The Italian Inheritance

by Louise Rose-Innes

  “Close enough,” he muttered.

  “People do what they must to survive, Rafael,” she snapped. “You of all people should know that. And I don’t appreciate your judging me. What I did years ago has nothing to do with you.”

  “It doesn’t mean I have to like it,” he said stubbornly. “The thought of you taking your clothes off for other men makes me furious. Do you know what kinds of men buy those magazines?”

  She didn’t need reminding. “Thanks for pointing that out.” She glared at him. That episode was firmly behind her and she did not want to revisit it. “Like I said, it has nothing to do with you. Just because we’ve slept together doesn’t give you the right to judge me. It’s not like we’re in a relationship or anything.”

  At least she could throw that back at him.

  Rafael gave her a penetrating look, which she pointedly ignored. More moments ticked by and Anna resumed her position on her back, eyes shut.

  A warm hand slid across her belly. Anna opened one eye and peered at him suspiciously.

  Rafael, now lying on his side, proceeded to run his free hand slowly down the length of her body. “This body,” he murmured possessively, “is for my eyes only.”

  “For now maybe...” she acknowledged, unwilling to argue. Besides, his hand felt wonderful caressing on her hot skin. As his fingers slipped under her bikini top and began to play with her nipple, Anna was beyond talking.

  “Does that feel good,” enquired Rafael, a roguish glint in his eye.

  Anna nodded, then gasped and closed her eyes. As his hand snaked down towards her bikini bottom, Anna gave up trying to think and surrendered to the glorious sensations his fingers on her clitoris were making her feel.

  Sometime later, when they were both lying spent on the pink sarong, Anna turned to Rafael. “There’s something I think we need to agree on.”

  “Other than how wondrous that was and that we should do it as often as possible?”

  Anna laughed. “I’m serious, Rafael.” Then she sobered. “I was thinking that while we’re enjoying each other’s company so much, we should try not to ask personal questions.”

  “You’re referring to the photographs?”

  “Yes,” Anna confirmed. “My personal business is my personal business and since our relationship is only temporary, I don’t think we need to delve too much into each other’s past, do you?”

  “Point taken,” said Rafael looking at her fondly. “Although you must understand I had to look into your past. Like I told you before, I have to do due diligence on everyone claiming to be Giovanni’s heir. I didn’t expect to find those photographs. My investigator surprised me with them.”

  Anna nodded. “On this point I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.”

  “I’m not lying to you, Anna. And I’ll make you a promise. From now on, until the day you leave, we’ll live only for the moment. No more personal interrogations, no more details. Just you and me and what we have right now.”

  “Perfect,” said Anna brightly although the smile did not reach her eyes.

  CHAPTER NINE

  It was after a particularly orgasmic sex session that Rafael broke the news to Anna. As he watched the satisfied smile vanish from her face he felt an odd tightening in his chest. He hated ruining the buoyant mood which had carried them through the last ten days - ten days that had been like a dream, filled with laughter, fun and obscene amounts of sex.

  It was precisely the reason why Rafael had left it until today to tell her, when in fact he’d known since yesterday morning. But he couldn’t avoid the issue anymore.

  The results were in.

  “So what do they say?” Anna uncharacteristically wrapped the sheet around her naked body and stared at him with huge eyes. “Am I Giovanni’s daughter?”

  “I don’t know yet.” Rafael met her worried gaze. “The pathology lab in Naples called and they’re sending the results over. We should know by the end of today, or latest, first thing tomorrow morning.”

  Anna began to pace up and down the room in her sheet. “God, the anticipation is killing me. Can’t someone just open the damn letter and tell us?”

  Rafael nearly smiled. “No, they’re not allowed to, I’m afraid. It’s against policy.” He felt her impatience, but at the same time he didn’t mind waiting another night.

  Secretly he dreaded getting the results as either way it would mean things would have to change. Their relationship, or rather, affair, would come to a sudden halt and Anna would have to think about returning to England.

