The Playboy of Rome

“It’s not that.”

He turned around then and saw the shimmer of unshed tears in her eyes. It was almost his undoing. But then he recalled the paralyzing fear of thinking that something serious had happened to her. He just couldn’t cave in. It would mean risking his heart and waiting for the day that his whole world would come crashing down around him.

“Then it’s my past.” She looked at him with disbelief reflected in her eyes. “I should have never told you. Now you think that I’m damaged goods.”

“I never thought that. Ever.” He stepped closer to her. No matter what it cost him, he was unwilling to let her think such a horrible thing. “You’re amazing.” His fingers caressed her cheek. “Any man who is fortunate to have you in his life will be the luckiest man in the world.”

She stepped back out of his reach. “You expect me to believe that when you’re standing there saying you don’t want to see me again.”

He groaned. “I’m doing this all wrong. I’m sorry. I never wanted you to think this had anything to do with you. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known.” He stepped toward her. “You have your whole future ahead of you.”

She moved back. “Save the pep talk. I’ve heard lines like yours before. I don’t need to hear it again. I was so wrong about you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means I thought you were different from the other guys I’ve known. I thought that I could trust you, but obviously I was wrong.”

Her words were like spears that slammed into his chest. He didn’t know it was possible to feel this low. He deserved every painful word she spewed at him. And more...

To keep from reaching out to her, he stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Don’t you get it? I don’t do well with long-term commitments.”

She waved off his words. “Save i

t. I don’t need to hear this. I have packing to do.”

There was still the surprise party to deal with and Lizzie was in charge. But after the accident, he couldn’t imagine that she’d be up for any part of it. Still, he couldn’t just disinvite her. “What about Massimo’s party?”

Her gaze lifted to meet his. “Are you serious? You really expect me to go and pretend that everything is okay between you and me?” She shook her head, her long blond hair swishing over her shoulder. “That party is for your family—something I’ll never be.”

His gaze dropped to the black plush rug with a white swirl pattern. He choked down the lump in his throat. “What should I tell everyone?”

She gave him a hard, cold stare. “This one is all on you. I’m sure you’ll figure something out.” She strode off down the hallway. Without even bothering to turn around, she called out, “Don’t worry. I’ll be gone before you return to the city.”

Her back was ramrod-stiff and her shoulders were rigid. He tried to console himself with the knowledge that she’d be better off without him. The fate of women who fell in love with a DeFiore was not good. Not good at all.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

HE COULDN’T BRING himself to celebrate.

Dante worked his way to a corner on the patio. There was no quiet place to hide. The musicians his father hired didn’t know how to keep the volume down. And the cacophony of voices and laughter grated on Dante’s taut nerves.

It didn’t matter who he ran into, they asked about Lizzie. It was as though he and Lizzie were expected to head for the nearest altar as soon as possible. When he explained that Lizzie was returning to the States, they all sent him an accusing look.

He should be relieved. He had his utter freedom back. No chance that he could get hurt and grow old, miserable and alone like his grandfather, father and Stefano. No taking part in the DeFiore legacy. So why did he feel so miserable?

Dante could barely hear his own thoughts. There was nothing quiet about the DeFiore family. Everyone spoke over everyone else, hands gestured for emphasis and laughter reigned supreme. Lizzie would have loved being part of such a big gathering. And she’d have fit right in.

“How’s the ristorante?”

Dante turned to find his father standing behind him, puffing on a cigar. Dante hadn’t even heard him approach.

“It’s good.” Now that the decision had been made, he decided to let his father in on it. “There was an offer to buy the ristorante. It was made by some outfit looking to expand their portfolio.”

“Are you going to accept?”

It was good to talk with someone about something other than Lizzie and his failed relationship. “I thought about it. I considered selling and moving home to help with the vineyard.”

His father’s bushy brows rose. “You’d want to come back after you fought so hard to get out of here?”