“Now you do have my attention–my rapt attention. And my name is Sebastian.”
“What exactly is it that you want...Sebastian? ”
Just then one of the waiters carrying a tray bearing an iced water pitcher and two empty glasses stopped at their table. “Good evening, Mr. Allanti, Ms. Jennings. My name is Joe and I’ll be your server this evening.” He turned to Sebastian. “Congratulations on the successful bid, sir. I’ve often served Jennings wines and they are top of the line. Are you ready to be served?” Joe set the two water glasses on the table and expertly filled them from the glass pitcher of ice-cold water. He neatly laid out napkins and silverware and several plates. “Shall I open the wine for you? Prepare the contents of the basket?”
A silent truce was called. “Yes,” Sebastian said. “I’m ready to sample Ms. Jennings’ delicacies. I’m eager for them to be properly displayed.” His hot gaze burned into Eve. His eyes unwrapped her and she felt the laser fire of his focus upon her skin. She reached for the glass of water and took a long swallow. The coldness against her overheated libido shocked her system. Sebastian’s gaze lowered, now centered upon her bare neck. The glass trembled in Eve’s hand and she set it down quickly.
The young waiter lifted the basket from the table. “Certainly, sir. I’ll return shortly. Is there anything else I can get for you in the meantime?”
Sebastian didn’t take his eyes off of Eve. “Not at the moment.” They were once again alone in the intimate little corner.
“What do I get for my money, Eve?”
She nodded in the direction that the server had taken. “It’s all in that basket, Sebastian. Our best wine, and some of the finest accompanying cheeses and breads available.”
Sebastian leaned forward. “I mean for you, Eve.”
Eve didn’t want to play this game. Suddenly, there seemed an importance attached to this conversation that frightened her. She smoothed her trembling hand across the napkin in her lap.
“As I said, I’m not for sale.” She looked straight into his eyes and then knew that was a mistake.
“Everything is for sale, Eve. It just takes the right offer.”
“Maybe in your world, but not in mine. I doubt I’m anything like the other women whom you’ve...dated. They may have a price, but I don’t.”
YOU ARE READING
Betrayal of Trust
RomanceEve Jennings Allanti, manager of the Fontaine Winery, is estranged from her Italian husband, Sebastian Allanti, head of the American operations for the Allanti family restaurant business. A breakdown in trust has occurred that Eve feels cannot be h...
