In Vino Veritas: A Nessian Story MASTERLIST
“In wine lies the truth”
Summary: Nesta Archeron is convinced she has everything she wants: a law degree from an ivy, a prestigious job, a gorgeous boyfriend, and excellent taste in wine. However, when she wanders into her local wine vendor and meets a handsome stranger unafraid to play her quick-witted games, she begins to wonder if the life she’s built is really the one she wants.
Cash Kahukore worked his entire adolescent life to become a sommelier, ignoring the slurs his mixed heritage have always earned him as he fought his way to the top. When a gorgeous lawyer comes in to his uncle’s shop one afternoon, he immediately recognizes a worthy opponent in her. Undaunted by her sharp tongue and possessive boyfriend, he’s determined to be her friend, and—as time goes on and their circumstances change—possibly something more.
This a prequel to Navy Suits and Chelsea Boots that takes place three years before. If you love Elriel (and don’t mind finding out how this story ends) check it now.
Chapter One: Cheval
“Nesta Archeron.”
“Cash.”
“Please tell me that’s a nickname.”
“Are you always this charming, Nesta Archeron?”
Chapter Two: Ornellaia
“Okay, I’ll bite: why do men like me need women like you?”
“Because an unchecked male ego is like a landslide; it gathers speed quickly and leaves a mess in its wake. The world doesn’t have time to waste clearing your boulder-sized bullshit from the path of progress.”
“Doesn’t that mean women like you also need men like me? You can’t keep a tongue sharp if you don’t have something rough to sharpen it against.”
Chapter Three: Bollinger
Cash gave a sheepish laugh as he looked down at the scuffed chukka boots her wore, and Nesta found herself adding, “She’s a lucky girl, Cash. The woman you end up with.”
It was truer than he even knew, and harder to bear than she’d expected. She had a sudden image of Cash in the arms of some unknown brunette beauty, and she felt her hands curling to fists.
Chapter Four: Roussillon (TW: domestic violence)
“Give me your phone,” she said, wiggling her fingers.
Dazed, he pulled it out of his pocket and handed it to her. A minute later she was handing it back, her expression resolute.
“There,” she said. “Now it’s official: we’re friends.”
Chapter Five: Mar de Frades (TW: domestic violence)
She choked on the tears, wincing as she brushed one from her a battered cheek.
“You’re a good friend, Cash.”
He softened again.
“I’m no more than you deserve. Try and get some rest. I will be here when you wake up.”
