I watched him smirk as he held out his hand for me. I took it and he lead me to a Maybach-62. A tall man with black hair and olive green eyes opened the door but what caught my attention was his hand, more specifically the fact that it was missing his pinky finger.
"This is Ezekiel Knight, my bodyguard," Noah introduced and Ezekiel nodded in greeting. I couldn't point my finger on it but I felt like I had seen this man before. His face looked eerily familiar yet unfamiliar.
''This one," I pointed to a Fendi store as we walked down the soft carpeted floors of The Shops at Crystals.
Even with my cheap clothes from target and a run down pair of sneakers, I felt right at home in this place.
But I realized it wasn't half as fun when I didn't have Aria to gossip and chat with.
"You know, I didn't really believe you when you said you'd rob me out of my fortune but now, I feel like I'm going to be poor at the end of this," Noah teased as I picked out coats, dresses and shirts, some casual, some business and some just for fun.
I tried on one particular dress I really liked. As I stood in front of the mirror, I saw Noah staring at me from the couch he was sat on.
"What?" I asked, suddenly self conscious.
"I can't figure you out. You look like you're timid and shy, you act so high and mighty and you speak so...freely yet hide so many things. Everything about you is so..so contradictory."
"Are you so secretive because of a stalker ex or an unwanted client? Is that it? Are you worried I'd stalk you if I knew too much?" He continued.
"Should I be?'' I raised a brow, jokingly.
"You seem to know more about me than I do about you, you tell me," He leaned forward, resting his elbows against his thighs.
"Your lack of dating history concerns me," I blurted before I could stop myself and I wanted to smack me so bad at that moment.
He raised a brow, in genuine surprise before he teased me,"Isn't that something for you to rejoice. I don't like a lot of women but I like you? Doesn't it mean you're special?"
''No, it means you're either gay, an obsessive stalker with a lot of money who can silence his victims or you prefer escorts over girlfriends and we both know you aren't gay. So take your pick?'' I turned around to face him, crossing my arms.
His gaze turned pitch black and I saw a flicker of doubt before he replied,"Thinking about the things I want to do to you, I'm definitely not gay."
I flustered, my cheeks bright red under his gaze before I focused my attention on the clothes in front of me.
That was when I noticed, there were virtually no people in this store except for the staff and us.
"I never thought a luxury brand store would be so empty," I muttered. I didn't remember these stores being crowded either but they were almost never empty either, especially in such a famous mall in the middle of Las Vegas.
''I booked it," He replied back and I looked at him, eyes widened.
What the heck? Why'd someone do that?
"I don't like too much people around," He explained.
I nodded, although still shocked. Deciding on wearing the dress I first tried on, I browsed through other clothes.
Noah had been exceptionally good to me tonight. Unlike the rude, lifeless man he was that night, today he was a perfect gentleman. Charming and warm.
"So, where were you planning on going tonight?"
"Home," I replied, distracted.
''No standing client or date?"
I looked him dead in the eye, reminding him of my words from the first night "Boundaries, remember Noah, no personal questions and it's none of your business anyway."
"It's my business if it affects my schedule and how long I can have you," He stated.''And rushing my dates is not my style."
"There's no rush, okay? Not that you need to know but this isn't all I do with my day. Going on dates with ostentatiously snobby men."
I could see the distrust in his eyes, he didn't believe me and it kind of felt bad, almost. The fact that he wouldn't take my word for it.
But then his lips lifted into a sexy grin, mirth in his eyes. He was way too attractive, I turned my gaze away. The more I looked at him, the faster my heartbeat went,"Does that mean I'm special to you?"
It seemed like his pattern, say something incriminating, be super nice then say it again.
But he was never apologetic about his words.
"You wish," I rolled my eyes.
"Tell me, did you think about me as much as I thought about you?" His voice was exceptionally seductive as he whispered those words. I looked up and that was when I noticed him standing right behind me. Though he stood at a respectable distance, I could feel his body heat seeping into mine.
And at that moment, I felt myself heating up,"Maybe."
He took a step closer and he was right behind me, his front touching my back but not quite. His sweet scent, sandalwood and peppermint consumed me, making me breathless.
