Page 53 of Destino

“Did I interrupt you? You looked to be deep in thought.”

“No, I was waiting.”

Mira stepped closer. “For?”

“You. Didn’t want to disturb your breakfast.”

Her smile faded. He had seen her and Fabiana? Did he hear the conversation too? “Okay. So now that you have me what’s next?”

“How about we go for a walk?” He extended his hand.

A shadow moved and she spotted the first of three men who remained close. She glanced around and finally recognized the others. Where were they minutes ago? Had they been there all along? Was he ever alone? The man who was less than two hundred feet away stood silent, observant. Both of them kept a reasonable distance. “Do they have to come?”

Giovanni nodded. “I’m afraid so. You’ll get used to it.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to a man with a gun shadowing me.”

His fingers slid sensually over hers, and she accepted the offer.“Andiamo.”

They continued along the nature path that circled the property and drew them closer to the lake. It had the unreal beauty of a picture postcard. Tall trees and blooms nestled in dewy grass, and the lake before them under a clear sky awaited them. “Italy is so beautiful.”

“I’ve been all over the world, and there is no place like Italia.”

She dropped his hand and slipped her arm around his waist. Naturally, he placed his arm around her shoulder and kept her close. “About earlier. Did you hear me and Fabiana?”

“Debate my worthiness. You ladies were quite passionate.”

“Sorry, it was a private conversation.”

“You have your concerns. I understand. You made me a very happy man by sharing yourself with me. I’ll consider it a gift.”

“And if it’s more?” she smiled weakly. When his gaze lowered to hers she looked away. “Things moved a little fast with us. And I enjoyed it. I really did. I think we should talk about what’s next.”

“Okay?” He stopped.

“Fabiana reminded me of a few facts. We’ll see more of each other, outside of Bellagio. Napoli is a small city.”

“You want to get to know me?” Lightly he traced his finger along the side of her jaw.

“You’re an interesting man. Why wouldn’t I?”

“I have an idea. Let’s go upstairs and re-acquaint ourselves with each other.” He leaned forward to pull her in, but she stepped out of his reach. A frown deepened the lines between his brows. “Something wrong?”

“Feels like it to me. I usually get to the intimacy after I know the man, not before.”

“You came to my bed.”

She glanced over to the men to make sure she couldn’t be heard. “You’re addictive.”

Giovanni laughed. “Addictive?”

“Very,” she smiled. “That means I’ll want more, and I can tell you do too.”

“Of course I want more.” Gathering her into his arms, he forced her to her toes. Her breasts were pressed hard against the corded muscles of his chest. She could feel his uneven breathing and knew he was just as excited as she was. The warmth of his arms encircling her was so male, and bracing.

The hurried beating of her heart when she stood so close to him made her pant a little and lose her train of thought. This, of course, he noticed. There was a sly smile on his face. His blue eyes seemed to go dark as the lake behind him. That was another thing. The man’s eye color could change with the color of the wind. How on earth could she ever back out of this attraction between them? Unlike Fabiana, the idea of turning her heart over to another man terrified her.

“We won’t say goodbye.” His voice held a hint of a challenge and his gaze remained steady on her.

---