Chapter 7 Hannah Leonardo's eyes never left mine . " I prefer potential benefactor , but yes . I believe we had an appointment to discuss mutually beneficial arrangements I couldn't form words . This gorgeous man , who had defended me , was now offering to be my sugar daddy ? The humor . e universe had a sick sense of " This is … quite a coincidence , " I finally managed . " Is it ? " His smile deepened , revealing perfect white teeth . I own this pub , Hannah . And several others , including The Velvet Room . " m Emma's elbow jabbed into my ribs . " Told you he was loaded , " she whispered , not quietly enough . Leonardo's gaze shifted briefly to Emma . " Would your friend like to join us for a drink ? " " No ! " Emma answered quickl " I mean , I was just leaving . Got a … thing . Very important thing . " She backed away , giving me a thumbs - up behind Leonardo's back . " Text me later , Han ! " And just like that , I was alone with him . Leonardo gestured toward his table . " Shall we ? " I followed him to the corner table , acutely aware of the eyes following us . He pulled out my chair , waiting until I was seated before taking his " So ," I said , trying to sound casual despite my racing heart , " you own this place ? " " Among others . " He signaled to a server , who appeared instantly. " What would you like to drink ? " " Um , whatever you recommend . " He ordered something I didn't catch , and the server disappeared as quickly as he'd arrived . " I must admit , " Leonardo said , leaning slightly forward , " I was intrigued when I saw your profile . Even more so when I realized you were the same woman from that night . " " You recognized me from my profile pictures ? " I asked , surprised . " I never forget a face ." His eyes held mine . " Especially not one like yours . " The server returned with two glasses of amber liquid . I took a sip to hide my nervousness and nearly gasped at the smoothness of what had to be extremely expensive whiskey . The liquid warmed my throat and settled into a pleasant heat in my stomach " You like it ? " Leonardo asked , watching my reaction with those intense eyes . " It's incredible , " I admitted . " I usually stick to whatever's on happy hour . " He smiled , a small quirk of his lips that transformed his face from merely handsome to devastating . " Macallan 25. Life's too short for mediocre whiskey . " " At my budget , life's too short for any whiskey, " I joked , taking another small sip . Leonardo leaned back in his chair , studying me . " So , Hannah . Tell me about yourself . What keeps you busy when you're not creating profiles on sugar dating sites ? " I felt my cheeks flush . " I'm finishing my post - grad in marketing . I work part - time at a Café to make ends meet , which isn't going great ." I gestured vaguely at the situation between us . " And when w you're not working or studying ? " " I read a lot . Mostly romance novels . " I took another sip of liquid courage . "The steamier , the better , if I'm being honest . I'm also into art and fashion design . I sketch clothing sometimes , just for fun . " 1/2 Leonardo nodded , veening genuinely interested . " Creative pursuits . I admire that . " What about you ?" I asked , emboldened by the whiskey . Besides owning pubs and rescuing women from drunk assholes , what does Leonardo A shadow of amusement crossed his face . "I maintain various business interests . Import export , real estate , hospitality . " He waved his hand dacvely . Boring corporate stuff , mostly . " The cascal way be brushed off what was clearly an empire made my head spin . This man didn't just own a pub ; he owned a corporation . A big . " So you own The Velvet Room too ? " I asked , trying to sound nonchalant . " Among other properties . His eyes never left mine , watching my reactions with unsettling intensity . " I find the hospitality industry … Chapter Comments 17 POST COMMENT NOW