The call connected almost instantly.
"This is room one. I need dinner for two delivered within thirty minutes." His voice shifted seamlessly into the commanding tone. "Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and butter. Truffle risotto. Pan-seared salmon with lemon and capers. A Caesar salad. Roasted vegetables with herbs. Fresh bread. Sparkling water. And a bottle of the 2015 Burgundy."
He paused, listening with an expression that suggested he expected nothing less than perfection.
"And a dessert platter. Whatever the pastry chef recommends."
"Is that all, Sir?"
"That is all."
He ended the call without a farewell, set the phone down on the marble coffee table with quiet finality, and lowered himself onto the sectional sofa. He settled back effortlessly, one arm stretching along the backrest, his long legs crossed at the ankle. There was nothing casual about the way he sat.
Then he asked Cixi. "Sit," inviting her to take a seat.
