CHAPTER TWELVE
Julian
My hungerfor Maya is insatiable. I tried to quiet it when I was standing in front of her in the penthouse. I wanted to grab her and push her against the window so I could claim her mouth with mine. I had a fleeting vision of turning her around and eating her from behind while she breathed against the windows, with the striking views of the city as our backdrop.
Inviting her for a drink was a selfish move. I knew she'd struggle to say no, even though she tried to resist.
She's in a relationship with a man who has a brilliant legal mind. He has the one thing I want and that's her. I've seen them together. Their connection is as void of passion as mine was with Isadora.
I watch her exit the elevator and enter the lobby of the hotel. She has a trench coat strung over her forearm, and a small purse slung over her shoulder. She looks nervous, apprehensive.
I stand from where I've been waiting next to the bar. It's shortly past six, so the crowd is thin. Business will pick up as the night wears on.
We hold back several rooms every night from the reservation list for the patrons of the bar who decide they want to take their private party to a room. I don't judge what the people who stay in my hotels do. If they use the well-appointed rooms for random hook-ups, I'm more than happy to take a full night's fee from them.
There may be cheaper places to have a nameless fuck in this city, but when the urge strikes, a good bargain is the last thing on a person's mind.
She spots me as her eyes scan the dimly lit bar. I wave for good measure and plaster a genuine smile on my face.
That brings a grin to her lips. She's a breathtaking woman.
When I first spotted her in Falon's studio, I was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. My feet carried me straight to her and like a caveman, I was tempted to throw her over my shoulder and carry her out of there.
I've never stopped thinking about her and as I've worked hard to build my company's brand and open new locations, she's maneuvered her way through her career and a number of short-term relationships.
Envy was always there when I thought of her with other men, but I'd made a choice. I put my business before everything including my desire to pursue her.
"Julian," she says my name as she approaches. "I'm sorry I'm late."
I lost track of time. I used the hour to answer emails and make notes regarding a meeting I'll have in the days to come with the head of our Paris office. The hotel that's currently under construction there isn't without its share of hiccups, but it's on track and set to open before the end of the year.
"What can I get you?" I tap the top of the bar to signal the bartender. She tried to make small talk when I first sat down,unaware that I'm her boss. When I finally introduced myself her demeanor shifted from overly friendly to cautiously casual.
"I'll have a dirty martini."
It's too dark to see the blush on her cheeks, but the look in her eyes tells me it's there.
"Two dirty martinis," I tell the bartender before I point at an empty table in the corner. "We're settling over there."
She nods as she gives Maya the once over before she starts on our drinks.
"The bar is as beautiful as every other part of this hotel." Maya's gaze slides over the details of the space as we take our seats. "Did your sister do the interior design for the entire hotel?"
She didn't. I asked Brynn to come on board to lend a hand for the residential suites. I trust her eye, and her degree in design, but I wanted a more refined aesthetic for the public areas. "Brynn took care of the design for the residences."
"Those are stunning." She folds her coat over the back of the chair next to her before she places her purse on the seat. "She's very talented."
"That she is." I nod, as I sit across from her. "If you'd like to speak with her regarding any of the design elements, my assistant can arrange that."
She catches my gaze over the lit candle in the middle of the table. The light it’s casting makes her look like an angel.
"Do you have questions for me regarding the penthouse, Maya?" I lean back, resting my hand on the back of the chair where she placed her coat. "I'm here to help."
Her mouth curves. "Not at the moment, but if I think of any, it would be good to have your direct number so I can call you."
Progress. That's what I see this as. She wants my number and frankly, I don't give a shit if it's because she intends to call me toask me about the ventilation system in the penthouse or if it's to have phone sex with me.
I tug my phone from the inner pocket of my suit jacket and shoot her a quick text.
