Isla was radiant in a black, floor-length dress with a slit that started at her thigh. I couldn’t wait to get her in bed. But alas, we had a party to attend in my honor.
Padre raised his glass to me. “It’s spectacular.”
“Thank you. Isla deserves all the praise.” I leaned over and kissed her cheek.
“Brava, Bella,” Padre cheered in Italian.
“Thank you,” Isla replied, her cheeks turning pink. “I still can’t believe how beautiful it is.”
“You should be very proud, My-la.” I draped my arm across her back and caressed her bare shoulder. It was nearly impossible not to touch her.
“I am and I’m looking forward to designing Pippa’s room next.” She smiled at me with desire in her warm whiskey-colored eyes. “What was my budget again?” She was teasing me.
“Pfft. Your black card is unlimited. Only the very best for my girls.” Of course, she knew as much, she was just stirring me up like usual for sex, later tonight.
“Brother, are you expecting another guest?” Roman asked, nudging my elbow. He was seated on my left.
All of my immediate family members were seated at my private table. There were eight spots and one empty chair. But it wouldn’t be vacant for long.
“Yes,” I replied to him and noticed the very special guest approaching behind him. “Here she comes now.”
“Who?”
I stood, ignoring his question and extended my hand out to Zita Pisano. She didn’t look quite as young as the photo her father had put in her file. “Miss Pisano, I’m so glad you could attend the party.”
“Thank you, Mr. Remotti. My father sends his regrets.” She looked over her shoulder. “But my older brother Piero is here. I mean, at the blackjack table.”
I nudged Roman to stand. The imbecile was staring at her like she was an ethereal goddess, which was a favorable reaction, but honestly. How rude not to stand in the presence of a beautiful woman.
“Zita, this is Roman. Roman. Zita.” I made the introduction and winked at Isla. She watched on, intrigued by what was happening. Of course, she knew all about Zita and my plan of bringing her and Roman together. I would never leave Isla out of the loop when any woman was involved. And hopefully, the two women would become friends.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Roman replied, taking her hand and kissing the top. His gaze was intense. I could tell he was instantly attracted to her, but she wasn’t to be toucheduntil he agreed to marry her. There was no place for desire and lust before he put his signature on the dotted line.
“Please join us.” I pulled out the chair next to Roman and moved aside so he could push it in.
“Thank you,” Zita replied to both of us.
I returned to my chair next to my lovely fiancée and kissed her cheek. “Did you see that?”
“I did. He looks smitten.” She squeezed my thigh. “But she looks so young.”
“She’s turning twenty soon.”
Isla’s eyes went wide with surprise. She must have forgotten she was only twenty when we first met.
“What the fuck are you up to?” Roman growled in my ear.
My gaze connected with Padre’s. He gave me a barely noticeable nod of approval.
“I thought it was time you met your future wife.” I turned to stare him in the eyes.
“No.” Roman’s jaw twitched as he ground his teeth.
“You don’t have a choice, brother.”
Just as I’d planned, the lights dimmed and my special guest took to the stage. The room erupted with excitement as Céline Dion began to sing “The Power of Love.”
I turned away from a furious Roman and leaned into my woman. “I dedicate this song to you, My-la.” I placed a soft kiss on her luscious lips.
