Page 74 of Royally Roma
He strode to the door and opened it, completely forgetting Julia’s many warnings about the ferocity of her harmless-looking dog. He watched in disbelief as Valentina launched herself at Piero and latched onto the hem of his trousers with her teeth.
“Oh dear God.” Piero’s face went white. He flung his leg about to no avail. Undaunted, Valentina growled, snarled, and clamped her tiny jaws even tighter. “Ouch!”
Niccolo blinked, stunned. “Did she bite you?”
“Yes, sir. She’s got a rather good grip on my ankle, I’m afraid.” Beads of perspiration broke out on Piero’s forehead.
“Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry.” Julia rushed to the doorway. “She’s not fond of men.”
“That appears to be an understatement,” the accosted Piero said through gritted teeth.
“I’ve got her.” Niccolo bent to unlatch Valentina from his secretary’s leg. The moment he gathered the little dog in his arms, she went limp. Putty in his hands.
Piero frowned and stepped inside, giving Niccolo and Valentina a wide berth. “It seems she’s a little less fond of some men than others.”
Julia flashed him a smirk and a look that clearly saidI told you so.
Niccolo cleared his throat. “Piero, may I introduce Miss Julia Costa. Julia, this is Piero, my private secretary.”
They hadn’t technically met at Café Rocha, after all.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Julia said. “Can I help you with your things?” She reached for Piero’s briefcase.
“No, thank you, Miss Costa.” Piero shook his head, and an uncomfortable silence followed.
Niccolo would have preferred his secretary to have been more solicitous to Julia. Or at the very least, kind. Maybe it was expecting too much for his kidnapper mistress and his valet to get along.
“I’ve done everything you requested, sir. I’ve also taken the liberty of bringing you a change of clothes, as you have a press conference scheduled to begin in half an hour.” Piero gestured toward the Enzo D’Orsi garment bag that was slung over his arm. “Where would you like me to put them?”
Niccolo reached for it, but Piero took a cautionary step backward, away from the vicious jaws of Valentina.
“Here, let me help.” Julia lifted the dog from Niccolo’s arms. “I’ll take Valentina for a quick walk while you get changed. I’m sure she needs a little trip outside anyway.”
“Very well.” Piero nodded.
Niccolo gave him a commanding glare.
“Ah, pardon me, Miss,” the secretary stammered. “If you would allow me, I’d be happy to walk the dog for you.” He glanced at Valentina and frowned. “Little Valentina, is it?”
Julia blinked, and her gaze flitted back and forth between Niccolo and Piero. She was clearly unaccustomed to being catered to. Niccolo would have liked the opportunity to change that. Then again, he would have liked a lot of forbidden things.
“Don’t be silly.” Julia smiled at Piero. “There’s been enough bloodshed already, don’t you think? Thank you, though.”
“As you wish, Miss Costa,” Piero said, again without the barest hint of a smile.
Julia clipped a red patent leather leash onto Valentina’s collar and led her outside. Niccolo felt her absence at once, like an open wound in the dead center of his chest. He’d known leaving was going to be painful. He’d had ample opportunities to walk away from her the day before. Each time, he’d been unable to do so.
Now time had run out. His holiday was over.
“Your Highness, sir,” Piero said. It felt odd to be addressed in such a manner again. Niccolo hadn’t missed the titles or the formality in the slightest. He hadn’t felt regal when he was in Julia’s bed. He’d felt better. For once, he’d actually felt human. “Have you any idea who this woman is?”
Niccolo unzipped the garment bag and laid it down on the unmade bed, his gaze snagging on the tangled sheets and the place where their bodies had been intertwined only moments ago. “Piero, it was my decision to disappear for the day. Miss Costa is innocent in all of this.”
“Are you quite sure about that, sir?”
Niccolo shed his shirt and tie and threw them both on the bed with too much force. He didn’t like where this conversation was headed. “Perhaps you should remember your place, Piero.”
It really wasn’t like him to overstep. Today, of all days, wasn’t a good time to start.
