Free A Constant Attraction (Attraction #2) by A. J. Walters

room.
     
    “Emelie, my darling. I don't play games, I never have. Playing games, means that you are giving your opponent a chance of winning. What's the point of me doing that, when I am out to win and believe me, I will win. Thinking anything less, means that all of this is worthless and pointless. I have put too much into everything and gone too far to think differently. Losing just isn't an option with me my dear.”
     
    He reaches out with the grey stumps that are his fingers and grasps at the cut glass crystal that holds the fiery, amber liquid of a single malt whisky he bought at the bar. In one swift movement he knocks the two finger measurement back and I watch him recoil slightly as the flaming nectar makes its way down his throat. All of the time, he is observing me with his small hazel eyes. They are sharp enough to pierce anyone's heart, anyone's soul and not leave a trace of remorse. That single act alone was a warning to me, I know it. Stefano has never been one to mess with or take for granted, hence another reason why I have had enough. The hold he has upon people, possessions and me is suffocating.
     
    A steely silence has taken over for a few minutes and I find it hard these days to really know what he is thinking in those moments. I need to get back my train of thought, the plan must still go ahead or else I can see my life imploding around me.
     
    Glancing over Stefano's shoulder, I see Nicholas hesitantly returning with our Champagne. As he reaches the table, I can hear the ice cubes and bottle, clanking and rattling against the solid silver cooler bucket. The boy must be a wreck with nerves, as this must be a real test for him. So I am eager to see how he goes on with the popping of the cork and pouring the bubbles in our glasses, without any spillage.
     
    All eyes are on him as he performs his duty, which can only be making him feel even more anxious than before. Positioning the bucket on it's stand next to us, he carefully takes out the bottle. Just for a brief second, I catch him looking down at my chest, causing his cheeks to turn a bright crimson colour at having been caught.
     
    “Come on Nicholas, I am sure you have done this plenty of times before, why should this time be any different?” I furtively smile at Stefano, who is sat back in his chair enjoying the spectacle that is going on before him.
     
    The loud pop of the cork makes me and a few other diners jump, as I certainly wasn't expecting him to achieve the task so quickly. An excited and victorious smile appears on the young man's face and secretly I am proud of him. He stepped up to the challenge, of what I can only describe us as being, rather demanding patrons in the restaurant. I can envisage him going far and not letting anything discourage or put him off what he has to do, with time that is.
     
    As he pours the Champagne into my glass first, I delicately hold still his shaking hand, by placing mine on top of it.
     
    “Well done Nicholas, you have done a fine job and we will make sure you are rewarded well at the end of our meal, won't we darling?”
     
    Nicholas gulps as he turns to Stefano awaiting his reply.
     
    “Sì, Congratulazioni giovane.”
     
    Going by the look up on the poor boys face, the wide eyes and blank expression, he hasn't a clue what Stefano has just said to him. This is exactly what Stefano wanted. Even though he has just congratulated him in Italian, he still has the upper hand.
     
    “Thank you Sir. Thank you Madame. Enjoy your meal.” Nicholas tips his head to signal his departure and then makes a hasty retreat to the kitchen.
     
    “Well you have been looking like the cat that got the cream, this evening Emelie. I noticed it as soon as we got in here. Is there any particular reason for your distinct pleasure in something?”
     
    “Once I tell you what I know mio caro, well you may feel the same.”
     
    I pause for dramatic effect to build up the anticipation of what I already