Page 38 of Tour Wars
“The Buon Viaggio rules. They’re in the binder.” She pulled her hand away and flipped through the hefty tome. When she reached the page that listed the tour guide regulations, she pointed to the final line, typed out in all caps. “You see? I could get fired.”
He shook his head in amusement. “Perhaps if you slept with one of the guests, but I’m not just any guest. I’m a Roberti, and I’m here as an observer.” His smile was like that of a shark, all gleaming white teeth and ravenous hunger. “Trust me, my uncles won’t care. They just want my father to invest in Buon Viaggio. The more I enjoy myself on this tour, the more likely I am to give the company a glowing recommendation.”
Was that a threat? Even if it was, Emilia wouldn’t let it sway her. “I still can’t risk it. Call me a prude, but I’m a rule follower.”
He brushed his hand across her cheek. When she flinched, he leaned in closer, his dark eyes seeking out hers. “Don’t you ever wonder what it would be like to break the rules? I’d make it worth your while.”
A flash of memory hijacked her brain as she recalled the way her ex had attempted to coerce her into bed. Like Luca, he’d tried using flattery and seductive language to win her over. At first, she’d kept him at arm’s length, joking and flirting with him but never going any further. He’d gradually broken down her defenses until she’d given in willingly, only to regret it once she learned how badly he’d lied to her. After it had ended, she swore she’d never let herself fall victim to any man’s compliments or false promises.
Steeling herself against Luca’s gaze, she spoke firmly. “Regardless of how I feel, I agreed to these rules when I signed on as a tour guide. Please don’t pressure me into compromising my integrity.”
All at once, his smile vanished. His lips thinned into a grim line. “I would never pressure you to do anything, but I think you’re being shortsighted.”
It’s not just about the rules. I don’t want you.
He stared her down, but she maintained her cool facade, refusing to let him intimidate her. Despite her outward appearance, her entire body was coiled like a taut spring in anticipation of his reaction. She couldn’t imagine he was used to rejection.
Rather than continue his pursuit, he stood abruptly. “I will respect your decision, but I hope you’ll remember to follow the rules withallour guests.”
Was he referring to Davis? While she’d enjoyed talking with him, she hadn’t felt a single flicker of attraction. Not to mention, he was a travel reviewer. Hooking up with him would be a serious breach of ethics.
“Of course,” she said. “The rules apply to everyone.”
Without another word, Luca stalked off. She watched him go, her heart pounding as if she’d downed three shots of espresso. Taking a deep, calming breath, she turned her attention to the binder but couldn’t focus. After such a close call, she no longer wanted to be alone in the courtyard. She retreated to her room, making sure to lock the door.
With trembling hands, she texted TJ.
Can you come by when you get back? I need to talk to you.
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
Upon receiving Emilia’s text, TJ tried not to overreact. Her request hadn’t suggested anything was wrong. Maybe she wanted to review tomorrow’s itinerary, which involved checking the guests out of the hotel and accompanying them on the bus to Naples. He sent back a quick reply.
Sure. Everything go okay at the Villa Borghese?
When she didn’t respond, he told himself not to imagine worst-case scenarios. She could be napping or out for a run.
But what if something badhadhappened? Something so dire she couldn’t convey it in a mere text?
He wanted to rush back to the hotel and check on her, but he had to stay with the group for their entire excursion—a full-day tour of the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Castel Sant’Angelo, the Pantheon, and the Museo Nazionale Romano. A lot of sites and alotof people. Given their packed itinerary, he was glad the quartet of older women, which he and Emilia had started calling “the Golden Girls,” had embarked upon their own outing.
By the time their bus returned to the hotel, it was almost six. After swapping out his tour guide uniform for a faded Harvard t-shirt and a pair of shorts, he hurried over to Emilia’s room and knocked on her door.
When she opened it, her puffy eyes and blotchy complexion suggested a recent bout of tears. Her hair had come loose from her braid, and it fell past her shoulders in a messy tangle. He’d seen her upset before, but never like this. His first impulse was to offer her a hug, but he restrained himself, unsure of whether she wanted to be touched. Instead, he came into her room and shut the door behind him. She led him over to her bed and gestured for him to sit down.
“Em?” he asked. “Are you okay?”
After grabbing her water bottle from the nightstand, she sat beside him and spoke in a shaky voice. “Not really. You were right about Luca.”
Fuck.His hands clenched into fists, his adrenaline kicking into high gear. “What did that sleazy prick do? I don’t care if he’s a Roberti, I’m taking him down.”
Her mouth quirked up in a smile. “Don’t even think about it. First of all, he’d probably kick your ass. Second, you’d be booted off the tour, and I’m not doing this without you.”
“It doesn’t matter. If he hurt you, he’s gonna pay.” Big words, considering TJ had never beaten up anyone before. In middle school, he’d been the one hiding from the bullies.
“Stop it. A knight in shining armor is the last thing I need right now.”
“Sorry, but I don’t like people hurting my friends.”
