by K.N. Lee
“Is this your first time here?” He needed to break away from his thoughts before they took him to a dark place.
“Yes. It is my first time, and you?”
“I’ve been a member for two months. It is an interesting place. Not many like this back in London.”
“I’ve always wanted to go to London. I admit I’m in love with any show or movie created by the BBC. Do you go home often?”
“No.” He cleared his throat. He was being short. He knew he needed to keep the conversation flowing lest he lose her interest. Such a thing was unacceptable.
No woman had captivated him in such a way since Mia ripped out his heart. His jaw tightened at her memory. He didn’t want to think of her ever again, and yet she kept popping into his mind when he least wanted it. He’d found himself comparing any woman whom he might potentially be interested in to her dark beauty.
“Oh, I see,” Sohana said. “I haven’t been back to India since I was a child. So I suppose I can understand that.”
“Lovely. We’re both immigrants then,” he said with a lopsided grin.
She giggled which made his grin widen. He’d seldom heard a more alluring sound.
“I wouldn’t say our circumstances were quite the same,” she said as they approached the stairs at the back of the level that led to the rooftop garden.
“Why not? My childhood was what they based the movie Oliver Twist off of.”
She giggled again and he wanted nothing more than to pull her into the darkness of one of the private rooms and kiss her in a way she’d never been kissed. Arthur scolded himself. He let his arm slip from under hers and motioned for her to go up the stairs ahead of him. He needed to remind himself that he needed her professional skills, and that was it.
That’s what he kept telling himself, but watching her walk up the stairs, he couldn’t help but eye her perfectly round rear.
“Yes, you and your sister with the expensive diamonds were poor orphans.”
“That’s right. We stole ‘em,” he said with a mock cockney accent.
“Oh I see. You two are really diamond thieves. Makes sense.”
“International secret spies actually.”
“Oh boy,” she said as they neared the top of the stairs. “I hope you won’t have to kill me now. I swear I can keep a secret.”
“I think you’re fine. I can tell you can keep a secret.”
“Wow,” Sohana said once they emerged from the dark staircase to the beauty of the rooftop gardens.
He met her at the top of the stairs and clasped his hands behind his back. “This area is one of my favorites.”
“No kidding. Is this Narnia?”
Arthur grinned again. “You haven’t seen the best part yet.”
She spun around in her heels, taking in the flood of beauty, and the aromas of the different types of flowers that sprouted from intricately designed flower pots, vases, and directly from the rich soil.
Her gray eyes seemed to sparkle in the moonlight when she looked back at him.
Something stirred in his heart whenever she looked at him straight on. It was as if she were a dream, or like they had known each other for longer. He didn’t even notice the other half-naked women walking around in packs when she was around.
His eyes lowered to her mouth as she smiled.
“Show me,” she said.
Arthur resisted the urge to take her hand. He nodded, and kept his hands folded behind his back. “Certainly,” he said, taking the lead down one of the meticulously laid stone pathways that led to his favorite area. “I’ll show you around The Club, but you must show me around Karim. There is still much that I haven’t seen, and since I’ve decided to live here for a while, I want to know everything there is to know about this place.”
“Can you do anything without making a deal?”
Her question made him pause. He glanced over his shoulder, and watched her stand beside him. She wasn’t embarrassed by her question. She looked at him straight on.
“Can you?”
Arthur unclasped his hands. “Of course I can,” he said. He wasn’t used to being questioned. “This way.”
“Well that’s good to know. I’ll show you around my city.”
“You’re too kind,” he said with a smirk. Her attitude was actually refreshing. She wasn’t being fake like most girls who approached him, and he liked that. Most women would simply do whatever he said, and never share an original thought or opinion of their own.
They were silent as they strolled down the pathway through two sides of stunning flowers of all colors, sizes, and scents. Occasionally she would stop to touch one, glancing at him to tell him exactly what type it was. Each time she did that, he was surprised by her knowledge.
They reached his favorite spot where a willow tree overhung a circular fountain with a statue of a curvaceous naked women pouring water from a jug into it.
“This is my favorite spot,” he said. “Tell me, is there anywhere else as mystifying as this in Karim?”
Sohana stared at the willow tree. “That is my favorite kind of tree,” she said almost breathlessly. She flickered a look at him. “There isn’t anywhere like this in Karim.”
He sat on the white bench that stood beside the fountain and watched her as she beheld the tree. It was as if she had an emotional connection with it, and he wondered what the story was behind her love for such a thing.
“Would you like a drink?” He watched a waitress approach in a black studded bra and tight boy-short panties.
Sohana didn’t look at him, she kept her eyes fixed on the tree, even going so far as to touch it. “No, thank you. I’ve had enough already.”
“Would you like anything, sir?” The waitress smiled at him.
“Yes, a glass of scotch,” he said, and she nodded and scampered away on her unbelievably tall stiletto heels. His eyes didn’t linger on her for long. Instead, he turned his attention back to Sohana, who now stood at the railing of the roof, looking out across the cityscape.
