Page 11

“Oh, I have no doubt of that.” Her eyes travel down my body slowly. Obviously. “But beneficial for whom, I wonder?”

I rein in my rioting emotions. “For both of us, I hope. But before we get in too deep, let’s enjoy some of Jacques Auclair’s creations, shall we?”

I practically leap to my feet. She rises more slowly. More elegantly. I have no idea how she keeps her balance on those shoes, but they appear to be almost extensions of her long, lovely legs.

“Let’s go into the dining room,” I manage to choke out, and then I turn and try not to run.

I need a moment to clear my head, away from her perfume, from her mesmerizing eyes, from her flirtatious smiles. “Please,” I say, showing her into the dining room, “take a seat. I’ll fetch the wine.”

I escape to the kitchen for just a moment, and take in some deep breaths. In for five. Out for seven.

I thought I’d be afraid. I thought that was what I’d have to control, my fear, not my…

Not my damn libido.

Alessa de Luca is a criminal who exploits everyone she comes into contact with, I remind myself fiercely.There’s a black heart under that breast.

That full, creamy, tantalizing breast almost spilling out of her dress…

I drag my attention back to the spread of elegant hors d’oeuvres he prepared: oysters topped with crème fraiche and caviar, seared scallops nestled on cucumber rounds, and rare roast beef layered onto toast points with blue cheese sauce.

Designed for easy at-home service, I was told. And also delicious. I take the platter into the dining room and place it down awkwardly on the table. It’s been set just like the new Michelin-starred hotel that the food comes from, and if anything, I’m the only thing in this picture that’s wrong.

But when I look at Alessa, she seems delighted. “This looks amazing. Shall we dig in?”

“Absolutely.” I slide the platter of oysters closer to her.

She selects one, eyes fluttering closed as she swallows the morsel. “Delicious,” she proclaims. “Jacques issotalented.”

“He certainly is.” I sample an oyster myself, savoring the piquant taste.

And just for a moment, I wonder…what does Alessa de Luca taste like?

Oh, God. I take a big gulp of wine and dab my mouth with the damask napkins, desperate to hide my expression from the cameras in this room.

That isnota thought I should be having. And it’s not a thought I’ll ever have again, damn it.

Alessa de Luca isevil.

I need to remember that.

CHAPTER6

NATALIE

We continue chatting lightly as we sample the food, and slowly some of the tension in my shoulders begins to unwind. Alessa is charming, I have to admit. Witty too. I can see how she’s managed to win over so many influential people to her side. It’s easy to forget who she really is beneath the polished veneer.

But I can’t afford to be swayed by her charisma. This woman is dangerous, regardless of how innocuous she seems sharing a meal with me.

I bring out the next course, then the next, and I find myself understanding more and more how Alessa de Luca became the powerhouse that she is. She’s utterly captivating, or would be, if I wasn’t desperately trying to hold on to a cover story.

“More wine?” I ask her, noticing her glass is nearly empty. I refill both of ours without waiting for her answer. The alcohol might loosen her tongue.

“Trying to get me drunk, Natalie?” She smiles knowingly over the rim of her refilled glass.

I force an easy laugh to cover my misstep. “Maybe just relaxed. Can’t blame me for wanting the company.”

“Oh trust me, I’m relaxed.” Her voice takes on a husky edge. “The night’s still young though. Who knows where it might lead us…”