Page 44 of Promise Never

Tiana peers around the marina as if scoping outher surroundings. I smirk because I did the same thing.

“This way,” I say to her, lightly touching herelbow.

She delays, staring at my hand while soft breathstrickle past her lips. There’s a noticeable pull as we linger in the spot. Somestrange intensity that I’m finding difficult to ignore.

Tiana snaps out of it and shifts over nervously.

Her reaction is all it takes to convince me thatmy touch affects her differently than before.

“Go ahead,” she urges, eyes fluttering. “I’m rightbehind you.”

“I don’t want you behind me,” rushes out in myfrustration. Because honestly, I want her at my side so I can admire everycurve and bask in that stimulating scent. It’s as fiery as her personality.

Get yourself together.

“Fine,” Tiana grumbles. “Let’s go.”

She stays close, withRuniand my driver right behind as we enter the vibrant enclosed area where theguests are.

“Ah!” Pietro veers over from a group of older menthat includes Emanuele Martelli. My cousin throws me a dismissive glance andcarries on his conversation.

“Benvenuto, Alessandro.” Pietro sets his twinklyeyes on Tiana. I clench my fist and restrain from knocking him over for oglingher.

Where’s his wife? He’s probably looking to replaceher with someone younger, even though his wife is barely in her thirties.

Well, he’d better set his sights on another womanbecause… What? Tiana’s mine? Is that really what I’m thinking right now?

“Signorina,” Pietrogreetsher. “Sei bellissima.”

“Grazie,” Tiana replies politely.

I snap my head to her.

Pietro chuckles. “You’re learning. That’s good.”

“Indeed,” I add, shifting closer in a territorialmanner. She doesn’t move.

“Hm.” He reverts his gaze, seeming to detect thegist of my action. “Alessandro, your cousins are here. I trust there won’t beany trouble?” He nods in the direction of Emanuele, then glances at Domenico,conversing with men that appear around our age. Solari is at his side.

Pietro refocuses on me.

“There will be no trouble,” I assure him. “We stayclear of each other. What of the associates you want me to meet?”

“They haven’t arrived as yet.” He pats myshoulder. “You and your lady have a drink, then join me.” He strides back tothe group with Emanuele.

“Is that Domenico Martelli?” Tiana asks.

“Yes,” I grumble.

“I assume that’s his wife, from his protectivehold on her.”

“Solari.”

She watches them keenly. “Nice looking couple.”

I scoff. “Solari softened him.”

Tiana swivels to me with a curious expression onher face. “Why do you say that?”

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