The Arrangement (unenhanced Edition) by AnnaRCase (books to read now .txt) 📖

                It came as no surprise to Amberleigh that Grayson Godwin lived in one of the tallest skyscrapers in Midtown Omega City. A monster of a building which seemed to spiral up towards Heaven, made of glass and white marble. It made sense one of the God’s of the city would reside in such a place.

It also came as no surprise the driver didn’t speak to her on the way there. She tapped him on the shoulder and said “Good talk”, before he exited the car. He’d parked at the back entrance to  Preeminence Tower. They were met by a middle- aged man in a crisp, black uniform, and impeccable shoes, presumably Mr. Godwin’s butler.   

“Miss Dubois, I’m Mr. Duvall, employed by Mr. Godwin. I’m here to escort you up to the penthouse and handle your luggage.”

Amberleigh was inclined to tell him she could handle her own luggage, but by the look on his face, he took his job very seriously. And he would no doubt be offended by such an offer.  He was a tidy man, trim, clean shaven, with wisps of gray in his dark hair. He had a stiff air about him, and probably hadn’t laughed in a couple decades. But that was being unfair and stereotyping, she scolded herself.

“Thank you Mr. Duvall,” she replied graciously, “That's kind of you.”

Mr. Duvall picked up both of her suitcases and she followed him through what was obviously the staff entrance to the building. It wasn’t like Amberleigh expected to be paraded through the lobby with a bow tied around her neck or anything, but it still stung a bit she had to admit. She was already a shameful secret from the get-go. She could imagine what would happen if the story of their arrangement leaked to the press.  The press already loved Grayson Godwin and they would lose their fuckin minds over this.

On the elevator ride up, Mr. Duvall began some chatter about the building. It was only a decade old, one hundred and forty stories, and based off a design similar to the Evolution Tower in Russia. It was the last building designed by the architect Mr. Kettle at the age of seventy before his retirement. Preeminence Tower was home to several politicians, athletes, well known celebrities, and also some extended family members of John Leda.  It was clear Mr. Duvall took great pride in his position here. And Amberleigh looked forward to her positions here also.

The elevator was operated by Mr. Duval placing his thumbprint into the scanner. It opened into a hallway made of rich, dark black walnut wood, or so Mr. Duvall explained, and travertine stone flooring, giving it an antique look. It wasn’t all that dissimilar from the penthouse in the Cobra Club.  Solid, vintage tables and leather chairs dotted the hallway. And the lighting was crystal and gold chandeliers which cast prisms high up the wall. Someone liked the sea, because old paintings of the ocean and its landscape adorned the space. It was quite enchanting. Perhaps Grayson had gotten some of his affinity for antiques from his father.

The hallway ended at two, solid doors also made of black walnut. Mr. Duvall was spouting off things about the designs as if he were a tour guide. He was quite knowledgeable. The doors were authentic vintage pieces made in nineteen-twenty, salvaged from an auction of an old estate which Mr. Godwin had attended himself. Surprisingly, the billionaire had handpicked many of the pieces in the hallway, and many other antiques throughout the apartment. She just assumed he had a designer who did all the grunt work. What other surprises would she learn about him?

The main foyer of the penthouse was just as stunning. Tall, arched ceilings with exposed beams, white walls with gold trim accents, marble flooring, and the whole left side was made of glass windows offering an amazing view of the city. But really could she expect nothing less from Grayson Godwin, she wondered as Mr. Duvall led her past the white grand piano. What she did notice was missing, seemed to be any personal family photos. Perhaps in the bedrooms or living room?

Mr. Duvall led her to a den. It was also a beautiful space, though back to the more rugged, manly look like the hallway. Its walls were made of half dark- wood, and vintage, dark green wallpaper. There was a stone fireplace, and a bookcase filled the entire interior wall. But the pinnacle of the room, was the man sipping coffee, sitting in a old, white armchair facing the wall of glass that looked out upon the city beneath him. Like a God lording over his creation from above.

There was no denying, that Grayson Godwin was beautiful. His silky hair was still wet this early hour as if he’d recently showered. It brought a variety of naughty thoughts into Amberleigh’s head about water cascading deliciously over every contour of his body. His light mustache and goatee were on point, just the right amount of stubble to make him hella sexy without obscuring any of his perfect features. He was dressed in a grey tweed suit which made his blue eyes actually appear to take on a greyish tone. Amberleigh was salivating and hating herself for it.

“Mr. Godwin, Miss Dubois has arrived,” said Mr. Duvall, “Shall I show her to her room sir?”

Grayson made a long pass of her up and down. She knew she probably looked homeless after no sleep and her torture session. Now she regretted not freshening up before coming here, but then again, it was her uterus he was after, not her face.  At least he looked at her when he spoke this time, though his tight ass stayed firmly planted in his chair.

“Welcome, Miss Dubois. I trust you’ll want to get some rest and freshen up first thing. Mr. Duvall will show you to your suite and will help you with anything you need. When you awake, he'll give you a proper tour. I will be out until nightfall, but Mr. Duvall will see to your needs.”