by Cara Marsi
Rubbing the back of her neck to loosen the tense muscles, she glanced away to the other side of the church where an elderly couple stood huddled, consulting their guidebook. She didn’t want to see the skepticism in Dominic’s eyes.
She wished she could again be an ordinary tourist like the people around her. Somehow, some way, her vacation had changed to something more sinister the day she’d bought her new purse.
Or else she was plain losing her mind.
She preferred sinister.
“Lexie.” Dominic touched her arm. “I doubt the man who was murdered was the same one you saw in the shop or the one who tried to mug you. Many men look alike. How do you know he was asking about you at the hotel?”
Bristling, she turned to him and shrugged off his hand. “The clerk at the hotel identified him from the newspaper photo. She’d told me earlier that a man had been there looking for me. I didn’t give it another thought until this morning when I saw the paper.”
Surprise flashed over his face before his features hardened. “The mugger was wearing a mask. And the man at the hotel was probably someone who looked like the picture in the paper. Why would there be any connection?”
“I’m sure it was the same guy,” she said, glaring at Dominic. “I saw the mugger’s eyes. They were the same eyes as the man in the shop, flat and black. It was his picture in the paper.” She raised her shoulders. “I don’t care if you believe me. I know what I saw.”
Instead of disbelief, or worse, ridicule, Dominic’s face seemed to shut down.
“Damn it, Dominic, you’re no different from the police and the American consul. You think I’m imagining all this too.”
That now-familiar sensation of menace, of being watched, shot through her. “I’m going back to the hotel.” Where it’s safe.
But was it?
Was anyplace safe anymore?
Shoving aside her fearful thoughts, eyes straight ahead, she strode out of the Pantheon.
Blinking in the intense sunlight, she dug into her purse for her sunglasses, slipping them on, then headed into the piazza.
“Lexie, stop.” Dominic grabbed her arm and pulled her around to face him. “I want to help you.” A muscle worked in his jaw, the only bit of feeling in his shuttered expression.
“I shouldn’t have told you all that. I hardly know you.”
His gaze searched hers. “I don’t think you’re imagining things.”
“You don’t?”
He looked at her through hooded eyes. “I don’t.”
With an effort, she relaxed. She was beginning to feel like that woman almost driven nuts in the movie Gaslight. She scanned the piazza. In the sunshine, backpack-carrying kids hung out by the fountain in front of the obelisk. Older tourists, drinking wine and eating pasta, sat at tables flanking the piazza. The perfumed scents of early spring flowers mingled with the earthy aromas of tomato and garlic. All was well.
“I could use some wine,” she said. “Actually, lots of wine.”
Dominic laughed, and her crazy heart flipped.
Holding onto her elbow, he led her to a table at a nearby café. When the waiter approached, Dominic ordered wine.
“Tell me everything,” he said.
She picked up the linen napkin and unfolded it, placing it on her lap. When she raised her gaze, he was studying her with an intensity that made her insides threaten to spiral out of control.
“I’m being followed,” she said, blowing out a breath. “I’m not imagining it. Look at everything that’s happened the last few days.” She held up her hand and began counting off on her fingers. “Someone tries to steal my new purse at Trevi. My maid is killed carrying my old purse and someone breaks into my hotel room. A masked man tries to mug me. I don’t see how they’re connected, yet I know they are. The guy I saw at the leather shop, and who I’m certain tried to steal my purse last night, is found dead by the river this morning. And this same guy was at my hotel asking questions. A little while ago, near the American Consulate, a street kid tried to sell me a rose, but I had the eerie feeling he wanted to rob me.”
Dominic straightened. “A street kid wanted to rob you?”
She nodded. “Yes, I’m sure he wanted to snatch my purse. Then I saw him talking to a short, plump man.” The waiter came with their drinks and Lexie took a large gulp of the rich, red wine, hoping the alcohol would calm her. It didn’t.
Wrapping her fingers around the stem of the glass, she studied Dominic. Why was she telling him all this anyway? What could a banker do about it?
