His shoulders rose and then lowered when she said all she could offer her was her time, but to him she could offer so much more than what others perceived as time. Alaric pushed up from his chair slowly, the wheels underneath hardly making a sound as they turned on the deep beige carpet. He walked around her once before stopping in front of her.
"Keeping your store open? A place to live? I want more than just your time, Miss Ari. I'm sure we can discuss this," His eyes lowered to the silver band around his watch, then flicked back up, staring beneath those dark eyelashes of his. "Over dinner? But you won't be wearing that. Come." He waved a hand in the air, leading her out the office door without turning around to see if she was following.
"What's your size and bust?" He drawled out, rolling the cuffs of his suit back and buttoning them closed around his masculine wrists.
Ari followed after him listening to the soft click of his shoes against the tiled floor. The first two times she came in unwarranted there had been no time to observe the pure opulence of the companies finery. But now that there was no rush, she could see finely gilded accents with real marbled floors. They passed a framed floor plan of the entire building and even just the size of its structure was impressive. Something that could only ever be a distant dream for a poor girl from a small town in the middle of nowhere. She made sure to keep up with him, never a full step behind.
"Dinner? You have-" There were a string of curses lacing her tongue ready to lay into the man, but she stopped herself. This wasn't a choice. Desperation left no room for pride or the like. "I'm sure you have good taste." If she were being honest anything beyond canned food and instant rice sounded delicious. It had been months since she'd had a real meal, just enough to keep her from wilting away like the flowers in her windowsill that died waiting for sunshine that never seemed to come.
Of course someone like Mr. Draconian would be embarrassed to be seen with someone who hardly looked better than the litter off the streets. She'd changed after her only nice clothes when she went home earlier and had forgotten herself when she came fully prepared to kiss ass for money. Her sneakers were tattered and muddy, her shirt wrinkled and fading from extreme use, even her jeans flashes caramel skin beneath with fraying holes revealing her knees. "I wear a 17." Her arms crossed over her chest protectively in case his gaze decided to stray and assess for himself. "My bust is none of your business. There are some things a woman doesn't reveal. Do you see me asking how big your dick is just because of your swagger?"
The entire time his broad back covered in the expensive silk of his suit, was all she could see since he didn't bother to glance over his shoulder at her while she spoke. "I do have good taste. I wouldn't be owning thirty five percent of the large businesses in Seattle." He said smoothly until he stopped in front of another door down the hall. With a hand on the knob, he finally faced her.
"How is it not any of my business. I know you haven't lived the life of luxury, but if you don't want your breasts popping out of the outfit I grab for you, I suggest you offer the bust size for a proper fit."
Alaric turned the handle and pushed the door open. Everything was shades of silver, clothing hung from the walls lined with granite at their bases. It was like a walk-in closet that had a ceiling of beaded jewels.
One arm extended, he ran his hand along the textured outfits, halting at one crimson dress in which he pulled toward himself. "This might suit you, but I don't know your bust size. And as for my dick size, I don't have to tell you. I can show you if you'd like?" His stormy grey eyes flicked up, once more a hazy beacon beneath dark long lashes. "I'm sure it wouldn't disappoint like the item you bought from me."
He teased her back with his own comeback, a smirk tugging at his lips as he continued to hold the dress out.
"Fine. If you think it's so important then I'm a C-cup. 24." The clothes were finer than everything she owned and probably cost twice as much a piece. The red dress in hand was solid and sure to accentuate voluptuous curves of her body. She could picture it now, even bringing out the red undertones in her curly dark hair and making the smattering of brown freckles that peppered her skin more pronounced. What woman didn't like fancy clothes and free food?
Of course he just had to go ruining it by joking about his manhood causing her face to scrunch in disgust."I'm sure your products were molded after something and quite frankly I've had enough disappointment for one day." Her eyes rolled at the teasing blatant in his tone.
The suffering of his company might be more tolerable if he just kept with the straight face no-shit kinda stuff. But who knew? Maybe she'd get a rare glimpse into the life of one of the most secretive self millionaires. "Are the dress and dinner included in the price of..whatever you're demanding?" Ari didn't want to dwell too long on what that could possibly be. Not time. Nor money. He had been awfully suggestive but surely asking that sort of thing crossed too many boundaries. Big legal boundaries that could ruin a man like him within minutes in the hands of the wrong press.