“I received confirmation that my offer was accepted.”
Sohana turned to him. She tilted her head back and let the fragrant breeze blow through her hair. Her exposed neck caught his eye. He could imagine just how soft her skin was. He dared not let his eyes linger too long on her breasts as they heaved with each breath that she took.
“That’s right,” she said focusing her gaze on his face. There was a hint of bitterness in her eyes that made him curious. “You probably never get told no.”
“No,” he said. “Not really.”
“What if I told you no right now, that I don’t want to be your assistant?”
The waitress clinked over in her heels and handed him a scotch off her silver tray. “Anything else?”
He and Sohana shook their heads. “No, we’re fine. Add it to the Koenig tab.”
The waitress nodded and did a little curtsy. “Sure thing, sir. Let me know if you need anything else.”
Arthur took a sip from his glass and lowered it. He turned his back to the city so that he was side by side with Sohana, close enough for their arms to touch.
“Then I’d have to persuade you.”
She cracked a grin. “Do it. Go on, Sir Koenig.” She reached for his drink. “Woo me,” she said with her lashes fluttering. She took a sip of his scotch and handed the glass back to him.
Amused, he watched her face as she swallowed the liquid. “I did offer you a drink.”
“And I said I didn’t need one. I’m already floating with the stars right now. I’m just not ready to come back down quite yet.” She held her dress tightly to her body as a gustier wind swept through, pulling it up higher up her thighs. “Go on, I’m ready to be wooed.”
“Well, I have a few meetings in Asia next month. One with Japan, two in China, and another in Taiwan. I’ll need a good assistant by my side,” he said, glancing at her. “Of course, all expenses are always on me. You wouldn’t have to worry or want for anything. Elisa and I are
headed to a friend’s wedding in Ibiza, and I’ll need an assistant by my side to keep the business organized. Vacation doesn’t exactly exist for me. Work always follows me wherever I go.”
“I see,” Sohana said, nodding. “You’re good. I did just reveal to you that since immigrating to America, I’ve never left the country. Clever.”
“It’s the truth.”
“Why me?”
Arthur turned to her then. “Did you think you were the only one who took the time to investigate?” He winked at her. “I like to know everything about a company before I buy it. Including its employees. I was impressed by your education and accomplishments. I know you better than you think.”
He could tell that she was taken aback. She swallowed and he stepped closer to her. “So, what is your answer? Will you be my assistant or not?”
The way she looked up at him made him want nothing more than to kiss her. It was then that he realized it might be best if she did decline his offer. If she was with him all of the time, he feared what he would do.
She nodded. “Yes. I’ll do it.”
He closed his eyes. A mixture of relief and worry filled his body.
“When do we start?”
He opened his eyes. He had an idea. “Tonight.”
Chapter 9
Tonight?
His reply surprised her, but as she had already anticipated, she knew she would do whatever he asked. And so, she took his arm again, and together they made their way back to Aimee and the others.
Sohana’s eyes widened when she saw Aimee and Elisa locked in a kiss.
She raised her brows and cleared her throat. “Aimee?”
Aimee’s eyes turned to Sohana and she pulled away from Elisa’s embrace. Hopping up, she stumbled over to Sohana.
“What’s up, babe?” Aimee fixed her dress, and ruffled her hair.
“What is going on?” Sohana’s gaze flickered to Elisa who leaned over to pour herself more champagne.
Aimee leaned close to Sohana’s ear. “She’s like the hottest girl I’ve ever seen.”
“But you don’t like girls that way.”
Shrugging, Aimee smirked. “Anything is possible in The Club. Didn’t you know that?” She looked to Arthur, giving him a wink. “Enough about me. What have you been up to with that hottie?”
Sohana pulled her to the side, away from Arthur’s earshot. “He is my new boss. I start work tonight.”
Aimee giggled. “Oh yes. Work.” She held Sohana’s hand and gave it a pat. “You don’t have to explain anything to me. Have fun, girl. I can call a cab home, but Elisa already promised to get me home safely.”
Unsure if she should leave her friend behind, Sohana stood there contemplating.
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.” Aimee kissed her cheek. “Have fun, babe. Call me in the morning and we can share stories.”
“Oh right. My phone is in your car.”
Aimee nodded to Arthur. “I’m sure you can use his.” She remembered something. “Wait. You have a key to my car, silly.”
“Oh yeah. You’re right,” Sohana said. “I’ll call you then.”
With a kiss goodbye, Sohana left her best friend, hoping that she would have fun and make it home safely. One thing she was certain of was that the employees of The Club would make sure she was all right. Aimee had remarked often about how close and protective they all were.
Once they left, Sohana rushed to Aimee’s car to retrieve her cell phone. Arthur insisted on walking her to the car, which was parked in the underground parking lot. Once they made it back to the front of The Club, Arthur’s driver awaited them outside in a silver Land Rover Range Rover.
She waited for him to open the door for her, and she climbed inside onto the cream-colored leather seats. The inside of the SUV was stunning. She’d never been in a car as immaculate. She had a feeling that the night was only going to get even more magical, and she was ready.
