Chapter 46
“Sure,” Anastasia didn’t ask any questions and just hopped in the car. The car cruised smoothly through the city and soon pulled up at a gorgeous Trench restaurant.
Anastasia looked a little surprised. This was Le Jardin Noir, a famous upscale place in the Upper East Side. Tamia had vowed to shout it out before. It was just pretty far from where they lived, so she’d never gotten around to trying it.
Looking at the valet stand packed with luxury cars, you could tell this place was absolutely exclusive—the kind of spot where you’d need reservations. But this restaurant was owned by Cassian’s childhood friend, Yinsen Hunter, and one quick call had scored them the best private dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Central Park.
The restaurant had a stunning French bistro aesthetic—all dark wood, crystal chandeliers, and elegant Art Deco touches. When Anastasia walked in and saw the park view stretching out below, she couldn’t help but whistle softly.
“Oh my, this view is insane,” she said, watching people strolling through the tree-lined paths. The maitre d’ led Cassian and Anastasia to their private room, which had beautiful French doors and vintage Parisian decor throughout.
Anastasia was totally captivated, taking in every detail. The walls even had what looked like original Impressionist paintings. Anastasia’s eyes went wide—whoever owned this place had incredible taste and deep pockets. She knew enough about art to recognize these were probably authentic pieces worth serious money.
Cassian caught her reaction. “You like it here?”
Anastasia nodded enthusiastically. “Love it! This place is amazing.”
“Glad you like it.” Cassian signaled for their server to come take their order. After hanging out together for a while, Cassian had figured out Anastasia’s food preferences pretty well. Le Jardin Noir happened to have several dishes right up her alley. Cassian quickly ordered for both of them.
Anastasia gazed out at the park scenery, feeling totally zen. Before their appetizers arrived, Anastasia excused herself to hit the restroom.
The second she left, there was a knock on their private dining room door before it opened. Cassian glanced up to see Yinsen standing there grinning. He raised an eyebrow, his tone dry. “What’s up, man?”
“What, I can’t check on my own place? You could’ve given me a heads-up you were coming—I would’ve booked you up with the full treatment.”
Yinsen was curious as hell. He’d heard from the staff that Cassian had rolled up with some woman. Dumped Today. Married Tomorrow. My Overnight Wedding to a Tycoon. Yinsen was dying for the ten. A woman? This was absolutely wild. Cassian had been basically allergic to dating for as long as Yinsen had known him. And now he was here on what looked like a romantic dinner. Yinsen had to see who the hell had managed to crack the Cassian Rhodes mystery.
But when he looked around the room, he didn’t spot any female company. “What are you looking for? I’m good without the fanfare. You can bounce.” Cassian’s voice was casual but firm.
Yinsen could smell something fishy going on. Why was Cassian trying to get rid of him so fast? Something was definitely up.
“Dude, why are you being so sketchy? I heard you brought some hottie here for dinner. I just want to meet her—don’t be such an ass about it,” Yinsen said with a grin.
Cassian shot him a look. “What are we, a sideshow for your entertainment?”
Tinsen felt that burn, thinking to himself that there was absolutely something going on here. But he wasn’t dumb enough to push Cassian when he was clearly not in the mood—that was a fast track to getting his ass kicked.