Page 14 of Empire of Seduction

I lifted the glass by the stem and took a sip. Too dark, too strong. No subtlety. I was used to the finest wines in the world and this was an assault on my tastebuds.

I placed the glass on the bar. “No, not this.”

The bartender appeared confused. “Would you like to try something else? A chardonnay? Rosé? Maybe white wine is more your speed.”

“I’ve decided I’m not in the mood for wine, but I appreciate your help.” I pulled another fifty from my money clip and placed it on the bar.

“Oh, that’s not?—”

I pushed the money closer. “I insist.”

“Well, thank you. That’s very nice of you, sir.”

I nodded once, then Michael was standing at the bar, his eyes rimmed red. Had he been crying? Leaning on the wood, I waited for him to join me.

“Was there something else you needed, Signore D’Agostino?” he asked.

I put my hand on his shoulder. I was about a decade older than him, so I felt qualified in offering advice. “Michael, you cannot change the past. Pull yourself together and move forward. It’s the best any of us can do when we find ourselves in new situations.”

“I know. It’s just . . . Maggie is so fucking mad at me. And I have no idea how to tell the staff.”

“Maggie will come around. I spoke to her outside and told her what I told you: think of me as an investor. We’re going to make the winery better, capisce?”

He nodded. “Okay.”

I dropped my hand. “I’ll tell your staff. Organize a meeting tomorrow. We’ll reassure them that their jobs are secure.”

He sagged, seemingly relieved. Had this been weighing on him?

I had to spin this in a positive light. They were both practically kids and this was a huge responsibility. They should both be thanking me for helping them. “Michael, I will take someof the burden off your shoulders. You and Maggie are no longer doing this alone.”

“I know, I know. It’s all happening so fast.”

“Fast isn’t necessarily bad. Now, I have a request.” I gestured outside to the property. “Are there guest houses or cottages on the estate? I would like to move out of the bed and breakfast.”

“I-I thought you’d be returning to Toronto.”

He and his sister thought alike, apparently. “I plan to, but not for a little bit. I’d like to stay here, smooth over the transition. A few weeks at most.”

“Uh, okay. There are properties on the estate that we rent out to guests. Like for weddings and events. Would you like me to show them to you?”

“If it’s not too much trouble. And there must be more than one. My men need a place to stay, as well.”

“Sure.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Um. I should warn you, though. Maggie really isn’t going to like this.”

I was counting on it.

Something about fighting with her, about how she stood up to me, was both amusing and infuriating at once. I enjoyed needling her. This woman was much different than the confident seductress from the casino. And I was discovering that I could appreciate both. Very much.

Minutes later I was back out in the cold, walking with Michael on the grounds. He greeted the winery workers as we passed, saying their names and asking after their families. People liked Michael. It was clear in how they responded and interacted with him. I could see why he was the winery’s front man and Maggie dealt with the plants.

“Do you mind if I smoke?” I asked.

“No, of course not.”

I took out my cigarettes and lighter. “Your sister had a different opinion.”

“Yeah, she would.” He pointed left when the path diverged. “She’s very protective of the vines.”

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