In the metal container Blair couldn't beg to be set free more than ever, her breath was lost and her heart thundered in her chest, she could feel the faint stinging burn on the mark behind her neck and it warned her to relax or else things would get a little scary in the elevator. Blair grabbed onto the railing of the elevator and cursed her fate for being in such a tight situation. If that stupid crow hadn't warned her; she wouldn't even be in this goddamned elevator with Maddox and he would never have kissed her. Blair's cheeks heated as she recalled that unexpected kiss they shared earlier, she had never expected for a kiss to feel like that had. Maddox didn't just kiss her, he consumed her full body and soul and she had never seen her magic react the way it did before. It was like her magic reached its peak and was so much more alive than it ever was.

However, that wasn't the only thing that startled her. The necklace had reacted to Maddox when he embraced her; the old enchantment that had entered the pendant which hung between her breasts throbbed against her chest, she could feel the life of the magic that was dormant bursting to life like Maddox was its only salvation and it could do anything to reach him.

Blair didn't know how she felt but her magic did, the enchantment in the pendant knew everything and that scared the life out of her. Suddenly, the warm golden light in the elevator flickered violently.

"What the hell," said Maddox. "Don't tell me the elevator's broken." Just as Maddox clicked the alarm button the lights died and the elevator stopped fully.

Blair took a deep breath to get a grip of herself because she was reason behind the elevator malfunctioning, her magic was acting irritably and it fused the electricity.

"Hello," Maddox seemed to have called Tony. "The lift stopped... We're on the thirteenth floor... No... It's just me and Blair... Get this fixed... And tell Ainsley we'll be late again." Maddox cut the phone. "Looks like we're stuck in here for a few minutes," he said but Blair could barely hear what he said after that because she was trying so hard to relax.

Blair wanted to get out of the elevator not get stuck in it longer. "I need to get out," she mumbled breathlessly and tried to convince her magic like it was a person who could listen to her.

"Don't worry," reassured Maddox. "The lift should be fixed soon." Maddox turned around and the coolness in his eyes disappeared. "Blair," he grabbed her arms. "Are you okay?"

Blair couldn't answer him. She thanked her ancestors it was dark otherwise; the elevator would've combusted long time ago with the erratic heartbeat that was caused when Maddox came so close to her. Blair closed her eyes even tighter, but then all she could feel was his muscular body pressed against hers and that dark spicy scent flaming her.

"It's going to be okay," he whispered against her ear. "Everything's fine."

Blair just felt like an idiot, here he was trying his best to comfort her when she was the one to locked them up in the elevator. "I'm fine," she mumbled back to him. "I just need a few seconds to calm down." Blair stiffened when Maddox's arms circled around her, she wanted to push him away but she didn't have the strength to do so, his strong arms held her so firmly that it was a sensation she had never felt before.

Maddox's phone rang but he didn't pull away, he just answered the phone in this position. "Why isn't the lift working, Tony?" It sounded like Maddox was scolding Tony. As close as she was to Maddox she heard what Tony said and it didn't surprise her.

"Nothing's wrong with the lift, sir," astonished Tony. "The elevator just closed down."

"What the hell," grumbled Maddox. "So, then what caused the elevator to stop?"

"It's like it just froze," guessed Tony and he wasn't wrong.

"Just keep working at it," said Maddox. "And hurry up." He cut the line.

Blair swallowed the tightness in her throat and she had to concentrate now, otherwise this problem would just continue. Blair laid her forehead on Maddox's sturdy chest and she concentrated hard on the beat of his heart, she listened and paid attention which allowed her to ground herself and find the source of the magic that caused the fuse.

"Blair," Maddox's voice was soft and gentle unlike the rough one when he kissed her. "Just concentrate on my voice," his hands were what she turned her attention towards, they softly trailed up and down her back to soothe her nerves.

Abruptly, the elevator jolted and the golden lights turned back on and she knew her magic had retreated and wearied off.

The speaker in the elevator turned on as well and Tony's voice spilled through and filled the elevator.

"Are you alright, sir?" he asked. "And how's Blair?"

"We're fine," answered Maddox. "Just get us to the right floor."

"Yes, sir," the speaker died.

Blair opened her eyes but she was still caged against the wall by Maddox. "You can move," she muttered.

Maddox's scowl deepened. "Are you feeling better?"

Blair met his amber gaze. "Yes," she lied. "I'm fine."

Maddox stepped back and fixed his suit's lapels. "The dinner should only last an hour or two," he said. "So, don't worry too much."

