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But she hadn’t come back for that gaze.
This time it wasn’t enough.
This time she wanted more.
But he had to want it too.
‘Never mind about me,’ she said hoarsely. ‘What about you?’ She glanced slowly round the garden. ‘I thought you’d be long gone and all this razed to the ground.’
They stared at one another in silence.
Finally, he shrugged. ‘Things have changed.’
He watched her lip curl, his heart beating in his throat. How had he ever imagined she was a figment of his imagination? She was so clear and vital. Beside her everything else seemed smudged and dull and imprecise.
‘What things?’ she snapped.
He smiled then, that same sweet smile that made her feel hot and dizzy and restless, and suddenly she felt more naked than when she’d climbed out of the pond.
Abruptly, she turned and picked up a faded blue shirt. Tugging it over her head, she breathed out slowly, grateful for a chance to break free of that dark, disturbing gaze. Being so close to Massimo was playing havoc with her body temperature. But she wasn’t going to give in to the heat rising inside of her.
He shrugged, his gaze never leaving her face.
‘It’s complicated but in all probability the resort won’t happen, cara.’
She stared at him suspiciously. ‘Have you got that in writing?’
He laughed out loud. ‘You know, you sound exactly like your brother. Thankfully, you don’t look like him.’
Her face twisted. ‘How do you know what my brother looks like?’
The air around them twitched. Her heart gave a jolt as he stepped towards her, his face tightening.
‘I met him. Your father too.’
Suddenly she could hardly breathe. ‘When?’ she said woodenly. ‘Where?’
‘A couple of days ago. In England. You have the same colour eyes.’ Gently, he reached out and touched her cheek, and her heart began to pound so loudly she thought her chest would burst.
‘Why were you there?’ she said hoarsely.
His eyes were soft and blue and loving. ‘Why do you think?’
She shook her head. ‘No. You say it, Massimo. But only if you mean it.’
He stepped closer...so close that she could feel the heat of his skin through his shirt.
‘I went to find you so I could tell you that I love you. And that I need you. Now. And tomorrow. And for ever.’
Her eyes filled with tears. He pulled her closer but she pushed hard against his chest. ‘Why should I trust you? You hurt me.’
‘I know. And I’m sorry. Sorrier than you’ll ever know.’
Her heart quivered. Massimo was apologising. In some strange way she knew that was as big a step as his declaration of love.
But still she needed more. ‘I told you I loved you and you told me to keep my love for someone who wanted it.’
‘I do want it. I love you, cara.’ His face was pale and taut, but his gaze was clear and unwavering. ‘More than I ever believed I could love anyone. And it was you that made me believe. It was you who made me whole and strong. Strong enough to let the past go and fight for my future. Fight for what I want.’
