She straightened, her hands going self-consciously to her hair as her gaze slid to the last stragglers.
‘Leave it,’ Donato growled, his voice rough. ‘I prefer it that way.’
‘And that’s all that matters, is it?’ She tossed her head, pouting, and he smiled.
‘No, but it’s true. And surely I deserve some reward.’
Her eyes narrowed. ‘Because you lied about my body to save my pride.’
‘You really have no idea, do you, cari?o?’ She was a remarkable mix of savvy and innocent. ‘I spoke nothing but the truth.’
Her beautiful mouth sagged and he smiled wryly.
‘I deserve a reward because, despite my inclinations, I’m going to take you in to see the second half of the play. I’m not going to ravish you until we get home or at least to the car.’ He drew in a breath that wasn’t as steady as he’d like. ‘You’re going to show that witch and her ilk you don’t give a damn for her empty insults because you’re far superior to her in every way. Besides, you’ve got the most powerful, wealthy, scary man in Sydney wrapped around your little finger.’
‘Donato?’ She blinked and her mouth wobbled. ‘Don’t be kind to me. You don’t need to pretend.’
The look on her face broke something Donato couldn’t even name. He found himself hauling her in, kissing her, hard and thoroughly, on that ripe mouth till he felt her turn pliant. Then he made himself pull back, telling himself restraint was good for the soul.
‘Our situation isn’t simple, Ella.’ Not for the first time he wished they’d met under different circumstances. ‘But this is real. You’re the woman I want.’ He dragged in another breath and straightened his jacket, pretending the stark truth of those words didn’t make his heart drum faster. ‘Now come in before I change my mind and take you to the nearest bed.’
For a moment she said nothing, just stared, her head tilted to one side as the half-time bells fell silent.
Finally she slipped her arm through his. Donato was surprised at the rush of unfamiliar feeling that simple gesture evoked.
‘You’re wrong, you know,’ she murmured as they entered the theatre side by side. ‘You might be powerful but you’re not really scary. Not when you can be so nice.’
Donato almost stumbled. Nice! If only she knew.
* * *
‘You’re sure you’re okay, Ella? I know Dad when he wants something. I’ve never seen him so worked up as that last day I was in Sydney.’
Over the long-distance connection Ella heard the shudder in her sister’s voice. Despite Fuzz’s privileged position as their father’s favourite, she’d suffered too, living with Reg Sanderson. They all had. But it was something the three siblings had learned to keep to themselves. Put on a public face and hide what you feel.
Ella looked across Donato’s beautiful garden to the dark waters of the Pacific.
‘He’s not bothering me now.’ Donato had seen to that and, despite her concerns about this sham engagement, it was wonderful not to have to deal with her father.
‘You need to be careful. Dad’s desperate. He couldn’t be persuaded, and you know I can usually bring him around eventually.’
Ella had always envied Fuzz that ability. Ella had never been able to satisfy or soothe him.
‘He was so set on marriage! I couldn’t marry some stranger now I have Matthew.’
‘You’re really in love, then?’ Even now, the idea of her sister committed to one man took some getting used to.
Fuzz laughed. Not her usual light laugh. This was husky and somehow more real. ‘I am. Matthew’s wonderful, so capable and practical. When there’s a problem he doesn’t shout, he just fixes it. He’s kind and tender and...caring. And he thinks I’ve got talent, Ella. Real talent!’
‘Of course you have. We all know that. You’re a natural with colour and design.’
There was silence on the line. It lasted so long Ella wondered if the connection had dropped out. ‘I should have stuck to that design course years ago, shouldn’t I? Instead of taking off to the Caribbean for a couple of months.’
Ella shifted the phone, frowning. She’d never heard her sister regretful. She knew Fuzz had changed but hadn’t expected this.
‘There’s nothing stopping you doing one now.’
‘Ever the pragmatist, sis. I knew I could rely on you for a sensible response.’
Ella felt a pinprick of hurt. That was her. Always the pragmatic, mundane one who worried about consequences and responsibilities. Not the pretty, appealing one. Except when she was with Donato. He almost convinced her—