The Prelude (A Musical Interlude Novel) - By Kasonndra Leigh Page 0,25

me a few times when she thinks I’m not paying any attention. She’s trying to figure me out. I can tell.

I had to think of some excuse to go back to her house. Besides wanting to spend as much time with her as possible, I can’t shake the image of the black Sedan out of my head. I haven’t said anything to her about it yet mainly because I don’t know if there’s anything to what I actually saw. If I continue to send Hagar over to chauffeur her around, then I can keep an eye on her without being too obvious or scaring someone who already has a nervous condition.

At the door leading into her apartment, she turns and glances at me with mysterious dark eyes shadowed by her lashes. I want her to invite me inside. She’s painfully controlled. It doesn't matter. I’m turned on by her even with the ice princess act.

Back in the day, I’d ruthlessly pursue a woman until I got my way. I’m well aware of how women see me: sensually handsome, successful, rich.

How do I normally view most females? I always considered them to be a soft passage, a way to escape the fake ass shit in my life. But this woman intrigues me. Still, I can’t bring myself to come on to her.

What the fuck is wrong with you? This isn’t your style.

I bring my attention back to Erin. She was going on about the fabric she purchased for the outfits our dancers will be wearing. And then she says, “Luca told me about the insane deposit you paid us,” she says, ripping me out of my thoughts.

Her words confuse me. At first, I think she’s telling me the amount on the check isn’t enough. “Are you like related to Bill Gates, or something? I mean, six figures, Alek? Really?”

“Not Bill Gates, no. A man named Sergey Dostovsky,” I mutter. I’d love to have been born into the life of a software mogul, a man who worked for his wealth. Someone who built his empire based on honesty and hard work and not by using methods of terror the way my father has done.

“Am I really worth all of this trouble?” she says quietly and lowers her head.

I step in front of her and lift her chin. “Do not ever doubt yourself, Erin Angelo. Always remember there are no amount of digits to cover your self-worth.” I lean over and plant a soft kiss on her cheek.

The wind caresses the space between us, but even Mother Nature can’t shake the electricity flying between Erin and me at the moment.

“I’ll remember that,” she says and turns toward her door, drifting away from me again. “I should head inside. I’m really tired.” Sighing deeply, I stuff my hands in my pocket. That way I know they’ll behave themselves.

“I understand.” I back away and head toward the steps leading up to her building. I’m frustrated, horny, and feeling just a tad desperate. Before I get too far, I turn around. “Oh, I almost forgot. My mother, the one who’s paying for all of this, wants to speak with you about your plans for your new line. Hagar will pick you up at 4pm tomorrow. I’m assuming you have no plans? Or maybe you attend church the way many Italians do on Sunday?”

She gives me a smug grin and says, “What if I do? Would it even make a difference?”

I consider her answer. “Probably not. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I head toward my car without telling her where she’ll be meeting up with me.

Chapter Six

Erin

Alek’s mom owns a vacation house that looks like the mansion of an Italian king. She lives just along the outskirts of Bellaggio. The front of the house overlooks Lake Como.

The evergreens and over-the-top gardens surrounding the place stun me into silence. The stucco on the house has been washed in a yellow stain, giving the exterior an expensive, but happy look. No wonder Alek loves gold so much. I would too if my mom lived in a place like this.

As Hagar eases the car to a stop, I experience an overwhelming sensation of dread. These people are the real deal. The Dostovs have chosen my design house to create the costumes for one of Milan’s hottest opera productions of the year; and it all goes down in five weeks. That’s not a lot of time at all. I’ve been trying to keep my anxiety under control. And by that I mean