TheDungeon (5 page)

Chapter Nine

The lunch rush at Lavender was over and Kendall was in her
office calculating the dinner receipts from the night before. Even though she
had an accountant on staff who went over the books, she still perused every
single receipt. She had heard horror stories about owners who left the business
end of the restaurant to their CPAs, never once looking at the books and in the
end wound up bankrupt. Kendall was determined that that would never become her
fate, so she was vigilant about the daily receipts.

The phone rang as Kendall was crunching numbers on the
calculator. “Hello, Kendall Hall speaking,” she said, answering on the second
ring.

“Hello, Kendall, this is Magnus.”

“Hi, Magnus.”

“How are you?”

Kendall found herself blushing at the sound of his voice.
“I’m well, thanks. What’s going on?”

“My attorney has drawn up the contract for our partnership.
I’m in the city today and I want to stop by the restaurant so you can take a
look at it.”

“That was quick.”

“I’m a man of action and when I see a good thing, I don’t
waste time putting a deal to bed.”

I like his confidence
, Kendall thought. “Sure, you
can stop by. I’ll be here all day.”

“Okay, I’ll see you within the hour.”

“Sounds good, see you then,” she replied, and hung up.

Kendall went back to crunching numbers and two minutes
later, the phone rang again. “I wonder what he wants now. Hello, Kendall Hall speaking.”

“Hey there, stranger.”

“Who you calling stranger, stranger?”

“You’re the one who dropped out of sight. I haven’t seen you
since our dinner at Niko,” Sydnee replied.

“Come on now, Syd, isn’t that a bit dramatic? I didn’t drop
out of sight, I’ve just been busy, that’s all.” Kendall was tempted to tell
Sydnee that she had been busy performing BDSM acts at The Dungeon, but decided
not to.

“Well, Ms. Busy, I’m here at your restaurant, so get busy
making me some lunch.”

“Lunch is over, my dear.”

“It’s never over for me. I’ve got pull with the chef.
Haven’t you heard?” Sydnee chuckled.

“Must be nice to know people in high places, I’ll be right
out.” Kendall hung up, put away the paperwork she was working on and headed to
the dining room.

“Hey, Syd,” Kendall said, giving her friend a warm hug,
“good to see you.”

Sydnee hugged her back. “Good to see you too. We have to
catch up. So what have you been up to?” she asked, wasting no time getting into
Kendall’s business.

“Come on. Let’s sit down and have a cocktail or two before
you start with your inquisition,” Kendall remarked and walked toward the bar.

“It’s not an inquisition. I can’t help it if I’m curious by
nature.”

“Is it nature or nosy?” Kendall chucked. “What do you want
to drink?”

“A Kir Royale. Anyway, for once and for all, I am not nosy!
I’m a reporter and reporters ask questions.” Sydnee worked for Channel One and
covered the television station’s special interest stories.

“Okay, okay, no need to get riled up. I was just kidding.”
Kendall mixed two glasses of Veuve Clicquot and Chambord, and handed a flute to
Sydnee. “Cheers! Here’s to my new business deal,” she announced, clinking her
friend’s glass.

“Business deal? What business deal? See, I knew you had
interesting news to share, so spill!”

Kendall came from around the bar, sat on one of the
barstools and said, “I’m partnering with a casino in Atlantic City to open a
second restaurant.”

“Congratulations, that’s awesome! Which casino is it?”

“ACES. It’s a boutique casino that’s looking to reach a more
upscale clientele and Lavender is the perfect fit. However, I think the owner
and I might clash. He—”

“Why? What’s wrong with him?”

“Nothing’s wrong with him. He’s just extremely opinionated.”

Sydnee laughed.

“What’s so funny?”

“Isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black? You’re one of
the most opinionated people I know. I bet he challenged you on something and
got your feathers ruffled,” Sydnee said knowingly.

Kendall didn’t want to admit that her friend was right, so
she took a sip of her drink and tried to change the subject. “Anyway…”

“Oh no, don’t you ‘anyway’ me and try to change the subject.
Don’t forget that I know you all too well, Ms. Hall. We go way back to grade
school, so I know when you’re trying to avoid something.” Sydnee pinned her
with a serious look and said, “Spill.”

