“When I left your room?” He took a bite of his cornetto, avoiding making eye contact.
“No. When you went out to conduct business… discreetly.”
“Were you eavesdropping on me?” He narrowed his eyes.
“I wouldn’t call it eavesdropping since you were right outside my door. Was your woman happy to see you?” I stabbed a berry with my fork and put it into my mouth. It was sweet and heavenly. I immediately went for another one.
Alessio dropped his cornetto onto his plate. It made a loud sound when it hit his metal spoon and startled me.
“Careful. You might break the dish.” I casually chewed, knowing full well he hadn’t dropped the pastry by accident.
“You should be careful, Bellissima. Your sassy mouth is going to get you into trouble one day.”
“I’ll risk it.” Reaching for the honey, I drizzled some on my bread and took a large bit. My manners were tossed out the window and next, I’d toss him out on his ass.
We ate our breakfast in silence. The peace and quiet was enjoyable, although I sensed he was furious with me.
Interestingly enough, he hadn’t tried to defend himself, which I was glad. I wouldn’t take any more of his lies. I’d never believe anything he said again.
“That was delicious.” I stood and set my cloth napkin on my chair. “Will we be eating every meal together or am I on my own until supper?”
“You’re not going anywhere.” He put his napkin down. “Didn’t you read my note? We’re spending the day together.”
“Well, yes. But I thought after—”
“After you accused me of going out with my lover that our plans were canceled?” Boy, he really knew how to make me feel uncomfortable.
“Sì.”
“Sorry to disappoint you. Let’s go.” He stood and gestured with his hand for me to go in front of him.
“Where are we going?”
“Riding. You love riding, do you not?” The tone he took with me was unsettling. Honestly, I didn’t want to go anywhere with him in his current mood.
“I do, but perhaps it’s not a good idea. We’re not exactly on friendly terms.”
“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean. I find you very friendly.” His hand went to the small of my lower back as he guided me out of the solarium. “Do you not feel the same about me?”
“I find you tolerable.” To say I was uncomfortable was the understatement of my life.
His touch sent shivers down my spine, but I forced those traitorous brats down so Alessio wouldn’t notice. Now that I knew he had somebody in his life, I wanted nothing to do with him. Even though we were legally married, and we’d eventually have sex to produce an heir, he would never get my heart.
“Ouch. That hurts me.” His other hand went onto his heart, which was probably cold and dark. “Hopefully, I can change your mind.”
“You can try but I won’t hold my breath.”
“That pretty mouth of yours never stops does it?”
My feet stopped moving. The sudden halt made Alessio stumble forward.
“What just happened?” he asked, seeming oblivious.
“I’d rather go up to my room.” I peered up at him, finding his jaw tense as he stared at me. “Anyways, I don’t have my riding gear with me.” After the wedding, my father was going to have my things sent to me. I’d only brought one suitcase, which now that I thought about it, was very little.
“No worries. I have everything you need.” He applied pressure on my back to nudge me out the doors, which led to a patio on the side of the mansion.
I inhaled the fresh air into my lungs, exhaling the tension building inside me from my interaction with Alessio.
