Kai is doing something that his ancestors would not approve of. He is running a nightclub on the side. An upscale one nestled deep in a hilly and expensive neighbourhood, of course, but a nightclub all the same.
In fact, his own father and sister would disapprove, and that is exactly why he has been keeping it a secret from almost everyone he knows. He can almost hear his father's low voice accusing him of dishonouring the Blackwood name.
However, Raylen needs a place to relax. So Elysium it is.
It may be uncreatively named (Kai is a lawyer, not a writer), but the guest list is carefully vetted to ensure that patrons can enjoy themselves and unwind without being recorded or harassed by fans or paparazzi.
"You never told me you owned a bar," Raylen complains with a bemused tone.
"Because, unlike you, I value my life and my relationship with my father."
"I value my life. Somewhat, at least."
Kai laughs as he guides his friend towards a table with an unobstructed view of Sicaster Tower. The sight is even more magnificent at night as the tower's hundred and eleven floors light up in unison, becoming one of the most iconic parts of the Sicaster skyline.
Each table along this row usually costs two thousand dollars to book for the night. This is chump change to Raylen, of course, but this time, his bill is on the house.
As Kai is still admiring the view—it is just as beautiful as the first time he set his eyes on it—Raylen begins working through a bottle of Dom Pérignon.
"Does the view," Kai grumbles, "mean nothing to you? It is the best my establishment has to offer?"
"My marriage is beyond saving. Most things mean nothing to me now. I am betting a million dollars and my favourite car that in-law relations will only get worse from here, not better."
Kai cannot help but snort.
"What is that," his friend asks, "supposed to mean? You do not want to take up my bet?"
Kai rolls his eyes. "I know which car is your favourite."
Raylen grins before downing another glass of champagne.
Before Kai can make another jab at his friend, a beautiful woman in a tight red dress falls at Raylen's feet, her hair tumbling over like coppery waves that glint prettily even under the nightclub's questionable lighting.
When she looks up, Kai can see that she is a beautiful—aggressively beautiful even—woman of about twenty-five. From her amber eyes to her sultry lips to her strong nose, there is no doubt that she is the loveliest woman in the room.
There is also no doubt that Kai needs to fire his new manager for taking bribes.
He does not recognise her, and there is no way he will fail to recognise someone that beautiful if she is indeed part of the nightclub's intended customer base.
This is a club so prestigious that even the unmarried Livia would have struggled to gain entry.
So this unknown woman can only be a wannabe gold-digger or paparazzi who has bribed her way into Elysium.
'Falling,' muses Kai to himself, 'is such a cliché move. What is this? A summer romantic comedy?'
Before he can summon the security to escort her out, Raylen has already helped the lady to her feet.
And Kai recognises that look in his friends eyes. 'Livia won't be pleased.' He cannot imagine Henry or Glynis taking this well if they find out. He sighs inwardly.
The lady laughs a trilling laugh like a bell chime. "My name is Bethany, but you can call me Beth," she says while batting her eyelashes at Raylen.
"And my name is Raylen Vale, but I am sure you are already aware."
Kai sighs so hard he suspects he may have broken a rib. Raylen glances at him for a split second, catching his grimace, before turning his attention back to Bethany, who does not seem the least perturbed that her plans have been exposed.
Kai knows his friend almost as well as he knows himself. Raylen can easily see through this woman's efforts, but that doesn't mean he will not play along.
As Delaney liked to say, "Ray is smart enough to know what he is doing is stupid, but stupid enough to do it anyway."
He finds it flattering—and amusing—that women will resort to such tactics for his attention.
Kai suspects that Raylen found it frustrating that Delaney never allowed herself to sink low enough to do such things, not even to cajole or comfort him.
He also knows that when it comes to long-term partners, Raylen has a type—younger and weaker women he can indulge, protect and dominate. When it comes to one-night stands, however? Anyone who isn't hideous to look at is good enough for him.
Kai is genuinely surprised he doesn't have any illegitimate children popping up every once in a while.
"So you know that I am here for you," that woman continues in her angelic voice.
"Of course," Raylen replies. Kai makes another face as his best friend's left hand—still wearing his platinum wedding band—slips down the woman's slender waist.
Kai used to believe that Raylen had changed thanks to Livia, but it is now clear that a leopard cannot change its spots. If he did not change for Delaney, he will not change for anyone else.
Whatsherface laughs again. Objectively speaking, her laugh is sweet, but Kai finds it grating because he knows her intentions
"Then how about we go somewhere more… private?" she suggests.
The sardonic half-smile does not leave Raylen's face when he answers her. "And where may that be, my dear Bethany?"
"Why don't you surprise me?"
'And why don't you two sluts stop speaking in questions?' wonders Kai. His new manager has no idea how much hot water he is in. Kai will make him regret ever being bewitched by Bethany.
"Of course," replies Raylen smoothly. "I will most certainly surprise you."