Rose (The Billionairess, #1.5)

Chapter 1: Knight in Shining Armor

I was not looking forward to Montgomery's. I already had enough on my plate from all the mindless clients and inefficient secretaries at Delacourt Enterprises. But as soon as Tristen called me on the phone, I knew no matter what I would be going there with him that night.

"I've heard a lot of good things about this place," Tristen said after he picked me up from my apartment.

I was barely listening. I pressed my forehead against the chilly glass of the limousine.  The city was black and gold at night, and the dimly lit streets calmed me. I didn't want to come tonight. I had work to do. But Tristen kept insisting we go, and eventually I gave in.

Even all these years later, I couldn't bring myself to say no to him.

"What's wrong, Rose?"

I felt Tristen's hand cup my knee, and I turned to him. His eyes looked at me with a kind expression, but I knew the non-gold beneath his glitter.

"Just tired," I said. "Long day at work."

"You work too hard, Rose" he said. His hand moved further down my thigh. "You need to have a position in life where someone else can take care of you."

I glanced down at his hand during a pause, then moved it back up to my knee.

"I'm very proud of my work, thank you."

He watched me for a moment, then turned his head away. He kept his hand still, but I could see the slight clench in his jaw. He never liked it when I didn't cooperate.

The limo pulled up to Montgomery's. The driver opened the door for us, and I stepped out.

"Thank you" I told him.

He tipped his hat and nodded. "No problem, Miss Delacourt. Enjoy your dinner."

I'll try my best I thought, as I felt Tristen link his arm with mine. Montgomery's was a quaint little place, with little white lights encircling the roof. There was already a flutter of paparazzi approaching us, parting like the Red Sea just enough for Tristen and I to get to the front,

As we stepped through the wooden glass doors I was engulfed in a warm breeze. The place was crowded, everyone watching us. Tristen smiled his commercial smile for the cameras. Several reporters tried to ask us questions, but the one thing Tristen and I could agree on was that we just wanted dinner.

A cute hostess with red hair led us to our table. Tristen pulled out a chair for me to sit, and just when I thought he was being chivalrous, he gave my ass a pinch before retreating to his seat. I took a deep breath, parting this dinner wouldn't take too long.

"I've heard this place is impressive," he said. "Some of the best critics in town have given it five stars." His eyes wondered around. "I wish the staff wasn't so young though. All of these waiters could pass for teenagers."

"I was probably their age when we met," I pointed out.

Tristen's eyes narrowed at me. Along with not cooperating, he was displeased if I said anything that wasn't "yes master" or "I agree." I could tell he'd been simmering under his skin ever since he picked me up and I made a snide comment on his tie. I almost wondered when it would boil over and pop.

I picked up my menu, and distracted myself with that.

A waiter approached our table, and the anger was cleaned from Tristen's face. Our waiter was another college-aged young man, blonde surfer hair slicked back, a beach tan, and blue eyes. He had a very athletic build under his uniform.

"Hey, welcome to Montgomery's" he said.

"Would you like to hear our specials?"

"Could you tell me more about your wine selection?"