Read Leah's Seduction: 1 (Gianni and Leah) for Free Online Page A

cosmopolitans before. But they are pretty good.”
    “You haven’t had them the way my bartender makes them.”
    The drinks arrived swiftly and Gianni motioned for her to take a seat. With the outdoor heaters the temperature was pleasant, and it was so much nicer than being inside. Other guests milled about, drinking and talking, sometimes glancing in Gianni’s direction. But no one bothered him.
    Inside there was loud music, and Leah was sure the dancing had started. She preferred to relax with her drink and avoid people she didn’t know. Gianni seemed aware of that, and didn’t press for them to go inside. The first few sips of her drink relaxed her, and Leah began to talk more freely with the handsome man she barely knew.
    Even as they talked, Leah noticed the bodyguard not far off. He was unobtrusive, and after a while she forgot about him. Gianni seemed to have no interest in anyone at the party except Leah. It certainly boosted her ego to have such a desirable man interested in her.
    The conversation covered various fashion world topics, nothing too personal at first. But Leah had a feeling Gianni wouldn’t settle for idle chatter. The way he looked at her and reacted to her gave Leah the impression he wanted to know about her on a much deeper level.
    It wasn’t anything he said, exactly. It was his attitude, his attentiveness, and his interest in what she said that seemed sincere. He revealed little about himself, although he did tell her more about his business. But only tidbits that didn’t give anything proprietary away.
    Leah knew, even as the alcohol clouded her senses, that Gianni was sharp. Possibly, he was too sharp, and he was maneuvering her. But she didn’t care. Her attraction to him overcame any reservations she had. She was certain he didn’t intend to harm her, so she let him guide the conversation.
    “So, who do you work for in your new marketing coordinator position?”
    Without hesitation, Leah filled him in on how that all happened. “Well, I had graduated but didn’t have much response to the resumes I sent out. It’s very competitive, which I’m sure I don’t have to tell you.”
    Gianni took a gulp of his whiskey sour.
    Leah continued, “I met Kyra Walsh at a fashion show, and we became friends. In fact, she says she knows you.”
    “Yes, she modeled at my showroom several times.”
    “Anyway, she gave me a good recommendation at one of the other showrooms. From modeling, she knew the owner. Not well, but I guess they were looking for someone. Lucky for me, they took her suggestion, and I did well in the interview. So now I work at Barrington’s.”
    Leah thought she saw Gianni’s jaw stiffen, but if so it was momentary. Then he relaxed again. “Mason Barrington,” he said tersely. “I know him.”
    They were interrupted when a woman slightly younger than Leah came out to the terrace and walked right up to Gianni. She had dark blond hair and lovely hazel eyes. Even in her high heels, she was petite, and probably wasn’t taller than five feet four in bare feet.
    “Gianni,” she said.
    He stood and gave her a hug. “Were you in there dancing?”
    She pulled back and nodded.
    “This is my sister, Daniela,” he said. “Daniela, meet Leah Ivers.”
    Daniela took her hand for a quick squeeze and then started walking away. “Anyway, just wanted to let you know I made it here okay.” Then she was gone.
    “You have a sister,” Leah said, just realizing that family hadn’t been a topic of discussion.
    “Yes, she’s our baby sister.”
    “Our?”
    “I have three brothers. I’m the only one in New York right now, so I look out for her.”
    “Is she in the fashion industry?”
    “Yes, she is a makeup artist. She’s quite good.”
    Leah noted the fondness with which he spoke of his sister. It was a new side to him. He was a confident, successful businessman. But it was good to know he had a softer side. “She’s lovely. I’m glad I got the chance to meet