Instead, I take her to one of the most luxurious restaurants in the city. Echelon is a big ballroom, chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, silverware glittering from the tables like somebody plucked the stars from the sky.
“Do we need to make a reservation?” Rose whispers, as I walk in with her on my arm.
I lead her to the head of the line. Ignore the glares from the society men and women. The politicians and the millionaires and the playboys.
“Mr Markov,” the host says. “A table for two?”
I nod. “Somewhere discreet.”
“Of course, sir.”
“Woah,” Rose mutters as the host leads us across the busy restaurant. “This is like being inside a snow globe.”
Another smile touches my lips as I pull out her seat. There’s so much I could show her, so much we could share together. Life seems instantly brighter when I view it through her eyes.
I order champagne. Rose laughs. “Seriously?”
“I want the best for you,” I tell her.
“I’ve already eaten dinner,” she murmurs.
“Then order something light—or order a second dinner.”
“Aseconddinner?”
I glide my hand under the table. Squeeze her leg. “You could never be too curvy for me, Rose. You make my mouth water more than any meal in this place. Don’t you dare doubt yourself.”
Her face lights up … lighting me up inside.
“Then I’ll have steak?” she murmurs, looking at the menu. “With a side of fries?”
“Sounds perfect. I’ll get the same.”
Once we’ve made our order and we’re sipping our champagne, I lean forward. The room shrinks to just her. The laughter and the music and the highfliers … they all disappear.
“Tell me about yourself,” I say.
Her cheeks flush. Eyes bright with champagne and excitement. “Where shall I start?”
“At the beginning.”
“You want my whole life story, huh?”
“I want everything from you.”
She can’t hide the desire shimmering across her expression. She tugs at the tablecloth like she’s sexually frustrated. My manhood aches. I focus on romance. Not lust.
A challenge?
Fuck yeah.
Even more difficult than walking out on her was.
But I do it. For her.
“I guess I’ve always been shy,” she says after a pause. “I always had my head in books.”
“What kinds of books?”
