High Stakes Seduction - Book 1 by Ami LeCoeur

beautiful," he said with the hint of a silky French accent. "I have been watching you all evening, waiting for my chance to make your acquaintance before you disappear."
    "Oh," I said, flustered by his proximity and the warmth of his smile. I took a step back. "Very nice to meet you, Mr.…?"
    "Francois," he said, taking a step forward. "Please, call me Francois."
    He reached up, stroking my cheek gently with a finger. I laughed nervously and took another step back, but he matched my step with one of his own. His hand was still around my waist and he practically danced me backward until we were just outside the main banquet area, away from the crowd.
    "It’s lovely to meet you, Francois, but I need to get back to—"
    "Your date has done you a disservice tonight, leaving such a beautiful woman on her own. You never know who might come and sweep her off her lovely feet." He leaned in close, and I felt his hand slide around to my hips.
    "You need to let me go now," I said in a low voice. I put a hand to his chest, smiled brightly, and gave him a gentle push.
    He ignored the warning. He slid his fingers down over my hips and I grabbed his hand.
    "Let. Me. Go."
    He stared at me for a moment, his dark eyes locked on mine. Whatever he saw finally made him back off, and I breathed a sigh of relief, though I remained on my guard.
    "Forgive me, my dear," he said, stepping back with a gallant bow over my hand that he still held onto. "I did not mean to offend you. But I meant what I said. Your date is not treating you in a manner deserving of your beauty and charm."
    He gave me that dazzling smile of his, dropped my hand, and pivoted, almost walking right into Antonio.
    "Monsieur Grebault," said Antonio. "I hope you’re enjoying the evening."
    "Just admiring the sights," he replied, sizing up his competition. He tipped his head slightly in my direction before walking back to join a trio of men standing in front of the bar.
    Antonio slipped his arm around me as he drew me out into the party again. And, while it remained there for the rest of the evening, save for when I introduced him to Carlo and Poula, there was a tension between us now—an edginess that had not been there before.
    Several times during the evening, I felt eyes on me. When I looked up, there was Francois watching me with his wickedly roguish grin. A few hours later, as Antonio escorted me to the front foyer, I saw Francois for the last time. He winked, and I saw his lips move. I’m sure they formed the words, "You’re welcome."

Chapter Twenty- Four
     
    I leaned back against the seat inside the limousine and shut my eyes for a moment, glad the stress of the last couple of hours was over. It had been fun while I talked with the twins, but after my encounter with Francois, things had turned a bit surreal.
    Antonio cleared his throat and I turned to look at him. He watched my face, not saying anything.
    "Everything seems to have gone well with the twins and their manager," I said when he continued to stare.
    "I saw Francois Grebault tracking you with his eyes this evening," he said to me darkly, raising the privacy window.
    Mmm, I didn't like his tone.
    "What did he say to you when you were alone with him?"
    I frowned, surprised by his words. I felt the weight of his gaze on me again, as he waited for a response.
    "I—he was just flirting with me."
    "And?" he persisted.
    "He told me I was beautiful."
    He looked at me silently for a moment. "Did you like it?"
    "What?"
    He shifted closer to me. I felt the soft fabric of his suit brush against my arm, and an image of him pulling me into his arms flashed through my mind.
    "He is very charming. Did you like his attention?"
    "Antonio, I—"
    He reached out, slowly gliding the back of his hand down my cheek. I shivered, catching my lower lip in my teeth. He paused, watching me with his dark, gleaming eyes. His almost predatory gaze both frightened me and thrilled me. His eyes fell to my breasts, rising and falling as my