Their Masquerade (The American Soldier Collection 6)

“Armando?” she asked, as Gustavo turned her toward the doorway, keeping one hand over her shoulders as he escorted her across the busy room. There were people dancing, laughing, and enjoying the festivities. Considering that the place was so very large, she wondered exactly how many people were at the party. There seemed to be so many.

The stonework throughout the home was impressive. It gave an appearance of old world charm but had had all the amenities and upgrades of modern day.

“Now, don’t be intimidated by my friend. He is firm, he is very intelligent, and he has very particular tastes. I told him all about you, and your ability to make so much money in such a short period of time. He was impressed with your portfolio and successes here in Italy. I wouldn’t be surprised if he offered you a position.” She was stunned a moment. Sienna’s friends made it seem as if Gustavo was trying to set her up with this Armando character, and perhaps himself, too. It was odd, but when people saw her with Sienna and Sienna’s lover’s they automatically thought she was into ménage relationships. She sure hoped that Gustavo wasn’t expecting her to jump into bed with him and his friend. She was holding off for the safety and disguise of the masquerade.

He paused before they reached a large, thick wooden door that had a brass ring as an opener.

“If he wants to place you on his payroll, you accept,” he told her very seriously and then opened the door before she could argue.

The moment she entered the room, all eyes fell upon her. She noticed immediately that there were about a dozen men in the room shaking hands and getting ready to leave. Two men immediately came into view. One was average height, medium complexion, and definitely looked like a man of action. Another man stood beside him, and he appeared quiet, and there was an air of arrogance in his body language and in his eyes.

A few of the men looked her over, smiled, or winked as they left, but she remained straight-faced. Then the door closed.

“Armando, Manchenso, I would like you both to meet Mariah Langcaster. Mariah, meet Armando Secca and Manchenso Gullato.” Gustavo made the introductions.

She stepped closer with Gustavo pulling her along by her hand. Her eyes locked with both men, unsure who was who despite the introductions.

“Ahh, the lovely financial goddess, Mariah. I’m Manchenso. It is a pleasure to finally meet you,” he said. He was the one she had first noticed. The one who seemed tough and quiet in the corner.

“Nice to meet you too, sir,” she replied as he took her hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed the top. She felt her cheeks warm, as his dark brown eyes locked with hers.

“So very lovely indeed,” he whispered, and she instantly got a funny feeling in her gut. He released her hand and the other one, the one who was average height and seemed tough, yet friendly, gave her the once-over with a pleasant smile. As he reached his hand out, she took it. He squeezed it gently as he used his other hand to cup her elbow as he shook her hand. It was definitely a show of dominance and flirtation. Especially when he squeezed her elbow before he released it.

“Nice to meet you, too, Armando.”

“So, are you enjoying the party so far, Mariah?” Manchenso asked.

“Oh, yes, sir, the estate is quite beautiful. The artwork and décor intriguing.”

“Intriguing?” Armando questioned her as he approached the front of the desk and leaned against it. He was dressed in a designer dark-colored shirt, and designer pants. His cuff links were diamonds, definitely real, and his aura was arrogant as if he were a man of importance. He had her complete attention.

He was a few feet in front of where she stood. She got a better look at him now, and the man was quite good looking. Dark black hair, deep almost gray eyes, and a hint of facial hair perfectly trimmed made him appear like some Arabian knight. The dark burgundy button-down shirt he wore was undone at the neck, revealing a gold chain. He watched her with interest and she looked away from him and toward Manchenso.

Manchenso held her gaze with a slight smile on his lips. He watched her closely, and now she wondered why both men made her nervous.

“Perhaps she has never seen some of the art I have on display. That is probably what she meant by intriguing,” Manchenso added.

“Yes. The artwork selection is intriguing,” she whispered.

“I handpicked each of the paintings on display around the main entrance,” Manchenso told her.

“I’d like to know why you chose the word intriguing, Mariah. Do you think the paintings don’t fit in Manchenso’s fine estate and home?”

The man was either a troublemaker or he was testing her in his own strange way. They may be filthy rich and business savvy, but she could hold her own. Perhaps this little game had something to do with Gustavo’s hint of a job opportunity.

“Well, they are all quite beautiful works of art, and are obvious signs of Manchenso’s particular taste. But I find it intriguing because such beautiful, extravagant art should be displayed individually, under its own light or even in its own room, so that the viewer can truly appreciate it.”

“Hmm,” Manchenso whispered as he began to pour some brandy from a large snifter into four small glasses.

“I think she just insulted you, Manchenso,” Armando replied as he took one of the glasses Manchenso offered.

She quickly looked toward Manchenso who seemed to disregard the entire conversation while handing a glass to Gustavo and then one to her. Manchenso smiled.

“I don’t see it that way,” he added.

“Perhaps Mariah thinks you throw around your money foolishly. She is a financial expert,” Armando stated as he looked at her over the rim of his glass. She couldn’t resist giving him the evil eye as she tried to ensure Manchenso knew she meant no harm in her comments.

“Please, love, do not let Armando get under your skin. He enjoys playing games. He knows that you would not insult the host of this gathering.”