Page 106 of Wicked Knight (Knight's Ridge Empire 1)

“Mysterious. I like it.”

We pay the bill before heading back out to Calli’s Mercedes. The sun is shining, so the second we climb in, she presses the button to lower the top and looks over at me with a smile.

“You really are the perfect princess, huh?” I ask, taking in her long golden hair, her light pink sweater and her car.

“Maybe, but something tells me that’s all about to change.”

“Figured out I’m a bad influence already?”

“Stella, I think you’re everything I need.”

She starts the car and we take off through the city streets. It’s surprisingly quiet for a Saturday afternoon, and before long we’re pulling up outside a fancy glass building.

There’s no sign or anything outside, so whatever it is is hella exclusive.

“What’s this place?”

“Wait and see.”

I follow her lead as she climbs out.

“I’ve always wanted to do this,” she says excitedly as we enter the sparse foyer. Everything is glass, and even the woman behind the desk looks fragile. Perfect, but fragile.

“Hi, I have appointments booked under Calli Cirillo.”

The second Calli’s surname rolls off her tongue, the woman’s demeanor immediately changes.

“Oh of course, Miss Cirillo. Would you like an escort?”

“No, thank you,” Calli looks at the woman’s name badge. “Julie. I think we can navigate the lift.”

I smother a laugh at the sarcasm in my friend's voice and mentally high five her.

I really am a bad influence. Something tells me she never would have spoken up like that before. Julie’s widened eyes only confirm my suspicions.

With a nod, Julie lets us head deeper into the building.

“Did you see her face?” Calli asks excitedly once the elevator doors close behind us.

“I’m assuming you come here often.”

“Pretty much. I’m usually with Mum, though.”

The lift rises, the numbers increasing until we get to the twentieth floor.

With a ding, the doors open and I get my first clue as to where we are. The familiar scent is a dead giveaway. So are the candles and bubbling water features as we step out into the much more lavish foyer.

“Good morning, Miss Cirillo.”

“It’s Calli, and this is Stella,” she says, turning to me.

“Nice to meet you, Stella.” Her voice sounds sincere, but her eyes are as assessing as hell.

“Don’t worry, Stella has full approval. You may ask my father for confirmation.”

My brows shoot up at the mention of him. Does he know that Calli and I are friends? Does he actually know we’re here?

Hell, can I meet him and get some damn answers about my life?