The Moretti Seduction Read Online Free PDF Page B

that all was fair in love and war. And this most definitely was war, she thought. Last night he’d pushed the boundaries of the attraction between them. Normally Nathalie wouldn’t try to be some sort of femme fatale, but in this instance and with Genevieve’s help she had the feeling she couldn’t lose.

    The meeting went long into the afternoon. Everyone else looked tired and frustrated, but Nathalie looked more beautiful than when she’d first come to the Moretti Motors building this morning.
    Her father and sister were also at the table, and Dom had joined them when he’d realized there were more Vallerios in here other than just Nathalie.
    “Let’s take a break,” Antonio suggested. “We need to all stretch and get some air. I’ve asked my staff to set up some drinks in the garden.”
    “I don’t think fresh air is going to resolve the issues on the table,” Emile said.
    Nathalie’s father had the same sharp intelligence as his daughter but none of her charm. He was still angry with Lorenzo and because of that he was a liability at the negotiating table. He sensed Nathalie knew it, but how did one tell a family member to get lost? He knew it couldn’t be done. When family and business were mixed, there was no way to win.
    “I realize that, Emile. I thought a break will give us all a chance to regroup and then get back to work.”
    “Sounds good,” Dom said. “My assistant, Angelina, will lead you to the garden.”
    “Where will you be?”
    “In my office,” Dom said. “Antonio and I need a moment and then we’ll be right down.”
    Angelina led the Vallerio family out of the boardroom and he turned to Dom. “What did you need to discuss?”
    “That Emile is an ass. I don’t see the point to all of this. His only agenda seems to be to taunt us with the fact that we can’t use his father’s name.”
    “I know. Give me a few minutes to think this over.”
    “I already have. Screw them. We are going to use Marco’s name instead. He’s made a name for himself on Grand Prix. One that even Pierre-Henri didn’t have.”
    “But he doesn’t have the cachet that Pierre-Henri does, thanks to that roadster he helped design and gave his name to. No matter that Pierre-Henri drove for our team—Team Moretti. The Vallerios think they are owed more than the compensation they were given. And because of the way Nono treated Anna Vallerio, I guess Emile is right to feel that way.”
    Dom stood up and walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows and looked down into the courtyard garden where the Vallerio family was assembled. “I’m not going to play Emile’s game. Whatever Nono did to his aunt, we’re not responsible for it. This is business, not revenge.”
    “I’m not ready to throw in the towel yet. I need some time alone with Nathalie. We both are seasoned at negotiating so I’m sure we can get to something workable.”
    “Not if her father is in the room. And why is the sister here? She didn’t add a single thing.”
    “I have no idea. Why don’t you offer to take them on a tour of the factory and show them the mock-up of the new Vallerio? That will give me a chance to talk to Nathalie privately.”
    “I think I’ll have Angelina take care of that.”
    “You can’t. Emile will be offended if it’s not you or I doing the tour. I think it’s important that we give him his due here. What Nono did to the Vallerios…well, from their perspective wasn’t right.”
    “We didn’t exactly prosper from his actions either. But I understand what you’re saying. I’ll do my part. It’s just Marco’s luck that he’s not here.”
    “He will be next week and then we can send him to deal with Emile and Genevieve.”
    “But not Nathalie?”
    “No. I’m the one who can handle her.”
    “Are you sure? You seemed distracted a few times.”
    He had been distracted. Yesterday he’d been struck by Nathalie’s brains and wit more than her looks. But today she’d pulled out all the stops and