Page 8 of Vengeful Vows

Donati.The name doesn’t ring a bell.

“Marse, for short.” His name is lovely, rolling from his tongue in a softly seductive way.

“Isabella Calabrese. Bella, for short,” I return.

“Calabrese?” he repeats. “Are you related to the future groom?”

The compelling man hasn’t yet taken his gaze from me. His attention is both flattering and unnerving. “He’s my older brother.”

“Congratulations are in order.”

“I’m happy for both him and Adriana. And I’m looking forward to being an aunt one day. Hopefully soon.” Heat floods me. Why have I revealed that I love babies?

Marse makes a point of looking at my ring finger. “No children of your own yet?”

The conversation took a rapid, unexpected turn. “I’m in no hurry,” I lie. The truth is, I’d love at least two.

A little more intently, he regards me.

Has my blush revealed my secrets?

To cover my nerves, I take another sip of the champagne, and the effects seem to go straight to my head, making it impossible to string two thoughts together.

“A pleasure to meet you, Isabella.”

His voice is a gruff, soft purr, and he breaks my name into two distinct parts—Isa…bella. He seems to curl his tongue around the last letter in a way no one else ever has. “Same, Mr. Donati.” I remain somewhat formal in a desperate attempt to keep some distance between us…as if we weren’t just discussing children.

“Marse,” he corrects softly.

A little stubbornly, I don’t repeat his name.

“Is your friend still watching me?” A smile teases his beautiful mouth.

“What makes you think she is?”

“As I passed her, she shot daggers at me.”

Amelia is standing alone at a tall, round table. “She’s protective.”

“Good. I’m glad you’re cautious when it comes to talking to men you don’t know.”

His words put me a little more at ease, so I give Amelia our secret signal, and in response, she presses her hands together, forming the shape of a heart.

Stifling a laugh, I return my attention to my devilishly handsome companion who seems to be in no hurry to escape. “What is it you do, Mr. Donati?”

“I’m a businessman. Finance.”

“I see.” Really, he’s answered without saying anything.

“And you?”

“Communications.”

“So you lie for a living?” His voice is teasing, and I view him in a new light.

Earlier I’d seen him as dangerous, and I’ve expected him to be much rougher than he seems to be. This version of him is disarming. “I prefer to say that I present my clients in a way that’s most favorable to them.”

“Are you available for hire?”

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