He’d so disgusted her she never wanted to see him again.
The pain ripping at his insides made him stagger.
The question was, what, if anything, was he going to do about it?
*
Amber leaned on the balustrade of the viewing platform on top of the Palatine Hill. The sun warmed her as she stared across the ancient forum of Rome towards the Capitoline Hill andIl Vittoriano, the Victor Emmanuel Monument. This was her favourite spot in the whole city. From here she was high above the bustle of the capital yet able to drink in the spectacular views.
Now they barely registered. Her mind was back at this morning’s confrontation with Aurelio. She’d come here seeking peace and a clearer head but it hadn’t worked. Instead she felt muddled, wondering if she should have tried harder to change his mind.
But Aurelio hadn’t been interested in her or what she had to say. That had hurt even more than she’d thought possible. Because she’d naïvely believed last night proved there was something strong and unbreakable between them.
She’d done the right thing, the only possible thing, severing all ties with him. It could only be self-destructive to try maintaining a relationship with a man who just didn’t care about her or their child.
Yet the anguish of doing right almost undid her.
Coming here hadn’t helped. She’d be better off going to the office and seeing what had to be done before she could hand over the contract to someone else.
She spun around and walked back the way she’d come. Gravel crunched underfoot as she passed through the bright roses of the Farnese Gardens. Their perfume mingled with the scent of pines that she’d always associate with Rome, even if she moved back to Australia.
She’d have to consider that option carefully if she was going to raise a child alone—
‘Amber.’
Her heart leapt then plummeted.
The voice, low and distinctive, stopped her in her tracks, making her notice for the first time the man blocking her path. The sun was behind him, casting his face in shade, but she knew him. Not just because of the wide, straight shoulders or the voice that caressed like suede across her skin. She’d know Aurelio anywhere, without sight, smell or sound. Her body was totally attuned to him.
‘What are you doing here?’ Surely they’d said everything that needed saying. Aurelio had been gone when she finished her shower. Obviously he’d been only too glad to get away. Part of her had died when she walked into that empty room and realised he’d taken her at her word.
‘I’m here for you. I’ve spent hours tracking you down.’
Mute with shock, Amber stared up at him, trying to read his expression and failing.
‘I tried your office and your apartment. Even your favourite café. Then I remembered you saying you liked to come here.’
Amber’s mind reeled. He remembered that? A chance comment made months ago?
She wanted to be firm and simply walk away, not torture herself by listening to him, knowing whatever apology he made there’d be no happy ending. Yet she wasn’t that strong. So she stood her ground and waited. A few metres away a young woman pushed a stroller. This time next year that could be her, though not, she decided in that moment, in Italy. There’d be too many memories of Aurelio here. She’d return to Australia, even though it meant giving up the business she’d worked so hard to establish.
‘I’m sorry, Amber.’ Before she realised what he was about, Aurelio reached out and took her hand, his much larger one engulfing it in heat. A tremor shot through her at the contact and she shuddered.
‘Don’t!’ She made to step back but found he held her tight. ‘We’ve said everything that needs to be said. I don’t want to rehash it all over again.’
When he still didn’t move she bit out, ‘I’m rather busy. I’ve got a business to close up and a move to Australia to plan.’
She yanked her hand and this time it slid free of his grasp.
‘You’re migrating?’ His voice was sharp, his mouth thinning.
‘Returning home. I’ve decided there’s nothing worth staying for in Italy. I’d rather bring up my child where I’ll have support.’
Setting her chin high she stepped past him.
‘I’ll look for winery work there too.’
‘Sorry?’ She swung round. This time the sun shone full on his face and Amber saw determination in the angle of his jaw and the lines that ploughed down beside his mouth. He stared straight back at her, those dark velvet eyes so serious her breath hitched.