Page 42

Rafaello exchanged a glance with Arcangelo.

I pretended not to notice.

Arabella studied me for a beat too long. Curiosity or calculation?

Recent events had me searching for threats everywhere—even among my own family.

Then she smiled with forced nonchalance, the moment passing. “Well, I look forward to meeting her. Any woman who can rattle you this much must be extraordinary.”

She had no idea.

CHAPTER 12

SEBASTIAN

Sabrina was late.

The idea of causing a scene in front of my siblings did not sit well with me, but that would not deter me from forcing her to join us.

As my future bride, it was past time she met my family.

I tossed out the first ball, the weight of it satisfying as it left my hand. It arced through the air and landed with a soft crunch close to the pallino.

"Arabella, I expect you to behave and keep your claws retracted when it comes to Sabrina."

She gave me a mock pout, her bottom lip jutting out dramatically. "I always behave."

Arcangelo rolled the ball in his palm, getting ready for his first pitch, the red-striped wood gleaming. "All evidence to the contrary."

He tossed the ball with expert precision, and it smashed into mine with a sharp crack, knocking it out of point contention. The impact sent my ball skittering across the shells.

I didn't even notice because…

Sabrina had entered the courtyard.

My God, she looked beautiful.

Each time I saw her, she took my breath away. Whether she wore designer fashion or those silly American T-shirts and ripped jeans she favored.

The fading sunlight caught in her hair, turning the strands to liquid obsidian. She hesitated at the threshold, framed by cascading wisteria, as if uncertain of her welcome.

Setting my drink aside with a clink against the stone table, I crossed to her, my footsteps echoing in the suddenly quiet courtyard.

It did not escape my attention that all of my siblings had suddenly become uncharacteristically silent, the only sound the gentle splash of the fountain and the distant cooing of doves nesting in the rafters.

Careful not to be overheard, I took Sabrina's hands in my own and kissed the back of each. "You look stunning, dolcezza."

She pulled her hands from my grasp and clasped them together, the fabric of her dress rustling softly. "You should like it. You bought it."

My lip curved in a half smile at the spark of defiance in her eyes.

The one-shoulder chiffon Dolce & Gabbana dress fit her perfectly. The green and cream gardenia print accentuated her curves while also giving her an aura of innocence. It suited her.

She splayed her fingers over her middle, drawing my attention to the gentle curve of her hip.

"Sorry I'm late. I…um…" She cleared her throat, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink. “I only just finished getting my period, and I’m still feeling off.”

I stilled as I stared down at her, my body going rigid with tension.