15. Date Night

“It's beautiful”

I'm staring at the gown laid on the bed. It is a silk, emerald masterpiece with a neckline that dips gracefully and a thigh high slit along one leg, concealing just enough to leave room for imagination. Next to it is a pair of silver heels and a matching clutch to complete the look.

“Only the best to highlight your beauty,” Grant says from behind me, his voice low and smooth.

“I couldn't possibly wear something like this…it probably costs a fortune.”

He waves a hand, dismissing my concerns as if money is but a trivial inconvenience. “Get dressed,” he says pointing to the elegant vanity table in the corner. “I'll be waiting downstairs.”

A ridiculous smile never leaves my face as I hum and dress up, careful not to damage the luxurious material.

As the vanity, my reflection stares back at me. I reach for a tube of lipstick and paint my lips red, satisfied with the bold new look. I look like someone who belong in Grant's world, even if it's just for tonight.

Downstairs, I join Grant. He turns around when he hears the clicks of my heels against the marble flooring and his mouth drops as he takes me in.

“Wow,” he whispers with genuine awe in his voice.

The heat of his gaze makes me feel giddy. I could get addicted to this feeling.

“You look absolutely stunning,” he finally says.

“Thanks to you. How were you even able to get my exact measurements?” I ask as he leads me to the car.

“Ah, I'm nothing if not intentional. Knowing my brother I had a feeling your contract would be…very detailed. So I had a look at it.”

That explains it, I remember the endless information about myself I had to supply for the job. But another thought creeps in my mind.

“You saw the original contract? Could I look at it? There's a clause I didn't read well.”

A weird silence descends between us.

“Grant?”

“Ahh…you will have to ask Theodore for it,” he says lightly but there's a hint of amusement in his tone that I choose to ignore.

The rest of the drive passes with soft conversations and views of the bustling city. Soon we arrive at a fancy restaurant, it's name written in cursive against the black glass. Inside, everything shines from the crystal chandelier to the velvet seat. It's the type of place where the laughter sounds like money.

Grant guides me to the centre table with effortless confidence and we are each handed the menu by the Maitre d’.

A few seconds of me looking at the menu with confusion later, Grant rescues me with an easy smile. “I am quite familiar with this restaurant. If you don't mind, I can order the hidden gems for the both of us.”

I smile shyly at him, thankful for the save. “Please do.”

While Grant and the Maitre d’ speak I observe the surroundings. Everyone here looks polished and perfect, but all I can think about is how many family's hopes and dreams they had to crush to get here. How many victims are needed to fund this lifestyle?

When the Maitre d’ leaves, Grant turns his full attention to me.

“Nova, thank you for honoring me with your presence–”

“Grant Thompson?”

The intereuption comes from a middle aged man who strides our way, looking at Grant in surprise. “Last I heard of you, you were half way across the planet.”

“I just returned recently,” Grant rises to shake his hands. He nods towards the young girl the middle aged man has accompanying him and teases. “I see you're still getting around at your age.”

“Always,” and they share a laugh. “And who is the beautiful woman you have with you? The eligible bachelor finally takes a woman on a date?”

i blush under their attention.

Grant introduces is to each other. “This is Nova Patel. Nova, meet Jerald Wuinn.”

The name is familiar and I stare at him until my eyes widen in recognition. “Oh my God, you're the CEO of OmniCorp. You're practically royalty in this city.”

He smiles modestly. “So I've been told. Seaking of companies,” he adds, “I've been looking forward to discussing the partnership between ours. Is this a good time?” he asks as he waves his date over.

Grant and I share a look as Jerald signals for more chairs.

“It's okay,” I whisper to Grant. The intrusion is not exactly welcome, but Kai's plan rings like a bell at the back of my mind. Who knows what business secret I might uncover over red wine?

Grant gives me an apologetic look as Jerald and a not so pleased date join us. Soon business talk is flying around and I try to keep up.

Then my phone rings.

Blushing, I excuse myself and walk towards the restroom.

“How is it going?” Kai's voice sounds in my ears.

“Good evening to you too,” I whisper and look around to ensure privacy.

“Thank you,” he says dryly. “Now, how is it going?”

I roll my eyes. “It's going to take a while considering I don't even know what to look for.”

A sigh comes from the other side of the phone and I immediately feel his disappointment so I quick add, “I did see weird papers on his desk though.”

His interest is piqued again. “What kind of papers?”

“I can't tell, but I took pictures and I can send them to you.”

“Yes! That's my girl.”

My face heats up with pride. Kai is sparing with compliments so I finally feel like I'm doing something right.

“Hey Nova,” he says softly. “Think of all the people these guys have hurt. We're doing the right thing.”

I think about Theodore threatening me using Xander. “I know.”

If he won't let me leave, then I'm going to fold his game from the inside out.

“I'll send you the pictures as soon as I can.”

“Send what pictures.” I spin around, ending the call blindly. Grant stands a few steps behind.

“N-nothing, just my friend. We took some pictures and she wants to post them. I forgot to send them and she's been pestering me.”

He studies me for a moment and I'm left wondering if I'm coming across as suspicious.

“Of course,” he says, finally smiling again. “That makes sense. I apologize for interrupting. And for Jerald.”

“Hey, he hasn't seen you in a while. I understand.”

“You’re too kind. Shall we?” He offers me his arm.

“We shall,” I say as I place my hand on the curve of his elbow.

The rest of the night passes with some more business talk and a few minutes of getting to know each other better.

Soon, Grant is regaling me with tales of his travels while driving me the familiar route to my new home. When we pull into the driveway, he gets the door for me and guides me out of the car, while I clutch onto the bag containing my clothes for the earlier half of the evening.

A luxurious dinner gown is nice and all, but the simple dress I stole from Xander has a special place in my closet.

“Again, I am terribly sorry the night was interrupted but I would love to see you again. There are a lot of events and galas I have to attend while I'm in town. It would be an honor if you were to join me.”

I’d love to.”

He briefly looks up at the dark house then leans in, slowly placing a soft kiss on my cheek.

“Goodnight, Nova.”

He drives off and I watch him with one hand on my cheek, feeling a little embarrassed at the flutter in my chest.

Inside, I try to use my memory to navigate through the living room in the darkness but I obviously don't remember enough to not get my foot caught on the edges of a step.

“Fu-rack,” I curse into the darkness. No cursing in the house.

Then the room is illuminated.

Theodore stands by the light switch, a glass of whiskey in hand. His eyes sweep over me slowly, the gown, the lips, the bare skin…

I am stuck in a trance the look in his eyes alternate dangerously, between desire and anger. Possession.

The tension in the air is thick enough to be cut with a knife. I want him to cross the distance between us, to perform one reckless act.

But our conversation from last night is pushed to the forefront of my mind.

So I lift my chin, turn and walk away.