“And that’s what we’re trying to dismantle,” I declared.
There was a swell of pride in my chest as I said it too. Whenever I thought of those sleepless nights my father fought, whenever I thought of even my own struggles understanding taxes and student loans, I knew that what I was doing was right. Money and business didn’t need to only serve a select few. It needed to have space for every talented individual, no matter where they came from.
Millie sipped her wine. “You really are a dark horse, Vlad, a renegade, even. It suits you well.”
As dinner progressed, we slipped deeper into a world of our own making. Millie asked more about Russia over our steaks and fingerling potatoes, and though I didn’t indulge in dessert often, I was more than happy to share a chocolate lava cake with her. Watching Millie slide that silver spoon between her lips almost felt like foreplay.
What else was she willing to put in that pretty mouth of hers?
“So,” Millie remarked as we began to see the bottom of the dessert ramekin, “it seems our dinner is done. We’ve finished our wine.”
“It seems so,” I agreed.
“Do you think it’s really safe for you to drive home after all those drinks?”
It had only been two and a half glasses of red wine, not nearly enough to affect me, but I understood the implication.
“I would be safe to drive,” I answered. “It’s only…”
“What?” she wondered, her eyes flashing again.
“I don’t want to waste the time taking you home.”
Millie reached for my hand across the table. Her fingers toyed with mine, and I could see there was something on her mind. She didn’t make me ask.
“Vlad, if I said I wanted to see other people, would that change your mind?” she asked, her eyes intently studying my reaction. “It’s not that I’m not interested in you, but… I don’t feel like the kind of person to settle down. As much as I’m enjoying tonight, I don’t want to give you the wrong idea.”
“Will I still be able to see you like this?” I asked first.
“Yes.”
“And will I still get the chance to… have you?”
Her expression darkened. “I hope so.”
“Millie, you are a woman, not a possession,” I swore to her. “I’m happy to take you as I find you, no expectations required.”
“And what about down the road?”
I chuckled. “There’s a cliché about a bridge, right?”
“We can cross that bridge when we get there?”
“Yes, kraseevaia. That’s my sentiment exactly.”
“Well, then,” she mused, letting the last taste of chocolate coat her pouting lips. “I guess we should get the check.”
“Allow me,” I insisted, my hand already waving to our waiter.
“But you got lunch.”
“I might not believe in keeping you bound to me, Millie,” I insisted. “That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy treating you. Besides, I’m still waiting for that coffee.”
I didn’t want to waste time fighting over something as trivial as money. For her, I was content wasting every last penny. I knew it was going to be more than worth my while. I never bought a woman dinner with any expectation, but I knew how amenable they could be when a beautiful woman was treated well. The cost of a meal was an easy price to pay for Millie’s company, and the discount of a last-minute hotel room didn’t feel like too much either.
How much would I spend for one night, a year, or a lifetime? Even if Millie never wanted to settle down, even if she didn’t fit the picture my family’s expectations painted, I couldn’t deny the desire in her eyes or the beauty in how she moved. Every second with her close was priceless.
I only wanted a few where Millie and I didn’t have to keep up our pretenses. With the room booked, I headed to the elevator with a long, quick stride. Millie’s heels echoed against the polished stone floor. I thought we were in the clear as we stepped into the elevator. The doors were just about to shut, leaving us alone, until a huddle of four friends climbed on with us. I could have muttered every swear in the Russian language then. Our backs to the elevator wall, I had to content myself with Millie’s side brushing against mine.