C6

ISABELLA

Jaden kept his gaze at me as we made our way down the street while looking for his driver.I wanted to kill my consciousness of his staring at me but it was hard not to,I wasn't used to being so......decked out.And it also kind of irritated me that he hadn't stared at me like this before I'd gotten all dolled up,but even I could admit my look now is better than before just like from six to ten in ratings with my new makeover.

"Why don't we just take the subway?"I suggested turning back to frown at him but instead catching him ogling me again.

He smiled the cough a little and placed a hand over his eyes to shade them from the sun as he looked around for his driver.

"Are you aware that about twenty percent of the air in on the subway are skin particles? and not just from the exposed skin but from the whole body."

"How in the world did you know that?"

"I like to read" he answered "it was in the study metro reports back in 2010"

He didn't seem like the type of person that reading is like a hobby but it kind of explain how he knew too many random facts,"Isn't there human matter all in the air?. Especially New York City?"

"Yes,but not as bad as the subways,not to mention the grimy seats,I just spend a grand on that dress and you want to tarnish it already.?"

I frowned at him but my attempt of looking menacing was foiled by my ankle giving out from under me as a heel landing a crack on the sidewalk.Just as I was losing balance,Jaden wrapped his hand around my waist and pulled me to his body to keep me standing upright,"Isabella what did I just say?"

I was so embarrassed,pushed myself away from him and stood straight,trying not to think of how strong his arm was and how firm is chest was too."Sorry I am not used to heels"I mumbled.

"That's unsuprising" he said.

I turned up to glare at him and he stared back at me for a moment and smiled a little.Knowing it is going to be useless to say anything, I then apply a mature attitude by just crossing my arms.

"Should we hold hands he suggest"

I shot him a wary and disapproved look."Huh why?"

"So you don't fall again."

Rolling my eyes,I started down the sidewalk,this time taking extra care not to slip.He easily kept up with me and from the corner of my eyes,I saw him smile a bit.We finally found the driver and i gratefully slipped into the air conditioned Porsche.

"Where are we going next?"I asked as the car pulled back into the taxi-filled streets,My stomach rumbled a little and I placed my hand over it hoping to keep it quiet.

"We are going to have dinner" he told me crossing his leg and letting his ankle rest on his other leg knee.

I was about to mimic him before I realize I was wearing a dress and could not do so,smoothing down the fabric,I crossed my legs at the ankle.

"What kind of place is this?"

"Jaden smirked a bit,you will see."

We moved slowly through the crowded streets and about thirty minutes later,We pulled up to a sleek,

multistory building that could almost be a rival to Trump tower.The polished panels reflected the streets and light below including the waterfall that i switched my gaze to that stood in front of what i have to call an entrance.The fountain was about twelve feet tall and was lit up by coloured lights.Above the gigantic front door was the word CASTLE in giant and bold lettering.

"Are we eating at your hotel?"I asked in shock.

The car came up to stop and Jaden turned giving me a short nod"Don't worry though my father is not here,this will be your first time in one of our flagship hotels."

I felt my heart beating fast and loud in my chest I tried to calm it.Why was I so nervous? it was just a hotel.Anyone could rent a room here.You didn't have to be rich and there isn't a dress code to do so.I wouldn't stick out but that was Jaden hotel.He actually owned this place.Why would we come here of all places on our first date? was he not trying to ease into this? will I be thrown into the spotlight already...?

"Isabella"

I pulled myself out of my thoughts."oh...sorry what did you say?"Yeah this is my first time here.I've stayed at the express before though.

"The express doesn't have our restaurant.They may be few of our business partners and I will have to introduce you to them to make our relationship seems more believeable.Go along with what I say and there shouldn't be a problem.I will also try to answer any question that may arise so you embarrass us.Hopefully we can just be seen and not spoken too."

I was going to start keeping track of the time between his oblivious insults and set records"Are you going to tell me what to order too?" I said snidely.

Once again,he seemed to miss my sarcasm because he tilted his head to the side a little and gave me a confused look."You can't do so yourself?."

