Scandal and the Runaway Bride (Heirs to an Empire 1)

encouraging, but it added to Gabi’s worry that she’d disappoint Giulia, too. She was the older sister, and supposed to set the example.

“How is Marco?” Gabi changed the subject, needing a little levity.

Giulia blushed. “He’s fine. Working in the family business. He’ll never leave this valley. Which in a way is okay, but in another way...”

“You want to see the world a little?”

She nodded. “Which is silly. We had the most wonderful time in Rome with friends. What’s wrong with me?”

“You’re both young. What if you spent a year somewhere, working? Like Paris or London?” She wondered if there would be a spot somewhere in Aurora where Gabi could intern. She was a smart girl, and poised. Often underestimated because she was so pretty, but she had a good head on her shoulders.

Of course, asking William—or Stephen—for another favor probably wasn’t wise. Still, though, it was something to think about.

“I don’t know. Maybe.” She shrugged. “I do love him, though. I’m just not ready to settle down.”

“You’re barely twenty-two. There is lots of time.” Gabi squeezed her hand. “At this rate, you’ll be married before I will.”

She would be stepping up to manage the company, wouldn’t she? How much time would she have for relationships and love?

“Not for a while yet,” Giulia assured her. “And first we need to look after Papa. And Mama. She is going to find this very difficult. I know I should move out again, but I might be able to help while Papa is sick.”

“I’ll be staying at my flat in Perugia,” Gabi said. “Once the surgery is over and we know where things stand I have to be back to work.” She looked into Giulia’s eyes. “I screwed up the deal that would help us. So I’m going to do everything I can to make sure Baresi Textiles weathers this storm.”

“Maybe William will help you even if Stephen won’t.” Giulia’s gaze was sly. “He couldn’t take his eyes off you.”

Gabi laughed, even as her cheeks heated. “That’s because he’s terrified I’ll go to the press or do something to hurt Aurora’s image.”

“Like the photo in the garden?” Giulia’s eyes sparkled. “It certainly looked romantic.”

“That walk was his idea. And boy, does he regret it.” Gabi got up from the bed and rolled her shoulders. “Let’s put all of it aside for tonight and enjoy the family being together. Mama’s cooking and Papa’s jokes and lots of good wine. William needs some Umbrian hospitality.” She patted her tummy and laughed. “And after a day or two of Mama’s cooking, maybe he will come up with a way to help us.”

* * *

An hour later, Gabi went to William’s room and knocked. At his easy “come in,” she opened the door and found him sitting in a chair, laptop on his knees, typing away on the keys. He smiled at her. “Hi there. Did you catch up with your sister?”

“I did.”

“You’re close.”

“Of course we are.” She laughed a little. “We drive each other crazy sometimes, but when it comes down to it, we will always have each other’s backs.”

“Sounds familiar,” he agreed. “Let me send this email and I’ll shut down.”

She kept her hand on the doorknob. “Papa has food downstairs and you’re probably hungry. We could have a little antipasti and I can take you on a tour of the villa, if you like. Dinner will be later.”

“Actually, that sounds perfect.”

She waited as he typed for a few more seconds, then hit a key with finality and shut the lid on the laptop. “There. I’m all yours.”

I wish, she thought, and was glad she hadn’t said it out loud. She’d been thinking of him far too often, and long before the kiss happened back in Provence. If he hadn’t pushed her away, she might have fallen into bed with him. Giulia’s teasing observations had only heightened her awareness. Why couldn’t she have met him first, and not Stephen? This story might have had a completely different ending.

The rest of the family was already downstairs. Papa was sitting on a stool nibbling on cold meats and crostini. Giulia was mixing something in a bowl and Mama was checking on her chicken. The smells were unbelievable, and so very much home.

“Are you sharing, Papa, or keeping the whole plate to yourself?” He smiled widely and she went forward and kissed his cheek. “Save some for William. And for me. I haven’t had good capicollo for some time.” She reached around him and plucked a piece, popping it into her mouth.

“By all means,” he said, sliding the plate over.

Gabi selected a few things for herself, but mostly sipped her wine and enjoyed watching William try the different foods as he chatted to her parents. He was so at ease, so perfectly lovely. He laughed at something her father said and his face lit up as he nodded and smiled. She didn’t even know what they were talking about. It didn’t matter. Her family had made him feel welcome and he’d let them. No airs, no awe. He was just as—or nearly as—rich as Stephen, even without the title. William was...