“Can we talk? In private?” I ask, looking behind him at the receptionists who seem intrigued by our conversation.
“Anything for you,” he says. “After you.” He motions to where the lifts are, and I walk that way feeling conscious that he’s looking at my ass. I’m not sure what I expect since my jeans are ripped below my ass cheeks. The lift doors open as I approach it, stepping inside. He follows close behind me. Too close. “Penthouse.” he says, and the doors close us into a glass box. An automated voice tells us we’re traveling to the penthouse. I’m thankful this space is transparent, but I doubt something like that would stop him. Thankfully, he leans against the opposite wall of glass, his eyes not leaving mine. I wrap my arms around my waist, so I feel less exposed to the man. “You look delicious when you’re nervous.” he smirks. “But as much as I’d like to touch you right now, we’re in a fishbowl.” he motions at the glass around us.
The doors open, and I walk into a light, airy space, the words plush being an understatement. The reception area is mostly glass, a disappearing computer screen (these apparently exist here), on the main desk and a table that sits in the middle of the space. The chairs are stunning curves of chrome. Another receptionist is seated at the desk and glances my way then quickly back at her computer screen.
I can’t help but stare in awe at the art and sculpture work. The artist in me has found herself in paradise. I knew he’d studied fine art, but this. I am impressed.
“This is magnificent.” I motion around us, unable to contain my awe. “Absolutely incredible.”
“I’m glad you like it. I’m a big fan of contemporary and diverse artists, so I source these from all over the world. Art without reason, my father says.”
“Art needs no. reason.” I beam, looking around me again, unable to take everything in at once. I figured he’d lost interest in art after taking over his family business. I could not have been more wrong. This man has an eye for beauty. I guess there are layers to everyone.
“You can take a look around, meet me in my office when you’re ready. There’s bottled water flat and carbonated, and Ariella can get you anything else you need.” The lady at the desk nods. “Last door on the right.” He nods down the corridor, his lips tugging in one corner.
I spend almost a full hour wandering the penthouse. It is exquisite. I could stare at some of the pieces for hours. This, in itself, is an art gallery. How he managed to get some of these pieces is a mystery. But then I remember he’s a Shah, and that supposedly means he can get more or less whatever he wants.
“Fascinating, aren’t they.” A man’s voice startles me. I turn and come face to face with a man who is undoubtedly related to Ravi. They could be brothers, but the greying at the man’s temples makes me think he might be his father. And instead of Ravi’s charm, this man is cold, almost unapproachable.
I clear my throat. “It is. This place is simply unbelievable.” I don’t bother trying to keep the awe out of my voice.
“The Shahs sure know how to put on a show. Deniz Veer, and might I say none of these compare to your beauty.” He extends a hand and takes mine, placing a kiss on it.
“Men in this part of the world are overly flattering. I’m Kennedy Edwards. Amelia’s friend.”
“Just an honest observation. And your reputation precedes you, my dear. My son, Ravi, is quite smitten by you.”
I flush. I hate compliments. It’s always so awkward, and I never know how to respond. I offer him a coy smile. “Ravi, like his father, is far too kind.”
“So, what brings you here?”
“I’m here to see, Sai – uhm - Mr. Shah.” I correct. “Amy sent me.” I think to say, hoping he doesn’t get the wrong idea.
“Ah, young Sai. Be careful he doesn’t sweep you off your feet. He’s been known to mesmerize.”
“I’ll be sure to be careful.” I smile. “I should get going, he’s probably waiting for me while I’ve been wandering around here. It was wonderful to meet you, Mr. Veer.”
“Deniz, please.” he smiles, but it looks fake. I feel his eyes on me as I make my way down the corridor in the direction Sai had gone. I turn, and sure enough, his eyes are still on me. I wave and continue until I get to Sai’s office. The door is open, and he’s leaning on his desk, his back to me, staring outside the glass wall. He seems to be deep in thought. I knock at the door, and he turns, a devilish grin lighting up his face.
I have never been the kind of woman who becomes easily infatuated by men. I’m practical, and I know that there is no such thing as happily ever after. Fairytales are just that, stories. But, Sai Shah could be the most villainous prince I’ve ever met, yet each time I look at him, I feel enamored. Another reason why it feels like I’m in a make-believe world.
“Thought you lost your way.” he comments, coming around the desk. The closer he gets to me, the harder it becomes to breathe. My chest tightens, and my heart races, making me feel light-headed. His eyes dance with mischief, as he scratches at the perfectly groomed beard that makes him look far too sexy for his own good. I should not even be thinking that. He stands inches away from me. His smells of sandalwood. He’s about half a head taller than me, so I still have to look up to meet his gaze. He hasn’t stopped smiling; his hands thankfully stay in his pockets. “What brings you here, Kennedy Edwards?” He speaks to me in a low voice, almost intimately. His voice is smoky, with a sexy Turkish accent.
“Sai, what happened last night was a mistake. It can never happen again. But as Amy’s best friend, I should get to know you.” I babble on, and he doesn’t say a word, just steps closer, until we stand toe to toe. He looks down at me, and I can’t seem to drag my eyes away from his. They’re black, and not just because his eyes dilate when he looks at me. Pools of desire and lust swim in those orbs, and I wonder how far I’ll fall.
“I liked what happened. A lot. A mistake, Güzel, is letting a glass slip from those slender fingers, not letting me bury my face between your legs. So, I can’t promise it won’t happen again.”
My thighs clench at his words. He lifts a hand and traces his finger along my arm, my skin prickling, as my breath catches in my throat. His finger roams higher, over my shoulder blade, until his thumb rests against my pulse. “It’ll happen again, and again, and again, and you’ll beg for it. You’ll beg for more, and I’ll oblige.” His voice is soft, sexy, dripping with promise and desire.
I open my eyes. I hadn’t even realized they’d shut on their own accord. My eyebrows pull together. “Don’t be so sure, asshole.” I turn and walk out of his office, and his laughter follows me down the corridor.
“I’ll pick you up at seven.” he calls after me.
I flip him off without looking back, my heart rate returning to a normal, steady rate, only when I am in the elevator. I get out on the ground floor, ignoring the glares from the receptionists, and make my way out into the sunshine. I have learned nothing because I let my frustration with that man get the better of me. I let the fact that I am undoubtedly attracted to him cloud my judgment. Seven. I have no idea what he has in mind, but this was a wasted trip, so I may as well play along.
13
Sai
