Isla: I take that back. I definitely want more of both.
A cocky grin played on my lips.She wants me.I knew it. I’d seen the desire in her eyes all day.
Ciro: Then it’s a date.
Isla: I look forward to it.
I tugged on my shirt collar. Isla excited me in every way, but now wasn’t the time to get turned on.
Ciro: I’ll call you tomorrow.
Isla: Ok.
“Are you just going to lurk in the servants’ entry all night?” my sister asked, peering at me with a quizzical brow.
“I was just texting.” I slipped my phone into my pocket and approached her.
Her brow rose higher. “Texting who?”
“I’ll get to that in a bit.” I kissed her temple, putting my hand on her back to lead her out. “New blouse?”
She smiled, appraising me. “Yes, do you like it?” I could tell she sensed something was amiss. Roman let me know everyone was curious about why I had missed Sunday dinner. He told them I’d be around later in the evening. It was better to tell everyone about Pippa at once. This way, there weren’t any hurt feelings.
“I love it. Purple is your color.”
She stopped in the kitchen, studying me some more. “Thank you. Is something going on I should know about?” Naturally, Rosa would suspect something was up. I was being way too nice and complimentary, totally out of character for me.
She looked radiant pregnant. Seeing her round belly made my heart hurt. I hated not knowing what Isla’s body was like during her pregnancy with Pippa.
“Yes, but I want the whole family to hear it at the same time.”
“Okay… I had Gianni make a plate for you and put it in the warmer. Shall I bring it into the study?” She placed her hand on my shoulder.
“Maybe later. Let’s join the others.”
“Ciro, it’s not good to make your pregnant sister nervous.”
“I don’t mean to.” I ushered her along. The faster I got this announcement over with, the better for everyone. “Evening, all,” I greeted the family as we entered the study.
Roman and Luca stood near the fireplace, brandy in hand. My brother-in-law, Wolf, was on the leather sofa also enjoying his after-dinner drink.
This room wasn’t a typical study, small and cozy. It was extensive with a wall of custom shelves filled with very expensive books and a bar. My father loved this grand space and designed it himself.
Warmth surrounded me, along with sadness. My gaze flitted over mahogany-paneled walls, coffered ceiling, button-tufted leather sofas, and ended at the Remotti family crest above the fireplace mantle. I had a legacy to add to it now… my daughter.
“Can I get you a drink?” Roman asked, holding up his snifter.
“Yes, thank you.”
My brother nodded as Luca stepped up beside me.
“How was Frisco?” Luca eyed me curiously. For about two seconds, I wondered if Roman had said something to him about Pippa.
I shook the idea out of my head. Roman would never betray me.
My sister sat beside Wolf, placing her hand on his thigh, an anxious twitch in her smile.
“Good,” I replied to Luca. “How’s the casino?”