"I'm not worried at all," she told him because she was more curious than anything else, she wanted to know why a spirit crow had sent her to protect Maddox at a stranger's house. "What can you tell me about this Ainsley person?" She asked as the lift halted on the fifth floor, they exited and entered a long empty hallway.

"Alexander Ainsley is a business tycoon known world-wide but many people stay away from him," said Maddox.

"Why?" she asked.

"Some say he's conceited, others couldn't disagree more," said Maddox. "My father didn't trust Alexander and along with some other people I know. But it's been a few years and Alexander has always stayed at my hotels. He has kept a positive approach to my company and gives respect to people who deserve it."

"What hotel?" asked Blair.

"Magnolia Hotel for one," answered Maddox. "And Steele hotel in New York," he informed. "There are some in China, Japan, South Korea and all over the United States."

"Wow," she breathed. "I'm impressed. And here I thought you were just some regular business man." Blair and Maddox reached the end of hall and faced the suite number 509. "Do you trust this man?" she asked before Maddox knocked on the door.

Maddox's amber gaze hardened. "I like to give people the benefit of the doubt," he told her vaguely. "Why?"

"No reason," she squared her shoulders. "That's all I need to know."

Maddox knocked on the door and a few moments later the door swung open. The man named Alexander Ainsley stood with a dark suit on and his snow-white hair was groomed looking elegant, but his beady eyes were what told Blair the real truth behind that façade.

"Maddox," he greeted. "It's good to see you."

"Good evening, Alexander," answered Maddox.

Alexander's eyes shifted over to her, and for that quick moment, she saw that darkness all the people that didn't trust him saw. "Is this the partner Tony said you were bringing along?"

"Yes," answered Maddox.

"Blair Lightwood," she introduced herself and stuck her hand out to him. "We met in the lobby once."

Alexander smiled. "I remember," he took her outstretched hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you again. Please come in."

Blair let go on his meaty hand and this time the erratic heart was much more calm and relaxed, under the dim hotel chandelier that hung in the middle of the room displayed his murky grey and dark pink aura to her. She couldn't understand the subtle change in the man, he seemed different like he was more sure of himself now.

He guided them through a pair of double doors and she had to admit the hotel room was quite extravagant. The suite had a large lounging room and its own dining space with a connected balcony, she met Maddox's eyes and just like how she was inspecting Alexander, Maddox was watching her intently.

"This is a beautiful suite," she whispered for only Maddox to hear.

A smile crept up his lips. "Thank you," he whispered back.

"If the hotel rooms are this extravagant," she teased, "then why is your room so bland and boring."

Maddox clenched his teeth but he quickly concealed it with a sexy grin. "I guess I had to meet you," he remarked cockily.

But before Blair could say anything, Alexander interrupted them. "Please take a seat," he offered. "I will check with the chef and bring some refreshments. Wine or champagne?" he asked.

"Champagne," both Maddox and Blair answered.

Maddox pulled out the chair for her. "I just can't seem to figure you out," he said as he took the seat next to her. "One moment, you're holding onto me in an elevator scared half to death," he said. "And the next, you're glaring at that man like you're going to interrogate him with a belt."

"I wasn't scared in the elevator," she retorted.

Maddox's amber gaze melted through her heart. "It doesn't matter now," he said. "Just as long as I was there to help you." He held her eyes and Blair couldn't look away, she could stare into his earnest gaze forever. "And what is up with you and handshakes?"

Blair chuckled surprisingly. "Handshakes tell me a lot about a person," she informed.

His honey amber eyes melted into her heart. "What did it tell you about me?" asked Maddox.

"I didn't need to shake your hand to know that you'd be different from everyone," she remarked and when the candle flickered she looked away and secretly controlled the small flame. "There was just something about you that made everything else disappear."

"Same goes for you," whispered Maddox.

Alexander returned with a chilled champagne bottle and three glasses. "Dinner should take a few moments," he informed. "I think we should enjoy some champagne first, don't you think?"

"Sounds great," said Blair. "I'm parched." Alexander poured her a glass. "You see, the elevator almost broke down when we were coming down here."

"Oh no," he replied. "That's terrible."

"It's like someone didn't want us coming here tonight." Blair laughed openly.

Alexander's eyes blanked but it was quickly covered, and he poured Maddox and himself some champagne before taking a seat across from them. "If I had known, I would've cancelled the plans myself," he said politely. "I'm so grateful you still decided to come."

