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“Miss. Kensington.” He smiles and I hate the flutter that passes through my body like a Mexican wave.
I say nothing and look away as Matteo Ortega takes the seat beside my father on one side, and his friend on the other.
That man is no different and wears danger like a fucking badge of pride. They have brought intensity to our table and any light atmosphere has been chased away by the darkness. I’m interested to watch my mother’s reaction and her tightly pursed lips indicate she is not at all happy, which gives me a moment’s pleasure. I’m pretty sure Jefferson is shitting himself right now and the sharp look his father directs at him tells me he hasn’t got a clue what’s going on either.
As brunch gets underway, I’m conscious of Matteo’s eyes locked on me the entire time. Just him being here is making it difficult to breathe and not because of the fear of what he may do. It’s him. The prince of darkness, crouching and ready to pounce. I can almost taste it. Reach out and touch it because whatever his game is, it’s one he intends on winning.
My father does his best to keep the conversation light, but I note the weariness in his eyes as he struggles to hold it together. Mom is unnaturally quiet and Mary, opposite me, is nervous. Jefferson is mute and keeps checking his phone as if the answer lies there somehow, and then my heart jumps when Matteo says in his dark voice.
“Miss. Kensington.”
I look up, nervous to meet his eyes and the amusement in them irritates me, so I say casually, “Mr. Ortega.”
“I have a business proposition for you.”
The tension at the table is at breaking point as my mom gasps and stares at my father in the vain hope he will put a stop to whatever this is.
“I’m not in business, Mr. Ortega.”
My voice is calm and controlled and even when his eyes flash, I don’t let it affect me.
He leans forward and stares at me hard. “I am in need of an escort for the summer.”
My mom’s harsh intake of breath is almost enjoyable as he grins. “An assistant if you like. Somebody of impeccable breeding and decency. A morally incorrupt young woman who can accompany me to my father’s funeral.”
Mom is trying so hard to hold it together as Matteo looks slyly at my father. “Your father has agreed to the appointment. Four weeks work for a generous donation to his preferred charity. Charity work if you like, the perfect way to spend the summer.”
I regard him coolly and then peer at my father for his reaction and the defeat in his eyes tells me there is more to this than I thought. Obviously, my father is hiding something that Matteo Ortega is holding over him and the threat may as well be sitting at the center of the table for everyone to see.
I continue to stare into Matteo’s eyes and realize this has been done to remove me from my current situation. He set me up and I have no choice. Jefferson is rigid beside me but nudges me under the table with his leg and I couldn’t hate him any more than I do because it’s obvious he’s intent on saving his own reputation at the cost of mine.
Every single pair of eyes around the table, if not the restaurant, are trained on us as I nod coolly. “How can I turn down money for charity?”
Mom makes to speak, but the fierce glare from my father has her backing down in an instant and Matteo sits back in his chair and nods.
“Then it is agreed. Abigail leaves with me and will return in four weeks’ time, no doubt to an engagement party and an amazing life with the fine young man beside her.”
I steal a glance at my father, who returns it with an almost apologetic glint in his eye and I smile reassuringly. Whatever Matteo has on my father, I’m going to make sure it’s never used against him. I love my father even though he isn’t around much and leaves everything to mom, but I know he always has my best interests at heart.
I’m a little shocked when Matteo stands, along with his companion and nods in my direction.
“We are leaving. Ladies, gentlemen, it’s been a pleasure.”
He heads my way and as I stand, he pulls back my chair and I swear every eye in Seagrasses is trained on this scene, and I know it will be the gossip of the season.
His fingers brush against my arm as he walks by my side out of the restaurant and only the horrified stare of my best friend seated nearby tells me my life is screwed before it even begun.
CHAPTER9
MATTEO
It’s good to be me, most of the time, anyway. I just walked into that restaurant and set six lives on fire and it’s not even lunchtime yet. It gives me a natural high and I’m in a great mood as I guide my prize through the aghast faces surrounding us as we leave respectability behind for a world of sin and depravation.
Abigail is straight-backed and controlled beside me and is perfect. Beautiful, elegant and poised with a calm, controlled manner that will serve her well. As I cast my mind back on the sobbing woman who came apart under me last night, you would never think it was the same person. I will enjoy wrecking the cool façade she hides behind because I have a feeling Abigail Kensington is guarding a center of molten fire.
We reach my car that is parked outside the entrance and one of my soldiers holds the door open. Cesare steps into the car in front, allowing me time with my guest on the short drive.
As the door slams, she says icily, “I see timekeeping is not your speciality.”
