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Chapter Four
The drive toZane’s house had not been strained despite the expectation that throbbed heavy around them. With every mile, a slick, slippery anticipation slithered over and around her resolve until her nerves were in disarray.
Sensing it, Zane placed a hand on hers and distracted her with conversation.
“You have to understand, all of this is only dear to me because of where I began.”
Amira shifted to face him; curiosity piqued. “You mean you weren’t born into all this?” She gestured out the window to the opulent houses sitting on display as he drove through one of Melbourne’s most exclusive suburbs.
“Don’t mistake me, I love nothing more than enjoying the lifestyle that money affords—”
“Tailored suits?” She caught the lapel of his jacket between her thumb and forefinger, stroking the fine material. Made to fit his body, his style. It spoke of a man who was confident, charming, and compelling at all levels. But Amira was beginning to understand what that actually meant.
He caught her fingers in his hand, kissing the tips before letting go. “Yes, fine clothes are essential. Once you know the feeling of silk against your skin, it’s hard to settle for anything less. Something which I’m sure you would appreciate.”
She settled back against the warm leather seat, the buzzing in her stomach returning. “Yes, that comes with the job description. I’m surrounded by fine material all day long.” But being able to afford to wear it every single day was something else. “This car…how expensive is it anyway?”
He glanced over, smile hovering at his lips. “Does it matter?”
“Not one bit. But I’m a curious cat.”
“You know what they say about cats…”
“That they get the cream?”
He laughed. “Very well. This cost just over eleven million.”
Amira stared. The words filtered through her shock. “Eleven million? As in, dollars?”
“I don’t trade in Monopoly money.”
She laughed, incredulous. “Well. Wow. I can’t say I’ve ever met anyone with that kind of spare change.”
“I wouldn’t say eleven million is spare change. But I’m willing to pay for my comfort. And I make sure those who tend to those comforts be compensated. My employees are paid well. They’re loyal.”
“You have staff? Like servants?”
“I have employees. Some who tend to my home, others who tend to my business. Both are vital to maintaining my lifestyle. Even though I have domestic help, they are all discreet. My privacy is important to me which means it is important to them. Anything you want, you shall have tonight.”
Tonight. For the first time in her life, she would know what it was to be touched intimately. Sex. Another connection of sorts. She was under no illusions. Zane made her no promises. Had he done otherwise, she may not have been able to carry through with it.
The car began to slow down, and Amira’s mouth gaped open. They stopped in front of a set of high gates, complete with security cameras and a guard.
“You live here?”
“Don’t look so shocked.”
“Just how successful is that business of yours?”
Zane laughed. “Businesses. And in short, very. I’ve sacrificed a lot to get to this place, but I’ve come to appreciate where I’m at.” He gestured beyond the imposing gates to the house on the hill. “This has come through a lot of hard work and some luck. But I’ve wanted this lifestyle for a long time. Now that I have it, I want to enjoy it.”
“And you always get what you want.”
“Eventually. And sometimes not at all. But I have fine tastes, Amira.” His fingertip ran down her cheek as the gates swung open. He nodded to the guard as they drove by. “But then you already knew that.”
“I’m surprised you don’t have a driver.”
Zane shrugged. “I do. For business, it’s common sense. That time in the morning where I can work from the car makes me money. But never for nights of leisure. When I’m not working, I like to enjoy what I own. When they build cars so much like toys it’s hard for me to resist.” He winked, and it dawned on her then that she wanted more of him, of the playful, open man beneath the smooth exterior.
