Page 159 of La Dolce Vita

Armando nodded at her witty comeback. He clasped his hands behind his back and let his gaze sweep over her once more. "You keep throwing him up between us as if he’s some kind of force field. It only makes me want you more."

"Nothing you do will ever change my heart."

“Let's place another wager."

Catalina frowned. "All you want to do is play games? If you are at war with my brother, don't you have more important business to handle?"

“After your big show. We'll have dinner. Give me an evening to convince you to come to my bed. If you decide I still disgust you, then you win. I'll give you the tapes. And I will find another way to destroy your brother."

"Bullshit. I don't believe this bargain. Not for a minute." Catalina said.

"I'm a man of my word, Catalina. Tomorrow night you make the choice. But understand, I want the woman in you to decide. Not the brat, or the love sick little girl who thinks her step-brother is her hero. I want the woman. You like a powerful man? You deserve one. Dominic can pretend at power, but he'll never have it. And you'll never be the queen you're destined to be unless you rule at my side."

Catalina gave a slow clap. "Are you done?"

"One night. Leave the attitude behind. Let's see who you really desire before it’s over."

"The same thing I've desired since you showed up with Lorenzo’s confession on that tape cassette. For you to die," she said.

Armando smiled. "You're my kind of woman."

The door flung open. “Catalina! Are you in--“ Rosetta said. She gasped to see Armando. "What is he doing here? Should I get Raffaele?"

"No. It's fine. He was just leaving." Catalina turned and faced Armando. "Leave. Now!"

He stared into her eyes for a moment and then smiled. He tipped his head and walked past her. He made sure he brushed against her as he did. Rosetta held the door for him and slammed it. Catalina walked away from her cousin with her arms folded over her breasts. She wasn't sure what to do or say.

"What is Armando Mancini doing here?" Rosetta asked.

Fear gripped her by the throat. She continued to pace. She tried to speak and breathe. To do or say something that could explain it away. Then she sighed. She turned and looked at Rosetta. She needed to trust her. She was desperate. And she was scared.

"He's blackmailing me," Catalina said. "He wants to hurt our family. And he's trying to use me to do it."

Rosetta went to her. She threw her arms around, and she hugged her. Catalina sighed. She refused to cry, but she wanted too.

"Listen to me, Catalina. It's okay. Everything is okay. Tell me what I can do to help."

Catalina let go of Rosetta. "I can't tell you. I can't tell anyone."

"Then call Domi, he can--"

"No! Domi can't know. No one can," Catalina said.

"I don't know what to do. This is trouble. Armando is a dangerous man, Catalina. Very dangerous. And he's here. Gio needs to know that."

"I can't. I need to trust you, Rosetta. I need to."

"You can. I swear it. I know we have never been close, but we are now. You're my blood. I love you. I will protect you."

Weakened by her own conflicting emotions, Catalina forced herself to believe. "Then help me. I’m not sure when, but I want you to seduce Raffaele."

Rosetta frowned.

"When he's guarding our room on his shift you take him into yours. And you... keep him there."

"Okay," Rosetta said without flinching. "But what will you do?"

"I have to meet Armando. I have to finish this."

---