‘Stay and have a vacation. With luck it won’t be too long before Calogero faces justice for his crimes.’
‘Really?’ She looked stunned as if she thought her grandfather untouchable. Not surprising given the way he’d controlled her life for so long.
‘So I’m told.’ If all went to plan, he’d spend the rest of his life behind bars, but Cesare didn’t say that. Calogero was cunning and would put up a fight.
‘I could show you a little of Tuscany.’ The revelation of her past made him want to give her something special. It wasn’t much but sharing some of his favourite places might go some way towards lessening his guilt over what had gone before. ‘Do you want to see Florence, Siena, San Gimignano?’
‘But it will complicate things if we’re seen together. We’re getting a divorce. If you’re seen with me now...’ Her voice sharpened. ‘Or is that the idea? To prove I’m alive and well and you didn’t dispose of me?’
Right now, that was the last thing on his mind.
The fact Ida had instantly thought of it proved she’d seen too much of how her grandfather’s devious mind worked.
And that she didn’t fully trust Cesare.
Who could blame her? He had a long way to go to prove himself to her.
Why did it feel vital to do just that?
‘I ignore gossip about our marriage.’ It had been the only way to cope with so many outrageous stories circulating. At first, they’d wounded his pride, until he decided to focus on saving his business. That left no time for anything else. ‘I live my life to suit myself.’ He paused to let that sink in. ‘I want you to stay. But I see no reason to shut ourselves away here. We have nothing to hide.’
Still, she looked doubtful. Cesare needed another argument because he wasn’t ready for Ida to leave.
‘Think of it as a holiday. An opportunity to relax and have fun.’ She’d had precious little fun.
Ida wavered. He saw it in her eyes.
‘And imagine how annoyed your grandfather will be if he discovers you’re here with me where he can’t get to you. Wouldn’t you like, for once, to thumb your nose at the old devil? To do something you want to do, not because you’re forced into it?’
Pleasure shot through him at Ida’s slow-dawning smile.
And something else, something he preferred not to dwell on. Relief.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
IDALEANEDBACKin the passenger seat of the open convertible, feeling it cradle her body like an embrace.
As they left the picturesque Tuscan hill town, pealing bells rang out over the low roar of the engine. Late-afternoon sun warmed her shoulders, left bare by her bright summer dress. She snuggled into the deep leather seat and stretched her legs, a pleasant tiredness filling her. She smiled as she flexed her feet. They ached gently from so much walking over quaint cobblestoned streets.
Ida turned to the man beside her and her heart gave a little lurch.
Not simply because he was so charismatic, with his strong features, casual elegance and emphatic air of masculinity. Even the competent way he handled the powerful car was attractive.
Or because last night he’d again taken her to heaven with his lovemaking. Though perhaps that was a tiny part of it.
She felt this profound sense of wellbeing because he’d given her such an incredible, unexpected gift. This glorious day.
She glowed from the joy of it.
‘Thank you for today, Cesare. I’ve enjoyed every minute.’
He turned, dark glasses hiding his eyes, his mouth curving in the tiniest hint of a smile as he turned back at the road. ‘I’m glad you liked your first taste of Tuscany.’ He paused. ‘I’m glad you decided to stay.’
So was she. Incredibly glad.
It was two days since she’d made that decision, yet it felt like a lifetime. As if her old life were a barely remembered nightmare.
That couldn’t last. This was a temporary reprieve from Ida’s real world. But at least when she returned, she’d have wonderful memories. So wonderful she felt impelled to make him understand.