Page 13 of Cruel Longing

He held his hands in the air in a defensive posture. “It’s clear we have a lot to learn about who we are now. I’m sorry.”

I finally exhaled. “I’m sorry I jumped down your throat.”

He grinned. I felt more at ease.

“I don’t have an assistant.” His face was stern. “I have a Sovietnik.”

The reminder was chilling. He had once been his father’s closest advisor.

“That’s right. I sometimes forget our families operate differently.” I paused. “Why don’t you tell me about France?” I suggested. “Not the wineries. Just what did you think about living in France? What was it like? I’ve never been. Tell me all about it.” A safe conversation starter was what we needed.

I listened to Luka’s stories about the coffee shops and the museums. He described his family’s estate in the countryside. A castle. He told me how difficult it was to have his piano shipped. It took weeks. He was having the same problem having it brought back to the States. Neither of us allowed a hint of the memory associated with his baby grand.

He spent weekends in London. I was afraid to ask about the women. I knew they existed. Of course, they existed. It was hard to picture him taking trains to Prague or Florence without somegorgeous brunette on his arm. But he never let it slip. He had taken up polo and had a box at one of the football stadiums. He had immersed himself in European culture, picking up Italian and German. I was impressed. We finished the first bottle of champagne.

“It sounds beautiful,” I mused. “Especially the French countryside. Did you think about moving into the city at any point?”

“You would love it. Champagne for miles.” His sexy smile made me shiver. Or maybe it was the rumble of his voice. “It’s a quiet life for sure. I think the countryside is the perfect place when there is no more of this.” His eyes made a quick scan of the dining room.

“Work?”

He nodded. “The pace. The race to conquer. Yes, once that’s out of your system, then I would move to the French countryside and learn how to make my own champagne.”

I wondered if he was asking me how long it would take to eliminate the drive from my system. Was I capable of not wanting projects like the Crescent Towers? He knew the Amara that would rather read by the pool. He knew the girl who was looking for a way out. The one desperate for freedom.

How did I make the last five years evaporate? How did I go back to that night at Marguerite’s? How did I convince a naïve younger me to hop on that plane to Paris and never look back?

Those were my thoughts as I sat inside my empire. An empire I had clawed and fought to build. I surpassed my father’s vision. I had out-produced Uncle Gio. I had triumphed over Dmitry. I survived when markets were volatile, and other businessesfailed. I adapted and evolved to stay on top. Yet, to have a chance to do it again, would I rather live in the French countryside drinking champagne with a man who made my heart spin and my body blaze with fire?

I heard my phone buzz inside my purse.

“Go ahead,” Luka allowed.

“No. We’re in the middle of a date. Business can wait.”

A few seconds later, the phone buzzed again.

“Someone might need you. I understand. I’ll find the server and order more champagne.”

I nodded. “All right. I’ll be quick. I promise.”

He walked out of the room and I dug into my bag for the phone. Barbara had sent five texts. Damn it. I held my breath. I couldn’t change the decision I made five years ago when I had the chance to choose Luka, but I could choose him tonight.

I fired off a quick text to Barbara without reading any of her messages.

I’ll call you tomorrow. I’m not available now.

Ihit send, feeling satisfied. And feeling like I had taken the first step to reclaim what my life could have been.

Eight

LUKA

Ihanded the server a hundred-dollar bill. “Deliver the bottle to my suite,” I instructed him. I wanted him to bypass our table for part two of the date. We had almost finished dinner. Dessert was also going to be served upstairs.

“Yes, sir.” He hurried to the bar for the bucket of champagne.

I was about to enter the dining room when my phone vibrated. It was Katya.

---