Another smile had crept up on his mouth, though this time for a moment it seemed like his incisors were sharper than the rest of his teeth. But as fast as they were glittering in the light, they seemed normal the next. "Wasn't that hard, Miss Ari." Mr. Draconis drawled put, a velvety sound that was edged with a deep masculine purr.
"For someone who wants a proposition, you really do have a smart mouth. If they were molded after me, you wouldn't be walking correctly. Nevertheless, the dinner is definitely free of anything. I may be greedy for the price you wish to pay, but by no means am I unfair to charge you with something I offered without being direct."
Alaric came forward, and like magic, an extended strip of yellow flexible metal rolled down, marked with numbers for her measurements."I want them to be exact. If you don't mind," It wasn't like he'd ask her permission in his domain. He pulled her forward without asking and wrapped the tape measure around her chest, then her hips, not making any eye contact since he'd seemed far too busy.
"Guess you were right. Go on, take your clothes off and try it on." He extended the crimson dress towards her. The hems swayed from the movement. He had to admit it'd match her deep complexion and the freckles that peppered across her skin. She was an attractive beauty he couldn't deny, and those eyes, large yet feline like, were captivating even for a man such as himself.
He had a point. Since the second time she came in he'd been much more amiable while she still spat fire in his direction any chance she got. He was offering dinner and finery so maybe it was his attempt to get off on a better foot. She huffed and blew a stray curl from her face. Why did she have to make sense? It was easier to hate him with that stupid smug face of his and his would be charms if he wasn't a total freakazoid. "Touché. Although I dare say you seem oddly infatuated with this smart mouth of mine." His glances and looks had not gotten past her.
The movements were a flurry done so fast that she couldn't even think about resisting. Before she knew it her measurements were established despite the information given after much reluctance. What kind of man kept women's clothing in his closet? Was it the possession of some female companion she'd yet to see or hear of? The whole circumstance was an oddity. Was she really surprised about that of all things? Ari needed to get her head on straight especially with the vibes she kept getting from Alaric. It was one thing to think someone was attractive but he genuinely looked at her like he was ready to take a bite.
For a moment she'd even seen teeth like something out of a monster movie: sharp and pointed ready to dig in. Though in the next second they were gone. Internally she scolded herself. *Focus Ari. That type of stuff isn't real. What are you 5?* Once he offered up the dress seemingly satisfied that she'd spoken the truth, both brows shot up. "You want me to undress right here? In front of you? Not happening." She took the dress but didn't dare move another muscle until he dismissed himself. "Wait outside the room or something," A flash of her own teeth, much too forced and stiff to be genuine. "Please." She forced herself to attempt to be more polite.
"I wouldn't call it infatuation, more pertaining to the fact I'm a businessman and you lack respect as well as propperness. Even though you claimed I was the one who wasn't." Alaric's gravelly voice filled the dimness before his gaze flicked towards her when she asked him to leave. "Of course, do take your time miss Ari. I'd hate for us to be late."
It wasn't shortly after that he lowered the nicely sewn dress onto the dresser and stepped away for the door, the light catching his dark hair which glinted beneath its glow. When he left, another person entered. A woman wearing a business suit, blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail, pert nose that upturned. She gave her a smile, crimson stained lips curling perfectly.
"This way, let's get you all clean first, miss." She walked forward, her heels clacking across the floor as she led her around the corner in the room where an oversized bathroom sat. "I'm Shiela. I'll be assisting you this fine evening. If there's anything I can do for you, just let me know. There are a dozen soaps on the shelf, shampoos, different types of clothes and lotions. Anything you want we more than likely have." She checked a few things off on her clipboard, then left Ari alone.
Ari was glad for the moment alone to take everything in. A pause in the madness that had become her night. When she left home and came back she expected to just kiss a little ass and- SNAP! Things would be better. She would have money and her shop would be safe and she could even buy something nice for the Sandlers. Not being taken out to dinner and given the luxury treatment. Even if there were some oddities she could overlook them in favor of savoring the fineries she'd probably never see again. After this it would be right back to instant rice and dry ramen packs. Her stomach cramped at the thought.
Making quick work of the shower, she took her time perusing the extensive assortment of scented products; finally settling on jasmine before she was ready to slip on the dress. The silken red material hugged at every curve on her body just right. The bodice showed just the right amount of skin, somehow making her breasts seem perfect. She left her damp curls tumble down her shoulders, slicking the edges down neatly. Ari gave herself a once over then grinned at her reflection. She cleaned up nicely.
