Total pages in book: 148
Estimated words: 143870 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 719(@200wpm)___ 575(@250wpm)___ 480(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 143870 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 719(@200wpm)___ 575(@250wpm)___ 480(@300wpm)
He told me this story with the intention of changing my mind. But it’s only given me another reason not to tie a noose around my neck.
“Shall we call for Angelo?” he suggests.
I nod, and after a quick conversation with Angelo, he tells us to meet him on the rooftop terrace.
When we arrive, I observe that security has halved the number of guests that are typically allowed up here. I suspect that was intended to reduce the noise, but it’s done very little in that regard.
Between the pool and the music, it’s still a club.
This wouldn’t have been my first choice for a meeting, but as we pass by the guests in bikinis, Bastien seems to approve.
Angelo directs us to one of the VIP lounges, and I grimace when I see what’s waiting there. Dozens of candles flicker throughout the space, casting a soft glow over an elaborate spread of wine and desserts.
“Oh, Cristian.” Jolie beams at me. “This is wonderful.”
Angelo skewers me with a look that indicates he wants me to play along—and also that he finds this really fucking funny.
“Enjoy yourselves.” He smirks. “I have something else planned for Bastien.”
“Oh?” Bastien eyes him curiously.
Angelo steers him toward another lounge on the opposite side of the roof. “How do you feel about vintage cognac?”
As they drift out of sight, I silently curse my brother and pull out a chair for Jolie.
She eyes the lounge seating instead and takes it upon herself to sit there.
“Come join me.” She pats the space beside her. “There’s no need to be so formal.”
I sit down, maintaining more distance than she’d probably like. A moment later, a server appears to pour us a glass of wine and serve Jolie dessert.
“It’s such a lovely night.” Jolie sighs. “You truly have a little piece of heaven up here. I can see why the club is named after Eden.”
I nod, though my only thought is, right now, it feels like hell.
It isn’t logical. There’s nothing wrong with Jolie. She would make any man in my position a good wife. But the appeal of choosing just anyone to fill that role has lost its shine. I think Jolie recognizes that, but she isn’t giving up without a fight.
As the night wears on, she makes her intentions clear. Her words take on a provocative lilt and a fire sparks in her gaze as she emboldens herself by closing the distance between us.
I think her father has underestimated her, but so have I.
This isn’t a passive decision for her. She’s cunning, perceptive, and she knows what she wants.
After a bottle of wine, she puts all her cards on the table.
Turning to face me, she tucks her legs beneath her and reaches out to touch my arm.
“I can see you still have some reservations about this arrangement,” she says softly. “And I’d like to put your mind at ease.”
When I don’t respond, she goes on to explain herself.
“A man like you needs a woman who brings you peace after a long day. Someone who understands how many demands you have already, without making herself another one.”
She skims her fingers over my tie, and I suppress my irritation when she traces a slow path down the length of my chest.
As she continues to talk, I weigh how quickly negotiations will end when I reject her.
“A true queen knows when to smile, when to speak, and when to act.” She peers up at me from beneath her lashes. “And most importantly, she knows how to treat her king when he comes home to his castle.”
She circles the button of my trousers, and there’s no question what she’s offering. But when she tries to slide her hand lower, I catch her by the wrist.
“You should be with someone who can give you what you want,” I clip out. “That isn’t me.”
Her smile falters, but she recovers quickly. “I think in time you’ll see you can give me exactly what I want, and I can wait. I’m a patient woman.”
I release her, and her gaze drifts to a familiar figure across the terrace.
“When you’ve tired of your other distractions, you know where to find me.”
16
CHANTEL
“They’re with me,” Lucia’s date, Giovanni, tells security.
“Names?” the man asks with a bored expression.
Lucia gives him her name, and I swallow my nerves, wondering if this is such a good idea. The last time I was here, I didn’t exactly get a friendly greeting. I also suspect this isn’t going to go over well with Cristian when he finds out.
“Chantel St. James.” I force a smile when the man glances at me.
His expression shifts from bored to alert as recognition sparks.
“Welcome, Miss St. James.” He stands a little straighter. “Would you like me to arrange a VIP lounge for you and your friends?”
Lucia and I exchange a confused glance while her date looks slightly put out. He clearly wanted to impress her with his connections, but now I’m getting preferential treatment. It doesn’t make any sense.