Page 28 of His Stolen Queen
Warmth filled my cheeks when I realized Von was really going to leave me hanging.
"Apologies," he finally said in the ensuing silence. "I have just handled an unsightly bag of refuse. I'm afraid I have yet to wash my hands."
Who the fuck used the word “refuse” instead of “trash”?
"Err, that's okay." I dropped my hand, rubbing it against my thigh.
Von's posture was rigid, and his disarming stare roamed my features contemplatively. His scrutiny wasn't leering, but I felt self-conscious and a little anxious. The thought that he may find me lacking had my defenses up, especially when I sensed that Von was inspecting me for something more than my looks or credentials.
To cut the uncomfortable tension, I indicated to the impressive fixture hanging above us. "I was just admiring the chandelier. It's stunning. I've never seen one as magnificent as this," I enthused.
Von inclined his head, but otherwise his face remained impassive. "It will please Mr. Angelou that you think so."
My brow pulled down, even though a small shiver of delight slid down my spine at the mention of his name. "Er, that's…good."
I cleared my throat and flicked my tablet back on. "That being said, I was under the impression that the piece would be delivered later this morning. What time did it arrive?"
"Four a.m. this morning, ma'am."
I sputtered. "Four a.m.?But it was still dark then."
I balanced my pad as I quickly consulted Empire Gates' contract. "I wasn't aware that the crew started that early. In fact, building compliance dictates that any maintenance work, including movers, is not to start until seven a.m.," I quoted. I highlighted the terms with a yellow shade as I read them out.
"Those hours did not work for Mr. Angelou," Von simply stated, unmoved at my lecture.
I waited for him to explain how he circumvented that stipulation, but when he remained silent, a renewed rage settled in my core.
"I see." I crossed the item off my list with a sharp flick of my finger.
"May I ask that you inform me of any changes to the schedule?" I bit out. "Unfortunately, I was not available at four a.m."Like any other normal person."But I would like to be notified when an item I have marked down to oversee is no longer on the agenda."
Again, Von simply bowed his head in acknowledgment. Did nothing phase this man? He was probably used to the demands of his imperious employer, so the scolding of a low-rung designer simply didn't register.
I tucked my tablet under one arm. "How did they get it up here and installed so fast, anyway? I would've thought it would takehours, especially in the dark. Who was here to let them in?" I quizzed.
I told myself it was for my own nosy benefit. A company that efficiently delivered and installed a mammoth light fixture in a short period was someone I wanted on my books. I was definitely not prying to see whether someone was staying here.
"A private company that Mr. Angelou utilizes."
I swallowed a frustrated sigh. "Hmm."
It was like pulling teeth trying to get anything out of Von. I wondered if my team had experienced the same issues while dealing with him. I hadn't heard of any problems with miscommunication whenever I checked in with them.
"So we have the chandelier delivered and installed. We're just waiting on two smaller light fixtures for the primary bedroom and the ensuite."
"One of those will be delivered today."
I nodded and penned that down, underlining it to go over with him again later today.
Together, we reviewed the remaining details, noting any changes and updating items that had been resolved. The renovation itself was wrapping up in a week, and the rest of the interior furnishings would be completed over the remaining three weeks. Not for the first time, I pondered why Acheron was so insistent on needing me. My senior designers were more than capable of seeing the project through, and I'd always planned on starting my site visit a couple of weeks before completion.
"Mr. Angelou will have a housewarming party at the end of the three weeks, so we expect everything to be completed by then."
I raised a perfectly groomed brow. "Well, with the rate things are going, that shouldn't be a problem. Things are certainly progressing faster than anticipated. Kyle informed me that the chandeliers were on a two-month back order."
"Yes, well." Von neatly folded his papers and slid them smoothly into his vest pocket. "Mr. Angelou has a lot of influence."
I just bet he does.
