He just quirked his brows at her, the humiliating spark in his eyes clear. She held his gaze, refusing to back down.
‘Why do you want to do this? Why is it so important I’m at the launch?’ She gestured around the room, glancing back at the drawing on the wall.
‘As I explained, I made a promise to your brother. One I intend to keep.’ He walked through to the large office they’d entered earlier and across to the lift. ‘This way, cara.’
Charlie couldn’t shake off the feeling that he’d won. What he’d won she didn’t quite know, but he had. One night in his apartment wouldn’t be that hard, would it? First thing, she’d arrange a hotel in Milan and as soon as the launch was over she could go back to her cottage and get on with her life. The quiet life she’d led since Seb’s accident; the one that kept her safe.
* * *
Alessandro shut the door of his apartment and watched Charlie as she walked into the open-plan living area. She hadn’t said a word since they’d left his office but, despite that, the tension between them had increased. So much that he now questioned his sanity in bringing her here.
‘The guest suite is ready for you,’ he said sternly, eager to create some boundaries because if there was one woman who needed to be behind them it was this one.
‘Thank you,’ she said so softly it was almost a whisper.
He watched her as she walked around the apartment, judging the artwork he’d collected over recent years, taking in just about every detail with a hint of suspicion on her face. There was nothing modern about the apartment, from the grand façade of the old building to the ornate interior. It was a complete contrast to the office they’d just left—exactly what he’d wanted it to be. It was a showcase for the real Alessandro.
She wandered over to the balcony doors and looked down onto the busy streets of Milan. He used that time to rein in the hot lust which pumped around his body after the journey back from his office. Since the moment her lips had touched his something had changed and he feared it might be irreversible.
‘Would you like anything to eat or drink?’ The polite question gave him just that bit more time to regain control and bring normality to the evening.
She turned and looked back at him. ‘No, thank you. I’m tired. It’s been an unexpectedly busy day and I need to be fresh tomorrow.’
‘Fresh?’ The word sprang from him, a frown furrowing his brow, but she kept her gaze on him.
‘Yes, there is a lot to do before the launch, lots I need to know.’ She looked completely focused but the gritty determination in her voice rang alarm bells in his head.
‘You’re right,’ he said and turned from her, picking up her small overnight bag before heading towards the guest suite. A good night’s sleep would be beneficial to him too, but somehow he doubted he’d get it. His body still craved hers, still yearned for her touch, her kiss.
He crunched his hand tightly around the handle of the bag. He’d made a promise to Seb and he would keep that promise, no matter what. The thought of his friend, who had also been a partner in the business venture, reminded him that Seb had been the last person to stay in the guest suite.
He pushed aside the guilt. Seb had been staying with him. He should have seen the signs, spotted the problem. He couldn’t change that now, but he could keep the painful truth from Seb’s beloved sister.
He paused outside the door and turned to look at her. ‘Your brother stayed here too. Did you know that?’
‘No.’ A startled whisper formed the word and she looked at him, confusion marring the beauty of her face. ‘I don’t understand. He was looking for somewhere to rent.’
‘That is true.’ He opened the door to the suite and walked in and she followed him, looking around her. There wasn’t any evidence that anyone had ever stayed here. ‘It was a sensible option. We were both working on the same project.’
‘Did he find somewhere to move to, or was this the last place he stayed?’
The very question he’d dreaded had just been delivered with clear words. ‘This was the last place.’
‘But his things?’
‘I sent them on to your father.’
She looked around the room, from the large bed to the dark wardrobe and drawers, as if she didn’t quite believe him. ‘I see.’
Silence floated down around them, a silence so heavy he wanted to break it, to say something. But what else could he say? Everything so far had caused hurt and pain. ‘There is another room. Much smaller, but if you would prefer it...’