Page 69 of The Housekeeper and the Brooding Billionaire

In a dusky pink strapless gown, its full-length skirt sprinkled with what looked like thousands of diamonds, Charlotte rivalled any fairy-tale princess.

Alessio wrapped his arm around her waist and planted a kiss at the base of her neck so she gasped and clung to him. The subtle scents of vanilla, cinnamon and fragrant female hit his sense receptors and hardened his body.

‘Alessio.’ Her welcome never grew old. Nor did the shimmering delight in her smiling eyes when he lifted his head. ‘You look more and more handsome. Sometimes I can’t believe this is all real.’

‘Believe it, Charlotte.’ His voice deepened as emotion rose. ‘All I am I owe to you. I’ve never been so content and fulfilled.’

She beamed, her eyes so bright they rivalled the brilliance of the ruby and antique pearl earrings he’d given her to match her heirloom pendant.

‘You know,’ he murmured as he kissed her, ‘I don’t think I ever told you the end of the family legend.’

‘About the baron who claimed the virgin who’d been left for the lake monster?’

‘That’s the one.’ Alessio traced the soft flesh at the edge of her bodice, unable to resist torturing them both with what they couldn’t yet have. ‘Tradition has it that they were supremely happy, loyal and loving. And while most of my forebears were greedy, grasping types, every generation or so, one of them fell for a blue-eyed, golden-haired virgin, and his fate was sealed. His destiny lay with hers.’

‘You’re joking!’

‘It’s true. I didn’t tell you before we were married because I didn’t believe it myself. Now I know it’s true. I love you with all my soul, Charlotte, and always will.’

‘That’s just as well.’ The emotion in her eyes belied her faux brisk tone. ‘Because I’ll love you forever, my darling Conte.’

Neither moved for long moments, lost in their good fortune. Then Alessio thought of the arriving guests. Regretfully he ushered her out towards the grand staircase. ‘I’d much rather spend the evening alone with you.’

‘We only have to wait a few hours.’ Yet her voice told him she felt the same. ‘Did you see Beatrice? I thought perhaps we should tell her our news.’

Charlotte’s hand pressed to her abdomen in a gesture as old as time, and Alessio felt that familiar surge of protectiveness. He lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles, holding her close.

How had he ever thought to survive without Charlotte and the family they were making?

‘You know Beatrice. She’ll fuss over you and try to give orders. Let’s keep it our secret a little longer.’

‘I like the sound of that.’ For a second longer they shared the moment. Then Charlotte sighed. ‘The ambassador’s coming early. We’d better go.’

‘Practicality as well as passion. No wonder I love you with all my heart.’

Tenderly, proudly, Alessio led her down the stairs.

This woman had given him back his heart and given him a future as well. What more could he ever want?

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