Page 96 of Brutal Heir

She stopped pacing, folding her arms across her chest. “I’ll agree to a one-month trial period, providing we keep our relationship strictly professional.”

The espresso dripped, dark and rich, forming a perfect crema on top.

She didn’t realize Italians had a very permissive opinion about the rules of a professional relationship.

I took my time pouring the shot into a preheated porcelain cup.

She didn’t see it, but I smiled as I reached for the spoon and stirred the liquid gold with precise movements.

I turned, cup in hand. “Agreed.”

She stared at me as if I’d just upended her entire strategy.

I raised an eyebrow, leaning against the table and bringing the cup to my lips.

“If I didn’t know any better, dolcezza, I’d almost say you were disappointed at my agreement.”

Sabrina squared her shoulders, tugging on the sleeves of her blazer. “Don’t be silly. I’m thrilled. I’m getting what I want.”

The high color on her cheeks told me otherwise.

I placed the cup back on the table and selected an amaretti cookie from the platter Oliver had left. My smirk widened as I bit into it, the sweetness balancing the espresso’s edge.

“So am I.”

CHAPTER 26

SABRINA

Iwas thrilled he saw it the same way.

Why wouldn’t I be?

I was getting what I wanted: a chance at an amazing career as a fashion stylist in Europe.

Wild, untamed sex with an arrogant, domineering man was fine for romance novels and misguided one-night stands, but not for real life.

Sebastian didn’t love women; he consumed them.

He placed his finished espresso cup on the table behind him and approached me.

Then he stretched out his arm…to shake my hand.

“To our new business partnership.”

My lips were stiff with my forced smile.

I blinked back the strange tears that formed as I met his gesture and shook his hand firmly. “To our new business partnership.”

He broke the handshake. I lowered my arm and flexed my fingers, already missing the strong warmth of his hand.

“We will land soon. You should get ready.”

I smoothed my hand over my borrowed shirt. “Ready?”

He selected another cookie and winked. “For the paparazzi.”

“What paparazzi?”