Page 32 of Set In Stone

alexander

Ididn’t wantKrystina to leave my side, but I had networking to do. This was a momentous night for Matteo and I had a lot invested in my friend’s success. I was sure she would be bored stiff with the dry conversations that were about toensue.

Although I was curious over her comment about Matteo, I figured it was best if I didn’t know the details. Men always flocked to Allyson and her charms. Matteo was not immune. I noticed the way he looked at her, but she always appeared to keep him out of arms reach. I hoped he had the sense to stay focused tonight, rather than get caught up with her, as I had seen him do so many times in thepast.

After thirty minutes of working the room, I had a good feeling about the restaurants future success. I stood around a tall table conversing and shaking every hand that was offered to me. The food was getting rave reviews, and the excitement was at its peak. The high was contagious. Even the press coverage was solely focused on the restaurant, their prying eyes staying away from me foronce.

I scanned the room for Krystina. She had been gone a while, despite my warning. I was surprised to see that she was no longer with Allyson, but instead talking to the mayor and his wife. Her smile was bright, and her audience laughed at whatever she just said. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one working the room thisevening.

Interesting…

Her eyes caught mine and I felt that familiar tug. I knew she felt it too. Reaching out to shake the mayor’s hand, she excused herself and headed in my direction. I watched her hips sway ever so subtly under the blue chiffon gown and I couldn’t help but to admire her choice in attire. Even her makeup was spot on. Krystina never wore much makeup, but tonight she had painted her lips a deep red and added smoky shadow on her eyes. She looked absolutely stunning and I was acutely aware of the men that stared. She had the attention of every able-bodied man in the room and she didn’t even knowit.

“Alexander,” said a male voice to my left. Breaking my gaze away from Krystina, I turned to see who was addressing me. I quickly masked my displeasure when I saw who itwas.

“Vic,” I greeted with a fake, plastic smile. The last thing I wanted to do was engage with Victor Carr, the Wall Street shark who had been after me about making Stone Enterprise available for public trade. His presence was a reminder of why I preferred private dinners over publicones.

“It’s good to see you again. I know you’re technically here for restaurant matters, but I’d like to talk to you about –,” he began, but I silenced him by holding up myhand.

“It’s not happening,Vic.”

He let out an easylaugh.

“Not to worry. I wasn’t going into market talks with you tonight. This is something different and merely just friendlyconversation.”

I doubted that, but still gave him myattention.

“Goon.”

“There’s a property in Pennsylvania that you might be interested in. It has historical significance,” Victor informedme.

“Historical significance means a whole lot of red tape. I tend to avoid that for obvious reasons,” I saiddryly.

“This one isn’t up for sale. It’s a hotel that needs investors to bring it back to its former glory. Considering your recent venture with Wally’s Grocery Stores, I may have mentioned your name as an interestedparty.”

“Again Vic, not my thing. Wally’s was an economic decision. It was all about preventing job loss in thecity.”

“What if I told you this property was owned by RogerHennessey?”

I paused then, considering what he was saying. Roger Hennessey was the driving force behind bringing European football to the United States. He planned to be at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Stone Arena. If it weren’t for him, the stadium would still be apipedream.

“That’s interesting to know. I might look into it,” I told him, careful to keep a poker face in play and not say any more. Victor Carr was smart. I knew he considered his referral a favor, one that he might try to use as leverage to further push me about going public. I was about to comment on it when Krystina slid up besideme.

“Sorry, I got caught up,” she toldme.

“Is this the lady of the hour?” Victordrawled.

I gritted my teeth. I didn’t like his tone. It was then that I remembered the other connection I had to Victor. He wasn’t only a shark on Wall Street. He was also a member of Club O. I’d only seen him there a couple of times in passing, but it was enough that he’d remember my affiliation with the exclusive club. He knew the privacy rules, but there was something sinister about the way he fixed his gaze on Krystina. Seeing as though she was with me, it made it easy for one to assume that she was also a member. There was no doubt he’d try to test the limits. My fists clenched as I tried to fight the rage that was boiling up. I knew I’d have to play this cool or riskexposure.

“Krystina, this is VictorCarr.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,Krystina.”

Victor extended his hand to Krystina. I expected a handshake, but he lifted her hand to his lips to kiss the backside instead. I sawred.

Before I could react, Krystina pulled her hand away, not allowing his lips to linger. She reached up to touch my arm reassuringly and moved closer to my side. I wrapped a protective arm around herwaist.

“It’s nice to meet you too, Mr. Carr. How do you and Alex know each other?” she asked politely. I stiffened. It was an innocent question, but she had no idea how loaded itwas.

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