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Romeo led me to the sofa and as he explained their conversation, relief washed over me.

‘Thank God you didn’t get the sack!’ I threw my arms around him. ‘I was so worried.’

‘I knew you would be, that is why I came here straightaway. I wish that I could stay, but I must go. The couples’ final dates will start soon.’

‘Okay.’ My shoulders slumped again. I was sad that I’d be alone this evening, but the important thing was Romeo’s job was safe. And it wasn’t like I was in a hell hole. I could have dinner at the beach bar or something. Although I’d prefer to be with Romeo, watching the sun set with a cocktail in my hand wasn’t a bad way to spend my last night here.

‘The dates should finish by about eleven. I know it will be late, but perhaps we can do something together afterwards. It is your last night here, so I would really like us to spend time together.’

‘I’d love that!’ I brightened instantly.

‘Perfetto. I will message when I am on my way.’Romeo kissed me, then left.

I leant back on the sofa and exhaled.

Looked like my last night was going to be great after all.

* * *

Romeo had just messaged to say that he was ten minutes away.

Although Victoria had given us her blessing, it was still on the condition that we were discreet, so after locking up the villa, I walked to our normal meeting place outside of the hotel. Just as I arrived Romeo pulled up, jumped out of the car and opened the door for me.

‘Buonasera, tesoro.’ He leant down and kissed me softly on the lips.

‘Tesoro?’

‘It is a term of affection – like darling or baby. Technically it means treasure, which is also accurate.’ He grinned as I slid onto the passenger seat.

‘Treasure. Yep, I could get used to that!’ I smiled, then my face dropped as I realised there wouldn’t be time for me toget used to it, seeing as this time tomorrow I’d be back in London. ‘So where are we going?’ I said quickly.

‘It is a surprise.’

About half an hour later Romeo drove us down a beautiful cobbled street, then parked up.

‘What is this place?’ I said, admiring the pretty stone buildings.

‘I am taking you to my home.’

After stopping outside of a dark wooden door, Romeo opened it and I followed him inside. He switched on the light, led me up one staircase then another before opening a door. When I stepped through it, I gasped.

It was a rooftop with views of the town.

The midnight-blue sky was illuminated with beautiful stars and as my eyes scanned my surroundings, I spotted there was a small table set up with battery-powered candles in the centre, along with a bottle of my favourite prosecco resting in a silver ice bucket beside it.

‘Wow,’ I said. ‘You’re so lucky to live here. This rooftop is beautiful! Look at the views. You can even see the sea from here!’

Although it was dark, I could still make out the gentle ripple of the waves in the distance.

‘Grazie,Tesoro.’ He smiled, then pulled out a chair for me.

Once I sat down, he opened the prosecco, poured a full glass for me and half a glass for himself, sat opposite me, then lifted his glass in the air.

‘What are we toasting?’

‘To you: the most incredible woman I have met.’

‘Grazie,’ I smiled, thinking how bittersweet it was that I’d found a man that thought I was amazing, but couldn’t be with him. I pushed the thought out of my head. I didn’t want to ruin the moment.