The Prelude (A Musical Interlude Novel) - By Kasonndra Leigh Page 0,11
understand why he didn’t just tell me who he really was the first time we met.
“Alek Dostov works for me, yes. It’s much easier to pronounce,” he says and turns back to the model who has now closed the distance between the two of them.
Suddenly I feel claustrophobic and confused.
“Fantastic job. Your seamstress came through,” he says as he runs his fingers over the model’s silky red dress. The girl he’s giving attention to makes sure to lift her skirt higher than necessary, revealing her long limbs as she explains how easy it is to move in my creation. For some reason, I get annoyed. She catches me mentally beating the crap out of her and offers me a smile. I smirk and steer the conversation back to me.
“That’s all for the day, thanks. Luca will be in touch regarding your compensation,” I inform her.
She bows and says, “Madam,” but her eyeballs are all over Alek the entire time. The Maestro is a man of both art and hard work. I can tell. He doesn’t pay skyscraper legs any mind, even though the model is practically undressing him with her eyes.
Musical and gorgeous.
Oh God, kill me now before I’m too far gone.
The last time a guy set my chest on fire this way, things didn’t turn out so good for me. I was in high school, and he was on a short term visit to the States. I was in love, and he was just pure horny. End of story. This feeling rushes through me, a heat that grabs me and clenches inside my stomach. The sensation knocks me off balance in my head.
“This is only two sets of outfits, yes?” he says and stares into my dark eyes with his light colored ones that remind me of brown sugar. I find myself thinking of all the rumors I’ve heard about Alek Dostov being a swinger. This man who has already seen me in two of my worst moments cannot be the tyrant everybody makes him out to be. And then he opens his mouth. “There are six acts. We will need four more sets of outfits, one for each.”
The accent, those eyes, and the thick black hair along with a body that most maestros only dream of in their next lifetime: he’s everything I would never have imagined a conductor to be. Stop this, Erin Angelo, right now, before you lose too much of yourself in this song. “I’m not sure if we have enough staff to handle such a big job.” I glance over at Luca who is still chatting with the fur lady who reminds me of Rachel Zoe. I make a mental note to chew him out later on.
“Oh, I’m certain you can handle large things,” he steps closer to me, amusement swimming in his eyes. Suddenly I remember that I’m supposed to be angry about him deceiving me over the past couple of days. This helps me knock my heat level down a notch to where I no longer feel like a hormonal school girl.
“Your observation skills are impressive,” I say. “Now maybe you can work on that credibility issue of yours.” What the hell is wrong with you?
“I promise to try, at least. Do you accept the job, Ms. Angelo? You like challenges. I can tell. You most definitely have what I need.” He runs his fingers over the lacy part of the bodice I’m wearing, smiling as he stares deeply in my eyes. “Much better than that flimsy call-girl robe you wore earlier.”
I think I’ll just die on the floor now. “It’s not really my decision to make. Luca’s the boss in this gig, but I’m sure he’ll agree.”
“Excellent. Join me for a celebration dinner?” he asks, ignoring the drummer who has been trying to get his attention for the last five minutes.
Holy moly. The sexiest Maestro alive is asking me out. Say yes! “I’m sorry, but I don’t date bosses, of any type.” I turn around and head back toward the dressing rooms, exhaling only after I’m safely back inside my room.
Chapter Three
Alek
She uses too many curse words.
A woman who has a mouth that can put a man’s to shame means trouble. Always. Every time. But damn if I can’t get the image of her gorgeous skin, her perfectly shaped breasts, and those fiery red underwear out of my mind. Erin Angelo.
She’d be horrified if she knew I was thinking of her in this way. I can tell. But I’m proud of