  By this stage Rafael had really thought he’d be ready to see the back of her, but instead he found he was more attached than ever. Her beauty outshone nearly every other woman on the island and egotistically, he liked the way men stared at him enviously when he was with her.

  She didn’t have any annoying habits. Actually, she was surprisingly easy to live with. She didn’t complain or complicate his life in any way, even though she didn’t have any friends of her own on the island. She seemed content to read her book or go for long walks without demanding he accompany her.

  In fact, Rafael had spent almost every day in Naples at the shelter, overseeing the renovations while Anna had remained on Capri or taken day trips to nearby Sorrento and Amalfi. Occasionally she’d accompany him to Naples, but on those occasions she was quite happy to roam around the town by herself or go shopping or sightseeing.

  “I’m going to need to do something today to take my mind off the results,” Anna declared, dumping the rumpled sheet back on the bed.

  Rafael stared at her naked beauty and felt himself get hard again. “I’m sure I can arrange something,” he grinned. Over the last week he’d been amazed by her sexual stamina. She never seemed to tire of him. He had an insatiable sexual appetite, but Anna managed to match him enthusiastically, revelling in his lovemaking.

  “I meant get out somewhere,” she amended. “Otherwise I’m going to go mad.”

  Rafael thought for a moment. “Would you like to do some sightseeing? We can visit Pompeii, then stop in Ischia for lunch, perhaps have a swim and head home in time for dinner.”

  “Won’t we be too late to get the results then?”

  Rafael shook his head. “I have the clinic on speed dial.” He waved his mobile phone in the air. “At least that way we’re not sitting around waiting.”

  Anna smiled. “Sounds perfect.”

  Despite the pending paternity results, both Anna and Rafael managed to enjoy themselves. It was almost as if they were trying desperately not to let reality intrude on their last free day together.

  Pompeii was magnificent. The Roman village was perfectly preserved. Anna could see where the roads had been, how the houses were constructed and the manner in which the inhabitants had lived – and died, with their expressions of horror still frozen on their faces.

  “Isn’t it funny how life can change in an instant?”

  “Indeed,” agreed Rafael. They were sitting at the cafe just outside the entrance to Pompeii, sipping lemonade and staring up at the shadowy mound of Mount Vesuvius.

  “I mean, one moment you’re hanging washing on the line and the next you’re covered in molten lava.” Or you find you’ve got a father you never knew existed and are the heir to a vast family fortune.

  Rafael laughed. “I know what you mean. I’ve visited Pompeii many times before, but it never ceases to amaze me.”

  “Some of their expressions were so vivid...” Anna shuddered.

  “It’s a fascinating part of history,” remarked Rafael, finishing his drink. He waited for Anna to do the same. “Shall we head back? It’s early enough to stop for a swim if you’re keen? I know an isolated little grotto...” He winked at her.

  Soon they were skimming over the azure water towards Capri, leaving the busy hub of Naples far behind them.

  The sun was blissfully warm as it shone down on their shoulders. Rafael anchored in a small inlet near the neighbouring island of Ischia and they spent a lazy few
hours swimming in the lukewarm Mediterranean and making love on the deck. Now, as Anna sipped a glass of wine, her legs casually draped over Rafael’s, she thought she’d never been happier or more content.

  Anna smiled as she thought of how relaxed and natural their love-making had become. She hardly knew herself. Her previous panic that he was the wrong guy for her had faded. The intense emotions Rafa made her feel were enlightening. She now enjoyed surrendering to him. He brought her to orgasmic heights she’d never experienced before, never knew were possible.

  Since that conversation ten days ago about her modelling photos, they’d managed to steer clear of anything personal, sticking to safer topics such as Giovanni, his life and the renovations for the new haven in Naples. Occasionally they discussed their likes and dislikes and experiences they’d had, but they were careful never to venture into anything too private.

