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“Forgive me, Bella. I’ll give you a proper tour tomorrow, I just wanted to be alone with you again.”

“I see, and why is that?” she asked following him out onto the balcony. The sun was setting behind a mountain to the distance, and the sky had dark purple and orange streaks as the night ushered in.

“I’m not sure. You calm me,” he said. “Not many women do.”

“You seem close to your sister.”

Giovanni’s gaze slipped over to her. “She’s my light. I adore her. But she isn’t my woman. Surely you know the difference?”

Mira felt silly for even making the comparison. She avoided the intense way he stared at her and focused on the shadowy mountain in the distance. “I guess while I visit you here we will share a room.”

“It’s my preference.” He stated.

“And if I preferred a different arrangement?”

“Do you?”

She exhaled. “No.”

Giovanni chose to step behind her. She eased forward pressing into the balcony that edge. Below her the land stretched and disappeared into tall trees. How high up were they? He dropped his hands on either side of her and pressed into her backside. When he spoke he did so in her left ear.

“Can I share something with you?”

“Yes.”

“I’ve never had a woman in this room let alone my bed before tonight.”

Mira tried to turn but couldn’t. She strained to look to her left and read his face to see if he spoke the truth. “Are you serious? Please don’t think you have to say that to me.”

He stared out into the night across the hills and stretch of land she supposed belonged to him. “It’s the truth. I’ve had women, many women. This is my family home, and this room is really sacred to me. My mother and father made me in the bed we will share. I’ve raised Catalina behind these walls alone since my parents’ death. I’m showing you who I am and sharing myself with you.”

“I’m flattered. A bit overwhelmed. We barely know each other and I have this honor?”

“Time? You keep referencing time.” Giovanni shook his head in disappointment. “I wait on nothing and march to no one’s calendar. I have to make decisions daily, and I do so based on how I feel, what I feel.” He eased her bangs from her brow to look into her eyes. “Have I not shown you what I feel?”

“Yes.” She said. She felt breathless. If the man didn’t stop, she’d barricade the doors and keep him with her always. Things were too intense, and too soon. But how could she explain it? She chose to change the subject. “How did your mother die?” she asked. The answering silence drew longer than expected.

There was a knock to the door. He kissed her cheek and then released her before walking back into the room. Mira peeked inside to see Catalina standing in the doorway, arms crossed, and an angry frown to her face. Giovanni stepped out the door and closed it.

She returned to the balcony and leaned on her elbows, allowing the night air to gently cool her. Fabiana. She needed to talk to her friend. Things were happening for them at warp speed.

“What is it?” Giovanni asked.

“Why is she here?” Catalina demanded. “In our home Giovanni? Are you… you two aren’t dating each other are you?”

He grabbed her by the arm and dragged her down the hall away from his bedroom doors. He threw open the door to his cigar room and forced her inside.“Fatti cazzi tuoi!”He kicked the chair in front of him.

Catalina stepped back. “Don’t curse me! Thisismy business, you are my brother and I have a right to be concerned.”

Giovanni leveled a finger at her. “I tolerate a lot Catalina, but not disrespect. She’s a guest, and you will treat her as such. Do you understand? Do you? Say the fucking words!”

“Yes! I understand.” Catalina huffed. “Do you know who she is? She’s famous. Her face is in every fashion magazine. She wouldn’t date you. She wouldn’t even spend time with you if she knew who you were and what you do.” Catalina sighed. “You taught me to be careful of people outside of our life. Well she’s American. Black American. She’s from a different world and she doesn’t belong here in ours. In our family home.”

The accusation would make sense if it weren’t Mira that Catalina spoke of. He never exposed her or their family to outsiders. To bring her into his home was a huge deal. But it felt right.

“Cara, sweetheart,” he cupped her face and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “She’s a friend and harmless. She also designs all those expensive rags you make me buy.” Catalina blushed, and he let her go. Understanding her jealousy he decided to use a gentle touch. She never saw him with a woman in their home, and those that dared to get close enough to even meet her were always second to her whims. Even Lorenzo and Dominic were surprised when he announced he’d bring the designer here. But he wouldn’t explain himself further. He stroked the side of Catalina’s cheek. “Respect Catalina. I’ve taught you better. You will make her feel welcome.”

Catalina nodded.