Why hadn’t it occurred to her that by helping the Fontaines, she was betraying Dantes... and more specifically, the man she loved? She’d been so busy easing her own guilt over leaving TH, that she never gave a thought to how her decision would impact Sev. Or that thanks to their feelings for each other, he wouldn’t see her actions from a business standpoint, but take her betrayal personally. She’d simply reacted to what she’d perceived as an unfair situation, and taken matters into her own hands.
That still didn’t explain why he hadn’t acknowledged the designs she’d given him on their last night together. She’d hoped he’d understand what they meant. Hoped he’d realize that while she’d won the Bloom account for TH, she’d left him something far more valuable.
A familiar longing filled her as The Inferno gave her a small, petulant kick. Even after all this time the connection remained—stretched thin and taut, granted. Yet, it held with unbelievable tenacity.
The phone on her desk let out a shrill ring and she picked it up, surprised to have her greeting answered with a cheerful,“Ciao, sorella.It’s Marco.”
Pleasure mingled with disappointment at the sound of his voice. Pleasure to hear from a Dante. And disappointment that it wasn’t the right Dante. “It’s good to hear from you,” she replied. “Though I’m surprised that any of you are willing to talk to me.”
“You’d be even more surprised by how many of us are on your side.” He hesitated. “I’m afraid I can’t talk right now. Iactually called to ask about some missing designs. Sev would like to know what happened to them. They’re not in your old office. Idon’t suppose you took them with you to New York?”
She frowned. “I don’t understand. Igave them to Sev.”
“When, Francesca?”
“The night—” She broke off. The night they’d last made love. “The night before I transferred to New York. Ibrought them to Sev’s apartment.”
“He claims he doesn’t have them.”
Memory kicked in. “It had been raining the night I gave him the designs and I was soaked through. Ivaguely recall he took them and tossed them onto the floor, out of the way.” An image flashed through her mind. “I think they slid under that lovely old armoire he has in the entryway. You know the one I mean? He may not have noticed.”
“Got it. Thanks, Francesca.” He hesitated. “Are you... are you doing okay?”
No. Not even close to okay. “I’m fine.”
“Right.” She could hear the irony slipping through the line. “About as fine as Sev, I’d guess.”
Francesca closed her eyes. “I have to be fine,” she whispered. “We both do. There isn’t any other choice.”
“You didn’tneed to come with me,” Sev informed Marco. “I’m perfectly capable of looking under my own coat closet.”
“I came to try and make you see sense, as you damn well know.”
“I always see sense. I’m the most sensible
of the lot of you.”
“Not about this. Not when it comes to Francesca.”
Sev shoved his key into the front door lock and twisted so hard it was a wonder the metal didn’t snap off in his hand. “What’s gotten into you, Marco? What part ofshe betrayed usdon’t you get?”
“And how many times did you betray her?” his brother shot back. “I know. Iknow. You had valid reasons. It was all about protecting Dantes. So, answer me this, hotshot. What makes that okay and what she did not okay? She was protecting her family the same as you.”
That very question had been tearing Sev apart. How could he explain to his brother that it wasn’t about business anymore? How could he explain the irrational belief that this betrayal felt personal? That this time he’d allowed his emotions to override his common sense? For the first time in his life, he, the Dante who prided himself on cool, emotionless deliberation, who used calm logic and rational thinking to govern all of his business decisions, hadn’t been able to utilize any of his skills or abilities.
When it came to Francesca he was neither emotionless, nor logical, let alone cool and calm. The very thought of her caused a burning desire so overwhelming it didn’t leave room for anythingelse.
Marco followed Sev into the apartment. Stooping, he reached under the coat closet and snagged a large, thick envelope. “Here it is. Right where she said it’d be.” He sent the packet spinning in Sev’s direction. “Happy now? Glad you didn’t accuse her of selling her designs to the competition?”
Sev jerked as though punched. “She’d never—” he said automatically.
“You’re right. She’d never.” Marco glared at him. “Do you have any idea how lucky you are? Do you have any idea what the rest of us would give to feel The Inferno for a woman like Francesca? To know we could actually share a life with a woman like her, instead of longing for what we can never have? Instead of settling for second best? Inever thought I’d say this to you, of all people, but you’re an ass, Severo Dante.”
Without a word, Sev ripped open the envelope and pulled out a sketchpad. He flipped it open and spared it a swift glance. And then he froze. “Marco...”
“What now?” He shifted to stand beside Sev and whistled softly. “If you needed proof how much she loves you, here it is.”
Sev nodded. Page after page revealed some of the most incredible jewelry designs he’d ever seen. Designs ideal for the expansion Dantes’ planned for some point in the future. It didn’t take much thought to understand what she’ddone.
