Ransom

•• Chapter 3 ••

Ok, I have to say it, there is something really psycho about a handsome billionaire playing a violin. Apparently, Mr. Ransom didn't want to talk to me in the car on the ride to Symphony Hall. So, he blasted classical music all the way and just pretended I wasn't there. Great start to our date... haha... not. However, maybe it was because we were in the very car I 'damaged' beyond a billionaire's tolerance.

...barely a scratch... did I mention that? NOT EVEN A DENT!

I keep thinking about that a bit neurotically, I'll admit.

I can't help it while twirling my fingers through each other into weird knots while watching Emmett go through his violin practice with his instructor. They practice on the stage while I sit in the chairs of the theatre, simply waiting for the end of the performance.

With barely any words spoken between us since we went out, I had the distinct feeling Mr. Ransom didn't want to get to know me.

I was starting to feel a little suss about all this. I concluded he must of had his mind focused on his practice. Now, I watch him exchange words.

"I'll push back next Thursday, I'll be out of town, Rudolph," Emmett shakes his hand and I spot his wrist watch glinting in the lights. It's surface is half way between purple and blue. Just like his eyes. I note that, and I'll admit it's kind of cool.

"Keep practicing every night, so you keep your focus..." Rudolph murmurs back, just as professional as I'd assume any teacher to be.

I let out a sigh, a little nervous for what Emmett Ransom had in store for me now.

An actual date outside the theatre? Maybe?

I pick at my nails and glance up to see Emmett staring at me after he's put his violin away and jumped off the stage with the case's strap held by his hand.

Rudolph disappears somewhere out back, I assume to the music rooms.

Emmett stands beside me.

And without a word, he starts walking away.

Oh my god, this was getting so awkward.

I get up and press my bag between my hands as I walk step by step, trying to keep in a second sigh. I speed up when I realise Emmett is walking pretty fast.

We head out the theatre, and I follow him up some stairs. It takes us to the main lobby, where another set of much darker, black marble steps leads up to something far fancier. I see signs. For small... private... hang outs. One sign stands out. A gentleman's club. 

Um... what?

I'm confused when at the top of the stairs, there's a hall with stairs leading to the seperate doors of each 'secret' club.

Emmett stops at the second door and spins around, finally facing me. It's the gentlemen's club we've stopped below.

"...um, what are we doing here...?" I ask, bored out of my mind so far.

Emmett tilts his head in a nod to the stair case.

"I'll lay it out, Cherry," Ransom looks me in the eye and explains, "When you walk up these steps, everyone automatically enters into an agreement. It's like a safe place. No one, not even I, can talk about what happens up there. Don't you worry, Cherry, one night is everything," he shrugs half a shoulder, "You ready to have some fun? I could teach you a few manners you could use to benefit yourself in... well, all areas of your life."

Oh.

My.

God.

I should have listened to my instincts in the first place. Shithead.