LITMIR.BIZ

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to my two gorgeous girls.’ Smiling, Alessandro strolled across the lawn to meet them, dropping a kiss on Mia’s head before sitting down next to her and tickling Ella’s tummy just as she had done. ‘She seems happy.’

      ‘Yes, she’s very smiley this afternoon.’ Mia glanced at him, feeling shy and overwhelmed as she so often did when in his magnetic, compelling presence. He was dressed casually in dark trousers and a grey polo shirt that brought out the silver in his eyes, his hair gleaming blue-black and ruffled by the warm breeze. The sandalwood scent of him still made her senses reel. ‘Have you finished your work already?’

      ‘Yes, but I need to go to Rome tomorrow morning, for a few business meetings, as well as a charity ball in the evening.’ Alessandro had been working remotely from the villa, with just a few trips to various cities across Europe. Mia wondered how long he could keep such a pattern; he was a very busy, powerful man, with many demands on his time. Surely this idyll couldn’t last…and part of her craved a relief from the tension of being with him, even as another part knew she would miss him.

      ‘I think we’ll manage to keep ourselves busy,’ she said. Over the last few weeks she’d had a few forays into the market town for trips to the shops, and also a baby group that met in a community hall. She was also hoping to start learning Italian, although Mia was wary of putting down too many roots. This still felt temporary rather than like real life, although perhaps that would change the more effort she made.

      ‘Actually,’ Alessandro said after a moment, ‘I was hoping you would come with me.’

      ‘With you?’ Mia was startled. ‘But won’t Ella and I just be in your way?’

      ‘Not Ella, just you.’ His gaze was warm as it met hers and lingered there with intent. ‘Just for the evening, so we can spend some time together. Alyssa can watch Ella.’

      ‘You want me to go to a ball?’

      ‘Why do you sound sceptical? We’ve been to one before.’

      ‘I know, but…’ Mia felt her cheeks flush as she remembered the last ball they’d been to…and what had happened afterwards. ‘I don’t have anything to wear.’

      ‘That’s easily remedied. I can have a stylist come with a selection of gowns.’

      ‘As you did before?’

      He shrugged. ‘It’s not a problem.’

      But it felt like a problem, because Mia wasn’t sure she was ready for a night out with Alessandro. Her already wavering defences might crumble completely…and then what?

      It was the question that always rose to the front of her mind, popping like a bubble before she could answer it. If she stopped trying to protect herself, keep a safe distance, what would happen?

      ‘What are you scared of, Mia?’ Alessandro asked. ‘It’s just a ball.’

      ‘I know, but…’

      ‘We’ll be home before midnight, I promise. And Alyssa will enjoy taking care of Ella.’

      ‘It’s not that.’

      ‘Then what?’

      He sounded so patient, even tender. How could she doubt him? How could she be so afraid? Mia knew she wasn’t being fair, holding back the way she was. Alessandro had been more than generous, more than patient with her. She needed to give something back.

      ‘All right,’ she said at last. ‘I’ll come.’

      ‘Good.’ He leaned forward to brush her lips with his, making her whole body tingle. ‘I look forward to it. I’ll arrange for the stylist now.’

      As he left to make the call, Mia realised that, despite her reservations, she wanted to go. She wanted to dress up and walk into a ballroom on Alessandro’s arm, just as she had once before. She wanted to spend the evening—and maybe even the whole night—with him. Saying yes had freed her to admit to herself just how much she wanted him, despite her fear. It felt dizzyingly wonderful…as well as incredibly terrifying.

      ‘Here we are.’

      Alessandro followed the bellboy into the penthouse suite of the luxury hotel by Rome’s Spanish Steps, Mia walking slowly behind them. Since leaving the villa—and Ella—she’d been quiet, even subdued, perhaps wary. Alessandro knew she didn’t trust him yet, but at least she’d agreed to come tonight. He hoped to prise her even more out of her shell tonight.

      He’d spent the last two weeks trying to gain her trust, win her confidence, and slowly, ever so slowly, he’d felt Mia soften towards him, and he wanted to see—and feel—that even more tonight.

      ‘Wow.’ Mia stood in the centre of the large, luxurious living room, with French windows leading out to a wide terrace that overlooked the Spanish Steps. A platter of fresh fruit had been placed on a coffee table, along with bottles of champagne and sparkling apple juice. ‘But we’re not even staying the night…’

      ‘I own this hotel, and the penthouse is reserved for my exclusive use. I like to have a base while in Rome.’ He checked his phone. ‘The stylist will be here with a selection of gowns shortly.’

      ‘Will you need final approval, like you did before?’ she said, her voice teasing. Alessandro smiled, glad for the bit of banter.

      ‘I think I can leave that to you this time. I look forward to being surprised.’

      ‘All right.’ Mia glanced around the living room again, taking in the silk-striped sofas, the original artwork, the marble-topped tables. ‘This place really is amazing.’

      ‘I just want you to enjoy everything, Mia,’ Alessandro said. ‘This evening away is meant to be a break for you, although I know you’re worried about leaving Ella.’

      ‘I know it is.’ Mia rubbed her arms as if she were cold and then walked to the French windows, before opening them and stepping out onto the terrace. After a second’s pause Alessandro followed her, breathing in the balmy air as he joined her at the railing overlooking the city far below.

      ‘What’s wrong?’ he asked quietly. ‘This isn’t just about leaving Ella for a few hours.’

      ‘No.’ She shook her head. ‘It’s about…about us.’ She glanced at him, her face troubled. ‘You’ve been wonderful these last few weeks, I know. I can admit that.’

      ‘Admit it?’ Alessandro tried to keep his voice light, even though he was a bit stung by her words, the reluctance of them. ‘You almost sound as if you don’t want to.’

      ‘I don’t,’ Mia admitted. ‘It’s just… I’m scared, Alessandro. I told you I never wanted to marry or give my life over to another person. A man. And yet here I am.’

      ‘Yes, but…’ Alessandro had to feel his way through the words. ‘It doesn’t have to be something to resist, Mia. We were both in agreement, I thought, about what our relationship could look like. Companionship, trust, affection.’

      ‘And not love.’ She spoke flatly, making him hesitate.

      ‘Have you changed your mind on that?’

      ‘No.’ She sounded disconcertingly firm. ‘It’s just difficult to trust you.’

      ‘Have I ever done anything to make you distrust me?’ he asked, stung again by her honest admission. What had he done to make her so wary?

      ‘Not recently.’

      ‘What is that supposed to mean?’

      ‘You spend your life taking over other people’s businesses,’ she said after a moment. ‘And sometimes that feels like what you’re doing with me.’

      Disconcerted, Alessandro did not reply

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