Page 81 of The Thief

“Mmm.”

“I’m serious, Antonio.”

He lifts his hands up in a placating gesture. “I won’t do anything without your knowledge,” he says. “I promise.”

I set my fork down. “I can’t eat another bite.”

He gestures for the check. I attempt to pay, but he won’t hear of it. Claudia and Miriam tell him the meal is on the house, but he won’t listen to them either. “The food was even more delicious than I remember,” he tells them. “I’m delighted Lucia suggested we eat here tonight.”

We head back outside. It’s gotten even chillier, and Antonio immediately drapes his coat back over my shoulders. “I hope you’re not done for the night because I have plans for you.”

My insides quicken. “What kind of plans?”

“Plans that involve you spending all night tied up to my bed.”

“Oh, that’s a pity.” I paste a disappointed look on my face. “Because I was going to invite you to spend the night atmyplace. After all, I do have a sturdy new bed.”

It’s a big step, and a small part of me wonders if I’m being reckless. But a much larger part of me insists this is the right thing to do. Something’s changed tonight. I don’t know if it’s because of the priceless Titian that Antonio gave up because of me, or if it’s because he accompanied me to my parents’ storage unit.

I think I finally believe that my heart will be safe in his hands.He won’t let me fall.

For a fleeting second, shock fills his eyes. Then a neutral mask once again slides over his face. “I can be flexible.”

I give him a teasing smile. “Can you, now?”

“Of course,” he says loftily. “When the situation calls for it, I can adapt. It’s always wise to consider new information when making a decision.”

I have to struggle to keep a straight face. “What kind of new information?”

“Your place is less than five minutes away.” He kisses me, quick and hard. “Four, if we hurry. Walk faster, Lucia.”

I laugh and put my arm around his waist. I’m happy and also squirmy with anticipation. I’m a tiny bit tipsy and very, very turned on, and I can’t wait for us to get home and test out my new bed

Of course, that’s when my conscience shows up like an unwelcome guest.You didn’t tell him about Florence,it prods.You told him about the job thatGiseleSabatino offered you, but you failed to mention your call from Rocco Cacciola.You’re starting this relationship under false pretenses; Antonio has every right to know you’re thinking about taking a job away from Venice as soon as your contract here is done.

I dismiss that nagging voice. It’s too soon to have that conversation. My contract at the Palazzo Ducale still has a few weeks to go, and besides, I don’t even have an interview with the Uffizi yet.

But the feeling of guilt persists all the way home.

42

ANTONIO

When we reach Lucia’s building, my guards separate into pairs. Goran and Mateo stay at the front of the building while Omar and Stefano announce their intention to stand guard outside Lucia’s front door.

“Take the stairs,” I order, stepping into the elevator before they can protest.

We fall on each other as soon as the doors close. I kiss Lucia’s neck, shoulders, and soft lips as the ancient elevator creaks all the way up to her apartment. I only let her go long enough for her to open the front door, then we tumble inside, and I hurry her into her bedroom.

“The dress is nice. Lose it.”

“Yes, Sir,” she says with a wink. She loosens the tie at her waist, and her dress falls open. I suck in a breath. She’s wearing a black lace bra and matching panties, and she looks irresistible.

“What do you think?” she asks, twirling around. “I bought them this weekend.”

“They’re nice. Take them off.”

“I’m sensing a theme here, Antonio,” she says teasingly. “Sounds like you want me to get naked.”

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