An Inconvenient Love (Crimson Romance) (7 page)

Maria bustled over to her, wiping her hands on her apron, chattering away in Italian. Sophia sat in the chair Maria indicated and filled her plate. Forget shopping, she was going to be spending her days trying to work off all the food she consumed. As she ate, Maria talked, a happy buzz of conversation that evidently didn’t require any input from Sophia. Finally she managed to make Maria understand that she couldn’t eat another bite. But as she stood to take her dishes to the sink, Maria waved her away. She caught the words “signora,” which she assumed meant her, and “no,” which was obvious. Evidently, Luca’s missus didn’t do dishes.

With nothing else to keep her busy, she decided to explore the gardens. The sun warmed her, and the air was alive with the sounds of birds and various insects going about their daily business. Pausing for a moment, she listened for the noise of cars or other vehicles. There weren’t any. She couldn’t remember the last time she had been anywhere as peaceful. Determined not to spoil such a beautiful day with worries, she pushed aside thoughts of her marriage and let her senses dwell on the tranquility of the place. London seemed a very long way away.

Behind the pool and tennis court, screened off by a massive hedge, were two decent-sized, stone cottages. Walking past them on the manicured pathway, Sophia came across a rotunda set within a topiary and rose garden. Beyond that, she also discovered a couple of derelict buildings at the back of the land that had not been restored and were crammed with bits of furniture, statues, and other odds and ends. It appeared the pieces had been found during the reconstruction work and tossed there to be sorted out later. She made a mental note to come back on another day and see what treasures she could turn up.

A small pond, at the far corner of the estate, was home to a couple of ducks that quacked loudly as she approached, warning her away from their nest. As she sauntered back toward the house, she saw Vittore planting seeds in a bare area of an otherwise large, lush vegetable patch. Maria was cutting herbs and putting them in a wicker basket. Both called out “
buongiorno
” to her. She waved at them in reply.

Not wanting to go back inside and waste a glorious day, she decided to wander into the village. She’d noted an old church and some other interesting buildings as they drove past yesterday on their way from the airport.

The village was larger than she’d thought, with narrow, twisting, cobblestone streets that turned into even smaller alleyways. An old church was at the center, with a small piazza in front. Several older men were drinking coffee at a café and looked her up and down as she passed.

She strolled in and out of the shops and admired the ancient buildings and architecture. Stopping by a fountain, she trailed her fingers in the cool water. There were a few coins at the bottom, and she imagined a lonely girl standing there, tossing in her euro and wishing for love. She turned away before the image of her own face appeared in place of the girl’s.

Her stomach growled and she checked her watch, surprised to discover it was already four o’clock. She managed to make her way back to the old church, but from there she had no idea which of the twisty streets led back to the house. Wandering down a few roads, she searched for something familiar. Her feet were sore and her mouth parched. Intending just a quick exploration of the village, she hadn’t thought to bring her purse, so she couldn’t even purchase a drink.

She went into a café and asked if anyone knew the way to Villa Castellioni, the name that she had seen printed on the outside of the gate to the house. Unfortunately, Sophia couldn’t understand the directions the proprietress gave her.

“Are you trying to find Villa Castellioni?” a deep male voice asked. She turned around to discover a tall, blonde man with sky-blue eyes.

“Yes, do you know it?” She was grateful to find someone who spoke English at least.

“Is it that beautiful, big house just outside the village that was renovated last year?”

“I guess so. I mean, I know it was renovated recently. I only came here yesterday, so I’m not familiar with all the houses in the area,” she replied.

“Jonathan Davis,” he said, extending his hand. “I’m fixing up a place not too far from that villa. If you want, I can give you a lift.”

“I am Sophia Stevens—I mean Sophia Castellioni,” she corrected herself. “Sorry, I was married yesterday. I’m still getting used to the name change.”

“Married yesterday and your husband has already let you wander off and get lost?”

“Luca had to go in to work.” Sophia defended her husband. She knew what she was getting into, kind of, when she married him. But she didn’t want others to think he’d abandoned her. If they had a real marriage … For that to ever happen, she had to get home first. Her feet throbbed, and she was so thirsty she didn’t think she could manage the walk back to the villa.

