Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 86168 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86168 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
“I know a place nearby. We could go there.”
“What kind of place?”
“Somewhere loud and dark.”
“Perfect.” I finish my third glass of wine. “Take me.”
KIRA
He seems amused as he pays the bill with a thick black metal credit card and leaves an absurdly large tip in cash. Back outside, he waves the car off and tells the driver to follow as we walk around the corner. I hesitate when he offers his arm, but I relent and allow myself to touch his bicep.
It’s thick and warm. He’s tall and walks with a purposeful stride. I have to hurry to keep up. I’m feeling a little tipsy from the alcohol, but not drunk yet.
The club is close. I’m chilly by the time the line appears around the corner. I slow, thinking we’ll have to wait, but Stellan keeps on going. He approaches the bouncer, who immediately opens the rope for him. I’m aware of a dozen young people, some staring with shock and others with frustrated hostility.
“Glad you’re back, Mr. Corsetti,” the bouncer says. “Should we prepare your table?”
“Yes, please. And have them send up a bottle.”
“Right away.”
I hesitate, glancing over my shoulder. I can’t remember the last time I went to a club like this—the music’s bleeding out through the stone walls—and I’ve never skipped a line before. A strange, giddy thrill runs into my stomach.
I know this guy is rich. I can tell he’s powerful. But who the hell is he, really?
We’re led into an upscale club. There’s a dance floor with a DJ at one end and a massive bar complex on the other. The space is filled with people, some grinding and dancing, while others sprawl on couches drinking fancy cocktails. Men prowl and women laugh in groups. I’m overwhelmed at first, at least until Stellan’s hand slips into mine as he draws me across the building toward a set of stairs.
There’s a second level that overlooks the first. It’s quieter up top. The people here are more subdued. Women sprawl in laps. One couple is violently making out in a corner, and I’m pretty sure she’s giving the guy a handjob under the table. We’re taken to a private area in the corner where more wine is already waiting.
“This place doesn’t really feel like your scene,” I say, leaning in close so he can hear me.
He pours two glasses. “I don’t come here often.”
“You’re making an exception for me?”
“You wanted dark and loud. And I know the owner.”
“Know how, exactly?”
His eyes narrow for a moment as his lips push together like he’s considering something. Then he moves close enough that his mouth brushes against my neck. “I’m blackmailing him.”
I pull away, not sure if he’s kidding. A laugh dies in my throat as he looks back intently, like he’s testing me. I take a long drink of wine, trying to gauge how I feel. But what do I care if he’s got some club owner under his thumb?
“What are you using against him?”
A ghost of a smile. “You don’t want to know. Sometimes, money and privilege only allow certain men to unleash their most horrible desires on the world.”
“So what, he’s some kind of weird murderer?”
“Worse.”
“Rapist?”
“Put them together, and you’re close.”
My stomach lurches. “Actually, I think I’m done with this conversation.”
“That’s for the best.”
I watch the crowd down below and sway to the music. I don’t know what I’m doing here, but the wine’s starting to get to me, and I like the way Stellan stays very close by my side. He’s possessive and big, and he keeps his hand on my thigh like he’s claiming his territory. It’s some stupid caveman stuff, but it feels good to be important to someone for once. It’s been years since I felt like I was the center of attention.
After a few minutes, a pair of young men show up at the table and greet Stellan. They’re well-dressed and handsome, but pale in comparison to him. He nods back but doesn’t engage, and they leave as quickly as they showed up.
This pattern repeats a few times. There are three beautiful women and more well-dressed men. All of them seem eager to catch his attention, but Stellan barely gives them more than a nod and a greeting. After the fifth guy walks off looking slightly rejected, I can’t help myself anymore.
“What’s with the parade? Are they kissing the ring or something?”
“More or less.”
“Wait, seriously? This is some mafia thing?”
His grip on my leg tightens. “It’s about respect. They know who I am and who my family is. Some of them are minor players. Others wish they were. All know I can make or break them with a word.”
“I can’t tell if you’re joking.”
“I bought your apartment building just to convince you to go on a date with me, Kira. Don’t you think I could do the same to each and every one of them?”