My most important duty to my family was to marry Cian O’Rourke and end the war between the Italians and the Irish. But even for that, I was replaceable. I disappeared and my twin took my place at the altar. The world went on without me while I was locked in a kennel.
I’m not important. Whether I live or die doesn’t really matter. One pawn is easily replaced by another. That’s one lesson that experience taught me.
“Ravenna?” a masculine voice calls.
I glance up at my sister’s name. A handsome man grins down at me and even though it’s been several years, I recognize him. “Hello, Enzo.”
His smile widens. “That’s much too polite of a greeting. I’d never get that from Ravenna, so you must be Elena.” His brow furrows. “But I thought you were in Italy.”
“I was. I arrived back in town just today.” I smile up at my older brother’s childhood friend. When I was little, I had such a crush on Enzo Casella. But being a few years older than me, andmy brother’s friend, he never paid me any attention. Though as I look at him now, I don’t feel the same warmth or rapid beating of my heart. Seems that crush is also dead.
“Welcome back.” He surprises me by brushing a strand of my hair behind my ear. The physical contact makes me want to recoil. “You’ve really grown up since the last time I saw you.” His dark eyes sparkle with an intensity that unsettles me, and I struggle not to squirm.
I offer him a faint smile. “That happens when time passes. Speaking of which, happy birthday.”
He gives me that lopsided grin I used to adore. “Thanks. So, are you here to stay? Thinking of moving back permanently?”
I shrug and dodge his questions with one of my own. “There are lots of pretty, single women here tonight. Is your father trying to find you a wife?”
“He sure is. The mean old bastard said if I’m not married before thirty that he’ll choose one for me. Tonight’s my last chance.” Enzo’s gaze sweeps down my body. “How about you? Engaged yet? Or did you marry someone from the old country? I don’t see a ring on your finger.” He shifts closer and I take a step back.
“No, I’m not married. I’m?—”
“She’s with me.” Maximo steps up to my side, his massive body nearly plastered against mine. He’s so close I feel the heat radiating from him, and smell his spicy cologne. My pulse flutters.
“Maximo.” Enzo beams. “It’s good to see you.” He eyes us. “So you two are together? I didn’t know?—”
“We’re not.” I say, at the same time as Maximo speaks.
“Yes, we are.”
I glance up at him, too startled to argue. Why would he lie to Enzo?
“So… which is it? Are you two together or not?” Enzo’s bright, predatory gaze sends a chill down my spine. My head spins at how these two men, while so similar, manifest completely opposite reactions in me.
Fake it. He doesn’t need to know the truth.
I nod. “Sorry, yes, of course we’re together.”
“We’re together.” Maximo confirms as he wraps his arm around my waist, pulling my back into his chest. I let him. I even clutch his thick arm. “She was trying to say that we’re not announcing our relationship publicly yet. But we’re definitely together.”
A strange, yet not entirely uncomfortable tingling sweeps across my skin at his words. Normally I’d feel panicked pressed to a huge man like this, but that need to get away isn’t there. His warmth, and masculine scent, settle into my bones, calming my senses. My muscles relax as I lean into him. A faint, approving hum vibrates in his chest.
Enzo eyes us again. He gives a curt nod and that boyish smile tugs at his lips. “Your secret’s safe with me. If you’ll excuse me, I have some hunting of my own to do. Turning thirty is hard work.”
As soon as he’s gone, I stiffen and try to break free from Maximo’s hold. His arm tightens around my waist.
Leaning down, he murmurs in my ear. “Please forgive me,cara mia.”
My heartbeat stammers. I swallow thickly. “Forgive you for what? For handling me like this or for lying to Enzo?”
“Neither.” His breath tickles my neck. “For not telling you sooner that you look stunning tonight. You are by far the most beautiful woman in this room.”
“I—” I inhale a deep breath to calm my racing pulse. Maximo’s too big, too solid, too much. Being this close to him does things to my body and mind that I don’t care to analyze—especially since my reaction to him isn’t normal. He should scare me, but I’m not frightened. I should want to escape him, like I did with Enzo, yet I don’t.
Why am I not pulling away from him? Why don’t I feel like I’m in danger and have that overwhelming need to get away? What has he done to me?
“Don’t ever flirt with Enzo again.” His low, angry tone’s in stark contrast to the sensual way his thumb brushes across the back of my hand. My lips part in shock.
