A Heart Caught In Crime

Chapter 6 - Moving in

***Natasha's P.O.V***

We walked in and were seated right away. The server came took our drink orders and left to put the drink order in.

"So, you're married?" I asked him

"No, I'm not." He said meeting my gaze.

"But you... have a girlfriend..." I said not really wanting to know the answer.

"No." He stated not breaking eye contact.

"Gay?"

"No."

"So, tell me, Christian. How come a man as attractive... intelligent... well-spoken... diffident in the most seductive way possible, and yet.. powerful.. is all alone in this world?"

"I've dated in the past. It's just never worked out. I am very hopeful with the way our current friendship is going." He said as a little shimmer in his eyes almost pleading.

"I too am happy with our current friendship."

We continued conversing for what seems like an eternity over the delightful food we had for lunch.

After lunch we drove around the city looking at the sights. We talking about our favorite food, music, and books. I told him about the issues I've had with my father as a child. I didn't tell him about my mother as I have no idea who or where she may be nor did I want to. Anyway, we had dinner at the diner and it was absolutely amazing. Just an all over great day.

"So where are you sleeping tonight?" He asked as the clock on the wall was nearing 8 pm

"I'll be sleeping in the truck. Why?" I said as I took a bite of a French fry.

"Well if you are okay with it I have a spare bedroom at my place. You wouldn't have to worry about money or anything and you can stay as long as you'd like." He said taking a drink of his milk shake.

"I couldn't ask that of you. Besides we only met last night it would be a quick move to have me as a roommate wouldn't it?" I stated shrugging me shoulders

"Well don't think of it as a roommate situation, just think of it as a friend helping a friend."

"If you insist I'll stay with you but no funny business mister." I pointed my fry at him.

He laughed and stated "I insist. You can follow me back after we finish up here."

The check came and I quickly grabbed it. 56$ I left out a sigh. Christian fought me the whole time about payment, but I insisted since he paid for lunch. I put some cash on the table as a tip for the server she was new and put my debit card on the check holder. The server took the check to the register and came back quickly.

"Here is your card, Tasha. And you all are all set have a great night." Shasta (the server) has stated.

Christian and I get into our vehicles and I follow him to his house. We pull into the drive way and I was in awe. Nestled discreetly behind a stately wrought-iron gate on Manhattan's Upper East Side, the opulent townhouse cuts an imposing figure even among the neighborhood's grand edifices. The 19th century Renaissance Revival facade is made of warm reddish-brown Milford granite, with intricately carved stone details and soaring arched windows draped in silk curtains.

We get out of our cars and I just stare ate the house almost unable to look away. Christians hand found mine quickly "let's head inside and I'll give you a tour."

Upon entering the mansion's heavy carved doors, visitors are struck by the grandeur of the marble-floored foyer. A stunning spiral staircase with a hand-carved mahogany banister and gold-leaf accents winds up four levels to a stained glass ceiling. The front reception room features intricate crown moldings, antique silk wallpaper, and a carved marble fireplace large enough for a person to stand inside.

The living spaces flow seamlessly into one another in an open, loft-style layout. Gleaming herringbone hardwood floors extend throughout the entertaining areas. The formal dining room can seat 20 under a custom Venetian crystal chandelier. The chef's kitchen boasts marble countertops, top-of-the-line appliances, and a cozy fireplace eating nook.

On the upper floors, the seven luxurious bedroom suites provide elegant city retreats, with spa-like en-suite bathrooms clad in imported Italian tile and rain showers. The master bedroom is a true sanctuary, with a sitting room, dual dressing rooms, and a private terrace overlooking the East River.

The mansion's pièce de résistance is the indoor swimming pool surrounded by a Grecian mural and flanked by steam rooms and saunas. Other amenities include a wine cellar, home theater, gym, elevator, and smart home technology controlling everything from lighting to security.

Outside, the unique property features a serene interior courtyard with a tranquil fountain. In the heart of New York's most exclusive neighborhood.

He showed me to my room on the second floor and helped me carry in my luggage. "The chef would like to know what you would want for breakfast in the morning." Christian said as we were walking up the stairs.

"The chef?" I asked in shock "you have a chef?"

He laughed "well yes. She is a live in chef, her name is Scarlet her room is at the start of the hall on the left. She has a suggestion box to the right side of her door on the wall for any suggestions you may have for what you want for breakfast, lunch, diner, or snacks you can also put any food allergies in there so she knows what she needs to stay away from."

By the end of the explanation we were in my room and I was putting some clothing items away as he was sitting in a chair in the corner of the room.

"I hope you know that all this will take a while for me to get used to." I turned to look at him with my hands on my hips.

"I suppose I should tell you I also have a maid as well as several security guards."

"Who even are you?" I say laughing. He just shook his head.

"I already told you. I own multiple multimillion dollar hotels as well as a couple restaurants and a few bars around the area." After this he walked over to me, kissed my forehead and said "I'm going to shower and get ready for bed," he looked at his watch "do you work tomorrow?"

"Yes," i told him "I have to clock in at 9 am to get everything started. The dinner doesn't open until 10:30 though."

"Alright. Make sure you eat before you leave. I won't be here when you do leave I have early morning meetings that will extend deep into the day. But I'll see you tomorrow night for diner. We can eat in I'll have Scarlet whip up something nice." He left the room and closed the door behind him.

I took a shower in the en suite bathroom and went to bed.