Seduced by the Enemy

by Alyssa J. Montgomery

  ‘Yes.’

  Carl frowned again and trained his confusion on Olivia. ‘Wasn’t the man Janie was involved with a Borghetti?’

  ‘Jane was to have married my brother,’ Luca supplied.

  A few simple words but they meant so much.

  Olivia put her arm around Luca’s waist and gave him a hug in appreciation of him acknowledging and even publicly legitimising Jane’s relationship with Antonio.

  ‘Good grief! I had no idea Jane would’ve been related to Luca Borghetti.’ Carl’s tone was almost accusatory. ‘You didn’t tell me about the connection.’

  Olivia bit back a retort because it actually sounded as though if Carl had known, it might’ve made a difference to him walking out on her!

  ‘Imagine that. With all she’d been through and funerals to organise, Olivia forgot to mention it.’ Luca said it in such a way it would be difficult for an innocent bystander to know whether or not he was surprised or being sarcastic. Olivia knew it was the latter.

  Carl shifted on his feet. ‘Er … Well … I’m in Rome for the next few days, Olivia. I have a fairly tight schedule—lots of meetings and guest appearances before I head to Florence to lecture at a Master sculpting class, but I suppose I could find time to catch up for old time’s sake.’

  The bloody cheek of him!

  ‘Thanks but no thanks, Carl,’ she told him with a cool smile. ‘I think we said all we needed to say to each other years ago before you left for Europe.’

  ‘I could probably put in a good word for you with—’

  ‘Olivia doesn’t need a good word from you and never has,’ Luca stated baldly. ‘Her talent speaks for itself.’

  Carl rocked back on his heels as he looked from Luca to Olivia and back again. ‘Olivia and I were engaged.’

  ‘That was a long time ago,’ Luca acknowledged. ‘Olivia is with me, now.’

  Oh God! Luca was continuing to make it sound as though they were in a serious relationship and Olivia loved him for the face-saving pretence. ‘Enjoy your time in Italy and your trip back to England, Carl,’ she said. ‘I wish you well.’

  ‘Goodbye, Mr Van der Haar.’ Luca brought the encounter to a smooth and clear end as he began to lead Olivia away. ‘Come, cara, let’s see the exhibits in the other rooms.’

  Carl was left standing, slightly open-mouthed. It struck Olivia that he was suffering more from a bruised ego at Luca’s put-down than any concern that she’d finally moved on. After all, had he wanted to re-establish their relationship, he would’ve contacted her at some point over the years.

  All Olivia wanted to do was go home, but she also didn’t want Carl to think she was running away from him. Luca had been right to insist they stay. It’d been good for her to face Carl.

  Although her pulse had ramped up a notch when she’d had to speak to him, the increase in her heart rate hadn’t been fuelled by attraction or anger, and she certainly hadn’t felt any of the old, aching pain. The spurt of adrenaline had been caused by the tension of a possible confrontation. It hadn’t been long before she’d become far more absorbed in Luca’s words and behaviour. Then, Carl may as well have faded away. Luca’s presence at her side had completely overshadowed her former fiancé.

  Looking at the two men side by side, Olivia wondered why she’d ever been attracted to Carl. He was a pale, insipid example of the male species compared to Luca—and so patronising and full of himself, she found him unbearable.

  ‘Are you okay?’ Luca asked when they’d moved out of earshot.

  ‘Yes.’ She reached out and took another glass of champagne from a passing waiter.

  ‘You didn’t want to meet with him again, did you?’

  ‘No!’ She nearly spluttered on the champagne. Shaking her head, she admitted, ‘Luca, I don’t know how to thank you. You were so right when you said I needed to face him, and I can’t begin to tell you what it meant to me to have you by my side.’

  ‘I think you would’ve handled him fine yourself, but I’m glad I was there.’

  ‘You know, I’ve realised since the break-up I relied on my relationship with Carl to feel good about myself. Even though he disparaged my work at every opportunity, I remember figuring he must see something worthwhile in me or he wouldn’t be with me. I can’t believe I was so stupid.’

