“Mr. King asked that I pick you up and drop you off at his hotel. He is a very busy man. He has instructed me not to bother you, Miss Romano, so I must close the window now.”
Before she could respond, the shutter went up between the driver’s compartment and the seating area, blocking her out. Her brow furrowed, as she tried to process what it might mean that he hadn’t come to pick her up himself. She stared out the tinted black windows as she thought.
So, the man I am meant to be marrying can’t even be bothered to pick me up for our first official date? And he’s instructed the driver to basically ignore me? This does not promise well to start with. Plus our dinner is at a hotel? That’s never a good sign. I’ve just about wrapped my head around meeting the man properly, let alone anything else. I don’t think I’ll be able to handle anything physical right now, if ever.
The trees faded away as they drove deeper into the city. The buildings got taller and the noise of the city overwhelmed her as she tried to think. She could hear construction in the background, the honk of horns in the traffic, people yelling at one another from the sidewalk. She had spent her entire childhood in this city and yet it still managed to surprise her every day. Lily had always wanted to move out eventually, go to the countryside and never look back. She just wanted to forget the past and forget her family along with it.
Soon they had pulled up outside the hotel and a valet held the door open for her. Lily managed to clamber out and she looked around her. For a moment she considered taking off down the sidewalk, just running forever, but that would only result in her family’s misery and Jin’s demise. She breathed in deeply a couple of times to calm her nerves before approaching the front door. As soon as she walked in, a man walked up to her.
“Miss Lily Romano?” he asked, bowing slightly.
“Erm, yes. That’s me.”
“Mr. King is expecting you. Right this way, Miss.”
The man led the way towards the side of the hotel. It had a velvet rope running across the length of the door with a sign mentioning the dining hall was closed for the evening. The man pulled back the rope, far enough, so she could get by, before sealing it off again. As they wandered through the hall, she could see candles lit up on every table. He had clearly gone to a lot of effort to impress her as the man led her to the balcony to the only table laid with silverware and plates. He pulled the chair out for her and she took her seat. The seat opposite her was empty.
“Mr. King will be with you shortly. Would you like some water in the meantime?”
Lily nodded and waited as the man poured her a glass of water. He bowed low before disappearing back outside, leaving her alone and confused.
He invites me out to dinner. He doesn’t pick me up. He tell the driver not to talk to me. And now when I get here, he’s not even waiting for me? Who does this man think he is? The Romanos are far more powerful than the Kings and he still dares to dishonor us like this?
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” a disembodied voice called through to the balcony.
Lily hurriedly stood up to greet the man as he walked through the doorway. Vincent was wearing a three-piece suit. It was a shiny navy blue material paired with a darker blue spotted tie over a crisp white shirt. His hair was swept back like before, perfectly styled as he slowly walked over to her. She noted that even in the slight breeze not a single hair was blown out of place. As he got closer, he carefully took her hand and held it to his lips for a moment before releasing it. His hands were soft, like he hadn’t done a hard day’s work in his life. Two waiters showed up behind him and they pulled the seats, so both guests could take their seats. Lily unfolded her cloth napkin and placed it gently on her lap before looking across at the man opposite her.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Mr. King,” her voice was meek.
“The pleasure is all mine. And please call me Vince. It would appear that we should get more familiar with one another at this crucial stage in our relationship.”
When he smiled, all she could envision was a crocodile waiting on the shoreline ready to snap up the first poor creature that would wander past it. She politely smiled back but she knew it would look fake.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve already ordered. Where’s the wine?” he snapped at the nearest waiter.
The waiter ranted an apology before running off to grab the missing bottle. They both sat in silence until his return, whereby he poured two large glasses before placing the bottle at the side of the table. He bowed before scurrying off again.
“Did my sister tell you what I eat?” Lily attempted to make small talk.
“No, but now you’re to be my wife I presume that you will eat what I eat. It’s important we show a united front after all. I’m sure you’ll enjoy my selection.”
What a presumptuous asshole he is! I’m already sick of looking at him and I’ve barely been here more than ten minutes.
“I’m sure I’ll find it delightful,” she tried to smile again, “So, the wedding is happening pretty fast, don’t you think?”
“Not soon enough! I told your sister that it should be organized within the week, but the woman makes a strong deal. I drew my line at two weeks. No wedding takes that long to organize. At least I didn’t have to waste time on a proposal. Oh! Speaking of which, I have the ring somewhere for you.”
“A ring?” Lily questioned.
He didn’t bother to answer as he started to search his pockets. Upon realizing it wasn’t there he called for the waiter who went to find someone. Yet again silence descended upon the table as he sat frowning out across the evening skyline. Lily awkwardly shuffled her feet under the table until the waiter came running back with a small square box.
“Ah, here it is. About time! I thought I told you to have everything prepared before my arrival. I will be talking to the owner about this later on, mark my words.”
The poor man looked absolutely terrified as he tripped over his apology before practically sprinting for the door. Vincent laughed as he watched him run away.
A cruel tyrant indeed.
