Four

Sienna's POV

"Julian Thorne?" I called out in surprise, unable to believe my ears.

"In flesh and blood, why do you seem so surprised?" He asked, staring at me like I was dirt under his shoe.

I took in a deep breath and adjusted myself before speaking up again, " There must be a mix-up somewhere."

"Are you sure about that?" He asked, raising his eyebrows at me like he was expecting me to understand what he meant.

"Positive. My mother couldn't have gotten you to be my date, no way," I answered, muttering the last part to myself.

"And why is that? I'm not up to your standard, or maybe not rich enough?" He replied, chuckling to himself as he took a seat. Quite the opposite.

"You must really be mistaken," I said, now picking offence over his tone.

"I am sure I am not," he responded proudly.

"If I remember clearly, you have a boyfriend, so please do you mind telling me why you are out here on a date with me?" He added before I could say anything, making air quotes with his fingers as he said 'date'.

"I had a boyfriend," I corrected, already regretting why I didn't leave the moment he was five minutes late, that was enough sign that this was a bad idea, I am sure Mum will understand.

"Had? Really, I didn't see that coming," He said sarcastically.

"I am sorry, Mr.Thorne, do you have a problem with me?"  I asked, fed up with his tone.

"Well, it depends on what your definition of a problem is," he shrugged, leaning in on the chair he was sitting on.

"It is obvious you do, I am sorry for the mix-up, but this was definitely a mistake," I shot, grabbing my purse and standing up, ignoring the few eyes around that turned our way.

"Where are you going?" He asked, cocking his head to the side, a hint of surprise in his eyes. Was he really expecting me to sit here and put up with his attitude?

"You have got to be kidding me," I swore under my breath, turning to leave.

"I am sure your mother would want to know how the date went and same for me with my godmother, I don't think any of them will pleased to know there wasn't even a date" He spoke up amusement in his voice like I was only throwing a tantrum for his entertainment which infuriated me more, just why did I have to choose tonight of all nights.

"I really don't care, I will not sit here and let you speak to me however you want for reasons best known to you," I spat, anger slowly filling me. First of all he made me wait for over fifteen minutes, then sends a waiter to me knowing fully well I didn't even know who he was to be sure someone else didn't send the waiter, just to embarrass me, I am sure he owns the place, how else was he able to send a waiter to me. What was I even expecting? Of course, he will fix the date at her restaurant he owns, just to have the upper hand. He even called me rude, and now he thinks he can speak to me however he likes and still get a date, he definitely has another thing coming.

"I am sure you do, come sit, let's talk," He said, smugly gesturing towards where I was previously seated, what haven't I walked out yet? Why am I still lingering around?

Maybe it is because a small part of me hoped for an opportunity like this the day we met at his company gala a year ago, but sadly, I was with that cheat and had to be in check, but now I think it was for the best.

"What could you possibly have to say that will salvage the already ruined night?" I asked, placing my hand on my waist.

"Who said anything about salvaging the night?'' He chuckled to himself, sitting up a little, what an egoistic man, Mum is going to get an earful from me for this.

"I am so done here," I muttered, not willing to hear him out.

"Why don't we go somewhere private and talk?" He suddenly suggested, rising to his feet.

"I have nothing to discuss with you," I spat angrily. I am not going to let some blind date talk to me this way, rich or not. His ego will most likely be his downfall.

"I am sure you do," He chuckled, walking over to where I stood.

"After you," He gestured, asking me to lead the way. I hesitated a little, everything in me screaming at me to walk out this minute, but that would mean proving Mum right once again, and I can't have that, plus more blind dates from her in the future, that will be catastrophic. One night with an egoistic Julian Thorne cannot be worse than so many nights with unknown men who may even have worse attitudes.

"Fifteen minutes, this date was already ruined the moment you called me rude," I said, firmly walking towards the direction he pointed at.

"I didn't lie," he muttered under his breath. Ignore him, Sienna, he is only trying to get under your skin.

                                      ~~~~

We were currently seated at his office in the restaurant. It is on the fifth floor of the building, it literally has the whole floor, a floor dedicated only to his office. What a waste of space if you ask me, but being wealthy allows such, so what can I say? 

Whoever did the interior decoration of this place deserves an award for a job well done because this is beyond beautiful. It looks more like a luxurious penthouse than a traditional office space, floor to ceiling windows which gave a perfect view of the city, it was evenly divided to accommodate everything and more, sofas, chairs, a beautiful mahogany desk, a wine cellar, even a private elevator that we just came in from. Different artworks were hung around, beautifying it even more. He never struck me as a man who would be into art.

"You like?" He asked, plopping down on a sofa comfortably.

"Does it matter?" I asked back, rolling my eyes as I took a seat.

"What happened to your boyfriend?" He asked, looking entertained, the guts of this man.

"Is that why you brought me here?"

"What do you think?" He asked back smirking, if he wasn't being such a douchebag I would have complimented him, he is definitely a very handsome man, no beautiful is the word, he looks ten times better than he did last year.

"I don't know, business?" I answered, shrugging my shoulders.

He laughed lightly before responding,

"Yes, but not the type you are thinking."

"What do you mean?" I asked while sitting up.

"Well, I do want to discuss business with you, but it doesn't actually include money or finances of any kind," he said, standing up and walking to the wine cellar.

"I still don't understand". He watched me with a look I couldn't differ as he poured wine into two glasses.

"I want us to give them what they want," He said again, can't he just go straight to the point?

"You will have to be more straightforward than this, Julian, if you want me to understand anything you are saying," I mumbled, trying to hide my irritation.

"Here is my offer, pretend to be mine and we will give them a show they will never forget." He finally said, smirking as my jaw dropped to the ground. Wait! What now? Did he just say what I think he said?