Page 72 of The Wrong Move

GIANA

It’sthe final presentation of the night.

As I stand onstage with Isabella and Dante, the applause is music to my ears. While the gala was a fundraiser, and an elite line of Leto Designs was auctioned, along with luxury holiday destinations and sailing vacations from her wealthy friends, I don’t see the need for me to be here. While I am an employee and business partner when it comes to my designs, the gala was organized by the Leto family. Isabella and Dante are the stars. I’m just on the sidelines. For years, I felt part of the family. Now…

“Now we dance,” Dante whispers in my ear.

I stare up into his brown eyes, pools of chocolate that once melted my heart. “Dance?”

“The formalities are over, and the fun begins.”

Isabella waves to the crowd as Dante and I leave the stage. He is handsome and full of class in his designer suit, but there is nothing that makes me want to be with him anymore.

“I can’t. I’m driving to my villa tonight. I need to check a few things before I fly out in a few days.”

He takes the first step and turns to take my hand to assist me down the stairs. “Are you listing it for sale?”

I shake my head. “It’s why I want to oversee some things.” I take his hand and look up before the final step. The large wooden doors to the ballroom are open, with some guests exiting the room. A tallish man in a suit stands by the door, and his heated gaze meets mine.

“Do you need me to accompany you to your room?”

I let go of Dante’s hand and tear my gaze from the man who has my heart to focus on Dante. “Thank you, but I am with someone. He is here, and we are leaving tonight. Tell Isabella I’ll speak with her at the next meeting on Monday.”

Dante turns and easily spots Byron standing by the door waiting for me since his eyes are locked on us.

“I want you to introduce us,” he says with authority.

Not a good idea!

“Perhaps another time. We’re in hurry.”

He rests a hand on my shoulder. “Go to him, and I’ll fetch your purse and bring it to you.”

“Okay.” My voice breaks. Dante sounds genuine, so maybe I’m overthinking this.

Lifting my dress a few inches, I move toward Byron, remaining on the edge of the crowd.

“Hey.” I reach up and kiss him. “You’re overdressed for a road trip.”

His brows are tight. “I arrived an hour ago hoping to sneak in and stand at the back. I wanted to see you onstage.”

“Sneak in?” I rasp. “It’s not a sneak-in type of event, and you’re not that person.”

“No. And my status holds no sway here. Security didn’t care. Though I did get a glimpse, and I saw the last few minutes.”

I giggle. “Wow. They didn’t fall to your charm.”

A gentle hand rests on my shoulder.“La tua borsa, bella signora.”Your purse, beautiful lady.Dante speaks in the sexy Italian accent that caught my attention the first time we met. His words are not a threat to Byron, but he says it in a way to make Byron feel just that.

Dante smiles down at me for a moment too long before looking at Byron. “Ciao, sono Dante Leto, un buon amico di Giana.”Hello, I am Dante Leto, a good friend of Giana.

Dante has spoken to me in English all night, andnowhe chooses to speak in Italian?

Before I can translate for an informal introduction, Byron speaks first. He holds out his hand, and I’m sure he wants to crush Dante’s fingers. “Byron Hendricks.Sono il ragazzo di Gigi.” Byron Hendricks. I’m Gigi’s boyfriend.

I stare at Byron, surprised he knows more than ciao and arrivederci.

His girlfriend.It rolled easily off his tongue. I push it out of my mind and glance down at their hands, still locked in a fierce handshake.

---