Dark Stranger Revealed
Page 22
“That sounds wonderful.” He is actually taking me out on a date! A spark of hope shimmered in her heart. “I’d love to go out with you.” A romantic outing… “But just to a restaurant, not to a club. I don't like the scene. Last night, I was very uncomfortable. I'm not in the mood to repeat that experience anytime soon.”
“No, not a club, I don't like them either.” Kian twisted toward her and swiveled her stool, bracketing her knees between his thighs so they were facing each other. “The restaurant I'm talking about has live music and dancing. It's not loud, and the clientele is very exclusive. Just to get in you need to be a member, or be invited by one. It's a bit snobby, but the upside of that is an atmosphere that is posh and romantic, not vulgar like the club's. I guarantee you're going to love it.”
“What is it called?”
“By Invitation Only.”
“Seriously? That's the name? It's like naming your dog, Dog.” She snorted. It wasn't really that funny, but she was giddy. I'm such a fool, it's only a date. “I've never heard of it.”
“Of course not. Those who are willing spend that kind of money on a membership do so as much for the privacy as for the exclusivity. It would defy the whole purpose of the place if the paparazzi got a whiff of it and descended on it like a pack of hounds, hunting for the celebrities.”
“You've got a point… So, should I assume you're a member? Or did you pull some strings to get us invited?”
“I'm part owner of the place. After graduating from the culinary institute, a nephew of mine came asking if I would be willing to loan him the money he needed to open his own place. I liked the concept, not to mention the taste of what he had prepared for me to try. So, I made it an investment instead of a loan. He runs it, and I collect a share of the profits. Win-win for both of us.”
“Is everyone in your family a member?”
“Definitely not, just the ones we invite and who are willing to pay for membership…”
“What about those you don't invite? They must feel left out.”
“What they don't know won't hurt them. Anyway, the place was not intended to be a family hangout. The concept was to provide a top notch place for the rich and famous—the movers and shakers of society—to mingle and have fun away from the public eye.”
“And you want to take plain me to hang out with this kind of people? I’ll stick out like a sore thumb. What will I wear? I don't know how to dress for a place like this.” She cringed, some of her initial excitement ebbing. “Can't we go somewhere less intimidating?” As much as she was intrigued, she couldn't help thinking of how awkward she'd feel amongst such a crowd.
“Nonsense, Amanda will take you shopping and get you everything you need. You know it's her favorite pastime… Well, maybe second favorite… Anyway, just leave it to her and you'll be fine; she is a pro when it comes to fashion. And besides, you need to get out of here and get some fresh air, even if it's the somewhat polluted type that hangs over Rodeo Drive. I'm certain you'll have fun on an outing with her.”
Syssi was sure she would, but the idea of spending a small fortune just so she could fit in with the patrons of a snooty place for one night, didn't sit well with her pragmatic nature. And shopping at a place like Rodeo Drive? Not going to happen.
Maybe I could borrow something from Amanda—that makes much more sense.
“Okay, I'll go… Just for once, I'm curious to see how the elite parties. But I'm not sure about buying new expensive stuff that I'll probably never wear again.”
“Don't worry about the money—it's my treat.”
“I have the money. I just hate spending it frivolously.”
“Please, do it for me. I feel so bad for turning your life upside down. Getting you something you would never buy for yourself will bring me much pleasure. Be a good girl and say yes.”
“I'll think about it. First, I'm going to see if I can borrow something from Amanda.” It was hard to say no to him, but she didn't want to accept presents from Kian just so he could ease his conscience. This had been exactly what her parents had done every time they had neglected her or her siblings. They had bought expensive presents; after a long absence, or for not showing up for teacher conferences, or school plays, or sports games, or graduations… It had been nothing but a bribe.
“There is nothing to think about. If I'm dragging you to this expensive place, I think I should be the one to provide you with whatever you need to feel comfortable going there. Case closed.” Kian really wasn't used to anyone saying no to him, and with the way his brows were tightening, Syssi realized he was getting impatient with her.
“My big bad wolf… You can huff, and you can puff, but this little piggy will not bow down.” She leaned to nip at his nose again.
“Will see about that…” On a surge, he gripped her at the waist and pulled her up, then tossed her over his shoulder. With his arm locked over her thighs, he strode down the hallway toward his bedroom, playfully smacking her upturned behind.
“Put me down, you brute!” Laughing, Syssi pounded her fists on his back.
“Oh, I will… as soon as we reach the bed. Then I'll put you down… over my knee to finish what I've started.” He delivered a stronger smack that actually managed to sting a little.
“Oh, no you will not. Put me down this instant!” Giggling hysterically and fighting to catch her breath, she was barely able to get the words out. But secretly, she was incredibly turned on and wondered how far Kian would take this game… Or more to the point… how far she wanted him to take it…
* * *
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