"You've stayed at my hotel every time you're on a business trip or vacation," said Maddox. "I had no choice but to join you, even if we almost died in an elevator." They laughed briefly.

Alexander's broad smile expressed his vanity. "I had to stay in your hotels, Maddox," he said. "They provide the best services, and I can guarantee that no one builds a more extravagant hotel than you."

"My father had a big part in that," said Maddox.

"Yes, I'm so sorry to hear what happened," Alexander shook his head. "Such a great man. Was it a car accident?"

Blair didn't know that Maddox's father had died in a car accident.

"Yes," he answered.

Blair saw the pain in his eyes that hardened the happiness and turned it into grief. She didn't like that at all. "You've stayed at all of Maddox's hotels?" asked Blair. "That's impressive." Alexander's gaze turned on her, but unlike what he was trying to accomplish by hurting Maddox, Blair wasn't such an easy opponent.

He chuckled. "I've stayed at a few," he gloated. "Not all."

"Still, I'm impressed," she said. "You must really want to work with Maddox?" It was like she struck a nerve, Alexander's gaze hardened. But before she could get a reaction out of him, the dinner arrived.

Maddox grasped Blair's hand. "Tone it down a notch," mumbled Maddox.

Blair shot him an innocent smile.

Maddox rolled his eyes.

Their appetizers had been placed in front of them, when suddenly, a glint of light hit her knife. She turned around to find the balcony doors slowly swinging open. The night air was cool and the light of the moon bounced off the glass of the doors, she didn't know what called her to look outside but then a dark figure perched itself on the railing; it was the crow with those red eyes. She knew for sure now that something wasn't right with this man, he was dangerous but Blair didn't know how much. Alexander appeared with more champagne and the crow cawed loud enough that it startled everyone. Blair saw it as a warning and that the crow told her to grab Maddox and leave, but she couldn't do that just yet.

"I hate those vermin," sneered Alexander. The grip he had on the bottle tightened and his knuckles turned white. Alexander stomped his way towards the balcony, Blair was about to get to her feet and stop him when her hand was stopped.

"What are you doing?" she asked Maddox. "Let me go." But Maddox didn't answer her, he just let Alexander scare the crow off and slam the balcony doors shut.

"There is no point in getting worked up," whispered Maddox.

Alexander returned to his seat and they started their meal. But Blair's mind was still stuck on the crow and she wondered where he had fled, but then, she saw the small window behind Alexander and the crow and taken another seat to watch the show.

"Do crows scare you?" asked Blair.

Alexander let out a hearty laughter. "Of course not," he scoffed. "They just sit on places they shouldn't be."

This time Blair laughed. "How many times will you tell a bird not to be sit where it's not supposed to."

Alexander's beady eyes darkened. "I don't care about the others," he said. "Just as long as they stay out my area."

"The steak is delicious," commented Maddox. "And not many know I like it done a little bit more than medium-rare."

Alexander smiled. "I make sure to know what my friends like," he said. "And that was just a minor detail about you."

"You do not need to sugar-coat things for me, Alexander," said Maddox. "I prefer it when people are truthful, and blunt about why they want a partnership with me."

Alexander wiped his mouth with the silk tablecloth. "You're truly as the rumours say," he remarked. "I'm one to look for promising business partners and you're just the type I'm looking for. I have worked with your father on many occasions and he's been a big part of my company, so I expect the same from you as well."

Blair's gut sank the moment he revealed that he wanted to partner up with Maddox, this man couldn't be trusted at all and now he was offering a deal. She gazed at Maddox and wondered what he would say in return, but he just had a small smile plastered on his calm face. If it was up to her, she would've stormed out of here in no time.

"Thank you for letting me know," said Maddox. "I'm sure we can agree on a partnership."

Blair's gaped at Maddox.

"A toast to new friends," Alexander raised his glass and Maddox raised his own.

Dinner was taken to the lounge room for some drinks, but Blair didn't feel like doing much after Maddox just blatantly ignored her counsel about Alexander.

"It's seems Blair has reached her limit for tonight," remarked Alexander.

Blair's raised her blaring eyes. "I don't mix well in places that are so extravagant, it feels almost fake to me."

Alexander laughed. "Well then, I guess we should end it here for tonight," he offered.

Maddox wished Alexander a good night, but Blair couldn't run out of there faster. The stench of darkness and murky lies engulfed and burned the mark at the back of her neck, she was irritated and even more confused. She made sure to contact that crow and get some answers tonight for sure, but she'd have to go home to work on this spell.

