Beyond Redemption

CHAPTER FOUR

Lena immediately dials Remi.

"Hey love, it's been a minute." Remi answers.

"Sorry. Cramped."

Remi chuckles on her end. "But you're still making it to shots this weekend, right?"

"You'll have my neck if I didn't." They both laugh. "Remi, I met someone at your event."

"Ohh, that's nice." Remi squeals. She's always teased Lena about her lacking love life. "Who's he?"

"Kieran Saint..."

"What?! What did you do to draw Kieran Saint to you?"

"Saint?...Sounds so familiar."

"Duh! They own the Black Swan." Remi said not believing she didn't know.

"As in...The Black Swan Holdings? The multi-billion dollar company, company? That's Kieran Saint?!" Lena said almost getting up from her seat.

Remi laughs. "Yes. You met the city's most eligible and ruthless bachelor. Dude's the director. So what's the gist?"

"Before the tea, who was the lady he came with. His...girl?" She asked.

"You mean....Ruby Saint? That's his sister."

Lena didn't know why she was relieved to hear that. "But that was one expensive ugly looking dress she wore."

Remi laughs. "Rue has always had a weird fashion taste. Girl doesn't know what to wear and what not to wear."

"She's very beautiful. I thought she was his girlfriend."

Remi clears her throat so loudly Lena had to back away from the phone. " Hmm. Whatever he might have said to you yesterday...Here comes my warning, you had better not fall for that Kieran's charm. I reckon you flee, friend. You could ask the poor souls he takes out once or twice. They end up devastated and heartbroken. And they never learn their lesson." Remi says laughing.

"He's a Playboy like that, huh? Anyways he wanted to discuss business. Said he had a business proposal. Remi, I couldn't speak in the first few seconds he spoke. Hate to admit but he was....intimidating."

Lena's leaving out today's event for the weekend. She decided she'd tell her then. She checks her watch, he's waiting for her.

Remi chuckles. "Kieran's always been intense. He, Ruby and I went to same highschool and my dad and theirs have been business partners for so long. Ruby's really nice but her brother. Always been a rollercoaster of heartbreaks and trouble with him. He's a total different case."

"I saw a fraction of that 'different case' today. He came by the office to talk about the business deal."

Remi laughs. "Don't worry yourself. Keep calm. He's intense like that."

"You have no idea, Remi."

Remi laughs. "I do."

She sighs. "I was being sarcastic. I got to go."

"Alright. Talk to ya later."

"Bye." Lena hangs up.

Lena drove behind Kieran. She was surprised to see three tinted cars came along with him but as they drove to the restaurant. Two left and one just tailed behind them. She knew he was a billionaire but wasn't this security too much. She sighs.

About forty-five minutes of drive, Lena parks her car besides Kieran's. She walks into Ruby's Rouge with him. Ruby's Rouge is a stunning, upscale restaurant nestled in the heart of Las Vegas. She's always wanted to come here after hearing about it's opening but she's never had the chance.

The exterior is sleek and very modern, with a gleaming red awning and a discreet entrance that hints at the luxury within.

As Lena step inside, she's enveloped in a warm, sophisticated atmosphere. She's notices the interior design is a masterful blend of classic and contemporary elements, with rich, dark wood accents, crisp white linens, and subtle, ruby-red hues that evoke the restaurant's namesake.

The restaurant was very quiet. They were no guests. Lena had never been here before so she wondered if they weren't open yet. But it's past 7pm, surely. They ought to be. So why weren't there any customers?

Kieran leads her to a sweeping staircase that curves upward from the main dining area, leading to a private dining room and a chic, rooftop lounge that offers breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip.

"Wow." Lena said taking in the view. "This is very beautiful."

"And I had to work you up a little to get you here." Kieran said smirking.

Lena inwardly rolls her eyes. She sits.

A handsome looking waiter comes to their table. He smiled. "Mr Kieran. It's nice to have you." He turns to Lena. "Here's a cocktail for you, ma'am." He said handing her a delicate glass.

"Oh but I didn't order this."

"It's on the house. First customers benefits or some shit." Kieran said.

"Really?" She smiles at the waiter as she looks at his name on his name tag. "Thank you, Jordan."

Jordan's smile widens. "What can I get for you, Mr. Kieran?"

"The usual." He said rubbing his neck.

"And you, ma'am?" He faces Lena.

"Um, I really don't know." She picks up the menu.

"You can have the same dish with Mr Kieran. His usual's an amazing combination of Pan-steamed halibut with lemon-dill Quinoa and steamed asparagus."

"As lovely as that sounds. I'm allergic to shellfish."

"Oh! I'm sorry."

"I'll have the Foie Gras Torchon with pickled cherries...and toasted brioche. That is a lot." She said laughing and sipping.

"Of course." Jordan says

"What's this cocktail? It's amazing."

"We call it Ruby's Kiss. It's an artisanal cocktail made with champagne and strawberry puree."

"Why don't you give her the whole recipe while you're at it?" Kieran asked getting irritated.

"Sorry, sir." Jordan says walking away.

Lena felt Kieran's eyes on her but she refused looking at him. She kept hers on the menu. This was awkward to her atleast. He looked very relaxed.

"Are we going to wait until the food arrives?" She asked still looking into the menu.

"You'll look at me when speaking to me, miss blackwood." She finally closes the menu and looks at him. "Much appreciated." He said. "Yes. I'll get to business when our meal arrives."

"Okay." She said softly. "It's a beautiful restaurant."

"I know."

Arrogant. Lena thought.

"How come there aren't any customers?"

"Because I'm here." He said plainly.

"I don't understand." She said confused.

"Ruby's Rogue is owned by my sister. It's....temporarily closed because I'm here. I asked for everyone to leave."

"You stopped people's meal because you want to have yours?" She couldn't hide the disbelief in her voice.

"I stopped everyone's meal because I'm about to have a very important business deal, Lena."

Before she could say another word. Jordan brings their food.

"Now, have a taste and tell me what you think?" He said.

She hesitates a little bit as Kieran's unmoving gaze follows her every movement. But when she tasted the Foie Gras....

"Oh my God! This is really good. I've always wanted to try out the Ruby Rogue but never had the chance."

"You're welcome. Now, Lena, I'm curious, most women want to be fashion models, influencers, chefs..." He said gesturing to the entire restaurant "...and such but you wanted to be an architect?"

"And I am. Let's not forget, I own a construction company too."

"What's the story?"

"Well, Kieran. I'm not going to bore you so I'll keep it short. My dad was an architect before he died." She said shrugging. "I loved what he did so I wanted to be like him. I basically followed him everywhere. Growing up at a young age I was deep in it plus fortunately for him, I wanted to follow in his footsteps. When I was 10 for my birthday gift. He asked me to make a house and whatever I drew out was what he was going to build. He did."

Kieran laughs. "Is the house still standing?"

"You'd be surprised to know it's still in good shape." She said smiling

"I see." Kieran said nodding.