Hired: The Italian's Bride by Donna Alward

slow and jazzy, the singer’s voice smooth and rich like melted caramel. Luca’s arm cradled her waist as he lifted their joined hands close to his shoulder. “Relax,” he whispered, and their feet started to move to the music.
    Unlike when he danced with Gina, now Luca didn’t say a word. Mari swallowed, closing her eyes and letting the music in, guiding her feet around the intimate floor. Their steps grew lazy and Mari drew his scent in, that expensive, man-scent that she knew she’d always recognize as his. Their bodies were closer now than before, and the trembling in her body wasn’t fear. Perhaps it was, she thought, but not fear of her safety.
    Fear of Luca and the way he made her feel. Because he was making her feel things she’d never wanted to feel at all. Vulnerable. Wanting, dear lord. Wanting to give a part of herself to him, rather than closet it away.
    His hips swayed against hers and she longed to rest her cheek against the fabric of his dinner jacket. His hand slid up her back, leaving a warm trail in its wake. This then, was what it felt like to feel cherished.
    Breath caught in her throat. She’d felt safe once before only to have it go very wrong. As much as her heart told her she was safe with Luca, she couldn’t be sure. Couldn’t take that risk. She couldn’t survive it again.
    It was very good he was a short-term complication.
    The music ended and Luca pulled away. “Let’s walk.”
    “But Gina…”
    “Gina has gone to bed.”
    His voice was warm in her ear and goose bumps erupted on her skin. She jerked her head to look back at their table, but he was right. It was empty, save for the remnants of their dessert.
    He took her hand and led her to the balcony doors. As they stepped outside, the cool autumn air assaulted them and Mari welcomed it. It would clear her head. This was crazy.
    The music was muted as Luca shut the doors behind them. Mari walked to the railing, resting against the sandstone and looking down over the valley. The moonshine glittered over the winding river.
    “Why did Gina leave? I thought she was enjoying herself.”
    Luca’s voice came, deep and smooth, from behind her. “I believe she thought we could use some time alone.”
    Everything in her dropped to her feet.
    “Luca, I don’t think this is a good idea.” The words came out strangled, shaky.
    “I know it’s not.”
    She turned her head at his response. Having him admit it was wrong somehow made it all the more tempting. He was standing a few feet behind her, so tall and strong with the façade of the hotel behind him.
    “Then what are we doing?”
    “I brought you out here because…” He paused.
    “Because…” Her voice was a whisper.
    He turned away, abruptly. “I’m sorry, Mari. It was a mistake.”
    Disappointment cooled her warm skin, and she wrapped her arms around herself. Evenings on the terrace were very romantic, except for when it was only a few degrees Celsius above freezing and one was wearing a sleeveless dress. And when the man in question turned away. It amazed her to realize she didn’t want him to.
    She shivered and he looked back at her. “You’re cold.” Without hesitation, Luca removed his jacket and came forward, draping it around her shoulders. For a moment she wondered if he’d pull her into his arms as his hands gripped the lapels. But he released them and stood back.
    His shirt stood out, crisp and white in the moonlight and Mari thought again how perfect he looked. And how looks could be deceiving.
    “I thought you said Gina had children and couldn’t come.”
    “She does. They are at our father’s, with their nanny.”
    “I see.”
    “Do you?”
    She tilted her head to look up at him. “Not really.” She smiled. “What is clear is that you love her. And she loves you. I—” She broke off, wondering how much was safe to tell him. “I envy you. I never had a brother or sister, or much of a family at all.”
    “Where’s your family now? What about