"Sometimes. Sometimes we invest in startups. Sometimes we create our own companies and sell them. Whatever makes the most money." He sits on the edge of his desk, facing me. "Does this bother you? What I do?"
"I don't know yet." I stand, moving to the windows. The city stretches out below us, tiny cars and tiny people living their tiny lives. "It's just so different from anything I know."
"That's the point." His voice is closer now. He's moved behind me, close enough that I can feel him without him touching me. "I want to show you what life could be like."
“What it’s like to crush people who get in your way?"
"If necessary." No apology in his voice. "The world isn't kind to people who play fair. You know that better than anyone."
He's right. I do know that. I've worked three jobs and still couldn't keep my head above water. I've followed all the rules and ended up drowning anyway.
"Come on," Phoenix says. "I'm taking you to lunch."
Nobu Malibu isthe kind of restaurant where celebrities go to be seen. Phoenix parks at the valet like he owns the place, which for all I know, he does.
We're seated immediately at the best table, the one with an unobstructed ocean view. The server knows Phoenix by name, doesn't bother with menus.
"The usual, Mr. Crawford?"
"Please. And whatever the lady wants."
The server finally looks at me and hands me a menu.
"There are no prices," I say to Phoenix when the server leaves.
"That's how you know it's expensive."
"Phoenix—"
"Order whatever you want. It's on me."
"Everything is on you. The flight, the house, this dress—" I gesture at what I'm wearing. "I'm not comfortable with you buying me things."
"Why not?"
"Because it feels like I owe you."
He leans forward, elbows on the table, eyes locked on mine. "You don't owe me anything. I'm giving you things because I want to. I like seeing you in beautiful things. Because I can."
"That's not a good enough reason."
"It's the only reason you're going to get." His voice drops lower. "Jade, if I wanted something from you, I'd ask for it. If I want something, I take it."
The way he says "take it" makes heat pool low in my stomach.
The food arrives. I don't even remember ordering. Everything is beautiful and probably costs more than my weekly grocery budget used to be.
We're halfway through the meal when two women approach our table.
They're stunning. Model-thin, designer everything, the kind of beautiful that takes work and money to maintain. And they're looking at Phoenix like they own him.
"Phoenix!" The blonde one reaches our table first. "We haven’t seen you in ages!”
Phoenix barely looks up from his food. “I’ve been busy."
The brunette's eyes slide to me, dismissive. "And who's this?"
"Jade." Phoenix doesn't elaborate. "Ladies, we're in the middle of lunch."
