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.“Girls? Did you not greet your new sister?”The tension dissolved as his sisters hugged and kissed Maggie.The breath he’d held whooshed outof his mouth and he hugged his mother.The delicacy of her frame contradicted her steely stare.“Hello, Mama.”“Michael.I am angry with you but will make you pay later.”He chuckled and ran a finger down her wrinkled cheek.“Mi dispiace.I promise to make it up toyou.”“Si.Come inside and get settled.”His senses swam with the familiar sights and scents of his home.He took in the sloping terra-cottaroof, wrought-iron balconies, and the elaborate stone pillars flanking the front door.Bright yellowand red surfaces competed with masses of wildflowers in vivid colors.Set atop the peak of a hill, thethree-tier home sprawled like a queen over her subjects, boasting more than five acres of grassyfields.The carved-stone pathways led to a private terrace and pool area surrounded by lush gardensand walkways.The Alps shimmered in the distance, their massive white-peaked tips visible from thebalcony.While his sisters buzzed over Maggie’s ring, he made his way through the doors and was assaultedwith the smell of garlic, lemon, and basil.Ceramic tile gleamed clean and bright and set off the pinecabinets and heavy table.Massive counters surrounded the space that was covered with fresh herbs,tomatoes, and an array of pots and pans.This was his mother’s domain and heaven on earth when theywere first introduced to the sweet lure of pastries and luscious fillings.She’d passed her talent downto each of her children, but none had her expert skill, and they relied mostly on the famous chefschosen to run their bakery empire.Funny, they all seemed to favor their father’s genes for business,but Mama had never forced them to be someone they weren’t.The memory of his own dreams teased the fringes of his memory, but he refused to linger onregrets.Not then.Not now.Not ever.He glanced over at Maggie.She chatted with his sisters and seemed smugly at ease after hershocking entrance.Obviously, she assumed he’d meekly accept her outrageous actions in gratitude forher agreement to the whole farce.“Maggie, I need to speak with you for a moment.”As if she sensed his irritation, she shot him a look and hiked up her brow.He smothered a chuckle.“Bring your luggage up to your room,” his mama ordered.“I’ve gotten it ready for you.After yousettle, we shall meet in the garden for some coffee and snacks.”“Si.”He retrieved the luggage from the car, walked back in the house, and motioned for Maggie tofollow.She broke away from his sisters and they ascended the stairs toward their bedroom.Hedropped the luggage, kicked the door closed with his heel, and faced her.“A very amusing opening to our week, la mia tigrotta.But I think it’s time you realize who makesthe rules here.” He took a step closer and towered over her.“Now.”Chapter FourMore than six feet of irritated man loomed before her.Though he didn’t touch her, her body stilled asif restrained.His usual relaxed charm disappeared and a dangerous aura crackled in the air.She’dseriously pissed him off.Unfortunately, instead of fear, excitement tingled along her nerve endings.Damn, what would he be like in bed? Naked and muscled and.demanding.Usually, she stayed far away from men who had any dominance or control tendencies, but Michaeldidn’t scare her.At least, not in a bad way.Her lips parted in an unconscious invitation for him totake it a step further.Onyx eyes sharpened on her mouth and darkened.She ached to know how hetasted.Craved to experience his tongue claiming her mouth, his hips slamming against hers, withoutforcing her to make the choice.A beat passed.Another.The words slipped out of her mouth before she caught them.“What’s the matter, Count? Cat gotyour tongue?”He turned away and a stream of colorful curses shot in the air.Her body relaxed from his retreat,but his threat caused a shiver to work down her spine.She ignored the flare of disappointment from amissed opportunity.“Be careful, cara.Toying with me may be fun, but eventually I will tire and force your hand.”Maggie snorted.“You sound like those erotic romances I love.But I’m no sub, baby, and you’renot my dom.My gamble paid off.I figured I’d challenge your family from the start so I don’t have toplay a role I’m not comfortable with.Eventually they’d realize I’m not a great pleaser or traditionalItalian wife.” She grinned.“Your mom’s a pisser.”“She’s ill, so please be careful.”“Oh, no, Michael.What’s wrong with her?”He gave a deep sigh and rubbed his hands over his face.“Besides an arthritic knee, her heart isdelicate.She needs to watch her stress and activity, so I intend to humor her this visit.” His browslowered.“And I hope you will, too.”“I can play nice for a week.”“I’ll believe it when I see it,” he murmured.“Be sure you don’t try to deck me when I kiss you.”He looked thoughtful, and Maggie almost gulped with unease.“In fact, perhaps I should kiss you righthere.Right now.For practice, of course.”She hissed like a ticked-off snake.“I can manage not to jump when a man touches me.”“I’m not convinced.” He stalked over and invaded her personal space [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]