Page 91 of Sins of the Son

The moment we reached the entrance hall, a staff member with a strained, almost frightened expression came running up to Gabriella. “You have a visitor. He’s waiting in the conservatory. He insisted on waiting without us telling you. I’m so sorry.”

She frowned. “How odd. Come, Milana.”

My lungs seized.

It was Cesare.

I knew it.

I wasn’t stupid. I knew he’d find me, or more accurately, his car, eventually. I just thought I’d have more time. I didn’t want to face him. I pulled back on Gabriella’s grasp of my hand.

She turned and looked at me sagely. “Show passion, anger, disdain, contempt, joy, and—when they serve a purpose and won’t ruin your makeup—tears, but never show a man fear, darling.”

Taking a deep breath, I nodded, and allowed her to escort me to the conservatory.

Among the fragrant orange and lemon trees, a tall man dressed in a suit stood with his back turned to us.

The moment we entered, he pivoted on his heel to face us.

I let out the breath I had been holding.

It wasn’t Cesare.

Sebastian Diamanti crossed the black-and-white marble tile floor. He grasped Gabriella’s hand and brought it to his lips. “Gabriella, looking more beautiful than ever.”

He then turned his dark gaze on me. He clasped my hand in his and raised it to his lips. “And you must be Milana Carbone. The reports of your beauty precede you.”

A frisson of primal fear ran up my spine the moment his lips touched my skin.

I had never met the man in person, but everyone in Italy knew of Sebastian Diamanti. The phrases "infamously dangerous" and "ridiculously wealthy" came to mind. He was at Enzo’s wedding a few months ago and even I had had enough sense to stay clear of the man. And now, not only was I standing in a room with him, he was holding my hand… and knew my name.

This wasn’t good. I inhaled a fortifying breath, pasted on what I hoped was a convincing, charming smile, looked him directly in the eyes, and said, “It is an honor and pleasure to meet you.”

The moment he released my hand, I clasped them both behind my back.

Gabriella stepped forward and slightly in front of me.

Sebastian’s sharp eyes didn’t miss the subtle, protective move.

“To what do we owe the pleasure, Sebastian?”

The corner of his mouth lifted. “I heard you'd returned from the southern coast to brighten our dreary winter days here in Rome and thought I would stop by to pay my respects, as I was on my way to a meeting nearby.”

Gabriella tilted her chin up. “That was very kind of you. I would invite you for lunch, but Milana and I were on our way out. Maybe you’d like to return later for dinner?”

He leaned in close and kissed her on the cheek. “Perhaps another time.” He captured my gaze over her shoulder. “I have a feeling your evening will be otherwise…occupied.”

With that, he strolled out of the conservatory.

Neither of us spoke until we heard the front door close.

It was only then that the air seemed to return to the room.

Gabriella looked at me. “We need to go.”

“Where?”

“A man like Sebastian Diamanti doesn’t just stop by. If he knows you are here, then that means Cesare can’t be far behind. So we better hurry.”

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