Page 21 of Giorgio

“Juliana, this is Aldo, he is in charge of the household.”

“Signorina Campbell, welcome to the Palazzo Russo.” His thin lips curved slightly in what could be considered a smile.

“Thank you.”

“Signor Alfredo is waiting in the informal drawing room.”

“I am a mess…”

“We will just go and say hello before I take you up to your suite.” Giorgio glanced at the man who was standing at attention and waiting for further instructions. “Would you have a meal sent up to her room?”

“Of course.” With a slight bow, he was gone.

“Giorgio…” Her voice trailed off as she stared around the massive marble entrance. The arched ceiling soared upwards, and, on both sides, the walls were a mellow cream with a hint of rose pink. His long legs carried them swiftly along a passageway, until he turned towards an open doorway.

Alfredo turned towards the arched doorway, one thick brow elevated as he stared at the scene.

“She is not familiar with the crutches yet.”

“You should put me down.”

Alfredo’s expression did not reflect what he was thinking or how strange he found the situation. His son was holding the woman protectively in his arms as if he had no intention of letting her go.

“Signorina Juliana,” he smiled warmly, dark eyes welcoming. “It’s so good to see you looking better. I know you are probably tired from the trip, so I will not prolong the greeting.”

“Thank you for having me.” She told him lamely.

“You are absolutely welcome.” He looked at his son. “I will be here when you return.” There was a subtle warning that a conversation was due.

“Of course. I will just let her get settled.”

Alfredo watched as he turned and left the room, a thoughtful expression on his face. Moving towards the built-in cabinet, he poured a drink and walked over to the fire blazing inside the massive hearth.

Leaning against the mantle, he stared into the hypnotic flames. He would have to be extremely careful in dealing with this situation. Right now, his son felt responsible for what happened to the young woman, and he was doing his best to make up for the harm done.

But what if there was more to it?

*****

“What do you think?” He placed her carefully on the side of the lovely Queen Anne bed with the quality satin comforter. The room was a pearl pink with lovely antique furnishings the color of pale gold.

A closet took an entire section of the wall and had shelves and compartments on both sides. There was a curved vanity table with an oval mirror and a padded stool in front of it.

A fire was blazing inside the hearth, giving off a warm comforting glow.

“There is a sitting room – the bathroom is through there…” He looked at her cast doubtfully. “I don’t want you falling on your way to…” He gestured with one hand. “To relieve yourself. I should have a maid sleep in the spare bedroom…”

“No.” She held up a hand, her laughter spilling out and warming his heart. “I will manage somehow. Is it a bath or a shower?”

“Both.”

“Oh.” She shook her head. She had never seen such luxury in real life, and it made her uneasy. A tray was resting on the bedside table, within easy reach. “I’ll be fine.”

He was reluctant to leave her, and it confused him.

“The food is here.”

“So, I see.”