Sighing,I reached for my door handle"forget it"

"Wait" Jaden demanded unbuckling his seatbelt. "I'll get the door for you."

I wanted to say i was fine but figured i should let him do his thing.I guess it was the polite thing to do.He probably wanted to look as chivalrous as he could as he could.My door opened a moment later and he offered his hand out to me.I gripped it and he easily pulled me out of the car and wrapped his hand around my waist"Let me know if I make you uncomfortable"he whispered in my ear while his hand squeeze my hip.I felt cold sweat run down my body then i took a small breath.

His hands was by no means uncomfortable.Pushing me forward nicely we made our way up to the glass doors at the entrance.A few men in suits where lingering around the entrance chatting,and taking drags from cigarettes.Even from where i was i could see the no smoking signs posted.The smoke wafted in the air and I coughed a little.

I heard Jaden laughed under his breath as we walked up to the group.They stood directly in our way and didn't move when we approached them.Jaden clears his throat."Excuse me gentlemen there is no smoking area."

Only one of them turned to us,his face annoyed.Upon seeing Jaden his expression turned to horror and he quickly threw his cigarette and ground it into the pavement."Mr Castle i am sorry sir" he bent down to retrieve his butt and bowed his head.

The other three men looked over and quickly caught on taking the cigarette from their mouth and speaking up apologies.I was quickly impressed.Jaden had these guys walking on glass with just one glance.I didn't see what was so intimidating in Jaden,but after inspecting these men.I realize they were all wearing name tags.

"We didn't know you were stopping by," the first guy spoke,his eyes became wide with fear."Y...Your father is out of town."

"We implemented the no smoking rule to keep our guest with respiration problem safe.it's not a suggestion.It's a rule and I expected my employees to follow the rules and regulations of this establishment at the very least."Jaden said speaking with the tone of authority.

"We are sorry another guy spoke up."

I looked up at Jaden and almost did not recognize him,his stern expression make him look older and more matured in a way.I began to ask myself was this how he was to all his employees? was he about to fire these guys?

"I know all our customers and guest are stressful but if you need cigarette that badly use the employee courtyard and not to stand in entrance,Use your heads."His words were harsh but his expression finally began to soften "I am assuming you four are on your break,please continue it in the courtyard.If i catch you doing this again,i won't just warn you."

The men nodded and thanked him and quickly disappeared into the building and we followed in after them,the door being held by another hotel attendant who greeted Jaden by name.

"Those guys are lucky I caught them not my father," Jaden said as we strolled through the lobby.

I was only Partially focused on his words,I was too distracted by the interior design of the hotel.It was beautiful and magnificent.Everything was sleek and modern,the floors were made out of white marble with some patterns made with brown tiles mixed in.The walls were deep brown with white trimming and the ceiling was high.

"They seems to have fearful respect for you Jaden" I said but seriously Jaden was kind of hot.I wagged as most of the female employees fawned over him.

"That's how all good boss-employee relationship work."

I thought of my boss at the Coffee house and could've disagreed,but he wasn't like most bosses because anyway we were more like good buddies.Most of other places were more professional.

"Let's head to the elevator," Jaden said and he guided to the far back corner of the lobby.

"You don't have to announce that you are here or anything of sort?" though it wouldn't have surprised me if he did,he probably my be the kind to love everyone knowing who he was and all hanging over him.

"I'm not here for work today,"he smiled "I'm here on a date".

The answer was kind of cheesy but immediately i started to smile back at him before quickly looking away.it wasn't even a real date.I couldn't get to carried away.

"Where's the restaurant?" it's upstairs he replied back

"It's on the rooftop,"

"The roof"I repeated.That was like almost twenty stories up.

Jaden laughed at my reaction,"it's not all the way to the top.we have couple of spots where there are rooftop.The middle one is the main because it holds the restaurant."

"Oh alright"

"What a world this must be to you."

I gave him a stern look."It's just a hotel"

His smile faded so i stepped away from him a bit.The time record so far was five minutes.

The ride up the elevator was so tense.I began to wonder if i 'd offend Jaden with my comment but i really didn't care.He offended almost everytime he opens his mouth.When the elevator dinged signaling our arrival on the tenth floor,he moved closer to me again putting his hand on my waist.

