Page 47 of His to Keep
Freddy shook the man’s hand. “Thanks, Alberto. Good to see you again.”
The sun glowed, an intense burning ball of orange flames, illuminating the homes that snuggled into the hillside. Beyond an intricately designed wrought iron balcony, the sea glistened as the sunlight kissed its wide flat surface like a tender lover.
This place was straight out of a magazine. One of those posh glossies that only the rich housewives bought for their coffee tables.
The journey from Naples had been relatively short, but now she was dog-tired. Their flight left Dublin airport at a respectable time of ten o’clock in the morning, but Lana had lay awake for hours after another vivid nightmare.
Waking in a cold sweat, she proceeded to toss and turn like the princess and the pea, only a tiny green pea was more innocent than the reality of Carl Reed.
Jamie arranged a private car to collect them at Naples airport - his helicopter was undergoing a safety inspection and wasn’t ready on time. The chauffeur driven car had been a godsend with its air conditioning and chilled drinks compartment.
Alberto removed their luggage and Lana continued her inspection of the majestic villa. A sunken infinity pool created the illusion of its tranquil water blending with the ocean.
Wooden loungers lined exposed stone, part of the mountain hugging this little piece of paradise.
“There you are. Good flight?” The sound of a husky male voice bellowed from behind.
It was similar to Marcus’s husky Northern Irish accent, only this voice had a roughness of speech.
Jamie McGrath wrapped his arms around Freddy and slapped his back with a loud clap. The two dodged heads, making sure not to clash with the peak of Jamie’s black cap.
“Thanks so much for helping me out at short notice. Marcus is a tight arse when it comes to his chef.”
Freddy lifted onto his toes and dropped back down again. “No worries, Jamie. Just glad to be out here again. When do you need us to start?”
“Alberto will brief you on the business end. I have a few associates calling tomorrow afternoon, it won’t be an all-day affair. Tonight, it’s just us, so let’s chill. How does pizza and beer sound, mate?” He glanced over his shoulder to Lana and raised his brows. “It’s the only thing I know how to make. My chef always has batches of tomato sauce in the freezer.”
“I’d be more than happy to make up some authentic Italian pizza.” Freddy beamed.
Jamie’s cheek dimpled, and he chuckled in a low rumble. “I’ll make them, I wouldn’t ask you to cook after traveling all this way. I’m not that much of a dick, no matter what my brother tells you.” He patted Freddy hard on the shoulder.
“Marcus was gifted with the art of cooking, I on the other hand burn bread, but I can make a mean pizza. Just remind me to take it out of the oven!” His voice boomed in the stillness of the evening.
Jamie strolled towards Lana with his flip flops clapping his heels. He wore loose grey sports shorts and a white polo and sported a half smile on his pink full lips. He stretched out his hand.
“Well, Lana, it’s good to see you again, love. You look well considering. How have you been?”
She met his dark hazel eyes and her hand grasped his. “I’m on the mend, Jamie. Thanks for asking, and thanks for letting me come out here. I’ve never been to Italy before, so this is a real treat.”
Jamie squeezed her fingers. “No worries, love. Marcus will be glad to hear you’re doing well.”
Her head tilted backward, her brow furrowed. “Why would he be glad to hear that?” she spluttered.
Jamie’s super sexy dimple indented his stubbled cheek and an impish smile spread across his handsome face. “You’re a strong woman, Lana. Hats off to you. That Reed creep will get what’s coming to him. Karma will dish out some real nasty shit for him.” He brushed a light kiss on her cheek and ignored her question.
No sparks.
No inappropriate feelings crossed her mind. Yet she longed for him to hold her, to feel a connection to Marcus in whatever way she could.
She leant into him and wrapped herself around his muscular form. “Thank you for everything. For saving me. I vaguely remember, but I do know you were there.” She sighed into the crook of his neck, inhaling his clean soapy scent.
A wolfish snarl ghosted his face as their embrace fell away. “I’d kill that bastard in a heartbeat, love, for what he did to you, but I’m second in line for that task.”
She gulped. “Who would be first?”
Jamie’s hard expression softened. “Marcus, of course.”
Before Lana could question his comment or wrap her head around the possibility that Marcus might actually care, Jamie stood back.
