Page 10 of Vengeful Vows

“Relax.”

I glance up at him. “I was just thinking how much I appreciate the fact you hadn’t mentioned my lack of refinement.”

A smile teases his lips. “You’re thinking too much.”

“If I could have a dollar anytime someone mentions the fact I overthink, I’d be very wealthy.”

“Do you overthink that, also?”

His conversation is easy, and his movements are graceful, making me look good. “If overthinking was a sporting event, I’d be a gold medalist.”

“And in the last thirty seconds, you have been totally graceful.”

“Well done, Mr.…” I pause. “Marse.” The evening is beautiful, and I’m enjoying myself more than I possibly could have imagined. “I’m surprised you don’t have a list of potential partners a mile long.”

“There’s only one woman I’m interested in.”

His voice is strong with meaning, and for a wild moment, I believe him.

“What do you do in your free time?”

Thank goodness for small talk. It allows me time to regroup. “Free time?” I echo, scoffing. “My job is demanding. And I volunteer with the foundation my grandparents set up. We support projects in the arts, education, social services.” And do plenty of fundraising that allows us to continue operating.

“Your parents must be proud.”

“They’ve passed.” Since he’s friendly with Alessandro, I’m surprised he doesn’t know that. Though perhaps they’re not close. “But I like to think so.”

After Alessandro’s accident, things changed drastically for our family. Legal bills and a few bad investments cost my parents everything, including their home, and more importantly, their health.

At least the foundation was well-funded by the previous generation, allowing me to continue to serve the community, something that really mattered to my grandmother.

I tip my head to one side as I study Marse. “And what doyoudo for fun?” With his honed physique, no doubt the correct answer is undoubtedly work out. No matter how hard I try, I can’t picture him on a golf course, riding around on a cart.

“I spend far too many hours at the office.” He tips his head to the side. “Which may be something I need to reconsider.”

Do his words mean what I think they do?

His eyes say yes, making me shiver with anticipation.

The ballad is lovely. For a moment, I’m tempted to snuggle my head on his chest. Mentally I shake myself. Where has that wild idea come from? He seems fierce, a protector maybe. But he doesn’t seem to be a man who invites others to lean on him.

“It’s going to be tricky.”

Curious, I tip my head back. “What is?”

“Working around your schedule as we date.”

His words shock me so much that I miss a step.

Instantly he steadies me.

Date?How have we gone from a dance to something more? “You move fast.”

“I’m not going to be able to get enough of you, Bella.”

I’m unable to organize my thoughts. “This is rather sudden.”

“Perhaps. But it’s going to happen, so we might as well skip your protests and get right to the details.”

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