Page 22 of Destino

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“I could ask you the same. As I recall, you had too much to do to entertain my dinner proposal.”

Swiping her hair from her face, she expelled a frustrated laugh. “Did you know I was coming? Is this some kind of setup?”

“It’s a response to your invitation.”

“I didn’t invite you here.” she frowned.

Giovanni walked in closer to her so she could read the determined look in his eye. “Here, in Italia, if a woman takes notice and makes direct eye contact with a man like myself, it’s considered an invitation.”

“Oh please. So I can’t look at an attractive man without him thinking I want something more?”

“You find me attractive?”

After a flirty laugh she turned back to the banister and faced the lake. She cast her gaze over to the left revealing her profile. He studied the delicate perfection of her slender nose, high cheekbones and full lips. “You find yourself attractive. Guess I was just agreeing with you.”

Her head turned, and she continued to stare out into the night. Unable to resist, he stepped directly behind her. He was sure she could feel the heat of his desire radiating from his chest; his heart beat so fast and hard inside of it. But she didn’t acknowledge his closeness, and it disappointed him. Flowers hadn’t softened her, and his charm had no effect. What excited this rare beauty in his midst?

“I owe you an apology, Bella.”

“Do you?”

“Si. I should have never insisted on you granting me access to your building.”

“So now it’s my building? Thought I only had a lease.”

“It was impolite. I’m a little rusty on negotiating with someone… as beautiful as you.”

At any moment, she’d know what it felt like to receive his touch; he stood so close. The smell of him caused her stomach to flutter. A spicy mix of cologne with a hint of something smoky and potent like the dark whiskey she watched him drink earlier. It was the most masculine appealing smell she had the pleasure of knowing in quite some time.

“You find me arrogant?”

“Extremely,” she admitted.

“Pushy?”

“Definitely.”

“Presumptuous?” he said, not hiding his amusement in his tone. Mira was grateful he couldn’t read the smile lifting the corners of her mouth.

“When it comes to the way you’ve approached me, I’d say that word is key.”

“And you still have to turn away from me so I can’t see how much you enjoy this, us.”

“I was here first. I’m not turning away from you Signore Battaglia. I’m just enjoying the night.”

“Then why did you give me the same sexy look you gave me the first night we met? Forced me to rise from my chair and follow?”

“So you admit to following me?”

“I’ll admit to much more if you turn around and face me.”

If she honored his request, they’d inevitably be closer than she needed at the moment. The man was right. He did excite her a bit. But he was wrong to presume closeness would grant him any access to her past the sparring they’ve indulged in so far. He stepped back. She felt his body heat withdraw and exhaled, tightness forming in her chest. She turned and stretched her arms out with her hands gliding over the smooth surface of the railing she leaned against.

“That’s much better, Bella. Tell me how do you like Italia so far?”

“I’ve had a very interesting time,” she began. “After a few days here, someone stole my purse. I lost some precious items including my passport. Then I learn that the Mafia isn’t a myth and wants to force me to pay them to operate my new business in Napoli. To make matters worse the Italian Republic puts a padlock on the doors and forces me to shut down my operations three days before the biggest show in my life. And wait. There is more. A handsome business man who seems to command a small army of men that follow him around with concealed weapons comes to my rescue, only to ask that I now pay him for the courtesy. And, of course, now I’m here with that same man, who thinks he can charm me with a few smiles and sexy winks.”

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