However, based on James’ constant watch-checking, it was also obvious that Hugo didn’t manage to keep his attention.
“I think I will call it a night,'' he said as we were just finishing the starter. “I have an auction to attend at Sotheby's early in the morning.”
Hugo's left eye twitched, the only visible sign of his irritation and something so subtle that none of the others noticed. I did because I'd gotten used to irritating him over the past two months and I could recognize the tell with my eyes closed.
“What are you buying that is worth missing an association with the St-John group of companies?”
“An original music sheet of Debussy's best piece,Clair de Lune.”
I couldn’t help but snort, and all eyes turned to me.
“Something to say?” James asked, looking at me with his pale blue eyes, which looked eery against his bronze skin.
At least it was something we had in common; we were both mixed race. Something else we had in common? Our love for classical music.
“Clair De Lunemay be the most popular of his pieces and maybe the best inSuite bergamasque,but you can’t convince me it is his best one."
“Is that right?” He rested his elbows on the table, leaning forward. At least he didn’t look bored now that he was eyeing me with interest.
I kept my eyes on him despite feeling Hugo's murderous gaze on me.
“LaMeris absolutely stunning.”
His smile widened and he leaned even more on the table, which was really inappropriate and showed a carelessness that only a devil-may-care type of man could have.
“How interesting. I didn’t expect this evening to be interesting and yet…” he sighed, leaning back on his chair. “Tell me, Ms.…”
“Byrnes.”
“Tell me, Ms. Byrnes, is Debussy your favorite composer?” he asked, ignoring the five other people at the table.
I quickly glanced at Hugo who, whilst not openly glaring, seemed to be simmering just under the surface, the muscles in his jaw twitching as he ground his teeth.
Did he think I was killing his deal? His deal was dead before we even sat down.
“I—” I cleared my throat, trying to get rid of the discomfort I felt under Hugo’s judgmental eyes.
“Well, he is one of my favorites but it all really depends on the period and style. In most cases, it would be like comparing apples and oranges.”
“Which are both fruits,” he bantered with a small laugh. Lord, his deep laugh—I was sure it was enough to get any woman to drop their panties, just like Hugo’s flirty smile was.
“Yes, but not interchangeable.” I let out a little sigh. “I’m quite partial to Brahms and Haydn as well.”
“Haydn?” He etched his brow in surprise. “That was not what I expected. Do you know they are having a concert at the Royal Albert Hall tomorrow?”
Did I know?Of course I did, but the tickets cost an arm and a leg. Not something I could justify in my present state.
I nodded. “Yes, I’m aware. Viktor Duzbeyevo is coming out of retirement for this. I never thought there was a chance to ever see the man play live again.” Hence the absolutely ridiculous prices.
“Do you have a ticket? Either way, I have a Loggia and I would love for you to join me.”
How did that man have his own loggia? The thought of seeing Duzbeyevo live made my heart flutter but I also realized how Hugo would see it and how risky it would be. Maybe I could try to use this to help him, and maybe he’d be grateful enough to let me go.
“It’s very kind of you, and normally I would have said yes, but you know I’m Mr. St-John's assistant and—”
“Oh, are you? Well, I thought you were his date!” His smile widened. “That makes things much less awkward.”
I threw a curious look at Hugo, who was now concentrating his glare on James instead of me.