Page 47 of His Fantasy Bride (Things To Do Before You Die)

“That’s missionaries for you.” Theresa patted her on the shoulder. “All that niceness, though—they would have been hell as in-laws. Total murder.”

“Probably.” She sighed and took a sip of coffee. “I suppose it’s no wonder Vito grew up so perfect.”

“Hey, listen to me. No man is perfect. And your Vito is no exception.” She grinned. “It’s just your faults are a little more out in the open. But we love you for them.”

“Thanks.” But maybe she was right. Maybe Vito was hiding a whole load of issues under his smooth facade. She’d never know now.

“So, are you sure—”

“Yes! I’m going to see your brother on my own. I can deal with it.”

“Actually, I think he feels really guilty about the whole thing.”

“Good.”

However much Luca moaned about the way the D’Ascensios had nearly destroyed the Scarlesis, the family had actually done all right for themselves. They had a brand new office building, all chrome and glass, on the Isle of Dogs, which they had moved into a year ago. The company did everything from property development to film production. Luca had a flair for business.

He also had a lovely corner office on the top floor. His assistant knew her—she was a second cousin or something—they liked to look after family—and let Gabby in straight away. She’d never been here before. The last time, when they’d discussed the deal, she’d met Luca in a dimly-lit bar—far more suitable for shady dealings.

The room was big, with floor to ceiling glass windows on three walls and a fantastic view of the city of London. Luca had his back to it, and was seated behind his huge black desk in his huge swivel chair. He got to his feet as Gabby entered, and looked at her at little warily.

“Are you alone?” he asked, though it must be clear she was.

“No,” she said. “I have Theresa hidden up my T-shirt waiting to jump out and give you hell.”

He grinned. “Already done. She’s been on the phone to me every ten minutes. Bawling me out.” He came across, halted in front of her, and then wrapped his arms around her. “How are you, cara? I’ve been worried.”

The thing was she was sure hehadbeen worried. In his own way, Luca had always been fond of her. He’d let her down very gently when she’d tried to seduce him at the tender age of eighteen. He’d been twenty-four at the time. She’d still never forgiven him, though with hindsight, it was just as well. They would have been hell together; they argued all the time. But at least Theresa would have been her sister for real.

She smiled at the memory.

Luca had gone on to marry a Sicilian girl who was connected somehow with the family. She’d been nice enough, but no match for Luca, and he was now divorced and a total playboy by all accounts. Or so Theresa told her. Gabby suspected that Theresa harbored renewed hopes in the sister-in-law direction.

Never going to happen.

She’d grown out of her crush, thank God.

Though, he was a good-looking guy, in a bad-boy sort of way. His midnight hair was overlong, there were tattoos showing beneath the rolled up sleeves of his shirt and a silver loop in one ear, and Theresa had told her he had a nipple ring. Ugh!

“Cara?”

She shook her head. “Sorry…daydreaming.” She frowned. “Is it true you have a nipple ring?”

He grinned. “Si,you want me to show you?”

“No, I’ll take your word for it.”

“Come and sit down.” He led the way across the office to a seating area with a black suede sofa and matching chairs, plus a coffee table. She sat back on the sofa and sighed, taking the cup of coffee he handed her.

“So, where have you been for six months?” he said, taking the seat beside her. “I was worried. I sent you after D’Ascensio. I got one message to say you’d made contact then nothing for a month until a final message saying it was over, nothing to report, and you’d be in touch.”

She gave a little shrug and a smile. “And here I am.”

“Over six months later.”

She gave another shrug. “I hadn’t done what you asked of me, and I didn’t have your money.” She put down her coffee and rummaged in her bag, pulling out the check. “I have it now.” She placed it on the table in front of her.

Anger flashed across his face. “Why the hell didn’t you tell me what you needed the money for?” He picked up the check and waved it at her. “If you’d said your mother was ill, I would have given you the money.”

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