AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Was she just playing along, waiting for an opportunity to get away?
Deciding that had to be the answer, he grinned.
She was clever.
She’d fooled them.
Reassured, he decided he’d help her get away when she came out, though he wasn’t exactly sure how. But as the minutes passed, he came up with a plan. He’d follow them back to the canyon road, then speed ahead, swerve to a stop in front of the Porsche, and rescue her.
CHAPTER20
The dimly lit restaurant was as romantic as Bianca had hoped it would be. Gentle music filled the air, and red candles sat on white tablecloths. The moment they entered, a nattily dressed host greeted Nick effusively, kissing him on both cheeks.
“It’s always so good to see you, Nick,” he said in a thick French accent.
“Hello, Henri, this is Bianca. Bianca, Henri pretends to be the maître d’, but he’s actually the owner of this wonderful place.”
“Delighted to meet such a beauty,” Henri said with a slight bow of his head. “Please follow me.”
Glancing around as they moved through the elegant dining room, Bianca noticed wing-backed chairs offered every table a level of privacy.
“Your restaurant is beautiful,” she remarked as she sat down.
“Merci, I try to provide my guests a comfortable atmosphere,” he replied, handing her a red leather folder. “I hope you enjoy your meal.”
“I’m sure I will,” she replied with a smile, then as he walked away, she leaned toward Nick and whispered, “He’s so French.”
“You’re right about that,” Nick whispered back. “Henri is as French as a Frenchman can be.”
“How do you know him?”
“I helped him out of a jam once, and even though he’s booked up months in advance, he always gets me in when I call. But, Bianca, before we have dinner,” he began, his expression becoming serious, “there’s something I need to tell you.”
Her heart skipped. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong, I just have to get this out of the way. I know you’ve been wondering how I was able to reach your father so quickly.”
“You’re going to tell me?”
“I am, but you must keep this to yourself.”
“I will, I promise. Believe me, I know how to keep my mouth shut. It was one of the first things I learned.”
“I’m sure it was,” he said with a frown, “because it was the same for me.”
“Why?”
“Have you ever heard of Carlo Vincelli?”
“Of course, he heads up one of New York’s most powerful families. Oh, my gosh, are you related to him?”
“Bianca, I’m his eldest son. I was supposed to work at his side, and one day take over the reins, but I had to leave. I didn’t want the job.”
The revelation was the last thing she’d expected to hear, but staring at the handsome, dark-haired, take-charge man in front of her, it made sense. He carried himself with a rare confidence, reminiscent of her father and brother. Defeat wasn’t an option, fear didn’t exist, and he wasn’t a man to cross. But not sure how to respond, she was grateful a waiter arrived with a bottle of champagne. As he popped the cork and poured a small amount in a glass for Nick to taste, she was able to gather her thoughts.
“I knew there was more to you,” she began as the waiter left, “and that explains why you were able to handle Matteus so well—actually, how you’ve handled everything. Leaving your family must have been difficult.”
“The business isn’t for me,” he replied solemnly, picking up his glass and taking a drink.
