Page 56 of Giorgio

He was tormented, conflicted and angry that he had allowed this to go on. He should have nipped it in the bud from the initial stage. He should never have brought her into his space. If he had listened to his father, he would not be in this awful predicament now.

Tilting his head down, he gazed at the luxurious ash gray carpet beneath his feet. He had been running around doing errands and avoiding her. But he could no longer put it off. Now that his father had told her what he had planned, it was time to face the music. She would be hurt, but it couldn’t be helped.

“Son!”

“I have to go.” With that, he rushed out of the office, closing the doors behind him. Picking up the framed photo of the incredibly beautiful woman who had captured his heart since the first day he laid eyes on her, he studied the familiar features.

Maria Russo had not only been a great beauty, but she had also been effervescent and vivacious. There was a glow about her that had been unmistakable.

Her sultry dark eyes shone with laughter as she posed for the camera. Thick blue-black hair spilled over one ivory shoulder; her small chin perched on her palm. He had taken the photo while they were on a trip to Tuscany and were staying at their villa.

He missed her every single day of his life and had resigned himself to never loving anyone the way he loved her. A smile touched his lips as he reflected on the young woman who had come into their lives in such an unorthodox and unexpected manner.

“You would have loved her, darling.” he said softly, his thumb glancing over the protective glass covering. “She reminds me so much of you.” His smile faded. “But I am afraid, our son is determined to mess things up and there is not a bloody thing I can do about it.”

*****

It was late when he arrived home. He was told by one of the maids that ‘Signorina Juliana’ was in her suite and already had her meal.

He had not called to tell her what time he would be home. And besides, he was not hungry anyway. He had spent an hour driving around and trying to find the words to say to her.

She was sitting on the edge of the bed, an open suitcase in front of her.

She looked up when he came into the room, their eyes connecting. His hungry gaze wandered over the now familiarfeatures of her face. She had done something different with her short curls, which had grown since she had been here. Her face was scrubbed free of makeup, her mouth sending the yearning coursing through his body.

“Hi.”

“Hi.” He nodded towards the suitcase. “When?”

“Early morning flight. Your dad offered to make the jet available, but I decided to fly commercial instead. First class, he would not offer anything less. He wants me to travel in comfort and style.”

“What time is the flight?”

“Six, I think. Aldo or one of the drivers will be taking me to the airport.”

Shoving his hands into the pockets of his ash gray dress pants, he rocked back on his heels. “You have everything planned.”

“As do you, or so I have been told.” She folded a silk blouse with the tag still on it. “When were you going to tell me?”

“Soon. I thought we had another week.”

“Would seven more days make a difference? Would that change your mind about me leaving?”

“No.” He shook his head.

“Well, then… “Bending her head to her task, she refused to allow him to see how much she was hurting. “I have so much to do…”

“I cannot be the man you want.”

Her head snapped up and he was taken aback by the blaze of fury in her eyes. “What kind of man would that be?”

He shrugged restlessly. “The one who would never hurt you, one who would be there for you always.”

“Oh, that kind.” She waved a dismissive hand. “You are absolutely right. Complete commitment is beyond you.”

“That’s right,” he bit out. He had no right to be angry at her words, but they were like spikes driving into his heart. “We would never have worked out.”

“Go to hell.” She whispered.

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