"I'm counting on you" he said.

I hooked my arm through his in response.As much as i'd like to do something embarrassing to him on purpose,I wouldn't,this was my job so i will do my best to act as a perfect girlfriend.

The elevator opened and we walked down a dimly lit hall,my heels clicking on the hardwood floor.I tried to walk lighter but the sound was too loud.I swallowed hard as we pass some group of women who were giggling loudly.They eyed Jaden and whispered to each other.I tightened my grasp on him.

We pushed through some more glass doors and stepped outside suddenly my ears was filled with the sound of music and laughter.A gush of warm breeze brushed my bare skin and my mouth fell a little on one side.the light of the city twinkle around us only blocked by one side of the hotel that tower us.

There were pillars put up sporadically with little lanterns hanging from them,emitting a soft glow.It was really beautiful.The sun also was setting now and i could only imagine what the view will be like when it's completely dark in the sky.

Wooden tables were set on the floor,many of them right along the edge to give the customers the best view.On the side where the hotel stood was a brightly lit bar with men and women mingling in front of it with drinks in their hands.

"Wow,beautiful"then i breathed.

"Come on I reserved us the best table,"he said pushing on my back a little.

I almost stumbled forward but managed to catch myself from falling.I couldn't embarrass myself now although with the dim light i doubt anybody would notice still I have to be careful.

As we passed the bar,the bartender called out to Jaden and a couple of other people turned their heads.I straighted my back preparing myself for human interaction.

"Who's the foxy lady?" the bartender asked cheekily,raising his eyebrow at me.He bared his white teeth at me with a wide grin,contrasting against his golden complextion.His black hair was styled high and he was very attractive.

"This is my. girlfriend Isabella" Jaden said not even with a slight hestitation.He must be a good and proud liar."Isabella this is our bartender Eugene."

"You are Jaden girlfriend?"Eugene asked repeatedly his eyebrows going up even further as possible.

I smiled bashfully,avoiding his gaze "y..yeah" smooth Isabella smooth.

"Wow never thought this day would come" how did you guys meet? a bar? through business partner? Don't tell me a book club.

Jaden cleared his throat looking a little uncomfortable.

Eugene laughed and then spread his arms"alright alright,i'll stop. What will you like to drink ms Isabella?" it's on me since you will have to put up with this guy tonight.

"A drink huh....wine will be fine,"I answered immediately.Alcohol will definitely help me get through this night and wine was the classiest thing i could think of.

"Bring her our best bottle" Jaden ordered. "I want her to try something she had never dreamed of before"

Eugene nodded while i tried not to let the smile disappear off my face.Yes alcohol was a very good idea.

"Mr Castle what in the world are you doing up here?" a new voice spoke up.

Jaden and I turned to see a baldy man in a business suit staring nicely at us."I'm on a date"Jaden informed the man.

He chuckled "it must be nice to be young,i wasn't away you were dating anyone,your father hasn't mention anything."

"It's new"

"okay,don't let him bully you?" the man said to me.

I faked a laugh and tighten my grip on Jaden.It was already to late for that.

"Isabella, this is one of our managers of our hotel, Mr Dorlan" Jaden said and i got the hint to offer him my hand.

"Please meeting you,I am Isabella"I said.

"A cute name for a cute girl" Mr Dorlan responded,grasping my hand firmly "treat her well, Jaden"

Jaden chuckled and nodded"I plan to."

Suddenly a new face appeared beside Jaden,"Mr Castle it's so good to see you again."

"Simon" Jaden greeted him "how are you?"

"I am great,thank you for asking.Do you happen to have a time to peek your email because i sent you a blue print?" I've got some ideas.

"Am not here on business right now"Jaden cut him off smiling suavely."My apologies I would chat but it would be rude to my guest."He gestured to me.

Simon finally seemed to notice me.

I hadn't realize how unremarkable I was until then."Oh, i'm sorry for bothering you two."

"It's fine" I said quickly "feel free to talk."

