High Stakes Seduction - Book 1 Read Online Free PDF

For what?" I stared at him. This was an evening job? What had I gotten myself into?
    "A local art gallery is hosting an event highlighting the more elaborate and artistic elements of fashion as an art form. As my associate, you will be expected to attend many such industry and charitable events."
    I frowned. "You know I’m not exactly familiar with the fashion industry."
    "Which is why you will accompany me. In order to learn what you will need to know. Turn around, please."
    "Pardon me?"
    "Turn around, please, Angela. I would like to see you walk."
    I stared at him, trying to comprehend what it was this man wanted from me. I had accepted this offer of employment, expecting to be a sales clerk in his store. But this didn't sound like a normal job interview, let alone a "normal" job. What did he expect of me?
    My chest tightened as nervousness turned to anger. He had been giving me orders from the moment we first spoke on the phone. Thanks to Dad’s debts, I owed this man, but he did not own me, and I wasn't about to let him control me.
    "I am not some… cheap… escort, Mr. Mancini," I said, biting each word.
    He watched me for a moment, then stepped toward me. I tilted my chin defiantly, resisting the urge to take a step back. He gazed down at me, his expression unreadable, his eyes searching mine. I could smell the subtle scent of sandalwood and citrus, could feel the warmth and power that emanated from him.
    My mind raced back to my dreams and I felt my body respond, in spite of my determination. I tensed, suddenly fearful that he could read my thoughts. He opened his mouth to speak and my eyes were drawn to the soft lines of his lips, watching them move as he spoke.
    "No, Angela," he said, his voice low, "you are my associate. And I expect you to look the part. Now," he said, stepping back and gesturing to the empty area of his office, "if you would kindly walk for me. I would like to determine how best to outfit you for this evening."
    I exhaled slowly, not realizing I had been holding my breath. My cheeks were burning with anger and embarrassment … and with a sudden, strange desire to please this man—a desire I was trying hard to resist.
    My eyes fell on one of the framed photos on the wall. It was an image of a tall, ebony-skinned woman with legs that went on forever. "I—I’m not one of your models," I said.
    "But you are no less beautiful," he said, casually tucking his hands into his pockets. "Now, please. Walk for me."
    "Fine," I said, my cheeks hot as I shuffled forward awkwardly.
    "No," he laughed sharply. "You are capable of far more grace, Angela."
    I rolled my eyes and sighed, trying to relax. One foot in front of the other, I thought to myself. The office was big, but it certainly wasn’t a runway. After seven or eight steps, I was at the wall and had to turn back to face him.
    "Much better," Antonio said, as I approached him. I tried to ignore the way his eyes roamed over my body, examining me with cool appraisal. "That will do. Hilary," he said, pressing the button in his intercom.
    His secretary popped in, her blond curls bouncing along with her cheery smile. "Yes, Mr. Mancini?"
    "Miss Tilson will be accompanying me to the gallery event tonight. She’ll need to be properly attired. Size seven. Something from the Black Rose line, I think." He tilted his head, eyeing me. My cheeks grew hot under his scrutiny, I seriously had to resist fanning my face. He took my arm, pulling me gently to him as he stepped around behind. "Yes, the fabric will go well with her skin tone."
    A shiver ran down my spine as I felt his hands sink into my hair, lifting it into a pile on top of my head. "I want something that will accentuate these elegant shoulders," he said, letting one hand fall down to trace the line of my neck. I trembled at his touch. "You can choose the jewelry, Hilary."
    "Wonderful!" Hilary said brightly. "I’ll have Priscilla help me with the shoes."
    Antonio moved to face me, glancing down at my