"I think you did, your body missed me, Siren," He whispered in my ear and it sent shivers down my spine. My toes curled as I remembered how good his body felt against mine.
"So responsive,'' He grazed his fingers down my back before pulling back completely.
I was still stunned as we walked out of the third store. As if on cue, my stomach grumbled.
"Would you like to eat something?," He paused to ask.
"That'd be great, yes," I replied as he lead me to the elevator.
Standing in an enclosed space with a man I'm sexually attracted to is probably not a good idea. Staring at him with 'fuck me eyes' through the tall mirror in front of us was probably worse. But the worst thing was me wanting him to pin me against the wall and watch as he absolutely dominated me.
I blushed at the thought.
But I stood still, hyper aware of his hand gently resting against the small of my back. Even more so with the intensity of his gaze. He refused to let me go, trapping me with just his eyes.
His overpowering presence and the sexual energy he radiated was nothing like I had never felt before. Even if I wasn't entirely fond of this man, I wanted him.
I took a breath of relief when we finally stepped out of the elevator. He noticed but chose not to comment.
"So, where exactly are we going?"
"Ceaser's Palace," He told me.
"Hmm, you do know we could've eaten here just fine?" I teased him as opened the car door for me."Makes me think you wanna show me off."
"Maybe."
Taking a seat beside me, he would glance at the sideview mirror occasionally as if looking for something.
"So, is there like any paparazzi following you?" He turned to me, raising a brow in surprise.
"No, are you worried to be seen with me?'' He chuckled.
''Well, a billionaire caught with an escort would be quite scandalous, wouldn't it?"
"I can think of more scandalous things," The casual way he said that was contradictory to the way he was looking at me, like he wanted to tear my dress off. Yes, that would be very scandalous.
No. No. Don't think like that. You've known him less than a week. I chided myself.
Again, the tension rose in the closed space,"Like what?"
I couldn't resist taking the bait.
"Hmm, maybe I'll show you someday."
Ughhh. This man was getting me all worked up and then acting all cool himself. He was baiting me, only to leave me hanging.
We were greeted by a manager as soon as we entered the diner. He guided us to a private booth. It was cozy and felt warm.
God, I almost forgot how nice it felt to sit in a cozy restaurant after a shopping spree, have a nice normal night out.
I felt bad about the fact that my siblings weren't here with me but then again, this wasn't the most idealistic situation to bring my family into.
I discretely messaged Aria to let her know I wouldn't be home until late.
"Good evening. I'm Daniel and I'll be your server for today." A young man greeted us as he took our orders. He seemed my age, tall with dark hair.
After he was gone, Noah turned his attention back to me. ''So, is there anyway I can pay you to talk about yours-"
"No,'' I cut him off.
I can't risk that. I've already risked enough.
It was a huge enough risk as it was. To spend a night in one of the biggest hotels, a hotel that Sam could most definitely be living in right now. Why didn't I think of it before? This is exactly the kind of place I should be avoiding.
''Name any amount you want and I-''
"Money can't buy you everything,'' I cut him off.
I should know.
''True but I have never met a single person who doesnt care about money. In one way or another, it matters to every one. Admit it, my money is what appealed to you in the first place," He looked at me, as if asking me to refuse the fact.
"At the end of the day, it's just money." I shrugged.
"Just money?" He looked flabbergasted, as if I said the most controversial thing in the world. Which I guess it was.
"Yeah, if it's not in my bank account, I simply do not care. There's more than 40 trillion dollars in physical money in the world right now. I don't care about that. Why would I care about your money.''
I had cared too much about my family's money before that singular incident changed my view on everything. There were things more important to me than money. My life, for instance, along with my family's. Which I would be risking if I accepted his money and opened my mouth. My ability to stay quiet and hidden in the shadows is what kept me alive for so long.
''Very well but I don't know what's more interesting, you being so self righteous or being so secretive. It makes me wonder what exactly are you hiding?"
''I want my private life to stay private. Contrary to what you may believe, I don't appreciate it when strangers call my phone or show up at my workplace. Kind of creepy, you know," I told him, although it wasn't fully a lie.
