“So, how are you wooing me tonight?”
“Well, I’m an old-fashioned guy. So, dinner and a conversation.”
I scan the area. “I don’t see a restaurant.”
“It’s underground.”
I stare at him, impressed. “You have a membership at The Mirage?”
“Remember when I told you about blending in with other wealthy people?” I nod, making him scratch the back of his head as he answers, “I may have gone a little overboard. Peer pressure, if you will. I’m coming here for the first time.”
He continues to surprise me.
“Hope that’s okay,” he murmurs nervously. “Or I can take us somewhere else?”
“No, I’ve heard about the club. So, I’m intrigued to explore.”
He gives me his elbow. “Shall we?”
“Yes, please.” I accept his arm. The contact doesn’t even make my stomach dip the way a single glance from Nathan does. Hell, just his name alone does.
Rithvik, unbeknownst to my inner musings, continues talking. “I do have to warn you. The whole club is like a maze, especially the path. It’ll remind you of a dungeon.”
He guides me toward the elevator, but instead of stopping in front of it, he skirts to the side and halts in front of a black door. I’m amazed when another private lobby greets us after he unlocks it.
And he isn’t kidding.
Chandeliers hang on the ceiling, and a red carpet adorns the floor, like I’ve been thrown into the eighteenth century. The smallest of details like intricate patterns on the walls and the paintings are meant to lure you in. Farther ahead lies another door with a brass knob.
“Careful, the spiral staircase is narrow.”
“Kian really went all out, huh?”
His gait falters. “Do you know him?”
“He’s… an acquaintance,” I answer evasively. It’ll be awkward to say I fucked his younger brother.
“The dude is scary. Glad I only had to meet his partner, Zain.”
I refrain from telling him that the billionaire nightclub owner has a reputation of his own and is no less menacing.
Reaching the dimly lit landing, a thrill courses down my spine as the black double doors enter my line of sight. Outside stands the hostess and a deadly and huge bouncer. He’s dressed like a secret service agent. Bet he’s as resourceful, considering the men he’s guarding on the other side of the door.
Rithvik gives his name to the seductive hostess, who nods at the bouncer to let us through. With a hand on the small of my back, Rithvik leads me inside like a gentlem—
I don’t finish the sentence.
I considered Nathan a gentleman and look how he broke my heart.
When will everything stop being a reminder of him? He’s become a part of me like the blood in my veins.
“Arya?”
I startle, turning to glance at Rithvik and noticing that we’ve stopped in what appears to be a socializing room. The dark and lavishly designed space is dominated by men in expensive suits having drinks with women dangling on some of their arms.
“Yeah?” I reply to Rithvik.
He grins sweetly, and repeats, “I was asking if you’d like to have a drink first?”