If he provided a dress then there was probably no problem borrowing a pair of shoes. She selected a pair of low red heels and slipped them on before stepping out of the room. "Even if we're late I'm sure the wait was worth it."
Alaric stared at her when she emerged from the doorway dressed in the crimson gown he'd given her. The hem ruffled around her thighs perfectly, a red against the deep copper of her skin, and her hair hung around her shoulders in wet silky ringlets of curls. He had to say she looked more than scrumptious. If he was any other man than himself, he would've had problems keeping his hands to himself. But tonight there was a different agenda other than getting handsy in a dark corner away from prying eyes.
"You cleaned up nicely." Mr. Draconis said, extending an arm, angling it so she could loop her own through his. They walked to the elevator where they waited until they reached the last floor.
"Here." He flicked his wrist and a flower as red as her gown flashed in front of her very eyes, held between his index and thumb. He tore the top off and placed it neatly in her hair. "You'll need this."
Then a ding and they exited and walked across the front of the building, entering a black large car with tinted windows. Inside, everything was covered in leather, the ceiling had a sunroof that could open and close, and there was a small rectangular table between the front and back seats.
Everything from alcohol beverages, snacks, drinks, food, sat on top. He of course lifted a wine glass, an olive stuck on a toothpick, pulled out and held between his teeth.
"Tell me, have you ever been to the VIP Nightworld Club?"
"Nightclubs are a luxury. I've only visited pubs and a few late night bars. Nothing to rave about unless you're a fan of greasy nachos and cheap beer." One leg crossed over the other delicately while she tried not to marvel at every new experience, though those wide brown eyes betray her, glistening with the passing lights from the city aglow in its nighttime glory. Now that they were alone in the back of his vehicle—she really should have thought this plan out more—Mr. Draconis almost seemed nice. The dim interior cast woven shadows along his face that despite its openness seemed to be hiding something; a perfect facade that gave no glimpses to what might truly lay within. He was a mystery wrapped in an enigma that so happened to choose her for whatever evening of debauchery he planned.
Ari would have loved to drown her woes in blissful drunkenness, but she had to remember that she was with a strange man she didn't know, in the back of a car going God knows where, after being dressed up like a piece of arm candy. She was desperate, not stupid. "Is that where we're going? Do you own that place too?" The words were exaggerated into a languid purr, blinking up at him through thick dark lashes. It was mostly a jest though she wouldn't have been surprised if the answer was yes.
She reached over to pluck the skewered olive right from his glass. The fruit was laden from the wine soaking through and she popped it into her mouth; enjoying the tart, sour, subtle sweet flavors mingling on her tongue. Once she was sure that this wasn't some sketchy way of trying to silence her, then she would let herself indulge in a few drinks. Courtesy of the same asshole who refused to give her a refund but would offer expensive clothing and dinner. Were all rich folk just as backward?, She wondered.
There was an amusing shimmer in his eyes upon the mentioning of greasy nachos and cheap beers. "Whether you know it or not, despite being rich, greasy nachos and cheap beer used to be my favorite. Now I have more exquisite tastes that can't really be measured by poorness or expensiveness."
Just like that the amusement was gone. Washed away by some dark shadow that crept around the rings of his stormy gray eyes. While he tipped the wine glass up to his lips, he slowly stirred the alcohol inside with the toothpick, keeping his gaze on her the entire time. Alaric was fascinated by her awe of the portions of the city she probably never had the luxuries to see.
Just because someone owned a shop didn't mean they could live the 'good life'. He'd read enough on her files to understand that.
She was like a mouthful of chocolate with many many layers that melted against one's tongue. One could be rough, another soft, you never knew.
"I do," He took another swallow, lips glistening beneath every streetlight they drove past. The tall buildings were blurs that blended with the evening which bled carefully into night. Like a painting with a backdrop of stars speckled above. But then she had the nerve to steal his olive from the glass. His lips quirked upwards.
"Aren't you the daring one? I wonder how you'd feel if someone plucked you like you did that olive. Guess we'll see..."
They pulled up near the curve. A tall glass building loomed outside. Thousands of windows, flashing lights, people nicely dressed chattering on the outside. Their tastes were deep reds to gray and blacks. The driver stepped out and pulled Ari's door open, a white gloved hand awaiting for her to take. On the opposite side, a woman helped Alaric out. He went around and stood in black of the butler, his own large bare hand waiting for hers. "I've got this." He muttered. "Let's see how you fit in the nightworld."