“I had my personal assistant pick something out for you. Supposedly this is the ring that she thinks would suit you. Give me a moment.”
He shoved the box over to her, before reaching into his pocket to get his phone. He started to read.
“She says it is a beautiful, striking design with a 2.0 carat round, internally flawless, pure white diamond cut in hearts and arrows. The diamond is securely held in place with the six claw 950 platinum setting while the ring profile is a court shaped which ensures a comfortable fit. It would even make royalty look shameless standing next to it. She says it will look amazing in the photos also.”
When he finished reading he looked up and she could tell he was surprised that she hadn’t opened the box. He nodded towards it enthusiastically until she opened it and looked at the ring his PA had bought for her. Although fabulous in description, it looked no different from every other engagement ring she had seen and she knew he had put no thought into it which made her detest it even more. He must have seen the look registering on her face before he leaned over.
“You don’t like it? I swear that bitch can’t get anything right. I can have it replaced with something you prefer?”
“No, no it’s perfect!” she scurried to unlatch it from the box, not wanting to anger her fiancé, “I just need to get it on my finger and then it will be even better.”
He leaned back in his chair, not even offering to help as she slid it onto her ring finger. It felt heavy and foreign there on her hand as she stared down at it. She wondered whether she would ever get used to being in a relationship with the awful man opposite her.
“Food at last!” he announced, breaking her from her thoughts, “I’m famished, I hope you are too.”
Lily sipped at her wine as they laid down the artichoke soup. As they tucked in she could taste the black truffle and tiny Parmesan shavings floated on top. They served the soup with a layered mush
room brioche spread with truffle butter. On the side was Oscietra caviar served with dill sour cream and lemongrass blinis. Already Lily was starting to realize the man only had a taste for the finer things in life. The rich flavors started to turn sour in her mouth as she looked across at the man opposite her.
“Ah, the starters here have always been one of my favorites when I’m in town. Your sister did an excellent job in recommending this place. Even if the staff aren’t the best,” he snarled looking directly at one of the waiters standing by the door.
After they finished their first course, the plates were removed and Lily wished there was something that could be used to distract the increased awkwardness at the table.
“So, why don’t you tell me a little more about yourself?”
“Well, as you know my name is Vincent King. I took over the King’s Crew after my uncle’s untimely death approximately five years ago. Of course he had trained me well in my knowledge of how to manage the Crew and now it is doing better than ever. This deal that is soon to pass between your siblings and I, will path a new future for both our families. The marriage is just an added bonus.”
“Yes, my sister thought it would improve the bonds between our families if we got engaged. Are you okay with the deal?” Lily hoped he would feel the same as her about the marriage.
“You sister thought?” he scoffed, “The only thing she thinks about is which man will be underneath her tonight. No, the whole thing was my idea. I saw you at the party, and I thought not only would it help bond the families, but you’re a very attractive young lady. It will do my reputations wonders to have you by my side. Plus I’m sure we’re going to have a lot of fun in the meanwhile.”
The added wink at the end made Lily feel sick to her stomach. Her brain felt dizzy as she consumed this new information.
It was his idea? He was the one who proposed we get married? And to top it off, it’s all to save his reputation because he thinks I’m good looking. If he thinks he’s getting me into bed any time soon, he has another thing coming. My sister must be insane to even think this man was a suitable business partner, let alone brother-in-law.
“Two-week aged duck breast marinated with sweet spices. Served with a velouté of sweet potato and blackcurrant dressed with chard gratin flavored with bay,” the waiter announced as he entered with the steaming plates of food.
Lily stared down at the two tiny slices of duck laid out on the plate with a dribble of gravy smearing the top. Next to it was a neat pile of vegetables. Altogether it looked almost as unappealing as the man staring across at her. He watched as she picked up her silverware and delicately cut into the meat. His eyes maintained their unwavering gaze as she popped the tiny cube of meat into her mouth and started chewing. She wanted to reach across the table and slap him, just so he would stop looking at her. Eventually he noticed his own plate and started eating. Every once in a while he would look up at her, as though to check she was still there. Lily hurriedly finished her plate before pushing it away from her. She couldn’t wait for this whole dinner thing to be over with.
He voice was nasal as he looked up at her, “Should we wait for dessert or should we just move straight to the bedroom and I’ll have you instead?”
What? Please tell me I misheard that.
Lily almost choked on her wine as she tried to reply, “I’m sorry but what bedroom? I have no intention of sleeping with you tonight.”
Vincent linked his fingers together as he leaned forward, “Your sister said you would be more compliant with such matters. The deal of the business depends upon it, I hope you are aware. I suggest you get your attitude in line before this meal is over or I will be calling Pearl to make her aware. I don’t see what the problem is anyway, you’re going to be my wife. Surely someone like you doesn’t believe in the sex-after-marriage shit they spew at church.”
Lily gasped, “Someone like me? And what type of person am I like, Vince?”
“I mean look at you. A blond bombshell with a rocking figure. Plus I heard you’ve been in the army for the last ten years. Surely the soldiers needed someone to warm their bed at night. A cute little nurse like you would be eaten up straight away.”