“My problems aren’t yours,” she said. “Forget what I told you. Let’s enjoy our wine and this wonderful piazza.”
He tensed, then smiled and squeezed her hand. “I want to help you, Lexie. I’m sorry to say there are criminal elements in Rome, as there are in all large cities.”
She shot him a wry smile. “Actually, the first two weeks I was here, everything was normal, if a little boring and lonely. I spent as much time calling and emailing my parents and friends as I did shopping and sightseeing.” She slipped her hand from his and pointed to her bag sitting on the table next to her. “Since I bought this damn handbag, things have gotten crazy. I’m no longer alone either. I have this feeling someone is watching me all the time.”
“Of course you are no longer alone,” he said with a smile. “I’m here. You’re safe with me.”
She looked deeply into his eyes, wanting to trust him. But she had to be careful.
“I’m getting away from Rome tomorrow, so maybe things will settle down,” she said.
He froze as he lifted his wine glass. Studying her, he set his glass down. “Getting away? Where?”
“To Abruzzo. It’s not a big deal,” she said, frowning at the lines of tension around his mouth and eyes, wondering why he should look so concerned, so worried, about her plans. “I’ve hired a car and driver from the same company I used to take me to dinner the other night. I want to see the town my great-grandparents came from. It’s called Ripa Teatina. I can’t wait.”
“A car and driver. To Abruzzo,” he said, as if rolling the thought around in his head. Then his face brightened and he smiled. “We’ll go together.”
****
The American was proving sharper than he’d imagined. Trying to get back the diamond was giving him heartburn. Dellose leaned against the obelisk at Piazza della Rotonda, hidden from the American and her male companion. Who the fuck was this guy? He looked powerful, strong. The guy must be the same one who’d been with the woman last night when that idiot Giovanni had tried to take her bag. Giovanni had gotten what he deserved.
Now, he, Pasquale Dellose, would finish the job. A little money passed to one of the desk clerks at the hotel and the man had been eager to point out the American to him. The guy had balked at giving him more information. Dellose chuckled. He had ways to ensure the man’s future cooperation.
Dellose had followed her all morning, but hadn’t gotten the chance to get her alone. And the kid he’d hired to steal her bag had screwed up.
Clenching his fists, Dellose dug his nails into his palms. He’d get the bitch. He’d have one of his people on her all the time. She wouldn’t escape. But he was losing patience. The terrorists would soon be contacting his woman to set up the drop. He’d get the diamond from the American and teach her a lesson she’d remember in hell.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Lexie ran her hands down the sides of her jeans and studied herself in the full length mirror. “You look good, Lexie,” she told herself. “Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.” Her car and driver would be here soon to take her to Abruzzo.
Dominic would be her guide and her translator. He’d convinced her he should accompany her, since, unlike Rome, most people in Abruzzo didn’t speak English. Conceding he had a point, she’d agreed. He’d even offered to split the cost with her.
The change in plans excited and scared her at the same time. She would spend the day with Dominic. They’d be confined together in
the back of the car during the six-hour roundtrip drive. Alone with Dominic. Heat radiated through her. She pressed a hand to her stomach, trying to calm the crazed butterflies that had taken up residence. She’d known him such a short time, but the sensual tension that swirled around them made her feel more alive than she had in years.
She loved being with him for other reasons too. Loved watching the play of emotions on his face, seeing the flashes of humor in his eyes and around his lips, hints of another side to Dominic—vulnerable, soft, and even more appealing. He had a way of making her feel unique and cherished when he took her hand, held her close, listened to her. Maybe she’d get to know him better today, find out more about his job and family. Discover the real Dominic behind the mysterious facade.
The room phone rang and she jumped. Get a grip, Lexie, she thought as she raced to answer it.
“Signorina Cortese, your car is here.”
She took one last look at herself in the mirror to be sure there was no wardrobe malfunction, then slipped her tan corduroy jacket over her pale yellow sweater, grabbed her purse, and headed for the door. And Dominic.
