Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 573 Gwen's POV "I can't believe you talked me into this." I stood at the entrance of Bellavita, Florentia's most exclusive club, staring at the massive line of people waiting to get in. Music pulsed from inside the building, bass so deep I could feel it vibrating in my chest even from the sidewalk. Mia grabbed my hand, her high heels clicking confidently against the pavement as she led us straight past the line, ignoring the irritated and envious looks from people who had probably been waiting there for hours. "Come on," she said, dragging me toward the VIP entrance.

The bouncer at the door, a massive man in a black suit with an earpiece, spotted us approaching. Mia simply smiled at him. That smile she used when she knew exactly the effect she had on people. He nodded and pulled the red rope aside without hesitation. We walked straight in. "There's no point in getting all done up at the salon in the morning just to spend the night hiding in your apartment," Mia said once we were inside, raising her voice to be heard over the electronic music dominating the space. The place was exactly what I'd expected. Colored lights slicing through the darkness.

Beautiful people dressed in expensive clothes. Strategically placed bars serving elaborate cocktails. Elevated VIP tables where the truly influential sat, physically and socially separated from the crowd below. "And besides," Mia continued, steering me toward one of the VIP areas, "if you want to meet someone from Florentia's most powerful families, this is the place." "First," I shot back, leaning closer so she could hear me, "I never said I want to meet someone-" Mia rolled her eyes dramatically.

Alexander Ferguson, heir to the Ferguson hotel chain, was at a corner table with a group. I'd closed a distribution deal with him just last month. Joanna Banks, from Banks Winery, one of our direct competitors in several markets, was at the bar talking to someone I didn't recognize. "Gwen," Mia said, stopping and turning me to face her, her hands

"I don't know, Mia..." I began, glancing around uncertainly. 1/3 "Just try," she cut in, squeezing my shoulders.

"Did something happen with Matthew?" I rolled my eyes. "No. Just a few kisses," I admitted. "I think we tried, but we worked better

my chest. "No one who mattered. No one real." I paused, then admitted the obvious. "Just Nick." Mia studied me for a long moment, her expression softening into something between understanding and determination. "Then let's see Nick as the man who got you back into the game," she said, turning me toward the packed club. "He reminded you that you can still feel things. That you still want

she finished with a smile. "So pick one and at least try to have some fun." I tried. I really did. We danced. The music was good, the kind of polished electronic sound you only hear in