Kendall went on to tell Sydnee about their debate over the
marble for the flooring and how she won that round.

“Sounds as if he knows how to pick his battles. That’s a
sign of a good businessman, but let me ask you this…” Sydnee changed her voice
to a more somber tone. “Is he handsome and available?”

“Oh my god, Syd, I thought you were going to ask me
something serious.”

“This is serious. You haven’t been in a relationship in a
while. He could be the
one
. So, again, is he handsome and available?”

“I don’t know his status. I didn’t ask since our meeting was
about business and not a romantic date. As far as handsome, you can judge for
yourself. He’s stopping by this afternoon to drop off our contract.”

“I can’t wait to meet him. I’ll be able to tell right away
if he’s the one for you or not.”

“Wait a minute, Sydnee, don’t you go playing matchmaker.
This guy is going to be my business partner, so I’m not interested in crossing
the line with him.”

“Most romances start in the workplace,” she remarked,
totally ignoring Kendall’s statement.

“I’m not kidding, Syd, don’t you interview him as if he’s
the subject of one of your stories. My interest in him is strictly
professional.”

As they were going back and forth, Kendall heard the roar of
a car. She looked over her shoulder, glanced out of the plate glass window and
saw Magnus getting out of a shiny black sports car.

“Here he comes now,” she whispered to Sydnee.

Magnus walked through the door. He glanced around the dining
room and immediately headed toward Kendall and Sydnee.

“Hello, ladies. I’m Magnus Richards.”

Sydnee shook his hand. “Hi, I’m Sydnee Davis.”

“Yes, I know you—well, I don’t really know you.” He smiled.
“I’ve seen you on television.”

“Nice to meet you. So—”

Kendall quickly cut Sydnee off before she went into
interviewer mode. “Syd, didn’t you say you had to get back to the station?” she
said, pinning Sydnee with a serious look, as if to say, “Don’t start.”

“Oh yeah, let me run. Kendall, I’ll talk to you later.” She
stood up, went over to Kendall, hugged her and then whispered, “He’s a hottie.
You should definitely go out with him.”

“Okay, Syd, talk to you later,” Kendall said, ignoring Syd’s
comment.

“Would you care for a drink?” she asked, looking at Magnus
in his jeans and rugged leather jacket. There was no denying that he was indeed
a hottie.

“Sure. I’ll have an iced tea.”

“You must have had your attorney working overtime to draw up
the contract so fast.”

“I pay him a hefty retainer to expedite my contracts.” He
opened his black leather portfolio, took out the contract and handed it to
Kendall.

“Thanks, I’ll have my attorney look it over and get back to
you as soon as possible.”

“No problem. But in the meantime, let’s toast to a
profitable partnership.” He clinked his glass with hers.

“I’ll drink to that. I was giving the space at ACES more
thought last night and I’m glad it isn’t completely finished. I have some great
design ideas in mind,” she said, crossing her long legs.

“It’s interesting that you mention design ideas. I was
thinking we’d take a weekend trip to Vegas to visit some of the major casinos,
like the Wynn, the Cosmopolitan and the Venetian to check out their top-notch
restaurants. What do you think?”

“I’ve never been to Sin City before and would like to see
what all the hype is about, but the weekends here are major busy, so that’s not
good for me. Could we leave early Monday morning and come back Wednesday
evening?”

“That works. Besides, it’s Vegas and every day is like the
weekend. We’ll have most of the day on Monday, all day Tuesday and part of the
day on Wednesday. That’s more than enough time to spend in Vegas. I’ll have my
assistant, Jan, make all the arrangements.”

“Make sure she books separate rooms.”

“Of course. That goes without saying.” Magnus finished his
drink and then said, “I’ll have a car pick you up from your apartment.”

“That won’t be necessary. I have my own car service. I’ll
meet you at the airport.”