Maddox opened the door to his suite, she pushed past him and grabbed her stuff from the guest bedroom. She had to return home quick and contact that crow whilst it was still in the human realm.

Blair returned with her bag and car keys when she found Maddox standing in the foyer with a dark expression.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"Home," she answered.

Maddox moved around and guarded the door. "It's late and you drank a few glasses of champagne," he said. "You can stay in the guest bedroom."

"I can't," she said. "I need to go home."

Maddox's face hardened and he stepped in front of her. "First, I couldn't get rid of you," he remarked. "And now, when I'm telling you to stay, you want to leave. What is it with you?"

"I should be asking you that," snapped Blair. "When I clearly told that man was dangerous, you go ahead and offer friendship."

Maddox gritted his teeth and she heard from where she stood. "I did that on purpose," he explained.

"I don't care why you did it," she bit back. "You should've never even talked to that man."

"If I hadn't offered my hand, Alexander would've found another way to force my partnership," said Maddox.

Blair's mark burned, she rubbed her neck and hoped it would stop but she knew no matter how much she tried that'd never work. "I warned you," said Blair. "That man is bad news and it would do you good to stay away. Far away."

"What makes you so sure?" asked Maddox.

Not that question again! she screamed internally. "Just believe me," that's all she could say.

"No."

Blair couldn't do this anymore, she didn't have the strength to continue with this obscene lie and truth game.

Maddox stepped in front of her. "Why are you so concerned for me?" he asked. His golden gaze gazed down at her, but she avoided her eyes and tried her hardest to stop herself from telling him everything. "You have to tell me, Blair," he whispered almost pleading her. "Otherwise, I can't trust you. I want to believe you but you're holding something from me, and I feel like it's a big part of why you hide behind that shop of yours and the need to help everyone you meet. Everything you've done has proved you're not ordinary; I've never seen someone heal others the way you do, and you have this ridiculous energy that makes me want to never let you go. You healed my nightmares and I haven't even remembered my grief since you walked into my life. There is a part of me that'll trust you over anyone, but you need to tell what you're holding back from me right now."

"I'm a witch," she said firmly. "No one knows about this, except some family relatives." Blair had told her truth but she didn't feel any relief, this was just like when she told her parents. They had feared for her life and discarded her as sinful and tragic, many had done that to her so why did she expect something different from Maddox.

"That's how you cured my nightmares?" he asked.

"And Tony's insomnia along with a lot of other things," she answered him. "I practice the dark arts and have abilities that cannot be explained. That's how I knew about Alexander, your nightmares and everything else about you."

Maddox held onto her gaze, he didn't let her look away. "How long have you-"

"I was born with this," she interrupted him. "I don't tell many people. You don't need to believe me but I would like it if you kept it a secret." Blair bit back the sting in her eyes. "It's not any easier, is it? Now, that you know the truth. What will you do?"

Maddox towered over her. "Show me," he demanded.

"I already did," she said. "In the elevator."

Maddox gaped. "That was you?"

Blair turned away. "I need to go," she moved towards the door when her arm was grasped tightly.

"No, stay here for tonight," he said. "I won't let you leave like this."

"Do you believe me?" she asked the question that was burning a hole in her heart.

Maddox crossed his arms. "Is that important to know?" Her firm gaze gave him all the answer he needed. "Then yes, I believe you."

Blair's leg's weakened and she slid down the wall onto the floor. "What have I done," she muttered. "This wasn't something for you to know."

Maddox took off his jacket and draped it on her shoulders. "I've never seen you like this before," he whispered softly, she lifted her eyes and saw that he had the warmest smile on his face.

"Like what?" she asked him.

Maddox kneeled down next to her. "Vulnerable," he told her.

"You have a way of bringing that out of me," she said weakly because she couldn't conjure the strength anymore, and the liquor was starting to blur her eyes.

"Just like you bring the strangeness out of me," he remarked.

"I had to do something before midnight," she revealed.

"It can wait," he said. "For now, let's get you in bed." Maddox's strong arms cradled her close to his body, she didn't even realize when she was off the floor and in her room. He laid her down on the cool bedsheets.

But before Maddox could reach for the light, she snapped her fingers and the light went out on its own. She didn't see his reaction, but she was sure he was boggled out of his wits and that was for tomorrow. Tonight, she would fall asleep forgetting what had just happened in order to get some peaceful rest whilst she can.