She swallowed, hands clenching to resist the temptation of him.
‘I was just pacing while I make some plans.’
‘Ah.’ Cesare straightened. ‘There was I imagining you thinking about us.’
Ida was about to say there was nousbut stopped.
Why protest when he was right?
Life had taught her to face problems. Pretending they didn’t exist never worked. Thiswasa problem. For years Cesare had been there, a weakness she couldn’t expunge. Distance hadn’t helped, nor had hatred, distress or abstinence.
She drew a breath that felt like a sob.
She’dtriedto resist him, but it wasn’t working. What would it take to be free of this man?
Years of abstinence hadn’t cured her. Was it possible his crazy proposition might?
Ida’s gaze traced his powerful body. How would it feel to touch him? To stroke him all over, learn the sensations of his body against hers? Discover...?
Was that what this was? A desperation to discover sex?
She’d never had the opportunity for sexual experimentation earlier, and lately she’d been too busy surviving. Perhapsthatwas why now she felt so driven. Ida drew a relieved breath. That was much less scary than the idea that there was something special about Cesare Brunetti.
She should be thinking about transport, accommodation and work. Instead her mind buzzed with awareness ofhim.
Nothing was certain in this life, especially happiness. Joy was rare and fleeting. Maybe it wasn’t joy she felt at the prospect of being with him, but it was compelling and as far away from fear as she could get.
Without letting herself think, she walked up to Cesare. He didn’t stop her, simply unfolded his arms to give her free access as she planted her hands on his chest.
Excitement shivered through her as she got her answer. Surprisingly soft hair, not coarse, over hot, silky skin and hard muscle. She spread her fingers, splaying her hands, relishing each new sensation.
Cesare’s heart thudded beneath her palm, steady but fast.
That pleased her and gave her the confidence to lean in and nuzzle the broad slope of his chest. She pressed her lips there, darted out the tip of her tongue and tasted something new. The dark, sultry tang of Cesare Brunetti.
A shudder racked her from the back of her skull to her toes and everywhere in between.
She’d thought she knew longing. Now she realised how much she had to learn. She’d just opened a Pandora’s box of desire. And she wanted more.
Cesare watched Ida stalk across the balcony like a warrior going into battle. Would she argue or even slap him for his provocation?
Nothing prepared him for the impact of her hands across his flesh or the shock of her mouth on him.
His head ricocheted back, his breath an urgent gasp as she seduced him with lips and tongue and the possessive swipe of her exploring hands.
His arms came around her, holding her to him just in case she had any thoughts about retreating.
He doubted she even noticed. She was rubbing her face against him and over the rush of blood in his ears he caught the tiniest sound. Something between a growl and a purr. It came from Ida.
His nostrils flared as his body responded to that innately sexy sound. He planted his feet wide, drawing her against him.
He’d hoped she’d come to him because she wanted him but hadn’t truly believed it. Nothing in life was so simple. Especially not his wife.
Cesare stiffened, a jolt of pure hunger driving through his groin as teeth scraped near his collarbone.
‘Ida.’ He didn’t know if it was a warning or a groan of delight. All he knew was that he needed more.
He cradled her cheeks, gently tilting her face up. He saw the gleam of slitted eyes and darkened lips, still open from where she’d nibbled his skin.