Page 58 of Tame Me

‘What held you up?’ Simone asks.

I’m not about to offer full disclosure. ‘Meeting ran overtime. You forgive me, right?’

Simone smiles. ‘If you invest in this project, you know I’ll forgive you anything.’

My smile becomes a little fixed. Even though she’s almost family, Simone still wants my money. Like everyone. ‘You know I can’t give you an answer on that without seeing the paperwork.’

She sighs dramatically. ‘Must you be so vigilant, Dain?’

‘Always.’

Business comes first but I do owe Simone and that’s why I’m here.

My family’s been in the residential property development business for decades. My great-great-grandfather founded the business and built it to a high level of success that was subsequently almost entirely destroyed by the viciousness of my parents’ divorce. They tore the company apart as well as their marriage. As well as me.

But it was down to me to resurrect what I could from the wreckage of it all. Because of Simone I was able to fulfil the promise I’d made to my grandfather. And I’ve done it. Anzelotti is the largest luxury apartment building company in Australia. We build thousands of them each year and still can’t satisfy the waiting list.

Expansion into New Zealand hasn’t been a priority, but Simone’s been making a case for my investment here for the past two years. Having her birthday party tonight was in part a deliberate act to entice me back to Queenstown. I was happy to indulge her but now I’m distracted because Talia appears in the room. Yeah, sheisthe one in charge. She’s ultra-efficient—minimal actions, maximum impact—and happily she’s aware of me. It’s barely two beats before she spots me sitting next to Simone. Her face is a picture before she pulls on a professional mask. She approaches immediately. Not going to lie, I’m delighted.

‘Is everything to your satisfaction, Simone?’ she asks.

She doesn’t look at me as Simone answers in the affirmative.

I can’t resist teasing her. ‘I heard something about the entertainment having arrived?’ I cock my head. ‘Or is it running late?’

A flush sweeps her cheeks and she flashes a baleful look my way. ‘I’ll find out and get back to you as soon as I can.’

I can’t help but chuckle. Then I count the seconds until she returns.

‘It’ll be just another few minutes and then the singer will be here,’ she says.

‘Singer?’ I clarify coolly. ‘Not a dancer?’

‘No.’ Her teeth snap as she smiles sharply.

‘I’m going to need more coffee to keep me awake for the performance,’ Simone says, seemingly oblivious to the undercurrents between the waitress and me. ‘Any chance of a latte?’

‘Of course,’ Talia says. ‘I’ll get that right away.’

I can’t remain still for more than a few moments. ‘Excuse me, Simone,’ I mutter.

Talia stands by the coffee machine. As I approach I have to suppress the maddening urge to run my hand the length of her stiff spine and soften her curves against me again. I take a sharp breath instead. Public flirting is not my thing and I definitely don’t touch a woman in view of anyone else—I don’t even hold hands. Discretion is everything to me. My personal life is and always will be utterly private. So that I’m openly obvious with my attention is a first. Women are usually obvious with me. All I need do is discreetly nod and they approach. From there it’s to my private suite. I know that sounds arrogant but it’s just true. It’s what happens when you’re one of Australia’s wealthiest bachelors. Only I’m not in Australia now and this woman avoids my gaze entirely. But I know she’s aware of me. There’s strong chemistry between us and we both know it.

‘I’m really looking forward to the singer,’ I say conversationally.

Her body goes tense.

‘Or is there some problem?’ I add. ‘Perhaps you’ll have to step in and fill the breach?’

She ducks her chin and her flush deepens. I actually feel a little bad for teasing her.

‘You should have told me you were her date,’ she mutters meekly.

I blink. She thinks I’m Simone’sdate? Good grief, I’ve gone from stripper to escort. She glances up and that’s when I spot the gleaming tease in her eyes. It tugs deep in my gut—it makes me want to use some sort ofphysicalcorrection with her.

‘Simone Boras is my godmother,’ I inform her as coolly as I can. ‘She’s the nearest thing to a grandmother I have.’

Talia’s expression flickers with smug amusement before she smooths it. I narrow my gaze on her.

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