Raine (Gods of the Fifth Floor #2) - M.V. Ellis Page 0,63
my nose. Care to join me?” He tapped at the top pocket of his jacket.
“Um... no thanks. It’s not really my thing.”
“Suit yourself. I’ll be right back.”
While he was away, I took the opportunity to take in more of the room. It was so beautiful—what I’d sum up as understated opulence. I’d been on the verge of complaining to him for not warning me that dinner was going to be a casual affair, because I’d arrived there feeling distinctly overdressed for the simple surroundings, in my form-fitting pencil skirt, sheer leopard-print blouse, and sky-high heels, yet I was thankful for them in the uber-chic bar.
Raine seemed to be the perfect mix of shabby and chic—navigating between the two very different venues, and miraculously fitting into both without altering his apparel. He reminded me of a game Michelle and I invented and would often play when we walked down the street—billionaire or bum?” Sometimes it really was difficult to tell one from the other.
Raine returned from the bathroom looking bright-eyed. He turned to me as he sat down. “So, you never indulge?” He jerked his chin in the direction he’d just come from.
“Me? No. Maybe I’m too much of a control freak or something, but I figure I struggle enough to cope with my emotions as it is, let alone adding anything more mood-altering than alcohol into the mix.”
“So, you don’t even smoke? Weed, I mean.”
“No. Cigarettes either. Never have,”
“That so? You didn’t even experiment as a kid? A puff here, a puff there…?”
“Nope. Nothing. You must think I’m so boring, or straight edge, or whatever.”
“Ha! No. Having had the pleasure of being between your legs in more than one way, I know you’re not straight edge. Not even close. Besides, the reformed smokers and snorters are far worse than people like you. Because they’ve made a change, they’re all judgey and evangelical. You don’t seem judgey.”
“I’m sure I have my moments, but mostly I say live and let live. Life’s too short...” I faltered, though I wasn’t sure that Raine noticed.
“Ain’t that the fucking truth.” I could have imagined it, but I swore there was a change to his voice also. A tinge of melancholy, maybe? I wasn’t sure, and before I could look into it further, the waiter arrived with our drinks, and the spell was broken.
“Yes. Let the fun and games begin.” He rubbed his hands together gleefully before taking the first glass proffered by our waiter and handing it to me.
“Your Alpha Iced Tea.”
“Intriguing. What’s in it, by the way? I should probably know before I go drinking mysterious liquids.”
“Think Long Island, only... more, and better.”
“More alcohol than redneck tea?”
“A smidge.” He made a pincer movement with his fingers.
“Why don’t I believe that it’s just a little?”
“I have no idea, but if I had to guess, I’d say it’s because you have a suspicious mind.”
“So, I have nothing to be wary of with you?”
“Oh, I didn’t say that. Like I said before, I’m bad to the bone, and you have every reason to be worried. My intentions when it comes to you are anything other than honorable.
Chapter 24
Noa
* * *
I sipped on my drink. He hadn’t actually told me what was in it in the end, but once I tasted it, I didn’t really care. It was absolutely divine, though clearly very potent. I made a mental note to go slow and easy, or he’d have to carry me out of there when we were done.
“Are you looking forward to Monday?”
I feigned nonchalance. “Should I be?”
“Really? You’ve forgotten?” I could tell he didn’t believe it for a moment.
“Oh, that’s right, yes! The recruitment agency has found some more PA candidates to send over for preliminary interviews. Fingers crossed we find someone who meets your requirements.” And can stomach working with someone as unreasonably demanding as you.
“You know damned well I’m talking about you starting your new gig.”
“Oh, that. I’d forgotten.”
“Is that how you’re playing it?”
“No. In reality, I have zero chill. I’m dreading it.”
“You remember that I’m your boss though, right?” How could I forget? All the more reason for me to view the whole situation with a huge nervous lump in my stomach.
“Thanks for the reminder, but I hadn’t forgotten. And actually, that’s part of the reason I’m so terrified.”
“What? Why should it be?” He sounded almost offended.
“Look where I am right now. You don’t think it’s a little... off, that we’re here doing whatever it is we’re doing, today, and on Monday morning I’ll have