Jasper's Claim | Book One

Nine

l'hotel Maximillian was sprawled across 4 acres of land, and stood 30 floors high. It was located on the Upper East Side, Manhattan, New York and was the home away from home of the elite, from music and movie stars to politicians and professionals.

It was owned by Maximillian Butler, reputed to be one of New Yorks eligible bachelors and a ruthless and very successful businessman.

One of Jax's nightclubs was situated here and it was here he'd met her barely two weeks ago.

As he rode to the very top of the building, he deliberated on how his friend would react to his request.

He expected to be mocked and ridiculed but he knew Max would come through for him.

He'd spoken with Delphine the previous evening about his plans and she'd promised to help, however, in order to do that, she needed certain information...

Information he was here to obtain.

The ding of the elevator brought his mind back to the present and he strode quickly past the reception area, nodding curtly at the beautiful blonde lady who looked up, waved and continued talking softly into a Bluetooth receiver, down a plush carpeted hallway and into a glass enclosed office.

Another blonde lady sat staring intently at the screen of the iMac in front of her simultaneously tapping at the screen and typing furiously on the attached keyboard.

She paused when he entered and smiled in recognition.

'Mr Taylor,' She nodded politely.

'Odette,' Jax returned her smile, stepping through the glass double doors that opened at his approach.

Max looked up from the document he seemed to be studying and cracked a lopsided smile as Jax walked in.

'Jasper,' He said, leaning back in his leather chair, his Italian accent more evident as a result of his surprise.

Jax rolled his eyes, Max was the only one in their inner circle who didn't address the rest of them by shortened names. In retaliation, they sometimes addressed him by his middle name... Giovanni... which he thoroughly disliked.

'Giovanni' Jax retorted grinning heartily at Max's disgruntled expression.

The two friends shook hands and hugged briefly before settling down.
Max pressed a button on his intercom; 'Odette? Please have refreshments brought in.'

'Yes Max.'

Jax raised his eyebrows, glancing briefly at the blonde beauty and then at his friend.

'Max huh?' he teased, 'how's that working out for ya?'

Max sighed, 'Not well, my friend. This one's trouble.'

'Well, If you stop fucking your personal assistants, life may get easier huh?!' Jax laughed.

Max grinned, 'They fuck me, most of the time, what's a man to do?'

Jax rolled his eyes at his friends dry humor as Odette walked in with a tray of coffee and cookies, setting it down with a small smile at Max, who signalled for her to leave, before walking away with a slight sway to her hips.

Both men caught up on small talk, for a few minutes, while they sipped on their drinks before Jax broached, the reason for his visit.

'I need to find someone' he said.

Max frowned thoughtfully and asked; 'Who?'

'A girl' Jax responded.

It was Max's turn to raise an eyebrow 'A girl?'