“How dare you!” Lily abruptly stood up from the table, sending her chair falling over backwards.
Vincent nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders before glaring across at her. His mouth twisted into a sneer before he spoke to her.
“Sit your uptight ass down right now. I won’t have the hotel realizing what a spoiled little bitch I am about to marry. Look, dessert is coming. Sit down now!”
Lily didn’t know how to react after hearing him speak to her like that. She stared into the face of her future husband, defiantly. Flashbacks of Jin, with a gun aimed at his head, popped into her mind. Gritting her teeth, she picked up the chair and quickly sat back down before the waiters appeared holding trays.
“Bolivian cru sauvage chocolate and kaffir lime panna cotta,” the waiter announced as he placed the gelatinous meal in front of them.
Vincent didn’t even wait for Lily to pick up her spoon before he tucked in. The waiters looked uncertainly at them both before ducking back inside. Sighing, Lily picked at the dish, but could barely let a bite pass through her lips as she thought about her future.
I am marrying the cruelest, worthless piece of shit in the universe. Only a half hour after we are officially engaged and he’s verbally abusing me. What have I gotten myself into? Is there any way for me to call the whole thing off before it’s too late? No. He would never let that happen. For him, I’m just a new play thing for him to do as he pleases. I need to at least set some boundaries now before it’s too late.
His spoon clattered down onto the plate as he sat back in his chair. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a cigarette and lit it. She watched as the thin trail of smoke drifted away in the night air. His eyes narrowed down on her.
“Now the meal is done and the evening is drawing to a close. Have you reconsidered my offer?”
His voice made her skin crawl and she felt dirty just being in his presence. She wanted nothing more than to go home and scrub herself under a scalding hot shower.
“Why don’t we wait until our wedding night? It will make it that ever bit more special?” she tried to convince him otherwise.
“Oh, but I want to sample some of the goods now. I’m sure you can think of some small way of thanking me for this wonderful date I have taken you on tonight.”
She watched as he licked his lower lip before ashing out his cigarette on the dessert plate. There was a perfectly good ashtray on the table but he had chosen to ignore it. Before she knew it, he was on his feet and getting closer to her. He leaned in next to her hear, his breath stagnant from the wine.
“I’ve told the waiters to give us a solid hour before clearing everything away. Don’t worry, no one will see.”
His lips brushed against her neck and she recoiled in disgust. He noticed her involuntary movement and gripped onto her shoulder tightly. The way his fingers dug in, she knew she would have a nasty bruise popping up tomorrow.
“Let go off me,” she gasped as she tried to pry his fingers off.
“You will do as I say! Now kiss me.”
He leaned forward for her to kiss him, but she swung her head to the side. Her hair slapped against his face with the motion and she quickly hurried from her chair making as much distance from the now furious man. She watched as his face distorted and he turned to the table. He grabbed the tablecloth with both hands and pulled it. The plates, silverware, glasses and bottle of wine all tumbled to the floor, smashing into a million pieces. Lily flinched at the sound, flashbacks of glass splintering as bullets sprayed through them, back in the field. She quickly shook her head, bringing her back to the present as her future husband threw a chair off the side of the balcony. She had never seen a man look so angry in her life as he started stomping on the remaining plates which had stayed intact.
If I stay here, I’m sure the
next thing he’ll be stomping on is my head.
She started to panic as he cut himself on a piece of glass. His swearing would make a sailor blush and she knew she had to leave. Grabbing her phone from the mess, she avoiding his grasp as she dashed past him. Lily didn’t look back as she sprinted back into the dining room and stabbed at the elevator button. The lift appeared and she jumped in just as she heard him yelling her name in the background. He came into sight just as the doors closed shut. She looked at her phone, scrolling through the contacts thinking about what to do next.
I can’t go home. I’m sure, Vincent is already on the phone with Pearl. Where can I go? I need help, but from who?
As she neared the end of her contacts she saw Van’s name highlighted on the screen. Before she knew it, she had hit dial and was holding the phone to her ear.
“Lily?” he sounded surprised.
“Van, I need you. I need to get away from here. Please help me.”
“Stay where you are. I’m on my way.”
Chapter 10
VAN
As soon as he shoved the phone back into his pocket he was in the bathroom, splashing his face with cold water to wipe away the sleep. He still felt groggy from his drinking session as his mind kept slipping back to his dark thoughts in the shower.
Focus! Lily is in trouble.
He downed a couple of aspirins as he grabbed his keys from the side and dashed into the garage. He had his bike started before the doors went up and he rushed through the night to get to his woman in need. Her voice on the phone sounded desperate and scared and he knew something would have to be terribly wrong to get her into that state. She had told him she was hiding in the alley next to the hotel and he knew he had to get there as soon as possible. Horns were honking as he hurried threw the busy traffic. As he neared the city he started to slow down, scanning the front of the tall buildings to locate the hotel. Finally he found the right one and as soon as he started to park up, she rushed out and jumped on behind him.
The Bailey Brothers Box Set- the Complete Trilogy Page 46