“No, that won’t work, since I’ll be leaving out of Jersey.
We’ll meet in Vegas at the airport.”

“No problem. See you in Vegas.”

When Magnus left, Kendall made herself another drink and
replayed Sydnee’s words. Kendall couldn’t help but wonder whether or not he was
a good lover. The thought of fucking him in Vegas entered her mind, but she
quickly dismissed it. “This trip is all about business and not monkey
business,” she said into the air, finished her drink and went back to her
office.

Chapter Ten

The first thing Kendall noticed as the plane made its
descent into Las Vegas was how barren the outskirts of the city seemed. Being a
native New Yorker, she was accustomed to seeing expressways loaded with cars
and crowded neighborhoods as she flew into LaGuardia Airport. Kendall peered
out of the plane’s small window and could see some of the Vegas hotels as the
wheels hit the tarmac. She couldn’t believe how close the infamous Las Vegas
Strip was to the airport.

Once the plane pulled into the gate, the pilot turned off
the “Fasten Seat Belts” sign. Kendall retrieved her Gucci carryon from the
overhead bin and made her way from first class to baggage claim where she was
meeting Magnus. He was standing there waiting for her when she stepped off the
escalator.

“Hey there, how was your flight?” he asked.

“Good. It’s amazing that the city is so close to the airport.”

“You’re right, the Strip isn’t too far. I still can’t
believe this your first time in Vegas.”

“I’ve been all over the globe, but never had a desire to
visit Las Vegas. It just seemed so cheesy to me,” she said, sounding like a
jaded New Yorker.

“Only non-gamblers say that about Vegas. Most people love
it. Come on, I ordered a car,” he said, leading the way outside.

An oyster-white Range Rover with a driver was waiting
curbside for them. “This is different, I was expecting the customary black town
car that most New Yorkers use.”

“Well, we’re in Vegas now and from here on out, expect the
unexpected,” he said with a sly smile.

“Got it.” The driver opened the rear door for Kendall, took
her luggage, and she stepped in. “Where are we staying?” she asked, once
settled in.

“The Wynn. It’s on the northern end of the Strip and close
to the Trump, the Venetian and the Bellagio. The Wynn is one of the premier
hotels in Vegas. I think you’ll like it.”

“I’m sure I will.” As the SUV made its way down the infamous
Strip, Kendall looked out the window, taking in the sights. She saw street
performers dressed as cartoon characters. There was Hello Kitty, Ninja Turtles,
Spiderman and the Tin Man posing and taking pictures with tourists. The
sidewalks were littered with people shopping at open-air souvenir markets and
ambling down the street, breezing in and out of stores and bars. She noticed
some people carrying beer and liquor, openly drinking on the sidewalks. From
what she could see, Vegas reminded her of Times Square, Disney World and New
Orleans during Mardi Gras all rolled into one. And instead of pedestrians
crossing at the intersections, there were escalators, and overhead pedways at
every corner, shuttling people from one side of the street to the other. “Now that’s
a sight I’ve never seen before—escalators for pedestrians. In New York, we risk
our lives and cross at will,” she chuckled.

“Well, Dorothy, you’re not in Kansas anymore. I can assure
you, you’re going to see plenty of things here that you wouldn’t see in New
York. Like people walking down the street sipping out of hurricanes.”

“Is that what those tall plastic colored things are?” she
asked, commenting on the tubular-like drink containers.

“Yes. They sell them everywhere, and they’re filled with
alcoholic beverages.”

“No wonder everybody has a good time in Vegas. They’re all
plastered.”

“Pretty much.”

As they were talking, the Range Rover pulled into the
hotel’s circular driveway. Kendall couldn’t help but notice the difference in
this part of town. For starters, there were no cartoon characters hustling
tourists for tips, and no panhandlers with signs, begging for money. The
northern end of the Strip was refined and classy, just her speed.

Magnus led the way into the hotel, which was posh and
decorated with crystal chandeliers and exquisite furnishings that looked
imported from Europe. He walked up to the registration desk, spoke to the clerk
and handed over his credit card.