She stared at Jonathan’s face. Her instincts had never steered her wrong when she’d lived on the streets. The man in front of her displayed none of the signs of someone with malicious intent. And if he were a crazed, psychotic killer, at least she wouldn’t leave Luca heartbroken. He could probably pop back to London and pick up another woman. Aside from Olivia, she wouldn’t leave anyone behind. “I will take that lift, if you don’t mind.”

Jonathan led her to a dilapidated truck with a load of building supplies in the back. He negotiated the narrow, winding streets with ease, and soon they were pulling up to the gates of the house.

“Would you like to come in for a drink?” Sophia invited. It seemed rude to just leave after he’d rescued her.

“Sure. I’d love to see the renovation. I saw the villa in its original condition on the Internet when it was on the market. It sold before I moved to Italy.”

“Oh, how long have you lived here?”

“Almost seven months. The renovation on your place was almost complete by the time I arrived.”

“Well, the house itself is gorgeous. I’m not too sure about some of the furniture. It’s not really in keeping with the style of the property,” she commented. “In fact, when I was in the village I saw a beautiful sofa that would look brilliant in the front sitting room. It just needs to be reupholstered … ”

Luca stood on the front step, raking a hand through his hair. He stopped as Jonathan’s truck pulled up in front. His narrowed eyes searched the vehicle, and then her, as she jumped out of the passenger seat. He shoved both hands in his pockets, his face darkening as Jonathan got out, too.

As Sophia was about to introduce the two men, a tall, dark-haired woman came up behind Luca and put her arm through his. She was immaculately dressed in a gray, silk frock that hugged her luscious shape and ended mid-thigh, showing long, shapely legs.

“Hello, Luca,” Sophia struggled to keep her voice even. “I didn’t think you would be home yet. You said around dinner time.”

“I finished earlier than I expected and came home to see my wife, thinking she would be lonely. I did not know she would be wandering around with another man.” Luca’s voice was hard and there was no smile of greeting on his face.

“Oh, this is Jonathan Davis. He rescued me when I was lost in the village. He’s fixing up a place not too far from here, so he offered to drive me home.” She knew the words were coming out too fast, but she was fixated by the sight of the other woman’s arm through Luca’s. She’d never considered that perhaps her husband had a
lover
. “This is Isabella Carrero,” Luca introduced the woman standing next to him. Removing his hand from his pocket, he unlinked arms with Isabella.

“I offered Jonathan a drink for rescuing me,” Sophia explained as the Englishman climbed the stairs beside her.

“Yes, let us have drinks on the
terrazza
,” Isabella said, as if she were the lady of the house. Her voice was deep and sultry, her Italian accent more pronounced than Luca’s.

Luca led the way to the back of the house, taking Sophia’s hand in his as she passed. She wondered whether the display of possessiveness was a message to Jonathan, or a ploy to try to pretend the Italian woman meant nothing to him.

The terrace was in the shade; however the heat of the day still radiated off the stone floor, making it warm and comfortable. Baskets of flowers filled the air with a sweet scent. Dark wicker chairs, with terracotta colored cushions, were spread out in a U shape, allowing all to enjoy the view of the gardens. Isabella took the seat next to Luca’s, moving her chair closer to his. Sophia clenched her teeth, a slow burn starting in her stomach.

The peace and serenity of the gardens, which she’d enjoyed hours before, was shattered. How could she have been so stupid to believe Luca, a successful, not to mention gorgeous, man wouldn’t have a woman or two in the background? He’d said there weren’t any other women he would consider marrying, but that didn’t preclude other relationships.

“So, you are renovating a house near here?” Luca’s frosty tone hadn’t warmed at all.

“Yes, nothing as grand as this, though. Your home is beautiful,” Jonathan said.

“
Grazie
,” Luca answered.

Maria pushed a small drinks cart out onto the terrace and placed it near the chairs. Isabella jumped up and took over the role of hostess.

“What you like to drink, Sophia, Jonathan?” Isabella oozed confidence, sure of her place.

