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The cool voice cut through her, and she stiffened. Turning slowly, she raised her chin but gripped the bag holding her new shoes in a tight grasp. All of a sudden the name on the side felt so obvious. She resisted the feeling of embarrassment because she refused to let money corrupt her good sense.
Hasn’t it already? Look where you are.
“Ezio, sorry I’m late.” She strolled over to him and leaned up to kiss his lips. “Nay and I got to talking, and you know how it is when two women shop. There’s no hope of keeping a schedule.”
He didn’t so much as move his lips when she touched hers to his. When she drew back, his icy blue gaze swept her from head to foot. “I texted you the time I would return. I told you the dress I wanted you to wear.”
“And I apologized. Now, excuse me. I’m going to shower. Then—”
He took her arm, and before she could gather words to cut him down, he handed her shoes off to Goro and they entered the living room where his brothers, his mother, and two women and an older man she didn’t know were gathered.
Ezio shot rapid fire Italian at the group, and his family and the older man laughed. The two women seemed to be as confused as she was about what he said. Shakarri had the feeling he joked at her expense, and she frowned at him.
“Did you just say something rude about me?”
He ignored her and presented her to the older man. “Signore Francesco, this is my wife, Shakarri. Shakarri, this is Signore Francesco. He is a family friend whom I’ve known since I was a child.”
The man took Shakarri’s hand and leaned in to give her an air kiss on both cheeks. “It’s wonderful to finally meet you, Shakarri. Ezio has told me so much about you. He has said he forgives me for not being able to attend your wedding as I was attending to my ailing mother in Italy. Will you forgive me as well, my dear?”
“Of course. Your mom comes first. I hope she is doing better.”
“Not much better, I’m afraid. She is aged. I will be returning home soon. I came just to meet you.”
“Me?” His admission startled her as did his genuine interest in her and overall friendliness. Especially as she sensed a cold breeze coming off her husband, who stood next to her.
Shakarri whispered to Ezio that she could slip out and freshen up before dinner, but he continued to talk to the others as if she wasn’t there. The only reason she didn’t walk out was because she didn’t want to cause a scene. He never told her they were having company.
She met the two women and promptly forgot their names as soon as she heard them because she was so distracted. Ezio’s brothers were one year older and one year younger than him. His mother had had stepladder kids. Ezio, the middle son, was thirty-two. Before him was Romy, and the youngest was named Cason. Shakarri found it interesting that Romy worked for his younger brother. Neither of the brothers were married at the moment.
Both men clamored over the women, trying to charm them, but one of the women kept trying to get Ezio’s attention. Maybe she didn’t believe in marriage. Shakarri waited for jealousy to rise, but none stirred within her. The woman didn’t have that thing Shakarri couldn’t put her finger on, the seductive power that would cause her to get and keep Ezio’s interest. Shakarri didn’t know how she knew that, but it was probably true. Not like she knew him all that well herself.
Being over Ezio’s attitude, Shakarri left his side to visit with Cason. “So, what h
ave you been up to today?”
He grinned and leaned toward her. Cason stood an inch or two taller than Ezio but wasn’t as solidly built. “I’ve been pining the day away waiting for you to come home and entertain me. This house hasn’t been the same since you moved in. Tell me you’ll never leave me.”
She laughed. “You said something similar to her.” She nodded to one of the women. “I bet you say that to every lady you meet.”
“Only the lovely ones, and I mean it every time.”
“Whatever. I’m your sister-in-law, or did you forget that?”
He winked. “Some day you may come to your senses and realize I’m the better choice.”
“Uh-huh.”
They teased each other a little more. Shakarri didn’t cross the lines, but she did like talking to Cason. She didn’t believe a word he said. He had no real interest in her. In fact, she would be surprised if Cason wanted to marry anyone. He was having too much fun as a bachelor from what she’d seen.
Cason leaned against the windowsill and bumped her arm. “My brother is not very happy with me right now.”
“Why?” She looked around to find Ezio’s gaze cutting into the two of them.
Cason’s voice sounded close to her ear. “Shall we give him something to worry about?”
“No, you nut.” She gave him a gentle shove. “I don’t play those games, and I don’t know how Ezio will react.”
He grinned. “We won’t know until we try.”
