A Night In His Arms: Captive in the Spotlight / Meddling with a Millionaire / How to Seduce a Billionaire. Annie West

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       CHAPTER NINE

      ‘OF COURSE TADDEO is welcome here as usual. Nothing will ever change that. He’s my nephew and as precious to me as a son.’

      Domenico thrust his hand through his hair in frustration as his sister-in-law squawked her outrage down the phone line. She was family and, for his nephew’s sake especially, Domenico put up with her.

      ‘Yes, Lucy’s here. Far better she stays here away from the press than selling her story. Isn’t that what you wanted?’

      He eased the phone from his ear as Pia unleashed a torrent of objections. Mouth flattening, he strode to the wide terrace and inhaled deep of the fresh sea air. Pia had read about Domenico rescuing Lucy from the press and demanded to know why she was still with him.

      As if he had to clear his actions with Pia!

      He’d only got involved in this situation because Pia had pleaded for him to intervene.

      Though this had passed well beyond a simple business negotiation. He was...personally involved.

      He thought of his overwhelming relief when Lucy had emerged from that dark hole. For heart-stopping minutes panic had filled him as it seemed to take a lifetime to haul her up. Domenico tasted rusty fear, remembering.

      He’d gathered her close and hadn’t been able to release her even when her well-wishers crowded around. He’d needed her with him.

      Domenico scrubbed a hand over his jaw. He and Lucy had unfinished business. Business he’d delayed. It had nothing to do with Sandro or Pia or the press.

      ‘Calm down, Pia, and hear me out.’

      * * *

      Lucy heard Domenico as she entered the house. She stopped, not to eavesdrop but because he had that effect on her. She’d given up pretending. She might be weak where he was concerned but she refused to lie to herself.

      The sound of that rich macchiato voice pooled heat deep in her body. The memory of his tender kiss, as if he treasured her, made forbidden hope unfurl.

      ‘I understand your concerns, Pia, but she’s not the woman the press have painted.’

      Lucy started, realising Domenico was talking to his sister-in-law about her. She went rigid, torn between curiosity and protecting herself. Since the rescue it had been hard to keep him at arm’s length. Yet she needed to because he could hurt her badly.

      She was moving away when he spoke again.

      ‘That was years ago, Pia. People change. She’s changed. Did you get her letter?’

      Lucy’s steps faltered.

      ‘You shouldn’t have destroyed it. She wrote to say how much she regretted Sandro’s death. She was genuine, Pia. I’m sure of that.’

      Lucy’s heart hammered against her ribs, her hand clenching on the door handle.

      Domenico was standing up for her against his sister-in-law! She could scarcely believe it.

      ‘I understand, Pia. But it’s time we moved on. For Taddeo’s sake.’ He paused as if listening. ‘We can’t change the past, much as we wish it. I know Lucy wishes she could. She’s genuinely sorry for what happened to Sandro.’

      Lucy clung to the door handle as her knees wobbled.

      ‘That’s your choice, Pia. But think about what I’ve said. Living in the present is the best thing for your son. He’s a fine boy, one Sandro would have been proud of. You don’t want him growing up bitter and fearful, do you?’

      Domenico’s voice dipped on his brother’s name, reminding Lucy this was a private conversation.

      She released the door and crossed the foyer. Confusion filled her but it didn’t dim her smile and her step was light.

      Domenico had stood up for her!

      * * *

      Sunlight filtered through spreading branches and Lucy leaned against her cushion with a sigh of contentment.

      ‘More?’ Domenico lifted a bunch of dark grapes with the bloom of the vineyard still on them.

      ‘I couldn’t.’ She patted her stomach. ‘I’ve eaten like a horse.’

      His eyes followed the movement and fire licked her. She stiffened then forced herself to relax as his gaze grew intent. Domenico saw too much, especially now when her skill at hiding her feelings had disintegrated.

      ‘I’ll have some.’ Chiara skipped across the clearing. The plaster on her wrist was the only reminder of last week’s ordeal.

      Lucy met Domenico’s rueful gaze and realised they shared the same thought. She smiled, sharing the moment of relief, and he smiled back. It was like watching the sunrise after endless night, warming her with an inner glow.

      Her breathing snagged then resumed, quicker and shorter as she watched his eyes darken. Her skin shivered as if responding to the phantom brush of his hand.

      ‘Domi? Can’t I have some?’

      Domenico dragged his attention to Chiara. ‘Of course, bella.’ He handed over the bunch then leaned back on his arms. Lucy’s heart pattered faster. If he shifted again they’d be touching.

      Domenico hadn’t touched her since Chiara’s accident. That made her wonder if she’d imagined the strength of his embrace that day, or the way his hands had trembled as he held her. Her breath eased out in a sigh.

      She’d never forget the magic of his kiss. Her fingers drifted to her mouth as she relived the brush of his lips.

      It worried her how much she longed for him. How readily she responded now he treated her as a welcome guest. After hearing him defend her to Pia she hadn’t been able to quell effervescent excitement, or the conviction that things had changed irrevocably between СКАЧАТЬ