Chapter 22
Aoi
Why am I indulging him like this?
I usually have more resolve, but something about him makes it incredibly difficult to say no.
One minute we’re in the car, driving to who knows where, and the other, we’re in front of a dark alley in between buildings.
“Where the hell are you taking me?” I glance around myself at the suspiciousness of this place. “I’m not a fan of odd places, for the record.”
“I told you earlier,” he says, grinning as he steps into the alley and beckons me to follow him. “Paradise.”
“More like hell.”
He stops in his tracks and grabs my wrist. “Do you trust me?”
“Hardly,” I scoff. “I have no reason to trust you.”
“Well, trust me anyways.”
“And end up dissected at the end of this alley? I don’t think so.”
Andrew’s lips part as he stares at me in disbelief, and the next second he’s shaking with laughter, his entire body convulsing.
Fucking hell. Am I supposed to find him adorable? Shouldn’t I be mad at him or something? I want to slap myself for feeling so bubbly from a mere laugh.
“Or you could just tell me where we’re headed.”
A conflicted look shines over his expression, then he smirks. “I can’t believe you’re doubting my sincerity and trustworthiness. It deeply saddens me, you know?”
I roll my eyes and smile. “Well do forgive me, good sir. Now tell me, before I decide to bolt the other way.”
“I’ll chase you down the street like a dog if you run.” Mischief glints in his eyes, making me wonder whether he’s serious or just messing with me. “For you, I don’t mind making a fool of myself.”
My lips curl up, and I slide my hand in his, surprising both of us. Beaming, Andrew guides us down a flight of stairs leading to an onyx door above which a red neon sign glows brightly.
I almost laugh at the words on the sign.
Paradise.
That cheeky little shit.
“You’re going to love this place.” Pushing the door open, he holds it for me. “It’s one of my favorite spots in the city.”
My lips part at the sight of a dazzling jazz bar.
The walls are ornate with vintage paintings and round tables are dressed in silk sheets.
In every corner, I find myself drowning in shades of maroon and amber, reminding me of an autumn sunset.
I can hardly keep myself from smiling at the sight of chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
Just when I think I couldn’t be more amazed, I spot a grandiose piano at the back of the room, and a sudden laugh slips out of me. I turn to gape at Andrew, and catch him already watching me with a gentle smile, his eyes gleaming with what I assume is pride.
“You like it.” His thumb strokes my knuckles, and he swiftly tugs me further inside, sitting me down at a table. “I knew you would.”
“How?” My voice is breathless, and I gawk at the sweetness in his expression when he laughs. “You don’t even know me enough to claim that. How did you know I love jazz?”
“What can I say? I’m full of surprises.” Grinning, he lifts a hand, gesturing for an older man in a bartender’s uniform to come over. “Meet Charles Davis. He’s the owner of the bar, and a close friend.”
Charles reaches for my hand and firmly shakes it, offering me a warm smile that reminds me of my late father. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
Finally?
“The pleasure is mine,” I say, smiling politely, and glance at the devious man sitting opposite me.
“I’m at your disposal, so feel free to make any requests. It’s an honor to have such esteemed guests.”
Andrew laughs at his words before focusing his attention back on me while Charles waddles back behind the bar.
“I’m so…confused.”
He tilts his head coyly. “About what?”
I watch him attentively, allowing my eyes to drift over his casual button up and wavy brown hair. “Firstly, about the reason you brought me here for, but also because Mr. Davis seems to know me somehow. I don’t recall ever coming here, though. Care to explain?”
A soft rumble of laughter escapes him. “Haven’t I made it clear that I’m courting you? I hardly know how to hide my affection for the one I like. So, I might’ve mentioned you to anyone who would listen.”
“You’re crazy.”
“About you.”
I’m losing my mind, aren’t I? This sort of cheeky attitude shouldn’t have such an effect on me and yet, not only do I find him adorable, but also incredibly charming.
“I don’t understand you at all.”
“What is there to understand?” he asks, leaning his chin on the back of his hand and staring at me like I’m a priceless artwork. “I’m open about my feelings for you, and I don’t plan on hiding them. Not from you nor from anyone else.”
“That’s exactly what I don’t understand.” I sigh and drag a hand through my hair. “What kind of feelings could you possibly harbor for someone you don’t even know? Seriously, I don’t get it. Besides, if you knew me, you wouldn’t like me. I’m boring.”
Laughing at my self-deprecating words, he reaches for my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze before intertwining our fingers. “You’re far from boring, Aoi. You just can’t see yourself from my point of view. If you could, believe me, you’d be enchanted.”
Enchanted by what exactly? My stupidity? My perfect ability to remain an utter failure no matter how hard I try to be useful and good? Enchanted by an attention seeking whore?
He’s got to be lying. One way or another, I need to find out what he really wants from me—and whether he’s actually the mysterious one-night stand.
“No need for baseless flattery. I’d rather you made your true intentions clear from the get-go, so we don’t waste time running in circles.”
His smile falters, his brows furrow, and he heaves a sigh. “I already told you that I like you and I want you to give me a chance to make you fall for me. I don’t see what else you’d want me to admit. If there’s something specific you expect from me, you can ask me. I’ll be honest.”
Should I just come right out and ask if he’s the guy I hooked up with? The only reason I agreed to give him a ‘chance’ was to confirm my suspicions–but if that’s really all it is, why can’t I bring myself to ask?
“Forget it.” I force a smile, ignoring the tingles spreading under my scarred skin. “It doesn’t matter. Tell me about yourself instead.”
“What do you want to know?” he asks, the tension in my shoulders easing when he smiles.
Biting the inside of my cheek, I ponder about it for a minute. “What do you do for a living?”
He stiffens in his seat and scratches his nape, glancing around himself as if the other customers might have the answer to my question.
“I work with my brother in the family business. It’s a tedious and boring subject, though.
He’s the CEO and I’m merely his successor.
He plans on heading back home to Montpelier once he’s done dealing with the succession then I’ll be the one taking care of the New York branch. ”
“That’s…amazing.” I knew he was wealthy and influential, but I didn’t think he’d have such a high rank at his young age. “It must be nice to work in the family business. Are you two close?”
He chuckles but it’s not as joyful as it was before. “Not really. We tolerate each other, but we’re definitely not close.”
“Oh, sorry. I shouldn’t have probed.”
“Not at all. Ask away. I like seeing you being interested in me. What about you?”
I roll my eyes and suck in a deep breath. “What about me?”
“What do you do for work? Do you have siblings? Do you prefer bananas over strawberries? Tell me more about yourself. That’s what you’re here for, right?”
Getting to know each other so he can make me fall for him. That’s what he thinks we’re doing. Little does he know I’m using him to get answers.
“I’m not really allowed to divulge my profession, but I’m fairly content with what I do for a living. I…don’t have any siblings.” I avert my gaze, reminiscing momentarily about my sweet Maia and her soft curly hair tied with a bow that I used to tease her about. “A sister.”
He tilts his head, confused by my answer. “A sister? But you just said you don’t have any siblings.”
“It’s true. I don’t have any.” I shrug. “Although, I should’ve said anymore. And I suppose I prefer strawberries. Should we order drinks?”
He stares at me, his expression bewildered, before slowly nodding and recomposing himself. “Absolutely. It’s on me.”
Way to make this awkward, Aoi. Good job. Some things just never change.