you need to feed? There are going to be mostly humans in there this evening. I'm sorry I forgot to ask before we left."

"No," I shook my head. "I'm still quite satisfied from yesterday."

At that, he opened the door and exited the limo, holding out a hand for me. As I stepped out, I was startled to see dozens of reporters with cameras appear, all taking photos and yelling out questions.

"Who are you, miss?"

"Any comments on the opening of the shelter, Mr. Thorne?"

"Where have you been hiding, Mr. Thorne?"

I was more than taken aback at the bluntness of some of the inquiries, but I wasn't about to open my mouth if Apollo didn't. As direct as I was, I knew when to hold my tongue.

"I am very pleased with the new facilities. Master craftsmen have been working diligently to make sure that any child who enters our shelter will be in the best conditions possible." Apollo put a hand on the small of my back, his 'business face' ever-present.

The reporters threw a barrage of questions, but my boyfriend tipped his head politely and led me through the double doors.

The inside of the shelter was even more beautiful than the outside. It felt more like a hotel than a shelter, but I knew that when Apollo did something, he did it 110%. There was a huge wooden staircase leading upstairs, but we followed the crowd of people through the first floor to another set of doors, which led out into a large patio area.

The patio was probably a few acres in size, scattered with tables covered in red velvet tablecloths. Candles flickered from every surface, and string lights glittered above us, suspended in the air over our heads. A small orchestra played in one of the corners, and nearly a hundred people in formalwear were in attendance.