Page 45 of His Two Hidden Masks

“I am guessing I am not your first,” I said.

“No, you are not,” he said, cocking his head to the side. “You are full of surprises, clever Bella. And since we have broken the rules, we are now a one-night-stand plus dinner.”

I laughed. “What if we are now a one-night-stand plus dinner, plus a very special tour?”

I stood and adjusted my wrap. I noticed how Dylan’s eyes moved up and down my legs, lingering on the gap of skin between the hem of my black dress and the top of my red boots.

“I did offer to be your tour guide,” I said.

“Tour away, clever Bella.”

I held out my hand and Dylan took it.

“Follow me,” I said.

“Please,” he whispered, his warm hand wrapped around mine.

We wove through the outdoor tables at Andiamo into the open air of the campo. I led him back toward San Marco, away from the Mia Sorella.

And that is how I ended up walking hand-in-hand with a lying billionaire twin with a secret identity one moonlit night in Venice.

9

I’d followed my passion and ended up in bed with a man who had lied to me, but who also inspired me to share my deepest secrets. I needed to remember that I had lied to him, too. I supposed we both had our reasons.

We crossed over canals and wove through the darkened streets of Venice. The stars were out, and the moon played hide-and-seek with us behind screens of clouds. I looked up at the moon, and I wished I could know for certain if there was a message in her beautiful madness.

I glanced up at Dylan’s profile as we walked, his nose, his jaw, his cheekbones were all worthy of their own iconic sculpture. He caught me staring at him and winked.

“I was just wondering, how awkward is it going to be when Roberto realizes there are two of you?” I said, feeling a need to fill the silence.

“He probably already knows.” Dylan shrugged.

Our footsteps echoed on the streets. I heard thumping music and the shouts of tourists on nearby streets. Fortunately, I knew which way to walk to find the quiet Venice that I loved most, even during Carnival.

“You know, my brother and I had so much fun doing things like this when we were younger,” Dylan said. “He says he doesn’t, but he did have fun. I would assume Roberto and your family know about our company and the different roles we have. I have not pretended to be James for years. Not since we were boys.”

He leaned in, purposefully bumping my shoulder. His hand brushed mine, a wave of electricity circuited through my body.

“Your hands are cold,” he said. “Take my hand, again.”

“They are?” I said, pretending to be surprised.

“Let me help,” he said. He reached over and took both my hands in his. He stopped and rubbed our hands together, generating heat that was a sweet relief to the cold. I remembered my merino shawl tonight, but had forgotten my gloves.

The way he touched me was smooth and effortless. “All better?”

I nodded and we continued walking. He did not let go of my hand, and I decided to just enjoy the feeling, and for once, not overthink it.

“I like this, by the way,” he said, nodding to my hand. “You are keeping me warm, as well.”

“Wouldn’t you prefer fine Italian leather gloves?”

“I think I’d prefer to wrap you around my whole body. Your hands have to do, for now,” he said. He raised my hand to his mouth and kissed my knuckles.

His lips felt firm and soft against my skin. His touch made me feel bold. “I have to say that I enjoyed wrapping my body around you, last night.”

“You mean, wrapping your beautiful body.”

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