Page 31 of Destino

“How dare you suggest that I’m cold?”

Giovanni released a gust of laughter. How did she make that leap? Cold? The heat radiating from her would warm any man’s bed, or heart. The last thing to cross his mind was her being cold. She missed his point. The woman reminded him of an overstressed spring ready to snap at the slightest prodding. Though she had her moments, such as holding his hand and the polite smiles during conversation, he could not really break through the force field around her. If he touched her without permission, she’d flee. He was certain of it.

“I would never presume you were cold. In fact, I find you quite remarkable. I’m only suggesting that like most people you have a lot to learn about what it will take to make you happy.”

“And you’re an expert on happiness?” she smirked. “Looks like your talents aren’t used for making people happy but evoking fear.”

“Fear? An interesting choice of words.” Giovanni glanced toward the private chef and drink waiter. He spoke directly to them in Italian and asked if they were afraid of him. The men glanced at each other then back to him not sure how to respond.

“What did you ask them?”

“If they were afraid.”

“Why ask them? They won’t answer you directly.” She glanced toward Renaldo who stood off to the corner of the room. “I’m sure even your hired escort tells you what you want to hear.”

Giovanni looked to Renaldo and smiled. “I guess you make a valid point, Bella.”

“I wasn’t trying to insult you.”

“Don’t apologize to me for speaking your mind. I will admit that I’m not used to it, but I don’t want you to ever feel that you can’t be yourself around me.”

“Are you a drug trafficker?” she blurted her next question.

The humor in the moment faded. In a flash, she went for his balls. Taken aback, he didn’t know quite how to respond, but the intensity in her stare suggested he say something. “What did you ask me?”

Clearing her throat, she spoke in a direct manner. “I realize the question is incredibly rude. I’ve wanted to ask it since I saw the men with guns. First the demands you made on me disguised as a favor for helping me with my business—”

“I’ve already explained that—”

“And now all of this. They treat you like you’re the Prime Minister. You aren’t the Prime Minister. Are you a drug dealer?” she asked again.

“No, we detest drugs. No one in my family or business deals in that poison.” He let the answer settle with her until he felt she relaxed a bit before he continued. “If you get to know me, you’ll find me as harmless as a lamb.”

It was her turn to laugh. “I doubt it.” Her plate was placed before her, then his before him. He had no appetite. But he did want to watch her eat. Everything she did aroused the sleeping giant in him. Maybe Lorenzo was right, and it had been too long since he had the pleasure of a woman’s company? It could explain the burning interest he had in this one.

She studied her breakfast. The chef poached some eggs and sautéed fish, scallops and sea urchin in olive oil and basil. This he explained to her. He’d been to America and knew that eggs were expected for breakfast. Everything else was his own special request.

“Sea urchin?” she frowned.

“It’s love on the palate. Give it a try.”

“I guess I’m not used to this.” Her gaze flickered back up to him and then swept the glass house.

“Used to what? A man taking a sincere interest in you?”

“A man as arrogant as you, who’s obviously dangerous, so intent on pursuing me. It’s a little hard to take at once.”

“How can I relax you?”

She sighed. “It’s not necessary, I’m relaxing.”

“No you aren’t, but thanks for pretending. Tell me what it will take to make you comfortable around me.”

Mira picked up her wine and sipped it. “Okay, how about a friendly game of Q and A?”

“Q and A?” he repeated not understanding her.

“Question and answer…I ask you answer.”

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