Book 2: Face to Face

Eleni

I struggle to tamp down my libido as Dante pulls me out of the sculpture gallery. Cal Duncan? Here? With all the champagne, I forgot the day started with his name. For all my research, I haven’t been able to find a picture of the guy, so I have no idea who to look for in the crowd of well-dressed partygoers.

“Mr. Cattaneo.” A man with deep red hair and a lilting Irish accent steps into our path. “And Ms. Calimeris. What a pleasant surprise.”

Before I can reply, he takes my hand and kisses my knuckles. I blink, fighting for coherency. Instead, I notice the fine sprinkling of freckles on Cal’s sharp cheekbones and the amusement in his light brown eyes. The charming man in front of me doesn’t match any of the horrifying stories I heard about him.

“Mr. Duncan.” Dante’s voice sounds strained as he sticks out his hand to shake. “I was so hoping to see you tonight.”

“Is that so?” Cal releases my hand and shakes Dante’s. “I heard you’d be