He waited for her outside the hotel. When he saw her, his full lips quirked in one of his bone-melting smiles. Damn him for being so delectable. Dressed in jeans slung low on his slim hips, black T-shirt molded to his taut chest and black leather jacket, he looked delicious and sexy. Dangerous. Her insides heated to a combustible level.
Shoulders squared, she smiled. Was she ready and willing? The old Lexie would have been scared. The new Lexie said, Hell, yes. But deep inside, she was still a little bit scared.
“Buongiorno.” He took her hand in his. “Not many women could look so beautiful so early in the morning.”
He was smooth. She had to hand him that. Of course, his English, spoken with an elegant Italian accent, helped. “Good morning to you too.”
A black limo idled at the curb. She hadn’t expected such luxury for what she’d paid.
“Nice car,” she said with a wry smile. Shading her eyes against the bright sun, she squinted up at Dominic. “I ordered a smaller car. Did you have anything to do with this?”
He shrugged. “Don’t worry about it. We have a long drive. We want to be comfortable.”
The driver jumped out and came around to open the passenger door. “Signorina Cortese?” he asked in barely accented English.
“Yes.”
“My name is Ruggiero. I will be your driver today.” He gestured for her to get into the car.
Lexie frowned. There was something familiar about him. Tall, slim, with longish brown hair, he looked to be a few years younger than her twenty-eight. She would have remembered if she’d seen him before, especially with that macho swagger. But lots of Italian men had that same swagger. Yet, something about him tweaked her memory.
He looked over at Dominic and his brow furrowed in a scowl. “The order was for one passenger. No?”
“My friend, Mr. Brioni, will be going too. That’s not a problem is it?”
He shook his head. “No, not at all. Come, let’s go. It is a long drive through mountains.”
****
They’d been driving an hour when she noticed Dominic and Ruggiero exchanging glances through the rear view mirror. A little knot of foreboding settled in her stomach, offset by the coffee and small cakes Dominic had thoughtfully brought for them to share on the way. Overall she felt content and full. Maybe she was just nervous about sitting so close to Dominic.
He settled back in his seat and studied her, making her shift uncomfortably.
“What?” she asked.
“You are so beautiful,” he said in his lilting, deep voice. “Why do you not have a man?”
Lexie bristled. “That’s really none of your business.”
He put up his hands. “I don’t mean to offend, but the other day you asked if I was married. Now, it is my turn. Are you married, or engaged?”
Pursing her lips, she hesitated. She didn’t like to talk about Jerry, but she had nothing to hide. And she’d be leaving Rome soon.
“I was engaged once.” She shrugged. “Actually, it wasn’t that long ago.”
Dominic looked deeply into her eyes, waiting, as if what she had to say was the most important thing in the world. What was it about him that made her want to talk? She couldn’t figure it out and wouldn’t try.
“What happened?” he asked.
She drew in a deep breath, girding herself. Maybe talking about Jerry’s betrayal would finally exorcise him from her mind. She’d already cut him out of her life. “Jerry and I were together for ten years, since high school. We’d planned to marry after college, but he wanted to go to law school so we put off marriage.” She looked away, brushing some crumbs from her jeans, not wanting Dominic to see the lingering hurt in her eyes. The new Lexie covered her feelings, could handle whatever life tossed at her.
“Go on, Lexie. Do not be afraid,” he said in a gentle voice, a soothing voice. He reached out and took her hand in his, holding it firmly but gently.
She stared out the tinted windows, seeing the green rolling hills pass by. In the distance snow-capped mountain peaks jutted into the incredible azure sky. The mountains had gotten steeper the farther they got from Rome. Still looking out the window, she let the pain of memory roll over her. “I wanted to go to grad school and get my Master’s in World History, but he said I should get a good job right away so we could save for a house, then when he got a job with a law firm and made partner, I could quit work and go back to school.”
“Partner? What is this?”
She turned to Dominic. “He managed to get a job with a prestigious Los Angeles firm, and from the beginning he was obsessed with making partner. Partners make lots more money.”
