AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You are so going to knock him dead,” she purred.
I heard a hard rap on the door and my insides seized. “I think he’s here.”
“Right on time. That’s a nice change.”
“Go suck down a bottle of wine and pray for me.”
Joy huffed. “I think he’s the one who might need the prayers. Being married to you could prove to be interesting because of your family.”
She had a sad but very good point. “Ugh. Don’t remind me.” I hadn’t told her but so much about my brother coming into town. Maybe I was more embarrassed about my heritage than I wanted to admit. One thing I did know was that I’d have to calculate whatever I did carefully. I’d spent a better part of the afternoon securing accounts so that my signature would be required to make changes on anything. At least I’d give my brother a run for his money if he attempted to intervene in my life any more than he already had.
“Good luck, girl and have fun.”
“I will.” When I ended the call, shoving my phone into my purse, butterflies consumed my stomach. I’d avoided eating most of the day, nibbling on a muffin because of the knots continuing to build. What I was proposing was crazy in any language. Ugh. The word alone kept my mind in a dangerous place.
I flicked off the light, taking a deep breath as I headed for the door. At least I avoided throwing it open, tossing my hair off my shoulders when I did.
I’d had men look at me in hunger, but as his blue eyes drifted down to my heels, his chest heaved, his nostrils flaring. The sight of him in a charcoal suit accompanied by a crisp white shirt and tie matching his eye color was enough to steal my breath.
“Il chiaro di luna impallidisce al confronto,” he whispered.
Moonlight pales in comparison.
“You are Italian.” My statement was ridiculous and rhetorical, the city filled with the heritage. Although most had never stepped foot on the hallowed soil of my home country.
“Is that a question or accusation?”
“Maybe a little of both?”
He lifted his eyebrows. “According to my grandparents, who tormented me for years until I learned enough Italian they stopped hassling me.” He took a deep breath and the butterflies shifted, the flurry of activity making me feel lightheaded.
“I had grandparents much the same. Where were you born?”
His face scrunched, his brow furrowing. “I was born here but given my father’s import/export business, we lived in several cities. Why?”
“Just some things I’m dealing with. I don’t mean to doubt you, but I don’t like liars.”
“Point taken.”
“Can I trust you?”
“If by that you’re asking if my intentions are noble, then I guess the answer is no. You can’t trust a wolf in Fifth Avenue attire.”
The mischief in his eyes wasn’t fake. He felt raw and real, and I wanted to feel alive again. I also needed to be able to trust my own judgment. He had a way of making me feel comfortable, even though his dark eyes continuously swept over me, eager to devour every inch.
“Be careful, Mr. Scarpella. I do know how to take care of myself.”
“Hmm… I will make certain when I take control of your body that you’re fully aware of what I’m about to do.”
The way he issued the frank words sent a series of shivers down my spine. “Are you always this dominating?”
“Yes.” His eyes were alive with a fire that threatened to consume me. “I will say, you are far too beautiful to waste on a bastard like me.”
“My, you’re full of compliments tonight.”
“I have my moments.”
“Well, you don’t look too shabby yourself, although I think I prefer you as the dangerous bad boy.”
