Bewitching the Reclusive Billionaire Cowboy by Paige Cameron

back, maybe on a real honeymoon. But he didn’t. They’d been getting closer, but since his phone call he was all business. She was glad, in a way. Sylvia needed a man like him to find her. Gina trusted Graham knew what he was doing. Anything else had to wait.

Chapter Eleven
     
    The plane landed on time, and Graham had a sports car waiting for them. He threw their bags in the trunk and maneuvered his way around Rome, down a side street or two, and finally parked in front of a small hotel.
    “I’ve stayed here before. The owners are friends of mine and discreet,” he said. He opened the car door for her, and putting his hand at her back, he walked her up the steps and into a small but impressive front lobby.
    “Ah, it is our old friend”—the man glanced at the guest list—“Mr. and Mrs. Peter Ridken. How are you, Peter? We did not expect to see you again.”
    “I had to bring my new bride to Italy, Gaetano.” Graham introduced Gina by her middle name, Claire. “I may have some business during our visit. I’m sure she’ll be well taken care of while I’m gone.”
    “But of course. If she wishes to sightsee I have a capable chauffeur to drive her wherever she wishes to go.”
    “See, darling, this is why I prefer a smaller hotel to the larger, more flashy ones.”
    Gaetano called to one of the two bellboys. “Take Mr. and Mrs. Ridken to Room 408. It is our top floor. You will view many sights and get a lovely breeze,” he said to Gina.
    She thanked him, and they went to the old elevator set against the far wall. It had the cage that pulled shut and then the door. Gina was surprised to see only two rooms on the fourth floor, one on each side.
    Graham explained as they walked in. “This is one of two suites. The other floors are individual rooms. But you’ll be more comfortable here while I have to be away doing my job.”
    He glanced at his watch. “I have to meet a contact. I’ll be back, and we’ll go to lunch. Then this afternoon we’ll ride out of Rome and along one of the smaller roads by the sea. Hopefully I’ll have a fairly good idea of which villa I’m looking for by then.”
     
    * * * *
     
    “This is the villa where we traced him,” Dan said, pointing at a map on his cell phone. He was short, dark haired, and had a soft voice. “The man hasn’t left since he got there this morning. She may not be in that spot, but I’d bet he knows where to find her.” They walked along the narrow side streets. “What’s your plan?”
    “I’m taking her sister with me, and we’ll drive down the coastline and have lunch. Once I spot the villa, I’ll bring Gina back and then tonight we strike,” Graham said. “How many men do you have to help us?”
    Dan gave him a wry smile. “It’s you and me. The few people who know about this assignment aren’t convinced I’m right about my assumption. They refused to give me any help, and I didn’t tell them about you.”
    “Damn, we’ll have to be resourceful. Meet me at six this evening at the east corner of my hotel. Drive a black car, and bring weapons.”
    “Will do.” Dan took long steps away from Graham, and reentering a busy street, he disappeared in the crowd.
    Graham took a circuitous route to their hotel in case someone tried to follow him.
    Gina had dressed in white slacks and a blue top. “I’m ready and starved.”
    “Then let’s go.”
    One of the porters brought the sports car around to the front of the hotel. Graham helped Gina in and then went around to the driver’s seat. He checked to see she had her seat belt on. Driving in Rome could be crazy, and they had a ways to go before getting on the highway out of town. She’d also put a scarf on, letting just the front of her brown wig show.
    He hit the gas and began maneuvering his way to the coastline. Beside him Gina was quiet as he swerved in and out of the congested traffic. Finally, they turned onto the two-lane beach highway. Traffic was much less dense, and he slowed a