Read Secret Torment (Bend To My Will #9) for Free Online Page B

early when the guests left, Jacob suggested going for a cocktail. The tea had been acceptable, as good as tea gets, but he preferred something stronger. Since they were already at the Plaza, they went to the Champagne Bar in the lobby and sat in a couple of cushy chairs along the perimeter.
    The tall windows offered a pleasant view of Fifth Avenue and Pulitzer Fountain. Jacob ordered champagne and caviar for them. “I need something that’s not sweet.”
    Vivienne giggled. “You have to admit, it was a great event.”
    “It was,” Jacob said. “I need to make a note to pay more attention to the women. They are very responsive.”
    Vivienne laughed. “I’ll just bet they are.”
    The champagne was poured, and for a few minutes they relaxed, enjoying the atmosphere of the elegant lobby bar. Jacob had something he wanted to talk to Vivienne about, and after the waiter refilled their glasses, he brought it up.
    “I’m concerned that traveling more often is stressful for you,” Jacob said.
    Vivienne sipped her champagne. “I can deal with it.”
    “You said it throws off your hormones, and that’s a sign that it’s affecting you.”
    Vivienne rolled her shoulder. “I’ll get used to it.”
    Jacob had a feeling this wasn’t going to be as easy as he’d hoped. “Well, I don’t want you pressured with business concerns when we travel. We’re going to Mendoza soon, and it would be easier on you if you didn’t have a business to run.”
    Her frown wasn’t a good sign. “But I do have a business to run. I don’t know what you’re suggesting.”
    “Let me put it this way,” Jacob said. “I often buy other companies. If one looks like a good investment, I consider it, even if it’s not in the wine industry. I have quite a few holdings outside of Rinaldi Imports.”
    For a moment Vivienne was quiet, but he knew she was trying to figure out where he was going with this. “So…you want to buy my company?” Her shock was evident.
    “That didn’t come out right.” Jacob leaned forward. “Buying businesses is a good way to diversify. But in this case, the company would still be yours.”
    “How so?”
    “I will capitalize Vee’s Scents, because I have faith in you and your creative ability with scents.”
    “I don’t need you to do that,” Vivienne said, lifting her chin. “I’m doing just fine.”
    “ Just fine isn’t as good as you could do.”
    “Now you’re making me angry.”
    Jacob took a breath. “All I’m saying is that I’d invest in you , and that would allow for more expansion. You could hire a management team, or utilize some of my staff, and go big .”
    “But it’s not my financial welfare that you’re concerned about, is it?”
    “No, it’s you , Vivienne. Traveling with me has benefits, but it’s also an imposition. I’m aware of that, and I don’t want it to be that way. The way I see it, you need to consider this option. Otherwise, I’ll travel without you, as much as I’d hate to. And you won’t see me as much.”
    “But Jacob…”
    “No, listen, this can work. I have experience with this. I’ll make it a smooth transition.” Jacob took her hand. “You’ll see. With the right funds and more of a management structure, your brand will get noticed. I know celebrities that would wear your perfumes.”
    When Vivienne didn’t argue, Jacob continued. “Just like in the twenties, when movie stars wore diamonds to make them popular, if you get some endorsements like that, the Broadway actors you admire will be wearing your perfumes.”
    It wasn’t the first time Jacob had negotiated a deal, although Vivienne was a bit more difficult to predict than the men he had dealt with. Still, he knew when to shut up. He leaned back in the chair to give her time to think it over.
    After looking out the window for a few minutes, Vivienne turned to face him. “I can see the advantages, so I’m considering your offer. But I’m going to repay all the funding when I’ve made