  Anna couldn’t believe her time on the island was nearly over. Once they got the results back, it would be time to say goodbye and head for home. Rafael had made it abundantly clear that there was no future for them as a couple and she wasn’t the type to beg. The thought sobered her. Then Rafael turned towards her and flashed his familiar sexy smile and Anna’s heart twisted painfully.

  How am I going to say goodbye to that?

  “You know, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you,” admitted Rafael, eyeing her above his sunglasses.

  “Really?” Anna was grateful for the distraction. It seemed, given half a chance, her mind would float into the dangerous world of unrequited love and the inevitable heartbreak it brought with it. She pushed those depressing thoughts away.

  “Yes. I want you to know the real reason I invited you to stay at the villa.” At her raised eyebrow he continued, “It wasn’t to help you financially, although that was a great incentive.”

  “And here I was thinking you were such a gentleman.” Anna smiled into his eyes.

  “No. Quite the opposite,” grinned Rafael. “It was because the chemistry between us was undeniable. I admit, I wanted to see where it would lead.”

  “And now you know,” stated Anna softly. She wasn’t surprised. He wouldn’t be Rafael if he hadn’t instigated their affair. He’d known what he wanted and he’d gone for it, just like he did with everything else in his life. In this case, it was her. In a way she was flattered. Being the sole target of his attention was addictive. She enjoyed the fact he couldn’t keep his hands off her. It made her feel cherished and desired. Dangerous emotions to get used to. Admiring his strong, suntanned face she asked, “Any regrets?”

  Rafa shook his head. “Only that we haven’t had more sex. You?”

  Anna laughed. “You’re impossible. My only regret is that once we find out the results, all this will come to an end.”

  There was a pause as they gazed at each other.

  Eventually Rafa cleared his throat. “We still have tonight.”

  “We’d better make it count then,” said Anna quietly.

  “Still nothing,” Rafael updated her as they docked in Capri’s Grande Marina.

  “Why is it taking so long?”

  “This is Italy.” He shrugged. “There’s never any rush here.”

  “This is torture,” groaned Anna, tying a thick rope from the boat to a cleat on the dock.

  “We’ll know tomorrow,” confirmed Rafael. “It has to be tomorrow.”

  Now that the results were imminent Anna found she couldn’t stop thinking about leaving Rafael. Every time she looked at him she felt the pain of their upcoming separation. Every tender smile or teasing caress that passed between them was physical torture.

  Anna knew she was in love with him. If she were honest with herself, she’d been in love with him for days—probably since that first night together in Naples. Somehow he’d managed to get her to drop all her carefully constructed defences and let him in, and he’d shown her what true passion was like. Now that she’d experienced this, would she ever be able to go back to her old ways again?

  There didn’t seem any point. The only thing she really wanted lived right here in Capri, miles away from where she would be.

  Suddenly overcome with emotion, Anna stifled a sob, which luckily, was snatched away by the wind. She watched as Rafael, hair blowing wildly, locked up the boat and leapt agilely onto the ground.

  “This breeze has definitely picked up,” he shouted, double checking her knots. “Good thing we got back when we did. It must be quite choppy out there now.”

  Anna put on a brave face and followed him into the yacht club where his Vespa was parked.

  Over the last ten days this gorgeous man had entrenched himself into her heart and she was very much afraid he was going to stay there. She didn’t voice her feelings to Rafael because, quite frankly, what would be the point? She knew how he felt, he’d made that loud and clear. He didn’t believe in love.

  The wind had picked up even more by the time they’d got back. It whirled down the narrow cobblestoned streets causing tiny eddies and flung the leaves around like confetti. They barely made it back on the Vespa.

  Because it was late, they threw together a light salad and dined quietly in the kitchen.

  “I’m going to bed,” Anna announced as soon as they’d finished eating. The tension was getting to her and she was very much afraid that if she stayed to talk to him she’d end up blurting out how she felt and end up a sobbing mess. The wooden windows rattled eerily in the gale which unsettled her even more. She faked a big yawn. “It’s been an idyllic day,” she said and meant it. “The kind dreams are made of.”

