Page 18 of Bad Boy Billionaire Protector
Theinvitationsaiditwas a black tie event so I showered quickly and put on my favorite custom tuxedo. Wednesday had come around quickly and I was intrigued about the mixer I was about to attend. Professor Owens had made it clear to me that he expected to see me there and that I would fit in with everyone nicely. There was no chance of me missing the mixer, given that it was a likely inroad to the secret society, The Order, that was at the center of my investigation.
I put on my custom-made black dinner jacket and looked at myself in the mirror. Christos Ianthos certainly looked the part of the ultra-wealthy heir to a pharma fortune. Although my cover identity was close to my own identity, I didn’t feel like I really fit in. I had hated going to black tie events when I was growing up and, as the heir of a shipping company, I went to many.
Andrew called just as I was about to leave.
“I just thought I’d call and wish you good luck. Stay sharp, some of those people are dangerous.”
“I know. I’ll keep a special eye on Professor Owens. We know he’s involved somehow, but his depth of involvement will become clear soon enough.”
“Alright bro, well, take it easy and keep your eyes and ears peeled.”
“I will.”
I ended the call and slipped my phone inside my dinner jacket. Taking one last look in the mirror and straightening my bow tie, I left my apartment and got into the town car waiting for me.
We headed towards the address given on the black glossy invitation. It turned out to be a members’ only club on the outskirts of town. The building had tall columns and an enormous architrave on the outside, framing the black glossy door.
I got out of the car and went up to the door, which opened immediately. The doorman took one look at me and smiled.
“Good evening Mr. Ianthos. Welcome to The Corinthian Private Club.”
With a flourish of his hand he welcomed me inside. I didn’t have to show him the invitation or anything, he knew who I was. I wondered if he had been given pictures of the new initiates, so that they would get the same treatment as me. It was certainly an impressive way to be welcomed, as though I already belonged there.Very clever of them, I thought, cynically.
I entered a large vestibule with marble flooring, cream walls and a high ceiling. An enormous crystal chandelier finished the room, making it look magnificent and elegant. It was very clear that this place was not just for anybody.
Making my way down the hallway, I was escorted to a large room which had been set up with cocktail tables and chairs. The room was black and white and was already filled with people in their finery. Men in their tuxedos and women in their cocktail dresses. All the beautiful, wealthy elite of the university.
I took a glass of champagne which was offered to me by a waiter holding a tray of glasses. I took a small sip, making a mental note to keep an eye on the amount I drank. I had to keep my wits with me and my brain sharp, so no overdoing it on the champagne or cognac, which was my favorite drink.
I looked around the room, taking everything in. Recognizing someone from my Classics class, I raised my glass and headed over to speak to her. Her name was Anastasia and she came from a wealthy Russian family.
“It’s so good to see someone I know,” I said by way of introduction. We hadn’t spoken much before, but she was the only person I currently recognized in the room.
We clinked glasses and she smiled at me. She was a beautiful woman with ice blonde hair, tied back off her face in a high ponytail, accenting her high cheekbones. Her eyes were an icy blue, giving her a hard and untouchable look.
“My my, Christos. You clean up very nicely,” she said with a coy smile, as she let her gaze wander down my body in appreciation.
“I could say the same about you, Anastasia.” I raised my glass towards her.
“What do you think about all this then?” She asked.
I looked around the room and shrugged. “It’s intriguing. I’m sure we’ll find out more later on. I suppose we should try and mix with other people. Look out for the ones wearing a black ring with a red ruby. They seem to be in the know,” I imparted this pebble of information to her, and gained a deep, knowing smile in return.
“I did wonder what the significance of the ring was. I’ve seen several people wearing one. How bizarre.”
I looked around again, this time paying particular attention to people’s hands. From what I could see, most people here were already members of The Order, and there were only a few potential initiates, including Anastasia and me.
She sipped her champagne. “It is exciting though, I have to admit. I do like subterfuge. Anything for a little adventure to take the boredom out of the humdrum of life.”
I chuckled and sipped my champagne. “I’m going to walk around the room. Care to join me?”
She nodded and we headed off round the room, stopping at each table and introducing ourselves. It seemed that most of the members knew who we were already, another feat of premeditated planning.
Midway through the mixer, Amber’s friends appeared at the door. Helena, Nathan, and Foxy. I watched them mingle with interest. Helena looked stunning in a black silk dress with a huge bow across the chest. She tilted her head back in laughter at something someone had said. The two men looked handsome in the tuxedos. Nathan made eye contact with me and waved me over. I went over to speak to them.
“How are you this evening?” Nathan asked.
“I’m good. Having fun at this…whatever this is.”