Page 61 of Wicked Dares
Goose bumps spread down my arms as I gaze at the impressive architecture through the car window.
This is the kind of building that makes you check what you’re wearing.
Had I selected one of my usual dresses, I would have probably turned back.
I went shopping yesterday courtesy of Levi. I was picked up at my apartment before noon by another one of Levi’s assistants—a lady this time. I was taken to Neiman Marcus, where I was given a personal shopper and told to pick whatever I wanted.
Of course, I feel like I’ve landed in another dream.
Tonight’s dress is a sleeveless black couture from Dior, and my shoes are Louboutins. I look the part. Now I just have to get my mind together.
I’m meeting Levi here. I would have preferred to meet him before so we could arrive together, but he had a late meeting.
My driver eases the car to the curb behind a line of town cars, then he’s out and opening the door for me.
I step out. The cold night air catches the back of my neck, but I walk straight ahead, summoning my inner catwalk model.
Tonight came around fast. I thought I had more time to prepare, but time snuck up on me.
I went over Levi’s notes, which were surprisingly detailed. He gave me the schedule of events and the narrative for our story.
But I don’t think he could have prepared me for this. This…world. His world. But tonight, it’s mine, too.
The thought steadies me.
I follow the line of people gathering at the entrance and walk onto the red carpet. Doormen flank the doors on either side, wearing long charcoal coats. They hold the doors open for arriving guests.
I walk into a domed foyer with a chandelier the size of a small car and a checkerboard marble floor that’s so glossy you can see your reflection in it.
This place is amazing. And it belongs to Arthur. I’m intrigued to find out what else he owns.
The man is on par with the Vales, but he made his billions in the wine industry. Tonight’s fundraiser is a wine auction where he’ll be auctioning wine from the very vineyard Levi and I will be visiting in a few weeks.
Soft string music pulls me deeper, then flashes go off from cameras. I realize the press are here.
My nerves tingle, but I keep my head up as I look around for Levi.
A woman in a black sheath dress steps forward with a tablet. “Miss Andrews.” She smiles at me.
“Hi,” I answer, impressed once more that I’ve never had to wait around for anything. All of Levi’s staff and acquaintances have literally been at my beck and call. All I’ve had to do so far is show up.
“Mr. Vale is expecting you. This way, please.”
I follow her in.
She guides me into a grand hall that steals my breath away.
I can’t help it. I look around, awestruck.
The ceiling lifts impossibly high, coffered and painted in faded fresco. Tall arched windows line one wall, framed in heavy ivory drapes Aunt Bess would kill for, and between every window a marble column climbs all the way up to meet the ceiling.
The floor is dark parquet laid in a herringbone pattern that runs the length of the room toward an arched wall that leads out to a balcony.
I try not to stare too much at the women in their beautiful couture and the men in tuxedos, but everyone looks so polished it’s hard not to.
Ahead, I spot Levi and every cell in my body instantly becomes aware of him.
He’s near the foot of the staircase dressed in a black tailored tuxedo that makes him look like he should always be in a room like this. The sight of him knocks the breath clean out of me.
