Chapter 212

• Vittorio was standing looking out of the west-facing terrace windows when Ghita led Ally into the room. He turned and felt a shockwave of red-hot desire pulse through him at the vision of her standing there, so elegantly tall in her heels, her slim body perfectly showcased in a pastel blue satin cocktail dress that clung lovingly to every delightful curve of her body. Her face was delicately made up, neither too little nor too much, just enough to bring out the unusual deep blue of her eyes and the creamy perfection of her skin.
• Her appearance confirmed everything he had learned in a few choice phone calls a few minutes ago. He wanted to be angry at her, but instead he felt as if she had unlocked his hardened heart in a way he had never imagined possible. It would perhaps be mean of him to allow her to continue her charade for a little longer, but he found her act so delightfully charming now some of the pieces of the puzzle had slipped into place. She was so endearingly naïve, so devoted to keeping her façade in place, she had no idea how many clues she was dropping without realising it. Leaving her handbag in the car had been one of them. What he had found inside had confirmed his suspicions. But he wanted to find out a little more before he showed her his hand.
• ‘Tesore mio,’ he said, moving towards her to hook her right arm through his left one. ‘You look absolutely stunning. I almost wish we were not going out to dine after all. I would much prefer to spend the evening alone with you here. I am sure we would find plenty to do to entertain ourselves, sì?’