Gio’s heart thudded. He was a healthy man who appreciated a pretty woman, especially one who looked at him as if dazzled.
He became aware he still held her arm. More, his other hand had lifted to grab her hip and tug her against him. He wanted to feel her body on his, feminine softness against rising hardness.
She swallowed, lips parting temptingly…
As if feeling the same eager pulse of attraction that beat urgently in his bloodstream? Her wide-eyed stare hinted at surprise and inexperience.
Oh, no, Ms Barbieri, I’m not falling for that. You’re no more an innocent virgin than I am.
Did she take him for a fool? Slowly, deliberately, he straightened his fingers and pulled his hands away.
Gio smiled down at her and saw her blink, too late realising his expression probably had a feral edge. But he despised liars. It annoyed him how often in the past few hours he’d forgotten that was exactly what she was. Moments after he’d been thinking about her father she’d got under his guard! It was only when she’d looked at him like a breathless ingénue that reality slapped him in the face.
She’s playing a part, you idiot. You shouldn’t be conned by her scam.
‘Perhaps it’s time to go back to the hotel.’
His voice was harsh, not surprising given his annoyance. To let this woman under his skin even for a moment should be impossible.
‘Yes, you’re probably right.’ She lowered her gaze, long lashes hiding her expression. Then she looked up with a smile that held none of the joy he’d seen earlier. Her eyes didn’t shine this time. ‘I’ve taken up enough of your time, Gio. It’s been enormous fun, wandering the city with someone who knows it well. Thank you.’
‘I’ve enjoyed myself too. Come on, I’ll walk you back.’
She shook her head and twisted the plain gold bangle on her wrist. ‘Thanks, but there’s no need. There’s nowhere I have to be today. I’ll explore a bit more.’
She stepped back and shock slammed him.
She was going to let him walk away. He’d been sure she’d cling like a limpet. Her action confounded him.
Stella was playing a long game. Had she registered that moment of intense attraction and decided to bide her time then accidentally on purpose run into him at the hotel later? Was she so sure of him? The idea made his gut curdle.
He could confront her and demand answers, but he’d rather wait until she’d revealed what she wanted. If he sought answers now she’d tell him nothing.
‘You’ve got the whole day free?’ He gave her a smile he knew women found charming. ‘I hadn’t realised. Ididhave a meeting this afternoon but it got cancelled.’ He’d cancelled it, deciding Stella Barbieri took precedence over his schedule. ‘If you’d like company…’
This time her smile was immediate and dazzling. ‘You have the afternoon free? I thought you’d have business.’
Gio’s pulse quickened at the mention of business.Nowperhaps she’d reveal a hint about what Barbieri was after. ‘I don’t remember mentioning business to you.’
‘I assumed that if you were in Rome for pleasure…’ She shrugged and looked away.
Was that a hint of a blush? ‘If I were here for pleasure, what?’
Her mouth twisted ruefully as she met his eyes again. ‘I thought if you were vacationing, you’d bewithsomeone.’
There it was again, undeniable feminine interest. Satisfaction rose. Naturally he didn’t really want her interested in him, but it meant she was changing tactics, which meant he was closer to discovering her goal.
Shewas the reason he’d returned to the city. This trip was strictly business.
Except, surprisingly, he’d enjoyed her company. But she’d been coy, not once sidling closer or touching him. That both intrigued and fed his impatience. But as time passed, she’d relaxed, apparently believing he had no idea of her purpose. Presumably soon she’d make her move.
‘Well, I’m alone in Rome.’ He spread his hands in an open gesture. ‘So, Stella, where next?’
Stella couldn’t remember a day like this.
How long since she’d totally relaxed and enjoyed someone’s company? Gone with the flow and not worried about the time or anyone’s expectations?
Even with her father’s appalling ultimatum at the back of her mind like a niggling hum of pain, or maybebecauseof it, this afternoon had been special. An act of deliberate defiance. Like drawing air into lungs starved of oxygen.
