The Prelude (A Musical Interlude Novel) - By Kasonndra Leigh Page 0,66

This is where I got the inspiration for Mystical’s butterfly logo,” I explain.

“I see. And where did you get it?” His voice is barely above a whisper.

It’s okay to tell him, Erin. No one has ever asked me about Jada’s necklace before. I’m not sure how I feel about telling him; but something tells me it’ll be fine if I do. “It was my sister’s necklace.”

“The one who died?” he asks. I nod.

He stares into my eyes a long moment, making me think he’s searching for something inside them. He does this a lot. I want to know why. “It’s stunning.”

“Alek, are you okay?” I ask.

Blinking several times, he snaps out of his trance. “Yes,” he answers, but still seeming a bit distracted. He pulls me into his arms. “I didn’t mean to bring somber thoughts into our happy time.”

“You didn’t. It feels right to talk to you about this,” I say meaning every word. I’m touched by the way he’s reacting to my revelation.

“Let’s go. Our time here will be up before we know it.” He glances at Jada’s necklace one final time just before he returns the sunglasses to his face. And then he assists me with putting my helmet on the right way.

I hop on the bike behind him and wrap my arms around his waist. I could definitely get used to this arrangement.

Chapter Seventeen

Alek

The adventure on the Amalfi coast is over, and I find myself wishing it could’ve lasted forever. We had a fabulous weekend. I can honestly say it was one of the best I’ve ever had. Now, I return to reality.

Frederico and Nikolai want to meet up for a business dinner later tonight. There’s some discussion about whether or not we’ll be prepared for the preshow next week. Walking out of Erin’s apartment, I force myself to keep going.

The image of her butterfly necklace keeps flashing through my mind. I’ve seen one like it before; but I can’t place where or whom was wearing it. Something about the design has stuck in my mind ever since I saw Erin wearing it.

I only make it as far as the door to my Aston Martin before I turn around. Erin still stands in the doorway, watching me prepare to leave. No, that’s too subtle of a word. She devours me with her eyes. Soft light from the living room gives her the unearthly glow of a goddess. My gaze moves over her body silhouetted by the beam shining through the thin gown she wears. I want her. There’s no need to deny it.

Am I obsessed? What is it about this woman that makes me so crazy? I’ve never been owned by anyone before. I never wanted to be, either. But damn if Erin Angelo isn’t raking my heart across a fire burning through my soul. I no longer want to try and avoid this. I couldn’t even if I tried.

As she continues to stand there, I take in every glorious detail of her hourglass shape: her shapely thighs, her legs, even her bare feet stir something inside me. A burning need uncoils in my gut. It’s the damn fire again.

You’re allowing yourself to get too close.

Walk away, Alek.

She takes one step toward me, and my mouth goes dry. Suddenly every sense in my body goes into overdrive and my cock pulses, swelling with hunger. I only hesitate a moment longer before I walk toward her. I imagine spending the night in Erin’s bed. It’s a hell of a lot better than sitting in my car and watching her window. For the first time in my life, I want something outside of the glitz, past the glamour that is my life.

I know this is right. What we feel for each other means more to me than anything else.

You’re falling for her, Sasha.

Damn you, Erin Angelo.

I guess work will have to wait.

Chapter Eighteen

Erin

Hanging out in the Quadrilatero d’ Oro (Rectangle of Gold), the heart of Milan’s fashion district and trying on a shit load of clothes I don’t intend to buy, is just what I need. Plus, this venture with Selene gives me the chance to take a break from my horny “partner” who has enough stamina to supply a football team.

I’m reminded of the days Selene and I spent studying together at F.I.T. locations in New York City and Florence. It was a time when we were both fledgling students, two little country girls who came from two different cities situated near the swamplands of Louisiana, wondering