Page 112 of For Your Eyes Only

“I know how your business works.” Her aunt moves her hands like she’s washing them. “I am done with you. You areverme.”

My Italian sucks, but I know whatvermemeans. “Look at me, old woman.” I’m thinly veiled rage at this point, and her eyes widen. “I don’t know Gia’s mother, but I know Gia. She’s agoodgirl. She’s always been good. In fact, she’s better than you because she doesn’t make assumptions and pass judgment on things she knows nothing about. Ever. She’s kind and loving. She helps her friends, and she took me in when I almost died—even when I didn’t deserve it. Even when I hurt her.”

The old woman blows air through her lips and shakes her head like she’s unimpressed. I’m ready to make an impression.

“You called me stupid? Perhaps you’d better learn who I am. I could buy this village and throw you out. I love your niece, and I’ll do anything to protect her. That includes getting rid of you. So you’d better watch your step, and if you know what’s good for you, you’d better watch your mouth.”

“How dare you threaten me?” Her eyes widen.

“It’s not a threat.” I get right in her face. “It’s a promise. Now get out of here.” My voice rises louder. “I said GO!”

The old woman lets out a little noise as she holds her skirt, scampering down the stone steps to the door leading out to the street.

Just before she closes, I yell, “Don’t come back!”

Shutting the door slowly, I turn to my beauty, feeling pretty proud—until I see her expression. Her eyes are sad, her shoulders drooped.

“Hey.” I hurry to where she stands, doing my best to sound encouraging. “Don’t let that old bitch get you down. We’ve got her on the run.”

“My mother was a prostitute?” She puts her small suitcase on the bed and her portfolio of sketches on a chair.

“Your mother isn’t here to speak for herself.” I reach out, curling my fingers, wanting to touch her so much. “Maybe she had to do things, make certain choices, to pay the bills. Maybe she didn’t want you to know. From all you’ve told me, she loved you very much. God knows I’d never judge her.”

“I’ve done things for money…” Her voice trails off, then she looks up and her expression changes. Her eyes blink wide, and she turns, taking in the flowers and the wine and the food simmering on the stove.

“What is all this?” She looks up at me, confused.

I slide my hands in the pockets of my chino pants and shrug. “I thought we should celebrate. I took a chance they offered you the job?”

Her lips press together, and her cute nose crinkles. She cups her hands over her mouth and nods quickly. “They did!”

Awhoop!escapes my lips, and she runs to me, jumping into my arms, andfuck,that hurts. Still, I wouldn’t let her go for the world. I squeeze her tighter. Her arms are around my neck, her face is buried in my shoulder, and I lean back against the counter and close my eyes. My wound is screaming, but God, it feels so damn good to hold her again.

Her legs slide down my waist, and she steps back quickly, eyes wide. “I’m so sorry! Did I hurt you? I wasn’t thinking—”

“You did not hurt me.” Reaching out, I grab her again, pulling her into my arms again. “I’ve wanted to hold you for so long.”

Her shoulder rises, and her body stiffens.Fuck, I release my hold, reading her body language.No touching…

She goes to the table where the bottle of Barolo is waiting. “Why don’t we have some wine? Would you like a glass?”

“Of course.” I turn, lifting the lid off the saucepan and giving the contents a stir. “I thought you might be hungry, so I bought this in the village.”

She walks to me, handing me a glass of wine and peeking at the sauce. “It smells amazing. And you bought flowers?”

“To celebrate.” Taking my glass, I give hers a little clink. “I even got champagne.”

“It’s all so beautiful.” She takes a sip of the wine, looking around the small space.

“You’re so beautiful. I missed you.”

She nods, her wide eyes scanning me. “You’re better.”

“Getting there, and I’ve been looking for places to stay. It’s time for me to go.” I smile warmly. “Time for your second act.”

“My second act.” Her full lips press together, making me so hungry for her kiss. “I remember having you in the audience. How it made me confident. I felt like I could do anything for your eyes. Like now.”

“I want to support you. I’ll always cheer for you.” I look down at my wine. “But you don’t need me.”

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