"She is hungry so i'm going to feed her before she bites my head off," Jaden interjected giving me a stern look.

I shut my mouth and managed not to glare at him.what was I? a dog? Did he not want to talk to this guy?

"Let's go have a seat before anyone else stop me"

He then led me away from the bar and to the other side of the restaurant,up to a few steps to a few tables that sat above the rest.No. one was seated in these tables except for a man at the table that sat far corner along the hedge.As we drew closer I realize it was Jaden's friend Robert.

"Isabella,it's good to see you."Robert greeted as we approach the table.He stood up and held out a hand to me.

I placed my hand on it,but still was a little surprise to see him.He looked just as good as Robert,a french-pressed suit on his body."Hi again."

"Do you remember my name?" he asked his eyes moving from one edge to another.

"Crab" I responded,grinning at him.

He laughted "apparently so."

Jaden pulled out a chair,letting the leg scrape along the floor.I turned toward him for the loud noise and he gestured me to sit down,his face straight,I did so making sure the skirt of my dress didn't ride up.Robert then sat back down after I did and Robert took a sit opposite to him but next to me.

"What were you doing here," I asked Robert.I thought Jaden and I were on date.

"That's not it at all" Jaden snapped leaning back to his seat a little."I thought you will feel more comfortable if wasn't just the two of us."

I wondered why he thought inviting a third person who is also a stranger to me would make it any less awkward.But Robert did have the calming aura around him.I already felt more comfortable.

"Is it chessy to say that you look absolutely beautiful?" Robert said smiling at me a little.I touched my hair and grinned back a bit "maybe a bit"

"But of course,she's beautiful would you expect anything less from those who i employ?" Jaden spoke proudly and thank God a waiter appeared with our wine just then.

"Remy rose,ma'am?" he asked the words strange and foriegn to my hearing.

I took a glass and let him fill it up immediately taking a sip when he pulled away.The taste of it made my face scrunch up and Robert as he raised his own glass to his lips "Not fond of wine?"

"No"I admitted thinking about putting it down and never touch it again for the rest of the night.

"Maybe this is to refined for her taste" Jaden commented.

That plan went out the windowv,i needed to get drunk,fast and bracing myself I brought the glass back to my lips and take a huge gulp "how much does this wine cost?" i expected Jaden was going to say over thousand but he said just just three hundred and fifty dollar.I looked at him "what really?"

"Our hotel have to be affordable to the lower classes too" he told me,swirling the wine in his glass."Anyone can stay here so we need to make our prices affordable many of our view this as one in a blue moon visit and will spend a little extra money and drinks,but if we raise it to high they won't come back."

It made sense to me but still I will never spend that kind of money on a bottle of wine.

Jaden patted my thigh,almost making me jump.

Ignoring him I down the rest of my wine.Robert grinned and eagerly refill it.

Our waiter then brought our menus but both Jaden and Robert already new what they wanted.Feeling a little pressured i pointed to the first thing that had chicken in the name.After he left i copied the two men by placing napkin on my lap.

"You must be really serious about fooling your father" Robert started leaning back to his seat."Your own restaurant for a first date."

"Best way to get the words out there.Someone will mention this to my father."

"Why don't you just tell him,you are dating someone?"

"Because then he will ask to meet her right away" Jaden replied suddenly looking weary,"If he met Isabella now, he will know she isn't our standard"

I narrowed my eyes at him."What's that suppose to mean?"

"You are poor and have no college education," he told me "Just by your clothing,he'd know that."

Robert grimaced a little and I forced a smile while gripping my wine glass tightly."oh silly me,i should have known my poor could show through."

"The plan would fail before i could even plan to say i have fallen in love.That's why he absolutly cannot meet Isabella before that we will have to fabricate some back stories for you."

I looked past Jaden and at the bright light of the city.How in the world am i going to pretend to be someone i wasn't? I wasn't particularly good at lying.I'd have to just stay silent most of the time.or I would just pretend I was mute.That would work too.i could leave all the talking to Jaden.

"You are not in college?" Robert said directing the question to me.

