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She pondered the question for a moment. Things between them went beyond well. However, it was far too soon to define what the passion they shared meant. “Let me show you something.” Mira went to the dresser and picked up her purse. She turned and showed it to Fabiana.

“Is that—?”

“Yes. And guess who gave it to me.”

Fabiana inspected the purse. “Are you serious?”

“He had it delivered to my room. Now how do you explain something like this?”

“I can’t.”

“Exactly.”

Fabiana scanned the contents. “What about your bracelet?”

“Everything was returned, including my passport. You know that purse has been missing for over three weeks and now it shows up as if it was never taken?”

“You think he set you up to be robbed? Why would he?”

Mira shook her head. “No. I don’t think so. It’s not his style. I have no clue what he wants. Surely a man like him can have any woman he wants. But he seems fixated on me. Or maybe that’s the wrong word choice. He’s so mysterious and opinionated I can’t tell what his motivations are. And I feel so overwhelmed when I’m alone with him. I don’t think I will make that mistake again.”

Fabiana laughed.

“What?”

“You kissed him didn’t you?”

“What!”

“Oh I can tell. Something is up.”

“Shut up.”

“Good grief. So what? A little kissy-poo between consenting adults isn’t a sin. The man is hot, and we’re vacationing. What harm could it do?”

“Have you forgotten the conversation we had this morning? Mafia men. Plenty harm can be done. Access to our building with locked cellar doors we can’t enter?” Mira kept her gaze averted so Fabiana didn’t read more. The man’s kiss was the least of her worries. What he did with his tongue still had her knees wobbling.

“I think that purse over there is a peace offering. So what, he’s a bad boy? Not telling you to marry the guy. His friendship could be a benefit to us. I had a long talk with Lorenzo. Not saying I’m totally sold on us becoming involved with the Battaglia’s, but what they are asking of us isn’t illegal.”

“Fabiana, you know I’m in no need of a new relationship, casual or otherwise. Have you forgotten about Kei?”

“The asshole who broke up with you because you said no to his marriage proposal? No. You don’t have to remind me. I just want you to have some fun the next few days. It’s a different country, a different time for us both.” Fabiana almost beamed with happiness. She studied her for a moment. Her wet hair was suspect.

“You really did sleep with Lorenzo?”

“We’re not talking about me.”

Mira shook her head. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

“Of course I do. I’m falling in love. Now get dressed. We still have the city to see. Screw the boys. I think we should do it together. Be right back while I tell Lorenzo and get us a driver.”

“Wait. I… Giovanni and I had planned to do some sightseeing.” Mira said.

“Really? Oh. Okay.”

“Go find Lorenzo. I’ll talk to Giovanni. Maybe we can do it as a foursome.”

Chapter Five