Dominic nodded. “I see.”
With her free hand, she smoothed the edge of her sweater, as if the act could calm her jitters. She was in a car cocooned with the sexiest, most gorgeous man she’d ever met, a man who treated her with respect, made her feel safe, and seemed genuinely intrigued by her. And she was talking about a jerk who’d almost ruined her life. But if Jerry hadn’t betrayed her, she wouldn’t be here with Dominic. Not a bad trade-off.
With a small smile, she continued. “So, I did what he wanted. I’d always done what others wanted.” Bitterness had crept into her voice and she swallowed it back. “I got a job as an underwriter at an insurance company. I made good money and saved most of it for our wedding and a house.”
“But you weren’t doing what you wanted?”
“No, but I figured I’d get my turn.”
His eyes were warm and soft. “But you didn’t.”
“No.” She chewed her lip, fighting the hurt that roiled her stomach. “I guess he didn’t want to wait years to make partner. About five months ago I read about his engagement in the paper.”
Dominic frowned. “What is this? His engagement. To you?”
She laughed. “That was the problem. It wasn’t me. He was engaged to the daughter of the senior partner in his law firm. He forgot to tell me that little tidbit before it hit the paper.” She shot Dominic a sardonic smile. “Looks like he’ll make partner sooner than he thought.”
“My poor Lexie.” He stroked her hand.
She pulled free. “Please, no pity. I’m over it.”
“I don’t think you are,” he said softly.
“If I’m not yet, I’m well on my way. I’m using the money I saved for the house and wedding to pay for my vacation here.” She looked down at her bare left hand and twisted the non-existent ring around her finger. “I sold my engagement ring, a diamond bracelet, and some other jewelry he gave me. The money is enough to pay for grad school. Lucky for me my ex-fiancé overspent on everything, even gifts for me, trying to impress people.”
Dominic leaned toward her intently. “Those items brought you a lot of money?”
She met his gaze and frowned at the change in his mood, from concerned friend to interrogator. Cautiously, she
said, “A lot of money. Cash. I sold them to a pawn shop I knew was a tad shady and they paid in cash. I didn’t want my ex to know anything.” She chuckled. “The money is safe in my bank now.”
A muscle clenched in Dominic’s jaw and he glanced to the front of the limo. Lexie could see Ruggiero’s eyes in the rear view mirror. Something seemed to pass between the men. A shiver ran down her spine.
****
They finally arrived in Ripa Teatina, the small town where her great-grandparents had grown up. Ruggiero parked on a side street and agreed to meet them there in several hours.
Dominic and Lexie walked up and down the hilly streets, hugged on all sides by narrow buildings. The sun beat down on them, and Lexie slipped off her jacket. Despite the warmth and her joy at finally seeing the place where her ancestors had lived, doubt shivered through her. Should she have told Dominic about Jerry? And most especially, should she have mentioned the money she’d gotten from selling her jewelry?
Too late to be worrying about that now. If it was a mistake, she’d already made it. Determined to enjoy the day, she shrugged aside her doubts and anxieties.
Dominic proved a good tour guide, pointing out items of local interest, especially the ruined tower, all that remained from the medieval castle that had once stood on the site. As Lexie snapped pictures of the buildings, the tower, and the statue of the American boxer, Rocky Marciano, whose father came from Ripa Teatina, she noticed an abundance of policemen patrolling. Strange that such a small town, tucked into the mountains, would have so many cops.
Yet as quaint as the little town was, she missed her hometown of Las Vegas with its bright lights and energy. Waves of homesickness washed over her and she sighed. She missed her parents and her friends too. Missed the weekly girls’ night out with her friends from college, missed Christy’s elegant dinner parties.
Dominic took her hand. “Are you okay, Lexie?” He looked at her with concern.
“I’m fine. I had a wave of homesickness. I’ll be home soon, and then I’ll miss Italy.” She laughed. “Never satisfied, I guess.”