Nautier and Wilder by Lora Leigh Read Free Book Online Page B

traffic, the bystanders, the lights and sounds of the streets
     as she drove outside the city toward the mountains that Eldon Vessante’s assistant
     had directed her to. The interview would take place at Vessante’s estate, rather than
     the hotel, and though she hadn’t anticipated the drive, she found it relaxed her,
     at least. Her nerves were less than settled at the thought of the upcoming meeting.
    As she drove out of the city and entered the less congested interstate, she could
     feel her excitement building.
    The change in time and location of the meeting was unexpected, especially considering
     the fact that his assistant had seemed less pleasant than she had when Piper had spoken
     to her the first time.
    Following the onboard navigation, she found herself turning from the highway and moving
     onto a two-lane road that climbed slowly into the surrounding mountains. Another turn
     and she passed the sign for Vessante Way, the designer’s estate the assistant, S.
     Chaniss, had told her they were meeting at.
    Piper was feeling more confused than excited as she pulled into the curving driveway
     in front of the three-story estate and gazed up at the stone steps leading to the
     massive double front doors.
    There were no attendants present. No one was rushing to park her car, and only a small,
     bright red little sports car ahead of her was present.
    Stepping from the rental car, she pulled free the wide portfolio she’d brought with
     her and gazed around the heavily forested area for long seconds before moving slowly
     to the steps.
    As she reached the top, the doors swung slowly inward to reveal a towering butler.
    Standing at six and a half feet at the very least, his brown gaze icy, his expression
     implacable, he gave every indication of being ex-military, and as hard as granite.
    “Ms. Mackay.” He nodded down at her with a slight inclination of his head. “Mr. Vessante
     is awaiting you in the drawing room.”
    The drawing room? Those actually still existed?
    “If you’ll follow me.” It may have been worded as a request, but the tone was a straight-up
     order.
    Her brother and cousins had ensured that she recognized the difference.
    Before he turned away, his gaze raked over her with a glint of sudden curiosity, or
     familiarity. She’d met a lot of men over the years whom her male kin knew, and she
     was certain she had never met this man, yet that look gave her the uneasy feeling
     that he knew her.
    Turning, he indicated she should follow him.
    Dressed in black, perfectly creased slacks and a pristine white shirt that didn’t
     have a single wrinkle, he led her through the wide, steel-colored marble foyer that
     seemed to extend a mile or more. Reaching the end of the room-size entryway, he turned
     sharply to the right and a set of doors at the end of the short hall.
    A sharp rap of his knuckles was answered in seconds. The butler gripped the doorknobs,
     pushed the doors open, then stood back for her to enter.
    The heavy Gothic design of the room was a shock. Piper stepped from the more contemporary
     foyer and tried to control her amazement as she stared around the room. Dark, heavy
     woods, leather furniture with carved clawed feet, and thick, dark draperies over the
     windows that blocked the early summer sunlight and sent a rush of trepidation rushing
     through her.
    She jumped, startled at the heavy snap of the doors closing behind her before swinging
     forward again. From the corner of the room, a light chuckle drew her startled gaze
     and she watched as Vessante rose and moved slowly into the center of the room. He
     approached her slowly, his head tilted to the side, icy blue eyes regarding her mockingly.
    “You seem nervous.” His tone was less than sincere as he attempted to put on a friendly
     expression.
    What was going on here?
    “Where are the other designers?” Piper blurted, then winced. Not exactly the most
     graceful greeting, but this private meeting wasn’t what