Page 11 of His UnBearable Touch

“Who are you, my dear? I-”

Valerio saw Paulie flinch the slightest bit as he saw the folded cane in Allegra’s hand and then looked back at her face with a sympathetic frown.

Allegra extended her hand in greeting and introduced herself.

There was only a moment of hesitation and then Paulie recovered himself. “Come, my dear, a handshake?” He chuckled and the room filled with his trademark hospitality. “A kiss for each cheek, yes?”

Laughing, Allegra shrugged. “Sure.”

And when Paulie placed a kiss on one cheek, he talked as he moved to the other, drawing her into his side.

“And now we let your man follow us to the table and I will tell you all about Carducci’s so that you will love it as much as I do.”

Valerio followed behind them and noted the care that Paulie took to slow his normal steps and steer her gently through the crowded dining space.

When they reached the side room, Paulie seemed to dissolve into the dark wood panels of the restaurant and Valerio held his breath, waiting to see how his family would react to Allegra.

His bear chuffed at him in frustration, ending in an indignant huff as they watched as Natale and then Salvatore welcomed her to their family’s table. He didn’t have to touch Allegra to feel her happiness. He could see the relaxed line of her back and the soft smile on her lips.

Salvatore was the largest of the brothers. A man that most would think twice about approaching, even in the best of moods, but with his mate, he saw his brother’s gentle side come into play.

Allegra couldn’t see his size, but she reacted to his energy and his gentler nature. At their sides, Natale held Allegra’s hand in hers and beamed at the other woman.

“Val, come, let’s take our seats,” Natale had no problem taking charge of the family, and they all loved her for it, “I’m sure by now Paulie has the kitchen staff working double time to get some food on the table.”

Setting a hand on Allegra’s hip, he leaned his head down and whispered into her ear. “I’d like to sit you between Natale and myself.”

She nodded, flushing a bit. “Thanks.”

Salvatore was already on his side of the table, gently settling his mate in her chair as Valerio mirrored the same for Allegra. The two brothers shared a look over the heads of their women and Valerio felt a deep satisfaction in his chest.

Family had always been the central strength of the Orsino clan and while life with his brothers had been full of brotherly love that at times had been more of a wrestling match than nurturing, he was proud of his brothers and what they had accomplished.

Settling in his chair, Valerio unbuttoned his coat at the waist and reached out his hand. He saw the warm affection in Natale’s eyes turn to misty awe as Allegra reached out her hand and found his instinctively.

Valerio lifted their joined hands and brushed a kiss over the back of her hand, making her blush as Salvatore began to speak to them.

* * *

Allegra turned toward Natale when she felt a gentle touch on her arm.

Natale’s voice made her smile, with its rich tone and the genuine warmth that it contained. “I was going to the ladies’ room and I was wondering-”

“Yes, please!” Allegra stopped short and laughed. “I probably sound so silly. I’m just not familiar with the room.”

“I completely understand.” Allegra relaxed at the reassurance, she hadn’t wanted to bother asking. Natale eased her worry and their laughter blended together. “Of course not. Women are supposed to visit the restroom in packs.”

“Like gazelles on the Serengeti,” Allegra prompted, “safety in numbers?”

Natale’s tone held even more joy than before. “Rather, I’ve been the one outnumbered in this family by all the men. I’m so glad not to be alone anymore.”

Allegra stilled for just a heartbeat, and hoped that no one noticed. Without prompting, Natale had stumbled upon one of her usual worries, especially in unfamiliar locations. Being alone. Navigating her apartment, her neighborhood, that was easy after practice. A crowded restaurant?

The quiet rush of sound told her that both men had pushed back their chairs.

Allegra’s cheeks flushed when she felt Valerio’s hand on her arm.

“Thank you,” she murmured, and felt the reassuring stroke of his thumb on the inside of her elbow as she stepped closer to Natale.

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