Mates Next Door

White Wine And Elitists

~ASTRA~

"You don't have to do this, Flynn," I said as we walked into the bank.

"Who said I had to do it?" He raised his brow at me. "I am here because I want to do it." Then he pulled me close. "Have you forgotten? You're mine, and everything that concerns you affects me. I can afford to pay your tuition fee and I am going to do it. Don't mention this being inappropriate because I am a fellow student. My parents leave no less than ten thousand dollars in my account every month. I have a growing trust fund with over seven figures."

"Now, you're making me sound like a charity case."

He burst into a loud laughter that echoed around the bank. I would have expected him to become suddenly self conscious and for people to look his way like he had gone mad.

But that wasn't the case this time. He didn't care and so did the others. Women, but old and young, looked his way with smiles on her faces. It was unfair how much favouritism beautiful people got.

I would have gotten several glares had I been the one to have laughed that loudly.

"You're not a charity case," He tipped my chin. "You're my girl. My woman. And I need you to know that I have more than enough to take care of you no matter what happens. So you don't have to go to Ryder to ask for your money. I am here."

I don't know, but his words made me feel some type of way I couldn't even explain. I couldn't tell if it was a relief or slight anxiety.

"And you're not going to ask for anything in return?" He glared at me. "Sorry for saying that."

I stood to the side as he took care of my payments. One smile at the cashier had him cutting lines and getting everything sorted out. He even left a tip for her for a job well done.

"Everything has been settled, so don't worry about your tuition fee." He brushed my cheek. "Now, what were you saying about me asking for something in return?"

"I didn't-"

He pressed his finger against my lips and shook his head. "I want something from you. I think you owe me something for doing all that for you."

"What could that be?" I asked shakily.

"Spend the whole of today with me," He shrugged. "I know it's not fair to you, but I want you to."

Who said spending the whole day with him wasn't fair to me? This was my chance to crack his hard persona open. I wanted to know who he really was, what went on inside that head of his.

"You're my mate," I whispered. "Why would you ask me for something I already want?"

His lips widened into a broad grin. "I didn't expect it to be this easy."

"I know."

"Secondly," I looked up at him. "You're not speaking to Arik if we bump into him."

"Why?" I asked. "That's ridiculous."

"I know it is. But I don't care. Just don't..." He sighed, clenching his fist. "Don't speak to him if you see him. I'll make sure that doesn't happen, but if you see him, ignore him."

It did not make sense, what Flynn was asking of me. But I would feel bad after he helped me, so I agreed.

"Fine." I replied.

He took my hand and led me out of the bank. He helped me into his car and climbed right after.

"Uhm, where are we going?" I asked. "If we are going back to your apartment, I don't think I would be able to avoid speaking with Arik."

"My apartment isn't the only place we can be in this place," he glanced at me and swiftly swerved into the main street. "You must be hungry. I heard your stomach rumble."

My cheeks flushed in embarrassment and I looked down at my belly, silently chiding her for not knowing when to keep quiet.

We stopped by a restaurant downtown. Valerie always talked about this place and how they served good meals. Of course, she was taken here by rich men. She couldn't afford to spend such ridiculous amounts on food no matter how good it tasted.

"I'll always splurge my money on clothes, fragrances, skincare and makeup!" She would say it every time. "Buying ridiculously expensive meals is where I draw the line."

And here I was, with Flynn, handing his keys over to the valet parking service like he was used to this life.

He placed a hand on the small of my back and led me towards the chrome-framed rotating doors.

I was immediately hit by the cold air and goosebumps raised on my skin. I looked around, soon forgetting I was cold.

This place was beautiful. Perfectly decorated to fit the gourmet style. From earth colours to flashy reds and dull greens, it made me hungrier. The tables were made out of smooth, polished wood and covered in silk clothing. Small chandeliers hung glow, its crystal components shimmering against the silk material.

The waiters and waitresses were dressed in burnt orange pants and beige shirts while sporting a deep brown tie. They smiled like they were paid really well and attended to customers sitting at their various tables.

Everyone here was dressed impeccably: from the model-looking women with their rich boyfriends, husbands or sugar daddies. They spoke of class. They were the elites that no one encountered until they came into this environment.

I looked down at my simple sundress, looking suddenly out of place. I should have worn a better dress if I knew we would be coming here.

"Astra?"

I snapped out of my thoughts and lifted my gaze to Flynn. "Yes?"

"Are you good?" He asked, wrapping his arm around my waist.

"Yes, yes, I am."

I caught the receptionist staring at Flynn with interest. When he turned to her and asked if there were any tables somewhere secluded, she smiled and nodded.

"I would have someone show you to your table," She said as soon as Flynn settled everything.

"Are you cold?" Flynn whispered against my ear as we made our way towards our table, following behind a waiter. "You look uncomfortable."

