His shadow

Mate

As the breathtaking indigo darkness swept over the skies, I got out of the car and was ready to head up to my condo. We had stopped in front of a brown stone building and it seemed to look like one's average condos. Mr Kellaway handed me my keys. When I saw the building, I never expected the inside of the apartment would be something lavish to this extent. The interior gushed of elegance. I walked through my condo and marveled at the kitchen. It had wooden floors, white marble islands and creamy walls with captured touches of the original brown stone I saw outside, adding to its uniqueness. The condo had everything I needed to live and more. It was beautiful. I had two bedrooms and two bathrooms, maybe I am to share with one of my colleagues. The main room had all my clothes freshly ironed and hung up on rails. I realised then that neither I nor Mr Kellaway loaded my bags in his car, so they probably had people courier them here. There were a few extra dresses and other clothing with store tags on them. They must be Lisa's things, because she's the only person I know who would go and buy unnecessary attire. Walking to the second bedroom and finding the closet entirely empty, was a bit questioning. Were those clothes bought for me, if so, by who and why? Remembering Mr Kellaway said that I had to get ready for the company's opening celebration, I hurried to the main room and took a quick shower. After finishing in the bathroom, I stepped into the closet and browsed through my clothes for something classy. I found my favourite black satin long sleeve pleated tunic dress, pairing it with my multi coloured tie dye stiletto heeled gladiator. I applied a little make up and combed my hair to the back, letting it hang loosely. Grabbing my orange purse, I ran out of the building to where Kellaway patiently waited. As I approached him standing by the car, he let out a quick breath. "Wow, miss Pattinson. You look beautiful! Oh, how I wish I was 25 years younger without a wife and kids. I would've showed these stupid boys what a timeless lady looked like, and not these half naked gothic girls we see on social media." I smiled at his compliments as I blushed looking down at my heels. He opened the door for me to get in and before I did, I thanked him for being such a sweet gentleman. "Mr Kellaway if you don't mind me asking, how long have you been married for?" He smiled and one could see the love shining through his eyes. "Next month, it will be 20 years. Sometimes it still feels like just yesterday that I had found my mate, and other days it feels like I've known her since forever." I looked at his twinkling eyes as we drove down the dimly lit streets. We talked a bit more and he told me about his three kids and how he could never be more happier than this. After a few turns, we halted in front of an art gallery. "Hey! This is it!" I burst with excitement. The place was colourful, yet elegant and classy. I loved the contrast of it all. "Yes ma'am, this is your new home." He chuckled as he looked at my dazed face. "You are perfect for this place miss Pattinson, radiantly elegant. I will be here as soon as the event is finished. Have a lovely evening miss Pattinson."

"Thank you Mr Kellaway. I'll see you later."

He drove off and I walked through the front doors of my new work place. The place was crawling with people. Some clients, others admirers, journalists and photographers. I grinned as I walked up to my colleagues, Lisa openly gasping at my outfit. "Finally!!! Girl, You-look-amazing! Omw, let me show you around."

"Hello to you too! And thanks, you look quite lovely yourself." She shrugged my comment off and grabbed my hand to lead me through the art Palace. "Here! Have some champagne, it's the good stuff." I shook my head as she shoved the drink in my hand. She showed me around the place babbling nonstop. I honestly couldn't say that I heard any of it, because I quickly got distracted by a ravishing scent that caught my attention. The warm tingly butterflies that erupted in my stomach, sent chills down my spine. I felt a jolt of energy rushing through my body and I was stuck wondering whether it was from the champagne bubbles flowing through my blood. I finished my glass and handed it to Lisa. "Hey, where's the restroom? I think I need a touch up."

"Oh sure, you do look kind of pale. Are you okay?"

"Yes, just need a minute." She nodded with understanding and pointed me to the nearest restroom. I left, and when I got to the basins, I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I did look a bit pale, but I just got off a 6 hour flight. It could be the jetlag. The feeling dimmed down a bit as I stood there for a few minutes. 'Okay, you're fine. It's just a little jetlag. Now get back to the best night of your life.' After the pep talk I had with myself, I walked out and stepped back into the raving celebrations...The gnawing feeling crept up on me once more. I felt hot all over, and just as I was about to walk out for some air, the scent hit me once again. I felt compelled to follow the adamantly growing chase that built up inside my core. I didn't know what came over me, but I had to see it through...whatever 'it' was.

Suddenly the relentless pull exploded once my eyes fell on these two godlike statue men. The moment their eyes focused on me, the same energy jolts danced inside my tummy. As they approached me, everything around us passed the point of oblivion. I couldn't fathom the feelings that rippled through my body at that very moment. The energy that flowed from the two men, made me feel dizzy.

Their gaze was intense, and with every step they took, I felt more and more excited and frightened all at once.

As if nothing could break this intense focus, Lisa popped up in front of me. "There you are! Come, you really need to meet the co-founders of our chain companies. They are brilliant, and so much sexier in the flesh!" She tried to hook my arm when we heard a throat clearing behind her. It, however, sounded more like a low growl. When I looked up, the one man looked back at his brother whose eyes flicked with a striking blue iridescent colour. It disappeared with a blink of his eyes. He quickly plastered a radiant smile across his cheeks. "Miss Pattinson. A pleasure to finally meet you."

"Thank you for having us, and giving me the opportunity to manage a whole gallery." I shook both their hands and as I did, I felt pleasant sparks spreading through my hand at the touch of their skin on mine. I tried my best to keep calm and not seem weird in front of my bosses. The feel of their hands still lingered on my palm and I fondled my hands. The creepy looking blue eyed one mumbled something in his brother's ear as he looked over at me. "My apologies miss Pattinson, miss Lisa. If you could excuse us for a moment, my brother and I need to discuss some pressing matters."

"Oh. Of course, sir. We can speak again."

"Please, call me Mason. This is my twin brother Carter."

"It's a pleasure to finally meet both you, Mr Mason, and Mr Carter Anderson."

"It really was something meeting you in person, miss Pattinson." Mason smirked as his eyes flashed with a glint of evil dancing in them. Carter stood frozen staring at me with a lingering gaze, as he clearly muttered the word 'mate' under his breath. Mason lightly elbowed Carter, snapping him out of the trance he seemed to be under. "Excuse us." As awkward as our first encounter was, the mystery of these two men sparked incitement within my soul.

"Well, that wasn't weird at all."

"...Yeah." A simper stained my cheeks a candyfloss pink. The minute they left, the scent also disappeared and I couldn't decipher the hint of longing I felt lingering in the back of my head. Lisa walked me back to the rest of our colleagues who were surrounded by journalists and photographers. It all seemed a bit too much as they snapped their cameras capturing my face. Flooded, I got lost in the blur of flashing lights.