When she spoke she surprised him. ‘He’s my brother. He wouldn’t hurt me but I don’t want to see him, not yet.’
Gio had been prepared for a convoluted lie. A story aimed at drawing him in. He hadn’t expected the truth.
‘I said I had some family matters on my mind. I just didn’t expect to see him here, that’s all. But I have to move on, sooner than I’d expected.’ Her mouth twisted. ‘It’s been lovely, spending time with you—’
‘Where are you going?’ She opened her mouth but said nothing. He could almost hear her brain trying to devise an answer. ‘You don’t have a destination planned, do you?’
Finally she shook her head. ‘No. But by the time I pack I will.’
‘Then allow me to suggest a solution. Someone I know has a villa by the sea on the south coast. I’m heading there myself for a short break, some quiet time to recharge the batteries.’ It wasn’t what he’d planned, but the more he thought about it, the more he realised it was a perfect solution. ‘If you want peace and privacy it’s ideal. Security around the villa is second to none.’ He paused. ‘There’ll be no one there but me.’
He watched her process that, emotions chasing each other across her features. Surprise, doubt, excitement.
‘Thank you but I couldn’t impose on your friend. I—’
‘He won’t mind and he won’t be there. Your brother will find it harder to locate you if you’re in a private home rather than a hotel. Unless youwantto be looking over your shoulder all the time.’
He’d give a lot to know why she was running from her family. But one thing at a time. First he had to get her alone. With time and persuasion he’d pry free her secrets.
Stella opened her mouth then closed it. She twisted her bangle around her arm, her brow knotting in concentration.
‘Of course, you barely know me.’
‘It’s notthat.’ Her smile was strained. ‘It’s true we barely know each other, but I trust you, Gio.’
‘You do?’
Maybe all this was part of her scheme and her reaction to her brother was feigned. But if she intended to get Gio alone to seduce information out of him, he wouldn’t object.
Stella shrugged, missing the warm weight of his arm around her shoulders. It had felt so comforting. The dreadful buzz of fear she’d experienced on glimpsing Rocco eased when Gio touched her.
She was used to standing up for herself. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been cuddled out of sympathy. Not since her mother died.
‘You’re a gentleman, Gio. You’ve treated me with respect. You’ve listened and not crowded me.’ She drew a slow breath. ‘You left me at my door last night. You didn’t think that because we’d spent time together I was offering anything else.’ Meeting his intense stare, she read his surprise. She laughed. ‘Some men do, you know.’
If he’d wanted more, would you have turned him away?
‘But I kissed you.’
‘Wekissed. It was mutual.’ She shook her head. ‘This isn’t about trust. It’s just…’
‘Just what?’
‘I sort out my own problems. I prefer not to be beholden. And I don’t make spur-of-the-minute decisions. I’m methodical. I make plans.’
Yet two days ago she’d acted spontaneously. It had been her only option, finding somewhere far from her father so she could decide what to do about her untenable situation.
‘That’s admirable, Stella. But there are times when you just have to jump. When you have to trust your instinct and go with it. I’m offering you a safe place to make your plans and sort out your problems.’
His gaze seared and she had the uncomfortable feeling he saw deep inside to the insecure girl she’d been. The girl who’d learned to prioritise and set goals as a way of coping with a new life she didn’t fully understand.
But that was impossible. She might feel a strong connection to Gio but he didn’tknowher.
Needing to dislodge that intent stare, Stella moved away, peering down the street. Rocco had gone and she resumed walking. Gio fell into step beside her, between her and the road, his tall form a bulwark against any threat. He did that every time they walked along a road.
It was probably habit whenever he walked with a woman. His parents must’ve taught him old-fashioned manners. She found it charming. No, more than that. She liked the feeling that he cared about her safety.
‘Stella?’
