Imperfect Truth(21)
Along the outskirts, overlooking 5th avenue, are secluded alcoves that would be optimal for temptation and later…persuasion. The lounge is sexy, sophisticated, and like Ryder, worldly. It evokes feelings of status and privilege.
Ryder is already here, standing at the bar looking like sheer perfection. He’s wearing a pair of charcoal slacks and a tight-fitting black button down. The definition in his chest is not lost on me, even in that dress shirt. Our eyes meet, his gaze lights me on fire. I swallow and will myself to approach.
“Ava, you look beautiful, as always.” He leans in grazing my cheek with a kiss. I’m not used to this much attention.
“Thank you, Ryder.”
“What are you drinking? Glass of champagne?” I smile and nod.
“Brut Rosé, right?” his smile touches his eyes. I’m floored that he remembers.
“Yes, please.”
He motions to the bartender. “I’ll have a Glen Livet neat, and this lovely lady will have a glass of the Brut Rosé.”
He turns back to me still smiling, but this time I can see his pupils have dilated as he trails them up my body, “You really are a beautiful woman, Ava. When I look at you, I am completely enraptured.”
Feeling uncomfortable from the attention, I try to change the direction of our conversation. “So tell me, what can I help you with, Ryder? What did you want to discuss?”
“Honestly?” he asks.
“Yes, honestly.”
“Nothing, I just wanted to see you.”
His answers floor me. I breathe in deeply, calming my already shaky nerves. “So you brought me here under the false pretense of a working relationship, so you could see me?” To be honest I’m rather flattered, but I don't want him to know that. He looks at me with a knowing smile.
Damn, he knows.
“Yes, Ava. You intrigue me,” he exhales and speaks again,
“There’s something about you. When I saw your picture,” he pauses; my pulse is erratic. “After talking to you that very first time, I just needed to know.”
“What did you need to know?” My voice is barely a whisper, raspy and confused.
“I needed to know you.”
I feel my heartbeat pick up in my chest, so I grab my glass off the counter and take a big gulp to calm my nerves.
“Oh.”
Words have escaped me yet again. Whenever Ryder is around I feel naked before him. It’s as if he can see into the depth of my soul past all the walls I’ve built up. He can see all my insecurities.
As we stand there adjacent to the bar, we talk. It’s so refreshing to just talk to someone. We speak through our first drinks and well into another round. Finally after what must have been forty-five minutes, I reference last night and the coincidence of seeing him.
“So, It was crazy seeing you yesterday with Lenore,” I say to him as I sip my drink. “I totally did not see that coming.” I smile lightly.
“Yeah, right.” He laughs.
“Although in truth, I’m surprised we have not met earlier. We do run in the same social circles,” I say to him.
“Well, maybe I didn’t want to present myself before. Maybe I wanted to wait till the time was right.” He winks at me. “Lenore is quite the character.” He continues to laugh to himself as he speaks, and my body warms at the sound. His eyes light up when he laughs. Magnificent.
“That she is. I was actually really surprised to have seen you there.”
“I know, you said that already, but why is that, Ava?” He looks deep within my soul when he speaks. It’s unnerving.
My whole body shivers.
“I thought no one knew what you looked like? I just figured…”
“What did you figure? You figured I was a recluse? Hardly. I just don’t allow my picture to be taken. I’m very particular about who knows my true identity.”
“Do you allow yourself to be photographed at these events? I mean you were there as Lenore’s guest. I just imagined she would parade you around every photographer. “
“Oh she tried.” He laughs out “Believe me, she tried. Too bad she didn’t realize that I control everything. Even when you think I don’t…I do.”
“Aw, an evil mastermind, are you?” I giggle.
“Yes, Ava.” His words are a warning, almost like he is flying a red flag in front of me. This is a crossroads. I know I should think long and hard about how to proceed, but instead, I choose to ignore it. I’m too intoxicated to care. Instead I decide to move toward the burning flame. I decide to heed no warnings.
As the minutes pass I’m losing my free will. Ryder Matthews is holding me prisoner, and I don’t want him to release me. Ever.