She gave me a wicked smile. “And this pussy is yours.”
A growl lodged in my throat. “It is.”
Worry crossed her face. “So. . .I have a question.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I noticed you left during the second act.”
“I’m surprised you noticed.”
“I noticed. Tonight, I danced only for you.”
Every part of my body burst with desire. “Is that right?”
“Yes.”
I moved in to capture those lips.
She left my reach. “Stop avoiding the topic. Where did you go during the second act?”
“I had a short meeting. One I had to deal with at that moment.”
“Did it deal with Akiva or—”
“No. My cousin. He wants me in Paris.”
She swallowed. “When will you go?”
I drank her in. “I’m no longer sure.”
The wall slipped open. Ten waiters hurried in. Some held several ice buckets full of champagne. Others had white trays of different caviar topping small pieces of toast. One by one, they covered the table in these delights.
Four more waiters entered with stacks of small black menus. Gold writing covered the front. They took their time giving us all one. When they were done, they disappeared.
Maxwell rose from his chair and pinged his wine glass with a white fork.
All chatter ceased. Everyone gave him their attention.
He cleared his throat, and his expression went serious. “Today, we are gathered here together to witness a celebration of mega proportions.”
A few ballerinas widened their eyes.
“Have no fear.” Maxwell raised his voice. “But there will be debauchery this evening!”
Several ballerinas laughed.
Maxwell pointed the fork at me. “Please turn to our lovely benefactor. When your stomach is full and your liver is shaking and your feet are tired from the dancing and your panties are on the floor and you’re in bed having a blast with the good-looking man with the New York accent. Thank this man, Misha. He did that.”
One of the ballerinas raised her glass and spoke in Russian. “Such a bad boy! To panties on the floor and sex with strangers!”
“That’s right.” Maxwell raised his glass. “Whatever she said. I don’t know what it is, but I like her excitement.”
We all laughed.
Lowering, he returned to his joint and conversation with the ballerina next to him. Loud chatter ensued. Several ballerinas clinked their glasses with guards.
I ordered a vodka with lavender-lemonade ice. The waiter had it in front of me fast.
One ballerina tapped Ava’s shoulder and chatted with her for a few minutes. Every few sentences, Ava checked over her shoulder as if making sure I didn’t run off. The gesture tickled me so.
I’ll be right here, Ava. I’m not leaving your side.
Letting go for the first time this evening, I picked up my drink, tilted my head back, and swallowed the vodka to the last drop. The ice chimed against my teeth. I gestured for a passing waiter to get me another one, while I sucked on one of those sweet cubes.
I’m glad I shot Pavel. If I hadn’t, I would have missed this.
In our special room, the music was different than the main lounge. It was slow with an experimental jazz tune. A sultry voice flowed over it. Each word clear and lovely.
As if hearing my thoughts, Ava said, “I like this song.”
“It’s relaxing and smooth. The intention is for you to be able to taste the food.”
She smirked. “What?”
“Restaurant background music is one of the most important factors of their success. More significant than even the food.”
“No way. You must elaborate.”
“Studies show that music can increase food sales. Alternatively, a silent restaurant or just playing random songs can actually hurt food sales.”
“Hmmm.” She listened to the song some more. “This tune is making me more comfortable, yet energized to be here.”
“Imagine if there was no song. You would still enjoy yourself, but not as much. And then if there was something like heavy metal. That would change the moment. You may want to rush out.”
“Or American Country music would dull the mood for me as well.”
I grinned. “A slow tempo encourages patrons to stick around after the meal. When they do, they spend more money on drinks and desserts.”
“Okay. I can believe that.” She sipped her glass and held it up. “But wait. What about fast music? Does it change sales?”
“Fast songs boost drink sales, not food.”
“People want to party and get in the mood to dance.”
“Correct.”
“Why do you know this?”
“When I first started my company, I was looking up good music to keep my tech employees working. That led me down a path to other businesses and their use of music. Clothing stores. Salons—”
“And restaurants?”
“Yes.”
“I love that you focused on a small detail when creating your business.”
“I wanted to make sure it was the best. The very idea was a risky move.” I relaxed, happy that I could talk to someone about this. “You now know about my father, my cousin, and. . .”
She curved her lips into a weak smile. “The family business.”