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“You guys really are like royalty,” I said with awe in my voice, and he chuckled.
“Well then, let's put aside everything else and enjoy our fairytale for the night.”
I liked that idea and smiled as I gave an enthusiastic nod.
“Can I get you a glass of champagne?”
“Yes, please.”
Alessandro found a waiter carrying a tray filled with crystal flutes of champagne and got us each one. He offered me a glass with a flourish, and I giggled before taking it.
After a glass of champagne and a bit of small talk with some of Alessandro’s friends, the band began to play an old, medieval sounding song and several couples flocked to the dance floor.
“Oh, I love this one,” Mia said excitedly. Teo grinned at her, taking her hand, and leading her out onto the dance floor.
“Shall we?" Alessandro held out his hand to me and my heart did a little leap.
"That dance?" I raised an eyebrow suspiciously, wondering if I was misreading him.
He gave a nod, continuing to hold out his hand insistently and I placed my hand in his.
Alessandro led me out onto the dance floor. His hand slipped to the small of my back, warming the bare skin as he pulled me closer and guided me gracefully among the other dancers.
“This is all so beautiful.”
“Not as beautiful as you,” Alessandro said and I looked up at him, surprised by the compliment.
His arm tightened around me, pulling me firmly against his chest and I rested my head on his shoulder.
"Sometime tonight Matteo will expect you to give your answer..." Alessandro's voice sounded far away and a wave of melancholy washed over me.
"You know that I can't..."
"Don't say it. Not yet. I'm just asking that you consider staying. One month is not enough for me to show you all the good there is to being part of the family."
"I don't think anything could possibly change my mind," I admitted solemnly, knowing it wasn't what he wanted to hear.
"I'm falling for you, Sienna," Alessandro blurted out and my steps faltered causing me to step on his toes.
"Oh, I'm sorry." We stopped dancing and I grew more flustered.
"It's okay. It was my fault for distracting you. But Sienna..." He gently lifted my chin so that my eyes met his. "I meant what I said. You are an incredible woman with an amazing heart, and I want time for us to get to know each other better. Don't go home, not yet."
"My life is there," I blurted out. "I... I'm sorry. I need some air."
I pushed myself back from him, heading toward the back doors of the ballroom that led out onto a beautiful terrace. Alessandro started to follow but I stopped him with a hand on his chest. "Please? I just need some time to breathe."
He gave a pained nod and I turned and ran out of the room.
Chapter 19
Sienna
Stepping out onto the raised terrace, I was relieved to find it empty. I placed my hands on the railing and gazed down at the garden below.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, blowing it out slowly.
'I'm falling for you, Sienna.'
