Chapter 50
A s much of a time commitment as these conferences are, it’s an efficient way to get face time with the right people. Everyone, including me, is curious about what’s happening in the capital markets, especially with interest rates.
Dani is doing better than expected. I didn’t think she would be nervous or anything, but I also didn’t expect her to be so confident meeting my peers. She talks to everyone with ease, unfazed by the various levels of status. Her lighthearted nature is perfect for these fast conversations.
“What were you and Declan talking about?” I ask as she returns to my side.
“Jesus,” she says, the jest as sharp as ever.
“I like your humor, but you have to be careful using that word around here,” I whisper, interlacing my fingers with hers.
“I’m learning.”
“Let’s go back to the room to change. Greg set up a dinner tonight.” We walk hand in hand out of the stale ballroom, back outside.
“What’s the vibe for dinner?” she asks as we walk along the stone path to our chalet.
“Hearing a lot of men talk about how rich they are.”
“How fun.” She giggles, then asks, “Will there be other women there?”
“Maybe some dates.” I squeeze her hand. “Definitely don’t bring up wives or family.”
“Hookers?” She laughs, clearly amused.
“Maybe.” I consider the group. “Probably.”
“Adam!” She swats my arm, and I squeeze her ass.
“You’ll be the prettiest one in the room. I have no doubts.”
She rolls her eyes, and I love the sass.
Back in the room, I can tell something is on her mind. “Peanut, what’s going on in that big brain of yours?”
She shakes her head. Then asks, “Have you ever been with … someone you pay for?” I get the sense that question was the second thing on her mind, not the first. I wonder if this event is too much for her. If she’s overwhelmed by it all.
“We’re all whores in one way or another,” I say, changing into a fresh dress shirt. “But no. I’ve never done the escort thing.”
She nods, looking relieved to hear that. “So, how are you a whore?” she asks with a laugh.
“I’m here. I need other people’s money to keep our investments flowing.
” Dani examines the accessories Nikola packed for me and hands me a brown belt.
I like this, us getting ready together. “It’s a lot of work raising hundreds of millions of dollars each year and even more work getting our investors their promised returns. ”
“I wish I knew more about finance. I get so lost in some of your conversations.”
“The words make everyone feel smarter than they actually are,” I reassure her. If she’s ever been lost by one of my interactions, I haven’t noticed it. “At the end of the day, our reputation is everything, and I do what I can to undersell and over deliver.”
She nods and then goes through her luggage. “Too sexy?” Dani asks, holding up a black satin dress.
“Wow,” I growl. “The guys will love it. Know you will be drooled over, though.”
A playful smirk grows on her face. “What do you think of that … other guys drooling over me.”
“You’re coming to bed with me.” I stalk toward her. “So, I love it.”