"Stranger?" He scoffed, leaning back in his seat. "After that night, I would say I know you better than most people."
''With the way you kicked me out, I would argue against that, " I scoffed, mocking him.
Childish, I know.
"I..I truly apologize for that. Look, I didn't... It was. Wait, let me phrase it right. That night wasn't what I expected and I was surprised with myself, with you and nothing made sense. I wasn't ready to be so..so caught off guard. I didn't mean to come off as rude. Please don't take any of it to heart.'' It was the first time I saw him struggling for words or talk so much.
I didn't if I was ready to forgive him just yet but it was better having an explanation.
''Why were you caught off guard?" I asked, genuinely curious.
His mouth set in a straight line and I thought he wasn't going to reply but then he said, "You're a very peculiar woman, you refused to give me what I wanted, you set your own terms and you still managed to please me. I've never seen an escort so hell-bent on getting an orgasm, they usually fake it."
"Well, job satisfaction really matters at the end of the day,'' I shrugged. ''And I find it extremely hard to believe you'd repel women in bed. You don't look that hideous.''
Understatement of the century but his ego didn't need a boost.
"Some like to keep that part separated from their work, others are too busy thinking about the money and tips and how to swindle me. And the worst ones usually try to forego protection so they can trap me with a child.''
Wow, I almost forgot how hard life was when you're rich. People coming after your money like leeches. Always looking to get something from you.
''So, what do you like to do with your free time? None of that bullshit from your profile on the site," He asked, his expression stern.
I thought about it for a second.
What did I like? I hadn't had much free time since the past couple years but before that...
"Learning languages, I have a fascination with computers and I like to dance and sing. Other than that, I don't have much free time."
His expression turned sour as his jaw clenched.
I was confused for a second before I realised how he interpreted it. I didn't have enough time because I was on my back all the time. I was about to give him a piece of my mind but he decided not to comment.
"So it's not just a job requirement?"
"No, not exactly."
"Say, exactly how much of that profile is true?"
''Not much," I admitted.
"Wait, please tell me you're at least legal," He rubbed his forehead, as if regretting his life choices.
"Yeah, I'm legal and then some,'' I rolled my eyes at his dramatic behaviour.
He looked sceptical, still not totally convinced.
''Hmm, but why the name Siren?"
"Huh?"
"It's a pseudonym for your job, right? Why'd you choose it?" He was more observant than I gave him credit for.
''Why do you think?"
"Because you sing beautifully?''
"Because I'm equal parts seductive and lethal." I stated, sipping the wine before laughing out loud.
"That you are," He agreed, a smirk forming at the corner of his lips as he brought his glass up to cover it.
''So, why be an escort?"
''Isn't it obvious, it's a high paying job," I replied curtly.
"Money can't buy you everything," His eyes were emotionless as he repeated my words back to me.
"Poverty can't buy you anything," I shot back.
"So you do care about money after all.''
''As long as it's rightfully mine, I do.''
Of course I cared about the money that had been stolen from me. And I had every intention of getting it back but that would take a long time. Before that, I would have to graduate and get a job.
"Rightfully yours as in what you earned on your back?" His face was emotionless, once again,''Say how long have you been earning money that is rightfully yours?"
''Why waste my breath. You wouldn't believe me," I sighed as I poured myself another glass.
"Try me.''
''Would you really believe it if I told you that you were my first client?"
"No.''
"Don't even have to think about if for a second, do you?"
''You're way too good at your job to be anything but a pro. Also, you're the first woman I've actively chased or asked on a date, for that matter. If I was so compelled to you, there must be something about you. Some cunning way of yours that is guaranteed to pull men. And that kind of efficiency only comes after a long time in a profession."
''It could be beginner's luck,'' I challenged.
He shook his head, unaccepting but before I could say more, the waiter returned with our food.
I was way too hungry to talk. Savouring the first bite, it felt like heaven on my tongue. I moaned, licking my lips before I noticed Noah staring at me.
"I wasn't really hungry before but it seems like you just increased my appetite," He murmured, taking a bite.
"Have you ever been to New York?" He asked, non chalant.
"No, why?"
''I have some business I need to take care of next week in New york," He stated and I nodded.
