Page 40 of Roberto

“I’m atwork,Mr. Rosolini,” she said in a clipped voice.

“I’ll have you back in plenty of time for when the club gets busy. If you go with me, I promise you one of the best meals of your life – not to mention one of the most interesting experiences you’ve ever had.”

“I don’t know,” she said in a deadpan yet playful voice. “I’ve hadlotsof interesting experiences.”

“Then you’ll have the pleasure of mocking me over what I consider ‘interesting.’ Plus, you can exact any punishment you wish for my wasting your time.”

She raised one eyebrow. “Really.”

I smiled. “Within reason.”

She smirked – then turned her head to one side and looked at me distrustfully from the corner of her eyes. “This strikes me as a veryconservativestep back from your offer last night.”

“My offer last night was based on what I assumed were the rules of your club. My offer now is what Ireallywant: to spend time with you. To get to know you.”

“And what if I said no?”

“Then I would ask again.”

I could tell she was trying to suppress a smile. “And what if I said ‘no’ again?”

I took the slightest step forward – just enough to enter her personal space but not enough to be overbearing.

“Being told ‘no’ doesn’t bother me. In fact, I actuallylikebeing told ‘no.’ It heightens the pleasure when I get what I want.”

She regarded me for what another person might have described as an uncomfortably long time.

Personally, Ilovedstaring into her eyes.

Then the corner of her mouth turned up the tiniest bit. “Ask me again.”

“Say yes,” I said with a smile so mischievous even Niccolo would have been jealous.

“No,” she replied.

“Say yes,” I said in a quieter, more commanding voice.

She held my gaze with playful defiance. “No.”

I stepped forward again – this time so close that I could’ve leaned down to kiss her.

I saw her eyes widen in surprise – plus a flicker of a shadow on her neck that might have been her pulse quickening.

“…say yes,” I said in a deep, seductive voice.

She swayed a little on her heels…

And then she inclined her head and gave a smile. “Alright.”

I grinned, then looked over at Han. He had watched the entire exchange like he couldn’t believe what was happening.

“I need to take the limo,” I told him. “I’ll come find you when I drop her off around 9.”

Han frowned. “I have to come with you.”

“Why don’t you just stay here and drink?” I suggested. “If Mr. Lau asks, tell him we spent the entire evening here at the bar. I’ll back you up.”

Han thought that over for a second, then nodded. “Alright. But be back by nine.”

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