Page 56 of Seasons of Sin

Thaddeus could have snapped something in two. “That will be all for now.”

Tony was surprised by the sharp admonition but he smothered it quickly. “Prosecco is coming right away.” He hummed as he disappeared towards the candlelit bar.

Saphire might have cautioned Thaddeus at another time. But that was in the past. Their easy relationship had long since died.

“Melania has several projects in the pipeline,” Saphire began her rehearsed speech a little haltingly, but with an air of determination Thaddeus had to admire. He settled back in his chair, resigned to listening, if only for the opportunity to study her further.

“Our benefit on Friday night was the biggest of its kind. The funds raised will be immediately channeled so that pediatric oncology nurses are able to visit children in remote areas ofthe country. The next event is a ski weekend in the Alps and she’s planning to co-host a Christmas gala in London. We’re just waiting to confirm the celebrity host before publicizing it.”

His eyes bore into hers. Saphire took it as tacit approval to continue, though he was confusing her with his unwavering attention. “As you no doubt know, Melania’s events attract a high-profile rota of A-list guests. Her marketing and business nous has seen Hope Renewed grow from a small, local charity to a hugely important international fundraiser. We have established statistics on the positive impact sponsorship and participation has for our corporate funders.”

She paused here and he sensed she was waiting for something, so he murmured, “Such as?”

She nodded, relief beading across her brow. “Such as advertising that flows directly from our website. We post corporate sponsorship banners across the site and we track the flow of traffic; there’s an increased buy-rate, too. Not to mention the PR that comes with our events. Melania’s mission is to get as much free coverage as possible. We are, after all, a charity, and can’t really afford a massive advertising budget. Fortunately, over the years, she’s built an incredible contact sheet of industry people, and anything she touches garners huge press.”

“I see,” he nodded when the waiter arrived with the prosecco and began to pour it in two glasses.

“Leave it,” Thaddeus insisted, waving his hand toward the young man.

“Yes, sir. Would you like to order?”

“I will have whatever my date recommends,” Thaddeus inserted silkily, his eyes holding warning for Tony.

“Lasagne,” she muttered stiffly.

“Salad? Bread?”

“Both,” Thaddeus muttered, summarily dispensing with any more interruptions.

“This isn’t a date,” she hissed just as soon as Tony had disappeared from the table.

“Did I ruin a budding relationship for you?” He cooed with a total lack of concern.

“No.” She swallowed past the lump in her throat.

He lifted his prosecco and sipped it thoughtfully. “This reminds me of the first night we met.”

Her cheeks infused with color, as he’d expected they would.

“It’s nothing like that night,” she assured him candidly. “In the past, our corporate sponsors have included …”

“Enough,” he said, shaking his head. “Business later.”

Saphire nodded but her heart was dropping. He was going to say no. He wasn’t interested in the charity; not really.

“Are you wasting my time?” She said slowly. “Or playing with me for your own sick reasons?”

“No, and no,” he responded.

“Then what are you doing here?”

He took another sip of his drink. “Do you find it so hard to believe I might have an interest in philanthropy?”

“No,” she bit down on her lip. “I googled that too. I know you’re generous with your corporate donations.”

“Indeed.”

“I just don’t know if you intend to be generous with Hope Renewed.”