Hired:The Italian's Bride

She looked over his shoulder at Colleen. “You’ll see to it, Colleen?”

“Yes, Ms. Ross.”

Mari aimed a parting smile at him and took two steps away.

“If you think that’s good enough, you’re mistaken, missy. Don’t you walk away from me!”

A heavy hand reached out and gripped her wrist painfully, jerking her back and she yelped and cowered before she could think better of it. Her eyes closed, waiting for what would come next, the sound of Colleen’s shocked gasp vibrating through her. She stilled. It was only worse when she showed pain or fear.

“Is there a problem here?”

Mari gazed up at Luca, wanting to weep with gratitude. Luca, eyes dark with fury, glared like an avenging angel at the man holding her arm. She’d never been so glad to see someone in all her life.

“Nothing I can’t handle,” the man sneered, giving her wrist an extra squeeze. Mari couldn’t help the wince that flickered over her face, and instantly saw a muscle in Luca’s jaw twitch in response.

“I strongly suggest you release the lady’s arm.” He uttered the words softly but the steely threat was unmistakable. When Reilly didn’t immediately comply, Luca’s voice was dangerously low. “While you still can.”

“We were just having a little disagreement, that’s all,” the man replied, looking disappointed at having to relinquish his hold on Mari. Now that her wrist was free, she rubbed it with her hand. She knew she should say something, but words refused to come. She stood dumbly, staring at Luca.

“Mari, are you all right?” He temporarily took his eyes off the man, the look of genuine concern reaching through the fear and touching her deep inside. Luca wouldn’t let anything happen to her. She nodded slightly and forced calm breaths. All she wanted was for Reilly to leave. To get him out of her sight.

“Perhaps I may be of some assistance,” Luca suggested tightly, his polite words laced with venom. Mari held her breath, hoping Luca didn’t resort to violence. Causing a scene was clearly what the man wanted. A chill ran over her body. She knew his kind. The kind that wanted to provoke a fight. Who thought physical power solved everything.

“And who might you be?”

“Luca Fiori. Owner of this hotel.”

The man smiled suddenly. “Mr. Fiori. I think perhaps you need to teach your staff the principle of the customer is always right. I booked the Primrose Room months ago, and now I’m being put in some third-rate room.”

Mari spoke for the first time. She lifted her chin and willed her voice to come out without the wobble she felt inside. “I moved Mr. Reilly to the suites on the third floor.”

“The Fiori Cascade is very sorry for the inconvenience, as I’m sure our manager, Ms. Ross, communicated to you.” Reilly started to open his mouth but Luca cut him off. “However, we do not tolerate abuse of any kind toward our staff. She has generously booked you in one of our most exclusive suites. I’m sure you’ll find it more than satisfactory.”

“I assure you I won’t.” He turned his head and glared at Mari.

Mari dropped her gaze to the floor. She didn’t want to challenge him in any way. Luca was letting him stay. It was smart businesswise, but she couldn’t help being disappointed. She refused to look up. If he had to think he’d won, fine. It was better than the alternative.

Luca saw Mari’s gaze drop and stay focused on the floor. She was still afraid. For the tiniest flash, he remembered her vibrancy, her laughter, on the night that they danced together. No man—client or not—had the right to frighten her, to intimidate her. To use force against her. He held his temper, but only just.

“Come to think of it, Mr. Reilly, we’re terribly sorry but the Cascade has no vacancies at this time. I’m certain you’ll be able to find lodging at one of Banff’s other fine establishments. Please leave.”

“Like hell! I intend to let head office know of this!”

His attempts to defuse the situation had failed and Luca knew that he couldn’t have such a person staying at the hotel under any circumstances. This scene had to end and end now. If Reilly would do this in a public lobby, what would happen if housekeeping upset him in some way? He had a duty to protect his staff. He had a duty to Mari. Luca knew Reilly would follow through and lodge a complaint, even if it meant he would only make a fool of himself.

“Please do. I’m sure my assistant will forward your complaint to me with the utmost expediency.”

“You bast…”

Luca interrupted, any pretence of amicability gone. His words were clipped and final. “I am sure the local authorities would be happy to provide transportation, if you can’t leave under your own power.” Luca flicked a finger by his thigh, knowing two of the hotel security would join them within seconds. He would have preferred not to get police involved, but there was a limit and Mr. Reilly had crossed it.