  Silently Rafael rose, took her hand and lead her upstairs to his room. At her questioning look he merely said, “You don’t think you’re going without me, do you?”

  Anna felt a surge of something very much like hope. Foolish, unrealistic hope. Unable to express herself, she simply nodded and allowed him to lead her to bed.

  Their lovemaking that night was excruciatingly tender, completely different from the passion-fuelled sex of the last two weeks. They took their time, cherishing every moment, every sensation, committing it to memory, knowing it would be the last time. When she came, Anna clung on to Rafael as if her life depended on it. He seemed equally reluctant to let her go.

  They lay holding each other for a long time afterwards, not speaking. Eventually Anna turned over and tried to sleep, but it was the early hours of the morning before she finally dropped off and even then, she could hear Rafael’s metered breathing next to her and knew he was still awake.

  “I don’t believe it.” Anna stared at Rafael in horror. “It can’t be true.”

  “DNA doesn’t lie,” said Rafael quietly. He was as shocked as Anna that the paternity test had come back negative. Anna Crawford was not in any way related to Giovanni Albertosi.

  “Are you sure there isn’t some mistake? Perhaps the DNA in Rome wasn’t his?” Her voice was tinged with desperation.

  Anna was grasping at straws. Rafael marked the dismay in her bright blue eyes which threatened to overflow any minute. Suddenly she looked so young and vulnerable sitting on the huge sofa, a discarded magazine about to fall off her lap.

  “There’s no mistake. I double-checked on the phone. I couldn’t believe it myself.”

  “How could this happen?” Anna murmured to herself. The dismay had been replaced by confusion. “I was so sure... the letter...”

  She glanced up at Rafael with wild eyes. “If Giovanni isn’t my father, then who is?”

  Rafael shook his head. “I don’t know, caro. I’m really sorry.” What more could he say? The outcome was clear. He couldn’t award Anna the inheritance.

  Anna got shakily to her feet. “The letter,” she whispered. “Let me get the letter.”

  “There’s really no point...” muttered Rafael but she had already dashed up stairs to find her mother’s sacred letter.

  Within moments she was back, spreading the letter open on the coffee table, shoving law magazines aside.


  “It specifically states, ‘I’m sorry I lied to you about Anna.’” Lower lip quivering, Anna stared helplessly at Rafael. “If I’m not his daughter... What does that mean?”

  Rafael calmly took the letter from her shaking hand and read it through properly. Now that he knew she wasn’t Giovanni’s heir, the letter took on a different meaning.

  “Perhaps your mother had originally told Giovanni you were his daughter for some reason, and in this letter she was setting the record straight?”

  It was just an idea, but the more he thought about it the more it made sense. “You know Giovanni did tell me he’d been to see you. Only the once, when you were a baby. Your mother may have implied you were his daughter then.”

  “Why would she do that?”

  “Money, of course. What other reason could there be? Your mother was a nanny, she had no money of her own and her family had disowned her. She was pregnant and unmarried. Maybe she hoped if Giovanni thought you were his daughter he’d be liable for maintenance.”

  “She wouldn’t do that,” hissed Anna.

  Rafael shrugged. “No one’s perfect. She would have only been looking out for your best interests.”

  “There were no maintenance payments,” sniffed Anna. “I would have known.”

  “No, I can confirm there were no consistent payments to an English bank account, but perhaps he gave your mother a lump sum after you were born? It’s too far back for me to check, but you have to admit, it’s quite likely, especially since we know he knew about you.”

  Anna was silent for the longest moment. Thoughts ricocheted around her head. It was possible, she supposed. The letter could have been an apology for letting Giovanni believe he was her father. Unfortunately, there was no one to vouch for it, so in all likelihood Anna would never know for sure.

  “So there never was any heir?”

  The sympathy in Rafael’s eyes was excruciating. All Anna wanted to do was creep into a dark hole and lick her wounds. Away from Rafael, away from everyone.