Page 29 of His to Honor

“Yeah, sure.” Giulia will probably enjoy seeing some of the Tuscan countryside and I know she won’t be shy about socializing with my cousins because she’s used to being around my family. My mother has always said that any woman who can survive Thanksgiving with my brothers can cope with anything.

“You want me to pick you up?”

“No, we’ll meet you there.” It’s an hour’s drive to Siena. While Livvy and Giulia got on well yesterday, I doubt they’ve become bosom buddies. The thought of being stuck in a car with them if Livvy starts being a brat and Giulia retaliates doesn’t appeal.

Damiano gives me the address of the vineyard and we agree to meet at one o’clock for lunch. Usually my Italian cousins wouldn’t eat until late afternoon so I know the time is a concession to the American habit of taking an early lunch. I end the call and take a shower to wash off the grime after my run. I dress and head downstairs to tell Giulia we have plans. She’s in the kitchen with Rosalia. They’re talking and laughing like old friends. I expected to find the kitchen turned upside down since Giulia planned to make brownies, but the place is spotless. For a minute I think she changed her mind, but then I smell something sweet in the air. The aroma is coming from the oven.

The moment she sees me, Rosalia excuses herself and leaves the room. I’m not sure if she’s shy with everyone or if I scare her. Usually, women are more at ease around me.

“I thought this place would look like a bomb hit it. Did Rosalia clean up?”

Giulia scowls. “I may not be the greatest baker, but I can wash dishes and wipe down countertops.”

“Of course.” I lean back against the table. “Damiano invited us to join him for lunch at Lorenzo’s new winery.”

Her eyes light up. “That sounds like fun.”

“Thought you’d be happy. It’s out near Siena so you’ll get to see some of the countryside.”

“Great.” She twists her mouth to the side the way she does when she’s thinking about a problem. “What time will we be back?”

“I don’t know. Why?”

She takes a deep breath and I brace myself for her to speak. “You know it’s Rosalia’s birthday?”

“Yes.” I don’t like where this is going.

“She’s going to La Stanza Rosso to celebrate. She asked if I wanted to go.”

“Why?”

“Because she’s sweet, and she knows I’m alone here.”

I scoff at that remark. “You’re not alone.”

“You know what I mean.” She doesn’t give me a chance to tell her I really don’t. “So can I go?”

I shake my head. “It’s not safe.”

Giulia purses her lips and I know she’s not going to give up easily. “It’s Damiano’s club, isn’t it?”

“That’s precisely why it’s not safe. Our enemies have eyes on the place. If you go there, you’ll be spotted.”

“Nobody knows me.”

“You’re an American woman out with the Volantes’ housekeeper. It doesn’t take a genius to work out you’re connected to me.”

Giulia’s scowl deepens. “I want to go, Matteo.”

I shake my head again.

Folding her arms across her chest, Giulia looks formidable. “Look, Matteo, I want to make something clear. I won’t be dictated to. If you want to carry on whatever this is between us, you need to accept I am not a doormat.”

Though she definitely has a submissive side, Giulia isn’t the type of woman who rolls over and plays dead just because she’s been ordered to. I like that she stands up for herself. At least, I do when it’s not me she’s rebelling against.

“I know who you are, Giulia.”

“So you know that I’m smart, that I’m aware of the dangers.”

---