''This is your cue to offer me a tour around the city. "
"I'm sorry but I don't know the city that well. Although I'm sure there are plenty of women who would be more than happy to do so.'' I gave him a smile, patting his hand.
''You really do possess the ability to reel me up. I find your brazenness and sass really refreshing. Nothing I've ever seen before," He complimented.
"Thanks, I'm just exceptionally good at everything I do.''
"I'm ready to give you whatever you want yet you continue to treat me like I'm a hassle to you," He shook his head.
Whatever I want? The only thing I wanted was my old life back.
''Jagiyaa, I assure you that you can't afford to give me what I want." I took another sip of my wine. As the level of alcohol increased in my body, so did my cheekiness.
Wow, this shit is strong. I was already feeling really tipsy. I should probably stop drinking. I told myself. Too much alcohol leads to too little inhibitions.
''Still name it and it's yours," He offered and I shook my head.
''The world is give and take. The lesser I take from you, the lesser I'd have to give back."
''Is that why you refuse to ask me questions about myself?"
He caught me.
"I feel like I know enough about you," I bluffed.
''Do you really believe everything the sleazy tabloids say?"
Not at all.
"Everything can't be false, can it?" Despite my words, I could feel my interest in him building and building. It was dangerous. So, I tried to curb it.
"But don't you want to find out what is true and what isn't?"
He was baiting me, asking me to break my walls. And I wanted to, so bad. Maybe it was a result of years of stuffing everything inside. Sometimes, I felt like confiding in someone. Still, I resisted.
''Ignorance is bliss and the less I know about you the better. It leaves room for imagination," I told him.
''I don't want to imagine. I want to know more about you. Something you haven't told anyone."
Something I haven't told anyone? The sight of blood on my hands creeped into my mind and I shook it away.
I looked up at him, trying to choose my words carefully, " I'm pretty good at finances and economics.''
As the daughter of a businessman and the heir to a multi billion dollar company, it was only natural for me to have a knack for these things. That's what everyone around me told me.
But, it wasn't necessarily something I had to learn. It was something I enjoy learning.
"Econ and finances, as in money? Yeah, I'm sure you are," He looked confused.
''No, econ and finances, as in the study of. I am really interested in the business aspect of it."
Although I was forced to study these seemingly boring subjects since I was ten or eleven, I started becoming obsessed when I was fifteen. That was when my stepfather told me something I would never forget.
Everything precious in life has a cost. The better you are able to determine what is more precious, the better you'll be able to priortize and protect it.
He had said that to me when he was teaching me about our subsidiaries and their annual profits.
Never had I thought that I'd have to apply that in a situation outside business.
Yet I had to protect my siblings more than I had to take over the company. Even now, my priorities were the same.
''It's something you couldn't avoid, even in the most menial jobs. So, the more you know about it, the better you can navigate through...well, life."
''How so?" He seemed intrigued. Not good. Yet, in my half-drunken state, I rambled on.
"The three times we've met, we've gone through different economic as well as business scenarios. As a customer, you had a well defined preference and the ability to identity your desire for certain services. You sought out tall, european women which may or may not have been positional goods, a sure way to increase value, especially in a perfectly competitive market with so many product variants."
He rubbed his chin.
''When I showed up at your doorstep, you received a supply shock, an inconsistency in supply which lead to a sharp decrease in options. I controlled the market since I was the sole supplier available at the moment. I had monopoly of sorts. That enabled me to maximize profits. Yet since my willingness to sell was relatively moderate, we were able to negotiate a price that was in the best interests of both parties."
His lips parted, as if stunned.
"And even when you didn't say it, you reached a level of customer satisfaction that led to an increase in perceived prices. As a result, you wanted, no, demanded my services once again. Even when my willingness to sell decreased along with an exponential increase in prices. And since you gave me an offer I couldn't refuse, I'm here. You were an excellent negotiator, by the way."
He sat back against the couch, his eyes not leaving mine as he covered his mouth. He looked hilarious as he continued looking at me with a dumbfounded expression for an unbearably long time.
When he opened his mouth, he spoke to me in an almost accusatory tone.
''Fuck, who the hell are you?"