The Italian's Ruthless Seduction

He lifted the glass to his lips and took a deep swallow, his eyes carrying a degree of regret. ‘I felt bad to begin with but I really had no alternative. It’s a case of sink or swim in this economic climate and Morelli’s was sinking. Which reminds me...’ Now his eyes brightened, as did Bella’s spirits. The last thing she’d wanted when she’d come up with her idea was to cause him trouble. ‘I’ve decided that the new designer range of shoes and bags will need a new brand name. I hope you don’t mind but I would like to call it Bella.’

‘Mind! Why would I mind? It’s got exactly the right ring to it.’ She threw him a flirtatious smile. ‘I think you might just be as brilliant as I am.’

His smile was wry. ‘I have a long way to go to catch up with you, my darling. I’m still amazed by that song you wrote. You know, I’ve never seen that particular show of yours but I’d love to. Are you planning on another season on Broadway any time soon? Maybe I could see it when I come visit you.’

She almost told him then. About the movie. But she didn’t. Which was just as well, as it turned out.

‘There’s no immediate plans for another season,’ she said instead.

‘Pity. Not that I need an excuse to visit you, mind.’ His eyes glittered with desire as they raked over her. ‘Have I told you how sexy you look in that dress?’

‘No,’ she said, her own desire flaring in an instant.

‘What say we leave this mess for Maria to clean up tomorrow and pop off to bed?’

Yes, please, her eyes must have told him.

‘Come on.’ He put down his wine, stood up and held out his hand.

‘Do you think I could sleep with you here the whole night,’ she asked breathlessly when he pulled her up the stairs and into the master bedroom.

‘If that’s what you want,’ he replied, turning her to face him.

‘It’s what I want. But is it what you want? Maria will think things when she finds my bed unslept in.’

‘Maria already thinks things, Bella. She’s an incorrigible romantic, like Claudia.’

‘It’s a common female trait.’

‘I thought you didn’t like to talk during sex,’ he said as he started on the buttons of her dress.

‘I never used to. But I’m different with you. You’re my friend as well as my lover.’

‘That’s sweet, Bella, but could we just concentrate on the lover part tonight? I’ve done enough talking for today.’

She might have said something more but he stopped with the buttons and kissed her till she didn’t want to talk either. When Sergio fell asleep an hour later with his arms tightly around her, Bella’s heart was full of love for him, and a small measure of hope. She liked it that Sergio wasn’t worried about what Maria thought any more.

That was cause for hope, wasn’t it?

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

‘I THINK THERE is something you should know,’ Maria said casually two weeks later as Bella walked into the kitchen after seeing Sergio off. She’d got into the habit of rising to have breakfast with him on weekdays, then walking with him to his car and kissing him goodbye like a good little girlfriend. Though of course she’d rather be his good little wife.

‘What’s that, Maria?’ Bella said a bit blankly, her mind still on Sergio.

‘Today. It is Sergio’s birthday.’

‘What? Oh, dear God, why didn’t you tell me this yesterday?’

‘I was not here yesterday. It was Sunday. Sergio gave me the day off.’

‘Sorry. So he did. But you could still have said something this morning. I didn’t hear you wishing him a happy birthday at breakfast.’

‘I did not wish to shame you.’

Bella knew Maria meant embarrassed. But Bella felt shamed as well. Because she should have remembered his birthday was due around now. They’d always celebrated it during their summer holiday here. Around three weeks after hers. Sergio was five years older. Which made him thirty-five today.

Bella groaned. ‘Now I feel terrible. I should have remembered.’

‘It is no big deal. Men, they do not care about birthdays once they are all grown up. But perhaps you could go buy him something today and I will make him a cake.’

‘Oh, would you? That would be lovely. And maybe you could cook him his favourite meal.’

‘Can no do. His favourite meal is Roberto’s pizzas.’