Page 44 of Giorgio

He was surprised at her bluntness. “That’s true.”

She nodded again. “You intimidate me.”

He wasn’t surprised to hear that. He had noticed that she was usually tongue-tied whenever they happened to be in the same space.

“I don’t mean to.”

“I know.” She smiled at him shyly. “You look like this is the last place you want to be.”

He was once again taken by surprise.

“I must admit that I am a little bored.”

“So am I. I will be leaving soon.”

“I hope we can remain friends.”

“I hope so too.” Putting her champagne glass down, she walked away and with that, he made a decision.

*****

She was not in bed. And his footsteps muffled his entrance, so he was inside the room before she saw him. One minute her back was turned to him and the next she was facing him, wearing a pair of thin silk shorts and figure-hugging t-shirt, both of which the silk robe had covered until now.

They stood there staring at each other for what seemed ages before she gestured to his well-cut black suit and a mask dangling from one ear. “Who are you supposed to be?”

“Julius Caeser, can’t you tell?” His easy grin had her going warm. She was just thinking about him, had been thinking about him for the entire day and here he was, looking so handsome, it hurts the eyes.

“Is the party over?”

“Far from it.”

“Aren’t you the host?”

“Papa is mostly.” His gaze flickered to the unfinished meal; the maid had not had time to remove. “You barely ate. Is something wrong?”

“No. Yes.” She sent him an accusing look. “Have I done something to offend you?”

“No. Why?”

“You haven’t been to see me in two days.”

He avoided her flashing dark brown eyes. “I have been busy.”

“I see. Like you said, I am just a guest and one that has been foisted on you…”

“Don’t!” His sharp tone had her recoiling slightly. “You know why I am avoiding you.”

“I don’t!”

“You do.” He passed a hand at the back of his neck. “The more time we spend with each other, is the harder it is to…”

“To what?” She whispered huskily when he stopped.

“I should go.”

“Please don’t.” Her plea halted him and had him turning back around.

“Juliana…”