AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He returns soon after, looking more like himself again. “I’m sorry, princess, but I need to take care of a few things.”
“That’s okay. Can Fabio take me back to my hotel?”
Though his face remains unreadable, his energy changes, and I can tell he doesn’t like my request.
“Why don’t you stay in Catania? Maria will book you in for a nice pampering afternoon at the spa. And then later tonight, I have a surprise for you,” he says, making eye contact with Santino across the room, nodding at him to let him know to prepare for our departure.
Wanting to lighten his mood, I give him an overly bright smile. “A surprise? Do tell. You have my full attention,” I say in a playful tone.
He returns my smile, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Nice try, princess. You’ll find out after your massage,” he says, kissing the tip of my nose.
A massage sounds heavenly, but I don’t want to sponge off Tiero. He has been so generous, and it doesn’t seem right to keep taking from him. I know he can afford it, but this isn’t why I’m attracted to him.
“No. Thank you, Tiero. It’s very kind of you, but I already had plans to explore Syracuse this afternoon. I just need to get back to the hotel to collect my rental car. I’ll meet you back at your office later when you finish work.”
Tiero looks astonished by my refusal of a pampering session. Hell, I’m surprised myself—I love a good massage. When was the last time I had one? I can’t even remember.
Disapproval is written all over his handsome face.
Too bad.
My mind is made up. No sponging off vacation flings!
“You’ll lose too much time traveling back and forth,” he objects. “If you want to go to Syracuse, Alonzo will drive you. He can be your tour guide and then bring you back,” Tiero decrees.
I grimace at the idea. “I don’t mind driving back and forth,” I assure him. “I don’t want to be an imposition.”
“You aren’t. I don’t like the idea of you driving around on your own.”
Why on earth not? I normally drive everywhere on my own. I might get lost occasionally because I’m a terrible navigator, but that’s half the fun. I’ve discovered some wonderful places because I took the wrong turn.
“Thank you, Tiero,” I say politely, “but I don’t want to spend the afternoon with your guards.” That doesn’t sound like fun at all.
Tiero is looking at his watch. He’s getting impatient, but that’s hardly my fault. He’s the one dragging this out by wanting things done his way.
“It makes little sense for you to drive all the way to Taormina.” He sighs, frustrated, “Take one of my cars. That’s the easiest solution.” With that, he rises and pulls my chair out for me. Looks like that’s the end of the discussion.
We ride back to Tiero’s office in silence. He seems preoccupied with whatever happened during that phone call. When we arrive in the courtyard and the car stops, he doesn’t let me get out. Instead, he pulls me into his lap, takes my face into his hands, and kisses me tenderly.
“Please let Fabio drive you to Syracuse in this car.”
I think it’s meant to be a question, but really it’s more like a polite command.
“I would feel much better knowing you’re safe on the road. Italian drivers can be unpredictable,” Tiero continues when I don’t reply straight away.
I’m not sure if that’s true or if he’s telling me this to make me agree. So far, Rhia and I have been the crazy drivers… not that I’m admitting that to him.
His eyes bore into mine, so sincere. How can I refuse him when he’s so caring? I caress his face with my fingers, and he leans into my touch.
I kiss him and whisper against his full lips, “Okay, fine. If it makes you feel better.”
He smiles and looks happy for the first time in the past twenty minutes.
My heart melts.
Jeez, if it’s that easy to improve his day, then who am I to deny him?
“Fabio, take Ella to Syracuse and wherever else she wants to go,” Tiero instructs his driver, who nods his agreement. He kisses my nose and eases me off his lap. With a last squeeze of my hand, he exits the car.