“Here, take my AmEx,” Kendall offered, giving him her black
card.

“That won’t be necessary. I’ll take care of the rooms.”

“You purchased the airline tickets. I can at least pay for
the rooms.”

Magnus gave her a stern look. “Like I said, that won’t be
necessary.” He turned his back to her and continued checking in. Once the
paperwork was finished, he gave her her keycard and they proceeded to the
elevator with the bellhop in tow.

“How about we rest up for a few hours and then meet
downstairs for dinner at seven thirty?” Magnus suggested once they reached
their floor.

“Sounds good.”

They each retreated to their suites. Kendall was impressed
with her room. Like the lobby, it was decorated impeccably. The suite was
appointed with designer accoutrements throughout. There was a plush silk ivory
duvet on the king-sized bed. Fresh-cut flowers in every room, including the
bath. As well as a huge flat-screen television mounted on the wall as if it
were a piece of art.

Kendall took a nap, followed by a long hot shower. She
hadn’t been in a luxury hotel in months and it felt good to be away from home.
Although she had only brought one bag, she’d packed expertly. Being a former
model who traveled all over the world had taught her to pack light. She went
over to the stand that held her luggage and took out her outfit for the
evening. Kendall dressed in a cream-colored pantsuit, cream pumps and her
signature pearls.

As she walked through the hotel to the restaurant, she
noticed that some of the women were in sexy dresses and party clothes. Suddenly
she felt overdressed. She thought about going back to the room to change, but
decided not to since they were only having dinner.

Magnus was waiting at the hostess podium when Kendall
arrived. “Good evening.”

“Hi there.”

“Two for Richards and I’ve requested a table downstairs near
the waterfall,” he told the hostess.

“Sure right this way.”

Once they were settled Magnus said, “I picked this
restaurant because it’s earned a James Beard Award, two Michelin Stars and a
Forbes Five Star Award.”

“Impressive.”

“Are you a red or white wine drinker?”

“I like cabs and zins,” she responded, referring to cabernet
sauvignon and zinfandel.

Magnus ordered an expensive bottle of cabernet and started
to order appetizers, but was stopped by Kendall. “Wait a minute, that’s my area
of expertise. I’ll do the honors, if you don’t mind.”

“No problem. By all means, order for both of us,” he said,
reaching across the table and touching her hand.

Chills shot up Kendall’s spine at his touch. She blushed
slightly. The chemistry she felt at Lavender when they first met was still
there. There was no denying Magnus’ sex appeal—Kendall was attracted to him but
she didn’t want to show her feelings too soon, so she studied the menu as the
perfect distraction.

When the waiter came back, she ordered tuna tartare, beef
carpaccio and a chopped salad. For entrées, she chose seared skate on a bed of
smashed potatoes, and lamb chops with wilted spinach. After dinner, they sipped
port to accompany the double chocolate torte that Kendall ordered.

Over dessert and after-dinner drinks they traded histories,
learning more about each other.

“So what do you do in your spare time?” Kendall asked.

“I’m an avid golfer. Some might say it’s an addiction,
although I haven’t been on the course lately. What about you?”

“At the moment my life is consumed with work. If I’m not at
the restaurant, I’m taping my cooking show.”

“I didn’t know you have a show.”

“It hasn’t aired yet. We’re in the middle of taping for the
season.”

“Wow, I’m impressed. Is there anything you can’t do? You
were a model, now you’re a chef and soon-to-be television star.”

Kendall blushed again. “I don’t know about star, I’m just
trying to teach my audience how to prepare delicious food at home.”

“And modest too. The chefs I’ve known over the years are all
full of themselves, but you’re different. You have an understated confidence
that’s very appealing.”

Kendall couldn’t help but notice how Magnus was penetrating
her with his eyes, and she returned his gaze.” Thank you,” she finally said,
breaking the spell.

“You can’t be all work and no play. I’m sure you have at
least one vice.”

Uh yeah, I do. I’m a member of The Dungeon
, she
thought but didn’t dare confess her newfound fetish. “Not really. What about
you?”

