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

Amberleigh popped her head out her bedroom door and made sure the coast was clear before she exited. Luckily, the white plush slippers she wore made her footfalls across the marbled floor fall quietly. She didn’t want to run into any members of Mr. Godwin’s staff, though many probably were not on the job yet this morning as it was only creeping towards half past six.

She first tried her luck at the den, but much to her disappointment, Grayson was no longer there. She just hoped he hadn’t left for the office just yet. She didn’t know the layout of the Penthouse, but luckily she heard voiced echoing from what turned out to be the kitchen, as she tiptoed down the hall. She held her breath as she peered into the kitchen, flattening herself the best she could near a white archway.

The kitchen was gorgeous of course. Clean, white and crisp, also with an antique feel. The walls were a canary yellow, bright and cheerful. Distressed, white cabinets, large farmhouse style sinks which you could see the plumbing beneath, and antique gas stove and oven. The room was light up by brass, pendant lights handing from the ceiling. Even the large refrigerator with the freezer on bottom, was old with a pull handle, and literally resembled a white ice box. Atop it sat a large circular motor, which whined as it powered the unit. The tile on the floor was a black and white mosaic pattern.

A dark skinned man, clearly a chef by his white coat and hat, sat a plate of food in front of Grayson Godwin. Grayson was choosing to forgo eating his breakfast in the fancy dining room, but instead at a small table tucked in a breakfast nook with a fantastic view of the city. The food looked and smelled divine, and Amberleigh’s stomach grumbled, reminding her it had been a while since she’d put anything into it.

“Eggs Benedict, just the way you like them G man,” said the Chef.

Even more surprising than the informal way the chef had addressed his employer, was the boyish grin which appeared on Grayson’s face.

“You fucker, you know I hate eggs.” Then he laughed.

The chef laughed even harder, and Amberleigh was shocked. Grayson hadn’t seemed capable of such a jovial exchange. He and the chef were clearly friends or maybe something more perhaps? They appeared around the same age. The chef was a nice specimen to look at himself, his skin was the color of creamy hot chocolate, his eyes big and brown, and not even his uniform could hide his bulging biceps and broad muscled physique.

“I’m under strict orders from your mother after all. Eat up and stop whining like a little bitch. Will you be home in time to watch the game tonight? I got hella spread in mind.”

Grayson’s smile fell off his face and it was back to the serious, cold side, Amberleigh knew. But at least she know knew he was capable of other emotions, well at least towards people other than herself.

“Rain check. Can’t. I’m fuckin swamped with meetings all day. And Dad even committed me to entertain the Rockwell’s at Giorgio’s tonight. And you know those fuckers, they’re loud and will drink the place out of their most expensive wine and go on for hours about how their dicks are bigger and better, and all their other usual bullshit. That’s my punishment for missing out on the meeting with the Von Stratton’s last week because of you.”

Both friends seemed to share a memory, and the chef laughed and clapped Grayson on the shoulder.

“That night was epic G man. Adulting is a real bitch.”

Grayson took a drink of his no doubt freshly squeezed orange juice. He wiped his mouth on a cloth napkin, all prim and proper like.

“Speaking of bitch, the girl is here. I don’t know about her Leo. This whole thing is so fuckin messed up. She looks like she wants to slit my throat in my sleep.”

Amberleigh bit her cheek to contain herself. So, this probably arrangement hadn’t been his idea. That only seemed to bring on more questions. Who was pulling the strings here? Daddy rich bucks Godwin? I mean Grayson was only twenty-four, that left plenty of time to produce an heir. So why now and under such shady circumstances also?

“Just give her some time. This is a fucked up situation, but I mean she’s probably hot right? Enjoy it man. She came from the fuckin Cobra Club, so she knows her shit. You’re one lucky mother fucker G-man.”

Grayson sighed, “Yeah well it’s just  business Leo. Nothing more. I’ll be glad when this shit is done and over with. But keep an eye on her, will you? I don’t trust her. I think she’s trouble and she’s got a mouth on her.”

“Oh, I hope she’s got a mouth on her,” said Leo as he refilled Grayson’s juice. “Of course I’ll keep an eye on her. That’s what friends are for.”

Amberleigh didn’t know whether to feel insulted or complimented. So he didn’t really even want her here either. Well, that certainly made her feel great about herself. And like old times really, her parents hadn’t wanted her, Jackson hadn’t wanted her after she put out, and her boyfriend of two weeks, after she stopped buying drugs for him, so Grayson could just join a crowded list.  But then again, what had she had been expecting?

Grayson got up from the table, leaving his food untouched. It seemed Leo also noticed this and his brows furrowed.

“You didn’t eat,” he pointed out. “I slaved like a bitch cooking for you. Got up at the asscrack of dawn, and this is how you show your appreciation?”

Grayson cracked another grin, “I show my appreciation by that twenty grand I pay you every month. Keep mouthing off to me, and I’ll toss your ass back out on the street. Besides, you aren’t the best chef in this damn city.”