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Angelo’s brow arched, and his mouth took on a similar mean twist. “Are you a liar?”

Giovanni threw up his hand and silenced the men. “If Lorenzo says that Giuseppe didn’t call, the matter is closed. I am sure he is probably caught up handling family business, Calderone.”

The Don put a hand to his brow. “It’s not uncommon for him to pull these stunts. I keep telling Angelo he’s worried over nothing.”

“Patri!Lorenzo knows something. I’m sure of it!”

“SILENZIO!”Don Calderone commanded. “Apologize.” He grabbed his nephew’s arm. The move was humiliating for Angelo and his face turned a deep shade of red. Angelo looked up at Lorenzo with searing hate. “My apologies.”

“No need. I understand Angelo’s concern, Don Calderone. If you need anything from me of the family let me know.”

The Don nodded “Diotiguardi,” he said, kissing both sides of Giovanni’s cheek. He gave the same parting to Lorenzo and summoned Angelo to follow. Alone Giovanni returned his focus to his cousin. “Is there something I should know?”

“Absolutely not!” Lorenzo walked out.

Chapter Eight

She sat close to Giovanni, his hand resting on her thigh. He told her stories of places she’d only read about in fashion magazines as she sipped a small cylinder glass oflimóncello. Apparently, the bittersweet alcoholic drink was derived from Sorrento.

Their time in the air ended too soon. She and Fabiana were whisked away in two separate cars. Alone in the limo with Giovanni she spent most of the ride trying to keep him from laying her out on the back seat. Mira laughed and giggled as she fought off his advances, flattered and horny for him herself. She rewarded his good behavior with a few kisses to appease him. Alone with him she felt like a teenager again. He excited her that much.

“Time for the lessons you promised me.” She removed his hand from under her skirt. “If we’re to be friends, I want to be able to speak Italian fluently.”

“Shall we start now?” He eased his hand back between her thighs and under her skirt.

“Well, I think the times when I’m most curious are—.” Her voice trailed off. She blushed. His fingers reached their intended spot.

“Finish?” he said.

“You know.” Again she removed his hand and this time she crossed her leg. Giovanni chuckled. He dropped his arm around her and pulled her in closer.

“No Bella. I don’t. When are you most curious?” he asked. “When I conduct business around you? When I’m angry?”

Mira hit his chest playfully. “No silly. When we’re intimate. It’s like you’re having a conversation with yourself.”

“Not true!” Giovanni chuckled.

“It is. I don’t understand anything you’re saying. I think you forget you’re speaking Italian.”

“It’s not something I do consciously, Bella. Let’s just say you inspire me.”

Mira snuggled closer. “I’d like to be a part of the conversation, so maybe you can let me in on what those whispers are about?”

“I’ll make sure to translate for you.”

“On second thought, let’s not kill the mood. We can talk about the translation afterwards.”

Giovanni laughed again. He lifted her chin and gave her a sweet kiss. “I plan to show you a different side of Italia.”

“I can’t wait.”

“Sorrento is my sanctuary, my heaven. It’s not all I want to share. Tomorrow we will visit my vineyard.”

“You have one?”

“In a village called San Donato which is in the Chianti region.”

“Where they actually make Chianti?”