  ‘You were young, but I don’t know why you were under-confident. You were going to hold an exhibition at the National Gallery.’

  When put like that, Olivia acknowledged her lack of self-belief did seem ridiculous.

  ‘I’m sorry if the gift of your own art studio hit a raw nerve,’ Luca told her. ‘I wanted to make you happy and to give you something to occupy your time while Christiana is resting.’

  She reached out and touched his upper arm. ‘It was a lovely gesture.’

  ‘But not one you’re comfortable with.’

  With sudden resolve she told him, ‘I’ve been wallowing in self-pity, and maybe even martyrdom, for too long. I packed up my paints when Carl cancelled our wedding because I was so hurt I didn’t want to be part of his world. I didn’t want to risk running into him again.’ Her lips tightened as she became angry with herself. ‘I was a coward.’

  ‘You’re too hard on yourself, cara. You’d lost your sister and your father. Your dreams of the art exhibition and the wedding had been blown out of the water. It’s no wonder you wanted time out. Plus, you had the additional worry of your mother’s rehabilitation. I think your courage was admirable.’

  ‘I should’ve been stronger. It wasn’t only his world. It was my world, too, but I let grief and his rejection overwhelm me.’ She shook her head resolutely. ‘It stops now. I don’t know whether I’ll enjoy my art the way I used to, but I’m going to give it a go and see.’

  ‘I’m glad to hear it, but, I hope you’ll start painting again for you and not to prove anything to him.’

  ‘Maybe I have something to prove to myself.’ She was about to take another sip of the bubbly liquid before realising she’d probably had enough. Placing the flute on a nearby high table, she said, ‘It’s like I’ve had blinkers on all these years, and you’ve helped me rip them off.’

  ‘Good.’

  ‘I don’t know why I’ve allowed myself to feel heartbroken over him for so long. Seeing him again tonight …’ She threw her hands up in the air as she exclaimed, ‘What was I thinking allowing myself to be crushed when he did me such a huge favour in forcing me to choose between him or Mum?’

  Luca grinned at her. ‘You’re becoming decidedly Italian, cara. Have you any idea how much you use your hands these days as you speak?’

  Olivia laughed because she realised it was true. ‘I guess it could be worse. I could be insisting on driving about Rome on one of those scooters, and that’d definitely be dangerous.’

  The laughter died from his eyes and he reached out and stroked his fingers down her cheek. ‘I’m surprised you were planning to marry him, bella. I can’t see you two together.’

  ‘I thought he was so incredible back then.’ She closed her eyes briefly and remembered when they’d first met. ‘He was so talented, and so popular.’

  ‘Watching him move around the room, he strikes me as being rather closely in touch with his feminine side.’

  ‘He’s an artist.’

  ‘Hm. I’m picking up on more.’

  ‘What? Seriously?’ Her head jerked back as she understood his meaning. ‘Are you telling me you think he could be gay?’ she whispered in shock.

  ‘Si.’

  ‘But … Carl and I slept together.’

  ‘It wouldn’t be the first time a guy has had a heterosexual relationship only to discover later he’s more inclined to a member of his own sex.’

  She wasn’t convinced, although, according to what a few of her girlfriends had told her about their sexual relationships, Carl had only delivered the most basic intercourse. He’d never been one for foreplay, or even for cuddles afterwards. She shrugged the thought away, unwilling to dwell for a
nother second on her former fiancé.

  ‘No red-blooded man would break off his engagement with you, cara.’

  Yeah. Right.

  ‘You’re a strong woman. You need a strong man who respects your strength but also allows you to feel you can be supported when the need arises.’

  Good Lord! How did he get to be so insightful?

  In a blinding epiphany, she realised how much she’d come to lean on Luca—confiding her insecurities to him and even revelling in the way he’d stood by her during her encounter with Carl. He was the only person she’d turned to for support in recent years, and he’d provided it.

  Did he even know what he was saying?

  Was he subtly suggesting he was the man for the role, or was the thought a mere product of her fantasy?

  A champagne-fuelled imp rose up within her and urged her to test the waters. ‘Any idea where I could find such a man?’

