Latin Lovers. Helen Bianchin

Чтение книги онлайн.

       CHAPTER FOUR

      AYSHA reached for her glass and took a sip of iced water, and cast the table’s occupants a quick, encompassing glance.

      Her eyes rested briefly on Nina, witnessed her hard, calculating glance before it was quickly masked, and felt a shiver glide down the length of her spine.

      Malevolence, no matter how fleeting, was disconcerting. Envy and jealousy in others were unenviable traits, and something she’d learned to deal with from a young age. It had accelerated with her engagement to Carlo. Doubtless it would continue long after the marriage.

      She wanted love... desperately. But she’d settle for fidelity. Even the thought that he might look seriously at another woman made it feel as if a hand took hold of her heart and squeezed until it bled.

      ‘What do you think, Aysha?’

      Oh, hell. It wasn’t wise to allow distraction to interfere with the thread of social conversation. Especially not when you were a guest of honour.

      She looked at Carlo with a silent plea for help, and met his humorous gaze.

      ‘Luisa doesn’t agree I should keep our honeymoon destination a surprise.’

      A second was all it took to summon a warm smile.

      ‘I need to pack warm clothes.’ Her eyes gleamed and a soft laugh escaped her lips. ‘That’s all I know.’

      ‘Europe. The snowfields?’ The older woman’s eyes twinkled. ‘Maybe North America. Canada?’

      ‘I really have no idea,’ Aysha declared.

      Dessert comprised individual caramelised baskets filled with segments of fresh fruit served with brandied cream.

      ‘Sinful,’ Aysha declared quietly as she savoured a delectable mouthful.

      ‘I shouldn’t, but I will,’ Luisa uttered ruefully. ‘Tomorrow I’ll compensate with fresh juice for breakfast and double my gym workout.’

      Teresa, she noted, carefully removed the cream, speared a few segments of fruit, and left the candied basket. As mother of the bride, she couldn’t afford to add even a fraction of a kilo to her svelte figure.

      It was half an hour before the hostess requested they move into the lounge for coffee.

      Aysha declined the very strong espresso brew and opted for a much milder blend with milk. The men took it short and sweet, added grappa, and converged together to exchange opinions on anything from bocce to the state of the government.

      Argue, Aysha amended fondly, all too aware that familiar company, good food, fine wine all combined to loosen the male Italian tongue and encourage reminiscence.

      She loved to listen to the cadence of their voices as they lapsed into the language of their birth. It was expressive, accompanied by the philosophical shrug of masculine shoulders, the hand movements to emphasise a given point.

      ‘Giuseppe is in his element.’

      Aysha mentally prepared herself as she turned to face Nina. One glance was all it took to determine Nina’s manner was the antithesis of friendly.

      ‘Is there any reason why he shouldn’t be?’

      ‘The wedding is a major coup.’ The smile didn’t reach her eyes. ‘Congratulations, darling. I should have known you’d pull it off.’

      Aysha inclined her head. ‘Thank you, Nina. I’ll take that as a compliment.’

      There was no one close enough to overhear the quiet exchange. Which was a pity. It merely offered Nina the opportunity to aim another poisoned dart.

      ‘How does it feel to be second-best? And know your inherited share in the family firm is the sole reason for the marriage?’

      ‘Considering Carlo is due to inherit his share in the family firm, perhaps you should ask him the same question.’

      Successfully fielded. Nina didn’t like it. Her eyes narrowed, and the smile moved up a notch in artificial brilliance.

      ‘You’re the one who has to compete with Bianca’s ghost,’ Nina offered silkily, and Aysha waited for the punchline. ‘All cats are alike in the dark, darling. Didn’t you know?’

      Oh, my. This was getting dirty. ‘Really?’ Her cheeks hurt from keeping a smile pinned in place. ‘Perhaps you should try it with the lights on, some time.’

      As scores went, it hardly rated a mention. And the victory was short-lived, for it was doubtful Nina would allow anyone to gain an upper hand for long.

      ‘Aysha.’ Luisa appeared at her side. ‘Teresa has just been telling me about the flowers for the church. Orchids make a lovely display, and the colour combination will be exquisite.’

      She was a guest of honour, the focus her wedding day. It was easy to slip into animated mode and discuss details. Only the wedding dress and the cake were taboo.

      Except talking and answering questions merely reinforced how much there still was to do, and how essential the liaison with the wedding organiser Teresa had chosen to co-ordinate everything.

      The СКАЧАТЬ