Page 84 of My Favorite Kidnapper

“He can send me a bill.” I paused, letting her drink her latte. “Why did you go that way, Brianna? I told you to avoid it.”

“I’m helpless with directions. I was just wandering, and I got lost in the crowds. I went in there hoping someone spoke English and could tell me how to get back to your gallery.” She drew in a fast breath. “To you.”

“Right into the spider’s lair,” I mused.

“I’m sorry.”

I ran a finger down her cheek. “As long as you’re okay. I think I’ll wander with you from now on. At least here.”

Her smile was tremulous. “Good idea.”

“Home or lunch?”

“You mean the villa?”

Something warmed in my chest that she considered the villa home. “The condo.”

“Can we have lunch on the way there? Are you done for the day?”

I waved off her concern. I wasn’t leaving her alone again today. “I have a few things to take care of from the condo. I can do that while you relax.”

“Dante, if I relax any more, I’ll be in a coma.”

I threw some money on the table and took her hand. “Humor me.”

Chapter Twenty-One

DANTE

We stopped by the gallery and I picked up what I needed, then we had a simple lunch, eating slices of pizza as we headed back to the condo. “Everything tastes so good here,” Brianna mused.

“The food here is delicious,” I agreed, pleased she seemed okay after her run-in with Winters.

That bastard.

We sat on the terrace when we got back, and I brought us each a cold drink.

“Who are we having dinner with tonight?”

“We’re having dinner with an associate who is helping me broker a deal. I expect you to behave. No wild kidnapping stories.”

I had little hope she would do so, but I had to say it.

She rolled her eyes and huffed. “As if I would embarrass you.”

She ignored my raised eyebrows.

“Now tell me about this associate so I can prepare myself.”

“He has a lot of contacts in America that I don’t have. There is a piece of sculpture I have coveted for years. The owner passed, and his family is open to selling it. I am trying to get it before it goes to auction. Richard is friendly with the family and is acting as an intermediary for me, getting it authenticated and valued. All done very hush-hush as to not alert other collectors who would try to outbid me. If it becomes a free-for-all, the family will simply send it to auction. I’d still fight for it, but this is so much more civilized.”

“Oh, very cloak-and-dagger.” She hummed a tune, and I laughed at her silliness.

“It’s not Mission: Impossible, Little Bee. Just a business deal.”

“Don’t spoil my fun, old man.”

“What did you just call me?”