In Vino Veritas: A Nessian Story MASTERLIST
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 STORY ISN’T APPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN, WHICH INCLUDES TEENAGERS UNDER 18. If you’re under 18, this story’s mature themes weren’t intended for your consumption. I would strongly urge you to focus on age-appropriate media instead.
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.
“Please tell me that’s a nickname.”
“Are you always this charming, Nesta Archeron?”
“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.”
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.”
“I’m no more than you deserve. Try and get some rest. I will be here when you wake up.”
Chapter Six: Armand de Brignac (TW: brief mentions of domestic violence)
“Tell me it’s going to be okay,” Nesta said quietly. “If you say it, I’ll believe you.”
“It’s going to be okay,” Cash said.
She bit her lip, feeling childish as she asked, “how do you know?”
He gave a winsome smile, and Nesta was sure she’d never seen anything more beautiful in her entire life.
“Because you’re a queen, Nesta Archeron. Now straighten your crown, go in there, and see your will be done.”
Chapter Seven: Domaine du Pegau
“They’re lovely,” she said, gesturing to the bouquet.
“So are you,” he replied, loving the way her blush deepened.
“Thank you,” she said before quickly adding, “For the flowers. The tawdy compliment, obviously, you can keep.”
She glanced up at him through her lashes. Even in her heels she was considerably shorter than him.
Chapter Eight: Domaine Serene
“Please, Cash, just let me explain.”
For the first time since Nesta had known him, Cash pulled away from her touch, as if it disgusted him.
“Don’t come to the shop,” he said in a quiet voice. “I don’t want to see you.”
He merely shook his head again.
“Have a great life, Nesta.”
“You said—” Nesta began, but he cut her off with a shake of his head.
“Fuck what I said,” Cash whispered, fingers finding gentle purchase at the base of her skull as they twined in her hair. “I’m still—but I can’t just let you walk away.”
“I’m sorry,” she pleaded, clasping his wrist where it rested against her neck. “Cash, I’m so sorry.”
“I know,” he said quietly.
Chapter Ten: Dom Perignon
“Are you seriously nervous about tonight, because you have no reason to be; everyone is going to love you.”
“Everyone except Mor, you mean.”
Cash’s frown deepened, though his gaze remained almost unbearably tender.
Chapter Eleven: Veuve Cliquot
“Fuck him,” Cash said. “He’s a selfish, insecure prick. Do you want me to go talk to her?”
“Maybe,” she said, huffing out a breath. “God, I just—I cannot stand the way he speaks to her.”
“I know, but that isn’t your fault.”
Next Time on In Vino Veritas….
“For the record, I am only hear as a courtesy to Cash. My love life is none of your business.”
“You made it my business when you hit on my barely-legal sister.”
“Nothing even happened last night! And I’m not comfortable discussing Feyre behind her back like she’s a naughty child.”