"They must have cranked the AC here to the highest. I'll freeze in no time."

Chuckling, Flynn took off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders. The warmth of his scent enveloped me and soon enough, the cold disappeared.

"Thank you," I smiled softly.

"You should smile often." He said and brushed his thumb against my lip. I froze for a second, surprised at the contact. I didn't like how my heart squeezed nicely. I also didn't like how I wanted him to touch me again.

Flynn pulled out a chair for me and I took a seat. He leaned down and brushed his lips against my ear. "I am sorry."

"For what though?" I asked, my skin tingling pleasantly as I watched him take his seat.

"I haven't exactly been nice to you." He replied. "From my outburst that night to ignoring you the next morning."

"It's fine." I quickly said. I didn't want to dwell on it. I didn't want to think about it either. "Let's just enjoy dinner."

He smiled and nodded before looking up at the waiter. "A bottle of white wine while we pick out a meal and wait?"

The waiter nodded and walked away, leaving us alone. Flynn leaned back into his seat, watching me and taking me in. "Yellow is a good colour on you."

I looked down at my dress once again and started to feel out of place. "But not a good colour for a place like this."

He c****d his head to the side. "Why would you say that?"

"I don't belong here. Can't you see?" I whispered.

"You don't have to whisper," He chuckled. "They won't hear a word."

I nodded. "You're right."

He reached across the table and took my hand in his. "And don't ever think you don't belong here because you do, okay?"

I opened my mouth to speak but he stopped me. "No, Astra. You belong here as much as they do, no matter their financial status. I am paying for your meal and it's yours. What I have is yours, don't forget that."

This was too much, too fast. How Flynn had gone from ignoring me to being this...person was beyond me and I didn't know what to feel about it. I just nodded and hoped I could address whatever this was later on.

The waiter returned with an ice bucket and two champagne flutes.

I watched him meticulously open the bottle. He carefully filled the flutes halfway before leaving us both.

I stared at the sizzling liquid with uncertainty. Flynn watching me didn't even help matters.

I carefully picked the glass and brought it to my lips. My nose was hit by the crispy aroma. It filled my nostrils and tingled the sides of my mouth. Lifting my head from the cup, I stared at Flynn.

"That's pinot grigio," He chuckled. "Take a sip. You're going to love it, trust me."

And I did. It tasted like it smelled. Even better. It was sweeter and zestier, having sour, lemony hints and a flowery taste.

I looked up to find Flynn smiling at me. "Do you love it?"

I nodded. "Yes, I do."

"Unfortunately, we can't get drunk from drinking alcohol," He sighed. "So I just drink until I don't even taste it anymore."

"I get drunk."

He snapped his head up at me. "You haven't felt your wolf?"

"I have," I looked down at my hands. "It's just...that I can get drunk."

"Wow," He sat up, his interest piqued. "This is a first."

Before I could give him a reply, someone called his name. "Flynn!"

A lady, about my age came towards our table, hurrying towards Flynn. She leaned over and hugged him, her breasts pressing against his face.

"Shenseea," Flynn replied, rather uninterested. "What are you doing here? You can't even afford to be here."

I expected her to get upset but she laughed instead. "Oh, Flynn. Ever the cocky one. You're not the only guy who can afford this place, you know? When you left me for that Asian b¡tch, I found another boy willing to spend his money on me. By the way, why haven't you been at the agency? Everyone keeps asking about you."

He was a model?

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. I felt so out of place with this lady here. She looked unreal. She was beautiful... beyond words, and I was no match for her.

Who was she to Flynn? His ex-girlfriend? From the way she replied, she sounded like they had dated in the past. But Flynn wasn't giving anything away so I had no idea.

"I've got better things to do than stand in front of a camera to convince people that I got that s**t on."

Shenseea rolled her eyes. "You're even worse now."

"I know." He smiled. "Now, can you excuse me? I am having dinner with someone."

Someone. That was what I was to him. It was just one word but it hurt terribly. More than I expected.

She looked down at me and chuckled. "Your new girlfriend? She doesn't look like the type you would go for. Maybe Arik would settle for her but she's too young for him. He prefers older women." Then she stroked her chin. "How about Ryder?" She laughed loudly. "Ryder wouldn't even pay any attention to her. She's too innocent."

"Shenseea," Flynn sat up immediately. "Stop it."

"You better don't break her poor, pretty heart." She grabbed my wine glass and downed it before winking at me. She faced Ryder. "You should come to the club today. La Vida."

"And why should I?"

Her lips lifted at the corner and she glanced at me. "Because Hanny will be there. I am sure you have a few scores to settle with her. Tonight is her last night before she leaves for Paris anyway. Toodles!"

"I am really sorry about that," Flynn said as soon as she left. "Shenseea can be annoying."

"So are you going to the club?" I asked, my voice distant.

"Yes," He nodded. "And you're coming with me.”