Page 42 of Her Dark Salvation

My cheeks flared with heat, embarrassment and lust battling for control. I scrambled for a pithy recovery, but all that came out was, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You know exactly what I’m talking about.” He backed away with a devious grin. “You started this game when you put that sweater on this morning.”

A hysterical bark of laughter escaped me. Was I that obvious?

He resumed the easy lean against his desk. “And if you can’t recognize a little flirting, you’re just not dating the right men.” He picked up the cornetto and took a monstrous bite. “Am I wrong?” he asked through a mouthful of pastry.

I held up both hands and backed away, eyes wide and head shaking, astonished by his audacity. I spun on my heel, walked out of his office, and shut the door, hating myself for being disappointed he hadn’t kissed me.

* * *

By three o’clock,another revision of my model was complete. It would take the rest of the workday to compile, but in the meantime, I could construct a plan for how to refine it in the next iteration. Anything to keep my mind off cigar smoke and aftershave and the warm caress of breath against my cheek.

The elevator dinged, and a tall man with broad shoulders stepped off the elevator. He ran his hand through a mop of chin-length, dark-chocolate brown hair. He dropped his arm and lifted his head to shake the thick mane off his forehead.

He was drop-dead gorgeous. Magazine-ad beautiful with perfectly proportionate features. A straight nose, high cheekbones, and an angular jaw, all blessed with a blemish- and wrinkle-free tan. His pouty lips invited sin, and his large, almond eyes under long lashes reminded me of Marco’s in their intense darkness.

He stopped when he saw me and flashed his straight, white teeth, and the affected smile undermined his beauty with pretense. “Hello,” he said, his voice rich and silken. He removed his leather gloves one finger at a time. “I didn’t know Marco had a new assistant. I’m Luca. Luca Moretti. And you are?”

The infamous Luca. Jesus, Siobhán hadn’t been kidding. Talk about intense. I’d never met anyone so staggeringly handsome.

And that name. My brain snagged on his last name. Moretti.

“Anna.” I cleared my throat. “I’m Anna.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Anna.” The words dripped off his tongue like honey, but I suspected they were tantalizing bait offered by a camouflaged viper.

“You as well.” I glanced at the office calendar. “Mr. DeVita doesn’t have any appointments today. Is he expecting you?”

His smile turned patronizing. “No. It’s a surprise.” And then the viper winked.

I clammed up, classic Anna, no idea what to say, and I gaped at him in awkward silence.

“Luca!” Mr. DeVita’s voice boomed into the foyer, coming to my rescue.

“Marco! Ciao, zio!”

The two men embraced with back slaps and kisses. Mr. DeVita pulled back, but held on to Luca’s shoulders, squeezing and patting them. “Nipote, I wasn’t expecting you till the weekend.”

Luca shrugged. “I flew in early to take care of some business in Saugus.”

“I’m glad you’re home. Gina will be happy to see you.” Mr. DeVita patted Luca’s shoulders again before dropping them.

“I’ll call her as soon as I’m finished here. I thought we could have a cigar, get a drink, catch up.”

“As much as I’d like that, I flew in from Roma this morning. I won’t be good company. Tomorrow, nipote, after lunch. Vesuvio at two.”

“Perfetto, ci sarò.”

Mr. DeVita glanced down at me as if he suddenly remembered I was there. “You’ve met Anna?”

“Yes.” Luca looked at me and smiled like we shared a secret. “We just met.”

“Anna’s temping for Diane while she’s in California. She’s only been on staff a week, so best ask Siobhán if you need anything while you’re in town.”

Luca’s eyes darkened. “No problem,” he said through a devilish grin before returning his features to their mask of charm. “I’m off then.” He tugged his gloves back on and turned for the elevator. “I’ll visit Gina, now.”

“Bravo ragazzo.” Mr. DeVita slapped him on the back. “That will make her happy. She misses you.”

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