  His eyes widened a fraction and a smile played around his lips. ‘Are you ready to find one?’

  Game on.

  ‘If I was ever to fall into another relationship, I’d want a very red-blooded, sexy man who totally exuded virility,’ she elaborated as she tried to make her tone imply it was purely hypothetical.

  Considering her for a moment he asked, ‘What would he look like?’

  Should she? If she did, it could backfire in spectacular fashion.

  Take the risk, the imp urged.

  She lifted her hand up and ran her fingertips from the tip of one of his shoulders right along his chest to his other shoulder. ‘He’d have strong, broad shoulders, because I’ve come to the conclusion I’m a bit of a shoulder girl.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘Oh yes. I’ve learned very recently there’s something to be said for being held closely against the chest of a man with wide shoulders.’ Getting very cheeky she looked over her shoulder and around the room. ‘Maybe the guy over there next to the bar?’

  Under her hands, she felt Luca’s body tense momentarily then relax again. ‘He’s not the guy for you, cara. Rumour has it he never rises to the occasion.’

  Stifling her laughter, she looked into Luca’s eyes and feigned disappointment. ‘How tragic when his shoulders definitely placed him in contention.’

  ‘Tell me more about your requirements, cara,’ he invited in smoky tones.

  She lifted one hand up to his hair. ‘Dark hair. It would have to be thick so I can enjoy running my fingers through it.’ She followed up her words with actions then let her fingertips trail boldly along the masculine line of his jaw, her heart hammering against her ribs with excitement because this whole conversation was really happening! ‘A little designer stubble wouldn’t go astray.’ Again, she let her gaze sweep the room. ‘Hm. The tall man over by the exit door could fit the bill.’

  ‘Do you know why he’s near the exit door, cara?’

  Luca was even sexier in this playful mood, with hunger and humour jousting together below the surface of his ultra smooth façade. ‘No idea, but I’m sure you’ll tell me.’

  ‘He’s always in a hurry to exit.’

  ‘Dear me.’ There was no stopping her laughter and she felt her cheeks dimpling even though she tried to keep a serious expression. ‘No satisfaction in a hurried exit.’

  ‘I totally agree.’

  Okay. Time to turn up the heat.

  The pad of her index finger traced along his soft, fleshy bottom lip. ‘He’d most definitely have sinfully, sensual lips that know exactly how to kiss and can leave me breathless.’

  Her breathing became shallow thinking about it.

  Emboldened by the champagne she’d consumed, she flirted blatantly. It was a revelation. Not only hadn’t she known she was capable of it, but she hadn’t known how seriously turned on she’d become in the process.

  It thrilled her to know she wasn’t the only one.

  Luca pulled her against him and there was no mistaking the hard jut of his arousal against the feminine softness of her abdomen. The warm breath of his words against her ear was yet another toe-curling turn on. ‘I think you already have an idea as to the man who might suit your needs.’

  Biting down on her lip, she fixed her eyes on the strong column of his neck and wondered whether she dare take this flirtation any further.

  Luca was not only the sexiest man she’d ever met, but she didn’t imagine he’d skimp on the foreplay. He’d probably want to make love far more than once during a long night in bed and it would be bliss to be held naked in his arms against the long length of his body afterwards.

  She imagined their limbs entwined … The freedom to explore his body without the barrier of clothing … The divine sensations of having him explore her body …

  Oh dear.

  Olivia’s mouth ran dry at the thought.

  It’s all part of his flirtatious game, she reminded herself. It’s not real. He’s trying to make me feel better after my encounter with Carl.

  Oh!

  He shifted his weight a little advertising his very real erection.

  She wanted more of his kisses. She wanted to toss all her scruples aside and spend a night in bed with him to see how different sex would be with her incredibly handsome Italian companion.

  ‘I have someone in mind,’ she admitted.

  ‘Then, what’s holding you back?’

  Crunch time. Was this a game or was it a possibility?

  Finding the courage to look up, her gaze was ensnared in his. ‘I’m not sure he feels the same way.’

