Page 102 of From You to Me

“What’s this place?” I muttered as he led me through the hallways.

“It’s a private club called Alcateon. They’ve got a bit of everything.”

I nodded. “You mean private club for the rich and the famous. Like a secret society kind?” I whispered the last part.

“Yeah, Evy. Although, as far as I’m aware, there’s no secret society associated with this branch.”

“Branch?” I raised a brow.

“Yeah, it’s the most exclusive club in the world. They have several branches, and it’s hard to become a member.”

“Whoa, and they just let me in?”

“That’s because I’m an S-class member, that’s the top-tier customer, and I pay them a lot. So I can bring anyone I want.”

“What if I take pictures and post them online?” I whisper.

His gaze swept to me sideways. “Trust me, you don’t want to do that. The club is owned by some very powerful families around the world.”

“It only piques my intrigue more.”

He shook his head as he walked over to a huge door leading to some sort of bar.

Bloodred carpet covered the floor, with the same dark wood and crystal chandeliers continuing. A curved glass over the side covered the side wall, showing off the expansive view outside.

As we sauntered to our table, we stopped short as a man in a crisp tailored suit halted before us.

“J.J.,” he said in a rich husky voice. Although it sounded American, a hint of Italian accent was laced in his undertone.

His white shirt was opened at the top, revealing a thick gold chain that had an antique cross pendant. He was as tall as Jay, if not an inch taller, with dark black hair, longer on the top and shorter on the sides. A mole sat on top of his thin upper lips, and with a slanted pert nose that looked like it’s been broken one too many times, he looked like a Mafia prince.

“Julian.” Jay nodded, gesturing to me. “Meet Evelyn.”

“Evelyn.” Julian jutted his chin toward me as he locked his dark brown eyes with me.

“Hello,” I replied, meekly.

Julian darted his eyes at Jay. “I’ll see you in the meeting soon.”

“Until then.” Both men shook their hands.

“Why did the man who looked like he might own half of Italy have a meeting with you?” I asked as I eased into the seat Jay pulled out for me near the windows.

He raised a brow as he slid in opposite me. “Actually, he might. Julian is a real estate mogul who owns half of NYC, plus their family the Stormholds’ runs the Alacteon branches along the East Coast. As for the meeting, he owns the building we are interested in for Matt’s label.”

“Oh, that makes sense.”

It felt like a date as we chatted along, sipping on wine and tasting some of the most expensive delicacies that I would’ve never dreamed of having.

I wasn’t sure if I should say anything.

We had so many buried issues that were merely simmering over the surface, and I didn’t want to ruin the moment.

So I kept quiet as I enjoyed the present.

It was all that mattered, right?

“Good night.” Jay hugged me tight as he ran his hands all over my back later that night when he dropped me off at my place.

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