Page 75 of Outcast’s Vow

“Very nice? Is that all?”

“Yes, nice.”

“Please don’t hold back on what you’re really thinking, wife.”

Sylvie tugs on my arm mockingly.

“You’ve done well, husband.”

“Just like our honeymoon?”

“I can’t believe we’ve got a table at Velvet Vault.”

“That’s sounding better. More impressed.”

Sylvie glances around at the line, the ropes, and the waiting people staring at us.

“You’re thriving on this, aren’t you, Baptiste?” she asks me. “Being able to glide in, acting like the big king of the castle.”

“What’s the point of being wealthy if I don’t throw it around once in a while?”

“Isn’t it true that this place is fully booked until the middle of next year?” she questions me, leaning in, as a hostess glides toward us. “I have a friend who’s tried to get a table every week for months. Apparently, it’s impossible to even get your phone call picked up.”

“That might be the case for ordinary people,” I say low into her ear. “But I’m no ordinary person. I’m the big king of the castle.”

“Well, it is very nice. Stunning, even.”

I reach for her hand.

“And you’re the most stunning thing here, girl.”

The hostess takes us to our table. Velvet Vault doesn’t do normal menus. Instead, we’re given booklets with a minimalist selection of dishes. This place is known for its cutting-edge modern twists on the classics, which have driven the New York culinary scene wild.

“How much is this costing you?” Sylvie asks me.

I shrug.

“You’re worth more than a check.”

“Don’t give me corny pickup lines, husband. They won’t work on me.”

“Get ready for more, because I have a lot up my sleeve.”

“Jeez.”

“It’s true, though,” I say. “You’re worth everything.”

Sylvie blushes.

That blush is certainly worth the check.

“Is that another one of your corny pickup lines?” Sylvie asks.

“No. I meant that one.”

My wife quickly disguises her softness with a grin.

“Well, this restaurant is very theatrical. It fits your vibe perfectly.”