Page 158 of Empire of Temptation

A round of congratulations echoed down the line, but I tried to appear professional. “Thank you. See you all in the morning.”

I started to push on the swinging door, but Luca held my arm. “Wait.”

Bending, he picked me up, bridal-style. I yelped and held on to his neck. “What are you doing?”

“I have watched this movie,An Officer and a Gentleman. It’s very corny, but romantic. And we have a tradition to uphold for book club, no?”

“Oh, god.” I buried my face into his throat. “I’m never going to live this down.”

Quickly, Luca strode through the swinging door and we were in the dining room. All the conversation slowly stopped as the diners noticed us. I could feel my cheeks burning, a mixture of happiness and embarrassment. But mostly happiness.

“Finally!” This was from Maggie, who was now on her feet. “About time, you two!”

Someone started applauding, and then more people joined in. I covered my face with my free hand. “Stop it. Oh, my god. Luca, put me down. This is mortifying.”

“Not a chance, amore.” He kept going toward the exit. As he walked, Luca shouted something to Roberto in Italian.

“What did you say to Roberto?” I asked.

“I told him to give everyone a bottle of champagne to toast us and bill me.”

We reached the front door, but he didn’t set me down. The night was warm and mild, stars twinkling overhead in the perfect romantic backdrop as he carried me. How did I get so lucky?

“I know you wanted a bed tonight,” I said in his ear. “But I was wondering . . . Think the cemetery is empty tonight?”

He started walking faster. “Don’t worry, little girl. I’ll take good care of you.”

Epilogue

Luca

Three weeks later

Isat with my back to the wall.

Gabriele was in the chair on my left, Leonardo on my right. The late hour meant the trattoria was empty, save the kitchen staff.

I didn’t like having meetings at night. They kept me away from Valentina, and I’d much prefer to be fucking her at the moment.

This meant I was pissed off.

I drummed my fingers on the wooden table. Leonardo reached for his wine, while Gabriele checked his mobile once more. Where the fuck were they?

The door opened.

My cousin Niccolò walked in, followed by another man. The stranger was well dressed, probably mid-30s. He looked very similar tohis brother.

I stood, as did my sons, and Niccolò started in my direction. “Don Benetti?—”

“You will fucking wait, stronzo.” Ignoring him, I held out my hand to greet the stranger first. “Luca Benetti.”

“Vito D’Agostino.” He shook my hand. “A pleasure, Don Benetti. My brother speaks highly of you.”

“We are appreciative of his help. Thank you for coming down from Toronto.”

I sat, as did everyone else, except Gabriele, who gave his seat up to Niccolò. My cousin had the good sense to remain quiet. I would deal with him later, when it was just family.

As Leonardo poured wine for the table, I asked, “How do you like Canada?”

---