“Like I said, golf is my vice of choice.”

“Now that’s one game I’ve yet to play.”

“Well, I’ll have to get you on the course sometime soon. So
what do you think about this restaurant?”

“On a scale from one to ten, I’d give it an eight. The food
was good. I like the ambiance, especially the waterfall, and the service was
spot on.”

“I thought you would like it here. Tomorrow night, we’ll
have dinner at Sushi Samba in the Venetian-Palazzo. A good friend of mine is
the chef there and his food is amazing.”

“Sounds good,” she replied, taking the last sip of her port.

As they were talking Magnus’ cell phone rang. “Excuse me,”
he said to Kendall before answering the call. “Hello?”

“Hi, Mr. Richards, it’s Johnny.”

“Hey, Johnny, how are you?”

“I’m good. I hate to bother you, but I was wondering if your
offer to pay for my tuition is still good?”

“Of course, have you enrolled in school yet?”

“Not yet, enrollment is a few weeks away, but I have all the
information I need.”

“That’s good to hear. Call my assistant Jan, and give her
the details. I’ll make sure you get a check in the next few days to cover your
expenses.”

“Mr. Richards, I can’t thank you enough.”

“You’re welcome, Johnny, just remember to pay it forward
once you’re in the position to do so.”

“Sure thing, I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me.”

“My pleasure. Jan’s number is 555-0631.”

“I’ll call her first thing in the morning.”

“Okay. Goodnight.” Magnus turned his attention back to
Kendall. “Sorry about the interruption.”

“No problem. Is everything okay?”

“Yes. That was a young friend of mine who I’m sending to
college. He’s the valet at my building and he’s a good kid.”

“How kind of you.”

“Thank you. If I didn’t have a mentor in my early twenties,
no telling where I’d be now. Anyway, enough about that, let’s check out the
casino.”

“I’m really not a gambler.”

“Neither am I, but the slots can be fun, as long as you view
playing as entertainment.” Magnus signaled for the waitress and signed the
check to his room.

The casino floor was abuzz with people taking their chances
at a variety of games, from roulette, to blackjack, to poker and of course the
most popular of them all…the slot machines. Magnus looked around, trying to
find a game that he thought Kendall would enjoy. He spotted a row of
Sex in
the City
slot games and made his way over.

“I think you’ll enjoy this game.”

“Oh, I used to love that show,” she exclaimed, sitting down
in front of the machine, which had a colorful screen that highlighted the main
characters—Carrie, Mr. Big, Samantha, Charlotte and Amanda—of the hit series,
as well as images of martini glasses filled with pink cosmos, designer shoes,
diamond jewelry and other high-end goods. “So how do you play?”

“The screen is broken down into four sections. You can bet
on one section, or all four. The more sections you play, the higher your
chances of winning. You put the money in this slot, press the button to
activate the screen and if you match three images on the screen, you win,” he
explained.

“Okay, got it,” Kendall said, taking her wallet out of her
purse.

“Put your wallet away. Your money is no good here.” He put a
hundred-dollar bill in the machine. “Let’s roll.” Magnus sat at the machine
next to hers, put in money, and began gambling. After playing a few rounds,
Magnus stopped a cocktail waitress and ordered them each a shot of Corzo.

“I won! I won!” Kendall shouted as the screen lit up, highlighting
the three matching martini glasses.

Magnus picked up his shot glass and clinked it to hers.
“Here’s to winning.”

They downed the tequila in one swift swallow, and he ordered
another round. Two hours flew by as if they were seconds and they were still
planted in front of the game, winning, losing, and breaking even.

“I’m up three hundred dollars. I’m done. The time difference
is catching up to me, think it’s time to call it a night,” Kendall said,
yawning.

“I know what you mean.” They left the casino and returned to
their respective rooms.

That night Kendall’s mind was fixated on Magnus. He was
being a generous and gracious host. He made her feel at ease and was extremely
complimentary. As she lay in bed, her body ached for the touch of a man, but
not just any man, she was craving Magnus Richards.