Gio had washed his hands of Barbieri, knowing his best revenge on the man he hated with every atom of his being was to rise above him. His own father hadn’t been able to move on from their tragedy and that had destroyed both him and his relationship with his son. Much as Gio had loved him, he was stronger than that. His father had inadvertently taught him the benefits, no, thenecessityof emotional distance, and it was a lesson he’d taken to heart.
He forced his thoughts to the present, watching the man try to pull himself into the raft, almost capsizing it.
‘He’d find it easier to swim ashore and get in there.’
‘Look at the guide’s gestures,’ Stella answered. ‘That’s what she’s telling him, but he doesn’t listen.’ She sighed. ‘Some people don’t like advice, even from someone who knows more about what they’re doing.’
Gio sent her a curious glance, hearing a grim note that said she wasn’t just thinking of the tourist.
‘It sounds like you’ve some experience of that.’
‘Don’t we all?’
‘But your tone says it’s a particular problem for you.’
Her mouth crimped at the corners. After a moment she exhaled, shoulders dropping. ‘Nothing I can’t handle.’ She flicked him a glance before turning back to the river. ‘Sometimes I get tired of needing to prove myself again and again. At work I put forward a suggestion then have to try harder than anyone else to get it considered. Even when I’m the one with expertise on the project.’
‘Do you have any idea why?’ He knew women were sometimes undervalued in the workplace.
‘Oh, I know why. I’m younger and I don’t fit the mould.’
‘And the mould would be male? What sort of work is it?’
‘If you don’t mind, Gio, I’d rather not discuss it. I’d rather enjoy the day.’
Of course she’d rather not talk about it with him. But her discontent seemed real and that intrigued him.
Was she targeting him to improve her position in the family company? In the brief time he’d had available he’d checked that she did work for Barbieri. Was spying on her company’s biggest rival her idea, to make the old man sit up and notice her? Or had the plan been devised by Barbieri himself?
She gave the impression of being open and honest, except for the yawning no-go areas in her life she shied from discussing. Did she really hope to lure him into thinking she was an innocent? Circumstances pointed that way, yet Gio didn’t want to believe it.
That’s your ego. You want her smiles to be real. Just for you, nothing to do with business or an ancient vendetta.
That gurgling laugh simultaneously lightened his soul and made his groin tighten in need.
Because what he felt when he was with Stella was pure, blazing attraction. She drew him at a deep, almost unconscious level.
Maybe that’s why her father sent her. Maybe he guessed the effect she’d have on you. He’s a wily old devil.
Familiar tension rose at the thought of Alfredo Barbieri but he pushed it away.
Gio leaned on the bridge’s wide railing, standing closer to Stella than before. Not crowding, but near enough to inhale her light scent. She smelled of a spring garden.
Shouldn’t a spy smell overtly seductive?
Unless her aim wasn’t to seduce information out of him. Disappointment stabbed his gut.
But there’s nothing to stop you seducing her.
It would be interesting to see how far she’d go to get whatever information she was seeking.
Gio turned to face her. There! She mightn’t be looking at him but shewasmore aware than she let on. Instantly she straightened and stepped back, brushing down her clothes as if dislodging grit from the stonework.
Simultaneously a cyclist swerved to avoid a group of pedestrians and sped directly towards her. Gio grabbed her upper arm, preventing her from retreating further as a bike raced past, dangerously close.
Stella’s eyes widened and he felt her jerk of shock, saw her breasts rise as her breath hitched. But even after the bike had passed, her gaze stayed locked on his.
Something flickered there, something that acted like a lure, drawing him. Those eyes looked velvety, beguiling and wondering.