  ‘You know he wants you, cara. You have irrefutable proof of it.’ His hands ran down the length of her back. One hand rested in the small of her back and the other slid lower, smoothing over the round firmness of her buttocks and adoring her female curves. Then, he exerted a little more pressure to bring her into closer contact with the proof he’d mentioned.

  ‘It’s complicated,’ she moaned.

  ‘Nothing that can’t be worked through.’

  ‘There’s another woman …’

  ‘There’s no other woman, cara.’

  ‘But you said—’

  ‘I want you very much, Olivia, but if I’d made a commitment to another, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.’

  ‘But you’re intending to make a commitment to another woman.’

  ‘No.’

  Relief flowed through her as she registered he’d changed his mind. Equally as rapidly, it evaporated. Even with one very large hurdle down, she still wasn’t sure they should take this step.

  ‘This chemistry keeps getting stronger every time we’re together,’ Luca said. ‘How much longer do you think we can keep fighting it?’

  ‘But, there’s a solid reason we’ve been fighting it, isn’t there?’ she pushed as logic fought against her body’s needs. In spite of her logic, her grip on him tightened. ‘Christiana needs us to be friends. Becoming lovers will only complicate things more and I don’t jump into bed easily with someone.’

  ‘I’m not just someone. I’m the someone you want to jump into bed with.’

  ‘Yes.’ The word of admission slipped out before she could stop it. Olivia wanted Luca almost more than she wanted to draw her next breath. ‘I can’t deny I’m tempted.’

  His eyes pinned hers. ‘Why tonight?’

  Tension grew across her forehead. She frowned as all the reasons ran through her head. Tonight had been like a date. She’d loved being with Luca—being defended by him—and she’d finally broken free of the psychological bonds that’d kept her feeling sorry for herself about Carl’s rejection. Hell! Tonight she’d felt truly desirable for the first time in … forever.

  ‘Do you want me to take you to bed or do you want someone to take you to bed to help you forget about your former fiancé?’

  ‘Oh no!’ How could he even ask? ‘I’ve wanted you even while I still wanted to hate you,’ she confessed. ‘The only thing Carl has to do with this is that tonight, I can finally see I’m better off without him.’

 
; ‘Then, cara, trust me. Follow where I lead.’

  Trust a Borghetti.

  Only a few weeks ago she would’ve sworn it would never be possible.

  If someone had told her she’d fall for a Borghetti, she would’ve laughed at them, convinced she’d never make the same fatal error that’d led to Jane’s death.

  But Luca wasn’t Antonio.

  He was supportive.

  He was honest.

  He was dependable.

  ‘Lead away,’ she invited softly.

  Chapter 11

  Once they were through the door at his home, Luca looked from Olivia up to the top of the staircase and back again. ‘The moment you appeared at the top of the stairs, I wondered whether you were real or something I’d dreamed up.’

  ‘I’m real, Luca,’ she said with a smile. ‘How about you? You definitely seem like the stuff my dreams are made of.’

  ‘Not a dream, cara,’ he replied hoarsely before he sent her a devilish wink. ‘I’m a promise.’ She tipped her head back and laughed as he gathered her close and husked, ‘I’ve imagined all night how I’d like this evening to end.’

  Underlining his message, his gaze roamed over her and Olivia’s body blazed at the searing intent in his regard. ‘Tell me.’

  He shook his head. ‘I’ll do better. I’ll show you.’

  Excited anticipation fizzed through her as vivid images played through her mind—very explicit and shockingly erotic images that made her even more deliciously aroused and thoroughly wanton.

  Before she read his intent, Luca lifted her into his arms to cradle her against the breadth of chest she so loved. Any faint inhibitions she might’ve possessed, vanished. Instead of snuggling against him, she stretched her neck so she could plunder his throat with her mouth. In between kisses she said, ‘Yep. I love being held against your broad chest.’

  ‘You weigh next to nothing, cara, but if you keep that up, I might drop you right here and make love to you where you fall.’

  ‘Promises, promises …’

  She’d put on weight since she’d come to Rome, but he made her feel feather-light as he carried her effortlessly up the grand staircase and down the hall.