Slowly,i shruggle i hate the way people said that.some people were meant for school while some weren't."I haven't started yet but by September will be taking some classes".But it'll be my first year since it's the first year i can afford it.

He frowns "I see. Do you have any siblings?"

I nodded "My brother".

"Where is he then?"

I felt a sharp pain in my throat sort like it's close up and I almost choke.Jaden eyes became wide and he made a move to help me.but i managed to catch my breath "I am fine but sorry i don't really want to talk about him."

"That makes two of you."

This time Jaden was the one to tensed up,I looked at him to see he was glaring at Robert. "Don't start."

"Sorry,sorry."

"You have a brother?"I asked Jaden,i didn't know anything about his family.I didn't even know anything about him too.

His jaw was clenched so hard that i could see his muscles.And as much as i wanted to pry,i knew what it was like to not want to be prodded about something.Even though i was curious was it an elder or younger brother?

"Ah,let's change the current discussion"I said quickly "Anyone watch any good tv shows?"

Both Jaden and Robert looked at each other and then blinked at me,"well" Jaden said slowly after a moment."I guess you would have the time to watch T.V".

I ignored him and gulp my wine,deciding not to try and start a conversation.

The two men changed the conversation into business dealings and i zoned out,drinking my wine absent mindly.This didn't really feel like a date.Did it look that way to other people? was somebody really going to care enough to spread a rumor? I suddenly feel kind of stupid sitting there in an expensive dress sipping wine i'd never buy.Is this what Jaden thought of me all the time? I wouldn't blame him.I was not like him or Robert.I then begin to drink the wine faster.

As the sun went down,i got a little tipsy and by the time we had finish eating it was a pitch blackout.I was pretty drunk.it didn't help as Jaden started pointing out the proper way to eat chicken.why was there even a proper way to eat chicken? I didn't understand.

"Isabella,are you ready to go".Jaden asked

Nodding slowly,i tried to push myself up but stumbled a bit.Maybe I was drunker than I thought.

"Maybe you should drink some water before we leave," Robert adviced standing from his seat as well.

I waved him off. "m.fine" my head whirled and i closed my eyes for some seconds.

"Isabella please keep yourself together until we are out of public eye"Jaden muttered to me grabbing my wrist.

I tried to yank myself out of his grip.

"What?"

"Don't embarrass me."

Now had I been sober,I would've just taken hit like I'd been taking hits all night from him.But because I was drunk and I was a bit irritational and a bit braver when I was drunk so I didn't let this one slide.

"Screw you."

Jaden's mouth dropped open a little.

"What?"

I yanked my hand to the side,escaping his grasp on me.

"I'm fed up and so sick of you talking down on me.All night,ever since I met you.I'm doing you a favor,you realize that?"

"I am paying you,"he retorted.

I stepped backward,my ankle almost giving out.I reached around widely to help balance myself and Robert appeared by my side to help me.I latched at him."paying me? right I am your employee,do you treat all your employees like this? I get it I am poor you get all your amusement from making fun of other people? " I continued.

"Isabella,stop."

No I was going to let out what I'd been holding since I met him.I held up my pointing finger and walk toward him"Screw you." with each word.I jammed my finger directly to his chest.

"All day I have been listening to your insults"why should I bother listening to you? "you are just a knock off of Paris Hilton,but more arrogant."

Robert snorted but quickly compose himself back.Robert took a deep breath and crossed his arms and I think this got to him because he finally got mad.

"Isabella you are making a fool out of yourself."

I laughed after everything I said,that was his response? "I am done."

"Good" he responded."I will have my driver pick us up front."

I shook my head."No. I am done with you.I am not going with you and you can have your money back.Find someone else to pretend to date your luxurious ass,because I'm out with much dignity as I could mister" I turned on my heel and strutted down the steps of the platform we were on.I kept myself focused,determined not to fall and ruin my dramatic exit.

"Isabella!" I heard Robert call after me "wait!"

I didn't want to stop and I didn't turn around as I stepped out of the cool air and back into the dimly lit hallway of the hotel.As the door was closing,I made sure to flip my hair in hopes that Jaden saw.