Page 3 of His Billion-Dollar Takeover Temptation

“My name is Everleigh Bradford. Congratulations on your Merlot. It’s exquisite.”

“Thank you.” He arched a brow. “While your compliments are appreciated, was it necessary for you to ignore the ‘Balcony Closed’ sign and invade my privacy?”

Everleigh’s chin came up and her eyes flashed with stubborn fire. “Yes.”

Intriguing... There were plenty of men who would have cringed at the slightest hint of his disapproval. But not this woman. She stood her ground, shoulders thrown back, lips now set in a determined line.

“You’re a busy man, Mr. Cabrera. I need to speak with you on an urgent matter. I’m sorry for breaking the rules, but it was necessary for me to have a moment alone with you.”

Her honesty was refreshing. A night with someone as bold and beautiful as Everleigh would more than make up for his past few months of celibacy.

He infused his smile with sensuality as he raked his gaze up and down her slim form once more, this time letting his appreciation for her body show. “I would greatly enjoy a moment alone with you.”

Everleigh’s cheeks flushed pink. The blush caught Adrian unawares. Was she an innocent or just playing a role? Much as it would disappoint him, she wouldn’t be the first to go to such lengths to catch his attention.

“This has nothing to do with sex, Mr. Cabrera.”

“Adrian.”

Her lips parted. “I... Excuse me?”

“Please call me Adrian.”

Those beautifully shaded violet eyes narrowed. “This is a business discussion, Mr. Cabrera. First names are for friends and family.”

“We could become friends, Everleigh.”

What was wrong with him? He never teased a woman like this. He complimented, touched, seduced... But with this woman he just couldn’t help himself.

Perhaps it was the blush. Yes, that had to be it. The delicate coloring that even now crept down her throat toward the rising slopes of her breasts...

“We will never be friends,Mr.Cabrera,” Everleigh snapped. “I’m here to discuss your proposed purchase of Fox Vineyards.”

Desire fled, replaced by the cold calculation Adrian wielded in every business meeting. “Then let’s talk.”

He watched as his quick change of personality threw her off balance. She glanced out over the ballroom, her chest rising and falling with a deep breath. He waited, never taking his eyes off her. It was a tactic that had served him well and caused many a nervous business partner to blurt out something they wished they hadn’t.

At last she turned back to him and speared him with an angry gaze. “You’re trying to bully my terminally ill father into selling the vineyards and the winery that have been in our family for generations to your international conglomerate. I want you to stop all communications with my father and allow me to step into his role.”

He finished off the last of his Merlot while he processed her words. He’d met with Richard Bradford on several occasions as they’d negotiated the sale of Fox Vineyards to Cabrera Wine. The older man had been thinner the last time they’d met, but Adrian had chalked it up to the hectic lifestyle of owning a winery.

While Fox Vineyards only maintained one location in upstate New York, their wines had grown in popularity these last two years. Adrian had made it known that he wanted to expand Cabrera Wine into the States, so when Richard’s attorney had contacted him about selling Fox it had been a welcome proposal. Not once had Richard mentioned any illness or a spoiled daughter wanting to take over the business.

It didn’t matter. Adrian wasn’t about to turn down the opportunity just to appease this brassy young woman. The fact that he hadn’t made the connection between her last name and Richard signaled that he was too distracted. Better to put as much distance between Everleigh and himself as possible.

“Just so I’m clear, Miss Bradford, you believe I’ve intimidated your father into selling Fox Vineyards?”

“Yes.” For a moment her eyes glittered.

Dear God, please don’t let her cry.

Adrian had zero interest in comforting a bawling woman in full view of hundreds of guests.

“I see. Have you spoken with your father about how he and I came to be doing business together?”

Everleigh’s hands curled into fists. “He refuses to talk about it. All he’ll say is, ‘I had no choice.’ You may be a successful businessman, and well-respected in some circles, but I also know you’re ruthless. I will not have you run my family out of our own vineyard.”

Adrian set his glass on a small end table, his movements slow and deliberate. The simple action kept him from displaying the wrath that was rapidly boiling to the surface. He was a determined businessman who went after what he wanted, but he wasn’t heartless. The accusations this upstart American was leveling at him—and on the night of his own party—angered him as nothing had in a long time.

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