Carlina made a strangled sound in her throat.
Fabbiola continued as if she hadn't noticed. “It must be horrible, living under the continuous strain of having to hide, besides being at the total mercy of that dreadful father.”
“I sure hope that her life is horrible.” Carlina's voice was bitter. “In fact, I hope she's going through hell. And you needn't worry about crime being a danger to Maria. As long as she's got a knife, she's safe. She'll probably end up as head of the mafia over there.”
“Darling . . .”
“Don't you darling me, Mama!” Carlina's voice got so loud, it filled the room.
Garini opened his eyes and looked at her. Her curls hung down, and the shadows beneath her eyes were so dark he couldn't see her freckles anymore. He wanted to reach out and smooth away the lines of distress on her face, but she was out of reach.
“She almost killed the man I love, and--”
“Well, technically, that was me,” Fabbiola lifted both hands. “And I already told you I'm really sorry. It was all a big misunderstanding.”
Carlina made an impatient move with her hand. “Whatever. But I'm telling you one thing. If Garini ever wakes up again, and if he should want me, I'm going to move in with him immediately. It's about time I got a bit of distance from the family.”
“We'll talk about that.” Fabbiola got up, her lips pressed into one firm line. “I have to go now. Call me if you have any news.”
The door closed behind her with a bang.
Garini met Carlina's cat-like eyes and smiled. “If you had told me that that's what it takes, I would have let your mother beat me up a long time ago.”
###
About the author:
Beate Boeker is a marketing manager by day and a writer by night. She has published several contemporary romances with Avalon Books and as e-books. Lately, she has added mysteries to her scope. Her novels have been shortlisted for the Golden Quill Contest, the National Readers' Choice Award, and the Best Indie Books Contest.
She loves books with touches of humor and mischief. If you mix Latin and German, Beate Boeker literally translates as Happy Books, and with a name like that, what else can she do but find happy endings for her novels?
You can discover all novels and short stories by Beate Boeker as well as plenty of background information on her website http://www.happybooks.de
or connect with her on Facebook (Beate Boeker Author)
or via Twitter (@BeateBoeker)
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Other mysteries by Beate Boeker:
Delayed Death What do you do when you find your grandfather dead half an hour before your cousin’s wedding? You hide him in his bed and tell everyone he didn’t feel like coming.
Novel #1 in the series Temptation in Florence
Charmer's Death What do you do when your best customer seduces your beautiful cousin? You try to save the situation, but it becomes a little harder than planned when he’s found strangled.
Novel #2 in the Series Temptation in Florence.
Contemporary romances by Beate Boeker:
A New Life How often have you wondered if A New Life wouldn’t be fun?
Circumstances force Anne to start again in Florence, Italy – with totally unexpected results . . .
Mischief in Italy All Henry wants is a serious talk with his grown-up son Josh about the wrong women in Josh's life. However, the conversation immediately spins out of control and somehow, they reach a compromise that leaves Henry highly uncomfortable.
Rent A Thief Can you fall in love with a thief?
Stormy Times Joanna is lost in a blizzard on her way home from a difficult foaling. Just one man can save her – but he’s strangely reluctant to come to her help.
A Little Bit of Passion How much independence do you have to give up when falling in love?
Take My Place A single mother sets up her own company and tries not to fall in love
Wings to Fly Cathy tries to land the job of her life but an accident changes all her plans.
Table of Contents
Copyright
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
About the author:
Other novels
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