Page 42 of His Two Hidden Masks

“Umberto,” I said, my smile strained.

“Yes, tell Umberto that I will take a rain check,” Dylan said, emphasizing my father’s first name.

“I see,” Roberto said.

“Also, please tell Umberto know that Bella is bringing me up to speed on the details of the business.” He was modeling himself after his more linear and structured brother. It was uncanny the way a small shift transformed him.

“She really knows a lot about the industry, and her ideas about attracting new customers are good.”

“She has been in the family business her whole life.” Roberto’s voice was clipped.

“For now, we would prefer to stay here,” Dylan said, emphasizing the word “we.” He looked Roberto squarely in the face. “I am sure you understand.”

“Tell Papa, thank you for the invitation,” I said.

The heat lamps bathed one side of Roberto’s face in light, the other shadowed in darkness. It was hard to read his expression, but the tension in his voice was undeniable.

A gust of wind blew across the campo, stirring up a few leaves. I wrapped my shawl tighter around my shoulders. I didn’t care if I froze to death while sitting across from the hottest man in the world. Sex was better, but watching Dylan dress down Roberto was very satisfying.

As if on cue, the waiter approached with our main courses. Behind him, Lissa held two blankets. She gave me a wide-eyed smile, her look telegraphing a thousand questions. Roberto stepped aside. Our waiter placed our main courses in front of us. Steam rose off of the white plates.

“Enjoy,” he said, topping off our wine glasses and exiting.

Lissa stepped forward. “I thought you two might enjoy some blankets to make your evening a bit cozier.” As she placed a blanket in my lap, she leaned down to whisper in my ear. “I could see you from the ballroom. Why is there another James Street upstairs right now?”

“Thank you, Lissa. I’m so much warmer.” I kissed her cheek and whispered. “I’ll find you later.”

She squeezed my arm, having heard me.

“Lissa, if you are here, who is running the back bar at the banquet?” Roberto said, voice barking. He stood a few feet away from our table, waiting for her. “Bella can get her own blankets.”

“I’ll go back upstairs, sir.” Lissa glanced over her shoulder and rolled her eyes at me before heading across the campo and back to the hotel. Roberto had authority, but he did not command respect. I was embarrassed again that I had thought I could marry him once upon a time.

“It is nice to see you, Bella,” Roberto said, forcing a disingenuous smile. “If it suits you, James, please join us later upstairs for dessert.”

Dylan inhaled loudly and took a big bite of pasta, clearly bored with the charade. Roberto finally exited the outdoor patio and walked briskly across the courtyard, arms crossed.

“Was he always a prick to you? Or is he a prick because you broke his heart?” Dylan said.

I shrugged.

“I see,” Dylan said. “You did break his heart.”

“I did.” I was so tired of being embarrassed, for apologizing for what I’d done. I decided to finally own my decision. “Truth?”

Dylan smiled. “Yes, truth.”

“I left him at the altar and I would do it again.”

“Well, that is a dramatic way to end a relationship.”

“Yes, very.”

Dylan looked at me, a slow smile crossing his face. “Well, I am sure you had your reasons, and have I told you how much I love a woman who eats?”

“You know women who don’t eat?”

“I have dated so many women, models, baronesses, debutantes. Beautiful, starving creatures. Nothing is less satisfying than being in a city like this and spending time with a woman who won’t actually eat any of the food.”

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