The Making of Mia by Ilana Fox Read Free Book Online Page A

London.’
    Jo forced herself to look around, being careful not to catch anyone’s eye. Although she wasn’t about to admit that it was
     the first time she’d been in a bar, she agreed that it was extraordinary. From the outside the doorway looked as though it
     led into an average Edwardian building, but inside the walls alternated from leopard skin to a deep blue-black that was flecked
     with glinting pieces of silver. The ceiling had ornate Victorian-style coving painted a luscious gold, and antique chandeliers
     swooped down over the red velvet chairs. It was an
Alice in Wonderland
fantasy, and Jo suddenly felt as though she had stepped into the glossy pages of a style magazine. In such an alluring setting
     her make-up felt right, and Jo felt a world of possibilities open up before her. If she could fit into a bar like this, she
     could fit into the glamorous publishing world – one of designer clothes, fast men and beautiful girls.
    ‘It’s astonishing,’ she told Amelia, as her eyes flicked across the men brandishing red fifty-pound notes at the bar, the
     opulent lighting that cast a luxurious glow over everyone, and the expensive diamond-cut glasses. ‘I’ve never seen anything
     like this!’
    Amelia, who was sipping a cocktail, nodded. ‘His brother– who owns most of the pubs and bars in Hampshire – said Charlie could have Gigolo for his twenty-first birthday as long as
     he lived in the flat upstairs and ran the bar to profit. It’s only a matter of time before he makes his name in the scene
     in London.’ She took another slug of her cocktail and grinned a pink, sticky grin. ‘Charlie is going to take London by storm,
     and I’m going to be right by his side.’
    Somehow hearing his name mentioned through the big-beat track, Charlie Rutherford sauntered over to their table and sat down
     next to Amelia. He casually draped his arm around her. ‘Hey, babes,’ he said, his accent giving away his public-school roots
     despite his scruffy jeans and blazer combination. ‘Been showing off again?’
    Amelia punched Charlie jokingly, and swooped in for a kiss. ‘Only because I’m so proud of you!’ she said, happily. As Amelia
     kissed her boyfriend, Jo checked him out – he looked rich, like he had never wanted for anything. He had thick, sweeping,
     dark hair, haughty brown eyes and a body to die for. He was all lean muscle, height and sex appeal.
    ‘Jo, this is Charlie. Charlie, this is Jo, my friend from school.’
    Charlie smiled lazily at her. ‘Whassup?’ he asked stupidly, before composing himself and saying, ‘Good to meet you,’ despite
     not meaning it for a second.
    Amelia was keen for Jo to feel comfortable as soon as possible, and thought her boyfriend was the man to help achieve it.
     ‘Charlie, want to give her the tour?’
    Jo began to protest. ‘It’s fine, really—’ she began, but Amelia interrupted her.
    ‘You should really see the private rooms.
GQ
called them “the jewels in the crown of the best bar outside London”,’ Amelia parroted like a PR girl. ‘They’re bloody cool.’
    Jo reluctantly followed Charlie through the crowds of people, refusing to take her eyes off the shining black floor.Charlie made mindless small talk, knowing Jo wouldn’t be able to hear him over the sound system pumping out Fatboy Slim, but
     he was aware that Amelia was watching them and that he needed to give a performance to stay in her good books. As they reached
     a narrow corridor, Charlie paused.
    ‘Only the regulars know what bit of the walls to press to get into the exclusive spaces. Let me show you one of the main ones.’
     He casually leant against the wall and pushed an invisible door into a dark room lit with ultra-violet lights. Jo felt a waft
     of cigarette smoke hit her, and it was a moment before she could get her bearings. As she gazed around the room she saw there
     was a group of five girls sitting at a mirrored table, and she tried to appear nonchalant when