Claimed for the Master's Pleasure (Guilty Pleasures #5)(11)
“Good evening, Mr. Benetti,” the smiling doorman announced.
“Good evening, Rob.” Jake nodded. “Glad to have you back after your vacation. Everything go okay?”
“Fine, Mr. Benetti. And thanks for the advice you gave me. Hawaii was just great.”
Jake seemed to know all his staff personally. Once inside the foyer she asked, “How do you remember their names? You must have hundreds of employees.”
“Two thousand, five hundred and forty-three all told here at Arabian Nights, Lia.”
Jake cupped her elbow and gently guided her toward an opulent inner courtyard, which boasted large, gushing fountains and tranquil rock pools. She was acutely aware of her four-inch stilettos sounding against the polished marble floor.
“But you haven’t answered my question. How do you remember so many names?”
Jake smiled a beautiful friendly smile. “You see, Lia, I’m lucky enough to possess a photographic memory. That’s how I kinda ended up in this business in the first place. A photographic memory comes in handy when you’re trying to beat odds that are against you.”
Lia laughed. “You mean counting cards, don’t you? I may not be an authority on casinos, but everyone knows that goes on. Isn’t it illegal?”
Jake smiled benignly as he took her arm and guided her into the elegant restaurant. “Gray area, Lia. Gray area.
“This is The White Room. We have two other restaurants here at Arabian Nights, The Red Room and The Blue Room. They each have their own distinct atmospheres.”
His eyes held hers, making the breath catch in her throat. Jake Benetti really was an attractive man. Brooding and hard to fathom, certainly, but extremely attractive all the same. He was dressed in an expensive dark-gray tailored suit, which fitted to perfection across his broad shoulders. His crisp white shirt, complemented by a pale blue tie, picked out the color of his eyes, making them seem even more vibrant and arresting. Her heart beat a different rhythm today. There was something about Jake that drew her to him. Lia shook her head. What the hell was she thinking? This guy would be wrong for her on so many levels. Only one man had ever truly known her, Joe, and he was dead and irreplaceable. Besides, for all Jake Benetti’s charisma and obvious sex appeal, he wanted to take her for every cent she’d got. And don’t you forget it, girl. She guessed he wouldn’t think twice about doing that, even though they were becoming better acquainted.
A large man in a black suit stepped forward. “Mr. Benetti, good to see you again. I’ve reserved your usual table by the window.”
“Thanks, Vincenzi. How’s business?”
“Good, Mr. Benetti. The new décor is a hit with the customers.”
“Excellent, keep me informed.”
“Sure thing, Mr. Benetti.”
The restaurant manager then snapped his fingers, and as if from out of nowhere, an immaculately dressed waiter appeared. “Brad, show Mr. Benetti and his guest to their table.”
The young man escorted them across the restaurant to a round table set in a huge bay window. Its position gave stunning views of the complex outside. She could clearly see palm trees softly swaying in the breeze, their long fronds refracting the different colored spotlights that bathed them.
“Allow me, ma’am.” She couldn’t help but feel so very special as the waiter pulled out her chair and she sat down at the exquisite table.
“Thank you.”
Luxurious Egyptian linen perfectly complemented the silver cutlery and fine crystal goblets. Delicate golden roses and gypsophila were intricately woven together to form an impressive central posy.
The whole room was decorated in varying shades of white and cream, from the tablecloths to the marble flooring and walls. Everything, that was, except for the black grand piano that stood shining brilliantly in the corner of the room.
The restaurant hummed with conversation. She’d been aware that many of the diners had observed their progress as the waiter escorted them to their table. Lia figured that Jake Benetti would attract interest wherever he went. After all, he was an incredibly charismatic man. And very sexy and hot. Where had that thought come from? Startled by the notion, she immediately quashed the idea. He was after her inheritance, and she’d do well to remember it.
He slipped off his jacket and then sat beside her. The subtle smell of his aftershave drifted once more across her nostrils, making her feel even more aware of the powerful man next to her. He was a hard man to ignore.
Jake leaned in and whispered in her ear. She felt his hot, masculine breath on her neck. “Lia, did you notice everyone here stopped and stared when you walked into the room?” His deep baritone voice aroused her.
Pleasantly surprised by his compliment, Lia smiled. “I’m sure they were taking more notice of you. After all, you are the boss here.”
Jake shook his head. “No, I dine here nearly every night. I’m just a face in the crowd. I can assure you, they were far more interested in you, especially the guys.” His eyes caressed her face, and a faint smile touched his lips. It was the most relaxed she’d seen him.
Feeling slightly overwhelmed by her surroundings, Lia idly touched the bracelet around her wrist for comfort. Joe had bought all her jewelry. What she wore tonight was a special gift from him. One that celebrated the alternative lifestyle they’d decided to share together. Only they and other like-minded people would be aware of the significance. The bracelet gave her great strength and support as she caressed the charms one by one. Each piece was symbolic of their relationship. To her and Joe they represented something far more serious. Her jewelry defined their sex life together. The tiny silver flogger, crop, and paddle, sat side by side with the BDSM emblem—three curved lines showing the three divisions in the lifestyle, set within a wheel. She sighed inwardly. There could never be anyone else. Joe had been everything she’d needed and more. He’d satisfied her physical, emotional, and intellectual needs in a way most men wouldn’t understand.