Luca frowned at Isabella. Was it because the other woman had paired Sophia’s name with Jonathan’s, or because his girlfriend was assuming a duty that should now be handled by his wife? Sophia was once again out of her depth, unsure of what to do.

“I’ll have a glass of white wine,” she answered, with as much composure as she could manage.

“A beer for me, if you have one,” Jonathan replied.

Isabella poured the drinks and handed them out. She then mixed a martini for Luca, without even asking what he preferred.

“Sophia, you must talk to your husband. He says he does not want to bring you to my party tomorrow so you can meet our friends.” A stabbing pain shot through Sophia’s body, paralyzing her. Isabella’s voice was silky, with no hint of jealousy, no concern for the agony her words caused. Isabella sat on the arm of Luca’s chair, having abandoned her own after preparing the drinks. “No one will believe you are married if you keep her hidden away in this little village.”

“I have no intention of keeping her hidden away,” Luca assured them. “But I am sure Sophia wants to settle in before meeting a lot of people.”

“No, you must introduce her right away,” Isabella insisted. “Or people will wonder why you waited. They will be shocked, like me, to find you are married. They will think it is not a proper marriage.”

“It is a very proper marriage,” Luca replied. He took a large swallow of his drink. His knuckles showed white where he gripped the stem of the glass.

“Luca
,
imagine the party your mother will insist you have when she finds out. If you tell her you have already had a party, then it will not be so bad. I am saving you,
caro
.” Isabella smiled at everyone, smug satisfaction written across her face.

Luca seemed to think over the plan, glancing at Sophia as if to gauge her reaction. Without knowing her place in his life, she was unsure how forcefully to protest. She didn’t want to start her marriage coming across as a diva.

“I don’t have anything to wear,” she interjected as Luca made no further comment. It was the only thing she could think of to stop this party idea. The last thing she needed was to be inspected by Luca’s friends and acquaintances and found wanting—especially compared to Isabella.

“Ah, that is a little thing.” Isabella dismissed her concern with a wave of a hand. “We can go shopping for a dress … and shoes,” she said, glancing at Sophia’s well-worn footwear. “You are working tomorrow, yes, Luca? Or are you a changed man now that you are married? Staying at home on a Saturday to be with your wife?”

“I do have to make some site visits tomorrow. But I was going to take Sophia with me so she can see some of the country.”

“
Dai
, there is plenty of time for her to see the dusty roads and broken buildings you will show her. I am sure you can spare her for a day. Shopping is much more fun.”

“I don’t speak Italian. I won’t be able to talk with anyone.” She had to derail this party train before it crushed her.

“Most of our friends speak some English,” Isabella said, blocking off that avenue of escape. “Perhaps your rescuer could come as well.” She smiled at Jonathan, luring him into her web.

Jonathan sat there with a bemused expression on his face. “I am not sure I’d really fit in,” he replied, pointing at his tattered jeans.

“Oh, please come,” Sophia pleaded. If she was going to have to endure this party, it would be nice to have someone there for her.

Jonathan shrugged. “Alright then, I’ll come. I must be off now, though. I have to unload my truck before dark.”

“I will show you out,” Luca responded, a hint of a smile showing on his face at last.

• • •

Luca returned and stopped at the entrance to the terrace, allowing himself a moment to enjoy Sophia unobserved. She hadn’t gotten publicly upset when Isabella put her arm through his, although he’d noticed that she’d narrowed her eyes. Sophia hadn’t liked it. Which also made his heart a little lighter. Surely it indicated she felt something for him. He thought they’d been getting closer during their London phone calls, but it all seemed to have disappeared after they’d arrived yesterday.

Oh, she’d played the part of loving wife at the wedding ceremony. But instead of relief that she’d be able to fool his mother and friends, he’d been a little let down that it was all an act.

Sophia rose and put the empty glasses back on the drinks tray and wiped up the few wet spots on the glass-top table. Isabella had her head to one side, watching his wife.

“So, Sophia, how did you meet Luca? He has only been to London once in the past month.”

Sophia hesitated, twirling her wedding ring. He hadn’t seen her nervous often, but she definitely looked uncomfortable. What the hell was Isabella playing at? She was supposed to help ease Sophia’s transition, not make her want to go back to London.