As they pulled off, Arthur turned to her. “So, first line of business,” he began. “Where can we get a good meal in Karim at midnight?”
Sohana smiled. “You read my mind. I’m starving.”
“Good. Tell the driver where to go.” He checked his phone while she thought about the perfect place.
After two shots and champagne, her stomach screamed for food.
Sohana leaned forward toward the driver. “Giovanni’s Pizzeria, on 5th and Trade.”
“Pizza,” Arthur repeated. “Sounds good.”
Sitting back, Sohana fixed her gaze on Arthur. She couldn’t believe it. This day was one she would never forget, and apparently there was still much more ahead for her. “They have more than pizza. They serve the best pasta in town, and they are open until two in the morning.”
“Good choice. I’m not really picky.”
“Really? You won’t be upset if they don’t have foie gras on their pizzas?”
Arthur laughed. “I’m not too keen on duck liver, miss.”
“Me neither.”
“So, tell me about yourself?”
“Is this an interview?”
“It’s an orientation.”
Nodding, Sohana kicked off her heels. She couldn’t help it. They were killing her feet. She folded her legs beneath her, and held the hem of her dress over her knees. “Well, I suppose you know all about my professional life and education since you did all of that research on me.”
“Light research,” Arthur replied. She watched him reach for her legs and pull them free. “I did learn a great deal though.”
“What are you doing?” She feared his intentions were not what he had told her.
“Relax,” he said and took her right foot in his hands.
To her surprise he started massaging them. She wanted to stop him, but his hands knew exactly what they were doing and her eyes nearly fluttered closed.
“Go on. Tell me about yourself.”
Sohana swallowed, watching him massage her foot with the expertise of a reflexologist. Against fear of ruining things, she put a hand on his and met his eyes.
She lowered her voice. “What is this?” She asked the question almost sadly. Whatever this was, she didn’t want it to end, but she wanted to know exactly what she was getting herself into.
Arthur smoothed the top of her hand and leaned forward until their faces were close enough to kiss. “It’s just a massage, Sohana. You have nothing to worry about. I won’t try anything disreputable on you. I just saw the look of pain on your face, and I’m quite good at this.”
He pulled back and resumed massaging her foot. She wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol, or what, but she wanted to crawl over there, sit on his lap, and kiss him so badly.
“Did you want me to stop?”
She shook her head. “No. It feels good actually.” She restrained herself and stayed in her seat. “I was born in Jaipur, India, and raised here in Karim. My father died last year, and now my mother and brother live with me in a three-bedroom house in the south of the city.”
“Now that is something I didn’t know.”
“It’s not something I tell everyone. But I have a duty to take care of my family.”
Arthur nodded.
She folded her hands in her lap. “Listen to me, going on about my family when you asked me about myself.”
“It’s fine. I think that makes me like you even more. Caring for your family shows strong character. You could have let them fend for themselves, but you didn’t. That’s remarkable.”
“It’s the right thing to do.”
“It is. If my family needed me, I’d have done the same.”
Sohana loved hearing that. How could he be so perfect? She knew she shouldn’t think that way, but he was exactly the type of man she’d been waiting for.
“After my father died, they had no money to live on by themselves. My mother isn’t physically able to work, and she has no formal education. My family depended on my father, and now they depend on me.”
“How old
is your brother?”
“Seventeen,” she answered. A smile came to her face. “He is truly brilliant. He plays the piano like Debussy, and has never brought home less than an A in every subject.”
“I can tell that you are proud of him. Your face brightens when you speak of him. What’s his name?”
“Rupesh. Once he finishes college, he’ll be a great, successful man.”
“I’m sure he will.”
Sohana felt the car pull to a stop in front of Giovanni’s. “We’re here.”
“Right,” Arthur said and gave her foot a pat. “Let’s eat then, shall we?”
She nodded and slipped her shoes back on. She went to open her door.
“Victor will help you out.”
Her door opened and Victor, a tall Native American man, held a hand out to help her.
She smiled at him. “Thank you.”
He bowed his head. “You’re welcome, miss.”
Once out into the warm night air, Arthur took her hand. “What do you recommend?”
“Everything.”
Inside, the hostess seated them in a booth near the back of the restaurant.
“Wait until around one or two o’clock. It will be packed in here with people leaving the bars and clubs.”
“Do you go out often?”
“Not at all. Only when Aimee drags me out. Gavin usually has me at the office before anyone else even arrives.”
“And look at me,” Arthur says. “I have you out before the sun rises.”
Sohana smiled. “This is different. This is fun.”
The waitress approached them. “What would y’all like to drink?”
“Water for me,” Sohana said.
Arthur looked at the menu. “I’ll take the apple juice.”
“Do you know what y’all want to eat?”
“Just a slice of the cheese pizza.”
“I’ll have the same,” Arthur said. He looked at Sohana. “Will that be enough?”
Sohana nodded. “Yes. Their slices are huge.”
